Vica Il Messaggio Winter 2009-2010 Issue 112809 Pdf

I l M e s s a g g i V e r m o n t I t P . O . B o x 3 1 B u r l i n g t o n

o a l i a n C u l t u r a l 5 5 V T 0 5 4 0 8

A s s o c i a t i o n

Winter– December 2009 Volume 11 Issue 4

© An organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Italian culture in Vermont

Il Messaggio Modern Day Italy

Inside this issue: Recent Events

2

Hearing from the Professors

3

Upcoming VICA Events

4

Un Viaggio in Italia— Gennari

5

Book Review by W. Tortolano

6

Calendar of Events

7

Biography - Adele Dienno

8

VICA Board Members Contact these peopel for information or help for any VICA activities: President Adele Dienno 802-862-2595 Vice-Presidents Don Catalano: 802 6608914/Barbara Guiduli 802-862-4200

Aside from the fascinating and complex history of Italy and the richness of its art, some of the information that flows out of the Rome-based Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) according to the Sept-Oct 09 issue of Primo magazine regarding contemporary life in Italy shatters many of the myths that tourism has fostered. Once considered primarily an agrarian society, especially by Italo-Americans whose families escaped the poverty of the countryside to come to America seeking a more prosperous life, Italy now boasts itself as one of the most technologically advanced industrial nations in the world. Fewer than 900,000 are employed in agriculture compared to 6.9 million in industry and 15 million in services. They have an unemployment rate ( 6.7 per cent) lower than America’s.

Secretary Carol Usher 802-863-2487 Treasurer Audry Rini 802-878-0990 Board Ann Arms, Julie Bonanno, Barbara Butler, Adrienne Donohue, Franco Gatti, Barbara Marden, Nancy Specht, David Usher

Il Messaggio Editors Please submit content for the newsletter to Carol & David Usher: 802 863-2487 or [email protected]

Membership Anyone wanting to join VICA can do so by calling Carol Usher at 802 863-2487 for an application. Membership is $25. annually for individuals, $35. for families. VICA Website www.vtitalians.com

ISTAT just announced this past June that Italy reached a population of 60 million, the third most populous in Europe, defying its declining birth rate and the fear that its sub-replacement fertility rate would cause a rapid decline in population. The last decade has also seen a shift in Italy’s import-export statistics. Formerly considered an export nation, she also now imports from such nations as Germany, France, China and Libya, with oil and gas her biggest imports. Her largest export - which is not the food and wine we reminisce over when thinking of

Italy- is machinery and mechanical equipment, all in keeping with her strides in technological advances. Other myth-busters might be the statistics regarding personal transportation. Seventy-six per cent of Italians report driving a car daily, 11 percent walk, and only 8 per cent say they rely on public transportation like trains and buses, even though the transportation system enjoys world-wide accolades. If you remember smoke-filled rooms in Italy in the past, 2005 saw a ban on smoking in public places with smoking allowed only in special smoking rooms. If you think of Italy as preoccupied with food, you may be surprised that obesity rates are only 10 per cent compared to the US rate of 25 per cent. ISTAT also reports that 89 per cent of Italians use mobile phones daily compared to 74 per cent of Americans. With Italian fashion being some of the most acclaimed in the world, less than 6 per cent of an Italian’s yearly budget is spent on clothes (probably because the fashions are so high priced!). So if you have been to Italy and have enjoyed its rich history and art as a tourist, there remains a modern, contemporary Italy you may yet have to discover. Chances are that you will find the new to be just as fascinating as the old, for Italy and Italians have a mystique about them that seem as eternal as Rome.

Il Messaggio

Page 2

VICA Past Events Amici Heard Captain Richard Phillips

Captain Phillips (left) & Major Dickson (right)

The Amici group attended the First Annual Civic Luncheon of the Salvation Army to hear Captain Richard Phillips give his personal account of his capture by the Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean this past April. It is well-known among us that Phillips is the son-in-law of VICA member Catherine Coggio, so the Amici had double reasons for attending the luncheon at the Sheraton where Phillips was awarded the

VICA met Under a Fig Tree Sandra M. Levesque of Randolph shared her story in the book she authored, Under A Fig Tree: A Family Memoir at a VICA sponsored event at the Community Room of the Burlington Police Department recently. Those of Italian descent from the Rutland area where Sandra’s family first settled were also among the audience of rapt listeners attending the lecture and book-signing . It seems one story is everyone’s story, or so it goes among those whose parents or grandparents emigrated from Italy early in the 20th century. Leaving the “old country” to face difficult acclimations to the new, they were dedicated to caring for one another and found solace in the closed communities of those who shared their common cultural backgrounds. In addition to the story of one family’s saga, the book includes photographs, documents, poems and recipes that are universally interesting.

Salvation Army’s “Other’s Award.” The award is given for recognition of care for others, in this case his ship's crew while concurrently having to make crucial decisions to save his own life. Sometimes humorous in recounting the details of his amazing odyssey, it was Phillips’ courage, determination, strength of character, and principled valuejudgments that made the speech most inspiring. A letter was read from Senator Leahy that connected Phillips’ story with the Salvation Army’s history of self-sacrifice. In choosing to accept the award, Phillips praised the Salvation Army for its service to the community's less fortunate with compassion, kindness, and care. Phillips does not see himself as a hero, Instead, he gave heartfelt thanks to the whole team in the rescue operation, especially the Navy SEALs. He also gave personal tribute to all the unsung heroes in the Salvation Army and others who serve the community unnoticed every day. “All of us are stronger than we realize,” Phillips reiterated – and his words did not fall on deaf ears. On several occasions he received standing ovations from the audience who saw in him a man of character and felt the gratitude for the outcome of what could have been tragic.

Page 3

Il Messaggio

Prof. Moretti Spoke at Italian Film Night The last VICA Italian film co-sponsored by the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library in Jericho was Vittorio De Sica's 1970 film "I Girasoli" (Sunflowers) starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Because the movie is historically set in time during WWII with the Italians on the Russian front, 93 year old Gino Moretti of Williston, Professor Emeritus. PhD, University of Turin (Italy), came and spoke to the group about his experience as a veteran of that war. Moretti was commanding a regiment of engineers responsible for laying down the telephone lines to support the communications between the German and Italian commands. He gave testimony of the retreat from the Russian front in that frigid winter and wrote a book on the subject (Cavalli 8 uomini 40). His stories captured the rapt attention of all those who came to view the film. More than a writer, Moretti is a talented artist and he a mathematician in his work who received prestigious rewards from the aerospace industry and scientific community for his work on fluid dynamics.

Prof. Tortolano –What’s in a Name? VICA sponsored a well-attended public lecture at the Fletcher Free Library recently on the meanings and changes in Italian names. The “journey,” as Professor William Tortolano called it, took the audience through family names that had significance to – or biases againstthe families that held them. “Degli Angeli”….was this a family “from the angels?” “Angelone ..was he the big one? How about a little angel whose name was “Angelina?” The lecture was often humorous, but the idea of Italians changing their names to insure success in their professions makes one wonder how immigrants really feel in an adopted country – and the courage it takes to succeed.

Do You Know Anyone?

Prof. Moretti describing his WWII service on the Russian front as a communications officer in the Italian army

Want to Advertise in Il Messaggio? Beginning with this issue, VICA is accepting advertising to help defray publishing costs of Il Messaggio. We will limit space to less than 25% of the publication. First priority will go to VICA members who wish to advertise a business, product or service. See the insert for prices and details. Pass it along to your friends and associates who may be interested. Don Catalano (802-660-8914; [email protected]) is coordinating.

VICA is looking for potential programs of lectures, workshops, music performances, photo shows or anything of interest in the Italian culture to share with one another and the community. We’ve also considering an organizer for a second film night of contemporary Italian films in the Burlington area. If you know of anyone to recommend for any of the above, contact Adrienne at 802-862-5153.

Page 4

I l

M e s s a g g i o

Upcoming VICA Events The Amici Celebrating Christmas - Dec. 20 The Amici, the group of VICA members and friends who meet to dine together once a month, are celebrating Christmas with a brunch-buffet at the Sheraton in Burlington on Sunday, December 20th at noon. In addition to the camaraderie and good food, there will be some holiday fun around the table. Come join in and be surprised! Call Ann at 802-863-5155 or Barbara at 802-863-6897 for reservations…there’s room at the inn! The cost of the brunch-buffet is $20 plus tax and tip.

VICA Spaghetti Dinner with Homemade Cannoli...coming right up! Directly following a musical performance at the Flynn Theater of Tomie dePaola’s well-known children’s book, Strega Nona, VICA will have a public spaghetti dinner at the Firehouse Gallery on Church Street. It’s not that Big Anthony’s spaghetti is magically overflowing its pot from the theater to our plates, but anyone going to the musical will just have to walk across the street to taste an authentic Italian meal made and served by real Italian nonni, with great food, live music, a raffle and more. Come and enjoy this VICA celebration whether you go to the musical or not. Remember…

VICA Spaghetti Dinner with Homemade Cannoli! January 10, 2010 at 4:30pm The Firehouse Gallery, Church ST., Second Floor Cost: Adults $20 VICA members; non-members $25 Children: $12 VICA members; non-members $15 Reservations required. Call: Barbara Marden, 802-985-5786

Tomie dePaola is best known for his children’s books. Tomie has illustrated over 200 books and written stories for over 100 of them. Over 6 million copies of his books have sold worldwide. Tomie was born in Connecticut with an Irish-Italian background. Following art school and teaching careers, and even time spent at a monk’s priory in Vermont, Tomie settled down in New Hampshire where he now lives with his Airedale Terrier Bronte’. If you want to attend the musical, tickets can be reserved as usual at the Flynn Box Office or go on line for more ticket information… http://www.flynncenter.org/about/orderinfo.shtml

Page 5

I l

M e s s a g g i o

Un Viaggio in Italia by Emily Gennari On September 11th Emily and John Gennari made a trip to Italy in the environs of Puglia. Here is an account Emily wrote in Italian of their journey…

Siamo andati in aereo a Roma a 11 settembre. Abbiamo guidato da Roma a Arpino – una cittadina sulla collina con una strada romana nella piazza. Nessuno parla inglese. Il nostro piccolo ristorante non ha una carta. Si parla con la cameriera e insieme si decide che piatti sarebberono il meglio. Poi abbiamo guidato a Casamari, dove c'e' un monastero con un bellissimo chiostro. In vicino `e il monastero di Montecassino, ma era chiuso per la siesta. Nell' Italia meridionale la siesta e' una cosa molto seria ed e' normale che duri anche 3 o 4 ore. Desideravamo visitare il campo di battaglia dove i polacchi avevano combattuto con i tedeschi. C'e' un enorme cimitero con tanti monumenti ed e' stata una visita molto triste. Da la' siamo andati a Troia, famosa per la sua cattedrale romana. Per coincidenza e per nostra fortuna, in quel giorno stavano commemorando il miracolo del Crocefisso di 300 anni fa. Nella chiesa, molto affollata, ben due cardinali stavano celebrando la cerimonia con i loro aiutanti dalle toghe dai colori sgargianti. Finalmente siamo arrivati al mare e abbiamo potuto camminare sulla spiaggia ogni giorno, godendoci le onde con tanti bei bagni. Il tempo e' stato sempre bello. Ogni notte abbiamo dormito in un albergo differente. Guidando da un luogo ad un altro. Quasi sempre costeggiando il mare, e' sempre stato tutto bello. Il 15 di settembre abbiamo celebrato il nostro 51.mo anniversario di matrimonio in un ristorante eccellente di Alberobello Gli altri luoghi che abbiamo visitato sono stati: San Pietro in Brevagna sullo Ionio (probabilmente la spiaggia migliore con una sabbia meravigliosa), Torre Mozza (localita' balneare lussuosa), Otranto, Lecce (la

Firenze delle Puglie), Metaponto (per visitare le rovine greche) e Bari. Ma infine, cosa possiamo dire di aver visto di cosi' memorabile? Quasi ogni giorno abbiamo visto una nozza. In ogni citta' cattedrali dell' 11.mo o 12.mo secolo, sempre stupende. I rosoni e le sculture in pietra di animali incredibili. Innumerevoli affreschi, specialmente nelle cripte, e molti mosaici. Una cattedrale, in particolare, ha l'intero pavimento coperto da un mosaico del 12.mo secolo, che rappresenta l'albero della vita. Abbiamo visitato diversi eccellenti musei d'archeologia, con vasi greci, statue, orecchini d'oro, eccetera. I musei sono sempre stati gratuiti per noi essendo anziani. Abbiamo visto parecchie mostre d'arte dentro diversi castelli. Abbiamo anche visto le colonne romane che segnano la fine della Via Appia e la statua di bronzo piu' grande d' Italia, nessuno ne conosce il nome. Abbiamo anche visto molti molti "Trulli" specialmente ad Alberobello. A Matera abbiamo invece visto i "Sassi". Nel Parco Archeologico si vedono le chiese dentro i sassi. Trulli e sassi sono stati molto interessanti e insoliti. Ma la cosa piu' memorabile del nostro viaggio e' stata la cortesia e la gentilezza dimostrata dalla gente italiana. Il nostro italiano non va ancora bene, ma agli italiani piaceva chiaccherare con noi. Avevamo sempre bisogno di chiedere informazioni e direzioni e ogni volta la gente ha dimostrato pazienza, qualche volta ci hanno addirittura guidato fino a destinazione mentre noi li seguivamo in macchina. Ogni volta che compravamo il cibo per il nostro pranzo (un picnic sempre in un luogo bellissimo) ci davano qualcosa in regalo - due fichi, una decina di pomodori, eccetera. La frutta in Italia e' molto deliziosa e non e' possibile comprare in America frutta con quel buon sapore. Anche i frutti di mare delle nostre cene sono sempre stati eccezionali. E' stato un viaggio stupendo e da ricordare per sempre.

Page 6

I l

Book Review by Prof. William Tortolano, Professor Emeritus of FineArts/Music, Saint Michael's College,Colchester, VT

The Art and Life of Luigi Lucioni By Stuart Embury, M.D.

The Art and Life of Luigi Lucioni by Stuart P. Embury, M.D. is a sumptuous and loving tribute to one of the finest Twentieth Century ItalianAmerican artists. Although Dr. Embury calls his book a contribution towards a catalogue raisonné, it is beautifully illustrated and clearly describes almost one thousand paintings, watercolors and drawings by a master artist.

M e s s a g g i o

in his career in 1932 when his painting, Pears with Pewter was purchased by the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, and became the youngest contemporary artist to enter their collection. This is also a loving tribute. Dr. Embury became enthralled with Lucioni’s art and began collecting his creations. He also developed a close personal friendship with the artist during Lucioni’s later years. In fact, Lucioni had such respect for the doctor that he de facto made him his official biographer. Published as a privately printed book, this is a well written, carefully researched and magnificently illustrated tribute of respect and recognition.

A devoted Catholic, Lucioni died in 1988. His funeral was in St. Rocco’s Church, New York. Grazie, This is a valuable contribution towards a better buon dottore! understanding of a remarkable man who did not receive more than an eighth grade educa- Note: The book is available from Dr. Embury, privately tion. When he arrived in the United States from printed. Dr. Stuart Embury, Box 206, Holdrege, NE 68949, his native Malnate (near Milano) at age 11, he was email: [email protected] placed in the first grade, simply because he could not speak English. Lucioni would become an elegant, lifelong speaker in Italian and English. A sumptuous compendium of 288 pages, the book is beautifully and thoughtfully illustrated. It not only has prints of his art, but lovingly traces his life and its challenges to rise above prejudice, a very limited financial home, and recognition. Lucioni achieved a remarkable turning point

VICA Dues for 2010 - Due in January 2010 Name(s)______________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________________ Phones:________________________________________Email:_________________________________________ Check One ► $35 Family_________$25 Single__________$15 Full-time Student_________ Clip this form, make your check payable to VICA and send to VICA, P.O. Box 3155, Burlington, VT 05408

Page 7

Il Messaggio

Calendar of Events: Winter 2009-2010 Upcoming VICA Events Sun, Dec 20: Amici Christmas Brunch at the Sheraton, Burlington, noon (see Il Messaggio article…) (Reservations, contact Ann Arms 802-863-5155 or Barbara Butler 802-863-6897) Sun, Jan 10, 2010: VICA Spaghetti Dinner, Firehouse Gallery, Church St., Burlington, 4:30pm (see Il Messaggio article…) (Reservations, tickets: Barbara Marden, 802-985-5786)

On-going VICA events Italian Conversation Classes: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, St. Michael’s College, St. Edmonds Hall, Room 101, 7-9 pm (contact Franco Gatti, 802-899-3869) Italian Movie Night: quarterly at Deborah Rawson Memorial Library in Jericho (Next movie TBA) (contact Franco 802-899-3869) Amici Luncheons: Monthly at various venues (see Dec. schedule above) (contact Ann Arms 802-863-5155 or Barbara Butler 802-863-6897)

Community Connections Charlotte Senior Center Pizza Event, “Taste of Italy”, Thurs, Jan 21, 2010, 11-1:30pm Charlotte Senior Center, Charlotte Come out of the cold and roll some dough with Jeanne Comouche. Making pizza together with her grandmother was one of Jeanne's favorite things to do. You will listen to some Pavarotti while making pizza and afterwards watch a DVD of Jeanne's trip to Italy last September, primarily visiting the Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany and Lake Como regions. Come warm up and play in the kitchen with Jeanne and bring stories of your trips to Italy to share as well. Registration required. No fee.” (Call 802-425-6345) "Strega Nona": Main Stage Flynn, Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 3pm. A musical based on Tomie DePaolo’s book, “Strega Nona.” (VICA Spaghetti Dinner to follow..see above) (tickets contact: 802-863-5966 or www.flynntix.org)

Check Out Winter 2009 & 2010 Dates & Events

I l M e s s a g g i o V e r m o n t I t a l i a n C u l t u r a l A s s o c i a t i o n P . O . B o x 3 1 5 5 B u r l i n g t o n V T 0 5 4 0 8

WHO WE ARE :To better acquaint you with who we are on a personal level, this featured section of Il Messaggio is reserved for either a short autobiographical “portrait” of a VICA member or of a place in Italy from which one of our member’s families emigrated. . The autobiography in this issue is of VICA’s newly elected President for 2009-2011. Adele is no stranger to VICA. The work she has done in the past for the Club can now go forward with new inspiration in her new role.

I was born in South Philadelphia and spent my first 5 years living in my maternal grandmother’s 3 story brownstone along with my parents (Italo and Jean), my great uncle Tony, my aunt Mary, Uncle John (Panfallo) and grand mom Brandolini. Growing up, I would

joke and say grand mom would be happiest if all of her 7 children, their spouses and a total of 17 grand children all lived under her roof. The truth in that statement was realized many years later when I had the opportunity to spend time in Italy with my extended family and new–found friends...this is truly the way in “the old country.” My grandmother’s generation and my parents’ as well spoke Italian but only in the home or at the Italian Market (Passyunk Ave) which was only a few blocks away. As suburban Italian-Americans,

we were forbidden to speak the language. Spending my formative years in an urban part of Philadelphia populated by Italians from all regions of Italy, with two daily Italian newspapers, churches at every corner, and the obligatory Sunday meal at grand mom’s table, I was raised more Italian than American. Well into my 20’s, I was uncomfortable with my Italian origins. Then something changed for me as the older generation began to die off. I missed the old family and the connection with my heritage, but here I was with my immediate family established in Vermont.

This is when I connected with VICA. For me, VICA is a thread which binds me to my past and celebrates the passion of the Italian lifestyle within my community. It gives me great joy to share with other Italians and lovers of Italian culture through food, family, music, art, education and so much more. I encourage all to join as well! NOTE: Anytime you want to switch between an electronic or a hard copy of Il Messaggio, please contact editor. ([email protected] or 802-863-2487)