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A PUBLICATION OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY Fall 2017 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Regions of ICS President’s Message TWENTY YEARS…THE ICS EXPERIENCE

Saluti amici,

This year, as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ICS, I asked our former Presidents to submit a short narrative about their tenure so that members might have a clearer understanding of the history of our Society. Once I reviewed everyone’s submission, it became clear that each President overlapped his actual term of office with service before and after it, and that a cadre of dedicated volunteers served with these Presidents in supportive roles, and that some continue to serve even today.

There are 20 regions in Italy, plus two city-states that remain I read about Eileen and John Iaizzo who served as independent to this day. Treasurer to our first president, Joseph Delfino, and Valle d΄Aosta about Arlene and Ron Diorio: Arlene who created our logo and Ron who, with Alessandra Higgs and Corinne Dunne, served on Joe’s Board. And there was also Edith -Romagna Coleman, a founding member and art historian who still Friuli-Venezia Giulia works as liaison with the Gilgore Museum and ICS. Then came Dr. Grace Mannino, former Board member and current Italian teacher and co- Editor of Amici, and Donna Lenzi, former Editor of Amici and in charge Puglia of our Program, and Joanne Berenato, co-Editor of Trentino-Alto Adige Amici—all of whom began working with our second President, Adam Crescenzi. Independent City-States in Italy San Marino Vatican City Continued on page 2

ICS President’s Message TWENTY YEARS…THE ICS EXPERIENCE Continued from page 1

Many continued to work with our third President, Dr. Tom Turicchi, who served first with Adam Crescenzi as his Treasurer before becoming President. Tom had help from Richard Delfino, who served as Treasurer and Joe Martin, who became the Digital Communications Director while on the Board, and who still sends announcements, email blasts and Notices to members. Do not think that ICS has been a male-dominated organization; it is not so. Female volunteers going back ten years and active today include those mentioned above as well as Jean DiPierro, Sue Luconi, Lee Turicchi, Phyllis Crivelli, Rosemarie Loalbo, Nancy Minaldi-Scanlan, Francesca Mancuso, Grace Rocco, Irene San Giacomo, Amy Rego, Anna Castley, Judy La Melza, Carolyn Dickinson and the wives of every male volunteer. These women have also served during Richard Cappalli’s term of office and continue to Cav. Joseph Delfino serve during mine. 1998-2007

What I have been trying to show is that a steady stream of volunteers has supported each President and continues to do so in multi-varied roles for all our Presidents and, frankly, without them, there is no ICS.

Beginning historically from 1998, ICS grew out of the Italian American Club, and while it grew, it leaned on the NIAC for assistance until it became independent enough to establish itself apart. Those first years under Joseph Delfino saw the ICS gradually identify itself more with Italian culture in its activities and less with the social demands of the NIAC members. As Joe Delfino put it in their 10th Anniversary Program... “There was a need to bundle the elements of Italian culture into a package that would be deliverable to all Naples residents regardless of their heritage, who also loved the Italian culture and craved a deeper understanding of its meaning and influence on Western civilization.”

During those first ten years, the organization grew through its programs of history and arts lectures and slide presentations; high school outreach programs, which included for a time, classes in the Italian language; concerts and high school prose and poetry recitals. It became the work of our second President, Adam Crescenzi, to steer the Society toward a more defined organizational approach. What did that mean?

Adam delineated the role of ICS, clarifying its role and by-laws, setting term limits to a Board of Directors. The governance of ICS went from a three-person Executive Adam Crescenzi Committee to a transparent 12-person Board of Directors with a clearly defined set of 2007-2011 By-laws that included term limits of six (6) years for Board members of which no more than four years could be for the office of President. Because ICS no longer occupied the Foundation’s building in North Naples, events were held at Country Clubs, banquet halls, restaurants, churches, meeting rooms and other venues in and around Naples. We continue to do this, and it seems to be well regarded by our members. We currently comprise some 550 members and our Events regularly see increasingly larger attendance, having us seek venues that can accommodate larger and larger numbers.

Adam Crescenzi had the good fortune and good sense to accept the offering of Dr. Tom Turicchi to take charge of the Treasurer’s post the last two years of his Presidency. So when Tom took the gavel from Adam, he had already begun to modernize and install a new financial system, necessary for the times. And Richard Delfino, a retired CPA, was there to do the necessary budgeting and financial planning. Tom was also responsible for updating our website with his wife, Lee. He had the experience and business acumen necessary to direct the organization from the standpoint of a high- tech functioning business model, and he was an experienced and successful business leader who knew about interpreting Demographics and Psychographics and how to understand member attitudes, computer skills and purchase behavior. He also was experienced in market research and business models. His refinement of our organization along these lines keeps us more than solvent. He employed the help of Al Andreini for Long-term planning. As a musicologist, Tom has introduced Dr. Tom Turicchi Continued on page 3 2011-2015 2 ICS President’s Message TWENTY YEARS…THE ICS EXPERIENCE Continued from page 2 wonderful musical Events that have been both entertaining and enlightening. His Presidency produced the highest increases in member participation and total income with attendance at events doubling and total income doubling. He said he attributes this increase primarily to the work of Richard Cappalli in researching and securing quality presenters.

When Richard Cappalli accepted the Presidency of ICS for the 2015-16 Season, he had already served five years on the Board of Directors and only had one year of eligibility remaining. During those years and even before, he had been active chairing Events, organizing the Film Program each year, taking care of new membership, participating in the ICS Players, providing printed materials to our members about Italy’s Regions that ICS concentrated on each year, securing quality presenters for our lectures and so many other behind-the-scenes activities. He stabilized the organization’s structure created by his predecessors, oiled the wheels of the internal workings with new Board members, especially our new Treasurer in Ed Giovine, who, like Richard Delfino, came from a financial background. And under Richard’s aegis, ICS grew a substantial disposable income to help subsidize the cost of our Events to our members.

It became clear to me with my tenure as President which began last year in 2016, that the advice and experience of all my predecessors would be invaluable to me Richard Cappalli Esq. and to ICS, and I accepted the post only after receiving assurances from Joe, 2015-2016 Adam, Tom and Richard that I could count on them in an Advisory capacity apart from whatever other ICS responsibilities for which they volunteered. I cannot say enough about their good will and that of our current Board of Directors (six women and six men) as well as that of Joe Martin and Joanne Berenato and, of course, the First Lady, Phyllis Crivelli.

We have a wonderful year of Events to celebrate our 20th Anniversary with a couple of surprises along the way. Come, join me and, learn and enjoy…through the ICS Experience!

Joseph Crivelli, Ph.D. President, 2016-present

Columbus Day Luncheon Monday, October 9, 2017 Doors open 11:30 a.m.

This event is NOT included Campiello Restaurant in any Gold or Silver passes! Chairperson: Amy Rego Price: $35

Come join us for a leisurely luncheon held to celebrate Columbus Day at one of Naples’ best Italian restaurants, Campiello’s, located in a fine, old building in beautiful downtown Naples.

Because it is our first event of the new season, the Columbus Day Luncheon always brings with it an air of anticipation and renewal. This year the event is particularly exciting because it marks the beginning of our 20th anniversary season.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with fellow ICS members, share stories of your summer activities as well as your plans for the coming season. With all the outstanding ICS events scheduled for 2017-18 anniversary season, there should be plenty to talk about.

For special dietary needs, please contact event chair at least 1 week before the luncheon.

ICS 20th Anniversary 3 Welcome Back Luncheon: "The Lure of the Grand Tour" Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Doors open 11:00 a.m. Presentation 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch

Naples Hilton Presenter: Carol Jonson Chairpersons: Ron Ferreri and Richard Delfino Price: $46

From the late 17th through the early 19th century, the Grand Tour was virtually an institution for young British aristocrats and later for wealthy young Americans as well. Volumes have been written about this cultural phenomenon, calling The Grand Tour everything from a “mobile finishing school” to an experience “that completed the British gentleman but might well undo him.” Guidebooks outlined the routes and obligatory cities to visit and invariably ended in the fascinating and culturally rich cities of Italy. This presentation will trace some of the routes and experiences of these young aristocratic travelers who, accompanied by their servants along with a tutor and tour guide often spent two or three years on a Grand Tour. Florence, and Rome were “must sees,” as were the newly unearthed wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum. While these young aristocrats soaked up the culture, customs, art and of the cities they visited, they also sketched; wrote their own journals; hobnobbed with many British and American artists, poets and novelists; and acquired crate upon crate of souvenirs that would decorate many a grand English manor for centuries to come.

For special dietary needs, please contact event chair at least 1 week before the luncheon.

The Etruscan Legacy “From to Today” Friday, November 17, 2017 Doors open 2:30 p.m. Presentation 3:00 p.m.

Hodges University Presenter: Dr. Steven Tuck Chairpersons: Richard Cappalli, Price: $40 Richard and Mary Claire Curmaci-Singer Reception to follow

Before the small village of Rome became “Rome” with a capital R, a brilliant civilization once controlled almost the entire peninsula we now call Italy. This was the , a vanished culture whose achievements set the stage not only for the development of ancient Roman art and culture but for the Italian as well.

In this lecture we start with a thought experiment of what Roman culture would be like without those elements that came to them via the Etruscans. A vision of a vastly different world appears. Then we consider the words of the author D.H. Lawrence: “The Italian people of today is on the whole not Italic – in that Roman sense – but much more near to the Etruscan.” Can we trace this Etruscan strain today? The evidence suggests that they are still very much with us not only culturally, but, quite remarkably, genetically as well. Join us as we consider just how much western culture owes its existence to the Etruscans.

4 ICS Christmas Dinner “La Festa dei Pesci della Vigilia” Sunday, December 3, 2017 Doors open 6:00 p.m.

Audubon Country Club Chairpersons: Kathleen Azzariti and Kathleen Sullivan Price: $90

The Feast of the Fishes is part of the Italian Christmas Eve celebration. It is sometimes called the Feast of Seven Fishes…so called because the Bible states it took seven days for God to create the earth. Some families went as far as having 13 fish varieties to represent the 12 apostles, with the final one being for Jesus. Today, it is a meal that typically consists of several different seafood dishes. Join us as we gather on December 3rd to herald the season of blessings at the beautiful Audubon Club.

You will be treated to a delightful display of seafood as was the tradition. And for those who want other choices we will offer carving stations for their delight. All will be treated to an assortment of holiday pastries. Buon Appetito!

In addition, the tradition of La Befana bringing gifts on Epiphany will be brought to you during the evening. La Befana as portrayed by our talented Nancy Menaldi -Scanlan will visit with gifts and treats. Tom Cimarusti, a new ICS member, and professor of music at FGCU, will play Italian tunes on the accordion and lead us in Italian Christmas carols and dances. Cash cocktail bar and Valet parking

“Mozart in Italy” A Musical Travelogue Saturday, January 6, 2018 Doors Open 3:00 p.m. Presentation 3:30 p.m.

First Congressional Church of Naples Presenters: Dr. Ron Bowman and Chairpersons: Tom Turicchi and “Mozart’s Sister” Lynn Andreini Price: $40 Reception to follow

In December 1769, Leopold Mozart set off with young Wolfgang for Italy. For more than two centuries Italy had been the cradle of innovations in the art of music. In Leopold's view, Wolfgang needed to absorb firsthand the music of Italy, to equip himself for future commissions from Europe's major courts.

His journey established the wunderkind (age 14), as a serious . He was made a knight in Rome and was awarded a commission to compose an opera to open Carnevale season in .

Join ICS favorite, Dr. Ron Bowman for an entertaining and informative visit to important Italian cities including Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice and their reactions to young Mozart. We will hear insightful and humorous comments about his Italian experiences from letters written to his teenage sister. Amusing selections will be dramatically presented by a young actress illustrating Mozart’s youthfulness and innocence on this inspiring and successful Italian journey. This talk will help us appreciate Mozart’s debt to Italy as well as Italy’s debt to Mozart. 5 ICS 20th Anniversary Adult Italian Language Classes Fall 2017 Schedule

ICS offers Italian Language Classes for Adults at the Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road (one traffic light north of Pine Ridge/Livingston intersection) in Building N on Tuesdays and Wednesdays “in season” to provide opportunities for members and friends to learn and speak la nostra bella lingua. Contact Donna Lenzi, Program Coordinator, [email protected] to register or for more information.

Registration is required in advance for ALL course offerings and for EACH session. Registration is an email to Donna with your contact information including telephone number and your course selection. Please do not contact CSN to register. YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR’S NAME AND ROOM NUMBER.

All ICS courses are response driven and will be offered on the days and at the times listed if there is a sufficient number of registered participants.

Fall Session: October 31/November 1 – Dec. 12/13 includes six classes (nine hours of instruction) with a break the week of Thanksgiving. Fee: $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Course fee due on the first day of class with a check made payable to ICS. Checks only, please.

Fall Course Offerings: Italian I (4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday with Joan Hoffmeister) is the entry level course in our Introductory Series for those with little to no experience with the language. The instructor guides participants through pronunciation, vocabulary, basics and essential verbs using Italian Made Simple by Cristina Mazzoni ISBN# 978-0-7679-1539-7. Text available online and at local booksellers. Purchase text in advance of first class. All courses in the Intro Series (Italian I-IV and Wrap Up) use the Mazzoni text.

Italian III (6:15 - 7:45 p.m. Wednesday with Grace Mannino) is the third course in the Intro Series using the Mazzoni text listed above to further expand vocabulary, grammatical concepts and confidence with speaking skills. Prerequisite: Italian II or equivalent.

Italian IV (4:30 - 6 p.m. Tuesday with Bob Lundry) is the fourth course in the Intro Series and provides participants with speaking opportunities while expanding vocabulary, skill sets and advanced verb tenses. Mazzoni text required (see above). Prerequisite: Italian III or equivalent.

Beginner Conversation (4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday with Joan Hoffmeister) uses the Mazzoni text described in Italian I as a reference for instructor led conversations in Italian. Listening, reading and speaking activities assist participants with gaining confidence in conversational situations. Prerequisite: Intro Series (Italian I-IV) or equivalent.

Parliamoci: Livello Intermedio (4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday with Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan) provides reading and listening opportunities as a basis for discussing various topics pertinent to Italian life and culture. Students will work in pairs and small groups using vocabulary generated by the topic at hand. Weekly homework is assigned, and this intermediate level class is conducted entirely in Italian. Required Text: Italian Vocabulary Drills, Stillman, Cherubini and Gordon. Prerequisite: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Level 1 Conversation or equivalent.

Viaggiando Per Le Regioni d’Italia (4:30- 6:00 p.m. Tuesday with Susan London) is an Intermediate Level 1 course focusing on history, customs, food and famous people from various . Familiarity with basic verb tenses, pronouns and core vocabulary is required. Classwork and homework will include readings, class presentations, group discussions, vocabulary and grammar enhancement. Prerequisite: Advanced Beginner Conversation or equivalent.

La Cultura Italiana (4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday with Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan) is an upper intermediate/advanced level course conducted entirely in Italian. Would you like to listen to music, admire paintings, read poetry and stories, watch films and discuss your thoughts about them in Italian? Continued on page 7 6 Adult Italian Language Classes (continued)

Then, this class is for you. Using artistic and literary works, we will discuss some of the cultural masterpieces of Italy as a means of improving conversational skills. Relevant grammar will be discussed. Weekly homework will be assigned. Participants will be advised of text requirements prior to class. Prerequisite: Intermediate Conversation or equivalent.

Advanced Conversation (4:30 – 6:00 Wednesday with Grace Mannino) integrates language, current events, culture and literature by engaging participants in lively discussions on a variety of topics. In a relaxed atmosphere, conversational skills are enhanced through various activities such as prepared and impromptu presentations, pairing and group work involving listening, reading, writing and primarily speaking. Contextual vocabulary and idiomatic expressions constitute the emphasis on vocabulary building. Prerequisite: Intermediate Conversation or equivalent.

NB: Some classes are held on the second floor of the N Building of CSN. An elevator and rest rooms are available on the ground floor. Info on facilities and parking will be provided via email prior to start date. Language classes for the Winter and Spring Sessions are listed below. You must re-register for each session by email with your telephone number even if you are continuing on with the same instructor. Every effort will be made to ensure that each participant is properly placed in a class that ensures the “best fit” for the individual’s skill set.

Winter Session: Jan. 9/10 – Feb. 13/14 (CSN Winter Break: Dec. 16 – Jan. 3) CSN Spring Break: Feb. 16 -23 - No Classes CSN Break: March 30 – April 6 (Easter: April 1) – No Classes Spring Session: Feb. 27/28 – April 10/11

Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ending June 30, 2017

The ICS By-Laws (Article V, Paragraph 4) state “The Treasurer shall present a financial statement at the Annual Meeting of the Society and at other times when requested by the Board of Directors.” The Board of Directors voted to disseminate the financial statement by including it in the Fall issue of Amici. Below please find the ICS Operating Statement for the year ending June 30, 2017. Ed Giovine, Treasurer ICS Operating Statement Y/E June 30, 2017

Membership Income (Net) 21,011 Program Income 118,106 Interest / Other Income 107 Total Income 139,224

General Operating Expenses 23,301 Program Expenses 111,326 Season Pass Discounts 4,298 New Member, Volunteer, and Board Events 4,388 Total Expenses 143,313

Net Income (4,089)

Assets Beginning of Year 60,940

Assets End of Year 56,851 Restricted 30,000 Reserve for ICS 20th Anniversary 8,000 Unrestricted Assets 18,851 ICS 20th Anniversary 7 Italian Cultural Society of Naples, Florida, Inc. 3200 Bailey Lane Suite 199 Naples, FL 34105 Italian Cultural Society Officers 2017-2018 Dr. Joe Crivelli, President Anna Castley, Secretary Ed Giovine, Treasurer Directors Charlie Alaimo Al Andreini Kathleen Azzariti Carolyn Dickinson Ron Ferreri Judy LaMelza John Petralia Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan Amy Rego

Operatic Advisor: Bruce Ford Presidents Emeriti: Cav.Joseph Delfino, Adam Crescenzi, Tom Turicchi, Ph.D Richard Cappalli, Esq.

Amici Editors: Joanne Berenato, Dr. Joe Crivelli, Dr. Grace Mannino

Reservations Procedure & General Information All reservations for ICS Events will be made on-line at the ICS website. Credit Card only. No checks will be accepted. When you make your reservation on-line, you will receive a confirmation and printable ticket by email for each event you select. Bring your ticket to the event (along with your name badge.)

To Make a Reservation: • Go to ICS Website (www.italianculturalsociety.com) • Click on the Reservation Tab • On the Reservation Page select the event you wish to attend and click on SELECT • Enter the information requested and you are done. It’s that easy! For Help: • If you need help making a reservation on-line call Nancy and John Petralia at 215-280-4598 • For information about an event call the Event Chair • For general information call the ICS Help Line at 239-434-3323 Note: Someone will return your call as soon as possible. Cancellation Policy: NO Refunds will be given for any event. Exchanges: Reservations may be exchanged with other ICS members on the website, at the bottom of the Reservation Tab. The “user name” is ICS . The “password” is Italy (case sensitive.)

Membership Information: ICS membership year: July 1 through June 30. Dues statements were sent out in April and had to be paid by July 1 to be included in and receive an updated Directory. Dues are $80 for couples and $40 for individuals. Name badges are $15 and will be mailed to all new members upon receipt of dues and badge fee. Members are requested to wear name badges at all events.

Sunshine Committee: To have flowers, cards sent to an ICS member, e-mail Anna Castley: [email protected] All films are shown at the Norris Center (755 8th Ave. South). It is located at the corner of 8th Avenue South and 8th Street South. The showings begin at 6:45 pm.

Chairpersons: Richard Cappalli and Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan. For more information, call the ICS Information Line at 434-3323

Monday, November 20, 2017 SEDOTTA e ABBANDONATA (Seduced and Abandoned) 1964 117 minutes

Classic Italian slapstick comedy, set in Sicily. Shot-gun weddings, kidnapping, at- tempted murder, emergency dental work – the things Don Vincenzo will do to save his family’s honor. The beautiful sixteen-year-old Agnese is seduced by her sister’s lascivious betrothed. When he is told he must marry Agnese, we hear one of the greatest lines in the history of cinema: “No! I want to marry a virgin.” If you like slapstick this is fabulous.

Monday, December 11, 2017 TI RICORDI DI ME? (Do You Remember Me?) 2014 92 minutes

In this romantic and charming comedy, Roberto and Beatrice meet at the front door of the psychotherapist where they’re being treated, he for kleptomania, she for narcolepsy. He loves her immediately, but Bea has no interest in him or the gifts (stolen) he brings her. In a Big Red Book she pastes life’s moments and photos of people. They finally fall in love, marry and have a child. But Bea’s sickness re- turns, causes her to lose all memory, and to restart her life with another. Roberto tracks her down and ….

Monday, January 8, 2018 COSÌ RIDEVANO (The Way We laughed) 1998 128 minutes

This luminous film tells the compelling story of two Sicilian brothers displaced in 1950s Turin, Italy. Working-class Giovanni takes any odd job to support his younger, irresponsible brother Pietro and keep him in school. As the economy improves, Giovanni goes against his character and accepts some lucrative yet corrupt deals, while Pietro, now a respectable teacher, tries to cover for Giovanni. Reviews: “Shocking and charged with full-bodied emotion.” “A Masterpiece!”

Monday, January 29, 2018 PIZZICATA 1996 90 minutes

The story takes place during WWII in Salento, a poor region in Puglia. An Ameri- can, Italian-speaking, pilot parachutes into the countryside. A peasant farmer takes him in, hides him (Italy is still at war against the allies), and pretends he is the son of a cousin from the city of Lecce. Ambience is paramount. Women’s voices lift in chorus while harvesting, families congregate and clap while lovers dance the pizzica as the tarantata, a dance of mourning, fills the screen at other times. The movie’s name combines joy, grief and the inevitability of both. ICS Calendar of Events: October 2017 to January 2018

Monday, October 09, 2017 . Tuscan Regional Columbus Day 11:30 a.m. Food Luncheon Campiell0 Ristorante Wednesday, November 01, 2017 Welcome Back: “The Lure of the Grand 11:30 a.m. Travel Lecture and Tour” Lunch Naples Hilton Carol Jonson

Friday, November 17, 2017 Hodges University “The Etruscan Legacy 3:00 p.m. from Ancient Rome to Today"

Dr. Steven Tuck Monday, November 20, 2017 Italian Film Series Sedotta e 6:45 p.m. The Norris Center Abbandonata (Seduced and Abandoned)

Sunday, December 03, 2017 ICS Christmas La Festa dei Pesci della 6:00 p.m. Dinner Vigilia Audubon Country Club

Monday, December 11, 2017 Italian Film Series Ti Ricordi Di Me? 6:45 p.m. The Norris Center (Do You Remember Me?)

Saturday, January 06, 2018 First "Mozart in Italy" 3:30 p.m. Congregational A Musical Travelogue Church of Naples Dr. Ron Bowman and "Mozart's Sister"

Monday, January 08, 2018 Italian Film Series Così Ridevano 6:45 p.m. The Norris Center (The Way We Laughed)

Monday, January 22, 2018 Lecture and Lunch Caravaggio's Bold Journey 11:30 a.m. Naples Hilton Dr. Catherine Puglisi

Monday, January 29, 2018 Italian Film Series Pizzicata 6:45 p.m. The Norris Center

For a full description of all events, visit the ICS website www.italianculturalsociety.com