Picnic, a resounding success! Founding father launches a new membership drive.
BY GAIL DE CORLA On Saturday, August 16, 2003, the Goan Association of New York held a picnic at Hempstead Harbor Park, in Long Island. The site of the picnic contained a vast grass area, close to a beach and playground. The picnic turned out to be a huge success, despite the sixteen hour blackout that started Thursday afternoon. The weather throughout the day was exceptional for a picnic, even though rain was forewarned. The success of the picnic is largely due to the joint effort of the 2003 Managing Committee. If the committee hadn't devoted many hours to planning and perfecting their plans, the two hundred Goans who showed up would not have had such an amazing day. The day started with decorating the wooden shed structure where the group sat during the picnic. Balloons were filled with helium, tablecloths were spread on tables, food and drinks were carried in, the volleyball net was set up by volunteers and the stereo and amplifier were assembled. Goans from New York and neighboring states started arriving at 11:00am. The entertainment commenced immediately. Dr. Mickey D'Costa, the Vice President, also played the part of the MC with the help of Brian and Leonie our D.J's. Goan melodies were played and guests participated in the game "four corners." The "four corners" were dainty posters of four Goan beaches, Calangute, Colva, Dona Paula and Anjuna. After partaking in a dancing competition and regular dancing, our President Ninette Pardal gave her presidential welcome and lunch was served. The amount of savory food was so immense that there wasn't even enough room on the table for all of it at first. Jimmy de Corla-Souza and Cajetan Vaz were in charge of the food department. Everyone prepared a home cooked authentic Goan style dish. As people served themselves, they found their plates overflowing with food before reaching the middle of the table. Numerous people were heard complementing the different dishes prepared by different people. Delicious Soma Reserve wines from the tasting session by Alex Martins of ARA Global Wines, helped liven our taste buds and evoke voracious appetites. After lunch, my mother introduced Dr. Gilbert Lawrence and his lovely wife Philomena the coauthors of Amchi Khobor - Our News Inside Goa. Dr. Gilbert gave a short, humorous speech on Goan culture. He spoke of the traditions, religions and his experiences in Goa. In addition, he answered questions several people had about Goa. Picnickers were intrigued by his strong feelings on Goa and its culture. As the day continued, a game of volleyball nearby was almost always being played. Moreover, in addition to the activities for adults, children were constantly kept entertained by Stella D'Sa. Stella organized several relay races, a game of "Simon Says," a piqata and a game of "pass the parcel." The children were cooperative and enjoyed themselves. They were given prizes for every game they won. A random name drawing was made by Deby Couto, and two boys, Dean and Christopher, received prizes. The three teenagers who received prizes for writing articles on World Goa Day were Rachelle Fernandes, Lorenzo Couto and Alisha Couto. Each read their articles out to the crowd of cheering Goans and were awarded copies of 'Amchi Khobor' as prizes. Almost everyone took part in a game of Housie. Dr. Mickey, the MC, was an excellent number caller. The grand prize winner was Ashok Mathias. Later on "happy birthday" was sung to four folk. The people celebrating their birthdays were my grandma Deolinda De Souza, Dr. Melissa Banker, Paul Couto and Stacey Barretto. The chocolate cake was cut and all of us enjoyed it. Our photographers, Erwin Schumann and Dr. Violet DeSouza were busy taking pictures of all the activities. As I write this, they are putting together the pictures to be displayed via e-mail to all the members. Later in the day, Xavier D'Souza, the founding father of the Goan Association of New York gave out membership forms for the association after being introduced by his wife, Marie Bella. Now, as members Goans can truly feel as if they are part of a great group. As the day proceeded, the DJ's Brian and Leonie played numerous Konkani mandos, while people had a marvelous time singing along. To add to the delightful music played by them, Jimmy Rustomji, Allan Couto, Dr. Victor De Sa and Dr. Mickey D'Costa played the guitar and sang English, Konkani and Portuguese songs. Carmeline Barretto was as delightful as a nightingale. She received several encores for her renditions of Lorna's konkani hits. The first timers and old timers were incredibly impressed. In fact, Basilia D'Souza, who has been coming to events for over thirty years, openly announced this was the best picnic she's ever been to. It is indisputable that the organized group effort of the 2003 Managing Committee made all the difference. I feel that everyone who worked hard, behind the scenes and publicly, to make it a success, should be praised. These people are President Ninnette Pardal, Vice President Dr. Mickey D'Costa, Secretary Peter DeSouza, Treasurer Paul Couto, Leslie D'Souza and my dad Mario. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################