Vittorio Grigolo

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Vittorio Grigolo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Story

Vittorio Grigolo

Pg. 2-3

Chef Michael Chiarello

Eva-Maria Leonardou

Cause Worth Fighting For

From Enemy to friends

Pg. 10-11

Pg. 28

Pg. 20

Pg. 30

Amici Journal

Editorial ............................................................................................................................1 Vittorio Grigolo cover story ....................................................................................2-3 NIAF 25 monthly news ..............................................................................................4 Italian American History ............................................................................................5 San Diego’s Sicilian Festival .......................................................................................6 United Colors of Benetton ........................................................................................7 A Sicilian Odyssey .........................................................................................................8 Italian Body Language ................................................................................................9 Celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello ..................................................................10-11 Food and wine recipes ...............................................................................................12 A.C. Milan puts out Fire in Chicago......................................................................13 UTEP student Award ...............................................................................................14 Together for the future ...............................................................................................15 Italian Puzzle + Jokes ...............................................................................................16 Boys Town of Italy ......................................................................................................19 Eva-Maria Leonardou ..............................................................................................20 Rhodes Island of Greece ...........................................................................................21 Arezzo Center Spread .........................................................................................22-23 Lyric Opera 2010-11 Season ...................................................................................24 Carmen Giannattasio Soprano Star .....................................................................25 History of Arezzo ........................................................................................................27 Cause Worth Fighting For .......................................................................................28 Congressman Manzullo ...........................................................................................29 From Enemy to Friends ............................................................................................30 NIAF Texas Gala.........................................................................................................31 Ristorante Al Teatro ....................................................................................................33 Doctor Isadore Rosenfeld ........................................................................................34 My Italian Family.........................................................................................................35 Calendar of events .......................................................................................................36 NIAF Night in New York .......................................................................................37 Italian Chicks + Symphony Orchestra ..............................................................38 Veggie Fest ......................................................................................................................40 Cook County News....................................................................................................41 Advertisers Content.....................................................................................................44

ary

34th

Benvenuti

Editorial

In this edition we have the world renowned, Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo, this is a must read article. Mr Grigolo is the latest opera star that Sony has signed. Prior signings were with such phenomenal artists as, Renee Fleming and Placido Domingo. As with all our covers we are honored to have celebrities grace our journal. And once again, we are honored to in compiling Vittorio Grigolo with celebrities of past editions. With it we bring a number of articles, as we normally feature, in addition, we are also beginning to diversify our articles, in the celebrity section. You will find an interesting article on Greek actress, Eva Maria Leonardou who was interviewed by the defined journalist Ivana Gentile, we hope to see more of her articles in upcoming issues..

We will bring to you, as we have in past editions our interesting stories of and his eyewitness stories of the WWII heroic stories. Therefore, we will continue to share these legendary, historical memories of those who not only contributed to our shared heritage but to the heritage of the world. These are the stories of true heroes, those that fought for our freedom, against daunting odds, some say evil itself. These heroes gave of themselves to us many years before we realized the pain and anguish they endured.

Our Italian ancestors who came to America fled their home country for reasons similar, to the Irish Catholics, as well as other nationalities. There were agricultural problems, which lead to poverty and malnutrition, during the 1880s American products were seen more and more in Italy and hurt their market. In addition, the once divided Italy became unified and taxes in southern Italy were heavy and difficult for poor farmers and laborers, especially on the countryside.

The lack of democracy was also a factor, few people had the right to vote and illiteracy was common. Also, disease had hit them hard and people were dying from sicknesses and starvation.

In the North, the people suffered greatly from pellagra, and the South suffered from fatal malaria. Both of these resulted in death and it was not a good time for Italy. Approximately 2 million Italians died each year. All of these factors: low income, poor soil and farming needs, a feudal land system, immense taxes and government corruption all added up to cause the Italians to go to a place where opportunities were everywhere and plentiful. This place was the United States.

Conflict

Assimilation to America was difficult for Italians. We were seen as incapable people who were often feared, based upon our religious beliefs and lack in education. We were looked at as being of a lower class of people who were lazy and lacked intellectual ability. Prejudice and hatred surrounded us as we entered the land of opportunity. However, we have proved this analysis as being false, and ignorant in more ways than one.

Amici Journal is honored to be amongst those that will continue to preserve and promote our Italian American culture and our shared Italian American Heritage. Send all correspondence to Amici Journal Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 595, River Grove, IL 60171 or email us at amiitalia@sbcglobal.net.

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“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery; it wouldn’t seem wonderful at all.” Michelangelo

Summer 2010 / 1

By John Rizzo

I

2 / Summer 2010

n one of his biggest hits, Frank Sinatra sang “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” He was referring, of course, to New York and, like it or not, this verse rings true. It is certainly right on when it comes to opera singers and the Metropolitan Opera. A vocal artist’s résumé that includes “performed such-and-such at the Met” tells the reader that this singer has risen to the very top of his or her profession. That’s because the Met is considered the “A Number One” opera company in the world, and as “King of the Hill,” it pays its singers more than any other. Two years ago, when we profiled Vittorio Grigolo in Amici Journal, he was just on the threshold of opera stardom.

In the 2010-11 season, however, he will sing at the Met. No wonder he happily reports, “I am booked solid at the major houses for the next four years.”

Not only has Grigolo been hired by the Met for the upcoming season, but he has been chosen to make his New York debut in the opening performance of the Franco Zefirelli production of Puccini’s La bohème. The opera is slated for seventeen performances and it is a nod to his prowess that Grigolo opens the production and sings more performances than any of the four tenors cast in the role of Rodolfo.

The company’s management, well aware that a good part of its audience comes from every corner of the globe to view the best opera that money can buy, schedules La bohème every season because it Tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Gennaro in the WNO is currently the most popular production of Lucrezia Borgia in Washington, DC . piece in the repertoire. One of the reasons why this opera is so appealing is its bravura and devilishly difficult tenor part. The traditional interpretation of the part by vocally well equipped tenors takes the first act line up to several B naturals and a couple of high Cs. Others transpose the part down a tad for comfort and security. Grigolo takes the high road, which we may expect from a man who has been described by Opera News as a “tenor of stunning power with a metallic and iridescent upper register” and one who possesses “star quality.” Vittorio says matter-of-factly, “I sing one high C in the aria [“Che gelida manina”] and the one at the end of the act [on the last “amor,” instead of Puccini’s E natural favored by purists].”

Recently, Vittorio Grigolo’s career took another surprising turn when he signed a contract with Sony “to cut six CDs.” According to Grigolo, “I took a lot of time to evaluate the offer. Sony doesn’t have many other opera singers...

I signed right after Christmas.” It is again a sign of Vittorio’s remarkable talent that Sony Entertainment should choose him as one of their few opera recording artists. The company is well known for its jazz and pop giants that include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington and Aretha Franklin, but up until now, has not taken much of a chance on opera, distributing the recordings of mostly established stars like Placido Domingo and Renee Fleming. Sony is hedging its bet, however, if only slightly, by mandating that one of the six albums that Grigolo records will be a pop CD. Vittorio understands this and recognizes “the media power of pop,” as a means to reinforce his Vittorio Grigolo, seen here with legendary visibility. And besides, the young Placido Domingo preparing for the role of tenor yearns “to communicate with Gennaro Borgia in Donizetti’s Lucrezia people my age,” and nowadays Borgia, Washington National Opera, who can deny that pop music will accomplish this better than opera?

“I need challenges,” Vittorio asserts and, as any opera singer can attest to, there is no shortage of these. As of this writing he is responding to one, rehearsing for his Covent Garden debut as Des Grieux in Massenet’s Manon with conductor Antonio Pappano, who Grigolo considers “an expert in French opera.” In June he will be making a movie of Rigoletto with Placido Domingo in Mantova. Over the past couple of years he has performed a number of top tenor roles, under the batons of such luminaries as Zubin Mehta and Lorin Maazel, who amused Grigolo by “singing all the roles in Faust.” He found the role of Hoffman, in Offenbach’s five-act marathon, more of an acting, than a singing, challenge. “Here,” Donizetti opera Lucrezia Borrelates Vittorio, “it is more action involving gia, Tuesday at the Kennedy emotions, and more important to act.” Giv- Center in Washington, DC., en that the critics almost always note the featuring Renee Fleming, Vittenor’s strong dramatic instincts, we may torio Grigolo, Ruggero Raiassume that this challenge was also faced mondi and Kate Aldrich, and successfully. One challenge that will have directed by John Pascoe.Tenor to go unanswered for now is Zefirelli’s first Vittorio Grigolo as Gennaro in production of L’elisir d’amore, which the the Tenor Vittorio Grigolo as venerable director had wanted to design be- Gennaro in the WNO production cause of his appreciation for Vittorio’s artistry. “Franco was very sick,” explains Grigolo, “we’ll just have to wait for the right time.”

Vittorio’s performance repertory already includes many of the greatest Italian and French roles. Although he has not yet sung Manrico in Il trovatore on stage, since the last time we spoke with him, “I recorded ‘Ah si ben mio’ and the cabaletta, ‘Di quella pira.’” Whether performing on stage or recording, Grigolo is establishing ties with colleagues who will work with him throughout his career. Perhaps because he feels a certain kinship with younger singers who show the kind of promise that he did before the Met casting and Sony signing, Vittorio especially enjoys working with up and coming leading ladies. “I like singing with Carmen Giannattasio,” he says. He was also well pleased with his recent collaboration with Sondra Radvanovsky (profiled in the last issue of our magazine) in Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia.

Aside from his Met appearances in October of this year, American opera fans will have to wait to see Grigolo in action. “The only other American performance I have booked for this year is a concert in Los Angeles.” At least this will keep him close to home, which is now Zurich, a centralized location that makes sense as he crisscrosses the continent going from stage to stage. One European country, however, that he will not be working in very much for a while is Italy. “It is very sad,” says Grigolo, referring to the recent austerity measures passed by the government, which has triggered a series of wildcat strikes by musicians, effectively shutting down most Italian opera houses.

Born in Arezzo, Vittorio Grigolo loves to visit his very proud mother in Rome. She has been a very influential force in his career, especially at the very beginning. Now she has turned her house into a memorial for her son. “It’s like a museum,” Vittorio tells us, “she has everything there.” I wonder if she has those sunglasses, the ones she went to repair when Vittorio was a boy? When they went to the optometrist to get them fixed, singing could be heard coming from the basement. Someone down there was singing the Schubert “Ave Maria.” Uncontrollably excited, the boy ran down the steps and joined in the singing. It turned out that the basement singer was the optician’s father, who was so impressed by Vittorio’s musicality that he arranged for the lad to audition for the Sistine Chapel Choir. This venerable organization, whose roots go back over a thousand years, accepted Vittorio as a singer and enrolled him in the prestigious Scuola Puerorum, where he studied voice for five years. “It was there,” Grigolo recalls, “that I felt that I was going to be somebody.” Come this October 16th, this somebody will be singing at the Met. Summer 2010 / 3

NIAF News Monthly A monthly bulletin for Italian American organizations and media outlets, dedicated to promoting the language, culture and traditions of Italians and Italian Americans.

June/July/August 2010 For Wine Lovers While on a trip to Italy visiting the birthplace of his mother, Italian American Joe Fiorino, a retired St. Louis Police officer and paramedic, ordered a bottle of wine at a restaurant in Tuscany.

The bottle came with a “Centellino,” an attachable wine aerator, on top. Fiorino was so intrigued with the product and the way it aerates red wine instantly that he bought the rights to distribute in the United States. The “Centellino” is made of hand-blown glass and aerates red wine instantly. As the wine is poured into the amphora of the “Centellino,” it swirls the wine for you.

However, when you tilt the shaft into your glass, air is naturally infused into the amphora as shown by the bubbles that appear.

For more information, go to www.thecentellino.com.

Italian Classes for Youngsters and Adults Registration is open for fall Italian classes offered by Fondazione Italia in Burbank, Hermosa Beach, West Los Angeles and Irvine. Classes start September 25 and lessons are offered at all levels -- Mommy & Me, preschoolers, elementary aged-students and adults. Register by September 17 for the early bird rate.

Visit www.fondazioneitalia.org or email info@fondazione-italia.org.

Looking Ahead For New Books To Read

“Amore: The Story of Italian American Song,” to be published in September, tells the stories behind 40 Italian American classics and how this musical tradition became the soundtrack of postwar America. Author, NIAF Council Member and Publishers Weekly editor Mark Rotella celebrates artists such as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Dean Martin by tracing their music from the opera houses and pazzas of southern Italy to bar rooms in the Bronx and Hoboken, to the Copacabana, Paramount Theatre and the Vegas Strip. Rotella showcases the hardworking Italian-American musicians whose voices were heard on jukeboxes and the radio. Amore is the personal Top 40 of one proud son of Italy. For more information, www.us.macmillan.com/amore.

“La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World’s Most Enchanting Language” is the story of how Italian became Italian and influenced cooking, art and culture. Author Dianne Hales’ passion for all things Italian, including music, movies and romance, is expressed throughout her chapters. This paperback book is a great companion for anyone who’s Italian, loves the culture, studies the language or is planning a trip to Italy. visit: http://www.becomingitalian.com and http://becomingitalianwordbyword.typepad.com.

Dates To Check Out If In Italy This Summer!

The Feast Of The Assumption And Festival Of The Two Worlds

Tuscan City Readies For Historic Horse Race Italy’s famous Palio horse race takes place every year on July 2 and August 16 in Siena in the region of Tuscany.

The Palio celebrates the apparition of the Virgin Mary, in whose honor the Palio was first run on August 16, 1656. Today there are 17 “Contradas” (districts) of Siena, by which the town is divided, each having their own government, coat of arms, colors, patron saints and a horse in the race. In preparation for the horserace, the semi-circular, funnel-shaped Piazza del Campo is covered with soil and stands are set up for spectators. Since the crowds far surpass available seating, onlookers find makeshift perches on balconies, roofs, windows, walls and even trees. The Palio is preceded by days of festivities and a historic parade featuring horses, jockeys and a rich display of medieval costumes. During the bareback race, contestants circle the track three times and the winning Contrada hosts a grand celebration afterwards. For more information, visit www.ilpalio.org.

The feast of the Assumption on August 15 is a national holiday in Italy and marks the peak of the summer holiday season. The Italian name “Ferragosto” comes from the Latin “feriae augustae” meaning “August holidays.” Cities become ghost towns as businesses shut down while families and friends flock to the coast, mountains and lakes. Also known as the “Festival dei Due Mondi” (Festival of the Two Worlds), the Festival of Spoleto has been held every June and July since 1958. It hosts top-class performances of opera, theatre, music and ballet, attracting internationally renowned artists and a cosmopolitan audience.

La Festa di San Giovanni

The birth of John the Baptist, Patron Saint to Florence, is celebrated every year on June 24 throughout the city. Considered the “symbol of moral rectitude and political correctness,” the city commemorates the saint with the Festa di San Giovanni. The Duomo’s Clergy participate with a procession that leaves the cathedral and finishes at the door of “Paradise” at the entrance of the Baptistery. During the evening, the municipality of Florence, along with the Saint John the Baptist Society, organizes a fireworks display from Pizza Michelangelo in remembrance of the traditional bonfire that burned in Piazza della Signoria for the summer solstice.

Search for NIAF on Facebook & Twitter for latest events!

News Monthly Coordinator Natasha Borato 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Contributing Writer Gina Ghilardi and Ginan Nakshbendi, Research Carlo Piccolo, Director of Communications Elissa Ruffino, Director of Pubilcations Monica Soladay Please send your group or city’s news of Italian-American exhibits, cultural events, scholarships and special events to Elissa Ruffino at the above address or e-mail elissa@niaf.org. Events/programs noted are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by NIAF.

4 / Summer 2010

N A C I R E M -A N A I L A IT

H I S T O RY 1993

Mario Andretti, He was the only racer to be named Driver of the Year in three different decades -1967, 1978 and 1984, the only one to win the Daytona 500, Indy 500 and Formula One title and the only four time Indy national championship. In 1993 Mario set a world closed-course speed record of 234.275 mph. In 1993 when he won the Indy Car race in Phoenix, it marked his 100th career victory.

1994

Joe Paterno, Legendary Penn State Football Coach, “Joe Pa” is the most successful college football coach in history having won more games than any other coach in that category. In 1994, he completed his fifth undefeated season winning the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl along the way. In 2001 he broke the record of 323 victories as head coach previously held by legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant of the University of Alabama and continues to add to the total.

1996

Joe Torre , He managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 1990-1995 and followed that with a stint as in broadcasting. He returned to managing in 1996 -this time for the New York Yankees where he would re-write the record books by leading the team to four World Series titles between 1996-2000, winning the event three consecutive times.

2000

In the 2000 Census increase by 7 percent over the previous census of those who identified with their Italian ancestry.

2001

Rudolph Giuliani, His public leadership following the September 11 attack provided a shocked city and nation with an extraordinary example of reassurance and comfort. Day after mournful day citizens watched Giuliani manifest genuine concern and sympathy to the afflicted families and hard-working rescuers, weeping with them and praying with them. It was a transforming spectacle, one that seemed to change the man into one who had deep feelings, one who could extend himself to the utmost in a time of extreme and unprecedented crisis. He was a source of consolation not only to fellow Italian Americans but also to the nation as a whole. For his leadership in this emergency Time magazine named him 2001 “Man of the Year.”

2002

Dana Gioia, President George Bush’s appointment of Dana Gioia (1950- ) as Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts and the nation’s poet laureate in 2002 is a singular milestone -Gioia is the first of Italian ancestry to be named to such a distinguished position.

1998 Italian Language, Reliable data, including a survey conducted by the Modern Language Association (MLA) in 1998, attests to a recent significant increase in the enrollment in Italian Language courses in American colleges and universities. Among the more significant statistics is the growth of students enrolled in Italian in higher educational institutions: 45,013 in 1996 compared to 19,923 in 1965; 126 institutions offering Bachelor of Arts degrees in Italian in 1996 compared to 95 in 1975; and 926 full or part-time faculty of Italian Language in 1996 compared to 521 in 1975.

Nancy Pelosi The election of Nancy D’Alessandro Pelosi as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives in November 2002 stands as a major milestone not only for women but most especially for Italian Americans.

Simply put there has never been a woman or an Italian American who has achieved such a prominent position in the national legislature of this nation.

Summer 2010 / 5

San Diego’s Set the Scene for an Authentic Sicilian American Wedding

By Andrew Guzaldo

The Sicilian Festival in Little Italy brought to life a favorite Italian expression: La Forza del Destino, “the power of fate.” Such is the power that made this year’s 17th annual Sicilian Festival a backdrop for a genuine Sicilian-style wedding between two newcomers to San Diego, Diana Kolman and Antonino Tripoli.

The loving couple was married on stage in a civil ceremony, invited by the SiAntonino and Diana Tripoli exchanged their mar- cilian community of San Diriage vows at the 17th annual Sicilian Festival ego to be real live players in a fairy-tale wedding.

“If it’s a wedding, then everyone is family – that’s what we’re going to celebrate,” says Giovanna DiBona, one of the Sicilian Festival organizers who was recently contacted by the couple.

The story begins with Diana Kolman, a Tampa native and graduate of the University of South Florida with a BA in nursing and psychology, whose interest in learning foreign languages led her to spend the summer of 2009 in Italy with the goal of studying Italian.

Enter La Forza del Destino, when Diana met the love of her life, Antonino Tripoli, under the Italian sun. He was born and raised in Bagheria, in the province of Palermo, Sicily, and graduated from the College of Economics in Pesaro, Italy.

Soon their love demanded frustrating back and forth trips between the US and Italy. As the summer of 2009 ended, Diana had to return to the States. Antonino followed Diana to Florida in October and remained until December. Then in January, Diana returned to Italy with hopes of having her nursing license recognized there. After three months, the process was still pending, and she, again, was forced to return to the US.

At that point, Diana and Antonino decided that it was time to dream and live an adventure together. They decided to leave everything in Italy and Florida and drive to San Diego. Without much money, they didn’t know a soul, have jobs, or a place to live.

After arriving in San Diego, Antonino proposed to Diana. They planned to have a simple ceremony at the County Courthouse, but realized that they wouldn’t have anyone to serve as their witnesses, as they knew not one person in San Diego.

La Forza del Destino soon got an online boost.

Diana’s mother wisely suggested Diana contact the Italian community in San Diego to gather referrals and new acquaintances. After a few clicks of the mouse, Diana found the Sicilian Festival web site and Facebook page, and emailed. When Giovanna DiBona learned of their wedding plans, she invited them to exchange their vows at the Sicilian Festival.

6 / Summer 2010

The entire Sicilian community in San Diego welcomed Diana and Antonino with open arms. Their touching ceremony, in both Italian and English, was followed by a reception, Sicilian-style, orchestrated by the San Diego-based Roman Holiday Ensemble (ironically, also the creator of the nationally acclaimed Italian Wedding CD). The band played all the traditional dances as well as the tarantella, and a fabulous time was had by all….in fact, the audience for this event was the largest ever seen in the history of the festival!

Log on to the Sicilian Festival FACEBOOK page from the web site at www.sicilianfesta.com for photos and videos of Diana and Antonino, and this magical culmination of Amore, Sicilian-style.

IT’S MY TIME NEW YORK TOASTS THE 20 WINNERS OF THE BENETTON GLOBAL CASTING

New York, 15th April 2010. New York welcomes the twenty winners of the first Benetton global casting with a cocktail party, attended by Alessandro Benetton, at “The Top of The Standard’”.

The winners, who hail from around the globe, will feature in the Benetton autumn-winter 2010 campaign, shot by world-famous photographer Josh Olins at the Industria Superstudio in the Meatpacking District and appearing in the press, on the internet and on billboards around the world.

The names and nationalities of the winners themselves illustrate the global, multiethnic, democratic nature of It’s My Time, exemplifying the identity and international vocation of the Benetton brand.

The casting attracted entries from all corners of the globe, drawing interest from 217 different countries: from Ethiopia to Zimbabwe, from Nepal to Uzbekistan, from Guatemala to Cambodia to Iceland. Countries with the strongest participation included Turkey, India, Mexico and Russia amongst others. Over 40,000 women took part, almost twice as many as the men. There were more than 17,000 teenagers, over 35,000 participants in the 20 to 30 age range, and almost 8,000 over-thirties.

Over and above the casting contest, It’s My Time was also a means of sharing opinions and making friends, a place where participants were completely free to get themselves and their creations seen. Using

the hi-tech channels preferred by young people, Benetton hosted participants’ profiles (photos, videos, words, visual creations, messages from visitors) and their opinions on Facebook (www.facebook.com/benettoncasting) and Twitter (twitter.com/benettoncasting), and their videos on YouTube (www.youtube. com/benetton). It collected, explored and presented their variegated styles of self-expression, and offered a space where they could be imaginative, sharing their tastes, ideas, criticism and enthusiasm.

Through this vast virtual plaza, Benetton took a fresh and exclusive social sampling of the inspirations and aspirations of the young, and of their outlook on the future. A collective blog (casting.benetton.com/blog) served to breath life into ideas that arose and built on each other day by day from countries including Japan, the Philippines, China, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Mexico, the United States and Colombia, with 180 posts and 5 million comments.

People wrote, explored, discussed, commented and debated on just about everything. From the column on New York to a discussion about democracy online, from posts by Glenn O’Brien to those from international bloggers, from analyses of the worst styles to fashion icons, from private confessions to public accusations, from opinions about censure and freedom of expression online to future trends, from the difference between reality and imagination to the definition of beauty. Plus art, music, food and leisure, as well as lists of the craziest things people have done in their lives, reasons for leaving your home country, favourite sensory experiences, what it takes to have style, and the best kiss of your life.

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Summer 2010 / 7

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Body Gestures... the Good, the Bad... and the Italian

...Italian Body Language...

By Cookie Curci

The written word is a powerful form of communication, and when put to use it has the capability to connect generations, enhance history, and store and create vital feelings. But, before there was the written word body gestures were used as a means of communications.

In the roman times, a simple thumbs up or thumbs down could decide the fate of a gladiator in the amphitheater. We all know the common gesture for anger is a clinched fist, accusation a pointed finger, and when we are upset the derogatory use of the middle finger is employed.

These natural, expressive gestures are commonly known as “body language.”

When expressing their on screen persona, sensual actors, Rossano Brazzi and Marchello Mastrioiani, made good use of their body language to replace written dialog. It is said Italian actors conveyed more drama with a gesture than most actors could do in a page of dialog.

The same can be said of most animated Europeans who use their eyes, hands and body to convey a mood, tell a story or express temperament. As an Italian American, I can remember my Italian grandmother, who could say more with one gesture, one knowing glance or caressing touch, than I can say in a thousand words.

If you’ve ever been to Italy or watched a Fellini film. Then you’ve seen people who just naturally employ exaggerated and familiar gestures to express themselves. For decades, Italian film directors have had their actors use gestures to convey strong emotions, tender love and deep sorrow. This doesn’t come as a surprise to fans of the late actress Anna Magnani who used her natural body movements to enhance her roll in “The Rose Tattoo”, for which she won the 1955 academy award for best actress.

Like most of Italy’s animated actresses Magnani surpasses the scripted dialog by using her natural body gestures and movements- holding nothing back. She knew, what all great actresses have known for years, that what an actor or actress says is not nearly as important as how they say it.

Film directors discovered what the ancient wise men have always known, that there is no word big enough to encompass the power in a human beings expression. How people relate to one another varies with customs and countries, but always the body gesture is involved. In America when a man sees a pretty girl they raise their eyebrows. Italian men press their finger into their cheek and twist it back and forth. In Greece the men stroke their cheek, Frenchmen kiss their fingertips. And Arabs grasp their beards.

In America we consider the “thumbs up” gestures as a sign of success, in Australia it is considered a “rude gesture”. And yet, if you’re a female visiting Australia, you may be surprised to see men “wink” at you, in Australia it’s merely a friendly overture.

In Italy, a flick of the chin means “buzz off” or “ to heck with you”. It is equal to America’s middle finger gesture. Anyone who has accidentally cut off another driver knows this overt gesture only too well.

We’ve all heard a co-worker use the expression “don’t get in my face”.

What they are really saying is “don’t get in my space”. It is said, in the business world, whoever controls the space, controls the situation. Psychiatrists, psychologists and others who have studied human communication from a scientific point of view tell us that we have exactly 10 seconds to make a good first impression when meeting someone.

Sitting with legs crossed at the ankle demonstrates a respect for the traditional rules of etiquette. In the business world, a man or woman stroking their chin, indicates indecisiveness. Pinching the bridge of your nose signifies negative evaluation. Rubbing hour hands is a sign of anticipation while resting your check in your palm casts an image of thoughtfulness and evaluation. Cross your arms on your chest and you instantly communicate defensiveness.

Using our hands to express us is a great communicator, but using the wrong hand gesture can also be embarrassing. After telling the press he was an expert in hand gestures, President George Bush senior, gave the “V-for Victory” sign as he drove in his limousine past demonstrators in Canberra, Australia’s capital in January 1992. In Australia, holding up two fingers to from a “v” has the same vulgar meaning as the middle-finger gesture in the United States. The Aussie demonstrators were enraged, and they signaled in the same manner back at the U.S. President. President bush later had to apologize for his faux pas.

Summer 2010 / 9

Celebrity Chef

Michael Chiarello

By Andrew Guzaldo

Michael Chiarello is an award-winning Chef, and Emmy-winning Food Network celebrity host. Chiarello was born, in1962 and raised in the central California community of Turlock.

Michael gives thanks to his mother, who was an Italian immigrant, who brought to this country, her Calibrian traditions. This was the beginning, in precipitating a passion, for harvesting and experience in the culinary field, and to carry on their tradition, of his Italian family heritage and culture.

So it was there where Michael, began to follow his dream, in the hope of someday becoming a worldrenowned Chef. He worked in a number of restaurants, at a young age, without any regrets, in all of his working; he graduated from high school, with honors.

In 1982 he entered the, Culinary Institute of America, in New York. After graduating from the Institute, he had a need to go even further in his culinary educating experience. He then went to Florida where he attended International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

It was in Florida, where his professional career really took off. He opened Toby’s Restaurant in Miami Florida, his restaurant acclaimed, stellar success. In achieving this accomplishment, Food & Wine magazine named Chiarello Chef of the year in 1985.

However, in 1986 he was

10 / Summer 2010

vicariously, drawn back to California, it is there that he, designed and opened the well known, Tra Vigne Restaurant, which was located in Napa Valley. He also developed, a unique style of Italian wine country cooking, that he introduced in the restaurant.

Chiarello was, Executive Chef and partner of Tra Vigne Restaurant, as if this was not enough, He also served seven other restaurants, in the area in the same capacity.

However, he still was driven with his passion, to move to another level.

Therefore, in the year 2000, he moved to Napa Valley where resides, with his wife and children, in the heart and soul of his vineyards.

He began to create The Napa Style Chiarello Vineyards; this had given him, time to focus on his television career, as well. This must have been an exhausting, effort in itself, however for Chef Chiarello it wasn’t!

Therefore, in 2008 he opened up the Bottega Napa Valley restaurant. Chef Chiarello, overseas his culinary, conquests it is for this reason, the Bottega Napa Valley Restaurant, was named in the top 100 by the San Francisco Chronicle. And in less then six months time, he received a four star, endorsement from the Wine Spectator, in a mere six month period.

Chef Chiarello, has included, his personal passion, to share into sustainable living in all his cuisine, and wholesome food. From the growers that he supports as Chef and owner of Bottega Napa Valley and his product designs for NapaStyle, to his earth-friendly farming practices for his vineyards and the storylines for his Emmy-winning Food Network show, Michael shares his unique perspective on what comprises good food and healthy living in an old-world lifestyle.

Bottega Napa Valley Restaurant is located within, the beautiful historical Vintage Estate property, which was developed in a 140-year-old winery and estate, which originally was the Groezinger Family Estate. In the Summer of 2009, he appeared in the number 1 food show on cable, Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, where he competed against 23 other renowned Chefs in an attempt to win $100,000 for charity.

ACHIEVMENT AWARDS, GIVEN TO CHEF MICHAEL CHIARELLO 1994 BEST PRODUCT LINE, INTERNATIONAL FANCY FOOD Chef Chiarello has been a tastemaker for culinary adventurers and epicureans since the early days at Tra Vigne. In the late ‘80s, he was the first to replace butter on his restaurant tables with extra virgin olive oil for dipping. The popularity of that idea drove him to make his own extra virgin olive oil and sell it out of the back kitchen to the lines of waiting customers. He then pioneered a way to

infuse olive oil with strong Mediterranean flavors such as roasted garlic, basil, and roasted red pepper, winning the 1994 Best Product Line award at the International Fancy Food Show.

In 2000, Michael founded NapaStyle, a showcase of handcrafted home goods and artisanal foods that encourage experimentation in cooking and entertaining. NapaStyle shares Michael’s perspective on Napa Valley living through its catalog website (www.napastyle.com) and retail stores, as well as through television shows and cookbooks.

2002 IACP Award Winner, Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking His most recent cookbook, At Home with Michael Chiarello, follows the publication of Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking, Napa Stories, The Tra Vigne Cookbook, Flavored Vinegars & Flavored Oils. Due to the ongoing success of Chiarello’s cookbooks, Chronicle Books recently reissued his first two titles, Flavored Vinegars and Flavored Oils, into a combined edition entitled Michael Chiarello’s Flavored Oils and Vinegars.

Chiarello is currently working on two new books.

2004 Eileen Cabernet Sauvignon , 93 Points Wine Spectator, Michael’s small family winery, Chiarello Family Vineyards, makes limited production estate wines from the 96-year-old vineyards surrounding his St. Helena, California home. Michael’s passion for sustainable living is reflected in his eco-friendly vineyard farming practices. Chiarello Family Vineyards are highly rated – the Wine Spectator awarded 93 points to the 2004 Eileen Cabernet and 91 points to the 2004 Bambino Cabernet, and all three additional wines he makes have each scored 90+ in their recent vintages.

2005 EMMY AWARD, BEST HOST

Michael co-produces, writes and hosts the Food Network’s “Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello” which airs daily and won three daytime Emmy Awards, more than any other Food Network show.

He also hosts “NapaStyle” on the Fine Living channel, and the PBS television series, “Michael Chiarello’s Napa”. A popular celebrity guest Chef, Michael appeared frequently on top programs such as The Today Show, CBS Early Show, Regis & Kathy and The View.In summer 2009

In 2006, Michael opened the first NapaStyle retail store in Berkeley, California’s upscale Fourth Street shopping district. With strong consumer demand, NapaStyle stores opened in other California locations including Los Gatos, Pasadena, Corte Madera and Costa Mesa.

In 2008, Michael found the dream location for his Napa Valley flagship store in Yountville, CA. Housed in a historic 1800’s brick building, NapaStyle Yountville includes a Panini Bar & Café, Wine Shop & Tasting Bar, Olive Oil Bar, Salumeria and outdoor terrace seating for 45.

NapaStyle Yountville is located directly across from Michael’s new and acclaimed Bottega Napa Valley restaurant.

In 2009 Three Stars, Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants, San Francisco Chronicle During over 20 years as a Chef/restaurateur, Michael was twice named Chef of the Year -- in 1985 by Food & Wine magazine, and in 1995 by the Culinary Institute of America. Michael’s new restaurant, Bottega Napa Valley, opened in November 2008, and is located in the culinary epicenter of Yountville, CA. Prior to Bottega, Michael was Founder/Executive Chef of Tra Vigne (Napa Valley) as well as seven other restaurants. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY. (www.botteganapavalley.com) (www.chiarellovineyards.com)

Recipe by

Michael Chiarello

Summer Yogurt Soup with Tomato and Basil Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 clove garlic, sliced • 1/2 onion, small dice • 4 cups vegetable stock, or water • 1/2 cup basil leaves • Salt and pepper • 2 cups yogurt • 2 vine ripe tomatoes, cut small dice

Directions

Heat oil over medium-high flame and saute garlic and onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and puree in blender or food processor for 30 seconds.

Add basil, salt and pepper and blend for another 30 seconds.

Add yogurt and pulse to mix. Keep chilled until ready to serve. When serving, add a couple of tablespoons of diced tomato on top of each bowl of soup. Season tomato with salt and serve.

Summer 2010 / 11

Food and Wine Recipes Minestrone with White Beans and Italian Sausage Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed * 1 onion, chopped * 1 carrot, chopped * 1 rib celery, chopped * 1 clove garlic, minced * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme * 1 bay leaf * 4 cups drained and rinsed canned white beans, preferably cannellini (from two 19-ounce cans) * 10 cups water * 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juice * 2 teaspoons salt * 1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper * 2/3 pound spinach, stems removed and leaves washed well (about 1 1/2 quarts) * Grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes.

Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon.

Reduce the heat to moderate. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine 2 cups of the beans and 2 cups of the water in a blender and puree until smooth.

Add the tomatoes, the bean puree, the remaining 8 cups water, the salt, and the pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Stir in the sausage, the remaining 2 cups beans, and the spinach. Simmer until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan, and pass more Parmesan at the table.

Seafood Stew With Anchovy Aioli Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil * 1 medium onion, finely chopped * 1 medium carrot, finely chopped * 4 garlic cloves, minced * 1/2 cup dry white wine * 1 cup bottled clam juice * One 28-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes with their juices * 1 tablespoon tomato paste dissolved in 1/2 cup water * Two 2-inch-long strips of orange zest * 1 1/2 teaspoons anchovy paste * Salt and freshly ground pepper * 1/4 cup mayonnaise * Cayenne pepper * 3/4 pound shelled and deveined large shrimp, cut into 1-inch pieces * 3/4 pound sea scallops, halved or quartered if large

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350째. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion, carrot and three-fourths of the garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook until evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the clam juice, the tomatoes and their juices, the diluted tomato paste, orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon of the anchovy paste; season 12 / Summer 2010

with salt and pepper. Simmer over moderately high heat until reduced by half, about 15 minutes.

Discard the orange zest. Transfer half of the soup to a blender and coarsely puree. Return the puree to the soup in the saucepan.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise with the remaining garlic and 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste. Season the aioli with cayenne.

Return the soup to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and scallops and simmer until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Serve the soup in deep bowls; pass the aioli at the table.

Make Ahead The recipe can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated overnight. Reheat before proceeding.

Serve With Garlic-rubbed toasts.

Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients

* 6 red bell peppers * Extra-virgin olive oil * Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 2 tablespoons garlic powder * 1 tablespoon dried oregano * 1 egg * 2 cups milk * 1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces * 6 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise * 1 onion, sliced thin * 2 ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped * 1/2 lemon, sliced in paper-thin circles * 3 anchovy fillets * 1 tablespoon capers * 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes * 1/2 bunch fresh basil, hand-torn (1/4 bunch to flavor the base, 1/4 bunch to finish the dish) * 1 cup dry white wine

Directions

Start by preparing the peppers because they will take the longest.

Preheat the broiler. Pull out the cores of the red peppers; then halve them lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. Toss the peppers with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a cookie sheet, skin side up, and broil for 10 minutes, until really charred and blistered. Put the peppers into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins.

Peel the peppers and roughly chop into chunks; set aside.

Season the flour with the garlic powder, dried oregano, and a fair amount of salt and pepper. Whisk the egg and milk together in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour and tap off the excess. Dip each piece in the egg wash to coat and then dredge with the flour again. Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and pour in about 1/4-inch of oil. Pan-fry the chicken in batches, skin side down, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Turn the chicken over and brown the other side about 10 minutes longer. Remove the chicken to a side plate, pour out the oil, and clean out the pot.

Put the pot back on the stove and coat with 1/4 cup of oil. Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, lemon slices, anchovies, capers, red pepper flakes, half the roasted red peppers, and half the basil. Season with salt and pepper.

This part of the recipe is going to be your base. What we are looking for is a fragrant vegetable pulp, so simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until everything breaks down.

Add the remaining roasted peppers and the remaining basil. Tuck the chicken into the stewed peppers and pour in the wine. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked

Stir-Fried Red Rice with Sliced Sirloin Steak and Peas Ingredients

Ingredients • 1/2 cup red rice (see Note) • 1 cup water • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 6 ounces thinly sliced sirloin steak • Salt • 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger • 4 cups thinly sliced mixed dark leafy greens such as Swiss chard, beet greens and kale (6 ounces) • 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • Freshly ground white pepper • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro • Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1.In a small saucepan, cover the rice with the water and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and cook over low heat for about 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and let cool.

2.In a skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sirloin, season with salt and cook, turning once, until browned, 1 minute; transfer to a plate.

3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Add the onion and ginger and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the greens and stir-fry over high heat until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the rice and peas, then the soy sauce and steak and stir well. Season with salt and white pepper and transfer to a bowl. Garnish with the cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Asparagus-and-Ricotta Toasts Recipe by Gerard Craft

Ingredients • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling and brushing •8 slices packaged thin white bread • 3/4 pound pencil-thin asparagus, cut into 2-inch lengths • Salt and freshly ground pepper • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest • 1/2 cup fresh ricotta (5 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Using a 2-inch round biscuit cutter, stamp 4 rounds out of each slice of bread and transfer to the baking sheet. Lightly brush the rounds with oil and toast for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden and slightly crisp.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the asparagus, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and let cool slightly.

3. In a small bowl, stir the lemon zest into the ricotta and season with salt and pepper. Spread the lemon ricotta on the toasts and top with the asparagus. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve right away.

Minestrone with White Beans and Italian Sausage

Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed • 1 onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 rib celery, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 bay leaf • 4 cups drained and rinsed canned white beans, preferably cannellini (from two 19-ounce cans) • 10 cups water • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juice • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper • 2/3 pound spinach, stems removed and leaves washed well (about 1 1/2 quarts) • Grated Parmesan, for serving Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes.

Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon.

2. Reduce the heat to moderate. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine 2 cups of the beans and 2 cups of the water in a blender and puree until smooth.

4. Add the tomatoes, the bean puree, the remaining 8 cups water, the salt, and the pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Stir in the sausage, the remaining 2 cups beans, and the spinach. Simmer until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan, and pass more Parmesan at the table.

Spring Vegetable Soup with Tarragon Recipe by Stephane Vivier

Ingredients • 7 cups water • 10 small red potatoes, quartered • 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick • 2 celery ribs, sliced 1/4 inch thick • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped • 1 large leek, sliced 1/4 inch thick • 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt • 1 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths, or frozen peas • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley • 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon • Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the water with the red potatoes, carrots, celery, onion and leek. Bring to a boil. Add the salt and simmer over moderately low heat for 30 minutes.

2. Add the green beans and simmer until tender, 3 minutes. Stir in the parsley and tarragon. Season with pepper and serve.

Notes One Serving 163 cal, 0.5 gm fat, 0 gm sat fat, 36 gm carb, 6.8 gm fiber.

Summer 2010 / 13

A.C. Milan puts out Fire in Chicago

A.C. Milan forward Alexandre Pato (No. 7) drives the ball past Chicago Fire Mike Banner in the international friendly match at Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, Illinois, on May 30, 2010. Milan won the match, 1-0, on a goal by Clarence Seedorf. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Fire)

By Joe Cosentino

(May 30, 2010) … A.C. Milan showed why it’s one of the best teams in the world by defeating the Chicago Fire, 1-0, in an international friendly match at Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, Illinois. Midfielder Clarence Seedorf scored the only goal of the match to give the Rossoneri the win.

“I think it was a good game for us to play against a very good team and players,” said Chicago Fire Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos through an interpreter. “Every time that we play, we try to take some positives from the game, and this time for us it is important to us that we had the opportunity to give playing time to new players and young players and I think that they did well. I think, as always, we had a chance to score but we didn’t capitalize on the opportunities. I am really happy with our players because they played hard and had some good moments in the game.”

Playing before a capacity crowd of 20.356 soccer fans, Milan earned its second win against the Fire. Milan defeated the Fire, 3-1, in 2005 at Soldier Field.

“It’s always something beautiful to play against a team of such high quality, and I think we develop a lot as a team playing against them,”

said Fire midfielder Marco Pappa. “(Milan) is one of the class teams in the world with all the Champions Leagues they’ve won, they’re always in the biggest games in the Champions League. They have the best players and that motivates you as a player to push and work to achieve all that they have.”

Founded in 1899, A.C. Milan has been one of the most recognizable clubs in Italy, winning 17 Serie A championships, five Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana. Internationally, the Rossoneri are one of the most successful teams in the world, capturing 18 officially recognized UEFA and FIFA international titles, including seven UEFA Champions League trophies, five UEFA Super Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup and two UEFA Cups.

Milan’s lineup featured several world class soccer superstars, including Holland’s Seedorf and midfielder Ronaldinho from Brazil. Ronaldinho, the former FIFA World Player of the Year (2004, 2005), is recognized worldwide for leading FC Barcelona to two Spanish Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and the Catalan club’s second UEFA Champions League victory in its history.

Additionally, Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato made his first trip to Chicago. The 20-year-old forward has tallied 36 goals in 74 appearances since joining the club in 2007.

“The Fire and the American league is improving and I would like to see the good players remain here rather than have the good players moving to Europe and I also would like to see some European players move here to play in the American league,” said Milan Head Coach Mauro Tassotti.

The game was scoreless at halftime. With just two minutes gone in the second half, Seedorf worked his way through the Fire defense and fired a low shot from the penalty area past Fire goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra to give Milan a 1-0 lead.

“I saw a lot of young guys, so that’s a good thing, my feeling is that the (Major League Soccer) is improving,” said Seedorf. “Every time we come back here, there is some improvement and that’s important. The thing I like is the crowd. They have a great understanding of the game.

I would say the American mentality in sports in general is great. I think (soccer) will grow fast. We had fun today; it’s always a pleasure to be here.”

The Fire tried hard to come back against the Italian powerhouse, but the attempt fell short. The Fire’s Mike Banner had an opportunity to tie the game in the 82nd minute with a shot from 18 yards out. Milan goalkeeper Dida dove to his right and smothered the ball. In the 90th minute, Dida blocked a corner kick by the Fire’s Julio Martinez to maintain the Milan lead and seal the victory.

“In the second half they kept the ball a lot, but we had a couple of chances where we could have evened or of even taken the lead. Unfortunately, their goalie made some great saves,” said Fire midfielder Justin Mapp. “You want to look extra sharp and step your game up to show you can play with these players and be competitive, and I think we did that.”

Summer 2010 / 13

UTEP Student Wins Public Interest Award

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In a Vietnam village, children grow up healthy because their father finds a new food source in the crawfish that swim in rice paddies.

In post-conflict Uganda, a girl kidnapped by the Lord’s Resistance Army returns home to begin a new life as a farmer and entrepreneur. In Indonesia, parents develop strategies to protect their daughters from human trafficking.

Lucía Durá, a doctoral candidate in the rhetoric and composition program at The University of Texas at El Paso, has traveled the globe documenting the success of these “positive deviants” – those few individuals in every community who find unique ways to look at, and overcome, seemingly intractable problems.

Durá’s proposal to apply the positive deviance approach to help raise student retention and graduation rates in Texas has earned her the highly competitive 2010 Public Interest Award from The University of

Texas at Arlington Academy of Distinguished Scholars. In addition to receiving a $5,000 cash prize, Durá will have an opportunity to present her ideas to the Texas legislature.

“The use of positive deviance in problem-solving requires a simple shift in perception,” Durá said. “Rather than focusing on the problem and seeking external solutions, we look at what an individual or community is doing right and make that a model that can be replicated by others. Positive deviance is the glimmer of hope when other, more traditional approaches have failed.

“If we want to raise graduation rates in Texas, we should study the behavior of what I call the least-usual suspects: those students who, despite facing the same obstacles and limited resources as their peers, remain in school and graduate. How did they do this? What can we learn from their success?”

Durá, who graduated magna cum laude, from St. Mary’s University and received her master’s degree in rhetoric and writing studies from UTEP has worked in the nonprofit sector as a translator grant writer and educator. She is the co-author of Protecting Children from Exploitation and Trafficking: Using the Positive Deviance Approach in Uganda and Indonesia, written with UTEP communication professor Arvind Singhal, Ph.D.

Durá and Singhal also have written several case studies for the Positive Deviance Wisdom Series published by Tufts University, including Combating Malnutrition in the Land of a Thousand Rice Fields: Positive Deviance Grows Roots in Vietnam, Will Ramon Finish Sixth Grade?

Positive Deviance for Student Retention in Rural Argentina and Sunflowers Reaching for the Sun: Positive Deviance for Child Protection in Uganda.

Durá plans to contribute a portion of her Academy of Scholars award to UTEP’s Change Maker Award program, which provides students with seed money to develop social justice initiatives in the El Paso community.

“A Country is not a mere territory; the particular territory is only its foundation. The Country is the idea which rises upon that foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of fellowship which binds together all the sons of that territory.” Quote: Giuseppe Mazzini

14 / Summer 2010

Preparing people to lead extraordinary lives

Loyola University Chicago Launches $12 million Rome Campus Campaign

“Insieme per il futuro” (Together for the future)

CHICAGO, May 10, 2010 – Loyola University Chicago announced a capital campaign that will transform its John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) Campus program, one of the largest U.S. university campuses in Europe. The $12 million campaign will completely renovate the facilities on campus, increase student scholarship support, add student programming, and establish a permanent endowment.

“Almost 50 years ago, John Felice envisioned a permanent American campus in Rome dedicated to horizon-broadening cross-cultural exchange. That dream is becoming a reality, and we are closer than ever to fulfilling its potential,” says Michael J. Garanzini, S.J, president, Loyola University Chicago. “This campaign will build an even better Rome Center, one that will offer more opportunities and better facilities to every student who deserves a life-changing stay at the JFRC.”

Opened in 1962, the JFRC holds the distinction of being the oldest continual U.S. University, program in Italy. Every year, nearly 400 students from dozens of colleges and universities across the United States study at the center’s all-inclusive residential campus, which spans five acres in the upper Balduina district of Monte Mario, Rome’s highest hill. The JFRC offers an expansive curriculum of more than 40 courses, internships, service projects, and study trips throughout Europe and Asia.

The University closed on the purchase of the land and buildings from the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena on July 1, 2009.

The campaign launch follows other positive developments for JFRC. Those include the recent acquisition of a neighboring olive grove, record enrollment this spring semester, the creation of new academic programs, and an inaugural Board of Trustees meeting to be held at the JFRC in June.

“With plans for cutting-edge renovations, 48 years of experience, and 15,000 devoted alumni, the JFRC is positioned to be the best and most comprehensive study-abroad program in Italy,” says Vice President and JFRC Director Emilio Iodice. “Those 48 years are a testament to our values and traditions, and we will be ever-mindful of this heritage as we move to provide an even better global experience for our students.”

Starting this year, the JFRC campus renovation will be completed within six to eight years and will include improvements that will beautify and better organize the campus, as well as make it more environmentally responsible. Some of the highlights of this transformation will include:

• A new, ultra-modern information commons with technology that will set the JFRC apart from every other American university facility in Europe • A new auditorium and conference hall that will allow the JFRC to host high-profile conferences and symposiums • Enhanced community and recreation spaces, including a new outdoor terrace • Energy-saving enhancements, such as solar panels, that will save the JFRC an estimated 20 percent on energy costs per year • Private bathrooms for each dormitory room • New classrooms, fine arts studios, athletic facility, and chapel • The new, ultra-modern information commons will have technology that will set the John Felice Rome Campus apart from every other American university facility in Europe. (labeled ‘John Felice Rome Campus Information Commons’) • The renovations to the John Felice Rome Campus will include enhanced community and recreation spaces. (labeled ‘Overall view of the JFRC’) For more on the JFRC’s ambitious plans, and to watch a video commemorating the transformative work of the JFRC, visit LUC.edu/insieme.

About Loyola University Chicago

Committed to preparing people to lead extraordinary lives, Loyola University Chicago, founded in 1870, is the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic university. Enrollment is more than 15,800 students, which includes more than 10,000 undergraduates hailing from all 50 states and 82 countries. The University has four campuses: three in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy. Loyola also serves as the U.S. host university to The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies in Beijing, China.

Loyola’s 10 schools and colleges include arts and sciences, business administration, communication, education, graduate studies, law, medicine, nursing, continuing and professional studies, and social work. Loyola offers 71 undergraduate majors, 71 undergraduate minors, 85 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees.

U.S.News & World Report consistently ranks Loyola among the “top national universities”, and the University was named a “best value” in its 2010 rankings. In addition, Loyola is among a select group of universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations, such as the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information about Loyola, please visit LUC.edu. as the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information about Loyola, please visit LUC.edu.

Summer 2010 / 15

Learning Italian School Subject

By Andrew Guzaldo

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Window 13. Chalk 14. He knows 15. Teachers desk 17. Notebooks 18. Scissors 19. Lesson

19

Cartoon Jokes

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“For Every Tear you wipe, from the eye of a child, another star is lit in the sky”

Boys Town of Italy

Which brings us to our story today, Tony Lupo, is the Director of Cumberland Chapel in Norridge, Illinois together with Nick Vangel are involved with an organization called Boys Town of Italy located in Rome. individuals that are supporting, this great cause. I was familiar with this organization in Omaha, Nebraska, but had no idea there was one in Italy.

Currently, Boys’ Towns of Italy’s major emphasis has been the support of both Towns, one for boys and the other for girls. They now continue to be partners with other organizations with concerns for the developmental needs of children, particularly the homeless. The charity functions through fund raising activities, of committees throughout the USA. They are coordinated, by Janet Sguera, at the Boys Town of Italy, New York office

Tony Lupo - Fundraiser, Brother Sean Moffett - Exec. Dir., Janet Sguerro - U.S. Fundraiser Coordinator, Nick Vangel - Fundraiser

Today, Boys Town of Italy aids all children from 18 different countries.

All of these children are the products of a War. Now they have a home and a chance to do something with their lives. They now have several locations with Rome being their headquarters.

They operate there own schooling, and even make their own milk, cheese, and wine. This was all made possible, because of the people who cared, they wanted to do something and make a difference.

By Louie Giampa

T

he story began in 1945 with Monsignor John Patrick Abbing, the founder of “The Boys Town of Italy” the Monsignor was from the Vatican Diplomatic Services. It was then; he began a mission to help the homeless orphans of the war-torn country.

It was at this time, the Monsignor “had a dream of a future Boy’s Town, a community where the innate rights, and duties and God given mission of each child in society be fostered, and that the ultimate goal in life is to help each boy, find a true place in Society, as a responsible God Fearing citizen.”

Boys Town of Italy, was incorporated in 1951, it is highly recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, as an American charity service.

Boys Town of Italy is located in Rome. The Monsignor was devastated by the amount of orphans that became victims, due to-World War 2. He asked the Church for assistance, in finding refuge for these children and was offered “some”.

He felt that it was not enough, so he personally went out on his own and accepted donations from the people.

This was the beginning of Boys Town.

Monsignor John His goal was to create a healthy and Patrick Abbing safe refuge for these children, offering them a chance in life.

Around the same time, Actress Linda Darnell was filming in Italy. She was also touched by the amount of homeless girls. She helped set up a small villa in Rome to house these orphans. She was told of the good works of Father John Patrick-Abbing. He in turn helped by contacting Mother Dominic from Maryland. Her response was, that her whole life she taught the daughters of the wealthy, and now it was time to dedicate her life to the poorest.

Arch Way to Chance in Life

This brings me back to Tony Lupo. He has been involved for 30 years. He and his friend Nick Vangel host yearly Fundraisers for Boys Town of Italy.

Monsignor John Carroll-Abbing, Boys Town founder, passed away in Rome, July 9, 2001. He was 88 years old and was active in the daily management of the affairs of Boys Town of Italy. He fed and clothed over 180,000 children. His mission, which lives on, was one of love, giving love and giving them a second chance in life. He leaves behind several books, all depicting the accomplishments of his life. They include; A Chance to Live, Journey to Somewhere, But for the Grace of God, and An Instrument of God’s Peace.

Please contact Tony Lupo at 708-456-8300, if you wish to donate, to this great cause!

“For Every Tear you wipe from the eye of a child, another star is lit in the sky”

Monsignor J.P. Carroll Abbing We at Amici Journal will keep you informed of these fundraisers in hopes of your support, and participation. Like I said earlier, all it takes is someone who cares, to make a different, and boy, do they make a difference. Thankyou Tony and Nick http://www.boystownofitaly.org/ Summer 2010 / 19

Eva-Maria Leonardou

Devoted Actress, “A Woman of Luck and Sacrifices…”

By Ivana Gentile

Eva-Maria Leonardou is a Greek actress who has played roles in television shows such as General Hospital, Love’s Unending Legacy, Rivals of Jesus, and many more. She has acted in films such as On a Dark and Stormy Night, Like a Virgin, Work of Art, and Devil’s Den. She has done theater acting as well for Phaedra and Eurocitizens.

When she was very young, Oscar nominated Greek Writer and Director Nikos Foskolos discovered her and made her childhood dream of starring in “I Lampsi” come true. In addition, the Antenna Network awarded her “for her priceless contribution to the long lasting success of the TV Series I Lampsi.”

Currently, Eva-Maria is learning a lot of new crafts such as directing, producing, production design, editing and even costume design, “I actually sewed the costumes myself, ” Eva-Maria added. She is doing everything, even Foley Art, which are the sounds that are not recorded on the set and are added in post-production by a sound designer. “You don’t want to be any where near me when I’m being creative!” She said laughing.

She is doing all this for the trailer, which she will use to raise the money for her first feature film called 2012, The Year The Knights Died, which she has written and will be starring in. “It’s a supernatural thriller that takes place in 2012, but sees this year from a very different perspective than the movies we’ve seen so far on this subject,” Eva-Maria says.

Her goal is to stand in front of the investors and say: “Here’s what I made all by myself with no money and no crew. Imagine what I would accomplish if I had the money, a 30 people crew and a professional director!”

Eva-Maria just hired a director, he is a brilliant Italian director named Simone Bartesaghi. She mentioned that when she met Bartesaghi she thought: “Here’s a person I might finally be able to get in synch with. A fellow Mediterranean! You know why? Because una faccia, una razza!”

Eva-Maria shared her most embarrassing moment. She once had to run in the middle of a rainy night in the streets of Athens while she was playing a serial killer. The cameras were hidden, so people and drivers passing by could see no crew or equipment, just her in a state of madness in a mental asylum white gown, all wet, messed up and dirty.

On the other hand, her hilarious moment was when she had to play that same serial killer dressed as a priest. She had to put on a fake beard, a long black robe, and the vestments of a priest. Since Greek productions are low on money, they had to take the subway. When she and the crew entered the subway, an old man immediately stood up from his chair and said: “Father, please sit down.” Everyone was looking at them, the gaffer could not stop laughing, and the old man was really mad because he could not believe what was happening. At that point Eva-Maria burst out laughing, so the old man saw the priest and his wide female denture revealed. He started yelling: “Shame on you! You are making fun of this religion sacred…our religion… shame on you!” The gaffer whispered to him: “We’re shooting something.”

“But the old man was out of control!” Eva-Maria said.

Moreover, Eva-Maria shared one of her emotional moments. She was acting as the female lead character named Vette for On a Dark and Stormy Night in California on a dessert with really low temperatures and two hoses pouring freezing cold water on her. Eva-Maria was shivering, turning blue 20 / Summer 2010

and water was getting into her nostrils so she could not breath. But she says that if God appeared in front of her and gave her the freedom to walk away, she would have said: “NO! I wouldn’t change this for the world. This is what I’ve been born to do and there’s no better place for me to be than this hell I’m living right now. I gave up everything I had in Greece for moments like this and I won’t let anyone take it away from me.” However, the most emotional moment was when the other actors and actresses were trying to warm her up during breaks with hugs and towels.

Her most unforgettable memory is the first role that she played on Greek TV as a serial killer named Magda.

Besides playing this role for the television series, Eva-Maria also had to play another role in theaters all over Greece for a summer. The very first performance was in a small village in northern Greece.

When Eva-Maria and the crew arrived at that village, everywhere they looked were posters promoting the play and its actors, but one of the posters hung on a tree had only her face ripped off, so she was terrified because she realized that Magda was a hateful character.

After the play was done, the whole crowd rushed behind stage shouting and yelling. But Eva-Maria realized that they were shouting phrases of praise, hugging and asking her for autographs. She could not believe what was happening! Among the crowd she suddenly heard familiar voices shouting: “Eva-Maria!

Eva-Maria!” It was her parents who had driven all the way from Athens to surprise her. The crowd immediately opened way for her parents and started congratulating them too. Then a hand from inside the crowd gave Eva-Maria the torn piece of that poster from that tree and asked: “Could you please sign this for me?”

Besides acting, Eva-Maria likes to listen to retro music from the 60s, 80s and the 90s, love songs, Latin music, tango and Greek music of course. She likes to eat everything especially al pesto sauce, but she does not like sushi. Her hobbies include vacationing, dancing, yoga, the supernatural, astrology, swimming, hiking, sunbathing and “sex.” She can also speak Greek, English, German and some Italian.

Eva-Maria admires and would love to work with Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Tim Burton, Alex Proyas and Peter Jackson. The actors she would love to play opposite with are Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, Geoffrey Rush and Adrien Brody. “For obvious reasons. Who wouldn’t? When you work with such gifted people, their talent becomes contagious, if your immunity system is weak…” She winked.

In order for Eva-Maria to feel completely accomplished in her life, her future plans and dreams are to make movies that will stay forever, that will make a difference and will leave a mark in this world. She wants to help other artists fulfill their dreams, people who need food, money and work, and help animals that are being tortured to survive and live in humane conditions.

“I want to help make this world a better place…after all has been done, I want to withdraw myself from the world, retire at my country house in Greece and dedicate the rest of my life to spiritual studies,” Eva-Maria added.

In conclusion, Eva-Maria considers herself a woman of luck and sacrifices. “Luck doesn’t come without sacrifices. And when it does, it’s boring. You don’t get that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction,” she said.

Eva-Maria cannot describe herself in just three words because she says she is conflicted, unpredictable and chameleon-like. She cannot even predict her own actions, but she will always know her values and dreams and love her family.

Rhodes Island of Greece and Italy’s Common Bond

R

By Andrew Guzaldo

hodes was inhabited at the Neolithic era. In 322BC, Rhodes was joined with the empire of Alexander the Great. After his death, Rhodes maintained in close trade with the kingdom of Ptolemy’s in Egypt. In 164BC, Rhodes signed a treaty with Rome. After defeating Demetrius Poliorcetes in 305 BC, the citizens of Rhodes used their booty to erect a thank offering to their divine patron Helios. Chares of Lindos, a pupil of Lysippus, built (292-280 BC) a bronze statue of the nude young god wearing a sun ray crown and looking out to sea. The Colossus was broken at the knees and fell in an earthquake 60 years later. It remained a wonder until the Arab invasion (AD 653), when it was broken up and sold for scrap metal.

There are many common expressions, and words between the Italian and Greek languages. Also , a number of buildings and castles were designed and built by Italians, many are stilll standing there today.

Especially in the islands of Ionian Sea, which is at the West part of Greece, the accent of the people until today has a very musical, melodically tone to it, which was influenced by, the Republic of Venice, that occupied Corfu, for nearly five centuries until 1797. There is still an Italian community, living there.

Also quite intersting is the fact of Greek villages inside Italy, where they speak Griko. It’s written in Roman characters and is a highly corrupted form of modern Greek.

Griko is not a unitary language since it is spoken in two geographically and linguistically distinct enclaves, one in the area known as Bovesia near Reggio di Calabria and the other near Lecce, in the area known by the name of Grecia Salentina.

At the first century of our beginning, St Paul visited the island.

Between 1307 and 1522, the island was the seat of the order of Knights of St John of Jerusalem. The Knights occupied Rhodes in 1307 and completed the conquest in 1310. They strengthened the city, leaving the Great current walls. In the low part of Rhodes, they built the palace of the Great Master . The island was a first seat in 1480, before falling to the hands from the Turks from Soleiman the Magnificent in 1522, after a five-month siege. In 1912, Italy seized the island, which belonged to the Turks then.

The island reunited with Greece in 1948.The Colossus of Rhodes.

After 1926 Mussolini supported King Zog in Albania as a possible ally in a war with Yugoslavia; he suppressed Greek language and religion in the Dodecanese and fortified the islands of Rhodes and Leros against possible Turkish invasion; supported Croat rebels led by Ante Pavelic against king Alexander of Yugoslavia (who was killed in Oct. 1934); sent arms to Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, and to Chancellor Englebert Dollfuss in Austria (who created a brutal fascist regime by 1934 and drove many Austrians to support anschluss with Germany), and even sent arms to Russia in return for Russian oil; he continued to support the Italian pacification of Libya led by Marshal Badoglio.

During the 14th and 15th centuries the Knights of the Order of St. John extended the Byzantine Medieval City, and reinforced its fortifications creating the medieval town of Rhodes. Of note is the architecture in the gothic style developed in Provence at the Papal Court of Avignon (1309-1424) with which the Knights maintained close ties.

Eleven gates provided access to the city which is divided into two parts: The Collachium, where the Knights resided - the most impressive buildings from that time are located here: the Grand Master’s Pal-

ace, the Infirmary and the Langues - and the Burgo, the main town.

The Old Town, as the locals call it, is today one of the best preserved fortified medieval towns and has been listed by UNESCO and a world cultural heritage monument. Walking down its paved streets, admiring the imposing Knightly buildings, the walls and their dry moat and the bastions, the Byzantine churches and the mosques, the squares, gardens and courtyards of houses, the visitor feels that time has stopped while at the same time discovering that this unique town is still living, full of surprises and just asking you to explore it.

The Knights’ Street (Odhos Ippoton) is 200 m long and 6 m wide. It was the main official street connecting the religious and political center of the fortress, in other words the Catholic Cathedral (Panaghia Kastrou) and the Palace of the Grand Master. Along its length are the most important public and private buildings erected by the Knights. Here, with few exceptions, is the accommodation for the Knights, the “Langues”, the national divisions of the Order of the Knights of St. John. The street is inclined and unusually for a medieval city completely straight. That is one indication that it was first marked out in antiquity. The Knights retained this precisely because the strict linear layout suited them and the new political importance they attached to it.

The present-day building was constructed in the 19th century on the site of an older one which tradition says was erected by the town’s conqueror Suleyman the Magnificent. Note the intricate marble entrance that comes from a grave monument from the time of the knights. In Dorieon Sq. lies Retzet Pasha Mosque.

New Town The Temple of Aphrodite from the 3rd century BC. Its ruins were unearthed in the heart of the new town between Mandraki and Akandia Port in Symi Square.

Aghios Nikolaos lighthouse is a fortress at the end of the jetty with the same name where the deer statutes stand at the entrance to the port welcoming visitors to the island. At the other end are three windmills. The first houses the offices of the Army Hydrographical Service where maritime maps can be purchased. The second from the 15th century operates as a museum. One can see the grinding mechanism while the third houses a travel agency.

The municipality of Archangelos is 18 miles from Rhodes town, is the largest village on the island, Archangelos covers a low plateau and is surrounded by the mountains Profitis Elias, Karavos and the low hills of Kefaloti, Kastro and Anagros. Keeping their traditions alive, the residents speak in dialect and have preserved the arts of their forefathers. The first houses in the village were built in 1023 at the foot of Kastro hill. In the centre of the village is the dominating Church of the Archangel Michael.

Around it is picturesque lanes, traditional houses with arched passageways painted in bright colours such as yellow, blue and green decorated with traditional plates. The atmosphere is special here. Malona-Massari: These are two farming villages in the valley of Nethona River set amid orange groves and orchards.

Summer 2010 / 21

Piazza Grande, Arezzo, Italy Marvelous Regions Of Italy

n o s a e S 1 1 0 1 0 2 Lyric Opera

By John Rizzo

T

he Metropolitan Opera of New York may be the world’s foremost opera company in a number of ways, but the Lyric Opera of Chicago is capable of staging the finest opera anywhere. In the 2010-11 season it is producing some of the most outstanding works in the repertoire and I, for one, can hardly wait to see them! Kicking off the season is Verdi’s Macbeth (1847). The last time Lyric staged the composer’s 10th opera (one he thought so much of that he dedicated it to his benefactor and lifelong friend Antonio Barezzi), it was an unmitigated disaster, the worst production I ever saw at the Civic Opera House. That was because the director was a total nutball who saw Macbeth and his wife as “Hitler and Eva Braun in the bunker.” I wrote at the time, and still believe, that anyone unfamiliar with either Shakespeare’s play or Verdi’s opera, after witnessing this garbage, wouldn’t have a clue as to what either was about. The upcoming production, however, of this fairly early Verdi opera, with its richness of duets and ensembles that anticipates the master’s mature style, under the direction of Chicago Shakespeare’s Barbara Gaines, promises to be well worth seeing.

Macbeth is followed by one of the real opera blockbusters, Bizet’s Carmen (1875). This opera is still in the very first circle of the most beloved works in the repertoire. It is also the model for the verismo—a tragic story that culminates in a murder provoked by sexual jealousy, featuring a cast of commoners, rather than aristocrats, with a real bad girl as its protagonist. I always get a kick out of how so many ladies would do just about anything to play a vamp like Carmen. As a matter of fact, this role is so desirable that even though it was originally scored for (and most often performed today by) a mezzo, almost all of the great sopranos have insisted that the music be transposed higher so that they could sing it. It’s the same situation as Rosina in Rossini’s super popular Il barbiere di Siviglia.

Carmen is an interesting followup to Macbeth, in that both operas feature wicked women, but another reason that this opera is so appealing is because it has so many unforgettable melodies. It is also the perfect opera to take a young person for his or her initiation into the Grand Art. The opera that I am personally looking forward to most is the second Verdi work Lyric is offering this season, Un ballo in maschera (1859).

That’s because of its cast, which could arguably said to include three of the very best singers in the world. The prima donna, Sondra Radvanoksky, has been profiled in this magazine because I know of no better interpreter of Verdi now performing. I heard her last season in Ernani, and there is no doubt about her mastery of the Bel Canto style, especially in the coloratura passages. But she also possesses an unusual sonority to her lower register, which should give her the “heft,” as she puts it, to put across a dramatic role, like Amelia, quite convincingly. The Riccardo is Frank Lopardo, also written about in a previous issue of this magazine. Frank is now one of the world’s top tenors who did a magnificent job last season in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, especially with his unique approach to

“Una furtive lagrima.” About eight or so years ago, my wife and I went up to Milwaukee to hear the Florentine’s Rigoletto.

In the title role was a young baritone I had never even heard of, Mark Delevan. This guy not only has a cannon for a voice, but he sings beautifully—by far the best Rigoletto I’ve ever heard in person. The next time I heard him he was stealing the show from the other principals as Don Carlo in a Saturday Met broadcast of La forza del destino. For this Verdi masterpiece, I could not imagine the casting to be any better!

When we think of the term, “Spaghetti Western,” we may immediately be reminded of the Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood movies of the ‘70s. But the first work of this genre is Puccini’s La fanciulla del West (1910). It’s New York premiere was one of the greatest moments in opera history, with Enrico Caruso leading an all-star cast and conducted by Arturo Toscanini, with Puccini himself supervising the production. Yet it is not one of the composer’s most popular works because it has only one recognizable aria. Fanciulla though, is excellent theater with a brilliant musical score. For the experienced Italian opera lover who can’t get enough of Puccini, it will satisfy far more than the other works on the season’s schedule, which are Wagner’s Lohengrin, Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Handel’s Hercules and Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado.

Thomas Hampson and Nadja Michael in MACBETH.

Kate Aldrich will sing the role of Carmen for the October performances.

Deborah Voigt sings the role of Minnie in THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST.

24/ Summer 2010

Carmen Giannattasio Soprano Star

By John Rizzo

M

y geography is usually pretty good, but I still had to look up Las Palmas, where I would talk with up-and-coming soprano Carmen Giannattasio. Las Palmas is off the beaten track, in the Canary Islands, close to and a part of Spain, not exactly as Carmen put it, “in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.” It is here that Ms Giannattasio is performing the role of Amalia, in Verdi’s I masnadieri. Like Las Palmas, I masnadieri is not that well known, but it has an interesting history and will probably be staged more often as the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s birth approaches in 2013. It was Verdi’s only London premiere and the prima donna role was written for the “Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind. The part is decidedly Bel Canto, composed to exploit the famous singer’s florid and (to Verdi) antique style. Uncharacteristically, the composer left it to the prima donna to improvise her own cadenzas for two multi-movement arias. It gives us an insight into Carmen Giannattasio’s approach to her art that she happily follows this tradition—”I invented them myself.”

For a young artist whose favorite part is the title role in Rossini’s Ermione, singing Amalia is not unexpected. It is also refreshing that Carmen faces this role with more than a purely musical perspective: “They [the opera’s characters] are Greeks. And Greeks and Italians are almost the same.” Neither is it surprising that she has sung in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, Spontini’s La vestale, Rossini’s Armida, Bellini’s Il pirata, Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia and Verdi’s Il corsaro. Bel Canto prima donna roles are often sung by young sopranos whose voices have yet to mature. But looking at her repertoire closely, there are some items in it that make you go “hmmmmm.”

It certainly seems a bit strange that the same young lady who has sung the above Bel Canto staples has also sung some definitely more dramatic parts like the Contessa and Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni, Amelia and Desdemona in Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and Otello, and Mimi and Cio Cio San in Puccini’s La bohème and Madama Butterfly. What sorcery is this? “Actually,” she explains, “it’s a gift from Mother Nature. My physical vocal apparatus is uniquely formed so I have the sonority of a mezzo but I also have the high range and the agility.” For this kind of voice she had the perfect teacher, the late Turkish diva, Leyla Gencer. This soprano was mainly noted for her Bel Canto roles, but she was also in demand for many dramatic parts, like her more famous contemporary, Maria Callas. Like these fabled opera legends, Carmen is always willing to interpolate the high note, like the

E-flat at the end of “Sempre libera,” but not necessarily every time. “It all depends,” she says. “If everything is going right and I feel comfortable, absolutely!”

Ms Giannattasio is surely comfortable with English, but then again, she should be, having graduated with majors in English and Russian. Why Russian? “I fell in love with the Russian novels,” she muses, “especially Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I just had to read them in the original language.” This is yet another unusual trait for a singer—a serious literary bent. Besides reading she has another personal devotion, photography. “I have a very fine Nikon camera, and I love to take pictures—when I go to work, when I walk in the park.

Carmen has a sunny outlook on things, and she should have, with all her talent. But she also has a serious side that she’s not afraid to show. For example, take the theater scene in Italy, which has been so adversely affected by government austerity measures. “It is a very bad situation,” she laments. “The government has to make budget cuts and will cut support for culture rather than health care. Health is just more important than culture.” Then there was that incident last year, when tenor Roberto Alagna was viciously booed at a La Scala performance of Aida, and he promptly walked out of the show. Most comments were very negative about this behavior, but Giannattasio loyally stands up for Alagna, with whom she has worked before and will do so in the future. She heard that, “even before the show, his replacement was warming up, and some people outside the theater had threatened to boo him regardless of his performance.”

Carmen Giannattasio is originally from Avellino, near Naples.

Her parents still live there but she lives further north. “I have an apartment in Verona,” she says “near the Arena. But I am getting ready to move to London.” This would not be inconvenient because she is scheduled to debut at Covent Garden in 2012 and, of course, her English is flawless. I told her that London was great, although I could not find one of the many Italian restaurants there to be any good. “That’s no problem,” she says brightly, “I’m a good cook.”

Now I’ve never heard her sing, so I can’t tell you how good she really is, but from her background, her repertoire and her future prospects as we know them, I wouldn’t hesitate to attend one of her performances.

Besides, Vittorio Grigolo (the subject of this issue’s cover story) says that he likes to work with her, so that’s good enough for me!

Summer 2010 / 25

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The History of

By Andrew Guzaldo

A

rezzo’s land was probably lived in since Paleolithic era, about 200 thousand years before Christ. In 1863 was found a skull that confirms this hypothesis. Archaic Era

The Umbri population probably made the first settlement core and it was located in the current area of the Dome, Prato and Fortezza.

The city in this period was the commercial centre between the bordering regions. The bronzes statues of Aratore, Minerva and Chimera are dated to this year.

Certainly there was an Etruscan settlement: Arretium was one of the twelve main etruscan city, one “Lucumonia”, the etruscan kings’residence. In this era the power of the city rose, there was an icrease of commerce and a coin’s brand. We have a lot of finds going back at this epoch: some stony surrounded walls and the morphology of the city itself.

The battle of Vadimone lake, between etruscan and roman populations, was the end of Arretium and the beginning of the roman domain in Arezzo’s territories, but is only after the umpyeenth insurrection, soothed by the Terenzio Varrone consul, that Arezzo’s history aligns with the one of Rome. A thing of particular importance is the industry of the coral vases, that was born in this period and that assumed a international importance. The Roman decadence of the Arezzo is due to two factors: first, the crisis of the industry of the coral vases, then the introduction of the Cassia Nova, a new street of communication that replaced the Cassia and that favoured the centers of the enclosures, Siena and Florence. The diffusion of the Christianity and the consequent persecutions, made the Pionta’s catacombs full of faithful, simultaneously also the first martyrs fell: S.Lorentino and S.Pergentino, that was buried to the side of Castro torrent, and S.Donato, the second Arezzo bishop, beheaded on August 7th, 304 a.C.

During the middle ages and the barbaric invasions Arezzo, thanks to his strategic position, was stuck from longobard, francs and germans, that allocated here and granted big privileges to the town. The Pionta, during the Middle Ages, became the center of the political and religious Arezzo’s power, the bishop obtained also the earl charge. In this place Guido Monaco lived and studied music. The revival of the town happened in 1098 with the institution of the first consul of Arezzo’s council, in that period, one of the first universities of the world, was born in Arezzo. The early Middleage was the most thriving epoch in the town, it was centre of culture and power, the nobility began to allocated here and to build the tower-houses, Arezzo counted about 20.000 inhabitants and it was subdivided in 4 quarters (Porta Crucifera, Porta S.Andrea, Porta del Foro e Porta del Borgo). In 1200 thanks to the birth of confraternities and associations, the most beautiful buildings in the town were built: The

Arezzo Italy cathedral, the Pieve of S.Maria, S.Domenico, S.Francesco, the Palace Of The Council and its tower. Arezzo had undertaken several struggles against the near towns, particularly, against Siena and Florence. The two towns in 1288 joined and besieged Arezzo, that resisted and it was able to catch up the Siena’s fugitives in Pieve al Toppo, earning the victory. The next year Firenze made a coalition with the Guelfi of Tuscany and they win against Arezzo in the Campaldino’s battle.

To raise the town again from the aftereffects of the defeat the bishop Guido Tarlati intervened, a big political value man that was named governator all his life long and he became one of the most powerful bulwarks of the Ghibellina part of Italy. When the bishop Tarlati died, Arezzo plumped down in decadence, because of internal struggles between nobles and population, and between the Guelfe and Ghibelline families, to accentuate this uncomfortable situation there were the Compagnie di Ventura’s slaughters. Arezzo, too exhaust, fell in the Filorence’s hands, that bought it for 40 thousand florins.

The Florence’s domain created uneasiness situations for many Arezzo’s families, that not succeeding in the struggle for the independence they left the town, and doing so they contributed to the slow development of the economy. But in this period, many buildings of big value like the S.Maria loggia of the graces, the Palace Of The Fraternita Of The Laymans, the Palace Of The Loggias and the Fortress were built. In 1600 the economic situation became worse: the commercial activities in town, were not able to have a development, and in countryside the Latifondo was not allowing the growth of the economy. Arezzo’s inhabitants never ceased fighting against the Florence’s domain, but at the same time they were also faithful citizens, in this contradictory attitude Arezzo was taken in the Dukedom of Tuscany.

The domain of the AsburgoLorena (1737-1853) was characterized by a discontent climate, caused by the Latifondo’s reforms. However, for Arezzo’s inhabitants it was not the only problem, in those years in fact, powerful earthquake shocks were registered in town, Arezzo was pratically put below-above. In this occasion a miracle took place: a terracotta’s Vierge blackened by the smoke of a Via Vecchia’s tavern, suddenly became white and bright, since this moment on, the Arezzo’s inhabitants will turn their prayers to the “Madonna of the comfort”. Further economic crises and the occupation of the town by Frenches, made the Aretini rise and shout “Viva Maria” in the roads of the town. The insurrection caused further slaughters by Frenches. The Restaurazione took back the Granducato Lorenese to the Arezzo’s guide, but only up when Arezzo’s inhabitants expressed for become part of the Sabaudo Kingdom.

In 1900, Arezzo’s history aligns with the one of the others Italian towns for the two world conflicts, the working struggles, the resistance and the rebuilding. In the half of ‘900, Arezzo economy has a period of big rising: gold’s industries became the economic symbol of the city.

Summer 2010 / 27

Military Prosecutors Withhold Evidence;

Army Ranger Goes To Prison For 25 Years For Shooting Of Al Qaeda Operative

O

n March 20th, 2009, Army Ranger 1st Lieutenant Michael Behenna was sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing Ali Mansur, a known Al Qaeda operative while serving in Iraq. Mansur was known to be a member of an Al Qaeda cell operating in the lieutenant’s area of operation and was suspected to have organized an attack on Lt. Behenna’s platoon in April 2008 which killed two U.S. soldiers and injured two more. Army intelligence ordered the release of Mansur and Lt. Behenna was ordered to return the terrorist to his home.

During the return of Mansur, Lt. Behenna again questioned the Al Qaeda member for information about other members of the terrorist cell, and financial supporters. During this interrogation, Mansur attacked Lt. Behenna, who killed the terrorist in self-defense. The government subsequently prosecuted Lt. Behenna for premeditated murder.

Not only is this a miscarriage of justice on the behalf of Lt. Behenna, who was acting to prevent further loss of life in his platoon, it is demoralizing to the U.S. troops who continue to fight on behalf of the freedom and security of our nation. Whether it is U.S. border patrol agents, members of the armed forces, or FBI agents, no individual who is serving on the frontlines in the War on Terror should be so blatantly mistreated.

The New York Times recently reported that the US military has initiated a policy to “reintegrate” imprisoned Taliban fighters to their Afghan communities. These Taliban fighters were caught with evidence that they had killed our soldiers, but are released to their families in an active war zone with merely a ‘pledge’ that they will not return to the Taliban.

This appears to be the latest attempt to win the hearts and minds of our enemies and taking the ‘catch and release policy’ to a whole new level.

This brings us to Michael’s case; the Army has incarcerated Michael for over a year now. We have asked at every level that Michael’s constitutional right to a fair trial be granted so that all the evidence is disclosed to the jury. Doesn’t seem too much to ask for an American citizen who fought for his country does it? Yet Michael’s request for a new trial has been stranded. The Army seems to be in no hurry to have Michael’s case in front of the Army Court of Appeals as they have yet to file their response to Michael’s brief, which was filed back in December 2009.

There is a double standard in play here where enemy combatants are given mercy, but our soldiers/Marines are denied mercy. For example, Marine SGT Larry Hutchins whose conviction was overturned several weeks by the Navy Appellate Court is STILL IN CUSTODY while the Navy appeals the decision to the next appellate level.

During the past year we have come to know the families of the other soldiers/Marines who have been charged and convicted of ‘murder’ of Al-Qaeda or insurgents while in a combat zone. We have watched as 28 / Summer 2010

these soldiers/Marines and their families prepare for clemency hearings before the military clemency boards. (The Armed Forces have a procedure, independent of the appellate process, where an incarcerated soldier/Marine can appear before a clemency board and ask for a reduction of his sentence, or if the individual has served at least 1/3 of his sentence they may request parole.) We have heard the hopelessness in the voices of the families when they learn that their son or husband will not receive ANY reduction in their sentence. It is difficult for these military families to know that based on ‘solemn’ pledge Taliban fighters are released by the same US military leadership and allowed to return home to their families.

What message does the US military send when we punish our own soldiers more harshly then we punish the combatants who have killed our brave men and women on the front lines of this war on terrorism?

Many of the soldiers/Marines I am speaking of, including our son, would never find themselves involved in the criminal justice system but for their combat experience. These soldiers/Marines do not have previous criminal histories, and their military records are replete with honorable service including purple hearts, bronze stars, and multiple deployments in defense of our country. Some of these soldiers fell victim to the military’s ‘catch and release’ policy that returns enemy combatants to the battlefield where they return to fight our soldiers time and time again. Yet others were protecting themselves or their men in a combat zone. Even if they made mistakes in judgment during war, should they be sentenced to 10-40 years while the enemy is totally forgiven? Why shouldn’t the Same military leadership afford our combat soldiers/Marines a second chance!

If the US military will release Taliban fighters simply on a pledge by their families that they will not rejoin the Taliban then we ask the same for our troops. These soldiers/Marines are not a threat to our society and deserve to be home with their families. We ask that you the American public stand with us. Our request is that each of you vouch for these soldiers/Marines and demand that our military extend the same mercy to them as they did to the enemy combatants who are trying to kill our soldiers every day.

Please write a letter to your Senator, Congressman, and the Secretary of Defense and advise them that this double standard will not be tolerated.

Scott and Vicki Behenna Bless you for your continued support, http://www.defendmichael.com Secretary of Defense Robert Gates 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington DC 20301-1400

[WASHINGTON] With Congress continuing to oppose moving GITMO terrorists inside the United States, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) today called on the President to purchase and fully utilize the vacant Thomson Correctional Center in northwest Illinois as a maximum security federal prison without the terrorists.

In a letter to President Obama, Manzullo said another 750 max imum security federal inmates could be incarcerated at the state-owned Thomson facility if the Administration allowed the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to use the three pods (200 cells in each pod) currently set aside for GITMO terrorists. The BOP is planning to house 1,800 maximum-security federal inmates in the other five pods at Thomson and would welcome the additional space.

“Housing an extra 750 federal prisoners at Thomson would create more civilian job opportunities while further reducing the current 52 percent overcrowding in the federal prison system’s maximum security division,” Manzullo said. “It is my understanding that the federal prison population is expected to grow by 10,000 to 14,000 inmates over the next two years. This has become a critical safety issue that reduces the guard to prison ratio, and jeopardizes the security of our federal personnel who work in these facilities. I strongly urge the President to fully utilize Thomson as a federal prison without the terrorists.”

Manzullo’s letter to the President comes on the heels of another strong bipartisan vote in Congress this past week against bringing the

Manzullo Urges President to Fully Utilize Thomson as Federal Prison Without Terrorists!

GITMO terrorists into the United States. On Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee voted 59-0 for the FY 2011 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5136) that includes the following language: “(t)he committee firmly believes that the construction or modification of any facility in the U.S. to detain or imprison individuals currently being held at Guantanamo must be accompanied by a thorough and comprehensive plan that outlines the merits, costs and risks associated with utilizing such a facility.

No such plan has been presented to date.” As a result of this unanimous legislative action, even Illinois Governor Pat Quinn acknowledged to the Chicago Tribune on Friday it is less likely the GITMO terrorist detainees will come to Illinois.

Manzullo suspects the outrageous price tag of moving the GITMO terrorists to Thomson -- $350 million – is also a driving force behind Congress’ opposition to the plan, along with concerns that moving GITMO to Thomson will simply transfer the threat and hatred to northwest Illinois.

“With this latest bipartisan vote in Congress, it is apparent the President will not get the Congressional support he needs to move the terrorists to Thomson,” Manzullo said. “I strongly urge him to free up the extra pods at the prison so we can house another 750 federal prison inmates and further reduce the extreme overcrowding in the federal maximum security system.”

“Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”

Thomas Jefferson

Secretary Director Carlo di Florio Addresses Public Policy Lecture Series In New York City ( WASHINGTON , D.C. – May 3, 2010) Carlo V. di Florio, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director of the Office of Compliance, Inspections and Examinations (OCIE), was the keynote speaker at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) Public Policy Lecture Series on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. introduced Mr. di Florio and praised the work Carlo V. di Florio of SEC Commissioner Mary L. Shapiro concerning the ongoing debate over financial regulation and reform. He praised Mr. di Florio and Ms. Shapiro for their work at the SEC.

Mr. di Florio opened his address in Italian and spoke about his hard-working grandparents who emigrated from Italy ’s region of Abruzzo to the U.S. to work on the railroads. He praised NIAF’s leadership for their proactive role in bringing public policy issues to the forefront and encouraging constructive dialogue. Mr. di Florio highlighted recent changes that the SEC’s Chairman is implementing – breaking down “silos” and facilitating teamwork. Additionally, Commissioner Shapiro is putting together a new leadership team with a separate division to examine emerging markets for future SEC programs. Mr. di Florio discussed changes

the SEC is making to become more focused on its mission to identify fraud while working with other financial institutions. He noted that technology is critical to financial markets and that, accordingly, regulatory agencies need to have comparable technology to move forward. Mr. di Florio closed by comparing the principles learned from our grandparents – fairness, trust, integrity and transparency – as the same principles that need to be at the center of regulatory reform.

At the luncheon, Mr. di Florio was joined by NIAF’s leadership including Salvatore M. Salibello, executive vice president, Michael A. Zampardi, regional vice president in New York, Paolo Catalfamo , regional vice president for Italy, board members Linda R. Carlozzi, Esq., Gerard S. LaRocca, Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimo, Hon. Frank J. Guarini, chairman emeritus and Salvatore J. Zizza, board emeritus.

From the New York area, the Foundation’s council members, area coordinators, prominent business executives and Italian American community leaders attended the series.

Updating the guests about the Foundation’s upcoming events, Zampardi spoke about NIAF’s business roundtable on June 8, 2010 in Rome, Italy that will focus on financial and regulatory reform and topics related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He highlighted NIAF’s Night In New York on May 26, 2010 and the Foundation’s Anniversary Gala Convention Weekend, October 22-23, 2010. He thanked Vincent Viola, a NIAF vice chairman and the Viola family for their gracious support of the NIAF Public Policy Lecture Series.

NIAF is an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian, not-for profit foundation dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Remarks made during NIAF Public Policy Lectures represent the view of the speaker and are not endorsed by The Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation’s programs, visit www.niaf.org

Summer 2010 /29

From Enemy to friends

Italians Travel to Hereford, Texas, to Visit POW Chapel

By Andrew Guzaldo

They suffered the humiliation of defeat and capture, the death of five countrymen during internment, the loss of years of their lives and months of debilitating hunger, but on, four of the “Herefordiani,” – former internees of the Camp Hereford prisoner of war camp -- returned to the site of their imprisonment to rededicate the chapel constructed in memory of their dead.

The return to Hereford was especially poignant for Angerilli Adrino, who as a young lieutenant worked to construct the chapel in the waning days of WWII, knowing that when he and the thousands of other Italian POWs were finally repatriated to their homeland, five of their comrades – Pvt. Innocente Ortelli, Lt. Evaristo Fava, Cpl. Pierluigi Berticelli, Capt. Renzo Banzi and Sgt. Giulio Zamboni – would not be returning home with them.

The chapel now sits in a neat little space, surrounded by shoulder high milo, off a dirt road in Castro County, joined only by the base of the camp’s water tower as the only visible reminder that there was ever a prison – formally known as the Hereford Military Reservation and Reception Center -- at the site.

Ezio Luccioli, 91, Giuseppe Margottini, joined Adrino, now 91, 80 – who, because of lying about his age to enlist, was, at age 16, the youngest POW interred at Camp Hereford, and Fernando Togni, an Italian Marine captured at Anzio.

All four, because of their status as “non-collaborators” – loyalists to Benito Mussolini who refused to switch allegiance to the King of Italy after Italy’s fall to the allies, were assigned to Camp Hereford, which was considered “the end of the line” for non-cooperative Italian POWs.

The camp, which consisted of four compounds spread over 165 acres, was located largely in Castro County, but identified as Hereford because of its proximity to the small community about 5 miles away.

The four former POWs were joined on their visit by Italy’s Under Secretary of State Roberto Menia,Vincenzo Arcobelli Comites President and the General Consul of Italy Cristano Maggipinto. Italian film and television crews also documented the return to Hereford.

A fifth Italian POW, Vincenzo Centofanti, who was captured in Ethiopia and interred by British forces in a number of camps throughout North Africa, also participated in the rededication ceremony.

POWs who signed documents disavowing their allegiance to Mussolini after Italy’s surrender in September 1943 were often returned to active duty and assigned to service units, according to historic accounts of the era, while the “Nons,” or “Mussolini men” as the non-collaborators were referred, were interned throughout the war, and as in the case of the Hereford internees, for a number of months after the end of hostilities.

The first POWs arrived at Hereford on April 3, 1943 and the last prisoners left on Feb. 7, 1946. Hereford was the second-larges POW camp built in Texas, and at its peak, held 3,860 prisoners during August 1943.

Adrino, who was captured in May 1943, was initially sent to a POW camp in Missouri, where he was afforded the chance to disavow his loyalty to Mussolini. Because he refused, he was transferred to Hereford.

On Friday night, during a press conference held at Hereford’s Best Western motel, Adrino, through an interpreter, said he was “very taken” with his experience in Hereford, “and still remembers the barbed-wire fences and barracks.”

Adrino, who has made several return trips to Hereford, professed that his only bad memory of his internment was when their U.S. Army captors suddenly cut rations to the prisoners to what Adriano referred to as a “600 calorie a day” diet.

30 / Summer 2010

When asked if any POWs ever considered attempting to escape Hereford, Adriano answered first with a slight grin: “Everybody, everyday,” he said, adding that he himself had been involved in a tunnel escape attempt that discovered by their American guards about the time the tunnel had cleared the fence line. Equipment used to dig and support the tunnel, he said, was purchased by sales of prisoner-made alcohol that was sold to their U.S. guards, Adriano said.

History records there were at least initially successful escapes from the prison, but no prisoner actually evaded capture for long.

The goal, Adrino said, was simply “to get out.”

With the end of their imprisonment nearing, Adriano and several other POWs constructed the 10x10 chapel in just a matter of two weeks labor. At approximately the same time, another crew of POWs began work painting murals and creating woodcarvings at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Umbarger.

The work at St. Mary’s was completed in just six weeks – all of which occurred months after the final surrender of the Axis powers.

Following the rededication ceremony, the former POWs and their entourage dined at the Hereford Country Club before driving to Umbarger to tour St. Mary’s.

Vincenzo Arcobelli, president of Comites to Italians Living Abroad, representing Italians living in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, said the rededication effort at the chapel couldn’t have been completed without the assistance of labor and commitment of the people of Deaf Smith and Castro counties.

The effort, he said, “was to promote and protect a part of American and Italian history.”

Arcobelli, like many of the dignitaries who spoke at various events, took care to explain that while many of the Hereford internees were there because of their refusal to disavow their former leader, it was, for them, a matter of pride and honor, not political belief.

“They were soldiers,” he said. “It makes no difference if they belonged to one political party or another. They were soldiers, and men of honor.”

Menia, the highest-ranking Italian dignitary, said the Hereford POWs “kept their own dignity and their own honor. They were soldiers of honor, not soldiers of fortune.”

Italians Travel to Hereford to Visit POW Chapel

It’s the only remaining proof of a World War II Prisoner-of-War Camp and it was rededicated.

Nearly 65 years ago a group of Italian POW’s asked the U.S. military if they could build a chapel to honor five soldiers who died at the camp.

Today, after a full restoration dignitaries from Italy, members of the U.S. military, and the sole remaining POW had time to reflect on the meaning of this memorial.

“It’s very emotional to see it. But it’s extremely serene and he’s very pleased to see all the people. Especially the local people welcoming them back,” said Dr. Vincenzo Centofanti through an interpreter. At 91, he’s the only POW who is still alive.

“This is a moment to share friendship. So we share history, culture and we share friendship. And as a representative of an Italian living abroad, we hope this friendship will continue,” said Vincenzo Arcobelli, an Italian spokesman.

A representative from the Italian government said he was deeply touched by the ceremony.

“Sixty-five years ago, the prisoners of war were considered your enemy,” he said through an interpreter. “Now, 65 years later, you consider them among the best friends you have.”

NIAF Celebrates Italian American Community At Texas Gala ( Washington , D.C. — May 17, 2010) For the first time in 35 years, The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) hosted a gala in Dallas to showcase Texas ’ vibrant community and celebrate our nation’s rich Italian heritage in the Southwest. The event was held on May 15, 2010, at the historic Adolphus hotel.

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura W. Bush served as honorary patrons of NIAF’s Texas Gala. This year’s gala dinner chairman was Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc., and a member of NIAF’s Board of Directors.

Mike Modano, Stanley Cup champion and seven-time NHL All-Star for the Dallas Stars along with Jay Lombardo, president and CEO of Lombardo Custom Apparel; Bruno Mascolo, CEO and a cofounder of international hair care business TONI&GUY; and Victor “Vic” Salvino, dealer principal of Texas Kenworth Co., received NIAF Special Achievement Awards before more than 400 prominent business leaders and sports celebrities. Bruno Mascolo’s brother Gaetano Mascolo, also a co-founder of TONI&GUY, received a NIAF Special Achievement Award posthumously.

To open the gala awards ceremony Jeff Cogen, president of the Dallas Stars, presented a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Sports to Modano, an Italian American at the pinnacle of his hockey career. Modano joined Cogen at the podium and thanked NIAF for the opportunities it provides young people through its many educational and cultural programs. In an emotional delivery, Modano spoke about the importance of discipline and hard work, attributes his father instilled in him at an early age.

To present a NIAF Special Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service, Victor Salvino, Jr. described his father as having “a heart bigger than the State of Texas .” Salvino, Sr. thanked his family and friends and recalled two very special people in his life: Kyle Woods, a quadriplegic whom he helped over the years, and President George W. Bush who has generously given his time to support Salvino’s many causes.

Lombardo, who received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Fashion, recalled the journey his ancestors made from Sicily to Ellis Island and their many sacrifices for family. Lombardo’s business partner and NIAF area coordinator in North Texas Charlie Turano, Jr., presented the NIAF award to his longtime friend.

This year’s NIAF Special Achievement Awards in Business and the Arts was awarded to Bruno Mascolo and his late brother Gaetano.

Mascolo spoke about the fragility of life and the effect of his brother’s death on his vision of life. He received his award from one of his associates, Paul Joseph Marzioli.

During the gala, Kenneth J. Aspromonte, former major league baseball player and manager for the Cleveland Indians and a NIAF vice president for the Southwest region, presented a scholarship in his name to Bianca Tamez-Buccino, a senior at the School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center of Dallas, Texas.

Also part of the evening’s activities was a silent auction including one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, Lombardo Custom apparel, a large canvas painting from Riposto Art, dining and travel gift certificates and several TONI&GUY hair care packages.

Immediately following dinner, guests enjoyed Paciugo gelato and danced to a medley of Frank Sinatra’s songs performed by Paul Salos, a finalist for NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Italian Americans. www.niaf.org

Thirty- Four University Students Receive Travel Grants to Italy Through A NIAF Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 2010) Thirty-four college students from across the United States will participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian American students to Italy. Sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the tour will visit Italy’s Campania and Umbria regions from May 29 to June 8, 2010.

“NIAF’s Voyage of Discovery program further strengthens Italian American students’ understanding of their heritage, creates greater awareness of Italy as one of America’s business and political partners and a vital ally to our nation. The Foundation’s signature educational program gives participants with careers to explore an opportunity to experience the land of their ancestors while learning about modern-day Italy as a leader in science and technology,” NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. said.

Now in its ninth year, the nine-day NIAF program will include excursions to the historical center of Padula in Campania to visit one a World Heritage Sites - La Certosa di San Lorenzo, the second-largest Carthusian monastery in Italy and the Museo (museum) of Joe Petrosino, a former New York City police officer who was a pioneer in the fight

against organized crime. Dinner will follow at an Agriturismo, a local working vacation farms. An excursion to Alvaneta Fattoria (farm) will include educational workshops on biodiversity and local traditions. While in Teggiano, students will listen to a bishop’s greetings and explore the famous caves of Pertosa. In Salerno, students will meet with Enzo Maraio, commissioner of tourism, and travel to the archeological site of Paestum, known for its three Doric temples – considered the best preserved Greek temples in the world. During the second part of the trip to the region of Umbria, students will visit the cities of Assisi, Bevagna and Perugia where they will tour the University of Perugia and meet its students.

The package, which includes round-trip airfare between the U.S. and Italy, accommodations, meals, guided tours and transfers, is valued at more than $2,500 and financed by NIAF. For more information, visit http://www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery/

Follow the students virtually at http://www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent.

Summer 2010 / 31

2010 - 2011 national italian restaurant guide Email us for info on

CHICAGO AND SUBURBS, IL 3 Olives Restaurant / Twist Lounge 8318 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge, IL 60706 Phone: (708) 452-1545 Agostino’s Ristorante 2817 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL agostinogustofino.com (773) 745-6464 Amalfi Ristorante 298 Glen Ellyn Rd. Bloomingdale, IL 630-893-9222 Capri Ristorante Italiano, Inc. 1238 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: (630) 778-7373

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 Phone: (773) 878-2420 Venuti’s Ristorante & Banquets 2251 W. Lake St. Addison, IL 60101 Phone: (630) 376-1500 Via Carducci 1419 W. Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614 773-665-1981

John Mineo’s Italian 13490 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131

Phone: (414) 963-9623

Phone: (215) 238-9983

Phone: (314) 434-5244

Mama Yolanda’s

Modesto Tapas Bar

Italian Restaurant 746 S. 8TH St. Philadelphia, PA 19147

& Restaurant 5257 Shaw Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone: (215) 592-0195

Phone: (314) 772-8272

Mio Sogno Italian Restaurant 2650 S. 15TH St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 Phone: (215) 467-3317

Tony’s Restaurant 410 Market St. St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: (314) 231-7007

NAPLES, FL Trattoria Milano Italian 336 Tamiami Trail N Naples, FL 34102 Phone: (239) 645-2030 Bellagio of Naples 492 Bayfront Pl. Naples, FL 34102

Cafe Zalute & Bar 9501 W. Devon Rosemont, Il

NEW YORK, NY

Gioacchino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 5201 St. Charles Rd. Bellwood, IL 60104 Phone: (708) 544-0380

107 Salem St.

La Piazza 410 Circle Ave., Forest Park, IL Phone: (708) 366-4010 www.piazzacafe.com

187 North St.

Ristorante Al Teatro 1227 W. 18th Street Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 784-9100

Dolce` 241 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone: (239) 430-7020

Phone: (847) 685-0206

Porretta Ristorante & Pizzeria 3656 N Central Ave Chicago, IL 60641 Phone: 773-736-1429

Carini’s La Conca D’oro 3468 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211

Vince’s Italian Restaurant 4747 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: (708) 867-7770

Custom House 500 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: (312) 523-0200

Osteria via Stato 620 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60610 Phone: (312) 642-8450

Stars Restaurant Review Rating!

BOSTON, MA Bacco Ristorante & Bar

Boston, MA 02113 Phone: (617) 624-0454 Fiorella’s Newton, MA 02460 Phone: (617) 969-9990 Sorento’s Italian Gourmet 86 Peterborough St. Boston, Ma, 02215 Phone: (617) 424-7070

Trattoria Milano Italian 336 9TH St. N Naples, FL 34102 Phone: (239) 643-2030 Locanda Verde 377 Greenwich St (corner of N.Moore and Greenwich) New York, NY 10013 Phone: (212) 925-3797 Tarry Lodge 18 Mills St. Port Chester, NY 10573 Phone: (914) 939-3111 Carmine’s 2450 Broadway New York, NY 10024 Phone: (212) 362-2200 Massimo al Ponte Vecchio 206 Thompson St. New York, NY 10012 Phone: (212) 228-7701

MILWAUKEE, WI Alioto’s 3041 N. Mayfair Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53222 Phone: (414) 476-6900 Buca di Beppo 1233 N. Van Buren St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: (414) 224-8672

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Concetta’s Italian Restaurant 600 S. 5th St. Kuleto’s St. Charles, MO 63301 221 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (636) 946-2468 SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Phone: (415) 397-7720

Ricardo’s Italian Cafe Mescolanza 1931 Park Ave. 2221 Clement St. St. Louis, MO 63104 San Francisco, CA 94121 Phone: (314) 421-4833 Phone: (415) 668-2221 Puccini & Pinetti 129 Ellis St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 392-5500

Ristorante Umbria The Old Spaghetti 198 2nd St. Factory San Francisco, CA 94105 727 N. First St. St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: (415) 546-6985 Phone: (314) 621-0276 ST. LOUIS, MO Favazza’s 5201 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 Phone: (314) 772-4454

Dante & Luigi’s 762 S. 10th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Phone: (215) 922-9501

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 10923 Olive Blvd.

Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Phone: (314) 872-3241

MILAN, ITALY Al Dollaro Via Paolo Cannobio, 11 Galleria Cafe Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, 75 Ristorante Pizzeria Dogana Via Dogana, 3 Phone & Fax: 02 8056766

CONTACT US FOR RATES TO BE LISTED IN OUR NATIONAL RESTAURANT GUIDE

32 / Summer 2010

By John Rizzo

I had to do a double-take when I was assigned to review the Ristorante Al Teatro - 1223 W. 18th St.? Wait a minute! Isn’t that in Pilsen, which is about 99.9 percent Mexican? “If they can open a tacqueria on Taylor Street, we can open an Italian restaurant in Pilsen,” chided owner Dominick Geraci. Fair enough. But what kind of place is this? I thought.

When my wife and I went down there for dinner, we encountered Owner Dominick one of the most amazing restauGeraci shows off some rants imaginable.

Mothers Day home Situated to the east of Blue made Ravioli Island Avenue, Al Teatro is actually in a changing neighborhood, just south of the totally rehabbed Water Market area, a modern residential section that was once the city’s fresh produce center. The restaurant occupies only a small part of a large building, erected in 1893 to coincide with the Columbian Exposition and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of this structure contains different sized dwelling units, but the most spectacular part is a classically designed theater called Thalia Hall, named after the Muse of Comedy and built by the Czechs who dominated this area at that time. Despite needing considerable remodeling, Dominick claims that he can have the theater ready for action by this fall. This seems hard to believe, The table settings are colorful but Geraci is a serious and inviting man, so I wouldn’t bet against it.

“If you want to do something, do what you know,” says Dominick. The Norridge native, originally from Sicily, has been in the real estate and rehabbing business for over twenty years. From the looks of the Ristorante Al Teatro, he surely knows how to make a place appear impressive.

Wherever he has had the chance, he has captured the design schemes of the building’s original décor. This goes for the private party rooms and wine racks in the basement. The walls are festooned with photos and memorabilia of the Columbian Exposition. Coming here is almost like traveling back in time, and the place presents a real treat for the eyes.

What about the food? Well, Dominick knows about the food business too. Before he got into real estate he owned and ran Il Primo Foods (now Rex Foods) on Harlem Ave. Al Teatro’s fare reflects the expertise of a man who understands what people expect from an Italian restaurant. You can categorize the restaurant’s offerings into three general categories – pizza, Italian specialties and homemade gelato. We decided to sample all three. We accompanied our meal with some excellent Chianti Classico selected from a concise, but still comprehensive, wine list.

Al Teatro offers twenty kinds of pizza, all baked to order in roomy wood burning ovens. These are all very thin, kind of Napolitan’ style, so we shared two, a delicious Goat Cheese Pizza, with mozzarella, roasted peppers, caramelized onions and eggplant, and a scrumptious Speck e Formaggio, with tomatoes and Fontina and Gorgonzola cheeses. Speck, by the way, is a specially cured ham, like a thick and juicy prosciutto. We The homemade desserts are had the pizzas in place of appetizers that are beautifully presented in a large also very tempting. display counter Knowing that we couldn’t leave until trying some of Al Teatro’s homemade ice cream, we decided to skip the secondi and try a couple of the pasta dishes. The one with fresh seafood was the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare, which features artfully grilled calamari, clams, mussels and shrimp (pre-oil spill) in a light red sauce. The other was the inviting Spaghetti al Galletto, with chicken breast, sundried tomatoes and goat cheese in a zesty pesto sauce. Our enjoyment, of this first class food was magnified, by the company of Dominick and his beautiful wife, Catherine. Now it was time for dessert!

Displayed in a large counter that is almost intimidating, are Al Teatro’s 24 selections of homemade gelato. The citrus and flavor bases are imported from Sicily regularly, so it’s going to be hard to find Italian desserts more authentic than these. Which ones to try? We finally opted for Pistachio and Stracciatella, but these were difficult choices. We’ll just have to go back and pick a couple different ones next time. But we really loved the texture and taste of genuine ice cream – a fine conclusion to an outstanding dining experience!

Ristorante Al Teatro has been open for over a year now, and it’s a good prospect to become an Italian dining institution before On the lower level are two long. Its location may seem off the beaten private party rooms and a track, but this south-of-UIC area is really well-stocked wine cellar booming. Once the Thalia Theater gets going, which I’m sure it will, you won’t be able to dine here without reservations.

Right now, it is a great place for a banquet with many options available. For the super quality of the food and the antique ambience, it has already become one of my favorite restaurants to visit.

Ristorante Al Teatro, 1227 W. 18th St. Chicago, Il 60608, 312-784-9100, www.alteatro.us

Buon appettito!

Summer 2010 / 33

alls Symptoms of Lyme disease

House

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld has had a long lasting relationship in the Italian American community.

He has been honored, by the Foreign Minister of Italy, who conferred these honors to the Doctor as “Commendatore and Grand Uficiale della Republica Italian”

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld

Most tick bites occur in the woods and areas with tall grass populated by deer are other wild animals. We are especially vulnerable TO THEM between the months of April and October, when most tick bites occur. HERE’S HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK: Always wear protective clothing when walking in tick infested areas; apply tick repellents such as 10% DEET to exposed skin, and check your clothes, your body, your dogs, and especially your kid for ticks as soon as you come home. But remain alert to the possibility of Lyme disease even if you never found a tick because more than half the patients with Lyme disease never saw the one that bit them.

The earliest sign of Lyme disease is a bull’s-eye rash, sometimes it’s a double bull’s-eye or just a big oval rash that often enlarges. It’s often mistaken for poison ivy or ringworm. Regardless of its shape, any expanding rash or redness is suspicious for Lyme disease during this season. But remember the rash does not always appear. Symptoms of Lyme disease are very much like the flu; YOU DON’T FEEL WELL generally and HAVE SOME FEVER, but NO congestion. Then neurological signs MAY APPEAR—drooping OR weakening of one side of the face, headache, stiff neck, nausea, joint swelling and problems with vision. LYME disease CAN BE CURED

BY ANTIBIOTICS, especially in its early stages.

ACE inhibitors such as ramipril or lisinopril and ARBs ( angiotensin receptor blockers) such as Diovan are widely used and effective medications to lower high blood pressure. However, these drugs should never be used by PREGNANT women OR THOSE of childbearing age who may become pregnant BECAUSE they can seriously affect the outcome of the pregnancy – causing everything from neonatal deaths to a wide variety of developmental birth defects. If you who fall into this category and HAVE developed hypertension, discuss with your doctor what OTHER drugs you can safely take, INCLUDING beta blockers, diuretics, and others.

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More than 23 million Americans have type II (adult) diabetes.

This develops when the body stops using insulin efficiently or

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doesn’t produce enough of IT. Uncontrolled diabetes ULTIMATELY causes a significant RISK OF heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, serious eye problems, infection and nerve damage. Many people have diabetes for years before it is diagnosed because early on it may have few symptoms. Treating this disease in time reduces the risk of these complications so the earlier the diagnosis is made and therapy begun the better. Until now, it was recommended that screening for type II adult diabetes begin at age 45, especially in individuals who are high-risk by virtue of a bad family history or being overweight and then repeated every three years. However, BASED ON NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS, many doctors, including me, now recommend THAT screening BE started at age 30.

Most otherwise healthy men as they get older develop ENLARGEMENT OF THEIR prostate GLAND. This often causes frequent urination, especially at night. There are several medications to treat THESE SYMPTOMS, the best known of which are Proscar and Avodart (but there are several others). It has now been observed that in addition to shrinking the prostate and thereby reducing the symptoms, regular use of these medications ALSO DECREASES the incidence of prostate cancer by about 25 percent; and by more than 30% in someone with a family history of prostate cancer. So rather than GRIN AND BEAR IT, if you have to “go” frequently during the night, take one of these drugs not TO RELIEVE YOUR symptoms but to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

If you’ve developed a red rash on the back of your legs AND CAN’T figure out what caused it, check to see if you’re sitting on A new sofa or other furniture imported from China. Many such items, as well as shoes and some clothing, ARE SHIPPED WITH A chemical THAT has been added to prevent the growth of mold. If you happen to be allergic to this chemical, called dimethylfumate --DMF -- you may develop a contact dermatitis THAT can occur anywhere in the body.

THE AFFECTED skin becomes dry and chapped and eventually red, scaly and inflamed. Over 1000 cases of been reported in Europe and some in Canada -- none yet in the United States. You don’t want to be the first.

Isadore Rosenfeld. M.D.C.M. F.A.C.P. Rossi Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College

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Dante Alighieri – An Ancient Family Tree

T

he Alighieri Family of Florence did not become famous because of its nobility status but because it gave birth to the poet Dante. In La Divina Commedia, “The Paradiso” section, Cacciaguida degli Elisei, Dante’s great-great-grandfather, tells us the origins of the Alighieri family.

They descended from the family of the Elisei. Adamo Elisei’s son was Cacciaguida who married an Aldighieri from Ferrara and had a child named Aldighiero, the founder of the family. Aldighiero had a son named Bellincione who settled in San Martino al Vescovo; he fathered Alighiero, a judge who despised the trade of lending money on usury and chose instead to become a small landowner. Alighiero married twice, the first time to Bella degli Abati, from whom he had Durante a.k.a Dante; Bella died when Dante was not yet ten years old, and Alighiero soon married again, to Lapa daughter of Chiarissimo Cialuffi. It is uncertain whether he really married her, as widowers had social limitations in these matters. This woman definitely bore two children, Dante’s brother Francesco and sister Tana (Gaetana).

The exact date of Dante’s birth is not known, although it is generally believed to be around 1265. This can be deduced from autobiographic allusions in “the Inferno” section (Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita - “Halfway through the journey we are living...”, implying that Dante was around 35 years old, as the average lifespan according to the Bible is 70 years, and as the imaginary travel took place in 1300 Dante must have been born around 1265).

When Dante was 12, he was promised in marriage to Gemma daughter of Messer Manetto Donati. Contracting marriages at this early age was quite common and involved a formal ceremony, including contracts signed before a notary. Dante had already fallen in love with another woman, Beatrice Portinari (known also as Bice) the daughter of Folco di Ricovero Portinari. Dante met her at the age of nine when his father took him to the Portinari house for a May Day party. At the time, Beatrice was eight years old, a year younger than Dante. Dante was instantly taken with her and remained so throughout her life even though she married another man. Beatrice died in June of 1290 at the age of 24. After Beatrice’s death, Dante withdrew into intense study and began composing poems dedicated to her memory; he never mentioned his wife Gemma in any of his poems.

To further his political career and take part in public life, Dante became a pharmacist. He did not intend to actually practice as one, but a law issued in 1295 required that nobles who wanted public office had to be enrolled in one of the “Corporazioni delle Arti e dei Mestieri” so Dante obtained admission to the apothecaries’ guild. This profession was not entirely irrelevant, since at that time books were sold from apothecaries’ shops. As a politician, he accomplished little, but he held various offices over a number of years in a city undergoing political unrest. During this time Florence was threatened by two competing “Guilds”. One side was the Guelphs, a political alliance supporting the Papacy, while the other side, the Ghibellines supported the Holy Roman Emperor. Dante’s family belonged to the Guelphs.

Dante, after marrying Gemma, had several children. As often happens with significant figures, many people subsequently claimed to be Dante’s offspring; however, it is likely that Pietro, Jacopo, Giovanni, Gabrielle Alighieri and Antonia were truly his children. Antonia became a nun known as Suor (Sister) Beatrice.

Dante died in 1321 (at the age of 56) possibly of malaria while returning to Ravenna from a diplomatic mission to Venice. Dante was buried in Ravenna at the Church of San Pier Maggiore (later called San Francesco). Dante’s children followed their father in exile in 1302; after his father’s death, Pietro’s family settled in Verona. The Alighieri family ended in Verona in 1558 and the Serego Family inherited the Alighieri name after the last female family member married a Serego.

If Dante’s family tree can be documented back to the early 1000s through his literary works, we don’t need to descend from a famous writer to learn ours. Learning about our origins can be an important legacy to our children, after all memories are not used to remember the lost time, but to start again, knowing that losing our roots inevitably leads to a loss in our identity as people who live, think and love.

Learning about our origins can be an important legacy to our children, after all memories are not used to remember the lost time, but to start again, knowing that losing our roots inevitably leads to a loss in our identity as people who live, think and love.

If you are interested in authorizing a research project in your Ancestral town, go to: http://www.myitalianfamily.com/research/home_research.htm or call us direct at 1-888-472-0171.

If you are interested in traveling to your Ancestral town, go to: http://www.myitalianfamily.com/trips/ or call us direct at 1-888-472-0171.

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5341 W Belmont, Chicago, IL, 60641 Summer 2010 / 35

Calendar of Entertainment Events

Top seven definitions

Pasquale Esposito

August 7 and 8 Casa Italia’s Festa della Famiglia 3800 Division Street Stone Park, IL 60165 Sunday, December 19 Bayside Performing Arts Center San Mateo, Ca 7:30 Pm http://www.italianmusicman.com/

Chieli Minucci

Goth

This word contains over a thousand years of drama. In brief: Around the fifth century, the Goths were a tribe that helped defeat the Roman Empire; by the 1500s, gothic meant “barbaric” and was used to insult a new style of architecture; that architecture became associated with the medieval age; ideas of medieval darkness and mystery inspired gothic fiction of the 1800s like Dracula. All this eventually led, in the 1990s, to goth fashion – characterized by vampire-ish black clothes and eyeliner, and a preference for dark music and moody Romanticism.

D’oh

July 29 San Francisco, CA 8pm

TIZER Lao Tizer, Karen Briggs, Chieli Minucci appearing at the Burnsville Art & All That Jazz Festival

TIZER featuring Lao Tizer, Karen Briggs, & Chieli Minucci August 26 appearing at Branford, Connecticut Yoshi’s 6:30pm San Francisco Chieli Minucci & Special EFX August 13 &14 appearing at the Haugesund, Norway Branford Jazz Series times to be announced September 25 &26 Chieli Minucci & Special EFX Hengelo, The Netherlands appearing at the Silda Jazz Festival Chieli Minucci appearing with August 21 Bob Baldwin Burnsville, MN Tom Braxton (Minneapolis/St. Paul twin cities at the area) International Conference & 6pm Smooth Contemporary Jazz Festival

The Italian Chicks

Saturday, July 24th 7 PM Jimmy C’s Comedy Club 117 Washington Street Toms River, NJ, 08753 Buffet Dinner & Show $39.00 Reservations Call (732) 472-1183

When: June 18th - Friday Where: The Assembly Steak House 495 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ Doors open @ 7:30 ~ ~ BUFFET DINNER & SHOW Showtime: Approx. 9:00pm...

Reservations: call 201 -568-2616 So come down and lets’ be Italian !!

Sunday, September 19th 3.30 PM La Bove Grande 800 Route 70 Lakehurst, NJ, 08733 4 Course Dinner, Cocktail Hour & Show $50 Reservations call (732) 657-8377 http://www.theitalianchicks.com/ THE BEST TIME YOU WILL HAVE WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRAZIE 36 / Summer 2010

Officially referred to as “annoyed grunt” in The Simpsons scripts, Homer Simpson’s signature interjection became a catchphrase of the decade (and later an audio trademark of Twentieth Century Fox). Merriam-Webster thoughtfully defined it this way: “—used to express sudden recognition of a foolish blunder or an ironic turn of events`

Globalization

Positive word? Negative word? In many ways, both. Although globalization dates back to the 50s, it went into overdrive in the 90s – representing not just the excitement and opportunities of an electronically connected global village, but also the conflict between multinational companies and local interests

Grunge

Punk rock mixed with heavy metal: a defining sound of the decade. Grunge With the Seattle band Nirvana (and its 1991 album Nevermind ) leading the way, grunge bands filled the 90s with distorted guitars and angst-filled lyrics. The word comes from grungy, meaning “dirty,” but highend designers and mainstream retailers adopted the outsider look –flannel shirts, knit caps, ripped jeans –.

Politically Correct

It so happens that the Left invented this phrase: it entered Communist lingo in the 1930s to praise loyalty to the party line. But eventually politically correct turned against them. The 90s used it used mainly by the Right – as a kind of battle cry of the Culture Wars. Here’s President George H. W. Bush, in a 1991 commencement speech at the University of Michigan: “The notion of political correctness has ignited controversy across the land.

And although the movement arises from the laudable desire to sweep away the debris of racism and sexism and hatred, it replaces old prejudice with new ones. It declares certain topics off-limits, certain expression off-limits, even certain gestures off-limits.”

DVD

In the second half of the decade, these slim shiny objects slipped easily into our lives. The inventors never really decided whether the acronym stands for “digital video disc” or – to cover more than just video – “digital versatile disc.” Either way, DVDs pushed clunky old VHS tapes off movie rental shelves (remember those stores?) and introduced an important new revenue stream to Hollywood.

Gen X

You know who you are (and you can still hum the Brady Bunch theme). This term was initially used to describe British teens, first in the 1950s and again in the 1960s. But finally – after Douglas Coupland’s 1991 best seller Generation X – it stuck with North Americans, born in the 1960s and 70s, who grew up in the shadow of the baby boomers.

Stars Come Out To Attend A NIAF Night In New York *Cabaret-style evening with Special Performances, Italian Specialties*

Alfio Maria Joe Piscopo Mike Piazza Dan Lauria

Bartiromo

WASHINGTON, D. C. – May 2010) Baseball greats Rick Cerone and Mike Piazza, singing legends Frankie Valli and Jerry Vale, actors Michael Badalucco, Dan Lauria and Joe Piscopo and culinary notables Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Buddy Valastro attended the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) – A NIAF Night in New York.

The star-studded, cabaret-style evening was held at the Hilton New York on May 26, 2010. The event began at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails; they also included Italian specialties, and a silent auction.

A NIAF Night in New York will feature a private performance by former cast members of Chicago’s hit show “Jersey Boys” singing a selection of standards by Valli, Elvis, Dion and other favorites. The evening also includes a performance by Italian singing sensation Alfio.

Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Frankie Valli

NIAF Regional Vice President Michael A. Zampardi is the event chairman and heads a host committee of prominent Italian Americans including Maria Bartiromo, Richard A. Grasso, Kenneth G. Langone, Frank Pellegrino and Vincent Viola.

Proceeds from A NIAF Night in New York will benefit the Foundation’s educational programs. To learn about sponsoring a page in the program books in other events, you can contact Beatrice Santacroce at 202/387-0600 or beatrice@niaf.org.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Italian Americans. www.niaf.org

Patti Brings Back the Big Band Sound

By Joe Cosentino

The big band sound is back in town.

Driving that sound home is the Brian Patti Orchestra. Patti and his “all-stars” are currently providing a full slate of big band sounds at Mango Mexican Restaurant, 8743 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Niles, every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Band leader Patti, who also teaches music at Triton College, has put together a top-notch group of musicians that play everything from the big band sound of Tommy Dorsey to hits from Motown to pop singer Pink’s hit “Get the Party Started”.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the band,” said Patti, who played with Frank Sinatra when he played the Chicago Stadium in 1976.

“I want to attract the 50 and older crowd, but we are ready to do any style.”

The band includes some of the best musicians and band leaders in Chicago, including Bill Porter who plays with his band at the Green Dolphin. Others in the band are Rich Corpolongo, Geoffrey Lowe, Jerry DiMuzio, Doug Scharf, Bobby Schiff, and Don Simmons. The band features female vocalist Frankie Wesson and male vocalist Bob Duda.

Patti likes the Mango room due to its large space and dance floor. The people coming to the venue can enjoy the Mexican cuisine, listen to the music and dance.

Duda, whose smooth voice, does a variety of songs made famous by Sinatra, Dean Martin and others. Wesson, whose voice is a “gift

Brian Patti

from God”, has never taken any singing lessons. She does ballads as well as jazz tunes and classic rock songs.

Despite all the band members having day jobs, they squeeze in rehearsal time. But Patti notes that these guys are 30-year veterans of music and play a wide variety of music on request.

“We know all the songs,” says Patti, who owns three libraries of music charts from other band leaders. “We do the songs on the jobs we play. We’ll mix in a few new ones. Another reason we do this is to warm up the chops for the weekend music jobs.”

“We are geared to go to play polkas if we are asked. Even if we don’t have the charts we can still play any song. It’s very tough to stump this band.”

Originally from Cleveland, Patti cites saxophonist Stan Getz and Benny Goodman as his early influences in music. He comes from a musical family. His father and grandfather played clarinet in bands. He has a master’s degree in music from Northwestern University.

Today, Patti likes the music of Kenny G, Michael Buble, and Stanley Turrentine.

The fact is Patti, like the members of the band, play for the love of music.

Patti will be leading the band as part of the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society summer series, at Hodges Park, August 6, at 8 p.m. The free concert draws large crowds.

Summer 2010 /37

Frankie Wesson

Bob Duda

Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Fidelity Investments, Music Competition

THE ITALIAN CHICKS, on Stage Princeton New Jersey, to a sold out crowd

Amici Journal

THE ITALIAN CHICKS took the stage at “Catch a Rising Star” in Princeton, NJ May, 22,2010 The audience was welcomed by a voice over CD that gave them and idea of what they were to expect, and that the Italian Chicks, were not there to, defame or slander Italian Americans.

Gina Scarda (the first Italian Chick) took the stage and got them all fired up with her many stories of life as a NYPD Sergeant and more. Carolann Valentino then galloped thru the crowd with a Cowboy hat, swinging balls of provolone. She is our Italian Rose of Texas. Mary Dimming grabbed the microphone with the “ that girl next door face” and had them on a roll with gravy as she talked about the 7 fishes.. Maryann “Boom Boom” Maisano came out waving her huge Italian flag and managed to knock over someone’s drink while making her entrance, She hit the stage and shared stories of Italian Christmas cookies and Mom and Dad from Calabria and then broke out an amazing version of Etta James, At Last. She then called the rest of the Chicks back up to perform song parodies of some old favorites while playing her guitar.!

The audience LOVED the show and raved. It seemed there was a procession line, like at an Italian wedding with folks lining up to say THANK YOU for making us feel like we were at a family reunion and for making me remember my heritage and traditions.

Jennifer K. Brown, Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments (far left)and Deborah F. Rutter, President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Organization (far right)pose with winners of the Fidelity FutureStage 2010 Music competition for Chicago high school students(Photo Credit: Logan Seale)

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Fidelity Investments® showcased some of the most talented musicians from the Chicago public school system when the winners of the 2010 Fidelity FutureStage® Music Competition performed at the Symphony Center, Monday, June 7th. The four winning musical acts, which represented musical styles that ranged from jazz to choral to classical, included Lincoln Park High School Saxophone Quartet (featuring Manuel Canchola, Nathan Crawford, Gerardo Fernandez, and Grzegorsz Piekosz); the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Percussion Ensemble (featuring Shuya Gong, Lucia Leon, Marcelina Suchocka, and Thaddeus Tukes); the Northside College Preparatory High School Concert Choir; and the Walter Payton College Prep High School Concert Choir. Photos of the winners and their command performance can be seen below.

THE ITALIAN CHICKS will be at Catch a Rising Star in Rhode Island on Oct 9-10 For more information go to THEITALIANCHICKS.COM or find them on Facebook - The Italian Chicks fan club..

Fidelity FutureStage 2010 Music Compeition WinnersThe Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Percussion EnsemblePerforming on the Symphony Center Stage on June 7(Photo Credit: Logan Seale)

Fidelity FutureStage 2010 Music Competition WinnersThe Lincoln Park High School Saxophone QuartetPerforming on the Symphony Center Stage on June 7(Photo Credit: Logan Seale)

38 / Summer 2010

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Mark your calendar for one of the most exciting Chicagoland events of the summer. VeggieFest 2010 is putting Naperville on the map again this year the weekend of August 7 and 8.

VeggieFest is a huge food event, it’s a music festival, a kid’s fantasy, a family party. You name it, VeggieFest has it. Chicago’s top vegetarian restaurants, food demos, medical research on diet and nutrition, lifestyle programs − and did we say food? Mexican, Indian, Thai, Chinese, TexMex, Italian, burgers and hotdogs, smoothies and juices. And don’t forget the live music − reggae, pop, folk, country and classic oldies. Back again will be talks by national known professionals on medical research, healthy living, and classes on one of the most important topic of the 21st century − meditation. All this with free admission!

Naperville mayor George Pradal cut the ribbon at Veggie Fest to kick off the event last year. On the hottest weekend of the summer, 17,000 people came out to join the fun, and it never felt crowded. Featuring well over 100 vendor booths, Veggie Fest expects 20,000 people this summer, making it the largest free vegetarian food festival in the country.

Heard as feedback: “I never knew vegetarian food could be this good. . . I had to pry my kids away from the children’s area. . . fabulous food court.” And from the nationally known Chicago Diner: “We sincerely enjoyed our excursion to Veggie Fest. . .The Chicago Diner cooking class had standing room only.”

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COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PETER SILVESTRI AWARDED MUNICIPAL LEADER OF THE YEAR

Cook County Commissioner

T

he Illinois State Crime Commission has named Cook County Commissioner and Elmwood Park President Peter Silvestri as its Municipal Leader of the Year for 2010. The Commission cited Silvestri’s outstanding leadership in municipal and county government and his support of law enforcement issues.

As Elmwood Park President, Silvestri and the Board of Trustees have modernized the local police department through increased education requirements and extensive training in various areas, including drug and gang prevenCook County Commissioner tion and enforcement. The administration is also responsible for a modern Peter Silvestri facility with the latest equipment and vehicles.

As a County Commissioner Silvestri was instrumental in establishing the recently completed Cook County Peace Officer’s Memorial, which is housed at the Cermak Woods Forest Preserve. Silvestri also recently co-sponsored a D.A.R.E. program at Wright College with Sheriff Tom Dart. “I am honored to receive the award,” Silvestri said, “and I pledge to continue working on issues that are supported by law enforcement.”

The goal of the Illinois State Crime Commission is to offer insightful, creative legislative solutions and assist law enforcement agencies to prevent crime in local communities through a blend of awareness and activities.

C

ook County Commissioner Jerry Butler will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Poretta Soul Festival in Poretta, Italy for the contributions he has made to soul music.

Fellow commissioners present him with a resolution sponsored

by Commissioner Pete Silvestri (right).

(Left to Right) Commissioners Larry Suffredin, Joan Murphy, John Daley, Jerry Butler, President Todd Stroger and Silvestri.

Pappas Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with Patricia Barber C

ook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents an award of excellence in her Chicago office to jazz singer/ writer/pianist Patricia Barber, who for more than two decades has led her own band and released a series of highly acclaimed jazz albums. Pappas presented the award in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Barber is known nationally and internationally as “the most fearless, most intellectually stimulating and, by extension, most interesting singer-songwriter-pianist on the American jazz scene.” She is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Her newest cd, The Cole Porter Mix, is available in stores and on her website, www.patriciabarber.com. She is performing Monday nights in April and May with her band at the Green Mill Lounge in Chicago.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents an award of excellence in her downtown Chicago office to Marilyn “Joy” and Rich Kollath, organizers of the Project: Book, Etc., for promoting literacy. They have provided books for nonprofit organizations for more than 16 years. They rent space to collect books from stores, publishers, individuals and book sales. They have distributed more than one million books. In a recent week, they gave books to the Noble Street Charter School Organization, battered women’s shelters, homeless centers, literacy programs, groups that ship to other parts of the world and a youth correctional facility in Kewanee, Illinois.

Summer 2010 / 41

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PHOTOGRAPHER’S CREDITS Cover Story Photos / Nilou Shokrai Restaurant Review / John Rizzo Joe Cosentino Lyric Opera/ Lyric Opera House Eva-Maria Leonardou The Italian Chicks Chicago Fire

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Food! Fun! Fireworks! & Frankie!

Only Festa Italiana! July15-18 MilwaukeeÕs Lakefront Festival Park Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Sunday 7/18, 6:30 pm, Marcus Amphitheater.

Concert tickets at Ticketmaster.com, includes Sunday admission to Festa.

Chris Botti, Friday 7/16, 7:30 pm, Marcus Amphitheater. Concert tickets at Ticketmaster.com, includes Friday admission to Festa.

Six huge stages featuring The Vogues, Dick Contino, Micky Dolenz,Tony Spavone, Ambrosia, Ryan Cabrera, Ricci Martin, Four Lads, Gallagher, and more!

A 200-ton sand sculpture!

Watch as world champion sand sculptors craft ÒPinocchioÕs Tour of ItalyÓ out of 200 tons of sand!

18 Major Amusement RidesÐFree for kids and grown-ups too!

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AmericaÕs best Italian food Ð over 40 vendors, with many childrenÕs portions!

Colorful award-winning flag throwers direct from the Umbria region of Italy!

A Catholic High Mass Sunday at 11 a.m. followed by a religious procession!

FestaÕs famous spectacular Italian-style fireworks rated some of the nationÕs best. 1 0:15 p.m. nightly!

Special advance ticket sales available! Advance tickets $9! Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Many free admission offers! Visit FestaItaliana.com or call 414-223-2808.

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