Voce Italiana, Oct-Nov 2010

Vol. 49 ▪ No. 9 Washington D.C.

An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington D.C. Area

October-November 2010 $1.50

Enel’s Fulvio Conti, Amb. Giulio Terzi Assesses His First Year in Washington Univision’s Joe Uva “Washington now regards Italy as an authoritative partner with global responsibilities.”

Among NIAF Honorees

by Francesco Isgrò

Fulvio Conti Foundation at its 35th Anniversary Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2010.

As CEO and general manager of ENEL, the third-largest energy provider in Europe, Conti’s focus is on innovation and alternative energy sources as they relate to Conttinued on page 5

What goals did you set for your first year as Ambassador to Washington and do you believe you have achieved them?

It has been an intense year with the Embassy at the forefront to further the already excellent bilateral relations between Italy and the United States. This was proved just recently by President Obama’s proclamation on the occasion of Columbus Day. The President’s words, so solemn yet warm towards Italy, Italians and the Italian-American community in the United States, were most appreciated in Italy. I find it emblematic that the 44th American Head of State chose to connect Italy’s forthcoming 150th anniversary of its unification with the 2010 Columbus

Francesco Isgro

Italian Ambassador to the United States, Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, arrived in Washington, D.C. one year ago, after serving as Italian Ambassador to the United Nations.

During the past twelve months, Terzi has become a familiar figure, not only within Washington’s Italian-American community -- he often participates at Holy Rosary Church and Casa Italiana events -- but also within the diplomatic world, actively hosting seminars and receptions at the Italian Embassy’s Piazza Italia.

Voce Italiana took the occasion of his first year in the capital to interview Terzi about his goals, plans, and interests.

Amb. Giulio Terzi (center) at the recent Columbus Day ceremony in Washington, D.C. Day celebrations. He did so by explaining that “As Italy marks the 150th anniversary of its unification this year, we celebrate the incalculable contributions of Italian Americans, whose determination, hard work, and leadership have done so much to build the strength of our Nation.”

There are also many fascinating challenges to face. Some of the themes

Columbus Day Celebrated in Nation’s Capital and Across America Events at Holy Rosary Church and at Christopher Columbus Memorial A weekend series of celebratory events to honor Christopher Columbus began with a well-attended musical tribute concert on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Casa Italiana. On Sunday, the, annual Knights of Columbus Mass was held at Holy Rosary Church, followed by a ceremony in the church’s Columbus courtyard. Activities culminated in the official civic ceremony, held on Monday at the Columbus Memorial Plaza.

Rev. Frank Donio, State Chaplain of the D.C. Knights of Columbus and Fr. Lydio Tomasi, led the religious ceremony at Holy Rosary. Choir director Maria Marigliano led the singing of religious and patriotic songs.

Following the Mass, a ceremony took place

Fr. Lydio Tomasi and Thomas Mauro at Holy Rosary Church’s Columbus courtyard

in the Columbus courtyard adjacent to the church, where in 1992 the Lido Civic Club erected a statue to Christopher Columbus.

Lido Club President Thomas Mauro recalled in his remarks the unique bonds that the Lido Club has shared with the church since the club’s founding in 1929, and the contributions made by Italian immigrants to America.

The Columbus Day official ceremony at the Columbus Memorial Plaza was led by the U.S. Joint Armed Forces Honor Guard and the Knights of Columbus Color Corps with historical flags of the United States, accompanied by the music of the U.S. Continued on page 6

which regard Italians in America most closely include the diffusion of the Italian language and the promotion of Italian excellence – to include science, medicine and “Made in Italy” - in the United States.

On the first point, we have collected the required funds necessary to re-launch the curricular teaching of the Italian language in American high schools. This strategic operation was undertaken jointly by the Italian government, private businesses and the major Italian-American organizations.

As you just mentioned, next year is the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. How can Italians abroad and Italian Americans contribute to or be involved in the celebrations?

An important project is underway aimed at enhancing Italy’s contributions Continued on page 3

INSIDE

Christopher J. “Joe” Uva, head of Univision Communications, Inc., and Fulvio Conti, head of Enel (Ente Nazionale per l’Energia Elettrica), are among the Italian and Italian-American personalities to be honored by the National Italian American

Editorials and Letters to the Editor 4 Papal Nuncio Sambi at Confirmation 6 Laura Bush at Palladio Exhibit 7 Arcimboldo at National Gallery 8 Conversation with Salvatore Licitra 9 Mario Puzo: Storie dei padrini 10 Italian fashion renaissance in Milan 11 The feast of San Martino 11

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

IN THE NEWS

President Obama Nominates Gene Dodaro to Lead the GAO President Obama has nominated Gene Dodaro to lead the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as its next U.S. Comptroller General. The GAO publishes several audits or reports each day, usually while Congress is in session.

In recent years, it has provided oversight of the economic stimulus efforts, the Troubled Asset Relief Program and a host of federal policies and programs.

Dodaro is a 30-year veteran of the Congressional watchdog agency. He previously served as GAO’s number two official and helped develop the agency’s efforts to highlight a “high risk” list of issues that warrant greater attention from Congress and the White House.

Dodaro’s nomination will be considered by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is chaired by Senator Joseph Lieberman. If confirmed, he will serve a 15-year term.

Gene Dodaro The nomination of Dodaro, who has been the acting-head of the GAO since March 2008, was quickly praised by lawmakers from both parties. House

An Italian-American Story in Moscow

by Secondo Casarotto, c.s.

An Italian American Gazette Of the Greater Washington DC Area Published ten times per year by Holy Rosary Church/Casa ltaliana Editor-in-Chief

Lydio F. Tomasi, c.s.

Executive Editor Francesco Isgrò

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speaker Nancy Pelosi praised him as “a dedicated public servant, committed to the core values of the GAO: accountability, integrity, and independence. Throughout his career, he has worked to provide Congress with fair, non-partisan, and balanced information, and contributed to the GAO’s role as a watchdog of taxpayer dollars.”

A spokesperson for Senator Lieberman said that Dodaro’s “nearly four decades of experience at GAO more than qualifies him for this key position.”

Dodaro is well-known in the Holy Rosary Church community. He and his wife Joan are often seen at Mass on Sunday mornings; Joan is also a valued volunteer. •

A group of Buffalonians traveled recently to Moscow, Russia, to share the experience of Italian immigrants to America, the third part of a project that linked Buffalo, N.Y., to Bari, Italy, and Moscow. It’s the story of people from the Apulia region in Southern Italy who a century ago chased the golden dream in America.

Some settled in Buffalo.

Some returned to Italy. And some, from Buffalo, ended up in Siberia. The Sgovio family, disillusioned by the conditions they found in Buffalo before WWI, reacted by joining the radical and communist American movement.

Eventually they were forced to a “voluntary departure” and joined about 4,000 Americans working in Russia at the outbreak of the Great Depression.

Their story is told in Dear America! The Odyssey of an American Youth by Thomas Sgovio who, after being educated in Buffalo where he was born, pursued a career as a graphic designer in Moscow, but eventually fell victim to the Stalin regime and spent 16 years in the Gulag.

Last year, Sgovio’s memoirs were translated and published in Italy and presented, together with a photographic exhibit, at a scholarly conference in Bari with participants from USA, Canada, Russia and many other countries. Sgovio’s sketches of his life in the Gulag, now at

Stanford University, were also included in a six-month exhibition of the Fiera del Levante, the most prestigious exhibition in the Mediterranean area.

This past August, Sgovio’s memoirs, translated into Russian, were presented during a conference at the State Historical Museum in Moscow inside the Kremlin.

Copies of the publication were presented also to the nearby Gulags’ Museum. Later, about 500 participants in a conference of teachers and professors from across Russia received a copy of Sgovio’s memoires. Among various speakers and offering a background to the Sgovio story, Dr. Martin Dearer, History Professor at Buffalo State College spoke on Italian immigrants in Buffalo, and Fr. Secondo Casarotto, C.S, pastor of St. Anthony’s Church, spoke on the Italian Labor Movement and the Catholic Church in Buffalo at the time of the Sgovios’ odyssey.

The multifaceted project was made possible through a partnership of the Italian Vice-Consul in Buffalo, Teca del Mediterraneo (Bari), the Sgovio family, Buffalo State College, and St. Anthony’s Church, and was funded by the Regional Council of Apulia.

Dear America! is available in English, Italian and Russian. For information, call: 716-856-3626, or write to: Italian Vice Consulate, 160 Court St., Buffalo, NY 14202 . •

Noted Briefly...

►Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, a 25year old soldier from Iowa, is to become the first living service member from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor. In 2007, Giunta exposed himself to enemy fire in Afghanistan to pull a fellow soldier back to cover. ►Sofia Coppola, film-making daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, won the top Golden Lion prize at the recent Venice film festival for her comic drama, Somewhere. Director Quentin Tarantino headed the jury, which unanimously chose Coppola’s film as the best movie at the 11-day annual festival. ►California lawmakers recently passed a resolution expressing regret for the treatment of thousands of Italians during World War II. In 1942, at least 10,000 Italian Americans were forced from their homes as “suspicious” individuals. The resolution was suggested

by Chet Campanella of San Jose, whose relatives were subjected to curfew and home searches during the war. ►New York Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo was recently endorsed by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. At the same time, a poll showed that his lead over GOP candidate Carl Palladino is narrowing. ►The opera world mourns the loss of legendary soprano Joan Sutherland.

Her performance in Venice in Handel’s “Alcina” made such an impression that Venetians hailed her as “La Stupenda.”

Frequent fellow performer, the late Luciano Pavarotti, once called her “the greatest coloratura soprano of all time.” ►Joseph Persichini Jr., who headed the FBI’s Washington Field Office until his resignation last year, is now the executive director of the Washington D.C. Police Foundation, a group of area business and civic leaders who work with the D.C. Police Chief to promote better public safety across the District of Columbia. ►Summer visitors to the heart of Venice’s historic district saw more than ancient bridge and gondola riders. Huge billboards advertising products like Coke and Bulgari jewelry were strewn across the facades of famous palazzi, bringing revenue to the city but angering many Venetians. ►In Florence, the struggle continues over the true owners of Michelangelo’s “David,” completed in 1504 and which has stood as the symbol of the city for 500 years. A recent government report claims that Italy, not Florence, is the rightful owner. But “David” remains in the city, pending further review of documents.

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

Amb. Terzi Reflects on First Year in D.C. Continued from page 1

throughout history, and on its role in the future in the most important fields of human activities, science, economics and culture.

This project is closely connected to the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification and is very dear to me: It aims at giving those who don’t live in Italy an opportunity to participate in these important celebrations. Italy@150, a program of events which takes place all over the United States, was created under the auspices of the President of the Republic.

It was inaugurated in Washington with the opening of the Opera and Jazz seasons, and the wonderful exhibitions on Arcimboldo at the National Gallery of Art and on Palladio at the National Building Museum.

The program, available on the Embassy’s website (www.ambwashingtondc.esteri. it), will continue with events in the most important cities in the United States and will underline the important connections in the history of our two countries.

What are some of the biggest challenges that you currently face in your position?

I wouldn’t speak of challenges, but of opportunities - the opportunities offered by the invaluable asset represented by the great friendship and alliance between Italy and the United States. This is reflected daily, at all levels, in our bilateral relations: the political one as well as the economic and the cultural one. I have worked upon this since my very first day of office in order to develop priority themes for Italy, and counted on the support of our communities, starting with Washington’s own.

The Ambassador of Italy’s role in the USA has changed dramatically over time.

Stereotypes which used to weigh upon our country in the USA are, I believe, happily behind us. Washington now regards Italy as an authoritative partner with global responsibilities both in Europe and in international security.

Now we must focus on enhancing “Italian excellence” to the utmost, in all areas and not just in those which we are universally known for – fashion and cuisine. Let me thus recall the ground-breaking FIATChrysler agreement and the forthcoming launch of the Cinquecento on the American market, as well as the Italian presence in all areas of production and the Made in USA research. Indeed, according to the National Science Foundation, there are 15,000 Italian researchers, or researchers of Italian origin, who work in the United States today.

Furthermore, 70 physicists from Italian universities are employed in the greatest particle accelerator in the United States, which takes its name from an Italian who is

famous in America and the rest of the world – Enrico Fermi.

Our challenge is thus to promote an idea of Italy which is closer to reality: a country with a great past, strongly committed to today’s global world and projected towards

President Obama just recently recalled in his address to the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York: non proliferation, Iran’s nuclear threat, the fight on terror and the war in Afghanistan, regional crises, starting with the Middle East.

During the same session, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, summarized some of the strong points of Italy’s foreign policy: the human dimension of our foreign policy, based on the “humanistic heritage that affirms the human being as the measure of all things,” religious tolerance and the promotion of a fruitful “intercultural dialogue.”

As Ambassador of Italy in Washington, let me recall that Italy has always been close to the United States in all these areas.

Amb. Terzi with President Giorgio Napolitano meeting the Italian community at the Embassy the future as a model with its cultural and humane heritage.

You have an extensive background in international security. What do you consider to be the most important issues in this field that need to be addressed?

This is a complex question which does not have just one, or a right, answer. There are many and important issues which require the international community’s continuous commitment and cohesion to pursue the fundamental values of freedom and economic security. Values which

After one year as Ambassador to Washington, what lessons have you drawn about life in the U.S. capital? What has surprised you most about your assignment to Washington?

I lived in New York for a long time and learned the meaning of the expression “the city that never sleeps.” I expected Washington to be different, but this isn’t so. Every day there are dozens of meetings and extremely high-level opportunities to nurture and enhance the many facets of the relationship between our two countries, to include a rich and interesting social life.

And I would like to have even more time to be able to follow the incredible artistic

and cultural itineraries of this splendid “Palladian” and flourishing city. Italian visitors are always amazed when they realize how many of Washington’s monuments and public buildings were inspired by Vicenza’s genius - yet another testimony to the many historic ties which bind Italy and the United States.

In your view what are Italian-American organizations doing right and where is there room for improvement?

Italian-American organizations continue to prove that they are an invaluable – and an irreplaceable – partner in the actions that the Italian government undertakes to promote Italy’s interests in the United States. A recent example is the commitment that the Conference of the Presidents of the major Italian-American organizations has undertaken to promote the teaching of Italian language.

You have been very involved in supporting the AP Italian program. Can you further elaborate on its current status and what else needs to be done?

As Minister Frattini announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly a couple of weeks ago in a meeting with representatives of the Italian community in America: “Thanks to the commitment of the Embassy, to the funds donated by important Italian corporations - among which ENI, Fiat and Finmeccanica - and those of the major Italian-American organizations, including NIAF and the Columbus Citizens’ Foundation, the funds required in view of a reinstatement of the teaching of the Italian language have been collected.”

What kinds of activities or hobbies do you enjoy for relaxation?

Reading and riding my bike – naturally not at the same time! •

L’Associazione “Italians in D.C.”: Il lancio all’Ambasciata d’Italia

by Ivan Butina

“Una risorsa importante per entrare in contatto con i cittadini italiani a Washington, D.C.”: con queste parole il personale dell’Ambasciata d’Italia a Washington ha salutato il lancio ufficiale di Italians in D.C., l’Associazione non profit dedicata agli italiani che vivono, studiano e lavorano nella capitale statunitense. L’Associazione è stata presentata martedì 21 settembre alla presenza di circa duecento persone, presso la sede della rappresentanza ufficiale a Washington, D.C. All’evento hanno partecipato il Presidente di Italians in D.C., Ivan Butina, e i membri del Consiglio Direttivo. Il Primo Consigliere dell’Ambasciata, Cristiano

Maggipinto, ha rivolto un saluto iniziale all’Associazione e al pubblico e illustrato alcune delle prossime attività organizzate dall’Ambasciata. Sono intervenuti anche il Direttore dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Alberto Manai, e l’Attaché scientifico Giulio Busulini.

“Quello che siamo e che vogliamo continuare a essere” ha spiegato Butina durante il suo intervento . “è un’associazione network al servizio degli italiani nella capitale statunitense. Ci piace l’idea di riunire le eccezionali individualità italiane così da valorizzarle al meglio, sia a livello locale che globale, ovviamente anche a beneficio dell’Italia”. Da network informale, iniziato un anno e mezzo fa grazie alla Rete, Italians

in D.C. è oggi un’Associazione non profit registrata presso il District of Columbia: ne fanno già parte centinaia di giovani professionisti, studenti e ricercatori italiani, specchio di una generazione alla ricerca di opportunità formative e professionali nel mondo ma fortemente legata all’Italia e alla sua cultura.

“Il nostro obiettivo” ha concluso Butina “è raggiungere e connettere i circa 3.000 italiani presenti nella Washington Metropolitan Area. Insieme, continueremo a essere al servizio di tutti gli italiani a Washington e di quanti, per le ragioni più svariate, hanno o vogliono creare un legame tra queste due realtà”. •

Washington D.C., October-November2010 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: Anna Bujatti (Italy), 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

T

Catholic Views on Immigration

he Catholic Church’s perspective on comprehensive immigration reform takes into account the fact that our nation cannot wait to repair our broken immigration system, which does not accommodate the migration realities we face in our nation today, serve our national interests or respect the basic human rights of migrants. The Catholic position stems from the belief that every person is created in God’s image.

The Catholic Church believes that any comprehensive immigration reform bill should contain the following elements: A “path to citizenship” that gives migrant workers and their families an opportunity to earn legal permanent residency and eventual citizenship. A new worker visa program that

I

protects the labor rights of both U.S. and foreign workers and gives participants the option to earn permanent residency. Reform of our family-based immigration system to reduce waiting times for family reunification. Restoration of due-process protections for immigrants, including asylumseekers. Policies that address the root causes of migration such as the lack of sustainable development in sending nations.

“Rhetoric which attacks the human rights and dignity of the migrant are not becoming of a nation of immigrants. Neither are xenophobic and anti-immigrant attitudes, which only serve to lessen us as a nation.”

--LFT

The Proper Place of Religious Belief Within the Political Processs

n his recent visit to Great Britain, problems has been illustrated all too clearly Pope Benedict XVI addressed by the recent global financial crisis.... about 2,000 leading figures in The lack of a solid ethical foundation for politics, business, the arts and diplomacy in economic activity has contributed to the Westminster Hall, which is part of Parliament grave difficulties now being experienced and where St. Thomas by millions of people More was sentenced to throughout the world.

“What are the death for opposing King Just as “every economic Henry VIII’s break with requirements that decision has a moral the Catholic Church. governments may consequence, so too in Religion, the Pope said, the political field, the is “not a problem for reasonably impose ethical dimension of upon citizens and legislators to solve, but policy has far-reaching a vital contributor to the consequences that no how far do they national conversation.” government can afford to extend?”

“Each generation, ignore.” as it seeks to advance The role of religion in the common good, must political debate is “to help ask anew: What are purify and shed light upon the requirements that governments may the application of reason to the discovery of reasonably impose upon citizens and how objective moral principles... This is why I far do they extend? By appeal to what would suggest that the world of reason and authority can moral dilemmas be resolved? the world of faith – the world of secular These questions take us directly to the rationality and the world of religious belief – ethical foundations of civil discourse... need one another and should not be afraid to The inadequacy of pragmatic, short-term enter into a profound and ongoing dialogue solutions to complex social and ethical for the good of our civilization.”--LFT

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: oce Italiana welcomes your contributions V dealing with Italian-American community events and invites you to submit your comments and letters to the Editor. We also encourage you to sponsor our publication by advertising in our pages. Please send editorial contributions to: editor@VoceItaliana. com or call 202-638-0165.

Letters to the Editor “A balanced presentation of view points” Dear Editor: How enjoyable it was for me to read about Virginia Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, in the last edition of Voce Italiana.

I have followed his career since he first ran for the post of Senator in the Virginia legislature back in 2002. I must admit that my initial interest was based solely on my positive reaction to his having an Italian surname – I don’t even reside in the district he represented. Soon after, I began following his performance in the Virginia legislature; I recognized that we have in him a man who lives his personal life and his public life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Now, as Attorney General, he continues to demonstrate that he is a principled public servant.

Your article makes clear how his family and Catholic-based education positively influenced his life. He’s one American of Italian heritage about whom we all can be proud.

Richard DiBuono Alexandria, VA

Dear Editor: It was so refreshing to read about Virginia’s Attorney General, Ken Cucinelli, in your September issue of Voce Italiana.

I believe Ken Cuccinelli is a fine, prominent, Italian-American whose politics follow the conservative rather than the liberal perspective, which so often is the subject of your articles and editorials. By featuring Ken Cuccinelli, a political conservative who lives his personal and public life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, you bring some balance to your coverage, and I commend you for that.

Contrary to the belief of some, not all Catholics are political liberals and so a balanced presentation of viewpoints is not only desirable, but, in consideration of fairness to all, absolutely necessary.

Please accept my thanks for including this fine article in Voce Italiana.

Sincerely, Theodore Cocca Tantallan, MD

IN MEMORIAM Frank Stella (1919-2010) NIAF Chairman Emeritus Frank D. Stella passed away on September 27, 2010, at the age of 91.

Born in Jessup, Pa., to parents whose family hailed from Umbria, Stella graduated from the University of Detroit. In 1941, he was drafted and served in the Army Air Force, working for the Army’s food services program.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Detroit and with three brothers founded the F.D. Stella Products Co., which still designs and distributes dining equipment, among other services.

Stella joined the NIAF Board of Directors in 1978, bringing business expertise, experience in public service

and fierce dedication to his Italian American heritage. He served as NIAF Chairman from 1990-1999, and before that as President of the Board for more than nine years. ”Stella and his late wife, Martha, had seven children.

In 1994, he lost both his wife and his eldest son, Daniel, in whose memory he established NIAF’s Daniel Stella Scholarship Fund.

On Stella’s passing, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano issued a public statement of condolences, calling Stella a generous promoter of numerous cultural projects to benefit the Italian American community and a tireless proponent of the dissemination of the Italian language and culture. •

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

Arconate Musical Band at Casa Italiana

Fresh from marching and performing at the New York City Columbus Day parade, the musical band of Santa Cecilia from the town of Arconate, Italy, recently played a concert at Casa Italiana before a full house. The band was directed by Rosa Bianca Perego. Senator Mario Mantovani, Italy’s Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Mayor of Arconate, was present at the concert, together with a delegation from the town. Also present: Italian Embassy First Counselor, Cristiano Maggipinto, and Counselor Attachè Andreina Nardini. The band is headed to St. Louis, home of many descendants of Arconate natives.

President Obama Proclaims October “Italian American Heritage and Cultural Month” “In the five centuries since Christopher Columbus, a son of Genoa, Italy, first set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, countless individuals have followed the course he charted to seek a new life in America. Since that time, generations of Italian Americans have helped shape our society and steer the course of our history. During Italian American Heritage and Culture Month, we recognize the rich heritage of Americans of Italian descent and celebrate their immeasurable contributions to our Nation.

Bound by enduring values of faith and family, Italian Americans have flourished in all areas of our public and economic life while preserving their proud Italian traditions. Upon arrival in the United States, the Italian American community faced racial, social, and religious discrimination.

Yet, Italian Americans have persevered with hope and hard work to reach for the American dream and helped build our great country. As proud service members, they have also defended the liberty and integrity of the United States since the Revolutionary War. Today, the legacy of these intrepid immigrants is found in the millions of American men, women, and children of Ital-

NIAF Gala to Feature Danny DeVito, Giuliana DePandi Rancic Continued from page 1

climate change. ENEL serves 61 million power and gas customers with assets in 23 countries. The company has opened the first hydrogen-fuelled power plant in the world, in addition to the first solar thermal plant to store heat in molten salts, again the only power plant of its kind at global level.

After receiving a degree from the University of Rome La Sapienza, Conti started his career at Mobil Group in 1969 becoming the CFO of Mobil Oil Europe in 1986. He also served as General Manager and CFO of the Italian National Railways from 1996 to 1998 and later he became General Manager and CFO of Telecom Italia. In 1999 Conti joined Enel Spa and in 2005 was appointed to head the group.

Uva, who is a second generation Italian American, his paternal grandparents were from Fontana Rosa in Avellino and his maternal grandparents were from San Giorgio del Sannio in Benevento, will receive the NIAF One America Award.

Uva was born and raised in Westchester County, N.Y., and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany.

He currently resides in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Uva has served as CEO of Univision Communications, Inc. overseeing the premier Hispanic media company in the

U.S., with one of the top five television networks in America regardless of language.

Univision Network is the No. 1 Spanishlanguage broadcast television network.

Before joining Univision, Uva served as head of OMD Worldwide, an Omnicom Group Company and before that he held a number of positions at Turner Broadcasting, including president of Turner Entertainment Group Sales and Marketing.

Also receiving awards will be Tom Izzo, head coach of the men’s basketball at Michigan State University, who will receive the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports. Izzo has been named National Coach of the Year four times and has led Michigan State to a 2000 NCAA National Championship.

Aurelio De Laurentiis, Italian film producer and President of the Naples Soccer Club, will receive a NIAF United States– Italy Friendship Award. De Laurentis is the nephew of Dino De Laurentiis, who produced films such as Hannibal, Army of Darkness and Red Dragon.

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Danny DeVito and CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton will present awards during the gala. Giuliana DePandi Rancic, anchor and managing editor of E! News and star of the Style Network show Giuliana & Bill, will serve as the evening’s emcee.

Other personalities expected to attend are sports greats Yogi Berra, Tommy Lasorda, Mike Piazza and Daryle Lamonica. NIAF’s

ian descent who strengthen and enrich our country. Italian Americans operate thriving businesses, teach our children, serve at all levels of government, and succeed in myriad occupations. Drawing on the courage and principles of their forebears, they lead in every facet of American life, dedicating their knowledge and skills to the growth of our country.

The Great Seal of the United States declares “out of many, one.” As we forge new futures as a unified people, we must celebrate the unique and vibrant cultures that have written the American story. Many determined individuals have sought our shores as a beacon of hope and opportunity, and their spirit of limitless possibility and example of resolve continues to inspire and guide our Nation. As we honor the long history and vast contributions of Italian Americans, let us recommit to extending the promise of America that they embraced to future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the history of Italian Americans, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.” • Email: Jplamari@msn.com Web: AttorneyLamari.com

JOSEPH P. LAMARI ATTORNEY AT LAW 414 HUNGERFORD DRIVE

SUITE 404 ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850 (301) 762-2018 FAX: (301) 762-0999

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VA - CE Giuliana DePandi Rancic convention will include a sports roundtable featuring ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio and Tony Reali, as well as Univision’s Fernando Fiore. •

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Washington D.C., October-November 2010

Washington D.C. Celebrates Columbus Day

Continued from page 1

Military Band. On the unseasonably warm day, various diplomatic representatives, including Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi, spoke about the contributions made by the

great explorer whose vision opened new worlds. In his remarks, Amb. Terzi recalled the “exceptional bonds between Italy and the United States,” especially on a day

when Italians were mourning the four Italian soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan.

Terzi also noted that next year Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of its unification, thus

Lido Civic Club members Daniel Stabile, Francesco Isgro, Thomas Mauro, John Urciolo, Pino Cicala, Fr. Lydio Tomasi

providing “an extraordinary opportunity to revisit the roots of italy’s cultural identity, to which Christopher Columbus achievements and ideals gave an enormous contribution.”

Finally, Amb. Terzi acknowledged “ the important contribution of the entire ItalianAmerican community, to the building of the American nation. Many other Italians followed in Columbus’s wake and have enriched American history and culture; their achievements are a matter of pride for us all.” •

Italian Embassy Defense Attachè, Major General Gabriele Salvestroni, Italian singer Marco Fiorante

Papal Nuncio Pietro Sambi Celebrates Confirmation at Holy Rosary Church On September 12, 2010, the Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at Holy Rosary Church. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Papal Nuncio to the United States, celebrated the Mass together with Fr. Lydio Tomasi and Monsignor Marco Sprizzi.

Alexander LoBianco was the catechism instructor. The Holy Rosary Church Choir, led by organist and director Maria G. Marigliano, provided the music.

Archbishop Sambi cuts the cake, with the help of Martina Dessi and V. Lamarra.

Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, Vincent LaMonaca, Alexander Perlas (rear), Gabriele Tripi, Arch. Pietro Sambi, Martina Dessi, Vayla Lamarra, Nicholas DeThomasis (rear), Fr. Lydio Tomasi

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

Il Tempo Della Musica Concert Captivates Large Audience

by Cassandra Hoye

Casa Italiana recently served as the venue for parishioner Maestro Bruno Fusco’s production Il Tempo Della Musica. A stage provided by Paul Falcon at Bella Faccia and decorated with plants and flowers from York Flowers, was erected in Casa Italiana’s main hall.

The evening opened with the stunning Monica Lee Witt as master of ceremonies, who gracefully presented each piece in English and Italian, and also provided a little history behind each piece.

The first act was dedicated to Operas and Operettas, the second to Musicals and the third to San Remo hits. Lisa Archibeque returned to Casa Italiana, (she was also featured at last year’s event), and again captivated the audience with her dynamic soprano voice.

She was joined by enchanting tenor Paul McIlvaine. Maestro Stephen Brown accompanied them on piano.

Between solos and duets in the first act, the two sang songs from Il Paese del Sorriso, La Vedova Allegra, Cin Ci Là, Il Pipistrello, Canzone, Il Paese dei Campanelli, and Kismet.

In the second act, McIlvaine sang The Sadder But Wiser Girl from The Music Man, and Maria from West Side Story and joined Lisa in singing People Will Say We’re in Love from Oklahoma, and All I Ask Of You from The Phantom of the Opera. Lisa mesmerized everyone with her rendition of Memory from Cats, the title song from The Sound of Music and finally Don’t Cry for Me Argentina from Evita. Maestro Brown

COMMUNITY NEWS

treated us to an instrumental version of the title song from Mamma Mia. In between these performances, Michael Rye and Yumiko Yoshida, ballroom champions from Dance Bethesda, dazzled the audience with a beautiful waltz, reminiscent of dancers in a music box and then performed a sensuous Argentine tango.

Above: Stephen Brown, Bruno Fusco, Monica Lee Witt, Luciano Di Roma, Lisa Archibeque, Paul McIlvaine; left: Paul McIlvaine, Lisa Archibeque Another highlight of the evening came in act three when Luciano di Roma, an Italian singer from Rome performed. Luciano sang Al Di Là, Chitarra Romana, The Theme From The Godfather, Malafemmina, Fontana di Trevi, Parlami d’Amore Mariù, Quando Quando Quando and O’Sole Mio. He then returned to the stage to sing two more songs in homage to his idol and mentor, Frank Sinatra: Strangers in the Night and My Way, which earned him a standing ovation.

At the show’s conclusion, Maestro Fusco and Fr. Lydio Tomasi thanked everyone involved. A dessert reception, provided

by Maurizio Di Benigno of International

Gourmet Foods, was served, topped off with a light Prosecco wine provided by Siema, LLC. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Maestro Fusco’s life in the arts.•

Former First Lady Laura Bush at Opening of the Palladio Exhibit at National Building Museum

Ferrantes Celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary

Nick and Gay Ferrante

Nicholas Ferrante arrived in Washington from Castelfrantano, near Chieti in the Abruzzo Region, on Septmber 4, 1956. “He didn’t speak a work of English when I met him,” said Gay, his ItrishAmerican wife who was born in Washington.

They were married on October 22, 1960, and since then have been loyal parishioners of Holy Rosary Church. Nick and Gay are staunch volunteers, ready to help at nearly every event.

Anne McDonough

Amb. Giulio Terzi, Chase W. Rynd, Pres. and Exec. Dir., National Building Museum; former First Lady Laura Bush, Antonella Cinque, Howard Burns, Pres., Scientific Committee, Centro Internazionale di Studi di Architettura Andrea Palladio Fondazione

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

ART

Palazzo Barberini sede della Galleria Nationale di Arte Antica

di Anna Bujatti

La riapertura a Roma, a metà settembre, dopo decenni di lavori di restauro, di Palazzo Barberini, sede della Galleria Nazionale d’Arte antica, è un avvenimento di grande rilievo nel panorama dei Musei e delle Gallerie della città.

I restauri sono durati anni, e il recupero delle opere d’arte disperse, prestate ad ambasciate o anche a privati, in Italia o all’estero, ha riportato finora nella Galleria già quattrocento opere, delle circa seicento inventariate dalla sovrintendente Rossella Vodret che con straordinario coraggio e tenacia ha condotto e sta conducendo la battaglia del recupero.

Al piano terreno del Palazzo, le sale occupate per anni dal Circolo Ufficiali delle Forze Armate che le avevano prese in affitto dai Barberini nel 1934, recuperate e mirabilmente restaurate con i loro affreschi anche fantasiosi, (come nella sala delle scimmie) fanno ora la meraviglia dei visitatori.

I Barberini erano una famiglia di ricchi mercanti giunta a Roma dalla Toscana. Il nome si riferiva infatti a Barberino in Val d’Elsa.

La costruzione del palazzo che porta il loro nome era già stata iniziata e portata avanti con varie vicende come ricca villa al limite della città, ma quando i Barberini ne presero possesso, nel 1625, la zona era già diventata “cittadina”. I Barberini si diedero ad ampliare e ripensare la costruzione affidandola ai più illustri artisti e architetti del tempo, Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini, quest’ultimo

autore anche del monumentale scalone elicoidale che lascia attoniti per la sua audacia e la sua eleganza.

A Pietro Berrettini, detto Pietro da Cortona, furono affidati gli affreschi.

La grandiosa volta del salone con l’allegoria del Trionfo della Divina

I Barberini nobilitarono le ricchezze che avevano accumulato soprattutto in campo immobiliare e si costruirono fama di illustre famiglia in una cornice di imponente splendore culturale.

Non mancavano i commenti popolari che accompagnavano la loro “scalata”. É noto il sarcastico detto dei romani a proposito della loro appropriazione di antichità romane, dai bronzi del Pantheon ai marmi del Colosseo: Quod non fecerunt barbari, Barberini fecerunt

Madonna col Bambino e S. Anna di Carlo Saraceni Provvidenza è sbalorditiva. Al centro, un volo di api allude allo stemma dei Barberini, stemma interessante, che simboleggia la capacità di “succhiare” il miele ossia di appropriarsi del “meglio” in ogni campo.

La Fornarina di Raffaello

(Quel che non hanno fatto i Barbari, l’hanno fatto i Barberini).

Maffeo Barberini, che fu eletto papa nel 1623 col nome di Urbano VIII, era uomo di grandi ambizioni, di ampia cultura ed era anche poeta immaginoso. Si ricordano i suoi versi sulle stimmate di San Francesco che, come egli scrive, “non son però ferite/ ma spiragli onde fiamme esala il cuore”.

Un ritratto di Maffeo Barberini (papa Urbano VIII) dipinto da Gian Lorenzo Bernini nel 1632 ed esposto alla Galleria, colpisce soprattutto per la pensosa intensità e acutezza dello sguardo.

La Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica che ha sede nel Palazzo fu fondata con regio decreto nel 1895. Essa è ricca soprattutto di dipinti dei secoli dal Cinquecento al Settecento. La famosissima Fornarina di Raffaello è stata scelta come immaginesimbolo della Galleria. I dipinti Narciso e Giuditta che taglia la testa a Oloferne di Caravaggio sono altre due “punte di diamante” della Galleria. Ma ricca è anche la collezione di dipinti dal Due al Quattrocento, con due luminose Madonne di Filippo Lippi.

Di Guido Reni si ammira la splendida Maddalena avvolta in una luce argentata, ma anche un incantevole Putto dormiente, dipinto, come raccontò il Bernini, tutto di getto, prima che la base di malta sulla quale Guido Reni dipingeva avesse il tempo di seccare.

Una visita al rinnovato Palazzo Barberini è un viaggio nell’arte e nella storia che offre a ogni visitatore la possibilità di costruirsi un percorso personale, ricco di personali, imprevedute, preziose scoperte. •

Arcimboldo’s “Scherzi” on Exhibit at the National Gallery of Art Sixteen eye-popping paintings by the precursor of Surrealism Ever since the Louvre put together a bold expansive exhibit a few years ago of the exotic other-worldly work of 16th century Milanese Giuseppe Arcimboldo, the artist has witnessed a kind of renaissance. Now, Washingtonians can view 16 uncanny Arcimboldo paintings at the National Gallery of Art’s exhibit “Arcimboldo (1526-1593): Nature and Fantasy.”

Viewers will immediately recognize the strange-looking faces made of fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers and other elements of nature. The faces are composed not of eyes, mouths, noses, but of cherries, peas, cucumbers or broken branches.

Strategically-placed mirrors at the exhibit provide an upside down view of the works, which suddenly become realistic still lifes

of fruit baskets or vegetable bowls, for example.

Arcimboldo’s contemporaries called the artifice “scherzi,” jokes, fancies or curiosities. They are, in fact, what give the exhibit a “wow factor,” as a Washington Post art critic put it. They are also the reason that Louvre officials say Arcimboldo is the most requested artist, after Leonardo and his Mona Lisa, of course.

Arcimboldo was born in Milan in 1526, the son of the painter Biagio and was active there and in nearby cities such as Monza and Como. His work came to the attention of emperor Maximillian II and he moved to Vienna, where he was appointed court painter and portraitist to the emperor and later to his son Rudolf II. At 61, Arcimboldo

returned to Milan, where he continued to work for Rudolf, while also undertaking other commissions.

Archimboldo died in Milan in 1593. Soon forgotten after his death, Arcimboldo was rediscovered in the 1930s when the director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York included the artist’s paintings in an exhibit on Dadaism and Surrealism. Ever since, Arcimboldo has been considered a source of inspiration for the surrealists and their successors.

“Arcimboldo 1526-1593: Nature and Fantasy” will remain at the National Gallery until January 9, 2011.

•

Spring by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, 1563

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

CONVERSAZIONE

Licitra ritorna alla Washington National Opera per “Un Ballo in Maschera” di Pino Cicala

Salvatore Licitra e’ tornato alla Washington National Opera, un ritorno sempre apprezzato che ancora una volta fa onore all’arte italiana ,agli artisti italiani ed alla Washington National Opera che con grande intelligenza sceglie sempre un’opera italiana. per aprire la stagione.

Pino Cicala: “Un Ballo in Maschera” è una delle opera che ti sono piu’ care, perchè hai cominciato con “Un Ballo in Maschera”, con l’audience piu’ difficile del mondo, quella di Parma. E poi hai lavorato con l’Arena e con la Scala. Quindi parlaci un pò di questa tua visita, di questo Ballo un pò diverso ambientato, come nella storia originale, in Svezia.

Salvatore Licitra: Si’ esatto. Bè, non è la prima volta che mi capita. L’ho gia’ fatto altre volte. É un progetto che ho accettato molto volentieri, perchè torno sempre volentieri qua a Washington, dove sono sempre accolto in modo eccellente. Come dicevi prima è un’opera che mi è carissima.

Ho mosso i primi passi con quest’opera.

L’ho studiata e la sto studiando tuttora, perche’ le opera in genere, e soprattutto quelle verdiane, sono sempre ricche di spunti diversi. Ogni volta che si prende lo spartito in mano si riscopre qualcosa di diverso.

Come è giusto che sia, perche’ l’opera è sì scritta ma la musica è viva, per cui se fosse sempre uguale, lo stesso ritmo, la stessa incisione, sarebbe come ascoltare un disco. Bisogna cercare di capire dove si puo’ migliorare, cambiare un’espressione, un colore. Per cui si cerca sempre di arricchire un personaggio.

Nel caso specifico qui a Washington era ambientata in Svezia, per cui non è un governatore ma il Re, Re Gustavo appunto. Fare in modo che la regalità di un personaggio venga fuori, ma allo stesso tempo anche la goliardia, perche’ come lo

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descrive Verdi, e’ un personaggio positivo, rivoluzionario. Un Re rivoluzionario, come lo descrive Verdi, una contraddizione perche’ lui era un regnante illuminato, guardava le necessita’ del popolo, come lo interpreto io, non guardava di buon occhio le differenze tra le razze, tra il popolo e i nobili.

Infatti in quest’opera Re Gustavo decide di andare, tutti quanti, travestiti da pescatori nonostante sia rischioso,in mezzo al popolo a scoprire chi si nasconde dietro a Ulrica.

Si vede un Re che ha voglia di divertirsi, ma va anche in un posto frequentato dal popolo, non da gente nobile.

Làscopre che anche Amelia sta cercando l’aiuto di Ulrica, che nel testo originale viene additata come il giudice dice “Si appella Ulrica, dell’immondo sangue dei negri”.

Li’ Verdi sottolinea un altro aspetto: nella mentalità d’allora (purtroppo anche di adesso) c’era questo vedere un’altra razza con razzismo.

In questo Verdi e’ grande perchèvuole Salvatore Licitra sottolineare che la mentalità di Gustavo si oppone a questo razzismo. Dice al giudice che sbaglia, perchè “siamo tutti fratelli e io da Re voglio conoscere questa signora e voglio convincervi che questa signora e’ come tutti voi.”

D’accordo che è una maga e cerca di sbarcare il lunario perchè anche lei deve vivere in quell’epoca difficile era difficile sopravvivere, però il Re Gustavo vuole dare un messaggio: il razzismo è una cosa da debellare, orribile, e causa di guerre tutto oggi.

P.C.: Quindi anche attuale. Sono stato in Svezia, perchè nella mia altra vita di architetto ho lavorato al progetto dell’ambasciata di Svezia, qui al Watergate, e siamo andati a Palazzo reale e ci siamo imbattuti nel Re che girava per le stanze della Reggia..Quindi è un pò una tradizione.

S.L.: E’ insito nel luogo. Trovo che sia giusto. Questo punto dell’opera e’ molto importante, perche’ e’ importante rimarcare dove è possible trovare messaggi positivi. In questo mondo oggi dove ci sono tutte queste guerre è questo motivo che muove ad armare le mani dei popoli. Verdi era 2 o 3 secoli avanti. Nelle sue opera parla di problemi

attualissimi.

Anche nell’Aida, perchè c’è il popolo Etiope che insorge contro gli Egizi. É sempre una questione razziale, ed è importante capire che siamo tutti uguali e non ci dovrebbero essere differenze tra i popoli.

P.C.: Passiamo al futuro, quali sono i tuoi piani immediati?

S.L.: Dopo il Ballo faccio un concerto e una masterclass a Toronto. Poi ho un

concerto a Taipei, poi a Firenze con “Forza del Destino”, poi a Palermo dove faccio “Fanciulla del West” in dicembre ed a gennaio farò alla Scala il ritorno dopo anni con un ruolo primario in “Cavalleria Rusticana”.

Essendo siciliano e chiamandomi Salvatore interpreterò Turiddu. Una cosa molto eccitante.

P.C.: La volta scorsa abbiamo parlato del futuro dell’opera in italia. I teatri soffrono su questo piano.

S.L.: Dall’ultima volta le cose stanno peggiorando sempre di più. In Italia quando si parla di tagli, la prima cosa che si taglia è la cultura. Non trovo sia giusto. Se togli ai giovani la possibilità di conoscere le basi musicali…parliamo dell’Italia, l’opera nasce in italia soprattutto compositori come Verdi ecc…I teatri in Italia sono tantissimi, che purtropopo non riescono a sopravvivere

e ad avere sovvenzioni private. I teatri come fondazioni come qui in America, dando la possibilita’a chi ha interesse a investire nella cultura di sovvenzionare queste opere, sarebbe ideale…però Io non mi stanco di lottare, perche’ penso sia giusto per il rispetto per il pubblico, di rimarcare questo. Perchè è il pubblico che è il vero target di ogni artista perchè è il pubblico che decreta il tuo successo, che ti fa famoso, che paga il biglietto per sentire un’opera. Nel mio caso io mi sento di dire a tutti quelli che organizzano spettacoli fasulli (con microfoni in scena)di smettere di fare questo, perchè è tradire la fiducia del pubblico. É disastroso perchè si crea un’aspettativa dalla parte del pubblico che non ci dovrebbe essere.

Faccio un esempio. Prima di tutto 50, 60 anni fa si andava all’opera perche’ non c’era la televisione, era l’unico mezzo per poter raccontare un drama, ma lo si faceva con la musica, con un compositore…moi tutti sappiamo che la musica del “Ballo in Maschera” è meravigliosa. Si andava a vedere uno spettacolo e il pubblico si aspettava di sentire la voce del tenore di un certo tipo, del soprano di un certo tipo e quindi se il pubblico pagava il biglietto per “l’Aida” non si aspettava una voce da tenore tipo Nemorino…si dice spesso di recente purtroppo “ho ascoltato Nemorino alle Piramidi”.

Se una voce è giusta per Nemorino, per “Elisir d’amore”, non è giusta per “Aida”.

Questi scambi di luoghi…laddove c’è una pochezza di voce, troppo piccola per lac omposizione verdiana, se si rende conto che la voce è scarsa ecco che spunta un microfono…ma il problema non e’ risolto, è amplificato.

P.C.: ’opera per noi Italiani all’estero e’ come un biglietto da visita . Perchè stare all’estero è difficile, e non si lascia mai l’Italia, anche se si sta qui 50 anni.

S.L.: Anch’io sono sempre in giro, e adesso vivo in Svizzera, per cui sono anch’io emigrante. É per questa nostalgia che mi appassiono così tanto quando devo parlare di questi problemi. Perche’ troppi personaggi che fanno business in questo ambito pensano solo al guadagno e calpestano qualsiasi cosa.•

10

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

FACES IN HISTORY

Mario Puzo: Storie dei padrini

Lo scrittore italo-americano più conosciuto del XX Secolo di Generoso D’Agnese Voleva raccontare storie in cui il realismo entrava prepotentemente nella trama. Voleva descrivere situazioni nelle quali il male si univa in una sorta di filosofia della vita. Ci riuscì benissimo e divenne lo scrittore italo-americano più conosciuto del XX Secolo. Scrittore saccheggiato dal cinema e coccolato dallo stesso. Premiato e beneficiato dal mondo dello star system per le sue qualità narrative di buona qualità. Mario Puzo cercava come tanti un’affermazione professionale. La cercava nel campo della letteratura perché aveva scelto di essere un narratore e la tenacia venne premiata. Ancora oggi “Il Padrino” mantiene stabilmente l’andatura da best seller nel mercato dell’editoria, legittimando un’intuizione narrativa di grande intelligenza.

Era nato novanta anni fa, il 15 ottobre del 1920, a New York e penultimo di otto fratelli. Figlio di emigranti napoletani, Mario Puzo fin da piccolo iniziò a percorrere una strada del tutto personale, rispetto ai desideri dei genitori. Il padre e la madre, con la minima conoscenza dell’alfabeto, avevano comunque guadagnato un loro angolo di paradiso, pur vivendo a Little Italy, in quella che Mario considerava la “cucina dell’inferno”. Il padre sperò per Mario un tranquillo posto nelle Ferrovie, ente nel quale anche lui aveva trovao impiego.

Mario invece aveva scoperto prestissimo il fascino delle biblioteche e all’età di soli 16 anni aveva deciso che sarebbe diventato uno scrittore.

La seconda guerra mondiale congelò per diversi anni le sue aspirazioni. Puzo partì alla volta del fronte, vestendo la divisa dell’aeronautica e la fortuna gli risparmiò battaglie cruente. Tornato a New York, intraprese con più decisione il cammino che lo avrebbe portato alla professione narrativa, iscrivendosi prima alla New York’s New School for Social Research e poi alla Columbia University.

Contemporaneamente iniziò a collaborare con riviste e periodici, percorrendo i primi metri della sua strada di narratore.

Nel 1946, sposò Erika Broske (dal matrimonio sarebbero nati cinque figli) e dopo quattro anni pubblicò il suo primo libro dal titolo “Ultimo Natale”. Si inserì subito nell’avanguardia americana e nel 1955 ottenne il suo primo strepitoso successo con “The dark arena”. Incoraggiato da tali segnali, Puzo fece uscire nel 1965 “Il pellegrino fortunato” (titolo originale Mamma Lucia), un romanzo che narrava

le vicende di una famiglia di immigrati italiani a New York negli anni ‘30 , che però, nonostante le recensioni positive, venne snobbato dai lettori. Deluso temporaneamente dall’insuccesso, l’autore riprese la sua incessante attività di ricerca

Mario Puzo documentaristica per dare alle stampe nel 1969 “Il Padrino”. Questa volta l’autore fece centro: il libro divenne un vero bestseller ed ebbe un profondo effetto su tutta la società americana, toccando ben 21 milioni di copie vendute. Il grande riscontro del pubblico trasformò Puzo in un uomo ricco.

Il suo stile narrativo asciutto e realistico, perfettamente calato nella società americana

e ricco di documentazione, ne fece un vero e proprio modello tra i giovani autori in cerca di fama.

Ne “Il Padrino”, Mario Puzo dipinse un affresco della società mafiosa e delle sue logiche, descrivendo lucidamente i legami della “famiglia”, i rituali del “rispetto”, gli intrecci tra potere politico e malavita, gli spietati regolamenti di conti, la vita quotidiana dei boss e dei loro sicari, la capillare organizzazione degli affari illeciti, gli amori, i matrimoni, i funerali, i tradimenti e le vendette. Un puzzle nel quale ogni tassello viene minuziosamente rappresentato, per dare una forza d’insieme di rara qualità.

La corte da parte dell’industria cinematografica era scontata.

Fu Francis Ford Coppola a vincere la gara per poter trasformare il romanzo in un film e con la collaborazione dello stesso Puzo, che ne fu co-sceneggiatore, creò un altro capolavoro. Il Padrino in pellicola spiazzò a sua volta tutta la concorrenza, conquistando gli spettatori e i critici. Lo scrittore vinse due premi Oscar per gli adattamenti cinematografici del suo libro.

Il Padrino parte II (1972) il Padrino parte III (1990) entrarono di prepotenza nell’albo d’oro della storia del cinema identificando Mario Puzo con l’intramontabile colonna sonora usata soprattutto nel secondo film.

Recitati da attori del calibro di Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro e Al Pacino, i tre episodi della saga mafiosa non allontanarono l’autore dalla sua passione per la letteratura.

Scrittore dal passo lungo (ogni libro aveva bisogno di almeno 4 anni di stesura), Puzo pubblicò “L’ultimo padrino”, “Il siciliano” ambientati sempre nelle strade della Little Italy, spostando invece la sua azione a Las Vegas per “I folli muoiono” e in California per il volume “Il quarto K”.

Autore di sceneggiature cinematografiche di ottimo livello ( da ricordare “Superman” e “Cotton club” ) Pubblicato nel 1984 , sarà però proprio “Il siciliano” a diventare un altro film di successo, portato sul grande schermo da Michael Cimino.

Il suo ultimo best seller sulla mafia è datato 1996: ‘L’ultimo Don’, venne trasformato in una serie tv della CBS con Danny Aiello, Kirsty Ally e Joe Mantegna.

Una passione, quella per il torbido mondo della malavita, che lo avrebbe accompagnato fino agli ultimi istanti della sua vita. Colpito da un infarto mentre era nella sua abitazione di Bay Shore (Long Island), Mario Puzo morì il 2 luglio del 1999, dopo aver finito di scrivere “Omertà”, storia di una famiglia mafiosa sul sul punto di tornare nella legalità.

Postuma sarebbe apparsa anche “La famiglia”, volume che la sua ultima compagna, Carol Gino, avrebbe completato per consegnarlo alla lettura dell’affezionato pubblico di uno scrittore capace come pochi di raffigurare il mondo della malavita americana. •

The Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC 1929-2010 Our 81st Year

Metropolitan Washington’s Premier Italian-American Business and Professional Men’s Organization

Thomas Mauro, Esq., President “To the end that American citizens of Italian descent or origin and their families may find a welcome and ready entrance into the social, civil and community life of Washington, D.C.,and thus be helped in forming acquaintances and taking part in the activities of community life which leads to contentment and tends to make the new member more valuable to himself, his employer and his community; to perpetuate the bond of friendship and good will which has always existed between the American and Italian peoples....”

(From the Preamble to the 1929 Lido Club Constitution)

www.lidocivicclub.com Contact: president@lidocivicclub.com

11

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

Celebrating November 11: La Festa di San Martino The feast of San Martino is celebrated in Italy on Nov. 11 to honor the life of Martino, a 4thcentury Christian and the son of a Roman official.

As the legend goes, Martino was on horseback on a cold, rainy Nov. 11, when he saw an old man shivering from the cold. Martino took out his sword, cut his own cloak and gave half to the man. As Martino rode off, the sun began to shine. Today, warm days in November are still referred to as the “summer of San Martino.”

Each area of Italy has its own tradition for celebrating San Martino, usually including products of the season, such as wine, “marroni” (chestnuts), and some form of “pane di San Martino,” from simple rolls in central Italy to sweets such as biscotti or crispeddi in Sicily.

In honor of the Festa di San Martino, here is a recipe for a crispy chestnut crunch, originating from the Cuneo region and mountain towns of Piemonte. This recipe was first published in 1854.

Chestnut Crunch Ingredients: 2 1/4 pounds marroni (large chestnuts) 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup sugar; pinch of salt 2 tablespoons whipping cream 1/4 pound amaretti, crushed 2 ounces raisins; 1 lemon 3 egg yolks, and 1 whole egg 1/2 tsp powdered cinnamon Bread crumbs; olive oil for frying Preparation: Boil the chestnuts until tender. Peel and press the nut meats through a strainer or blender.

STYLE

“An Italian Renaissance on the Runway”

Milan 2011 spring fashions signal a return to dominance of Italian style

Style critics could hardly contain their enthusiasm in praise of the recently-held spring shows of Italian houses such as Armani, Brioni, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Versace and Aquilano-Rimondi, among others. A New York Times critic called the shows an “Italian Renaissance on the Runway,” a spring collection with “remarkable stylistic cohesion.”

“After conceding some creative ground to Paris and New York…it was as if the [Italian] designers collectively decided it was time to stand up for themselves and show some good old-fashioned fashion,” wrote a New York Times critic.

Roberto Cavalli’s 40th anniversary collection was an extravaganza held near Milan’s neoclassical Arco della Pace. His designs, longer silhouettes embellished with fringe, sequins, and more, were at times reminiscent of the hippie era. Dolce and Gabbana showed their love for their homeland, Sicily, with lemontree designed fabrics.

Known for her romantic and feminine designs, Alberta Ferretti presented a ‘70s inspired collection with floppy hats and bohemian prints. Bold prints and electrified

color, with a longer, looser hemline, in fact, were the unifying elements of the Italian spring design shows.

Giorgio Armani closed Milan

Fashion Week with a strong collection of deep blue and black.

From the scarves on the models’ heads to the sheer fabrics on loose-

Dolce & Gabbana

Brioni

In a bowl, combine mashed chestnuts, cinnamon, butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, cream, amaretti, three yolks, raisins and a pinch of salt; the mixture will be stiff. Spread it on a work surface to a thickness of about 3/4 of an inch and let cool.

Grate the zest of a lemon and mix into remaining sugar. Beat egg, and heat oil. Cut chestnut mixture into inch-by-inch diamonds, roll them in bread crumbs, dredge them in the egg, roll again in bread crumbs. Fry them until golden brown. Drain pastries on absorbent paper. Dust with sugar and lemon zest mixture.• fitting silhouettes, the Armani models resembled African nomads, trekking through the desert in relaxed bottoms and tailored tops.

A Washington Post critic raved about the Armani collection, calling it “independent, confident and smart.”•

Aquilano-Rimondi

12

Washington D.C., October-November 2010

MARK YOUR CALENDAR  Oct. 21, 2010. Italian-American lecture:

“Gaetano Filangieri and Benjamin Franklin: From Illuminism to the U.S. Constitution”. 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building.  Oct. 22-23, 2010. NIAF’s 35th Anniversary Gala Weekend, held at the Washington Hilton, Washington, DC.  Nov. 7, 2010. Messa per i Caduti in Guerra. 10:30 a.m. celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Arch. Pietro Sambi.  Nov. 12-13, 2010. Fourth Annual Confederazione Siciliani Nord America Convention at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Fla.  Nov. 14, 2010. Father Caesar Donanzan Breakfast at Casa Italiana after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Tickets $7.  Dec. 4, 2010. Abruzzo Molise Heritage Society 10th Annual Gala, with an “Opera Night” theme.  Dec. 31, 2010. New Year’s Eve Celebration at Casa Italiana. 7:00 p.m.: wine & cheese; 8:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: dancing.

Live music by Omni 1. Tickets: $80/person

CASA ITALIANA 595 Third Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001-2703

before Dec. 5; $85 after Dec. 6. Call Mario Ciccone at 703-759-5758 or Eileen Parise at 202-276-6066.

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202-638-0165

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Casa Italiana provides a lovely Renaissance-style setting for weddings, receptions, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Address service requested

Voce Italiana Holy Rosary Church 595 3rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001-2703

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