We don’t get to enough in the way of charity work, so it felt good to be able to contribute something to such a worthy cause. One of the raffle prizes was a couples photo session, courtesy of Alan Abrams Photography.

Music was provided by the String Collective of New York City.

Here are a few images from the evening’s festivities. Click here to view all of the image from this event.

Kudos to Long Island For Colombia, planners Karen Cerna and Daisy Ospina Weinstein for putting together such a wonderful event.

Here are a few images from the evening’s festivities. Click here to view all of the images from this event.

The Hispanic Network (THN) is the brain-child of my good friend Maria-Morales Prieto. THN is a group with a networking component that connects businesses on a monthly basis.

On February 18th, THN held its 1st Annual “Latin Jazz Night” at the Long Island Marriot in Uniondale, NY. This is just one of many networking events sponsored by THN throughout the calendar year. These events are held monthly and take place at some of the nicest venues Long Island has to offer.

Silke and I are honored to be associated with such a wonderful group of business owners and really enjoy seeing both new faces and old friends. Latin Jazz Night is a favorite because we had the chance to listen to one of our favorite bands, The Cuban Cigars. Led by keyboardist Rob Spano, the Cigars lay down the funky, smooth sound that gives each THN event such an intimate feel.

Although the focus of the LIHCC is to serve the Hispanic business community on Long Island, it is an organization with a varied membership. What drew me to the LIHCC was the fact that it is an organization built on inclusiveness rather than one of exclusivity. You will find active members from a variety of backgrounds working together towards a common goal and that’s one of the things Silke and I love about the LIHCC. Plus, they’re really cool people……and we’re all about being around really cool people.

Our first contact with the LIHCC was at last year’s 20th Annual Gala, which was a great event. The 21st Annual Gala was an even better one. These Galas are big fundraisers with many items offered at auction and raffled off to raise money. There were some really nice sports memorabilia items being offered along with some beautiful jewelry and various types of fine art.

As usual, the food was delicious, but it was the amazing live performances that turned a great night into a wonderful evening. The crowd was treated to some traditional Peruvian dancing by Mosaicos Andinos and some of the most amazing guitar playing I’ve ever heard by Argentinean born-guitarist/composer Alex Fox, who wowed the audience with his Flamenco style playing.

The place was absolutely rocking!

Here are some of the images from the Gala. If you’d like to see more, you can view a slideslow of the entire evening of festivities HERE.

©Alan Abrams Photography – Long Island Wedding Photographer – Specializing in Wedding, Portrait, and Lifestyle Photography

The Merchant Marine Academy is an institution that is steeped in tradition and the Ring Dance is one of the most interesting of those traditions. Thi Ring Dance is where the graduation class celebrates the beginning of their senior year.

The “ring dipping” ceremony involves the class ring being dipped into a bowl of special water representing waters of each of the Seven Seas. Each Midshipman is accompanied by a date who wears the ring on a strip of ribbon around their neck. Prior to dipping, the date removes the ring, which is dipped into the water, and then placed on the right ring finger of the Midshipmen.

To make things even more interesting, there is another ring involved in the ceremony. This is no ordinary ring…..it is a HUGE replica of the class ring. It’s big enough that it takes at least 10 people just to move half of it. The big ring is set up at the site of the ring dipping ceremony and makes for a wonderful backdrop for this very special event.

And of course, there’s the party (afterall, this is a dance). Although Kings Point may not be known as a party school, nobody (and I do mean nobody!) parties like Kings Pointers party.

Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

You can view all of the Class of 2010 Ring Dance photos by clicking the KINGS POINT PHOTOS link on the menu bar at the top of this page.

The Ring Arrives…

The Venue – Gotham Hall, NYC

Midshipmen and Dates Arrive

Class President, Commandant of Midshipment, and Academy Superintendent Address Class of 2010

The Toast

Ring Dipping

Academy Superintendent Allen Worley and Mrs. Worley

Let the party begin!

Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

You can view all of the Class of 2010 Ring Dance photos by clicking the KINGS POINT PHOTOS link on the menu bar at the top of this page.