L’ITALIA
Nov/Dec 2018
NEWSLETTER OF THE ITALIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY OF INDIANA
Founded in 1993
Mission Statement
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Italian Heritage
Society of Indiana
(IHSI) seeks to pre- Board / Committee members…..2 serve, promote and share President message………………...3 the Italian values and cul- ture which its members in- Calendar of Events……………….5 herited from their ancestors: Christmas Party………………….6 Religion, family, history, art, music, food and cama- Cultural……………………………..12 raderie. It reaches out to IHSI address/phone 19 everyone of Italian ancestry Corporate Ads…………………… 20 and welcomes others who share our appreciation of the Italian culture.
www.italianheritage.org
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: Silvana Martini Schuster [email protected] 317-833-0994
V-PRESIDENT: Claudia Heck [email protected] 317-797-2320
SECRETARY: Susan Santore Lew [email protected] 317-691-0139
TREASURER: Louis Mestichelli [email protected] 317-679-3781 At Large Members
Mauvene Borton [email protected] 317-841-8442
Ray E. Brown [email protected] 317—410-2374
Mimi Sturiale Collins [email protected] 317-842-2156
Carol Faenzi [email protected] 317-403-6644
Mary Ann Hawkins [email protected] 317-416-2208
Matthews Iaria [email protected] 317-443-5335
Ginny Koss [email protected] 630-209-1362
Ashleigh Lazarus [email protected] 317-385-1067
David Page [email protected] 317-632-3809
Angelo & Rina Piga [email protected] 317-773-6442
Phillip “Skip” Kappes [email protected] Membership Chairman 317-816-0516
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Silvana Martini Schuster
Cari amici , dear friends,
We are now at the close of 2018 and we are all preparing for the start of the holiday season. This has been a special year for our Italian Heritage th Society of Indiana as we celebrated the 25 Anniversary of its founding. We hope all are proud and pleased to be members of our convivial Society as we enjoy the varied activities that are planned and carried out by so many dedicated volunteers. Our last important social event of the year is the annual Pranzo di Na- tale , our pitch in Christmas Dinner , on Sunday, December 9, at 4:00 pm. Once again, it be at Holy Rosary Church, Priori Hall on Stevens St. The IHSI officers and board of directors for 2019 will be installed that evening. More information is on a separate page of the newsletter. Our special guests that evening will be the winners of the Pietro Ferri Scholar- ships, young Italian Americans who are proud of their heritage. We hope that all our members will attend this merry event. We also ask that some members come earlier in the afternoon to help with the setup and decora- tions. Contact me to volunteer: [email protected] . . . or call/text me: 317-833-0994 On October 21, a group of our members and other visitors again gath- ered at the POW Chapel in the Meadow at Camp Atterbury to celebrate th Sunday mass in front of the chapel. This was the 29 continuous year that the IHSI has gathered at the site to commemorate the Italian Prisoners of War who were interned there. Grazie, thank you, to IHSI founding mem- ber Mario Vian , the chairperson for the event, for all the work he did in arranging the event. Grazie also to Guy Tedesco who helped with the arrangements. He is the son of one of the interned Italian POWS at the camp during WWII. While the weather was cool, the sun shone brightly on the chapel and on Father Kyle Rodden as he celebrated mass. We then gathered at a meeting room in the Camp Atterbury Museum and Welcome Center for a pitch-in lunch with a delicious meatballs and pasta main course prepared by board member Matt Iaria , grazie Matt. We are grateful for the assistance from the Camp Atterbury staff, especially Captain Jessie Bien, for providing a tent at the chapel and allowing us to use the meeting room. Tante grazie, many thanks to Ginny Koss, who was the chairperson for our participation in the International Fair, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on November 8, 9 and 10 . With the invaluable help of her
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IHSI NEWS
her husband Jim Koss and her great team, our informative IHSI booth was visible and well received. Thousands of youngsters, from grade
school to high school, and interested persons of all ages, come from all over the state to enjoy a quick trip around the world. As 2018 is waning, it is time to reflect on the many events and activities that our officers and board members, and many volunteers, have given so much of their treasured time and effort, planned and carried out inter- esting .and rewarding activities this past year in which our members were able to participate. We are all so very grateful to them for keeping our IHSI dynamic, interesting and fun. And, as we look forward to the 2019 activities, we hope that new persons will come forward to volunteer their time to serve on the various committees and so form friendships and have fun. . A few persons who put in the extra effort this year are: Claudia Heck , our vice president, who supervised our always hectic, but profitable, Italian Street Festival booth at the Holy Rosary Church Italian Street Festival. Louis Mestichelli, our treasurer, oversaw our finances and attended al- most all events, Susan Santore Lew, our recording secretary, planned our cultural lecture series. Carol Faenzi, assisted with the cultural lec- ture series and wrote the cultural events page of our newsletter. Ray Brown and Mauvene Borton co-chaired the Book Club and Cinema Sunday series. Mimi Collins, helped with our social functions and accepted reservation for them. Mary Ann Hawkins, has brought her professional savvy to our social functions. Matt Iaria and David Page, founding members, have co-chaired the Scholarship Golf Tourna- ment and provided delicious food for our social events. Ginny Koss , chairperson of the International Festival and all around volunteer with all our activities with the help of husband Jim Koss. Ashleigh Lazarus , our media whiz, who has sent members many email reminding you to participate in our activities. Rina Piga, a founding member and our fantastic newsletter editor who keeps our member informed about our activities, and she makes delicious tiramisu’ and ap- ple strudel! Angelo Piga, the other half of team Piga, a founding member, who has given so very much of his time to help for all our events. Philip “Skip” Kappes, membership chairperson, who scruti- nized our record, tweaked all with reminders of dues payment, and re- warded you with our nifty 25th Anniversary pin. Mario Vian , a founding member, has chaired the POW Chapel in the Meadow. Mary Grace Pennella, a past president and co-chair of our fabulous 25th Anniversary Gala. Ralph Tambasco, founding member and multiple times past president and co-chair of the 25th Gala; he is our go- to legal advisor, our consigliere!
IHSI NEWS
And .there’s me, Silvana , your current president, who is so very hon- ored and appreciative to have worked. with all these talented and gen-
erous . persons, and I am so very proud to call them, amici, friends. We will continue to work together to honor our Italian heritage in the com- ing year. Thank you again to the many others who helped by helping when they could, or just attending our events, contributing a dish at our pitch-in dinners, or donating a little extra to pay our expenses.
These small way enriches our Society and is appreciated as we con- tinue to make our IHSI viable and enjoyable for you.
We all look forward to the new year 2019 and the many interesting and varied activities to celebrate our Italian heritage.
Buon Giorno di Ringraziamento
Happy Thanksgiving and Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Silvana Silvana Martini Schuster IHSI President 2018
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
BOOK CLUB
November 28, 2018 12:30 am Capri Ristorante
DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS PARTY December 9, 2018 4:00-8:00 pm Holy Rosary Priori Hall
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IHSI NEWS
ITALIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY
CHRISTMAS PARTY
AND 2019 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
DECEMBER 9, 2018
4:00-8:00 PM
HOLY ROSARY PRIORI HALL
520 Stevens St. Indianapolis, In.
The 2018 IHSI Scholarship winners will be our guests
FOOD
We will provide the main course of a meat dish and pasta dish, wine, soft drinks
Guest will bring either appetizer, side dishes or dessert.
Also if anyone wants to bring a fish course to participate in the Italian traditional Christmas Eve selections known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
ENTERTAINMENT
We will be able to enjoy and dance to the traditional Italian music provided by Bob Klemen. So be ready to dance the Tarantella!
There is no charge for members, $15 for non members Children are welcome and when you make reservation specified their ages. San Nicolo’ St. Nicholas will visit and also La Befana Strega Nonna
RSVP to: [email protected] 317-255-5047
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 BUON NATALE E FELICE ANNO NUOVO 2019
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LA FESTA DEI SETTE PESCI
THE FEAST OF SEVEN FISHES
The four weeks before Christmas are of part of the Advent season and it was a time of reflection and fasting. Christmas Eve was a time of abstaining from meat and thus fish was served. Especially in Southern
Italy, the meal evolved into a grand dinner with a tradition of serving seven different types of fish dishes. Many homes got around this by
making variations of a fish soup called cioppino or brodetto, in which seven, or less, types of fish or crustaceans were served in one pot.
For our Pranzo di Natale, Christmas Dinner, we encourage our mem- bers to bring as a side dish, a fish entry that may be traditional to your region or one of your choosing. Check on the internet for infor-
mation about la Festa dei Sette Pesci, and try one of the recipes….it will be fun to try some of these traditional dishes.
See you on the 9th of December. And …...email or call me if you wish to volunteer to help with the event or have any question about it
[email protected] Home 317-569-9117 Cell 317-833-0994
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IHSI NEWS
CHRISTMAS IN ITALY Jesus. Christmas carols originate in
. NATALE IN ITALIA Italy with St. Francis of Assisi. The
classic Christmas carol of Italy in- clude Tu scendi dalle stelle, and Christmas in Italy is rich in tradi- Caro Gesu’ Bambino. tions that have, for most part a reli- I zampognari and the shepherds gious history, who live in the mountains and come with the cele- to town at Christ-
bration centered mas time to play on the nativity their traditional scenes in bagpipes and sing churches and characteristic home. Italian shepherd song. customs and They dress in tra- traditions add ditional vests, so much to the beautiful celebration legging and of Christmas in America for families leather trou- of Italian heritage had help teach sers .` the younger family members about Ceppo is an old Ital- the value of their Italian heritage. ian Tradition known The Christmas season in Italy in- as the ‘Tree of cludes is Festa di San Nicolo’ Lights” also known Which is celebrated on December as the Italian Christ- 6th and la Festa di Santa Lucia, mas Pyramid, the Also known as ;the Festival of . ceppo is decorated Lights” which is celebrated on with candles and December 13th. holds a small manger, decorations, Il presepio is the nativity scene candy, fruit and greenery. featuring the Holy Family , The meal of la Vigilia di Natale i p a s t o r i (Christmas Eve) is customarily ( shepherds), meatless, popular known as the Re Magi (the meal of seven fishes (for the Three Kings), seven sacraments), it typically con- and angels that sists of fish and seafood, and may is seen in the include eel, scungilli, calamari homes and (squid), vongole,(clams) and bac- churches in cala’ (salt cod). Italy on Christmas time, St. Francis The Urn of Fate is an old tradition of Assisi created the first Presepio. where people in Italy pick out gifts Presepio vivente: On Christmas to family members from large Eve many small towns of Italy cele- Ornamental clay jar. brate with tradition of a live nativity scene to act out the birth of Jesus just as St. Francis of Assisi did in 123 A.D. complete with live ani- mals, children play the roles of the Holy Family with a newborn baby
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IHSI NEWS
Christmas Day, is an important melody by Alphonsus Liguori religious holiday and an important (1695-1787) family celebration in Italy and America. A tradition in some fami- lies has the youngest place the figurine of Baby Jesus in the prese- pio to recognize the birth of Gesu’ Bambino. The family celebration of Christmas includes Mass and tra- ditional banquet. Traditional dolci sweet includes panettone, pandoro, pizzelle, strufoli and torrone. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) is welcomed with optimism for the TU SCENDI DALLE STELLE future and aspiration of prosperity and good health. Lentils are tradi- Tu scendi dalle stelle, tionally eaten on New Year’s day in O Re del cielo, Italy as a symbol of good luck and E’ vieni in una grotta prosperity. Al freddo al gelo, La Befana is the E’ vieni in una grotta benevolent old Al freddo al gelo. woman with magi-
cal powers who O bambino mio divino, bring gifts to the Io ti vedo qui tremar children of Italy on O Dio beato, the eve of Epiph- Ah quanto ti costo’ any on January L’avermi amato, 6th, to commemo- Ah quanto ti costo’ rate the visit of the L’avermi amato. Three Kings. La befana has been known to visit children of Italian A te che sei del mondo heritage in America and around the Il creatore world. Mancano panni e fuoco, These are a few customs of O mio signore, Christmas in Italy. We hope you Caro eletto pargoletto enjoyed reading about them and Quando questa poverta’ perhaps will celebrate this special Piu’ m’innamora event in your family with Italian Giacche ti fece amor style. Povero ancora, Giacche’ ti fece amor ITALIAN CHRISTMAS SONG Povero ancora, Giacche’ ti fece amor This is a very popular Christmas Povero ancora song in Italy based on the poem “Tu scendi dalle stelle” by Pope PiusIX (1846-1876) and set to the
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RECIPE/RICETTE 1/4 salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup vegetable shortening PIZZELLE . 1 egg
1 tbs vanilla 1/2 cup milk
FILLING
1 cup dried fig Ingredients: 1 cup dried dates, pitted 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup honey 3 eggs, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup orange marmalade
And cooled 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour ICING
2 tsp baking powder
2 cups confectioner’s sugar In a large bowl, beat together the Water or milk eggs and sugar. Add the butter, Colored sprinkle vanilla. Add the flour and baking powder and mix well. The batter For cookie dough, sift flour baking should be stiff enough to be powder and salt in a large bowl, dropped by spoon in the pizzelle add sugar and stir well. Cut in the maker. The batter can also be re- shortening with a fork or pastry frigerated for later use. Makes 2-3 blender and work the mixture until dozen depending on the size of the it looks like corn meal. In a bowl pizzelle maker. beat egg, vanilla and milk together. Add egg mixture and mix with an CUCIDATI (ITALIAN FIG electric mixer for about 3 minutes COOKIES) until well blended dough will be soft. Knead the mixture for 5 min- utes on a floured surface. Divide the dough into four pieces and wrap each piece with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for 45 minutes. To make the filling, grind figs, dates and raisins in a food proces- sor until coarse, add remaining fill- Ingredients: ing ingredients and mix well. Set aside mixture. Preheat oven to COOKIE DOUGH 375 degrees. Work with one piece of dough at the time leaving the 4 cups unbleached flour other pieces of dough in the refrig- 1 1/2 tbs baking powder erator until needed. On a floured
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Surface roll the dough to a 12 inch deliver presents to Jesus, The square. Cut dough into 2x3 inch Three King came across La Befana. rectangle. Spoon about 1 tsp. of They asked her to come with them, filling onto each rectangle. Care- but she refused, saying she had fully fold the long edges over to too much housework to do. She meet in the center and pinch to later realized it had been wrong not seal seam. Place each cookie seam to go with. So she ran off with her side down, on a baking sheet, broom in search of the Kings, bear- making sure you leave at least 1-2 ing her own presents for the baby inches between each cookies. Jesus. But she never caught up Make 2 or 3 diagonal slits on the with them. It’s said that La Befana top of each cookie with a sharp is still searching for the baby Jesus. knife. Bake for about 12-15 min- utes, or until cookies are golden in In the weeks preceding the Epiph- color, remove from oven and any, the children of Italy are busy transfer cookies to a wire rack to writing to La Befana, telling her the cool. For icing, place confectioner’s presents they would most like to sugar in a bowl, add just a little receive. They are on their best be- water or milk, until you get a havior because they know that La smooth consistency but not runny! Befana will leave a lump of coal, Ice the tops of each cookie and instead of sweet and toys, for ill- sprinkle with colored sprinkle. Let behaved children. icing dry completely before stack- ing! Store in air tight containers On Epiphany night, January 6, for up to 2 weeks. Befana goes around leaving pre- sents for children, in imitation of **************************** the Three Wise men bring gifts to LA BEFANA Jesus. Befana looks like a friendly witch, with a mole on her face and tattered clothes. She flies on a broom and goes down chimney to deliver toys for girls and boys.
There is a little poem:
La Befana vien di notte Con le scarpe tutte rotte Col vestito da romana Viva viva la Befana!
La Befana is an old lady who brings The Befana comes at night toys to children in part of Italy on In worn out shoes Epiphany night. The Epiphany is Dressed like a Roman when the Three Kings brought gift Long live the Befana! to baby Jesus. The legend is that on their way to
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IHSI NEWS LA BELLEZZA D’ITALIA….Novembre 2018
The Cultural Page of the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana
Submitted by Susan Santore Lew and Carol Faenzi
Italian Heritage Society Lecture Series
This past year, we presented a variety of Italian Cultural topics including:
Italian Opera Diva, Rosa Ponselle ( ancestor of IHSI member Cynthia Stark, who added a poignant, personal dimension to Rosa’s Story)
Dual Citizenship, given by IHSI member, Marlene Adami (so popular, we will plan a 2019 lecture on this subject!)
Our final lecture of 2018 was held on Sunday, November 18th on Roman Architecture, delivered by Dr. James Glass.
We are planning the line-up for 2019 and will announce the first one soon. We welcome your suggestions for speakers. Contact Susan Lew at 317-691-0139 or [email protected]. We pay an honorarium. The lectures are always free and open to the public.
Cinema Sunday
We will be announcing Cinema Sunday dates for 2019 soon!
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IHSI NEWS
BOOK CLUB—Join us!
Wednesday, November 28 at Capri Restaurant-12:30 p.m.
$20.00 per person include lunch. Cash preferred, to RSVP, contact Ray Brown at [email protected]
Unmarried Women by Matilde Serao
Matilde Serao is widely re-
garded as the most successful
Italian woman journalist of the nineteenth century as as being an important writer of fiction. A
great observer of life, Serao fo- cused her writing directly on
the most pressing problem of a newly unified Italy, urban pov- erty and the North/South di-
vide. This collection, the first to make Serao’s short stories
available in English translation,
reflects this naturalistic writer’s interest in the everyday drama of the lives of the women in the
Italy of her day. In Serao’s spare and simple prose, the young women of turn-of the-
century Naples come to life.
Beautiful Italian Word of the Month
“Salve”
This word, used as a greeting means,
“Be Well.” It comes from the Latin and is a good way to say hello that is not formal as “Buongiorno’ and more informal than “Ciao”
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. IHSI NEWS
January Book Club selection, date and venue to be announced
. Not All Bastards Are From Vienna, Andrea Molesini
Andrea Molesini’s exquisite debut novel—winner of the prestigious Campiello Prize—portrays the depths of heroism and horror within a Northern Italian village toward the end of the Great War.
While a family’s villa is requisitioned by enemy troops, they are forced to
intimately confront war’s injustice as their involvement with its sinister
underpinnings grows more and more complex.
In the autumn of 1917, Refrontolo, a small community north of Venice, is invaded by Austrian soldiers as the Italian army is pushed to the Piave River. The Spada family own the largest estate in the area, where orphaned 17 years old Paolo lives with his eccentric grandparents, his headstrong aunt, an a loyal staff. With the battlefront nearby, the Spada home becomes a bastion of resistance, both clashing and cooper- ating with the military members imposing on their household.
When Paolo is recruited to help with a covert operation, his life in put in irrevocable jeopardy. As he bears witness to violence and hostility be- tween enemies, he grows to understand the value of courage, dignity, family bonds, and patriotism during wartime.
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IHSI NEWS
INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARD
At the annual Founders Dinner held November 5, 2018, IHSI Board member Carol Faenzi was presented with the Willard Heiss Award for Family Historian and Genealogy. She was given this in recognition for her work that includes her ancestral novel , The Stonecutter’s Aria, her programs based on preserving family stories and her guided tours to Bedford, Indiana as well as her ancestral homeland of Carrara, Italy
Paul G. Roland, Honorary Vice Consul and former IHSI President and Founder, who supported Carol’s nomination said, “Her writing has cre- ated a new generation of people searching for their ancestry. And in- spired the preservation of ancestral records both in the United States and Italy.”
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INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Ciao Amici,
Grazie! Grazie! Mille Grazie! Thank you!
The International Festival was a huge success thanks to all of your help.
Volunteers: Robbie McDonald Rick Sparks Dean and Nancy Sandquist Erma Och
Ray Brown
Matt Iaria
Jerry Roland Philip “Skip” Kappes
Special thank you to Caterina and Angelo Piga, Steve Montani and Mary Ann Hawkins.
Looking forward to working with all of you next year.
Grazie tanto! Many thanks!
Ginny(Bellentini) Koss and Jim Koss
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IHSI NEWS
OOUR LADY’S CHAPEL IN THE MEADOW
October 21, a Sunday at 11.30, the 29th Annual IHSI Mass and pitch in dinner took place at the Italian POW Chapel at Camp Atterbury.
Only about 40 attendees came to the celebration hosted by Camp Atterbury. Bodies chilled but hearts were warmed at the Mass cele- brated by Father Kyle Rodden following a brief introduction by Captain Jesse Bien of Indiana National Guard, and IHSI President, Silvana Martini Schuster.
Mario Vian sang the National Anthem and the Italian National Anthem, Hail Mary’s were prayed and Mass got under way.
Liz and Ryan Davis and their children comprised almost a fourth of the attendees and greatly added to the warmth of the occasion.
The event was also honored by the attendance of two of the sons of the late Mrs. Tedesco widow of former Atterbury POW Giovanni Tedesco.
Many thanks to Rina Piga, Ray Brown for their devotional prayers and reading and to Mary Foster for her leading worship.
Once again, thanks for the efforts of Camp Atterbury for providing the Camp Atterbury Museum for the pitch in dinner, and to Matthew Iaria, who provided the main course of pasta and sausages.
By Mario Vian
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IHSI NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
Italian Heritage Society Member Dr. Jane Fortune
By Carol Faenzi
Philanthropist, Journalist and Author, Dr. Jane fortune passed away on September 23. Most of her life’s work was centered on the research, restoration and exhibition of art by women in Florence, Italy.
In 2009, she founded a nonprofit organization,
Advancing Women Artists Foundation, dedi-
cated to this mission. Among the important
works her Foundation restored were Artemisia Gentileschi’s “ David and Bathsheba.”
In 2013, the PBS documentary, Invisible
Women: Forgotten Artists of Florence, based on her 2009 book by the same title, was awarded a regional Emmy as Best Documentary in the Historical/Cultural Program Category.
These are just a few of many remarkable milestones Jane Fortune suc- ceeded in reaching during he dynamic and passionate life.
I was fortunate to have known her and for a few years, helped direct activities of her Foundation in the United States. She was a tireless advocate for these “invisible women artists” and I am happy to say, the work will go on. She left quite a legacy.
She told me the thing that meant the most to her, was being recog- nized as a Citizen of Florence, the city she fell in love with during her college years. The Mayor presented this award to Jane at a ceremony in Florence and with her passing, a Mass was said for her on October 9, at the Basilica of Santa Croce. www.advancingwomenartists.org
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IHSI NEWS
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Caterina “Rina’ Piga
Share your news, award, birth, change of address or any articles that will be of interest to the members and also any comment you might have about the newsletter. The newsletter is published by-monthly, email any articles in MS WORD format to: [email protected] Or
Mail to :
Rina Piga 373 Woodview Dr. Noblesville, In. 46060 317-773-6442
DEADLINE: January 16, 2019
BUSINESS ADDRESS PHONE LINE
Italian Heritage Society of Indiana 520 Stevens St. Indianapolis 46202
The IHSI has a voice mail for members to call and leave any mes- sages, or questions that you might have about the Society. Let us hear from you! The phone number is: (317)767-7686
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IHSI NEWS
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THANK YOU TO OUR IHSI SUPPORTERS AND CORPORATE MEMBERS
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Italian Heritage Society of Indiana Newsletter Committee Woodview373 Drive Noblesville, IN 46060
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