63522_CoverX_Layout 1 3/11/11 10:11 AM Page 1 Ambassador A Publication of the National Italian American Foundation Vol. 22, No. 3 I Spring 2011 I www.niaf.org The Unification of Italy @ LY a t I Celebrating Italy’s 150th Anniversary History of Italian Unity Made Easier On Becoming Italian Appreciation: Joseph R. Cerrell ington, DC 20009-5501 DC ington, Wash 1860 19th Street NW Street 19th 1860 NIAF 63522_Cover_Layout 1 3/9/11 10:03 AM Page 2 FIAT is a registered trademark of Fiat Group Marketing & Corporate Communication S.p.A., used under license by Chrysler Group LLC. 63522_TextX_NIAF Amb 17.4c 3/11/11 10:22 AM Page 1 AmbassadorA Publication of the National Italian American Foundation Vol. 22, No. 3 I www.niaf.org Features Events Celebrating Italy’s 150th Anniversary On March 17, 1861, Italy became one nation after almost a half century of struggle called il Risorgimento. Italy@150 celebrates Italy’s 150th anniversary through- out the United States with events that are turning 2011 into an “Italian year.” Foreword by Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to the United States C O N T E N T S La Dolce DC From Pond Scum to Power Crop 17 The Nation’s Capital is brush- 37 That light-green algae may ing up on its Italian this spring look like pond scum to you, O F and summer with a citywide but to California entrepreneur festival of exhibitions, theater Guido Radaelli, it's a wonder productions and activities that crop that has the potential to are just the ticket for observing power our future and feed the Italy’s 150th anniversary. world's growing population. By Don Oldenburg By Patricia L. Beemer TABLE History of Italian Unity Made Easier Coin of the Realm 21 Italian unification is celebrated 43 As Italy celebrates its 150th every March 17, the day in anniversary, it is fitting to 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II reflect upon the symbiotic link was proclaimed the first King between the history of the of Italy. But as simple as that nation and its first currency— crowning moment may sound, the lira. not much leading up to the By Joseph Luzzi historic day that would shape the modern nation of Italy Appreciation: Joseph R. Cerrell proves to be semplice. 47 When Joe Cerrell died in early By Roberto Severino December, the world lost more Sections than a legendary public affairs Lettere . .4 On Becoming Italian consultant. Joe was a powerbro- Grants . .10 32 An itinerant Italian American ker whose list of close friends reporter chronicles his passion- and clients read like a Who’s Ciao Italia . .13 ate pursuit of his Italian Who. He was also a media NIAF News . .center heritage and dual citizenship. guru, professor, mentor, busi- On Film . .51 By Marco R. della Cava nessman, proud Italian Ameri- can, devoted family man, and On Sports . .53 so much more. Crossword . .55 By Don Oldenburg AMBASSADOR Magazine is published quarterly by © 2011 The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written 1860 19th Street NW, Washington DC 20009. permission from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). POSTMASTER: Send change of address to NIAF, 1860 19th Street NW, Washington DC 20009. NIAF — 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Jerry Colangelo, Chairman Tel. (202) 387-0600, Fax. (202) 387-0800, www.niaf.org John Marino, National Executive Director Five Dollars Designed by Barbieri & Green, Inc. Don Oldenburg, Editor Printed by Mosaic. Elissa Ruffino, Director of Communications ISSN 1000-9999 63522_Text_NIAF Amb 17.4c 3/9/11 10:44 AM Page 2 From the NIAF Chairman nother bone-chilling winter for many of us is year. If your appetite is calling for homemade tradi- over, and once again hope springs eternal tional Italian cuisine, try the recipes Ciao Italia Awith the return of balmy weather, blossoms columnist Mary Ann Esposito has cooked up in this and baseball. Springtime also marks the return of issue for the Feast of St. Joseph. And, we welcome NIAF’s West Coast Gala on May 19 in sunny Santa the first appearance in our pages of veteran USA Monica, Calif., an annual event of fine dining, good Today writer Marco della Cava who writes of his friends, and our shared Italian American heritage nearly lifelong and passionate pursuit of his Italian that you won’t want to miss. heritage and, in recent years, dual citizenship. This issue of Ambassador previews the spring Looking back at 2010, NIAF is proud of its many Gala’s exciting, celebrity-filled program and its accomplishments, including taking the nationwide remarkable honorees in the NIAF News section, leading role in saving the Advance Placement Ital- along with coverage of recent NIAF events from ian Language test by issuing a $500,000 challenge Capitol Hill to Chicago and elsewhere. grant that was followed by a $250,000 gift from former member of Congress and NIAF Chairman The theme of this issue, however, is of historic Emeritus Frank J. Guarini. NIAF also fulfilled its proportions: This is the 150th Anniversary of Italy. Abruzzo Earthquake Relief initiative. We Ironically, in the same year 150 years ago when contributed to scholarships for more than 200 the United States was struggling through civil war students and provided grants to 31 deserving Ital- to remain united, Italy was struggling to become ian American cultural and academic projects. And, united. Both succeeded, attesting again to the we brought 34 students on the Ambassador Peter F. long and enduring bond between these two Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program, and spon- FROM THE NIAF CHAIRMANnations and their people. sored 52 Italian students through the NIAF Adopt- A-Student Abruzzo program. Observing Italy’s important anniversary, NIAF and the Italian American Congressional Delegation will For more than 35 years, NIAF has distinguished host a congressional reception on Capitol Hill on itself as a heritage-based organization as well as a March 17. And we’re proud to include a calendar networking resource for Italian American of all walks of “Italy@150” events, exhibitions and activities of life. No matter your field, NIAF welcomes you to throughout the United States in 2011, with a fore- join us at our wide variety of events, programs and word by Italy’s Ambassador to the United States opportunities and help support our mission of Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata. In addition, there’s an promoting Italian American heritage and culture article that makes the complicated history, person- and keeping it alive for the next generation. alities and intrigue of the Risorgimento and Italy’s unification a little easier to understand. On behalf of NIAF, I thank you for your support of our organization in 2010. Also in this issue is a gratifying story of how NIAF cultural grants helped the Italian Film Festival USA to expand from its modest beginning, from show- ing three Italian movies in St. Louis in 2005 to bringing a half dozen films to 10 U.S. cities this Jerry Colangelo, NIAF Chairman Chairman Treasurer Chairman Emeriti Adam G. Ciongoli Joseph Moglia Jerry Colangelo Gabriel A. Battista Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli Rocco B. Commisso Francesco Nicotra Hon. Frank J. Guarini Robert S. Cuillo General Peter Pace, Vice Chairs Secretary Frank D. Stella Joseph M. Della Ratta USMC (Ret.) Paul J. Chiapparone John F. Calvelli John A. DePasquale Michael H. Renzulli Hon. Louis J. Freeh Board Emeriti Joseph DePinto Lee Rizzuto, Jr. Hon. Patricia de Stacy Harrison General Counsel Richard A. Grasso *Matthew J. DiDomenico, Sr. Dr. John P. Rosa Vincent Viola Arthur J. Furia, Esq. Salvatore J. Zizza William C. Freda Anthony F. Sansone, Sr. Mario J. Gabelli John F. Scarpa President Historian Board of Directors Stephen Geppi Peter Striano Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. Hon. Dominic R. Massaro *Robert V. Allegrini Eric Gioia *Michael Zampardi Ex-officio Peter J. Arduini G. Louis Graziadio III Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimo Executive Vice Presidents *Kenneth J. Aspromonte Kenneth G. Langone Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi Founding Chairman *Jeffrey M. Capaccio Gerard S. LaRocca National Executive Director Salvatore M. Salibello Jeno F. Paulucci Linda R. Carlozzi, Esq. Giacomo Marini John Marino Robert E. Carlucci Anthony Marnell II WWW.NIAF.ORG * Paolo Catalfamo Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride *NIAF Regional Vice President 2 Ambassador 63522_Text_NIAF Amb 17.4c 3/9/11 10:45 AM Page 3 The National Italian American Foundation presents ItalianDepartures from New York (JFK)* Starting March Lakes 2011 $1,999 – March $2,299 – April/May 9/Sept./Oct. $2,449 – May 23/June * Price per person based on double occupancy. U.S. and Italian airport taxes, security fees and airline fuel surcharges not included. Spend days exploring: Milan – Lake Como – Stresa – Locarno – Lugano Lecco – Lake Iseo – Brescia – Sirmione and more! Enjoy: • Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) to Milan • Transfers from airport-hotel-airport • Seven nights at four-star hotels • Breakfast and dinner daily • Six days of sight-seeing • English-speaking tour manager • All entrance fees Departure Dates: March 28 April 18 May 9 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 June 20 Sept. 12 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 For more information or to register contact: www.niaf.org [email protected] 1-888-846-NIAF (6423) 63522_Text_NIAF Amb 17.4c 3/9/11 10:46 AM Page 4 Reader Feedback on Previous Issue of Ambassador Where did Christmas go? Brava Diversity! Lucky to be both Italian and American, we say I always enjoy the variety and caliber of articles “Buon Natale” and “Merry Christmas” to our family you offer and you exceeded my expectations with members and to our non-Italian (and non-Chris- your article on Italy's first female rabbi.