Elian Degen and Family
Miramar, FL, 33027
November 22, 2009
*Thank you letter to all the People who gave me their support over the last
ten years .*
Last month, October 2009, I received my green-card.
Ten years ago, when everything started, I was a Master Piano
Technician and Tuner in Caracas, Venezuela. Also I was quite active in the
Piano Lists (PTG., MPT., and CAUT) and even though the new ones will not
know me, there is still a lot that will.
1999, Political and Economical situation was rapidly
deteriorating in Venezuela, after the 1998 elections.
I tried to find a way to leave, and after discussing it with my
colleagues, I was surprised how many offered me their support and help to
get to the United States.
First of all I have to extend my gratitude to my parents (already
deceased) who encouraged me to take this step, even knowing that probably I
would never see them again. My Cousin, Benjamin Reif, who always believed
in me. And nonetheless the rest of my Family , very specially my Wife who
stayed behind taking care of all the problems including of my parents to
their last breath.
In the United States
In a very special way to Mrs. Diane Hofsteter, (California) , and
Diane and John Cordogan (Chicago) who did all what was possible to keep me
there.
Mr. Richard Galassini from Cunningham Pianos. (Pennsylvania)
Excellent friends from all the piano lists, which I even visited and spent
some time with them,
Ralph Martin† and Barbara Martin, (Florida)
James Bryant (Florida),
Wilem Bless (Alabama)
James Coleman (Arizona)
Newton Hunt† (New Jersey),
Gina Carter† (North Carolina).
Jon Page, (Massachusetts)
Back to California
SMC (Samik) I worked for them several month until, again, the
local Immigration attorney did not know how to handle it.
I was told that in Miami I would find a Lawyer with expertise in
my type of case. And so it happened.
Florida, I have to mention:
Mrs. Tibisay Cordido and her family who helped us stay at her place until
finding our own.
Mr. Roberto Filacchione, Helped me when I moved to Weston.
Danny Pianos in Pompano Beach
Mr. Manny Perez owner of Piano and Art Galeria who gave me a job at his
store and the necessary sponsorship for immigration.
Also here I met
Mr. Robert Mishkin and
Mr. Mark Shapiro
Mrs. Gloria Roa Bodin, Immigration attorney who started my process, and Mrs.
Maylin Silva who finished it.
I also receive a great deal of support from all the people and Institutions
for which I worked here in South Florida and took the time to send my
credits to Immigration:
Venevision international
Schimmel Pianos
Young Chang
Florida Grand Opera
Mr. Jorge Mejia
Mr. Baoli Liu
Geneva Intl. Corp.
Bossendorfer
And a very special Thanks to a great Friend, Colleague and Man
Thomas Sheehan, who offered himself to do my Evaluation for Immigration,
being at the time terminally ill and refused to accept the normal charges,
I will always remember him.
To all who gave me their support thank you very much, To the ones I did not
mention, thank you very much also. If I forgot any I am very sorry and thank
you also.
Ad to finish, to all those who did not believed in me and assured me I would
fail, also thank you as that gave me strength to fight even more.
Elian Degen
Formerly Degen y Degen, in Caracas, Venezuela
Now: Degen’s Piano Miramar FL.
www.degenspiano.com Phone 9546143453
email Elian at degenspiano.com
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