IL POSTINO V O L . 3 N O . 11 AUGUST 2 0 0 3 / AGOSTO 2002 $2.00 St. Anthony’s Church 90 Years of Service to the Italian Community! Anniversary Celebration Sunday November 9,2003 Sala San Marco

FATHER PAUL McKEOWN 2000-Present 1908-1914

Rev. MARCEL BRODEUR 1914-1930 1988-2000

1913-2003 90 Anni al Servizio della Comunità Italiana! 1979-1982 1930-1946 Celebrazione 9 novembre 2003 Sala San Marco

1972-1979 1968-1971 1982-1988 1946-1967 1971-1972 1967-1968 CUSTOMER NUMBER: 04564405 PUBLICATION AGREEMENT NUMBER: 1835041

IL POSTINO • , , CANADA IL POSTINO Page 2 IL POSTINO August 2003 VOLUME 3 , NUMBER 11 The Wine Corner 865 Gladstone Avenue, Suite 101 • Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7T4 (613) 567-4532 • Fax (613) 567-0726 [email protected] L’angolo del vino www.ilpostinocanada.com Publisher Grappa Preston Street Community Foundation by David Salusbury Italian Canadian Community Centre of the National Capital Region Inc. Grappa is a refined, distilled alcohol made from fresh, fermented pomace – the remains of the grape- Executive Editor crushing process. It has become a very fashionable drink in the last few years, its quality having improved David Salusbury started a part-time wine Angelo Filoso enormously since the beginning of the Italian wine brokerage business in several years ago revolution of the early 1970’s. Grappa has a fascinating and now also operates in Ontario. He is currently Managing Editor history. The name comes from the dialects used in writing a Compendium of Italian Wines and his Chiara Mingarelli the valley of the Alps in northern , being closest to articles for Il Postino are extracts of the book. the Friulano word graspe for grape pomace (the mush Associate Editor containing skins, seeds, stalks and some pulp). times. Most of the transformations have been Ashlea Wells The precise history of this distillate is lost in the spearheaded by a small group of grappiste – mainly form the epicentre of the modern grappa: the region of the Advertising Director mists of time. There are records of the discovery of the distillation process in Mesopotamia, in the 8th three Venetos: Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia and Trentino- Marcus Filoso century BC. A millennium later, legend has it that a Alto-Adige. The alcohol level has, for the most part, been Roman Legion brought back a still from Egypt. He had reduced from 50% and over, to closer to 40%, increasing Graphic Designer been granted a vineyard in Friuli (the region now called its palatability. In 1973, Nonino of Udine (in Friuli), Vlado Franovic Ronchi dei Legionari – Legions’ Fields) where he marketed the first monovitigno (single vine) grappa. They emulated the production of the distillate of grape chose to use Picolit, the rare Friuli dessert wine for their Layout & Design pomace, which he had learnt in Egypt. first product. Monovitigno grappas are now Chiara Mingarelli commonplace. Further development of the art of distilling pomace The modern grappista, acquires pomace from local took place in the “Salernitana” Medical School around presses and commences distillation within 12 hours of Web site Manager the end of the grape crushing. Most Marc Gobeil the year 1000AD, where the distillation process was further refined and documented. The rugged distillate producers also use the was prescribed as a healing elixir for a variety of double-distillation process to Printing eliminate noxious elements Winchester Print & Stationary ailments. The mysterious advantages of the product are encapsulated in the Latin name it was given: that may remain after the first acquavitem – literally “water if life”. From this was distillation. The distillate is then Contributors for this issue derived “acqua di vita”, “acquavite” and, of “cut” with distilled water to bring the (in alphabetical order) course, the well known French term: “eau percentage into the right de vie”. range. Standard grappa Josie Bellissimo, Anello Castrucci, Delia De Santis, Vivian Ghezzi- The distilling of grapes (and production finishes Trapapni, Tia Goldenberg, Ermano LaRiccia, Annamary Licari, other fruits) became a serious there, but some Chiara Mingarelli, Roger Nincheri, Luciano Pradal and David activity with the arrival on the producers then Salusbury. European stage of the Alchemists blend with sugar and in the Middle Ages (from fruit or vegetable essences. Submissions 1200AD). These fathers of We should not look down on this We welcome submissions, letters, articles, story ideas and modern Chemistry spread process, remembering that one of knowledge of the still to the the world’s most prestigious eau de photos. All materials for editorial consideration must be double www.italianmade.com/regions/map7.cfm vies - Cognac, is made with the spaced, include a word count, and your full name, address and cognoscenti of Europe. Subsequently many medical and addition of distilled water and phone number. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all religious orders produced grappa and other acquaviti. caramel, to improve its palatability. submissions for length, clarity and style. Up to the 1960’s grappa was often considered as In Italy grappa is most commonly drunk at room the poor man’s beverage, a very rough, homemade temperature, but the concept of chilled grappa is quickly Next Deadline brew. The owners of the vineyards kept the wine and gaining favour. Nonino, for example recommends 12 passed on the pomace to the farm workers. They, in degrees as the ideal, which is more commonplace in August 22, 2003 turn, added water to the pomace and extracted a light north America. Since a small glassful warms up quickly wine called vinello for personal use. Many of them in an environment of 25 degrees, it is good to keep your then distilled the remaining humid must to extract grappa in the freezer. This week’s recommendations for Grappas, in Il Postino is publication supported by its advertisers and sale of grappa. This was done in secret, to avoid taxes. The term grappa stelina was one used (literally “star” ascending price order, are: the issues. It is published monthly. The opinions and ideas grappa), the equivalent of our moonshine; referring to Grappa Stravecchia (code 891879 - $21.35) aged in expressed in the articles are not necessarily those held by Il illicit night time distillation. wooden casks, traditional and quite smooth. Palladium Postino. Chardonnay & Strawberry Grappa (code 898635 - $21.75) The medical use of grappa, by that time, was a nice compromise between strawberry essence and Subscription rates widespread. It was considered almost as a cure-all, grappa – a must try. Grappa Moscato Stradivarius (code 637363 - $29.45) a single vine grappa, very smooth and In Canada $20.00 (includes GST) per year. being used for ailments as diverse as headaches, stomach aches, influenza, colds, rheumatism and rich, nice gift bottle. Grappa Bottega (code 478156 - Foreign $38 per year. general cleansing of the system. In the Veneto region $29.80) steam distilled, blended, light agreeable flavour, it was common to see a drab, square bottle of the brew, elegant bottle. Nonino Grappa Friulana (code 947069 - (with an equally bland label) in many households – $33.00) traditional Friuli blend. Nonino’s original Grappa ©Copyright 2003 Il Postino. for medicinal and “general” use. di Picolit (code 739235 - $290.00) exquisite soft and complex flavour, difficult to find. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the contents is strictly Today the use of grappa has changed and it is no Any comments, questions or suggestions? prohibited without written permission from Il Postino. longer the highly potent, rough beverage of former Please e-mail [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / ABBONAMENTO I prefer to pay by: / Scelgo di pagare con: • Yes, I want to subscribe to twelve issues of Il Postino A Touch of Class Fashions •cash / contanti •cheque / assegno Sì, vorrei abbonarmi a Il Postino per 12 numeri 15% off prom/wedding dresses/wedding •money order / vaglia postale • $20.00 Subscription Canada / Abbonamento Canada party/ mothers of bride or groom and • $38.00 Subscription Overseas / Abbonamento Estero formal evening wear. Name and Surname: / Nome e cognome:______Get a head start on your Street: / Via: ______Postal Code: / Cp.:______City: / Città:______Province: / Provincia: ____ graduation or wedding Tel.:______Fax:______Date:______

46 Murray Street (Time Square Building) to / intestato a: Preston Street Community Foundation Inc., Suite 101 Gladstone Avenue 865, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7T4 Ottawa, Ontario, KIN 5M4 (613) 244-0044 IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 3 Who is Victor Rabinovitch? How does a kid from Montreal become the President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization? by Tia Goldenberg

Like many in the Canadian mosaic a strong position in the House of “People from different parts of Italy help, mutual assistance, reciprocal giving, and similarly in the Italian community, Commons about the delay, and called for have come and brought with them is not far removed from the Canadian Victor Rabinovitch does not have his roots the show to go on as planned. various traditions. They must get those experience.” firmly and strongly planted in Canadian After Rabinovitch reversed his traditions to reroute themselves and He says that whether regarding the soil. Although he was born and raised in decision, “the show wound up not being adapt themselves in a reality such as prairie or the city experience, , Montreal, he is a second-generation postponed for a day. It ran for a year and North America. including himself, have always relied Canadian whose values, beliefs and a half,” Rabinovitch says. “[Immigrants] have all gone through somewhat on their neighbors. cultural upbringing were shaped by Despite the conflict over the Arab the same process of adjusting “I like to use the metaphor that immigrants. exhibit, Rabinovitch stresses the themselves, finding themselves. In a Canadians are shaped by the knowledge The Chief Executive Officer is as importance of presenting different small sense, the story of Presenza is very that someday it’s going to be your car that warm as the welcome staff in his cultures in the Museum of Civilization. much the story of Jewish immigrants, the gets stuck [in the snow] so you better help museum. The fair-skinned, soft-spoken “For a country that values diversity, we story of Portuguese immigrants, etc.” your neighbour in the summer.” man emits rays of intelligence and a must try to understand what it is that Why, then, is Canada’s Italian What does divide Italians from conversation with him could lead anyone makes us a little more diverse.” community being showcased? Canadians, however, stems from the on the road to enlightenment. His He describes the museum’s role in Rabinovitch states several reasons. First, Anglo-Canadian motherland – Britain. welcoming gestures – an offer of coffee, preserving and explaining immigrant there is a subjective aspect: the “Perhaps it’s an English sensibility; holding doors open and even his inviting cultures exhibition’s there is more stress for respect for privacy, smile – are a sign that he values guests, and the curator, Mauro private property, respect for the and treats them with respect. materials Peressini, had a sacrosanct nature of personal contracts.” Rabinovitch was born in Montreal. He they impart vested interest in Rabinovitch says he associates pursued an Undergraduate Degree at with seeing the over himself with the Canadian culture above McGill University and then continued his Canada. 300-artifact all else. “It’s where I was born. It’s where studies at Oxford University in England, “If, as a exhibition come my father was born. My mother was only where he met his wife. He then returned museum, to life. Size played five years old when she came here.” to Canada and began a public service we don’t an equally Nonetheless, both Eastern European and career in 1982. seek to important role. Jewish flavours have influenced his During his career, he served as consciously Italians number cultural palate. Assistant Deputy Minister of Fisheries and collect, more than a For thousands of years, the Jewish Oceans and then became Assistant save, gather million people in people have been known to be the eter- Deputy Minister of Income Security information Canada. nal immigrants – a diasporic people, wan- Programs. on and The immense dering the earth without a home. In this Rabinovitch is no stranger to culture interpret size of the Italo- sense, although Rabinovitch is not a di- and cultural policy. He served as those Canadian rect immigrant, he fully understands “an- Assistant Deputy Minister for Cultural material community, of cient civilizations and what those ancient Development and Heritage, Canadian goods, then course, has an societies bring when they become Heritage, from 1995 to 1998. His in no time at affect on the third diasporic societies.” responsibilities included coordinating all, they aspect – their Rabinovitch emphasizes how essen- programs in broadcasting, cinema, disappear, tial different cultures in Canada are to the Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and presenza, or publishing, sound recording, copyright, flushed shaping of the Canadian identity. Values CEO of the Museum of Civilization presence. Italians museums and performing arts. down the have made it a forged in the scores of Italian villages and This cultural submersion led him to drain. They wind up in somebody’s point not to disappear into Canada’s cities have molded who Canadians are write “Method and Success in Canada’s second hand or third-hand shop to cultural background. Their prominence today. He says Canada is a much more cultural policies,” in 1999, for the Queen’s disappear into the past.” is seen in food, the construction industry, food conscious society than it was when Quarterly. By safeguarding even the most basic and religiosity, and a variety of other walks he was growing up. This is an Italian char- Finally, he was appointed CEO of the objects – workday items, clothing, and of life. Presenza exhibits these acteristic that has morphed Canada. Canadian Museum of Civilization in 2000. religious objects – the museum keeps the contributions to Canadian society. Moreover, he says pride in physical labour His duties include making sure the Canadian mosaic intact. It is these goods “They’ve done incredible things in stems from Italian values. museum operates well, ensuring that keep the memory of the old country Canada, where we see such simplistic Presenza showcases this quality: sufficient scope for research and an alive, and nurture the lives of those who things as Italian food, Italian coffee, the an immense wooden carving of the interesting selection of topics as well as have brought them to Canada. influence of the Catholic Church, Italian Duomo in Milan, complete with the intri- guaranteeing sound financial policy. Not everyone seeks to preserve the religiosity and spirituality.” The exhibit cate details of the magnificent edifice This prestigious man felt the sting of past, however, he says. There is a devotes an entire section to the Italian stands majestically in the exhibit’s hall; a ethnic discrimination as a youth. He dichotomy of those who say, “we created kitchen and presents various religious tenderly restored Fiat Topolino, parked recalls others mocking him, yelling a singular unified society and we want to artifacts. near photos of its proud owner prove the “maudit Juif” in the streets of his Montreal get rid of the vestiges of the old country” Mauro Peressini remarks, “the passion importance of Italian artisan work and la- neighbourhood. and those who say, “the vestiges of the for the kitchen garden and the production bour. In this sense and others, he can relate old country are what constitute what we of homemade food free of pesticides and Despite the shared Canadian and Ital- to many children of immigrants. He consider to be values, and let’s try to additives, the interest in the produce of ian characteristics, Rabinovitch recog- sympathizes with others and recalls “the understand them.” the land whose special flavours nizes there are still many differences be- challenge of trying to feel at home, trying Furthermore, some values and beliefs contribute to the pleasures of the table: tween the two. He cites industriousness, not to be embarrassed by relatives talking are better left in the mother country and these are some of the everyday customs spirituality, strong family commitment and with a funny accent, trying to, at the same not celebrated. “Many groups that come that Italian-Canadian immigrants brought sociability as some qualities known to be time, be authentic to one’s origins.” from different countries are divided by from their towns of origin. How can we Italian, but are slowly but surely shaping Controversy has struck during traditional, historic, ethnic hatreds and view these customs merely as remnants the Canadian image. Rabinovitch’s three years with the celebrate those hatreds by saying ‘that’s of the past when they echo the He also differentiates between the institution. The museum was set to debut my past.’ There are limits to what one increasingly current debates about food Canadian cultural landscape and the an exposition called “the Lands Within can celebrate.” production in our industrialized American one. He says that while Ameri- me,” exhibiting work from 26 Canadian Moreover, Rabinovitch explains societies?” cans made a conscious decision to cre- artists of Arab origin. The central theme the museum’s ultimate goal is to raise What is more striking and remarkable ate a homogenous culture, Canadians was the experience of people emigrating awareness about different cultures, and in Presenza is its spotlight on the values have remained true to the cultural diver- from the Middle East to Canada. consequently, curtail prejudice. Italians brought to Canada. One focus of sity that existed prior to confederation. He Rabinovitch says there was talk of “Explaining [cultural differences] the exhibit is on the value inherent in explains that it is up to the museum to postponement in order for more would make the unknown more known. Italians of mutual assistance and sharing understand this diversity and to present information to be added to the exhibit. When the unknown remains a secret, – something, as the museum shows, it in a way that is both commemorative The possibility of postponement, undiscussed, that’s when fears and Canadians value much less. and informative. The culture dictates the however, coincided with rampant suspicion emerge.” “This is part of the life and values that content. Rabinovitch selects the culture. tensions after the Sept. 11 attacks, and He explains that the millions of the Italian community brought with it. I Rabinovitch grew up knowing it was many blamed the growing sentiment of immigrants who have traveled across don’t think it’s exclusive to the Italian up to him to preserve the values and tra- anti-Islam on the delay. deserts, snow-capped mountains and community. Immigrants, generally, are ditions bestowed upon him by his par- “There is a lot of mistruth,” says oceans to get here, personify what that way,” Rabinovitch says from ents and grandparents. Rabinovitch. “They are deliberate Canada was founded on: the fundamental experience. Now, as CEO of the Museum of Civili- mistruths and deliberate lies.” Some principle of the diversity of Canada’s two Rabinovitch explains that although zation, Canada’s largest and most visited artistic groups called the exhibit a conflict founding people. Presenza shows how tight-knit the Italian museum, he preserves the values and of interest because Rabinovitch is Jewish. But the challenge lies with staying community is, “the concept of mutual traditions of other cultures and knows full Prime Minister Jean Chrétien took true to one’s heritage, he explains. well the importance of his role. IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 4 IL POSTINO August 2003 A DREAM THAT LIVES ON...

By Vivian Ghezzi-Trapani

Italians are proud people with cour- (Rosanesse). They were wonderful, My father had become a Canadian citi- fueled his dream. age and are not afraid to travel down an warm, caring people and with them zen to allow him to work at Atomic Energy Today, the original Millimeter Ma- unknown road and discover an adven- I learned to eat spaghetti with hot located in Bells chine Shop does not exist, but the ture to fulfill their dreams and yet still peppers! Not long after my father was Corners. legacy lives on. It helped inspire others keep Italian roots close to heart. Italian able to find another apartment just a However, to do as Tarcisio Ghezzi, Guido Agostine emigrants crossed valleys, climbed block away from my grandparents my fa- and Jogodics and open their own ma- mountains and sailed oceans to seek Rosanesse on Beech Street. This was ther’s chine shop business. Several young fortune and happiness. During their trav- convenient for mamma because she dream men my father trained have els they brought with them their dreams worked at a printing shop located on of ow- since opened their and ambitions that became reality with Beech Street. Not long after my ing his own machine hard work and determination. The story mamma found a better paying job at own ma- shops today. I I’m about to tell belongs to a man I ad- the Civic Hospital ironing physician chine shop want to ac- mire still to this day. His name is Tarcisio and nurses’ uniforms. Every day was never far knowledge Ghezzi, my father. mamma would bring me early to my from his mind. He them as Ghezzie was born on March 24, 1925 grandparents before she went off to worked long hours in http://www.kcsd.k12.pa.us/~projects/gears.gif strong and in the town of Cernusco sul Naviglio, ap- work to help dad achieve his dream order to open an- deter- proximately eight kilometers and open a machine shop. other machine mined men from the city of Milan. Not long after that my father’s shop with a that had a My father always had dream became reality. He was able new part- dream and a sense of adven- open his first machine shop in 1960 ner, turned it into a ture so on A u - with Fred Wetch, a co-worker he Guido reality. Millimeter Ma- gust 15, 1953 he em- meet at Ashton Press. Together they Agostini. c h i n e Shop had at one point be- barked on a jour- founded the machine shop ‘Gringo’ The two be- tween thirty-five to forty workers and ney to find work in in Wakefield, and this was came a com- Mr. Ghezzi would like to acknowledge Lausanne Switzer- the start of a long friendship. patible team every one of them as talented and reli- land. He met Albertina After almost four years in Ot- and with hard work able employees. One in particular Rosanesse, who would be tawa my parents longed to re- and determination opened Preston whom my father valued as one of the the love of his life, just days turn to their beloved Italia. Machine Shop in May 1965. The new ma- best is Lorenzo Ferrante who owns his after his arrival in Lausanne. gifs9/wrench.gif members.tripod.com/~exitme2/ On August 1963 we chine shop was located on Preston Street own machine shop today. Now all She was shy, young, and beautiful sailed back to Italy. in the basement just above the first loca- grown up, the little boy my father al- and always cried because she Upon our arrival tion of Ubaldo Cava, Photolux photography, ways wanted is the proud owner him- missed her family. She was determined my parents which today the location is Café Roma. self alongside with his partner/cousin to return home but my father was a ra- began to After a few months the business took Giancarlo Panarotto. The two are work- tional man and convinced her to post- make on two more partners, John Jagodics and ing hard and with strong determination pone her trip back home. Albertina re- Louis Saboz, both Hungarian, and in 1968 Fresia Machine shop located at 151 unit mained in Lausanne and soon romance plans they built a new location on 8 Cleopatra 9 Bentley Avenue will strive to success blossomed. On September 10, 1955 they with drive for their expanding business. At this keeping the dream alive. Retired at 78 married in Catelfranco Veneto, my my time the machine shop was doing well but my father enjoys keeping busy with his mother’s hometown. My father often grand- unfortunately one of the partners, Louis vegetable and flower gardens and cher- spoke to my mother about his dream to father Saboz, had to leave the partnership due to ishes the time he spends with his wife open his own business, a machine shop, Ghezzi to an illness and died not long after. Still to of 48 years, three children Carolina, to support his family. After their honey- build their first this day he is in my father’s thoughts and Daniele and myself and five grandchil- moon, they returned to Lausanne and home, however, will always be remembered as a great dren Giuseppe (22), Giulia (20), Paola worked rigorously to achieve their only few months after settling in Italy friend and partner. (19), Nicholas (4)and Mathias (2). Once dream of owning a small business. my father realized Canada was a land On September 23, 1971 my little brother in awhile he still enjoys going to my On January 10, 1958, I was born. The of great opportunities and the perfect Daniele was born. The boy my father was brother’s shop to work on a project news of having a little girl brought a dis- place to raise his family. Determined long awaiting had finally arrived! The excit- amidst the loud sound of the machin- appointed look to my father’s face, ac- to do what he thought was best for ing news lead to celebrations in the ma- ery that once spoke to him as a young cording to my mother. The charm of a his family he made the prudent de- chine shop, which resulted in a joyful fes- man about the dream that he made a baby girl soon won my father’s heart and cision to return to Canada once tive day that did not involve much work. reality. I became daddy’s little girl whom he again. My father dreamed of teaching his son in took fishing and taught to hook a worm On April 1964, mamma and I the trade he loved so much and he did so Ottawa contributors and wheel in a trout. waved good-by with a white hanky with great pride. My father was exceptional With their family growing my parents to father as he was ready to sail back in his field as a precision machinist and to PRESENZA planned to purchase a piece of land in to Canada to prepare our new home taught a good majority of his workers the Amendola, Joe Cernusco Sul Naviglio where they had for our return. On August 1964, machinist trade. Most of the apprentices Benigno, Colasante always intended to build their dream mamma and I arrived at the port of stayed on and worked with the Millimeter Bortot, Giorgio home. However, my mother’s father New York and dad came to pick us Machine shop team. Brunke, Germana Demetrio kept writing letters to my par- up. My father was not familiar with I had the opportunity to work for my fa- Bucciarelli, Vittoria ents encouraging them to move to the surroundings of New York City ther in the office and he ruled the machine Carioto, Sal Canada and raise their young family and we ended up eating in a restau- shop with an iron fist. He was the toughest Castrucci, Anello there. With a sense of great adventure rant reserved for African-Americans. boss I ever had and I learned a lot from him. Chiota, Albina my father took his family to Canada with Once in the restaurant, I asked dad I can remember leaning towards the mi- Ciliberto, Anna the intent to work several years and then why the other diners had such dark crophone in the shop and paging him to Costanza, Petronilla return to our home in Italy. skin and dad quietly said to hush take a phone call, “Papà, line one. Papà line Dal Grande, Luigi & Delia Like many of people, my parents because some of them understood one.” Within seconds he stormed in the Di Pelino, Loreta Tarcisio and Albertina Ghezzi and I, were Italian. The beauty of that day was office with a stern expression on his face Disipio, Maria confronted with a new land full of tradi- that we were not refused hospitality and he uttered firmly, “From now on, for Gasparini, Ornela Guerra, Ines tions as different as night and day to and enjoyed a good meal in peace. you, it’s Mr. Ghezzi. It sounds more profes- Henry Birks and Sons, Rideau Centre what we were used to. On October 21 Not long after my mother sur- sional. At home it’s Papà.. Capito?” My fa- Hostetter, Ariella 1959, we arrived at pier 21 in Halifax and prised me with the news that I was ther managed his business in a very authori- Ierullo, Maria going to be a big sister, and on Au- tarian way and many people found him in- made the journey to Ottawa. During the Lamonica, Salvatore gust 11, 1965 my little sister Carolina timidating. Those who really knew him first six months we lived with my moth- Marello, Gino er’s parents and brother Steno was born. Although my father know he is as good as gold, honest and di- Martino-Bonacci, Maria Rosanesse which they rented from the wanted a boy, I could detect happi- rect and no bull was accepted. The years I Pescatore, Albino Licari’s on Beech Street. Not long after ness in his eyes and in his actions. worked in the office as a receptionist were Pradal, Luciano we rented from Franco and Graziella That day he brought me shopping the best of my life. I spent time with my fa- Saracino, Maria Demuzio on Authur Street and one of down town and purchased two ther and learned what motivated him to Sicoli, Mario –Famiglia ed Amici our neighbors was the family of Frank Barbie dolls so my sister and I could achieve his goal. The love and support he Tiezzi, Italo Ierullo, the uncle of my Aunt Rosa Ierullo play together. received at home from his wife and family Zanetti, Lino IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 5 a questo proposito, per giornali e riviste specializzate e sta’ ora fotografando tutti gli affreschi e vetrate per farne ALL’ ESPOSIZIONE PRESENZA poi un catalogo comprensibile ed accessibile anche per Omaggio a Guido Nincheri internet; durante la Settimana Italiana 2003 il Comitato Di Luciano Pradal Giovani della chiesa S. Antonio ha organizzato un Il Postino, con questa edizione,inizia una serie d’ pomeriggiodi visite alle opere d’ arte presenti nella chiesa articoli per evidenziare gli espositori all’ esposizione S. Antonio, Olga Petosa, Paolo e Sofia Pradal hanno PRESENZA in programma da giugno 2003 a settembre accolto e fatto le guide ai numerosi visitatori che erano 2004 al Museo Canadese delle Civilizzazioni. venuti per apprezzare le opere d’ arte della nostra chiesa, questo evento e’ stato un sucesso insperato poiche’ si Il 12 giugno al Museo Canadese delle Civilizzazioni la sono presentati notevoli gruppi di persone e gli famiglia Nincheri ha fatto bella “presenza”, c’erano il figlio organizzatori hanno dovuto avvalersi anche della di Guido Nincheri, George ed il nipote Roger con le presenza del Prof. Hodkinson e di Padre Camille per rispettive consorti, hanno posato per Il Postino di fronte soddisfare l’ interesse dei visitatori. alla bellissima vetrata esposta al Museo per sottolineare Padre Camille sta facendo ricerche e sta’ scrivendo la presenza dell’ Arte Rinascimentale che il grande artista un catalogo dettagliato dell’ iconografia, del simbolismo, Guido Nincheri ha portato e cosi’ ben rappresentato nel che si trova negli affreschi e nelle vetrate di Guido Continenete Americano. Nincheri, questo progetto ha gia’ stimolato la curiosita’ Il Governo Canadese attraverso questa esposizione e l’ interesse di molti esperti d’ arte, quest’ arte al Museo Canadese delle Civilizzazioni ha voluto, ancora insostituibile che deve essere promossa e preservata una volta, promuovere l’ arte di Guido Nincheri; sappiamo per le generazioni future, appunto, come si sta facendo che quest’ arte appassiona molte persone che ora ne ora con l’ esposizione PRESENZA al Museo Canadese sono entusiasti promotori. Roger Nincheri, il nipote, scrive Roger Nincheri e George Nincheri con le rispettive delle Civilizzazioni. UN’ ARTE SEMPLICE ED EQUILIBRATA Di Luciano Pradal fotografano da vicino sotto tutti gli angoli, John usa una apposita colla che pero’ non ha usato ancora quest’ anno. Gia’ dal 1986 John Felice Ceprano, lavoratore Cosi’ facendo John mette vita in questa piccola baia indefesso, crea sculture con le rocce in una baia dell’ dell’ Ottawa River e la sua maniera d’ esprimersi Ottawa River a nord di Tunney’s Pastures; se andate in artisticamente John ha avuto molto incoraggiamento ed bicicletta lungo la riva sud dell’ Ottawa River non potete aiuto, anche finanziario, dalla NCC della quale John ne mancare queste figure originali, migliaia di persone le e’ molto grato e riconoscente, come e’ grato a tutti quelli ammirano e le apprezzano ogni anno, compresa la mia che si fermano per ammirare le sue opere ed a parlare nipotina Beatrice, ed e’ cosi’ che abbiamo incontrato con lui mentre si trova nel fiume a lavorare. Questa arte John, un artista Italo-Canadese. e’ contagiosa per Incontrare John e’ un’ molti dei suoi esperienza in se stessa ed e’ poi un’ ammiratori, altra esperienza parlare con lui per John mentre mette in equilibrio la testa di una piccoli e grandi si farsi spiegare, per meglio sua forma cimentano e, apprezzarla, in che cosa consiste la cautamente, la sua arte nell’ Ottawa River, John ha avuto sua arte. costruiscono riconoscimento da diversi enti governativi e privati ed John lavora meticolosamente varie forme con anche dalle gallerie d’ arte; John fotografa i suoi lavori per scegliere le rocce che trova le pietre che presto al mattino quando la luce del sole che nasce e le abbondanti nel letto del fiume e pi- riescono a ombre sono propizie, le foto poi, con differenti ano piano, con molta pazienza, trovare, cosi’ e’ manipolazioni, diventano dei bellissimi quadri che sono sviluppa i sogetti che piu’ queste stato anche con la esposti alla Becker Gallery 689 Bank Str e che si vendono rocce lo ispirano crea cosi’ il corpo mia nipotina molto bene. di una donna, un’ animale, od altre La baia dell’ Ottawa River si anima! Beatrice che, oltre Per chi e’ interessato a saperne di piu’ su John e la forme delle quali pensa il nome a farne uno piccolo sul posto, ha anche voluto portare a sua arte potra’ visitare questi due siti che certamente mentre le crea; ogni forma diventa un miracolo d’ casa qualche piccola roccia per poter cosi’ creare la sua apprezzerete. equilibrio! Le rocce piu’ grosse sono mantenute sul posto piccola opera d’arte nel giardino. con l’ aiuto di sassolini appiattiti, qualche volta, per la Il lavoro di John non e’ riconosciuto solo da chi vede sicurezza degli amanti di quest’ arte che la studiano e la Look us up Online! Pasta e Fagioli @ Pasta e Fagioli - by Anna Maria Licari (Beans and Pasta) – Soul food for Italians! www.ilpostinocanada.com 1 pkg. of dried romano beans My Grandfather Frank Licari tubetti pasta My father Ben was an Executive Member of the immigrated from olive oil Italian Business Men’s Association back in the days Reggio, Calabria when women were not allowed membership in a the toe region of hot chilli peppers men’s association. My mother Teresa was an Italy when he was grated pecorino romano cheese Executive Member of the St. Anthony’s Ladies Aid. 21 in 1913, with my Both organizations are still renowned for assisting the Grandfather Joseph side serving of authentic crusty Italian bread Italian community in Ottawa. Guzzo from Cosenza, Italy. During my childhood our Frank owned his Soak dried roman beans in a pot covered generously home had an open door policy Stucco & Plastering with water overnight. especially on Sundays where Co. and offered his you don’t dare step into our home for relatives The next day: Rinse beans and put a generous amount of water over top of the beans once again. house without joining us at the & friends arriving table to enjoy a big bowl of from Italy helping Simmer beans until fork tender. pasta topped with meatballs to establish them and of course glasses of red in Ottawa. Cook tubetti pasta until al dente or to the tooth and Frank Licari drain. wine. You never knew how Joseph many people would drop in for worked for the City Spoon beans and tubetti in a soup bowl with liquid Sunday dinner, as mom was of Ottawa and was active in the Italian community the beans were cooked in. well known as an along with his brother who owned Guzzo-Adamo accomplished home chef. The Italian Speciality Food Store on Preston St. Joseph’s Pour a swimming amount of olive oil over top of beans. laughter and conversation were Joseph Guzzo son Pat won a gold medal in the 1947 Winter Olympics always lively at the dinner table. playing hockey with the RCAF Flyers. Son Sam Sprinkle a generous amount of romano cheese and This was our typical Italian Sunday, a tradition we hold established himself as an Executive Chef and hot chili peppers on top of oil. strong today. Even our pet Golden Retriever “Blaise” grandson Garry is currently MPP for Ottawa West. Enjoy with crusty, Italian bread! looks forward to a Sunday treat of pasta!

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 6 IL POSTINO August 2003 Un Nuovo Libro di Ermanno La Riccia

“La Padrona” un libro appassionante, ove si raccolta una bella storia d’amore e la lotta di due giovani per conquistarsi la libertà di volersi bene. Dopo i successi dei due libri di racconti “Terra Mia” e “Viaggio in Paradiso”, Ermanno La Riccia torna nelle librerie con un romanzo, “La Padrona”, una drammatica storia d’amore, piena di colpi di scena, scritta con un linguaggio semplice che si legge tutta di un fiato.

Si possono acquistare copie de “La Padrona” nella redazione del Postino oppure chiamate 567-4532

COMMUNITY EVENTS

August 2nd and 3rd: The Canadian Film Institute presents the “Bicycle Thief” at the National Library on Wellington at 7:00pm. Domenica 3 agosto: Associazione Culturale Savuto e Cleto: Festa della Madonna (chiesa S. Antonio) Tel. 236-2304

Sabato 23 agosto: ore 18:00, Padre Luciano Segafreddo, direttore del Messagero di Sant’Antonio, celebrerà messa con Reliqua dalla Basilica del Santo di Padova alla chiesa di S. Antonio su Booth St.. Seguirà incontro nella sala della chiesa sul tema: “Ruolo della comunicazione: sfide e prospettive dei media per gli italiani nel mondo.” Per ulteriori informazioni telefonare al COM.IT.ES di Ottawa (613)226-6942. September 12: The 12th Annual John Denofrio-Villa Marconi Benefit Golf Tournament will be held at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, 3673 Jockvale Rd., Ottawa, with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. The registration fee is $150 and includes 18 holes of golf, an Italian dinner and prizes. Proceeds benefit the Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre. To find out more or register, contact Ron or Marge at 226-7326

Send your thoughts, comments, constructive criticisms and story ideas to [email protected]

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 7 BOCCE BALL!

The Associazione Rapinese has fun in the sun at their annual picnic July 13th at Vincent Massey Park.

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 8 IL POSTINO August 2003 GUESS WHO IS READING IL POSTINO?

Il Postino WOW! Il Postino!

I Love Il Postino!

Photo by Giovanni Opera Lyra Ottawa e-mail your answers to [email protected]

Opera Lyra’s annual fundraiser garden party at Ambassador Colombo’s residence. IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 9

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 10 IL POSTINO August 2003 Understanding the making of a stained glass window By Roger Boccini Nincheri Nincheri Studio and its clients, who often to a heavy brown paper. The numbering Guido Nincheri’s window at the liturgical, and symbolic meaning. Then complained about delivery dates. is repeated on each outline, and then the entrance of La Presenza exhibit is he drew the scenography paying close pattern is cut up using a three bladed striking. Unfortunately, the public will attention to the reality of the scene and The maquette or water colored scissors. The extra blade clips off a sliver regard it as another beautiful piece of art its minute details, such as the sketch , having been analyzed and of paper about 2mm wide which without understanding the creativity, the architecture of the scene, the costumes approved by the client, goes to the next corresponds to the thickness of the “ H ” time and the manpower to produce a of the times, the natural landscape, and stage of production. The artists of the shaped leading strip which holds together window of such dimension and artistry. above all the people whom he drew from Studio, under the direction of Guido the pieces of glass. (These scissors are local or actual personages. In many of Nincheri, draw a “cartoon” which is a Stained glass windows have the only modern addition to the process, his windows you can recognize family the full size drawing of the window inspired reverence and satisfied the having been invented only at the turn of members, such as Giulia his wife, or his containing all of the details, but no color. human love of beauty for over 1,500 years. the century) sons, Gabriel and George and at times This master drawing guides the glass artist A colored glass window was installed in Guido’s face peers behind some in working with the hundreds or even After the glass is cut, the artists the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome early in personage within the composition. take over to add shading lines that will the fourth century and ever since stained define the picture. These lines are drawn glass has been an accepted part of with an oxide of iron pigment which is religious architecture. ground to a fine powder, mixed with Unlike other arts, stained glass kerosene, and venetian turpentine, is window making, except for a lapse of known as ‘grisaille’ The lines, drawn three hundred years, has changed little with a very fine brush. provide the since it flourished in Venice about the features of the faces, the outlines of tenth century. The style is still classic, buildings, landscapes, dresses, or other following the ancient rules of Greek elements in the composition. Christian art. Figure and faces are When the artist has completed the idealized and the older the model of a saint lines on the pieces of glass, the pieces or centurion the more authentic the are laid out on a tray of plaster of Paris design. which is then placed into a kiln (electric Guido Nincheri’s windows are or gas). The glass is then heated gradually different. They follow the ancient and evenly close to its melting point of traditions of stained glass making but do 650 degrees Celsius, This process fuses not follow the classical style. His windows the grisaille lines with the glass making are a combination of mediaevalism and them permanent and unalterable. naturalism. Much of his inspiration came The pieces of glass, once cooled, from the works of mediaeval masters, such are then mounted with beeswax on a sheet as Fra Angelico or Fra Filippo Lippi who of clear glass. The artists then apply to combined clear outlines and brilliant the entire area a mixture of pigment colors with a spiritual intensity. similar to the one used in line drawing. Nincheri’s compositions show The sheet is then lifted up to strong movement, passion, emotion, accuracy of natural light and the pigment is carefully details, and are jewel-like in their brushed away creating highlights and brilliance. His windows are alive with leaving degrees of shadow and tone. The historical characters whose faces and pieces of glass are then separated and corporeality of their figures make the baked again fusing the pigment into the events depicted appear come alive. glass. The process may be repeated several times to certain pieces in order to The simplest conception of a achieve the right effect, such as facial stained glass window is a translucent features of which Guido Nincheri was mosaic held together by lead with http://collections.ic.gc.ca/nincheri/en-main.html extremely attentive. emphasis on line and color, as is seen in many arts and craft shops. On the other There are conventions in the The next step is the leading of the hand, the window in the exhibit and the coloration of the garments and symbols thousand of pieces of colored glass that pieces with soft ‘H’ shaped lead strips other 5,000 that Guido Nincheri produced of key figures of Christian liturgy. Jesus may be involved. which are easily twisted. The lead-glazier in his lifetime are by far more intricate in Christ is always dressed in white, red, solders each joint on both the inner and their conception and production. An additional drawing, called the outer surface of the window. Lastly, or cream. His face is based upon a “cut line” , is needed by the artists. Placing descriptive portrait attributed to Publius reinforcing bars are added to give greater The process of creating a stained a transparent paper over the cartoon, a rigidity to the window panel. The window glass window begins with a water color Lentulus, a Roman centurion, who is tracing is made which shows all of the responsible for the familiar is then inspected and if there are flaws in sketch drawn to scale. The composition outlines for the glass pieces, the leads, the one of the pieces, it is extracted, processed of the window is determined by the representation of the Son of God with cross-bars, and stanchions for support. auburn hair and beard, and a slender again, and reintroduced into the frame. architecture and interior decoration of the Numbers identify these glass pieces Once approved, putty cement is brushed church, the shape and size of the windows, sensitive nose. The Virgin Mary always outlines, which correspond to various in pink or blue, and saints have their own into all joints on both sides of the window, the name of the church, the ideas of the types of colored glass that makes up the making it watertight and ready for local pastor, and a careful research of the special colors. The evangelists, Matthew, window. Mark, Luke, and John are usually shown shipment and installation. liturgy, as well as, the historical The selection of this colored glass is not that with an angel, a lion, a bull and an eagle knowledge of the subject to be presented. simple. The panes of glass, from which these pieces are The process of making the stained respectively. St. Peter always with the cut, vary in color, shading, texture, thickness and price glass window is then very lengthy and For example, in Ottawaís St. keys and St. Paul with a sword. These depending if they were from European or American glass involved. Depending upon the size, the Anthonyís Church the prevailing theme characteristics are constant throughout manufacturers. Consequently the glass artist has to number of figures involved, the interior of the windows is the story of the Servite his works as borne out by my own choose sections from the colored glass pane that exactly landscape, the ornate borders and many Order. Included within there are also photographic records of more than 50 match the color in the design and best meets the light and other factors, we can then appreciate the windows of St. Anthony of Padua, St. churches out of a total of 220 in Canada shade requirements shown in the maquette and cartoon. frustration and anxiety to complete a job Joseph and Saint Patrick which represent and the United States. The aim is to let the glass do the work; the painters only on time. The archives of the Studio show the original mix of Italian and Irish add details that glass cannot convey. This selective that delivery dates were often not met to immigrants that made up the The production of stained glass process leads to loss of glass and along with special the dismay of the local pastors who had congregation more than fifty years ago. windows is an art rather than a trade. demands, such as etching to achieve certain effects, may to wait months. But once received, and Included there is also a commemorative The work cannot be hurried, and increase the cost of producing a window. installed, the waiting period was well window reflecting WW II fallen soldiers. depending upon the size and complexity of the window it may take several months worth it and greatly appreciated by the At this point, by using carbon Guido Nincheri, for each of these to complete. This time factor was a clients and their congregation. paper, the cut line pattern is transferred windows, had to research their historical, continuous problem between Guido www.ilpostinocanada.com

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 11 Nonna’s Night Visitors

by Delia De Santis Everyone in our Italian village liked Easter lodious voices in the night—the village’s region. The ballad tells of Jesus’ persecu- Even with that, I still had an awful except Nonna, my scrooge grandmother, who deaf shoemaker who was saved from dis- tion, suffering and death on the cross and vision of Grandfather, his head stuck un- was driven mad by the Night Visitors. grace by his handicap. His resurrection. It is very beautiful. der the bed, and Nonna kneeling on the The Night Visitors was the name Before the singing ended, Mama bed, an ax in her hand, ready to strike at given to the vocally talented people, who visited My par- would go to the his back. But, thanks to God, Grandfather the homes of friends, neighbours and people ents pantry. We would made it unharmed. The strangest thing they respected to sing the Easter Ballad as a were al- see her descend was that the old man took out only the good-will message.. As I remember it, ways the outside stair- eggs needed at the time of his daring feat, each singer was given at least one fresh afraid we way, eggs held when he could have actually retrieved the egg in return for singing the song.The ritual would carefully in her whole container of stolen goods at once. was the custom of the country people of have an large apron. Gen- Father later said that Grandfather pur- our region in central Italy. It started on the emer- tly she placed the posely took only a few eggs so as to have Sunday before Palm Sunday and ended gency eggs one by one the repeated opportunity of torturing his on the Holy Wednesday when mourning during in the extended wife. Then Holy Wednesday arrived and began for Jesus’suffering.The singers ap- the holy baskets of the the Night Visitors stopped coming. The peared under a bedroom window at any week Night Visitors. timing was right. Grandfather said the egg time of the night. Most of the time, they that http://opalenik.com/portfolios/figure-images/hands-eggs-1.jpg The ritual supply was almost depleted. came in groups of men and women. would was executed in The next day, Nonna stood at the Sometimes it was a young, engaged cou- necessitate leaving Nonna alone at home silence. It made me think of the solem- window overlooking the valley. “Look ple. This would make my mother remark on one of the nights. nity of Holy Communion. there!” she shrieked, pointing sharply at that the custom was very romantic. But, Then, we would be the first family After a few nights of being visited, the shack of one of the singers who ac- my father would say that it wasn’t proper. to suffer disgrace—and it had nothing to the remaining eggs from the pantry dis- cording to her had made repeated trips On occasion, the Night Visitors do with deafness. But that never hap- appeared. We were all aware that Nonna to our house. “Look at the greasy smoke were a very young couple, a brother and pened. was the thief. “What will we do now?” coming out of their chimney. Did you ever sister or a girl with a boy cousin. The little It was under Nonna’s bedroom Mama asked my father. “We will give them see so much cooking done by people who ones were chaperoned by an adult mem- window that the Night Visitors always appeared. coins . . . we’ll think of something. Just can’t even afford to by a fry-pan?” A l e x ber of the family who remained out of My father was hesitant to open the don’t worry about it,” he replied. Then liked to rile her more. “Nonna, they must sight, so as not to take away the limelight window for fear Nonna’s screeching, from her Grandfather straightened his back as have a fry-pan by now to be able to cook from the starring couple. It was these chil- bed, would reach the ears of the singers and much as a hunched-over old man could, all the eggs we gave them.” “Eggs,” she dren with their sweet voices who really mortify us. Not to mention what it would do to and in an unfamiliar patriarchal tone he snorted. “Who said anything about eggs? won my mother’s heart. She lavished my old grandfather who was the most decent said: “We will give them eggs! That is the No, those people don’t eat eggs. No sir! them with more eggs than their miniature man, but kindly criticized for being henpecked custom!” Mama had tears in her eyes, glad They sell the eggs so that fools like us can baskets could hold. Of course, that was by his younger wife. to see him take a firm stand against his buy them back at an exorbitant price, and no problem, for the chaperone came pre- My brother Alex, six years older than notorious wife for once. “The eggs are they buy lamb. You go and look in their pared with a huge basket into which the I, yanked me out of bed. “Come on! You want under the bed,” Grandfather informed window and you’ll see them roasting eggs were transferred, thus returning the to hear them sing, don’t you?” Then he would Alex. No one was surprised and Father told chunks of juicy lamb meat on the end of children’s baskets to their original empti- add, “I wish Nonna would shut up . . . I sure Alex to stay out of it. That night the win- sticks. Barbarians! They’ll do that from ness. And on they went to the next house. wish that.” Nothing could silence Nonna. dow was opened as usual to the singers. now till Easter, thanks to stupid people like It was said that to sing the Easter She shouted louder and louder. “Greed! But not a sound issued from Nonna. The our family. I hope they burst themselves!” Ballad one had to be born with the ability. Greed! Go ahead, give them eggs . . . No silence was ominous and I wondered if And still cursing, but in a subdued It was also said by some, with contempt, one understands me! No one! They make she were dead in her bed. manner, she grabbed the largest shopping that to have this gift was no more impor- a business out of Jesus’ dying on the Then Grandfather and not Mama basket and headed for the market to buy tant than to have a chicken coop full of cross!” Father would cross the room and went to get the eggs. Since the light in eggs. “They’ll be mighty expensive! productive hens. For if one had the eggs, open the window. Mama at his side. They Nonna’s room was never turned on, it was Mighty!” Mama would call after her and one didn’t need to sing to get them. Still would make room for me between them. hard to see if Nonna had a weapon in her offer to go in her place, for the market was others said that the singers picked only Alex, who was tall, stood behind us. The hand with which to strike Grandfather. five miles away, and had to be reached the homes of families who could give last to arrive was Grandfather who was Mama nudged Alex, reminding him to act on foot. “No,” the sixty-seven year old plenty of eggs. slow because of his advanced age, and as bodyguard.My brother’s presence be- Nonna replied firmly. “I might as well go This contempt was always dimin- Father would give his place to him. Those side her bed was required to make Nonna myself. I have to stop at the church for con- ished by generosity and neighbourliness, were the most wonderful moments for drop her weapon if she had one. He was fession. Kill two birds with one stone.” if not downright fear of God’s punishment. me. No book records the lyrics of the bal- big, and hot-tempered, and he wor- I watched Nonna disappear down We knew only one person who did lad. It has been handed down from one shipped Grandfather—so no one dared the road to town, glad because I knew that not open the window to welcome the me- generation to next in the vernacular of the hurt a hair on his head. Easter would be a happy one with plenty of cakes and sweets. Francesco’s Gourmet Coffee: The Taste of Experience by Chiara Mingarelli To ensure Francesco’s Coffee is the best coffee you symbiotic relationship with the community is also What do you get when you cross Fair have ever tasted corners are never cut. The beans are fresh and apparent with the familiarity of the customers in Trade coffee beans, a 400 kg roasting machine roasting in his grandfather’s enormous machine right at the his store. Mr. Comino greets all customers in his and an 80 year old tradition with a physicist? front of the store. store personally and often makes suggestions on You get Francesco’s new and coffee, quite possibly “... thermodynamic exciting one of the most unique blends of and delicious tasting tug-of-war” coffee. coffees on the market Af- today. Francesco developed several ter enjoying a Pietro recipes that are still used at his short Comino, B.Sc. Physics grandson’s coffee shop, in espresso, the and grandson of combination with Pietro’s own blends smooth taste Francesco Comino, engineered eight years ago. and beautiful aroma have acquires coffee from In order to ensure high Francesco Comino introduced me all over the world, quality there are five critical to a different from Africa to Mexico. Approximately half of components that need monitoring to make a great cup of coffee; world of his beans are Fair Trade coffee beans, meaning heat, grind, dose, water and blend. Quality filtered water is flavours only that the producers of these beans are paid a set always used in combination with 18 kinds of beans, in different 80 years of minimum price that covers the costs of ratios and combinations, to create different flavours. Mr. experience production and receive advance payments or Comino explains the process as, “a thermodynamic tug-of-war can produce. extend credit to producers to help avoid debt between the bean and the equipment”. while financing the next year’s production. The Francesco’s Coffee Machine For more other half of the coffee comes from emerging Science and art blend to create beautiful ambience information nations, such as regions in Africa, which are inside Francesco’s Coffee. Pietro supports local artists by about Francesco’s Coffee, please visit their website at not yet involved with Fair Trade. displaying their artwork free of charge every month. This www.FrancescosCoffee.com.

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 12 IL POSTINO August 2003

BeachFest, on a team called the Sudz. They H.O.P.E. for the Future reported having a fabulous time and will by Chiara Mingarelli return again next year. Canadian Red Cross and St. Mary’s Although Ottawa’s enormous H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Home. Everywhere) is the world’s largest beach fundraiser helps people everywhere across volleyball tournament that takes place annually H.O.P.E’s BeachFest Canada they are expanding to have here in Ottawa at Mooney’s Bay. Hundreds of attracted big name performers such simultaneous events in Halifax (Nova Scotia) volunteers prepared for the 1000 teams as Vancouver’s Holly McNarland, and in Guelph for 2004. Linda Quarin, Blue Rodeo’s front man Jim Cuddy Events Coordinator for HOPE here in registered for fun in the sun. Even though the Il Postino’s Volleyball team rocks HOPE sun did not make an appearance, an estimated and of course, Colin James. Up- Ottawa, explains that they hope to expand 20,000 spectators did! Approximately 1,000 and-Commers Daisy Ella Mojo Crew (D.E.M.C) also further out west but need to remain centralized for the volunteers and 10,000 volleyball players all participated voluntarily in the event. All these Canadian time being. There is no doubt that H.O.P.E will soon graced the sandy beeches of Mooney’s Bay to bands were warmly recieved at the beach despite the be a nationwide event celebrated in every province in raise money for eight local charities including intermittent rain. the near future. The AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Alzheimer People from all over Canada come to H.O.P.E With such positive outlooks for Canada’s Society, Children’s Wish Foundation, Canadian every year, such as Jody Smith and Shannon Sauvé from favorite BeachFest, there certainly is much H.O.P.E Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Ottawa Hospital Sudbury. This was their first year competing in this for the future. Foundation, Nelson House of Ottawa-Carleton, PROGRAMMA D’ ITALIANO ALLA CARLETON UNIVERSITY Anno accademico 2003-2004 Durante l’anno accademico 2003-2004, la Carleton ITAL 2602 Italian Heritage in North America University offrirà i seguenti corsi di lingua e letteratura Italian-American and Italian-Canadian literature and cinema italiana : as relocated culture. Such authors as Fante, Di Donato, Puzo, ITAL 1000 Introductory Italian : un corso per principianti, Di Michele, Di Cicco, Ricci, Micone and such film-makers per cui non si richiede nessuna conoscenza della lingua as Coppola, Scorsese, Cimino, Ferrara will be studied. All italiana. works in English. Language of instruction: English. Nel 2003-2004 ci saranno cinque sezioni di questo corso, di Orario: martedí, dalle 14,35 alle 17,25. cui ecco gli orari: ITAL 3600 Themes in Italian Culture sezione A: martedí e giovedí, dalle 11,35 alle 13,35; Topic for 2003-2004: “Arte, cinema e scrittura al femminile sezione B: mercoledí e venerdí, dalle 11,35 alle 13,35; nel Novecento” (Art, Cinema and Literature in Twentieth- Century Italy: The Female Perspective). Texts in Italian. sezione C: lunedí e mercoledí,dalle 14,35 alla 16,35; Language of instruction: Italian. Prerequisite: ITAL 2000 sezione D: martedí e giovedí, dalle 14,35 alle 16,35; (formerly 26.200). sezione E: martedí e giovedí, dalle 17,35 alle 19,35. Orario: lunedí e mercoledí, dalle 14,35 alle 15,55.

ITAL 2000 Intermediate Italian: un corso di medio livello, a Per ulteriori informazioni si prega di rivolgersi alla School of cui possono iscriversi coloro che hanno già frequentato con Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, al numero 520- successo il corso ITAL 1000 ( già 26.100 ) - o un corso 6612 oppure al College of Humanities, al numero 520- equivalente - e coloro che hanno conseguito l’OAC in 2809.Per informazioni in italiano chiamare il professor italiano oppure il diploma di terza media nelle scuole del Francesco Loriggio, al numero 520-2600,int.8035 oppure la sabato. professoressa Giovanna Panico al numero 520-2600, int. Nel 2003-2004 saranno attivate due sezioni di questo corso: 3595. ITAL 2000 A: lunedí e mercoledí, dalle 10,05 alle 11,35; ITAL 2000 B: lunedí e mercoledí, dalle 11,35 alle 12,55. Possono iscriversi ai suddetti corsi sia gli studenti iscritti ad un corso di laurea, sia i cosiddetti “special students”,cioè coloro che desiderano seguire dei corsi senza iscriversi ad un ITAL 3000 Advanced Italian: possono iscriversi a questo programma di laurea. corso coloro che MINOR in ITALIAN hanno già seguito con successo il corso ITAL 2000 ( già Gli studenti che sono interessati a conseguire un Minor in 26.200) o un corso equivalente,oppure coloro che, pur italiano,cioè una minispecializzazione in italiano in avendo una buona padronanza della lingua concomitanza con una specializzazione maggiore ( per es. italiana,desiderano rivedere dei punti specifici di grammatica scienze politiche,storia,inglese,business,economia,ecc.), e di stile o migliorare la comprensione e la produzione devono seguire quattro corsi d’italiano,ossia ITAL 1000,ITAL 2000, dell’italiano scritto e parlato. ITAL 3000 ed un corso di letteraura o cultura italiana. Orario: lunedí e mercoledí, dalle 11,35 alle 12,55.

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 13

di Anello Castrucci Terry Fox Terry Fox è uno dei grandi eroi canadesi che merita accompagnavano a piedi, in bicicletta, o anche altri di essere ricordato per la lunga marcia che è stata e che amputati in carrozze a rotelle. Certo era duro quando a resterà memorabile nel tempo. Colpito dal cancro, con volte cadeva o gli venivano meno le forze. Il suo spirito stupendo coraggio e buon senso umano, con la sua Terr y Fox però finiva sempre col prevalere. maratona cercò di aiutare tutti coloro che soffrivano dello In alcune città gli riservavano grandi accoglienze con stesso male raccogliendo Terry!… bandiere canadesi e provinciali denaro per sostenere le Grande sei stato e centinaia di palloncini colorati ricerche e aiutare gli affliti all’infinito che volevano nel cielo. La gente nelle costose cure. Con la tua forza e coraggio gli si stringeva attorno, gli dava Studente universitario il cuore hai aperto la mano e con occhi rossi da di bello aspetto, capelli illuminato a tanti. pianto dall’emozione qualcuno folti e ricciuti, negli anni La gente ha seguito il tuo peregrinare gli diceva: Ti vogliamo bene, ottanta a causa del cancro sei stato umile e intelligente Terr y! gli fu amputata la gamba Hai dato l’esempio Avrebbe potuto fermarsi, ma destra. Sapendo che I suoi del buon senso umano. continuò a camminare giorni erano contati Hai traversato parte del Canada saltellando con la sua stampella. cominciò la lunga zoppicando con la gamba Inutile offrirgli un passagio, non maratona dall’Atlantico al destra amputata. l’avrebbe mai accettato. Doppo Pacifico, attraverso il Non hai potuto traversare tutto il Canada tutto non sarebbe stata più una Canada, camminando a come era tua intenzione matrona… Era diventato un eroe, piccoli salti con una di transmettere agli altri tanto che in centro abitato gli stampella per circa il messagio umano. passarono il microfono e lui fece quarantadue chilometri al Il male si è aggravato un discorso parlando del grande giorno. Un totale di lungo la strada sacrificio ma del successo nel cinquemila trecento Terry Fox: attraverso il Canada della storica maratona. La Vittoria di Terry! debellare il cancro che sperava settantatré km alla fine La maratona della speranza per gli altri. E I cittadini risposero deponendo nel sacco che, ovviamente, sarebbero stati molti di più se il male specialmente per tutti quelli che aveva a tracollo quel tanto che potevano offrire. non si fosse aggravato durante il lungo tragitto. Lungo la affetti da cancro. Oggi nella città di Ottawa, di fronte al Parlamento, strada, a volte sotto la pioggia, veniva scortato da un meta di tanti turisti, si erge la statua di bronzo di Terry pulmino in caso di emergenza mentre macchine della Fox, in ricordo del suo passaggio per la capitale del polizia lo scortavano nelle città, paesi e villaggi dove c’era Canada. sempre una folla di gente che lo applaudiva. Ogni tanto c’erano dei giovani che lo To Be Young and Italian By: Josie Bellissimo Il Postino is looking for writers... My name is Josie and I’m 15 years old. I love writing and reading poetry. I’ve been writing since the age of 11, and I have no intentions of Josie Bellissimo &&&write about your quitting. I don’t think I’ve written one poem that doesn’t rhyme. It’s just no fun that way. community, memories, opinions or tell us a story I get to eat delicious food &&& write in English, Italian And taste the greatest wine, or French For the family knows we’re in for a treat &&&send your articles and When we see the “Preston” sign. I get to cheer for the soccer team Between serving exquisit meals and charming customers, even Rico from La Roma can take a little time to read Il Postino. Even if I can’t kick the ball, I look forward to the Italian Festival www.ilpostinocanada.com [email protected] And the grape stomping in the fall.

I get to make fun of my mom’s accent Il Signor Medugno ha il piacere d’annunciare a tutti gli amici della comunità And watch my nonni’s fight, italiana che si è associato a Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty. I have learned never to argue with an Italian Italo Medugno Because they’re always right. Bilingual Sales Representative I get to speak a beautiful language Never feeling out of place,

I don’t have to be shy to say “Hello!” First Ottawa Realty When I see a familiar face. Hampton Park Plaza I get to be called “signorina” [email protected] Instead of plain old mam,

But the best part of being Italian: Se avete intenzione di vendere o comprare una proprietà, chiamatemi per un I get to be proud of who I am. servizio competente e professionale.

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA Page 14 IL POSTINO August 2003 Who Was Mr. Preston?

by Chiara Mingarelli John Honey Preston was the Councillor for the City of Ottawa in 1858 and1860. This may not be a long time by today’s standards, however back then, terms were only one year long. These short terms were due to city personel having several jobs, and any position required a lot of time. You also had to be part of a committee as a member of the local administration. Running a farm and keeping a house going required a lot of time, therefore terms were made short. A two year term was quite an accomplishment in the late 19th century.

Mr. Preston did many honourable things for our great city, such as light five gas lamps on the corner of Nicholas and Daly St, as seen in the above minutes of a meeting in July 1860.

City of Ottawa Archives - CA 1775

This map dated January 1st 1950 clearly shows the outlines of Ottawa’s old Wards. Preston St. is located in the Elmdale Ward.

Preston St. is not named after an Italian: it was founded long before the Italians took over the neighbourhood. This street was around when Carling and Preston was a city limit in the Elmdale Ward. Italians did not become a force on Preston St. until after WWII, when they came in force and settled close to the Canadian Pacific railway tracks.

Notice the sharp rise from 1948-1962. This is when most Italians found their way to Preston St. Contest! Do you know who lived at 410 1/2 Preston St. in 1941? How about 189 Preston St. in 1943?

Send in all answers via email at [email protected] and win a prize!! Insurance Maps: City of Ottawa Archives

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA August 2003 IL POSTINO Page 15 RAI INTERNATIONAL VERSO L’ULTIMO TRAGUARDO di Ermanno La Riccia

Per rispondere alle tante chiamate ed agli appelli di programmi 24 ore su 24 in tutto il mondo ad eccezione presidente dell’Assemblea Nazionale del Quebec, tantissimi italiani del Quebec e fuori del Quebec che ci del Canada. Michel Bissonnett, il deputato Massimo Pacetti e tanti chiedono notizie dell’eventuale approdo di Rai Interna- Per ciò che riguarda la eventuale cessazione di tutti altri chiedono la necessità per la nostra comunità che tional, 24 ore su 24, sugli schermi delle nostre i programmi RAI trasmessi da Telelatino il primo venga Rai International. televisioni,cercheremo di fare il punto della situazione. settembre prossimo, non è una notizia campata in aria Ma non tutto fila liscio.Secondo il presidente del In questi giorni ci è giunto un comunicato stampa in per deviare l’attenzione degli italiani ma è una verità Comites di Montreal, Giovanni Rapanà, la inglese dalla direzione di Telelatino dal titolo: « Telelatino ed a pronunciarla è stato il Direttore di Rai International, disinformazione continua procurando non pochi danni Network Facts Sheet » col quale si cerca di mettere in Massimo Magliaro, nel corso di due grandi assemblee e molta confusione. Egli ha indirizzato una lettera evidenza il « disappointement » per delle informazioni di italiani organizzate a Toronto ed a Montreal e ribadita all’ambasciatore d’Italia ad Ottawa, Dott, Marco Co- che al dire degli autori del comunicato non sono vere. in un editoriale apparso qualche settimana fa sul lombo, ed un seconda lettera al Segretariato Generale Infatti, circolano voci secondo cui l’unico modo per far Corriere Italiano a firma dello stesso Magliaro. Secondo della CRTC e per conoscenza all’On. Tremaglia,Ministro arrivare Rai International su un canale straniero è quello il Direttore di Rai International, la decisione è « del per gli Italiani nel mondo;ai membri del CGIE, al di eliminare i programmi Rai da TLN. Facendo Consiglio di Amministrazione della Rai di considerare Direttore di Rai International ed a tutta la stampa parlata questo,asseriscono gli autori del comunicato, si cerca di chiusa la prospettiva di collaborazione con la Corus..) » e scritta con le quali deplora il comportamento di far credere ai « 3,5 milioni di abbonati di Telelatino in della quale fa parte Telelatino. Telelatino che va diramando, tramite comunicati Canada » che i programmi Rai ora trasmessi da Telelatino, Secondo quello che lo stesso Magliaro dice, oggi la televisi, informazioni come « étante de fausse cesseranno il primo di settembre 2003. risoluzione di questo problema è nelle mani della CRTC, représentation e non permise par les règlements de la Presentemente, sempre secondo il comunicato, TLN l’ente canadese che concede i permessi per le politique du CRTC.» diffonde i programmi Rai per 50 ore settimanali attraverso trasmissioni radio-televisive. Lo scorso mese di aprile Come si può constatare la battaglia per Rai Interna- il Canada ai circa 3,5 milioni di abbonati. Ciò significa Rai International, appoggiata dalla Rogers, lo sponsor tional continua e i toni incominciano ad aumentare di che circa dieci milioni di persone,ossia un terzo della per la trasmissione via cavo, ha fatto domanda alla CRTC volume.Ma prima di arrivare ad uno scontro frontale popolazione del Canada vedono con piacere i programmi per ottenere il permesso di creare il canale Rai-.Inter- noi siamo del parere che ormai Rai International è una Rai su Telelatino. national per trasmettere programmi in lingua italiana necessità sentita dalla stragrande maggioranza degli Il comunicato rifà un po’ la storia del servizio che 24 ore su 24. Se la CRTC darà il permesso prima del italo-canadesi. Ma siamo anche del parere che Telelatino ha reso negli ultimi 20 anni alla comunità primo settembre,gli stessi programmi oggi trasmessi da Telelatino, pur se non avrà più i programmi della Rai da italiana e termina con una frase del presidente di TLM, TLN e molto di più, potranno essere visti sul nuovo trasmettere, ha ancora un ruolo importante da svolgere Aldo De Felice che dice testualmente: « TLN è orgogliosa canale della Rogers e di Videotron. in seno alla Comunità Italiana del Canada. Dovrebbe di aver provveduto per molti anni a trasmettere i L’11 luglio scorso sulla Gazzetta Uffiuciale è stata data occuparsi di creare programmi locali, che riguardino le programmi RAI e noi ci siamo impegnati ad assicurare ufficialmente notizia dalla CRTC della domanda per un attività della Comunità Italiana del Canada E si badi che questa programmazione continui. » nuovo canale di RAI International. Da quel giorno sono bene che non esiste soltanto la comunità banchettara A questo punto occorre dire che i fatti descritti nel iniziate le audizioni che avranno la durata di un mese. che mostra la sua vitalità dietro un piatto di lasagne ed comunicato riguardano soltanto gli italiani, perché Rai In- Ciò significa che in questo periodo potranno essere un bicchiere di rosatello, ma esiste anche una comunità ternational trasmette soltanto in italiano allora Telelatino presentate lettere di appoggio e adesioni per giustificare dinamica,che lavora progredisce e si afferma in tutti i dovrebbe ridimensionare il numero dei suoi 3,5 milioni la richiesta di un canale esclusivo di Rai International. campi, capace di parlare e scrivere ancora nella lingua di abbonati in quanto, secondo l’ultimo censimento del A tal proposito le varie comunità sparse nelle varie città di Dante e di fare cose notevoli.Ed allora, se si ama 2001, il numero dei canadesi di origine italiana in Canada canadesi, da Montreal a Toronto,da Ottawa a Calgary e veramente la cultura italiana perché non dare dei servizi è di soltanto 1,272,835 inclusi anche i neonati, per cui far Vancouver, coordinate dai vari Comites e associazioni più ampi a questa comunità? credere che i programmi della RAI siano seguiti da 3,5 italiane, hanno indetto una gigantesca sottoscrizione in Attualmente nei programmi televisivi di TLN spesso milioni di persone ci sembra fuori di ogni immaginazione. appoggio alla venuta in Canada di Rai International. Per si parla di cultura italiana, cosa che non accadeva in Può darsi che TLN ce li abbia quei 3,5 milioni di abbonati cui tutti gli italiani che desiderano che Rai International un recente passato, ebbene, è il momento di mettersi ma stentiamo a credere che tutti guardano i programmi arrivi anche in Canada sono invitati a dare la loro alla prova e dimostrare con i fatti che la Comunità può RAI che sono soltanto in lingua italiana. adesione mettendo la loro firma sugli appositi moduli seguirla anche su sentieri diversi da quelli dei E poi, è difficile credere che « migliaia di italiani » oppure inviando lettere di adesione alla CRTC. programmi Rai. preferiscano le sette ore e passa di programmi giornalieri Ricordiamo che il termine è il prossimo 11 agosto. Un esempio di questa vitalità l’ha raccolto la CH che offre Telelatino alle 24 ore su 24 che offre la RAI. Non L’ambasciata d’Italia ad Ottawa nonché i vari Canale 14 di Montreal che con i tre programmi locali in crediamo che migliaia di italiani alimentino una consolati italiani sparsi sul territorio canadese hanno lingua italiana sta vivacizzando la comunità tanto che situazione assurda come quella prospettata da Telelatino dato piena adesione a questa iniziativa che insieme a tra qualche mese gli stessi programmi saranno ammenocchè non si ricorre alla disinformazione. Ed capi di federazioni di associazioni e ad importanti trasmessi anche su canali satellitari che li irradieranno infine,lo sappiamo tutti,Rai International trasmette i suoi personalità politiche, tra cui la senatrice Marisa Barth, il in tutto il Canada.

Correction from last month’s issue: Photo Credits due to Giovanni: “look who’s reading il postino” (Ambassador Colombo et. al.), Una piacevole aggiunta Pomeriggio Italiano, Back Page: bottom left and bottom right, one up, were also photos taken by Giovanni. di Giovanna Panico Con riferimento alla fotografia apparsa nel Postino,v.3,n.10,luglio 2003,p.4,”Piacevoli incontri”, le persone che circondano il poeta Emilio Francescuzzi(nella foto secondo da sinistra), vincitore del Thank you to the City of Ottawa Archives for their concorso letterario, indetto quest’anno dalla “Settimana Italiana 2003”. cooperation during the research for the “Who was Mr. Preston” article. Chiara Mingarelli.

Da sinistra: Lucio Appolloni, Antonello Mauriello, Giuliana Segarich e Giovanna Panico che, insieme a Leonardo Sbrocchi, Pierluigi Piovanelli, Anna Muzzi, Nella e Giorgio Comino, hanno fatto parte della giuria del concorso letterario.

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA This Month’s Volunteers...

Grazie! Thank You! Merci!

IL POSTINO • OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA