Il Piccolo Giornale

Founded 1994
Il Piccolo Giornale
June 2014
Il Piccolo Giornale is the official newsletter of Club ItaloAmericano of Green Bay, Wi.
Board of Directors
Oh, Che Notte!
Officers:
President
(Oh, What a Night!)
Richard Gollnick
Vice President
L.V.Teofilo
Treasurer
Vicky Sobeck
Secretary
Bill Anderson
Peggy Anderson
Past President
Mike Hovis
Directors
Ron Bernard
Rosemary Des Isles
Marlene Feira
Pete Feira
Janice Galt
Lisa Iapalucci
Patrick Kloster
Lynn Thompson
Vladimir Wajnar
Ambassador at
Large
Riccardo Paterni
Editor
Paul Marino
Lenora (Fiorenza) Rhyner
a trumpet fanfare began the unveiling of the da Vinci bust.
Participating in the ceremony
were Chancellor Harden and Dr.
Paolo Del Bianco from Firenze ,
Italia. After the champagne toast,
several of our members posed
for pictures beside the five foot
tall pedestal anchoring the three
foot high and 550 pound bust of
Leonardo da Vinci. The ideal
courtyard site with its adjacent
covered walk way resembles the
loggia near the Palacio Vecchio in
Florence. Enhancing the dedication was the presence of the Seidl
family who donated the pedestal.
Adding to the understanding and
appreciation of the da Vinci bust,
Corrina Del Bianco, daughter of
Dr. Paolo Del Bianco, distributed
flyers illustrating the stages involved in the creative process of
the sculptor.
On May 14 the University of Wisconsin Green Bay administrators , alumni, faculty, current
students and THIRTY THREE of
our Club Italo Americano members came together to participate
in a memorable three hour experience celebrating the unveiling
of a carrara marble bust of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). John
Contratto provided background
music as we awaited the start of
the celebration. Overlooking the
Lenfestey Family courtyard in
Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, the festivities began with a welcoming address from Chancellor Thomas
A leisurely passeggiata to the
Harden.
Weidner Center followed the unProfessor Derek Jeffreys read
veiling ceremony. On entering
“L’infinito” (“The Infinite”) an Ital- the Weidner Center Lobby, an
ian poem by Giacomo Leopardi
hors d’ oeuvres buffet with a
(1798-1837). From this point on, varieta di frutta, verdure e pollo
it was obvious the celebration
was available with an additional
would continue with an empha- tavolo di dolce e bevande. Round
sis on Italian language, culture
tables of eight were set up in the
and music.
Grand Foyer under the Chiuly
As we proceeded to the courtyard chandelier to accommodate
with champagne glasses in hand, those attending the reception.
Un concerto began at 5:30 with
John playing his concertina and
singing “Funiculi, Funicula.“ Continuing with the program were
fourteen Italian musical selections that were introduced by
Sarah Meredith Livingston.
Among those participating were
current music students, alumni ,
faculty and Professor John and
Chris Salerno who are club members. The last piece was
“Va,Pensiero” (aka “Chorus of the
Hebrew Slaves”) from the opera
Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi. All
of the soloists and SEVEN CLUB
MEMBERS performed this selection in una vocce bellisima!!! As
they bowed to a standing ovation,
our emotions were soaring!
The celebration concluded with
Mayor Jim Schmitt presenting
Dr. Paolo Del Bianco with a commendation from the city of Green
Bay, a statement citing Florence
as Green Bay’s Sister City and a
one-of-a-kind game football from
the Green Bay Packers.
Dr. Del Bianco and Mayor
Schmitt spoke of the importance
of cultural, intellectual and educational partnership among nations.
Corrina Del Bianco emphasized
that her generation is the future
of the Romualdo Del Bianco Life
Beyond Tourism Foundation.
was widowed for a second time, left with tra at the Milwaukee Theatre on Saturher older daughter Giovanna, Fatima and day, June 21 at 7:30 PM.
now with a baby (Fatima's brother) on the
The trio consists of tenors Piero Barone
way.
and Ignazio Boschetto and baritone
The family was never told where Athos's Gianluca Ginoble.
remains were buried and they didn't know
Tickets can be purchased at the Milwauhow to go about finding out. Erminia nevkee Theatre Box Office (1-800-745-3000)
er talked about the past, so the only inforor online at Ticketmaster.com.
mation Fatima remembers is what her
The box office is open 10 AM to 5 PM
uncle Mario told her.
Monday through Friday.
Fatima's brother Marcello and nephew
Alfio Traverso live in Italy. Not too long
ago, Alfio met a man while on business
Festa Italiana - It Feels Good
and related the story to him. The man
to be Italian!
told Alfio that his wife works in the Archives in Rome and perhaps could help
Festa Italiana 2014 kicks-off Friday, July
out. Within a week, she found the neces18, at Henry W. Maier Festival Park on
sary records! She discovered that Fatima's
Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Grazie tanti per l’universita di Green Bay
father did not die in the explosion. It is
for including us in this magical event and
uncertain exactly how, when or where he At Festa, everyone’s Italian!
to Giuseppe Contratto e Marlena Feira for
actually did die. But Athos's remains were Enjoy new and exciting Italian entertaintheir diligence and expertise in the prepatransferred and are buried in a cemetery ment, traditional Italian food, a variety of
ration and execution of the musical protended by monks in a Monastery in
wines and spirits, Italian heritage and fun
gram.
Aragazza, Spain.
attractions for all to enjoy. Benvenuti!
FATIMA (TRAVERSO) BAENEN'S
HAPPY ENDING
Fatima and Merlin, her husband of 60
years, are going to Italy for 3 weeks on
May 20. Although the Italian government
would pay to have the remains moved,
Fatima and her brother have decided they
will fly to Aragazza to visit the grave, but
will let their father rest in peace.
Live Italian
From traditional favorites, to contemporary hits, Festa 2014 is the place to be for
Italian music and entertainment. This sumFatima's mother Erminia was a widow
mer, the lakefront will play host to a full
with a young daughter Giovanna. Her
husband Mario had fallen off a roof and
For Fatima discovering where her father is line-up of Italian performers including
was killed. Several years later, she mar- buried after all these years of wondering is Patrizio Buanne, Moreno Fruzzetti, Franco
Corso, Tre Bella, Vince Chiarelli, Natalie
ried Athos Traverso who was in the Italian indeed a happy ending!
Pinto, comedian Stephen Sorrentino, Tonavy. Fatima was born in Livona, Italy.
SAVE
THE
DATE!
ny Spavone, Russo Brothers, Dick Contino
Athos was very patriotic, so after his stint
and Festa favorite The Bronx Wanderers!
in the navy was over, he joined the Italian Sat. Aug. 16th, Triangle Hill Sports
army and went to Spain where he fought
Also, rock out to one of the country’s top
Area Shelter
in the Spanish Civil War (circa 1936-38).
Bruce Springsteen acts, Bella Cain, and
Club Italo Americano's 20th AnniverThis was about the same time as Ernest
Matt Macis and Hannah Timm.
Hemmingway was also in Spain writing his sary Party and Reunion!
Eat Italian
book, "For Whom The Bell Tolls".
-as told to Marlene Feira
(More information and details soon.)
The last time Fatima saw her father was
when he was home on leave. She was
only about a year and a half old. After
returning to Spain, he was on a train carrying ammunition in Malaga, Spain which
exploded killing everyone on it. Erminia
FYI
Il Volo, the immensely popular young
Italian operatic pop trio, will be appearing
with the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orches-
Aside from actually eating in Italy, Festa
Italiana is the next best thing. So grab a
plate and make like an Italian with classic
Festa favorites such as rice balls, Italian
sausage sandwiches, fried eggplant strips,
calamari, Panini, pasta & cannoli is your
mouth watering yet? With nearly 40 food
vendors to choose from, your stomach is
guaranteed to leave happy. Looking for
some new recipes? Cucina Showcase is
back featuring local & celebrity chefs to
demonstrate their favorite Italian dishes.
Don’t forget the vino experience our wine
tastings featuring some of the most famous & sought-after wines.
(Antionio told me that the bicycle race is
at 9:00.)
Play Italian
(You must go to a bank, but remember,
all banks in Italy close early.)
Test your bocce ball skills or sing your
heart out in Italian Idol! Take a romantic
gondola ride and enjoy Festa from the
water’s view. Enjoy the Pinocchio Parade
and daily entertainment at the Children’s
Stage. See who you know at the Vintage
Photo Display and attend traditional Sunday mass. Celebrate everything Italian
with family and friends at Festa!
Devo cambiare dei dollari in euros, dove
debbo andare?
(I must exchange some US Dollars in Euros, where do I go?)
Devi andare alla banca, ma fai attenzione
perche' tutte le banche chiudono presto.
Oggi ho mangiato un buon risotto e
bevuto un buon vino rosso.
(Today I ate a good risotto and I drank
some good red wine.)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FATE ATTENZIONE!!!!!
CENA DI NATALE DATE HAS BEEN
CHANGED to SATURDAY, DEC. 6,
Tradition says Festa has the best fireworks
on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Come see for 2014
Be Italian
yourself with Bartolotta fireworks every
night at 10:30 p.m.!
Test Your Italian Month 2
La Settimana —- the week
Lunedi ——
Monday
Martedi——
Tuesday
Mercoledi——
Wednesday
Giovedi——
Thursday
Venerdi——
Friday
Sabato——
Saturday
Domenica——
Sunday
Andiamo al mare a prendere il sole.
Our very own Maestro Giovanni (John)
Contratto will once again masterfully put
together another great evening program
of Italian music performed by local talent.
You will be amazed at the talent that lives
in our area. At this event we pay homage
to the great Italian composers whose
works still echo after centuries. Also, the
great Neapolitan songs we know and even
explore Pop culture.
Cena di Natale XVIII - Saturday December 6 @ Green Bay Yacht Club
Once again we celebrate Christmas in Italian fashion (or as close as we can) with
great food, good wine and fellowship. The
gathering before dinner is a time to catch
up with what’s happening with other Club
members. Come join us and make your
holiday complete.
OUR SPECIAL EVENTS
Because of a conflict with engagements
Summer Bocce Ball League - April 28:
at the Green Bay Yacht Club, we have
changed the date from Saturday, Decem- Session 1 begins. July 28: Session 2 begins.
ber 13 to Saturday, December 6--one
week earlier.
Put your team together and then get registered with the Green Bay Parks DepartPlease mark your calendars.
ment. There is a nominal fee for use and
maintenance of the city’s Bocce Ball
** 20th Anniversary Year **
courts. If you have never played it and are
worried about learning it, cast your worClub ItaloAmericano of Green Bay
ries aside. By the time you are through
2014 Calendar of Events
the first game, you will feel like you have
played it your whole life.
Saturday August 16, 2014 from 10:00am
to 9:30pm Baird’s Creek Pavilion
Hard to believe we are 20 years from our
founding in 1994 and still going strong.
Vorrei andare al bar a prendere un gelato. Let’s celebrate as we would in Italy in the
(I would like to go to the bar to get an ice mid-autumn fashion of Ferragosto
(Festivals of the Emperor Augustus, aka
cream.)
Assumption Day). It is a major date for
Antionio mi ha detto che la gara di bipeople to go home, be with their home
cicletta e' alle nove.
base—family and friends.
(Let's go to the sea to get some sun.)
Musicale VII - Tuesday October 21 @
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church
on Comanche Ave
Summer Bocce Pot Luck Sunday June 8
Halfway through the Bocce season we go
to Colburn Park on a lovely Sunday afternoon and rehash the season so far. We
celebrate with a few games of Bocce Ball
and then gather around the table where
the food and drink are waiting for us to
enjoy. A perfect end to a mid-season
break.
Passeggiate - June 24 & mid July &
mid September [exact date TBD]
We find ourselves a nice trail or scenic
urban location in the Greater Green Bay
area where we take a leisurely stroll
(which is a Passeggiata) and visit with other Club members and guests as we walk
and talk. Then we find a nice place to eat
and socialize, which is what Italians do so
well.
June 8, Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . Bocce Pot
Luck
mid June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prima Passeggiata
Friends and family are welcome. We will
have a potluck of hot and cold dishes since
we have the shelter. Please bring a beverage of your choice and lawn chairs.
mid July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seconda
Passeggiata
Parking is available in the lot on 9th Street
just west of the stoplight on the corner of
Ridge and 9th.
July 28, Monday . . . . . . . . . . . Bocce Ball session 2 begins
Please call Vicky (Piccione) Sobeck at 8657229 or email at [email protected] by
Wednesday, June 4th, if you plan to attend.
Dinner & an Italian Movie - Fall Showing
on November 19
The evening begins with dinner at Sammy’s Pizza on Oneida Street where we eat
and trade stories. Then we head to the
Neville Public Museum for an Italian movie. This program, the International Film
Series, was the creation of the Green Bay
Film Society and is free and open to the
public. Our Club supplies an Italian movie
to the program for both the spring series
and the fall series.
5:00 PM, we will have our Bocce Pot Luck
Picnic at Colburn Park.
August 16, Saturday . . . . . . . 20th Anniversary Celebration
CLASSIFIED AD
mid September . . . . . . .Terza Passeggiata
Italian Instructor Wanted
For many years, Club ItaloAmericano has
offered informal classes in beginning and
October 21, Tuesday . . . . . . . Musicale
intermediate Italian to our club members.
These classes were held at the Aging ReNovember 19, Wednesday . . .Dinner & an source Center at no charge to the club.
Italian Movie
The instructor charged a nominal fee November
22,
Saturday
.
.
.
.
.
Green
Bay
approximately $70 plus materials for an 8
31st Annual Green Bay Holiday Parade Holiday
Parade
week session. The cost was based on
Saturday November 22
what the Italian Community Center in
Last year was our first time participating in December 13, Saturday . . . . . . Cena di
Milwaukee charges. Unfortunately, we
this great Green Bay tradition. Guiding a Natale
are currently without an instructor.
giant helium or air inflated animated balIf anyone knows of someone who could fill
loon, such as Snoopy or Spider Man, down
this void, please call Pete and Marlene
the street is fun and entertains the kids
LA PRIMA PASSEGGIATA Feira at 494-9641. We'll be happy to help
watching the parade. This year’s theme is
TUESDAY,
JUNE
24
set things in motion.
Toyland Christmas. An Italian float?
PLUS . . . there are events and happenings that Club members put together on
their own, such as a road trip, a cooking
demo, working a grape harvest @ Merl &
Fatima Baenen’s, going to Italian Fest in
Milwaukee, just to name a few. If you
want to put one together, Vicky will help
get the word out.
Save The date for our first passeggiata of
the 2014.
CHRONOLOGY of EVENTS
Watch for details in a separate email.
April 28, Monday ... Bocce Ball - session 1
begins
Bocce Pot Luck
Our passeggiata team consisting of Jackie
(Giliardi) Kucera, Peg (Ricci) and Bill Anderson and the Feiras met recently to
map out the route for our first passeggiata of the season. It will be held on
Tuesday, June 24.
On Sunday, June 8th from 1:00 PM to
ETC.
News from the Board
From time to time, as in any organization,
people will be leaving for a variety of reasons and their position needs to be filled.
Such is that with your Board Directors.
Leaving us is Director Rosemary Desiles
and coming on is Ron Bernard. Rosemary
has served on the Board since December
2011. She has added her skills and talents
to the Board to help make it and the Club,
a sharper and better Club
Thank you for your help.
Coming on is Ron Bernard whose background and Italian experiences will make
him a good fit.
Welcome aboard, Ron.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING:
The next Board meeting will be on Thursday 19 June at Luigi’s on Manitowoc Road
at 5:30 pm. Board meetings are open to
all members. Please join us, we would
love to have you there. We have fun and
get things done!
CLUB MEMBERS IN BUSINESS
We have several club members that are in
the restaurant business, Bilotti’s in DePere, Luigi’s Italian Bistro in Green Bay,
Sammy’s Pizza in Green Bay, Titletown
Brewery in Green Bay, and the Captains
Walk Winery in Green Bay, and Auten’s
Eatery in Green Bay.
Whenever you visit these businesses,
please mention that you are a member of
Club ItaloAmericano as a support of their
business and membership
ARTICLES FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Please feel free to submit articles or pictures for our newsletter. Information for
each upcoming month needs to be submitted to me by the 25th. (think Christmas) of the month. You should email
articles as an attachment in Microsoft
Word and pictures in a jpeg format.
My email address is:
[email protected]
Questions— call me at 612-360-8246
Photos May 14 da Vinci @
UW Green Bay