M O S A I C O C U LT U R A L E Volume XXX, Numero 1

gennaio e febbraio 2014

FELICE ANNO NUOVO! HAPPY NEW YEAR! TIME TO REMEMBER, REFLECT, RESOLVE AND RENEW SINCE 1984, NBICF HAS BEEN PROMOTING, PRESERVING AND CELEBRATING ITALIAN CULTURE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE NORTH BAY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS we have acquired our own building, the Italian Cultural Center in downtown Santa

Rosa, where we have a comprehensive lending and research library. In addition we have sponsored the performing folkloric chorus, CORO ALLEGRO to keep the traditional songs alive. The North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation’s OPERA ENSEMBLE presented several concerts and three original Broadway-style reviews at the Wells Fargo Center. Our Sunday at the Center series continues with Italian films and opera videos from the Metropolitan stage, as well as educational lectures. LA FESTA ITALIANA has been a highlight in our community for 23 years! Along with our monthly dinners, summer picnics have been occasions for dining and socializing. NBICF has encouraged an increased interest in the game of Bocce, customized trips to Italy, and we have held three summer language camps for children. We are proud to report that we have awarded 335 scholarships to students of Italian totaling more than $98,000 to date. You, have helped to make this happen and we need each of you to carry our goals forward. INSTALLATION DINNER JANUARY 19, 2013 Our January dinner will highlight the cuisine of the Lombardia region of Italy, We all know Milano, but did you know it is the capitol of Lombardia? A sixth of Italy’s population lives in this region which is bordered by Switzerland and the Italian regions of Trentino Alto-Adige, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Piemonte. Other well known cities of Lombardia are Bergamo, Brescia, Monzo and Como. Lombardia is the seat of the Italian Stock Exchange. It is also known as a fashion capital where there are 3200 fashion enterprises and 1700 textile manufacturers in Milano. This area also has famous lakes such as Como, Maggiore and Garda. Typical food dishes of Lombardia are polenta, pizzoccheri, risotto alla Milanese, osso buco and panettone. Regional cheeses include mascarpone, taleggio, gorgonzola and wines such as moscato and riesling. Our January menu will feature crostini con funghi e gorgonzola, polenta and stufatto, sliced cheese, salad, bread and la miascia, a bread pudding. Director Emeritus, Angelo Catelani, will preside at the Installation Ceremony following the dinner. We have two new Directors, Vincent and Michelle Poggi. (Please see their bios on page 2.) Only prepaid reservations will be accepted. Please see coupon on page 3.

VENETO - FEBRUARY FEATURED REGION FEBRUARY 16, 2013 February is Carnevale. When we think of Carnevale, we think of Venezia which lies in the region of the Veneto. It is the 5th most populated area of Italy, with one of the country’s richest historical, natural, artistic, cultural, and musical heritages. Close to 63 million tourists visit the region every year. The largest municipalities are Venezia,Verona and Padua. Besides the art, music, and architecture, the area offers distinguished wine and food. The Veneto is an important wine growing area producing Soave, Bardolino, Prosecco, Moscato, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Merlot. Another popular beverage of the region is a spriseto or spriss which is 1/3 Prosecco and 2/3 Aperol. Aperol is produced in Padua and is similar to Campari but less bitter. Perhaps you have enjoyed a spriseto while vacationing in Venezia. Cheeses from the region are asiago and grana padano. The most famous dessert is tiramisu which originated there. Our dinner in February will focus on the food of this region. We will be serving spinach frittata, bay laurel roasted chicken, risotto with peas and asparagus, salad, garlic bread. And for dessert......tiramisu. Costumes are encouraged or appropriate attire in theme colors of black and white. Designated seating for parties of six or more. Only the first 160 pre-paid reservations will be accepted. Please see details on flyer/insert, mark your calendar.

NBICF MEMBERSHIP Benvenuti ~ Welcome to new Members

Individuals: Dennis Thygesan Families: Gary, Jill, Julianna & Genevieve Vasiles, John & Florence Cannarsa, Amelia DiNicola & Mary Iannacone. The NBICF Board of Directors invites you to our next dinner meeting and future events. Hope to see you soon.

IN MEMORIUM

We send condolences to the family of Arnold Berruto one of our early members. May he rest in peace.

RENEWAL ANNUAL DUES

Dues renewals will be mailed in early January. Your prompt attention will be appreciated. Your continuing support is necessary to make possible our efforts to support our scholarship fund and to bring Italian culture to Sonoma County. Why not give gift memberships to your friend. INCONTRO

Informal conversation group for Italian speakers meets each Saturday at 10:00AM at the NBICF Center. For more information contact George Golfieri at 843-3176 or email: george. [email protected] FOR INFORMATION Coro Allegro Library/Office Language Classes at the Center Mailing Volunteers Membership Scholarships Sunshine Cards Volunteers

539-1986 573-7185 542-1799 874-2512 538-4031 544-3499 523-0296 542-6605 542-5245

Angelo Catelani Virginia Wilburn Ada Nourse Emily Evans Muffy Bertuccio Denise Scaglione Gino Muzzatti Cleo Konnoff Jeanette Mitchell

North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation Policies No refunds/exchanges; tickets transferable; no reservations accepted on event date. Space limited: first come, first served. Any offering in the Mosaico Culturale should not be read as an endorsement or warranty by NBICF Italian Cultural Center ~ Library ~ Office Tuesdays 1-4 PM or by appointment, 591-9696 Board Meetings held the first Wednesday evening of each month.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Vincent Eugene Poggi, a third generation Italian American, born to parents Anthony and Lucille in San Francisco. Vincent’s father Anthony, was born in San Francisco. Vincent’s grandfather, Silvio was from Arquata, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Vincent attended grade schools in San Franciso, vocational and trade schools on the peninsula and completed select college courses at Santa Rosa Junior College. Vincent is currently employed as manufacturing engineer at Paragon Controls Inc. Vincent is father to Claire and Caitlin. Also joining the board is his wife Michelle born in Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved to California with parents in 1964. Raised in Fairfield, Ca, Michelle attended Solano Community College, then transferred to CSU, Sacramento to complete her B.A. Degree. Michelle is the Schools Relations and Outreach Coordinator at Santa Rosa Junior College and has worked at SRJC for more than 20 years.

OPERA VIDEO

January 12, 2014 ~ In keeping with the festive season, a production of Humperdenck’s Hansel and Gretel will be shown. This opera, based on the Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale, is performed this time of the year to introduce children to opera with a story they know and could easily understand. Bring your children, grand children and enjoy this colorful production by the Julliard School Opera Group. This event will start at 2:00PM with a discussion to follow.

CAESAR MUST DIE

Sunday, January 26 at 4:00PM, Summerfield Cinema, tickets $10. Call NBICF 707-591-9696 to reserve tickets. Reception and refreshment prior to movie from 3 - 4:00PM Winner of Best film at the Berlin Film Festival, winner of 5 Italian Oscars and Italy’s Official Selection of 2013 Academy Awards. Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s Caesar Must Die deftly melds narrative and documentary in a powerful drama within a drama. The film was made in Rome’s Rebibbia Prison, where the inmates are preparing to stage Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. After a competitive casting process, the roles are eventually allocated, and the prisoners begin exploring the text, finding in its tale of fraternity, power and betrayal parallels to their own lives and stories. Hardened criminals, many with links to organized crime, these actors find great motivation in performing the play. As we witness the rehearsals, beautifully photographed in various nooks and crannies within the prison, we see the inmates aso work through their own conflicts, both internal and between each other.

This new venture is worthy of your support. In time we hope to expand this into an Italian Film Festival one that will involve the entire community.

A N D I A M O ~ L E T ‘ S G O ! ANDIAMO REUNION Sat., Jan. 25 – 2:12 to 3:33pm Annual reunion for ALL Andiamo travelers (since 1979) is in S.R. Library Forum Room; enjoy treats, photos & memories; learn about 2014 tours escorted by Gino Muzzatti & others. SECRETS of ITALY SRJC Class - Feb. 8, 2014 Planning a trip or just dreaming of LaBella Italia? Learn, sip & laugh! Enroll: www.santarosa.edu/communityeducation Custom: SWISS-ITALIAN LAKES – May 6-15, 2014 Join escort Sharie Sbrazza in Milan! Stay 3 nights on Lake Garda for Bergamo, Iseo, Verona, Sirmione, Bolzano & the Dolomiti. Stay 2 nights on Lake Como for Valeggio, Francia Corte, Brescia, Brianza & Bellagio. Stay 3 nights on Lago Maggiore for Lugano, Varese, Stresa, Biella & Lake Orta. Custom: ITALY’s HIDDEN GEMS – May 26-June 11, 2014 Join escort SRJC Professor GINO MUZZATTI on a custom small group tour of Italian gems. Gino opens exclusive doors for you in the Apulian heel of the Boot, in mystical Umbria, along the Adriatic Sea, in Montefeltro country and in culinary-rich Emilia Romagna. Meet Gino’s Italian friends, savor gourmet repasts, study cultural treasures & admire gold sunflowers and red poppies in the fields! May 26 – sip with escorts Gino & Julie in Eternal Rome! May 27 – stay 3 nights on the Adriatic Sea in Puglia for Sulmona, Canosa, Ruvo, Trani, Gargano & Castel Monte. May 30 – stay 3 nights near Ostuni for Alberobello, Matera Sassi, Castellana, Lecce, Grottaglie, Egnazia & Polignano. June 2 – stay 3 nights in Umbrian Spoleto for Ascoli Pieno, Norcia, Todi, Orvieto, Deruta, Spello, Montefalco & Assisi. June 5 – stay 3 nights in Citta di Castello for Perugia, Vado, Gubbio, Urbania, Urbino, Umbertide, Sansepolcro & Arezzo June 8 – stay 3 nights in Bologna for San Marino, Ravenna, Riccione, Gradara, Dozza enoteca castle & La Grassa! RIVERBOAT sails ITALY’s PO – May to Oct. 2014 Unpack once for 7 days for magical Venice & Veneto gems! Custom: SARDEGNA: Between Sea & Sky Missed my affordable 15 day tour Nov. 2013 of gorgeous Sardinia? Don’t fret: take a new 9 day escorted tour in ’14. Custom: SPAIN & FRANCE & ANDORRA – Nov. 2014 Explore 3 nations on my annual cheap tour: stay 5 days each in Catalonia, Languedoc-Herault & Sitges-Barcelona! ANYTIME, ANYWHERE . . . Some think I only book Italy groups; but I’ll plan your trip to anywhere, anytime with passion & 35 years of experience. NBICF MEETINGS: 2Feb 2pm & 13Feb 5pm & 8Mar 11am; at Italian Cultural Center, 64 Brookwood Ave, Santa Rosa. RSVP: SRJC Prof. Gino Muzzatti [email protected] or 707.527-4886; or RSVP [email protected] ANDIAMO by Sharie Sbrazza ~ CST 2080834-40 Travel Consultant since 1979 ~ Box 406, Santa Rosa 95402 Go to www.nbicf.org for tour details/rates/application

BOOK GROUP NEWS

Just in time for Super Bowl, the NBICF Book Group is reading “Playing for Pizza” by John Grisham. Not a typical Grisham novel, this one is the author’s love letter to Italy. Though the story is about an American pro football player who loses his contract in America and goes to Italy to play American style football, the story is largely interwoven with descriptions of food, wine, architecture and scenery of Italy. For a special treat, the group will be having a pizza pot luck.

SUNDAY AT THE CENTER

February 2, 2014 Visions of Umbria and Le Marche ~ 2:00 to 4:00PM ~ Join SRJC Professor Gino Muzzatti and Andiamo Travel’s Sharie Sbrazza for an afternoon of culinary and cultural delights from the Italian regions of Umbria and Le Marche. Sample some wonderful Umbrian and Marchegiano delicacies paired with specialty wines from the region, including the unique red varietal, Sagrantino di Montefalco.View a multi-media slide presentation incuding the lively pageantry for which these two regions are known. Learn about travel opportunities to the region, including language school programs and art/food/wine tours. Space is limited. For more informaton, contact Gino Muzzatti by emailing him at [email protected] or Sharie sbrazaa at [email protected] Suggested donation prior to January 31st: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Mail check to Andiamo Travel, P.O. Box 406, Santa Rosa, Ca 95402 and write Umbria on the memo line. Limited same day-of-event tickets will be available for a $10 donation per person. Movie ~ February 23, 2014 ~ Golden Door (2006) Original title Nuovomondo: A desperate and poor Southern Italian family, upon hearing reports of rivers running in milk and coins falling off trees, leave their stony rural cottage and buy passage to America. This is a magical movie that illustrates the tough passage to the new world, a world without mafia dons or violence. In Italian. RESERVATION FOR SANTA ROSA VETS BUILDING DOORS OPEN AT 4:30PM SUPPER SERVED AT 5:00PM

PREPAID RESERVATIONS ONLY:

Sunday, January 19, 2014 Dinner Meeting

______places @ $14 for members ______places @ $16 for guests ______places @ $ 8 for teens 13 to 18 years ______places @ $ 5 for child 5 to 12 years ______places for under 5 years - free Name____________________________________________ Mail in by January 15, 2014

North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation

N B I C F

6 4 B r o o k w o o d Av e n u e Santa Rosa, CA 95404-4326 Te l 7 0 7 - 5 9 1 - 9 6 9 6 • E m a i l : n [email protected] We b s i t e : w w w . n b i c f . o rg Mosaico Culturale, the newsletter of the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation, a CA nonprofit open membership corporation, is published 6 times a year.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #868

Santa Rosa, CA

COMING EVENTS January 12, 2014 Opera Video ~ Hansel & Gretel January 19, 2014 Installation Dinner January 26, 2014 Movie ~ Summerfield Theatre Caesar Must Die February 2, 2014 Visions of Umbria & Le Marche February 16, 2014 Carnevale February 23, 2014 Movie ~Golden Door

DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE OR OCCUPANT

APPLICATION FOR NEW MEMBERSHIPS Annual Dues: ___$30 Individual ___$40 Family ___$50 Patron ___$100 Donor ___$500 Life

Name___________________________________________Phone_________________email__________________



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My Italian Ancestry (regions):__________________________________________________________________



Applicants, please indicate your interest in activities (circle):



Bocce Festa Italiana Fund-raisers History Language Library Mailings Music Office Scholarships Travel Please mail with check payable to NBICF, 64 Brookwood Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 - phone 707-591-9696

NORTH BAY ITALIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

A nonprofit open membership organization dedicated to the study, preservation and enjoyment of Italian Culture. Founded in 1984, NBICF brings people of all ancestries together to share things Italian. NBICF activities foster cultural awareness, celebrate traditions and support education via scholarships, classes and programs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Adler, Jim Alfieri (2nd VP 528-7954), Linda Apel (Treasurer 837-9151), Allen Barbieri, Randy Bonfantini, Maggie Brothers, Kathy Dowdall, JoAnn Ferrera, George Golfieri, Stan Laughlin, Jeanette Mancini Mitchell (President 542-5245) Don Raimondi, Donald Tarpley (VP 539-1734), Denise Traverso and Virginia Mennucci Wilburn (Secretary 573-7185). Directors Emeritus are Angelo Catelani, Arturo Ibleto, Geni Maggi and Chic Rey. Mosaico Culturale Editorial Staff: Jeanette Mancini Mitchell, Virginia Mennucci Wilburn and Donald Tarpley. Members are encouraged to submit articles or news items for publication. We reserve the right to select and edit as space allows.

CARNEVALE di Venezia Sunday, February 16, 2014 Doors Open 4:30PM ~ Dinner served 5:00PM

Entertainment ~ Norquist Dancers ~ Steve Albini Dance Music

To create the proper festive spirit come in costume, or black & white attire Prepaid reservations only - must be received by February 12, 2014 Seating limited to 160. Checks received after February 12th will not be accepted Carnevale di Venezia Dinner ~ Santa Rosa Vets Building Dining Room ______places @ $14 for members

______places @ $16 for guests

______places @$8 for teens 13 to 18 years ______places @ $5 for child 5 to 12 years

______places for under 5 years - free

Name:_________________________________________________________________

North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation “Caesar Must Die”

in DCP format

Sunday January 26th 2014 at 4:00 PM (refreshments prior) Summerfield Cinemas 551 Summerfield Rd. Santa Rosa tickets $10 / NBICF / (707)-591-9696 / www. nbicf .org