And Just Like That... It's Ferragosto!
Care Amiche e Cari Amici,
Another Summer is almost in the books but it doesn't quite look like that in Italy - and if you happen to be there right now you can see it for yourself. August 15 is the famed Italian Ferragosto: a national holiday dating back to Emperor Augustus, who believed that after the hard work of the harvest, everyone deserved a break.
Throughout the centuries, Ferragosto has become a Catholic feast, celebrating the Assumption of Mary. Religious or not, Italians love to celebrate Ferragosto, often scheduling their summer vacations around this day. Fireworks are a staple on Ferragosto nights, and some of the most traditional appointments take place on or around August 15.
Back to the US, we hope you will take time to read through news highlights from the last month. Find out more about Admiral Lisa Franchetti, recently nominated as US Chief of Naval Operations. Celebrate NOIAW National Board Member and award-winning author, Adriana Trigiani, who will receive the 2023 Guglielmo Marconi Award from the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America on August 19th.
And don't forget to update your calendars with the new programs organized by NOIAW national and several of our Regions.
Buona lettura e buon Ferragosto!
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Admiral Franchetti, a Natural Born Leader,
First Woman Appointed
US Chief of Naval Operations
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She wanted to become a journalist, specializing in reporting from the Middle East. But one day, on her way back from the campus gym, she came across a group of NROTC students. "They were having a cookout and playing football, and I stopped by to talk to them,” she told the Northwestern University Profile. “They said, ‘We could get you $100 a month, and maybe you could get a scholarship next year if you joined ROTC.'
"I was whisked away into their office, talked to a lieutenant who told me how great the Navy was and, next thing, I’m signed up and getting my uniform and some books. And that’s how it started.”
Lisa Franchetti, who was recently nominated by President Biden to become the US Chief of Naval Operations, grew up in suburban Rochester, NY and attended Northwestern's Medill Journalism School. When her nomination is confirmed by the US Senate, Admiral Franchetti will be the first woman member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!
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Admiral Franchetti is accustomed to breaking glass ceilings as she was the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four star admiral in the Navy. During her distinguished 38 year career which includes combat experience, Lisa has led the US Navy's 6th fleet based in Naples Italy, and served in senior strategy roles.
She doesn't come from a military family but her father, a manager at the local DuPont plant, played a key role in nurturing her caring attitude for those who surround her. As a young girl working for her father at the plant, she recalls following him around on the job:
“We’d walk around, and I got to watch my dad and learn from him as a manager and leader and how he took care of his people. I always tried to be the same way that he was as a leader.”
Read more about Admiral Franchetti's personal and professional background.
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Adriana Trigiani Honored! | |
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Adriana Trigiani, award-winning author and NOIAW National Board Member, will receive the prestigious 2023 Guglielmo Marconi Award on August 19th in Tampa, Florida.
The Marconi Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). It is presented to an Italian American who OSDIA believes has achieved significant accomplishments and made contributions to the Italian American community. Congratulations, Sorella Adriana, on this incredible achievement!
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Remembering an Italian Vacation... | |
In the past issue we asked you to share some Italian vacation photos - and you did! Here are some shots we received from members. Clockwise from top left, Jeanne Raimondi (on the right) in Pisa with friends, a shot she took in Vernazza (Le Cinque Terre); Emilie Puzio in Civitavecchia along with her daughter Amy Margherita; a panoramic view of Fivizzano, Tuscany, again by Jeanne Raimondi and two images from Bronte, Sicily sent by Laura Meehan-Agasian (on the left). | |
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The Great Cities Through Her Eyes
NOIAW Member Nancy Macina's Artworks
Displayed in Queens, NYC
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"I see in the world’s great cities and their neighborhoods, the ineffable beauty and pain that humankind has created and endured; how it has struggled in each locale to shape history in its search for some truths. I try to capture the genius loci of a place by traveling and strolling the streets."
Nancy Macina, from New York, is a painter who likes to describe what she sees through the lens of her inner emotions. Active for several years now, Nancy has had her artwork on display in solo and collective exhibitions. The latest one, shown in the pictures on the right, took place in Long Island City, NY on July 8. In the picture, Nancy stands in front of (left to right) Columbus Circle, Harlem, and Empire State Building. At the bottom, World Trade Center. If you want to find out more about Nancy, read here.
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Coming Soon to Our Regions: | |
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Celebrate the Gardens
of Our Grandmothers
with the Greater Boston Area
On September 9
The Greater Boston Area of NOIAW invites you to celebrate our Italian heritage of food from the land.
Please join us for a harvest festival at a vibrant community-supported farm reminiscent of the gardens of our immigrant grandmothers.
Wander through the vegetable, flower and herb gardens, sample olive oil and honey, and mingle with friends over wine and refreshments prepared from the bounty of the farm while enjoying live music.
To get more details and register to the event click here
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Greater D.C. Region Presents
A Lecture Tour by David Gariff
On September 14 - 1 pm
at the National Gallery of Art
Painters sketch their ideas drawing. But what about sculptors? Dive into the mind of one of the most impressive artists of Europe’s revolutionary period, and discover how Antonio Canova brought to life his enchanting marble creatures from clay sketches. During the lecture tour, given by David Gariff, attendees will learn how Canova quickly transformed his inspiration into dazzling sketch models in clay just using his hands and small tools.
Gariff is an art historian and lecturer at the gallery, and has taught at several American universities. He specializes in modern art and Italian Renaissance, and was a graduate fellow at the University of Florence and Pisa, and a Fullbright and Kress Foundation fellow at the Institute for the History of Lombard Art in Milan. His book, “The World’s Most Influential Painters and the Artists They Inspired” (2008) explores the theme of artistic influence and inspiration in Western painting.
Meet at the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C., at the West Building, Main Floor. $10 for Members, $20 for Non-members. Max capacity 25 people. Registrations here
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From the Long Island Network
The Saint Rocco's Meet and Great 2023 Luncheon
Is Back on September 16
Join NOIAW's Long Island Network at the quaint St. Rocco's Bakery in Glen Cove for a social afternoon with fabulous panini, amazing desserts, and creative beverages!
Family owned and operated, St. Rocco's Bakery makes over 50 varieties of world-class bread and Italian pastries, including the finest cannoli cream in the state, and the best gelato around. The owners will provide a brief history of the bakery and the Feast of St. Rocco.
Guests will enjoy a welcome prosecco, choice of Panini, beverage, dessert, coffee and tea.
Spaces are limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
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A Blast from the Past: NOIAW Travels in 1990
By Aileen Riotto Sirey
NOIAW Founder,
Chair Emerita
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From our archivist, and founder, Aileen Riotto Sirey:
"Here is the reportage of when four busloads of members and friends (123) visited Udine, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, then on to Ancona in Le Marche where we were serenaded by an orchestra of accordions. Finally traveling to Rome for a private audience with Pope John Paul II. In the picture on top, a band awakened us outside our hotel in Udine."
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Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni Visited the White House | |
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first woman Premier, was at the White House a few weeks ago and met with President Biden. They discussed important issues and mutual concerns. Read here the full joint statement, in which the two leaders underlined the important role played by the Italian American community. | |
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Welcome New NOIAW Members
Each month, we ask new members to submit a profile that we can share
with our membership. Many times, members opt out of this opportunity.
If you recently joined NOIAW, please consider sharing your bio
so more of us can welcome you in NOTIZIE!
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Patty Tobin
GNY Region
Jewelry Designer, Former Marketing Consultant
Prior to launching her career as a jewelry designer in 2006, Patty Tobin was already a seasoned businesswoman with 25 years experience running her own marketing firm in Upstate New York. It wasn't until later in life that she decided to break from her long career as a marketing consultant in order to venture into a creative new world where her head for business could mingle freely with her passion for art and her love of fashion.
Facebook; Instagram
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Coming to
"A Tavola" near you
on Wednesday,
October 25, 6:30 pm
Please save the date for NOIAW's celebration of Italian Culture and Heritage month on Wednesday, October 25, 6:30 PM EST.
National members will be invited to join in a hybrid toast or brindiamo via Zoom led by several board members at an in person dinner from New York City. We invite you all to enjoy a meal together a tavola wherever you are to discuss why we honor our heritage and celebrate our culture during this month.
From yesterday to today, the invitation remains the same: Tutti a tavola!
More details to follow for those of you interested in participating!
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