Panoram Italia Toronto August/September 2014

THE ITALIAN-CANADIAN MAGAZINE MAILED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA

THE NEW EMERGING ITALIANS

CALABRIA MIA BRUSHING UP ON ITALIAN-CANADIAN

ARTISTS COVER DESIGN BY TAVA AUGUST AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 • VOL.4 • NO.4

PM40981004

www.panoramitalia.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2014 Vol. 4 NO. 4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & EDITOR Tony Zara

LIFE & PEOPLE

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EDITORIAL

Franca Carella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Future Leader – Cristina Rizzuto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 All in the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS The Art of Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 L’arte di vivere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Francesca Vivenza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tony Calzetta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Silvio Mastrodascio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Antonio Caruso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tony Romano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adam Colangelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Alfredo De Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Julie Campagna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Vincenzo Pietropaolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bruno Billio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Maryanne Casasanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bruno Capolongo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Germinio Pio Politi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sandra Tarantino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pietro Adamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Sam Paonessa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

VILLA CHARITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Filippo Salvatore

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Adam Zara MONTREAL MANAGING EDITOR & WEB MANAGER Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

TORONTO MANAGING EDITOR Rita Simonetta

PROOFREADER Aurelie Ptito

ART DEPARTMENT ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN David Ferreira

PHOTOGRAPHY Gregory Varano MAKEUP Desi Varano

ADVERTISING VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & SALES Earl Weiner

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gabe Palummo

CONTRIBUTORS Romina Monaco • Francesca Spizzirri • Maria Assaf • Sal Di Falco Liz Allemang • Lucy Screnci • Alessia Sara Domanico • Amanda Fulginiti Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

26 Duncan Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2B9 Tel.: 1.800.775.9428 I Fax: 416.438.3188 or by e-mail at: info@panoramitalia.com Legal deposit - Bibliothèque nationale du Québec / National Library of Canada - ISSN: 1916-6389

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CALABRIA Discover Calabria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Scoprire la Calabria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Vibo Valentia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Reggio Calabria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Rabarama e il lungomare Falcomatà . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Catanzaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Crotone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Cosenza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Calabria in the GTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Top 5 Beaches in Calabria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Spice It Up Calabrian Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 3 Delicious Calabrian Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Sua maestà il pescespada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

GRADUATES OF THE YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

OUR COVER This issue’s cover was specially designed by artist Antoine “Tava” Tavaglione.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The Fuel Mr. Joseph Rizzotto

IT’S HARD TO PLAY THE GAME IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE RULES….

People are unfortunately injured everyday, driving cars, crossing the street, walking in a mall or store, entertaining with friends at a club or even attacked by a dog. In each case, you are entitled to be compensated for your losses as a result of any injuries.

At this point, you have to make a decision to start a personal injury claim. It is no easy matter. It is not a game…big insurance companies are almost always involved.

Insurance companies create mazes that one has to go through to access benefits and compensation. They play with your health, peace of mind and future. The Rizzotto Law Firm with years of experience helping injured people, will guide you through the maze. They help you access tiers of benefits and compensation.

Motor vehicle insurance is complex. The changes to motor vehicle insurance law in Ontario that came into effect September 1, 2010 added to the maze and consumer confusion.

These changes especially affect the relationship with a person’s own car insurance carrier – the Accident Benefits carrier.

If you or your family members have been injured, you have rights that need protecting within the time limits permitted by law. It would be in your best interest at this point to hire a trained professional lawyer to help you obtain the maximum benefits and compensation for your losses. Even the playing field.

Joseph J. Rizzotto, B.A.(Hons), M.A., LL.B., LL.M. of the Rizzotto Law Firm is such a lawyer and has many years of experience dealing with insurance companies and claims.

“It is important to hire someone that will carefully review and research each case individually in order that the appropriate action is taken quickly and is effective. Knowledge is key.”

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

to Our Fire

By Tony Zara, Publisher

W

hen we began publishing this magazine as a yearly special edition in 2002, we never could have imagined that 12 years later, the demand for it would have allowed us to print 12 magazines per year (six in Toronto and six in Montreal) and amass an impressive online following (44,000 ‘likes’ on Facebook and counting). It’s so great to oversee our small but dedicated team of editors, photographers and freelance writers, come up with the rich content that our readers wait anxiously to consume every two months. Nearly every one of them is born in Canada, yet the fire to keep our Italian heritage alive in this beautiful country is still one that burns brightly throughout.

The fuel to that fire comes in many shapes and forms, but one of the most gratifying aspects of producing this magazine are the numerous letters, emails and Facebook comments that our beloved readers shower us with on a daily basis. In this edition’s Publisher’s Note, I decided to take a break from convention to share a sampling of the comments that we have received since our last issue rolled off the press: Mr. Zara, let me congratulate you and your art department on the excellent job and composition of the cover issue. What is most striking is the grey and black background and at the same time the colours just pop out and catch the eyes of the reader. I loved the content of the issue, especially the article by Rita Simonetta on “The Picture that Told the Whole Story.” The story brought back memories of when I came to Canada as a kid with my mother and sister on the cruise ship Irpinia. We disembarked in New York. Seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time from the deck of the cruise ship from afar is still memorable as ever. We boarded the train to come to Toronto Union Station where my father was waiting for us for a glorious reunion.

Carmine Jannetta

It was with great pleasure that I received your magazine yesterday and allow me to compliment you again for your work. You definitely take the right angle to touch our hearts, and yes, it is the Mondiale again and what a fantastic cover you put together with those two young people. Absolutely breathtaking! It brings back so many memories. My husband wanted to call my eight-year-old daughter Alessia “Italia Fifa” all the way to the hospital.

Thank God he came to his senses with the name Alessia Vittoria. God bless you all and continue this fantastic work you started about 10 years ago. You give us so much pride in our origins!

Virginia Casale

To them it’s a game...

To you it’s serious.

Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy Panoram Italia after having read several issues. The magazine is well done, topical and of considerable interest to all of Italian descent, and, I am sure, to many other persons as well.

It has a good cosmopolitan quality. I look forward to receiving it. Tanti auguri, The Honourable James A. Fontana – Ontario Court of Justice

tel: 905.264.6799 toll free: 1.866.221.8588 www.rizzottolaw.com 3700 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 700, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 8K8

I just had to write this to you how much I appreciate this magazine. Every subject, especially food, is so well described and interesting. What you do for our Italian community is wonderful in every aspect. Just can’t wait for the next issue. Thank you for putting together such a great magazine.

Michel Pepe

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Mr. Zara, What a fabulous magazine Panoram Italia is! Each issue more delightful, more remarkable than the previous one. At the moment, I am reading the June/July 2013 issue. Pure Joy. Years ago, my husband and I made sausage in our tiny apartment in the dining room table. We did it twice, despite the fact it was not convenient. I still recall the taste of those sausages made years ago. My husband (from Budapest, who loved all things Italian) never knew about Panoram Italia and this saddened me. I only discovered it last year. My husband died 2.5 years ago. He loved his trips to Italy. He travelled everywhere. My husband spoke an excellent Italian (alas I do not). Had my husband still been here, he would have rushed out to purchase ingredients and start preparing some of the recipes you shared within this issue. Reading this publication is bittersweet. I enjoy it so much but I am so sad my husband never read or knew of Panoram Italia.

Alexandra Brody

I always look forward to reading the next issue of Panoram Italia. I find the articles most interesting and well-written. Often they convey a sense of nostalgia and relate feelings and emotions that I have experienced with my parents and relatives over the years.

Frank Baldassare

This is a thank you note for having my magazine delivered to my new address.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My name is Anita Rapagna Borsi and I’m 92 years old. I’ve been reading your magazine since day one. It has been a ray of sunshine in my life. I pass it along to my brother and he will also be getting a subscription as he loves every article. Keep up the good work!

Anita Rapagna Borsi

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CANADA’S MOST WIDELY READ ITALIAN-CANADIAN PUBLICATION Panoram Italia’s Greater Toronto Area and Greater Montreal editions are enjoyed by over 400,000 readers per issue.

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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LIFE & PEOPLE

Franca Carella Changing lives and creating hope

By Lucy Screnci

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Photos by Gregory Varano

he people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” A young man who successfully completed Vitanova’s addiction recovery program wrote these words to founder Franca Damiani Carella in 2011. Conveying his gratitude to Carella, the writer acknowledges Carella’s unwavering determination in helping others even when they have lost hope in themselves.

This letter of appreciation sits in Franca’s office in a frame, a memento signifying the impact of Carella’s efforts on the lives of so many people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions. Since its establishment in 1987, the non-profit Vitanova Foundation has treated 15,000 people.

What’s more, a study released in 2012 that was conducted by University of Toronto professors and other independent researchers revealed that Vitanova’s success rate of addiction recovery was 82 per cent.

Born in 1935 in the then-Italian Croatian city Zara – now known as Zadar – Carella was the daughter of a nobleman. When she was 10, Communists occupied the region and both her father and brother were killed. She and her mother were held in seven different concentration camps throughout Germany and Italy.

Though difficult to be away from her mother, Carella managed to attend boarding school and obtain credentials as a nurse.

In 1952, she and her mother were granted entry into Canada. “I remember in my early stages in Canada having three jobs: nursing, working in a menswear store selling suits and modeling. That pulled us through,” says Carella. “That was our beginning in Canada. Maybe because of my childhood, because of the suffering that I have seen…I became a caregiver.”

Carella’s compassion for others was apparent at the onset of her nursing career. She was unhappy with the way geriatric patients were treated in hospitals, which spurred her to take Gerontology courses. Carella opened an extended care home for the elderly and in 1976 joined Villa Colombo as Director of Social Services. After departing Villa Colombo, Carella began a publication called VitaSana with Dr. Renzo Carbone. The magazine featured stories from both Carella and Dr. Carbone, as well as articles contributed by local healthcare professionals on the topics of family and community health.

Carella began to receive scores of letters from parents concerned their children were abusing drugs or alcohol. Though this was a major step in encouraging the community to address the difficult, stigmatized issue of addiction in their families, Carella felt she could do more.

She says one evening she turned to her husband and said, “It’s no good talking about it, and it’s no good writing about it. We need to create a treatment centre that works.” Carella was certain it needed to be a charity in order for it to be effective. “You have to do it because you care and the staff must be totally trained.”

Armed with just the early concept of Vitanova, Carella began extensive research on addiction treatment programs worldwide. She identified several factors that rendered other models ineffective, including their inability to deal with relapses. “What we need is a program that will work therapeutically, individually and be totally client-focused and in whatever time it takes.”

Carella also wanted to stress that “these people are human beings and can be restored.”

In order to erase the stigma surrounding addiction, Carella began educating the parents of those with addictions and held separate therapeutic sessions for them. As Carella puts it, Vitanova was “putting lives back together again.”

In 1995, Vitanova relocated to a private home converted for institutional use in Woodbridge. After years of operating a day program, Carella aimed to open a

shelter to treat those who were homeless because of their addiction, or vice versa.

Carella lauds all of the individuals whose efforts enable Vitanova to operate successfully and effectively. She is keen on recognizing the contributions of volunteers and staff. Namely, on July 15, the Vitanova Foundation held an open house to present its updated kitchen to visitors. The extensive project was carried out by volunteers and funded in part by government aid from the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

In November, Vitanova will host the 27th annual Celebration of Life at Da Vinci Banquet Hall in Woodbridge. Carella says the dinner and dancing event attracts 1,000 attendees and fundraisers.

Carella says the framed thank-you letter in her office from a former program member reminds her of why she began Vitanova over 25 years ago.

Evidently, she is more touched by this gesture than the accolades bestowed upon her, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Doctor of Sacred Letters she received in 2012 from Huntington University in Sudbury, Ontario.

This recognition hasn’t caused Carella to slow down - she continues to counsel patients and remains the welcoming face of Vitanova.

Because of her still-intense passion and dedication, it’s clear that Carella wouldn’t have it any other way.

FUTURE LEADER

Photos by Gregory Varano

Cristina Rizzuto A passion for words

By Maria Assaf

C

ristina Rizzuto’s biggest passion is literature. Then music, which she says is one of the things that inspires her the most. Whether it is a busker in Yorkville or an emotive event in her life, Rizzuto’s creative mind is always aware and her pen is constantly active, even while working full-time as a publicist for Guernica Editions.

The 25-year-old is the author of a book of poetry called The Music Makers.

Her break in the industry came with a phone call in 2012, only two weeks after she sent a manuscript of her work to Blaurock Press. She was 23 and still in university, and had no big expectations about her pitch. “I was shocked and I started to cry.

Two weeks? Usually, you don’t hear from anyone in months. They really believed in me, which was so amazing, to have that support,” she says.

Rizzuto has since received several literary recognitions, including the Mattia International Poetry Award and the 2012 City of Vaughan RAVE Rising Star Award in the Literary Arts, among others. Her writing has been featured in several publications, from Open Book Toronto, an anthology by the Ontario Poetry Society, to CBC Canada Writes.

With her job as a publicist, Rizzuto finds those moments in between life events to scribble in her notebook ideas she will come back to during her free time.

“Whenever I find time, I write. I wrote most of my book throughout university,” she says.

She finds inspiration from scenes she witnesses in the city, people she speaks to, and life events that evoke emotions.

A member of Canadian Women in the Literary Arts and the Association of Italian Canadian Writers, Rizzuto is also writing a novel. “I’m already a third of my way through, but working so much I just have had no time to sit down and get into my creative zone,” she says. “All I can say is that it takes place in Paris and I’m working on it.”

Rizzuto was recently accepted as a writer-in-residence in Italy, where she will spend three months working on her novel. “My focus is on the creative process.

This is one of my goals for 2014. Just to write more, to be creatively productive. I

want to take advantage of this time in my life to create,” she says.

She has been writing since as long as she can remember, keeping a diary with written works since childhood that her parents still have today. “I have five boxes from elementary school, high school and university. Every single thing was saved,” she says.

Unlike the art most people do as children, Rizzuto often revisits these poems and turns them into literary pieces. “There was one poem about snow, called “Listen to the Snow” and I wrote it when I was eight-years-old. I obviously completely forgot about it, but I honestly want to go back to that and do something with it, because I actually really liked it.”

As for most writers, reading is one of her greatest passions. “I read so much it takes away from writing, but I don’t care. When I was a kid, it was like my escape.”

While majoring in English and Italian studies at the University of Toronto, Rizzuto began learning more about her heritage. She learned to speak Italian and although she has not published work in Italian, her roots have been a big influence in her life.

She says Italian culture brought out her personality. “I was part of the University of Toronto’s Italian Canadian Association. It really helped me to come out of my shell. I was so shy at U of T. You know, it’s this huge school with thousands of people and I was one of the only people from my high school to go [there].

I met so many people who are now lifetime friends.”

Her ancestors’ culture has also touched her writing career. “There are a few poems in my book that touch on Italian culture, like a poem I wrote about my grandmother, but I wouldn’t say my work is the typical definition of ItalianCanadian writing; it’s more contemporary.”

As a second generation Italian-Canadian, Rizzuto says her work is not typical of Italian-Canadian writers. “Italian-Canadian writing is the writing of old.

So it’s immigrant stories. Stories that are nostalgic in nature, and very emotional and connecting. But those aren’t my stories; it’s just what’s influenced me. A lot of it is really inspirational.”

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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LIFE & PEOPLE

All in the Family Ital Florist continues rise in Canada’s floral industry

By Lucy Screnci

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Photo by Gregory Varano

he members of the Paris family have never had an issue with forging their own path. Eligio Paris, family patriarch and founder of Ital Florist, left his role as a bank manager in May 1976 to open his own flower shop. It was a risky move for the young Italian immigrant and father of three young children, but it paid off.

Today, Ital Florist is a main player in Canada’s floral industry. It has netted multiple industry and consumer choice awards and for 10 consecutive years has appeared in a list of the top 100 preferred affiliates out of tens of thousands of businesses in the Florists’ Transworld Delivery (FTD) network.

After acquiring Tidy’s Flowers in January 2013, Ital Florist expanded to three retail locations. Ital Florist’s showroom is at Highway 7 and Pine Valley Drive, and both of Tidy’s locations are located in downtown Toronto – one near the intersection of King and Bay streets and the other at Adelaide Street and University Avenue.

Consistently modernizing, they incorporated automated telephone lines and established a call centre equipped to handle local, national and international requests.

The vastness of Ital Florist’s present operations is in contrast to its humble beginnings. The business first occupied a little shop in a strip mall at the corner of Albion Road and Islington Avenue. It neighboured retailers and bakeries owned by other Italian immigrants.

Ester Paris Mauro, Paris’ daughter, fondly remembers playing with the children of the other storeowners. Along with her younger sister and older brother Italo Paris, she recalls, “frolicking among the flowers” and “jumping in delivery trucks” to tag along on drop-offs.

As Ester and Italo grew, so did their involvement in the family business. Once Italo got his driving licence, Eligio dispatched him on deliveries. He tasked Ester with serving customers and consulting with brides for wedding flowers.

Ester and Italo went on to join Ital Florist in a full-time capacity once they graduated from university. Similar to their father, they forged their own unique path by becoming the first generation in their family to graduate. Their younger sister entered into teaching, a profession held by Eligio’s wife and other family members.

Presently, Ester and Italo jointly run the business now that Eligio is in a retirement of sorts. He visits the head office/production site every day to chat with employees and still places direct orders to his network of florists in Italy. “It’s his baby,” says Ester. “He’ll be here as long as he can, but he trusts that the business is in good hands.”

Eligio has been confident in his children’s abilities and trusted in their decision-making throughout the years. In 1992, a popular local

deejay approached Italo with the idea of making a website for Ital Florist.

Utilizing the Internet was a stark contrast to the early days of the company when Eligio singlehandedly grew the business by affiliating himself with social clubs, federations and associations like the Italian Chamber of Commerce. “Back then, social networking was physical – you had to go to events, you had to shake hands and you had to meet people,” says Ester.

Italo credits the business owners of the 1960s and 1970s, recognizing their exceptional ability to build lasting relationships with community members. “There is nobody in the Italian-Canadian community that my dad doesn’t know,” he says.

Although Eligio was skeptical at first about launching a website, the family went ahead with the decision. “We were the only florists in North America that actually had a website at the time,” says Ester.

Since then, Ital Florist has deftly adapted to new forms of marketing and reaching out to customers via social media platforms. It receives the bulk of its orders through the Internet.

Eligio has embraced the use of social media and recognizes the importance of Ital Florist’s social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The accounts are managed in-house, mainly by Ester, while Italo personally coordinates the distribution of email blasts.

Italo posits that exchanges via email and on social media sites are still one-on-one interactions, as himself and Ester – and not a third party – are the ones communicating with customers. “You’re not successful alone,” says Ester. “You need to count on your partnerships with your employees and suppliers and ultimately you have to create bonds and build bridges.”

Ester praises Ital Florist’s 35 staff members who serve as designers, call centre representatives and delivery drivers. Holidays are celebrated with potlucks and parties, indicating that the Paris family and employees have formed a strong bond over the years.

This inclusiveness is apparent in other aspects of the business as well. Ester notes that major decisions are discussed with all family members, even those not involved with the business.

Meetingshappen around the dinner table with notes scribbled on napkins.

Even if perspectives differ, Ester notes, “We all have the same goal – to succeed for ourselves and our family.”

The success and longevity of this family-run business can be attributed to a devotion to family and the preservation of Eligio’s original vision.

Besides learning the ins-and-outs of the floral business, Ester learned the importance of perseverance, loving her siblings unconditionally and valuing family ties.

As for preserving Eligio’s vision, Ester says, “We’re never losing sight of where we came from.

My father can look forward to and relish in his retirement because of this.”

In a YouTube video, Italo emphasizes that the excellent service Ital Florist customers receive is due to the nature of its operations. “It’s coming to a real family, a family-owned flower shop,” he mentions in the video, signifying the care and consideration taken for every order that is filled.

This commitment to the client and customer satisfaction enables Ital Florist to continue to thrive, and after 38 years, remain a trusted name in the floral industry. “I think what [my father] ended up selling was not so much about the flowers, but trust,” says Ester.

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ITALIAN CANADIAN ARTISTS

The Art of Living L’arte di vivere A look at Canadian artists of Italian origin Sguardo sugli artisti canadesi di origine italiana

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

“An

artist is like a seismologist. He uses his radar to listen to the upheavals of the Earth, and then tells of what remains, from tragedies to the happiest, most beautiful moments.” This description from actress and writer Margaret Mazzantini summarizes the role of creators in our society. It is with the avowed objective of sensitizing the Italian-Canadian community to the important role played by artists in our daily lives that Panoram Italia has decided to publish this series of feature articles on Canadian artists of Italian origin.

“We cannot only be Italian during soccer games!” explains Giancarlo Biferali, who was the curator of Montreal’s Dominion Gallery for 30 years.

“Reading and growing through exposure to art is a way to evolve and embrace the world. It is one of the best ways of enriching our community,” argues the art enthusiast who has always toyed with the idea of opening a museum dedicated specifically to Italian-Canadian artists. Biferali, who also served as director of the Leonardo da Vinci Cultural Centre in Montreal, said he has often faced stubborn indifference when organizing cultural events and exhibitions, and perceives the Italian community’s general disinterest in the arts as disheartening.

The good news, according to Corrado De Luca, owner of the De Luca Fine Art Gallery in Toronto, is that Italian-Canadian artists are now seen as part of the mainstream. De Luca believes, however, that there is still much work to be done to raise awareness in the Italian community at large. “For many ItalianCanadians, art is mostly limited to traditional, decorative or hyper-realistic paintings.” Fortunately, notes De Luca, things are slowly changing among the community’s artists and collectors who are increasingly open to contemporary art.

“Overall, the Italian community has succeeded quite well in Canada, but its members do not seem to support its artists as much as they could and should,” remarks De Luca, who is using his gallery to try to address that very issue. “Art leaves its mark in history, which is more important than buying a painting to match one’s sofa,” adds De Luca. Biferali agrees, “The community has a significant number of wealthy people, but few of them seem willing to 16

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“L’

artista è come un sismologo. Utilizza il proprio radar per avvertire i subbugli della Terra e poi raccontare ciò che accade, dalle tragedie ai momenti più belli e felici.” Questa descrizione offerta dall’attrice e scrittrice Margaret Mazzantini, riassume il ruolo degli artisti nella nostra società. È con l’intento dichiarato di sensibilizzare la comunità italo-canadese sull’importante ruolo giocato dagli artisti nella nostra vita quotidiana, che PanoramItalia ha deciso di pubblicare questa serie di articoli sugli artisti canadesi di origine italiana.

“Non possiamo essere italiani solamente durante le partite di calcio!”, spiega Giancarlo Biferali, da 30 anni curatore della Dominion Gallery di Montreal.

“Leggere e crescere attraverso il contatto con l’arte è un modo per evolversi ed abbracciare il mondo. È uno dei modi migliori di arricchire la nostra comunità”, argomenta entusiasta colui che ha sempre accarezzato l’idea di aprire un museo specificatamente dedicato agli artisti italo-canadesi. Biferali, che ha sempre lavorato come direttore presso il centro culturale Leonardo Da Vinci di Montreal, ha detto di aver spesso cozzato con una forte indifferenza durante l’organizzazione di eventi culturali e mostre, e percepisce in modo scoraggiante il generale disinteresse della comunità italiana nei riguardi dell’arte.

La buona notizia, secondo Corrado De Luca, proprietario della Fine Art Gallery di Toronto, è che gli artisti italo-canadesi sono adesso considerati parte della tendenza. De Luca crede, tuttavia, che vi sia ancora tanto lavoro da fare per accrescere la consapevolezza all’interno della comunità italiana in generale. “Per molti italo-canadesi, l’arte si limita prevalentemente ai dipinti tradizionali, decorativi o iperrealisti. Per fortuna, nota De Luca, le cose stanno lentamente cambiando all’interno della comunità di artisti e collezionisti, i quali vanno sempre più aprendosi all’arte contemporanea.

“In linea di massima, la comunità italiana in Canada è riuscita abbastanza bene, ma i suoi componenti non sembrano sostenere i propri artisti come potrebbero e dovrebbero”, sottolinea De Luca, il quale utilizza la propria galleria per affrontare nel profondo la questione. “L’arte lascia il proprio segno nella storia, la qual cosa è più importante di comprare un quadro che si abbini al divano”,

ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS acquire works of art. A few buy because they love and appreciate art, and others do so for speculative reasons, but the practice is far from common among Italian-Canadians.”

Although there is no actual Italian-Canadian art per se, the works of artists with Italian origins have nevertheless contributed to the legacy of Italians in Canada. For Biferali, Guido Nincheri (1885-1973), known for his famous fresco of Mussolini in the Our Lady of Defense church in Montreal, is undoubtedly the most important Italian-Canadian artist. “His impact on the religious heritage of Ontario, Quebec and New England is considerable. But we must not forget more recent landscape artists like Umberto Bruni or Littorio Del Signore,” insists Biferali. For De Luca, the highest accolades should go to the Montreal abstract artist Guido Molinari (1933-2004) whose works are now exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. “His works are present in most major Canadian museums and sold in excess of $600,000 at Sotheby’s a rare feat among Canadian artists,” he insists. “Cosimo Cavallaro, famous for his ephemeral installations made from melted cheese and giant jellybeans, is another contemporary Canadian artist of Italian Guido Molinari origin recognized abroad and worth paying attention to,” De Luca adds.

Toronto artist Tony Calzetta never felt that his Italian origins had any impact on the perception of his works. “I just wanted to be an artist. But, I want to say that it has never limited me to be identified as an Italian-Canadian artist.

In fact, it has always been a plus. For example, it allowed me to be part of the Padiglione Italia Nel Mondo project of the Venice Biennale in 2011 and to be approached by your magazine.” Antoine Tavaglione (Tava), the Montreal artist who created our magazine’s cover design, recalls similar experiences: “I think it’s always nice to be recognized by the Italian community. It is a token of appreciation. From another point of view, I do not think that the interest garnered by our work usually has much to do with our ethnicity.”

The first Italian-Canadian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries were often hired by wealthy individuals and parishes who sought that “Italian touch” in their work. Certainly, religious art by Ontario artist Antonio Caruso, or Guido Nincheri before him, helps maintain a link with Italian religious identity. But, can we really speak of some sort of “creative Italian genius” or of an “Italian spirit” that somehow, as contends Mauro Peressini, curator at Quebec’s Canadian Museum of History, embodies a culture and a special artistic and technical sensibility of which all Italians, including Italian-Canadians, are the heirs? While it may seem a tad abstract, the notion is not frivolous according to Biferali. “It exists, but it is not manifest in everyone. Many artists, not just Italian-Canadians, are inspired by Italian art and others draw true inspiration from sojourning in Italy.”

Beyond the old time nostalgia experienced by the first generation of Italian immigrants, are there any significant links remaining between the motherland and this new generation of artists? “Italian art is best known for its classical period and it obviously influences me, even though my work is very different in comparison,” explains Tava. “I am of Italian origin, but as a Canadian living in Montreal, I am very influenced by the people and the reality surrounding me, as well as by American popular culture. I would say that my art is influenced both by Italian art and contemporary Canadian art.”

Such mixtures are what makes everything so interesting explains De Luca.

According to Giancarlo Biferali, artists do not espouse a particular nationality: “I do not think that Italian-Canadian artists self-identify as such.

Ultimately, it is our community that defines these artists as ItalianCanadians.” But even accepting these artists’ tenuous connection to their Italianness, they nevertheless reflect the talent and creative diversity of our community. Bearing that in mind, we, at Panoram Italia, have consciously chosen to do our best to highlight the Italian origins of the exceptional Canadian artists featured in these pages.

aggiunge De Luca. Biferali concorda che “la comunità include un numero notevole di benestanti, ma pochi di loro sembrano disposti ad acquistare opere d’arte.

Pochi comprano perché amano e apprezzano l’arte; altri lo fanno solo per questioni speculative, ma la pratica è tutt’altro che diffusa tra gli italo-canadesi.”

Sebbene non vi sia di fatto un’arte italo-canadese di per sé, le opere degli artisti di origini italiane hanno senza dubbio contribuito al retaggio degli italiani in Canada. Per Biferali, Guido Nincheri (1885-1973), noto per il suo famoso affresco di Mussolini nella chiesa Our Lady of Defence a Montreal, è indubbiamente l’artista italo-canadese più importante.

“Il suo impatto sul patrimonio religioso in Ontario, Quebec e New England è notevole. Ma non dobbiamo dimenticarci di paesaggisti come Umberto Bruni o Littorio Del Signore”, insiste Biferali. Per De Luca, i più alti riconoscimenti dovrebbero andare all’astrattista montrealese Guido Molinari (1933-2004) le cui opere sono adesso esposte al museo Guggenheim ed al Museo di Arte Moderna di New York. “Le sue opere sono presenti nei maggiori musei canadesi e sono state vendute più di $600.000 dollari da Sotheby’s – rara prodezza tra gli artisti canadesi, insiste.

“Cosimo Cavallaro, famoso per le sue installazioni effimere, realizzate con formaggio fuso e caramelle gommose giganti, è un altro artista canadese di origine italiana noto all’estero e degno di considerazione”, aggiunge De Luca.

L’artista di Toronto Tony Calzetta non ha mai pensato che le sue origini italiane abbiano avuto un qualche influsso sulla percezione delle proprie opere. “Volevo solo essere un artista. Ma, non mi ha mai limitato l’essere identificato come artista italo-canadese. Di fatto, è stato sempre un tocco aggiunto. Per esempio, mi ha consentito di prender parte al Padiglione Italia nel Mondo alla Biennale di Venezia nel 2011 e di essere avvicinato dalla vostra rivista.” Antoine Tavaglione (Tava), l’artista montrealese creatore del design della copertina della nostra rivista, rievoca un’esperienza simile: “penso sia sempre bello essere riconosciuto dalla comunità italiana. È un segno di apprezzamento. Sotto un altro punto di vista, non penso che l’interesse suscitato abbia di solito molto a che fare con la nostra etnicità.”

I primi artisti italo-canadesi del XIX e XX secolo furono spesso ingaggiati da benestanti e parrocchie che ricercavano un “tocco italiano” per i propri lavori. Di certo, l’arte religiosa dell’artista dell’Ontario, Antonio Caruso, o Guido Nincheri prima di lui, aiuta a mantenere un legame con l’identità religiosa italiana. Ma, possiamo davvero parlare di una sorta di “genio creativo italiano” o di “spirito italiano” che in qualche modo, come asserisce Mauro Peressini, curatore del Museo Canadese di Storia di Quebec , racchiuda una cultura e una particolare sensibilità artistica e tecnica di cui tutti gli italiani, inclusi gli italo-canadesi, sono eredi? Per quanto possa essere considerata un tantino astratta, l’idea non è superficiale secondo Biferali. “Esiste ma non è manifesto in tutti. Molti artisti, non solo italo-canadesi, sono ispirati dall’arte italiana ed altri traggono la vera ispirazione dal loro soggiornare in Italia.”

Al di là della vecchia nostalgia povata dalla prima generazione di emigranti italiani, vi sono altri legami significativi tra la madrepatria e questa nuova generazione di artisti? “L’arte italiana è meglio conosciuta per il suo periodo classico e ciò ovviamente mi influenza, anche se le mie opere sono molto diverse al confronto,” spiega Tava. “Sono di orgini italiane, ma in quanto canadese che vive a Montreal, sono molto influenzato dalle persone e dalla realtà circostante, così come dalla cultura popolare americana.” Direi che la mia arte subisce l’influsso sia dell’arte italiana che dell’arte contemporanea canadese.” Tali fusioni sono ciò che rende tutto così interessante, spiega De Luca. Secondo Giancarlo Biferali, gli artisti non sposano una nazionalità in particolare: “Non credo che gli artisti italo-canadesi si identifichino come tali. In sostanza, è la nostra comunità che definisce questi artisti italocanadesi.” Ma pur accettando questo tenue legame degli artisti con la loro italianità, senza dubbio riflettono il proprio talento e la propria diversità creativa sulla nostra comunità. Tenendo ciò a mente, noi di PanoramItalia abbiamo consapevolmente scelto di fare il nostro meglio per mettere in evidenza le origini italiane di questi eccezionali artisti canadesi presentati in queste pagine.

(Translation by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo) PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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Francesca Vivenza Between two homes

By Liz Allemang

“I

Creative muse Though Vivenza prefers for her works to not be interpreted literally or as a reflection of her singular experience, her art often entails themes with which she has a personal connection, and to which many Canadians can relate. Travel, notions of home, distance, memories and communications serve as common conceptual undercurrents.

Photo by Gregory Varano

find myself positioned between here and Italy,” says Francesca Vivenza, a multimedia artist who has been based in Toronto since 1970. Vivenza maintains a connection to Italy with regular trips to the country of her origins both personal – born in 1941 in Rome – and professional – she graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera, Milan, in 1966, regularly exhibits there, took part in the 2011 Venice Biennale and presently has her work featured in Milan, Como and La Spezia, respectively.

Cultural inspiration “Being both Italian and Canadian and not Italian or Canadian affects the way that I work,” says Vivenza. “[I use] materials from my past and a sort of psychology to recuperate something lost… it’s really difficult when you come [to live in another country] as an adult, because you already have your culture; you already are who you are.

But you adapt just enough that when you return to Italy you’re a bit different,” she says. “I’m interested in both places culturally, but I wonder if maybe I don’t belong in either of the two.”

Influences Though Vivenza’s work often integrates ideas related to travel, “it is never about the final destination. The route, the process of working always takes me somewhere else.”

Tools of the trade Since 1995, Vivenza has worked with maps and satellite photography that have come courtesy of her husband, a geologist. Though as a mixed-media artist she works with a diverse array of materials, the maps have proved to be a particularly influential material.

Contemporaneous with her work with maps, Vivenza has found herself interested in travel-themed pieces that can travel themselves: Boxes or suitcases, for example, things that can fold or that can be carried from one place to another. Often these creations will integrate the maps.

Themes Describing her work – which includes books, paintings, collages and installations – as “Tentative Itineraries,” her pieces have evolved from a theme of travel to one that encompasses a sense of disorientation as well. The connotations of “disorientation” are not necessarily negative, but encompass memories and how those relate to who we are and where we are at a given point in time.

What’s in store for the future?

“Now I’m doing a series called, ‘Imagine My House,’” says Vivenza. “I like the idea of playing with images that relate to the word ‘imagine.’ Imagine my house without power, as a monument.” For the project, Vivenza photographed Italian castles in 2013 and will use those as the basis of subsequent artistic manipulation to illustrate different concepts with Photoshop. “In English there’s the phrase, ‘My house is my castle’ and in this project I will also look at how you protect your space.” www.francescavivenza.com 18

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Global-Y(e)arning

ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

Tony Calzetta Passion on canvas and paper

By Sal Di Falco

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anadian artist Tony Calzetta has come a long way from his salad days at PriceWaterhouse in Windsor, where he put to middling use a business degree from the University of Detroit before pursuing his true vocation. When he was 26, he decided to completely switch gears. “I’d been interested in drawing and painting since I was a child,” recalls the 69-year-old Windsor, Ontario native. “So I enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Windsor and really got my start there.” He went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts at Toronto’s York University in 1977, and quickly secured showings with Toronto art scene fixture Jack Pollock, and then at the prestigious Mira Godard Gallery, where he received critical acclaim for his boldly distinctive works on canvas and paper. In addition to commissioned works, he is represented in public, corporate and private collections in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. In 2011, his paintings exhibited at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto were part of the Padiglione Italia at the 54th International Venice Biennale. He was elected as a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA) in 2004.

Cultural inspiration Calzetta, whose father is Neapolitan and mother is Croatian, acknowledges a strong Italian undercurrent to his work, citing Renaissance masters such as da Vinci and Michelangelo, and 20th century Italian artists such as Giorgio Morandi and conceptualist Piero Mazzone. On a personal note, Calzetta grew up with nine rambunctious cousins on his father’s side “who taught me all about passion, and being passionate about something, whether it’s food, soccer, or art.”

Photo by Gregory Varano

Creative muse Calzetta asserts that subconscious impulses fire many of his works. “It starts with a line. My work is not about painting per se but more about generating and exploring lines on canvas or paper. The energy that’s conveyed in a line is what excites me. The line defines the image. The line is the energy. That said, I often start with a predetermined structure, and work within that. Colour is applied more intuitively. Colour supplies the mood.”

Influences In addition to the Renaissance greats, Calzetta lists a diverse group of artists who have moved and inspired him along the way, everyone from Picasso and Paul Klee to Philip Guston and Jim Dine. “I was also quite drawn to Alan Davie, a Scottish painter who achieved a delicate balance between spiritually motivated abstract lyricism and childlike naiveté.”

Tools of the trade Paper, canvas, ink, acrylic, charcoal, oilstick, graphite, oil, pastel, watercolour.

Themes “My concerns or themes are essentially aesthetic, exploring and striving for an imagined and emerging visual quality. I transfer the images I make in small sketches to canvas, then apply colour. I like to think of the cartoonish images that result as surreal comics.”

What’s in store for the future?

“My showing at the De Luca Fine Art Gallery (217 Avenue Road, Toronto) from November 15 to December 6 will feature a series of hesitant images from the 1990s, war stories that harken back to childlike war machines – colourful, funny, ambiguous, with a dark side.”

Bob Was Quite Leery Of The Jibber Jabber Jimmys

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Silvio Mastrodascio Sculpting from the soul

By Liz Allemang

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Creative muse Mastrodascio’s sculptures are the collision of inspiration, vision and making slight adjustments throughout the artistic process.

“Normally, I know what the piece will look like [before I even start it]. Any difference between what I’ve initially imagined and the end result is very slight,” says Mastrodascio, whose fascination lies with the (mostly nude) female form. “They’re very beautiful. I find them challenging as a body and as a mind. The world of a female is superior and complicated.”

His works are wonderfully expressive and while the bodies contribute to this, it’s the faces that truly emote. To add life to pieces he will often take a cue from his models when they pose for him at his studio. “I get to know them. I talk to them about their dreams. I try to penetrate inside the soul, if it’s possible, and transfer that to my sculptures.”

Cultural inspiration Despite having lived in Canada for close to 50 years, Mastrodascio retains a strong connection to Italy, with houses in his hometown of Cerqueto and Ottavia, a suburb of Rome, as well as regular exhibitions and commissions in his native country.

“I’m Italian, but after so many years, I’m also Canadian. I’m very much influenced by Italian culture; the traditions and art, from Roman to nowadays,” says Mastrodascio.

“In Italy, sculpture is very important. And while there are some great sculptors in Canada, in Italy they are very avant-garde. Art is about the soul and my soul is Italian.”

Influences "I try to be myself, though I very much like what Giacomo Manzù did," says Mastrodascio, who was inspired specifically by his "great, very expressive reliefs with few lines."

Tools of the trade Though Mastrodascio has worked with other materials, his preferred medium, and that for which he is known, is bronze. Each work will take about four months from start to finish – modeling in clay, firing, dressing, making the armature, casting – and sometimes Mastrodascio will have two or three going at once. “Otherwise,” he says, “it would be monotonous.”

Themes Mastrodascio says he is interested in the character of the individual rather than a broader theme.

His work represents the specialness of the model as much as the artist. “We all have [unique qualities] inside of us. The individual is very important,” he says.

What’s in store for the future?

Should you find yourself in Pescara this winter, a selection of Mastrodascio's work will be on display at the MediaMuseum in December. www.mastrodascio.com 20

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Photo by Gregory Varano

ilvio Mastrodascio has amassed great acclaim over his decades as a sculptor, so you wouldn’t necessarily know that he only began to hone his craft in his thirties.

Born in Cerqueto, Abruzzo, in 1943, the young Mastrodascio would paint landscapes and the houses of his rural hilltop village, but when it was time for a university education, he enrolled in a more-practical-than-creative demography and statistics course in Rome. It wasn’t until after he moved to Toronto in October 1972 that he formally took up his oeuvre, enrolling in a weekend art class. “I discovered sculptures,” says Mastrodascio, “And I decided that clay was the means for me.”

Later on he attended night classes at the Ontario College of Art, graduating with honours in 1994.

ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

Antonio Caruso Revisiting Canada from an Italian perspective

By Sal Di Falco

Photo by Gregory Varano

B

orn in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, in 1951, Italian-Canadian sculptor and painter Antonio Caruso has been active on the Canadian art scene since 1982, when he first exhibited his work at the Thunder Bay National Exhibition Centre and Centre for Indian Art to public and critical acclaim. Since then he has become an important contributor to the cultural fabric of his adopted country, introducing Canadians to the technique of fresco and frescograffia – the latter his own technical innovation – and imparting his uniquely Italian perspective and aesthetic on historical Canadian figures such as St. Jean de Brebeuf and his Huron guide, Joseph Chihoatenhwa (bronze statues commissioned for the city of Vaughn). Indeed, Caruso considers his most important work the series of sculptures he created for the Canada Post, which were featured on Christmas stamps from 2008 through 2010. Caruso studied art at the Brera Fine Arts Academy of Milan and at the Carrarra Fine Arts Academy of Bergamo. From 1976 to 1987 he collaborated with Ghitta Hussar, director of the international arts magazine Valigia Diplomatica. After many visits and growing connections to Canada, Caruso decided to settle permanently in 1995, and currently resides in Vaughn, Ontario, with his family. Over the years, his work has been showcased in galleries, museums and churches across North America and in Europe.

Creative muse “It starts with observation,” Caruso states, “and is guided by the teachings of tradition. The eyes, noses, wrinkles, lips, chins, ears, hair – eternally human, as are bodies, hands, feet, arms, and legs. The eyes! In the eyes of these beings there is portrayed the story of us all.”

Cultural inspiration Caruso prides himself in his origins and background, and never ventures far from his cultural heritage, particularly the Renaissance. Although he has embraced Canada and has memorialized significant Canadian historical figures, he brings to them an unmistakably Italian perspective, one influenced by centuries of le belle arti.

Influences Caruso is an artist who evokes and echoes past masters such as Michelangelo and Canova, “A Venetian sculptor with excellent work in marble,” as he puts it, but his great mentor is Pietro Annigoni (1910-1988), a Renaissance-imbued artist who worked for many Royal houses including the Shah of Persia, and who became world famous after painting Queen Elizabeth II. “His church frescoes profoundly influenced me.”

Tools of the trade “I started sculpting as a boy,” Caruso says, and he was always drawn to the human figure, whether in fresco, sculpture, mosaic, or his own frescograffia.

“Frescograffia,” as he explains it, “utilizes a particular membrane to treat the canvas and serve as a ready surface for fresco.” He has also produced notable sculptures in bronze and marble, and uses a variety of painting, sculpting, and mosaic techniques.

Themes “Nowadays artists do not work with anatomy. It’s very difficult. Abstraction is easy, of course. But my work is focused on anatomy, both human and horses.”

What’s in store for the future?

Caruso has found Canada to be a fertile ground for his artistic development, and has numerous projects lined up. “I’m currently at work realizing a commissioned piece, St. George on horseback, life-sized, in wood. When the carving is finished I will then mould it in bronze.” www.antoniocaruso.com

St. George PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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Tony Romano Tony Romano is a mixed media artist who is equally comfortable creating sculptures as he is working with photography, installations, film and video. The versatile artist, who received his BFA from Emily Carr College of Art and Design, has explored themes related to the structures of storytelling, communication and languages. He has often drawn on elements from science, philosophy and pop culture to pose questions and raise issues about the nature of reality. Along with his many solo exhibitions, he has also partnered with fellow artist Jay Isaac, with whom he published an art and culture magazine, for duo exhibitions.

Tony Romano’s work has been exhibited throughout Canada and internationally. www.tonyromano.ca

I recline like a worker dreaming

Adam Colangelo Although Adam Colangelo experimented with a variety of mediums at the beginning of his artistic career, it was the scraps of copper he found in his grandfather’s garage workshop that turned his attention to the metal. Ever since then, copper has become the source of his artistic vision and through it he aims to express the beauty in life. By treating the material with heat and chemicals, Colangelo reveals its complexity through an array of highly reflective properties. His large-scale works, which use geometric shapes, are a play between randomness and order. The Toronto-based metalsmith has exhibited throughout Canada, the United States, and Japan. www.adamcolangelo.com

A Lifetime 22

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ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

Alfredo De Curtis Alfredo De Curtis, who was born in Naples, Italy, had a knack for drawing as a young boy. He went on to pursue his artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples when he was only 16 years old and from there he continued his studies in Florence and then in Milan. In 1968, he immigrated to Canada, and has made his home in Toronto ever since. The artist uses oil-based paints and sand to give his compositions a unique texture. The figures, places or objects at the centre of his compositions are expressed in muted tones that convey a dreamy, mysterious quality reminiscent of ancient wall frescoes. www.adecurtis.com

A Moment of Peace

Julie Campagna Bronze sculpture is a decades-old passion for artist Julie Campagna.

For the past 20 years, the sculptor has worked with bronze to create human, animal and hard-to-pindown forms that evoke everything from wonder, fear and even humour. Her artworks, which blend realistic elements with touches of fantasy and whimsy, are in private and corporate collections worldwide. Campagna has honed her craft in Toronto, where she was born and raised. She is a graduate of York University’s Visual Arts Program as well as the Ontario College of Art and Design. Campagna works, exhibits and teaches in her Queen Street West studio gallery. www.campagnabronze.com

Bag Lady

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ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

David, Quadra Island, BC

Vincenzo Pietropaolo Vincenzo Pietropaolo, who was born in Calabria, Italy, has carved out a career as an award-winning photographer who chronicles social issues throughout Canada and abroad.

With a celebrated body of work that spans more than 30 years, he is well-known for using his lens to document Italian immigrant life in Canada, in addition to other projects about health care, political protest and the labour movement. His work has been the subject of many exhibits, photo essays, and books, including Not Paved with Gold: Italian-Canadian Immigrants in the 1970s. The book focuses on the first generation of Italian-Canadians in Toronto who worked in labour-intensive jobs in the construction and garment industries. Canadian Geographic magazine has applauded his body of work and called him “one of Canada’s pre-eminent documentary photographers.” A major exhibition of Vincenzo Pietroapolo’s photographs will be included as part of the launch of Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which is set to open its doors in September. www.vincepietropaolo.com

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Bruno Billio Bruno Billio is an installation artist, sculptor and designer who’s been the artist-in-residence at Toronto’s Gladstone Hotel for the past seven years.

The versatile artist uses different mediums to transform everyday found objects including books, boxes and toys. He reinterprets them in sculptures that showcase how the ordinary can become extraordinary. His trademark sculpture consists of stacked random volumes of hardcover books that combine different colours, textures and subject matter. Billio, who was born and raised in Toronto to Italian parents, has said he finds inspiration through his dreams and everyday life. He has exhibited throughout Canada, the United States and internationally. www.brunobillio.com Yellow Black

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Gluten-Free

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Studio Reflection II

Maryanne Casasanta Toronto-based photographer and installation artist Maryanne Casasanta has said that photography is an essential part of her life and she likens it to keeping a visual journal of her life. Her photographs, which explore the relationship between interior and exterior spaces and objects, are inspired by endless influences including other art forms such as film and novels.

She often juxtaposes art with commonplace subjects and objects, which give the latter newfound importance. Her work has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and Canada including the Art Institute of Chicago and Toronto’s CONTACT Photography Festival.

Now available in Foodservice sizes. kg pail Case count: 2 x 3 kg

ingle serve Case count: 120 x 15 g

For more exciting recipe ideas and to learn more about Nutella® in foodservice, visit www.nutellafoodservice.ca or call TTS Marketing: (905) 677-2900. ©Ferrero 2014

www.maryannecasasanta.com PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

Bruno Capolongo Bruno Capolongo considers his art to be a creative journey. The artist, who is of Neapolitan descent, has travelled to Italy several times to study modern and old masters on his own. Beyond helping to expand his knowledge about art history, these trips to Italy also inspired him to create works that balance between contemporary and classical sensibilities. Always eager to explore his work from different perspectives, Capolongo uses different mediums and techniques in his creative process. His compositions, which vary from human figures to still lifes and landscapes, evoke feelings about human sensuality and spirituality. In his more than 20 years on the art scene, Capolongo has been featured in over 130 exhibitions. www.brunocapolongo.com

Pandora

Germinio Pio Politi Germinio Pio Politi is an Italian-born painter and sculptor who immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1980. His career, which spans more than 30 years, has included various exhibitions throughout Canada and Europe. Politi works with tempera and ink, among other materials, to manipulate colours and forms, and he is particularly fascinated by the human image. He has called his art an investigation into what it is to be human, and his compositions have revisited the theme of alienation in today’s technological society. As part of his artist statement, he writes, “I delight in finding the universe slippery enough to escape our mechanistic models.” www.gpoliti.com

Intelligent Companion 28

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ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

SERGIO BE NE T T I Sandra Tarantino Painter and sculptor Sandra Tarantino has shared her talent for art and encouraged community creativity through various initiatives, such as her role as cofounding director of AWOL Gallery and Studios, located on Queen Street West. Tarantino, who teaches children and youth in a variety of artistic mediums, has also taught many workshops throughout Toronto.

She is particularly interested in how form contributes to the aesthetic impact of her work. She uses wood as the physical base of her shaped forms and then covers it with painted canvas. Her work often focuses on how individuals relate to one another in contemporary society. www.sandratarantino.com

Warehouse

Business and formal men’s suits and jackets from the top Italian factories.

Our prices are simply unbeatable for the quality of merchandise we carry.

Nothing at Sergio’s is “cheap” – it’s just great value and it’s all made in Italy.

Buon Anniversario!

To celebrate our 40th anniversary in the fashion industry We are offering a special discount of $100.00 on either a Man’s suit or jacket.

Please present this voucher to Sergio upon arrival.

w w w. s e r g i o b e n e t t i . c o m Sergio Benetti 205 Spadina Ave (two short blocks north of Queen) Toronto, ON M5T 2C8 (416) 598-4831 Tuesdays through Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm (Closed every Monday) For private appointments, call Sergio at (416) 928-5080 PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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ITALIAN-CANADIAN ARTISTS

Giardini

Pietro Adamo Pietro Adamo’s abstract paintings record the often unpredictable and wondrous moments of life. He deliberately applies and then removes pigment in order to create textured surfaces and rough contours to transmit emotion and passion. The themes he explores through his works are very much related to what is happening in his life at the point of creation. He has been influenced by an array of art forms and artists, but is particularly inspired by three Canadian artists: Michael Snow, Tom Thomson and Guido Molinari.

Adamo, who worked as an art teacher at Chaminade College School in Toronto for more than 20 years, now devotes his time exclusively to his art, which can found in private and public collections throughout Asia, North America and Europe. www.artistpietroadamo.com

Sam Paonessa Landscapes and still lifes are the main focus of Sam Paonessa’s artworks. Whether the artist captures the essence of Canada’s picturesque Georgian Bay and Algonquin Provincial Park or the classical beauty of Italy, Paonessa is endlessly fascinated by the outside world. He balances time for his personal art with his career as a commercial artist; he has worked for Hallmark Canada for the past 27 years as a painter and illustrator.

His work is collected through North America and Europe, and he has two permanent collections at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa as well as the Centro d’Arte e Cultura in Roccamorice, Pescara, Italy.

Paonessa shares his love for art by teaching painting workshops across Ontario. www.sampaonessa.com

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Spreading Smiles at the Columbus Centre Salvatore Brancaccio likes to see people smile. The 87year-old says he just wants to make people happy during his almost daily visits to the Columbus Centre.

It’s what inspires his weekly Friday morning music performances in Caffè Cinquecento, where he plays mandolin for patrons with guitarist Ezio Cimicata and accordionist Bruno di Giovanni. It’s what inspired his creation of 18 stained glass panels that grace windows around the Columbus Centre. And it inspires him to encourage fellow gym-goers, many much younger than himself, to push a little harder.

Money never changes hands for these good acts, and that’s exactly how Salvatore wants it.

Like many immigrants to Canada, Salvatore, a native of Baselice, Italy, came here seeking a better life. A tin smith by trade, he landed his first job in Canada at Ford Motor Company and stayed there until retirement more than 30 years ago.

Since then, the Columbus Centre has become his home away from home.

“It’s like a big family,” Brancaccio says.

“It’s been a shelter for me, an inspiration.

I wouldn’t go any other place.”

It was at the Columbus Centre that a chance encounter led him to speed walking. He took it up with passion, winning many races and even becoming Canadian over-60 champion.

You can enjoy Brancaccio’s music every Friday at Caffè Cinquecento, from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

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Columbus Centre Dancers Soar to New Heights The Columbus Centre School of Dance capped its best season ever in May when it was named Top Studio at Kick it Up! in Collingwood.

The accolades, earned by the School’s Competitive Dance Company at its final competition of 2014, come on top of dozens of other individual and studio awards, cash prizes and scholarships over the past couple of years.

The awards are particularly impressive given the studio’s relatively small size, with 150 recreational and 37 competitive dancers.

Both the dancers and their instructors take pride in their achievements, as does Kathyrn Miles, the school’s new Artistic Director. For Miles, however, it’s not just about trophies. “Our most important contribution is offering youth the opportunity to explore and study this rich art form, whether at the recreational or competitive level,” she says.

To learn more about the Columbus Centre’s dance and other Cultural Arts programs, or to register, call 416-789-9011 x244 or x250, or email cultural@villacharties.com.

Gallery is hosting “An Invitation to Tuscany,” an exhibit of acrylic and watercolour paintings of the central Italian region.

The paintings, from a trip to Tuscany’s Chianti area by five Canadian artist friends, capture the sun-filled landscapes and rustic charm that makes the region a perennial tourist favourite. The artists – Carolyne Pascoe, Jenny Reid, Don Boutros, Linda Katocs and Pat McFarland – have won numerous awards for their paintings in juried shows.

If you can’t get to Italy this summer, “An Invitation to Tuscany” awaits you at the Carrier Gallery, located in the Columbus Centre. The exhibit runs to Aug. 25th.

This special section is published

by Villa Charities.

For more than 40 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided care for seniors, programs and support for individuals with physical and mental challenges, educational and cultural programs and much more.

The Villa Charities family includes Villa Colombo Services for Seniors, in both Toronto and Vaughan; apartments for independent seniors; the Columbus Centre, and the J.D. Carrier Art Gallery; and VITA Community Living Services/Mens Sana Families for Mental Health programs.

S P E C I A L

The natural and architectural beauty of Tuscany can now be experienced right here, in Toronto. Carrier

S E C T I O N

A Summer Visit to Tuscany … at the Carrier Gallery

For more information, please visit www.villacharities.com

For more information, visit www.villacharities.com/carrier PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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Donations Bring More Sunshine into Villa Colombo Two more sunrooms at Villa Colombo will soon be refurbished thanks to generous donations from Edward and Marisa Sorbara and the Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Renovations to the 3rd and 5th floor sunrooms, set to begin this fall, will provide more amenities for residents and enhance the popular spaces.

Each sunroom is tailored to the specific needs of residents on each floor: one offers espresso and space for chat, religion, entertainment and special celebrations; the other provides shorter-length sensory programs and sing-alongs. Both offer Italian specific programming.

The project follows the recent renovation of another Villa Colombo sunroom, made possible by a donation from the Harold E. Ballard Foundation.

We need your help today to make a difference in the lives of other Villa Colombo residents. Donations to renovate the 2nd and 4th floor sunrooms would put smiles on the faces of more seniors.

Please contact Jean Jarvis at jjarvis@villacharities.com or 416-789-7011 ext. 321.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Columbus Centre Athletics Catches New Wave in Health Care

Carrier Gallery exhibits An Invitation to Tuscany / Stevesart & Imagery (to Aug. 25) Howard Fox (Sept. 3-Oct. 6) Gerry Sevier (Sept. 4-Oct. 6) Karen Perlmutter (Sept. 9-Oct. 6) For information: 416-789-7011 ext. 300

The Columbus Centre Fitness Club

Ristorante Boccaccio Toscana Theme Dinner (Sept. 26) For reservations/information: 416-789-5555

Columbus Centre Athletics recently became home to one of Ontario’s first medical exercise facilities, operated by MedFit Rehab, a Canadian leader in the field.

Cultural Arts Department Fall/ Winter Programs Dance registration open now Music registration begins Aug. 5 416-789-7011 ext. 244/250 or cultural@villacharities.com Columbus Centre Athletics Club Fall/ Winter Programs Athletics registration begins Sept. 2 (members) & Sept. 4 (non-members) Aquatics registration begins Sept. 9 (members) & Sept. 11 (non-members) Contact: 416-789-7011 ext. 229 Columbus Centre Fall/Winter Program Guide Available mid-August at Columbus Centre & at villacharities.com

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The upcoming work on two Villa Colombo sunrooms will greatly improve the spaces, as demonstrated by the recent renovation of another sunroom, above.

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

has landed on the leading edge of a health care trend known as “medical exercise.”

This is a relatively recent innovation in managing and preventing chronic disease and injuries. The focus is exercise and nutrition to reduce pain and other symptoms from arthritis, diabetes and other conditions, while improving overall well-being.

“MedFit provides personalized support based on each client’s specific health and medical status, disease risk and diagnosed conditions,” says Jo-Ann James, MedFit Rehab CEO and Medical Exercise Specialist. “We want everybody to experience health and healing.”

Medical fitness services are growing in line with the increase in chronic health conditions, rising health care costs and growing demand for the prevention and treatment of lifestylerelated disease, illness and injury.

For more information, contact MedFit Rehab at 647-259-5481 or inquiry@medfitrehab.com. Or stop by the Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave. W.

Villa Charities Welcomes New Leaders at Villa Colombo and VITA/Mens Sana Villa Charities is pleased to welcome two new leaders. Tracy Villa Colombo VITA

Comeau has been appointed Executive Director of Services for Seniors, and Adam Smith is the new Executive Director of Community Living Services &

Mens Sana Families for Mental Health.

Comeau, a Registered Nurse and certified Gerontological Nurse, and Smith are both experienced professionals who are passionate about serving people with special needs.

“My nursing career began 28 years ago at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre working with Veterans,” Comeau says. “It was during this time I developed a passion for long-term care and continuous learning.”

Comeau adds, “I firmly believe it takes the dedication, knowledge and commitment of every employee to enhance the quality of life of our residents.”

Smith brings more than 15 years’ experience in community services to VITA, including extensive work with chronic addictions and mental health, developmental services, homelessness and other areas.

“The best work happens when you know that it's not just work, but something that will enhance other people's lives,” Smith says. “Over the years, VITA has proven that it has the talent, skill, resources, knowledge, perseverance, passion, fearlessness and champions for change. I can’t ask for a better foundation from which to start.”

Benvenuti, Tracy and Adam.

Keeping it Fresh at Ristorante Boccaccio

Chef Tom Quan and the Ristorante Boccaccio team are on a well-deserved break during the first three weeks of August as they plan new menus and prepare for a busy fall and winter.

As we approach the first anniversary of a major renovation, we take stock of traditions kept and broken. First, we broke with a 30-year “tradition” by creating a fresh, contemporary look for the restaurant.

Another tradition, however, remains unchanged: the authentic, simple Italian cooking we are best known for. Chef Tom has the skill to fulfill

that promise along with the youthful energy to add modern appeal.

When we reopen our doors on Aug. 25th, you will find new specials to round out the classic selections, all made with fresh local products in season. Knowing that wine is part of the Italian dining ritual, we will continue to offer high quality, affordable Italian wines.

We invite you to make Ristorante Boccaccio, located in the Columbus Centre, part of your dining tradition.

To learn more, visit www.boccaccioristorante.com or call (416) 789-5555 to make a reservation.

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Go to panoramitalia.com and click on “Living Italian Style” to submit your profile!

Giovanna Lisena

Francesco Muoio Nickname: Frankie Occupation: Archaeology and Italian student at the University of Toronto Age: 21 Generation: Second Dad from: Cerisano (Cosenza), Calabria Mom from: Zumpano (Cosenza), Calabria Speaks: English & Italian Raised in: Toronto

Nickname: J or JJ Occupation: Student at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus Age: 18 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Avellino, Campania Mom’s side from: Salemi (Trapani), Sicilia Speaks: English & Italian Raised in: Maple

Clothes: Zara shirt and pants Boutique: Quattro Designer: John Varvatos Fashion idol:

eventually ending the night off at Buonanotte for a drink.

Boutique:

Last time you went to Italy:

Italian saying or quote:

That’s Italy

July 2014

Designer:

Favourite Italian city:

Marcello Mastroianni Passion: Music and Italian culture Goal in life: To become a successful musician, have a big family and live in a villa on the Amalfi coast.

Pet peeve: People with no “voglia” Best caffè in Toronto: ZAZA

You know you are Italian when or if: September, October,

Dolce & Gabbana Monica Bellucci

Genova Best Italian song: Sarà perché ti amo by Ricchi e Poveri

Passion:

Italian soccer team:

All things Italian – Italy, Italian music, business, marketing, cooking, baking, and family!

Forza Napoli!

Goal in life: To make it to heaven.

How long have you been reading Panoram?

Thing about you that would surprise most people:

I have been a huge fan ever since it was first published.

I love to play soccer.

Pet peeve:

Most common name in your family:

When people butcher my name.

Vito (6) and Raffaele (4)

Best pizza in Toronto:

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian:

“Tutti i fiumi vanno al mare”.

and January are your busiest months of the year.

Favourite Italian city: Cosenza Musical preference: Coldplay

Best Italian song: Caruso by Lucio Dalla

San Francesco Foods

Italian soccer team: AC Milan Sexiest Italian: Monica Bellucci Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Watching a Serie A

Favourite aperitivo: Negroni Best nightclub in Toronto:

game on a Sunday morning at a bar on St. Clair West.

Buonanotte

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Waiting for

Best panino in Toronto:

Describe your ideal night out in Toronto: Taking a beautiful woman out for a light dinner at Terroni, followed by gelato and an espresso in Yorkville, and 36

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

the stories and gifts my nonni would bring each time they came back from their yearly trip to Italy.

Fashion idol:

Queen Margherita

You know you are Italian when or if: You would rather hang out with your nonni than people your age.

Sexiest Italian: Mariano Di Vaio

Every aspect of growing up Italian has been a blessing, and I am so thankful for that.

Photography by Gregory Varano

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Makeup by Desi Varano

Alexandra Liuni

Paul D'Abruzzo Nickname: Pauly, Dabruz Occupation: Real Estate Investment Advisor Age: 29 Generation: Second Dad from: Villa Santa Maria (Chieti), Abruzzo Mom from: Racale (Lecce), Apulia Speaks: English & Italian Raised in: Toronto & Vaughan Clothes: 7camiche dress-shirt, Guess jeans, Aldo shoes.

Boutique: 7 Camiche Designer: Hugo Boss Fashion idol: George Clooney Passion: Spending time with family and friends – they come first. Helping others realize their goals and dreams by investing in real estate.

Best nightclub in Toronto: Muzik

Italian saying: “Chi beve il vino, campa’ cent’anni”.

You know you are Italian when or if: You have a cantina.

Favourite Italian city: Florence Best Italian song: Parla Piu Piano by Gianni Morandi

Nickname: Ale, Alex, Allie Occupation: Graduate student, Health and Wellness professional, Sales associate at J.Crew Age: 25 Generation: Second Dad from: Montescaglioso (Matera), Basilicata Mom from: Torre Dei Nolfi (L’Aquila), Abruzzo Speaks: English, Italian, Spanish, Catalan & French Raised in: Oak Ridges, Aurora & Woodbridge Clothes: J.Crew blazer, blouse, shorts and accessories; Brian Atwood shoes.

Favourite Italian city:

Favourite designer:

Musical preference:

Riccardo Tisci

Bon Jovi and anything else from the ’80s

Fashion idol: Audrey Hepburn Favourite restaurant: Enoteca Sociale

Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Bonding with first gen-

Favourite dish: Burrata, tomatoes, arugula and fresh Italian bread

eration Italian chefs and servers at your favourite restaurants and being made to feel like family.

What you like most about Panoram: The magazine’s com-

La Vecchia

Italian soccer team: Inter Milan How long have you been reading Panoram? Since it first

Favourite dish:

arrived at my doorstep in 2012.

Best pizza in Toronto:

Nonna’s lasagna

What you like most about Panoram?

Best panino in Toronto:

Favourite restaurant:

Best pizza in Toronto: Nonna wins again.

Best caffè in Toronto: Rustic Bakery

Best panino in Toronto: California Sandwiches

Favourite aperitivo: Grappa Di Poli

The profiles about ItaliansCanadians are inspiring.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Learning at a young age about the massive impact our culture has made on the GTA.

Cala Gonone, Sardegna and Taranto, Puglia

Pizzeria Libretto Centro Trattoria e Formaggi on St. Clair West

Favourite Italian saying: “Un padre dà da vivere a cento figli e cento figli non riescono a far campare un padre”.

Last time you went to Italy: Summer of 2012

mitment to mixing classic and modern Italian culture in an effort to bridge the gap between old and new generations of fabulous Italians.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Not being afraid to admit to others that your Nonna is your best friend.

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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FASHION

1.

Shoe In

Transition from strolling the summer sands to pounding the pavement for fall

By Alessia Sara Domanico

As

painful as the thought may be, the one thing that often eases the pain of autumn onset is wardrobe renewal. The trick to turning over a new leaf is to start from the bottom up. For the ladies, it’s about sending those brightly pedicured toes back into hibernation, first with a pair of flats, gradually progressing into heels and then ankle boots. For the gents, it’s as simple as wearing socks with the same loafers you’ve been rocking on the patios all summer long before trading those in for more structured calfskin loafers and a pair of slick sneakers for evenings and weekends.

But being that we are still at a crossroads, here’s a look at which hot summer looks to snag (maybe even on sale!) and bust out again for estate 2015…and the first fall footwear investments you should make come late August/early September.

Gals: Gladiator sandals, ballerinas and heels (a little and a lot) Starting with the sunshine, the trends that ruled this summer touched on colour, height and hardware. We were spoilt for choice when it came to hues – there were the neon pinks, blues, yellows and greens prevalent at the likes of Valentino, Tory Burch and Dior. Then we had jewel-toned sandals and classic earth tones from Manolo Blahnik and Mulberry. Height-wise there were three categories: flat on the ground, the slightest height and sky high. Flatly speaking the major highlights were penny loafers and ballerina flats from Dior and Steve Madden and pretty trainers from Stella McCartney for Adidas. Sober, yet sexy Hugo Boss kicked off in the added height department with black strappy sandals with just the right amount of heel. Onwards and upwards, Salvatore Ferragamo is proposing reptile, pointy and opened-toed incentives, the pointy-toe heels being a good segway into fall as they enclose the foot and still don’t require a thick stocking. Hardware-wise, one can never tire of Tory Burch’s emblematic plating on the tops of her ballerinas while Michael Kors pairs a chunky gold buckle around the ankle straps of open and closed-toe wedges (another great transition shoe).

Once in September, good starters are shoes that follow summer trends with an autumn attitude: colourful lace-ups, like those from Fratelli Rossetti, ballerinas with transparent sections that still show a bit of the foot as seen from Christian Louboutin and ankle boots that are crafted in leathers rather than suedes or heavier materials, with a decidedly lighter tone whether it be their colour, a graphic print or a cigarette-thin heels as seen at Stuart Weitzman.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

FASHION

Guys: Suede slip-ons, dapper sneakers and back-to-business lace-ups Never underestimate the power of a good trainer: running shoes are stylish and effortless, especially solid white or black leather styles from brands like Ports 1961 and Lacoste. They can also be worn in both the summer and fall, making them a good fixture in your weekly roundup. And while suede is too wintry for the ladies, it works great for you guys during summer and fall when the shoe is worn in a faded and washed hue with a beige-coloured sole. Another easy way to turn a summer shoe into a fall one is merely with the addition of socks. Ports 1961 champions the loafer sans socks with a thin pant, so take those brown leather dress shoes from summer, throw a pair of socks on and head to the office. Ankle boots are the definitive piece you’ll need to top up your fall look as they can be worn for work tucked under your trousers or out to the bar, with your jeans tucked into them. Look for shoes that stand out a bit more with nicer fabrics – this is your last chance to wear them before the cool really sets in and you run the risk of damaging them in puddles and on salt-laced sidewalks.

L E G E N D

7.

1. Salvatore Ferragamo 2. Christian Louboutin 3. Manolo Blahnik 4. Le Château by Anne B. 5. Nicholas Kirkwood 6. H&M 7. Fratelli Rossetti 8. Hugo Boss 9. Fratelli Rossetti 10. Alberto Guardiani

10.

8.

9.

PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

39

CALABRIA

CALABRIA

Capo Vaticano beach

Dossier curated by Francesca Spizzirri All photos of Calabria courtesy of Fototeca ENIT

C

alabria is a magnificent land with hundreds of miles of striking coastline, lush high mountains, picturesque villages, pristine beaches, azure waters, warm climate and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. It is a slice of the ‘real’ Italy steeped in old-world traditions and is the perfect place to experience an authentic Italian holiday.

The beautiful region of Calabria is located in the “toe” of Italy’s boot. The small peninsula is bordered to the north by the region of Basilicata and lapped by the Ionian Sea to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. It is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina.

The region’s captivating landscape, both coastal and inland, is filled with rocky cliffs and mountains rising up from the sea. Mountainous hinterland covers most of Calabria’s inland and is filled with remote villages that appeal to nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the region’s unspoiled three national parks: the Pollino in the north, the Sila in the centre, and the Aspromonte in the south. The region’s lowlands are an aromatic medley of bergamot plantations and lemon groves.

The cradle of Magna Graecia – Latin for Great Greece – Calabria was an important and strategic fragment of the Greek Empire. It is a land of ancient settlements filled with archeological sites, castles, palaces, marvelous churches, paintings, relics and artefacts like the famous Bronzes of Riace that serve as a reminder of the region’s more illustrious past. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Swabian and Aragonese are among the many settlements that make up Calabria’s fascinating history and enrich its artistic and cultural heritage.

Calabria’s pristine beaches, surrounded by glorious cliffs, caves, and crystal clear waters, continues to be its star attraction, especially during the warm summer months when the region’s coastal towns burst to life with tourists on both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

The region’s Mediterranean cuisine is immensely popular and is a fine balance between meat-based dishes and fish and vegetables, particularly eggplant. Its dishes are simple but sublime, and have been shaped by the culinary traditions of conquering cultures. A fundamental ingredient is Calabria’s unofficial symbol, the famous peperoncino (chili pepper). The seaside town of Diamante even hosts an annual festival each September in its honour.

Calabria is subdivided into five provinces: Cosenza, Crotone, Catanzaro (the regional capital), Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria. The region is host to hundreds of music and food festivals all year long that celebrate the region’s unique beauty and history. The reasons to visit Calabria are many. It is a unique land with a fusion of cultural and culinary traditions that will excite you time and again. So what are you waiting for? Calabria awaits you!

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La

Calabria è una terra magica con centinaia di chilometri di costa affascinante, montagne lussureggianti, paesini pittoreschi, spiagge incontaminate, acqua azzurra, clima mite e cucina mediterranea da acquolina in bocca. È una fetta di “vera” Italia immersa in antiche tradizioni ed è il luogo ideale per vivere un’autentica vacanza italiana.

La bellissima regione della Calabria è situata sulla “punta” dello stivale. La piccola penisola confina a Nord con la Basilicata ed è bagnata dal Mar Ionio ad Est e il Mar Tirreno ad Ovest. È separata dalla Sicilia dallo Stretto di Messina.

L'incantevole paesaggio della regione, sia costiero che dell’entroterra, è pieno di promontori rocciosi e montagne a picco sul mare. L'entroterra montagnoso, riveste gran parte dell'interno della Calabria, è costellato da antichi paesini che attirano gli appassionati di natura che amano esplorare gli incontaminati parchi nazionali della regione: il Pollino a Nord, la Sila al centro, e l’Aspromonte a Sud. Le pianure della regione sono un misto di campi di bergamotto e limoneti.

Culla della Magna Grecia – dal latino “la Grande Grecia”– la Calabria era un centro importante e strategico dell’impero della Grecia. È terra di antiche dominazioni, ricca di siti archeologici, castelli, palazzi, chiese meravigliose, dipinti, relitti e reperti come i famosi Bronzi di Riace, testimonianza di un più illustre passato della regione. Greci, Romani, Bizantini, Normanni, Svevi ed Aragonesi furono tra i tanti dominatori che hanno reso la storia della Calabria affascinante, arricchendone il patrimonio storico-culturale.

Le spiagge incontaminate della Calabria, circondate da splendide scogliere, grotte ed acqua cristallina, continuano ad essere la principale attrazione, soprattutto durante i caldi mesi estivi quando le città costiere della regione esplodono di vita grazie ai turisti, sia sul versante ionico che tirrenico.

La cucina mediterranea della regione è molto popolare ed è un equilibrio perfetto tra piatti a base di carne, pesce e verdure, in particolar modo di melanzane. I piatti tipici regionali sono semplici ma deliziosi e sono influenzati dalle varie culture dominatrici. Ingrediente fondamentale e simbolo non ufficiale della Calabria è il famoso peperoncino. La città costiera di Diamante ogni anno a settembre ospita addirittura un festival in suo onore.

La Calabria è suddivisa in cinque province: Cosenza, Crotone, Catanzaro (capoluogo di regione), Vibo Valentia e Reggio Calabria. La regione ospita centinaia di festival di musica e gastronomia durante tutto l’anno per celebrare la bellezza unica e la storia della regione. I motivi per visitare la Calabria sono molteplici. È una terra unica con un misto di tradizioni culturali e culinarie che vi entusiasmeranno ogni volta. Quindi, cosa aspettate? La Calabria vi attende!

CALABRIA FUN FACTS • Calabria is one of the oldest regions in Italy with the first evidence of human presence dating as far back as 700,000 years BC. • The name derives from the Latin Brutium.

• The name “Italia” was in fact first given to Calabria in honour of its king Italo.

• The region covers 15,080 km2 and has a population of about 2 million.

• Calabria is often referred to as the Caribbean of Europe for its beautiful beaches and warm climate.

• La Sila is among Europe's greatest and vastest woodlands.

• Nowhere in the world does the bergamot tree, the essential oil and key ingredient in beauty products and Earl Grey tea, flourish as successfully as in Reggio Calabria.

• Calabria produces one-third of Italy's olive oil.

• Calabria is second after Sicily in the production of oranges, figs, and cedri limes.

• Cosenza occupies 44.1% of the surface of Calabria.

Getting to & around Calabria There are two airports in Calabria. One is the International Airport of Lamezia Terme-Sant'Eufemia – that has nonstop flights during high season offered through Air Transat, and connecting flights from Italian and European cities yearlong. The other is Svincolo in Reggio Calabria that can be reached through connecting flights from most Italian cities. Calabria is also easily accessible by train, bus or car.

Once in Calabria, it is highly recommend that you rent a car or hire a driver since the region’s public transportation is not always reliable. Also, it’s important to note that many of the region’s most beautiful places are reachable only by car.

Another suggestion is to hire a reputable tour operator who knows the area and is able to provide you with a customized tour, itinerary, guide or driver.

NOTIZIE INTERESSANTI

• La Calabria è una delle regioni più antiche d'Italia con le prime tracce di presenza umana risalenti al 700.000 AC • Il suo nome deriva dal latino Brutium.

• Il nome “Italia” fu dato per primo alla Calabria in onore del suo re Italo.

• La regione copre 15.080 km2 ed ha una popolazione di circa 2 milioni di persone.

• La Calabria è spesso definita i Caraibi dell'Europa per le sue splendide spiagge e clima mite.

• La Sila è tra i boschi più grandi e vasti d'Europa.

• In nessun’altra parte del mondo il bergamotto, olio essenziale e ingrediente chiave per prodotti estetici e per il tè Earl Grey, fiorisce così bene come a Reggio Calabria.

• La Calabria produce un terzo dell'olio d'oliva in Italia.

• La Calabria è seconda, dopo la Sicilia, nella produzione di arance, fichi e cedri.

• Cosenza occupa il 44.1% della superficie della Calabria.

Come arrivare e spostarsi in Calabria In Calabria ci sono due aeroporti. Uno è l'aeroporto internazionale di Lamezia Terme -Sant'Eufemia – che offre voli diretti durante l'alta stagione operati da Air Transat, e voli di collegamento con altre città italiane ed europee durante tutto l'anno. L'altro è quello Svincolo a Reggio Calabria raggiungibile attraverso voli in coincidenza dalla maggior parte delle città italiane. La Calabria è anche raggiungibile via treno, pullman o macchina.

Una volta in Calabria è altamente consigliato affittare una macchina o assumere un autista dato che i trasporti pubblici della regione non sono molto affidabili. Inoltre, è da notare che la maggior parte delle località più belle della regione è raggiungibile solo in macchina.

Un altro consiglio è quello di affidarsi a un tour operator di rispetto che conosca bene la zona e sia in grado di offrire giri e itinerari personalizzati, guide o autisti.

(Translation by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo) Calabrian coastline

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VIBO VALENTIA

Archaeological Museum that houses one of the most precious finds from the Hellenic past: the Laminetta Aurea, a golden lamina bearing the oldest Orpheus text found in Italy.

Throughout the centuries, Vibo Valentia was under the rule of many settlements. The Brutti, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantine, and Swabians have all left their imprint on this province, established as such in 1992.

The city of Vibo Valentia serves as the capital city of the province and overlooks the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia. Its skyline is dominated by the ancient Norman Castle and the bell tower of San Michele. Its medieval historic centre is well maintained and showcases streets paved in vast lava rocks and yellow tuff monumental buildings.

The province is an agricultural, commercial and tourist centre with major ports located in Tropea, Vibo Marina, Nicotera and Pizzo. From these ports, you can watch fisherman returning from sea and then buy fresh fish

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xtending over the Tyrrhenian Coast and through the Serre mountains is a little peninsula known as Vibo Valentia a land whose spectacular panoramic views span from iridescent sapphire waters, to lush hills covered in lemon and olive groves.

Vibo Valentia is located in the middle of the southern heart of Calabria and is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, Catanzaro to the north and west, and Reggio Calabria to the south. In total, the province is made up of 50 municipalities.

Deeply rooted in history, the province was originally the Greek colony of Hipponion until 192 AD. It was founded by the powerful Locri and part of the Magna Graecia. On this land once stood the Hipponion acropolis, considered one of the ancient wonders with 300 columns made of alabaster and granite. Around 1000 AD, Emperor Frederick II built the impressive Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle on this site. Today, it plays host to the State

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CALABRIA

Piedigrotta Church, Pizzo

directly from their boats, or take mini-cruises to explore the nearby Aeolian Islands. There are also numerous large manufacturing industries, including the tuna district, that are vital to the local economy.

The hinterland is dominated by the Serre Massif, thick forests, wide valleys, and the organic farm district of the Poro plateau that has been cultivated solely by the hands of local farmers. There’s also hillside vineyards, olive groves, scented lemon and orange groves, as well as cane fields. A wonderful way to explore this varying landscape is by trekking, hiking, biking or on horseback. The province is also a favorite of birdwatchers.

Without a doubt, the prized jewel of the region is its coast, comprised of seaside towns and beaches swathed by warm Mediterranean breezes. Its cobalt blue waters, white sand beaches, cliffs, coves, grottos and stunning coastline are so magnificent that the Ancient Greeks named this region La Costa degli Dei (the Coast of the Gods).

This pocket of paradise, from Pizzo to Nicotera, is perfectly situated

City of Vibo Valentia

between Gioia Tauro Gulf to the south and Sant’Eufemia Gulf to the north.

The dramatic rocky cliffs rising up against a sunlit sea of blue below is not a scene you will soon forget – its beauty is rivaled by Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. If you’re fortunate, on a clear day you can see as far as Aetna and the Aeolian Isles.

All over the region, medieval buildings, monuments, interesting archeological sites and churches await you. Certosa di Serra San Bruna, the Church of St. Pietro in Ripas, and the Church of St. Demetrio are a few worth noting. There’s also St. Leonardo's cliff, Villa Braghò, and the islet of Santa Maria where the Sanctuary of St. Maria dell' Isola is located.

The gastronomical delights of Vibo Valentia are abundant, but among their prized possessions are the famous sweet red onions of Tropea, the tartufo gelato of Pizzo, ‘Nduja of Spilinga (a tender salami), fileja (handmade, fresh egg pasta rolled in long braids) as well as tuna fish, marmalades, olive oil, chestnuts, mushrooms, and we can’t forget the fresh seafood that arrives daily from local fishermen.

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REGGIO CALABRIA J

ust two miles from Sicily, across the Straits of Messina, lies the Province of Reggio Calabria, a seaside idyll with violet beaches that is home to the picturesque fishing village of Scilla, the National Park of Aspromonte and the famed Riace Bronzes, some of the world’s finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture.

Reggio Calabria is located at the tip of Italy’s “toe,” overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the south and east. It extends to the borders of Catanzaro in the northeast and Vibo Valentia in the northwest.

Because of its ideal location across the Straits of Messina, it is the launching point for ferries to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. The region’s three ports at Gioia Tauro (the seventh largest in Europe), Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni make it a main centre for commerce.

The province has 97 municipalities and is a combination of sea and mountain. Its terrain is characterized by thick woods, centuries-old torrents and over-

hanging coastal cliffs. Nature lovers will admire the Fogliatelle Waterfalls in Samo and the stunning Marmarico waterfalls in Bivongi, among the highest and most evocative in Italy.

Most of Reggio Calabria is formed by the strikingly dramatic National Park of Aspromonte that rises like a giant pyramid inland. A popular holiday and ski resort is Gambarie di Aspromonte. Its highest peak, Montalto, reaches 2,000 metres and is dominated by a giant bronze statue of Christ that offers extensive views of the sea and of Calabria and Sicily.

Once known as Calabria Ulteriore Prima, this land of Greek, Roman, Norman, Angevins and Aragonese settlements was ravaged by a series of earthquakes (the most recent in 1908), and a terrible plague that have shaped the region. Here, art and culture come together in a series of symbols, traditions and religious events like the Festa Della Madonna della Consolazione (Reggio Calabria’s Patron Saint), and the Festa della Madonna dell’Alto Mare in Palmi.

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CALABRIA On the Tyrrhenian coast lies the region’s famed Costa Viola (Violet Coast) named because of the purple hues reflected in its warm waters. It’s a favourite of snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as well as a great location for nature walks. Palmi, a beach and mountain town, signals the beginning of the Costa Viola. Its location and beauty has led writers and poets to call it the “Terrace on the Strait of Messina.” Further south is the Pearl of Costa Viola, the charming fishing village of Scilla made famous in Homer’s Odyssey; its beautiful beachfront is overlooked by the 11th century Ruffo Castle where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Reggio Calabria is the capital of the province and home to the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral, and the Archaeological Museum that houses the world-famous Bronzi di Riace. The city’s scenic promenade, embellished with flowerbeds, is described by Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio as being “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.”

Other sites of interest in the province are the Saracen Tower in Bagnara, the archaeological remains of the Marasà, and the ancient temples in Locri; scattered across an olive grove they remain relatively unbeknownst to tourists. There’s also the impressive byzantine church of Stilo, as well as the archaeological area and archaic necropolis of Pietra in Gioia Tauro. You can then head over to the Ionian coast and enjoy the lovely beaches of Siderno Marina.

The dishes of Reggio are simple yet pungent with hot pepper being a key ingredient. Cured meats are a staple, as are pork, lamb and wild boar. Try the mursiellu (a stew of tripe and organ meats cooked with peppers and tomatoes flavoured with wine). Once cooked it is stuffed into a “pitta”, a name that recalls ancient Greek flat bread. Its close proximity to the sea means tuna, swordfish, and mustica (also known as rosamarina) are also on the menu.

In the dessert department, try the fried turtiddi, reminiscent of the Sicilian cicerchiata (made with white flour, honey, Moscato wine, cinnamon, orange peel and juice). Reggio Calabria’s province is essentially an agricultural area known for its production of olive oil, wine and citrus fruits. Don’t forget to finish your meals with the region’s digestive bergamot liqueur, as this is the only region in the world where bergamot is cultivated.

Lungomare Falcomatà, Reggio Calabria

Aragonese castle, Reggio Calabria

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Labirintite

Translettera

Photography by Franco Storti

Simboli e Dialogo Rabarama e il lungomare Falcomatà Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

N

el 2007 il meraviglioso lungomare Falcomatà si è trasformato in dimora fissa per tre sculture di Rabarama, già esposte durante una mostra a Villa Genoese Zerbi di Reggio Calabria, accogliendole e rendendole parte integrante di un tessuto urbano già splendido.

Le opere di Rabarama, apprezzate a livello internazionale, evidenziano la costante indagine sull’individuo attraverso figure umanoidi spesso colorate e ricoperte da simboli e lettere come tatuaggi. Devono suscitare “un momento di stupore all'interno di un percorso quotidiano” instaurando un dialogo con chi ne usufruisce.

Con Costellazione, Trans-Lettera e Labirintite ci si imbatte in tre bellissime figure scelte, secondo Rabarama, anche con la “…volontà di impreziosire lo storico lungomare con delle opere moderne ma non stridenti con l'estetica del luogo e le sue armonie...”

Persino la scelta del bronzo risulta azzeccata. Rabarama, che per Firenze ha successivamente optato per il marmo, ha anche spiegato che le tre riflet-

tono la natura di “una città fatta di colori intensi, così solare ed accogliente come Reggio Calabria”. Del resto, essendo a pochi passi dai famosissimi Bronzi di Riace, “la presenza del bronzo dipinto ben si inserisce in un contesto in cui alla storia della scultura classica si unisce la policromia sulla superficie/pelle delle figure…”

L’approccio nel contempo vivace e gentile dell’artista riesce perfettamente nell’impresa di farsi accogliere da un nuovo ambiente, instaurando quel dialogo tanto ricercato. “Basti vedere quante persone si fotografano con le sue opere sullo sfondo”, afferma il critico d’arte Luca Beatrice.

Dalle parole di Rabarama emerge un grande senso di rispetto per i luoghi in cui le sue “creature” vanno a inserirsi, assieme al desiderio di non imporsi mai in modo irruente. Scrivendo delle sculture, infatti, lei stessa afferma che non devono “diventare invadenti rispetto all'ambiente che le circonda. […] Deve essere una convivenza, un dialogo e non un "grido"”. www.rabarama.com

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CALABRIA

Catanzaro K

nown as the “Land of Two Seas,” Catanzaro offers scenic vistas over the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. It is home to the Viadotto Morandi Bridge, one of the tallest in Europe, and the Isthmus of Catanzaro, the narrowest point on the entire Italian peninsula, as well as immaculate beaches and historic architecture.

The Province of Catanzaro is bordered by Cosenza in the north, Crotone in the northeast, Reggio Calabria in the south and Vibo Valentia in the southwest. It was once the largest province in Calabria until the 1990s when its territory was divided to form the new provinces of Vibo Valentia and Crotone. The province currently has 76 municipalities.

Like the rest of Calabria, Catanzaro was part of Magna Graecia and bears evidence of Roman, Saracen, Byzantine and Norman rule. You may be surprised to discover that the name Italia was first attributed to the inhabitants of Catanzaro who the Greeks called “Italoi”, referring to King Italo.

Under the Emperor Augustus, the entire region of Calabria was called Italia, a name eventually given to the rest of the peninsula.

The capital is famed for its production of fine silk, velvet and brocade worn

by Popes and noble families across Europe for generations. Sights to see include the Catanzaro Cathedral that houses a beautiful painting of the Madonna and Child, the Norman Tower, the wonderful gardens of Villa Trieste, and the Provincial Museum in Villa Comunale where you can view an important collection of antique coins from Magna Graecia as well as archaeological remains. At the end of Corso Massini you will find the viewpoint “Belvedere” that offers panoramic vistas that sweep across the Fiumarella Valley and the Gulf of Squillace.

The most famous area of the province is situated between Catanzaro and Soverato, in the centre of the Gulf of Squillace. Here, spectacular granite cliffs alternate with long, white sandy beaches overlooking a brilliant sea. In the summer months, these seaside villages are filled with tourists and locals who come to lounge on the gorgeous beaches by day and go dancing by night.

History lovers should not miss the Scolacium Archaeological Park in Roccelletta di Borgia, facing the Gulf of Squillace. Here lay the remains of the pre-Roman settlement of Skylletion, which consists of ancient streets,

Catanzaro Marina

Pointe Morandi, Catanzaro

Catanzaro’s picturesque landscape is surrounded by the Sila Mountains in the north and the Serre Calabresi Mountains in the south. In the Sila National Park you can enjoy skiing, trekking, mountain biking and climbing according to the season, as well as visits to the lovely villages of Cortale, Taverna, and Tiriolo that boasts a medieval castle and scenic views over both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.

The central part of the province is formed by the Isthmus of Catanzaro, a narrow strip of land that runs across the land joining two coasts, the Gulfs of Squillace and of Sant’Eufemia. It is the narrowest part on the entire Italian peninsula. On the higher ground around the town of Marcellinara you can take in the scenic view of both seas simultaneously.

Rising on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Squillace is the city of Catanzaro, the capital of Catanzaro Province, as well as all of Calabria. The city is divided into two parts by the Fiumarella Valley. The two sections are connected by the Viadotto Morandi Bridge. This massive concrete steel bridge has become a famous landmark as it is one of the tallest bridges in Europe. Photography and architecture enthusiasts should definitely not miss it.

aqueducts, a mausoleum, a theatre and an amphitheater, evidence of this ancient coastal city’s rich and prosperous past.

Catanzaro is also home to Lamezia Terme International Airport, located in the Sant’Eufemia district of the same name. The airport is situated within a stone’s throw of the Tyrrhenian coast; an area filled with lovely villages and magnificent beaches.

When it comes to food, Catanzaro’s cuisine is characterized by basic ingredients like olive oil, peperoncino (hot chili pepper) and whole wheat bread.

Specialties include pasta chyna (pasta filled with provolone cheese, boiled eggs, soppressata, meat sauce and grated cheese); ciambrotta (pasta dressed with fried eggs and pecorino cheese); the popular u murzeddhu (tripe cooked in a spicy sauce and served in a pitta, a typical local round-shaped focaccia bread); and stigghiole (entrails of kid, veal or pork cooked with tomatoes, vegetables and chili peppers).

For dessert, try the delicious crocette (dry figs filled with nuts, cinnamon and candied cedar cooked in the oven). Pair them with a glass of local Malvasia wine and your taste buds will thank you!

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CALABRIA

Crotone F

rom crystal clear marine protected waters to ancient temples and archeological sites to DOC wine and famed Crotonese cheese, Crotone is a province rich in nature and history overlooking the Ionian Sea. The Province of Crotone was established in 1992 by a territory division belonging to the province of Catanzaro that now borders it on the southwest and Cosenza on the northwest. It is home to 27 municipalities. Its historical blueprint includes Magna Graecia, the Byzantine Empire, the Saracens, the Normans and the Kingdom of Naples.

Montagnella Park with the Giglietto Valley, the peak of the Pizzuta Mountain, and the National Park of the Sila form the provincial territories. Here, river trekking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, bird-watching, and photography are just some of the excursions and experiences that await you. And on Lake Ampollino, you can canoe or paddle-boat too.

This solitary column creates a vital landmark for sailors. A few meters away, in the medieval Torre Nao, is the town’s Antiquarium Museum. In Capo Rizzuto there’s the Aquarium, the castle ruins and the walls of the fortified town, the Church of St Marco and the Cathedral. The ancient Aragonese Castle in Le Castella offers panoramic views for you to enjoy.

The most famous product to come out of Crotone is the DOC wine of Cirò that you should accompany with a slice of pecorino crotonese (a cheese made with local sheep’s milk) and a piece of their Cutro bread (made with durum wheat), so good Italy's northern regions sell it too. Other foods to be enjoyed with a glass of Cirò are the local delicacies like soppressata and sardella (also known as rosamarina – the caviar of the poor). Pipi e patati are another typical dish (sweet peppers and potatoes sautéed with garlic and olive oil).

Aragonese fortress, Le Castella, Island of Capo Rizzuto

On the Ionian Coast you can begin by visiting Cirò, renowned for its DOC wine. The city is located on a hill dominating Punta Alice, around the remains of the Carafa Feudal Castle. Its ancient village is filled with religious monuments, historical residences, palaces and other sites for you to admire.

One of the most popular destinations on the Ionic coast of Calabria is Cirò Marina. Famous for its spectacular waters, Cirò Marina is home to important cultural and archaeological sites such as the ruins of Apollo’s temple on exhibit in the town’s Archaeological Museum. The centre of town is surrounded by orange groves, vineyards and olive groves.

The Province’s capital Crotone is divided into the old and new city.

According to Ovid’s legend, the city owes its name to Hercules, who built the city as a memorial to repent for accidentally injuring to death his friend Crotone.

Among the most renowned sites are the Cathedral and the 16th century Castle of Charles. Next to the castle is the city’s National Archaeological Museum that exhibits many important and precious artisan works of the ancient Kroton, foremost among them Hera’s treasure. Along the fortified walls of the castle lies the historic city centre with its noble palaces, visible in the old city. Be sure to stroll through the Pescharia District filled with historic buildings.

It's worth taking a trip inland to the spectacular mountaintop town of Santa Severina located on a rocky cliff, 1,070 feet above sea level, in the centre of the Neto River Valley. The town is dominated by a Norman castle whose imposing four towers can be admired from every corner of the valley. It is also home to a beautiful Byzantine church.

Farther down the Ionian coast lie the beautiful light blue and emerald green waters of the province’s Marine Protected Area of Capo Rizzuto, the most extensive in Italy, with 36 kilometers of coast. It is one of the most fascinating areas of the Mediterranean Sea, comprised of eight promontories between the Coast of Capo Donato and the area of Le Castella that can be discovered aboard a sail boat from the port at Le Castella. This reserve is home to a myriad of marine life and a variety of superb sea beds that you can explore with a number of itineraries both on and under the sea, perfect for diving and nature enthusiasts. Surprisingly though, this natural oasis remains relatively undiscovered, though a recent influx of coastal resorts suggests that’s about to change.

Exploring the protected area, you will find many ancient relics and historical splendours to discover. In Capo Colonna there’s the only remaining Doric column, the last of 48 columns of the famous temple dedicated to the goddess Hera Lacinia.

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Cosenza C

alabria’s officially declared “City of Art” is a cultural, historical and artistic hub characterized by mountains, valleys, hills and hundreds of miles of spectacular coast.

Cosenza’s magnificent landscape is incredibly diverse and runs from the Tyrrhenian shores in the west to the Ionian coast in the east, from the Pollino mountain range in the north to the Sila plateau. It is one of the most populated provinces in Italy with 155 municipalities occupying 44% of Calabria, in essence the whole northern and central part of the region.

Steeped in history dating back to prehistoric times, Cosenza’s roots can be traced to the Magna Grecia, Romans, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese and Spaniards. This rich history is reflected in local traditions, architecture, culture, and celebrations like Montalto Uffugo's Saracen Festival that unites the past and present. The province is also home to many Albanian communities who still speak the language to this day.

Rising above the confluence of the Busento and Crati rivers, on the seven hills, is the capital city of Cosenza that bears its name. It is one of the most ancient cities in Calabria. According to legend, the Goth king Alaric was buried with all his magnificent treasures in the bed of the Busento River. Here too, in the Duomo (Calabria’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site), is the mausoleum of Isabella of Aragon who died after falling from her horse on the way home from the Eighth Crusade.

The city’s picturesque old town, known to locals as “Cosenza vecchia,” cascades down to the river Crathis and sits in the shadow of the 13th-century Norman castle. Its historical centre is one of the best preserved in Italy with a labyrinth of streets that wind around beautifully renovated palaces, medieval piazzas and old craft shops. A great place to enjoy views of the city and surrounding mountains is the ancient castle in Piazza Frederico II. The modern part of the city lies to the north, beyond the Busento, and is where you will find the famed Corso Mazzini. This charming pedestrian street is lined with beautiful boutiques, cafés and restaurants, and is also the location of the Bilotti Open-Air Museum. Here, you can enjoy a stroll to purchase all your

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Old Cosenza

favourite Italian designer goods while gazing at impressive modern art sculptures.

Cosenza is known as the “Athens of Italy” because of its rich historical and artistic heritage. The Cosentina Academy, for example, is one of the oldest in Europe and promotes culture, artists and scientists. There are also numerous libraries and theatres, like the traditional Teatro A. Rendano, that host year-long theatrical events. The University of Calabria is also located here.

The entire province is a cultural hub and offers an incredible palette for art lovers to explore. In Cosenza, the Brettii Museum and the Museum of the Rimembranze are a must-see. It’s also worth visiting the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Rossano and Praia a Mare’s museum of contemporary art.

A drive along the Tyrrhenian coast will take you to Diamante, nicknamed the City of Murals; it is one of the country’s most artistically inspiring cities with more than 200 colourful murals that grace the walls of this pretty seaside town.

The tradition began in the 1900s by artists who could not afford canvas and began painting on the town walls. In 2008, project Muralespanso was launched and now attracts international artists who paint new works of art.

The variety of landscapes in Cosenza provides the perfect backdrop for numerous outdoor sports and activities. Its close proximity means you could start your day rafting and canoeing in the massif of Pollino, then wind surf, water ski or swim on the coast, to finally hike and camp in the Sila National Park, all within an hour’s drive. It’s also worth noting that the Sila is one of the last great stretches of European forest still intact and a favourite ski destination in winter months.

All along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts, enchanting seaside villages like Scalea, Diamante, Cetraro, Amantea and Cariati grace the coastline. There are also numerous waterparks and beach resorts equipped with loungers and umbrellas. For the devout, a visit to the coastal town of Paola to visit the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola is a must. The sanctuary is situated above the town and is a place of pilgrimage from throughout Southern Italy, especially Calabria, of which St. Francis is the patron saint.

When it comes to food, the Province of Cosenza has many culinary specialties. There’s tijeddra (pasta and potatoes), lagane e ciciari (thick tagliatelle and chickpeas), fried potatoes and pipareddre (peppers), as well as fried cod, and spaghetti with anchovies and fried breadcrumbs.

In the sweet department, try the cuddrurieddri (salted doughnuts), the turididdri (pastries covered with figs and honey), the scaliddre (sugar-glazed pastries), and the mostaccioli (focaccia bread made with honey or figs, mulled wine, flour and almonds). We recommend accompanying your dessert with a refreshing anise liqueur from the region.

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Olga Pellegrino as Rosina Parmiggiano

Mario Paura

Bruno Suppa

Fausto Gaudio

Calabrians in the GTA I calabresi nella GTA

By Rita Simonetta

“L’

unione fa la forza” (unity makes strength). It’s a Calabrian saying that Calabrians in the GTA have lived by and that’s helped them achieve a level of success that couldn’t have been imagined over 50 years ago.

Indeed, “L’unione fa la forza.” Among the 80 percent of Italian immigrants who came from southern Italy to Canada in the ’50s and ’60s, the largest amount (18 percent) hailed from Calabria, according to the Encyclopedia of Canada’s People, which is published by the Multicultural History Society of Ontario. Of that large immigration wave, most settled in Toronto, where they sacrificed and worked for a better life.

And in the course of three generations, Calabrians have created a better life for themselves and have made – and continue to make – an indelible impact throughout the GTA. COSTI, a community agency that offers services to all newcomers, is an offshoot of an organization founded by Italians in the early 1960s. Calabrians, such as COSTI president Bruno Suppa, were a large part of this initiative.

“Helping others is an example that was set by my parents and grandparents,” said Suppa, who was born in Vibo Valentia. “I think we as Calabrians are involved in community service because our people have suffered quite a bit in the past, and we want to prevent that from happening to others.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Fortunato “Lucky” Rao, a labour rights activist in Ontario. “I can’t stand the exploitation of poor people,” said the former United Steelworkers union organizer. Rao, who immigrated from Reggio Calabria in 1952, said he welcomed his role as union organizer because it allowed him to pay it forward. “I was glad to do it because I knew that I could help someone.”

The philosophy of helping others is something Mario Paura can relate to.

Paura, a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott law firm in Toronto, credits his work ethic, drive and philanthropic spirit to his parents, who came to Toronto in 1960 from Cosenza.

Paura said he’s grateful for the sacrifices his parents made and was determined to make good on them. Among Paura’s many community initiatives, he helped establish the Education Foundation Scholarship offered by the Canadian Italian Business & Development Association (Toronto chapter). “You give back where you can,” he explained.

Giving back is also a priority for Fausto Gaudio, president and CEO of IC Savings, a successful co-operative and credit union born in Toronto’s Italian-Canadian community. Gaudio, who immigrated to Canada in 1963 from Cosenza when he was 10, recalled “a period of adjustment” that included language and cultural barriers. But those challenges made him aware of the importance of community development. Under the umbrella of the IC 50

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“L’

unione fa la forza”. È un proverbio in dialetto calabro sul quale i calabresi nella GTA hanno basato la propria vita. Questo breve motto li ha aiutati a raggiungere un livello di successo che non ci si sarebbe potuti aspettare più di 50 anni fa.

Dunque, “L’ unità fa la forza”. Dell’ 80% di emigranti italiani arrivati in Canada dall’ Italia meridionale negli anni ‘50 e ‘60, la percentuale maggiore (18%) giungeva dalla Calabria, secondo la Encyclopedia of Canada’s People, pubblicata dalla Società di Storia Multiculturale dell’Ontario. Di quella grande ondata migratoria, la maggioranza si è stabilita a Toronto, dove si è sacrificata ed ha lavorato per un futuro migliore. Nel corso di tre generazioni, i calabresi si sono costruiti una vita migliore, hanno avuto e continuano ad avere un profondo impatto su tutta la GTA. COSTI, un centro per la comunità che offre servizi a tutti i neo-immigrati, è germogliato da un’organizzazione fondata da italiani all’ inizio degli anni ‘60. I calabresi, così come il presidente del COSTI Bruno Suppa, erano parte integrante di questa iniziativa.

“Quello di aiutare gli altri è un esempio fondato dai miei genitori e nonni”, ha detto Suppa, nato a Vibo Valentia. “Penso che noi calabresi siamo coinvolti nei servizi alla comunità perché la nostra gente ha sofferto un bel pò in passato e vogliamo evitare che ciò accada agli altri”. È un sentimento condiviso da Fortunato Rao, attivista in Ontario per i diritti dei lavoratori. “Non posso sopportare lo sfruttamento della povera gente,” ha affermato l’ex sindacalista dell’Unione Metalmeccanici. Rao, emigrato da Reggio Calabria nel 1952, ha affermato di aver ben accolto il proprio ruolo di sindacalista perché gli consentiva di passare il favore. “Ero lieto di farlo perché sapevo di poter aiutare qualcuno”.

La filosofia dell’ aiutare il prossimo è qualcosa nella quale Mario Paura riesce ad immedesimarsi.

Paura, senior partner dello studio legale Stikerman Elliot di Toronto, dà il merito della propria etica del lavoro, slancio e spirito filantropico ai suoi genitori, arrivati a Toronto da Cosenza nel 1960.

Paura ha detto di essere grato ai suoi genitori per i sacrifici fatti e determinato ad onorarli. Tra le tante iniziative per la comunità, Paura ha contribuito all’ istituzione della Education Foundation Scholarship, borsa di studio offerta dall’ Associazione Italo-Canadese per il Commercio e lo Sviluppo (filiale di Toronto).

“Ricambi dove puoi”, ha spiegato.

Ricambiare è una priorità anche per Fausto Gaudio, presidente e CEO dello IC Savings, cooperativa di credito di successo nata all’ interno della comunità italocanadese di Toronto. Gaudio, emigrato in Canada da Cosenza nel 1963 all’età di dieci anni, ricorda “un periodo di assestamento” fatto anche di barriere linguistiche e culturali. Ma quelle difficoltà lo hanno reso consapevole dell’ importanza dello sviluppo della comunità. Attraverso l’organizzazione ombrello IC Savings

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Savings Foundation, IC Savings has supported many charitable projects including a $1 million donation over 10 years to the new Humber River Hospital at Keele Street and Wilson Avenue. “It’s a sign of a mature community that has come of age,” Gaudio said.

And the strength of that community continues today with the second and third generations. Among the native speakers of Italian in Toronto, about half are Calabrian, according to research conducted by the University of Toronto’s Associate Professor Naomi Naggy. And based on her studies, the Calabrian dialect is holding up considerably well. Since 2009, Naggy has spearheaded the Heritage Language Variation and Change project, which analyzes the spoken language of immigrants to Toronto, including their children and grandchildren. Four years of research into the Calabrian dialect being spoken in Toronto shows that “speakers are maintaining a very Italianlike pronunciation of many words and terms,” Naggy said. Moreover, “second generation Calabrians maintain good control of the grammar and sentence structure” of their dialect.

The children of the second generation are also doing a good job of maintaining connections to their roots, said University of Toronto Mississauga Professor Michael Lettieri, who immigrated to Canada from Cosenza in 1966.

“Youth has, for the most part, come to closely associate with the values of their parents,” he said, adding that the second as well as third generation of Calabrians and Italian-Canadians in general “are more globally-minded because they have already been exposed to multiple cultures. They also have a higher level of inter-cultural communication.”

This rings true for twenty-four-year-old Melina Trimarchi, who credits her grandparents, who were born in Vibo Valentia, for her family values and green thumb. “I teach children programs about cooking, gardening and environmental issues,” said Trimarchi, a second-generation Calabrian who grows her own fruits and vegetables. “It’s come full circle,” she said, laughing. “I’m knee deep in soil while putting stakes in the tomatoes.”

This connection to cultural links is also apparent for her cousin, Nadia Oliva, also 24. Her mother, who was born in Vibo Valentia, and her father’s family, who is from Reggio Calabria, had a deep influence on her. “When I first started studying cinema a number of years ago, I was so captivated by the Italian neorealist films of the 1940s, so many of which involved characters who followed the exact same trajectory northward that my family did,” said Oliva. The films were intensely political and revealed to me the sociocultural backdrop to the family stories I'd heard my whole life.”

It’s these types of stories and experiences that inspired Toronto-born comedian Olga Pellegrino to poke fun at her Calabrian roots through her alter ego, Rosina Parmiggiano. Parmiggiano takes on the rest of the world armed with her Calabrian wits – and her big hair rollers.

Pellegrino said the character was in part inspired by her beloved nonna in Cosenza who she visited often when she was growing up.

“It’s familiar,” said Pellegrino of Rosina Parmiggiano’s popularity.

“She could be your next-door neighbour, your aunt, your wife.”

This familiarity with roots is a value Bruno Suppa of COSTI hopes will continue on for future generations of Calabrians in the GTA. “It’s the role of the parents and grandparents to pass on that knowledge to the new generations,” he pointed out, adding, “unless you know where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going.”

Foundation, IC Savings ha sostenuto molte iniziative caritatevoli inclusa la donazione di un milione di dollari in 10 anni per il nuovo ospedale Humber River su Keele Street e Wilson Avenue”. È segno di una comunità matura che si è sviluppata”, ha detto Gaudio.

La forza di quella comunità perdura ancor oggi con la seconda e terza generazione. Tra i parlanti nativi dell’ italiano a Toronto, circa la metà è calabrese, secondo una ricerca condotta da Naomi Naggy, professore associato all’Università di Toronto. In base ai suoi studi inoltre il dialetto calabrese regge abbastanza bene. Dal 2009, Naggy è a capo del progetto di ricerca Variazioni e Cambiamenti nella Lingua d’Origine, che analizza la lingua parlata degli immigrati a Toronto, inclusi figli e nipoti. Quattro anni di ricerca sul dialetto calabrese parlato a Toronto mostrano che i “parlanti mantengono una pronuncia veramente italiana per molte parole e termini”, afferma Naggy. Inoltre, “i calabresi di seconda generazione mantengono una buona padronanza della grammatica e struttura della frase,” nel proprio dialetto.

“I figli della seconda generazione stanno anche facendo un buon lavoro nel mantenere un collegamento con le proprie origini”, ha affermato Michael Lettieri, professore all’ Università di Toronto-Missisauga, emigrato in Canada da Cosenza nel 1966.

“I giovani, nella maggior parte dei casi, si sentono vicini ai valori dei propri genitori”, ha affermato, aggiungendo che la seconda generazione, così come la terza, di calabresi e italo-calabresi in genere “è più aperta a livello globale perché già esposta a culture multiple. Ha inoltre una capacità maggiore di comunicazione interculturale”.

Ciò risulta vero per la ventiquattrenne Melina Trimarchi che riconosce ai nonni, nati a Vibo Valentia, il merito per i propri valori familiari e il pollice verde.

“Tengo corsi di cucina, giardinaggio e problematiche ambientali per bambini”, ha affermato Trimarchi, calabrese di seconda generazione che coltiva la propria frutta e verdura. “È tornare al punto di partenza”, ha affermato ridendo. “Sto con le ginocchia sprofondate nel terreno mentre metto le stecche alle piante di pomodoro”.

Questo legame culturale è anche evidente per sua cugina Nadia Oliva, anch’essa ventiquattrenne.

Sua madre, nata a Vibo Valentia, e la famiglia paterna di Reggio Calabria, hanno esercitato una grande influenza su di lei.

“Quando ho cominciato a studiare cinema anni fa, ero molto attratta dai film neorealistici italiani degli anni ‘40, molti dei quali avevano personaggi che intraprendevano lo stesso viaggio verso nord fatto dalla mia famiglia”, ha affermato Oliva. “I film erano profondamente politici e mi mostravano lo sfondo socio-culturale delle storie di famiglia che avevo sentito tutta la vita”. È questo tipo di storie ed esperienze che hanno spinto l’attrice comica di Toronto Olga Pellegrino a prendersi gioco delle proprie origini calabresi attraverso il proprio alter ego, Rosina Parmiggiano. Parmiggiano sfida il resto del mondo con il proprio umorismo – e i grandi bigodini.

Pellegrino ha detto che il personaggio è stato in parte ispirato all’amata nonna di Cosenza alla quale andava a fare spesso visita durante la crescita. “È familiare”, ha detto Pellegrino riguardo la popolarità di Rosina Parmiggiano. “Potrebbe essere la tua vicina, tua zia, tua moglie”.

Questa vicinanza alle radici è un valore che Suppa spera continui con le generazioni future di calabresi nella GTA. “È compito di genitori e nonni tramandare quella conoscenza alle nuove generazioni”, ha sottolineato, aggiungendo che “se non si sa da dove si viene, non si sa dove si va”.

(Translation by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo)

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THE TOP 5 BEACHES IN CALABRIA

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alabria, often referred to as the Caribbean of Europe, boasts a warm climate and hundreds of miles of spectacular sun-drenched coastline that wrap around seaside villages and swooping cliffs, which make its pristine beaches world-famous, and rightly so!

A favourite summer vacation destination, Calabria offers an endless selection of beautiful beaches for sun worshippers – most equipped with lidos, watersports, cafés, restaurants and hotels – as well as lovely towns to explore on both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. If you’re considering a vacation to Calabria, then here are the Top 5 Calabrian beaches to keep in mind.

TROPEA (Vibo Valentia) The most famous of the Calabrian beaches is Tropea, home to one of Italy’s most spectacular white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a stunning coastline to be rivaled by Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

Perfectly situated between the Gioia Tauro and Sant’Eufemia Gulfs, Tropea is swathed by warm Mediterranean breezes on a 40-kilometer coastline the Ancient Greeks named “Coast of the Gods.” What an incredible experience it is to see the dramatic cliffs rise up against the sunlit sea of blue below, and if you’re fortunate, on a clear day you can see the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli.

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CAPO RIZZUTO (Crotone) The marine protected waters of Capo Rizzuto are one of the most fascinating areas of the Mediterranean Sea and are home to a myriad of marine life that you can explore with a number of itineraries both on and under the sea. Scuba diving or snorkeling offer you the chance to see unique sea beds, beautiful sea fauna and if you’re lucky, barracudas and dolphins.

If you prefer to admire the red sand beaches, cliffs and bays of Capo Rizzuto at sea, you can do so aboard a sail boat.

This natural oasis remains relatively unbeknownst to tourists, though an influx in coastal resorts means that’s about to change.

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CAPO VATICANO (Vibo Valentia) Moving further along the Coast of the Gods are the spectacular white sandy beaches and breathtaking vistas of Capo Vaticano. This crystal clear ocean of blue, in every imaginable hue, sits on the Tyrrhenian coast across the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli. It is considered one of the Mediterranean's most gorgeous beaches and boasts incomparable natural beauty with its massive rock formations, small bays and secluded beaches. Several bays can only be reached by sea and many remain totally isolated. Rich in flora, fauna and fish, its iridescent waters are perfect for scuba diving.

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SCILLA (Reggio Calabria) Located between the slopes of the Aspromonte mountain and the Tyrrhenian Sea is Scilla, a picturesque fishing village immortalized in Greek mythology and featured in Homer’s Odyssey. The beach front is arguably the most popular attraction with its warm violet waters and sandy beaches overlooked by the 11th century Ruffo Castle. The castle sits atop a steep cliff where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sicilian Coast and the Aeolian Islands. During the summer months, Scilla’s restaurants, cafés, hotels and beaches are abuzz with tourists feasting on fresh seafood and enjoying the pristine waters. For diving enthusiasts there’s also a diving school located in town.

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PIZZO CALABRO (Vibo Valentia) Situated along the Coast of the Gods is Pizzo Calabro, simply referred to as Pizzo. Its extensive beachfront is packed with vacationers who lounge on its gorgeous sandy beaches surrounded by spectacular cliffs. One of the region’s most visited attractions is tucked below the road just outside Pizzo – Chiesetta di Piedigrotta – a cave-chapel carved centuries ago near the beach by a group of sailors in gratitude for surviving a storm.

The famed Tartufo di Pizzo; a chocolate and hazelnut ice cream (gelato) ball containing chocolate fudge sauce can be enjoyed at any one of the local cafés, bars or restaurants.

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Spice it up Calabrian Style!

By Amanda Fulginiti

H

eavily influenced by the Mediterranean and often spicy, the cuisine of Calabria is simple yet satisfying. Due to its humid climate and the potential for molding and spoilage, food preservation is important and most of the region’s food products can be found preserved by oiling, salting, curing and smoking. While antipasti are to be found everywhere in Italy, no region can boast the extent to which they are served in Calabria. The best way to prime the stomach before an onslaught of pasta, vegetables, meat and dessert is not to ease into a meal, but rather to launch a full digestive assault. So pull up a fork, knife and spoon and chow down on this list of 14 comforting and classic Calabrian staples!

1. Crespelle: These elongated fritters are an appetizer eaten hot right out of the fryer. Also written grispedde, the name comes from the Latin crispus in reference to the crisp texture these doughnuts should have. They are also known as vechiarelle – little old ladies-because their wrinkled surface resembles the skin of an old woman.

2. ’Nduja sausage is one typical feature of an antipasti buffet. Calabrians do their best to utilize the entire animal letting nothing go to waste. This salami-style delicacy (left alone to cure for an entire year) is made from pig’s fat and organ meats and mixed with liberal amounts of peperoncini. Other salamis such as Capicola Calabrese and Sopressata di Calabria also come from the region and are served alongside local breads and cheeses.

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3. Ciambotta or giambotta is a typical first or side dish. Stewed eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes seasoned with onion and peppers, it is eaten either hot or cold. Chockfull of summer vegetables that are simmered in a thick tomato-enriched broth, it is very similar to ratatouille and makes for a hearty one-bowl meal.

4. Perciatelli e lumache is a very common first plate. Snails are abundant and as such make for a perfect ingredient. This pasta dish typically uses a peppery tomato sauce. Pasta, like in every other region, is plentiful in Calabria.

Lagane (flat, long noodles), ricci di donna (lady’s curls), and capieddi ’e prieviti (priest’s hairs) are Calabrian specialties. These pastas are often served with piquant sauces made from vegetables and meats.

5. Pesce spada alla bagnarese Swordfish is roasted with olive oil, capers, parsley and lemon. Surrounded by water, it is no wonder that the Calabrian diet has fish as its centrepiece. Any catch can be served on the table that evening.

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10. Sarde a scapece: Fried sardines rolled in bread crumbs and doused with a mixture of hot oil, vinegar, garlic and mint.

11. Caciocavallo: Calabria is a region that produces a great variety of cheeses made with cow, sheep and goat milk.

“Caciocavallo”, which means “cheese on horseback,” gets its name from the manner in which the cheese is always tied together in a rope and dangled over a wooden board to drain and age. This is a cow’s milk cheese produced in the Sila Mountains.

Butirro is also a very common cheese which is caciocavallo with butter inside.

6. Peperoncino: To speak of Calabria and its gastronomic culture, one would be daft not to mention peperoncino. Calabria has a whole line of chilis to offer, from mild to wild. Chili pepper is referred to as red gold. Diamante is the capital of the chili pepper, so much so that it has dedicated an academy to the piparedduzzu (chili pepper in local dialect) and even organizes what is now an internationally-acclaimed annual festival in September. In Maierà (8 km from Diamante), the Palazzo Ducale boasts the Museo del Peperoncino (Museum of the Chili Pepper).

7. Pitta chicculiata: Rich in flavour, this is a local version of pizza, which is filled with tuna, anchovies, black olives, tomatoes, and capers.

8. Morzeddu: A typical dish from Catanzaro, whose origins date back to the period of Spanish domination in Calabria. A savoury pork and veal liver pie seasoned with tomato and peppers. Made by boiling the cattle entrails, it has become a popular dish.

9. Fileja: Filei are a traditional Calabrese pasta ‘fatta in casa’ (usually homemade). They are similar to pici (Toscano) and other regional styles of eggless pasta that are rolled by hand using a thin metal rod or skewer. It is often served with tomato sauce and cheese, typically local pecorino.

12. Chinulille: This is a typical dessert found in Calabria. The name derives from the calabrian word for “full” (chjinu). Sweet fried ravioli stuffed with chocolate, chestnuts, candied fruit and nougat.

13. Bergamot is a citrus fruit, a hybrid of the pear lemon and the Seville orange.

Larger and rounder than a lemon, it is cultivated predominantly for its essential oil, which has a floral, bittersweet fragrance. Around Reggio Calabria, at the very tip of the boot, is the world's only major bergamot crop.

One can find just about everything flavoured with the elusive fruit: candies, marmalade, liqueur, custard, etc.

14. Cirò wine: The best known DOC wines are Cirò (Province of Crotone) and Donnici (Province of Cosenza). Cirò wine is made in the eastern foothills of the La Sila plateau and out to the Ionian coast, in the Ciro, Ciro Marina, Crucoli and Melissa communes. It is considered one of the oldest named wines in the world. The wines made with Gaglioppo grapes are full-bodied with good structure and a high alcohol content of up to 14%.

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3 Delicious Calabrian Recipes Recipes by Gaetano Lauricella, chef at Mastro Roberto Trattoria (Vaughan, Ontario)

Since ’Nduja is a relatively soft sausage, it is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a spread or sliced and topped on toasted bread (as with this recipe).

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Crostini with ‘Nduja (Yields about 8)

Ingredients

Instructions

• 1 baguette • ’Nduja • Olive oil • Pickled eggplant (1/4 cup) • Shaved Crotonese cheese

Cut baguette into 8 pieces (¼ inch each). Brush with olive oil and toast. Then slice ’Nduja into 8 pieces (1/8 inch each) and top over toasted bread. Strain the pickled eggplant and place one or two pieces over ’Nduja. Garnish with shaved Crotonese cheese and serve immediately. Additional garnishes that work well are Calabrese antipasto or carmelized red Spanish onions.

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Eggplants are a Calabrian staple, and they are featured in various dishes from antipasti to main entrees.

These croquettes are ideal finger foods for end-of-summer get-togethers. They are equally delicious served hot or cold. In addition to eggplants, this dish combines two other popular Calabrian ingredients: ’nduja sausage, as well as Crotonese cheese, which hails from the province of Crotone.

Eggplant and ’Nduja croquettes (Yields 12)

Ingredients • 1 eggplant • 1 egg • 1 cup (8 oz) breadcrumbs • 1 tbsp. (1/2 oz) parsley, chopped • 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 bunch of basil, chopped • ½ cup (4 oz) of Crotonese cheese • ¼ cup (2 oz) ‘nduja, chopped • Vegetable oil for frying • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions Clean and wash the eggplant, peel and deseed. Then chop into ¼ inch pieces. Place in a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Strain and let cool. Mash with fork and scramble in an egg.

Add in dry ingredients and mix well.

Then form into 2-inch logs. Fry on medium-high until golden brown.

’Nduja is one of Calabria’s most famous exports, but it is not for the faint-hearted — this sausage packs a lot of heat thanks to a blend of local chili peppers. In this dish it is paired with another of Calabria’s well-known culinary stars: fileja pasta.

’Nduja with fileja pasta (Serves 4)

Ingredients

Instructions

• 500 g (18 oz) fileja pasta • ’Nduja, ¾ cup (6 oz) chopped • 750 g (26 oz) plum tomatoes • ¼ cup (60 g) extra-virgin olive oil • Salt to taste • ½ cup (125 ml) red wine • 1 bunch fresh basil • ½ cup (125 g) of grated Crotonese cheese (for garnish)

Heat olive oil in a large pot on medium high heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until it softens. Then add in chopped ’Nduja. When it begins to break apart, pour in the red wine and cook until the sauce reduces by half. In the meantime, use either a hand blender to puree plum tomatoes or run tomatoes through a hand mill. Combine into mixture and cook for about 20-30 minutes. Add in fresh basil in the last few minutes for extra aroma and flavour.

While the sauce is cooking, place fileja pasta in salted boiling water.

Cook for about 12 minutes. Strain pasta and then combine into sauce mixture so flavours integrate well.

Garnish with grated Crotonese cheese and serve.

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Sua maestà il pescespada Una tradizione secolare lungo le coste di Scilla Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

Ah

lu vitti, lu vitti! Ah, lu vitti 'mmenzu lu mari, beddi mei… Lu vitti, pigghiati la varca e curriti! Le parole urlate da Domenico Modugno all’inizio di Lu Pisci Spada rimandano a una tradizione antichissima, della quale Scilla è testimone.

Spesso al termine “pesca” si preferisce quello di “caccia” al pescespada per alcune caratteristiche distintive: le urla, ad esempio. “L’eccezione si ritrova quando la pesca assume le modalità tecniche e rituali della caccia… Si tratta di un incitamento alla ciurma, […] ma si tratta anche di un grido di battaglia per intimorire la preda,” sostiene Mario Bolognari, professore di Antropologia culturale all’Università di Messina.

Della stessa opinione è Ignazio Buttitta, professore di Storia delle tradizioni popolari ed Etnologia europea all'Università di Palermo, riconoscendovi l’intento di “coordinare e sostenere lo sforzo di diversi operatori impegnati in un comune obiettivo”.

I promontori sul mare, come quello di Chianalea, hanno contribuito a rendere Scilla depositaria di questa tradizione. Rispetto alle coste messinesi, dove le modalità di pesca erano diverse, quelle calabre consentivano agli avvistatori di agevolare, con urla e gesti, l’avvistamento della preda da parte della ciurma a bordo di un’imbarcazione chiamata luntru.

Negli anni cinquanta quest’ultima è stata sostituita da imbarcazioni più tecnologiche, con lunghe passerelle, da cui il nome, dalle quali il fiocinatore può colpire il pesce dall’alto prima che questi ne percepisca la presenza. La tradizione cambia, si adatta.

Alcuni elementi, tuttavia, resistono nel tempo. Resistono ad esempio gesti antichissimi che evidenziano, secondo Buttitta, “il motivo della sfida tra uomo e animale che pone il gioco tra abilità e destino sotto il segno del sacro”. È il caso della croce incisa dal fiocinatore sul pescespada. “Penso si tratti di un gesto apotropaico”, spiega Bolognari, “ tipico delle società di cacciatori, per allontanare dall’uccisore il pericolo della contaminazione mortificante del sangue dell’ucciso”.

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GRADUATES

Congratulations to all our graduates!

Auguri ai nostri laureati e diplomati!

Mark Melfi Ryerson University Regional and Urban Planning 2014

Jesse Stabile Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology Aviation Technology 2014

Lukas Stabile Ryerson University Bachelor of Fine Arts - Film 2014

Stephanie Liana Novielli McMaster University Honours Bachelor of Commerce 2014

Matthew Febbraio University of Toronto Rotman Commerce 2014

Rikki Livia Marcone Ryerson University Bachelor of Commerce Hospitality and Tourism Management 2014

Anthony Joseph La Delfa University of Toronto Doctor of Medicine 2014

Angelo Michael La Delfa Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Doctor of Chiropractic 2014

Matthew Luchetti Seton Hill University Business Administration 2014

Angela Romano Windsor Law School Called to the Bar 2014

John Carbone University of Charleston Bachelor of Science 2014

Milla Marie D'Onofrio University Of Toronto Honours Bachelor of Arts 2014

Julia Mariotti Ryerson University - Ted Rogers Bachelor of Commerce 2014

Alison Gonano Sheridan College Cooperative Education 2014

Caroline Gonano University of Guelph Masters of Science Animal Science 2014

Alexandra Baccellieri St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School Advanced Academics 2014

DREAMS ROMANCE MEMORIES

CUSTOM DESIGNING FOR ALL OCCASIONS PA N O R A M I TA L I A . C O M

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EVENTS

CELEBRATIONS AT CASTELLO ITALIA

By Romina Monaco Italian Heritage Month in Ontario kicked off to a sensational start on June 1 with the Castello Italia celebration at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma.

Organized by the Liberty Entertainment Group in collaboration with the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association, From left: Silvana Tibollo, Italian Consul General Tullio Guma, Nick Di Donato (Liberty Entertainment Group), Immigration Minister Chris the National Congress of Alexander, Michael Tibollo, Italian Commissioner for Canada Pasquale Bova , Diana Panacci (CIBPA) and President of the National Congress of Italian Canadians, the Italian Canadians, Toronto chapter, Fabio Gesufato.

Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario inner gateway was lined with Ferraris, Maseratis in delicious dishes prepared by some of the city’s and the Italian Trade Agency, this re-creation of an and Lamborghinis appealing to Italian automomost popular Italian restaurants. Drink was also authentic Italian piazza right in the heart of tive enthusiasts, those wishing to investigate the in abundance with aromatic vintages hailing from downtown offered people of all backgrounds elegant corridors of castle’s interior found on the the renowned wine regions of Piedmont, Tuscany the opportunity to experience the best of third floor an exhibit honouring five prominent and the Veneto including homegrown varietals Italian culture.

Italian-Canadian families whose contributions from Niagara. Entertaining guests were multiReminiscent of a scene from Fellini’s La genre artists performing operatic, jazz, traditiongreatly impacted the province’s economic and Dolce Vita, the castle’s regal gardens set the stage cultural landscape. al as well as contemporary music. While the for a cultural extravaganza where guests indulged

VAUGHAN MAYOR’S GALA Rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the evolution of a thriving city was Vaughan’s annual Mayor’s Gala held on June 24 at the Paramount Conference & Event Venue. Driven by a spirit of optimism, gratitude and generosity, Maurizio Bevilacqua’s four-year term as mayor is being recognized as the catalyst of a new movement etched deep in social responsibility.

“Since 2011, we have worked hard to create a caring and compassionate city with a strong sense of community spirit. In that time, more than 100 community groups and organizations have benefitted from the generosity of the people of this city who understand that collectively, we have a responsibility to support those who need our help,” explained Bevilacqua, adding that the annual gala is a vital component to this commitment.

Beneficiaries of the $300,000 donated at this year’s event include Giuliano’s Journey Foundation, which aids children dealing with Leukemia, Safehaven - a respite home for youth with cognitive and physical disabilities and Hospice Vaughan, an organization providing support to those coping with life threatening illness or dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Although the more than 1000 guests enjoyed a stellar performance by Juno-winning artist Serena Ryder, everyone was on the edge of their seats during the exciting live auction.

The big-ticket item was dinner with Mayor Bevilacqua, which raised a record-breaking $310,000 for Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Overall the evening raised $610,000, resulting in $2.6 million since 2011.

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Mayor Bevilacqua with Serena Ryder

EVENTS

ORDINE AL MERITO AND YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS GALA On the evening of May 29 the Italian-Canadian community united at La Primavera Hospitality and Convention Centre in Woodbridge for the 26th Annual Ordine al Merito and Youth Achievements Awards Gala. Presented by the National Congress of Italian Canadians (NCIC) - Toronto Chapter, the prestigious awards ceremony recognizes and honours lifetime achievements made by ItalianCanadian individuals.

“If there’s one thing Italian-Canadians know how to do, it’s to work hard and this evening is about celebrating the success and hard work of those who have persevered to see their dreams come to fruition,” said newly-elected Toronto NCIC president, Fabio Gesufatto, while addressing the 500 guests.

Following a heartfelt tribute by his friend Lenny Lombardi of CHIN Radio, Michael Tibollo received the Ordine al Merito Award for his dedication to community service. The lawyer, businessman and community leader is best known for being the visionary and creator of Bill 103 (the Italian Heritage Month Act). This important provincial legislation leaves Ontarians of Italian origin a lasting legacy.

Mary Mauti, who has donated her personal

time to an umpteen number of health care, social, religious, civic and cultural organizations, also received the Ordine al Merito Award. “Receiving this award obligates me to reflect on what volunteerism means and why I donate so much of time and energy to causes that touch me,” she said. “Volunteering forces us to open our eyes to the struggles of people all around us and when confronted by other’s hardships you’re compelled to forge meaning about From left: Maddalena Vani, Mary Mauti, Michael A. Tibollo & Anthony Vani. your own identity.”

Honoured with the youth branch of the Lions Clubs International, Youth Achievement Awards were brother and sister have also spearheaded the first OMEGA Leo Club team, Anthony and Maddalena Vani. The founders in Ontario. of the Kleinburg Leo Club, a community-driven

IC SAVINGS FESTA IN PIAZZA Photography by Alessandro Papa

World Cup fever took centre stage at the 6th Annual Festa in Piazza. Held at the Famee Furlane Club of Toronto on May 22 and hosted by the IC Saving Foundation, the soiree commemorated this exciting sporting event by showcasing the best of Brazilian culture. Along with a live auction, the Annual Festa in Piazza featured a lively game of hole-in-one, soccerstyle, led by Canadian soccer legend Bob Iarusci. Over 450 guests were able to savour delectable Brazilian cuisine and enjoy lively South American musical performances while supporting a worthy cause.

The event also raised funds for vital community initiatives such as the organization’s education program. IC Savings scholarship recipients Diana Aldaz and Angela Wu, both fourth-year students at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus, were on hand to recount highlights about their nine-week Study in Florence Program.

Along with its support for education, the IC Savings Foundation is a strong advocate of health care facilities such as the new Humber River Hospital projected to open in the fall of 2015. Since its inception in 2009, Sick Children’s Hospital, the long-term care facilities of Villa Colombo Vaughan and Villa Leonardo Gambin including York University and several cultural and community living organizations have benefitted from this foundation.

Soccer legend Bob Iarusci, Chairman, Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club

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ITALIAN LANGUAGE DAY AT CENTRO SCUOLA Made famous by Dante Alighieri and his elegant prose, the Italian language was once again celebrated on the grounds of the Columbus Centre at the 4th Annual Festa Della Lingua Italiana.

Organized by Centro Scuola this linguistic event held on June 12th was attended by over 1200 children and adults including Tullio Guma, Consul General of Italy and Gian Lorenzo Cornado, the Italian Ambassador to Canada.

Featuring special musical and dance performances by students, the highlight of the festivities was the presentation of the “Concorso Letterario,” Centro Scuola’s prestigious literary award. Top contenders competed in this essaywriting contest by adding graphics, photography and art to their literary works.

Collaborating with both the Toronto and York Catholic District School Boards by offering educational curriculums as well as summer credit programs, Centro Scuola offers Italian language studies from junior kindergarten to grade eight.

However, the institution also extends itself to a wide spectrum of people from various ethnic

From left: Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Italian Ambassador to Canada, Tullio Guma, Consul General of Italy, Carla Marchetti TCDSB international language program Director, Michael Tibollo, Mrs. Tibollo.

backgrounds. “At Centro Scuola everybody can participate - from two years of age to ninety-nine years of age. Our teachers do a wonderful job maintaining and promoting Italian,” explained Domenico Servello, director of Centro Scuola.

Since 1976 Centro Scuola has helped children and adults broaden their Italian language skills not only via sit-down classes but also through a variety of settings such as dance, music, drama, cooking and travel.

KNIGHTS OF MALTA BENEFIT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO Chivalry was in the air at the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta (SHOSJ) International Investiture. Sponsored by the order’s Grand Priory of Canada and held at the St. Clare of Assisi Church in Woodbridge on June 5, the millennia-old ceremony conducted by H.E. Chev. Dr. Mario Cortellucci, Grand Prior of Canada honoured twenty-five new knights and dames.

The historic investiture was followed by the Spring of Hope Gala at the Riviera Parque Convention Centre in Concord on June 6. Also in attendance alongside the 800 guests were Cardinal Thomas Collins and the Order’s Royal Protectors, Imperial and Royal Highnesses Sandor HabsburgLothringen Archduke of Austria, Prince of Tuscany and Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Tuscany.

Dating back to the time of the Crusades, the purpose of the order was to protect and provide shelter for poor and sick Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Although the circumstances have changed today, its cause is still a noble one.

“The time of fighting with other groups finished in the twelfth century. Now it’s about dialogue, charity work and working together to assist those in need.

We give hope to those people who are disenchanted with life”, says the order’s Aide-De-Camp Grand Commander, Tony From left: Chev. Dr. Mario Cortellucci, Grand Prior of Canada, Chev. Joseph Wellman, Nalli, further explainCardinal Thomas Collins and Chev. Colonel Andre’ Vezina ing that knights and dames are recognized Catholic Bioethics Institute. As an international for their outstanding service to the public and by organization, the Knights of Malta (SHOSJ), have accepting the post their duty is to continue setting raised, millions of dollars with proceeds from the a positive example within the community.

Canadian Priory going to hospitals, nursing homes, This charity event, which raised $300,000 various foundations and homeless shelters as well for the Archdiocese of Toronto, benefitted the as disaster relief efforts overseas.

St. Augustine Augustine Seminary and Canadian

MICBA GOLF TOURNAMENT AND STREET FESTIVAL Teeing-off for charity on the tranquil greens of Piper’s Heath Golf Club were avid supporters of the Mississauga Italian Canadian Benevolent Association (MICBA). Held on June 18 at Piper’s Heath Golf Club, the 23rd Annual Forum Italia Golf Tournament raised over $40, 000 for senior care and children programs.

“The fundraising done through the golf tournament allows us to provide quality care for our city’s seniors as well as making them feel comfortable in the new place they call home,” explains Frank Trevisan co-founder and chair of MICBA, adding that the event also helps in the provision of field trips and extracurricular programs for children.

Servicing the city of Mississauga since 1986, MICBA has created non-profit housing for 133 62

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families, a 60-unit seniors’ residence, a licensed daycare centre which includes day programs for 85 full-time children and Villa Forum - a 160-bed long term care facility. By providing affordable housing and assistance, the organization creates a better quality of life for Mississauga citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

As an advocate for cultural tolerance and diversity, MICBA also hosted its 3rd Annual Italian Heritage Day Celebration on June 21st.

The street festival, which took place on Forum Drive in Mississauga, the actual site of all MICBA’s facilities, commemorated the province’s Italian Heritage Month. As a treat for its seniors as well as the general public the organization presented a fun-filled day of musical performances, delectable Italian cuisine and exciting activities.

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion with Georgina Mayor Rob Grossi

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