An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington DC Area
Mario Capecchi, Gene-Targeting Pioneer, Wins Nobel
Italian-born researcher spent part of his youth as a street urchin
by Francesco Isgrò
Mario R. Capecchi, distinguished professor of human genetics and biology at the University of Utah’s Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, is one of a trio of researchers who were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The prize recognizes Capecchi’s pioneering development of “knockout mice” technology, a gene-targeting technique that has allowed the creation of animal models for hundreds of human diseases, including the modeling of cancers in the mouse. “It is a great honor to share this prize with Drs. Oliver Smithies and Martin Evans,” said Capecchi, “We have been very fortunate in having a longstanding scientific friendship and in being able to profoundly contribute to each other’s work. This prize
Nobel prize winner Mario Capecchi
is a tribute to our collective efforts.” The Nobel tops a long list of honors for Capecchi, who, as a child, was forced to wander the streets of Italy after the Nazis took his mother to a concentration camp. Among other recognitions, he has received the Medal of Science, America’s highest award for lifetime achievement in scientific research. Knockout technology makes possible detailed evaluation of the function of every mouse gene at any stage of development or in the adult. The technology not only has made possible the production of animal models for human disease, but it also is providing researchers with insights into understanding fundamental biological questions, including development of the brain in the embryo or its function in the adult. Capecchi was born in 1937 in Verona, Italy, of an American mother, Lucy Ramberg, who did not marry Capecchi’s father, an officer in the Italian air force. Capecchi’s earliest memories are of the Nazis taking away his mother, a poet who had aligned herself with anti-Fascist intellectuals. Before leaving for the Dachau concentration camp, she sent her son to live with a poor family of farmers, giving them funds for his support. But the money ran out and he was forced to live on the streets for four years. His mother was liberated by the Americans in 1945 and after a year of searching was reunited with her son. Together, they came to the U.S. to live with his uncle. Capecchi received a B.S. degree from Antioch College in 1961 and a Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard University in 1967. •
Canova: “Amore” ritorna in Italia Celebrato il 250.mo anniversario della nascita dello scultore di Anna Bujatti Si celebra quest’anno il 250° anniversario della nascita di Antonio Canova, nato a Possagno, nel Veneto, alle falde del Monte Grappa, il novembre del 1757. La figura e l’opera del Canova, sono famosissime e, forse proprio un pò per questo, vengono ancora viste dal pubblico in un’ottica, per dir così, scolastica e convenzionale. Si parla di freddezza, di imitazione degli antichi, di academia, mentre invece l’ispirazione classica, l’armonia, il perfetto senso delle proporzioni, nascono in ogni sua opera da “lungo studio e grande amore” per usare una espressione dantesca, e, come
seppe scrivere luminosamente Stendhal, Canova “ebbe il coraggio di non copiare i greci” ma “di inventare una bellezza, come i greci avevano fatto”. L’anniversario può dunque costituire l’occasione per una rivisitazione, fuori dagli schemi scoHenryk Lubomirski del Canova lastici, anche delle opere più famose dell’artista, e insieme per Continua a pagina 3
October 2007 $1.50
Archbishop Wuerl Rededicates Holy Rosary Church Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of Church celebrated
FRANCESCO ISGRO
H.E. Donald W. Wuerl, S.T.D. Archbishop of Washington, D.C., delivered a homily at Holy Rosary Church in Italian and English. Please turn to page 6 for complete story.
NIAF Gala Attracts Luminaries and Three Thousand Guests The 32nd annual National Italian American Foundation Gala, held on October 12, 2007, hosted some three thousand guests, representing a wide swath of Italian American successes. Though President George Bush did not attend, for the seventh consecutive year, he sent Laura Bush to be the keynote speaker at the luncheon held earlier that day. (For excerpts of her remarks, please turn to page 5.) At the evening Gala, Maria Bartiromo, a CNBC anchor, served as master of ceremonies, dispensing awards to a glittering array of famous Italian Americans. Filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who is of Sicilian heritage, received the “Jack Valenti Award,” named for the late president of the Motion Picture Association of America, who played a key role in the creation of NIAF. Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani was presented with the public service award for his work as Mayor of New York City. A special award was given to William Novelli, president of AARP, the lobbying organization for seniors. Novelli’s parents emigrated from Calascio in Abruzzo. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi also received a public service award, presented to her by Arizona governor Janet Napolitano. Pelosi, who was born in Baltimore, is the first woman, first
Justice Samuel Alito and Rudy Giuliani Californian, and first Italian American to hold the powerful position of House Speaker. “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Ellen Pompeo, Please turn to page 5
INSIDE
Vol. 56 ▪ No. 9 Washington D.C.
Stranieri in Italia 2 Intervista: Armando Vaccari 4 First Lady at NIAF luncheon 5 Editorials 8 History of the Lido Civic Club 9 La Moda 10 Cinema: “La sconosciuta” 10 Books for your library 11
Voce Italiana
NEWS BRIEFS
Rapporto italiani nel mondo 2007: una nuova sintesi La Fondazione Migrantes ha presentato recentamente il secondo “Rapporto Italiani nel mondo 2007” (464 pagine, edizioni Idos). Sono oltre 3,5 milioni (3.568.532) gli italiani che risiedono all’estero, un numero superiore ai cittadini stranieri che risiedono in Italia. Un’emigrazione che non è solo frutto di espatri avvenuti in passato ma che continua ai giorni nostri interessando giovani manager, lavoratori altamente qualificati, studenti e ricercatori, che aiutano l’Italia a essere a passo con le esigenze della globalizzazione. Sono questi alcuni dei dati che emergono. I cinquanta autori, che hanno curato i diversi capitoli, sono esperti dell’emigrazione italiana, prescelti tra studiosi, ricercatori, sindacalisti, missionari e rappresentanti delle comunità di italiani nel mondo. Ad aprile 2007 i cittadini italiani residenti all’estero sono risultati quasi mezzo milione in più rispetto a un anno prima. Questo forte incremento è dovuto in gran parte ad un perfezionamento dell’Anagrafe degli italiani residenti all’estero (Aire), che ha inserito,
An Italian American Gazette Of the Greater Washington DC Area Published ten times per year by Holy Rosary Church/Casa ltaliana Subscriptions (202) 638-0165 Or write: Voce ltaliana 595 Third Street NW Washington, DC 20001 Rates: Subscriber: $15 Patron: $20; Sponsor: $25 Advertising Lucia Portanova (202) 638-0165 Editorial Support Ann Marie Leali,Geraldine Oliveto Omero Sabatini Circulation/Mailing Joan Dodaro, Dina D’Avella Maria Cascioli Postmaster/Address Changes: Voce Italiana 595 Third Street NW Washington, DC 20001 Email: editor@VoceItaliana.com Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Postage paid at Washington DC.
in collaborazione con i Consolati, molte posizioni di connazionali prima sotto verifica, ma anche a nuovi espatriati, nuove nascite e nuove acquisizioni di cittadinanza. Un’emigrazione prevalentemente concentrata in Europa (2.043.998 presenze, 57,3% del totale) ed in America (1.330.148, 34,3%), conta grandi paesi con mezzo milione di presenze: Germania, Svizzera e Argentina. Il 18% dei connazionali agli esteri è costituito da ultrasessantacinquenni, mentre è poco conosciuto che un altro 18% è costituito da minori, quasi ad attestare che si tratta di una presenza, che ha le radici nel passato, ma è protesa verso il futuro. Sono poi 100 mila quanti nel tempo hanno acquisito la cittadinanza italiana e diventeranno molto più numerosi perché sono migliaia le nuove domande. L’area degli oriundi è poi immensa, tra i 60 e i 70 milioni secondo stime, e questo spiega anche perché annualmente nel mondo vi siano 600 mila persone che frequentano corsi di italiano, la quarta lingua più studiata del mondo. Nell’insieme si tratta di una rete preziosa, specialmente se imparerà ad utilizzarla con accortezza, per sostenere l’Italia nella difficile sfida della competizione internazionale, tenuto anche conto che il valore delle nostre esportazioni ammonta a 327 miliardi di euro, e all’incirca dello stesso valore è il fatturato delle imprese partecipate all’estero. Partendo da una panoramica aggiornata sui flussi e sulle presenze all’estero, il Rapporto della Fondazione Migrantes tratta sia gli aspetti socio-culturali e religiosi che quelli socio-economici, per soffermarsi nell’ultima parte su diversi approfondimenti tematici. •
Tax breaks for ‘bamboccioni’
Italy attempts to lure single men from family homes
Italian Economics Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa has proposed a tax break to lure Italian men in their 30s who still live with their parents away from the family home. Politicians from across the political spectrum have berated him for calling these men ‘big babies,’ blaming the problem on high rents and poor job prospects. A whopping one-third of Italian men over 30 still live at home with their parents but now the Italian government is hoping to provide an incentive for these aging boys to grow up. Italy’s Economics Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa is offering what amounts to a $1,400 tax break over three years for young Italians who move away from home and rent instead. “We must send those we call ‘bamboccioni’ out of the house,” the minister told a Senate hearing on the 2008 draft budget. But his comments have caused an uproar in Italy, according to Reuters, with politicians from both left and right rushing to defend the young Italian men who they say cannot be blamed for a stagnant economy
and soaring rents. “This absurd gaffe shows how he’s probably not clear how precarious is the situation afflicting an entire generation,” Franceso Caruso, a communist member of Romano Prodi’s coalition government told Reuters. Isabella Berolini of the right-wing Forza Italia party urged Prodi to scold his minister for his “offensive” words, while trade union leader Guglielmo Epifani said that the sharp rise in the cost of living meant that the tax break would not be enough to help young Italians support themselves.. “While the lure of mamma’s cooking and a free laundry service may be keeping some 30-somethings in the parental home,” said Reuters, there are other factors beyond their control that make it difficult for them to leave. Many Italians only leave university in their late 20s and then have to scrape by on the meager wages from internships or short-term contracts, while those in their 50s and 60s hang on to the better jobs. Other factors are exorbitant rents and a bleak job market that also make it difficult for young Italians to afford their own place.•
RAI archives to be shared with American universities Letter of intent signed at Italian Embassy On October 12, 2007, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, RAI, the Italian National Television Network, and fifty-two American universities signed a Letter of Intent on the use of document archives owned by RAI and the Luce Institute for the teaching of the Italian language. The Signature represents the culmination of a process which began in May 2006 on an experimental basis with six prestigious American universities; now it is extended to fifty-two additional universities. This result has been possible in part thanks
Istat: gli stranieri in Italia sono 3 milioni Al 1° gennaio 2007 gli stranieri residenti in Italia sono poco meno di tre milioni, secondo dati recenti di Istat, l’istituto di statisca aggiornati al primo gennaio 2007, con un incremento del 10,1% rispetto all’anno precedente. L’incremento relativo del 2006 è leggermente inferiore a quello registrato nell’anno precedente. Va ricordato che nel periodo 2002-2004 il forte aumento dei residenti stranieri era stato determinato in larga misura dall’ultimo provvedimento di regolarizzazione (leggi n. 189 del 30 luglio 2002, art. 33, e n. 222 del 9 ottobre 2002). Grazie ad esso, infatti, numerosi immigrati già presenti in Italia avevano potuto regolarizzare la propria posizione e iscriversi successivamente in anagrafe. Spiega l’Istat che la crescita della po-
Washington D.C., October 2007
polazione straniera residente in Italia ‑‑ 2.938.922 persone, di cui 1.473.073 maschi e 1.465.849 femmine ‑‑ è dovuta, anche nel 2006, all’aumento dei nati di cittadinanza straniera (figli di genitori entrambi stranieri residenti in Italia): il saldo naturale (differenza tra nascite e decessi) risulta in attivo per 54.318 unità. Il saldo migratorio con l’estero si attenua rispetto agli anni precedenti ma si mantiene elevato (+237.614 nel 2006 rispetto a +266.829 nel 2005). Il saldo naturale della popolazione straniera in Italia, pur essendo nettamente più basso rispetto a quello migratorio, risulta particolarmente significativo se contrapposto a quello della popolazione residente di cittadinanza italiana, negativo (-52.200 unità) nel 2006. •
to the rediscovery of the Italian language by an increasing and heterogeneous American public. In particular, the Italian language is becoming a more and more frequent choice for American students pursuing their academic degrees. According to a recent report by the Institute of International Education, in 2006 the number of U.S. students who chose to study in Italy increased by 13%, making Italy the second top destination for studying abroad, second only to Great Britain. •
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Idonea a Washington per un omaggio alla memoria di Angelo Musco di Pino Cicala
Mi Lassaru sulu, traduzione libera di One Man Show di Gilberto Idonea, il 16 ottobre, nell’Auditorium di Casa Italiana di Washington, per due ore piene con la sola interruzione di applausi a scena aperta, ha tenuto tutti incollati alla sedia per questo omaggio alla grandezza e popolarità del concittadino Angelo Musco, nel 70.mo anniversario della sua scomparsa. Ma in One Man Show, Gilberto Idonea ricorda anche altri personaggi che hanno portato alto il nome della Sicilia in tutto il mondo, Giovanni Grasso, Nino Martoglio, e Luigi Pirandello giostrando con una disinvoltura che è di pochi, tra un ruolo e l’altro: ora in un passo di Liolà o Il berretto a sonagli di Pirandello, ora in uno de Il gattopardo di Tomasi di Lampedusa, senza dimenticare uno dei dialoghi piu’ belli ed
intensi de Il giorno della civetta di Sciascia. Commovente, poi, quando si immerge con innata passione nei versi di Nino Martoglio, che raccontano una Sicilia colorita ed animata, fino a fare ascoltare un vecchio disco inciso dallo stesso Martoglio che recitava le proprie poesie. E alle parole segue sempre un’immagine, una fotografia, una lettera che inquadra perfettamente il racconto in un’epoca, in un luogo. Lo spettatore è completamente rapito, perchè Idonea è instancabile, passionale, entusiasta, commovente, spontaneo: mille volti per un uomo solo, un One Man che con il suo spettacolo racconta la vita di Angelo Musco, aneddoti, battute, situazioni drammatiche e divertenti come quando l’attore catanese, ancora sconosciuto, aveva recitato, insieme alla sua compagnia, per un solo spettatore. E ancora quando lo zar di Russia ha voluto gli autografi di tutti, dopo
aver visto recitare quel gruppo di bravissimi attori e loro da analfabeti firmarono con una
Rita Venturelli and Gilberto Idonea croce – due chi includeva il cognome - e il risultato fu una tavolozza simile “ad un camposanto” che spinse Musco a studiare ed evitare altre brutte figure simili. Ma nel finale Idonea rende giustizia a tutti i siciliani della diaspora, i siciliani sparsi per il mondo, quando recita: “io vengo da una paese dove quando lo scienziato Archimede vi passeggiava, il poeta Sofocle vi scriveva
Canova scolpì nel 1818 la statua di George Washington per il Campidoglio di Washington
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la riscoperta di opere meno note o addirittura dimenticate. La Polonia, ad esempio, ha inviato a Possagno la squisita statua del principino polacco Henryk Lubomirski raffigurato come “Amore” che non aveva mai lasciato la terra polacca da quando vi era giunta nel 1790. In questa occasione si sono svolte varie interessanti manifestazioni nel paese natale amatissimo dall’artista, molte delle quali ambientate nella gipsoteca, adiacente alla sua casa natale. La gipsoteca raccoglie tutti i gessi delle statue del Canova che egli, sempre attentissimo alle varie fasi di preparazione e di documentazione del suo lavoro faceva eseguire, curandoli personalmente con estrema cura, al compimento di ognuna delle sue opere. Conserva dunque anche il gesso di una statua che ai lettori di Voce Italiana dovrebbe essere particolarmente cara, la statua di George Washington che Canova scolpì nel 1818 per il Campidoglio di Washington, ivi inaugurata nel 1821 alla Rotonda di Raleigh e distrutta in seguito a un incendio che devastò il Campidoglio nel 1831. La statua di George Washington fu scolpita da Canova nel 1818 per invito di Thomas Jefferson, proprio lui, l’autore della Dichiarazione di Indipendenza del 1776, ormai ritiratosi dalla vita pubblica. L’incarico fu comunicato a Canova dal Console americano a Livorno, Thomas Appleton. Si trattava di una iniziativa presa dal Senato e dalla Camera dei Comuni del North Carolina nel 1815, e Thomas Jefferson aveva fatto personalmente il nome di Canova come dell’artista che meglio di altri avrebbe saputo interpretare il carattere, più ancora delle fattezze fisiche, del grande condottiero e statista americano.
Antonio Canova era allora al culmine della sua fama e tuttavia si impegnava come sempre nella preparazione di ogni opera con estrema accuratezza. Durante l’elaborazione
La statua di George Washington del Canova del lavoro, egli volle leggere La guerra d’indipendenza americana di Carlo Botta (pubblicata nel 1809) e poté dichiarare in piena coscienza, umana prima ancora che artistica, scrivendo una lettera a commento del suo lavoro: “l’ho fatto volentieri, perché [Washington] è un galantuomo.” Con meditata scelta, Canova decise di raffigurare Washington non al colmo della sua gloria militare, ma subito dopo, cioè alla fine della guerra di indipendenza, nel 1783, mentre firma la lettera di dimissioni. Washington sarà nominato nel marzo 1789 primo Presidente degli Stati Uniti,
ma Canova preferisce raffigurarlo nel momento in cui egli depone le armi e si ritira dalla scena, pago della missione compiuta. Ed é in questa scelta un riflesso del carattere dello stesso Canova, schivo ed alieno da successi mondani, tutto assorbito nel suo lavoro, nella certezza della sua arte. La figura morale, più che militare e guerresca, di Washington aveva infatti attratto lo scultore che, dal canto suo, aveva dato più volte prova di indipendenza nei confronti degli aspetti pubblici, esteriori, della fama e del potere. Ricevendo un invito di Caterina di Russia alla sua corte, Canova esprimeva così, in una lettera privata, il senso del suo rifiuto: “io non voglio vivere con più lusso né lavorar meno, bensì libero e lontano dalle infinite brighe che porta l’essere ad una corte.” La statua raffigura Washington nei panni di un condottiero dell’antica Roma, seduto,con la spada ai suoi piedi, mentre incide su una tavoletta, con espressione pensosa, il testo della sua lettera di dimissioni. Spira dalla sua figura un’aura di austerità e di consapevolezza che non ha niente di esteriore, ma è tutta concentrata nell’espressione assorta del volto e nel misurato e sereno disporsi del corpo del guerriero in riposo. E la statua, che purtroppo non possiamo più vedere nel marmo originario, ci sembra confermare l’intuizione che ebbe, nel suo Panegirico ad Antonio Canova (1810) lo scrittore Pietro Giordani: “lo diresti da una Provvidenza pietosa collocato sul doppio confine della memoria e della immaginazione umana, a congiungere due spazi infiniti, richiamando a noi i passati secoli, e facendo dei nostri tempi ritratto ai tempi avvenire”.
e recitava le sue tragedie, l’avvocato Demostene vi dava le sue lezioni di oratoria ed il filosofo Gorgia vi sosteneva che nulla esiste e se esistesse non potremmo comunicarlo agli altri, voi non eravate ancora nati mentre noi siciliani eravamo già grandi”. Standing ovation alla fine per omaggiare questo attore dalla grande espressività emotiva e fondatore del Teatro delle Arti di Catania che testimonia il suo grande amore per la tradizione del teatro popolare. Diretto da Alessandro Idonea, figlio d’arte, e fortemente voluto da Melo Cicala, presidente del Comites di Washington DC, in cooperazione con Casa Italiana sotto gli auspici dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura the One man Show si è concluso con la presentazione di un medaglia da parte della Direttrice dell’ Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Dott. Rita Venturelli, a Gilberto Idonea Paladino della Cultura Italiana nel mondo. •
La statua di Washington appartiene all’ultimo periodo della creatività canoviana. Nello stesso anno in cui Canova scolpì la statua di Washington, egli veniva progettando il Tempio, la Chiesa parrocchiale (dove giacciono le sue spoglie), Tempio che egli volle donare ai suoi compaesani di Possagno dove dal 1820 si ritirò. Antonio Canova morì nel 1822 e la testimonianza più toccante del tenace attaccamento al suo lavoro, spinto fino all’eroismo, possiamo leggerla nel referto medico steso alla sua morte in cui si parla dell’uso “immoderato del trapano appoggiato d’incontro alla parete destra del torace ( che) gli abbassò le costole di quel lato che depresse rimasero per tutta la sua vita.” Ammirando la bellezza e la grazia che spirano dalle più celebrate opere dell’artista non dovremmo mai dimenticare quanto di studio intenso e appassionato, quanto di impegno e di vera e propria fatica fisica esse hanno alle spalle. • G & S AUTO DYNAMICS INC. Complete Automobile Repair Service Foreign & Domestic With over 25 years of experience 4607 Madison St Riverdale, MD
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INTERVISTA
Ex-redattore di Voce Italiana Armando Vaccari: lungo il sentiero dei ricordi Un articolo ricavato da un’intervista a cura di Enrico Davoli con il nostro ex redattore capo Armando Vaccari “Al principio degli anni settanta, l’allora parroco del Santo Rosario, Don Cesare Donanzan, cominciò ad avvertire il bisogno di un mezzo di comunicazione che gli permettesse di portare a conoscenza di tutta la comunità italo-americana della zona di Washington le varie inaziative che lui aveva preso per rafforzare ed espandere la parrocchia e, soprattutto, informare gli italo-americani di Washington della sua intenzione di costruire Casa Italiana e di iniziare corsi di lingua italiana, cioè Scuola Italiana. “Qualcuno dovette aver parlato di me a Don Cesare,” ci ha detto Armando, “perchè lui mi invitò in canonica (credo al principio del 1973) assieme a Gino Simi e Luigi Neri. Durante questo incontro ci spiegò che voleva costruire Casa Italiana sul luogo che allora serviva da parcheggio per la chiesa, e che voleva cominciare a pubblicare un giornale che, tra l’altro, sarebbe servito ad informare i lettori del progetto per la costruzione di Casa Italiana, e avrebbe anche aiutato a sollecitare contributi finanziari e altre forme di aiuto. “Il giornale, destinato a rimpiazzare l’esistente giornaletto parrochiale che era diretto quasi esclusivamente a quelli che venivano a Messa, fu chiamato Voce Italiana, e subito divenne lo strumento principale per la raccolta di fondi e la coordinazione
delle altre attvità necessarie per la realiz- rispettivamente presso il Fondo Monetario e zazione del progetto. Però, Don Cesare, tra- la Banca Mondiale. Le correzioni degli armite Giulio Andreotti, allora Primo Ministro ticoli, specialmente quelli in italiano, erano d’Italia, riuscì anche ad ottenere un generoso fatte da Nadia Savasta e Lydia Re, allora secontributo dal governo italiano, che fu es- gretarie dell’ufficio parrocchiale. “Qualche anno dopo l’inizio della pubblisenziale per portare l’opera a compimento. “In quel primo incontro nella canonica del cazione, Gino Simi e Luigi Neri lasciarono il giornale, Gino per Santo Rosario decmotivi di salute e Luidemmo che io avrei igi per i troppi suoi avuto le funzioni di altri impegni personredattore capo e mi ali, ma Voce Italiana sarei anche occucontinuò ad andare pato della grafica e avanti, sebbene ci dell’ impaginatura, fosse stata una teme che Don Cesare, poranea riduzione del oltre ad essere il dinumero dei lettori e rettore responsabile, un altrettanto temsi sarebbe occupato poraneo deficit nel degli articoli inerenbilancio del giornale. ti alla costruzione di Però, e malgrado Casa Italiana. Gino queste difficoltà, Voce Simi sarebbe stato Italiana continuò a responsabile per le pubblicare articoli notizie della comudella più svariata nanita` e Luigi Neri tura. C’erano quelli di quelle dall’Italia. di Carlo Marini, sulla E cosi`demmo prin- Ex-redattore Armando Vaccari situazione politica ed cipio al giornale. “Quando tutto il materiale era pronto, Don economica in Italia e nel mondo; e quelli Cesare veniva al mio ufficio al Fondo Mon- storici di Ennio Caretto ripresi dal Corriere etario Internazionale (dopo le ore di lavoro, della Sera. Tenendo in considerazione la ben inteso) e, insieme, noi due preparavamo provenienza meridionale della stragrande la versione finale del giornale per mandarlo maggioranza dei nostri lettori, il che riflette in istampa. Le fotografie ce le procuravano la storia stessa dell’emigrazione italiana Denio Zara e Giuseppe Franchini, fotografi, verso gli Stati Uniti, Voce Italiana parlava di attrazioni turistiche, cucina, eventi del Mezzogiorno Italiano, religione, e brani sulle due guerre mondiali, e la guerra coloniale fascista. “Per rimediare ai problemi della Voce accenati poco prima, il nuovo parroco del Santo Rosario, Don Charles Zanoni e il suo stretto collaboratore, e mio amico, il medico Enrico Davoli, decisero che invece di cercare di far serrata, bisognava andare avanti
a tutto spiano o, si potrebbe anche dire, bisognava buttarsi avanti per non cadere indietro. “Le nuove direttive per il giornale furono delineate in una riunione convocata da Don Charles alla quale, oltre ai membri del Consiglio di Redazione, parteciparono esponenti dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura e rappresentanti di organizzazioni civiche quali l’Ordine dei Figli d’Italia e il Lido Club. Il numero di pagine passò da 8 a 12, e fu deciso di incoraggiare il più gran numero possibile di lettori a contribuire articoli e notizie di carattere locali. In questo riguardo l’apporto del Dr. Davoli è stato particolarmente ammirevole e facilitò molto il mio lavoro. La Dottoressa in Ricerche Angela Puglisi ed altre persone hanno anche contribuito alcuni articoli. “Certamente, accontentare tutti è impossibile. Chi voleva più articoli in inglese, chi meno, ma sebbene la maggioranza dei lettori forse preferisca l’inglese, è necessario continuare ad impiegare l’italiano per ovvie ragioni. C’era pure chi non era d’accordo sull’inserimento di articoli che rieovocavano avvenimenti storici. Ma devo anche dire che i commenti favorevoli sono stati numerosi. La RAI International ci invitò due volte a partecipare al programma ‘Sportello Italia’ e il commento finale della presentatrice fu: è un giornale fatto molto bene e, che io sappia, è l’unico in due lingue. “Ma ci sono state altre espressioni di elogio, sia per me che per altre persone, in riconoscenza per il nostro servizio pluridecennale alla parrocchia e alla comunità italo-americana di Washington. Per esempio, il 30 ottobre 1999, in occasione del Festival Autunnale celebrato ogni anno a Casa Italiana, Don Zanoni presentò a me e Gino Marinucci la Croce ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ (per la Chiesa ed il Papa), una onoreficenza conferitaci dal Vaticano. Nel dicembre del 2006 Don Lydio presentò a me, Linda Pronio e Tony Volpe la medaglia d’oro G.B. Scalabrini. E queste, devo dire, sono belle soddisfazioni morali.”•
Voce Italiana
Festeggiamenti colombiani nella capitale Organizzati dalla National Columbus Celebration Association Di Pino Cicala Le celebrazioni colombiane della Capitale, nel mese del Retaggio Italiano, hanno avuto inizio Domenica 7 con una Messa Solenne nella Chiesa del Santo Rosario, e una cerimonia nell’atrio di Casa Italiana ai piedi della Statua di Colombo eretta nel 1992 dal Lido Civic Club per riaffermare il valore dell’ impresa del grande navigatore quando era di moda accusarlo di tutto. Lunedi 8 “Columbus Day”, La National Columbus Celebration Association, le associazioni italo-americane in cooperazione con i Knights of Columbus, ed il National Park Service hanno ripetuto il tradizionale omaggio che si ripete da anni, iniziato prima che, nel 1971, il Columbus Day divenisse festa nazionale. E’ una celebrazione organizzata da volontari, che non ha elaborate scenografie e parate, che si autofinanzia, e che si conclude con la presentazione di una borsa di studio a uno studente di scuola media superiore vincitore di un concorso nazionale per una composizione su un tema colombiano sponsorizzato dalla National Italian American Foundation, e gestito dalla Associazione DAR, (Figlie della Rivoluzione Americana). Il tema proposto per il 2007: “O casa o in mare: diverse prospettive sul viaggio verso il nuovo mondo” ha attratto oltre 4.200 studenti da tutto il mondo. La cerimonia iniziata con la presentazione dei colori da parte della Guardia d’Onore dei Knights of Columbus,
Laura Bush Addresses NIAF Luncheon “Italian Americans enrich communities across our nation.” At a luncheon event during the NIAF Annual Gala weekend in mid-October, First Lady Laura Bush received the organization’s Special Achievement Award for her role in promoting literacy and education. The only other recipient of the award so far was her mother-in-law Barbara Bush. Excerpts from Laura Bush’s remarks follow:
Columbus’ statue at Holy Rosary Church l’esecuzione degli inni nazionali italiano ed americano dalla Banda dei Marines, è continuata con la lettura dei proclami del Presidente degli Stati Uniti e del Sindaco di Washington D.C. con i saluti dei rappresentanti delle Nazioni legate all’impresa colombiana: Italia, Spagna, Bahamas, e l’Unione degli Stati Americani. Il Primo Consigliere dell’ambasciata italiana, Marco Mancini ha portato il saluto dell’ Italia con un indirizzo sull’aspetto europeo dell’impresa e di Colombo, sull’amicizia fra le due grandi democrazie, Italia e Stati Uniti, e sul contributo degli italiani al progresso degli Stati Uniti. Durante la cerimonia unanime il ricordo riconoscente del compianto Dr. David Curfam, che per 12 anni organizzò l’evento, portandolo a livello e prominenza nazionale.•
Members and friends of the National Italian American Foundation, I’m delighted to be with you today to celebrate Italian Heritage Month. Across the United States, more than 25 million people claim Italian ancestry. They include leaders of fashion, business, and government -- including 30 members of the United States House and Senate, and two Justices on the Supreme Court. They’re found in education and the arts, in sports and the sciences, and on our White House staff. Figures like Fiorello LaGuardia, Enrico Fermi, Dean Martin, and Vince Lombardi, are all American legends. Italian Americans like Sofia Coppola, Yogi Berra, and Giada De Laurentis are household names. Sometimes we wish Italian Americans were just a little less accomplished. Usually, it’s after our second plate of fettucine alfredo. Whether in old neighborhoods like the North End, Mulberry Street, and North Beach, rural farmlands, or expanding suburbs, Italian Americans enrich communities
NIAF Gala Brings Italian Celebrities to the Capital Continued from page 1
whose parents emigrated from the province of Avellino, was honored for her work in the popular TV series. Pompeo stated that although she speaks little Italian, she has been to Italy numerous times and feels at home in the country. Another actress, as well as singer and businesswoman, Connie Stevens, was recognized for her humanitarian activities. Particularly moving was a video tribute, delivered by actress Gina Lollobrigida, to the memory of opera great Luciano Pavarotti, who died last month. Other notable Italian Americans attending the Gala included Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia, American Ambassador to Italy Ronald Spogli, baseball legend Yogi Berra, former football champions Vince Ferragamo and Vince Papale, and actors Tony Lo Bianco and Susan Lucci. Italian officials included Giovanni Castellaneta, Ambassador to Washington, Franco Danieli, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sergio De Gregorio, president of the Commissione Difesa del Senato. Giuliani, the frontrunner for the Repub-
lican nomination for president, summed up the Italian American immigrant experience. When asked by a Washington Post reporter
whether the Italian American model should be used as a template for other immigrant groups, Giuliani said: “The Italian American model is a good one for those who love their heritage, and when they become Americans, they realize this is what it’s all about.”•
Thomas V. Caruso First Vice President - Global Wealth Management Morgan Stanley 1775 Eye Street, NW - Suite 200 Washington, DC 20006 Tel. 202-862-9129, Fax 202-862-9198 800-745-2451 thomas.caruso@ms.com
CASA ITALIANA FRANCESCO ISGRO
NIAF’s Kenneth Ciongoli and Yogi Berra
Washington D.C., October 2007
595 Third Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001-2703
across our nation. Your love of life makes our cities and towns more vibrant. Your love of the United States makes our country stronger. In World War II, over a million Italian Americans defended the United States against the Axis powers. During the Civil War, one of the early Medals of Honor went to a Turin native named Luigi Palma di Cesnola. Reflecting Italian Americans’ broad achievements, this Union soldier later became the first director of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Italian Americans are justly proud of their contributions to our nation. They’re proud of their traditions -- traditions like bakeries and Bocce ball, Sunday dinners and San Gennaro as well as the traditions of strong families, deep faith, and hard work.
First Lady Laura Bush For more than 30 years, the National Italian American Foundation has worked to preserve this rich heritage. You conduct student exchange programs between Italy and the United States. You champion Italian Americans in government, media, and the arts. The Foundation connects friends of Italy through online forums, and reconnects Americans with their Italian families. I’m particularly interested in one of your most popular programs: the Italian Wine of the Month Club. The Foundation promotes the achievements of Italian Americans by recognizing outstanding individuals of Italian descent. Congratulations to all of the accomplished Italian-American women who are being honored this afternoon: my friend Susan Molinari, Pat Harrison, Marie Garibaldi, Nancy Chistolini, Lidia Bastianich -- I know how to say that -- and Deana Martin and Connie Stevens. Congratulations to each one of you. •
V oce Italiana
COMMUNITY NEWS
Newly Restored Holy Rosary Church Rededicated by Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl by Sherri A. Watkins On the feast day of their patroness, Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, more parishioners flocked to Holy Rosary Church’s 10:30 a.m. Italian language Mass on Oct. 7, than would typically be expected on a Christmas morning. “With deep gratitude and great joy,” principal celebrant Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl expressed pleasure “to participate in blessing of this beautifully restored church.” Lifting the Spirit The Mass marked a special day of prayer and celebration at Holy Rosary Parish, the only national Italian parish in the Washington metropolitan area. Joining Archbishop Wuerl on his first visit to Holy Rosary Church, concelebrants included Father Lydio Tomasi, pastor of Holy Rosary and Msgr. Claudio Cricini and Msgr. Luciano Russo of the Apostolic Nunciature, popularly known as the Vatican Embassy. “The gilding make the sanctuary gleam,” observed Father Tomasi, referring to goldleafing of dark marble atop columns, on the pulpit, on organ pipes and other areas. “The interior is full of light that just elevates the spirit.” Prior to this first restoration since the parish’s founding in 1913, Father Tomasi described the stained glass windows as dark and invisible; splatters obscured the screens; the confessional blocked the air conditioner. Primarily aesthetic in nature. the restoration work was carried out over the summer by D’Ambrosio Ecclesiastical Art Studios of New York. Along with replacing all original electrical wiring, they washed and painted interior surfaces, restored all murals, cleaned and polished all marble, refurbished the pews and refinished the terrazzo floor. The upgraded sound system was evident when listening to the traditional Italian, Latin and English hymns performed on Sunday under the direction of Maria Marigliano.
Following Communion, Archbishop Wuerl blessed a new statue of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, donated by Veronica Nobilio in memory of her late husband, Arturo Nobilio, parishioners at Holy Rosary
FRANCESCO ISGRÒ
Clockwise from top right: Lector Geraldine Oliveto; Archbishop Wuerl blesses baby; Celebrants at Holy Rosary steps; Archbishop greets parishioners; Father Lydio Tomasi and Archbishop Wuerl.
More Than 5,000 Attend Villa Rosa Italian Festival The 45th annual Villa Rosa Italian Festival was held on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures contributed to drawing a crowd of more than 5,000 attendees. Chairpersons Nick and Darlene DiBattista were joined by approximately 150 friends and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to ensure that the day was a huge success. The food was varied and outstanding and the lines to purchase were long. This year’s proceeds, of more than $30,000 have been designated toward the purchase of a new bus to transport Villa Rosa residents.
Washington D.C., October 2007 since immigrating from Nizza, Messina, in the early 1950s. The Nobilios’ daughters, Nina Nobilio Baccanari and Connie Nobilio Crupi were joined by nearly 30 other family members for the special Mass. The fundraising campaign to raise the $425,000 necessary to support the project took just eight months to complete, according to Sergio Fresco, parish council president. Sunday’s second collection was scheduled to build the ongoing renovation fund to make facilities handicapped accessible and to renovate the parish hall and enlarge its kitchen. Roots of Faith Worshipers streamed into the parish hall, Casa Italiana, following Mass where restaurateur Biagio Carannante served cappuccino and other refreshments. A parishioner since 1979, Carannante exudes joy when speaking about his family’s devotion to Holy Rosary. His three children were all baptized there and two married there as well, typical for this community. Despite moving out to the suburbs, many parishioners gravitate back to this main source of religious and social support. “There must be room for people to worship in their own culture,” explained Father Tomasi. Besides trying to accommodate new parishioners from nearby Massachusetts Avenue developments, added Father Tomasi, Holy Rosary is “trying to bring back third and fourth generation Italians, to reach them through their Catholic roots.” Those efforts have certainly succeeded for the family of usher Enrico Davoli. “This is my life here,” he said. After half a dozen years as “itinerant worshipers,” following the loss of their son, his family found Holy Rosary Church during a daughter’s search for a church to baptize her son. Immediately welcomed with warm hospitality, “We found a very warm community. It’s an extended family here.” (This article first appeared in the Catholic Standard on October 11, 2007.)
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Condoleeza Rice Delivers Remarks at Italian Embassy
Washington D.C., October 2007 oce taliana
EMBASSY EVENTS
Deputy Minister Daniele, Italian Consuls, CGIE, COMITES, and Representatives for North America Congregate by Francesco Isgrò On October 13, 2007, Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta hosted the annual meeting of Consulates, Presidents of the Comitati degli italiani all’estero (COMITES), members of Consiglio Generale degli Italiani all’Estero (CGIE) elected in the United States, Parliamentarians elected in North America, and Honorary Consuls (Consuls and Vice Consuls). The meeting opened with the introductory remarks of Senator Franco Danieli, the Deputy Minister for Italians Abroad. Minister Danieli touched on a number of issues that are percolating among the Italian communities abroad, including reform of the legislation authorizing Italian citizens to vote from abroad, reacquisition of Italian citizenship, restructuring of the RAI, strengthening of the consular network in the United States, and reform of the CGIE and COMITES. The reform of the CGIE and the COMITES principally concerns the question of representation of Italian citizens abroad. On this point, Minister Danieli noted that in considering any reform, the “18 parliamentarians who have been elected directly” have a more legitimate claim to represent Italians
abroad and therefore are “worth more” than all others. Consequently, he stated, the roles of the CGIE and the COMITES have to fundamentally change. In particular, he noted that since 30 percent of Italians abroad vote, the relationship between the COMITES and the Italian communities that they represent must be improved. Changes can be made either by amending current laws, as a number of proposals now being debated would do, or, if that is not feasible, the Italian government will introduce comprehensive legislation to effect changes, said Danieli. Carmelo Cicala, President of COMITES of Washington D.C., remarked to Voce Italiana, that Danieli’s declarations to reform the law that defines the role of the CGIE and COMITES are consistent with his “Proposta Cicala,” which he has been promoting since the election. “Danieli’s statement satisfies the fact that the government is listening and it remains to be seen how many of the points that need reform will come to fruition,” said Cicala. “At least, apparently somebody is listening,” he added. Also participating in the meeting were Ambassador Adriano Benedetti, Director General of the Italian Foreign Ministry for Migration Policies and Italians Abroad, and Ambassador Umberto Vattani, President of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE).•
The United States values the friendship of Italy--a “dear friend.”
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice was the keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Cornerstone Schools in Washington, D.C., an event held at the Italian Embassy recently. Cornestone operates two private, academically rigorous Christian schools for children of mainly low-income families. Ambassador Castellaneta noted that the schools represent the success that can be achieved “when people of diverse backgrounds come together for a single purpose.” Secretary Rice stated that the U.S. “values the friendship of Italy, which has been a dear friend.” She added that she shares the Cornerstone Schools’ devotion “to faith, family and education,” noting that she was fortunate in her own life “to come from a family and from a community in which those pillars -- faith, family and education -- were intertwined and all valued greatly.” •
Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice
“Global Health in the 21st Century: A Road Map for International Collaboration” Two-day conference held at the Embassy A two-day conference on “Global Health in the 21st Century: A Road Map for International Collaboration,” was held at the Embassy of Italy on October 11 and 12, 2007. The conference was organized by the Embassy and The National Academies Partners HealthCare System amfAR (Foundation for AIDS Research), in cooperation with the British Embassy and the Embassy of France, and in collaboration with The Carter Center, The NIAF Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum, Continua Health Alliance Consortium for Risk and Crisis Communications, the Italian Cultural Institute, Washington, DC, and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The conference was attended by, among
others, Prof. Anthony Fauci, NIH, Rear Admiral Susan J. Blumenthal, Former Assistant Surgeon General, Chiara Moroni, a Deputy at the Italian Parliament, Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State, Corrado Clini, Director General at the Italian Ministry of the Environment, John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress, Roberto Cingolani, Scientific Director of the Italian Institute of Technology, Vincent Covello, Consortium for Risk and Crisis Communications, Dr. John Hardman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Carter Center, Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, Vice President of Health Programs, The Carter Center, and Sir Richard Feachem. •
The It.Card: Enjoy Italy at a Discount
COMITES Presidents Carmelo Cicala (DC) and Romana Bracco (SF)
COMITES President Paolo Ribaudo (Newark) and CGIE Representative Pasquale Nestico (PA)
FRANCESCO ISGRÒ
First Counselor Marco Mancini, Ambassador Umberto Vattani, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, Deputy Minister Franco Danieli, Ambassador Adriano Benedetti
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promoted an initiative for Italian citizens living abroad, which offers them incentives to visit Italy. The project, created in cooperation with Asso Cral Italia, the Italian Ministry of Culural Heritage, the National Italian Railway Company, Federalberghi, and other services, has been created with the goal of stimulating and improving the frequency and quality of travel to Italy, on the part of our fellow-countrymen residing abroad. This discount card commonly known as the “It.Card,” affords the traveler in Italy as well as abroad, a vast range of benefits. Travelers simply show the card and a valid Italian Identification Document. The card, in effect, gives its holder a discount of 10% to 50% (on average about 20%) on goods and services offered by the following companies: National Italian Railway Company, Ferrovie dello Stato; Compagnie di
navigazione; Autogrill Fini; Federalberghi; Touring Club; AIG Youth Hostels; Hertz Car Rental; L’Espresso editorial group; Villagi Turistici; some theaters in Rome, Florence, Milan and Naples; red citysightseeing buses; Volagratis air company; some online shopping. For further information, contact the Embassy’s Consular Office, or go to:www. esteri.it; www.assocral.org; or www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it.
V oce Italiana
Washington D.C., October 2007
Editor-in-Chief: Lydio F. Tomasi, c.s. Executive Editor: Francesco Isgrò
Founded in 1960 An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington DC Area
Editorial Board: Pino Cicala, Enrico Davoli, Dona De Sanctis, Anna Isgrò, Gemma Puglisi, Fred Rotondaro. Board of Trustees: Franco Nuschese, Stephanie Razzano, Beatrice Tierney.
Voce Italiana’s View
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In Praise of the Parish
n Sunday, October 7, the feast of our After Mass at Casa Italiana, “people get topatroness, Our Lady of the Rosary, gether over coffee to talk about life. They and the day of the rededication of our re- tell stories, rediscover the scriptures, break stored church, together with our Archbishop bread, drink to common purposes and to Wuerl and the seven concelebrants, the altar making a difference in the world.” “Baptized people are meant to be in comservers, the lectors, the ushers, the choir and great music, and an over- “Our bilingual Holy Rosary munity. It is a loss to all of us when some feel so discourflowing congregation, we parish is national and aged that they leave their local felt good being a parish! universal at the same time.” church. The most important If you have ever thought evangelization effort needed on Sunday mornings how nice it would be instead of going to Church in the church is to welcome home her own. to spend the same hour at Starbucks reading But this will happen only if we also welthe Sunday paper, the October 7 experience come the de facto diversity in the church as a mystery that defies homogenization, headmust have changed your mind. Parishes are important, as the National counting, personalized envelopes or even Catholic Reporter editorialized last week: regular attendance Catholics of all stripes ought to belong to “In any larger discussion about the role and direction of the Church, we can’t forget that a parish – a challenging one, not a comfort the structure and mystery of the Church are zone. It is a good way to stay in the game, actually experienced in the local faith com- at the family table where all the arguments munity. The parish is the place where church about the future, good and bad, are taking happens, not as an abstract ideal or as an ad- place. But this will be possible only if we ministrative structure but as an expression accept the mess, the imperfect, painful proof real human lives, a rich but frustrating cess of being human together. Because the essential work of the church work in progress, diverse lives united by is reconciliation in the world, this starts with common hungers and hopes.” Our bilingual Holy Rosary parish is na- us at the altar, where forgiveness is the mirtional and universal at the same time. It is acle we witness in the death of the Lord. small enough that personal relationships Parishes are centers where this grace waits become possible and parishioners continue to become flesh in us.” to form the kind of community they need. See you in church.”•
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Immigration Reform: Past Failure, Future Challenge
here are some 12 million undocumented people among us, most of whom are workers. Our economy and communities depend on them. They bus our dishes, pick our vegetables, clean our offices and homes, and care for our children, among other jobs. We cannot wish them away or simply send them away. For practical, economic and moral reasons, we have to find ways to bring these people out of the shadows, to protect them from exploitation and to regularize their immigration status. There is no fence long enough or high enough that can wall out the human and economic forces that drive immigration. Immigration reform cannot start or stop at our borders. U.S. policy must help overcome the pervasive poverty and deprivation, the violence and oppression that push people to leave their own lands. Policies on debt and
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
development, foreign aid and global trade are essential elements of any effective immigration reform. We need a different debate, a constructive discussion that neither diminishes our nation nor divides our people but achieves realistic, practical and principled steps toward reform. A national discussion that is based on reality, civility, morality and consistency – properly understood – can lay the ground work for real progress. We also have to review and assess our own efforts and demonstrate a willingness to think more deeply, search more broadly and reach out more effectively as we seek to respond to this fundamental challenge. This is about what it means to be American; and what are the best ways to welcome newcomers and help them become a full part of our national family, contributing to our strengths and unity as a people. •
Holy Rosary Church
Voce Italiana welcomes your contributions dealing with Italian-American community activities and events. We invite you to send your comments and letters to the editor and urge you to sponsor our publication by advertising in our pages. Please send editorial contributions via email to: editor@VoceItaliana.com, or call 202-638-0165.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor: The article on Gunnery Sergeant Basilone in the September issue of Voce Italiana is very timely, given the riveting documentary, “The War,” offered on PBS recently. The stark realism of war comes alive as we witness the death, destruction, and atrocities that are endemic to any war, whether the war is just or not. Watching episode three of the documentary, brought me back to my boyhood, recalling the images of the conflict that engulfed towns and villages in Abruzzo and Molise, among those my own village of Roccamandoldi in Molise. Segments of the episodes of the documentary depict the war in the Pacific and the role played by the Marines in some of the deadliest engagements of war that provide a vivid illustration of the heroism displayed by Basilone, a humble Italian American. The Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society paid special tribute to Sgt. Basilone following the release of a special stamp honoring him on Veteran’s day, November
2005. At the Society’s meeting in January 2006, it showed a documentary of the life of Basilone “I Am Staying with My Boys,” which depicts the love and devotion to duty he felt on being a Marine. The Society was honored by having present on that occasion representatives of the Marine Corps, including Master Gunnery Sergeant P.A. Orsino, whose contact with the Society led her to become a member. Also honoring the occasion was Col. Paolo Serra, Army Attaché of the Embassy of Italy. I offer my compliments to the Editors of Voce Italiana for illustrating the role played by thousands of Italian-American veterans, who served their country honorably, as in the case of Gunnery Sergeant Basilone. Sincerely, Lucio D’Andrea Member of Holy Rosary Church and a retired Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army Reserve (Editor’s note: Readers interested in viewing the Basilone documentary may contact Voce Italiana at 202-638-0165.)
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Washington D.C., October 2007 oce taliana
ASSOCIATIONS
A History of The Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. by Aldo Amadeo Comparini, III
tives of the Italian people. The group lay the for Italian-American graduates of various foundation for a proud organization that has colleges in the D.C. area. Three Italian-born businessmen pioneered continued its good works over the past 78 Another focal point of the Lido Civic Club the Lido Civic Club idea in 1929: Massimo years. has been Holy Rosary Church, a monument Ferrari, v.p. of Columbia Fruit and Candy At its July 1930 meeting at the May- to the Italian people and to the Catholic Co., Fedele (Fred) Colaprico, a barber, and flower Hotel, the Lido Civic Club moved faith, which has stood at 595 Third Street, Ralph Cipriano, a star agent for New York into the national N.W. since 1913. At Life. Others, such as Captain Gregory Cipri- sphere by having the Church, numerous ani, Ugo J. A. Carusi, executive assistant, the colorful World Club members and U.S. Attorney General’s office, and Donato War I flyer and their children have Bianchi, director of the Bianchi Travel Bu- Congressman from been baptized, marreau, got involved because they also felt the New York, Fiorello ried and memorialized need to establish a civic organization that H. LaGuardia, as when God has called represented their ideals. its guest speaker. them home. In 1932, On November 19, 1929, the group met at The “Little Flowthe late Dick Pelicano, Antonio DiGregorio’s “Nobile” restaurant er” was made the a long-time member of to draft a constitution and bylaws. Mr. Di- Club’s first honorthe Lido Civic Club, Gregorio also joined the Lido Civic Club ary member, and installed the Church’s that day. Captain Cipriani, who spearheaded the event served as organ, a testament to the drafting of the Lido Civic Club’s con- the precursor for the Club’s commitstitution and bylaws, was elected the Club’s Past Presidents’ ment to support Holy first president on December 10, 1929. Night. Rosary Church. Dr. Raphael N. Manganaro suggested Distinguished During World War the name for the Lido Civic Club. In keep- lawyers have been II, many Club meming with a Venetian motif, the Lion of St. members of the bers enlisted or were Mark the Evangelist was adopted as the Club from the very drafted and achieved Club’s symbol along with the Latin inscrip- beginning. One high rank. Pete Coction: “PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA was John J. Sirica, Judge Sirica, once a member of the Lido Civic Club cuzzi became a CapMEUS” (“Peace to you, O Mark, My Evan- who in 1930 was tain in the Army; Sal gelist”). the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District Militana, a Lt. Commander in the Navy; Besides Captain Cipriani as President, the of Columbia, and who in the same year, be- Henry Pacini, an Army Lieutenant; Wilfirst administration of the Lido Civic Club came the Lido Civic Club’s president. Sirica liam Sardo, Jr., a Navy Ensign; and Joseph consisted of Ugo Carusi as first vice presi- would catch the eye of President Dwight D. Lapiana, Jr., and Saverio Tana, U.S. Army dent; Anthony D. Zeni, second vice presi- Eisenhower, and later be appointed as Chief Sergeants. The Lido Civic Club has always dent; Donato Bianchi, secretary; Dr. R. N. Judge for the U.S. District Court of the Dis- been a patriotic organization; more than half Manganaro, treasurer; Antonio Andreano, trict of Columbia. Judge Sirica would later of its members have worn the uniform of the sergeant-at-arms; and Alfred Cerceo, report- famously preside over the Watergate trials. U.S. Armed Forces. er. This founding group was determined to Since its inception, the Lido Civic Club A true example of this commitment to delend a helping hand to Italian immigrants re- has been heavily involved in the life of its fend the American way of life that advocates siding in the Washington D.C. community, community. One example is the connection freedom and liberty is Joseph Vaghi, the and to reach out to civic and national U.S. the Club has with university students, going Club’s president in 1976. He was the youngleaders, as well as diplomatic representa- back to 1931, when it held a dinner-dance est beach master taking part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Even with the challenges facing the U.S. The Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC in the 1960’s, the Lido Civic Club did not 1929-2007 Our 78th Year lose sight of its focus: the people of the D.C. Metropolitan Area. At that time, the Metropolitan Washington’s Premier Italian-American Club established a scholarship for local unBusiness and Professional Men’s Organization dergraduate university students of Italian www.lidocivicclub.com descent. Last year, in conjunction with the National Italian American Foundation, the Officers Lido Civic Club awarded $25,000 in scholThomas A. Stallone, President arships. Louis J. Scalfari, Vice President Further, the Club’s Civic Committee has Angelo Caputo, Treasurer performed numerous charitable works, inThomas Mauro, Esq., Secretary cluding distributing Christmas baskets to the needy of Northern Virginia in conjuncAldo Comparini, Director of Publicity tion with the Salvation Army, and supportAnthony Solazzo, Sergeant at Arms ing organizations such as the Excel InstiLoreto J. Clavelli, Gino Marinucci, Scholarships tute, a D.C. based educational institution Contact: president@lidocivicclub.com specializing in automotive technology for Italian-American Open Golf Tournament at-risk youths, the Family Support Center Jerry Truman – S.I.S.T.E.R.S, a program that empowContact: www.italianamericangolf.com ers teenage girls through mentoring, team
building and education, and the Villa Rosa Nursing Home which provides care for the elderly. On May 5, 2007, the Civic Committee will hold its annual Bocce Tournament at Villa Rosa Nursing home to raise funds for its numerous projects. Additionally, the Civic Committee has cast its eye abroad, donating funds and resources to Kenya’s Nyumbani Orphanage for HIV positive children in Africa--a realized vision of the late Club Member, Father Angelo D’Agostino. Because its Italian heritage is at the core of the Lido Civic Club’s ideals, the Club donated funds to erect the Christopher Columbus statue that stands on Holy Rosary Church’s property. Genoa’s favorite son represents the determination, ingenuity and desire to conquer the unknown, qualities shared by the talented architects, dentists, doctors, lawyers, priests, real estate developers, university professors and entrepreneurs of every stripe who have and will continue to play an integral role in the Club’s mission to help educate, clothe, feed and house the people of the D.C. Metropolitan Area and the world at large. Despite today’s challenges, the Lido Civic Club will continue to uphold the values that William Paca, an Italian-American lawyer from Abington, Md., and his fellow signers of the Declaration of Independence immortalized on July 4, 1776. The Club will remain steadfast in its commitment to the community, both inside and outside of the D.C. Metro area. Since 1929, the Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. has played an integral role in making our world a better place and will continue to do so with the help of Almighty God.• (Editor’s note: Voce Italiana welcomes articles from local Italian-American organizations. Please submit ideas to editor@ voceitaliana.com)
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CINEMA
STYLE
Oscar: Tornatore candidato dall’Italia con “La Sconosciuta”
Maestri della Moda Trends from the Milan fashion show
‘La sconosciuta’ di Giuseppe Tornatore è il film che l’Italia ha deciso di candidare per la corsa all’Oscar come miglior film straniero. All’ ottava votazione dell’apposita commissione, il film di Tornatore si è imposto per otto voti a sette su Mio fratello è figlio unico di Daniele Luchetti. Se riuscisse ad entrare nella cinquina dei finalisti, per Tornatore sarebbe la terza volta, dopo Nuovo cinema Paradiso (vittorioso nel 1989) e L’uomo delle stelle, candidato nel 1996. “De ‘La sconosciuta,’ quello che è più piaciuto al pubblico è stata sicuramente la figura femminile, una donna dei nostri tempi, con la sua voglia di redenzione e di ricostruire una femminilità negata”. Così il regista raggiunto in Sicilia dove sta preparando il suo nuovo film (titolo provvisorio ‘Bagheria’) parla della candidatura de ‘La sconosciuta.’” Ho ricevuto tante lettere e messaggi da spettatrici che sono state colpite proprio da questo lato femminile del film” aggiunge il regista nato a Bagheria il 27 maggio del 1956. “Il fatto che ‘La sconosciuta’ segua il genere noir,” spiega Tornatore “è stato una specie di espediente. Il fatto che sia stato costruito sullo stilema del noir ha secondo me facilitato la resa del film e ha reso più avvincente questo personaggio d’eroina dei nostri tempi. La parte noir è insomma servita a rendere più facile l’approccio ai temi del film”. Avere la terza candidatura,”certo che mi ha fatto piacere - dice Tornatore - anche se in genere a queste cose non ci penso troppo specie ora che sono annegato nel lavoro del mio prossimo film. Insomma, non ho avuto
Spring and summer designs for fashionistas, unveiled recently in Milan, sported fringes, reptile jackets, giant flowers on wispy fabrics, and tunics, mini and long. Italy, home of Armani, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Versace and endless others, is a vital venue for trend-watchers and, reports are, the spring fashion designs did not disappoint. Milan fashions are known for fine tailoring and stunning fabrics. Donatella Versace’s line, according to the New York Times, delivered “simplified power dressing:” day
tempo per fantasticare su questa cosa e anzi pensavo che la notizia della nomination si sapesse solo a fine mese”. Sull’accoglienza del film da parte del pubblico americano dice: “Non sono una specialista in queste cose, ma una cosa la posso dire: le proiezioni che abbiamo fatte all’estero, anche negli Stati Uniti, sono andate tutte bene e hanno avuto una reazione molto buona. E così spero e mi auguro che davvero piaccia”. Il ruolo dell’attrice protagonista de ‘La sconosciuta’, film passato alla prima edizione de La Festa di Roma nella sezione Premiere, ovvero l’attrice russa proveniente dal teatro Ksenia Rappaport, “é stato davvero fondamentale. Tutto il film era totalmente fondato su questo personaggio, su questa artista di grande calibro e sensibilità. La Rappaport poi è in scena nel mio film sempre e questa non è una cosa certo facile”.•
La gioia e la gloria della musica napoletana rivissute a Casa Italiana di Omero Sabatini
dresses in silky khaki, gathered necklines and matching blazers. But she also showed pleated trousers and shorts, and evening dresses in jade, fuchsia and acid yellow that draped and floated. Other trends that may filter down to everyday wear: 50’s-style flared skirts, shirred fabrics, and funky shoes, like Prada’s with flower-like heels and Sergio Rossi’s with heels made of a stacked gold-ball. • Top: Bottega Veneta; Right top: Gucci Right bottom: Versace
www.washingtonwinemakers.org
In occasione dell’anniversario della scoperta dell’America, lo scorso 12 ottobre si è tenuto a Casa Italiana uno spettacolo musicale dal titolo Napoli e le Sue Canzoni, di cui è stato autore e regista il nostro Maestro Bruno Fusco ben noto alla comunità italo americana di Washington. Bruno ha allestito un grazioso palcoscenico adornato con piante e fiori, che dava l’impressione di essere al Festival di San Remo, ed ha curato tutti i particolari necessari per assicurare il grande successo di questo evento culturale. Attilio Ruoppoli ha creato la coreografia. Lo spettacolo è stato presentato elegantemente in inglese dal tenore Donato Soranno che poi ha chiuso il primo tempo con la canzone “O Sole Mio.” La protagonista Maria Renata Liguori, che in arte si firma Naila, con la sua bella voce ha interpretato ben 21 canzoni e ha anche concesso due bis. Altri partecipanti sono stati i primi ballerini della compagnia I Protagonisti di Na-
poli, Raffaella Izzo e Marco Protano, che tra l’altro hanno danzato due tarantelle, un pezzo dedicato alla famosa maschera Pulcinella, e una danza popolare che ha coinvolto il presentatore, Naila, il pianista e lo stesso Bruno Fusco. La serata si è conclusa con l’inno nazionale italiano e quello americano. Degno di nota è che il Console Cinese a Washington, D.C., Shu Xiao ha assistito alla rappresentazione. •
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BOOKS
Italian-Themed Books for Your Library A selection of recent titles from Voce Italiana editors Are We Rome? The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America
Cullen Murphy The Vanity Fair editor finds great similarities between the two “Empires” and draws lessons for securing our future. One suggestion Murphy makes is to promote greater assimilation of our immigrants. (Houghton Mifflin, 262 pp)
A New Guide to Italian Cinema Carlo Celli and Marga Cottino-Jones The ultimate guide to Italian cinema, both as a 20th century phenomenon and as an expression of the deeper roots of Italy’s historic, cultural and literary past. Authors Celli and Cottino-Jones are recognized for influential writings on Italian literature, theory and film studies. (Palgrave Macmillan, 256 pp)
FACES IN HISTORY
Amerigo: The Man Who Gave His Name to America
Felipe Fernandez-Armesto This year marks the 500th anniversary of the naming of America. What better time to read the remarkable tale of a small-time Florentine trader turned explorer, who accidentally named a new world. (Random House, 231 pp)
This Time, This Place: My Life in War, the White House, and Hollywood
Jack Valenti This book covers his 40 years at the top levels of Washington and Hollywood as head of the Motion Pictures Association. Valenti, who flew 51 combat missions during World War II and later became an aide to President Lyndon Johnson, died earlier this year. (Random House, 440 pp)
Variously called “a one-man Air Force,” “Captain Courageous,” and “the Ace of Aces,” Captain Dominic Gentile had few peers when it came to air combat. Along with his close friend and dedicated wingman, John T. Godfrey, their lethal partnership so plagued Hermann Göring’s Luftwaffe during World War II that they earned the epithet, “Debden Gangsters.” In early 1944, Gentile shot down his 27th enemy fighter, surpassing World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker’s record of 26 combat victories. He would earn three more victories before war’s end, along with a host of military decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross (both American and British) and the Silver Star. Born in tiny Piqua, Ohio, in 1920, Dominic as a child became fascinated with flying. During his high school years, his father provided Dominic with his own plane: an Aerosport Biplane. By the outbreak of war in 1941, he deeply believed his flying skills would be of service to the U.S. Air Force. While the U.S. military required two years of college for its pilots, the Royal Air Force did not and Gentile joined the legendary Eagle Squadrons based in England. Flying a Spitfire, in a ten-minute span, he downed two German planes over France on August 1, 1942, earning the British Distinguished Flying Cross for his astonishing accomplishment. A month later, he transferred into the U.S. Air Force and in 1944, he took
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Inheritance
Natalie Danford A rags to riches tale of an Italian immigrant whose daughter travels to Urbino and becomes entangled in a mystery involving an old key, Italian Jews and the Holocaust. (St. Martin’s Press, 214 pp)
The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty
Julia Flynn Siler A chronicle of an Italian immigrant family’s life and times as one of the largest California wineries. The saga follows battling brothers who carry on a rivalry that is repeated in their offspring. (Gotham Books, 452pp)
The Voices We Carry: Recent Italian American Women’s Fiction Mary Jo Bona, editor A collection of women’s fiction captures the voice and culture of Italian American ethnicity and the themes that surround it— motherhood, common family rituals and celebrations. (Guernica Editions, 346 pp)
heroes participated in War Bond drives. When the war ended, and in the era before commercial airlines, pilots had few part in one of the great aerial combat mis- options that allowed them to continue flysions of the war. After downing two German ing. Remaining with the Air Force as a test planes, Gentile was attacked by two more pilot among other duties, he was stationed Luftwaffes intent on avenging their com- at Wright Field in Ohio until 1946, when he rades. Turning and diving to avoid them, received an honorable discharge. Later that Gentile managed to squeeze off his remain- same year, however, he was recalled to active ing rounds of ammunition but to no avail. duty and served in both the Fighter Gunnery They folProgram lowed him and Air relentlessTa c t i c a l ly, leaving School. In him with June 1949, the rather Gentile forlorn enrolled as hope that an underthey, too, graduate, w o u l d studying exhaust military their amscience, at munition the Uniif he could Gentile on the wing of his P-51B, “Shangri-La” versity of manage to Maryland. evade them long enough. Eventually, their While piloting a T-33 jet trainer in late ammo also spent, the German planes turned January of 1951, Captain Gentile’s plane away and Gentile returned to his air base crashed in Forestville, Maryland. Both he physically and mentally drained, but alive and a passenger perished. Perhaps in conand intact. sideration of his courage and dedication, the By mid-April of 1944, and after three U.S. Air Force honored him with a posthumore air victories, Gentile’s tour in Europe mous promotion to the rank of Major. Only was completed, but not before he suffered 30 years old at the time of his death, he was a minor flying mishap caused by a bout survived by his wife, Isabella, and their three of showmanship. While demonstrating sons: Don Jr., Joseph and Pasquale (Pat). the maneuverability of his plane (a MusDominic Salvatore Gentile left behind an tang named “Shangri La”), he crashed but extraordinary legacy. The then-unconvenemerged unscathed. Captain Gentile re- tional air combat tactics employed by Genturned to the U.S. where he and other war tile and his wingman, Godfrey, were later
Dominic Salvatore Gentile: Ace of Aces by Leonard Solimine
The Boston Italians
Stephen Puleo A sweeping history of Boston Italians from the late 19th century, when Italian immigrants began to settle in the city’s North End, to interviews with the city’s current Italian American leaders. (Beacon Press, 344 pp) used in Vietnam by U.S. fighter pilots. For his extraordinary war record, he was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He is remembered today as one of America’s great combat aviators: The Ace of Aces. •
Alpine Restaurant
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SUITE 404 ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850 (301) 762-2018 FAX: (301) 762-0999
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Washington D.C., October 2007
MARK YOUR CALENDAR October 27. La Confederazione dei
Siciliani del Nord America si riunisce per il suo primo congresso ad Atlantic City. Contact: 201-796-4300. October 28. The popular polenta dinner
will be held in Casa Italiana from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Contact 202-638-0165 for reservations.
ACCOUNTING ● TAX PLANNING TAX PREPARATION ● SOFTWARE SUPPORT COMPLETE PAYROLL SERVICE (301) 942-2266 GINO MARINUCCI, C.P.A. ANTHONY MARINUCCI, C.P.A.
December 2. Monongah mine distaster
November 23. HRC bus trip to The
December 9, AM. Sodality/Holy Name
December 1. Renaissance Christmas
“YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST”
Gala/Festa di Natale hosted by the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society. Contact: Ennio di Tullio at 703-281-5847.
Guerra.
Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pa . Advent 2007. The Giving Tree, providing gifts for needy children.
GINO MARINUCCI, C.P.A., P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SINCE 1975
December 1. Eighth Annual Christmas
centenennial seminar at Casa Italiana. Commemoration Mass at 12:00; seminar at 1:00 pm at Casa Italiana; reception at conclusion of seminar.
November 4. Messa per i Caduti in
Co-sponsored by: Abruzzo-Molise Society, Casa Italiana Language School, Circolo della Briscola, Italian Cultural Society, Embassy of Italy, Lido Civic Club, Lucchesi nel Mondo, and Voce Italiana.
at 202-939-3109 or at Kristina@niaf.org.
Dinner at Casa Italiana, hosted by National Italian American Foundation and Holy Rosary Church. Contact Kristi Pappalardo
Christmas Party.
December 9, PM. Villa Rosa Christmas
Party.
December 31. New Year’s Eve Celebration. January 6. The Befana/Epiphany party. February 3. Carnevale Celebration.
Holy Rosary Church and NIAF to Host Renaissance Christmas Dinner Holy Rosary Church and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) have joined forces to host a Renaissance Christmas Dinner at Casa Italiana on Friday, December 1, 2007. The dinner will include a historic menu duplicated by a prominent chef to be flown from Italy for the event. Franco Nuschese and his renowned Café Milano restaurant will oversee the dinner preparation and service. Washington’s top political, business and community leaders will be in attendance. Among the honored guests expected to attend are Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, Mayor Adrian Fenty, and General Peter Pace. All proceeds will benefit Casa Italiana. For further information contact: Kristi Pappalardo at 202-939-3109 or at Kristina@niaf.org. Email: Jplamari@msn.com Web: AttorneyLamari.com
JOSEPH P. LAMARI ATTORNEY AT LAW
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Rest: 202-333-6183 Fax: 202-333-6594 Voce Italiana Holy Rosary Church 595 3rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001-2703 Address service requested
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CONSULAR SECTION ITALIAN EMBASSY 3000 Whitehaven St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-612-4400 Visas, Passports, and Italian Citizen-related inquiries 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., MON-FRI Pension, Powers of Attorney, Questions related to National Service in Italy (for Italian citizens) www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it