Azerbaijan Society of America Honors Centennial Anniversary of the Great Azerbaijani Politician the National Leader of Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev
NYC- A memorable event was held in New York City's prestigious Yale Club to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of a great leader, Heydar Aliyev. He was known as the architect of modern-day independent Azerbaijan. The event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Yashar Aliyev, the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, H.E. Aslı Güven, Deputy Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations, Mr. Vugar Gurbanov, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in DC, Honorable Reyhan Özgür, New York Consul General of Turkish Republic, Honorable Mehmet Dana, the Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) in New York, Honorable Raushan Yesbulatova, the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, Mr. David Dangoor, President of the American Sephardi Federation, and members of the Azerbaijani-Americans and Elshad Aliyev, Deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan Republic State Committee on work with Diaspora.
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Elvis Baez is the son of a family who migrated from the Dominican Republic to Union City, New Jersey in early 1970’s. After getting education from Memorial High School, he pursued courses at Bergen Community College, furthering his education. His first professional job was in car sales. After gaining about five years of experience in the industry, he transitioned into album production in 1996. Along with his two brothers, he rented a studio and produced albums under the name LR Records from 1996 to 2004. Elvis developed a fondness for cigars at the age of 18. It was also the year when his first child was born. His father used to smoke cigarettes, so Elvis asked him not to smoke cigarettes around his son. His father respected his decision and quit smoking cigarettes around his grandchild, but Elvis’s brother introduced him to cigars instead. He recalls, "I asked my father not to smoke around my son, but I ended up starting cigars myself."
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that has raised the highest amount of donations for earthquake relief in Turkey, particularly in the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023. TPF's Director, Şenay Ataselim, sat down for an interview to discuss the organization's relief efforts and how the funds are utilized. The TPF Türkiye Earthquake Relief Fund primarily focuses on providing project-based grants to non-profit organizations based in Turkey. These organizations are selected through an open call for proposals, but only those that are non-political and non-religious are eligible to apply. TPF ensures that all their non-profit partners undergo a rigorous due diligence process to ensure their effectiveness and equivalence.
Engin Aktaş, the successful Turkish professional who has been a manager at Calandra's Bakery for 40 years, is a man who stands as a right-hand man to the owner, a member of the family. His life story is a testament to resilience and triumph, unfolding against the backdrop of Calandra's Bakery, a renowned institution in New Jersey. Let's delve into the remarkable journey of Engin Aktaş, where passion, dedication, and a touch of destiny intersect. In August 1984, when he arrived in America, he sought to try his luck in his father's profession of baking in Türkiye. He applied for a job at a small bakery in Newark. The owner observed his dough handling skills but wasn't entirely impressed. "You're good, but not that good," he remarked. Determined, the young Engin boldly replied, "We'll see about that," and set off to another bakery across the street. There, he was immediately hired. After three weeks of work, he returned to the first bakery he applied for a job. Little did he know that this place would be Calandra's, one of New Jersey's most famous bread bakeries. From that day forward, he would change not only his own fate but also the lives of countless Turks who would venture into New Jersey. Established by Luciano Calandra, an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily, in 1962, the bakery is still managed by his children Anthony, Luciano Jr., and their grandchildren.
Located in the heart of New York City, 1st Avenue and 61st Street, Sea Salt Mediterranean Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that sets it apart from traditional establishments. After working with three successful ventures in Atlanta, Las Vegas, and now New York, Ertan Kuşdil, the owner of Sea Salt, brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the bustling city. Kuşdil shares his insights into the concept behind Sea Salt and its journey in the restaurant industry. 
Alex Nissirios, the owner of Stamna Greek Tavern in Bloomfield, New Jersey, has an intriguing life story that spans over four decades in the restaurant business. Originally from Greece, Alex arrived in the United States in 1970 at the age of 15. His mother, father, and two brothers had already settled in the US prior to his arrival. In Greece, Alex's father worked as a contractor but faced financial difficulties and lost all his money. This prompted his decision to move to America to seek better opportunities. In the meantime, Alex and his siblings were left in the care of a housekeeper while their parents worked tirelessly to establish themselves in the new country.
