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La CircoletteraSpring 2016

40TH ANNIVERSARY

GALA PAGES 6-7

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The Italian Cultural SocietyIlcircoloflorida.org

La Circolettera La Voce del CircoloEnzo Forte, Founding EditorSally Valenti, Executive Editor

Joan Nova, Associate Editor and Event Photographer

Officers 2015-2016Paul Finizio, President

Sally Valenti, Executive Vice PresidentCaesar Cora, Treasurer

Board of DirectorsAntonietta BalzanoBarbara CiongoliMarco Capoccia

Caesar CoraAntonio Festa

Paul FinzioClaire Giannamore

Loretta JungreisFrank La Barbera

Virginia LongoLucia MaggioreLori Mugavero

Emilio PettiTony Phillips

Matthew RoccoMyriam Ruthenberg

Bob SilvaniSally Valenti

Antoinette Vigilante

Debi Rodi, Director of Development Jenifer Mangione Vogt, Marketing Consultant

Il Circolo, the Publishing Committee and the La Circolettera editorial staff disclaim any and all responsibility and liability with respect to any claim arising out of use of any material provided herein.

Articles, letters, views and any other item published by La Circolettera represent solely the opinions of their writers and do not in any way reflect the opinions or positions of Il Circolo Inc.

Il Circolo is an independent, not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization, legally incorporated in the State of Florida. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of Florida, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was created in 1976 with the mission to preserve and promote Italian Culture in South Florida through educational outreach and special events. To fulfill this mission, the organization each year produces a robust schedule of special events that focus on Italian art, music, culture and Italian food and wine. In addition, Il Circolo gives support to college students to study in Italy and provides funding to local school organizations that promote Italian culture, including Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Atlantic University, St. Paul Academy and St. Andrew’s School.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AMICI OF IL CIRCOLO,As I write this column, I am reflecting on the fantastic gala celebrating our 40th anniversary and the history of Il Circolo from the date of conception in the mind of Father Maestrini with a small circle of friends to the present. What an event our gala was with Virginia Longo being recognized as original board member and Sally Valenti receiving the lifetime achievement award while the music played and the photos were taken to memorialize all. Our honorees Pamela Fiori and John Viola added to the star- studded event that drew attendees from Capri, Italy and South America. We raised close to fifty thousand dollars for use in our scholarship fund, thanks to the efforts of our gala chairs Antoinette Vigilante and Debi Rodi and our auction chair Joy Miltenberger. Please enjoy photos of the gala throughout this issue of La Circolettera and on our website ilcircoloflorida.org.

As the mission of our organization is met annually, I am in awe at the accomplishments every year by your officers, board members and membership. Before we know it, summer will be upon us and members will be reflecting on the 2016 season here in Florida. This past February 27th we celebrated the First Italian Festival sponsored by the city of Boca Raton with our own Marco Capoccia coordinating the event and performing to a standing room only crowd that danced the night away. We look forward to next year’s event! Our events of music and opera at Palm Beach Atlantic University with the famous Sergio and Barbara Salani and students of Virginia Zeani, were first class and sold out.

On behalf of all, I thank the Board and committee members who volunteer their time and effort for our benefit and that of the students.

As always, we invite any member to communicate with us about participating in the planning and coordinating of activities of Italian heritage. We are already planning the 2017 gala and need committee volunteers.

Please consider this wonderful service to the Italian American community.

Grazie and buon estate!

– Paul Finizio

Thanks to the efforts of our gala and auction chairs, we raised close to fifty thousand dollars for use in our scholarship fund.

Paul Finizio, President

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In January 1976 Father Nicholas Maestrini became the founding President of Il Circolo so it is fitting that we fondly remember and honor him on the occasion of our 40th anniversary.

Just imagine relocating to Palm Beach after a lifetime career as a P.I.M.E. missionary in the poorest countries throughout the world! This was Father Maestrini’s plight and although he had successfully served those in need, he found a different need in this new community that burned in his heart. He was Italian and there seemed to be nothing in his new location that even touched upon the recognition of his beloved culture.

Having a natural penchant for bringing people together, he sought out Italian-sounding names from the local phone book and invited them to his home. To his delight, he had such a positive response that he then asked Frank Wright, the well-established founder of a public relations firm, for assistance in gathering even more interested people -- not necessarily of Italian heritage but lovers of Italian culture.

Not only did Fr. Maestrini welcome them to his home but he often made dinner for them, adding to the experience of informal discussions about the cultural contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans throughout the world. As the membership grew, larger facilities were necessary and the meeting room of Bethesda-by-the-Sea became the venue. Today, with continued growth and more widespread interest beyond Palm Beach, events take place throughout the county.

When Fr. Maestrini relocated to Tequesta, his “retirement” continued to be filled with his religious activities, writing books, giving lectures and always stimulating Il Circolo’s mission. Also, he never lost his love of cooking and playing gin rummy with Virginia and Michael Longo – his old-time Il Circolo friends.

Recognized in the Congressional Record twice, our founding father is also recognized by a grateful membership for bringing us to this 40th year of accomplishment.

You had a vision. With your blessings, we pledge to honor it for years to come.

– Sally Valenti

Member Spotlight

FATHER NICHOLAS MAESTRINI

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The Buon Natale luncheon at the Boca Country Club, attended by more than 120 members and guests, began with the appearance of Babbo Natale and La Befana performed respectively by Alberto Gonzalez and Isabella Hererra.

Renowned concert pianist, Sergio Salani, accompanied Chris Salamone, Kristen Noffsinger and Il Circolo members singing the most popular Christmas carol in Italy, Tu Scendi dalle Stelle, as well as other traditional Christmas carols. The festive mood was enhanced by a splendid lunch and table-hopping and greetings.

Tombola, the traditional Italian lotto game, usually played on Christmas Eve, followed. The numbers were called first in Italian and then in English and dried beans were used as they were in the past to cover the numbers. “I haven’t played this since I was a kid in Italy,” said one teary-eyed guest.

Little candy-filled boxes were given to each guest and an up-lifting smile and many hugs and kisses accompanied the “Buon Natale” parting words.

Grazie to the event chairs, Michelle Botindari, a former recipient of an Il Circolo scholarship, and Antonietta Balzano for organizing this memorable day which took many of us back to times we remember fondly.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

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Sally’s two families at the gala, with Paul Finizio representing the Florida family

SALLY’S TWO FAMILIES

Photos (l-r): Dr. Jose Figueroa and Lorana Campanaro; October Heritage Golf Tournament benefitting Il Circolo and UNICO; Dr. Monica Uhlhorn (former Superintendent of Schools PBC), Dr. Robert Avossa, new Superintendent of Schools PBC and Sally Valenti; Paul Finizio and Gloria Marina Bellelli, Italian Counsel, with Honor Guard at Re-dedication of Columbus Statue, Port Everglades and on the cover: John Viola, PR NIAF; Sally Valenti and Paul Finizio at Italian Heritage Festival in Hollywood.

Sally’s blood family (the one she and Pat created) and their partners, offspring, grandchildren and significant others invited her Florida family (dear friends from Il Circolo, golf and bridge) to a surprise party commemorating her 90th year.

Although not her actual birthday, they decided it

was a great time to celebrate since nearly their entire family would be in Florida for Il Circolo’s 40th Anniversary gala. One granddaughter and a fiancé of a grandson who couldn’t make the trip were represented everywhere when family members held up their images for every photo.

To the delight of all and tears of many, Sally was definitely surprised. The two “families” mingled and enjoyed a wonderful evening and meal al fresco at Portabella’s in Boynton Beach with musical interludes by Joe Spadaro on the mandolin and the beautiful operatic voice of Cristina Fontanelli.

In lieu of gifts, the family requested guests make donations to Il Circolo to honor Sally. More than $3000 was received.

Lunga vita La Regina.

– Joan Nova

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GALA

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GALA

Our board member, Marco Capoccia, was one of the organizers of the City of Boca Raton’s Italian Fest in Sanborn Park – and he was part of the fabulous entertainment with his spectacular Euro Rhythms band. Other entertainment included multiple top-notch acts like crooner Frank Todaro, Tre Bella, World Accordian Champion Gianni Mennillo and the Youth Touring Dance Company.

Congratulations, Marco! With an estimated 3,000 attendees, we hope this represents the first of many such festivals to come.

Thanks to board members and volunteers who manned the Il Circolo booth.

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FIRST ANNUAL ITALIAN FEST IN BOCA RATON

Under the culinary expertise of Master Chef Fabrizio and co-owner, Francesco, members attending the January 17th luncheon at Café Sapori were treated to delicacies from the region of Sicily. Over 100 people turned out for “Pranzo in Sicilia”, co-chaired by Sally Valenti and Joan Nova.

Each course was precisely and beautifully presented. The antipasti included sardine con peperoni and zeppole al formaggio and was followed by a Pasta alla Norma (big ziti with eggplant, tomato sauce and aged ricotta cheese). To finish the meal, Café Sapori served their popular cannoli made with sheep’s ricotta and pistachio ice cream. Guests were also treated to 4 beautifully-decorated and traditional cassatas donated by Palermo Bakery of Boynton Beach.

– Louise Scaffidi

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SICILIAN LUNCHEON

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IMPROMPTU EVENT

IL CIRCOLO WELCOMES DUCHESS NICOLETTA POLO LANZA TOMASI AND DUKE GIOCCHINO LANZA TOMASI

A private party held in board member Sergio Salani and Rebecca Noble’s home in Boca Raton was the setting for a social afternoon of good food, wine, music and reunions when we greeted the Duke and Duchess on their first trip to FL.

Invitees carried in trays of homemade food and bottles of wine and the party began immediately – first with mingling, eating and drinking and then followed by an entertainment program featuring Sergio and Barbara Salani on the piano and operatic and vocal performances by Don Guilio Salani, Florina & Florin, Joyce Espina and Chris Salamone.

Everyone had a wonderful time but the piéce de résistance was the surprise reunion of Virginia Zeani and the Duke and Duchess who knew each other many years ago in Italy.

[See December newsletter for Joan Nova’s piece about meeting the Duke and Duchess in Palermo.]

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FOUR NATIONS | FOUR HANDS | THE SALANIS

STELLA LECTURE

Sister and brother concert pianists, Barbara and Sergio Salani, wowed the packed auditorium of Palm Beach Atlantic University with their masterful interpretations of music from Venezuela, Argentina, the USA and Italia. Barbara’s son Gregory (also a pianist) charmed the audience as MC. Music-lovers were treated to a surprise performance by the senior Salani, Don Guilio, who brought tears to many eyes. More than once the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation of this talented family!

Also featured in the program was Annalisa Gioia, a young lady from Italy who sang two arias accompanied by Barbara. A surprise guest and Il Circolo’s favorite soprano, Virginia Zeanni, introduced a statuesque couple, Florina and Florin, from her native Romania. In addition to singing the famous duet from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, “Là Ci Darem la Mano,” they sang “O Sole Mio” and encouraged the willing audience to chime in for an encore.

Concert-goers left with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

Barbara Stella, of Stella Fine Art Conservation in West Palm Beach, spoke to a group of art lovers about her 25 years experience in the world of art restoration. A native of Ferrara, Italy, Barbara received her training in Ravenna and Florence and had the privilege of restoring works of masters like Rembrandt, Veronese and Keifer. Besides the slideshow demonstrating her skill in using different methods of restoration, she told the stories, characters, and circumstances surrounding some of her most significant projects.

Barbara graciously donated her speaker’s fee to Il Circolo’s Scholarship Fund. Il Circolo thanks you, Barbara, and Dr. Myriam Ruthenberg who chaired the event. – Colleen Nelson

March 30 8:30 a.m.

Italian Open Golf Tournament Raymond Floyd Par 3 Course 2345 South Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach

$100Info and reservations: Debi Rodi 224-279-5920

April 3 2:00 p.m.

Italian Cinema “Fiorile” Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach

Chairpersons: Dr. Myriam Ruthenberg 461-833-0944

Ilaria Serra 561-361-3475

April 24 1:00 p.m.

Spring Luncheon Celebrating Calabria and Bocce Tournament Arturo’s Ristorante 6750 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton

Chairperson: Debi Rodi 224-279-5920

SPRING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2016

Il Circolo celebrated its 40th anniversary on March 6th at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Almost 300 people attended this splendid gala event that honored Pamela Fiori, author and former editor of Town & Country, as Woman of the Year and John Viola, president of the National Italian American Foundation, with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

During the evening, Paul Finizio recognized board members Sally Valenti for over 30 years of dedicated volunteer service and Virginia Longo for being one of Il Circolo’s founding members.

Music and entertainment were provided by Gino De Marco and band.

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, providers, organizers, volunteers and attendees for helping to make our 40th anniversary gala a memorable event.

For 40 years, Il Circolo has committed to preserving our Italian culture and language through scholarships and an annual program of cultural events for members. Your continued support of the gala helps keep these programs alive and flourishing. We very much value your assistance and enthusiasm. Mille grazie!

Program Chairperson MARCO CAPOCCIA

614-207-1002