Dr. Elias Saadi invited me to a meeting in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1976. The Lebanese/Americans were there to organize an effective group that would have a better understanding of assisting the suffering of the people in Lebanon, where the continuing war was causing monumental problems in the Middle East. These Lebanese/ Americans ó men and women who were professionals, teachers, etc. ó represented many American cities; and they were interested in the project.
At this particular meeting, I noticed a gray-haired gentleman with twinkling eyes, of slight build, who was accompanied by another handsome man, Dr. Raymond Kassis, a dentist from Charleston, S.C. The older man, Clarence Shahid, was a business man, also from Charleston. Upon becoming acquainted, I was especially impressed by Clarenceís marvellous sense of humor and infectious smile. At this meeting, I also had the honor of naming the new organization, ěThe American Lebanese League (A.L.L.).î Dr. Saadi was elected chairman; Paul Corey, president; and Clarence and I were named founding trustees and members of the Board of Directors.
Later, during a board meeting in Charleston, I had the opportunity to develop a close friendship with Clarence and his cordial family. Eventually, we became devoted friends and I discovered an experienced golf partner. Clarence played the game almost daily and, with his charm and brilliant wit, he was extremely entertaining and popular.
Charleston is an elegant city and even more inviting because my niece, Christine DeCocker (daughter of my youngest brother, Bill), lives there with her husband, three children and mother. In a very short time, I found myself visiting Clarence and playing a lot of golf at his beautiful Charleston Country Club, which happens to be one of Americaís oldest, founded in 1786. After golf, we played poker with his friends: his brother, Albert Shahid; cousins Fred Kassis and Freddie Shahid; and Mr. Bird. The game was for only 25 cents, and we had such fun; sometimes, we would alternate the games by playing at the homes of the other members of the group.
Naturally, ěThe Tour Directorî was Clarence, and when I would visit him, he would arrange the golf and poker games. Also, he would arrange with his thoughtful wife, Jean, a bridge game for my wife, Nioma, at a gathering of about 12 (Shahid sisters and cousins). The hospitality that was offered made us feel as if we were visiting a beloved and extended family in the gracious South. Whenever we were at the Shahid home, we were honored by visits from some of Clarenceís family: daughters Jean and Saint Clair; and sons Clarence Jr., and Robert. Clarenceís sisters, Adele, Mary and Olga, were also very pleasant visitors. Whenever Albert and his wife, Julia, visited, I was overwhelmed by the amazing resemblance Julia bore to my late sister, Leona – they seemed like twins in appearance.
ěThe Tour Directorî always made sure that when we visited, Jean would cook the entire day. Later, Marie, Jeanís delightful sister, would join us at the delicious Lebanese feast. Clarence was the one who decided who I should visit ó and when. He is one of the most remarkable men I have ever met: loving, humorous and generous. The world is a better place because Clarence J. Shahid (C.J.) is a vital part of it; and I consider myself very fortunate and privileged to be his friend.
Every time I visit Clarence, I look forward with much pleasure to hearing his amusing golf jargon, such as:
Saddle up: Put on golf shoes
Youíre in the kiddie box: Ball in the sand trap
Youíre on the dance floor: Ball on the green
A good lick: A long drive
Hosing down: Taking a shower
(Incidentally, concerning the American Lebanese League, on April 28, 1978, the chairman, president and Board of Directors were invited to the White House and visited with President Jimmy Carter, who officiated at the planting of a cedar tree. On that beautiful spring day, chairman Elias Saadi delivered an eloquent and meaningful speech about the development of Lebanese relations with the United States. Clarence, Nioma and I rode to the airport together, which is when our friendship with the Shahid family really became firmly established.)

Victor S. Farrah lives in Salisbury.