Panoram Italia Toronto Feb/March 2016

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

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

SOLVING THE

GENEALOGY

PUZZLE

ALL ABOUT

ABRUZZO

ONE OF US • UNA DI NOI FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016 • VOL.6 • NO.1

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BABIES

OF THE YEAR

EDITORIAL

Discovering Ourselves Alla scoperta di noi stessi T

he Natale festive season is very hectic: parties to attend, gifts to buy, relatives and friends to visit, preparation for invited guests and some of us even make it to church to celebrate the real reason for the rejoicing. After Natale there is a lull (thank Jesus) to reflect, give thanks for our abundance and plan for the next year.

It was a particularly reflective time for me. In the past 18 months I lost both my parents, became a nonno, stepped aside, after over 35 years, from my leadership role at Villa Charities, had a marriage in the family and joined the Panoram Italia team.

Since the theme of this issue is about genealogy, I decided to also review my own. Having visited the camposanto of my paese, Sant’Elia a Pianisi, on many occasions to pay respect to my ancestors, I could visually trace my roots for the past two centuries through the headstones on the burial plots. Names such as Di Iulio, Di Iorio, Tartaglia, Colavita are of particular interest to me because I carry their genes. I also make it a habit of visiting the homes and lands owned by my ancestors to try to understand what their life might have been or perhaps what my own could have been!

if you do not know “where you come from then you do not know where you are going.

Il

periodo feste di Natale è molto frenetico: feste alle quali partecipare, regali da comprare, parenti ed amici a cui far visita, organizzazione per gli invitati, ed alcuni di noi riescono addirittura ad andare in chiesa per celebrare il vero motivo del giubilo. Dopo Natale c’è un momento di quiete (Gesù, grazie!) per riflettere, per essere grati delle nostre ricchezze e fare progetti per l’anno seguente. È stato un periodo di particolare riflessione per me. Negli scorsi 18 mesi ho perduto entrambi i miei genitori, sono diventato nonno, mi sono fatto da parte, dopo più di 35 anni, dal ruolo di guida di Villa Charities, ho partecipato ad un matrimonio in famiglia e mi sono unito al gruppo di Panoram Italia.

Poiché l’argomento di quest’uscita riguarda la genealogia, ho deciso di rivedere la mia. Avendo visitato in diverse occasioni il camposanto del mio paese, Sant’Elia a Pianisi, per rendere omaggio ai miei avi, ho potuto tracciare a vista, attraverso le lapidi delle sepolture, le mie radici fino a due secoli fa.

Nomi quali Di Iulio, Di Iorio, Tartaglia, Colavita sono di particolare interesse per me dato che ne possiedo i geni. Ho anche l’abitudine di visitare le case ed i terreni posseduti dai miei antenati per provare a comprendere come possano essere state le loro vite o forse come sarebbe potuta essere la mia!

Alcune persone dicono: “Pensa ad oggi e a domani e lasciati il passato alle spalle, sei in Canada adesso.” Vero, ma ho sempre pensato che se non sai da dove vieni, allora non sai dove vai.

“

Se non sai da dove vieni, allora non sai dove vai.

“

“

Some people say: “Think about today and tomorrow; leave the past behind, you are in Canada now.” True, but I always thought that if you do not know where you come from then you do not know where you are going.

Going further back into my family history through my municipio and Baptismal records, I was able to trace the origins of my family and town back to the 12th century when people from Planisium sought refuge and built a wall on the hillside for a better vantage point and protection. The town, named after its patron saint, was called Sant’Elia a Pianisi, located in the province of Campobasso, not to be confused with the other three or four towns in Italy that also bear the name Sant’Elia, the Prophet.

I was also able to guess why I, Palmacchio, have a name that is more unique than rare in Italy. (By the way there are five of us with that name in Toronto, first cousins all). De Palma was the name of the feudal family that ruled the area in the 12th century, and that name happens to coincide with my own family’s “soprannome.” My educated guess is that I am a direct descendent of the De Palma family.

But how about my ancestors before the 12th century? They would most certainly have been members of the Samnite tribes that inhabited the Benevento, Avellino, Campobasso to Termoli area of Molise and who defeated the Roman army at Le Forche Caudine in 321 BC. But perhaps my mind is wandering off too much in places that are too dusty!

The questions of this article are “Do you know where you come from? Quo vadis?

Do you know where you are going?” Hopefully our dossier on genealogy will spur some of you to ask those questions and discover the answers.

Spingendomi ulteriormente indietro nella storia della mia famiglia, attraverso il municipio d’appartenza ed i documenti del battesimo, sono stato in grado di tracciare le sue origini e quelle della città fino al XII secolo, quando gente proveniente da Planisium, alla ricerca di rifugio, costruì delle mura sul fianco della collina, per proteggersi ed avere un punto d’osservazione migliore.

La città, chiamata Sant’Elia a Pianisi, come il suo santo patrono e da non confondere con gli altri tre-quattro paesini in Italia che portano lo stesso nome Sant’Elia, il Profeta, che si trova nella provincia di Campobasso.

Sono stato anche in grado di dedurre perché io, Palmacchio, porti un nome più unico che raro in Italia. (Ad ogni modo, siamo in cinque con questo nome a Toronto, tutti cugini primi).

De Palma era il nome della famiglia feudale che governava l’area nel XII secolo e vuole il caso che quel nome coincida con il soprannome della mia famiglia. La mia logica deduzione è che io sia un discendente diretto della famiglia De Palma.

Ma che dire dei miei antenati prima del XII secolo? Saranno stati con ogni probabilità membri delle tribù sannite che vivevano nelle aree molisane di Benevento, Avellino, Campobasso e Termoli e che sconfissero l’esercito romano durante la battaglia delle Forche Caudine nel 321a.C. Ma forse la mia mente sta divagando in luoghi troppo polverosi! Le domande di questo articolo sono: “Sapete da dove venite? Quo vadis? Sapete dove andate?” Magari il nostro dossier sulla genealogia spronerà qualcuno di voi a porsi queste domande ed a scoprirne le risposte.

Pace e bene, Pal Di Iulio Associate Editor Panoram Italia

Pace e bene, Pal Di Iulio Associate Editor Panoram Italia

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LIFE & PEOPLE

A Step Towards Understanding

It’s

By Rita Simonetta

been a long journey, but for Steve Gregory, it’s all been worth it.

This past July, Gregory and his supporters took part in the second annual Walk for Remembrance and Peace in Italy, a project several years in the making.

The Montrealer founded the initiative with the goal of remembering the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in Italy during the Second World War – and to educate those who know very little about this pivotal point in history.

“It was spectacular. There were 1,400 individuals who came to meet us – people from local businesses and schools,” Gregory recalls, adding that he already has plans to host the Walk this upcoming July 2016, which will mark the 73rd anniversary of the Canadian contribution.

Participants marched through dozens of Sicilians towns, retracing the steps taken by Canadian soldiers during the Second World War. It was in Sicily that 25,000 Canadian soldiers landed in July 1943, marking their first venture into southern Italy. The operations in and around Italy, which also included the Allied forces of Great Britain, France and the United States, has become known as the Italian Campaign. More than 93,000 Canadians helped push through the south to the north of Italy and force out the German army. Throughout the whole of the Italian Campaign, nearly 6,000 Canadian soldiers were killed; almost 600 died in Sicily alone. “We have to remember that those who fought for peace in Italy lost their lives,” says Gregory, who got the idea back in 2006.

His then 11-year-old son decided to do a school project about Canadian soldiers in the battle of Assoro (Sicily) during the Second World War. Much to both their dismay, there was virtually no information to be found. Later that year when Gregory and his family visited Catania, he saw a 26,000 square foot museum dedicated to the Allied landing with no mention of Canada. “It was the final straw,” recalls Gregory. “More Canadians landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943, than the Canadian landings on Day-D at Juno Beach.”

He realized he had to do something.

But there was a lot of work to be done. Gregory says he is indebted for the guidance and help he received from retired Canadian Armed Forces colonel Tony Battista, who Gregory calls “my biggest supporter.” Battista, who has more than 40 years experience in the Canadian military and now serves as the executive director of the Conference of Defence Associations, liaised with Italian authorities to get Gregory the access he needed. “I gave it my heart and soul,” says Battista, adding that he welcomed the opportunity to ensure Canadian wartime efforts in Sicily would be recognized. “They behaved in an incredibly professional manner. The story still remains largely untold. It’s certainly not told often enough.”

In the early stages of organizing the project, Gregory noticed Italian12

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Canadians and Italians had limited knowledge about the sacrifices and bravery of Canadian soldiers. Miscommunication, misunderstanding, a disconnection with history, and neglect were barriers to acknowledgement. And for the generation of Italians who endured the Second World War, suffering quietly seemed to be the norm. “Nobody talked about it,” Gregory says. “They were eager to leave the war behind and start fresh.”

But it also meant that the next generations were often kept in the dark about the crucial role Canadian soldiers played in Italy.

Gregory recalls walking through dozens of Sicilian towns requesting the names of those who died in the Second World War, so they could be honoured.

“Only one name was given,” Gregory says. “They simply didn’t know.” But he kept moving forward, word spread, and the initiative gained momentum. In July 2013, the inaugural Walk for Remembrance and Peace took place.

Throughout the 20-day march, participants walked through 18 towns in Sicily and laid markers for each of the Canadian soldiers. A memorial ceremony was held at the cemetery in Agira. More than 600 people took part, including local mayors and townspeople, Italian as well as Canadian troops, and volunteers.

Battista was on hand to witness the support. “Now, in many ways, we have certainly put it in the conscience of both senior and younger Canadians about how Canadians helped the local people and that legacy remains today,” he says.

The events were captured by Yukon-based filmmaker Max Fraser in Bond of Strangers, which was released in November 2015. Fraser has an intimate connection to the subject matter – his father was one of the 25,000 Canadian soldiers who landed in Sicily in 1943.

When he heard about the march, he immediately knew he wanted to be involved. “There was a lot of anticipation in terms of my own emotional journey,” he says. “I was really looking forward to seeing the places where my dad would have been in combat.”

As for his goals for the film, he says, “I hope it will travel well and will be seen by even greater audiences to help in the cause of trying to get people to understand what happened and why it was so important and why they should remember it.”

July 2018 will mark the 75th anniversary of Canadian efforts in Sicily, and Gregory has high hopes the event will attract participation from all sides.

In the near future, he is also looking forward to replicating the Walk in Ortona (Abruzzo) and Cassino (Lazio), two other significant battlegrounds between Canadian soldiers and Nazi German forces.

Gregory is determined to bring the projects to fruition, one step at a time. “I’m trying to reclaim Canadian history,” he says, “and at the same time forge a deeper friendship between our countries.”

LIFE & PEOPLE

Sam Ciccolini A prime example for all

On

Sam and Donna Ciccolini

By Danila Di Croce

March 31st, the Toronto community will be honoring two outstanding citizens: Sam and Donna Ciccolini. The Community Builders Tribute dinner, which will be chaired by former Senator, Hon. Con. Di Nino, and CEO of IC Savings, Fausto Gaudio, will recognize Sam and his wife Donna for their 50 years of Service to the Community. This is not the first honour bestowed upon Sam Ciccolini, and it surely will not be the last.

From modest beginnings growing up in Pescosolido, Italy, to being a Member of the Order of Canada, Ciccolini is a shining example of what hard work and selfless contribution to one's community can achieve.

Ciccolini, who was studying to become a priest before immigrating to Canada, is widely known for his outstanding and tireless community service in and around the GTA (most notably in Vaughan) along with his considerable involvement in amateur sports, business and political activities.

As a founding member of Masters Insurance, a company he began with his brother, Frank, in 1966, Ciccolini oversees a large, skilled staff of insurance and surety experts. The company began from a small brokerage in the Italian neighborhood of St. Clair Ave. and Dufferin St. in Toronto. Today, it has grown to one of the leading firms in Ontario in the construction and surety bond niche, with offices in Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Ottawa and Rochester, New York. “My mother and father always said, ‘work hard, work honest, and money will come on its own,’ ” Ciccolini explains.

After describing his 12-hour days at the office, which begin at 6:30-7:00am, Ciccolini shifts the focus to one of his other passions: sports. He describes how he will soon be hosting the very first Vaughan Kings AAA Hockey Tournament entitled, “The Vaughan Kings Classic,” at the Scotia Bank Pond. This proves as an especially exciting moment for Ciccolini, who founded, along with others, the organization in 1989. However, his involvement in sports didn't start there.

In the 1960s, Ciccolini, along with five others, founded the Westwood Young Generation Soccer and Hockey Club, which created programs and teams for neighborhood children. This was the beginning of his work in youth athletics, which later spanned to include his involvement in organizations such as the Woodbridge Minor Hockey Association, Youth Bocce Canada, the Ontario Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Federation, the Canadian delegation at the Olympic Winter Games, and, most recently, the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

Aside from his commitments to various sports and business organizations, the energetic 71-year-old also devotes much of his time to charities such as Sick Kids, Villa Charities, Vaughan Health Care Foundation, Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Carmelite Sisters and the Church of Saint Margaret Mary.

When asked how he possibly manages it all, he simply states, “I just do it. I don’t have ‘no’ in my vocabulary. I have a passion of doing things with the community. If you can help somebody, it will come back to you threefold, I believe in that whole-heartedly.”

Ciccolini also credits another inspirational factor, which is his late daughter, Cristina. Born with a bone marrow deficiency, Cristina passed at the tender age of 10. “She was so outgoing,” Cicconlini fondly remembers of his daughter, “I assume it all comes from [her].”

All of his hard work certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, Cicciolini has earned countless honours including the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the Italian Star of Solidarity Medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for exceptional contribution to public service and the Honour of Doctorate Law Honourous Causa from Assumption University in Windsor.

While some would boast about their various achievements, Ciccolini humbly alludes to them before quickly acknowledging the many individuals who have helped him get to where he is today. “I have a ton of family and friends that help; you can’t do it alone. You really have to give the pat on the back to the people that made you get up to that stage. It’s not just about you.

To top it all off, I have a wife that is very patient. It will be 48 years of marriage in 2016; if Donna had the same character as me we probably would have been married for 48 minutes,” Ciccolini laughs.

Not surprisingly, Ciccolini was surprised when Gaudio and Di Nino approached him in regards to being honoured at The Community Builders Tribute dinner. “I asked them, ‘c’mon you must have someone more prominent.”

Yet, there couldn't be someone more fitting for the role. The gala will be honouring Sam and Donna Ciccolini’s work in the community for the past 50 years, including their efforts with hospitals. Ciccolini has fundraised for Sick Kids Hospital since 1968 and served as a board member for 10 years. He was also a board member for the Humber River Regional Hospital for eight years.

After a little convincing Ciccolini agreed to be honoured but under one condition: “that 100% of the proceeds goes to Humber River – that pleases me a lot.”

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LIFE & PEOPLE

Austin’s Story

The search for a donor to help 18-month-old

By Stephanie Grella

A

ustin is a happy baby. At 18 months old, he plays with his brother and cousins, tries to climb things around the house, and talks as much as any other child his age. Unlike many other children, however, Austin is suffering from Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare, life-limiting and life-threatening immunodeficiency disease. For Austin, a bone marrow transplant is the only cure, ensuring him a longer, healthier life.

By raising awareness through social media and word of mouth, Austin’s family has come together in search of a donor who can save their baby boy. At only two months old, Austin was suffering from high fevers and was hospitalized for several days at SickKids hospital, where he was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

Two weeks after being hospitalized, on his baptism day, he was again admitted to the hospital – this time for 10 days – due to additional high fevers and swollen lymph nodes.

When the biopsy of his lymph nodes came back negative, Austin was released once he was stable. It was another trip to the hospital one week later that led to an ultrasound and blood work, confirming Austin had a liver infection.

According to Austin’s aunt, Linda, pinpointing the root of Austin’s infection was like finding a needle in a haystack.

CGD was first discovered in 1950. Since the discovery, research has determined that a defect in the white blood cells restricts the body from fighting infections caused by strains of bacteria and fungi.

Since infancy, Austin has spent countless days – including his first birthday – at SickKids Hospital. After a year and a half of testing and surgeries, Austin is relatively healthy, as a result of antibiotics and supplementary medication. “You can’t stay on antibiotics your whole life,” Linda says. “He is well today, but he needs this bone marrow transplant to survive. We don’t know how long his body will fight with the supplementary medication.”

These supplements are merely biding Austin some time until a healthy donor match is found, and he can undergo a bone marrow transplant. After having doctors search for a healthy donor match, Austin’s family was given disappointing news: no match was found.

Getting tested is simple. A visit to a local clinic includes standard paperwork and a cotton swab test, which is then sent to the lab. Individuals have 10 markers that determine a donor-recipient match. A 10 out of 10 would be an

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ideal match for Austin, but a nine out of 10 would also be accepted for his transplant.

The greatest transplant successes have come from male donors who are between the ages of 17 and 35, and who also share the same ethnic background as the recipient. Approximately 70 percent of people who receive bone marrow transplants have unrelated donors, while only 30 percent of recipients have related donors.

Upon a complete match, donors can undergo the transplant in two ways: when their blood is taken, stem cells will be separated and the regular blood will be replaced back into their body; the second scenario consists of minor surgery, where stem cells will be extracted directly from the donor’s hip to extract the bone marrow. “Right now, Austin is healthier,” says Laura, another of Austin’s aunts who is supporting the donor campaign. “He’s not in the hospital fighting an infection, so undergoing a transplant in this state would be ideal for him. If he has another infection, we would have to wait until he is strong and healthy again.”

Austin’s family, who are based in Vaughan, launched teamaustin.ca, where readers can learn more about Austin, CGD, and participating clinics. They have also used social media to reach a wide audience, creating Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts as well as producing commercials for Z103.5 and television stations such as Omni, CityTV, Telelatino, and Rogers.

Austin’s family has also been actively involved in clinics set up around the GTA, including York University, local high schools, community centres, and parishes in Woodbridge.

“We’re very blessed we have a big family,” Linda says. “We came together to do as much as we can and work diligently to fight this for Austin. For those who are not a match, speak for Austin and be an advocate for him.”

For those who are interested in helping Austin or others in need, please visit www.blood.ca/en/onematchhowto or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to register and help save a life.

LOVE LETTERS

Meeting the Love of Your Life Meeting your perfect match is the ultimate love story. We reached out to our readers to find the best stories out there.

We wanted to know where you first met, how it happened and why it was so special. Couples of all ages sent in their experiences. Grazie for all the wonderful recollections. We have included some of the most memorable ones. Viva l’amore!

Rebecca Alberico, Toronto The summer after a successful start to my first year of university I had the itch to travel. I booked a month-long getaway to explore Italy, my homeland, my roots. Towards the end of my trip the reality of financial crisis hit me – I had spent almost all the money I had put aside for the summer. I needed to secure a job before I got home, so I checked out a café that had just opened.

I was greeted by the most handsome Italian man – the hypnotizing accent was unmistakeable. His name was Domenico, and he had just arrived from Calabria six months before. It took us five days of shameless flirting to finally arrange our first date. Needless to say, I landed the man and not the job; Domenico and I have been together ever since. We took our first trip to Italy together this past summer, after three years. It was everything we had hoped for and more.

Elya Ornelas, Toronto I met my amore 10 years ago. I was 18 years old and working out of Toronto Pearson airport for Alitalia. Daniel was working for Alitalia’s handling company at the time. The first time I saw Daniel, I still remember how handsome he looked in his uniform.

The next day, Daniel approached me at work. He and I walked around for a bit until he finally asked me for my number. My immediate response was, “I am sorry, I have to ask my mother.” I think his jaw fell to the floor. My mother made me promise her that I would not go out with anyone from the

airport. So, I went home and asked my mother. And she said yes. Daniel and I had our first date the following weekend. Seven years after that, we got married and we now have two beautiful children. That’s amore.

Tania Romano, Montreal I met the love of my life 14 years ago. I was introduced to Dominic at a cousin’s house. I politely said hello to him and it ended there. I thought to myself, “What a snob.” Little did I know he had the same impression of me.

A few weeks later, Dominic and I saw each other again and started spending more time with each other. We went out on our first date at Da Roberto’s where we ate ice cream and shared our first kiss. Little did we know that night would change the rest of our lives! After we dated for two years, he was diagnosed with cancer. We made it through the good and the bad; it made our relationship stronger and we realized what both of us meant to each other! After eight years of marriage and two beautiful children, he still manages to make me laugh, surprise me, drive me nuts, and support and encourage me. He never ceases to amaze me, and I love what we became together. I adore and love my husband more and more each day!

Isabella Trombetta & Matthew O’Neill, Rome & Montreal Both Matthew and I were in Vancouver for a Model UN conference four years ago, and we met right before the opening ceremony. In a room with 2,500 students from all over the world, destiny made our paths cross.

Spend the day exploring the unique shops and restaurants of Corso Italia, St.Clair West, followed by an evening of Italian films under the stars.

Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, August 13, 2016

On St Clair between Westmount and Lansdowne

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torontocorsoitalia.com

LOVE LETTERS

There was something about that first meeting that was special. Nobody could have ever thought that the way he made me laugh that night, and the goofy conversation that came after, were going to be the prelude to this beautiful love story.

This whole time we’ve been travelling as much as possible to be together (Montreal, Reggio Calabria, Rome, Amsterdam, Sri Lanka, Brussels), especially thanks to the support of our families, and I must say that we could not be any luckier. Despite the 6887 km distance between us, we are closer in our hearts than many other couples that live together. We are waiting to finish school to get our happy ending, but in the meantime we are living the best fairy tale one could dream of.

Sabrina Virgilio, Montreal I met Matthew in our kindergarten class at age six. We soon became incredible friends throughout elementary school and then high school. Things really clicked and I had missed being around him so much. He asked me out on a date.

I was a little hesitant just because of our great history; I didn't want to lose him as a good friend. But I went with my gut feeling, and now at age 23 I have been with my best friend for the last 10 years and we are inseparable. I love everything about him and wouldn’t change anything for the world. We hope to say I do in a couple of years and we can’t wait to continue this love story together.

Silvana Agostino, Montreal I met Luca on the Internet on a rainy day on July 4, 1998. The Internet was fairly new and so there was so much to learn and explore. Luca and I started chatting and then e-mailing each other. After a few months we started talking on the phone. In May of 1999, I went to Italy to visit my grandparents in Campania. Luca drove six hours from northern Italy to Rome so we could meet in person. We spent one week together in Rome. We visited the city of love and fell in love! After one week, we each went our separate ways but continued talking on the phone. After a few days, Luca told me he was in love and couldn’t wait to see me again. He had just booked a flight to Montreal in August – we got married at the end of the month.

He moved to Montreal in October 2000, we got married in August 2002, and we now have two beautiful boys, ages 7 and 11!

Nadia Ciani, Richmond Hill Dino is the love of my life. Over 20 years ago, when I was 15 and he was 16, we met at a Halloween party at his high school gym. We went to different high schools but I was friends with a girl who lived on his street. I saw him dancing (with another girl) and asked my friend who he was. He was tall and handsome and I fell in love at first sight. She told me his name was Dino and he was her neighbour. I remember my exact words to her: “By the end of the night he will be my boyfriend.” And so it was. For four years we were inseparable. After those four years we broke up for many childhood reasons. Off we went to university and then work, and we both got married to other people and had wonderful children in our first marriages. We both had two girls each in our respective marriages. Sadly, those marriages ended for us both. After 20 years apart we found each other on LinkedIn and started an e-mail exchange. We had lunch one day, thinking we would just say hi. Love at first sight can happen twice in a lifetime. Now, more than three years since that lunch, we are planning our wedding. The moral of the story is that the universe will unite you with another person if he or she really is the love of your life. I believe in love at first sight...it happened to me...twice!

Rita Sanelli-Barale, Toronto (Etobicoke) I met the love of my life when I was living in Italy. We went to visit a friend in Chieti and there was a band (Nomadi) setting up to play that night at the festa. I saw him from my friend’s balcony. We smiled at each other and he motioned for me to come down. The rest is history. Next year will be our 25th wedding anniversary.

Joann Leone Mattei, West Caldwell, New Jersey I met the love of my life 28 years ago in Lenola, Italy. I was 18 years old and on vacation with my family. We stayed in the charming mountain town of Lenola where my mother was born and raised. About two weeks before we were about to leave for New Jersey, I met my husband, Antonio, one evening while I was out on a “passeggio” with my 80-year-old grandmother. I felt as if someone was staring at me and when I turned around, there was Antonio with one of his friends. He asked me where in Italy I was from and I told him I was from America. While we talked I knew right away that I loved him! For the next two weeks he came to pick me up everyday at 2 pm after pranzo and we would see each other every night. When it was time for me to return home, I was heartbroken. We wrote letters to each other for the next year. I went back to Italy the next summer and we got engaged. The year after that we got married in Italy, complete with a serenade from my love under my bedroom window the night before our wedding ceremony. We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this July and I am so blessed that we share such an intense passion and connection to each other.

Antonietta Abbatiello & Eric Grégoire, Montreal Ma conjointe et moi nous sommes rencontrés un soir de juillet 1990. C’était l’été de nos 14 ans lors d’une fête d’amis. Difficile à croire que nous soyons encore ensemble presqu’un quart de siècle plus tard. Ce n’est pas facile pour un p’tit Québécois d’arriver dans une famille italienne. Je dis souvent à la blague qu’en 2002, j’ai épousé ma conjointe et sa famille. Passage obligé? Je ne sais trop, mais une chose est certaine, je m’entends vraiment bien avec mes beaux-parents. Ils sont respectivement comme un deuxième père et une deuxième mère pour moi et je suis comme leur 3e enfant. Pareil pour les frères de ma conjointe. J’entends encore son nonno paternel qui me disait dans les années précédant notre mariage : « Piano, piano se ne va lontano » tout en cognant parallèlement ses deux index ensemble afin de nous représenter elle et moi. Avec le temps, j’ai appris l’italien (non è impeccabile, ma è abbastanza buono) et je me suis imprégné de cette culture qui, pour moi, est d’une grande richesse et qui fait désormais « parte di me ». Aujourd’hui, Antonietta et moi sommes les heureux parents de deux beaux enfants : Chiara, 8 ans et Flavio, 16 mois. Jusqu’à maintenant, ma conjointe a vécu un parcours de vie plus difficile que le mien. Qu’on le veuille ou non, l’adversité rencontrée dans la vie rejaillit sur le couple. Cet extrait de la chanson « Sei fantastica » de Max Pezzali résume bien mon admiration pour Anotnietta, car elle a su démontrer beaucoup de résilience face à ses épreuves.

Siamo qui / Tante vittorie, giorni bellissimi / Sconfitte stupide, giorni difficili / Tristezze ed euforia, gioie e dolori / Ma sento sempre che tu ci sei / Che anche quand’è dura non te ne vai / Che anche coi denti combatterai / Sempre accanto a me non mi abbandonerai / Sei fantastica, forte come il rock’n roll / Una scarica, uno shock elettrico / Sei la fonte di energia più potente che ci sia / Bomba atomica dritta nello stomaco

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FUTURE LEADER

Turning opportunities into success

H

By Erica Cupido

er motto is simple: Say yes. Natalie Festa explains that she’s come face-to-face with interesting people and travelled to far-off places as a result of living by these words. “You never know what could happen and what you can learn,” says Festa, 26. “[By saying] yes to things, you’re letting opportunities come to you.”

Since graduating from York University’s Schulich School of Business, Festa has become a chartered accountant and risen through the ranks from student intern to senior consultant at KPMG Canada. But if she has it her way, the world of finance isn’t the only place where she’ll leave her mark.

As Festa – who grew up in Woodbridge, and now spends most of her time in downtown Toronto – explains it, she’s always had an interest in fashion and an urge to find ways to help empower women. Though she wasn’t quite sure what her professional future looked like when she graduated high school, she knew business skills would be an asset. She says her younger brother encouraged her to choose the program over others. “Even though he is younger than me, he’s always been my biggest influence. I look up to him,” she says.

Like many university students before her, Festa’s career goals became clearer after studying abroad. During a semester spent completing course work at IESEG School of Management in Lille, France, she was inspired to find a creative way to combine her business savvy with her desire to give back. “That experience changed my life,” she says. “Being there opened my eyes. I realized I couldn’t study business forever.” She returned home determined to apply the concepts she was learning to a creative project that would make a positive impact.

In the years since, Festa’s desire to make a difference hasn’t wavered. She’s volunteered at Free the Children’s We Day Toronto and has been presented with KPMG’s Community Leadership Award. Today, she’s also the founder of FAIR+SQUARE, a non-profit she started in 2014. FAIR+SQUARE is a line of pocket squares sold to men, which benefits organizations that support women and help them achieve their career goals. “What I’m looking for in an organization [to give proceeds to] is that it’s small-scale, so that the funds will go far, and 18

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that our missions align,” she says. “My hope is to see a world where girls everywhere feel that they have the resources to achieve their dreams, and that they don’t feel crushed by societal norms or stereotypes.” By selling a menswear accessory, Festa is encouraging men to support gender equality. When she isn’t sewing each one – a skill she learned from her nonna – Festa is perusing fabric stores on Bloor St. West and Queen St. West for standout fabrics. While browsing shops is one of her favourite things to do, Festa says she does so strategically by keeping two distinct clients in mind. She stocks perennially stylish colours and patterns for someone with classic style, as well as unique prints for the man drawn to one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, she’s happy to shop for specific people, and will make fabric choices with their interests in mind (she cites a penguin print as one of her favourites). With the brand’s Facebook and Instagram profiles gaining followers, Festa is working on the official website. This year, her focus is on marketing and looking into getting help with production. “I want to take it to the next level,” she says.

In 2016, the ambitious professional also hopes to do more travelling. At the time of our interview, she’s pursuing an opportunity to go to Tanzania, Africa, where she would like to work with a company that provides jobs to local women. She says regardless of whether she lands the contract position, doing philanthropic work in an underdeveloped region in either South America or Africa is something she hopes to do by the end of the year.

She also wants to spend time brushing up on her Italian language skills in Italy. Though she asks her nonni to speak to her in Italian and practices using the Duolingo app, Festa says nothing compares to immersing yourself in the culture. While studying in France, Festa says she travelled to Italy frequently and always felt completely at ease. “I went to Milan, Florence and the Amalfi coast,” she says. “Every time I went to Italy, I remember thinking, ‘I’m home.’”

This year may even take her somewhere she hasn’t imagined yet – that’s the beauty of being a self-described “yes person.”

Photo by Giulio Muratori

Natalie Festa

GENEALOGY

Unearthing Our

The ABCs of genealogy L’ABC della genealogia

By Sara Germanotta

A

merican philosopher George Santayana once said that “To know your future, you must first know your past.” Coming to an understanding about who we are and where we come from can take many forms, and for a lot of people, plotting their genealogical map is one way to learn more about themselves.

There are a multitude of tools out there that can help people build their family trees. The search can often begin at home with old photos and documents; local churches, hospitals, even cemeteries can also hold valuable clues to a family’s past. Once the paper trail ends, amateur sleuths can continue their detective work online, where a wealth of genealogical tools are available. Science has also helped many people unlock doors to their past with the availability of DNA testing.

Mary Tedesco is a professional genealogist, speaker and author. She is also a host on the popular PBS TV series Genealogy Roadshow. A second generation Italian-American, Tedesco says she grew up listening to her grandparents’ tales about life in Italy, and her deep curiosity about each of the people behind these stories is what led her down the path toward 20

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econdo il filosofo americano George Santayana “per conoscere il tuo futuro, devi dapprima conoscere il tuo passato.” Giungere a capire chi siamo e da dove veniamo può assumere diverse forme e per molte persone, quello di tracciare la propria mappa genealogica, è un modo per saperne di più su se stessi.

C’è una moltitudine di strumenti in giro in grado di aiutare le persone a ricostruire il proprio albero genealogico. Spesso la ricerca può partire da casa attraverso vecchie foto e documenti; le chiese locali, gli ospedali, finanche i cimiteri possono custodire elementi chiave riguardo al passato della famiglia. Una volta terminato il percorso cartaceo, gli investigatori improvvisati possono proseguire la propria impresa da detective in rete, dove c’è a disposizione una vasta gamma di strumenti inerenti alla genealogia.

Anche la scienza aiuta molte persone a schiudere le porte del proprio passato con il test del DNA a disposizione.

Mary Tedesco è una genealogista di professione, relatrice e scrittrice. È anche presentatrice della famosa serie televisiva di PBS, Genealogy Roadshow. Italo-americana di seconda generazione, Tedesco dice di essere

GENEALOGY cresciuta ascoltando le storie sulla vita in Italia raccontate dai suoi nonni. È stata becoming a professional genealogist. “In 2006, when I first began my proprio la sua curiosità riguardo alle persone che si celavano dietro quelle storie genealogical journey, there were not a lot of resources for Italian che l’ha spinta lungo il percorso per diventare una genealogista di professione. “Nel genealogy. I took a very hands-on approach in learning how to do it – I got 2006, quando ho cominciato il on a plane and flew to Italy mio primo viaggio genealogico, to track down my ancestors. non c’erano molte risorse per la Very much an adventure,” genealogia italiana. Ho usato explains the 40-yearun approccio molto pragmatico old. “After gaining experiper imparare a tracciare una ence researching my own genealogia italiana: sono salita ancestors, I began taking su un aereo e sono andata in clients and eventually started Italia per rintracciare i miei my business, ORIGINS antenati. Davvero un’avventura” ITALY.” – spiega la quarantenne. “Dopo Tedesco specialises in aver acquisito esperienza helping people in both the nel ricercare i miei stessi United States and Canada antenati, ho cominciato trace their Italian roots. She ad accettare clienti e di says her passion for genealoconseguenza ho avviato la gy goes far beyond mere mia compagnia, ORIGINS names and dates. It’s about ITALY.” discovering stories and honTedesco è specializzata ouring the past. Tedesco has nell’aiutare le persone, sia helped hundreds of people of negli Stati Uniti che in Italian ancestry discover Canada, a rintracciare le their origins, and she says Suzanne Galaise’s ancestor, Severino Da Prato, born in 1835 in Fornaci di Barga, province of Lucca, with proprie radici italiane. Dice his daugther Celina her husband Jerry Lauzon, their children and Severino’s grand-children. there are many reasons why che la propria passione per la people are so interested in genealogia va ben oltre meri this type of information. nomi e date. Si tratta di scoprire delle storie e rendere omaggio al passato.

“Exploring Italian ancestry is a way to reclaim a connection to Italy, especially Tedesco aiuta centinaia di persone di origine italiana a scoprire le proprie after the immigrant generation in a family has passed away. Still others are radici e dice che sono molti i motivi per cui le persone sono così interessate curious if they have a royal line in the family, would like to know nonno’s a questo tipo di informazioni. “Esplorare la propria ascendenza italiana è un immigration story, and countless other reasons.” modo per ritrovare un collegamento con l’Italia, soprattutto dopo che la genTedesco says helping people discover their roots is always an amazing erazione degli immigrati all’interno del proprio nucleo familiare è deceduta. Altri adventure because it often brings insight into people’s current lives. “I’ve seen

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GENEALOGY numerous clients and Genealogy Roadshow guests react with laughter, tears, feelings of joy or pain, and countless other emotions to genealogical discoveries. I know several people who have found closure by uncovering a century-old family secret or felt at peace when they visited the plot of land their great grandfather farmed his entire life.

Genealogy isn’t just about the information. It’s about how these special discoveries impact each of us in a unique way,” says Tedesco.

For those who are keen to discover their family’s history, Tedesco says the best place to start is right at home. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other older relatives often hold a treasure trove of information and documentation about the history of a family. “It’s ideal to know your ancestral town or towns in Italy before beginning your search. Knowing your ancestors’ original names is also very helpful. If this information is not part of your family’s oral history, it is possible to find these details by researching records in Canada, the USA, and other countries where your ancestors may have lived.”

For Italian-Canadians living in Quebec, the Société généalogique canadienne-française (SGCF) is an organization that has access to a multitude of records and documents that can shed some light on the history of Quebecers of Italian descent. Suzanne Galaise, 48, is a genealogist and general director of the SGCF. She says church records are a great place to start searching for information. “Italian immigration

“ their roots is always an

Helping people discover

“

Aiutare le persone a scoprire le proprie radici è sempre

amazing adventure

un’avventura meravigliosa

because it often brings

perché spesso porta

insight into people’s

chiarezza nelle vite

current lives.

attuali della gente.

“

Translation by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

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“

to the province dates back to the 18th century when there were just a handful of Italians in Nouvelle France,” explains Galaise. “Most Italians are Roman Catholic and we have access to church records and civil records that can help people trace their family trees.”

Galaise, who has an Italian branch in her own family tree, says there are three main Italian parishes in Quebec: Notre-Damedu-Mont-Carmel, Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense and Notre-Damede-la-Consolata. Galaise says researching Catholic Church records will often provide the names of ancestors; their birth, baptism, marriage and death dates; occupations; and other important details about their lives.

Once amateur genealogists have exhausted the resources available to them in Canada, they can take their search online.

Mary Tedesco says there are several free websites, such as FamilySearch.org, which house a growing number of digitized Italian records, passenger manifests and immigration records, and countless other records and resources to help you with your search. But whatever road your genealogical journey takes you down, Tedesco admits that it can be an eye-opening and life-changing experience.

“Personally, I can tell you that genealogy changed the entire course of my life. I’m proud of what I do and am always excited to share this passion with others. I never take a minute of it for granted.”

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ancora sono curiosi di sapere se hanno una ascendenza nobiliare, vorrebbero conoscere la storia dell’immigrazione del nonno, ed hanno innumerevoli altre ragioni.Tutte le persone con le quali parlo hanno i loro buoni motivi per cominciare a investigare sulle proprie radici.”

Tedesco dice che aiutare le persone a scoprire le proprie origini è sempre un’avventura meravigliosa perché spesso porta chiarezza nelle vite attuali della gente. “Vedo numerosi clienti ed ospiti a Genealogy Roadshow reagire alle scoperte genealogiche con risate, lacrime, sentimenti di gioia o panico e innumerevoli altre emozioni. So di molte persone che hanno trovato la propria pace interiore nello svelare un segreto di famiglia vecchio un secolo o che si sono messe il cuore in pace dopo aver visitato il lotto di terra coltivato dal nonno per tutta la sua vita.

La genealogia non riguarda solamente l’ottenere delle informazioni. Ha a che fare con l’impatto che queste scoperte hanno su ognuno di noi in modo unico” – sostiene Tedesco.

Per coloro i quali sono desiderosi di scoprire la storia della propria famiglia, Tedesco dice che il luogo migliore da cui cominciare è proprio casa. Nonni, zie, zii ed altri parenti spesso custodiscono un tesoro di informazioni e documenti che riguardano la storia di una famiglia. “È opportuno conoscere la tua città o le tue città d’origine in Italia prima di cominciare la propria ricerca. Conoscere anche i nomi originali dei propri antenati aiuta molto. Se questa informazione non fa più parte del patrimonio orale della propria famiglia, è possibile trovare questi dettagli facendo una ricerca negli archivi in Canada, negli Stati Uniti ed in altri paesi in cui i propri antenati hanno possibilmente vissuto.”

Per gli italo-canadesi che vivono in Québec, c’è la Société généalogique canadienne-française (SGCF) è un’organizzazione che ha accesso a numerosi archivi e documenti in grado di far luce sul la storia dei quebecchesi di discendenza italiana.

Suzanne Galaise, 48 anni, è genealogista e direttore generale della SGCF. Dice che gli archivi delle chiese sono un gran punto di partenza per cercare informazioni.

“L’immigrazione italiana nella provincia risale al Settecento, quando vi era appena una manciata di italiani nella Nouvelle France” – spiega Galaise. “La maggioranza degli italiani è cattolico romana e noi abbiamo accesso agli archivi della chiesa e dell’anagrafe in grado di aiutare le persone a tracciare i propri alberi genealogici.”

Galaise, che ha un ramo italiano nel proprio albero genealogico, dice che ci sono tre parrocchie italiane principali in Quebec: Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense e Notre-Dame-de-la-Consolata. Galaise dice che cercare negli archivi della chiesa cattolica spesso fornisce i nomi degli antenati; la loro data di nascita, di battesimo, di matrimonio e morte; il lavoro ed altri dettagli importanti che riguardano le loro vite.

Una volta che i genealogisti amatoriali esauriscono le risorse a disposizione in Canada, possono spostare la propria ricerca in rete. Mary Tedesco dice che ci sono molti siti internet gratuiti, tipo FamilySearch.org, che custodiscono un numero crescente di archivi digitali italiani, liste di passeggeri, documenti d’immigrazione e innumerevoli altri documenti e strumenti per aiutarvi nella ricerca. Ma qualunque direzione prenda il vostro viaggio genealogico, Tedesco ammette che può rivelarsi un’esperienza illuminante e che cambia la vita. “Per quanto mi riguarda, posso dirvi che la genealogia ha mutato l’intero corso della mia esistenza.

Sono orgogliosa di ciò che faccio e sono sempre felice di condividere questa passione con gli altri. Non la do mai per scontata, nemmeno per un momento.”

GENEALOGY

Tracing Back Our Roots

Two projects make a lasting connection

By Stephanie Grella

T

he twentieth century marked the beginning of Italian immigration in Canada, with tens of thousands of Italians venturing to North America in search of more prosperous futures. Now, over a century later, second and third generation Italians remain fascinated by their families’ European roots and historic journeys to North America. In a search of their heritage, many Italians in the GTA have discovered their families’ pasts all while learning about the courageous voyages endemic to immigrant life.

In 2014, Toronto’s Navelli Social Club launched a family tree project in search of many members’ Italian roots. Anthony Renato Iocco, one of the club’s executive members, says the project was a way to better connect second generation Italian-Canadians to their ancestors back in Navelli, a town in the Abruzzo region. “We [the second generation] were always trying to figure out how we were connected to each other in the Navelli Club,” says Iocco, who is second generation Italian-Canadian. “Our parents probably knew who everyone else was while we were on the discovery side of it.”

Over a span of five years, Iocco collected data from Navelli Social Club members and began to organize the information into family trees. Iocco and his team underwent extensive research – which included interviewing the majority of members as well as referring back to historical records – and successfully traced members’ origins back as far as they could. As a result, the

book, entitled Famiglie Navellesi, portrays many immigrant stories, capturing both the struggles and successes of coming to a new land. “With the ancestors, it was almost like a puzzle to decode a few things and find the links. Everyone kind of wants to do his or her own family tree, so this was a good starting point,” Iocco says. “We pretty much all had a link to each family in the book, which made it a lot easier to capture the information we needed. The club is the glue that holds everyone together.”

The first section of Famiglie Navellesi is a collection of present day families who are currently part of the club, while the second section looks back on each family’s ancestors, including biographical information and their passport photos. The book’s 2014 release also coincided with the Navelli Social Club’s 40th anniversary. “The whole project brought us together. It probably wasn’t a main goal of the book, but I can see what it has done for the club,” Iocco says.

Although the Navelli Social Club might be one of the only Italian organizations in Toronto to trace their ancestry back to their native land, Famiglie Navellesi is not alone in its genealogical success. A Note of Hope is another testament to immigrants’ journeys to Canada as well as to second and third generations’ interests in their ancestry.

Teresa Pamzuin, vice president of the Concord West Seniors Club, led A Note of Hope from 2012 until its publication in the spring of 2014. The aim of PANORAMITALIA.COM

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GENEALOGY

“

If we made it through leaving everything behind, this will open up horizons of hope for the next generation to never lose courage.

“

the book was to share multicultural stories from immigrants who made up much of the club’s community. Interviewing immigrants from Germany, Hungary, Jamaica, India, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy. In fact, out of the 32 stories in the book, 23 of them are from Italian immigrants Pamzuin says the book’s collection of immigrant stories represents Canada’s tapestry of diversity. “This book sends a message for the young generation: to learn what we went through and to live with purpose and meaning. We want them to continue our legacies, traditions, and values and instill in them a sense of identity, belonging, and heritage,” Pamzuin says. “If we made it through leaving everything behind, this will open up horizons of hope for the next generation to never lose courage.”

With the help of local youths in the community as well as English students from Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School, the interviews were transcribed and edited before publication. The first printing of 150 copies was not nearly enough for the demand of the book, but Pamzuin says she is planning to raise funds for a second printing. “A lot of readers were saying it brought back memories,” Pamzuin says. “When someone’s name is here and his or her story is written, they will never be forgotten.”

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GENEALOGY

The History Behind a Name

Brian Moccia (on the far right) with his family in Mississauga, Ontario

By Sarah Mastroianni

C

anada has been home to a significant Italian population for decades, which means that most Canadians can spot an Italian name from a mile away. But not all Italian names have remained authentic and unchanged since their bearers’ departure from The Old Country. From innocent typos to deliberate changes and anglicisation, the journey of certain Italian family names in Canada can be just as intriguing as the stories of the immigrants who brought them.

Thanks to a general renewed interest in genealogy by certain groups of Canadians, Jan Raska, a researcher at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, explains that, “Italians are the largest group to visit us from outside Nova Scotia.” He continues, “A lot of people are setting aside the time to do a return pilgrimage and come to the Scotiabank Family History Centre at Pier 21.”

According to Raska, many of the Italian-Canadians who visit the Centre are not only hoping to learn more about their families’ origins and immigration details, but are also trying to sift their way through family history confusion that stems from name changes or discrepancies, both on official documents and in the names people used in everyday life.

Some such issues include individuals and families that immigrated to Canada and now, for one reason or another, bear a different last name from the ancestors and relatives they left in Italy. Martinellis in Italy who for some reason became Martinelis in Canada, Romanos who became Romans, or a woman who switched from using her maiden name to her married one, all create hurdles for genealogy enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of their family tree.

Often the blame for these changes is laid at the feet of the immigration officials who first processed the individuals during their arrival in Canada.

Whether they may have heard an immigrant’s name wrong and subsequently written it down improperly or anglicised it on their own accord, many people believe that for names which were changed, the change occurred at the time of entry into Canada.

Raska, however, refutes this claim and even goes as far as to label it a myth.

Armed with knowledge of historical immigration practices, Raska asserts, “Names were not often recorded, and thus not often changed by Canadian immigration officials.” “If they did write anything down,” he continues, “it was basically copying the name that was on all the other travel documents that had to be in place before the immigrant left the port of origin.”

Of course, handwritten names could be hard to decipher and anyone could make a transcription error, however this phenomenon wasn’t as common as Canadians are led to believe. “Changing of names in this way wasn’t rare but it wasn’t common either,” he says, and suggests that there are many other stops along an immigrant’s journey when a name could have been either deliberately or erroneously changed.

And why might a name be deliberately changed? While we generally think of Canada as very accepting, the social climate wasn’t always as welcoming to Italians as it is today. In short, many Italian immigrants may have chosen to change or anglicise their name in order to help to fit in with their new surroundings. “Names were often anglicised by family members who were already in Canada, or by neighbours and employers because it was easier for them,” Raska explains. “Many immigrants chose to accept this.”

He also cites moments in history, such as the rise of Fascism, Italians deliberately changed their names themselves in order to avoid being viewed in a less-than-favourable light simply because of their heritage.

In retired healthcare worker Brian Moccia’s case, however, his family name was changed in an altogether different way. He explains that his paternal grandparents, immigrants from the province of Campobasso, had six sons and one daughter, but in their adult lives the different branches of his father’s family did not use the same spelling of their last name. “I had five uncles,” Moccia, 74, explains, “and four of them allowed their last name to change to Moccio instead of Moccia. All their children and all their grandchildren have an o at the end of the name. My father and his brother kept the a.”

The metamorphosis of Moccia to Moccio is what Moccia calls “a touchy subject” in the family. Despite his repeated attempts to uncover when, how and why some of his uncles allowed their last name to morph into Moccio, he’s come up short. “I know it sounds crazy but the best I can tell is that people would mispronounce the name or the a would get mistaken for an o, and my uncles just went along with it,” he reasons.

This was not the case however in his own family. Moccia describes his father as being “very adamant” that their surname be spelled correctly although his brothers had adopted a different spelling and now shares this belief himself. “It’s important to me to maintain my name. It’s really meaningful to me even to this day.”

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GENEALOGY

Finding the Missing Puzzle Piece

A cross-country quest to find a long-lost relative

W

By Sabrina Marandola

hen 21-year-old Myah Catherine Rose Wallace was browsing the Internet, she never thought it would lead to a cross-country family reunion with long-lost relatives. The Vancouver native was on a mission to find a missing puzzle piece in her family’s history – a quest driven by her grandmother’s inner turmoil. “My grandmother knew very little about her father even though she remembers him as a very important person in her life whom she loved very much,” says Wallace. Wallace’s mother, 51-year-old Angela Carroll-Wallace, encouraged her to try to find answers for her grandmother, Rose Marie. “Rose Marie knew very little of her father and missed having that knowledge. Myah wanted to find something for her that would give her [grandmother] some comfort and memory about her father.”

The stories and memories about Wallace’s great-grandfather were scarce. She only had a name to go by. “[My grandmother] only knew him as Nic Piperno.”

Wallace browsed the web, trying to find answers on genealogy sites such as Ancestry.ca.

Wallace and her mother investigated for months, even years, trying to match names and dates listed on official documents and registries.

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The missing puzzle piece to the family tree never fit…until one day they paid attention to a name that kept appearing: Domenico Piperno. “After years of searching the documents for a Nic Piperno, and many versions of the name that appear throughout the Canadian census and other documents, it dawned on me that the Domenico Piperno fit with all the details we knew – except that first name,” Carroll-Wallace said. “Myah had been looking for a Nicolas Piperno [but] it was Domenico – right in front of us.”

Domenico had always referred to himself as Nic, leaving family members to assume his name was Nicolas. With his proper name in hand, Wallace continued her research online, scanning documents and message boards. That’s when she noticed a family across the country, in Montreal, was also trying to find information about a man named Domenico Piperno.

Parallel universe In Montreal, 61-year-old Liza Garofalo Hetu also felt agitated every time she would think about the stories her late grandmother told her about her longlost brother. “My grandmother told me about her lost brother who left home

GENEALOGY

at 17 years old, and no one ever saw or heard from him again. I remember feeling so distraught for her, thinking how terrible it must be to not know what happened to him. I never forgot the desperation in her voice,” Garofalo Hetu says.

Family members in Montreal had all heard stories about how Nic Piperno was born in Montreal, and moved to Timmins, Ontario, in the late 1930s to work as a miner. He married Lillian Joyce Patterson, and raised five children until his death in 1961.

Despite having this detailed information, the family hit the same snag Wallace did in Vancouver – his name. “We just couldn’t find a Nicolas Piperno that fit with the data,” says Garofalo Hetu’s aunt, Antoinette Tozzi Bondi.

Tozzi Bondi was also searching on Ancestry.ca to help find answers about her uncle. “I remembered that there had been another name that was coming up throughout my search through the records. His name was Dominico Antonio Piperno ... We were tumbling on this name over and over, and then my mom (Piperno’s sister) had the realization that Dominico was Nicolas,” Tozzi Bondi says.

“

Domenico aka “Nic” Piperno pictured on left

Myah had been looking for a Nicolas Piperno [but] it was Domenico – right in front of us.

“

Tozzi Bondi, Garofalo Hetu and other relatives noticed a young woman in Vancouver – Myah Wallace – was searching for answers about the same name on Ancestry.ca “We contacted Myah and we quickly realized that we were family!” says Garofalo Hetu.

It wasn’t long before a family reunion was organized – almost 95 years after Domenico Piperno left Montreal and got lost from the branches of the family tree. Last August, Wallace, her mother and her grandmother flew from Vancouver to Montreal to meet about 30 Piperno relatives. “I will always remember the smiles on Myah’s and Rose Marie’s faces and their deep satisfaction in speaking with people that had only been names and dates on a page, receiving and giving hugs of welcome, having found part of their own history,” CarrollWallace says.

Garofalo Hetu agrees. “There was an immediate connection between everyone – we were sharing pictures and stories … We are sure to stay in touch.”

Wallace is proud she was able to offer her grandmother that missing puzzle piece about her family history. “My favourite moment and memory of the reunion was seeing my grandmother, Rose, so happy and so drawn to a group of strangers that looked like her and were welcoming to her. She was smiling and talking to everyone and it was so great to know that I had something to do with making that happen,” Wallace says. “I feel like Domenico would be happy his daughter found her family again.”

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Villa Charities Faces Growing Demand for Seniors Housing and Care Demand for seniors housing, long-term care spaces and seniors day programs run

by Villa Charities has grown rapidly, today far outstripping the number of available spaces. The trend is shaped mainly by a fast-growing seniors’ population, government policy changes and Villa Charities’ reputation for high quality, culturally sensitive care.

“We need to develop sustainable solutions to address the growing needs of our seniors,” says Villa Charities CEO Eligio Gaudio.

Gaudio and the Villa Charities team are presently looking at opportunities for Villa Charities to play a greater role.

More than 700 seniors are now on the waiting list for beds at Villa Colombo Vaughan, up from 74 ten years ago. At Villa Charities’ three independent living apartments for seniors, Caboto Terrace, Casa DelZotto and Casa Abruzzo, “The waiting list has grown to 515 today from 100 a decade ago,” notes Greg Natale, Vice President and Administrator of Villa Charities Seniors’ Apartments.

Seniors hoping to find space at both Villa Colombo Vaughan and the seniors’ apartments now have to wait for more than two years!

At Villa Colombo Toronto, the waiting list is currently 367 people. While this number has declined, reflecting several factors including a shift to home-based support programs for seniors, the wait for admission is currently as long as three

years, depending on the type of accommodation required, says Tracey Comeau, Villa Colombo Toronto’s Executive Director.

Demand for community services provided

by Villa Colombo Toronto for supportive housing and day programs for seniors has mushroomed. Those programs now serve more than 700 seniors.

Seniors are living longer today than ever before – a trend reflected in the presence today of no fewer than a combined total of 11 centenarians at Villa Colombo and Villa Colombo Vaughan.

The shift is gathering pace, with a population growth rate for seniors that today is four times faster than the population at large, according to a Sept. 29, 2015 cbc.ca report.

“We could serve many more if we had the space to expand community services,” Comeau remarks.

“The challenge facing aging seniors is nationwide, and urgently needs to be addressed not only at the local and provincial level, but also at the federal level,” Gaudio says.

The waiting lists could get even longer as Canada’s seniors population continues to grow.

The nation passed through a major milestone last year when, for the first time, the population of people 65 and older surpassed the number of children under 15.

“Villa Charities has the expertise to contribute solutions, a proven track record of excellent care and a substantial wait list,” he adds.

“What we need is the funding to build and expand our services for seniors.”

Chiarandini: 100 Years Carrier Gallery presents a major retrospective exhibit of paintings

by Italian-Canadian artist Albert Chiarandini, Feb. 4 to March 7.

Chiarandini (1915-2007) is best known for his portraits of hippies in Toronto’s Yorkville area during the 1960s, as well as Ontario landscapes.

Born in the northern Italian city of Udine, Chiarandini moved to Canada at age 17. He studied at the Ontario College of Art under, among others, Group of Seven painter Franklin Carmichael.

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Villa Colombo’s Nicola Vattiata Celebrates 100 Years Happy birthday to Villa Colombo Toronto resident Nicola Vattiata, who turned 100 on Jan. 26.

Born in the small Sicilian town of Vita, Nicola was swept into service during the Second World War at age 22. He never forgot the sacrifices and hardships he experienced, and today still regales people with his war stories.

After the war ended, in 1946, Nicola married Maria. They had two girls, Maria and Pina, before emigrating in 1958 to Canada, where a third daughter, Franca, was born.

Nicola worked very hard providing for his family, mainly at a car wash. He retired three times, but kept going back to work – including at a poultry factory where he plucked chickens until his hands were crippled – because he couldn't relax at home.

pair who were always together. Nicola took good care of Maria, dressing, feeding and wheeling her around on walks. Many times she would thank him with a kiss and a hug.

Maria passed away in 2014. Today, Nicola continues to enjoy spending time with the couple’s children, eight grandchildren, Cristina, Nick, Franca, Marie, Jamie, Jennie, Sara, and Laura, and four great grandchildren, Jessie, Nicolas, Vienna and Myla.

Nicola’s daughters, Mary, Pina and Franca, shared a message with their father: “What a great accomplishment for our Dad to reach this milestone. Way to go, Dad.”

When Maria's health began to decline in the 1990s, Nicola took care of her for several years. In 2005, when it became too difficult to care for Maria at home, Nicola moved with her to Villa Colombo.

Nicola is now in the company of 10 other centenarians at Villa Colombo Toronto and Villa Colombo Vaughan. They are Angela Bugin, Antonietta Ciccarelli, Nina D’Abbondanza, Maria Vitale, Maria Fernanda Luciani and four others at Villa Colombo Toronto, and Maria Concetta Lijoi at Villa Colombo Vaughan.

Villa Colombo staff and residents remember the couple as "Romeo and Juliet" – a loving

Buon compleanno, Nicola. Auguri e a 120 anni!

“Pinocchio for All People” Celebrates Anniversary “Pinocchio for All People”, a Torontobased celebration of Italian Carlo Collodi’s famous and beloved fable, recently marked its 40th anniversary.

The initiative, created by now-retired Toronto teacher Ruth Brown (Johnson) with support and encouragement from Villa Charities, included plays, musical productions, singing, readings and lessons for school children of all cultures. These activities were filmed for a movie that became a record of the event.

Former Toronto Mayor David Crombie even proclaimed a "Pinocchio for All People Week" in 1975, and the story was included in the school curriculum as part of a compilation of stories from several cultures.

Brown originally launched the initiative to provide Italian-Canadian children with a positive experience at

school that they could share with kids from other backgrounds.

“It was important to have a story from their own culture that was popular in other cultures,” Brown says. “Kids take pride when they see that something from their own heritage is well-known and liked by others.”

Villa Charities helped promote Pinocchio for All People. Villa Colombo residents even played a role in the movie’s finale in which they made Pinocchio dolls for toddlers at Columbus Centre day care.

A large wooden Pinocchio sculpture, originally created for the project, has long been a prominent feature of the Colombus Centre’s main atrium after spending many years on the road at Italian cultural celebrations as far away as Winnipeg.

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A Half Century of Sharing Music's Magic

Marco Marrone - Music Instructor

Two Columbus Centre School of Music instructors are celebrating a combined 50 years of teaching music at the Centre. Marco Marrone, who teaches piano and wind instruments, has marked 30 years at the school while Mila Germanovsky, a piano and music theory instructor, has passed the 20 year milestone.

There is no secret to their longevity at the School. Both instructors have an undimmed passion for music and teaching, and are perennial favourites of Columbus Centre students.

John Szymczak, whose daughter Katrina studies under Marco at the Columbus Centre, says Marco “is an outstanding teacher, making lessons fun within a positive, encouraging environment. We consider ourselves lucky to have Marco as Katrina's teacher.”

Another parent, Michael Fernandez, says his daughter Cristina “always returns from her lessons with a smile. Marco is genuine, funny and gives Cristina all the freedom she needs to create.”

Germanovsky, a Master of Music graduate from Lviv National Musical Academy in Ukraine, seeks to inspire students to love and understand music. She tries to expand her student’s curiosity by introducing them to different genres of music such as classical, popular, and jazz.

Milena Pierucci, whose daughter Ava is taught by Germanovsky, says “it is remarkable what a positive impact Mila has had on her.

Mila is a kind, gentle teacher who is always encouraging and supportive. She always brings out the best in her students and always makes them feel special.”

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This special section is published by Villa Charities.

For more than 40 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided care for seniors and offered educational and cultural programs in music, dance, visual arts, culinary arts, athletics, and much more. he Villa Charities family includes Villa Colombo Services for Seniors in Toronto; Villa Colombo Vaughan; Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors; the Columbus Centre; and J.D. Carrier Art Gallery.

For more information, visit www.villacharities.com

SECTION

Music Instructor Mila Germanovsky with student Emmanuel Gabriel Lopes

SPECIAL

Marrone, a teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for almost three decades, brings his love of music, performance, and creativity to students of all ages and experience levels. Many of his many students have pursued their own musical dreams, among them Ricky Tillo, one of Lady Gaga’s guitarists.

A Tribute to Aldo Bacci (1924-2015) Aldo Bacci, a major contributor to Villa Charities’ “Italian Canadians as Enemy Aliens: Memories of World War II” project, has passed away.

Bacci donated many documents and images to the Enemy Aliens collection. He also shared his family’s experiences during the war, including the discrimination endured by Italians, in a videotaped interview posted on the project site, at www.italiancanadianww2.ca.

Bacci’s father, Ruggero Bacci, an immigrant to Canada, had served in the Italian military and was a member of the Fascist Party. Aldo recalls riding home on the streetcar on June 10, 1940 when he learned about Italy's war declaration. That same day, his father was picked up by the police and eventually interned. Aldo, who had just finished grade 9, had to quit school and start working. Almost three years later, on the very same day his father was released from camp, Aldo was conscripted into the Canadian military.

Aldo Bacci passed away on December 24, 2015 in Richmond Hill. He is survived by his large and loving family.

The Italian Canadians as Enemy Aliens Exhibit can be viewed at the Columbus Centre, in a travelling exhibit now on display at the Trail & District Public Library, and online.

UPCOMING EVENTS Carrier Gallery

Albert Chiarandini - 100 Years: Feb. 4-March 7 Diane Fine & Stefanie Clark: Feb. 4-March 7 Sonia Langer – Weather or Not: Feb. 4-March 7 Oil & Acrylic Workshop: March 10-April 4 Joe Catalano/John Mardon/Jerry Sevier: Mar. 10-Apr. 4 Southern Ontario Visual Artists: March 10-April 4

DanzArts Toronto

Competitive Showcase: March 11 Cardinal Carter School for the Arts Fever International Dance Championships: April 1-3 John Bassett Theatre

March Break Day Camps for Kids

Columbus Centre 416-789-7011 x244/cultural@villacharities.com

Cooking Classes

Getting Ready for Spring: Feb. 17 Tapas Style Dining: March 8 Inspired by Rome: March 16 416-789-7011 x244/cultural@villacharities.com

Music School

Free trial lessons: Feb. 22-28 Spring term begins April 7 416-789-7011 x244/248

Cultural Arts/Athletics

No classes Feb. 15 (Family Day), Mar. 14-18 (March Break), March 25 (Good Friday), March 28 (Easter Monday)

Italian Canadians as Enemy Aliens Exhibit Trail & District Public Library: Jan. 11-March 31

www.villacharities.com PANORAMITALIA.COM

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FASHION

Springin’ In Everything to help you get ready for the new season

By Alessia Sara Domanico

As

1.

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you dust those last snowflakes off your shoulders and start being optimistic that the cool air will soon turn mild, the time has also come to think about retiring that puffer jacket, hat, scarf and mitts and letting the best of spring 2016 into your life. So consider this article your springboard (pun intended) to find early inspiration for your seasonal shopping.

The general mood of the Resort and Spring/Summer 2016 collections was decidedly vibrant and sexy. Many a designer turned to Spain for a sense of warmth, which exuded through the clothes. From ruffles to off-shoulder numbers, tight pants for the gents and overall rich hues, we saw it everywhere from Michael Kors to Salvatore Ferragamo, Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg. These outfits will make for a dramatic transition into spring so tread with caution, once you’re in spring, there’s no going back. The bedroom vibe was also strongly felt throughout the major collections. Many a maison from Valentino to Dior was trying to pass lingerie for pret-a-porter.

Suede is the hot fabric of the season and also a way to play it safe in the shift from winter. Pick it up in a jacket, as seen with Burberry, or in a skirt that falls just below the knees as seen at Gucci. Accessories with fringe are also a good bet.

Speaking of accessories, the must-have for the ladies this coming season is the half-moon bag – an attractive crossbody that comfortably fits your daily essentials while also promoting ergonomics. For the men, it’s all about the hipster backpacks in leather or suede – practical and slim.

In terms of colour, you need to be brave because orange is back from fall and it is everywhere. You’d be pressed not to spot an orange handbag walking around London, Paris or Milan in spring – because if Michael (Kors) does it, then they all do. Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and Gucci paid homage to the shocking hue in their ready to wear with great success. When it comes to patterns, the Scots would be proud to know that plaid is back in a major way, especially for the guys.

Look to Zegna, Dior and Burberry for cues, from light jackets to ties and shirts.

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FASHION

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8.

L E G E N D

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1. Salvatore Ferragamo 2. Burberry 3. Tom Ford 4. Dior 5. Valentino 6. Fendi 7. Michael Kors 8. Paco Rabanne

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LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Location: Ristorante Boccaccio & Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

Adriana Gonzalez

Christopher Antilope

Name: Adriana Gonzalez Nickname: Adri, Adge Occupation: Global Development and Political Studies student at Queen’s University Age: 21 Generation: Second Dad from: Galicia, Spain Mom from: Corleone, Sicily Speaks: English, French, Italian (Sicilian dialect), and a bit of Spanish Raised in: North York and Newmarket

Full Name: Christopher Francesco James Antilope Nicknames: The Cantilope Occupation: Barista, English and Religion Major at the University of Toronto, Full-time Comedian. Age: 21 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Bari, Puglia Mom’s side from: Palermo, Sicily Speaks: English, Italian Raised in: Mississauga

Clothes: Marshalls dress Favourite boutique: Zara Fashion idol: Amal Alamuddin Passion: Movies and cooking Goal in life: To attend law school and become a practicing International Human Rights Lawyer abroad.

Thing about you that would surprise most people: I have been a vegetarian for four years.

Pet peeve: Boastful people Favourite restaurant: Marcello’s Pizzeria Favourite dish: Pasta aglio e olio Your best dish: My risotto (ai funghi or milanese) Favourite Italian saying: “Chi ama, crede” You know you are Italian34

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Canadian if: You don’t order pasta from a Canadian restaurant because nothing compares to your mom’s sugo.

Musical preference: I love classical and jazz music!

Favourite Italian song: “Bella d’estate” by Mango Italian soccer team: Palermo Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Enjoying a nice espresso on College Street What you like most about Panoram: It brings my family together! We love reading about our fellow Italian-Canadians and their beautiful stories.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Celebrating Italy’s World Cup win in Woodbridge!

Favourite boutique: American Eagle Clothes: American Eagle cardigan, Heritage shirt and Slim Extreme Flex Jeans Fashion idol: Derek Zoolander Passion: Entertaining people with my impressions, jokes, and sarcasm.

Goal in life: To become an English and Religion secondary school teacher; to become a husband, and then a father who will inspire his children to follow the faith and keep the Italian culture alive.

Thing about you that would surprise most people: I love comic books and superheroes.

Pet peeve: Slow walkers Best caffè in Toronto: Sicilian Sidewalk Café

Favourite vino: Dad’s homemade vino You know you are ItalianCanadian if: Making vino, tomato sauce, or sausages always took precedence over homework and work.

Favourite Italian song: “Brucia la terra” by Andrea Bocelli Italian soccer team: Juventus Sexiest Italian: Andrea Pirlo How long have you been reading Panoram: Five years What you like most about Panoram: It helps keep the Italian culture alive outside of Italy.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Being able to interact with my Dad’s parents before they passed away when I was young.

Photos by Giulio Muratori

Makeup by Monica De Las Casas Rosati

Annamaria Aloisi Name: Annamaria Francesca Aloisi Nickname: “Ciota” or “Ciotarella” (Calabrian dialect for “crazy”) Occupation: Honours History and Sociology Student at York University Age: 20 Generation: Second Dad from: Cosenza, Calabria Mom’s side from: Catanzaro, Calabria Speaks: English, Italian and Calabrian dialect Raised in: Maple Clothes: Danier leather and fur skirt, a vintage beaded turtleneck, Tezenis tights, Calvin Klein suede booties Favourite boutique: Mendocino Fashion idol: The Kardashian sisters Passion: The visual arts, makeup artistry and working with children.

Goal in life: To be in the education field.

Thing about you that would surprise most people: I love to prank my friends and family.

Pet peeve: People that lie and are fake.

Best pizza in Toronto: My dad’s pizza Favourite Italian saying:

“Conta le stelle delle tue notti, non le ombre. Conta i sorrisi della tua vita, non le lacrime.”

You know you are ItalianCanadian if: Refusing your nonna’s food is practically considered a criminal offense.

Favourite Italian song: “Ti penso raramente” by Biagio Antonacci Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Visit my house and come see my father’s cantina.

What you like most about Panoram: It connects Italians throughout the generations.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: The only right way to conclude summer was making sugo in my nonna Rosina’s garage with family.

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DESIGN

Foscarini Solar outdoor room set

Light it Up

Illuminate your space with inspiration from the latest Italian designs

By Alessia Sara Domanico

We

have all come to know just how important artificial lighting can be for our mood, work ethic and overall environment. All it takes is a bit of harsh yellow fluorescent lighting or not enough natural lighting to flat out ruin a room. As businesses make the move towards more people-friendly lighting in the workplace, we should also be brightening up our own personal spaces with some soft lighting that comes in an attractively-fashioned container. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are some of the hottest new designs from some of the most respected Italian brands in lighting and homeware. The good news is that these brands can be found in Canada, so you can breathe easy over shipping and handling.

Suspended lighting can be intimidating, especially when we don’t have the 15foot ceilings of a Roman villa. Artemide has been clever with its Empatia product line by crafting large and transparent Venetian blown glass bulbs (no two are the same), which contain hanging LED light engines. While they do have the classic versions dangling on one foot wires, several models can be affixed directly to the ceiling, saving space with a contained hanging effect. For those with a bit more ‘dangling space,’ Oluce, Italy’s oldest lighting company (est. in 1945), has some slick propositions. Their cast aluminum ‘Kin’ lamps would look great in a set of three over a kitchen island. Keeping with a classic contemporary look is the Lustri collection from Aldo Bernardi. These suspended ceramic pendants come in plenty of different colours, patterns and styles to suit any type of suspension.

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For those in the market for high-end design, look no further than Foscarini, the lighting atelier that conceives, develops and produces lights.

This brand collaborates with a roster of talents and fashion brands such as Diesel. Their Wave set would add a modern psychedelic look to even the most plain of rooms, while the Flip design installed along the length of a wall gives off a nice set of stylish rays; think of it as the ultimate night light. For your parlour or patio, check out the brand’s Solar outdoor floor project: a contemporary hearth imagined for friends and family to gather around. The surface finishes can range from either indoor materials (glossy, dark wood) or outdoor (rusty and textured effect).

If you’re after a lavish look reminiscent of a grand ballroom, then the House of Masiero has both old-school and modern chandelier styles that exude grandeur. Their 9040 collection marries a fine metal base with decorated gold or silver leaf and bronze inserts and tops it off with a technical cone-shaped candelabrum with low voltage light bulbs to produce warm and efficient lighting that saves on energy. The bottom of the chandelier features crystal rhombus pendants in different colours for a regal finish. For something a little more of this decade, the Botero and Eva suspended lamps focus respectively on matte black or white metal that preserve a splendid outline, but give an understated timelessness.

DESIGN

Masiero EVA

Foscarini FLIP room set

Foscarini WAVE room set

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ABRUZZO

The History and Landscape of Abruzzo Storia e paesaggi d’Abruzzo

Oratory of Santa Maria della Pieta in Rocca Calascio, Abruzzo

By Roberto Ciuffini

“T

ypically, one imagines Abruzzo as being an agricultural and pastoral region. The literary tradition of Italy, as exemplified by Gabriele D’Annuzio’s shepherds and Ignazio Silone’s boors, has solidified such stereotypes as to turn them into commonplace clichés,” explains History of Economics professor at the D’Annunzio University in Chieti and Pescara, Costantino Felice, in his book Il Mezzogiorno operoso (Hardworking Southern Italy).

Such a description of the Abruzzo landscape has been substantiated by a recent study undertaken by Marianna Boero, researcher in the Department of Communications Studies at the University of Teramo.

Boero analyzed the perception web users have of Abruzzo, focusing in particular on social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, and revealed that Internet users tend to identify the region with mountains and the wilderness.

Hence the motto: “Abruzzo: the green heart of Europe.” Indeed, these catchwords are more than just a publicity stunt. With more than one-third of the landscape dedicated to national parks, the region has become synonymous with the protection of the environment. Being the largest area of unspoiled nature in Europe, Abruzzo is indeed the green heart of the Mediterranean.

Abruzzo is home to the highest level of protected areas in Italy. It has three important national parks: the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise; the National Park of the Maiella; and the National Park of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, and many nature reserves and protected wildlife sanctuaries.

The varied landscape is undoubtedly the region’s principal attraction, responsible for its growing tourist industry.

The coastline is the main attraction for touristic holidays. New York’s Mayor, Bill de Blasio, during his stay in Abruzzo, spoke highly of Pescara, 38

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“L

’immagine abituale che si ha dell’Abruzzo è quella di una regione agro-pastorale. È stata la grande tradizione letteraria, soprattutto quella dannunziana (con i pastori) e siloniana (con i cafoni) a imporre questo stereotipo, facendolo diventare senso comune e visione diffusa”, spiega Costantino Felice, docente di Storia dell’Economia presso l’Università D’Annunzio di Chieti-Pescara, nel suo ultimo libro Il Mezzogiorno operoso.

Questa proiezione idealtipica è stata confermata, di recente, anche da uno studio condotto da Marianna Boero, ricercatrice della Facoltà di Scienze della comunicazione dell’Università di Teramo. Analizzando la percezione dell’identità abruzzese sul web, setacciando in particolare i social network come Facebook e Twitter, la ricerca ha evidenziato come gli utenti di internet tendano a identificare l’immagine abruzzese soprattutto con la montagna e la natura selvaggia.

Da qui lo slogan “Abruzzo regione verde d'Europa”, che non è solo un facile claim pubblicitario. Con un terzo del proprio territorio destinato a parchi e riserve naturali, la regione esprime un primato culturale e civile nella protezione dell’ambiente e si colloca come maggiore area naturalistica d’Europa, vero cuore verde del Mediterraneo.

L’Abruzzo detiene il record nazionale delle aree naturali protette: tre parchi nazionali (il Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, il Parco Nazionale della Maiella e il Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga) e numerose aree protette e riserve naturali. È la varietà paesaggistica, infatti, il principale punto di forza dell’Abruzzo e il fattore di richiamo maggiore per la sua industria turistica ancora fiorente.

ABRUZZO La partita della villeggiatura abruzzese di qualità si gioca soprattutto lungo la costa. Il sindaco di New York Bill de Blasio, durante la sua vacanza in Abruzzo, l’estate scorsa, ha definito Pescara “una bella città”. Il capoluogo adriatico sorprende piacevolmente non solo per via delle sue spiagge ma anche per la sua vocazione sportiva, sulla quale la giunta guidata dal sindaco Marco Alessandrini ha puntato molto per fidelizzare i turisti. La città vanta il primato nazionale del maggior numero di palestre e piscine in rapporto alla popolazione e la scorsa estate ha ospitato manifestazioni importanti come i “Giochi del Mediterraneo sulla Spiaggia ”, che hanno visto la partecipazione dei Comitati Olimpici di 24 Paesi, e la gara dell’“Ironman Italy 2015”, che ha superato i 2 mila iscritti richiamando oltre 50 mila spettatori.

“

Con un terzo del proprio territorio destinato a parchi, la regione esprime un primato culturale e civile nella protezione dell’ambiente.

“

describing it as “a great city.” The region’s capital city, located on the Adriatic, offers a pleasing surprise not only for its beaches but also for its sports activities, which mayor Marco Alessandrini (who also sits on a special committee) counts on in order to encourage tourist loyalty.

Pescara boasts the most pools and gymnasiums in the country in relationship to its population. It hosted major sports tournaments like The Mediterranean Beach Games, at which twenty-four Olympic teams participated. It also organized the Ironman Italy 2015 competition where more than two thousand athletes appeared in front of over fifty thousand spectators.

In the Northern part of the region, the area of Teramo counts on cultural projects involving the restoration of historical buildings, such as the Torre Martinetti Bianchi, a tower dating back to the 15th century completely renovated and situated on the shores of Silvi Marina. Businesswoman Elisabetta Ruscitti was honoured with the title of “Superhost” a recognition given by Airbnb to deserving homeowners.

To the South, we find the Costa dei Trabocchi in the province of Chieti, which covers six miles along the coastline. Since November 2015, it has become a wildlife reserve, thereby opening a door to the development of eco-friendly tourism.

While the tourist industry on the coast is on the rise, the hinterland province of L’Aquila, which suffered a destructive earthquake in 2009, is still unstable.

The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise remains, however, one of the most visited by tourists from Italy and abroad according to a report written

by Ecotour 2015 for Turismo-Natura of Istat and Enit. As Camillo D’Alessandro, regional counsellor and director for Turismo, trasporto e Giubileo, (Tourism, Transport and Jubilee) explains, “This is the only European area where one can ski down a slope of two thousand metres and revel in the sea-view.”

Moreover, some promising signs are also rising out of these remote mountainous corners where a newfound typology of hotels, sought for their rustic surroundings, is on the rise.

In the Castel di Ieri arching over the massive Tiburtina Valeria in the heart of the Parco Sirente Velino, we find the paternal home of writer Elsa Morante – now owned and managed by the city – which has become a centre for study and artist residences.

In the National Park of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, in the medieval town of San Stefan di Sessanio, there is the Sextantio Hotel with its

A Nord, nel Teramano, spiccano invece progetti legati alla cultura e al restauro di antichi edifici, come quello della Torre Martinetti Bianchi, un’antica torre del XV secolo completamente restaurata, situata sul litorale di Silvi Marina. L’imprenditrice Elisabetta Ruscitti si è aggiudicata il titolo di “superhost”, premio che Airbnb assegna ai proprietari di casa più meritevoli.

Verso Sud, invece, la Costa dei Trabocchi, che si estende per sei miglia marine lungo il litorale della provincia di Chieti, è diventata, a novembre 2015, parco naturale regionale, aprendo così la porta a uno sviluppo del turismo ecosostenibile.

Ma mentre sulla costa l’economia turistica è in crescita, resta ancora molto fragile nell’entroterra aquilano, penalizzato anche dal terremoto del 2009.

Il Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, rimane fortunatamente, di gran lunga, il più frequentato dai turisti italiani e stranieri secondo il rapporto Ecotour 2015 sul Turismo-natura di Istat e Enit. “Questo è l’unico comprensorio d’Europa dove si scia a duemila metri di quota guardando il

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ABRUZZO

Sextantio Hotel in the medieval town of San Stefano di Sessanio

“

With more than one-third of the landscape dedicated to national parks, the region has become synonymous with the protection of the environment.

“

twenty-nine rooms, the creation of Daniele Kihlgren, a Milan businessman with Swedish origins. From the handcloths to the handmade bed sheets that adorn each hotel room, Kihlgren took inspiration from the 1920s photographs of Abruzzo by Swiss linguist, Paul Scheuermeier. “When I first came here fifteen years ago, the town was in total ruins. There were only twenty residents and they all believed I was crazy,” says Kihlgren. “Today people from the neighbouring towns work here. Tourists rush from across the world to visit. If the model is successful, it is because there was an absence of construction. I did the exact opposite of what we hear from Italy’s business motto: the economy only flourishes if real estate sprouts up.”

With its cultural variety and its multitude of landscapes, Abruzzo remains in large part an unexplored territory. Bordered by the Apennines on one side and the Adriatic on the other, Abruzzo has been isolated for a long time. It is only in recent years that it has begun to be rediscovered and valued. And perhaps it is this very fact that has made Abruzzo a place of beauty and fascination.

(English translation by Antonio D'Alfonso)

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mare,” spiega Camillo D’Alessandro, consigliere regionale con delega a Turismo, Trasporti e Giubileo.

Qualche segnale incoraggiante, tuttavia, arriva anche dai piccoli centri montani quasi disabitati dove si è sviluppata, gli ultimi anni, una nuova tipologia ricettiva che punta sul concetto degli alberghi diffusi in scenografie bucoliche di particolare pregio.

Il borgo di Castel di Ieri, arroccato sulla Tiburtina Valeria, nel cuore del Parco Sirente Velino, promuove studi e residenze per artisti ospitati nella casa paterna della scrittrice Elsa Morante, oggi di proprietà del Comune.

E nel Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, nel borgo medievale di S. Stefano di Sessanio, troviamo Sextantio, albergo diffuso con 29 camere, fondato da Daniele Kihlgren, imprenditore milanese di origini svedesi.

Kihlgren, per concepire e arredare le stanze, dagli asciugamani alle coperte fatte a mano, si è ispirato alle foto scattate in Abruzzo negli anni Venti dal linguista svizzero Paul Scheuermeier. “Quando arrivai, più di 15 anni fa, il borgo era diroccato, ci abitavano venti persone. E tutti mi presero per matto”, racconta Kihlgren. “Oggi la gente della vallata viene qui a lavorare. E i turisti arrivano da tutto il mondo. Il modello funziona proprio perché non si è costruito: l’opposto del leit motiv italiano secondo cui l’economia va bene se l’edilizia tira”.

Regione variegata, dalle molteplici sfaccettature, l’Abruzzo rimane una terra in gran parte vergine e inesplorata. Incorniciato da una parte dall’Appennino e dall’altra dal mare, l’Abruzzo è rimasto a lungo discosto e appartato, e solo di recente ha iniziato a essere riscoperto e valorizzato. Ed è forse proprio in questa sua bellezza non ancora del tutto disvelata che risiede gran parte del suo fascino.

Treasures of Italy tours 2016

Departures: June 24 and September 9, 2016 15 Days - 14 Nights Venice Verona Milano Cinque Terre Siena Lake Maggiore

Florence San Gimignano Sorrento Pompei Rome

Includes • Direct flight to Venice and return from Rome • Guided tours of Venice, Florence, Siena, Milano Pompei and Rome

Price: $4195

• Air conditioned coach • 14-night accommodation in 4-star hotels • Wine tasting in San Gimignano • 13 dinners and daily breakfast

per person for double occupancy (taxes incl.)

In collaboration with

For inquiries and full itinerary please contact Raffaele Panetta

1-888-648-6004 • infodavidtravel@bellnet.ca

Trip inquiries only • Questo numero solo per i viaggi • www.panoramitalia.com

Le prix exclut le 1.00$ / 1000.00$ de service touristique acheté représentant la contribution des clients au fonds d’indemnisation des clients des agents de voyage. Titulaire d’un permis du Quebec

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Things Not to Miss in Abruzzo Costa dei Trabocchi, Province of Chieti

By Roberto Ciuffini

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uxuriant vegetation and breathtaking views, white sand beaches and a crystalline sea, inaccessible mountains and evocative hamlets – Abruzzo holds a rich variety of landscapes yours to discover. It is not a coincidence that the region’s escutcheon is divided into three large diagonal stripes: a white band, representing the snow-capped mountains; a green band, representing the gentle hills in the hinterland; and finally, a blue band, symbolizing the Adriatic sea.

We have selected seven must-see attractions showcasing Abruzzo’s impressive history, traditions and culture.

Rocca Calascio In 2013, the Rocca Calascio fortress – a medieval stronghold located at an altitude of 1,464 meters, within the Gran Sasso National Park – was listed among the fifteen most beautiful castles in the world by National Geographic. The original

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construction dates back to the year One Thousand. This majestic structure, once used as a watchtower, was employed as a set in several movies, among which Ladyhawke, The Name of the Rose, and most recently, The American, starring George Clooney. Along the path that leads from Rocca Calascio to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of Italy’s most enchanting hamlets, one finds the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà (Saint Mary of Mercy), a small temple erected between the 16th and 17th century.

Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio The origin of this church – the most significant religious building of L’Aquila, and one of the most important of all the Abruzzo region – dates back to 1287. The construction of the church was commissioned by monk Pietro da Morrone, who on this same location, on August 29, 1294, was elected Pope under the name of

ABRUZZO Celestine V. Santa Maria di Collemaggio houses the world’s first Holy Door and, every year, hosts a very particular Jubilee that recalls the procession of the ‘Bolla della Perdonanza’ (Celestine Pardon). During the 1294 ceremony, Celestine V granted full indulgence to all those who would repent, passing through the church’s Holy Door, each 28th and 29th of August. Significantly damaged during the April 6, 2009 earthquake, the church will be restored thanks to a donation from Eni (Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi).

Scanno and Scanno Lake Scanno, “the pearl of Abruzzo”, nestled in the Sagittarius Valley, in the province of L’Aquila, gets its name from the land it was erected upon. The lovely hamlet, framed in a setting of green mountains filled with pine trees, with its eponymous lake lying at its feet, is an architectural jewel. Built thanks to the riches of the landed aristocracy, important families would compete to affirm their prestige through the construction of majestic palaces, embellished and decorated with impressive portals, columns, archways, cornices, angels, cherubs, balconies, and three mullioned windows. One can discover the beauty of Scanno wandering aimlessly through its alleys, where intriguing curiosities, architectural details or unexpected sights await you around every corner.

The hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio

Costa dei Trabocchi The southern coast of the Abruzzo region that stretches from Ortona to San Salvo, leaves behind endless sandy expanses to give room to a wilder nature, consisting of inlets, lush coves and panoramas, interchanging at each bend of the Strada Nazionale Adriatica. Here, the coast is dotted with characteristic fishing platforms that Italian author Gabriele D’Annunzio compared to “humongous spiders”. These are the trabocchi that have resisted for centuries to the tide of the sea. Some have been converted into restaurants, showcasing a type of tourism connected to the astonishing gastronomy of the region. With many important natural reserves, such as Punta Aderci and Punta Penna, close to Vasto, or La Lecceta, in Torino di Sangro, the Costa dei Trabocchi opens the door to a deep knowledge of the environment, culture and traditions of the Abruzzo region.

Civitella del Tronto Fortress The fortress of Civitella del Tronto, overlooking the eponymous town in the province of Teramo, is an interesting example of medieval military architecture, and one of the largest and greatest of its kind in Europe. Its characteristic oval shape extends over a total surface of 25,000 square meters and a length of more than 500 meters. The fortress with its bastions, rampart walkways, parade ground and barracks was one of the most important defensive strongholds of the Kingdom of Naples. The structure, also renowned for being the last Bourbon bastion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to surrender to the Piedmontese army on March 20, 1861 – three days after Victor Emmanuel II was crowned King of Italy – is currently the most visited attraction in Abruzzo.

Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio Literally dug out of a rocky spur at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level, the San Bartolomeo in Legio hermitage is located in the heart of Roccamorice, in the province of Pescara, immersed in the calm of nature of the Majella and Morrone mountains. The hermitage was erected before the year 1,000 AD, and was later restored by Pietro da Morrone, future Pope Celestine V, who lived there from 1274 to 1276. The mountains of Abruzzo offer an ideal place for an ascetic life (Francesco Petrarca, an Italian author, referred to them as “domus Christi”), and count over one hundred hermitages, most of which are found on the Majella.

Village of Scanno, Province of L’Aquila

Castello Piccolomini and Gole di Celano In the heart of the Marsica area, Celano is a must-see for nature buffs and history lovers. The streets of this historical town convey a fairy tale-like atmosphere thanks to the presence of the medieval Piccolomini castle, which towers over the Piana del Fucino (Fucino Plain). However, the gorges of Celano-Aielli are what will really offer visitors a dive into an authentic path of wonders. These gorges form the most famous and visited canyon of the Central Apennines and stand as some of the most suggestive of all Italy. The deep valley dug out by the La Foce torrent holds spectacular vertical walls that, in some places, tower over 200 meters. Amid the dense vegetation and the waterfalls, golden eagles, kites and griffons nesting in the area, are common sights.

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Travelling with Taste in Abruzzo Simple cuisine, mouth-watering flavours

By Robert De Viti (Food and wine critic for L’Espresso magazine guide)

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bruzzo is famous for its incredibly diversified gastronomy. Be it from the sea or from the land, the cuisine in Abruzzo is known for being “unpretentious and simple” because it makes use of local ingredients and is the result of minimal elaboration. Yet there is immense creativity in the many recipes that produce extraordinarily tasty dishes.

The recurrent protagonist of the region’s cuisine is pasta, especially spaghetti alla chitarra (a staple of Abruzzo), produced with a special contraption, appropriately known as the chittara (guitar): a rectangular frame of beechwood and thin one millimetre steel strings. The pasta is then seasoned with lamb sauce or a simple tomato and basil sauce. Many kinds of pasta are made without eggs, such as gnocchi, lasagne, and the “strozzapreti” (small gnocchi of flour and potatoes). Typical fare from the city of Teramo and its neighbouring towns are “scrippelle” (rolled crepes) prepared in chicken broth, or used for lasagna.

The mountains of Abruzzo provide the ideal environment for sheepfarming, which produces exquisite cheeses like pecorino, made according to centuries-old traditions. Pecorino can be enjoyed aged or seasoned with spices and oil or preser ved in oil with spices.

Lamb is usually served “incaporchiato” (pronounced inkaporkiato), namely boiled in water. Pork is also ubiquitous across the region. The local specialties include meat and liver sausage, smoked prosciutto (ham), ventricina, which can be consumed like small salami or spread on a slice of bread, or liver mortadella that can be mild, spicy, or mixed with honey and candied fruit.

From the mountains we make our way down to the region’s Adriatic blue seas where we find rockfish, octopus, sole, shrimp, and other shellfish that are served in a feast of recipes, ranging from soups with diverse spices and ingredients, fish broths, to sauces flavoured with ubiquitous hot peppers and fresh tomato.

Restaurants in Abruzzo - A mixture of tradition and modernity Above and beyond this abundance, the cuisine from Abruzzo is constantly evolving and is nowadays taking measured steps toward modernity, encouraging legendary cooks and the new generation of restaurateurs to embrace new culinary challenges.

Quality is the keyword in regards to ingredients and client hospitality, together with affordable costs – be it in restaurants or in hotels. “What might be missing today is an integrated system which could interconnect wine-makers, the food industry, restaurateurs, and hoteliers into an 44

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Spaghetti alla chitarra

organic marketing consortium for the region,” suggests Chef Niko Romito, forty-one-year-old proprietor of Reale restaurant, a 3 Michelin starred institution rated 19,5/20 in I Ristoranti d’Italia guide published by L’Espresso. It is located in Castel di Sangro, 120 kilometres south of L’Aquila.

“Especially in the interior parts, Abruzzo is unlike other Italian regions because it can take advantage of pristine lands, which still provide authentic products. Quality produce is integral to a cook. This is the reason why, as a chef, I cannot neglect being in continual contact with producers, farmers, and shepherds of the region.”

Besides Romito’s Reale (the only 3 Michelin starred restaurant in the region), there are six other Michelin starred restaurants in Abruzzo : Magione Papale with Chef Wil liam Zonfa (L’Aquila); Villa Maiella of the Tinari cousins, Giuseppe and Angela (Guardiagrele); the Metrò belonging to Nicola Fossaceca (San Salvo); the Bandiera of Marcello Spadone (Civitella Casanova); and the Café les Paillotes owned by Matteo Iannacone (Pescara). This fact alone places the region in tenth place in the ranking of notable centres of Italian gastronomy.

In addition to these stellar establishments, Abruzzo has been awarded nine recognitions in the Bib Gourmand guide that acknowledged restaurants that guarantee top-notch meals, faithful to the traditions of the land, with menus that promise complete meals costing less than 35 EUROS. Restaurants worthy of particular mention are: The Trattoria Trita Pepe in Manopello Scalo, where one can taste excellent pork loin marinated in black sesame and pepper sauce; the Taverna 58 in Pescara, which provides traditional meals such as pecora al tegame (lean sheep meat in a pan); the Locanda del Baron in Caramanica, its speciality being ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese, black pig’s guanciale and pecorino, grilled sheep ribs, and ricotta mousse covered with sainfoin honey; the Madonnina in Opi, with its offerings of grilled meats and a generous selection of cold meats, cheeses and freshly baked pastries; the Taverna de li Caldora in Pacentro, famous for its leg of lamb with herbs from the Majella; the Clemente in Sulmona, where one must not miss its pappardelle with creamy ricotta, guanciale, pecorino, and saffron; the Osteria dal Moro in Giulianova with its appetizing mixture of fried foods; the Bacucco d’Oro in Pineto that serves traditional meals such as spaghetti alla chittara and meatballs and the typical rosted bacalà (cod); and last but not least, the 3 Archi in Notaresco that serves chitarrina all’abruzze (thin pasta), shoulder of lamb and a pizza dolce (sweet pizza).

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Pallotte cacio e uova Pallotte cacio e uova, sheep’s milk cheese and egg balls, is an exquisite dish inspired by Abruzzo’s traditional cucina povera (poor man’s cusine). The dough is obtained by combining a little bit of stale bread breadcrumbs, semi-aged pecorino cheese (crumbled or coarsely grated), and well-beaten eggs.

Le pallotte cacio e uova, a base di formaggio di pecora ed uova, sono un piatto squisito della cucina povera della tradizione abruzzese. Si tratta di un impasto composto da poca mollica di pane, formaggio pecorino poco stagionato, sbriciolato o grattugiato Ingredients (serves 4) / Ingredienti (per 4 persone)

For the sauce / Per il condimento • 400 g ripe tomatoes / 400 g di pomodori maturi • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped / 1 spicchio di aglio • ½ onion, finely chopped / ½ cipolla • Basil / Basilico • 3 Tbsps. extra-virgin olive oil / 3 cucchiai di olio extravergine • Salt and pepper to taste / Sale e pepe qb 46

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Instructions for the sauce In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic and onion. Add the tomato (fresh or tomato sauce in a bottle), and a glass of water, then cook for about ten minutes. Once the water evaporates, add some basil and complete the cooking time. Transfer the fried tiny pallotte to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve pallotte cheese and eggs on a plate garnished with basil sprigs.

Istruzioni per le Pallotte Bagnate il pane raffermo nel latte finché non otterrete un composto omogeneo.

Successivamente, strizzate il composto, in modo da eliminare il latte. In una ciotola, mescolate le uova con il pecorino grattuggiato, un poco di prezzemolo tritato finemente, l’aglio tritato ed un pizzico di pepe; quindi, lasciate riposare per un’ora.

Formate delle pallotte e friggetele in olio extravergine (o un buon olio di semi di arachide) ad una temperatura medio-alta; quindi, mettetele su della carta assorbente per eliminare l’olio.

Istruzioni per il condimento In una padella larga versate l’olio e soffriggete l’aglio e la cipolla tritati. Aggiungete il pomodoro (fresco o in bottiglia), un bicchiere d’acqua e cuocete per circa dieci minuti. Una volta evaporata l’acqua, aggiungete del basilico e terminate la cottura.

Unite le pallotte fritte al sugo e lasciate cuocere a fuoco lento per qualche minuto, mescolando di tanto in tanto. Servite le pallotte cacio e uova decorando il piatto con rametti di basilico.

Recipes translated by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

For the Pallotte • 400 g stale bread / 400 g di pane raffermo • 300 g pecorino cheese / 300 g di formaggio pecorino • 4 eggs / 4 uova • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped / 1 spicchio di aglio • 1 glass of milk / 1 bicchiere di latte • 1 Tbsp. minced parsley / 1 cucchiaio di prezzemolo tritato • Extra-virgin olive oil / Olio extravergine di oliva • Salt and pepper to taste / Sale e pepe qb

Instructions for the Pallotte Soak the stale bread in milk until you obtain a uniform mixture. Squeeze the mixture to eliminate milk. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs with the grated pecorino cheese, a little bit of minced parsley, the finely chopped garlic, and a pinch of pepper. Let the mixture rest for one hour. Shape the mixture into tiny balls and fry in extra-virgin olive oil (or a high-quality peanut oil) over medium-high heat. Then place them on a paper towel so the excess oil drips off.

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Arrosticini (aka spiducci)

Arrosticini (“Rustelle” in the hinterland of Pescara, where the tradition is stronger) is a typical street food from Abruzzo. These delicious skewers are traditionally made with small chunks of ovine meat (sheep or mutton) but also lamb or even pork.

Gli arrosticini (“rustelle” nell’entroterra pescarese, dove la tradizione è più radicata), sono uno ‘street food’ tipicamente abruzzese. Questi deliziosi spiedini sono tradizionalmente fatti con piccoli tocchi di carne ovina (pecora o castrato) ma, alle volte, anche di agnello o di maiale.

Instructions The meat selected has to be of a very high quality with about a quarter of fat, and cut into small cubes.

In a bowl, mix six tablespoons of oil with four tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon, the rosemary sprigs and salt to taste. Cut the meat into small chunks and marinate for about 30 minutes.

Thread the meat cubes onto the skewers, alternating one piece of lean meat to a very fatty chunk to keep the meat moist and tasty.

Put arrosticini on a hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them on each side. The best way to cook arrosticini is the traditional “fornacella”, a special charcoal barbecue with a long and narrow rectangular shape. There are also some skewer racks adapted for traditional barbecues.

Serve arrosticini very hot with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt. Arrosticini’s inseparable companions are a bruschetta and a glass of a good Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine.

Istruzioni Ingredients / Ingredienti • 12 – 20 wooden or metal skewers / 12-20 spiedini di legno o di metallo • 700 g lamb or sheep meat cut into little cubes / 700 g carne di pecora o di agnello tagliati a cubetti • 2 rosemary sprigs / 2 rametti di rosmarino • 1 lemon or 60 ml white vinegar / 1 limone o 60 ml aceto bianco • Salt to taste / Sale qb • Olive oil / Olio d’oliva

La carne selezionata deve essere di primissima qualità, con circa ¼ di grasso, e tagliata a cubetti.

In una ciotola, mescolate sei cucchiai d’olio con quattro cucchiai di aceto bianco, i rametti di rosmarino e sale quanto basta. Tagliate la carne a tocchettini piccolini e fatela marinare per circa 30 minuti.

Infilzate i cubetti negli spiedini, alternando un bocconcino di carne magra a uno invece molto grasso così da mantenere la carne morbida e saporita.

Disponete gli arrosticini sulla griglia del forno ben caldo e cuoceteli per circa 5-7 minuti girandoli su ogni lato. Il modo migliore per cuocere gli arrosticini è la “fornacella”, un barbecue alla brace di forma stretta e lunga. In alternativa, esistono anche griglie adatte ai barbecue tradizionali.

Servite gli arrosticini caldissimi con una spruzzata di limone e con una spolverata di sale. Compagni inseparabili degli arrosticini sono una bruschetta di pane casereccio e un bicchiere di buon Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

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Piazza Duomo, L’Aquila

L’Aquila 7 anni dopo Luci e ombre di una ricostruzione Roberto Ciuffini

La

prima impressione che ha chi visita L’Aquila – sette anni dopo la tragica notte del 6 aprile che costò la vita a 309 persone – non è più quella di una città inanimata, ma quella di un luogo in cui è tornata a scorrere la vita.

Le centinaia di gru che svettano dal centro storico, visibili già arrivando dall’autostrada per Roma, sono il segno tangibile che la città sta pian piano rinascendo, come l’Araba Fenice, l’uccello mitologico che risorgeva dalle proprie ceneri dopo la morte.

A certificare questa ripresa sono anzitutto i dati sulla ricostruzione forniti dal Comune: il 98% delle periferie è completato, più di 50 mila persone sono rientrate nelle loro abitazioni e in centro si contano oltre 350 aggregati (ognuno dei quali formato da decine di edifici) da cui sono partiti i lavori.

Dopo anni di fondi fatti arrivare con il contagocce, il Governo ha finalmente stanziato la cifra necessaria a garantire un flusso di finanziamenti costante: 6 miliardi di euro, spalmati fino al 2019.

Relegata per tanto tempo a problema locale, la ricostruzione dell’Aquila è tornata a essere una questione nazionale. Lo ha ribadito anche il presidente della Repubblica, Sergio Mattarella, nella visita tenuta in città lo scorso 16 novembre: “L’Aquila è una sfida che interessa l’intero Paese. Dalla ricostruzione del suo tessuto urbano è in gioco la capacità di confermare il modello Italia”.

Il Comune ha scelto di iniziare dal rifacimento dell’asse centrale, quello in cui oggi si possono ammirare i primi palazzi risanati. La ricostruzione dei monumenti di interesse storico e artistico, comprese le chiese, è gestita direttamente dalle sedi distaccate del ministero dei Beni culturali ed è quella che sta marciando più velocemente. È l’architetto Alessandra Vittorini, direttrice della Soprintendenza unica per il Cratere, a fornire qualche numero: “700 milioni di euro spesi, 600 per il patrimonio privato e 100 per quello pubblico. 80 cantieri pubblici e 120 privati attivi, di cui un terzo già completato o in via di ultimazione”. A maggio scorso 48

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è stata riaperta al pubblico la chiesa di S. Bernardino, una delle più importanti della città, e nel 2017 tornerà agibile, grazie all’Eni che pagherà il restauro, S. Maria di Collemaggio, la basilica fatta costruire da papa Celestino V e che ospita la prima Porta Santa del mondo.

Ma se nel centro storico è tutto un fiorire di cantieri, non si può dire lo stesso per le oltre trenta frazioni del Comune e per gli altri 56 Comuni del cosiddetto Cratere sismico.

In questi borghi i ritardi sono ancora molti e nei nuovi villaggi satellite, sorti intorno alle rovine dei vecchi paesi, mancano piazze, luoghi di ritrovo e di passeggio.

Si vive nei Map (moduli abitativi provvisori) o negli insediamenti del Progetto Case, che, oltre a essere privi di servizi, iniziano anche a mostrare i primi segni di cedimento strutturale.

Rimettere a posto solo le case e gli edifici non è sufficiente. Se non vuole diventare un museo a cielo aperto, L’Aquila deve provare a ricostruirsi anche come città del futuro. Una città dall’alta qualità della vita, attrattiva e appetibile soprattutto per i giovani.

Per la ripresa economica, il Governo ha stanziato 400 milioni di euro, che serviranno soprattutto ad attrarre nuove imprese: startup e aziende ad alto tasso di innovazione tecnologica.

Il fulcro attorno al quale ruoterà questo processo sarà l’università, da sempre vero motore economico della città.

Dopo un lungo periodo di esenzione, dallo scorso anno gli studenti universitari sono tornati a pagare le tasse. Una misura che ha avuto contraccolpi significativi, causando un calo delle iscrizioni (diminuite del 12,8%) e delle immatricolazioni (crollate del 39%). Dati che, però, non sembrano preoccupare più di tanto i vertici dell’ateneo. “Ce lo aspettavamo,” è stata la replica della rettrice Paola Inverardi, che è disposta a sacrificare qualche iscritto in cambio di un’offerta formativa più selettiva e di migliori servizi per gli studenti.

ABRUZZO L’obiettivo a lungo termine è mettere l’università al centro di un nuovo polo di eccellenza che includerà anche altre strutture altamente specializzate presenti sul territorio – come i Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso dell’Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (i più grandi laboratori sotterranei del mondo) e il Gran Sasso Science Institute, la scuola internazionale di dottorato nata dopo il terremoto.

L’Università dell’Aquila, del resto, ospita già, al suo interno, strutture diventate fiori all’occhiello nell’ambito della ricerca applicata.

Una di queste è potuta nascere grazie a una donazione di 2 milioni di dollari fatta dall’Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund (Aerf) di Toronto. Si tratta del Centro di Ricerca in Diagnostica Molecolare e Terapia inaugurato nel maggio 2013 alla presenza del senatore Consiglio Di Nino (rappresentante dell'Aerf).

“L’Aerf ” spiega Pal Di Iulio, ex direttore del Colombus Centre di Toronto, “ha deciso di finanziare un laboratorio perché subito dopo il terremoto c’era la paura che studenti, professori e ricercatori potessero trasferirsi altrove, creando un grande vuoto”.

Sono molti i progetti e le iniziative benefiche finanziate grazie alla generosità del Canada. Il governo federale ha stanziato 5 milioni di dollari per la costruzione di un centro polivalente – dotato di palestra, sale studio e

M a rc o Sciarra C r i m i n a l

L a w y e r

“

“

Rimettere a posto solo le case e gli edifici non è sufficiente. Se non vuole diventare un museo a cielo aperto, L’Aquila deve provare a ricostruirsi anche come città del futuro. Una città dall’alta qualità della vita, attrattiva e appetibile soprattutto per i giovani.

sale conferenza – utilizzato dagli universitari; mentre la comunità di Montreal, insieme a quella di Hamilton, Ottawa e Toronto, tramite il Consiglio degli italo-canadesi del Quebec, ha raccolto 880 mila euro che sono serviti a finanziare la costruzione del villaggio map di Onna, una delle frazioni più colpite dal terremoto. Ma la rinascita dell'Aquila passa anche dal ritorno alla vita dei suoi luoghi di cultura.

Lo scorso 19 dicembre, alla presenza del ministro dei Beni Culturali Dario Franceschini, è stata inaugurata nei locali dell’ex mattatoio comunale la nuova sede del Museo nazionale d’Abruzzo. Ospitato fino al 6 aprile 2009 in un’ala del cinquecentesco Castello Aragonese (ancora inagibile), il museo ha riaperto i battenti nell’ex area industriale dismessa e appositamente riqualificata, situata a due passi dalla Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, monumento della città. La collezione del museo va dall’archeologia al XVIII secolo ed è ricca di opere di grande valore: una su tutte, il Trittico di Beffi, capolavoro del gotico internazionale.

L’Aquila, sette anni dopo, è una città in cui molto è stato fatto, ma molto resta ancora da fare. È un luogo in cui le cicatrici del trauma sono ancora visibili, ma è anche una città laboratorio, una riserva straordinaria di opportunità, che spetterà in primis ai suoi abitanti non sprecare.

B UON NATA LE E F ELI C E ANNO NUOVO

3 3 0 Universit y Avenue, Suite 506 Toronto, ON M5G 1R7 T: (416) 629-7022 Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio

F: (416) 364-9705

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A group shot of Angelo Di Ianni's students in Camosciara, a chain of mountain peaks located in Abruzzo National Park

The Abruzzese Community in the GTA La comunità abruzzese nella GTA

By Beatrice Fantoni

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ebbene siano separate da un oceano, la comunità abruzzese della Grande Area di Toronto lavora sodo per mantenere un forte legame con la propria regione d’origine in Italia, continuando nel contempo ad ottenere enorme successo in settori quali quelli delle costruzioni, dell’educazione e della politica.

Mantenere quel legame ed aiutare la nuova generazione di italo-canadesi a fare lo stesso è diventato una sorta di missione formativa per Angelo Di Ianni, direttore del Centro Dante di Hamilton, ex preside e sovrintendente per l’educazione. “Più sappiamo di noi stessi, più siamo in grado di integrarci,” afferma Di Ianni, nato a Villetta Barrea ed emigrato in Canada da adolescente.

Sostiene che può sembrare illogico ma, di fatto, più ci sentiamo sicuri della nostra identità, più riusciamo ad arricchire gli altri”.

Attraverso due programmi di scambio di grande successo, uno dei quali va avanti da oltre tre decenni, portando gli studenti delle scuole superiori dell’Ontario in Abruzzo e facendo ottenere loro crediti formativi in estate, Di Ianni ha trovato il modo di trasformare quel ciclo virtuoso in una realtà.

Questo programma molto popolare – con più di 60 iscritti la scorsa estate – porta gli studenti (non solo di origine italiana) ad Ortona, Chieti e Sulmona ed offre loro anche un assaggio di Roma, Firenze e Venezia. “Vogliamo rafforzare le nostre radici” – dice Di Ianni –“ma vogliamo anche assicurarci di vivere la bellezza dell’Italia il più possibile.”

Nel 2009, a seguito del terremoto in Abruzzo, Di Ianni ha lanciato una nuova collaborazione tra il Centro Dante e la Nipissing University, portando insegnanti tirocinanti a Sulmona per insegnare l’inglese agli studenti delle scuole elementari e superiori e vivere l’esperienza delle lezioni in un contesto reale. Adesso si parla di estendere il programma a Pescara. “Le scuole lo amano,” sostiene Di Ianni, il quale si considera molto fortunato per il fatto di poter tornare due-tre volte all’anno in Italia e nella sua regione d’origine. “Ciò rientrava nell’intenzione di dare qualcosa in cambio alla regione Abruzzo.”

Translation by Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

espite being separated by an ocean, the Abruzzese community in the GTA has worked hard to maintain close ties with its home region in Italy all while going on to tremendous success in Canada in areas such as construction, education and politics.

Keeping that connection and helping the new generation of ItalianCanadians do the same became something of an educational mission for Angelo Di Ianni, the director of the Hamilton Dante Centre and a former principal and superintendent of education. “The more we know about ourselves the more we’re able to integrate,” says Di Ianni, who was born in Villetta Barrea and immigrated to Canada as an adolescent. “It might sound counterintuitive, but in fact, the more we are confident in our identity, the more we can enrich others,” he says.

Di Ianni has found a way to make that feedback loop a reality through two very successful exchange programs, one of which has been running for more than three decades for Ontario high school students, bringing them to Abruzzo for course credits in the summer.

The very popular program – more than 60 enrolled last summer – brings students (not just of Italian background) to Ortona, Chieti and Sulmona, as well as gives them a taste of Rome, Florence and Venice. “We want to reinforce the roots,” Di Ianni says, “but we also want to make sure we experience the beauty of Italy as much as possible.”

In 2009, following the earthquake in Abruzzo, Di Ianni launched a new partnership between the Dante Centre and Nipissing University to bring student-teachers to Sulmona for real-life classroom experience, teaching English to elementary and high school students. There is talk of expanding the program to Pescara now. “The schools love that,” says Di Ianni, who considers himself very lucky to be able to travel back to Italy and his home region two or three times per year. “That was part of giving back to the region of Abruzzo.”

ARTS & CULTURE

Tagliapietra una vita per il vetro

Da Murano alla Sandra Ainsley Gallery di Toronto Basta dare un’occhiata a uno dei video in rete che lo riprendono al lavoro, per immaginare l’emozione e le sensazioni di cui parla. Il maestro e i suoi collaboratori, la sua “piazza” (termine muranese che indica una squadra generalmente di 2-3 persone), sono in perfetta sintonia. “Una volta qualcuno lavorava da solo e faceva cose meravigliose. Io non l’ho mai fatto e non mi diverte farlo.

Per me è molto soddisfacente il lavoro di squadra che è, inoltre, un modo per creare artisti nuovi. Ci vuole una comunione d’intenti. Con i miei assistenti lavoro volentieri. Credo ci sia bisogno di questa complicità.”

Artisti del calibro di Tagliapietra, riconosciuti a livello internazionale, aiutano sicuramente un antico mestiere, un’arte che rischia di trasformarsi drasticamente, se non addirittura di scomparire. “Penso che il vetro soffiato non goda al momento di buona salute perché è cambiato l’assetto sociale di Murano e di tutto l’ambiente europeo. Il vetro, nell’artigianato, è stato messo in crisi dall’avvento delle macchine. Tuttavia, la materia vetro vivrà per sempre, sia sotto l’aspetto culturale che artistico,” spiega. “Murano non gode di buona salute, perché siamo passati da una fabbrica in cui si dispensava cultura a dei piccoli studi dove dei maestri, seppur bravi ed eccezionali, lavorano da soli. Lo studio crea una specie di monocultura. Si trasmette una tecnica che però è una sola. Al contrario, in fabbrica lavoravano contemporaneamente 10-12 maestri con tecniche diverse. Un giovane le apprendeva e poi sceglieva secondo le proprie attitudini.”

Tagliapietra crede che per proteggere questa tradizione sia indispensabile fare cultura. Secondo lui bisognerebbe rimodellare la stessa Murano creando, magari, un museo d’arte moderna, che sia anche luogo di studio, punto d’incontro internazionale volto a rivitalizzare l’arte attraverso la sua conoscenza storica. Del resto, sin dalla fine degli anni ’70, questa sua apertura lo ha portato a collaborazioni internazionali che lo hanno impegnato dall’America all’Europa, dall’Asia all’Oceania. “Bisogna essere un po’ più aperti con un approccio più internazionale. Bisogna abbracciare il nuovo portando con sé il vecchio, la tradizione, come esperienza tecnica,” conclude, ottimista e fiducioso.

Lino Tagliapietra alla Sandra Ainsley Gallery : dal 16 marzo al 14 maggio, 2016 www.sandraainsleygallery.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

Inspiring others

By Rebecca Alberico

If

you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Diane Dupuy, it’s not hard to holds near and dear to her heart. “I instantly thought of my grandparents,” she believe that certain people were born to pursue particular vocations. She shares. “My Nonno raised us in his humble house in Hamilton, with his is the founder of Famous People Players, a world-renowned black-light beautiful little garden, and he often said to me, ‘you’re nothing unless you have theatre company featuring developmentally challenged performers. The regisa dream in your pocket.’” tered non-profit organization operates solely on the generous donations of its Mary Gioberti Thornton, Dupuy’s mother, was also a source of supporters. inspiration. “Watching my mother ‘burn the candle at both ends,’ often working Since 1971, Dupuy has made it her mission to integrate her talented and 3 or 4 jobs, I think that’s where my work ethic comes from,” says Dupuy. dedicated performers into society, with full-time roles in all aspects of producThe acclaimed entrepreneur has several other accolades under her tion and dinner service. belt, including the Order of Canada (1983) and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal of At the Famous People Players’ Dine & Dream Theatre, the players practice life Honour (2012). skills and learn to prepare delicious meals for guests to enjoy before the show. In After more than 40 years in business, infinite support is what keeps the addition to their kitchen responsibilities, they also set up the dining room, learn lively 67-year-old doing what she loves best. Although Dupuy has passed the hospitality, customer service and perform in the show. creative direction of the company over to her daughter Joanne, she is still Notable patrons include David involved in all aspects and focusing Suzuki, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Ed on fundraising initiative s.

In 2014, the Canadian Italian Business Begley Jr., Phil Collins, Paul The Famous People Players Newman and Eugene Levy, just to family is second to none for Dupuy; and Professional Association presented Dupuy name a few. their success gives her the motivawith the Community Leadership Award.

For over 40 years, the humble tion to continue the work she does Founder, President and Creative for the community. Parents often Director has been inspiring everyone thank her for helping bring out around her to believe that they can achieve their greatest dreams. another, more confident side of their child that they had yet to see.

The company’s excited to present their newest production, Great Balls of Dupuy is glad to have such a profound impact on the players’ lives, and Fire, on now until May 2016. Think Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Cindy she hopes to continue to better the lives of developmentally challenged indiLauper, Ray Charles and more of the greats in one incredible performance. “You viduals in the community. will be dancing in your seat as the characters come alive on our stage,” says To date, there are nearly 40 players, and the team is expanding.

Dupuy. “It’s going to blow the roof off this place.”

She is grateful to those who have been there through numerous Famous People Players has made special appearances in Las Vegas with successful productions, speaking engagements, four published books and a Liberace, New York’s Radio City Music Hall and Broadway. Canada’s national terrifying cancer diagnosis in 2008. treasure is now comfortably situated in the Etobicoke, Ontario, space it calls Dupuy is happy to have come out strong from her illness; she now has a home. “There’s something about starting from the bottom and working your much greater appreciation for life. way up, there’s such great pride and satisfaction that you did it,” explains Dupuy.

Her most recent feat was the publication of her fourth book, Cocktails at The Hamilton-born entrepreneur admits her Italian roots are to thank for the Chemo Lounge. Dupuy chronicles her journey with cancer in the best way her modesty and passion for what she does. Dupuy’s mother was born and she knows how: storytelling. The survivor takes her readers on an emotional raised in Ascoli Piceno, in the region of Le Marche. The Gioberti family later roller coaster, filled with her own recollection and quotes by her family. immigrated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario.

For Dupuy, family (biological or otherwise) has always been an In 2014, the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association important part of her life. “You don’t have to be blood related to be family,” presented Dupuy with the Community Leadership Award. It’s an honour she says Dupuy. “As far as the players are concerned, this is their home.”

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Photo by: Neal Burstyn, Images with Impact

Diane Dupuy

EVENTS

An Evening In Calabria Photography by Tony Pavia

There was no need to travel across the ocean in order to spend an evening in Calabria!

Over 500 attendees gathered at Una Serata in Calabria in Vaughan to celebrate the cultural richness of this breathtaking region of southern Italy. Hosted by the Calabrian Benevolent Association of Ontario (CBAO) on November 26, this inaugural soiree also raised funds for

By Romina Monaco an innovative day program tailored to Italianspeaking seniors living with dementia.

“The program underscores the growing body of scientific evidence that shows how physical and mental exercises, as well as socialization, can slow the mental decline associated with the ravages of dementia,” explained CBAO Chair, Ralph Chiodo. “Support of this fundraising event means that Italianspeaking seniors, an underserviced population within our community, as well as those who care for them, will benefit immensely from the delivery of this program,” said Chiodo, further adding that the initiative will be administered

by COSTI Immigrant Services. According to Alzheimer Society Canada, about 15% of Canadians over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While studies show that the risk of developing the disease can be reduced by staying socially and mentally active and adopting a healthy lifestyle, recognizing the early signs of this debilitating illness and being proactive can also make a tremendous difference in one’s quality of life.

This fruitful occasion, which successfully raised $147,000, also included guest speaker Dr. Giovanni Marotta, lecturer on geriatrics at the University of

Founding member of CBAO Gesualdo Mastruzzo of Numage Trading Inc with his daughter Christina and wife Nuccia

Toronto’s Department of Medicine. As one of the few Italian-speaking geriatricians in the GTA, he serves as Clinical Medical Director for the CBAO Seniors’ Day Program and consults at Villa Charities’ homes for the aged and several leading hospitals. Also featured were lively performances by Claudio Santaluce, Maria Buffone as well as Pino and Mike Coniglio.

Alesandro’s Wish to Walk Comedy Night

Sandra Carusi, Nadia Cerelli-Fiore, Elvira Caria, Romina Monaco

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Photography by Mark Pagliaroli and Romina Monaco

It’s believed that nothing can cure an ailment better than a good belly laugh and such was the case at the Alesandro’s Wish to Walk Comedy Night held November 20 in Vaughan. Showcasing some of Toronto’s leading comedians, the fun-filled benefit raised funds for sevenyear-old Alesandro Ciampa who was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. “Proceeds from the event went towards the cost of a rare spinal surgery only available at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the United States, which could enable Alesandro to walk unassisted and lead to a more independent life. This surgery is not covered by OHIP,” explained event emcee and community advocate, Elvira Caria. “Comedy Night is another example of residents across the city rallying together to support one of our own in need.” Headliners included comedian Frank Spadone who was preceded by the hilarious Sandra Carusi and Jack Dani. Kicking off the evening was Humber College’s Eggs Comedy and Alesandro who provided a stellar performance alongside his improv group. Prior to Comedy Night, several community events were held to support the cause with proceeds totaling $150,000 – the precise amount required for the procedure and post-operative costs. Alesandro, who proved to be a prime candidate for what is known as selective dorsal rhizoctonia, underwent surgery in December with encouraging results.

Alesandro Ciampa and his improv group

Rob Sicilia, Frank Spadone, Massimo Fiore

EVENTS

The Glam Ball - A Red Carpet Affair Photography by Valeria Mitsibuta

Rose Centraco, Founder and CEO of Live Love, Olivia Centraco, volunteer at Live Love, Grace Buttino, wife of Joe Centraco, Carina Baldassarra, volunteer at Live Love, Joe Centraco, Director of Live Love, Joseph Sinopoli, volunteer

Rising Fashion Designer Elisa Gentile (centre), with Carina Baldassarra (left) and Olivia Centraco (right) modeling her dresses

Showcasing health, glamour and goodwill was the extravagant Glam Ball - A Red Carpet Affair held November 6 in Vaughan. An elegant collaborative presented by Maddalene-Rose Spa and the Live Love Charity, the annual fundraising event raises awareness of important causes within Toronto and the outlying area. “This year our focus was children in need. We chose the Jane and Finch area because we saw it as an area in need in the GTA,” said Rose Centraco, Founder and CEO of the Live Love Charity. “We were able to provide them with much-needed clothing and sports equipment,” she added.

The charity’s main objective is to reach out to children and adults by creating opportunities and fostering their aspirations. It also assists in motivating

individuals by providing emotional support and honing leadership qualities.

However, supporting the underprivileged wasn’t the only item on the evening’s agenda. As a strong advocate for holistic health and physical well-being, Maddalene-Rose Spa co-presented star athlete and guest speaker, Steve O’Brien. As the founder of the cross-Canada relay, Walk Run ’N Roll, including a foundation in his name, O’Brien assists and supports local athletes, non-profit organizations and youth programs. The ball, which also featured a runway fashion show, also benefited the Vaughan Food Bank and Seeds of Diversity, a charitable organization helping preserve the biodiversity of food.

8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala Photography by Snapshot Photos

Brendan Keely and Carey Stephenson

Ester, Angelica, Amorin and Rita

Echoing the traditions of the one of the greatest festivals on the planet was the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala presented by the Joe Di Palma Brain Tumour and Pediatrics Foundation. Held November 6 in Vaughan, this entertaining fundraiser offered its continued support to the Gerry and Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital with proceeds benefiting intracranial tumour patients and their families.

“The foundation has now raised and donated its initial goal of over $500,000 to the Pencer Centre. As a volunteer-based charity, we are thrilled to be able to donate 100% of all proceeds to this great cause in memory of our friend, Joe,” expressed Peter Bordignon, Foundation Director and Gala Chair, who was elated that this dream had finally been realized. Named in honour of the late Joe Di Palma who passed away from a brain tumour in 2006 just mere days shy of his 36th birthday, the foundation supports treatment and research. “This is a major milestone as this goal seemed unattainable 8 years ago,” admitted Bordignon. The evening showcasing one of Toronto’s premier party bands, Soular, who performed the classic sounds of Motown, R&B and Soul, also included an exciting prize of an all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans.

Lisa, Julia, Catherine, Marisa

Mardi Gras showgirls PANORAMITALIA.COM

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BABIES OF THE YEAR

Babies of the Year 2016 I neonati dell’anno 2016 1- Leonardo Giuseppe Marcone 2- Alessandra Domenica Falcone Cross 3- Melody Madelyn Denbow March 9, 2015 November 10, 2015 March 22, 2015 Jayna Mazzaferro Sabrina Zito & Dr E. Liana Falcone & Kevin Denbow Domenico Andrea Marcone & Dr Justin W. Cross

6- Emilia Isabella Dominguez September 12, 2015 Francesca Lucadamo & Rafael Dominguez-Castillo

7- Mikayla Anne Lemire March 4, 2015 Viki Forese & Max Lemire

8- Adrian Di Maria April 27, 2015 Maria Ruvo & Giovanni Di Maria

4- Olivia Patulli September 4, 2015 Tania D'Alessandro & Arduino Patulli

9- Andrew Victor Domenico Lawandi 10- Alessia Maria Calabretta March 25, 2015 October 17, 2014 Carla Valerio Angela Argento & Ramy Lawandi & Raphael Calabretta

12- Scarlett Grace Knecht October 28, 2015 Christina Arciero & Jarred Knecht

15- Julia Evangelista October 23, 2015 Jessica Iafigliola & Johnny Evangelista

18- Leandro D'Alesio November 24, 2015 Ida Cocco & Dominic D'Alesio

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5- Olivia & Michael Mazzamauro February 12, 2015 Maria Lessis & Marco Mazzamauro

13- Samantha Scoufaras June 19, 2015 Nadia Antonucci & Christopher Scoufaras

16- Fabrizio Luciano July 2, 2015 Antonina De Chirico & Nick Luciano

19- Dahlia Jordyn Pesce June 15, 2015 Barbara Yeung & Tony Pesce

11- Dylan Matthew Romanelli August 11, 2015 Vanessa Chimienti & Giovanni Romanelli

14- Lorenzo De Santis May 27, 2015 Luisa Primiano & Eugenio De Santis

17- Zack Antonucci May 30, 2015 Marie-Andr_e Brunelle & Patrick Antonucci

20- Quinn Francis Murphy D'Alesio July 14, 2015 Katherine Murphy & Anthony D'Alesio

21- Matteo Martucci July 2, 2015 Stephanie Tartaglia & Bruno Martucci

22- Luca Cuscuna February 17, 2015 Marielou Beauchamp & Jason Cuscuna

23- Giordano Giovanni Nicodemo September 8, 2015 Nadia Cuscuna & Joseph Nicodemo

24- Sofia De Luca April 17, 2015 Francesca Schiralli & Fabrizio De Luca

25- Adriano Marcel Dupelle October 19, 2015 Tania Gensale & Marcel Dupelle

26- Jaysen Michael Arcangeli October 28, 2015 Pamela Di Re & Jaysen Arcangeli

27- Lorenzo De Paola June 12, 2015 Laura Momesso & Enzo De Paola

28- Daniel Costantino January 22, 2015 Rita Chirinian & Domenico Costantino

29- Kayla Casella May 25, 2015 Natalie Scardera & Joey Casella

30- Isabella Buono-Silva September 24, 2015 Laura Silva & Claudio Buono

31- Mila Graniero June 3, 2015 Pina Fundaro & Johnny Graniero

32- Annabella Mariani January 1, 2015 Priscilla Medeiros & Vito Rocco Mariani

33- Nicholas Mucci August 19, 2015 Imma Farella & Franco Mucci

34- Victoria Kalantzis August 1, 2015 Vanessa Contenta & Andreas Kalantzis

35- Ariana Eva Pigafetta October 13, 2015 Jessica Cordi & Davide Pigafetta

36- Emma Terrone March 10, 2015 Catherine Verdone & Donato Terrone

38- Nicholas Vicenzo July 15, 2015 Marusca Guerriero & Luciano Vicenzo

39- Liam Lucas Vegh September 13, 2015 Sandra Cordileone & Kevin Vegh

42- Elizabeth Provost November 16, 2015 Alexandra Maurizio & Samuel Provost

43- Charlie Anthony September 26, 2015 Elisa Maria Pace & Michael Izzo

37- Victoria Willa & Isabella Luisa Martiniello July 31, 2015 Brigitte & Vito Martiniello

40- Sarah De Riggi September 9, 2015 Melina Vigorito & Louis De Riggi

41- Daniel Carpanzano March 10, 2015 Terry & Leo Carpanzano

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BABIES OF THE YEAR

44- Massimo Iannetta November 8, 2015 Vittoria Presta & Giorgio Iannetta

45- Giordano Palumbi February 18, 2015 Sabrina Iammatteo & Joseph Palumbi

46- Nicolas Palumbi August 17, 2015 Daniela Iammatteo & James Palumbi

51- Simona Lucia Macri October 9, 2015 Connie Discepola & Joe Macri

52- Raffaella Carmelisa Colasurdo October 7, 2015 Cristina Micheli & Nicholas Colasurdo

56- Giordano Panetta June 3, 2015 Valerie & Giancarlo Panetta

57- Sofia Maltese July 19, 2015 Gabrielle Bianco & Charlie Maltese

58- Leonardo Cacciatore November 21, 2015 Christine Ritlop & Giuseppe Cacciatore

62- Ella Perez-Chartrand May 3, 2015 Myriam Verdoni-Perez & Marco Ialenti-Chartrand

63- Alessio Gaudio March 28, 2015 Stephanie Marchi & Fabio Gaudio

64- Isabella Laoun April 24, 2015 Melanie De Luca & Alexandre Laoun

50- Francis Alexander Bruni June 6, 2015 Laura De Ciccio & Danny Bruni

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47- Stefano Parente April 25, 2015 Gerardina Tummillo & Joseph Parente

48- Adriano Angelo Scifo July 23, 2015 Mirella Di Raddo & Carmelo Scifo

49- Julia Likoray July 9, 2015 Nadia Casoria & Jonathan Likoray

53- Lyla Calisto November 6, 2015 Melissa Sciscente & Vincenzo Calisto

54- Lucas Paul Cristofano May 29, 2015 Sonia Rubbo & Paolo G. Cristofano

55- Giordano Angelini June 30, 2015 Lorena Di Zazzo & David Angelini

60- Anthony Calzetta June 11, 2015 Stephanie Abbate & Anthony Calzetta

61- Emma Marie Iannuzzi July 9, 2015 Melissa Homsany & Luca Iannuzzi

59- Jaxen Ramsoomair February 19, 2015 Kristina Bianco & Derek Ramsoomair

65- Alessandra Grace & Alicia Isabel August 31, 2015 Elisa Gazzola & Dacio Pasarell

66- Jenna Picarella January 29, 2015 Maria Lucia Vicenzo & Jason Picarella

BABIES OF THE YEAR

67- Matteo Van Biello July 26, 2015 Kiwi Phan & James Biello

73- Veronica Ceccomancini July 5, 2015 Nancy & Robert Ceccomancini

68- Melania Nadia Tuzzolino October 29, 2015 Sabrina Barillaro & Steven Tuzzolino

69- Giuseppe Carlo January 12, 2015 Jennifer Chilelli & Alfredo Caltagirone

74- Marella Helen Rosalia Lupis 75- Liliana Grace Di Giantommaso 76- Cassia Paraskevi Vincenza Tsambourlianos July 3, 2015 May 1, 2015 March 31, 2015 Marlo Znidarec-Lupis Daniela & Jeff Di Giantommaso Carla & Taso Tsambourlianos & Christian Lupis

79- Charlotte Therese Giannetta January 29, 2015 Anna Liza LaRosa & Thomas Nicholas Giannetta

80- Juliana Maria Weeren September 22, 2015 Stephanie Zuccato & Daniel Weeren

81- Daniel Christian Kladis October 14, 2015 Angela & Daniel Kladis

85- Gabriel Steven Plodinec April 6, 2015 Daniela Limarzi Plodinec & Edward Plodinec

86- Antonino Ghazarian October 17, 2015 Natalie Puccio & Kevork Ghazarian

87- Daniela Costa June 25, 2015 Antonella & Guy Costa

71- Anthony Angelini June 18, 2015 Josie Turturici & Nazz Angelini

70- Thomas Langelier May 12, 2015 Angela Tiana Muro & Philippe Langelier

77- Peter Ormer Palma Thebault March 13, 2015 Christina Palma & Dr Simon Thebault

78- Olivia Massari February 22, 2015 Joanna & Peter Massari

83- Liliana Izzo March 11, 2015 Luisa & Pat Izzo

84- Gianpaolo Izzo May 8, 2014 Luisa & Pat Izzo

89- Matteo Nicolas Guerrero June 30, 2015 Maria Macri Guerrero & Steven Guerrero

90- Brayden Zucal August 12, 2015 Alexandria Marrese-Zucal & Luca Zucal

82- Scotland Saint Lunardo March 12, 2015 Krystal & Justin Lunardo

88- Jacklynn Victoria Macdonald September 12, 2015 Lisa & Jim Macdonald

72- Christopher Patrick Ferreira July 6, 2015 Carla Iacovelli & David Ferreira

DREAMS ROMANCE MEMORIES

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY CUSTOM DESIGNING FOR ALL OCCASIONS PANORAMITALIA.COM

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SPORTS

Photo by Tim Cornett, WindsorSpitfires.com

Small Town Boy, Big Time Dreams

A talk with rising hockey star Michael DiPietro

By Luke Galati

M

ichael DiPietro isn’t home as often as he once was. But there’s something comforting in knowing that the small town of Amherstburg, Ont., where he grew up and first played hockey, always feels the same to him.

On its official website, Amherstburg is described as “a modern town with old world charm.” DiPietro, 16, calls it the typical Canadian hockey town, its arena a favourite gathering place for the 20,000 people who live near the Detroit River and Lake Erie.

DiPietro is returning from Windsor, where he plays goalie for the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires. When he enters his old room, it looks just the way he left it. “A typical 16-year-old guy’s room,” he notes. The walls are yellow, with a bright red Carey Price Habs jersey hanging over his dresser. Photos of him and family rest directly underneath. Pictures of teams from DiPietro’s past cover the walls next to the medals and plaques from his Triple-A days. “It’s a very ‘hockey’ room, let’s just say that,” says DiPietro, who credits his father for inspiring his love of hockey.

His dad signed him up for power skating lessons as a kid and DiPietro began playing outside of the crease, as a player. But then, as he grew older, he made the jump to goalie at the age of eight after being inspired by his stepbrother, Mark Fenty. “I watched him play, and I loved how you could make that one save and then the momentum of the game just completely changes. I love having pressure on me,” he explains.

DiPietro went on to play a year of travel hockey in Amherstburg as a goaltender, and then he made the jump to Triple-A, where he played before getting drafted by the Windsor Spitfires as the first goalie picked in the 2015 draft.

At his home on draft night, he invited family, friends and coaches over to celebrate. When his name was called, he recalls, “Everybody was happy, jumping up and down.” Looking back on that day though, he thinks of his dad. DiPietro’s mom passed away when he was five years old, so it was just 62

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him and his dad for a long time before his father remarried. “My dad was so happy when my name was called for the draft. He’s my number one fan. He basically drove me everywhere, so I owe it all to him. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

DiPietro’s grandparents immigrated to Canada from L’Aquila, Abruzzo, and his dad grew up on Erie St. in Windsor, which is known as the city’s Little Italy. “We love our Italian heritage,” DiPietro says. “We always go to church on Sundays and then to Nonna’s house for lunch, and even though I don’t play soccer, Nonna still likes hockey.”

And the value of family has been instilled in him from day one. “That’s how I live my life now, and I think the Italian heritage in me taught me what I’m going to pass on to my children.”

DiPietro has also represented Team Canada as one of 66 young Canadians who were selected to play on the international stage at the 2015 World Under17 Hockey Challenge, held in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, B.C. “You put on that jersey, and representing your country is obviously something special.

Words can’t even explain it. You get chills putting on the jersey. I know people say that, but you actually do.”

He recalls that playing against other countries and seeing the talent pool from across the world for his age group was an eye-opener. He held his own, posting an outstanding 1.75 goals against average and .929 save percentage.

Looking towards the future, DiPietro is hoping that he’ll never lose the fire in him to play hockey. “I never want to lose that passion. I want to be around hockey, or do something with hockey, for the rest of my life.” But, if hockey doesn’t work out, he hopes to become a dentist, or work in the medical field. For now, though, DiPietro is staying focused on his goal of playing hockey at the highest level possible: the NHL. “I’m just a small town boy chasing a big dream,” he says.

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Leslie Robert Heath

Joao Renquinha

Emilia Allegretto Caruso

Margaret Tracey

Immacolata Nasso

Dora Fortunato

Rodrigo Almonacid Gonzalez

Georgios Antoniadis

Giovanni Verni

Joseph Fernicola

Pasquale Ricciuti

Dimitrios Dimitriadis

Maria Vieira

Fernanda Ferreira

Maria Natalia Dos Santos Martins

Maria Benedetto

Angela Minielli

Francesco Chiapetta

Zebeda Sheffea

Mario Mancuso

Marcello Russo

Alessandro Pecchia

Antonietta Aceto

2960 Dufferin St. • Toronto, ON (416) 789-7661

www.bernardofuneralhomes.com

855 Albion Rd. • Toronto, ON (416) 747-7231