Panoram Italia Vol. 5 No. 1

I TA L I A

PM40981004

PANORAM

MARCH 2010• VOL.5• NO.1

T H E M AG A Z I N E M A I L E D TO I TA L I A N / C A N A D I A N H O M E S I N T H E G R E AT E R M O N T R E A L & OT TAWA A R E A S

BIMESTRIAL • BIMESTRALE • BIMESTRIEL

PANORAM GOES TO

6 ISSUES PER

YEAR !

COVER

AN ITALO/ NUNAVUTIAN’S KUNII

QUATRE D’ENTRE NOUS • FOUR OF US • QUATTRO DI NOI • FRANCO, KIMBERLEY, ANTHONY AND CAMILLA RIZZI

WELCOME

OTTAWA !

BABIES OF THE

YEAR

DOSSIER:

MEN OF THE CLOTH

TAILLEURS TAILORS SARTI

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BIMESTRIAL

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Tony Zara EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Filippo Salvatore MANAGING EDITOR Gabriel Riel-Salvatore ASSISTANT TO THE MANAGING EDITOR Joey Franco Adam Zara

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BIMESTRALE

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BIMESTRIEL

HAIR STYLIST & MAKE-UP Nazzareno Salvi / Estetica Emmanuelle Blanchard PHOTOS Manny Favas (cover dec 09) Vincenzo D’Alto (cov mars 2010) ADVERTISING - SALES Frank Crisafi Eric F.-X. Perrault

ART DIRECTOR Gabriel Riel-Salvatore / Manon Massé GRAPHIC DESIGN Manon Massé PROOFREADER Marisa Pellegrino

CONTRIBUTORS Piero Facchin Hélène Hamel Chiara Folini Joanne Latimer Pina Luscri Anna Giampà Sabrina Marandola Lory Gorgoni

Pasquale Artuso Elisa Casella Laura Casella Loreta Di Vitta

Editorial

Franca Mazza Peter Pomponio Mélanie Porco

Art and Culture

Comments and opinions ................... 11 Publisher’s note ................................ 12 Friends of Panoram Italia Winners .....12 Una scuola italiana ........................... 13 Memoria e Ricordo ............................ 15 Our Cover .................................... 16-17

Dossier: Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti Men of the cloth........................... 18-25

Life Stories

Design: Fortunato Depero ................. 52 Photography: A Pothole of Art .......... 53 Cinema: Ginger & Fred ..................... 54 Beaux arts: Guido Nincheri ............... 55 Poesia: Corrado Mastropasqua .... 56-57 Cinéma: Peppe Voltarelli ...................... 53 Music: Daniel Panetta........................... 53 Cinema: Film italiani sull’Olocausto .. 60-61 Scienza: Galileo Galilei ......................... 62

Business

Come Cani e Gatti!............................ 26 Lingua di Dante ................................ 27 Being Italian! .................................... 28 Robert Ferlisi....................................... 29 Dr. Piccirillo’s bring Hope .................. 30

Food and Travel Restaurants ....................................... 33 Advertorial Pâtisserie St-Martin ........ 35 Recepies:Saveurs de primeurs ..... 36-37 Advertorial:Pasta Romana ............ 38-39 Wine: Divorzio alla Chiantigiana ........ 40 Obika, Mozzarella Bar ...................... 41 Travel: La Puglia ............................... 42

Life Style

Advertorial: Remax Raffaele Traglia .... 63 The Changing Face of Residences ....... 64 Advertorial: Group Residence Excellence .. 65 Advertorial: Au Fil de l’Eau ................. 66 Advertorial: Giardini d’Italia ............... 67 Advertorial: Atlanta Aluminium .......... 68 Assante: Income Slitting with Family Members ............................... 69 Pasquale Artuso & Ass.: Until debt, not death do us part ....... 70 Desjardins: What is your borrowing profile .............................. 71 Italian Business Directory ............ 72-73

Events ....................................... 74-75 Events Ottawa .............................. 76

Words of wisdom: Natasha Gargiulo .. 43 Living Italian Style ....................... 44-45 Fashion: Military Bright Spring 2010 ... 42-43 Entertainment: Unidisc ................ 48-49 Entertainment: Nonna Maria ............ 50 Profile: Giovanni Gerometta ............. 50

Sports Ottawa: Jason Spezza Q&A ............. 77 Mauro Biello ..................................... 78

Babi es o f the ye ars 2009-2010 ................................... 80-86

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Les opinions exprimées dans les articles signés ne sont pas nécessairement celles de la direction et/ou de l’éditeur et ils ne peuvent pas être tenus légalement responsables de leur contenu et de leur véridicité.

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Comments from our readers

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We welcome your thoughts and stories at Info@panoramItalia.com For more of your favourite stories, please visit www.panoramitalia.com I would like to thank Filippo Salvatore for his wonderful article. It’s about time we defend our community as a whole and make sure to point out that corruption and political scandals occur in every part of the world. Italian last names sound better, usually linked to romanticized views of organized crime, the French and English media continually portray us in a negative manner. I hope for a day where an Italian-Canadian can be part of the political arena without having to worry about his last name being plastered on the news with links to the mafia.

Davide Foti This is a great magazine. I moved to the US (Southeast) back in 1996 and miss everything about Montreal, well almost everything - skip the cold. Every chance I get to read a copy of Panoram Italia is a treat. As a result of your magazine I have had a number of friends from the South visit Montreal and love it as well. Keep up the great job.

Robert Sbrissa, Ciao from Alabama!

Bonjour, j’ai consulté la revue chez ma mère (Jeannine Morelli), et je l’ai bien apprécié. Je suis d’origine italienne, mon père, Ferdinando Morelli, est décédé, mais je demeure intéressée à la culture italienne. J’ai 2 enfants à qui je souhaite transmettre le goût de mieux connaître le pays de leurs ancêtres. Merci de me faire parvenir votre revue.

Mme. Morelli

Hi, I was born in Italy but have lived in a small town in Ontario for about 55 years. Italians are pretty rare here. My daughter has lived in Montreal for about a decade and during her visit home for Christmas talked about having met Tony from Panoram Italia and what the magazine does. It sounds like I would really enjoy such a magazine.

Thanks, Joe Ursano, Bracebridge, ON Ever since my mother’s been receiving Panoram Italia in our mailbox, I’ve always flipped directly to the “Living Italian Style” section to discover any familiar faces (and more often than not, I do!) I love it! I love seeing young Italians I can relate to. Now for my question: How does one get the opportunity to be featured in this section? I’ve always assumed you had to be in the right place at the right time to be “discovered”, but I figured there is no harm in asking!

Hope to hear from you soon, Kristina Simeone If you wish to be considered for a photoshoot in the Living Italian Style section for a future issue, please join our Facebook fan page and send us a message.

I’m originally from Montreal but I now live in Calgary. I was visiting family and friends in Montreal last week and I saw your magazine. I really love it and it makes me proud to be an Italian from Montreal. Thank you.

Jason Cassetta, Calgary

Being an Italian born in Montreal, this magazine is something to be proud of. I really hope that it will have a long life, because it represents the new generation without forgetting the old one.

Mario Rossi While chatting with my nephew online one day, he mentioned to me that Panoram Italia was going to publish an article about a Muppet character “Nonna Maria” which he is involved with his friend. Being the curious type I visited your site and had a read of a few of them. To my amazement I got hooked on a few of the artic l e s. B e i n g a n a t i v e o f Montreal (Italian of course) I had great pleasure reading the magazine. Three articles really touched me.

One article from Tony Zara about when he caught up with an old childhood friend from Italy. The second from Tania Tassone about her visiting her mother’s home town of Agnone (Is) (which happens to be the home town of my Parents). The third were all the articles dealing with immigration. I find your magazine very informative and intriguing.

Unfortunately I live in Sydney, Australia now and I am unable to get any of the publishing. I would love to get to read more of what is to be published in the future. My wife is an Italian teacher and enjoyed the articles just the same. Like I said I really loved the publication because it reconnects me with back home. Keep up the great work. (Mtl) Kind regards, Joe Masciotra, Sydney, Australia v

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Publisher’s note & Friends of Panoram Italia

Panoram Italia Goes 6 issues ! / Welcome Ottawa ! s of the present March 2010 issue, Panoram Italia will be published every two months.

Another good news is that the magazine will expand both in content and distribution. It will be mailed to Italian/Canadian households in both the greater Montreal and Ottawa areas and made available in selected distribution points. As editor and publisher of Panoram Italia I take this opportunity to thank first of all you the readers who have sent thousands of messages to congratulate me and the editorial team for a job well done. Our magazine has become in the span of few years the authoritative voice of us Canadians of Italian descent in Quebec. You love reading the stories we write and publish because they strike a chord. Panoram Italia is the mirror of who we truly are, not the deformed and stereotypical image of the perception others have of us or want to impose upon us. Panoram Italia is the genuine expression of a mature and well integrated segment of the Canadian population, namely ours of Italian origin. This constitutes a gigantic leap forward for our whole community. Panoram Italia is a powerful tool that enables us to set the record straight, to underline our achievements, to point out some of the lacunae that need to be filled, to decry our shortcomings and to proclaim loud and clear who we honestly are.

This leads me to thank also whole-heartedly our sponsors. It is their financial support that allows Panoram Italia to exist and remain an independent and free voice, our voice, your voice.

I encourage each and everyone of you, dear readers, to choose the services they provide and the products they sell.

Panoram Italia will continue to give a wonderful gift to any future donor, namely the English or French version of our own cookbook. The English or French version of Tasting Franca, a hardbound, illustrated publication on Italian food by the famous chef Franca Mazza. Treat yourselves to some of her tasty recipes.

The babies of the year, the newlyweds and the graduates of the year rubriques are very popular. They are a showcase of family ties and professional achievements. We at Panoram Italia extend again to send your pictures that constitute an indelible memory and proof of the many talents we are expressing as a community. We plan to begin a new rubrique at the end of each calendar year on the deceased of the year, as a sign of appreciation and respect and last remembrance for our elderlies, the men and women who have transmitted their solid values, shaped our identity and enabled us, the younger generations, to benefit of their hard work and sacrifices and become an envied model by the larger Canadian society. v

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Grand Prize Winners I wish to offer my congratulations to the winners of the prizes of the Friends of Panoram Italia. The financial support you gave is concrete proof you appreciate our work. I thank each one of you. I consider you part of the extended family our magazine has become.

Louis Ruta: Trip of a lifetime Grand prize Winner T

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Letters to the editor

13

Una scuola italiana: Perché e per chi ?

Caro Direttore, Penso che sia giunto il momento di dare la mia opinione sulla questione di una eventuale Scuola di italiano, tanto a cuore ad alcuni esponenti della comunità italiana.

Nel dicembre del 2005, nel corso di una riunione, il Comites di Montreal sollevò il problema dell’istituzione di una scuola italiana. Naturalmente la cosa riscosse subito grande entusiasmo anche perché eravamo e siamo tuttora consapevoli che il problema della conservazione e della valorizzazione della lingua italiana non potesse più trovar soluzione unicamente nei corsi del sabato. Bastò fare qualche indagine presso il Ministero dell’Educazione del Quebec e parlare in giro di questo progetto con numerosi esponenti della comunità italiana, per capire che la Scuola italiana a Montreal sarebbe rimasta una chimera. Innanzitutto va detto che una eventuale “scuola italiana” non potrebbe prescindere dai programmi ministeriali del Quebec, che si svolgono in ogni caso in francese e in inglese, con l’aggiunta di una terza lingua che per il Governo del Quebec e’ lo spagnolo. Quindi l’italiano, anche in una eventuale scuola italiana, sarebbe la terza o la quarta lingua. Mentre si potrebbero fare attività in italiano, ma solo in orario extrascolastico. Malgrado ciò, ci sono alcuni esponenti della nostra comunità che continuano ciecamente a proporre la scuola italiana, come se questa soluzione, qualora fosse realizzabile, rappresentasse la panacea di tutti i mali che impediscono ai nostri giovani di apprendere l’italiano. Mentre, a mio avviso, la nostra realtà scolastica richiederebbe altri tipi di interventi.

Personalmente ritengo che le scuole italiane facciano parte di un’epoca oramai tramontata, potevano andare bene in Africa, negli anni ’30-’40, dove i sistemi scolastici erano scadenti e i coloni italiani per non mandare i loro figli alle scuole locali, costruivano, a spese del Governo italiano, le scuole italiane con personale docente proveniente dalla madre Patria.

Per fortuna viviamo in Canada, uno dei paesi più evoluti e civilizzati al mondo, dove i sistemi scolastici sono riconosciuti per essere di livello superiore rispetto alla media mondiale. Gli allievi di oggi non sono più quelli di prima generazione, degli

anni 60’ e 70’. Forse sfugge anche il fatto che la fantomatica scuola italiana si rivolgerebbe a bambini nati in Canada, di origine italiana, probabilmente di terza o quarta generazione.

Un altro sbaglio che, a mio avviso, si fa spesso è quello di fare riferimento ad altri gruppi etnici che hanno le loro scuole.

Perchè a ben vedere si tratta di collettività particolari e numericamente inferiori rispetto alla nostra che, probabilmente a differenza di altre, è perfettamente integrata nel tessuto sociale del Canada e del Quebec.

Nel 2000 all’Università di Montreal realizzammo un importante Convegno dal titolo “L’italiano da lingua di immigrazione a lingua di cultura”. Da quel Convegno scaturì la nuova tendenza del Governo italiano di cercare di integrare l’insegnamento della lingua italiana nelle scuole pubbliche del Quebec, attraverso delle convenzioni che il PICAI avrebbe stipulato con le Commissioni scolastiche. Ne nacque una che resta ancora oggi il miglior esempio di integrazione dell’italiano nelle Scuole pubbliche. Si tratta della Scuola elementare East Hill della EMSB. Con un investimento di circa $110.000 che il PICAI ha fatto, l’italiano e’ diventato a tutti gli

effetti materia di insegnamento ed inserito a pieno titolo nel curriculum scolastico. Secondo me è questa la linea da seguire con altre scuole elementari, secondarie, collegiali e soprattutto universitarie, dove in quest’ultime proprio mancano cattedre di italianistica. In questo modo la lingua italiana potrà fare un salto di qualità, uscire dal “ghetto” ed aprirsi al mondo La comunità italiana oggi ha tutti gli strumenti, finanziari, didattici e politici per farlo, allora perché non passare all’azione e ci si ostina invece in un progetto che più lo si studia e più ci si rende conto che si tratta di un progetto realmente utopistico?

Giovanni Rapanà, Consiglio Generale degli Italiani all’Estero

Risposta del direttore: Una scuola per far durare l’italiano e per noi tutti Da oltre venti anni riemerge, di tanto in tanto, in seno alla comunità italiana di Montreal ll dibattito sulla opportunità di aprire una scuola privata in lingua italiana. Da circa un anno è la Fondazione Comunitaria che se n’è fatta di nuovo promotrice.

Siamo ancora nella fase propositiva. Rimane da vedere se vale la pena passare alla tappa seguente, concreta del progetto.

In linea di massima non vedo nessun conflitto tra l’inserimento dello studio della lingua italiana, tramite convenzioni scritte tra l’ente gestore PICAI e le diverse commissioni scolastiche e l’apertura di una scuola privata. Rimane il fatto che le ore complessive d’insegnamento del PELO sono un massimo di 60 ore annuali. Veramente poche per imparare come si deve la lingua.

Oltre a questo, l’inserimento dell’italiano nelle scuole pubbliche ha tre grossi ostacoli da sormontare: la mancanza d’interesse dei genitori ed i contratti collettivi degli insegnanti di ruolo oltre alla concorrenza dello spagnolo. In un futuro più o meno breve la presenza dell’italiano nelle scuole elementari e secondarie è condannata a diminuire. La scuola privata avrebbe il vantaggio di essere un centro dove l’interesse per l’italiano come lingua di cultura sarebbe costante e duraturo. Il numero delle ore d’italiano come materia ufficialmente riconosciuta dal MEQ sarebbero 7-8 ogni settimana, oltre alle attività extrascolastiche, altre 1-2 ore ogni giorno. In un anno accademico verrebbero impartite da docenti qualificati quasi 300 ore d’insegnamento e almeno altre 500-600 ore in attività al di fuori del curriculum. Per non parlare dei viaggi organizzati in Italia.

Per evitare che la scuola privata sia riservata solo ad una minoranza, è previsto un programma di borse di studio per le famiglie bisognose e per gli allievi meritori. Lascio ai lettori stabilire quale delle due opzioni è preferibile scegliere. (F.S.)

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Memoria e Ricordo per un’Italia migliore

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Filippo Salvatore

l 27 gennaio ed il 10 febbraio sono due giorni memorabili della delle Foibe e dell’Esodo. É utile fornire qualche ragguaglio storico per capire quello che è recente storia italiana. La prima data celebra il Giorno della successo agli italiani che vivevano nei territori della Venezia Giulia, dell’istria e della Memoria della Shoah, l’olocausto subìto dal popolo ebraico. La Dalmazia. Alla fine della seconda guerra mondiale la liberazione dall’occupazione tedesca del seconda il Giorno del Ricordo, la tragedia degli italiani vittime delle territorio nazionale ha costituito per loro l’inizio di una tragedia ad opera dell’esercito comuFoibe e dell’Esodo dalle loro terre, l’Istria, Fiume e la Dalmazia. nista jugoslavo del maresciallo Tito. Decine di migliaia di italiani dell’Istria, di Fiume e della Il 27 gennaio 1945 i soldati russi aprirono i cancelli del campo di concentramento e di Dalmazia furono uccisi nelle Foibe (buttati vivi o morti in crepacci carsici) o nei campi di sterminio di Auschwitz creati dalla Germania nazista per annichilire essere umani ritenuti concentramento titini. La loro colpa era di essere italiani e di aver fatto valere la loro italiainferiori: i menomati mentali, gli zingari, gli omosessuali, gli ebrei, o gli avversari politici. nità su una terra di lingua e di tradizioni italiane da quando era provincia dell’antico impero In Europa, il continente più civile ed avanzato del pianeta, la scienza invece di un mezzo di romano. Si calcola che 350,000 abitanti dell’Istria, di Fiume e della Dalmazia furono obbligati liberazione e di progresso, era stata trasformata in strumento di oppressione e di morte. ad abbondonare la loro terra, le case, il lavoro, gli amici, per non cadere nelle mani delle Per evitare che crimini simili a quelli commessi dal regime hitleriano si ripetessero, le Nazioni bande armate jugoslave. Avvenne nei confronti degli italiani della Venezia Giulia una forma Unite hanno promulgato nel 1948 la Dichiarazione Universale dei Diritti Umani dove di ‘pulizia etnica’ che è stata poi praticata di nuovo in Bosnia. Si è dovuti aspettare la caduta vengono riconosciuti i diritti inalienabili di ogni persona in tutto il mondo. delle ideologie nel 1989 prima che un avvenimento storico tragico come quello delle Foibe e L’Italia celebra da un decennio, dal 27 gennaio dell’anno 2000, il Giorno della Memoria dell’Esodo potesse essere valutato oggettivamente ed in tutta la sua gravità, come hanno perché anche la componente italiana del popolo ebraico è stata vittima della Shoah, come ci fatto Renzo Martinelli nel film Porzus (1997) e Alberto Negrin nel seriale televisivo Il Cuore ricorda il volume di Primo Levi, Se Questo è un Uomo. nel Pozzo (2005). A giusta ragione i sopravvissuti agli Per evitare che la memoria della Shoah diventasse un L’importanza della giornata della Memoria da eccidi delle foibe e le comunità dei Giuliani/Dalmati in avvenimento tragico ma lontano nel tempo, con un una parte e del Giorno del Ricordo dall’altra diversi paesi del mondo, tra cui il Canada, danno ampio semplice e distante significato storico, lo Stato italiano risalto alla celebrazione del loro esodo doloroso. Le consiste in questo: educare le nuove genera- iniziative promosse sia in Italia che in diversi altri paesi favorisce la riflessione in tutte le scuole del Paese. zioni sui ‘perché’ dell’odio razziale e capire del mondo assumono un grande valore civile ed umano: I giovani sono invitati a capire il ‘perché’ la persecuzione di popoli interi è stata possibile e soprattutto a fare in che il ‘bene’ è l’esercizio del pensiero critico mantenere vivo il ricordo di un episodio tragico troppo a modo che orrori come quelli perpetrati nella prima metà che porta alla comprensione, alla tolleranza lungo volutamente ignorato o dimenticato della recente del Novecento non accadano più. Sono invitati cioè a storia italiana. ed alla pacifica convivenza di etnie diverse su capire il fondo delle cose, ad evitare la ‘banalità del male’ L’importanza della giornata della Memoria da una uno stesso territorio. che cresce come un fungo in superficie, come l’ha definita parte e del Giorno del Ricordo dall’altra consiste in la filosofa Hannah Arendt. questo: educare le nuove generazioni sui ‘perché’ dell’odio Si tratta di un invito necessario, perché l’umanità non sembra aver capito ed assimilato il razziale e capire che il ‘bene’ è l’esercizio del pensiero critico che porta alla comprensione, senso tragico della Shoah. Persecuzioni razziali ed eliminazioni in massa si erano prodotte prima alla tolleranza ed alla pacifica convivenza di etnie diverse su uno stesso territorio. É questa della Shoah in Armenia nel 1915-16, in Ucraina (l’Holomodor nel 1932) e si sono purtroppo la lezione da tenere a mente nell’Italia di oggi, un paese di immigrazione, con una crescente riprodotte anche nella seconda metà del Novecento di nuovo in Europa (in Bosnia, nella ex diversità etnica.

Jugoslavia), in Africa, (Nigeria, Ruanda, Darfur) in Asia (Cambogia, Bangladesh, Timor Est), in * Siamo particolarmente felici di comunicare che uno dei due vincitori del premio Histria America (Guatemala) e rischiano di continuare anche nel Terzo Millennio. La storia non sembra Terra 2010 è il montrealese Claudio Antonelli, noto giornalista, scrittore e studioso di cose essere affatto magistra vitae. La memoria è quindi un antidoto contro la tentazione dell’oblio. istriane, originario di Pisino d’Istria e nostro collaboratore.

Dopo un lungo silenzio di oltre mezzo secolo e la quasi rimozione dalla memoria collet** Per una rassegna dei film italiani sulla Shoah, vedere p. 62 v tiva nazionale, lo Stato italiano ha scelto il 10 febbraio dal 2005 come il Giorno del Ricordo

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Our Cover

Un kunii Italo / Nunavutien

By Filippo Salvatore

Franco, Camilla, Kimberley and Anthony Rizzi

Le cœur humain répond à un profond impératif : celui d’aimer. L’amour peut jaillir n’importe où sur notre planète, autant sur la plage d’une île paradisiaque que dans un climat glacial comme celui de l’Île de Baffin. C’est justement dans la capitale du territoire du Nunavut, sur l’Île de Baffin, que Kimberley Kwanytyshen, une consultante sportive, est tombée en amour avec Franco Rizzi, un maître électricien né et élevé à Montréal, fils d’immigrants italiens originaires de Sannicandro dans la région des Pouilles. im a grandi à Dauphin au Manitoba. Sa mère est d’origine irlandaise et son père d’origine ukrainienne. Elle est grande et blonde et possède un diplôme en Éducation physique de l’université de Brandon. En 2000, elle a obtenu un poste comme directrice pour les Jeux d’hiver de l’arctique et s’est transférée à Iqaluit. C’est ainsi qu’elle se remémore avoir été frappé par le coup de foudre. « C’était une journée très froide en février 2001, j’étais au supermarché Artic Ventures. J’attendais en ligne avec un capuchon sur la tête, la nourriture que j’avais commandée et qui venait d’arriver par avion après un blizzard de cinq jours. À un certain moment, un homme qui attendait aussi en file m’a jeté un regard tout en me faisant un sourire. Je lui ai répondu à mon tour d’un sourire et c’est ce qui a déclenché l’étincelle. Deux jours plus tard, je l’ai revu. Il m’a alors salué et s’est mis à me parler. Nous avons pris un café ensemble et avons ainsi commencé à nous côtoyer. À notre quatrième rencontre, le jour de la Saint-Valentin, Franco m’a invité à souper chez lui.

Je me rappelle encore très bien le menu : bucatini au sugo avec du fromage parmesan. Plusieurs choses m’intéressaient chez lui, son charme bien sûr, mais aussi sa cuisine.

J’ai alors découvert un homme orienté sur la famille et qui partageait mes valeurs. Un homme avec qui je pourrais vivre et fonder une famille. » « Le sentiment était réciproque, explique Franco. À Pâques, j’ai invité Kim à venir à Montréal avec moi pour rencontrer ma famille. J’ai été épaté de voir à quel point elle et ma mère se sont immédiatement entendues. Nous nous sommes mariés dans une église catholique à Dauphin au Manitoba et avons célébré de façon remarquable sous un grand chapiteau avec de la musique et des plats italiens et ukrainiens. » Kim a rapidement appris à apprécier et savourer la nourriture italienne traditionnelle et après quelques années ses talents de cuisinière, confirme fièrement Franco, sont devenus aussi bons que ceux de ma mère. » Même Iqaluit, une ville de près de 6000 personnes, possède une pizzeria, me mentionne Kim lorsque je les ai rencontré dans leur domicile à Laval.

Après leur mariage, Kim et Franco ont vécu pendant cinq ans à Iqaluit où leurs deux enfants, Camilla, sept ans, et Anthony, cinq ans, sont nés. Kim a rapidement développé un intérêt marqué pour tout ce qui à trait à l’Italie : la nourriture, la mode, les meubles, etc. Elle maîtrise même un italien « de base » qui lui permet de communiquer avec sa belle famille, affirme-t-elle. La vérité est qu’elle a adopté la culture italienne à un point tel qu’elle est devenue, comme ses amis le laisse entendre, plus italienne encore qu’une vraie italienne. J’attribue ça au pouvoir de l’amour et à l’incroyable richesse de la culture italienne. L’expérience de Kim et de Franco dans le Nunavut les a mené à partager leur culture avec leurs amis et voisins, pour la plupart Inuits. « La nourriture inuit est très différente de la nourriture italienne. Les Inuits mangent beaucoup de poisson et de phoque, presque cru, » explique Kim. Lorsque nos amis Inuits venaient souper, ils appréciaient tout de même la cuisine italienne. Ce que je trouve incroyable c’est comment nos enfants Camilla et Anthony ont tout naturellement réussi à combiner les valeurs Inuits et italiennes. Camilla adore manger de la viande et du poisson presque crus, comme le font ses amis Inuits. Mais, elle raffole aussi des pâtes et du gelato. »

K

Suite à page 19, colonne 1

www.panoramitalia.com An Italo / Nunavutian’s Kunii The human heart responds to a mysterious imperative: the need for love. Love can be discovered and enjoyed everywhere on our planet; as much on an island under a tropical sun as an Artic climate like Baffin Island, in Nunavut. It is in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, that Kimberley, a sports consultant, fell in love with Franco, a master electrician born and raised in Montreal, son of I t a l i a n i m m i g r a n t s, o r i g i n a l l y f r o m Sannicandro in the southern Apulia region of Italy.

Il bacio di una italo / nunavutiana

im was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, to an Irish mother and a Ukrainian father. She is a tall, striking, blond K woman who earned a degree in Physical Education from

stata assunta come direttrice generale dei Giochi Invernali dell’Artico ed è andata ad abitare a Iqaluit. É in questi termini che Kim ricorda come è stata colpita da Cupido. ‘Era una giornata glaciale di febbraio del 2001. Ero andata a prendere il cibo che avevo ordinato e che un aereo avevo portato dal sud dopo una tormenta di neve di cinque giorni. Portavo un giubbone con un cappuccio che mi copriva a metà il viso mentre facevo la fila dentro il negozio Arctic Ventures. Ad un certo punto un uomo che faceva anche lui la fila, mi ha guardato e mi ha fatto un bel sorriso. Anch’egli gli ho sorriso e quel sorriso è stato la scintilla che ha appiccato il fuoco al nostro rapporto. Due giorni dopo l’ho rivisto, mi ha salutato, ha cominciato a parlarmi e mi invitato a bere un caffé insieme. Il nostro quarto appuntamento è stato il giorno della San Valentino.

Franco mi ha invitato a casa sua e ricordo benissimo il pranzo che aveva preparato, bucatini al sugo con parmigiano. É un insieme di cose che mi sono piaciute in lui: la sua apparenza fisica, certo, ma anche la sua cucina. Ho scoperto un uomo che amava la vita famigliale, che credeva in valori che condividevo, con il quale mi vedevo vivere insieme e formare una famiglia’. ‘Il sentimento è stato reciproco, spiega Franco.

A Pasqua ho invitato Kim a Montreal per farle conoscere i miei.

Sono rimasto colpito dal fatto che lei e mia madre hanno sùbito legato e sono andate d’accordo. Ci siamo sposati in una chiesa cattolica a Dauphin nel Manitoba e abbiamo accolto gli invitati al matrimonio sotto una tenda enorme. Abbiamo servito tanto buon cibo al ricevimento e ballato con musica ucraina ed italiana. Kim è stata immediatamente conquistata dalla gastronomia italiana e dopo qualche anno di pratica se la cava veramente benissimo in cucina. É diventata brava come mia madre’. ‘Persino a Iqaluit, un centro di 6,000 anime si può mangiare la pizza’ sottolinea Kim durante il nostro incontro a casa sua a Laval.

Brandon University. In 2000 she landed a job as general manager for the Arctic Winter Games and moved to Iqaluit.

Here is how Kim remembers being struck by Cupid. ‘It was a very cold day in February 2001 at the Arctic Ventures Store.

I was standing in line, with a hood half covering my face, waiting for the food I had ordered and a plane had just brought in from the South after a five-day blizzard. All of a sudden this man who was also standing in line looked at me and smiled. I smiled back and that was the spark that kindled our relationship. Two days later I saw him again. He greeted me and began talking to me. We went to have a coffee together and began seeing each other. On our fourth date, on Valentine’s Day, Franco invited me to his house for dinner. I remember vividly that he had prepared bucatini with sugo and parmigiano cheese. It was a combination of things that I liked about him, his looks of course and his cooking. I discovered a man who was family- oriented, who believed in values I shared, a man with whom I could live and form a family.’ ‘The feeling was mutual’ Franco explains.

“At Easter I invited Kim to Montreal to meet my family. I was struck to see how she and my mother immediately liked each other and how well they got along. We got married in a Catholic church in Dauphin Manitoba and had a memorable reception under a big tent with a combination of Ukrainian and Italian music and food’. Kim soon learned to enjoy and savour authentic Italian food and after several years her kitchen skills, Franco proudly testifies, have become as good as his mother’s. ’Even in Iqaluit, a town of about 6,000 people, there is a place to get pizza’, Kim pointed out when I met her in their home in Laval.

After their marriage, Kim and Franco lived in Iqaluit for five years where their two children Camilla, (7) and Anthony (5) were born. She readily developed a keen interest in everything Italian, from food, to fashion, to jewellery, to furniture. She even acquired what she defines as a ‘basic’ knowledge of Italian ‘Just to communicate with my in-laws,’ she says. The truth is Kim has whole-heartedly embraced Italian culture to the point that she has become, as close friends point out, more Italian than some ‘real’ Italians. I call it power of love and the discovery of the amazing richness of Italian culture. Kim’s and Franco’s isolated experience in Nunavut led them to share their common culture with mostly Inuit neighbours and friends. ‘Inuit food is quite different from Italian food. The Inuit eat a lot of fish and seal, almost raw,’ Kim explains.’ Nonetheless when we had friends over for dinner, they enjoyed Italian cuisine. What I find amazing is the way our children Camilla and Anthony were naturally able, as a matter of fact, to combine the Inuit and the Italian traditions. Camilla loves to eat meat, almost raw and fish like her Inuit friends do. But she also loves pasta and gelato.’ Kim stops and reminisces. ‘The best experience we had as a family in Iqaluit were our outings on Sundays.

I used to prepare pasta and then the whole family jumped on the snowmobile with its attached wooden trailer. Franco was the driver and the rest of us wrapped ourselves with a caribou rug to keep warm. After a long ride on the snow and the tundra we chose a spot where we stopped and ate home -made food in open-air, in breath-taking Nunavut territory.

Continua a pag. 19, colonna 2

Continued on page 19, column 3

Il cuore umano obbedisce ad una legge misteriosa: il bisogno d’amore. L’amore può essere scoperto e provato ovunque; su un’isola sotto il sole tropicale, ma anche in un clima rigido come quello dell’Isola di Baffin, nel Nunavut. È a Iqaluit, la capitale del Nunavut, sull’isola di Baffin, che Kimberley Kwatylyshen, una consulente in sport, si è innamorata di Franco Rizzi, un elettrecista specializzato nato e cresciuto a Montreal, figlio di immigrati italiani originari di Sannicandro, nelle Puglie. im è nata a Dauphin nel Manitoba di madre irlandese e di K padre ucraino. É una bionda, alta, statuaria che si è laureata in Educazione Fisica all’università di Brandon. Nel 2000 è

www.panoramitalia.com Kim cesse de parler et réfléchit. « Les plus belles expériences qu’on a vécu en tant que famille à Iqaluit, ce sont nos escapades dominicales. J’avais l’habitude de préparer des pâtes et toute la famille sautait dans la remorque arrière de la motoneige. Franco était aux commandes et nous on s’emmitouflait dans des peaux de caribous pour rester au chaud. Après une longue promenade sur la neige et la toundra on choisissait un endroit pour piqueniquer, entouré d’un panorama à couper le souffle. Une expérience unique. Les enfants ne voulaient pas manger leurs pâtes tant qu’on ne leur construisait pas un petit igloo dans lequel ils pourraient se régaler. » En 2006, la famille Rizzi a déménagé à Montréal.

Aujourd’hui, les Rizzi vivent dans une maison en pierre grise à Laval. Un inuksuk, une statue inuit empruntant la silhouette d’un homme, se dresse devant leur résidence.

C’est un signe tangible de l’influence inuit sur leur identité plurielle. Kim travaille maintenant comme présidente de l’Association Sportive Canadienne des Malentendants.

Camilla et Anthony fréquentent l’école française pendant la semaine et vont à l’école italienne le dimanche. Franco travaille toujours au Nunavut pour Nasittuq Corporation, un sous-contractant pour la défense nationale qui depuis les années 1980 se charge de l’entretient des bases radars de sécurité construites par les américains pendant les années 1950. Franco veille à l’entretient des nouvelles installations militaires basées sur l’Île de Baffin, une des cinq zones de sécurité qui s’étendent de l’Île de Baffin à l’Alaska. « Je vole tous les jours jusqu’à la base en hélicoptère, explique Franco, et je rentre le soir à Iqaluit. Après avoir travaillé six semaines au Nunavut, je retourne à Montréal. C’est constamment la navette nord-sud, mais ça ne me dérange pas. Je passe environ six mois par année au Nunavut et le reste du temps ici en ville. Le grand nord et la réalité inuite font maintenant partie de moi et de ma famille. » « Absolument, » confirme Kim. « Pour le baptême d’Anthony, nous sommes revenus à Montréal et avons célébré le sacrement à l’église Notre-Dame de la Défense dans la Petite Italie. Anthony avait un peu plus d’un an et c’était son premier voyage en dehors de l’arctique. Une fois à l’intérieur de l’église, il a levé la tête et en regardant le dôme au plafond s’est écrié : « igloo, igloo ! » Il était très impressionné par la taille de l’édifice qu’il prenait pour un igloo. » Pendant ma rencontre avec la famille Rizzi, j’ai été étonné de voir à quel point Camilla et Anthony pouvaient me comprendre et me répondre en italien. Lorsque j’ai demandé à Camilla en italien comment elle se définissait, elle m’a répondu : italo-Nunavutienne, une italo-inuite.

Une espèce rare en effet, qu’on retrouve uniquement au Canada. Camilla donne un sens concret à ce qualificatif si particulier lorsque vient le moment de nous saluer. Elle s’approche de moi et me donne un kunii, un bec inuit. Elle prend une respiration, frotte doucement son nez sur ma joue et me dit ciao. Elle se retourne ensuite pour retrouver son petit frère qu’elle surnomme Tuni-Tuni, comme le fesaient les autres enfants à Iqaluit. v

Our Cover Dopo essersi sposati Kim e Franco hanno abitato per cinque anni a Iqaluit dove sono nati sia Camilla che Anthony, di sette e di cinque anni. La signora Rizzi ha immediatamente manifestato un profondo interesse per ogni aspetto dell’italianità, dal cibo alla moda, dai gioielli ai mobili, ad una conoscenza di base della lingua ‘ per poter comunicare con la parentela’. La verità è che Kim ha adottato a braccia aperte la cultura italiana e lo ha fatto a tal punto che è diventata più italiana di tanti ‘veri’ italiani, come ad alcuni suoi amici intimi piace sottolineare. É la forza dell’amore e la scoperta della ricchezza della cultura italiana che l’hanno spinta, a mio avviso, ad ‘italianizzarsi”. L’isolamento della giovane coppia nel Nunavut l’ha spinta ad interagire con vicini ed amici soprattutto inuit. Il cibo Inuit è molto diverso da quello italiano. ‘Gli Inuit mangiano tanto pesce e carne di foca quasi cruda, spiega Kim. Tuttavia quando abbiamo invitato i nostri amici a pranzo da noi, è piaciuta loro anche la cucina italiana. Quello che mi ha sorpreso è il modo assolutamente naturale in cui sia Camilla che Anthony hanno saputo unire le tradizioni inuit e italiane. Per esempio a Camilla piace mangiare la carne ed il pesce quasi crudi, proprio come fanno i suoi amici inuit. A lei, però, piacciono tanto anche la pasta ed i gelati’.

Kim smette di parlare e torna con il pensiero a quando viveva con i suoi a Iqaluit. Poi continua, ‘ L’esperienza più bella vissuta tutti insieme erano le scampagnate la domenica pomeriggio.Dopo aver cotto la pasta Franco si metteva alla guida della motoslitta, mentre io ed i piccoli ci sedevamo dentro un rimorchio di legno e ci coprivamo per ripararci dal freddo con una coperta fatta con la pelle di caribù. Dopo un lungo percorso sulla neve e sulla tundra, sceglievamo un posto dove ci fermavamo e mangiavamo all’aria aperta circondati da una vista che mozzava il fiato.Una sensazione che si può provare solo nel Nunavut. Bisognava prima però costruire un piccolo iglù dentro il quale ai bambini piaceva mangiare’. Nel 2006 i Rizzi hanno traslocato da Iqaluit nella zona metropolitana di Montreal. Al giorno d’oggi abitano in un bel villino con una facciata di pietra grigia a Laval. Un Inuksuk, una figura umana stilizzata fatta di pietre come sono soliti costruire gli Inuit, si trova nel giardino antistante alla loro casa e la distingue dalle altre. É un segno tangibile della dimensione inuit della complessa identità della famiglia Rizzi. Kim lavora ora come direttrice della Canadian Deaf Sports Association. Camilla ed Anthony frequentano durante la settimana una scuola di lingua francese ed il sabato mattina vanno a scuola d’italiano. Franco continua a lavorare come elettrecista specializzato nel Nunavut per la Nasittuq Corporation, una ditta appaltatrice della Difesa Nazionale che negli anni ’80 è subentrata nella manutenzione delle più recenti componenti delle basi di protezione militare ubicate sull’isola di Baffin, una delle cinque zone dislocate dall’isola di Baffin fino all’Alaska. ‘Ogni mattina arrivo in elicottero alla base, dice Franco, e la sera torno sempre in elicottero a Iqaluit. Dopo aver lavorato per sei settimane nel Nunavut, torno in aereo a Montreal. Faccio la spola nord-sud continuamente, ma ormai ci ho fatto il callo.Trascorro sei mesi nel Nunavut ed il resto del tempo con la famiglia. Il Nunavut e la realtà inuit sono ormai parte integrante di me e di tutta la mia famiglia’. ‘É proprio vero, conferma Kim. Anthony aveva poco più di un anno quando lo abbiamo fatto battezzare a Montreal nella parrocchia Madonna della Difesa.Era la prima volta che viaggiava al di fuori dell’artico. Nell’entrare in chiesa, rimasto colpito dalle dimensione della volta, ha gridato - iglù, Iglù-.

La chiesa era sinonimo per lui di un grande iglù’. Durante il mio incontro con i Rizzi, mi ha colpito che sia Camilla che Anthony capivano e mi rispondevano in italiano.Quando ho chiesto a Camilla di definirsi, ha coniato un neologismo. - Sono una italo/nunavutiana, ossia una italo/inuit.Un tipo di persona veramente raro che si può trovare solo in Canada. Camilla dà un significato concreto a questa definizione nel salutarmi. Mi si avvicina e mi dà un kunii, un bacio alla inuit. Aspira e mi tocca lo zigomo con la punta del naso. Mi dice -ciao- e corre ad inseguire suo fratello che chiama Tuni-Tuni, come facevao i bambini a Iqaluit. v

17

A unique experience. The children would not eat their pasta unless we built them a little igloo into which they would enjoy it.’

In 2006 the Rizzi family moved from Iqaluit to Montreal. Today the Rizzi`s live in a greystone house in Laval. An Inuit-style human figure called an Inuksuk, made of stones, stands strikingly in their front yard. It is a tangible sign of the Inuit part of the composite nature of the Rizzi`s identity. Kim now works as the CEO of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association. Camilla and Anthony attend French school during the week and Italian language school on Saturdays. Franco still works as a master electrician in Nunavut for Nasittuq Corporation, a sub-contractor for National Defence that in the 1980’s took over the maintenance of the Distance Early Warning radar bases built by the Americans in the 1950’s. Franco’s job is the upkeep of new components of the military protection base located on Baffin Island, one of the five zones that stretch from Baffin Island to Alaska. ‘I fly each morning to the base by helicopter,’ Franco says, ‘and fly back to Iqaluit at night. After working for six weeks in Nunavut, I fly back to Montreal. It is a continuous commute from North-South and back, but I do not mind it. I spend about six months in Nunavut and the rest of the time in Montreal. Nunavut and the Inuit reality is now an integral part of me and of my family.’ ‘Yes, absolutely,’ Kim confirms.

‘For Anthony’s baptism we all flew to Montreal and held the celebration at Madonna della Difesa Church. Anthony was a little over one and his first time travelling outside the Arctic. Upon entering the church he looked up at the vast vault and said ‘igloo-igloo’. He was really impressed by the size of the church which he could only define as an igloo.’ During my meeting with the Rizzi`s I was impressed to realize that both Camilla and Anthony could understand and reply to me in Italian. When I asked Camilla in Italian to tell me how she would define herself, she came up with a unique label: I am an Italo-Nunavutian, an Italo-Inuit. A rare breed indeed to be found only in Canada. Camilla gives a concrete meaning to her definition when she bids me farewell. She gets close to me and gives me a kunii, an Inuit kiss. She aspires, rubs her nose on my cheek and says ‘ciao’ and runs after her brother whom she calls Tuni-Tuni, like the other kids in Iqaluit used to do. v

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Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti

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Men of the cloth ‘Suiting’ your every need By: Sabrina Marandola / pictures Joey Franco

I love pizza. I love high-heeled shoes. I love clothes. That’s right... il sangue non mente.

Italian blood runs through my veins, and one look at my overflowing closet proves it.

(It’s not that I have too many clothes - is there really such a thing? ) t’s just that my closet is WAY too small to accommodate my Italian passion for fashion!

In my closet hang jeans, skirts, pants and tops nothing out of the ordinary.

But then, there is that one suit bag that hangs at the very far end of my dark closet. It’s the bag I keep zipped up at all times, never allowing any dust, light or humidity to penetrate. It contains the one piece I care about most in my closet: my one and only Italian-tailored suit. I bought it in Rome almost 6 years ago. It was my first “Made in Italy” tailored power-suit. (Although I must confess, when the lady in the shop told me the price, I felt anything but empowered.

I thought I’d have to leave her one of my organs at the door.)

But a tailored suit is exactly that: tailored just for you.

It’s sculpted to hug your curves. It drapes your body like no other mass-produced item of clothing can.

I tried on my suit that June day in 2004. The darted seams of the ivory jacket cinched my rib-cage perfectly.

The cuffed sleeves flared out, and the wide lapels gave the one-button jacket a modern and sharp look. The ivory pants were fitted, with a slight flare below the knee.

The soft satin lining on my skin followed my every motion.

It was simple, yet elegant. Classic, yet modern. It was obvious this suit was Italian-tailored.

When I had it on, I stood straighter, held my head higher, and carried myself better. Sold.

To this day, it is the best money I’ve ever spent.

The quality of the garment is impeccable - I’ve worn it at least a dozen times, and it still looks like it did the day I bought it. Beyond that, I learned that an Italian-tailored suit leaves an impression on people’s minds - I wore it to a wedding almost six years ago, and to this day, I will bump into some random person from that party who will tell me, “Hey, you’re the one who was wearing that ivory suit.”

I

Now that’s the power of an Italian-tailored garment!

But this is no secret. Italian tailors are a hot commodity.

Just ask Vincenzo Mercadante. The 67-year-old has been working as a tailor in Montreal for more than 50 years.

“We are in high demand,” Mercadante says. “People search high and low for an Italian tailor. That’s because the work of an Italian tailor is associated with quality.”

Mercadante learned the trade when he was just an 11-year-old boy in Italy. After school, he would walk from his home town of Vezzara to the town of San Clemente in Galluccio, Caserta to spend his afternoons in the tailor shop.

“I would sweep the floor, and I learned how to iron using charcoal,” he recalls. That’s also where he learned what he considers to be the most important skill for a tailor to hone - sopramano (hand-stitching). “I learned by imitation. I used to watch the tailor do it, so I would practice too,” he says.

“Sopramano really teaches you how to relate the needle, the thread and the thimble in your hand.”

Now Mercadante owns his own tailor shop. Stencils and patterns hang on the back wall, rolls of Italian fabric are stocked up on shelves, and several sewing machines are threaded and ready to go. Mercadante says clients have been walking into Select Men’s Wear for decades with a range of requests - from shortening a pair of jeans, to turning a bundle of flat fabric into a sculpted suit, raincoat or cap... all made-to-measure of course.

“Tailoring is an art. You are building something to fit the human body to make it look its best,” Mercadante says, adding the creative trade is very fulfilling. “The best part is knowing that you took a flat piece of cloth, and then seeing it molded on someone’s body. The look of a made-to-measure suit is completely different, and I sew all the lining by hand, and the seams have a nice hand-finish, which is important for a good suit to have.”

A classic tailored suit never goes out of style, and talk about timeless - Italian-designer suits date back to before 1861, when the Republic of Italy was unified. The first tailor shop was in Sardegna in 1850. It launched a new era in Italian menswear.

The word “sarto” was born, and became a part of the language of world fashion.

In the 1860s, the textile industry was well on its way near Milan, and by the 1960s, manufacturing plants opened. Here in Canada, Montreal was a leader in the textile industry.

Like Mercadante, many Italian immigrants were skilled tradesmen, and turned their trade into their profession.

By 1960, there were at least a dozen customized tailor shops in Montreal.

And Mercadante has been around since the beginning - skillfully measuring, cutting, sewing and stitching fabric throughout the decades to give Montrealers unique quality, Italian-tailored wardrobe staples.

“I have customers who have been coming here over the last 50 years,” he says. “I do it with passion.”

The needle industry’s past is rich with history... but how bright is its future? Is tailoring a dying trade?

“Ten years from now, there will be very few tailors left,” Mercadante says. “Everything will be from factories mass-produced and ready-to-wear.”

Hmmm, I think I’m due for a new Italian-tailored suit! v

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Tony Cutrone Tailleur Cutrofil - 514 813-5881 Tony Cutrone is not shy to voice his opinion against offshoring clothing posing a threat to the quality and integrity of Canadian tailoring. He has worked in small shops, huge factories, and lately, out of his home studio.

Birthplace: Ielsi, Campobasso In the business: Since 1966 Worked: Golden Brand Clothing, and presently Cutrofil.

Most rewarding part of the job: Seeing people happy, because I take care of my customers and I do what they really want.

Favourite cut: I like tight fitting suits, two buttons.

Pet Peeve: Salespeople that try to sell suits that do not fit the customers at all.

Most important part of the job: What counts most of all is the cutting process. If you make a good cut to the material, the suit is going to come out nice, if you screw up the cutting you cannot fix it. It’s like a house, when you do the foundation, if you do it wrong, the house won’t turn out right... same thing with suits.

Qualities of a good tailor: He uses Italian material, also English material. All the materials from Europe are very nice, they are the best.

Training: I was young and I went to design school here in Montreal, then I started to work. Once I started to work, I began to like the trade.

Most frequent comment: Most people are very satisfied with the work I do.

Take on the tailoring industry today in Montreal: The problem today is that companies prefer to manufacture suits in other countries like China and India for much cheaper, so people will go for the cheaper prices but they are not getting good quality. People have to start buying Canadian suits so that the young tailors can continue to work here, but if we keep buying imported products, one day they will have no more jobs.

Tricks of the trade: You never stop learning, the more you do this the more you learn. The styles are always changing, year after year, so you always have to be up to date.

On retirement: I don’t know...

I love to work, I love to stay with people. v

Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti

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Sandro Battaglia Battaglia - Atelier pour hommes 514 951-2121 - info@sandrobattaglia.com ith every fiber of his being, Sandro Battaglia always knew he wanted to work in the fashion industry. His passion for clothing began ever since he was a little boy - he would stand by his father’s side and watch him customtailor suits. After years of watching his father, Battaglia gave it a try for himself.

He was 11 when he first picked up a needle, thread and thimble. That was the start of his career as a custom-tailor. After earning degrees from Montreal tailoring and fashion schools, the 34-year-old now owns his own shop. Battaglia says he loves working as a custom-tailor to help men look their best.

Birthplace: Montreal In the business since: 2005 Learned the trade: “My dad was a tailor. I learned the basics by watching him work. I used to watch him as long as I can remember. When I was around 11 years old, I learned how to hold my fingers properly, how to sew by hand, hem pants, etc.

I studied at ISDM and Lasalle College, and also got my DEP in tailoring. After I graduated in 2005, I also apprenticed in several tailor shops in the city.”

Modus operandi: “In days past, everyone had a tailor. A tailor dressed you with the same cut jacket and same cut pant your whole life. Today, a tailor is a stylist, a designer and a tailor all at once, because today’s consumer is a lot more educated about what he wants. He knows about quality and craftsmanship. So, when a client walks in, I like to have a consultation with him first. I want to know what he already has in his closet. Then, we go through the cloths together, I’ll match the shirts, and I’ll take measurements. I receive the fabric and cut it. I make the suits combining both machine-stitching and hand-stitching. I’ll have a first trial with the client. After some tweaks and adjustments, we have the final fitting.”

Fashion philosophy: “I love fashion. It’s an expression of who you are. I love colours and accessories. You can tell so much about a person just by looking at what they are wearing.”

Who would you like to dress: Barack Obama Strangest request: “A man from Edmonton called me and wanted me to make him custom clothes. He faxed me a drawing of a stickman with his measurements. I told him I could not work this way - make him custom clothes with him so far away.”

Favourite part of the job: “At the end, when the client puts on the garment, and has a big smile from ear to ear... that’s the best part. That’s what drives me to create ultimate patterns.”

Worst part of the job: “I don’t like dealing with brides too much (who come with the groom to pick out the tux). They are welcome to come for the consultation, but after that, let me do my thing.”

Qualities of a good tailor: “You need patience. You need an eye for body imperfections as soon as the client walks through the door. You have to be able to listen, and you have to be good at providing choices for your clients, and offer them versatility.”

What do you think about fashion designers: “I think they’re geniuses... the way they market their clothing, offer it as a lifestyle, and they way they show such creativity in their clothing.”

Why did you become a tailor: “Since I was a kid, I had a passion for clothing. My dad made my suit for my First Communion. I was 7 years old, and I told him, ‘I want this colour, I want this shirt, I want this tie, and I want these shoes.’ Tailoring combines all the elements I love: working with people, fashion, and providing a service that satisfies people.”

Favourite design/cut: “Not everyone can pull it off, but I love a slim tapered pant, with a short hem. And a very tapered jacket, with one or two buttons and a cut-away in the front.”

Is tailoring an art or a science: “It’s both. There’s a lot of formulas (when it comes to cutting and pattern-making), and there’s a lot of feel.”

Factory vs. shop (Industrial tailoring vs. traditional tailoring): “You cannot beat the quality of a custom-tailored garment. In the end, you get what you pay for... and that optimum fit and look is not something you can get in industrial tailoring.” v

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Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti

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Salvatore Barbagallo - retired Salvatore Barbagallo learned his trade in his native Liguria. He later joined the Italian Marines where he would serve for several years. He would then relocate to London, England where he worked for H. Huntsman & Sons on the world famous Savile Row district in London- also refered to as the golden mile of tailoring.

Huntsman & Sons have a reputation as having the most expensive starting price for a two-piece suit on Savile Row; suits start at well over $5,000. In 1960 he would immigrate to Montreal and continue his trade as a tailor.

Age: 74 Birthplace: Savona, Liguria In the business since: I started when I was ten.

Worked: Huntsman, Hyde Park, Progress Brand, Golden Brand Best story: That’s the story of my life I guess!

Favourite part of the job: Teaching young people the trade.

Favourite cut: I like the English cut, which is slim fit.

I like three buttons with vent.

Qualities of a good tailor: You have to take your time to make sure you do your work well... and put your heart into it.

Why did you become a tailor: Because my mother was a seamstress, so she was in the business and she told me it was a good trade, it was a clean job.

Training: I learned in a tailor shop in Savona, the tailor was from Naples, he was a very nice guy, his name was Gaetano Mazzuocolo. He taught me how to sew... he tied the thimble to my finger... and tra un calico in culo’ e due schiaffoni, mi ha imparato il mestiere!

Most famous client: The actor Stewart Granger, we made suits for him in London.

Tricks of the trade: No trick at all. The trick is to just do it properly!

On retirement: I still work a little bit, just to keep in touch with things.

Is tailoring an art: It’s a very fine art, you have to be aware of what you’re doing, because if you don’t... caput!

Factory vs. shop: There is a big difference. In the shop you take your time, you press it, you look at it, you shape it up. Instead in a factory, it also has to be done properly, but faster. You don’t have time to look at the details. v

THIMBLE A thimble is a protective finger shield worn for sewing. The earliest thimble dates back to Roman times and was found in Pompeii; it was made entirely out of bronze. Originally the thimble was called a “thumb-bell” since it was worn on the thumb. Nowadays the thimble is usually worn on a finger and is used to push the needle through the cloth.

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Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti

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Pietro Mucci 514 389-3602 - www.pietromucci.com Over the years Pietro Mucci has established an impressive list of clients both in Montreal and in New York City. Mucci makes office calls and can be spotted on busy streets measuring up clients and choosing cloths from the back of his personal office/minivan. He can also be spotted in airport washrooms tailoring to his jet set clientele in between flight connections. La Presse also voted one of Mucci’s clients as one of the top three best dressed men in the city.

Age: 58 Birthplace: Montelongo, Campobasso Training: A cousin of mine had a tailor shop, and I used to go there on the weekends and from then I became a draftsman. Then I quit drafting, and I went into tailoring.

In the business: For the past 40 years Modus operandi: Quality and service, that’s how I function.

Fashion philosophy: It’s all about what fits the client, not what’s in style.

Clientele: I have brokers, I have bankers, lawyers...

Best story: When Aaron Rand invited me to his show, he called me “tailor to the stars”, and ever since then my clients laugh and they call me tailor to the stars.

Most rewarding part of the job: Meeting new people and my favourite part is when the client is very happy and they send me a nice card to compliment me.

Favourite cut: Single breast, two button. For a three button you have to be tall, and for a double-breasted jacket, you have to be over six feet.

Qualities of a good tailor: They use the best quality of the trimmings, or good material, not skimp... they don’t use second quality stuff!

Take on fashion designers: They’re good, but they’re a bit too funky. Fashion designers have a wild, wild imagination.

Tricks of the trade: Ah... that I keep to myself!

Is tailoring an art: Tailoring is a dying art... the new generation do not want to learn anymore, they want to go into the design part of the industry, but they don’t want to sew by hand like we do.

Factory Vs. shop: At the factory it’s mass produced, at the shop it’s made one at a time, it’s precisely made. v

S AINT H OMOBONUS Despite his relatively humorous name, Saint Homobonus is the patron saint of tailors and cloth workers. Homo bonus is latin for “Good Man.” Born in Cremona in the 12th century, he was a rich tailor and merchant who had a calling to use his wealth to help the poor. He believed his ability to work was given by God and he devoted most of his profits and some of his house space to charity.

“Help me follow your example and not give into temptations of greed and easy shortcuts that wound others. I ask for guidance in my work, so that I may prosper by choosing virtue over avarice.”

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Tailleurs, Tailors, Sarti

Vincenzo Mercadante Select Men’s Wear 4809 Ste. Catherine Street East - 514 255-2493 Vincenzo Mercadante’s career began with a needle, a thread and a thimble at the age of 11, sewing in a tailor shop in the Italian town of San Clemente (in Galluccio, Caserta). Now, the 67-year-old owns his own shop, where he sells suits that are ready-to-wear, or made-to-measure. From pants, jackets, vests, overcoats and even caps, Mercadante custom tailors every garment to “suit” his clients’ needs. This tailor can fuse old-world traditional tailoring techniques with modern tools and technology to get the job done. About 10 years ago, he went to design school at Lasalle College to learn how to use digital media to make patterns and create designs. After obtaining his degree, Mercadante went on to l’UQAM to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Teaching at the age of 65. This tailor now offers private courses at his shop for aspiring young tailors, and he creates customized garments for his loyal clientele - one stitch at a time.

Age: 67 Birthplace: Vezzara, Conca di Campania, Caserta In the business since: “... I was 11 years old. After school, I used to go to the tailor shop to sweep the floor. I learned how to iron with charcoal, and I learned sopramano (hand-stitching).

Modus operandi: “It depends what the customer wants. Here, we can take the client from A to Z. When they first come in, I study my client. What type of client are they? What are they looking for, for what event, and what style will suit them? I help them choose a style and fabric. Then I take their measurements. I use stencils and patterns to make the suit, sewing with a machine or by hand. They come for a fitting, I make minor adjustments, and then they come back for a final fitting.”

Fashion philosophy: “Fashion is not for everyone. Fashion is what you feel good in.”

Famous clients: (orchestra conductor) Yuli Turovsky, (former Montreal Alouettes player) Peter Dalla Riva, (Vancouver 2010 Olympic speed skater) Olivier Jean Strangest request: “Someone came in the other day, and he wanted a suit like The Beatles used to wear in the 60s: short jacket and tight pants. I told him, ‘The pants are too tight. They’re going to burst.’ But that’s how he wanted them, and he was happy.”

Favourite part of the job: “The creativity of it. When I see a piece of cloth, I am already imagining what I can do with it…Taking that piece of flat cloth and seeing it moulded on someone’s body is the best part.”

Worst part of the job: “Sewing buttons. I hate to sew buttons, but when I do it, let me tell you, they don’t come out anymore!”

Qualities of a good tailor: “You have to like the trade. You have to be very meticulous to make garments that are refined and precise. It also takes a lot of patience, and you have to be good at understanding your customer.”

Tricks of the trade: “It’s simple. It’s geometry. But there are some techniques, that when mastered, make the rest of the process easier: your cutting has to be exact, pressing is important, and making straight seams.

Also, I never tell my clients the flaws of their body. If I notice one hip or one shoulder higher than the other, or something is crooked, I’ll take note of it, and try to make a garment that will hide those defects.”

Is tailoring an art or a science? “It’s an art, because you are building something to fit the human body.

You work so hard to try to make your client look his best, for his body type.

Factory vs. shop (Industrial tailoring vs. traditional tailoring): “I can make a garment entirely by machine if I wish, or entirely by hand, if I wish. But there is nothing like a made-to-measure suit. I sew all the lining by hand, the seams are hand-finished. The quality of traditional tailoring is completely different.” v

FRENCH CHALK We’re not referring to what your high school French teacher used to help teach you conjugation. French chalk is a type of chalk designed to make temporary markings on cloth. A tailor can make markings where fabric needs to be cut or where the garment needs to be altered. These markings can easily be brushed off once the tailor is finished working on the cloth.

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Sebastiano Caraco Sebastiano Caraco, nato in Sicilia il 29 luglio del ‘31, si trasferisce a Milano nel 1948. Nel 1956 parte per Torino e comincia a lavorare nella sartoria Calzoni, una delle migliori d’Italia, famosa per avere vestito la casa reale dei Savoia. Caraco si diploma a Roma nella Scuola di Taglio Santarelli. Nel 1962 si trasferisce a Montreal e lavora per numerose ditte prestigiose come Barmish, Progress Brand, Samuelsohn, Golden Brand, e anche nel settore abbigliamento per bambini. Il 9 maggio del 1992 si classifica secondo all’International Designers Fashion Show.

Luogo di nascita: Canicattini Bagni, Siracusa Età: 79 anni Sarto: dal 1941, sono andato a bottega da un sarto in Sicilia e gli ho chiesto: ‘Come devo fare per fare il sarto?’ Con lui ho cominciato ad apprendere il mestiere.

Perché sei diventato sarto: Da piccolino, ho sempre voluto fare il sarto, anche se mia madre voleva che diventassi prete.

Filosofia di moda: Come disegnatore di moda credo che un professionista dovrebbe sempre essere vestito con un abito, non con i jeans e la maglietta.

Parte preferita del lavoro di sarto: Fare iI disegno e la rifinitura a mano di un abito.

Qualità di un buon sarto: Un sarto deve saper fare di tutto, dai pantaloni al gilet, alla giacca, etc.

Trucchi del mestire: Tenere sempre d’occhio quello che fa il maestro.

Ta g l i o p re f e r i t o : Giacca a due bottoni, un classico che è sempre di moda.

Fare il sarto è un’arte? È un’ arte fare il sarto perché bisogna saper vestire una persona che non ha un corpo perfetto.

Sartoria o fabbrica: In una sartoria si fa tutto a mano, invece in una fabbrica si fa tutto con i macchinari. v

TOOLS: SHEARS Tailor’s scissors are often referred to as shears. Shears are often longer than 15cm and, unlike regular scissors, have specific thumb holes and finger holes. Their slightly offset jaws make it possible for tailors to snip material through physical shear. Pinking shears are special shears with saw-toothed blades which leave a zigzag pattern on the cloth. It takes an experienced tailor to know how to use them properly.

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OUR TAILORS’ STANDPOINT ON CLASSIC SUITS 1. Don Johnson “That style is coming back.

This year there’s a lot of white and creams in linen and cotton.”

Pietro Mucci

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2. Don Cherry “He’s crazy, that’s too wild... he looks like a clown!”

Pietro Mucci

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“He’s a very flashy guy!

He dresses like a clown” Sal Barbagallo “This is very flamboyant.

How many things do we see on the fashion runways that no one would ever wear on the street?

This is for a show.”

Vincenzo Mercadante

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4. Al Pacino “I love it! I love the wingtipped shirt, and I love bow ties. A bow tie is elegant and classy.” - Sandro Battaglia

6. Adam Lambert “It looks really creative. The tapered sleeve, the high armhold, the wallstreet collar…it looks sharp.”

Sandro Battaglia 7. Charlie Chaplain “This suit is English-style. The short jacket and baggy pants make it comical. If he had a nice suit on, he wouldn’t look funny.”

Vincenzo Mercadante

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8. Pimp “ That’s not my type of client.”

Pietro Mucci

3. Elvis Presley “I can’t argue by saying that he’s the king.”

Sal Barbagallo “This is fashion to impress.

Someone who wears a suit like this is putting on a show.”

Vincenzo Mercadante

5. Prince “It looks like he’s wearing a tunic.

The suit has no shape.”

Sandro Battaglia

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9. Karl Lagerfeld “He’s got taste.”

Pietro Mucci Ma questo e... ha le labbre pitturate!

Sebastiano Caraco

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10. Mastroiani “Questo e un vero classico.”

Sebastiano Caraco 11. Ralph Lauren “He’s one of the old pros!

He’s still going strong; he’s got a good vision.”

Pietro Mucci

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Life Stories & Traditions

“Come Cani e Gatti!”

Ebbene, se oggi la spiga del grano, è lunga da cinque e dieci centimetri, prima era tanto lunga quanto é lo stelo, cioè era piena di grano in tutto lo stelo.

Un giorno nostro Signore, nota una donna che puliva il sederino al neonato con delle fette di pane, e nel vedere tanto spreco, pensa di ridurre la produzione per far sì che la gente apprezzasse veramente il valore del pane, genere di prima necessità per la vita.

Si reca in un campo di grano ed incomincia a spogliare la spiga da sotto a sopra proprio come noi oggi spogliamo una rosa, dicendo:

“Mi ama? Non mi ama? Mi ama? Non mi ama? ecc.“ Il cane vede che la mano del Signore non si ferma, si avvicina, e dice:

Antonio Marro, collaborazione speciale

Poi gli dà lui un cartello da portare al collo dove c’è scritto: “Date pane ai cani.” Ecco perchè ancora oggi molta gente dà pane ai cani.

“Signore, lei ha tutte le ragioni di punire l’uomo sprecone e indegno, ma io che colpa ne ho? Lascia qualcosa per me.”

“Su quel cartello, c’è un errore.

Te lo correggo io”, e per gelosia cancella “pane” e scrive “botte”.

Ed il Signore sempre buono e misericordioso, accettando la richiesta gli dice:

E da quel giorno per il cane le cose sono cambiate. Invece di pane riceve solo botte. Al chè il cane ritorna dal Signore e si lamenta del fatto.

“Quel che resta è solo per te.”

Il Signore nota la modifica sul cartello e chiede:

“Chi ha corretto questo cartello?”

“Il mio amico gatto”, risponde il cane.

Un giorno un gatto si avvicina e leggendo il cartello dice al cane:

PHOTO: GERALDO PACE

Volete sapere perché cani e gatti non vanno mai d’accordo?

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“È qui che casca l’asino” dice il Signore.

“Devi sapere che gli amici non esistono. Non fidarti di nessuno; fatti furbo. Gli amici veri sono rari.

Gli amici esistono solo per avere, o per ingannar:, svegliati sei troppo buono.”

Nasce così il modo di dire; Quei due sono come cani e gatti!

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Lingua di Dante Anche chi a te è straniero, può ripetere le parole con delle emozioni d’amore.

Lingua elegante, con vocali e consonanti ogni frase sembra un canto.

Nella terra dove sei nata, per la sua bellezza immensa tanti artisti hai ispirato, e non c’è stato e non c’è ancora un pittore, uno scultore, un poeta, uno scrittore, che non abbia espresso il suo talento attraverso il tuo strumento.

Oh! mia bella lingua madre, ti ho nel cuore e nella mente.

Solo in te trovo parole per esprimere gioia o dolore.

Il più gran tesoro al mondo che i nostri avi ci han trasmesso, come anche noi adesso l’importanza culturale ricca, bella e millenaria.

Non parliamo del bel canto, che i miglior compositori con le opere ispirate dal linguaggio trasparente.

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Perchè adesso io vivendo in paese d’adozione, altre lingue parlerò, per necessità e obbligo.

Ma una cosa sia ben chiara, ti dirò con umiltà e con tutta onestà.

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Being Italian !

Amanda Fulginiti, is a McGill student in Art History and Max Stern Internship Award Recipients 2009

Being Italian is much more than acquiring the technique to roll a gnocchi pillow; it is more than being able to get lost in the rapture of a good wine, or even to be able to let life’s troubles melt as a good espresso goes down your throat like silk. Yes, being Italian is even more than oozing beautiful vowels, knowing that beauty is the only truth and that gestures can be their own separate language. It’s more than smoldering and brooding dark chocolate eyes, olive oil skin and deep flowing hair. To be Italian one must look beyond the surface of things.

While all these details mixed together do measure up to be the perfect combination of Italian flare, I should hope that behind all these connoisseurial ingredients lies an even truer essence. comes down to the little known detail of my life: that I was adopted. At 7 lbs, I was say all this because as a 5 foot 10, blue-eyed, fair-skinned blonde who can barely fry naturally born a mix of Yugoslavian and Irish blood. I do not look like anyone in my an egg, let alone boil some pasta, I am anything but the typical Italian. family and when I go to a big Italian wedding the likelihood of me catching the No, I do not fit the mold and I do not even come close to the pop culture bouquet, well let’s just say, is very high. As I was growing up I loathed my height and stereotype, but every pore in my body breathes being Italian. even ridiculed my own see-through skin. Yes, I was a terrible trompe l’oeil because no I have for most of my life fought hard to prove I WAS. I studied Italian civilizamatter how much I studied or knew about Italian culture, language or civilization, tion and spent the majority of my academic career thus far studying the beauty of Italian my appearance always said otherwise. art. I grew up with a buxom, hearty and loving Southern Italian Until I myself realized that all that is thought of being family, learned the idiosyncrasies of the language at home and N o, I d o n o t f i t t h e m o l d a n d Italian are only parts to a larger whole. That while all these its logic at school, I even went to take a class in Florence and things may make up an Italian, they are not the main ingredient. then interned at a museum in Venice. No matter how hard I I do not even come close to the pop My heart is unapologetically, unequivocally and absolutely one tried, however, all my efforts were futile since it seemed my culture stereotype, but every pore hundred percent Italian. I do not need to be christened otherappearance continued to fail me. Not even Mona Lisa’s unwain my body breathes being Italian. wise. Nor do I have to fight for my outward appearance when vering eyes would give me a second look. German, Swedish, I know that inside I am as feisty as a Calabrese. That when I eat Finnish, and Dutch are just a few of the many backgrounds a plate of pasta I can savour the love stirred in by my father, that I can hear past my I am accorded with when I travel. In Italy, I have resorted to answering the quesgrandfathers cadence to his soul, that l’odore della mia cucina can be conjured up in tion “Con gli occhi azzurri e i capelli biondi come mai puoi essere italiana?” with “Sono my memory, that the touch of my mother is felt even when I am far and that no matter un difetto,” or my much amused translation of milkman’s baby: “la figlia dell’ uomo che what I see before the mirror, I am unabashedly Italian. v ha portato il latte.” Neither are true of course. At least to my knowledge. You see it all

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Robert Ferlisi: Clear skies ahead

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by Melanie Porco

With his aviator sunglasses in hand, Robert Ferlisi is calm and confident. After all, he knows exactly what he wants. He may only be 21-years-old, but he has already done what most might not in an entire lifetime: accomplishing his dream. “I’ve always wanted to fly, ever since I was five years old,” he says. Perhaps a childish fantasy for many, but this Pointe-Claire native made sure it came true. “

saw a helicopter and said, ‘I have to fly that.’ It lands and takes off where it wants, it’s the most freedom.

You’re in control,” he says with pure enthusiasm. Robert credits his father Domenic for fueling his passion.

“My dad had his private pilot’s license. He would bring us to SaintHubert Airport on weekends to watch the planes. He tried to hook my older

I

brother, but that didn’t work,” he says with a laugh.

Robert just completed his three-year aircraft maintenance program at l’École Nationale d’Aérotechnique. While still in school he started to fly helicopters, making his first solo flight on November 6, 2006. “I was smiling the whole time. It was the greatest experience in the world for me. It was like, ‘look Ma, no hands.’’ He’s quick to add he was holding on tight.

“Take off and landing is important. You have to keep it coordinated with the nose always in one direction, smooth movements,” he explains. At 19 years-old, Robert got his commercial license to fly. “After the exam, we landed and I shut down. The examiner looked at me and said, ‘piece of cake,’ and then shook my hand, but didn’t tell me if I had passed or not. Eventually he said you passed,’ I couldn’t stop smilling.”

Robert began to work as a commercial helicopter pilot at the age of 20, flying a Robinson R44. His job was to take tourists up for Passport Hélico with bases in Mascouche and Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, doing tours of Montreal and charters. He was the youngest commercial pilot hired by the company. “I was really nervous on my first commercial flight, on July 12, 2008, but I couldn’t show it to my passengers. Seeing them smile makes you feel that much better,” he says.

His proudest passengers to date are his parents, “I took them up separately. My mom was nervous at first, but then happy.” His mother Tina Russo hails from New York, but moved to Montreal as a baby, with roots in Capestrano, Aquila and Caserta, Napoli. His father left Sicily as a child, relocating to Canada with his family. “I’m so proud to be an Italian,” Robert says with that signature smile. “Family is the biggest thing. Your family supports you 100 percent, they’re always there for you.”

As for Robert’s Italian language skills, he can get somewhat confused. “I don’t know what I speak, it’s a mixed dialect. I speak to my grandparents in Italian, but sometimes I’ll throw some French in there when I don’t know the word,” he says. Although he did attend Italian school as a youngster, he’d like to take more classes soon. “I’d like to learn while the learning is still fresh in my mind.”

Robert has worked extremely hard to get to where he is right now. “Always keep at it.

Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy, especially if it’s a dream. How much you want it, that’s what’s going to get you to it,” he says. “When my friends were partying, I was working and saving up money. I worked three jobs. I haven’t had a weekend off in five years,” he explains of his job at Aero Toy Store in Dorval where they service planes, fuel them, park them in hangars or on outside ramps, and help with towing and baggage handling. “Little sacrifices you have to do in order to get there, it’s not a straight road, but it’s an investment in happiness.”

Robert is a very happy man, having accomplished his dream, but he’s got more waiting to be fulfilled. “I’d like to be the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world in a helicopter,” he says.

Robert is fond of his trademark aviator sunglasses. “My older brother gave them to me when I was 17 and said, ‘you’re going to need these more than me.’ I wear them on my flights. It’s brighter up there,” he explains.

“With my flight helmet, headset, and aviators, it looks cool too, like I’m from Top Gun,” says Robert, smiling. v

PASSION * PERFORMANCE * EXCELLENCE BY CHOICE

www.AUTOBUGATTI.com 11355 Cote de Liesse Rd, Dorval, Québec (514) 636-2080

Qui si Parla Italiano Concessionario Indipendente per tutte le Marche Vendita - Servizio - Carrozzeria se non lo abbiamo, lo troveremo

30

Life Stories & Traditions

www.panoramitalia.com Determined to Beat Diabetes

Dr. Ciriaco Piccirillo’s research brings hope

By Chiara Folini

Born and raised in Montreal, Ciriaco A. Piccirillo’s profound interest for medicine and research sprung at an early age. During his studies at McGill University, Dr. Piccirillo’s exemplary work was recognized by the US government. He was then invited to join the team of highly distinguished professionals at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the world’s foremost medical research centres. “

was privileged to work side by side with legendary doctors whom I consider my heroes.”

Playing an integral role in the publication of new discoveries and medical advancements, IPiccirillo’s six years of dedication to the team of renowned immunologists was an achievement. Staying truthful to his Montreal roots, Piccirillo’s return to Montreal was a decision he made based on the importance of family and his desire to give back to his Italian community.

Today, Dr. Piccirillo’s (as a professor and Canada Research Chair) shares his knowledge in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, in the Faculty of Medicine, at McGill University. He is also a director of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation, as well as of the Infection and Immunity Axis of the Research Institute of McGill University Health Center (MUHC) and of McGill’s FOCIS Center of Excellence in Translational and Clinical Immunology.

“For me, leading the way means discovering uncharted grounds and training the next generation of doctors, resulting in helping people,” he humbly states. “I want to give people a sense of purpose, ignite in others their passion and to crystallize a relationship with the cause,” conveys Dr. Piccirillo of his teaching principle.

His research program focuses on finding a cure for diabetes, a disease which is on the rise in the western world. When asked why Italians were particularly prone to this type of disease, Dr. Piccirillo explains that people of European descent have a higher rate because of their environment, lifestyle, starchy diet, cultural habits and genetic makeup, which may all be contributing factors. In Italy, Sardinians are the most susceptible to diabetes. This is due to sun exposure or lack of it, which is associated with the cause. Sun protects, helps metabolize and is a source of vitamin D, and on the other hand, it can also be perceived as a trigger of diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes affects ten percent of the population. In Type 1, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. For Type 2, it is insulin resistance where fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. Obesity and inactivity increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes,” discloses Dr. Piccirillo. “When someone has contracted the disease, it is not reversible.

A person must change diet by religiously monitoring food intake relative to intake of insulin,

in terms of quantity, frequency and type of food,” recommends Dr. Piccirillo. The symptoms of diabetes can range from blindness to high blood pressure and risks of heart attacks.

Besides committing long hours to research, Dr. Piccirillo spends his time networking with other professionals, whether it’s making speeches at universities or relaying new findings at conferences across the globe.

Being on the panel of judges for research funding, Dr. Piccirillo reveals that diabetes ranks very highly in funding in Montreal. “Covering all realms of research, we have a total of nine different funding sources, including the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) a highly profiled funding organisation,” proudly asserts Dr. Piccirillo. His research is nationally and internationally acclaimed as trustworthy, making his opinions highly praised and requested by the Canadian and US government.

“From a business standpoint, 5 out of 10 people are directly affected by diabetes, leaving a costly impact on our community,” says Dr. Piccirillo. The lymphocytes are the one white blood cells that act as regulators and controllers. “Fundamentally, we survive with lymphocytes but one of the challenges is to learn how to turn off the lymphocytes of diabetes without affecting the others that are essential to our survival. The goal is to simultaneously boost the immune system as well as suppress it,” states Dr. Piccirillo. With the discovery of the anti-CD3 as an antibody that will touch the surface of the lymphocytes and tip the balance towards suppression, he believes that in the next 5-10 years, a cure will be developed for diabetes.

Reflecting back on the years he worked at the NIH, Dr. Piccirillo speaks about their unique vision to search for elements that are beyond the obvious, and to always think outside the box, an approach he has adopted in his everyday teaching, communicated to his colleagues and researchers. This makes him one of the leading figures in the area of diabetes research.

For ample info visit: www.diabetes.ca (Canadian Diabetes Association) www.jdrf.org (juvenile diabetes research foundation) v

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Running For Her Life

Life Stories & Traditions

31

by Loretta Di Vita

I meet Sandra Morellato in a swank neighborhood bistro decorated with nail-headed banquettes and sparkly overhead chandeliers. The vital 42-year-old, of Venetian lineage, wants her story told for several reasons, none having to do with the attainment of fifteen minutes of fame. Her prime motive is to reassure those living with cancer, directly or through a loved one - that while life can dish out adversity, it can also grace you when least expected. n 2006, Morellato was dealt a low hand. Besieged by persistent headaches rivaling migraines, she sought medical attention. After some red-herring assumptions, an MRI concluded that a cyst had lodged itself on her brain. While not malignant, it still posed a challenge for the acclaimed neurosurgeon, Dr. Rolando Del Maestro, who painstakingly removed it during a six-hour operation. Going in, the odds were shaky.

Her doctor entertained no illusions and spelled out the dire risks: She could lose the ability to speak, hear, or swallow; moreover, she could die in surgery. The news was devastating; but in characteristic take-charge fashion, Morellato wrote her will, bid some heart-wrenching goodbyes and held her children for what could’ve been the last time. “My priority was to put things in order for my family,” she says matter-of-factly.

Fortune was on Morellato’s side. The complication-free surgery attained a favorable outcome. She describes how, in a post-operative state, she vividly saw her life scroll through her consciousness - “like a slide show”, bringing her “back to the here and now.” Morellato knew she’d made it when the first sounds she heard, upon waking, were the consoling coos of her husband, George, who’d kept bedside vigil until she reopened her eyes. She acknowledges Del Maestro as having saved her life. Sparing no kudos, she exclaims, “In my books, he is right up there with God!” Recuperating, Morellato’s prognosis was sunny, but her outlook bleak, as she struggled to cope with resulting physical limitations.

During the first days of rehabilitation, the mobility that she’d once taken for granted became compromised. Albeit a temporary manifestation, she was floored: “It felt as though my body had put on the brakes.” Not only was her body rattled, but her psyche, too - her body image shaken by the extra weight she put on after steroid treatments. In the dreariest moments, she feared never resuming the physical strength and buff physique she’d boasted before her ordeal. An all-around natural athlete, accustomed to pushing the limits in triathlons, Morellato wondered if she’d ever recoup the title of “Weekend Warrior” that her husband had teasingly bestowed on her.

A much-needed turning point came when Morellato received a letter from a friend, last Fall, telling her about a group called Team in Training (TNT) - a charity sports training program and off-shoot of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - readying themselves for a 42.2 km run in Vancouver in May 2010. Immediately, Morellato felt the once-familiar surge of adrenaline return, prompting her to register in the program which would culminate in her running her first marathon. The desire to accomplish something remarkable - to celebrate her new lease on life and inspire others - was all the impetus she needed to dust off her runners and embark on the training regime.

Every aspiring marathoner has a mantra for staying the course when the temptation to slink back on the couch and channel surf taunts determination. Morellato’s motivation comes from wanting to teach her children - Sophia, seven, and Andreas, five - both of whom seem to have inherited the running gene - the invaluable life lessons of endurance and perseverance. Moreover, her participation in the upcoming marathon will stand as a tribute to the twentieth anniversary of her father’s untimely passing to cancer, when Morellato was only 22 years old. “I grew up in a hurry,” she says. “It was difficult. It was my blue period.” Evidently, the heart ache still runs deep: When Morellato took up running again, in preparation for the upcoming marathon, she couldn’t finish a run without tears wetting her cheeks - imagining running the race in her father’s memory. Even now, her eyes well up, as she calls him, “My Hero”.

Morellato is no stranger to the vile disease that many shudder to name in full. So threatened by cancer are we, as a society, that many of us will refer to it by different euphemisms: “a growth”, “a spot”, “the C-word”. Whatever we choose to call it, Morellato is ready to stare down the dreaded beast, wrestle it to the ground and stomp on it. Many cancer survivors, and those who’ve had a brush with the disease, say that their experiences - while devastating - have enriched their lives on a spiritual plane. Morellato has experienced her own epiphany, of sorts. “I have a different appreciation for life now - I’m more grateful,” she admits.

Thanks to various sponsors, she’s raised the requisite funds to register in the TNT program, although she still seeks sponsorship to make a bigger contribution to the cause. Will this event make a difference? Morellato believes it’s the accumulation of small - but steady - steps that’ll bring research that much closer to the finish line and finding a cure for blood cancers. For Morellato, on a personal level, it’ll foster inner growth and serve as a vehicle by which she can continue to rebuild her body - making it stronger to face whatever cards might come next. Undaunted by the uncertainty of the future and the volatility of the human condition, her motto remains: “Never give up”.

Visit: //tinyurl.com/http-Sandra-s-first-marathon.

For more information on Team in Training (TNT) visit: www.teamintraining.ca. v

I

Beaucoup plus qu’un boucher...

158, Place Marché du Nord

80, de Callières

Montréal (Québec) H2S 1A1 Tél: 514.276.1345 • Fax: 514.274.0410

Duvernay • Laval (Québec) H7E 3N1 Tél: 450.661.6800

Food & Travel

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ristoranti - restaurants Lo Spuntino

La Bella Italiana

The newly opened Bella Italiana offers delicious pizza baked in an authentic wood oven, fantastic ice cream and one of the best espressos in the East end.

It’s the ideal place for a small budget and unpretentious meal. The St. Leonard eatery’s large terrace is perfect for enjoying a refreshing gelato on a beautiful summer day. The decor is distinguished and contemporary and the menu offers something for even the pickiest eater. Bellissima!

Specialties: Wood-oven pizza, gelato (ice cream).

Space: 80 people (terrace), private room can accommodate up to 50 people.

Hours: 7 days 11h00 - 24h00 5884, Jean-Talon Est (corner Fontenelle) St. Leonard Tel.: (514) 254-4811

BU (Restaurant bar à vin)

Avec ses « trio découverte », aussi servis à l’aveugle, Bu offre une des plus belles formules de dégustation de vin en ville. Comme accompagnement, les propriétaires Alba et Angelo offrent une sélection intéressante d’antipasti et de bouchées d’inspiration italienne préparés avec des produits de qualité sélectionnés avec soin. La liste des vins, riche et recherchée, propose plusieurs appellations moins connues ainsi que de grands classiques et millésimes rares qui en font un des bars à vin les plus reconnus à Montréal. Situé dans le cœur du quartier Mile-End, Bu à su recréer l’authentique expérience des bars à vin des grandes capitales telles Paris, Londres, Milan ou New York. Bu plaît tant aux amateurs qu’au connaisseurs, depuis maintenant près de 10 ans.

Spécialités: Bruschette et assaggini, dégustation au verre.

Places: 40 à 60 personnes.

Heures d’ouverture: 7 soirs 17h - 1h 5245 Saint-Laurent (angle Fairmount) Montréal (Mile-End) Tél.: (514) 276-0249 www.bu-mtl.com

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Located in the heart of St. Leonard, Lo Spuntino serves up authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting. Perfect for casual or romantic dining, engagement parties, birthdays and baby showers, Lo Spuntino also offers a private room that can accommodate up to 40 people. Outdoor dining on their beautiful terrace is a pleasure during warm weather. With such a charming ambiance and great service, along with great food, Lo Spuntino’s got it all.

Specialties: Fresh fish, meat, pasta, risotto.

Space: 80 people, private room can accommodate up to 40 people.

Hours: Mon 12h - 15h, Tue - Fri 12h - 22h, Sat 17h - 23h 5169, Jean-Talon Est (corner Abancourt) St. Leonard Tel.: (514) 374-6355 www.ristorantespuntino.com

La Verità

This upscale restaurant, located just a few steps from Marché de l’Ouest, offers fine Italian cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Let La Verità’s warm atmosphere, modern décor, and intoxicating aromas charm you as you enjoy a business lunch or romantic dinner for two. Delicious desserts are prepared on-site, and its vast grappa and Scotch selection can rival the best in the city.

Specialties: Game, home-made desserts.

Space: 70 people, terrace can accommodate up to 40 people. Other information: Large selection of fine Scotches.

Hours: Mon-Tue 11h30 to 22h, Wed-Fri 11h30-23h, Sat 17h30-23h 11680, boul. de Salaberry Dollard-des-Ormeaux Tel.: (514) 684-4999

lenewtown.com

Getting married, engagement party, hosting a charity event ?

Our venue offers 4 distinct experiences that can cater to any particular need.

Newtown 1476 Crescent Montréal 514-284-6555 lenewtown.com

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Vimont Location A Recipe for Success! by: Pina Luscri

If you’re familiar with the television show Cake Boss, then you know the combination of hard work, dedication, creativity and lots of love are the keys to running a successful business. Pâtisserie St. Martin’s Vimont location possesses this combination. n business since 2005, owners Ross Muro, Joey Musumeci and David De Cotiis have been in the trade practically all of their lives.

With the success of the original Pâtisserie St. Martin, they took the opportunity to open a second location in the Vimont area of Laval, where the city was developing and there was a need for a pastry shop to stand out against the rest. Since the name was already established, customers already knew they were going to get something good!

Pâtisserie St. Martin can be a bit overwhelming, albeit in nothing but a good way. The selection is endless, and you’ll want to try everything when you walk in. Most pastry shops are known for their niche items, but it’s different here: they’re known for everything, from their signature cakes, to their vast selection of bread. It’s the catering, however, that really stands out. The knowledgeable staff listens to your every need, and can satisfy even the pickiest eaters for any occasion. They can even cater for any corporate event, which includes large groups. The convenience of catering isn’t just for a special occasion. If someone is strapped for time, they can just pick up a fresh lasagna, salad, homemade tomato sauce or choose from a vast variety of pizza, and the hassle of preparing supper is over.

When it comes to their cakes and pastries, there is no doubt that the staff will go to all possible lengths to ensure their customers are happy. With their brand new, contemporary facilities, the experienced bakers and pastry chefs, which includes Ross and David, they are able to provide customers with anything they can think of. The secret to this is the combination of modern elements and traditional recipes. Each baker has their specialty, so no matter what you want, they are able to make it a reality. Using the freshest ingredients, everything is made in-house, so they know exactly what is going into each recipe. Whether you want a mousse cake, Frutta di Bosco, or even a pie, there is no end to what they can make. They can customize any order, and bake everything from elaborate wedding cakes, to birthday and communion cakes. From the modern creations to the traditional Italian cakes, whatever you are craving is feasible. Because they are so equipped, the staff is able to produce cakes for hotels and even other pastry shops that don’t have the facilities or the space to do so. For them, it’s not just baking, it’s art.

With such a dedicated staff, Pâtisserie St. Martin is almost a 24-hour operation. They have workers there around the clock, just to make sure the customers have fresh bread when the shop opens. Their long business hours make the clientele the priority, as they work around the customer’s schedules. The 32 employees are quick to help you with any need and request you may have.

With Pâtisserie St. Martin’s cozy atmosphere, you feel right at home. There are tables to eat, especially if you can’t wait to get home to eat the delectable pastry you just bought. The vast arrangement of food and sandwiches provides the perfect setting for a quality lunch and supper.

Ross, David and Joey are the type of bosses everyone wishes they had. Friendly and professional, they make a potentially long work-day a pleasure to bear. Since they started out as employees themselves, they know that approachability is the secret to success.

Ross is known for being one-on-one with his staff, which helps everyone be a better worker. He insists that if you show too much authority, you lose the trust. He wants his employees to be content and comfortable, especially in an environment that relies so heavily on customer service. Since he considers them like family, they get treated as such. All of these elements optimize productivity in the end, and everyone benefits. When you have a staff that wants to retire at Pâtisserie St. Martin, you know you’re doing something right. The owners also have a special and rare bond with their customers. The owners will make repeated phone calls to make sure they’re satisfied with their orders. In an industry as hectic as this one, a tactic like this is virtually unheard of. Their humbleness is certainly refreshing, and should be a mould for all pastry shops. Like any other business, the uncertainty of Pâtisserie St. Martin when it first opened enabled Ross to fully appreciate hard work. He has the typical Italian work method, putting in 16 hour days. It all paid off, but that will never stop the owners from dedicating themselves to their craft.

With so many shops around, it can take a lot for one to make its mark. For Pâtisserie St. Martin, it’s certainly the mix of old and new that contributes to its success. Old-fashioned customer service with contemporary facilities have customers coming back again and again. Pâtisserie St. Martin can make the daunting task of putting together an event easy and enjoyable. With their never-ending selections and convenient location in the heart of Vimont, you will certainly leave there satisfied and anxious to return to try more of their delicious cuisine and pastry.

I

Pâtisserie St. Martin - 2000, René Laennec, Laval, Québec H7M 4J8 • (450) 629-5115 www.patisseriestmartin.com v

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Food & Travel

36

www.panoramitalia.com Photos: Farhi Yavus

ricette - recettes - recepies

Saveurs de primeurs

Le printemps avec ses doux rayons de soleil qui chatouillent enfin l’épiderme des gens en mal de vitamine D, rime aussi avec l’arrivée des primeurs sur les étals des marchés.

Par Grabriel Riel-Salvatore n Europe, il est possible d’apprécier les légumes de printemps comme les asperges, les artichauts et les petits pois dès le mois de mars. Ces légumes nouveaux ou « primeurs », comme on les surnomme aussi, sont en général récoltés plus tôt, avant maturité, et offrent ainsi une texture tendre et savoureuse. Les fruits et légumes primeurs sont ainsi les premiers produits de plein champs récoltés au printemps. D’ailleurs le mot printemps ne trouve-t-il pas son origine dans le latin « primus tempus» (premier temps), tout comme le mot primeur?

La situation au Québec diffère de celle du vieux continent pour des raisons évidentes reliées à nos quelques arpents de neige. La saison des primeurs y est donc décalée de quelques mois.

Il est toutefois possible de se procurer des produits cultivés sous serre ou importés à l’année. Leur coût sera toutefois plus élevé et leur qualité organoleptique généralement inférieure.

Cultivée de mars à juin, c’est l’asperge qui pointe le bout de son nez la première. Son bourgeon aux écailles serrées est perché au bout d’une longue tige ferme et cassante qui pousse sous la terre. On cueille en général les asperges dès qu’elles pointent à la surface. Il en existe trois variétés différentes : la blanche, la violette et la verte, qui offrent des parfums et des textures différentes. Chez nous, c’est plutôt à la mi-mai qu’on commence à récolter les asperges primeurs.

Les petits pois primeurs arrivent plus tardivement dans la saison, de mai à juin. La cosse lisse et ferme qui protège les petits pois devrait être d’un vert vif et pimpant. Pour conserver leur goût doux et sucré les petits pois primeurs doivent être consommés en l’espace de quelques jours. Congelés à la cueillette, ils conserveront leur fraîcheur.

Le printemps s’accorde aussi avec la floraison des primevères, ces jolies fleurs colorées, comestibles pardessus le marché. Pourquoi ne pas agrémenter vos plats de leurs jolis pétales au goût sucré, fruité, et légèrement citronné ? Voici justement quelques recettes tirées du livre «Les Saveurs de Franca» qui sauront je l’espère vous mettre l’eau à la bouche.

Gnocchi et pois frais

E

• • • • • • • •

1 kg (2,2 lb) de pois frais, écossés 1/2 petit oignon blanc, en dés 400 g (14 oz) de gnocchi 200 g (7 oz) de ricotta salata, râpée gros 4 cuillères à table (60 ml) de beurre 2 cuillères à table (30 ml) d’huile d’olive extra vierge Feuilles de sauge, au goût Gros sel de mer, au goût

Faites bouillir de l’eau (salée) et plongez-y les gnocchi pendant 5 minutes ou jusqu’à ce qu’ils flottent à la surface.

Retirez-les à l’aide d’une écumoire et conservez l’eau de cuisson. Passez les pois dans le robot culinaire jusqu’à ce que la purée soit homogène. Dans une poêle à frire, faites sauter les oignons dans l’huile d’olive à feu moyen jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient tendres. Baissez le feu, puis ajoutez la purée de pois et le beurre. Laissez mijoter environ 7 minutes en ajoutant de l’eau de cuisson si la sauce devient sèche. Ajoutez les gnocchi, les feuilles de sauge et le sel. Mélangez et couronnez le tout de ricotta salata.

Gnocchi with Peas VENETO Masianco 2007 Pinot Grigio e Verduzzo delle Venezie IGT Masi 16,95 $ (SAQ # 10439404) ★★★ (85/100) Nez vif et pimpant, fruité et charmeur, sur de beaux arômes de pêche et d’abricot.

Sucré, vibrant, frais et voluptueux en bouche sur un fruit bien marqué par l’abricot.

Vivid, charming, fruity aromas of peaches and apricots. Sweet and vibrant, fresh and voluptuous mouth dominated by apricot flavours.

2227 Bélanger est • Montréal • Québec H2G 1C5 T.514.374.5653 • www.gastronomiaroberto.com

• • • • • • • •

250g (9 oz.) fresh peas, shelled 1/2 small white onion, diced 400g (14 oz.) gnocchi 200g (7 oz.) ricotta salata, coarsely grated 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil sage leaves, to taste coarse sea salt, to taste

Bring salted water to a boil and cook gnocchi for 5 minutes, or until gnocchi float. Remove using a spider and reserve cooking liquid. Place peas in food processor and blend until smooth. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until tender. Reduce heat to low and add puréed peas and butter to skillet. Simmer for approximately 7 minutes, adding cooking liquid to skillet if sauce dries out. Add cooked gnocchi and sage leaves to pea purée and season with salt.

Toss and top with ricotta salata .

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37

Recipes: Franca Mazza

ricette - recettes - recepies Omelette aux asperges et à l’oignon • • • • • • •

16 asperges, hachées fin 1 petit oignon blanc, haché fin 1 cuillère à table (15 ml) d’huile d’olive extra vierge 8 oeufs Gros sel de mer, au goût Poivre noir, au goût

Dans une poêle à frire, faites revenir les oignons et les asperges dans l’huile d’olive à feu doux jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient tendres. Entre-temps, battez les oeufs dans un bol, salez et poivrez au goût, puis versez dans la poêle. Retournez l’omelette quand la bordure commence à brunir et terminez la cuisson de ce côté.

Asparagus & Onion Omelette • • • • • •

UMBRIA Campogrande 2007 Orvieto Classico DOC Antinori 13,75$ (SAQ # 18838) ★★★ (85/100) Bouquet charmeur, frais et fruité surtout sur le pamplemousse rose avec une légère touche végétale rappelant la banane. Un vin frais et pimpant avec une bonne vivacité et un côté décidément agrume.

Charming bouquet, fresh and fruity, recalling pink grapefruit with banana undertones. A fresh wine with lots of vivacity and a decidedly citrus character.

16 asparagus stalks, finely chopped 1 small white onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 8 eggs coarse sea salt, to taste black pepper, to taste

In a skillet over low heat, sweat onion and asparagus in olive oil until tender. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper, and add to skillet. Once edges begin to brown, flip omelette and finish cooking on other side.

Carré de porcelet

SARDEGNA

• • • •

1,5 kg (3,3 lb) de carré de porcelet 2 gousses d’ail, hachées 2 cuillères à table (30 ml) de moutarde de grains 1/4 tasse (60 ml) d’huile d’olive extra vierge, plus 2 cuillères à table (30 ml) supplémentaires • Farine à tout usage (pour saupoudrer) • Gros sel de mer, au goût

Cannonau 2005 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC Sella & Mosca 17,45$ (SAQ # 425488) ★★★ (86/100)

Préchauffez le four à 500° F. Assaisonnez la viande, roulez-la dans la farine en laissant retomber l’excédent.

Dans une poêle, chauffez 1/4 tasse d’huile d’olive à feu moyen et saisissez la viande des deux côtés. Retirez les morceaux de la poêle et placez-les sur une plaque à pâtisserie. Dans un petit bol, mélangez la moutarde, l’ail et 2 cuillères à table d’huile d’olive. Badigeonnez la viande et mettez-la au four 20 minutes ou jusqu’à ce qu’elle soit parfaitement cuite.

Vin solaire aux arômes de fruits cuits, sur la fraise et la cerise compotée, avec une touche d’épice douce. Rond en bouche avec des tannins assez fins et une belle acidité qui égaie un fruit évoquant la fraise et la rhubarbe.

Rack of Piglet

Sunny wine with cooked fruit aromas, strawberry, and cherry, with a slight touch of sweet spices. Soft wine with fine tannins and a nice acidity that enliven a lovely and fruity mouth which mostly recalls strawberries and rhubarb.

• • • • • •

1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) rack of piglet 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp (30 ml) whole-grain mustard 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tbsp extra 2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour, for dredging coarse sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 500°F. Flour and season rack of piglet with salt, then pat off the excess. In a skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat and sear both sides of piglet. Remove from skillet and place on baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, garlic, and remaining olive oil. Brush mixture over rack. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. v

Authenticity does not need a name Come dine on our piazza Open daily Mon. to Fri. 9700 St. Michel Montreal, Qc H1H 5G7 tel.: (514) 315 8892 Evenings reservations requested

Andrew Fratino tel.: (514) 994 7072 Corporate and Residential catering

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Publireportage - advertorial

By Elisa Casella

Family from Beginning to End In 1996, Bernard Filippone had a dream to start a company that would revive the art of homemade pasta. The dream was born out of memories of his great grandmother making her own pasta in his hometown of Casacalenda, Molise. Her cucina fresca gave Filippone the idea to create and brand his own variety of pasta, adopting the culinary traditions of quality and freshness passed on to him by his family in Italy. Together with his son Michael, he founded Pasta Romana. However, they soon learned that setting the bar high comes with a price. The beginning of their endeavor was humbling.

The Fillippone’s developed and tested all their recipes and sauces.

Just like their ancestors, they made the pasta by hand, producing 35 kg of fresh pasta per hour in a 1,000 square foot plant. Even as resources were limited, Michael travelled back and forth from Italy and Montreal, working while learning cooking techniques from the best pasta-making artisans in the world. In 1999, the Iasenza family imported all of their business savoir - faire to the existing brand. And three years later, a winning combination was cemented by the addition and energy of the Zinicola’s. The trio behind Pasta Romana dedicated themselves to cultivating a business synonymous with quality. Eventually, their brand name gained recognition across the continent. Today, Pasta Romana sells their premium quality pasta to stores and restaurants across Canada and the United States, houses a state of the art 40,000 square foot plant, and produces 1,000 kg of pasta and 1,000 liters of sauce per hour. What started out as a dream has now become a full-time passion. As Bernard Filippone states, “We simply love making pasta.”

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Publireportage - advertorial

The Main Ingredient: Authenticity Pasta Romana is setting trends in producing the highest quality of pasta on the market. But what makes a great plate of pasta? According to Michael Filippone, “the freshness always stands out and has to be the closest thing to homemade.” The modern customer wants to eat faster, without forsaking the quality of their food. Pasta Romana does not use preservatives or coloring agents in any of their products. Not only is this a healthier option, but it cuts the cooking time in half.

A Pasta Romana customer can enjoy a trattoria-style meal in ten minutes. In this case, faster is better, and the sign of a great product.

Imagine eating food you can trust has been made with a personal touch.

Pasta Romana purchases high quality food and then prepares it in their “kitchen”, just like your nonna does on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Grade A meats are cut and minced at the plant. Tomatoes for their famous sauces are imported from Italy. One of a kind recipes are made in-house by a small professionally trained team in equally small portions and all sauces have been specially developed by a chef. People can enjoy their capellini with a range of seventeen sauce recipes that includes creamy Alfredo, vodka and rosé Romanoff, or a wild mushroom and porcini medley. There are also sauce recipes for the more traditional at heart, such as the spicy arrabbiata, tomato and basilico, and the meaty Bolognese.

All pasta is made from 100% durum semolina and fresh eggs. The sheer variety will satisfy any pasta-lover’s palate both traditional and trendy. Pasta Romana offers both long and short pasta favorites such as fettuccine, linguine, and lasagna sheets. They also tempt with potato gnocchi and the ever popular fresh-filled pasta products. Assortments include spinach and veal ravioli, parmesan and veal cannelloni, saffron, asparagus and veal medaglioni, and ricotta manicotti. The meals are nutritious and enough to spark the appetite of every member in the family.

uces and a s y t s a t , ta l cuisine Fresh pas u f r u o l o c a eals, prepared m at your table with ed to be enjoy nds just like you frie rant! family or u a t s e r y d tren would in a zo!

Buon pran

Close Ties to Italy Pasta Romana is dedicated to serving and selling only the freshest cuisine to the public. In their mission for betterment and renewal, the team returns to Italy on an annual basis. A discovery from one of their trips was the delicious perline, a tiny bundle-shaped pasta that can be stuffed with soft cheese or meat. Michael Filippone acknowledges that the company’s growth is largely due to their ongoing improvement. “It’s important to invest in technology, research and development.” Moreover, recipes are changed seasonally; much like Italians will eat and cook according to what is in season. Past specialties have included pumpkin-shaped pasta for Halloween or heart-shaped ravioli for Valentine’s Day. Great tasting pasta grows out of a simple recipe, an arsenal of fresh ingredients, and one very important secret weapon; the perfect machine. Pasta Romana has invested in cutting edge pastamaking equipment. All machines are imported from Italy and are used to make all pasta at the plant. Any equipment of secondary quality would sacrifice the overall quality of the product. Additionally, all water at the plant is filtered. The research and development team, which includes three microbiologists and ten workers in quality control, has begun to create an environmentally friendly plastic to be used in the packaging of their products. Pasta Romana has received the HACCP certification (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point) which assures that only the highest standards of production are practiced.

Persistence Pays Off After 14 years of dedication to providing clients with quality and innovation, Pasta Romana is a modern day success story. Their simple gourmet dishes are enjoyed by young families, discerning foodies, and even the green-conscious consumer. Bernard Filippone created a brand that raises the bar for future entrepreneurs. Its success is due the viability of the traditional recipes of his childhood and the love and hard work that comes from running a family operated business. Today, he is truly happy to see fresh pasta in the aisles of grocery stores, “I smile when I see my pasta on the shelves.” v

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vino - vin - wine

“Divorzio alla Chiantigiana” Quality guarantee for buyers and lovers of Chianti classico

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

The enthusiasm for the Black Rooster, the symbol of Chianti classico wines, will certainly benefit from a recent decision made in the Tuscan classification system that no longer allows wine made in the historic area to be labeled as generic Chianti.

hianti is produced in central Tuscany in a territory that stretches from Pisa to Siena. In the midst of it all stands the original Chianti Classico area. Founded in 1716, the oldest appellation of the country was extended to answer the needs of the growing international demand.

Although both Chianti and Chianti Classico now carry the upscale Denominazione di Origine Controlata e Garantita (DOCG) appellation, the latter includes the best vineyards and the most renowned producers. Since 1996, it is considered an independent appellation of the other Chianti wines, generally much lighter in body and cheaper.

Giuseppe Liberatore, the director of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, mentioned that “after 78 years we finally found a solution that effectively separates Chianti Classico from Chianti, breaking the umbilical cord between two distinct wines, based on the common knowledge of their own differences and own originality.”Appreciated worldwide for its mediumto-full body character and for its rich red berry aromas, typical of the Sangiovese grape, Chianti classico is probably Italy’s most famous and appreciated wine. Preventing producers of the area to produce their wines according to the generic Chianti standards will unequivocally help raise the overall quality of Chianti Classico wines. Today, Italian wines are doing well in a variety of prize range. This decision reflects how well Italians understand the importance of offering quality products to maintain the consumer’s interest in a very competitive market.

This “Divorzio alla Chiantigiana” should serve as an example for other Italian appellations such as the Valpolicella area, which has recently suffered from overpricing and uneven quality.

Just like Chianti Classico, the historical Valpolicella Classico region is a distinct and unique area that should be further protected, starting by granting it the DOCG appellation.

C

Toscana Villa Antinori

Toscana Fonterutoli 2006

Veneto Tedeschi Valpolicella 2006

Piemonte Dolcetto d’Alba 2007

Toscana IGT 2005 Antinori 23,60 $ (SAQ - 10251348) ★★★ 86/100

Chianti Classico DOCG Mazzei 24,95 $ (SAQ - 856484) ★★★ 88/100

Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Tedeschi $15.50 (SAQ - 537316) ★★★ 86/100

Docletto d’Alba DOC Enzo Boglietti SAQ - 10856726 - 24,00$ ★★★ 88/100

Rich, deep, fruity and peppery bouquet. A generous mouth, warm and filling, with a lovely fruit lingering on a peppery ending.

Typical nose of Sangiovese with lots of depth and complex red berries, violet and pepper aromas, balanced by nice vanilla undertones. A full, powerful and fruity wine with fleshy tannins.

Complex and rustic nose recalling prune and liquorice with smoke and leather undertones. Smooth and enjoyable mouth that contrasts with the rustic character of the nose, pleasantly evolving on plumb and cherry flavours.

Red berry bouquet with hints of caramel and vanilla followed by smoky undertones. Smooth medium body mouth sustained by lovely red berry flavours. A good and comforting Dolcetto. v

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Obikà, Mozzarella Bar in Milan When cheese hits the front scene!

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

After the success of wine and sushi bars, the latest gastronomical trend in Milan, the bustling Italian capital of fashion, is called Obikà (meaning “here it is” in Neapolitan slang). Neapolitan entrepreneur Silvio Ursini, the creative director of Bulgari luxury-goods, came up with the concept about two decades ago - a chain of eateries that linked Japanese-style sushi bars with traditional and genuine Neapolitan food products.

bikà focuses on one central ingredient: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, the gastronomic pride of Neapolitan cuisine. The menu also includes traditional products such as Lardo di Colonnato and Calabrian N’duja (a spreadable spicy salami) that were carefully selected by Davide Paolini, Italy’s own “Gastronauta.”

His philosophy is based on offering products that have enabled the Italian Peninsula to become the land of taste par excellence. Besides traditional specialties of the highest quality, Obikà eateries rely on mozzarella as the basic ingredient brought in daily from the Paestum and Agro Pontino areas, near Naples and Salerno.

Mozzarella lovers will be delighted by the variety of cheese combinations. The menu offers different tastes of fresh, smoked, or dried mozzarella, as well as traditional recipes such as mozzarella in carrozza. The comprehensive and affordable wine list, by the glass or bottle, marries well with the tasty food.

Designed like trendy sushi bars, Obikà restaurants revolve around a central kiosk. Mozzarellas of various dimensions, from boccocini to ciliegine, trecce, or nodini, are taken out of their brine water right before serving.

O

Freshness and originality is what best describes the ingredients presented and even if meals are served rapidly, like in a fast food outlet, there is no compromise in quality.

So, next time you happen to visit Milan, after a nice walk and a shopping spree in the Galleria, ending the evening at La Rinascente Food Market Obikà restaurant is a great idea. Overlooking Piazza Duomo, it has one of the city’s most beautiful terraces, filled with a mixed clientele of fashionable locals, engaging tourists and trendy businessmen. On the other hand, if you happen to be in the Brera neighborhood, its local Obikà bar offers an Italian aperitivo with mozzarella bocconcini and various kinds of finger foods daily from 6 to 8 pm. It’s the perfect stop before a concert at the nearby La Scala opera house or before a show at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano.

Rome was the first city where Obikà Mozzarella bars opened. They can now be found in Milan, Kuwait City, New York, Tokyo, and London. Montreal will hopefully, in the near future, be the first Obikà Canadian location. www.obika.it www.gastronauta.it

v

Since 1968

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viaggio - voyage - travel

La Puglia

Pensate allo stivale per signora più sensuale che abbiate mai visto, se l’avete fatto non potete averlo immaginato senza un tacco bello alto. Adesso guardate la forma dell’Italia, bene, è proprio lo stivale che stavate immaginando.

un percorso storico che svela un’anima semplice

uel tacco, chiamato Puglia, è lambito dal mare adriatico e dal mar ionio ed offre 800 km di coste levigate dalle acque, che mutano fisionomia, immense distese di sabbia finissima Q si intervallano a coste frastagliate che cadono a strapiombo nel mare, mentre la macchia

Lory Gorgoni

mediterranea fa capolino dietro le radure quasi a sfiorare la spiaggia.

La Puglia è divisa in sei province e mostra i suoi diversi volti, lungo un percorso che si dipana dal Gargano a nord fino a sfiorare la propaggine più ad oriente d’Italia, la città di Otranto.

foto: Claude Léger

Bari e dintorni Capoluogo di regione e centro nevralgico di molte attività è Bari, città antica con un centro storico di grande bellezza che ha mantenuto intatto il modello medievale originario. Nel suo territorio coesistono varie zone caratteristiche, città simbolo è Alberobello conosciuta in tutto il mondo per il trullo, caratteristica abitazione con un tetto conico fatto di pietre, il termine deriva proprio dal greco tholos che significa cupola, riconosciuto patrimonio mondiale dell’umanità dall’Unesco. Per la sua morfologia la Puglia è la regione d’Italia più ricca di grotte, si contano oltre 3000 anfratti naturali, prodotti da un’erosione secolare, le più conosciute sono quelle della provincia di Bari: le grotte di Castellana, teatro naturale in cui ammirare le stalattiti che pendono come fossero ricami.

Foggia, Federico II e bandiera blu Immersa nel Tavoliere delle Puglie è la città di Foggia, conosciuta nei tempi antichi per la fiorente produzione di grano, un’immensa distesa di giallo a cui in lontananza si contrappone il promontorio del Gargano, un parco nazionale, in cui coesistono una varietà di animali e piante. Procedendo lungo il versante adriatico si incontra la recente provincia di Barletta-Andria-Trani istituita nel 2004, riunisce il territorio dei tre centri più importanti della Puglia settentrionale che vanta nei suoi immediati dintorni le saline di Margherita di Savoia, le più grandi d’Europa. Passando per Andria la più estesa e popolosa delle tre, si giunge a Trani, una terrazza sull’Adriatico, un approdo storico, su cui spicca la maestosa cattedrale. Nelle vicinanze di Andria ritroviamo anche il Castel del Monte, capolavoro unico dell’architettura medievale della corte sveva di Federico II. Espressione della sua poliedrica personalità, il Castel Del Monte riflette la passione per la matematica, la poesia, la filosofia, e l’astronomia dell’Imperatore, definito dai contemporanei Stupor Mundi. Scendendo lungo la costa adriatica si incontra Brindisi, un porto utilizzato per l’attracco delle imbarcazioni, un’insenatura naturale, che protegge dalle insidie del mare aperto, oggi come allora punto di snodo per le rotte verso la Grecia e l’Oriente, luogo di passaggio di genti e culture diverse. La provincia racchiude una molteplicità di oasi e parchi naturali. Vanta un mare limpido che ha meritato più volte il riconoscimento della Bandiera Blu dal FEE (Fondazione per l’Educazione Ambientale). Nelle sue vicinanze ci sono luoghi incantati come la città di Mesagne e quella di Ostuni, gioiello del Salento, conosciuta come la città bianca, per il colore che caratterizza le sue architetture.

Lu soli, lu mari, lu ientu del Salento Ci siamo inoltrati nel Salento, gioiello naturale, meta turistica e culturale in forte espansione, non solo per il mare cristallino, ma per la cultura che si respira nei sobborghi, nelle strade, nelle sagre dei paesini dove capita di sentire musica tradizionale, il ballo della taranta.

Un’antica credenza popolare racconta che la donna morsa dalla tarantola, incominciava a ballare in maniera frenetica, al suono ipnotico dei tamburelli, per liberarsi del veleno inoculato dal ragno, fino allo stremo delle forze, quando ne avveniva la guarigione.

Il Salento si identifica per i suoi elementi naturali lu soli, lu mari, lu ientu, il sole, il mare azzurro limpido ed il vento. Questa parte di Puglia ricca di strutture recettive, alberghi, B&B di ogni tipo e per tutte le tasche, durante il periodo estivo è un brulicare di gente, Otranto (nella foto), Gallipoli, Santa Cesarea le mete preferite, ricche di eventi, sagre, percorsi del gastronomia.

Lecce città barocca Capitale culturale del Salento, è Lecce un museo a cielo aperto che offre, un patrimonio artistico e monumentale di sorprendente bellezza, famosa anche per i lavori artigianali e per le creazioni tradizionali in cartapesta. È possibile passeggiare nella Lecce antica in maniera del tutto libera, un’isola pedonale che permette di scoprire piccole e grandi meraviglie di architettura e fantasia, dalle chiese e i palazzi, alle piccole case dei cittadini. La città appartiene al periodo Barocco, e presenta uno stile particolare, è possibile parlare di Barocco Leccese. Elemento essenziale è la friabile pietra locale, la cosiddetta pietra leccese, duttile alla lavorazione e dai colori caldi, utilizzata per realizzare architetture con finissime decorazioni sempre di notevole bellezza ed eleganza. Il Duomo dell’Assunta con il suo campanile alto 70 metri, circondato dai palazzi barocchi del Vescovado e del Seminario risalgono ad epoca barocca come la Basilica di Santa Croce, la più bella chiesa di Lecce, dalla meravigliosa facciata. Nella centrale piazza Sant’ Oronzo, oltre al santo protettore benedicente in cima alla colonna, una delle due colonne terminali della Via Appia, si può ammirare l’anfiteatro romano fatto di gradoni in pietra e il teatro romano, entrambi del secondo secolo dopo Cristo.

Risalendo lungo il versante occidentale incontriamo, uno scalo portuale tra i maggiori del Mediterraneo: Taranto, avamposto bizantino nel X secolo. Uno dei simboli della città è il Castello Aragonese, che domina l’ingresso dal mare, posto più estremo su cui sorge la parte vecchia dell’agglomerato urbano.

Gastronomia locale La gastronomia locale della Puglia è un bouquet di colori e odori miscelati con sapienza antica. Gli elementi basilari per ogni ricetta sono il grano, l’olio e il vino, un trittico che si accompagna a legumi, verdure, formaggi, ortaggi dai sapori intensi come la ricotta marzotica piccante o la burrata di Andria, un saccottino di mozzarella che contiene panna e sfilacci di altra mozzarella o le prelibatezze ittiche del golfo di Taranto.

Dal grano nascono le paste fresche, le famose orecchiette dalla forma concava, i taralli, il pane con le sue varianti, quello DOP di Altamura con semola di grano duro fatto lievitare naturalmente, alla cosiddetta puccia fatto con olive nere, che si lavora nel Salento dall’epoca romana.

L’olio, rigorosamente extravergine, classico o aromatizzato è l’oro di Puglia con il più alto numero di riconoscimenti DOP di tutta Italia, da gustare a crudo sul pesce e legumi.

Il vino locale, dal rosso Primitivo di Manduria o dal Negroamaro, da provare con le carni ed i formaggi al moscato di Trani da abbinare alla pasticceria di mandorle, rende unico e più allegro ogni pasto. Appagate la vostra curiosità venite in Puglia! v

Life Style

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parole di saggezza - mots de sagesse - words of wisdom

Our People, Their Words: Occupation: Television personality Born: October 6th, nineteen hundred something

Natasha Gargiulo

By Joey Franco I apologize way too much.

Jealousy creeps up on everyone. There’s that little streak of jealousy in everyone.

I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for my husband.

Fear is an obstacle that tests your limits and makes you realize what your weaknesses are… learn from it to make you stronger.

I’ve swum with dolphins, I’ve trekked up a glacier in Iceland, I’ve drunk wine under the Tuscan sun, and I’ve made a stranger happy.

You are your own salesperson; you’re your own manager.

I’m a very ambitious person, and I’m a very determined person… and I’m stubborn, and I think I’m very driven too! There’s a little bit of a competitive streak in me, but in a good way.

The more you know, the more of an asset you are in anything, in any field.

Pain is like a lesson... it could be a good or it could be a bad lesson- like a death, or a relationship, or when you fell down and hurt yourself. You’ll always remember when you were hurt.

I don’t like people who abuse their power!

I’ve always been very young at heart, I’ve always been the person to sit at the kiddie table when we have big family dinners! No matter how old I am, I think I’ll always feel young.

You have to visualize it; you really have to see it. If you can visualize it, and you can see yourself there, and you really think about it all the time, and you really want it badly It’ll happen.

I can be high maintenance at times, but in a good way.

Nobody really knows how much work goes into a job until they live a day in that person’s shoes and nobody really knows a person’s story until they take the time to sit down with them and listen.

You need to be creative in life in order to be successful. In order to achieve what you really want, you have to be one step ahead of everything. Never be complacent.

Everything will play out if you just make that big step first, don’t sweat the small stuff!

I’m more of a salty person than a sweet person, so if you give me chocolate or chips, I’ll take the chips.

Doubting yourself is pretty good because you’re just stopping. You’re stopping, you’re pausing to say; let me think about this for a minute... am I making the right choices... you’re just contemplating, you’re weighing your options. Doubt doesn’t necessarily mean something negative; doubt just means you’re being precautious.

I love pasta, I’m a real Italian girl... I’m a carboholic!

A great pair of high heeled shoes... that definitely turns me on- I love shoes, the higher the better.

It’s funny because... I was never shy to perform in front of my family, or sing or dance, but I was always a very shy person to get to know when I was younger- and I had to get over that.

A human being is poor when they’re alone and they have no one around them.

The reason why we attach ourselves to things is because it’s kind of like a security blanket, you need to feel that there’s a connection so that you don’t feel alone.

I just started thinking about my age. I’ve always felt younger than I really am, and people on the street tell me that I look younger than I am. I never really was concerned about my age until this year.

Ambition is the fuel that helps me get what I need and want.

When I first started out, I’ve always known what I wanted to do, but I always had a timeline to get these goals accomplished... and because they weren’t accomplished at a certain age, I felt like I failed. But when I look back, I realize that I didn’t fail - It just wasn’t the right time for them to happen.

Forget about time... there’s always time for everything.

I can never be silent! I hate silence, I hate being alone, and when I think of silence I think of being alone.

The best thing that anyone has ever said to me is leap before you look! Just do it! If you’re afraid, just go right into it and don’t even think about it.

I love men, thank God they’re here! How boring would life be if it were just a world of women.

To View the Photoshoot from this interview please visit: http://panoramitalia.blogspot.com/2010/01/natasha-gargiulo_19.htm v

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VIVERE ALL’ITALIANA - Vivre à l’italienne - Living Italian Style

Photos: Vincenzo D’Alto / Make-up: Emmanuelle Blanchard

Christina Gentile

Daniel Marsillo Nickname: Danny 2 times, 2 times, Drama, Q Occupation: Sales Manager at Auto Trader What generation: Second Dad from: Cantalupo Nel Sannio, Isernia, Molise Mom from: Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Catanzaro, Calabria Speaks: Italian, English, French and Calabrese Raised in: Ville Saint-Laurent Passion: Work Clothes: Everything Buffalo Favourite designer: Armani, Versace Boutique: Unique, Diego Montuoro’s trunk Restaurant: Vino Rosso Favourite dish: Nonna’s lasagna without a doubt!

Absolute must in the pantry: The stash of pasta Type of wine: Amarone della Valpolicella Drink: Southern Seven Favourite Italian saying or quote: Chi va piano va sano e va lontano Last time you went to Italy: Summer 2007

Best coffee in Montreal: Bar Sauvé (only when Tino makes it) Place you must go back to at least one more time in your life: Cantalupo nel Sannio Dream car: Ferrari F430 Spider Dream: Living it Best Italian movie: Johnny Stecchino Italian soccer team: AC Milan What do you like the most about our magazine: The Living Italian Style section!

Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Go to an Italian association party

Thing about you that would surprise most people: I am a sensitive person Mare o montagna: Mare Most common names in your family: Francesco and Maria, How many: The whole paese Pet peeve: Incompetence Sexiest Italian: Diego Montuoro You know you are Italian when or if: Sundays is always pasta day and there are no questions about it!

Best nightclub/hang out in Montreal: I hate to say it but, Moomba

Best pizza in Montreal: Pizzeria Napoletana Who's your fashion idol : Claudio di Libero Favourite thing to do in Montreal: Go see a Habs game or hang out with friends You know you were raised Italian when: You start drinking coffee and 7up with nonno’s house wine at 13 years old!

Favourite Italian song: Come Stai by Vasco Rossi Best memory growing up Italian: Big family suppers in Lachine Favourite thing about being Italian: Our values, food, culture and history

Nickname: Chris Occupation: Undergraduate Student, Honors Psychology Age: 21 What generation: Third Dad from: Avelino, Napoli Mom from: Chieti, Abbruzzo Raised in: Ville Saint-Laurent Clothes: The skirt is from Forever 21, the top and pearls are my mother’s and the shoes are from Nine West Make up: MAC and Lancôme Favourite designer: Boutique: Mimi & Coco Restaurant: Santos in the Old Port Favourite dish: My grandmother’s lasagna and my mother’s seafood pasta Absolute must in the pantry: Nutella and crackers Type of wine / drink: Limoncello Last time you went to Italy: I’m planning to go this summer Italian soccer team: Juventus... for my friend Tina

Place you must go back to at least one more time in your life: I need to go to Italy because I have never been!

Dream car: Any car that’s all mine would be a dream car at this point!

Dream: I would love to sing and tour all over the world What do you like the most about our magazine? That it’s interesting and accessible to all ages!

My whole family enjoys it.

Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Walking through Little Italy on a warm summer evening Thing about you that would surprise most people: People often try to guess my nationality; I don’t get Italian that often!

Most common name in your family? Giovanni, Antonio and Raffaele.

How many? All the men have these names... no exceptions!

Pet peeve: Rudeness Sexiest Italian: My best friend Bianca Mare o montagna: Mare You know you are Italian when or if? The first thing your nonna asks when she calls is “what did you eat today?”

Best nightclub/hang out in Montreal? McGibbins, Campus Mackay and Peel Pub Best pizza in Montreal?

My grandmother’s fresh out of the oven Favourite dessert?

Tartuffo

Si vous souhaitez être considérés pour paraître dans la section Vivre à l’italienne, joignez-vous à notre page Facebook et envoyez-nous un message nous expliquant pourquoi vous seriez un bon candidat.

Favourite thing to do in Montreal? Go out with friends on Thursday nights You know you were raised Italian when?

Every day revolves around food Favourite Italian song: Vivo Per Lei - Andrea Bocelli Favourite italian city?

Venezia Favourite spot in Mtl? The Old Port in the summer Best memory growing up Italian?

Making tomato sauce every year all together in my grandparents’ garage Favourite thing about being Italian?

The food, the fashion, and the emphasis on family.

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Remerciements au Musée du Château Dufresne

VIVERE ALL’ITALIANA - Vivre à l’italienne - Living Italian Style

Kristina Simeone Nickname: Kris, Poo, KS Occupation: Marketing Student/works at BMW MINI Laval.

Age: 22 What generation: Second Dad from: Benevento (Campania) Mom from: Avellino (Campania) Speaks: English, French, Italian Raised in: West Island Passion: Bows Clothes: Depends on my mood and what looks good Make up: MAC, Stila Favourite designer: Christophe Decarnin (Balmain), Phillip Lim Boutique: Bedo, American Apparel Restaurant: Barroco Favourite dish: Anything sushi Absolute must in the pantry: Nutella and Peanut Butter Type of wine / drink: Pear Vodka and white cranberry juice Last time you went to Italy: 2000 (much too long ago!)

Dream car: BMW X6 M. (Black) Pasta or polenta: Pasta

Dream: own a house on a secluded tropical island Favourite band or singer: Frank Sinatra, John Legend Best Italian movie: La Vita e Bella Italian soccer team: AC Milan What do you like the most about our magazine? The familiar faces!

514 or 450? 514 Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Watching Italian soccer at a bar in Little Italy Thing about you that would surprise most people: I love videogames Pesce fritto o baccala: Pesce Fritto Best coffee in Mtl: My Uncle JJ’s house

Crescent or St-Laurent: Old Montreal Most common name in your family: Antonio How Many: 7 Pet peeve: When someone tells me to “relax” Sexiest Italian: Nick J Mare o montagna: Mare You know you are Italian when or if: You’ve spent a summer visiting family in Italy Best nightclub/hang out in Montreal?

Wherever, as long as you’re with friends Best pizza in Montreal? Pizzeria Napoletana Who's your fashion idol? Rachel Bilson (cliché but true!)

Favourite thing to do in Montreal?

Discovering new restaurants You know you were raised Italian when?

You’ve been chased with a wooden spoon Favourite colour? Pink Favourite Italian song: Se bastasse una canzone- Eros Ramazzotti Which Italian artist or actress would you like to meet? The beautiful and classy Sophia Loren Favourite italian city?

Capri and Amalfi Tartuffo or cannoli: Both!

Favourite spot in Mtl? Le Jardin Nelson Best memory growing up as an Italian?

Christmas Eve dinner

Jonathan Venditti Surnom : Jon Occupation : Producteur de SJRK, Designer D’intérieur et DJ Âge : 28 ans Italien de : 2e Génération Père : Dominic Venditti Originaire de: Gambatesa (CB) Mère : Anna D’Addona Originaire de : Cantalupo (IS) Grandi à : St-Léonard, Montreal Passion : Faire ce que j’aime et aimer ce que je fais.

Vêtements : Manteau et Hoodie - H&M, Pantalons - Projekt Raw, Chapeau New Era, Lunettes Ray Ban Designer favori : D&G/Cavalli

Dernier séjour en Italie: 2007 Voiture de rêve: Lamborghini Murcielago Meilleur film italien : 8 1/2 - Fellini Équipe de soccer: AC Milan

Nom le plus commun de la famille ? Maria Combien ? au moins 6 Ce que je déteste: Des jeans dans mon lit!!

Italienne la plus sexy : Valeria Marini

Tu sais que tu as été élevé à l’italienne quand : Tu ne peux pas passer un dimanche sans pasta Ville préférée en Italie : Firenze

Mare o montagna: Mare

Dessert italien préféré : Cornetti di Gambatesa

Tu sais que tu es italien quand : Tu sais comment faire ta propre sauce tomate

Meilleur souvenir d’enfance en tant qu’italien : Les Noëls super extravagants

Restaurant préféré : Tout ce qui est Thai

Meilleure façon de se sentir italien à Montréal: Magasiner chez Milano

Plat Préféré : Cavatelli della nonna

Pasta ou polenta: Pasta

Must dans le gardemanger: Taralli

Pesce fritto o baccala: Pesce fritto

Meilleur club ou sortie à Montréal: Bifteck pour débuter

Saveur de gelato préférée : Amandes rôties

Vin ou drink préféré : White Russian/Vodka 7

Meilleur café à Montréal: Caffè StSimeone

Meilleure pizza à Montréal : La Fornarina

Expression italienne préférée : Che mi dici / Come t’a passe?

Crescent ou SaintLaurent: Saint-Laurent

Chose que tu apprécies le plus à propos d’être italien: Parler avec mes mains

Fashion idol : Ça dépend des jours

If you wish to be considered for a photoshoot in the Living Italian Style section for a future issue, please join our Facebook fan page and send us a message explaining why you would be a good candidate.

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moda - mode - Fashion m0851

Military Bright Old Navy

Aquilano.Rimondi

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Take a page from the

army style guide, then pick a shade of

citrus from a lemon tree.

Might is Right

Matt & Nat

Old Navy Winners

Yves Rocher

Get your marching orders from a style that takes no prisoners. The military look - from faux flak jackets and khakis to cargo pants and camo accents - is the hottest thing for spring. Embrace the epaulettes on jackets and blouses, as well as the high romance of a dusty colour palette. Taking its cue from films like The Hurt Locker and combat survival gear, this spring’s fashion is high on fatigue flare.

Aquilano.Rimondi

Smart Set

L’Occitane

B. Kamins

Yves Rocher

Rudsak

La Canadienne

Yves Rocher

L’Oréal Paris

Aquilano.Rimondi

By Joanne Latimer

Life Style

www.panoramitalia.com BCBG Max Azria

moda - mode - Fashion

Benetton

Clarins

The Body Shop

Limoncello

Old Navy

Bracing. Crisp. Bright yellow is the ultimate antidote to winter. While tipping its hat to the sun, lemon yellow warms the heart and recharges the spirit. Throw on a pair of yellow runners with your cargo pants, or wear a sleeveless yellow top with skinny jeans. Wheel your yellow suitcase through the airport, wearing a matching raincoat and strappy sandals. The effect is dazzling, foreshadowing warmer days to come.

Old Navy Clinique

Winners The Body Shop

Benetton

Dinh BĂ Design

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Isabelle Elie

Cartise

Diesel

Diesel

Yves Rocher

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Entertainment

Still Making the World Dance

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

You’ve most certainly heard or downloaded one of their songs somewhere: on the radio, in dance clubs, on the big screen, on a TV show, digital video games and even in commercials. Unidisc’s music catalogue is far more than a compilation of vintage hits; it’s more like a collection of memorable moments associated with famous songs that fill your everyday life.

With its vast catalogue, Unidisc Music is one of Canada’s leading independent music and publishing companies. The man behind it all is Montreal/Italian George Cucuzzella, a shining example of a selfmade success story. ontrary to the typical career paths pursued by most first generation Italian immigrants, George’s success came from following his passion for music. A career in the entertainment industry wasn’t exactly what his parents expected of him when they decided to cross the ocean to Canada from the small town of Cattolica-Eraclea, Sicily. “It simply didn’t fit their notion of a real job,” says George. Being involved in the music or entertainment industry was not a normal path for Italians although it led to him becoming the owner of one of the principal independent music catalogues in Canada.

In the early 70’s his musical journey began as a club DJ, which led George to form the Canadian Record Pool, supplying music to DJs across Quebec. This venture fed his hunger to succeed in the music business and brought him to explore new avenues. He later started Downstairs Records, a dance music import/exporter and indie-store supplier. His next step in the 80’s was Unidisc Music which began producing local artists such as the Erotic Drum Band, Nightlife Unlimited, Freddie James and Geraldine Hunt. Things really kicked off in the mid 80’s with the worldwide success of songs like ‘Your Love’, ‘Babe We’re Gonna Love Tonight’ and ‘Come and Get Your Love’ from Montreal based artist, Lime. Other local success stories included Carol Jiani’s ‘Hit and Run Lover’ and Trans X’s ‘Living on Video’ and others. “The success of Lime was a defining moment in the company.” He continued to expand the business’ catalogue with international deals that

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Life Style

Entertainment gave him hits such as ‘Just an Illusion’ by Imagination, ‘Double Dutch Bus’ by Frankie Smith and ‘Feels Like I’m In Love’ by Kelly Marie.

In the 90’s and into the new millennium he kept developing labels, and music catalogues, acquiring publishing rights to music from artists such as David Bowie and Céline Dion, and reissuing Quebec based artists such as Robert Charlebois, Corey Hart, April Wine, Patrick Norman, and most recently Men Without Hats, La Chicane, Kevin Parent and Stefie Shock.

“Owning the music and publishing rights to all that music allows you to work with some of the world’s most creative people. Having all those big names associated to the company really reflects the magnitude of what Unidisc has done,” says George’s son Francis proudly, “We have worked with Kanye West, Limp Bizkit, LL Cool J, Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Chris Brown and others, and we want to continue to nurture these relationships.”

The group Indeep’s amazing 80’s hit ‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life’ is Unidisc’s most sampled song. It has been revisited by superstars such as Madonna and Mariah Carey, by many house DJs and recently by video game producers.

“Some songs never get outdated. Good music is like wine, it gets better with age,” reveals George.

Their greatest source of revenue comes from the “synch rights” of their music. In movies, TV shows, commercials and most recently digital video games. “We have licensed our songs to companies such as Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Pepsi, L’Oreal, Yoplait, TELUS, to numerous movies like FlashDance, Footloose, Beverly Hills Cop, Studio 54, Pretty Woman, the Bodyguard and to TV shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars,” says Francis.

“Recently we have enjoyed great success with music licensing in digital video games such as ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and the hugely successful ‘DJ Hero’” Now on board with his father, Francis enjoys all aspects of the business from the internet marketing side to promotion and production. Francis was brought up in the industry and always loved music. By age 15, he was already djing, making people move at high school dances and sweet 16 parties.

Today he’s looking for new ways to expand the family business.

“My dad got Unidisc Music to the top, it’s my goal to make sure we stay there, and that is what drives me right now.”

With illegal downloading hurting the industry, Unidisc is thinking of new ways to get around the issue. However, the technological transition that the industry is facing does not seem to alarm George or Francis. They believe the therapy to the problems affecting the world of entertainment remains peoples’ love of music and new developing technologies.

That is Francis’ next challenge: to expand the virtual market and global reach of the company. “The Internet has untapped potential with access to millions of consumers and we are excited about working closely with partners such as iTunes, as well as social media like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.” A sign of the times is that Unidisc’s catalogue is readily on Francis’ and his father’s iPhones, something that would have seemed impossible just a short time ago.

With a few years of experience under his belt, Francis knows that nothing grows without a strong work ethic, especially in the music industry. He’d eventually like to distribute and produce new rising talents. As a tribute to George’s success in the industry, Francis and his friend DJ Vito V would be keen on producing a remix album using some of Unidisc’s top songs.

For Francis, the pressure of reinventing and giving new relevance to a catalogue that took a lifetime of hard work to obtain proves to be the challenge he enjoys. For continued guidance and inspiration, Francis draws on the many valuable lessons taught to him by his father. He has learned that success comes with listening, patience, seizing opportunities and understanding that anything is possible as long as you’re passionate.

Most importantly, however, everything in life should never be at the expense of your values and ethics. That’s the best way to keep people dancing for a long time to come. v

Search Unidisc music on

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Photo: Eva Blue

Entertainment

The Next Big Celebrity: A puppet called Nonna Mari a ?

By Pina Luscri

Grandmothers are special people; it’s an undisputed fact. No matter how you were raised, chances are you had a grandmother who cared about you so much, she would go on tirades to make sure you were safe.

say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That must be true for the talented foursome behind the TNonnahey Maria videos. For the past year, Anthony Imperioli, David Iarusso, Eric Carpanzano and Erminio Iadeluca have been satirizing their beloved grandmothers with the help of a puppet. Using technology to their advantage, they have garnered a loyal following online. Going viral has helped their videos become instant hits, not only in Montreal’s Italian community, but all around the world.

Anthony Imperioli’s background in animation was definitely the forerunner for creating the character of Nonna Maria. After making cartoons for comedians such as Frank Spadone and Pasquale Parmigiano, he picked up a puppet instead of going with the animation route for Nonna Maria, mainly because it was a combination of cartoon and real life. Hardly in front of the camera, Anthony is the voice and puppeteer behind the videos.

“Nonna Maria and the Poutine”, their first video, was an instant success. The foursome was improvising with Nonna Maria when Erminio Iadeluca picked up a video

camera to record Dave, Nonna’s grandson, trying to explain what a poutine was. It was done in one take, with no editing, then put online. The reaction was astounding, with constant praise. They decided to go ahead and create a series of videos, lampooning Nonna Maria, yet remaining respectful at the same time. The ideas behind the videos definitely have significance. Nonna Maria is a character that encompasses everyone’s childhood memories, which could be a reason the videos are so successful. “That’s why everyone could relate. All nonnas are the same,” says Imperioli.

“It’s our culture. People love it, people eat it up. No matter the generation, someone could relate to Nonna. She’s coming through in this puppet,” he says.

Nonna Maria, like many of our grandmothers, is accustomed to her own traditions and unaware of the outside world’s reality, which is a constant theme in the videos. “The idea with Nonna is taking all of our grandmothers and putting her in a position where she’s interacting in a situation that she has never experienced before, like the poutine,” says Imperioli. Another recurring theme is the underlying love a grandmother has for her grandchild. In one video, Nonna Maria scolds David because of the cold he caught, presumably because he wasn’t wearing a jacket. She means well, even if her theories are certainly outdated. “They yell at you, but it’s their way of showing love,” says Imperioli. Even though Nonna Maria is the product of our grandmothers, they also added in their own twists. She has a dirty mind, and is more gritty than any other grandmother.

As the demand for the videos grew, Nonna Maria evolved. Chef Luigi, voiced by Carpanzano was introduced.

They even rapped together about L’Inter Marché, a popular grocery store among the Italian community. She ventured into her cantina to show off her food, which is something almost all grandmothers have done to visitors. Nonna Maria even had the opportunity to meet Frank Cavallaro. While the episodes are not necessarily scripted, they have an action plan before they are taped. It’s all pure parody, yet the stereotypes are played in a way where no one is offended. “When you’re growing up, you think this behaviour is normal. Then you meet people from other cultures and realize how unique we are,” says Imperioli.

Imperioli, Iarusso, Carpanzano, and Iadeluca have no plans to stop. As long as they’re having fun, the rest is just a bonus. They plan to keep exposing Nonna Maria to situations that take her out of her box, and to show her reaction. Their grandmothers are huge fans, which only gives them more drive to continue. They have fans as far away as Australia, which proves that nonnas have the same attitude, no matter where they live. They’re even getting recognized, with people approaching them with their own imitations of Nonna Maria.

Best of all, it has brought Iarusso even closer to his nonna Maria. “I’m actually listening carefully to my grandmother when she talks. I’m more attentive. She doesn’t have to know I’m taking notes too,” he says with a smile. To view Nonna Maria in action: http://www.thesaltypigs.com v

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ritratto - portrait - profile

La mosaïque d’une vie !

Giovanni Gerometta: un artiste au parcours étonnant par Hélène Hamel

1954. Giovanni tâta sa poche à nouveau. Son billet y était: un aller simple sur le paquebot Gênes-Halifax. Il quittait Sesto al Reghena, son village natal, avec quelques vêtements, ses meilleurs dessins, son diplôme de Spilimbergo - l’école de mosaïque la plus réputée d’Italie - et le poulet rôti que sa mère avait glissé dans son sac pour qu’il survive à la traversée.

Au Canada, il travaillerait comme mosaïste et rembourserait ses parents pour la chance et l’éducation qu’ils lui avaient offerts. Tel était son plan. Telle est son histoire. out commença par la visite d’une Commission Canadienne à Spilimbergo. Ils recherchaient des talents. La terre Tpromise.

Wow ! Un travail quasi garanti. Giovanni avait quelques notions de français; Québec était tout indiqué pour lui. Le plus difficile serait la séparation de sa famille. Il laissait derrière lui neuf frères et sœurs, imposant un sacrifice émotionnel et financier à ses parents. Mais la vie en Italie n’était pas facile et il fallait prendre avantage de cette opportunité.

Un orage des plus inhospitaliers, une vraie tempête, éclatait sur Québec quand Giovanni foula le sol de la vieille capitale. Le ciel se dégagea peu à peu, mais sous le soleil de septembre, l’avenir du jeune artiste s’assombrissait. Après une semaine de démarches, il avait compris qu’il ne trouverait pas le travail dont il avait rêvé. À contrecœur, il déplia le bout de papier que son professeur avait glissé dans sa poche en l’embrassant. Il lit à haute voix: « Signor Walter Del Mistro ».

Un numéro de téléphone et une rue. Et l’image des sourcils froncés du professeur lui revint à l’esprit.

Le maître mosaïste l’accueillit comme un fils dès la première rencontre, mais lui conseilla néanmoins de se trouver un « vrai » travail pour gagner sa vie. Il le ferait travailler de-ci de-là; il pouvait lui fournir une chambre pour dormir pendant quelques temps, mais ce ne serait pas suffisant.

Le monde s’écroulait. Giovanni se retrouvait seul sur un continent étranger avec comme tout bagage des compétences qui ne serviraient à rien. Repartir n’était pas une option.

Il n’avait pas l’argent nécessaire, mais pis encore, il était défait, désemparé et honteux. Comme une victime, il se sentait coupable d’avoir cru en quelque chose qui semblait trop beau pour être vrai. Mais larmes, colère et frustration ne le nourriraient pas. À Québec, les immigrants italiens travaillaient dans la construction ou la restauration. Giovanni - un poids plume brassa du ciment dix heures par jour pendant plusieurs mois.

Heureusement, Signor Del Mistro lui offrait quelques répits: Giovanni contribua à l’exécution de quelques œuvres du maître, à Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, à Notre-Dame-du-Cap-dela-Madeleine, et dans quelques églises du NouveauBrunswick. Mais il fallait plus pour survivre.

Il tenta sa chance au Château Frontenac, non par ambition excessive, mais simplement parce que l’hôtel le plus

prestigieux de Québec était celui qu’il avait remarqué le jour où il déambulait dans le Vieux-Québec à la recherche de monsieur Del Mistro. Il devint aide-serveur avec Mario, un jeune italien. Cet hiver-là, quand ils n’étaient pas au travail, ils étaient sur les Plaines d’Abraham. Les buttes enneigées suffisaient pour apprendre à se tenir sur des skis, puis à tourner, à gauche, à droite, des milliers de fois. L’hiver suivant, il était embauché comme instructeur de ski au Manoir St-Castin, la station de ski la plus en vogue autour de Québec à cette époque. Ces italiens! Pas surprenant qu’ils soient si bons skieurs, pensaient les Québécois, ils naissaient sur des skis là-bas…

Après cinq ans, Giovanni faisait partie de l’élite de l’Alliance des Moniteurs de Ski du Canada. En améliorant son anglais, il pouvait aspirer à une carrière sur la neige. C’est après avoir travaillé comme instructeur au Vermont pendant un hiver qu’il se retrouva au Mont Orford comme co-directeur de l’école de ski. Deux ans plus tard, en 1965, il devint le premier directeur de l’école de ski du Mont Ste-Anne. C’est là qu’il développa un réseau d’amis et qu’il s’établit. Les jours de congé, il se remit à dessiner et recommença à peindre. À 43 ans, suite à une chirurgie cardiaque, il décida de mettre un terme à sa carrière sur la montagne et de se consacrer à son rêve. Peu à peu, une toile à la fois, il se bâtit une réputation, présentant ses œuvres dans les galeries d’art de Québec, puis de Montréal, Toronto et Halifax. Il convertit deux pièces de sa maison en galerie d’art et exposa son travail aux côtés des tableaux d’artistes reconnus. Très tôt, sa petite galerie ne suffisait plus. Il construisit une aile additionnelle ainsi qu’un atelier indépendant. Il créait. Son rêve prenait forme.

Ce n’est qu’après 30 ans au Canada que sa mosaïque fut applaudie. Ses murales peuvent être admirées dans plusieurs endroits publics au Québec. Depuis quelques années, il incorpore la mosaïque à ses peintures, créant des effets remarquables. Il est à ce jour l’un des rares mosaïstes au Canada. Une créativité débordante propulse son œuvre vers de nouvelles avenues qui enrichissent l’art canadien. À 75 ans, Giovanni entre dans son atelier au lever du soleil avec Max, son Labernois. Il martèle des éclats de verre de Murano en épiant les chevreuils et en écoutant les oiseaux qui

ont élu domicile chez lui. Et il bénit ses parents d’avoir cru en lui malgré le piètre résultat de l’auto-portrait qu’il dessina à 14 ans. En fin d’avant-midi, nonobstant deux hanches reconstruites, il roule 40 km à vélo sur une route de montagne. Il vit maintenant une vie de rêve qu’il partage avec Andrée, la femme qui réussit à mettre un terme à son statut de célibataire à l’âge de 60 ans. Ensemble ils vivent en symbiose avec la nature et sont portés par leur amour de l’art. Qui disait que la vie déclinait à 50 ans?

Vous trouverez un avant-goût de la galerie au www.galeriemontsteanne.com.

En roulant sur le chemin Royal à St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, vous pourriez passer un cycliste vêtu d’un jersey italien.

Donnez-lui une heure et Giovanni sera de retour pour vous accueillir. Vous découvrirez le monde enchanteur d’un homme passionné. v

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design

Fortunato Depero au Centre de Design de L’UQAM Graphisme et publicité: 1914 - 1949 Par Piero Facchin

Peu d’auteurs du début du 20 e siècle ont saisi aussi b i e n q u e l e f u t u r i s t e i t a l i e n Fo r t u n a t o D e p e r o l a direction commerciale que l’art allait emprunter au cours des décennies à venir. Et ce n’est sans doute pas par hasard si ses prophéties se sont réalisées, lui qui pratiquait le scandale systématique comme forme de promotion ou qui employait dans son t r a va i l u n e a p p r o c h e « Po p » a va n t l ’ h e u r e a v e c des œuvres souvent produites et reproduites grâce à des techniques industrielles. ans le cadre de la première exposition de l’année 2010 le Centre de Design de l’UQAM présentait du 6 au 24 janvier dernier: Fortunato Depero Graphisme et publicité 1914 1949, en continuité avec l’évènement « Déploiement du modèle d’une expansion intérieure » de Rodney Latourelle. Un projet réalisé par Alessandro Colizzi et Roberto Zancan, deux professeurs du programme de design graphique et de l’environnement de l’UQAM, récemment immigrés au Canada.

On a eu la chance de voir des œuvres originales : des dessins et croquis, de ce grand graphiste italien issu du mouvement futuriste fondé par Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. Grand précurseur de la publicité moderne, Fortunato Depero affirmait dans son Manifesto dell’arte pubblicitaria, publié en 1932 : « L’arte dell’avvenire sarà potentemente pubblicitaria » (l’Art de l’avenir sera puissamment publicitaire). Dans ce manifeste, il prétend déjà que l’image

D

publicitaire devrait être rapide, synthétique et fascinante, avec de grands champs de couleur aux teintes uniformes augmentant ainsi le dynamisme de la communication.

Dr. Maurizio Scudieri, un spécialiste du mouvement Futuriste a aussi été invité par le Centre de Design pour donner une conférence sur l’œuvre de Depero. La portée des multiples projets de ce grand futuriste était au cœur des discussions appuyées par les commentaires de Messieurs Colizzi et Zancan.

Depero a fondé en 1919, à Rovereto dans le nord de l’Italie, la « Casa d’Arte Futurista » où on produisait des jouets, des tapisseries et des meubles de style futuriste. Il s’est transféré à New York en 1928, une des périodes la plus riches et créative de sa vie, pour y créer des costumes de théâtre et réaliser différents projets de pages couvertures pour des revues comme le New York Times, Vanity Fair, House & Garden, et Vogue. Parmi les croquis exposés au Centre de Design de l’UQAM, on pouvait entre autres voir une série d’essais nous démontrant la démarche artistique de ce grand artiste à l’origine de la célèbre petites bouteilles coniques qui incarne la marque Campari depuis 1932.

Le Centre de Design de l’UQAM se consacre à la promotion et à la reconnaissance du design à travers des expositions de calibre international qui illustrent les tendances historiques et contemporaines dans les domaines du design graphique, industriel et urbain, de l’architecture et de la mode. Les expositions qu’on y présente s’adressent tant aux professionnels, aux étudiants qu’au grand public. Depuis sa fondation en 1981, le Centre de design a présenté une centaine d’expositions ainsi que des dizaines de conférences en plus d’accueillir chaque année les projets finaux des finissants du programme de graphisme, de design de l’environnement et de design d’évènement.

Pour en savoir plus: www.centrededesign.com « FORTUNATO DEPERO attraverso il futurismo : opere 1913 - 1958 » publié en 1998 et “Depero futurista” publié en 2004, Maurizio Scudieri. v

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fotografia - photographie - photography

A Pothole of Art

By Laura Casella

They make you jump out of your seat- literally.

They are a common sight for Montreal motorists, and we do everything in our power to try and avoid them. Some are big, and some are small.

They’re potholes. And after a cold winter season like ours, there are many. But here is how one Montreal couple is quickly transforming this nuisance into works of art. any would agree that potholes are a bad reflection on the city. They certainly don’t look good on our streets, and it can cost you a M descent chunk of cash if you hit one.

Which brings me to local Montreal-Italian artists, Davide Luciano and Claudia Ficca.

One day last spring they were driving around in their 1997 Jetta when suddenly... they hit a big pothole. The cost: $600 in damage.

“Obviously our first reaction was to rant and rage about what had just happened,” explains Ficca, 28, a graduate in Literature and Italian studies from Concordia. “But then we thought- wouldn’t it be funny to see something going on in the pothole?”

It was from that moment that the “Potholes” project was born. The couple, who got married last summer, decided they would turn their bad experience with the gray, hollow hole into something creative. So they cashed in some of their savings from working at a restaurant and bar, grabbed a camera, and hit the road in search of the nicest potholes.

“We would drive around the city scouting for the perfect pothole for each of our ideas,” says Luciano, 31, a film school grad. “Then when we’d find it, we’d stage a scene with all the necessary props, and take a picture.”

Their first idea was to photograph a woman washing clothes in a pothole. So they filled up their car with buckets of water, soap, laundry and a clothes rack. They found the perfect spot on St-Urbain and that is where they shot the “Laundry” scene. The woman in the picture is actually Claudia, and it also happens to be her husband Davide’s favourite picture.

“It’s very Sophia Loren,” he gushes.

It was from that photo that their creative juices continued to flow. From an Olympic diver getting ready to dive into a “pool”, a man scooping a large “bowl” of spaghetti and meatballs, another man frying up donuts in a pothole on Bélanger street, and Claudia’s personal favourite, Davide crushing grapes with his bare feet in a pothole.

“For that scene we used all of Davide’s grandfather’s wine equipment,” Ficca laughs. “We left his house with all these things, and his grandfather is like, where are you going? You better bring all this stuff back!”

This creative pair never imagined their project would become so successful or garner so much attention from people around the world. After holding their first exhibition in Montreal, the duo jetted off to L.A. and New York to set the stage for more pothole art.

“What people may not know,” says Ficca, “is that the potholes in LA are horrible. We know that hitting a pothole can touch a few personal cords, but we’ve learned through this experience that we are not alone.

Potholes are everywhere!”

But when asked which city has the worst roads between Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles, her partner, Luciano, hesitates.

“That’s a tough question,” he ponders. “But I’d have to say Montreal just because I grew up here and I’ve been driving around this city my whole life.”

The artistic couple recently showed off their inspiring art for the first time in the States in beautiful NYC in February. They say people are generally interested and curious about what they do but they also agree that Italians will especially relate to some of their pictures.

“The shot for example of the guy eating spaghetti out of a pothole,” Luciano points out, “which Italian won’t look at that and think Sunday lunch?”

“We are inspired by our culture and by who we are,” his wife goes on to say. “We don’t eat noodles out of a bowl, we eat spaghetti!”

All in all, what Claudia and Davide have managed to do in such a simple way, is find beauty in a negative.

“Now you can look at a pothole in a different light and laugh about it,” Ficca says.

And we’ll have plenty more to laugh about as the pair is working on 50 new ideas for their “Potholes” project, and with each picture, they’re slowly changing the way the world views those nasty craters.

To view the complete Potholes project visit their website at www.mypotholes.com v

Arts and Culture

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cinema - cinéma - cinema

Fellini... Berlusconi... and...

Ginger & Fred

By Filippo Salvatore

A good definition of today’s Italians could be: 60 million blockheads, prisoners of media tycoon and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s airwaves. This is the subliminal message that Federico Fellini sent out way back, in 1986, in the film Ginger and Fred, - that I really enjoyed watching again recently eight years before the Cavaliere turned into a politician. n 2010, 16 years into the Berlusconian regime, Fellini’s sardonic intent still strikes a chord and can be, in hindsight, fully appreciated for its foresight. Private television channels owned by Silvio Berlusconi can honestly be singled out for the self-censorship they practice, for their acquiescence towards political power and for their vulgar content or escapism.

American-style reality shows, soap-operas, and a lot of female dancers’ or soubrettes’ skin in showbiz programmes cut by commercials ad nauseam are Mediaset trademark. In Ginger and Fred, Federico Fellini presents in a sardonic and amusing way the defects of 1980’s Italy transformed into a nation already addicted to cheap television and to avid consumerism.

Ginger and Fred is with Lo Sciecco Bianco, La Strada, I Vitelloni, La Dolce Vita, 81/2, Le Tentazioni del Dottor Antonio, Amarcord, Intervista and La Voce della Luna one of Fellini’s greatest works. The film tells the story of two former dancers in their sixties, Amelia Bonetti, also known as Ginger (Giulietta Masina) and Pippo Botticella, known as Fred (Marcello Mastroianni) who are invited to perform in the Christmas television special Ed Ecco a Voi an act of their old repertoire: their version of tap dancing based on the famous American duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

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6873, Plaza St-Hubert Montréal, Québec 514 276.1360

The plot of the movie is fairly simple and easy to follow. It begins with the arrival of Ginger to the Termini train station in Rome and finishes with her sad goodbye to Fred, again at the railway station, after their performance in the private TV special. The sarcastic outlook regarding Italian society, dominated by an unbridled consumerism, stands out thanks to the mastery with which images are chosen by a puppeteer and illusionist such as Fellini. By means of a parallel montage that incisively focuses on grotesque details, (the shape of a gigantic pig leg hanging from the ceiling, protruding lips, alluring gazes, close-ups of women bodies appetizingly provoking) as they appear to a small provincial and a little naïve bourgeois like Amelia Bonetti, Fellini makes a ferocious satire of the consumer society Italy has become. He also perfectly captures his compatriots’ behavioural convulsions, such as the religious devotion with which the hotel employees follow a televised soccer match, neglecting to take care of customers.

At the hotel where all the show guests are staying, it is always through the perception of Ginger’s false ingenuousness that the director is able to emphasize the most deteriorating or bizarre aspects of 1980s Italy. Evelina Pollini, the benefactor of prisons, is a transsexual whose mission is to comfort inmates offering them her body. During the supper, a lawyer very casually explains that the ransom price to pay to kidnappers to avoid that a person they abducted be disfigured is an immense sum of money. It is the next day in the TV studios that Fellini’s biting sarcasm really hits hard.

The guests represent a spectrum of wide and bizarre humanity. There is Frà Girolamo from Trivento, a Padre Pio style monk from Molise who is invited to perform a small miracle live, to hover in the air the way he does when celebrating mass. There is an ex priest who is able to impregnate women just by looking at them, a technique he learned in the Amazon.

There is a woman who is in love with an alien because it understands her, contrary to so many two legged punks who walk the Earth. Then there is Loris Tartina, an Italian Brigitte Bardot type activist who is leading a crusade against hunting, because it stirs the aggressive side of man’s nature. There is the mayor of Borgo Sole who is exhibiting a unique cow with 18 nipples. There is a politician who has been on a hunger strike for forty days and is barely able to stand up straight, but still insists on wanting to appear on TV. There is also an extraordinary creature, Petruzza Silvestri, who has accepted to live without television for a whole month and who candidly admits that she will never again attempt this feat. Apart from authentic bums and a true mobster who is taken with handcuffs out of prison, there are Los Lilliput, a group of dwarf dancers and there is also a band of centenaries led by a former admiral who has the task of introducing Ginger and Fred to the public.

Federico Fellini’s intent is to decipher and uncover by means of a grotesque satire the logic of the backstage TV world and how it manipulates the public and creates addiction.

This is the underlining premise behind the false democracy and kindness of the TV station president - an almost explicit reference to TV mogul Berlusconi himself- who takes a few dancesteps with Ginger and waves at the other guests while they are being made over backstage. It needs to be reminded that in the 1970s in Italy a law broke the monopoly of state-run Rai (Radio Televisione Italiana) and allowed private ownership of radio stations and TV channels. As a result Silvio Berlusconi became the main beneficiary of the media privatization process. Mediaset began showing films on TV and doing what is current practice in North America: interrupt them to insert commercials. This did not go well with a director like Fellini who publically contested this new Berlusconi’s practice, because he felt that abuse of advertisement destroyed the artistic integrity of a film.

Ginger and Fred is Fellini’s response to cinema manipulation by the private networks in Italy. Through Fred’s character, who became an outcast and was placed in a mental hospital after his wife left him, Fellini expresses his sour criticism of private TV channels which he perceived to be a shitty organization or a giant with feet of clay. Fred is planning to stir-up a scandal on air, namely to accuse the sixty million Italians of being zombies indoctrinated by phony, escapist content. If Ginger is falsely naive, Fred is cynically clear minded. He makes fun of a famous writer explaining the origins of tap dancing as being a type of Morse code, a language of love and death for black American slaves. The culminating point of his lucidity is achieved midway trough his dance with Ginger, when electric power is lost. The couple decides to slip away without being seen, leaving television producers and executives with an unexpected emergency. And as they leave the stage, power is back, the lights are on again and... the show must go on. Since radio, television, reality TV and internet increasingly dominate our world, critical analysis of their role and impact on our everyday lives was inevitable. It also makes sense that this sort of reflection was conducted in Italy three decades ago by Federico Fellini, one of the 20th Century’s most brilliant creators of images and dreams.

With Lo Sciecco Bianco, 81/2, and Intervista, he unraveled the illusory nature of cinema by analyzing it from the inside out. With Ginger and Fred he uncovers the ontological meaning of the television medium and underlines its noxious social impact, namely the deliberate and systemic manipulation of public opinion. Fellini’s film, despite its sardonic tone, is a deep reflection and a sour criticism of consumerism, and a summation of the most grotesque aspects of so much trash TV being broadcast in Italy. Of course this fellinesque satire is applicable to all post-industrial societies. In Ginger and Fred the situations and the characters make us laugh, but especially make us reflect and leave us with a bitter taste. This is precisely the goal that a brilliant puppeteer, a genius like Federico Fellini had in mind and achieved by means of grotesque and satire. The sad conclusion in 2010 is that Fellini is long gone, Berlusconi is again Italy’s prime minister, Mediaset is still a media empire and a growing percentage of Italians have become teledipendenti and obese couch potatoes. v

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55

Photo : Vincenzo D’Alto

Belle arti - Beaux arts - Fine arts

Guido Nincheri profane

au Château Dufresne Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

Surtout reconnu pour ses ouvrages religieux, l’artiste décorateur et maître-verrier d’origine italienne Guido Nincheri (1885-1973) a aussi légué aux Montréalais un riche héritage profane. Vitrine unique d’un patrimoine méconnu, le Musée du Château Dufresne revisite l’œuvre de cet artiste exceptionnel en présentant l’exposition Guido Nincheri Profane du 27 janvier au 2 septembre 2010. scale importante de l’événement : Montréal, ville de verre, qui célèbre tout au long de 2010 le verre sous tous ces éclats à travers une trentaine de musées et autres lieux de diffusion de la ville aux cents clochers, cette exposition réinterprète les œuvres murales et les vitraux du Château Dufresne, l’œuvre profane de Nincheri la plus importante au Canada. En plus d’explorer le décor permanent du musée, les visiteurs auront aussi la chance de contempler 50 œuvres inédites de l’artiste présentées en primeur pour l’occasion.

Désigné personne historique nationale en 2005 par la Commission des monuments et des lieux historiques du Canada, Guido Nincheri est considéré comme un des grands artistes décorateurs canadiens de la première moitié du XX e siècle. Né à Prato en Toscane en 1885, il a surtout œuvré au Canada et aux États-Unis, où il a décoré plus de 200 bâtiments dans 116 localités différentes avant de s’éteindre en 1973 dans sa résidence de Providence (Rhode Island).

Artiste décorateur et maître-verrier, Nincheri a su imposer son style et son goût au sein de la bourgeoisie canadienne-française. Il a été une des personnalités marquantes de la communauté italienne de Montréal et était aussi connu et apprécié en Ontario et en Nouvelle Angleterre. Plusieurs créations des années soixante, alors qu’il vivait aux ÉtatsUnis, ont d’ailleurs été récupérées et rapatriées par le Musée du château Dufresne qui avec le Fond d’Archive du Studio Nincheri regroupe près de 1500 œuvres de l’artiste. Cette collection inestimable permet ainsi de documenter presque toute son œuvre.

Près de 20% des principaux travaux de Nincheri en Amérique du Nord se retrouvent à Montréal. L’Église Notre-Dame de la Défense dans la Petite Italie est surtout connue pour sa fameuse fresque de Mussolini qui inspira à l’auteur italo-canadien Filippo Salvatore une pièce de théâtre dont le personnage principal n’est nul autre que Guido Nincheri (La Fresque de Mussolini, 1985, Les Éditions Guernica). Ses œuvres ornent aussi les églises de la paroisse de Saint-Léon de Westmount et de Saint-Viateur d’Outremont. Les fresques et vitraux de l’Église Sant’Antonio, au cœur du secteur de la Petite Italie à Ottawa, constituent aussi des pièces remarquables qui valent amplement le détour.

Le legs profane le plus important de Nincheri est étroitement lié à l’ancienne demeure familiale des frères Dufresne, de richissimes hommes d’affaires et mécènes montréalais.

Situé au coin des rues Sherbrooke et Pie-IX à Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, ce magnifique bâtiment de pierres grises au style beaux-arts, mieux connu comme le Château Dufresne, contraste avec le paysage du Parc Olympique voisin. Aujourd’hui transformée en musée, l’étonnante résidence d’Oscar et Marius Dufresne porte bien son nom. Peu d’édifices à Montréal peuvent se vanter de contenir un décor s’inspirant autant des palazzi italiens. En effet, l’imposante maison bourgeoise décorée par Nincheri vers 1910-1920 recèle des secrets jalousement gardés par Paul Labonne le directeur du Musée du Château Dufresne. « Avec la disparition du décor de cinéma au Belmont et le décor du feu restaurant Venus Suite sur la rue Ste-Catherine, le décor du château Dufresne demeure l’œuvre profane clé de Nincheri à Montréal. Ça valait la peine de la redécouvrir. » Les frères Dufresne ont permis à Nincheri de donner libre cours à son imagination et à sa fantaisie en peignant plusieurs fresques et murales inspirées de la mythologie gréco-romaine tel que le mythe d’Orphée et Eurydice ou la légende de Psyché. « L’exposition cherche à présenter à la fois la forme et le contenu du décor de Nincheri qu’on pourra découvrir et décoder d’abord en visitant l’exposition temporaire et ensuite en s’attardant aux œuvres du château Dufresne » explique Labonne.

Formé au début du XXe siècle à l’académie des beaux arts de Florence, les sources d’inspiration de Nincheri sont surtout italiennes. Très influencé par le courant préraphaélite et la peinture symboliste, ses œuvres figuratives renvoient souvent à des significations allégoriques. Les fresques aux tons pastels contenues dans le joli salon de thé d’inspiration XVIe du château font références aux quatre saisons et présentent au plafond des nus très sensuels récemment restaurés. Plusieurs peintures à caractère sexuel avaient été repeintes par les pères de Sainte-Croix qui avaient convertit l’édifice en internat pour jeunes hommes dans les années 1950s.

Artiste pluridisciplinaire, Nincheri était surtout reconnu pour ses talents de maîtreverrier. La moitié de l’exposition Guido Nincheri Profane s’attarde donc à son œuvre du vitrail civil qui le mena entre autres dans la vieille Capitale pour décorer les fenêtres de l’assemblée nationale. Plusieurs maquettes et croquis des ses œuvres sont présentés dans l’exposition temporaire. Le décor du Château Dufresne contient encore 10 vitraux accessibles au public. Malheureusement, plusieurs créations ont été altérées ou ont simplement disparues avec le passage des religieux. Par ailleurs, le musé projette d’acquérir le studio

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Paul Labonne, directeur du Musée du Château Dufresne

de vitrail de l’artiste, situé non loin du musée dans le quartier Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Il s’agit du plus ancien studio de vitrail du Québec encore existant. Il sera notamment ouvert au public tous les dimanches du mois de mai au mois de d’août.

Une visite vraiment inspirante qui plongera les visiteurs 50 ans en arrière dans l’univers de création de Nincheri, demeuré pratiquement intacte depuis sa mort. Incubateurs pour de nombreux artistes d’origine italienne venus vivre à Montréal tel qu’Umberto Bruni ou Giuseppe Fiore, le Studio Nincheri a ainsi insufflé un dynamisme particulier au sein de la communauté italienne de la métropole.

Apprécié de son vivant autant par la comAutoportrait Guido Nincheri. munauté francophone, anglophone et italienne, Guido Nincheri a laissé derrière lui un patrimoine unique en Amérique du Nord. Paul Labonne souhaite aujourd’hui à travers son exposition raviver l’intérêt populaire pour Guido Nincheri. « Il s’agit d’un patrimoine commun, pourquoi ne pas travailler ensemble pour le faire connaître » affirme-t-il. Le Congrès ItaloCanadien a déjà répondu à l’appel en offrant au Musée un support logistique. D’autres projets sont en cours avec l’Institut Culturel Italien de Montréal pour organiser des expositions autour d’artistes italiens, notamment Adolfo Di Carolis le professeur de Nincheri à Florence.

Avis aux intéressés la campagne de financement du Musée se poursuit toujours pour le projet global d’acquisition du Studio Nincheri et de restauration du Fond d’archive Nincheri. En attendant, le Château Dufresne ouvre ses portes au public du mercredi au dimanche de 10 h à 17 h.

2929 av. Jeanne-d’Arc (coin Sherbrooke) Montréal, Québec H1W 3W2 - 514 259.9201 www.chateaudufresne.comv

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Arts and Culture

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poesia - poésie - poetry

Prove d’ibrida armonia: il mondo poetico di Corrado Mastropasqua Filippo Salvatore*

La bellezza e il vigore dell’universo poetico di Corrado Mastropasqua vanno cercati nell’intreccio tra perizia linguistica e tecnica compositiva, - la parola giusta ed il ritmo del verso - ed itinerario esistenziale. I suoi due volumi Ibrido (1988) e Prova d’armonia (2001), sono il ritratto di una personalità artistica eclettica che ha come punti di riferimento la poesia di Camillo Sbarbaro e di Eugenio Montale. **Nota: Corrado Mastropasqua nato a Cimitile, Na 16 febbraio 1929 è deceduto a Montreal il 19 febbraio 2010. Dopo la cremazione, le sue ceneri sono state portate a Cimitile e riposano in un loculo della cappella di famiglia. Sentite condoglianze alla famiglia Mastropasqua.

l rapporto con le parole per Mastropasqua è sofferto.

La creazione non è un’operazione rapida e indolore.

Da tenace ricercatore degli arcani equilibri semantici egli lima, ricerca, sostituisce. Mastropasqua ha scritto le prime poesie in napoletano, poi ha smesso di scrivere. Dopo anni è ritornato alla poesia, ma lo ha fatto usando l’italiano, abbandonando così il dialetto per sempre. Il dialetto esprimeva il mondo di partenza, saporoso e arguto della napoletanità, ma si è rivelato veicolo di un orizzonte troppo ristretto. Si opera in Trasparenze, (1961- 1986), la seconda parte del volume Ibrido, un’evidente maturazione in seguito alla sua esperienza migratoria cominciata nel 1961. Emerge un nuovo universo: quello del mondo lasciato, con la sua sublimazione pregna di momenti privilegiati della gioventù.

L’uomo reale, Corrado Mastropasqua, possiede un cinematografico “physique du rôle”, è ‘larger than life’.

Lo stile poetico, per il rigore e la misura che richiede, lo obbliga ad una conciliazione dei tanti motivi dirompenti che porta in sè. ‘Umanità’ è la parola chiave per interpretare l’universo di Corrado Mastropasqua: poeta, medico, attore, padre affettuoso, amico generoso di gente semplice, uomo vero. La sua è un’umanità a volte eccessiva, rumorosa, ironica, provocatoria, derivante da un gusto innato per l’estroversione che gli deriva probabilmente dalla sua origine campana. Egli è nato a Cimitile, un paese accanto a Nola, ed è cresciuto nella zona metropolitana di Napoli.

L’emigrazione, per chi l’ha vissuta, è una realtà che obbliga a cambiare i punti di riferimento del proprio universo esistenziale e si spiega con il dolore, e la si supera con la riflessione oppure con la poesia. É appunto scrivendo poesia che Corrado Mastropasqua racconta il proprio viaggio di nuovo ulisside e fa i conti con chi era e con chi è diventato.

Questa duplice identità appare chiaramente in due componimenti. Nell’amore di Corrado Mastropasqua per i figli - ‘Quattro doni mi ha fatto la vita...’ c’è l’adesione del ‘rinato’ Corrado alla sua vita di padre in Canada. Ma permane anche forte in lui un’impronta antica : l’affetto imperituro per suo padre. La figura del padre è, infatti, centrale nel suo mondo affettivo.

Sempre più modello / sulle tue orme i passi / forze inconsce mi premono / al tuo stampo di schiva fierezza / e che parte di te, padre, / sia passata per mio tramite ai figli / è prodigio che dirada / il mistero delle vita. (Monumento al padre)

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Gli anni passano e videndo in un altro continente, i ruoli familiari si arricchiscono, si complicano. Si diviene nonni e con il tempo gli archetipi affettivi acquistano la purezza di valori assoluti ed i luoghi lasciati vengono proiettati in una dimensione psicologica, astorica.

Fuori del tempo / le ore trascorse laggiù / alla cala di Sorgeto / in levità infantile... (Mare di libertà) Ischia è stata prima e dopo la partenza per Corrado Mastropasqua la sua isola mediterranea, la sua Itaca. É l’‘isola della fedeltà alle radici e degli eterni ritorni.’Vi andavamo, ricorda, in villeggiatura, con i miei genitori, ogni anno, da quando io avevo uno o due anni.’ Dura quindi da quasi 80 anni questo rapporto con Ischia. ‘ Lì vi sono tante cose importanti della mia vita. Ad Ischia ho conosciuto Edda.

Ad Ischia ci siamo fidanzati. Lì abbiamo passato le prime notti di matrimonio’.

Pesi enormi / aderiscono / alle tempie / paurosamente / mi tirano / giù a valle / brividi / m’avvolgono / in vortici / di terrore / che s’aggruma / alle reni / le mani / saldamente / aggrappate / alla balaustra / non consentono / ch’io ceda / alla voluttà / di precipitare / nel baratro. (Dal Belvedere di Serrara).

Serrara è una località che si trova ad Ischia, sulla montagna andando verso l’Epomeo.

Ma l’uomo mediterraneo, il poeta dei paesaggi solari, di una natura esuberante sospesa nella purezza di un passato mitico, vive oggi, anzi da decenni, in un paese nordico dai lunghi inverni. Riesce a resistere ai rimpianti struggenti,

perchè i punti di attrito con il Canada in lui non ci sono.

Certo si è ambientato molto bene a Montreal, ma, chiarisce, ‘ senza radicamenti definitivi’. Tuttavia anche lui è, innegabilmente, il prodotto delle sue esperienze vissute. Il distacco dai luoghi d’origine ha operato trasformazioni intime, ha prodotto un’altra visuale del mondo, un allargamento di umanità dovuto alle sue esperienze di medico e di attore in America del Nord.

Ineliminabile è in Corrado Mastropasqua il tema della nostalgia, sinonimo di sentimento d’amore. La lontananza funge da filtro e lascia trapelare le cose belle. In diverse sue poesie si avverte il rimpianto profondo di una fanciullezza felice. Anche se scrive da poeta adulto, il sentimento dominante è rimasto quello di un fanciullo libero, avulso da cerchie politico-culturali. Emergono nei suoi scritti i caratteri mediterranei della sua personalità: l’esuberanza, la generosità, la comunicativa a volte da estremista, la grande sensualità, gli eccessi nel mangiare, nel bere e nei piaceri della vita, ma anche un cupo pessimismo. É così che il fanciullo fa i conti con l’adulto che è diventato.

Siamo i superstiti protervi / d’una civiltà / in via d’estinzione / io e te, mastro Franchino, / e da questo fortilizio / resistiamo / all’assedio dei barbari / che dalla terraferma / invadono / con grande clamore di macchine/. (Eredi della terra) Il dottor Corrado Mastropasqua, rimasto il galantuomo del Sud Italia, considera l’amicizia un bene prezioso. Il suo migliore amico è stato Franchino, un contadino ischitano, muratore, gran lavoratore, persona schietta, spontanea, rara da trovare e perciò tanto cara da amare. E l’amicizia si può trovare anche nel nuovo mondo. Nella lirica ‘Per la morte di Sundaram ’ Mastropasqua parla di un altro suo grande amico, un medico di origine indiana, suo collega all’ospedale, un essere superiore, una sorta di Cristo orientale con le fattezze di un piccolo Ghandi.

Addio Sundaram / a piedi scalzi / tu cammini a quest’ora / fra le verdi risaie / del cielo parlando / d’amore con Visnù / noi smarriti / seguitiamo il cammino.

Lo stesso profondo sentimento di amicizia lega Mastropasqua al pastore sardo, diventato scrittore, Gavino Ledda.

‘Al mondo della cultura / raccontasti/ la favola del pastorello / sardo analfabeta / che vince il premio Viareggio...’

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poesia - poésie - poetry Corrado Mastropasqua ha conosciuto Gavino Ledda al festival cinematografico internazionale di Montréal. Ledda era venuto con i fratelli Taviani a presentare la pellicola ‘Padre Padrone’. Mastropasqua è stato colpito da quest’ uomo che aveva raggiunto un successo notevole, ma che era rimasto il pastorello semplice di prima. Ha sentito subito una comunanza di spirito verso Ledda ed è subito nata tra loro due una schietta amicizia.

Mastropasqua lo ha invitato a prolungare il soggiorno montrealese come suo ospite. Poi si sono rivisti in Italia. ‘È un uomo molto vicino alla terra. Ledda vive a Silico, un paesetto in provincia di Sassari. Sono stato a casa sua con mia figlia Lara. Ha ammazzato il miglior agnello per noi’.

Questo tipo di amicizia è rara, come dimostra il divario profondo provato dall’adulto Mastropasqua verso ‘amici’ di una volta rimasti provinciali e ossessionati dalla bella figura.

Non vi sono paesaggi nordici nei due volumi di poesia di Mastropasqua. Egli è posseduto dal mondo mediterraneo e solare, dalle campagne del sud, dal mare a strapiombo, dal canto di una civiltà antica. Il suo emigrare non ha comportato lo sradicamento del suo essere, ma un adattamento, un’integrazione. Le sue radici sono rimaste sepolte nella terra d’origine, che continua a nutrirle. L’atto fondamentale, irreversibile, che è stato l’emigrare, ha accentuato l’amore per il mondo lasciato, purificandolo dalle scorie, sublimandolo. Mastropasqua ha fatto per decenni uno sforzo costante per restare se stesso, per non lasciarsi travolgere dalla civiltà nordamericana che però non rifiuta e che gli ha insegnato tante cose. ‘Noi che abbiamo lasciato il nostro paese siamo diventati più umani’. Contraddicendosi, in quanto anche il poeta è frutto delle sue esperienze di vita.

A casa sua continua a parlare il dialetto napoletano e l’italiano, fenomeno raro dopo una vita all’estero. Il suo è un esempio di trapianto senza radici spezzate, ma con sublimati rimpianti struggenti. Certo disporre d’una villa ad

Ischia, con la possibilità di trascorrervi ogni anno le vacanze estive... aiuta a curare il mal di vivere e smorza la tentazione alla facile idealizzazione del mondo lasciato.

Corrado Mastropasqua, uomo schiettamente moderno, cultore di una libertà quasi anarchica, antitesi vivente di ipocrisie e di condizionamenti, è fortemente contrario ad un certo progresso. La modernità, che di per sé è una realtà positiva, comporta tuttavia tanti elementi negativi. L’allontanamento dai valori tradizionali sui quali era basata la società fino ad una certa epoca - famiglia, patria, religione - ha causato un impoverimento nei rapporti umani, riducendo tutto ai soldi. Egli ritiene che dovremmo ritornare alla terra. Terra intesa come natura fisica, come rispetto dell’ecologia, e come insieme di valori incentrati sull’uomo.

Rifuggo / la follia consumistica / di questa aridità / vestita di strass / in parsimonia contadina / e con voluttà m’immergo / nelle fresca sobrietà / del mio passato di povero (La salvezza) Da un lato egli appare estroverso, irruente, con un certo gusto per gli eccessi dall’altro manifesta nella vita capacità organizzative e come attore e come medico anestesista, dando prova di grande disciplina. La poesia diventa quindi per Corrado Mastropasqua una scuola d’ordine, di continua ricerca, di perfezione formale e semantica, di minuzia certosina, di complicatissimo labor limae.

Nel quadro luminoso dei temi trattati nella poesia di Mastropasqua si avvertono, profondamente sentite, anche tante ombre: il senso illusorio della vita, la caducità delle cose, la malattia, la vecchiaia, soprattutto l’ingiustizia sociale.

Scendevano al piano i cafoni/ e dopo ore di cammino/ sugli sterpi e sui sassi/ giungevano a valle/ e si lasciavano cadere/ sul selciato della piazza/... Sfatti laceri scarni/ gli occhi spenti da secoli/ d’abitudine ai soprusi/ con rari lampi di rivolta/ giacevano ammassati al mercato del lavoro/. I

beceri possidenti/... li sceglievano scotendoli/ col bastone nel costato/ i paria africani. (Braccianti del sud) La vita all’estero, ma senza dubbio anche il trascorrere degli anni, gli fanno mettere su di un piano assoluto il mondo della giovinezza. Le cose più care sono sempre quelle perdute.

Disteso su ottomana / lustra di sete / riverso il cuore / su profumo d’erba / già trite le parole / e vano come brulichio / d’insetti l’operare / più fonda l’angoscia / del tempo breve / che dal buio ci separa. (60 anni).

In Mastropasqua c’è una passione profonda,un amore viscerale, ma anche un conflitto irrisolto, per la napoletanità.

Edda , sua moglie, gli dà l’equilibrio e modera la impulsività e la tendenza agli eccessi del marito che sa però restare fedele all’autenticità e condannare la cattiveria, la superficialità, il voler apparire, uno dei tratti negativi dei borghesi napoletani, che lui, figlio di padre falegname, ha sperimentato sulla sua pelle ed ha lasciato una cicatrice indelebile nel suo intimo.

Ecco per sommi capi il mondo poetico di un autore, Corrado Mastropasqua che ha quattro volte venti anni e vive in una città dalle cento lingue - Montréal - dove nel volto dei passanti s’intravvedono le memorie di tanti mondi diversi. L’emigrazione, lezione di umanità, lo ha spronato a non allontanarsi dai valori essenziali della vita e gli ha permesso di acquisire una larghezza di vedute presente nei temi trattati sia in Ibrido sia soprattutto in Prova d’Armonia, frutti di quasi un cinquantennio, (dal 1949 al 1996). Queste due raccolte vanno viste come il distillato di momenti privilegiati di una poetica, quella di prove di ibrida armonia ed il consuntivo di momenti privilegiati di una esistenza, quella di Corrado Mastropasqua, vero uomo dal multiforme ingegno. * Grazie a Claudio Antonelli per i suggerimenti e gli spunti forniti v

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Arts and Culture

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cinema - cinéma - cinema

Peppe Voltarelli : Italiano superstar Par Joey Franco

L’acteur-auteur-compositeur-interprète calabrais Peppe Voltarelli, était récemment de passage à Montréal pour présenter son dernier album : Distratto ma però, dans le cadre de sa tournée américaine (Toronto, New York, San Diego, Mexico et Buenos Aires). e style de Voltarelli est un unique mélange de musique électronique, de folk moderne, et de rock’n’roll avec des influences traditionnelles calabraises du sud de l’Italie.

LSa musique, tout aussi colorée que son personnage, évoque l’héritage de grands cantautore Italiens tel que Claudio Lolli, Luigi Tenco, Rino Gaetano et Domenico Modugno et la sonorité très distincte du grand trompettiste Roy Paci, connu pour ses collaborations avec des artistes tels que Manu Chao. Voltarelli a aussi collaboré avec plusieurs artistes italiens tels que Vinicio Caposela et Daniele Sepe. En plus de composer des chansons, Voltarelli a également écrit un livre de poésies en dialecte calabrais et collaboré à un « faux-cumantaire » : La vera leggenda di Tony Vilar, parodie sur les stéréotypes italo-américains, gagnant de plusieurs prix Internationaux et produit par Giuseppe Gagliardi.

PI : Plusieurs de vos chansons sont chantées en dialecte. Pourquoi ?

PV : Oui, le dialecte est important parce qu’il représente une attache, un lien avec notre territoire, avec nos traditions, avec la famille. En dialecte les textes ont une certaine cadence musicale, un rythme unique qui est très « chantant ». Dans bien des cas, s’exprimer en dialecte évoque certaines émotions que la langue italienne transmet plus difficilement.

PI : Croyez-vous que chanter en dialecte constitue un obstacle au succès commercial ?

PV : Je ne le vois pas de cette manière. J’ai remarqué qu’en dehors de l’Italie, les chansons en dialecte sont plus appréciées que les chansons italiennes. Le dialecte devient un obstacle seulement si l’audience ne le reçoit pas avec un esprit ouvert.

PI : Croyez-vous que les dialectes vont éventuellement disparaître en Italie ?

PV : Il y a certainement un risque que cela se produise. Toutefois, ça n’arrivera probablement jamais si les gens continuent à s’exprimer et à écrire des chansons en dialecte. Pour ceux qui le parlent, le dialecte est une deuxième nature.

PI : Quelle est votre impression des gens d’origine italienne que vous avez rencontré lors de vos voyages à l’étranger ?

PV : Les Italiens ont toujours été des gens passionnés et très attachés aux traditions.

Beaucoup d’immigrants sont demeurés avec une perception passéiste de l’Italie, comme si le pays était resté figé dans le temps. Naturellement, l’Italie a évolué et a bien changé. Il reste

toutefois une certaine nostalgie d’une Italie sans routes pavées et sans électricité dans les maisons, une image longtemps associé à la grande pauvreté qu’a connue l’Italie méridionale, notamment les régions de la Calabre et de la Sicile. Les Italiens à l’étranger ont l’occasion de vivre la culture italienne à distance et peuvent en choisir les meilleurs aspects en les adaptant au pays où ils vivent que ce soit au Canada, aux États-Unis ou en Argentine.

PI : Votre style musical est très différent de la musique commerciale italienne qui est traditionnellement exportée vers l’Amérique du Nord. Comment décrivez-vous votre style ?

PV : Mon style est très influencé par une série de rythmes contemporains, par les grands artistes et les grandes voix du passé. J’entretien aussi un lien étroit avec la musique moderne, avec le rock, le hard rock, la musique russe, la musique britannique... Ma musique est un mélange. Elle est loin d’être pure. C’est justement ce qui la rend belle.

PI : Que pensez-vous de la musique underground en Italie?

PV : Il y a beaucoup d’enthousiasme dans l’underground Italien qui produit actuellement beaucoup de matériel étonnant. Il y a un mouvement souterrain énorme en Italie appuyé par des stations de radio indépendantes, des revues, des journaux, des blogs. Je crois que ces canaux d’information sont fondamentaux, particulièrement pour la musique expérimentale.

Si vous jouez dans un petit club vous avez davantage la possibilité d’expérimenter que dans un club plus grand, plus populaire.

PI : Que pensez-vous des productions Casa Nostra de Marco Calliari, l’étiquette qui vous a amené ici à Montréal, une maison de production qui cherche à promouvoir les artistes indépendants ?

PV : Casa Nostra a également promu plusieurs artistes célèbres tels que Carmen Consoli, ils réalisent un travail fantastique. Il y a deux côtés à ce qu’ils font : la direction artistique, les promotions, la musique, les concerts. Le verso s’explique plutôt comme une dévotion culturelle à la musique italienne. Ils sont devenus une référence dans le monde de la musique italienne ici au Canada.

(Entrevue réalisée le 13 novembre 2009) www.peppevoltarelli.it v

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musica - muqique - music

Daniel Panetta,17-year-old music phenom!

By: Joey Franco

I must own up to the fact that I am not a very easily impressed person. Be it actors, comedians, singers, or any other type of entertainer, it is a relatively difficult challenge to make a lasting first impression on me. The very nature of my work as a journalist has conditioned me to approach every aspect of the world which surrounds me in a critical manner- with a discerning eye that might make the most austere critic look like a gracious yes-man.

Somehow, Daniel Panetta managed to break down my stringent journalistic defense mechanism. He impressed me, and I was impressed by the fact that he was so easily able to do so. first met Daniel last March, in Montreal, during an Italian-language music competition.

He performed a song with famed Soprano Natalie Choquette at the Place des Arts complex in front of a sold-out crowd. Daniel was 16-years-old at the time, and however remarkable that is, it was not his age, nor how his stage presence or his baritone voice were developed far beyond his years that impressed me.

Following the concert, the judges, organizers, performers, and myself gathered at a small restaurant to wine, dine, and discuss the success of the competition. An elderly accordion player would set the scene for Daniel; the one-man-band put his hand-held bellow instrument into motion to the symphony of Ernesto de Curtis’ Non ti scordar di me. Panetta stood in the lead of the elderly accordionist, in the presence of former Sanremo winners, acclaimed artists, critics, family, friends, and several unassuming restaurant patrons.

The young crooner sang the recitative-like verse perfectly in step with the accordion and lead to the familiar and melodic refrain; “Don’t forget me, my life is tied to you. I love you more and more, you are always in my dreams.” ending on a high note that would have made Caruso proud. People go to restaurants to eat, at that moment, I assure you, not one person in the room was eating. The talented young artist’s voice had filled the air of the dining hall with an unearthly warmth.

I was impressed! Back in 2007, Gerry Fumo, was also impressed.

Fumo, a former promoter in the Canadian music industry, was on a hiatus from the industry when he first heard the 14-year-old sing at a basketball charity event in Toronto.

Fumo had worked with many talented musicians in his career, but had yet to discover an internationally acclaimed star. “He just had a stage presence beyond his years, to hear Sinatra coming from a 14-year-old was just amazing,” recalls the music impresario. “He has a

I

passion to entertain people, and that’s what makes him happy.” Fumo knew he had a rising star in his presence and immediately made a comeback into the music scene by signing the young crooner. 3PK Productions Inc. was born, and Fumo has managed Daniel since that faithful day in 2007.

Daniel’s parents, Sandra and Saverio knew their son was blessed with musical talent from a very young age. “I was about five-years-old when I started really getting into the music field, the love for rock and roll, jazz, and blues really came into play back then. And it was something new to me, it wasn’t new to everybody... everybody knew what it was, but it was just a new field for me. And it stuck, it stuck with me like a sponge,” recalls Daniel.

The Toronto native began writing music when he was eight-years-old, and a lot of the music he was writing was very similar to the rawness of rock and roll, and the jazz from the 1940s to the 1960s. “My mind was always telling me that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, since I was five-years-old.”

Over the past three years, some of his many achievements include performing for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and performing at the wedding of Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney.

He was also the youngest performer in 21 years to command the main stage at the 2009 Beaches Jazz Festival in Toronto. The next big step, according to Manager Gerry Fumo and executive assistant Vince Di Vito, is to sign Daniel to a major label.

Every time I listen to Daniel perform Non ti scordar di me, I like to think he is begging his music to not forget him, to be tied to him every waking hour, and to keep flooding his dreams. One thing is for sure, the same way he impressed me, this young vocalist will keep impressing audiences for decades to come- and as De Curtis’ song begs: not many people will forget him or the name Daniel Panetta for a very long time. www.danielpanetta.com v

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cinema - cinéma - cinema

Rassegna di film italiani che hanno trattato il tema della deportazione e dei Lager nazisti Filippo Salvatore

L’Oro di Roma (1961) Regia: Carlo Lizzani Interpreti: Anna Maria Ferrero, Jean Sorel, Paola Borboni, Andrea Checchi, Gérard Blain.

Note: L’oro del titolo è quello chiesto da Kappler nell’autunno 1943 agli ebrei della capitale, prima delle deportazioni in massa.

Kapò (1959) Regia: Gillo Pontecorvo Interpreti: Susan Strasberg, Laurent Tarzieff, Dragomir Felba, Gianni Garko, Didi Perego, Paola Pitagora.

Note: Una giovane ebrea, internata in un Lager nazista, decide di collaborare con gli aguzzini nazisti nel tentativo di sottrarsi al suo funesto destino.

Andremo in città (1966) Regia: Nelo Risi Interpreti: Geraldine Chaplin, Nino Castelnuovo, Stefania Careddu.

Note: La tragica storia di una famiglia, abitante in un paesino jugoslavo sotto l’occupazione nazista. Alcuni verranno uccisi, altri finiranno in un Lager.

La Caduta degli dei (1969) Regia: Luchino Visconti Interpreti: Dirk Bogarde, Ingrid Thulin, Helmut Griem, Helmut Berger, Renard Verley, Umberto Orsini, Charlotte Rampling, Florinda Bolkan.

Note: Gli anni dell’ascesa al potere del nazismo vista attra-

verso la decadenza di una potente famiglia di industriali.

Il Giardino dei Finzi Contini (1970) Regia: Vittorio De Sica Interpreti: Dominique Sanda, Lino Capolicchio, Helmut Berger, Romolo Valli, Fabio Testi, Raffaele Curi.

Note: Film tratto dall’omonimo romanzo di Giorgio Bassani.

Diario di un italiano (1973) Regia: Sergio Capogna Interpreti: Mara Venier, Alida Valli, Donatello, Pier Paolo Capponi, Silvano Tranquilli.

Note: Film tratto dalla novella «Vanda» di Vasco Pratolini.

Racconta la tragica storia d’amore tra Valerio, giovane tipografo, e Vanda, ebrea, nella Firenze del 1938 all’indomani delle leggi razziali.

Pasqualino Settebellezze (1975) Regia: Lina Wertmuller Interpreti: Giancarlo Giannini, Fernando Rey, Shirley Stoler, Elena Fiore, Piero Di Iorio.

Note: Pasqualino Settebellezze è un giovane malavitoso

napoletano che decide di commettere un crimine per farsi un nome in quel mondo.

Non è realmente coraggioso ed un giorno uccide per caso l’uomo che ha ingannato sua sorella Concetta, costringendola a prostituirsi in un bordello.

Ma è scoperto e, processato, è condannato a dodici anni di carcere criminale. Per uscire dal carcere, accetta di partire volontario durante la seconda guerra mondiale. Insieme al suo amico Francesco, fugge dalla Russia, ma entrambi sono catturati dai nazisti e deportati in un lager. Qui conosce le peggiori nefandezze della guerra e, per sopravvivere, deve perfino fingere di innamorarsi della perfida, grassa ed orrenda comandante del lager. Alla fine è addirittura costretto ad uccidere Francesco. Molti mesi dopo è liberato dalle armate alleate e torna a Napoli, dove trova tutte le sorelle che si prostituiscono per sopravvivere.

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cinema - cinéma - cinema Il Portiere di notte (1974) Regia: Liliana Cavani Interpreti: Dirk Bogarde, Charlotte Rampling, Philippe Leroy, Isa Miranda, Nora Ricci, Gabriele Ferzetti.

Note: Il portiere, un ex torturatore nazista, ritrova casualmente una delle sue vittime. Un film che fece scandalo.

La Linea del fiume (1976) Regia: Aldo Scavarda Interpreti: Riccardo Cucciolla, John Hurt, Orazio Orlando Note: Un bambino ebreo sfugge alla razzia del Ghetto di Roma del 16 ottobre ‘43.

Una organizzazione clandestina lo conduce in salvo a Londra, attraverso la Francia.

Le Deportate della sezione speciale SS (1976) Regia: Rino Di Silvestro Interpreti: Rik Battaglia, Giorgio Cerioni, Stefania D’Amario, Paola D’Egidio, Felicita Fanny.

Note: La vicenda improbabile di un comandante di un Lager che si innamora di una ebrea deportata e delle avventure che ne seguono.

18.000 giorni fa (1993) Regia: Gabriella Gabrielli Interpreti: Silvia Cohen, Maurizio Donadoni, Massimo Foschi.

Note: Tratto dal libro di Carlo Spartaco Capogreco, il film racconta la storia di un ebreo polacco fuggito nel ‘42 al Lager di Treblinka. Catturato in Italia, viene condotto nel campo fascista di Ferramonti, in Calabria.

Jona che visse nella balena (1993) Regia: Roberto Faenza Interpreti: Jean-Hugues Anglade, Juliet Aubrey, Luke Petterson, Jenner Del Vecchio, Francesca De Sapio, Djoko Rosic.

Note: Il Lager visto con gli occhi di un bambino ebreo. L’atmosfera da favola non cancella l’orrore.

Per ignota destinazione (1995) Regia: Piero Farina Interpreti: Documentario, con molti italiani superstiti dei Lager.

Note: Il film segue il ritorno di Piero Terracina ad Auschwitz Birkenau, il campo di sterminio dove fu deportato, e dove venne sterminata gran parte della sua famiglia. Qua e là, nel documentario, altri ex deportati raccontano la loro terribile esperienza.

Un documentario insieme misurato e scioccante.

generazioni future una testimonianza della terribile esperienza delle vittime della Shoah.

Il documentario, girato ad Auschwitz, vince numerosi premi internazionali.

Testimoni (1995) Regia: Anna Missoni Interpreti: Documentario con interviste a Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Arianna Szorenyi e Ferruccio Maruffi.

Note: Film realizzato in vista delle manifestazioni comm emorative del Cinquantesimo della liberazione dei campi.

La Settima stanza (1996) Regia: Marta Meszaros Interpreti: Maia Morgenstern, Adriana Asti, Jan Nowicki, Elide Melli.

Note: Film biografico che n arra la vicenda di Edith Stein, ebrea convertita al cattolicesimo divenuta suora, uccisa in un Lager nazista nel ‘42 ed elevata agli altari da Giovanni Paolo II nel 1987.

La Vita è bella (1997) Regia: Roberto Benigni Interpreti: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durani, Sergio Bini Bustric.

Note: Il film-favola di Benigni racconta la vicenda di un padre ebreo e di suo figlio dalle persecuzioni razziali fino al Lager.

La Tregua (1996) Regia: Francesco Rosi Interpreti: John Turturro, Stefano Dionisi, Rade Serbedzija, Massimo Ghini, Claudio Bisio, Roberto Citran, Andy Luotto.

Note: Auschwitz, gennaio 1945.

L’esercito russo avanza e i nazisti fuggono abbandonando i malati nel campo di sterminio. Tratto dall’omonimo libro di Primo Levi.

Memoria (1997) Regia: Ruggero Gabbai Voce narrante: Giancarlo Giannini.

Note: La storia vera di chi è stato nei lager nazisti durante la seconda guerra mondiale.

Raccolta di voci, storie, volti di persone che, nonostante il dolore che provano nel ricordare quei giorni, vogliono lasciare alle

Il Cielo cade (2000) Regia: Andrea e Antonio Frazzi Interpreti: Isabella Rossellini, Jeroen Krabbé, Barbara Enrichi, Gianna Giachetti, Luciano Virgilio, Bettina Giovannini, Mauro Marino, Veronica Niccolai e Lara Campoli.

Note: Bel film che si avvale della sceneggiatura di Suso Cecchi D’Amico, che ha lavorato sulla base del libro autobiografico di Lorenza Mazzetti. Gli ultimi anni del ventennio fascista e il passaggio della guerra visti con gli occhi di una bambina orfana, ospite con la sorellina minore della splendida villa sulle colline fiorentine dello zio ebreo e della sua famiglia. Una storia liberamente tratta dalla vicenda vera di Alfred Einstein (cugino del grande fisico) e dei suoi, vittime delle SS in ritirata dopo aver rifiutato di fuggire “per rispetto della propria dignità” nei giorni successivi al 25 luglio 1943.

* Un sentito ringraziamento a Stella

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scienza - science - science

Galileo Galilei, (Pisa 1564 - Arcetri 1642) padre della scienza moderna

Filippo Salvatore

Lo spettacolo Galileo dal Vivo, interpretato da Pierre Limoges e presentato al Planetarium con la regia di Raynald Michaud ha fatto rivivere al pubblico montrealese fino al 10 gennaio scorso, una pagina importante della storia dell’astronomia. el 1609 il matematico, fisico ed astronomo pisano Galileo Galilei, grazie all’ occhiale, una forma rudimenN tale di telescopio di sua invenzione, riesce a dimostrare che la superficie lunare è fatta di valli e di colline, come quella della Terra, che il pianeta Venere ha delle fasi come la Luna, che il pianeta Giove ha quattro lune che gli orbitano intorno e che lui battezza con il nome di ’pianeti medicei’, che sulla superficie del sole compaiono e scompaiono macchie enormi.

Tutte queste strabilianti scoperte vengono messe insieme da Galilei nel volume Sidereus Nuncius pubblicato nel 1609.

Si tratta di una pietra miliare nella storia dell’astronomia.

Perché?

Perché grazie a queste sue scoperte egli ha liquidato per sempre le leggi della fisica così come le aveva spiegate il filosofo greco Aristotele ed il sistema cosmologico geocentrico ad esso abbinato dal matematico Tolomeo nel terzo secolo dell’era cristiana.

Galileo Galilei, riprendendo le idee di un altro filosofo greco Aristarco, dei pitagorici, del cardinale Nicolò Cusano nel corso del Quattrocento e soprattutto del matematico ed astronomo polacco Nicola Copernico che nel 1543, in fin di vita, aveva pubblicato il libro De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, riesce a dare la prova irrefutabile che la Terra non è il centro fisso dell’universo, come veniva detto nella Bibbia, ma un piccolo pianeta che gira su se stesso ogni 24 ore e intorno al sole ogni 365 giorni. Non solo, ma Galileo qualche anno più tardi nel 1632 nel volume scritto in lingua italiana (una vera novità per l’epoca) Dialogo Sopra i Due Massimi Sistemi del Mondo, Tolemaico e Copernicano ipotizza che la Via Lattea è, come è in effetti, un enorme aggregato di stelle, togliendo cosi, al Sole la posizione privilegiata di centro dell’universo.

Si trattava di una rivoluzione concettuale di una portata veramente strabiliante. Trasformava radicalmente dopo 14 secoli la maniera di concepire la vita, la morale, la fede, il mondo fisico. L’equivalente per noi potrebbe essere la scoperta di altri esseri intelligenti nella nostra galassia, con tutte le conseguenze epistemologiche, cosmologiche, etiche che ne deriverebbero. Uno scossone paragonabile a quello operato nel primo 1600 da Galileo alla concezionale tradizionale dell’uomo verrà inferto dal biologo britannico Charles Darwin che nel 1859 pubblica The Origin of Species

in cui si negano sia la tesi creazionistica della tradizione biblica sia l’abolizione di un disegno divino nelle leggi di natura. Dopo Darwin l’uomo, la specie sapiens, non è la creatura di Dio, ma il risultato di selezione naturale di una specie di scimmia, determinata dall’ambiente e dalla lotta per la sopravvivenza.

Galileo Galilei non era come Charles Darwin un agnostico. Anzi si è dichiarato sempre un figlio devoto della Chiesa cattolica. Tuttavia è innegabile che nasce con lui la concezione quantitativa, meccanicistica della scienza e delle leggi che governano l’universo, come poi dimostrerà ancora meglio il matematico britannico Isaac Newton nel volume Principia Mathematica. Nel dire: A me interessa non come si va in cielo, ma come vanno i cieli Galilei afferma che il mondo ed il resto dell’universo sono un grande libro aperto che va letto e decifrato con caratteri matematici seguendo ‘sensate esperienze e necessarie dimostrazioni’. Inventa in tal modo il metodo scientifico di analisi, secondo il quale la verità di un principio non preesiste, ma è il risultato di un esperimento, di una verifica empirica.

Anche oggi i modelli di universo, (da quello newtoniano che segue ancora la meccanica tradizionale e la geometria euclidea, a quello relativistico, dopo Albert Einstein e la sua Teoria della Relatività divulgata nel 1905, e le geometrie non euclidee), adottano criteri che sono teorici, ma soprattutto sperimentali, riconoscendo così il contributo fondamentale di Galilei come padre della scienza moderna. Senza Galilei, in altre parole, non si sarebbe potuti arrivare a fare il conteggio delle galassie, a capire la nascita, la durata e la fine delle stelle, a studiare le microonde come i quasar o i pulsar, la natura dei buchi neri. Senza Galileo non si sarebbe potuti arrivare alla teoria del Big Bang, una esplosione immane avvenuta oltre 13 miliardi di anni fa, grazie alla quale si è formato l’universo.

La figura di Galileo Galilei, soprattutto a causa della sua abiura davanti al tribunale dell’Inquisizione, ci spinge anche a considerare, come ha fatto il drammaturgo tedesco Bertold Brecht, la responsabilità sociale della scienza e la responsabilità morale dello scienziato. Viviamo in un mondo dominato sempre di più dall’ingegneria biologica, dall’informatica, dalla tecnologia, dal grave pericolo che rappresenta la forza dell’atomo in mano a fanatici religiosi. Viene quindi

spontanea la domanda: occorre mettere un freno morale alla ricerca, all’operato dello scienziato e soprattutto all’uso spregiudicato ed irresponsabile della tecnologia? Senza voler ignorare i miglioramenti notevoli ottenuti dalla rivoluzione industriale nel tenore di vita grazie alla scienza, e pur coscienti che la tecnologia continuerà a svolgere un ruolo di primo piano in avvenire, è impellente, assolutamente necessario, riesaminare a livello mondiale i fini che si prefigge la ricerca scientifica e l’uso responsabile che di essa si deve fare. Al concetto di progresso lineare, cumulativo, è subentrata la coscienza del limite che si può riassumere in questa formula: ‘no blind opposition to progress, but opposition to blind progress’. (nessuna opposizione cieca al progresso, ma opposizione al progresso cieco). Da circa un quarantennio, grazie anche a organizzazioni come Il Club di Roma, fondato da Aurelio Peccei, che pubblica all’ inizio degli anni 1970 il libro Limits to Growth sappiamo di vivere come specie umana su un piccolo e fragile pianeta chiamato Terra, ridotto già tanto male a causa dell’inquinamento che influisce e distrugge gli ecosistemi, fonti di tutte le forme di vita.

Il primo novembre del 1992 il papa Giovanni Paolo II ha esonerato dopo oltre 350 il padre della scienza moderna Galileo Galilei dall’accusa di eresia riconoscendo davanti ai membri della Pontificia Accademia delle Scienze che la Chiesa era stata imprudente nella sua opposizione alla validità del sistema eliocentrico. Si concludeva così “il caso Galilei” e venivano rimosse le diffidenze che quel caso poneva nella mente di molti e veniva incoraggiata una fruttuosa concordia tra scienza e fede e tra Chiesa e mondo.

Il perdono papale di Galileo sia sprone a riconsiderare il significato della vita e ad operare in ogni nostro gesto per la salvaguardia del piccolo pianeta blu, la Terra, la nostra sola casa comune, una madre che può anche trasformarsi in spietata ed indifferente matrigna. v

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Making Your Property Work for You Raffaele Traglia is an established real estate agent in Montreal. We met with him recently to discuss income property, a profitable form of investment for members of the Italian community in Montreal.

Before we start talking real estate, what can you tell us about yourself?

Well, I was born in Montreal and I’ve lived here all my life. My parents emigrated from Campobasso, Italy.

My mom is from Campolieto and my dad is from Larino.

What are some of the things you love best about being Italian?

The close knit family values, my morning espresso and home-made Prosciutto and wine.

How did you get into real estate?

While pursuing my education, I was fortunate to work in the family owned construction business at a young age. Exposed to various aspects of the industry, I learned how to observe and identify the quality of materials and the caliber of crafstmanship needed to add value and longevity to the construction. Selling real estate was just a natural progression.

What are some of the things you enjoy about being a real estate agent?

Interacting with clients and helping them find properties that are right for them. I also enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and being exposed to valuable information about Montreal’s real estate market.

Québec inc.

SIGNATURE Inc.

Chartered Real Estate Broker

Income Property What is an income property?

An income property is real estate that generates revenue such as a duplex, a triplex, or a multiplex with units that can be rented out. You can either live in one of the units in order to reduce your monthly costs or simply rent out the entire property. The “income” is the rent that is paid out to you.

For people who already own income property, is there anything they should know before they decide to sell?

Yes. Many retired Italians in Montreal purchased income property as an investment to secure their future. Now that they are considering selling or downsizing, they may be faced with various tax issues such as capital gains. My job is to explore all their options in order to help them make the most favourable decision.

What about buying an income property? What are some of the issues potential buyers should be aware of before they decide to become landlords?

Property value over time

It’s important for them to know what type of property is best suited to their needs. A multiplex may fit their profile if they don’t mind collecting rent and dealing with various tenants. It should be noted however that the revenues generated from income properties help cover mortgage payments and increase wealth. Above all, its income that is fairly constant.

Before we go, is there anything you’d like to add?

Real estate is a sound investment. Let me guide you through in making a wise decision.

Raffaele Traglia Affiliated Real Estate agent

514 652-7653

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The Changing Face of Residences

www.panoramitalia.com Bringing Senior Living into the 21st Century

By Elisa Casella

The province of Quebec is home to one of the fastest growing ageing populations in Canada. There are about one million people living in the province of Quebec who are 65 or older, and that number is expected to double by 2030. The average life expectancy is now 90 years old. This ageing trend has paved the way for a renaissance in residences, giving the senior segment of society a new sense of purpose to match their ambitious spirits. Gone is the sterile environment of the old folk’s home of the past, where someone is forced to spend their so-called dying years. Today, residence homes are the destination for a new and exciting phase in your life.

Creating a Family Atmosphere Choosing a residence is never easy, whether it is for you or someone you love. The house we live in often defines who we are. The meaning of the word family comes from the Latin, servant of the household. It is difficult to separate the concept of house and family. This is true for all families, but especially for Italians. Our parents and grandparents came out of the post-war wave of Italian immigration, working tirelessly to plant their roots and integrate into society.

They take pride in their homes. They carry the flame of their youth from their native country, incorporating traditional essentials into their homes, such as the cantina, for storing wine and preserves, or maintaining a bountiful vegetable and flower garden in their backyard. It is easy to understand why they would never want to leave the place where they passed on these very traditions to their children, even when it becomes an empty nest. Sons and daughters feel guilty for not being able to care for the parents who sacrificed so much for them to have the “good life.” Today’s senior residences respond to that need of continuing a family during the retirement years. Integration into community life at a senior residence is a gradual and guided process, one that comes with the reward of starting a new life and making new friends.

Mente Sana in Corpo Sano: The Active Lifestyle Most residences are moving toward the trend of providing a collection of activities to seniors in their homes. Owners are customer centric, creating an activity calendar around the needs of their particular community. The only problem for the resident is the diversity of choice. Certain individuals may be concerned with spirituality, physical fitness and wellness, while others enjoy recreational and entertaining activities. The positive outcome is that all residents can be proactive about how he or she will spend their time. Popular activities range from yoga to cooking, or organizing game nights and theme parties. There is something for everyone. Not to mention the most important highlight of any group activity; taking a break from your solitude and socializing with peers.

Resort Style Living and Personal Freedom With all the comfort provided by a residence home, who needs to fly off to a five star hotel in Florida? Senior living is now synonymous with luxury and practicality. New residences include elevators for easy access. They lead to well lit apartment units, complete with a security system, kitchen , a washer/dryer and a private balcony. Most importantly, medical concerns are always a priority. Residences will usually have a 24 hour emergency system, or an onsite auxiliary nurse or doctor available to all residents who need medical attention, no matter what the time of day.

Furthermore, a common trend in senior living is built-in essential services that make life simpler, as everything you need is at your fingertips; the spa, fitness centre, bistro, and even a depanneur and pharmacy for those last minute emergencies. Although a resident may not have to leave the building for anything they need, he or she may still want to. Most new developments are designed in bustling neighborhoods, close to parks, stores and public transportation, so that all residents have easy mobility and the freedom to explore.

Once you have decided what kind of facility is right for you, whether it is independent or assisted living, the next step is to get out there and see what senior residences have to offer. The sooner you get started, the faster you can begin living the life of your dreams.

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Group Residence Excellence Convenience and Comfort at your Fingertips

By Elisa Casella

Senior citizens are now living longer and healthier lives. The ideal residence promotes wellness in an atmosphere of conviviality and easy living. For over thirty years, Johnny Migliara has developed a variety of senior residences that respond to the needs of the modern senior. Now president of the Group Residences Excellences, Mr. Migliara believes senior living has evolved into an exciting transition of life. “We are creating residences that ensure an active lifestyle, convenience, and security. The banner of our residences is a quality of life. The services we offer ensure that everyone living here is always happy.” The public has three different options to choose from in Montreal; Le Symbiose, Residences Navarro and les Terrasses Versailles, each residence with its own unique character.

The Pleasure of an Active Lifestyle and a Multitude of Services The Symbiose is a majestic residence, complete with 308 beautifully designed apartments, which come with fully equipped kitchens, heating and electricity, and a private balcony. The serene environment boasts a beautiful flower garden and walking path, and a spacious dining room and foyer. The complex includes interior and exterior parking, and although residents do not have to leave the premises for a pharmacy, depanneur, or the gym, the Symbiose is supremely located next to grocery stores, parks, restaurants, and the CLSC. Emergency medical assistance is always available with the presence of a doctor or an auxiliary nurse 24 hours a day. Martine Guinard, director of the Symbiose, is part of a unique intergenerational staff who takes pride in her work. “I love the ambiance and I appreciate the great efforts made by the entire team to meet the needs of our residents.”

Most intriguing is the diversity of lifestyle and wellness activities offered to the residents. Courses include tai-chi and painting. Residents can look forward to outings, themes nights, conferences, shuffleboard tournaments, line-dancing, bowling, movie nights, and bingo. Mass services are held on a weekly basis and the chapel is always open. Senior citizens can borrow books from the library or simply surf the Internet, play cards in the activity room, or swim laps in the pool.

Mr. Decamera has always been a busy man and that did not stop when he joined the Symbiose. “I like getting involved in activities. There is always something to do or somewhere to go and I like being with people.”

Convenience and Comfort at your Fingertips The Residences Navarro is the essence of family spirit, housing 104 apartments for autonomous and semi-autonomous individuals. It is magnificently located next to Santa Cabrini and Maisonneuve hospitals. Residents do not have to leave the site to enjoy the convenience of a depanneur, pharmacy, and beauty salon. Medical services are offered and the facility maintains strong ties with the St. Leonard CLSC. On their free time, residents can attend mass and participate in an array of animated activities, especially tailored to the Italian community.

The Terrasses Versailles is a luxurious residence home located in the heart of Anjou. It holds 436 condo style units and 40 care units. In close proximity to shopping centers, movie theatres, parks and public transportation, the residential complex is attracting baby boomers and senior citizens who enjoy variety in their daily activities. Residents can choose to eat in a grand dining room with a 260 person capacity, mingle and play games in the vast activity rooms, or relax by the pool or hot tub. The residence also houses a chapel, a movie theatre, an exercise room, a running track, a beauty salon, and a doctor’s office. Everything you need is only a hop, skip, and jump away!

The Star Treatment: Feeling Safe and Secure 24/7 The Residence Excellence staff goes above and beyond to ensure the security of all residents. Mr. Migliara explains, “there is someone at the front desk to respond to our residents at all hours, whether it is in concierge services or at the administrative desk.” Mme. Gisele Sauvageau, a one year resident of the Symbiose, diligently searched a residence to start a new life in and she believes she made the perfect choice. “The minute I walked in, I felt safe. I have never felt so good about a place I lived in. The second I saw the building, I fell in love. The atmosphere is that of a five star hotel, but better! I also have some health problems, and I never worry knowing that there is a medical assistance available to us 24 hours a day. My health is a priority, so I know I am in good hands.”

Mr. Migliara adheres to a philosophy that has helped carry Group Residence Excellence successfully into the 21st Century.

“We are very close to our residents and we really want them to feel like they belong to a family. I will do everything possible to make them happy. All of my employees, most of who have been with the company for many years, are geared up with the same mission.”

A mission that has revived the art of living in senior residence homes in Montreal.

To find out more: Le Symbiose is located at 7255 rue de Marseille, Montreal, 514-352-8989.

Residences Navarro is located at 7675 rue Lespinay, St. Leonard, 514-254-9002 Terrasses Versailles is located at 6923 Boulevard des Galeries d’Anjou, Anjou, 514 852 3898

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Welcome to

Résidences Au Fil de l’Eau “When it comes to retirement homes, you don’t know what youre missing until you try it.”

By Laura Casella

The doors at 7015 boulevard Gouin Est. open to bright, welcoming rooms a d o r n e d w i t h l a v i s h s i t t i n g a r e a s, a n d b e a u t i f u l f o u n t a i n s. R a y s o f sunshine shine through the tall windows, surrounding you with a wonderful feeling of warmth and tranquility. his is home for Giulia DiCesare who has been living at Au Fil de l’Eau Residences for 11 years.

She moved in with her late husband on December 2nd, 1999. But the decision to leave her home was not an easy one.

“I always said to myself there is no way I am going to live in a residence,” recounts the sweet and lovely DiCesare. “But my son kept telling me that we couldn’t go on like this. My husband was sick and he couldn’t go up and down the stairs anymore,” she says.

So one day Mrs. DiCesare agreed to go see a few residences with her son, but none impressed her.

“I would come out crying,” she recalls. But then she remembered a friend who lived at Au Fil de l’Eau. She came to visit the beautiful waterfront complex in Rivière-des-Prairies and never turned back.

“The minute I came in and saw the bright entrance, the gorgeous windows, I said, I like this place. Then they took me to see an apartment and the minute I saw it I said, this is it!”

It was a decision they wouldn’t regret. Shortly after moving in, Mr. and Mrs. DiCesare made new friends, and began taking advantage of all the wonderful activities offered here. Today, Mrs. DiCesare, who speaks perfect English, French, and Italian, enjoys an active social calendar. She sings in the choir, competes in mini-golf tournaments at their stunning 18-hole indoor golf course, goes to the cinema, at their 50-seat theatre, and just enjoys catching up with friends. The complex is also beautifully equipped with a gym, a swimming pool and sauna, a billiards room, puzzle room, a library, chapel, and a commercial alley that includes a hairdresser, bank, and a few boutiques so that the tenants never have to go far.

“We operate like a 5-star hotel,” claims Salvatore Migliara, son of the late Calogero Migliara, founder of Au Fil de l’Eau. “There is a quality of life offered here that you can’t get at home.”

But the friendly Migliara, who runs the business with his son, Charlie, and wife Johanne, knows that it is difficult for Italians to come to terms with leaving their home.

“My mother is the perfect example of this,” explains Migliara. “She is 74-years old, living alone, and claims she is not ready to move in a retirement home. We don’t want to bring her here to get rid of her. Quite the contrary, we want to bring her here so she can feel more comfortable, safe and can have a social life. Like so many other Italians her age, she

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is missing out on a higher quality of life. I would be so happy to see my mother here.”

But a better quality of life is not the only factor to consider when contemplating moving into a retirement home. Migliara also stresses the fact that Au Fil de l’Eau offers high-level security, and there are nurses on duty around the clock.

Someone that would agree with that is Pasqualina Della Donne, another proud resident of Au Fil de l’Eau for 10 years now. La signora Della Donne says she could not be happier living here. In fact, she says it has even helped her stay young.

“Ho 76 anni ma tutti pensano che ne ho 60,” she says. “È grazie a Au Fil de l’Eau. Sono contenta, mi sento bene, sicura, e non ho mai paura qui.

I padroni sono molto gentili e siamo come una famiglia.”

Mrs. Della Donne has also tried to convince many of her friends to come live here.

“Lo dico sempre - Perché non venite ad abitare qui? No, voi siete in una prigione mi dicono.

Io gli rispondo, no non è una prigione. Qui siamo trattati come delle regine!”

Salvatore Migliara credits this contentment much to the fact that the complex is a family-run business, which is very important to the Migliara family.

“We don’t consider our tenants as tenantsthey’re our grandparents,” he stresses. “The Migliara family is very present, and we mingle with everyone, and they know we are always there for them. The bricks, blocks and cement are the same at this building as the next, but what makes us different is that we’re a family-run operation and we take our tenants needs at heart.”

So how can children help ease the process of getting their parents to at least consider moving into a retirement home?

“My father always used to say, you can’t say you don’t like the food if you don’t taste it,” states Migliara. “Bring them, and have them visit and if you wish even have brunch at our beautiful restaurant overlooking the river. There is also a guest suite that they can try out for a week or more. Most importantly, don’t pressure them. No one should come here unhappy.”

“But just don’t come too late,” adds Giulia DiCesare, smiling. “You won’t be able to enjoy everything this place has to offer. I always say I should have come here sooner!”

To contact Au Fil de l’Eau, please go to www.aufildeleau.net or call 514-327-4411 v

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Giardini d’Italia The Path to a New Beginning

By Elisa Casella

5650, rue du Hautbois Saint-Léonard - (514) 253-5650 www.lesjardinsditalie.ca - www.giardiniditalia.ca

The hectic nine-to-five workday routine has us all dreaming about the sanctuary of our retirement years. We fantasize about the permanent vacation defined by comfort, security, and fun. The Giardini d’Italia is a unique residence home that can turn that dream into a reality. Director Joseph Biello says the raison d’être of the one-of-a kind residence is to serve its community. “The life style caters to what the residents are used to, what they want and what they need. When they live in cohabitation, they benefit one another.” And the benefits are endless.

“We give them the opportunity to continue living the way they always lived.”

The Giardini d’Italia is part of the exclusive Réseau Sélection, a development company that has specialized in senior dwelling homes for over twenty years. With over 3000 units across Quebec, Réseau Sélection designed the Giardini d’Italia as an answer to the Italian community. Joseph Biello says their goal is “never to destabilize the residents, but always to make them feel happy.” As resident Rosalie Stoss points out, “Everybody here knows my name and really takes care of us. Mr. Biello is also really hands on. I just love being here with all these wonderful people and the wonderful things available to us.”

The Giardini d’Italia boasts a highly trained staff capable of greeting residents in Italian, French and English. The 196 beautifully lit units are air-conditioned, heated, and each apartment has its own private balcony. A regal dining room includes table service with all meals specially prepared by an Italian chef, but residents may also opt to cook their own meals in their fully equipped kitchens. The dynamic list of services available to the community includes a fitness room, whirlpool, library, chapel, and even a beauty spa! For medical attention, an auxiliary nurse is present everyday and a doctor comes in once a week. The Giardini d’Italia has established solid relationships with hospitals, doctors, and senior and home-care companies, such as Au Soins d’une Vie. Furthermore, the needs of all residents are ensured with a 24 hour security system.

La Dolce Vita The Giardini d’Italia is rooted in the traditions that define the Italian Montrealer. Inside the Mediterranean inspired building, residents crowd the rooms to play tombola and bingo. La cucina is a spacious community kitchen where residents can make salsa and la verdura with their family and other residents. Wine making traditions are equally celebrated, and there is a cold room or cantina to store their wines and preserves. Those who prefer to play bigliardo and mingle while talking soccer and politics can do so in the bar sportive, or they can watch their favourite Italian talk shows on Rai. Outside, bocce can be played by the piazza, and vegetables are planted in the community garden or giardino. Imagine all this variety without having to leave the premises!

Activity Central: Music, Food and Dance The heart and soul of the Giardini d’Italia La Befana is the active lifestyle. Arianna Riedi is the event coordinator.

She organizes activities centered on the preferences and requests of the residents. “They like activities that bring them back to their youth. These activities bring a real ambiance to the community.” Each month there are two theme parties, such as Valentine’s Day or, along with birthday celebrations. Classes offered include baking, exercise, and knitting. Movie nights also prove popular; last month was devoted to Benigni movies. Residents have taken the initiative to start their own activities, such as bible study, held in the library of the residence. Moreover, mass services are now celebrated once a month.

Fundraisers are special to the home and residents play an active role in giving back to the Montreal community.

Past fundraising activities have included a mercatino and the spaghettata. Food baskets are donated to charities, one of which has led to a friendship with the legendary Soeur Angele. As Arianna says, “she is un pezzo di pane, a very positive person and role model for the residents.” Arianna says the home transforms into a community of living, loving and learning.

“At the spaghettata, we made all the sauce ourselves. We just get so close to our residents and it’s heartwarming to see the difference you can make. It’s a lot of work but it’s very gratifying.”

A New Lease on Life Resident Rosalia Pastrinostro has been living at the Giardini d’Italia for the past ten months and she relishes her active lifestyle. “Mi piace tutto,veramente. Si sta bene. Ho un bel apartamento. Lunedi facciamo la ginnastica, dopo facciamo i biscotti, e la mattina vado nella palestra . Poi ci sono tante cose da fare che sono interessanti. Ho abbastanze amiche e sono contenta. Mi trovo bene.” La vita e bella at the Giardini D’Italia!

For More Information: Giardini d’Italia is located on 5650, rue du Hautbois, Saint-Léonard, (514) 253-5650.

You can also visit www.lesjardinsditalie.ca or www.giardiniditalia.ca v

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Atlanta Aluminium

By Joey Franco

Atlanta Aluminium is one of the best aluminium door and windows manufacturers in Montreal. The multimillion dollar enterprise still abides by the work ethic it was built on over thirty years a g o. C o m p a n y o w n e r J o s e p h S p e z i o takes pride in a three-pronged winning formula: excellence in craftsmanship, quality products and customer satisfaction. tlanta Aluminium was founded in 1978. By 1999, it had become one of the most successful companies in the industry and the major installer of aluminium windows and doors for the Italian community in the east end of Montreal.

Mr. Spezio, remains a smart entrepreneur in his own right.

Thanks to his hard work and vision, his company reached new heights and sales have tripled in the last ten years. With a warehouse spanning 36,000 square-feet, 60 employees, 8 trucks on the road, Atlanta Aluminium is in 2010 an industry leader. Atlanta has also tripled their sales in the past ten years.

“It is thanks to our faithful customers if we have experienced this enormous growth,” states Mr. Spezio. The secret of the company’s success lies in its capacity to cater to just about everyone; from small homes to million dollar developments.

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One thing Mr. Spezio insists on making clear is that “Many people try to imitate or claim to be associated with us, but there is only one Atlanta Aluminium located at 8330 Pascal Gagnon”.

Quality and topnotch service is what drives Spezio and his team of highly competent experts in the field. Unlike many Aluminium distributors in the Montreal region, Atlanta is involved in every step of the process from manufacturing in-house, to installation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction. The job does not end once the windows or doors have been installed and the customer has paid. Mr. Spezio insists on the need of impeccable after market services for all of his customers. Following up on every single claim and making sure the customer is 100% satisfied is a rule to follow for his employees. Atlanta Aluminium’s service vehicles can be spotted on the road six days a week!

Although Mr. Joseph Spezio is keen in overseeing every aspect of his enterprise, he attributes a large part of his professional success to his competent and driven administrative staff who take pride in educating the customer on what to buy, and on following up after installation.

Another key element in Atlanta’s success is the quality of the products it offers and uses. They are all AIR-INS approved, the very best available on the market. Mr. Spezio is also a man of the future insisting on carrying and relying on a wide range of products under the ENERGY STAR banner. “We are always updating our merchandise and every product is tested according to climate and energy preservation,” he proudly specifies.

Competence and well-done work, quality products and customer satisfaction are the time-tested winning formula as well as a guarantee for many years to come of professional success for Mr. Spezio and his competent team at Atlanta Aluminium.

Aluminium Atlanta inc.

L to R: Jean Claude Prince, Mauro Ranellucci, Tony Iannella, Rosie Spezio, Frank Luongo, Joe Spezio, Tony Ranellucci, Domenic Spezio, Joe Masella, Kosta Armaos, Maria Bruni.

Not present: Rita Martignetti, Tony Fargnoli

8330 Pascal Gagnon, St-Léonard (Québec) H1P 1Y4 Tél.: 514-326-7888 • Fax: 514-326-1635 www.aluminiumatlanta.com v

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Income Splitting with Family Members splitting involves the use of strategies such as loans or transfers of property from a person in a higher Itaxncome bracket to a family member in a lower bracket with the intent to lower the overall tax burden of a family unit.

The allure of income splitting strategies arises because of Canada’s progressive tax rate system, which results in a higher tax rate as taxable income increases. For example, an individual who has taxable income of $100,000 will pay more taxes than the total taxes payable by two individuals who each have taxable income of $50,000. This makes it appealing for a higher-income person to try to shift investment income and gains to a family member who is taxed at a lower rate.

However, if a higher-income person transfers property for less than its value to a family member or makes a loan to a family member at less than the minimum rate prescribed under the tax laws, the “attribution rules” under the federal Income Tax Act (and comparable rules under Quebec laws) will generally defeat such attempts to split income by attributing the income back to the higher-income person. Accordingly, any strategy to split income with family members must be carefully planned in light of these rules.

Here is a brief overview Income splitting between spouses If you transfer property or make a loan to your spouse (or common-law partner) for less than fair market value or at less than the prescribed rate either directly or indirectly (for example, through a trust), any investment income earned by your spouse (or loss incurred) with the transferred property and any capital gain or loss that arises will be attributed back to you.

This means that while your spouse would be entitled to all the income, you would have to include the income in your tax return and pay the taxes on it, at your marginal tax rate, so you would be no better off from a tax perspective.

You also cannot allocate some or all of your salary or investment income to your spouse’s tax return.

You can, however, achieve income splitting with your spouse in other ways, such as: • splitting qualifying pension income with your spouse for tax purposes under the new pension splitting rules; • lending funds to your spouse to invest, provided you charge at least the prescribed rate of interest and the interest is actually paid each year; • giving your spouse up to $5,000 each year to contribute to his or her Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) if he or she has contribution room; • making your RRSP contributions to a spousal RRSP; and/or • paying a reasonable salary to your spouse for services performed for your business.

Additional opportunities exist in certain circumstances, particularly for incorporated business owners.

69

by Peter Pomponio

Income splitting with related minor children Income (such as interest and dividends) that is earned from property you transfer or loan either directly or indirectly to a related minor child for less than fair market value or at less than the prescribed rate will also be attributed back to you. This applies until the end of the year that the child turns 18.

A related minor child includes not just your child, but also other related individuals under the age of 18 such as your grandchild, your spouse’s child or grandchild, and even nieces and nephews.

Notably, this rule does not attribute back to you any capital gains (or capital losses) that may arise. Accordingly, you could transfer assets that are expected to generate capital gains but not income.

Note that certain income splitting attempts with minor children involving family trusts, partnerships and private corporations could also trigger what is commonly known as “kiddie tax”, resulting in the payments being taxed at the highest tax rate.

Income splitting with other adult family members Attribution will also apply if you make a loan at less than the prescribed rate to other adult family members to enable the family member to invest the funds if one of the main reasons was to split income and reduce your taxes.

However you can make a loan to another adult family member for non-investment purposes, such as the purchase of a home or vehicle or for tuition fees, since no income is earned on the loaned funds.

Note that there is no attribution if you transfer property for less than its current value to an adult family member who is not your spouse. In this situation, however, other tax rules will apply so that you will still be considered to have disposed of the property at its fair market value for tax purposes. In addition, double taxation could arise in certain circumstances.

Accordingly, any such transfers of property must be carefully planned.

Summary This article highlights only some of the rules regarding income splitting. While income splitting can be an effective way to reduce taxes, this is a very complex area so you should obtain professional advice before you consider undertaking any income splitting arrangements.

The information in this article is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and is not intended to provide individual financial, investment, tax, estate, legal or accounting advice. Professional advice should be obtained prior to acting on the basis of this information.

Peter Pomponio is a Vice-President of Assante Capital Management Ltd (Member CIPF). He is the owner of the Ville St-Laurent Branch and practices as a Senior Fully Licensed Representative and Financial Planner from the Ville St-Laurent Office. He can be reached at (514)832-5100, or by email at ppomponio@assante.com. v

Si vous possédez un actif net de 500 000 $ et plus, vous avez besoin d’une gestion financière exceptionnelle. C’est ce que vous offre Peter Pomponio. Sous sa direction, une équipe d’experts en planification financière sera à votre service : avocat, fiscaliste, conseiller en assurance et plus encore. Peter Pomponio a su s’entourer de gestionnaires responsables et transparents qui sauront valoriser vos avoirs pour les générations à venir. Faites appel à une équipe d’experts et à son leader pour la gestion de votre patrimoine.

Debout de gauche à droite : DANIEL CONTI, CFA, Conseiller en placements, FU FAY ZAVOS, Adjointe exécutive de Peter Pomponio THIRI JENNE, BFA, B.Sc., Administratrice du service, FU MARTIN CLOUTIER, Avocat, M. Fisc., TEP VPR, Planification du patrimoine, FU

BRENT STEELE, BAA, CA, CFP Comptable, VPR, Planification du patrimoine, FU Assis : SONIA CONTI, B.A., Directrice, relations avec les conseillers PETER POMPONIO, CFP, RFP, C.Adm. PL.Fin. Planificateur financier, Représentant sénior en plein exercice, Vice-président

Payé en partie par Financière Unie (FU)

Business

70

Until debt, not death, do us part

By M Pasquale Artuso e

arriage vows generally echo the idea that spouses are to stay together in good financial times and in bad.

M However, what happens when one spouse makes certain lifestyle choices or is a victim of addictions that put the family’s financial situation in jeopardy? Is the other spouse responsible for the debts created by their spouse? How will the debts or waste of the family’s assets by one spouse affect the other spouse in the eventuality of a divorce? Many clients have sought counsel from our firm in these types of difficult situations. The state of the law in Quebec is as follows.

Articles 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec state the general rules as to debt responsibility between spouses.

Article 397 A spouse who enters into a contract for the current needs of the family also binds the other spouse for the whole, if they are not separated from bed and board. However, the non-contracting spouse is not liable for the debt if he or she has previously informed the other contracting party of his or her unwillingness to be bound.

Article 398 Either spouse may give the other a mandate in order to be represented in acts relating to the moral and material direction of the family. This mandate is presumed if one spouse is unable to express his or her will for any reason or if he or she is unable to do so in due time. However, the general rules of articles 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec do not apply if one of the more specific rules described here below pertaining to the family patrimony, the partnership of acquests or the separation of assets find application.

Debts Contracted on or Affecting Property Included in the Family Patrimony All married couples are bound by the rules of the family patrimony except for those who opted out pursuant to law.

As stated in article 415 of the Civil Code of Québec, the family patrimony is composed of the following property owned by one or the other of the spouses: the residences of the family or the rights which confer use of them, the movable property with which they are furnished or decorated and which serves for the use of the household, the motor vehicles used for family travel and the benefits accrued during the marriage under a retirement plan.

This patrimony also includes the registered earnings, during the marriage, of each spouse pursuant to the Act Respecting the Québec Pension Plan or to similar plans.

If a debt is contracted for the acquisition, maintenance or preservation of the property, the value of the debt on the date of the institution of the divorce action (or by decision of the Court,

PA S Q U A L E A RT U S O & ASSOCIÉS

Pasquale Artuso Avvocato di Fiducia Consolato Generale d’Italia Caroline Francoeur Avvocatessa Valérie Carrier Avvocatessa

T.: 514.259.7090

Julie Therrien Avvocatessa Amanda Alfieri Avvocatessa

F.: 514.256.6907

Pierre Fugère Avvocato - diritto criminale e penale Joseph W. Allen Avvocato dal 1976 diritto dell’immigrazione

artmars@securenet.net

Complexe Le Baron, 6020, rue Jean-Talon Est, bureau 630 Montréal (Québec) Canada H1S 3B1

the date the spouses ceased living together) shall be deducted from the value of the property on the date of the institution of the divorce action (or by decision of the Court, the date the spouses ceased living together) in order to determine the net value to be divided amongst the spouses.

The general rule is that the value of the family patrimony is divided equally between the spouses, however, an exception exists at article 422 of the Civil Code of Québec which foresees that: “The court, may, on an application, make an exception to the rule of partition into equal shares, and decide that there will be no partition of earnings registered pursuant to the Act respecting Québec’s Pension Plan or similar plans where it would result in an injustice considering, in particular, the brevity of the marriage, the waste of certain property by one of the spouses, or the bad faith of one of them.”

For property that is not included in the family patrimony, the rules vary whether the couple is married under a partnership of acquests or in separation of assets.

Debts Contracted by a Spouse Married under a Partnership of Acquests Article 464 of the Civil Code of Québec states: “The spouses, individually, are liable on both their private property and their acquests for all debts incurred by them before or during the marriage.

While the regime lasts, neither spouse is liable for debts incurred by the other, subject to articles 397 and 398.”

However, after the dissolution of the marriage, each spouse may decide to accept his or her share of the other spouse’s acquests. If a spouse accepts his or her share of the other spouse’s acquests, he or she will be impacted by the debts related to those acquests.

Debts Contracted by a Spouse Married in Separation of Assets Each spouse is responsible for the debts personally contracted with the exception of the debts contracted on assets that are part of the family patrimony and the application of articles 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec.

This article provides general legal information and does not substitute consulting an attorney who can advise you on the particularities of your case.

Contributions by: Me Amanda Alfieri v

Microcomp… le fournisseur de solutions informatiques clef-en-main pour les PME

Rosi Saia

Elena Milioto Avvocatessa

Microcomp… the IT turnkey solutions provider for small and medium sized businesses

Microcomp

Adjointe Administrative Le Groupe Serpone Inc Syndic en Faillite 7100 Jean-Talon est, Bureau 600 Anjou (Québec) H1M 3S3 Tel: (514) 355-6553 ext. 26 Fax: (514) 355-8423 rosi.saia@groupeserpone.com

Le Groupe Technique Microcomp 9275, boul. Lacordaire Montréal, QC H1R 2B6 T 514.251.7902

20 ans / 20 years 1989-2009

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Owners and Future Owners: WHAT IS YOUR BORROWING PROFILE?

71

YOUR HOME AT LAST!

ot all borrowers have identical financial situations. This means they’re not looking for the same kind of mortgage loan. Some borrowers primarily want to save on interest and are ready to opt for variable rates. Others, first and foremost want stability, so they choose a fixed rate.

Let’s look at four different types of borrowing profiles and the mortgage loans that suit them.

N

A person who wants stable rates and payments Closed, fixed-rate mortgage loans are very popular with this kind of borrower, especially people who are buying their first home and those who want a fixed interest rate and stable payments. With this loan, it is easier to create a no-surprise budget.

Also available is the open fixed-rate mortgage loan, which is perfect for those who will be putting their property up for sale in the near future, or who are waiting for substantial funds to come in. Since the loan is open, there will be no penalty if the loan is reimbursed prior to maturity. However, its interest rate is usually higher than the fixed rate for the same term.

A person who wants the lowest interest rates These people choose a variable rate mortgage loan because they are not very sensitive to changes in interest rates and payments.

This mortgage loan is the most economical because it is close to the Bank of Canada’s prime rate. It is also the loan preferred by seasoned buyers and people with more financial resources.

A reduced variable-rate mortgage loan offers the best interest rate and comes with a pre-established rate rebate over a 5-year term. This loan can be converted to a fixed-rate loan at any time, without penalty, for the remainder of the term.

Desjardins Caisse Populaire Canadienne Italienne Cassa Popolare Canadese Italiana

A person who wants to have stable payments and take advantage of low rates People who match this profile want to benefit from both short-term and long-term advantages. They are usually tolerant of rate fluctuations. For these people, the 5-in-1 Yearly Fixed-Rate Resetter Mortgage Loan is the recommended product. This loan allows you to take advantage of a very beneficial fixed rate, minus a guaranteed annual rebate, all over a 5-year term.

Desjardins

A person who wants very flexible, personalized financing

Populaire Canadienne Italienne With the Versatile Line of Credit, you can get financing of up to 80% of the current value of your residence... andCaisse at a very good rate. Plus, at any time you can convert the balance of your Versatile Line of Credit - in whole or in part Cassa Popolare Canadese Italiana - into a mortgage or a personal loan so you can benefit from rate and payment stability. This product is advantageous for financing sizeable projects like renovating, buying a cottage, investing, etc.

Caisse Populaire Canadienne In conclusion, it is important to take the time you need toItalienne determine your borrowing profile with an advisor, The profile should be reviewed from time to time to take so that you choose the mortgage loan that is right for you.Italiana Cassa Popolare Canadese any changes in needs into account, or if any significant life events occur, like becoming a parent or changing jobs.

For everything you need to know about buying a house, consult your advisor. You can also obtain the Desjardins Home Guide from your caisse or at desjardins.com/home. v

Desjardins

Wealth Management Team, Diane Rouleau, Silvia Jimenez, Angela Iermieri and Santo Benenati.

Desjardins Caisse Populaire Canadienne Italienne Cassa Popolare Canadese Italiana

Avanti... insieme!

www.desjardins.com/caissecanadienneitalienne Sede centrale 6999, boul. Saint-Laurent Tel.: 514-270-4124

Servizi di gestione patrimoniale Angela Iermieri, Direttrice Tel.: 514-270-4124 int. 621

Mariano A. De Carolis, Direttore generale

Centro di servizi 6995, boul. Saint-Laurent Tel.: 514-270-4121

Mariano A. De Carolis and his team.

7390, av. Papineau Tel.: 514-725-5268

4570, rue Jarry est Tel.: 514-729-2989

5680, rue Jean-Talon est Tel.: 514-253-9986

8275, boul. Maurice-Duplessis Tel.: 514-643-3482

5620, boul. Henri-Bourassa est Tel.: 514-321-8177

170, rue Saint-Zotique est Tel.: 514-273-4431

2401, rue Fleury est Tel.: 514-385-3603

1590, rue Dollard Tel.: 514-364-1252

www.desjardins.com/ caissecanadienneitalienne

6999, boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2S 3E1

514 270-4124

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72

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Italian Business Directory / Répertoire Italien des Entreprises ENCOURAGE THESE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT PANORAM ITALIA ENCOURAGEZ CES COMMERÇANTS QUI APPUIENT PANORAM ITALIA MEDIA CENTRE - CENTRO LEONARDO DA VINCI Pat Buttino 8350-8370, boul. Lacordaire Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 2Y6 T. 514-955-8529 F. 514-955-8535 pbuttino@centreleonardodavinci.com www.centreleonardodavinci.com DJ STEVIE V Steve Vecera 7355, Raphael Bellemare Montréal, Québec H1E 3L7 T. 514-249-4375 F. 514-384-1296 djsteviev@hotmail.com www.djsteviev.ca AUTOMOTIVE ACURA MÉTROPOLITAIN Anabela Rodrigues 5625, boul. Métropolitain est Saint-Léonard, Québec H1P 1X3 T. 514-362-2872 F. 514-493-0609 arodrigues@acurametropolitain.com www.acurametropolitain.com AUTO BUGATTI 11355, Côte-de-Liesse Dorval, Québec H9P 1B2 T. 514-636-7818 F. 514-631-3067 frank@autobugatti.com www.autobugatti.com BMW LAVAL 2450, boul. Chomedey Laval, Québec H7T 2X3 T. 450-682-1212 F. 450-682-1123 bmw@bmwlaval.com laval.bmw.ca DES SOURCES DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP Benny Bouganim, Vice President 3400, boul. des Sources Dollard-des-Ormeaux H9B 1Z9 T. 514-685-3310 F. 514-685-2941 www.dessources.com GROUPE M.M.O. INC. Daniel Malandruccolo 4840, boul. des Grandes Prairies Montréal, Québec H1R 1A1 T. 514-955-2322 F. 514-955-6864 dmalandruccolo@vastauto.com GROUPE LUCIANI AUTOMOBILE Sandro Luciani 4000, Jean Talon Ouest Montréal, Québec H4P 1V5 T. 514-731-7977 F. 514-731-9668 sluciani@groupeluciani.com www.lucianiinfiniti.com JAGUAR LAND ROVER LAVAL Nino De Cubellis 3475, boul. Le Carrefour Laval, Québec H7T 3A3 T. 1-866-974-7952 F. 450-688-7080 www.jaguarlaval.com LE RELAIS CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, BUICK, GMC Nikitas Avdeliodis 9411, avenue Papineau Montréal, Québec H2M 2G5 T. 514-384-6380 F. 514-384-6381

MERCEDES-BENZ LAVAL 3131, autoroute Laval (440 ouest) Laval, Québec H7P 5P2 T. 450-681-2500 F. 450-681-4099 info@laval.mercedes-benz.ca www.laval.mercedes-benz.ca MONETTE SPORTS Christian Touchais 251, boul. des Laurentides Laval, Québec H7G 2T7 T. 1-800-263-6466 F. 450-668-6799 www.monettesports.com RIMAR VOLKSWAGEN Modesto Di Tomasso 5500, boul. Métropolitain Saint-Léonard, Québec H1S 1A6 T. 514-253-4888 F. 514-253-9978 www.rimarvw.com COMMUNICATIONS & COMPUTERS MICROCOMP 9275, boul. Lacordaire Montréal, Québec H1R 2B6 T. 514-251-7902 F. 514-251-1008 info@microcomp.ca www.microcomp.qc.ca SELECTCOM TELECOM John Masella 5310, rue Jean Talon est Montréal, Québec H1S 1L3 T. 514-722-5656 F. 514-722-0808 info@selectcomtelecom.ca www.selectcomtelecom.ca EDUCATION CENTRE - CENTRO LEONARDO DA VINCI Angie Presti 8350-8370, boul. Lacordaire Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 2Y6 T. 514-955-8541 F. 514-955-8535 apresti@centreleonardodavinci.com www.centreleonardodavinci.com L'ATELIER FRANCA MAZZA 3535, autoroute Laval ouest Laval, Québec H7P 5G9 T. 514-214-9723 T. 450-681-0559 www.marche-public440.com FASHION AND BEAUTY BIJOUTERIE LES CHEMINS D’OR 5875, Jean Talon Est Montréal, Québec H1S 1M4 T. 514-254-0761 ITALMODA INC Linda Rondina 6873, rue Saint-Hubert Montréal, Québec H2S 2M7 T. 514-276-1360 F. 514-332-3909 LANCASTER ITALY 1255, Phillips Square, suite 307 Montréal, Québec H3B 3G1 T. 1-866-880-0036 F. 514-878-1318 www.lancasteritaly.ca LARRY SHOES Giulio D’Iorio 3090, rue Legendre Est Montréal, Québec H1E 1N1 T. 514-389-7759 F. 514-389-7759

FINANCIAL & REAL ESTATE ALFREDO BORRELLO HYPOTHÉCA Alfredo Borrello 2272, rue Fleury est Montréal, Québec H2B 1K6 T. 514-247-2917 F. 450-624-9719 borabora@sympatico.ca www.alfredoborrello.com ASSURANCES CIANCIULLI ET ASSOCIÉS INC Frank Cianciulli 5829, rue Bélanger Saint-Léonard, Québec H1T 1G5 T. 514-255-5000 F. 514-255-7264 Specialty: 'BONDS' ASSANTE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Peter Pomponio 8301, route Transcanadienne Saint-Laurent, Québec H4S 1Z1 T. 514-832-5210 F. 514-832-5282 ppomponio@assante.com www.assante.com ASSURANCES SIMON & ASSOCIÉS Nadia Di Vito 6140, boul. Métropolitain est, suite 106 Montréal, Québec H1S 1A9 T. 514.881.8885 F. 514.881.0876 nadia@assurancessimon.com www.assurancessimon.com BMO NESBITT BURNS 1501, avenue McGill College Bureau 3200 Montréal, Québec H3A 3M8 T. 514-286-7277 F. 514-286-7234 bmonesbittburns.com CAISSE POPULAIRE ITALIENNE 6999, boul. Saint-Laurent Montréal, Québec H2S 3E1 T. 514-270-4124 F. 514-270-2247 www.desjardins.com LE GROUPE SERPONE Johanne Serpone 7100, Jean Talon est, suite 600 Anjou, Québec H1M 3S3 T. 514-355-6553 F. 514-355-8423 johanne@groupeserpone.com www.groupeserpone.com PATRONATO INCA Vera Rosati 1549, Jarry Est Montréal, Québec H2E 1A7 T. 514-721-7373 F. 514-721-0765 RBC GROUPE ROULEAU Pat Savoia 1, Place Ville Marie, suite 300 Montréal, Québec H3B 4R8 T. 514-878-7595 F. 514-878-7428 pat.savoia@rbc.com www.rouleaugroup.com REMAX ALLIANCE INC Saverio Braccio 7085, boul. Saint-Laurent Montréal, Québec H2S 3E3 T. 514-278-7170 F. 514-278-2109 sambraccio@remax-ducartier.qc.ca en.sambraccio.com

REMAX ALLIANCE INC Pino Giancasporo 3299, rue Beaubien est Montréal, Québec H1X 1G4 T. 514-374-4000 F. 514-374-6697 pinoremax@gmail.com www.pinoremax.com

BENJAMIN MOORE Tony Catania, Owner Centre de décoration Saint-Léonard 7178, boul. Langelier Saint-Léonard, Québec H1S 2X6 T. 514-255-1644 F. 514-255-8840 www.decorstleonard.com

REMAX ALLIANCE INC Lorenzo Lagatta 4855, Jarry est Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 1Y1 T. 514-825-6860 F. 514-725-9200 info@infocasa.ca http://14716.kaluxo.remaxquebec.com

CASA VOGUE MAISON DE MEUBLES Jack Territo 8260, boul. Saint-Michel Montréal, Québec H1Z 3E2 T. 514-722-5828 F. 514-727-6944 info@casavogue.ca www.casavogue.ca

REMAX SIGNATURE INC. Raffaele Traglia 1411, Amherst, bureau 100 Montréal, Québec H2L 3L2 T. 514-524-5566 F. 514-524-8055

CÉRAMIQUES TERRA Marco Moretti 6935, Jarry Est Montréal, Québec T. 514-324-7912 F. 514-324-5771 m.moretti@ceramiquesterra.com

TD BANK Leo Boccardi 7373, boul. Langelier, Suite B1 St-Léonard, Québec H1S 1V7 T. 514-290-3347 F. 1-866-365-7774 leoboccardi@gmail.com FOOD STORES/MANUFACTURERS CAPITOL BUTCHERS 158, Place Marché du Nord Montréal, Québec H2S 1A1 T. 514-276-1345 F. 514-274-0140 PASTA ROMANA FOOD INC 11430, Albert-Hudon Montréal, Québec H1G 3J8 T. 514-494-4767 F. 514-494-5148 info@pastaromana.com www.pastaromana.com PASTICCERIA ALATI-CASERTA 277, Dante Montréal, Québec H2S 1K3 T. 514-271-3013 F. 514-277-5860 info@alaticaserta.com www.alaticaserta.com PÂTISSERIE ST-MARTIN Ross Muro 2000, boul. René-Laennec Laval, Québec H7M 4J8 T. 450-629-5115 F. 450-629-7279 www.patisseriestmartin.com PÂTISSERIE ST-MARTIN 2495, boul. Saint-Martin Laval, Québec H7E 4X6 T. 450-629-6202 F. 450-629-6203 www.patisseristmartin.com PÂTISSERIE VIMONT Tony Cerone 2799, boul. René-Laennec Laval, Québec H7K 3T8 T. 450-629-2324 F. 450-629-2920 HOME & DÉCOR ATLANTA ALUMINIUM Joe Spezio 8330, Pascal Gagnon Saint-Léonard, Québec H1P 1Y4 T. 514-326-8330 F. 514-326-1635 info@lucianosalvatore.ca www.aluminiumatlanta.com

CIOT 9151, boul. Saint-Laurent Montréal, Québec H2N 1N2 T. 514-382-7330 F. 514-382-0768 www.ciot.com ITALBEC INTERNATIONAL 375, rue de Liège ouest Montréal, Québec H2P 1H6 T. 514-383-0668 F. 514-383-5722 info@italbec.com www.italbec.com LES CARREAUX MÉTRO INC Steve Zampini, President 4755, boul. Industriel Montréal-Nord, Québec H1H 2Z7 T. 514-321-0605 F. 514-328-7691 www.carreauxmetro.com LIONS DECO MEUBLES ELECTROS Christian Gagnon 6065, des Grandes Prairies St-Léonard, Québec H1P 1A5 T. 514-325-6500 christiang@e-lions.com MEUBLES JUNIOR FURNITURE Sammy Cefaratti 9520, Maurice Duplessis Rivière-des-Prairies, Québec H1E 1N1 T. 514-643-1450 F. 514-643-1450 sammy@juniorbaby.com PALI BABY FURNITURE Gino Fontanini 1525, boul. Hymus Dorval, Québec H9P 1J5 T. 514-421-0309 F. 514-421-9979 g.fontanini@pali-design.com PAVE-LUXE INC. Franco Ciccarello 8333, Henri-Bourassa Est Montréal, Québec H1E 1P4 T. 514-494-8636 F. 514-494-2009 info@paveluxe.com RAMP-TEC ALUMINIUM Gianfranco Palmitano 8183, boul. Langelier St-Léonard, Québec H1P 2B7 T. 514-326-0086 F. 514-326-5227

To be listed in this directory, call Panoram Italia at 514 337-7870 extension 526

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www.panoramitalia.com HEALTH & EXERCISE CENTRE - CENTRO LEONARDO DA VINCI Francine Gravel 8350-8370, boul. Lacordaire Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 2Y6 T. 514-955-8528 F. 514-955-8535 fdoyle@centreleonardodavinci.com www.centreleonardodavinci.com INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES GIDAL CONSTRUCTION Giovanni D’Alessio 4025, rue Jean-B.-Meilleur Ville-Saint-Laurent, Québec H4R 2Z4 T. 514-334-3040 KUBOTA MONTREAL 18980, route Transcanadienne Baie D'Urfé, Québec H9X 3R1 T. 514-457-4333 F. 514-457-2875 morourke@kubotamontreal.com www.kubotamontreal.com UNIPHASE CONSTRUCTION INC. Frank Guido 10770, avenue Edger Montréal-Nord, Québec H1G 4Z8 T. 514-322-4062 F. 514-322-3946 PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS SERVICES CENTRE FUNÉRAIRE CÔTE-DES-NEIGES Danny Gallant 4525, chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges Montréal, Québec H3V 1E7 T. 514-342-8000 F. 514-342-4247 cfcdn@dignitequebec.com www.dignitequebec.com DR. ANTHONY SEMINARA, D. MD General Dentist 5025, Sherbrooke ouest, suite 525 Westmount, Québec H4A 1S9 T. 514-481-0269 F. 514-481-4222 LAMARRE & DERIGGI Nadia DeRiggi, Notary 3333, boul. Cavendish, suite 198 Montreal, Quebec H4B 2M5 T. 514-484-2788 F. 514-484-5889

LUCIANO SALVATORE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Luciano Salvatore 3395, rue Caporal Laval, Québec H7C 2T6 T. 450-661-8592 F. 450-661-7489 info@lucianosalvatore.ca www.lucianosalvatore.ca MAGNUS POIRIER Mike Tiseo 7388, boul. Viau Montréal, Québec H1S 2N9 T. 514-727-2847 F. 514-727-2848 info@magnuspoirier.com www.magnuspoirier.com NATALIE MACRI Notaire 6433, Jarry est Montréal, Québec H1P 1W1 T. 514-394-7983 ext.101 F. 514-394-7984 natalie.macri@notarius.net PASQUALE ARTUSO & ASSOCIÉS Attorney 6020, rue Jean-Talon est, bureau 630 Montréal, Québec H1S 3B1 T. 514-529-7090 F. 514-256-6907 artmars@securenet.net ROBERTO T. DE MINICO Attorney 460, rue St-Gabriel, 5iéme étage Montréal, Québec H2Y 2Z9 T. 514-398-0505 ROBOTEC SECURITY Domenic Romanelli 12161, Philippe Paneton Rivière-des-Prairies, Québec H1E 3R1 T. 514-990-7209 F. 514-881-7213 info@securiterobotec.com www.securiterobotec.com RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS, & BISTROS CAFÉ CIOCIARO SPORTS BAR AND GRILL Vito and Vince 8868, boul. Langelier Saint-Léonard, Québec H1P 3C8 T. 514-324-3700 www.ciociarosportsbar.com

GASTRONOMIA ROBERTO Carlo Avvampato 2227, Bélanger est Montréal, Québec H2G 1C5 T. 514-374-5653 F. 514-374-0200 carlo@gastronomiaroberto.com www.gastronomiaroberto.com PIZZERIA IL FOCOLAIO Forno a Legna 1223, Phillips Square Montréal, Québec H3B 3E9 T. 514-879-1045 F. 514-879-9696 info@ilfocolaio.com

www.ilfocolaio.com PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA Linda Girolamo 189, rue Dante Montréal, Québec H2S 1K1 T. 514-276-8226 F. 514-495-2640 info@napoletana.com www.napoletana.com RISTORANTE LUCE Leo Iacono 8693, rue St-Denis Montréal, Québec H2P 2H4 T. 514-858-5823 F. 514-858-5822 ristoranteluce@hotmail.com TRATTORIA SENZA NOME Andrea Fratino 9700, boul. Saint-Michel Montréal, Québec H1H 5G7 T. 514-315-8892 F. 514-994-0416 UNIVERS RESTOBAR Nick Rossi 3453, St-Martin ouest Laval, Québec H7T 1A2 T. 450-680-1691† F. 450-680-1692 nick@universrestobar.com www.universrestobar.com SENIORS AU FIL DE L'EAU 7015, boul. Gouin est Montréal, Québec H1E 5N2 T. 514-327-4111 F. 514-327-6724 info@fildeleau.net www.aufildeleau.net AU SOIN D'UNE VIE 5835, boul. Léger, bureau 310 Montréal-Nord, Québec H1G 6E1 T. 514-324-8292 F. 514-324-0294 www.ausoindunevie.com

RESIDENCES JARDIN D’ITALIE 5650, rue du Hautbois St-Léonard, Québec H1S 1G4 T. 514-253-5650 F. 514-253-5424 RESIDENCES NAVARRO 7705, rue Lespinay St-Léonard, Québec H1S 3E9 T. 514-254-9002 F. 514-251-8471 info@residencenavarro.com www.residencenavarro.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE LIBRAIRIE PAGES & CO. Betty Delre 9250, boul. Lacordaire Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 2B7 T. 514-807-4773 F. 514-807-4719 betty@pagesandco.com www.pagesandco.com VISION 2000 TRAVEL GROUP Joel Ostrov 400, Sainte-Croix ouest, bureau 100 Saint-Laurent, Québec H4N 3L4 T. 514-748-2522 F. 514-855-4842 jostrov@vision2000.ca www.vision2000.ca WEDDINGS & BANQUETS AUBERGE UNIVERSEL Carlo Spina 5000, rue Sherbrooke est Montréal, Québec H1V 1A1 T. 514-253-3365 F. 514-253-9958 info@auberge-universel.com www.auberge-universel.com BOUTIQUE DE MARIAGE PUNTA CHIARA Antonia Monzione - Iermieri 3660, boul. St-Charles Kirkland, Québec H9H 3C3 T. 514.694.6382 F. 514.694.3039 mariagepc@bellnet.ca www.mariagepc.com DESSINATEUR DE MODE PUNTA CHIARA Raffaele Longo 3660, boul. St-Charles Kirkland, Québec H9H 3C3 T. 514.694.6382 F. 514.694.3039

73 CENTRE - CENTRO LEONARDO DA VINCI Anna Innamorato 8350-8370, boul. Lacordaire Saint-Léonard, Québec H1R 2Y6 T. 514-955-8532 F. 514-955-8535 ainnamorato@centreleonardodavinci.com www.centreleonardodavinci.com FLEURISTE CARMINE FLORIST Sergio Lato 6285, Jarry est Saint-Léonard, Québec H1P 1W1 T. 514-324-6222 F. 514-324-6227 www.carmineflorist.ca FLEURISTE ITALIA Anna Graziani 9592, boul. St-Michel Montréal, Québec H1H 5G6 T. 514-389-3351 F. 514-389-0935 info@fleuristeitalia.com www.fleuristeitalia.com JOEY'S LIMOUSINE 5796, chemin Côte-de-Liesse Mount-Royal, Québec H4T 1B1 T. 514-366-5466 F. 450-689-0977 LE NEWTOWN David Tanguay 1476, Crescent Montréal, Québec H3G 2B6 T. 514-284-6555 F. 514-284-5777 LE RIZZ RECEPTION HALLS 6630, Jarry est Saint-Léonard, Québec H1P 1W3 T. 514-326-2700 F. 514-326-9760 info@lerizz.com www.lerizz.com PLAZA VOLARE 6600, chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse Saint-Laurent, Québec H4T 1E3 T. 514-735-5150 F. 514-735-6132 info@plazavolare.com www.plazavolare.com RENAISSANCE CENTRE DES CONGRÈS ET BANQUETS Caterina Libertella 7550, boul. Henri-Bourassa est Montréal, Québec H1E 1P2 T. 514-352-1818 F. 514-352-9962 info@centrerenaissance.com www.centrerenaissance.com

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News & Events

74

Bijoux D’Italie 2009

By Joey Franco

he Italian Trade Commission was proud to present the second edition of the Italian TJewellery event 09, a partnership with Joailleries Galazzo, Bijouterie Italienne, and Bijouterie Dominic.

This event serves as a window into the jewellery-making process of Italian artisans such as Franco Pianegonda, who was present at this year’s event. The finesse of Italian savoir-faire, as well as the passion that professionals such as Pianegonda hold for their crafts, has placed Italy at the forefront of the jewellery industry for centuries.

Pianegonda launched his company in 1994 with the goal of creating jewellery of quality, innovation and design, for all those who want to live life with emotion, distinguishing themselves for their character. “The aim of my creations, is marking the step of every person and accompanying him towards the future,” states Pianegonda. His creations are a synergy of traditional Italian goldsmith, leading fashion trends, and forward-thinking manufacturing techniques.

Today, Italy remains a hotbed for creativity and innovation in the jewellery industry. For generations to come, connoisseurs will continue to admire the quality of craftsmanship, richness of materials, cut of the gems, and the detailed, avant-garde designs of Italy’s jewellery.

For more information or to view the collections please visit: www.bijouxditalie2009.com v

968 D epuis 1

Lions du Meuble fête ses 25 ans et continue de s’impliquer dans différentes œuvres de charité D

epuis le 1er février 1985, la famille Gagnon se spécialise dans la vente de meubles, électroménagers et accessoires de décoration. C’est maintenant Christian Gagnon qui dirige fièrement l’entreprise familiale fondée par son père Jean-Claude. M. Christian Gagnon a rappelé dans un discours tenu lors du 25e anniversaire de Lions Meubles - Déco que son entreprise est heureuse de s’impliquer dans la société en supportant différentes causes caritatives. Depuis 17 ans, il est membre du Parrainage Civique qui soutient la déficience intellectuelle en plus d’être ambassadeur du centre Épic. Depuis 2000, il soutient personnellement la fondation du cancer du sein du Québec et en 2007 son entreprise en est même devenue partenaire officiel. Un chèque de 52 806.63$ a été remit à la fondation lors de la cérémonie, accordant ainsi à «Lions Meubles - Déco» le statut de partenaire « Ruban OR » de la fondation.

Durant la soirée, Mme Anna Capobianco Skipworth, ambassadrice de la fondation du cancer du sein du Québec, a raconté son expérience de survivante du cancer avec passion, émotion et humour. Elle a remis une fleur d’espoir à Mlle Laurence Gagnon, qui représente le futur des femmes, une fleur à Mme Odette Lessard, qui est une survivante du cancer et finalement une fleur à Mme Micheline Gélinas, qui a perdu sa sœur par le cancer du sein. À la suite du discours de M. Gagnon, des fleurs ont été remises à Mme Claire Gagnon, épouse de feu M. Jean-Claude Gagnon et à Mme Maryse Roberge. v

Saverio (Sam)

Braccio Agent immobilier affilié

Cell.: 514.758.1006 7085, boul. Saint-Laurent Montréal, Québec H2S 3E2 T: 514.278.7170 F: 514.278.2109 sambraccio@remax-ducartier.qc.ca

www.joeyslimo.com

Happy 70th birthday March 28th 1940. Happy 70th birthday Ettore Caprera. Best wishes. Love your wife Nina, your children Joe (Maria), Tino (Valerie), Antoinette (Paul), and your grandchildren.

Happy 50th (gold) Wedding Anniversary onato e Maria Palma Santella, La nostra famiglia è piena di gioia perché avete celebrato il vostro Cinquantesimo Anniversario di nozze il 29 Ottobre 2009. Noi, i vostri figli e nipoti, vogliamo dirvi che siete i più grandi genitori e nonni del mondo. In questa felice ricorrenza vi auguriamo tanta gioia. Vi amiamo con tutto il cuore. Che Dio vi benedica. Con tanto amore, i vostri figli e nipoti. Auguri.

D

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News & Events

75

Associazione Regionale dei Marchigiani A.L.M.A. CANADA INC.

Banchetto Borse di Studio 2009 Giovanna Ciampini .L.M.A. ha organizzato il Banchetto annuale, nella stagione autunnale, sin dall’inizio. Infatti il A primo grande evento fu la “Festa dell’aria”, che ebbe luogo nel 1977 per celebrare il primo anniversario della sua fondazione (novembre 1976). Di anno in anno sono stati celebrati gli eventi ed i volontari che durante l’anno hanno contribuito a promuovere gli ideali di A.L.MA. a Montreal.

Nel 1996, in occasione del 20º Anniversario di fondazione, fu avviato il progetto per la consegna delle “Borse di Studio” a studenti meritevoli, di origine Marchigiana, a livello CEGEP e Università, i quali si sono distinti per il loro impegno scolastico e per il loro volontariato nella comunità. Ogni candidato deve presentare la domanda a A.L.M.A. Questa deve essere accompagnata dalla documentazione richiesta per accertare che ci siano tutti i requisiti necessari per essere ammessi al concorso per una Borsa di studio. Un minimo di sei (6) borse venivano assegnate: 3 a CEGEP e 3 a Università.

Di recente ne sono state aggiunte una per lo studio della Lingua Italiana ed una a livello Postgraduate o di perfezionamento. Nel 2008 per celebrare il 25º Anniversario del Torneo di Golf, l’evento che provvede i fondi necessari, ne sono state assegnate dieci (10)!

La responsabilità di vagliare le domande ricade su un trio di giudici imparziali, i quali dopo aver valutato tutte le domande, scelgono tra loro i vincitori. Il Prof. Filippo Salvatore, il notaio Me. Riccardo Troini, la dott.ssa Marisa Bellini hanno provveduto questo importantissimo servizio. Durante gli anni si sono alternati anche Cav. Maria De Grandis Marrelli, il prof. Nino Cesari e quest’anno Erminio Forlini, per sostituire il Notaio Troini il quale per la prima volta dal 1976, per ragioni familiari, non ha potuto contribuire il suo prezioso tempo. Sentitissimi ringraziamenti vanno a loro tutti per la generosità, la loro imparzialità, ed il loro incoraggiamento. v

Melissa Palumbo Turns Her Sweet Sixteen into a Good Cause ‘’My goal is to find a cure for diabetes.’’ By Elisa Casella On January 31, 2010, Melissa Palumbo celebrated her 16th birthday. Every girl fantasizes about the epic moment when she turns sixteen. The traditional coming of age party has increasingly taken on Hollywood-like proportions, complete with a red carpet worthy dress, friends, food, music, and expensive gifts. Palumbo loved the idea of a celebration, but was having second thoughts about being lavished with presents. “I don’t really need anything so I decided to host a benefit party for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, with all the proceeds of the night to go towards the charity as my gift.”

Her decision was the beginning of a life learning experience.

It all started with her Secondary Five integrative project at Villa Maria. “To graduate, we must complete a project that combines all our learning during the past five years.’’ Melissa knew she wanted to work on a project that raised awareness about a good cause. As her father Joseph puts it, “she always thinks outside the box and thinks of others first.’’ She had become aware of Juvenile Diabetes through a friend and she was shocked to learn diabetes is an epidemic afflicting over 230 million people in the world. Upon doing more research, she could no longer turn a blind eye. Four months away from her birthday, Melissa sprung into action. She brainstormed a list of all the people and organizations she knew could donate. Then one by one, she began contacting them. Juggling homework responsibilities and extracurricular activities, she wrote countless e-mails explaining her event. She became an expert on making the perfect pitch about the cause over the phone. Melissa was passionate about every detail in planning the fundraising, which included a long list of duties: sending out invitations, getting food and decorations donated, booking a d.j. and two guest speakers, acquiring raffle prizes, and consistently following up with potential donors. She also collaborated with a graphic designer on a name for the event and a unique-looking raffle ticket.

“I called the event Sweet Dreams, as everyone with diabetes should be able to have sweet dreams.’’ In the end, her dedication to requesting donations saw great results but she admits the process was not an easy one. “I thought people would jump at the opportunity to donate, but it wasn’t the case. People do not always respond to e-mails or return calls right away. I got a reality check. But I just kept e-mailing and calling. Eventually, people opened up and gave money.’’

With over a hundred people in attendance, Melissa’s Sweet Sixteen raised $5,750.00 for Juvenile Diabetes. As she reflects back on the entire process, not only did she gain experience about organizing a fundraising event, she learned important valuable lessons that will guide her for life. “Never let your age stop you from doing anything, do not be afraid to ask for what you want, and remember to have fun!’’ For Melissa, the most rewarding part of her project is the knowledge that she made a difference in one person’s life. “It’s better to be generous and to give back instead of taking all the time. We really are so lucky here in Canada.” v

Happy 25th (Silver) Wedding Anniversary Joseph and Rosie Spezio (owners of Atlanta Aluminium) were married September 22nd, 1984, and celebrated their 25th anniversary September 19th, 2009 at Buffet Le Rizz with family and friends, as well as their two beautiful boys Domenic and David. Congratulations!

76

Ottawa News & Events

Second annual Tony Greco fundraiser

By Joey Franco

Pete Bennett, Frank Crisafi, Tony Greco, Joey Franco

On Monday December 7th 2009, fitness guru Tony Greco, along with his team at the six Greco Lean & Fit centers, gathered at the Centurion Center in Nepean, Ottawa to gather funds for two great charities: the Christie Lake Kids, Project Step, a drug and youth foundation and The Foundation to Fight Obesity in Children, a foundation that Greco is hoping to set up in 2010. he second annual gala had several NHL players from the Ottawa Senators including Mike Fisher, Chris Phillips, Luke Richardson, Nick Foligno, and Jonathan Cheechoo. Also present at the gala was legendary music promoter Pete Bennett and Canadian music sensation Daniel Panetta.

The Foundation to Fight Obesity in Children aims to distribute funds to financially disadvantaged children, giving them the tools necessary to attain and sustain a healthy lifestyle and the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreational activities. Greco was very pleased with the outcome of the event stating, “It’s great to see that people in the Ottawa area are very generous and stepped forward to help out with these events, especially with an outgrowing epidemic such as childhood obesity.”

Over $30,000 was raised thanks to the generosity of over 400 attendees. Mr. Tony Greco and Laura Wright, Greco’s executive assistant, hope to raise even more funds at next year’s event. Money raised will go towards providing educational programs and nutritional counseling so that people can understand what they are putting in their bodies. The funds will also go towards developing parks in certain areas of the city where people can exercise and engage in a variety of physical activities.

T Daniel Panetta, Gerry Fumo, Frank Crisafi

Mike Fisher, Nicolas Sayah and Dan McGillis

Nicolas Sayah and Jonathan Cheechoo

Tony Zacconi Owner

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215 Preston Street Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 7R1 Tel: (613) 238-6063 Fax: (613) 233-3331

With over 20 years of experience, Sala San Marco is truly the perfect setting for business seminars, corporate luncheons, banquets, conventions, weddings and celebrations of any kind.

For further information on these charities please contact Laura at info@grecoleanandfit.com www.fightobesityinchildren.com v

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Ottawa Sports

77

Jason Spezza Q&A

By Joey Franco

PI: Growing up in the Toronto area, I hear you were a huge Maple Leafs fan. Did you ever think you would end up playing for their Ontario rivals?

JS: Well, you never know who you’re gonna play for, but it’s kind of ironic to get drafted by Ottawa, being a Toronto fan. I think it makes it more special because I get to play a lot against Toronto, and go home and see my family a lot.

PI: Who was your favourite player growing up?

JS: Mario Lemieux was my favourite player, and Steve Yzerman... they were the two guys that I looked up to and it was pretty exciting.

PI: How was your childhood in Mississagua? Was it a very Italian childhood?

JS: Yeah, we spent a lot of time with my grandparents, we all lived close together... near my aunts and uncles.

My grandparents are from Italy, my dad is from Italy, so definitely a lot of Italian culture growing up.

PI: Where exactly is your family from in Italy?

JS: My dad is from Pescara.

PI: You were famous even before your first birthday as a child model, and later as an actor for commercials. Do you have any plans in modelling or acting in the near future?

JS: [laughing] No I don’t think so… not anymore! I’m just going to stick to hockey, but it’s one of those pretty funny little facts… I did a couple of commercials when I was younger, so it’s pretty funny to look back.

PI: Tell me about the “Spelling with Spezza” program.

JS: It’s a program that we kind of put together for kids - to help encourage them to read and do spelling. When I was a kid, if something involved sports, it made me want to do school more, and sometimes as kids you’re bored with school and you have to find other ways to motivate yourself. We thought it would be a good thing to help kids get motivated by reading, and even if they’re not that interested in that maybe by putting an NHL player and giving them a little extra motivation it would help them.

PI: Do you have any advice for young hockey players?

JS: Just have fun, I think I always had a lot of fun with the game... I still do, and if you take things too seriously then that’s when you get yourself too worked up. Just have fun with the game!

PI: I hope you’re treating our beloved Alex Kovalev well in Ottawa.

JS: Kovie’s been great, yeah, he’s been a great teammate, he’s really fitting well in our room, he’s exceptionally skilled and fun to watch every day in practice. He’s been a great addition.

PI: Any predictions for the Stanley Cup Finals?

JS: No, I don’t know... Too much can happen from now till the end. v

Team 1200 Radio On Saturday January 30th, Joey Franco, Deputy Editor of Panoram Italia Magazine, and Frank Crisafi Account Executive of the magazine were special guests on the Team 1200 sports radio in Ottawa. Hosts Tony Greco & Steve Warne discuss eating right and living right, every Saturday morning at 9:00. Franco and Crisafi announced PanoramItalia’s expansion into Ottawa starting in March 2010 and invited listeners to subscribe to the magazine via the web site. Tune in to Grecosize with Tony Greco every Saturday on Ottawa’s Team 1200AM. v

78

Sports

Newly retired Mauro Biello is keeping his eye on the ball

By Anna Giampà

Mauro Biello, Montreal’s soccer sweetheart, has kicked off his b o o t s. L a s t N o v e m b e r, a f t e r 19 seasons as a pro player, the 37-year-old midfielder and team captain retired from the Montreal Impact, a club he has been with since 1993. he famed footballer has come a long way but he still has fond memories of his early days on the field. Biello started playing soccer in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce at the age of five and steadily moved up the local ranks. “When I first started, soccer wasn’t really established, but I had a real passion for it,” he says of his relentless dedication and enthusiasm.

The self-proclaimed sports buff played amateur soccer and hockey for several years before pondering a career as an athlete. “I knew I wasn’t going to be a professional hockey player because I wasn’t the biggest guy,” he admits.

He eventually shifted his focus to soccer. Biello played with the Montreal-Concordia regional team, the Quebec provincial selection team and made it to the Canadian junior national team at the age of 15. “It was only when I was selected to represent Canada that I realized I could have a soccer career,” he says.

Biello trained intensively, devoted his energies to the sport and was drafted by the Montreal Supra at age 18. A year later, the team folded and Biello signed with the newly formed expansion team, the Montreal Impact. During his 16 seasons with the club, Biello played 389 games, compiling 77 goals, 67 assists, and three league championships (1994, 2004, 2009).

He’s also the all-time leader in the history of the United Soccer League First Division with a total of 90 goals and 73 assists totaling 253 points in 429 career matches.

Throughout his career, Biello had brief stints with indoor and outdoor professional teams in Rochester and Buffalo. The calciatore even entertained the idea of playing in Europe but his heart has always been in Montreal. “I had the opportunity to move on but I decided that I would play here and I would help the sport, and this team, as much as I could,” he says.

His lengthy career is peppered with many memorable moments but Biello says two occasions stand out. “The first was the opening of the Saputo stadium because it was the realization of what we had thought was an impossible dream,” he says. “It was as if we were finally getting recognized.”

A different kind of recognition proved to be just as remarkable. Biello was moved when he was welcomed onto the field with a standing ovation during last season’s championship (final)

T

www.panoramitalia.com match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. “I was touched that people were acknowledging what I did for the team and for the franchise,” he says.

Lino Ferarra, Biello’s cousin, says fans appreciate that Biello has always stayed true to his beliefs. “He has always put the team, and what is best for the team, ahead of his personal goals,” he says. “He dealt with the emotional and physical pains of injury, and the highs and lows of competitive sport, without compromising those beliefs.”

The modest athlete attributes his humility to his upbringing. “My family’s values were always about working hard and respecting others,” he says. “This is how I live my life.”

This outlook certainly helped his game.

Over the last two decades, Biello achieved numerous league and team records and many individual awards and accomplishments. Despite the personal satisfaction he derives from these triumphs, he’s most proud of what he has done off the field. “We’ve gone all over the place to sign autographs in schools, communities and associations, trying to promote this team and this sport,” he says. “If you regroup all that activity and see how far soccer has come, it symbolizes something great.”

Biello is particularly aware of his influence on future generations. “Once you achieve your dream of becoming a professional athlete you become a symbol and a window of opportunity for a lot of kids,” he says. He tells young players to believe in their abilities and work hard. Less interested in fame or glory, it was a desire to always perform at his best that drove the icon to excel in the sport.

Biello also values the role he had at the head of the team. “The captain is the link between the coach and the players,” he says.

“It was very special for me to be able to transmit my experience to the junior team members, to be the voice of the team and to lead by example.”

In 2009 Biello helped the Impact clinch the series, giving the team their third USL Championship. Once the season came to an end he announced his retirement from competitive soccer.

His inclination to leave was fuelled by a combination of factors. “I’ve been carrying nagging injuries in the last couple of years and haven’t played as much,” says Biello. “(At the end of the last season) I wasn’t getting any younger and at the same time, other opportunities were opening up for me.”

The decision wasn’t an easy one but the unassuming icon is comfortable with his choice.

“When I put everything together, the championship win, the injuries, my age and the new opportunities, I knew the timing was right for me,” he says.

“Mauro is a champion,” says Matteo Fiorilli, of Valsport America, Biello’s shoe sponsor.

“It’s an honour to have had a legend wear the Valsport brand until he retired.”

While retirement may have Biello hanging up his cleats, the soccer hero isn’t moving too far away from the field. He has taken up a position as assistant coach for the Montreal Impact and has also been named as the director for the Impact soccer schools.

The shift to the sidelines in 2010 brings with it new objectives. As he gears up for the challenges, Biello is content with all the goals he has already accomplished. Above all, the idol wants to be remembered for being part of a club from its very beginnings. “The hardest part has always been promoting the team,” he says. “Now we can say there’s a history behind the Montreal Impact and I’m very proud that I can say I was a part of that.” v

Babies

80

www.panoramitalia.com

Les bébés de l’année I Neonati dell’anno Babies of the year Meilleurs voeux / Tanti auguri / Best wishes

2009- 2010

Panoramitalia declines any responsibility for omissions or errors.

Sofia Isabella La Riccia August 30th, 2009 Nancy Ann Paolino & Orazio La Riccia

Bianca Leah Martella February 28th, 2009 Melissa Essebag & Michael Martella

Samuel Maglio May 13th, 2009 Sonia De Giorgio & Sabino Maglio

Mario Lapenna January 6th, 2009 Valentina Cocullo & Gianfranco Lapenna

Kiera Fanelli April 26th, 2009 Christine O'Reilly & Frank Fanelli

Rose Elizabeth Marcogliese July 24th, 2009 Kerrie & Nicola Marcogliese

Leo Des Rosiers July 3rd, 2009 Sabrina Notte & David Des Rosiers

Giosuè Bruni June 21st, 2009 Laura Vardaro & Carmine Bruni

Moreno Calabrese July 23rd, 2006 Natalie & Maurizio Calabrese

Jenna Eve Lo Priore July 17th, 2009 Sonia Fragapane & Michael Lo Priore

Alessia Di Maulo January 9th, 2009 Anna Vetrano & Joe Di Maulo

Gianluca Zappitelli July 17th, 2009 Enza La Rocca & Franco Zappitelli

Evan Levitt October 11th, 2009 Cynthia Laezza & Kyle Levitt

Alexander Buijs April 3rd, 2009 Maria Di Giovanni & Thomas Buijs

Giovanna La Rocca July 17th, 2009 Antonietta Greco & Agostino La Rocca

Serena Maria Raffaela Dattilo August 11th, 2009 Antoinetta D'Alfonso & Giovanni Dattilo

Gia Bourkas September 24th, 2009 Nadia Argueso & Bobby Bourkas

Sara Leone November 6th, 2009 Lorena Agnello & Egidio Leone

Gianluca Grassi August 17th, 2009 Mylena D'Arasmo & David Grassi

Anthony Russo May 30th, 2009 Erika Casale & Antonino Russo

Jessica Rachelle Monti January 21st, 2009 Stephanie Lyman & Giovanni Monti

Ella Grace Falco April 5th, 2009 Jennifer Barker & Tony Falco

Giuseppe Sacco August 17th 2009 Reem Elazab & Patrick Sacco

Jordana Ruscitto June 6th, 2009 Johnny Ruscitto & Terry Lipari

Giordano Di Maria April 7th, 2009 Maria Ruvo & Giovanni Di Maria

Julian Velasquez-Fiorilli January 1st, 2009 Silvia Fiorilli & Christian Velasquez

Matteo & Amanda Angelone August 25th, 2009 Antonio Angelone & Cinzia Del Greco

Gianni Cunsolo April 21st, 2009 Sabrina Salvatore & Graziano Cunsolo

Bianca Gioia June 11th, 2009 Nancy Landry & Carlo Gioia

Babies

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81

Mia Mariana Cinquino February 3rd, 2009 Melinda & Dino Cinquino

Eliana Sophia Di Iorio April 27th, 2009 Tina Rosato & Enrico Di Iorio

Arturo Walter Antonio Cigana May 13th, 2009 Laura Battista & Walter Cigana

Jordano Jon Cinelli Morena September 29th, 2009 Josie Cinelli & Antonello Morena

Clemente Dino Cavalluzzi June 11th, 2009 Cinzia Marcovecchio & Nicola Cavalluzzi

Lorenzo Martiniello May 4th, 2009 Brigitte Charest & Vito Martiniello

Luca Costa June 23rd, 2009 Angela Monaco & Franco Costa

Giuliano-Nicolo Liberatore May 15th, 2009 Anna Racanelli & Mario Liberatore

Adriano Panza August 4th, 2009 Julie Leveille & Daniele Panza

Jonathan Tortolano February 9th, 2009 Tina Frazori & Gialio Tortolano

Sofia Andreoli August 21th, 2009 Maria Caruana & Michael Andreoli

Danila Tancredi Schwartz January 30th, 2009 Sharon Schwartz & Giuseppe Tancredi

Danilo Indelicato September 11th, 2009 Manuela Passalacqua & Mario Indelicato

Damiano Stefano Carmelo Panzini December 24th, 2008 Diana S. Cigana & Damiano Panzini

Massimo Gracioppo April 20th, 2009 Jessica Mancini & Franco Gracioppo

Gabriel Angelone March 14th, 2009 Liliana Longo & Maurizio Angelone

Emma Mikayla Scifo October 10th, 2009 Mirella Di Raddo & Carmelo Scifo

Massimo Teodoro Ottaviano May 11th, 2009 Yolanda Ottaviano & Robert Bird

Isabella Rose Pellegrini May 11th 2009 Alexandra Skrly & Vincenzo Pellegrini

Gabriel Rossi March 27th, 2009 Alisson Weiss & Amato Rossi

Danika Michela Frascione August 8th, 2009 Rina Fortino & Serafino Frascione

Angelo Forlini Jr. September 2nd, 2009 Patricia Ciafro & Angelo Forlini

Massimo Guerrera March 1st, 2009 Sonia Varrone & Mike Guerrera

Franco Pagliaro December 11th, 2009 Mary Ann Salvatore & Luigi Pagliaro

Victoria Caruso March 16th, 2009 Josie Iacono & Domenic Caruso

Leila Belatra February 27th, 2009 Rita Larotonda & Karim Belatra

Luca Robert Bertrand June 27th, 2009 Josie Montesano & Robert Bertrand

Victoria Dussault May 24th, 2009 Tara Imbeaul & Denis Dussault

Samantha Olivia Romanelli May 30th, 2009 Vanessa Chimienti & Giovanni Romanelli

Gianni Vallone June 11th, 2009 Maria & Joe Vallone

Katherine Rose October 10th, 2009 Anna & Joey Mormina

Luca Giovanni Manco Ruscitti April 27th, 2009 Filomena Manco & Anthony Ruscitti

Daniel, Juliano & Alessio ChilĂ May 16th, 2009 Dalia Mariani & Giovanni ChilĂ

Samuel Anthony Machado December 18th 2009 Jennifer Petraglia & Stephen Machado

Graziella Talarico April 22nd, 2009 Karen French & Giacomo Talarico

Babies

82

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Michela Sgrignuoli June 15th, 2009 Angela Micciche & Jason Sgrignuoli

Gabriella D'Aiuto May 29th, 2009 Brigida Racaniello & Antonio D'Aiuto

Massimo Polcari May 5th, 2009 Rosalba Pizzino & Lello Polcari

Massimo Posteraro December 30th, 2009 Nadia Ridolfi & Nick Posteraro

Eva Cacchione July 26th, 2009 Pina Piccolo & Costanzo Cacchione

Massimo Joseph Di Raddo April 25th 2009 Candida Paccione & Giovanni Di Raddo

Alessio Santella June 29th, 2009 Dina Paparelli & Pasquale Santella

Giuliano Minotti April 22nd, 2009 Linda Gugliotti & Emilio Minotti

Anthony Boulay July 5th, juillet 2009 Cristina Guerra & Marc-Étienne Boulay

Massimo Mario Rendina July 30th, 2009 Sonia Teolis & Giovanni Rendina

Alessia Pisano March 8th, 2009 Maria Gesualdi & Stephane Pisano

Lexxa Scali May 1st, 2009 Rosie Mirarchi & Domenico Scali

Brando Antonio Gentile July 31st, 2009 Leah Di Monte & Anthony Gentile

Massimo Cardillo September 13th, 2009 Sonia Galluccio & Riccardo Cardillo

Vanessa Lisella December 27th, 2009 Carmela Pizzichemi & Massimo Lisella

Damiano Ciambella May 4th, 2009 Lillian Lazzarini & Maurizio Ciambella

Luca Evangelatos August 20th, 2009 Maria Guglielmino & Nick Evangelatos

Anthony Miccoli May 29th, 2009 Caroline Tiseo & Tony Miccoli

Pio Alessandro Muro January 8th, 2009 Paula Van Den Bosch & Joe Muro

Francesco Caruso Galli March 10th, 2009 Connie Caruso & Dino Galli

Dante Di Pietrantonio April 8th, 2009 Sandra Simonetti & Andrea Di Pietrantonio

Carrera Adriana Marateo July 3rd, 2009 Jenny Livornetti & Franco Marateo

Giada Gavita Novembre 18th, 2009 Milena Iozzo & Danny Gavita

Sofia De Luca July 28th, 2009 Nicolina Maiorino & Alberto De Luca

Mara Rachel Cacciola March 23, 2009 Cynthia Rainone & Bruno Cacciola

Olivia Maria Vardaro November 30th, 2009 Leonilda Taddeo & Nicola Vardaro

Dante Pellegrino Festa September 13th, 2009 Natasha Varano & Jonatan Festa

Vincent Thomas Bonanno October 6th, 2009 Sammy Decker & Leonard Thomas Bonanno

Giuliano Minicozzi July 14th, 2009 Marisa Cuculo & Silvestro Minicozzi

Salvatore Iannazzo September 3rd, 2009 Josie Mangione & Angelo Iannazzo

Sofia Mazzariello April 17th, 2009 Angela Pero & Gino Mazzariello

Sophia D'Avirro June 29th, 2009 Elena Mollica & Michèle D'Avirro

Adriana Colalillo October 29th, 2009 Anna-Maria Fasulo & Vittorio Colalillo

Anthony Robert Arpino June 6th, 2009 Lucia & Silvestro Arpino

Chiara Alongi July 7th, 2009 Lizia Tursi & Salvatore Alongi

Ariana Maglieri September 18th, 2009 Libby Rizzuto & Jimmy Maglieri

Babies

www.panoramitalia.com

83

Kayla Di Nardo September 15th, 2009 Grazia Sticozzi & Luciano Di Nardo

Megan Kristin Di Lillo September 30th, 2009 Sylvie & Pat Di Lillo

Emma Maria Valerio Pagano September 11th, 2009 Diane Valerio & Matteo Pagano Jr.

Natalia Ferrante Carrante October 9th, 2009 Sylvie Mélodie Dionne & Mike Ferrante Carrante

Davide Commisso August 16th, 2009 Rosanna D'Aloé & Enzo Commisso

Olivia Adèle Giove May 5th, 2009 Peggy Constant & Vincenzo Giove

Zara Nicita February 8th, 2009 Mélanie Audy & Eugenio A. Nicita

Eva Lauren Di Stefano April 21st, 2009 Sandra Rosado & Tim Di Stefano

Antonino Grosso May 21st, 2009 Josée Morello & Guido Grosso

Myka Maria Cinquino May 6th, 2009 Grace Petrucci & Antonio Cinquino

Alexia Nunes May 26th, 2009 Nadia Spiridigliozzi & Manuel Nunes

Loreana D'Angelo May 21st, 2009 Paola & Frank D'Angelo

Siena Loffreda May 25th, 2009 Alison Davidson & Claudio Loffreda

Anthony Ignoto October 7th, 2009 Valerie Di Fruscia & Gino Ignoto

Alyssa-Lucia Polisena June 21st, 2009 Antonietta Caso & Antonio Polisena

Julia Faith Damiano January 8th, 2009 Lina Baldacchino & Fortunato Damiano

Emma Musacchio April 15th, 2009 Melissa Anderson & Emilio Musacchio

Sabrina Malizia November 1st, 2009 Wendy Lamb & Anthony Malizia

Lara & Alexia Oppedisano January 4th, 2009 Adriana Antonelli & Sergio Oppedisano

Anthony James Quinnett September 8th, 2009 Tania Mambro & Jason Quinnett

Brianna Ava Gianino September 16th, 2008 Tina Panzini & Angelo Gianino

Michael Davide Modonese-Discepola November 15th, 2009 Thea Discepola & Fabio Modonese

Juliano Cavallaro October 27th, 2009 Suisa Maucieri & Domenico Cavallaro

Bianca Lalla April 1st, 2009 Krystyna Hranek & Bobby Lalla

Luca Julius De Pastena June 2nd, 2009 Linda Scavone & Gianni De Pastena

Victoria Borsellino March 20th, 2009 Teresa Campanella & Frederico Borsellino

Babies

84

Sofia Emma Pellegrino January 12th, 2010 Nadia Longo & Anthony Pellegrino

Samuel Leonardo Trentadue April 16th, 2009 Elena Galante & Frank Trentadue

Simona & Matteo Murdaca September 3rd, 2009 Sandra Guerra & Marco Murdaca

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Matteo Cosimo Panetta June 3rd, 2009 Stella-Josie & Joe Panetta

Sofia Mezzacappa January 11th, 2009 Mary Lalla & Dino Mezzacappa

Donato Padula April 4th, 2009 Angela Bozzo & Carmine Padula

Matteo Miozzi September 28th, 2009 Giosi Nizzola & Frank Miozzi

Simona Rose Volpe June 17th, 2009 Sonia Di Lena & Claudio Volpe

Olivia Emanuella Medeiros August 26th, 2009 Cindy Merritt & Richard Medeiros

Marilena Di Adamo November 6th, 2009 Stefania Palmerini & Benny Di Adamo

Isabella Josephina Scarpato March 19th 2009 Franca Pizzini & Ernesto Scarpato

Giulio Matteo Capuano March 15th, 2009 Grazia Lobasso & Antonio Capuano

Stefano Alfredo Ronca July 7th, 2009 Maria Ioffreda & Mario Ronca

Jayda Reine Ajmo July 25th, 2009 Nadia Di Nuzzo & Nizar Ajmo

Massimiliano Filippo Di Minno April 15th, 2009 Milena Abballe & Guerrino Di Minno

Siena Pagliarulo February 6th, 2009 Pina Fasulo & Giovanni Pagliarulo

Alessia Serena Ciarletta February 6th, 2009 Gianna D'Andrea & Roberto Ciarletta

Alessia Pelle August 4th, 2009 Nancy Elkhal & Alessandro Pelle

Massimo Rosario Jr. Calabretta August 31st, 2009 Mary Gullaci & Rosario Calabretta

Antonio Giacomo Colatosti March 11th, 2009 Emily Antonucci & Dino Colatosti

George Cucuzzella Leal September 18th, 2009 Francine Cucuzzella & Rui Leal

Gabriella Gervasi October 23rd, 2009 Claudia Pulizzi & Michael Gervasi

Matteo Alessandro Pigafetta May 1st, 2009 Jessica Cordi & Davide Pigafetta

Felicia Josephine Morrone May 14th, 2009 Nadia Rinaldi & Nicola Morrone

Alexander Carlacci May 28th, 2009 Maria Cifaldi & Mario Carlacci

Massimo Paulozza July 9th, 2009 Laura Girolami & Anthony Paulozza

Daniela Carmosino July 13th, 2009 Vicky Triassi & Darren Carmosino

Carolina Bozzo October 27th, 2009 Silvana Palleria & Giuseppe Bozzo

Tristan Continelli September 6th, 2009 Cynthia Romanelli & Domenic Continelli

Emma Alesandrina Diaco June 9th, 2009 Tiffany Pizioli & Nicolino Diaco

Olivia Cademartori May 26th, 2009 Sonia Manago & Michael Cademartori

Anthony Stefano Stivaletta December 15th, 2009 Antonella D'Angelo & Fernando Jr Stivaletta

Andrea Triassi August 5th, 2009 Angela Antonacci & Pietro Triassi

Emma & Sofia D'Amico May 27th, 2009 Nadia DeRubeis & Joey D'Amico

Babies

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85

Adamo Aurelio Sita-Bottega June 8th, 2009 Natalie Bottega & Francesco Aurelio Sita

Maya Savo December 27th, 2009 Stefania De Rosa & Patrizio Savo

Luca Matteo Maselli August 26th, 2009 Linda Mezzacappa & Donato Maselli

Chiara Di Minno January 31st, 2009 Enza D'Adderio & Antonio Di Minno

Ivana Sciola September 11th, 2009 Sandy Leite & Fabrizio Sciola

Daniele Enrico Di Maio July 24th, 2009 Marisa Ruscitti & Enrico Di Maio

Valentina Maria Carmosino October 29th, 2009 Gina Sasso & Tony Carmosino

Sofia Maiolo August 19th, 2009 Dina & Vito Maiolo

Giada Victoria Piscitelli March 22nd, 2009 Barbara Barrasso & Stefano Piscitelli

Rocco Wort August 14th, 2009 Lucia Davidde & Ian Wort

Fabio Colitti January 23rd, 2009 Francesca Gentile & Gianni Colitti

Milano Luigi Greco November 11th, 2009 Luisa Mucciacciaro & Mario Greco

Siena Rita Ferrante September 27th, 2009 Mary Vacirca & David Ferrante

Liana Coretti August 31st, 2009 Anne-Marie Sciortino & Mario Coretti

Santino Ferraro October 24th 2010 Sophie Brabant & Anthony Ferraro

Vito Santamaria June 19th, 2009 Cathy Agostino & Pat Santamaria

Maya Angelica Ricci April 20th, 2009 Sonia D'Arrigo & Marc Antonio Ricci

Anthony Joseph DeCrescenzo November 9th, 2009 Cristina Giovannucci & Joe Decrescenzo

Michael Di Nezza April 18th, 2009 Andria Lepore & Enzo Di Nezza

Jenna Di Cerbo August 3rd, 2009 Milena De Pastena & Massimo Di Cerbo

Leyla Mariani April 29th, 2009 Harriet Boghoskhan & Jimmy Mariani

ChloĂŠ Angeloni August 15th, 2009 Lucie Frenette & Ben Angeloni

Isabella Angela Zaccheo July 27th, 2009 Melinda Palermo & Giovanni Zaccheo

Mila Persico October 7th, 2009 Soha Morsi & Ilio Persico

Francesca & Katerina Garner April 24th, 2009 Alisa Alfonsi & Don Garner

Gabriella Iacono July 6th, 2009 Josie Alongi & Leonardo Iacono

Babies

86

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Krystian Marek Rakowski August 25th, 2009 Nadia Sammarco & Marek Rakowski

Samantha D'Amico December 5th, 2009 Nadia Cinquino & Anthony D'Amico

Matteo Antonio La Fratta February 18th, 2009 Nadya Mirarchi & Giuliano La Fratta

Vincenzo Cervini March 26th, 2009 Karen Polletta & Piero Cervini

Kiara Pia Angelone September 26th, 2009 Lucy Diodati & Pat Angelone

Anthony Tagliamonti May 28th, 2009 Rina Picciano & Tony Tagliamonti

Lino Panattoni March 30th, 2009 Cheryl Stamp & Daniele Panattoni

Karina Ann Bauco January 13th, 2009 Julie Garone & Danny Bauco

Anthony Gaetano February 17th, 2009 Debbie Fischini & Dominic Gaetano

Rosina Di Loreto February 21st, 2009 Angela Tummillo & Davide Di Loreto

Adamo Comito October 4th, 2009 Maria Ciccone & Aldo Comito

Massimo Daniel James Proctor August 18th, 2009 Michael Proctor & Arlette Chinappi

Rocco Leone Della Santina July 5th, 2009 Rosa Rizza & Cesare Della Santina

Julia-Rose Cristiano October 4th, 2009 Angela Di Lella & Tony Cristiano

Alessio Caruso June 23rd, 2009 Rosa Mercuri & Guerino Caruso

Zachary & Addison Mirijello-Bergnach July 28th 2009 Sandra Mirijello & Ed Bergnach

Giulia Piacentini March 16th, 2009 Sabrina Marrone & Mario Piacentini

Marco Piccioni May 21st, 2009 Ida DiLello & Mauro Piccioni

Megan Maselli July 23, 2009 Melissa Boucher & Francesco Maselli

Laura Pierina Cefaratti December 27th, 2009 Framary Messina & Sammy Cefaratti

Mauro Amicone July 7th, 2009 Nada & Angelo Amicone

Giuseppina Cacciatore February 27th, 2009 Josie Cacciatore & Pietro Cacciatore

Alessio Servello Febuary 18th, 2009 Domenic Servello & Sandra Michael

Marco Di Iorio October 21st, 2009 Linda De Quintal & Franco Di Iorio

Alexandra Limantzakis January 21st, 2010 Sandra Carriero & George Limantzakis

Eliana Guarna November 3rd, 2009 Nadia Sanita & Nick Anthony Guarna

Starting Price $

985,000*

Includes land, residence, all taxes, Geothermic (heat and conditioning) and Certificate Novoclimat

Phase II open