A Special Invitation from Suzanne to Help with a Very Good Cause
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WELCOME Many consider May the best month of the year to be in Florence. It’s not too hot, it rarely rains, the June crowds haven’t arrived, and the city is filled with flowers. Take time to raise a toast on the terrace of the Uffizi and wander through the Corsini and Iris gardens and then rest up for the Estate Fiorentina. Don’t forget to celebrate on May 8th for Italy’s Mother’s Day, and honour the women who take care of you. Enjoy the sunshine together while there is still a cool breeze, and wishing you a May filled with sunshine and flowers, with best wishes from SUZANNE, CORSO, BEI, LESLIE, VANNI, ANNA PIA, RAFFAELLA AND MARISA. A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM SUZANNE TO HELP WITH A VERY GOOD CAUSE A big hello to everyone, Well here I am in the middle of the Andaman sea having a wonderful time lazing around on an island called Koh Jum. It is quite a large island but very undeveloped, thank goodness. It certainly isn't on the top of the list of "must see and go" tourist destinations. This is the second time I have visited this island and I have to say it is totally suitable for me!!! Not much to do except walks on white sand beaches, some island hopping, reading, eating swimming, drinking BEER (yes believe it or not beer) and sleeping. But enough about Koh Jum, I would actually like to tell you about a project I’ve got involved in here in Chiang Mai Thailand. For many years (14) I have asked you to support CORRI LA VITA, the most fantastic fundraising event held in Florence, and I have no doubts you will continue to support me in this fundraising. But now I am asking you to get involved in another exciting project. In 2016, on my second trip to Chiang Mai, I met a very astute man called Thongin Nuntarut, commonly known as Vin. He told me about his project called PROGECT WIN/PROJECT PROTEIN. This program is run by Vin, with the help of University student volunteers. Its aim is to develop sustainable protein sources for the people of Thailands remote northern villages. He endeavors to do this through teaching and hands on experiences. He is following the example of “sustainability” set by the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej. He builds fish ponds, mushroom "hotels", chicken coops and vegetable gardens. After which the Agricultural University students proceed to showing the children; who are from the ages of 4 upwards, how to grow, cultivate and SUSTAIN these resources. As an example "don't eat all the chickens keep at least two for breeding". 1 Pitcher & Flaccomio Newsletter Copyright 2017 Direttore responsabile Raffaella Galamini - Pubblicazione con iscrizione n. 5697 del 23\01\09 presso il Tribunale di Firenze. Pitcher & Flaccomio - Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia 30 - 50122 - Florence - Italy • Phone +39 055 2343354 • Fax +39 055 5609916 Office Hours: 9am - 5pm (+1.00 GMT) Mr Nunarut supplies all the necessary materials (including the chicks, fingerling fish, seeds, etc), and with the help of the local villagers, builds the necessary structures (fish ponds, chicken coops etc). I have had the opportunity of actually visiting one of the programs for myself, and can report first hand: The day I went to visit one of these villages, was a very special day in Thailand called "Childrens Day" a bit like the Italian Befana.....we went on a three hour truck trip to the village of Khun Sab. It was a weekend event, and all the volunteers and villagers stayed overnight sleeping on mats in the school. During the day each volunteer took about 5 children and demonstrated how to maintain the various subjects of the program. After finishing the schooling they then had games, one of which was to learn all the words in English from the so called “learning Tree”. "Vegetable" was a wicked word for them. I was impressed with the attention span of these Thai children. Not only were the children engrossed but also the villagers and the teachers. Which leads me to believe (like the Church teaches us) get them young and you have a better future for the entire community. Existing funding is raised through Vin’s Facebook followers, the students from Mae Jo University who co-operate in the project and various companies have supplied in kind assistance. I have encouraged Vin to try and apply for grants so he can replicate this program and make a significant difference for this area. So while we are trying to fill in application forms (no easy task) I am asking you to make a small donation to yet again to one of my “causes”. This is truly money well spent. I believe the motto is “ for so little, so much can be achieved” At this point I'll sign off. If you wish to send money please send it directly to Vin from his blog, Don’t hesitate to contact me should you need any further information. For pictures (even of me!!!!) and short videos go to: http://project-vin.blogspot.com/ PITCHER & FLACCOMIO PICKS FOR MAY BEST EVENT FOR MAY: ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO XXIII EDITION May 18-23 “FIORI D’ARANCIO” is the theme of the 23rd edition in the 16th century Corsini Gardens of Florence, designed by Gherardo Silvani and open to the public specially for the occasion with a new selection of nearly 80 artisans. After 23 years of diligent work promoting the excellence of Italian and international hand crafts, comes a testament to this work and its organizers, Giorgiana Corsini and Neri Torrigiani, in the form of support for ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO from the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation. The foundation is among one of the most important in Europe, started in 2000 in support of projects benefiting human rights, environmental work, scientific research, and educational and cultural enrichment. This support from the Peretti Foundation, in addition to that of Fondazione CR Firenze and others such as Richard Ginori and Fondazione Ferragamo is indicative of the quality of the small scale yet large impact of Made in Italy artisan tradition. “Fiori d’arancio” is the theme of the 23d edition in collaboration with the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tuscany for Weddings division. The new initiative, that will be proposed to wedding planners from around the world, was created to promote Florence not only as a city famous for its artistic and culinary beauty. Instead, it is also as a place where couples will find an ample selection of handmade 2 Pitcher & Flaccomio Newsletter Copyright 2017 Direttore responsabile Raffaella Galamini - Pubblicazione con iscrizione n. 5697 del 23\01\09 presso il Tribunale di Firenze. Pitcher & Flaccomio - Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia 30 - 50122 - Florence - Italy • Phone +39 055 2343354 • Fax +39 055 5609916 Office Hours: 9am - 5pm (+1.00 GMT) goods created by master artisans, where they can create their wedding gift lists, personalised party favours, and find all they need to start a new life together. The brainchild of food journalist Annamaria Tossani, and among the most successful initiatives of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO, “Ricette e Famiglia” will be held for its 4th time this year with a wedding theme. As a part of this year’s theme, at the book talk tent we will have some celebrities retelling their wedding stories. Every day, meetings will be organized between chefs from DESINARE at Riccardo Barthel (Luisanna Messeri, Arturo Dori, Cristian Giorni, Maria Valiani) and celebrities during a tasting by Richard Ginori held in the Rose Garden. During these tastings the chefs will propose a new take on plates from the wedding menus of engaged visitors to the exhibition. The last session will be dedicated to the winning couple of the wedding cake photo facebook competition. This couple will be invited to ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO to relive, together with the exhibition’s visitors, their special moment and taste a reproduction of their cake made by a master baker. The BLOGS AND CRAFTS initiative, with the support of Fondazione Ferragamo in collaboration with Starhotels and Source, will celebrate its 4th anniversary as a unique opportunity for growth and recognition offered to young artisans under 35. The 10 talented artisans chosen to exhibit for free will receive coverage from 10 bloggers in the fields of artisan crafts, tourism, fashion, lifestyle, and food, as the bloggers follow the events of the show. May 18-23, 2017 - 10am to 8pm Giardino Corsini, 115 Via della Scala, Florence More information: www.artigianatoepalazzo.it BEST SPRING GARDENS FOR MAY: INTERNATIONAL IRIS GARDEN AND THE ROSE GARDEN The Iris is the symbol of Florence, the deep red of the Giglio di Firenze! Until May 20, you should spend part of every day in the Iris Garden above Florence, breathing in fresh air, avoiding the crowds and restoring your spirits. Expect beautiful flowers, meticulously refined over generations by the careful hands of their keepers. Even if you're not passionate about flowers, it is a refreshing splash of early summer colour in a beautiful city. In May, gardeners from all over the world flock to Florence to admire the stunning blooms, as the renowned Iris Garden opens its gates to the public for the International Iris Competition. The closing prize-giving ceremony is held at Palazzo Vecchio.The winner of the first prize receives a Gold Florin. A special prize offered by the Florence Council is awarded to the red variety, thanks the Iris depicted on the banner of the City. The Iris Garden of Piazzale Michelangelo was created in 1954.