August 4th-7th
The Midwest Federation 75th Annual Convention. Celebrating Syrian and Lebanese culture since 1936. The American-Syrian-Lebanese Brotherhood Club of Indianapolis will host the 75th annual Midwest Federation of American, Syrian, Lebanese Clubs, Inc. convention, Thursday-Sunday, August 4-7, 2011, at the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel. (952) 544-4400. www.midwestfederation.org

August 6th
“I Care” Community Dinner Zaman International Hope for Humanity. Zaman International would be grateful to have your support which will undoubtedly ensure continued success and assist in maintaining Zaman’s commitment to providing financial assistance, medical relief, and basic necessities to those less fortunate in the global community. Islamic Center of America, 313-581-1652, www.zamaninternational.org.

August 7th
Saint Rafka Maronite Mission is holding its Annual Church Picnic on Sunday, August 7. A fun day that will start spiritual and end social and fun. Come join us and let us pray and have fun together as one family. (734) 674-9991

August 13th-20th
Simon Shaheen’s Annual Arabic Music Retreat. Arab musician and composer Simon Shaheen invites students, performers, and scholars of Arabic music to the Fifteenth Annual Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. www.simonshaheen.com/arabic-music-retreat. (617) 512-8122

August 18th
It’s back, by popular demand! The AANM’s Iftar Dinner & Movie takes place on the first night of Ramadan, Thursday, August 18. It begins at 7 p.m. www.arabamericanmuseum.org/iftar.dinner.movie.2011

August 21st
Ramallah Club of Detroit Annual Picnic by Ramallah Club of Metro Detroit. nmashni@sbcglobal.net

August 25th
Join NAAPOC at our monthly business mixer at Caspian Restaurant in Irvine, CA. Meet new people and grow your business. Visit www.NAAPOC.org or call 714-612-0157 for more info.

On behalf of *The Independent Monitor* newspaper, I would
like to wish all of our graduates and their families a
heart-felt warm congratulations, wish them continued success
in their studies and future careers, and hope that they will
contribute in the future to the much-needed advancement of
our community.

 
Fifth annual “Evening of Inspiration” raises funds, awareness for children around the world
 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22– Internationally-acclaimed musicians Maher Zain and Native Deen will be performing live at Islamic Relief USA’s fifth annual “Evening of Inspiration,” a series of benefit concerts that aim to raise funds and awareness for children in need around the world.

The concerts, which will take place nationwide in select cities from Friday, October 22 to Sunday, October 31, will aim to fund Islamic Relief projects that provide thousands of children around the world with healthcare, education, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, orphan sponsorships, shelter, psycho-social support, and much more.

“Evening of Inspiration is a wonderful opportunity for us to use our voices for those who may not have a voice in this world: children,” said Naeem Muhammad, Native Deen singer and humanitarian worker. “Children are the most vulnerable and innocent among us and they need for us to share their stories and provide for their basic needs.”
WHAT:  ”Evening of Inspiration” Benefit Concerts

WHEN and WHERE:

·         San Diego, CA – Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. at Balboa Theatre,  868 4th Ave.,  92101

·         San Jose, CA – Saturday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave., 95008

·         Dallas, TX – Sunday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Charles W. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Ave.,  75082

·         Rahway, NJ – Saturday, October  30 at 6 p.m. at Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street,  07065

·         Washington, D.C. – Sunday, October 31 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium George Washington University, 730 21st Street NW, 20052.

NOTE: Tickets ranging from $20 to $40 are available at www.eveningofinspiration.com.

Singer and songwriter Maher Zain has gained acclaim worldwide for his meaningful songs that aim to inspire and entertain people, while sending a message of peace and compassion.

Native Deen is a trio of artists with poetic prowess and a passion for their faith. The group, which features Joshua Salaam, Naeem Muhammad and Abdul-Malik Ahmad, fuses the art of lyrically-potent hip-hop and the soothing rhythm of R&B in hopes of touching hearts with the message of Islam.

Inspired by Islam’s values on charitable giving and community development, IR USA is a relief organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through disaster relief and development projects in the U.S. and globally for communities regardless of color, race, religion, or creed.

For the seventh consecutive year, IR USA has been awarded four stars by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country. This prestigious award puts IR USA among the top 2.25 percent of charities in the nation. To learn more, visit, www.islamicreliefusa.org 

Islamic Relief USA’s CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) number is 10194.
 

Shafik Wahhab and Laura Delhauer were married on July 26, 2009 at Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif.

Shafik Wahhab and Laura Delhauer were married on July 26, 2009 at Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif.

Published in The Independent Monitor September 2009 issue.

Jamil El Far, born on August 1, 2009. He is 7lb, 15oz, and 21" tall.

Jamil El Far, born on August 1, 2009. He is 7lb 15 oz 21″ tall.

Published in The Independent Monitor September 2009 issue.