Panoram Italia Vol. 2 No. 3

I TA L I A

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PANORAM

FALL 2007 • VOL.2 • NO.3

T H E C O M M U N I T Y M AG A Z I N E M A I L E D TO I TA L I A N / C A N A D I A N H O M E S I N T H E G R E AT E R M O N T R E A L A R E A

Q U A R T E R LY • T R I M E S T R A L E • T R I M E S T R I E L

COVER

THE LAST OF THE

STONEMASONS VINCENZO FAIOLA MARIO MICHELE PANZERA MARIO CALLIARI

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PANORAM

COVER PHOTO: GERALDO PACE

Our Cover

Filippo Salvatore

Q U A R T E R L Y PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Tony Zara EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Filippo Salvatore MANAGING EDITOR Mario Di Flavio COVER PHOTO Geraldo Pace PRINTING Accent Impression DESIGN - ART DIRECTOR Accent Impression - Manon Massé TRANSLATIONS Filippo Salvatore COVER HAIR STYLIST Lora Colagiacomo Académie de coiffure Bellezza CONTRIBUTORS Filippo Salvatore Giuseppe Valiante Mario Di Flavio Sonya Legault-Cesta Aicha Cissé Maria Loggia Joey Franco Joanne Latimer Massi Miliano Melanie Porco Gabriel Chiara Folini Riel-Salvatore Imelda Facchin Sabrina Marandola Bisinella Daniela Scoppa Sergio Gazzola Laura Casella

Index Editorials ................................... 12 Letters to the editor ................... 13 Dossier ..................... 14-16, 28-29 Profile ................................. 17-21 Urgent ....................................... 35 Business .............................. 36-41 Fashion................................ 42, 43 Wine.......................................... 45 Gastronomy ......................... 48-49 Our towns ............................ 50-51 Story ......................................... 52 Music ........................................ 53 Events ................................. 56-57 Sports .................................. 58-59 Cartoons ............................. 60-61

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o an honest job and give always 100% of yourself in your work. You will feel very proud and people will appreciate you for it. Here is, in a nutshell, how Vincenzo Faiola, Mario Michele Panzera and Mario Calliari conceive their life. They know one another very well and are partners of the construction company RICO Briqueleur founded in 1974 by Vincenzo Faiola, Giuseppe Rizzotti, Carlo Spadari and Bruno Martini who are now retired.

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l faut travailler honnêtement et donner toujours 100% par fierté personnelle et pour recevoir l’appréciation des autres: voici en peu de mots le programme de vie de trois hommes, Vincenzo Faiola, Mario Michele Panzera et Mario Calliari qui se connaissent très bien car ils sont partenaires de l’entreprise de construction RICO Briqueleur, fondée en 1974 par Vincenzo Faiola et par Giuseppe Rizzotti, Carlo Spadari et Bruno Martini, maintenant a la retraite.

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Left to right: Vincenzo Faiola, Mario Michele Panzera, Mario Calliari

Faiola and Panzera are originally from the center-south Molise region of Italy – the former was born in Rocchetta al Volturno and the latter at Pietracatella. Calliari is from the North of the country, from Trentino a n d w a s b o r n i n Me z zo Lombardo.

Vincenzo, Michele and Mario are skilled masons who for decades have been transforming with their hands inert red bricks and gray stones into houses. They give shape with their hands to the environment where we live and are leaving there a deep, long-lasting trace. Mr Faiola, Panzera and Calliari are living proof of the concrete contribution being made by the Italian presence in their adopted country. Many elegant bungalows along Gouin Boulevard in Montreal, or many mansions built with red bricks and enlivened with chiselled gray stones in Saraguay or in Nouveau Saint Laurent are the result of their skill, of their creativity.

“Vincenzo is the best amongst us, Michele admits. Don’t give him books to read; just make him use his own hands and he turns into an artist. He knows how to give life to bricks, he knows how to seize and draw out the hidden soul of the stones.”

Vincenzo Faiola lost his mother when he was 13. He began working in a quarry at an early age. He soon learned the skill of cutting and chiselling stones, which turned into an asset when in 1970 he camet to live in Montreal. He had meanwhile made his military service and joined the alpini at the Piedmontese town of Bra. He still feels a special camaraderie for his former fellow soldiers by participating in the social activities of the Serafino Gnutti group in Montreal.

In 1971 he meets Nicolina Panzera and gets married with her in 1973. They have three children: Antonio, a marketing consultant for West Jet in Calgary, Franco, an architect and Gianluca, a student in the de Maisonneuve CEGEP. “Vincenzo is very proud of his work. Sometimes, his wife confesses, we take a ride and go and see the houses he builds. He looks at them with shining eyes and calls them my children. I jokingly mock him; in truth I admire and love him very much.”

“Mario Calliari was a handsome young man with blond hair and blue eyes who had arrived in Montreal with his family in 1961 from the province of Trento. I met him in 1963, at s ome friends’ house. Franca Paliarulo’s voice still has a tinge of emotion while reminiscing. She is Mario’s wife. “He was then a talkative 18 year old, who knew how to be charming with girls. He still is a very sensitive man. He was and still is a great lover of music, both pop and classical. He knew by heart the words of the songs of celebrities like Mina, Gino Paoli, Sergio Endrigo and Adriano Celentano. He used to hum them in my ear while dancing together. He preferred, however, classical music and his favourite singer was Luciano Pavarotti. We go t m a r r i e d i n Our L ady of t h e Consolata church on May 6 1967, the very same day of the official opening of EXPO

Faiola e Panzera sono molisani d’origine, - di Rocchetta al Volturno il primo e di Pietracatella il secondo, - mentre Calliari è trentino, nato a Mezzo Lombardo. Vincenzo, Michele e Mario sono esperti muratori che da decenni usano le mani per trasformare inerti mattoni e pietre grige in case da abitare. Con le loro mani plasmano l’ambiente in cui viviamo e vi lasciano una traccia profonda, duratura. I signori Faiola, Panzera e Calliari sono la prova del contributo concreto che la presenza italiana sta dando alla nostra patria di adozione. Tanti eleganti villini lungo il Boulevard Gouin a Montreal oppure tante lussuose dimore rivestite di mattoni ed improziosite di pietra grigia cesellata a Saraguay o al Nouveau Saint Laurent sono il frutto del loro lavoro, della loro creativita’.

‘Vincenzo è il piu’ bravo di noi tre,- riconosce Michele. - Non dategli libri da leggere, ma fategli usare le mani e subito diventa un artista. Sa dare vita ai mattoni, sa carpire e fare emergere l’anima nascosta delle pietre.’

Persa la mamma a 13 anni,Vincenzo Faiola comincia giovanissimo a lavorare come cavatore di pietra. Impara l’arte di scalpellino e di incisore di pietra che fara’ fruttare quando nel 1970, dopo il servizio militare nel corpo degli alpini a Bra, in Piemonte, (Vincenzo è socio ora del gruppo alpini Serafino Gnutti di Montreal) viene a vivere in Canada. Nel 1971 conosce Nicolina Panzera che sposa nel 1973 e da cui avra’ tre figli, Antonio, consulente di marketing per West Jet a Calgary, Franco, architetto e Gianluca, ancora studente al CEGEP de Maisonneuve.

‘Vincenzo è tanto orgoglioso del suo lavoro. A volte, confessa la moglie, facciamo un giretto in macchina per andare a vedere le case che costruisce. Le guarda con il sorriso negli occhi e le chiama i miei bambini. Ed io lo prendo in giro.In realta’ lo ammiro e lo amo tanto.’

‘Mario Calliari era un bel biondino con gli occhi blu arrivato a Montreal con la famiglia dalla provincia di Trento nel 1961. L’ho conosciuto nel 1963, in casa d’amici emiliani’ ricorda acora con un nlieve tremolio nella voce, Franca Paliarulo, milanese d’origine pugliese, moglie del signor Calliari. “Mario aveva allora diciotto anni. Aveva la parlantina facile e ci sapeva fare con le donne; ha un carattere molto sensibile. Era un grande amatore di musica, sia leggera che classica. Conosceva tutte le canzoni di Mina, Gino Paoli, Sergio

Messieurs Faiola et Panzera sont originaires de la région Molise - le premier est né a Rocchetta al Volturno et le second a Pietracatella – tandis que M.Calliari vient du Trentino. Il est né a Mezzo Lombardo.

Vincenzo, Michele et Mario sont d’experts maçons qui depuis des décennies utilisent leurs mains pour transformer des briques inertes et de la pierre grise en maisons.

Ils modèlent avec leurs mains l’environnement que nous habitons et y laissent une trace profonde, durable. Messieurs Faiola, Panzera et Calliari sont la preuve de la contribution concrète que la présence italienne est en train de donner à notre patrie d’adoption.

Bon nombres d’élégants bungalows sur le Boulevard Gouin à Montréal, ou bien de demeures de luxe revêtues de briques et de pierre grise ciselée à Saraguay ou au Nouveau Saint-Laurent sont le fruit de leur travail, de leur créativité. ‘Vincenzo est le meilleur de nous trois – Michèle reconnaît. Ne lui donnez pas des livres à lire; faites-lui utiliser ses mains et il devient tout de suite un artiste. Il sait donner de la vie aux briques, sais saisir et faire ressortir l’âme cachée de la pierre.’

Vincenzo Faiola perd sa mère à 13 ans; il commence très jeune à travailler dans une carrière. Il apprend vite l’art de tailleur et de ciseleur de pierres qui lui sera utile quand il arrive à Montréal en 1970 après son service militaire dans le corps des chausseurs de montagne à Bra, au Piedmont.

(Vincenzo est aujourd’hui membre du groupe alpino Serafino Gnutti de Montréal).

En 1971 il connaît Nicolina Panzera et se marie avec elle en 1973. Elle lui donnera trois enfants, Antonio, consultant en marketing pour West Jet a Calgary, Franco, architecte et Gianluca, étudiant au CEGEP de Maisonneuve.

Vincenzo est très fier de son travail.

‘Des fois, -avoue sa femme,- nous allons faire un tour en voiture et regarder les maisons qu’il bâtit. Il les admire en souriant et les appelle mes enfants. Je me moque de lui. À vrai dire, je l’admire et l’aime beaucoup.’

‘Mario Calliari était un blondinet aux yeux bleus qui était arrivé à Montréal avec sa famille en 1961 de la région de Trento. Je l’ai rencontré chez des amis, -se rappelle sa femme Franca Paliarulo- avec un léger tremblement dans sa voix. Il avait du bagou et il avait le tour avec les filles. Il est très sensible. Il aimait beaucoup la musique, toute sorte de musique, la chansonnette et la musique classique, surtout l’opéra. Il connaissait par cœur les mots des chansons de Mina, Gino Paoli, Sergio Endrigo et Adriano Celentano et il me les chantait dans l’oreille pendant que nous dansions ensemble. Mais son chanteur favori était Luciano Pavarotti. Nous nous sommes mariés à Notre-Dame de la Consolata le 6 mai 1967, le jour même de l’inauguration d’Expo 67. Nous avons deux enfants, Monica et Marco et deux petits-enfants, Alessio et Massimo. Mon mari a su transmettre son amour de la musique à notre fils Marco qui a choisi la carrière de chanteur.’

Continued on page 11, column 1

Continua a pag. 11, colonna 2

Suite à page 11, colonne 3

avorare onestamente e dare sempre il 100% per orgoglio personale e per l’apprezzamento che si riceve dagli altri: ecco il programma di vita di tre uomini, Vincenzo Faiola, Mario Michele Panzera e Mario Calliari, che si conoscono ormai ‘come il palmo della mano’ e sono soci dell’ impresa edile RICO Briqueleur, fondata nel 1974, oltre che da Vincenzo Faiola, da Giuseppe Rizzotti, Carlo Spadari e Bruno Martini, ora in pensione.

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67. We now have two children, Monica and Marco and Endrigo, Adriano Celentano che mi cantava all’orecchio two grand-children, Alessio and Massimo. My husband manmentre ballavamo. Ma aveva un debole soprattutto per aged to inculcate into our son Marco his love for music. So l’opera. Il suo cantante preferito era Luciano Pavarotti. Ci much so that our son is a professional singer. siamo sposati nella chiesa della Consolata il 6 maggio “I felt a great loss, Mr Calliari said, when Luciano 1967, proprio il giorno dell’inaugurazione di Expo 67.

Pavarotti died. He was the best opera singer. He made me feel Abbiamo due figli, Monica e Marco e due nipotini, Alessio great joy and pride to be an Italian. He was able to make e Massimo. Mio marito ha saputo trasmettere il suo amore opera accessible to ordinary people. He leaves a great artistic per la musica a nostro figlio Marco che è diventato cantante legacy to the whole world.” di professione.’

‘La morte di Pavarotti, - chiarisce Mario Calliari, - mi ha Mario Michele Panzera arrived with his family in colpito molto. Aveva la migliore voce tra i tanti cantanti di Montreal on July 3 1966 at the age of 17. After attending musica classica. Pavarotti mi ha dato gioia ed orgoglio di high school for two years and several odd jobs, in 1976 he essere italiano. Ha saputo rendere l’opera accessibile al popobecomes a partner of his brother-in law Vincenzo Faiola and lo. Lascia una grande eredita’ artistica al mondo intero.’ has remained since then one of the three pillars of the RICO construction company.

Mario Michele Panzera arriva con la famiglia a “Work, Michele explains, is life; it gives you stability, Montreal il 3 luglio 1966 a 17 anni. Dopo due anni di scuoself-confidence and keeps you honest. A well done job, a la media e diversi lavori, nel 1976 si associa al cognato quality product, especially if it is appreciated by other people, Vincenzo Faiola e da allora è diventato uno dei tre pilastri gives you great joy and satisfaction and pushes you to do even della impresa edile RICO . better. I get along just fine with my two partners, because ‘Il lavoro, - spiega Michele - è vita, da’ stabilita’, fiducia each one of us minds his own business. We have been worke mantiene onesti. Il lavoro fatto bene, il prodotto di qualita’, ing together for the last 32 years and there are no problems soprattutto quando apprezzato da estranei, da’ tanta gioia e because by now we know each other very well and, if need be, soddisfazione e ti spinge a fare sempre meglio. Con i miei soci we forgive one another.” vado d’accordo, perchè ognuno si fa i fatti suoi.Lavoriamo It has been 40 years since Michele has left his native Italy insieme da 32 anni e tutto procede come si deve perchè ci and for diverse reasons he has never gone back, even for a conosciamo bene e ci perdoniamo a vicenda.’ visit. “ But in my household, he specifies, I still speak Italian Sono 40 anni ormai che Michele ha lasciato l’Italia e per with my wife – we got married in 1982- and with my two diverse ragioni non vi è mai tornato. ‘Ma a casa nostra, sons. The oldest is 24 and is taking courses in Italian Studies chiarisce, continuo a parlare l’italiano con mia moglie, sposaat Concordia university. After so many years I consider ta nel 1982, e con i miei due figli. Anzi il primo di 24 anni Canada my new country, Italy, however, still has a special studia lettere italiane all’universita’ Concordia. Considero place in my heart and I am very proud when the Azzurri win ormai il Canada la mia patria, ma l’Italia ha sempre un posto or when Ferrari wins in the Formula1 races.” d’onore nel mio cuore e sono tanto orgoglioso quando gli Vincenzo, Michele and Mario, three ordinary persons Azzurri vincono al calcio o la Ferrari alla formula 1.’ whom we have allowed to emerge from their anonymity. They Vincenzo, Michele e Mario, tre persone comuni, fatte are the human expression of a successful graft between Italy, uscire per una volta dall’anonimato, espressione umana their country of birth, and of the prospects offered by Canada, dell’innesto riuscito dei valori del paese di nascita, l’Italia e their adopted country. They are shining examples of the hard delle opportunita’ offerte dalla patria di adozione, il Canada.

BMWL-panoramAnnuel:panogram 8/23/07 1:59 PM Esempi Page fulgidi 1 and honesty which characterize our community. work di laboriosita’ ed onesta’, qualita’ che ci caratv terizzano come comunita’. v

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Our Cover

‘La mort de Pavarotti – explique Mario Calliari – m’a affecté beaucoup. Il avait la meilleure voix parmi tant de chanteurs de musique classique. Pavarotti m’a donné de la joie et m’a fait sentir fier d’être italien. Il a su rendre accessible l’opéra aux gens ordinaires. Il laisse un grand héritage artistique au monde entier.’

Mario Michele Panzera est arrivé avec sa famille à Montréal le 3 juillet 1966 à l’age de 17 ans. Après deux ans d’école secondaire et différents boulots, en 1976 il devient associé de son beau-frère Vincenzo Faiola et depuis ce moment-la il est devenu un des trois piliers de l’entreprise de construction Rico. ‘Le travail - explique Michele - c’est la vie, il donne stabilité et confiance en soi et honnêteté. Le travail bien fait, le produit de qualité, surtout quand il est apprécié par les autres, donne beaucoup de joie et de satisfaction et te pousse à faire toujours mieux. Je m’entends bien avec mes associés, parce que chacun de nous se mêle de ses affaires. Nous travaillons ensemble depuis 32 ans et tout marche comme il faut parce que nous nous connaissons bien et nous nous pardonnons réciproquement.’

Michele a laissé son Italie natale depuis 40 ans et, à cause de différentes raisons, il n’y est jamais retourné.

‘Mais chez nous je continue de parler italien avec ma femme, que j’ai marié en 1982, et avec mes deux enfants.

Le premier, qui a 24 ans, étudie en études italiennes à l’université Concordia. Je considère désormais le Canada comme ma patrie, toutefois l’Italie occupe toujours une place de choix dans mon cœur. Je suis tellement fier quand les Azzurri gagnent au soccer ou bien la Ferrari en formule 1.’

Vincenzo, Michele et Mario, trois personnes ordinaires que nous avons voulu faire sortir de l’anonymat.

Ils sont l’expression humaine de la greffe réussie entre les valeurs de leur pays de naissance, l’Italie, et les chances de réussite offertes par leur patrie d’adoption, le Canada.

Ils sont des exemples éclatants d’acharnement au travail bien fait et d’honnêteté, des traits qui caractérisent les Italiens en tant que communauté. v

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EDITORIALE

Editorial

Filippo Salvatore

Sì al voto all’estero (ma senza brogli e con necessari, profondi emendamenti)

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l 4 aprile 2006 (vedi Aise 04/04/2006) alla vigilia delle ultime elezioni nazionali italiane, dopo le denunce del senatore Gino Trematerra, responsabile per gli italiani all’estero dell’Udc, secondo il quale ‘ il voto degli italiani all’estero...si sta svolgendo in un clima di illegalità diffusa...’, Paolo Pucci, Segretario Generale del Ministero degli Affari Esteri, confermava che c’erano ‘difficoltà obiettive’. In altre parole il MAE era al corrente e confermava che in tutte e 7 le circoscrizioni ‘estero’ numerosi erano i casi di comportamento illecito.

Il Trematerra aveva rilevato che in Argentina ‘...numerosi candidati denunciano un vero e proprio mercato nero delle schede, notizia che se fosse accertata, ci metterebbe di fronte ad evidenti brogli elettorali...’

Dopo oltre un anno dall’ultimo scrutinio quelli che sembravano semplici sospetti si stanno rivelando innegabili brogli elettorali. Essi si sono prodotti in Argentina, Stati Uniti, Svizzera, Belgio, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela,( vedi AISE del 17/07/2007) ed Australia (stando al video girato con un telefonino da Paolo Rajo).Verifiche ed accertamenti sono in corso.

In Canada, in città come Toronto, Montreal e Vancouver, le sedi dei patronati legati all’Unione (e non) si sono trasformate nel 2006 in vere e proprie sezioni elettorali, violando così la segretezza del voto e il dettato costituzionale che imponeva un voto ‘segreto e personale’. Il dottor Gino Bucchino di Toronto è riuscito a diventare deputato perchè ha saputo trasformare la virtù dell’astuzia nel vizio della furbizia usando il patronato INCA al quale è strettamente legato.(Il candidato sconfitto dell’Unione (Margherita) Giovanni Rapanà aveva fatto rimostranze a tal proposito subito dopo il risultato, ma è poi rientrato nei ranghi per non far ‘saltare il baldacchino’, mettere cioè in dubbio la legalità del processo elettorale.)

Va inoltre sottolineato che sia in Canada che negli Stati Uniti sono stati accertati numerosi casi di plichi inviati a persone morte da diversi anni perchè l’indirizzario dei vari consolati non corrispondeva a quello dell’AIRE ( Albo degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero).

Il voto all’estero, così come è stato istituito dalla legge 459 del 2001, la cosiddetta Legge Tremaglia, non ha funzionato perchè si presta a tanti abusi. Il voto per corrispondenza, secondo Filippo Borselli, componente della giunta di Palazzo Madama, è ‘la vera fonte di innumerevoli brogli’ e va quindi abolito.

Concordo con questa analisi, ma sono molto scettico sulla efficacia degli emendamenti proposti nel disegno di legge correttivo presentato al Senato sulle norme del voto all’estero.

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Esso prevede ‘l’istituzione di sezioni elettorali, oltre che nei Consolati, anche presso gli istituti Italiani di Cultura, le Scuole di italiano ed altri locali usati dallo Stato, evitando che si voti in sedi di partito o dei sindacati.’

Credono veramente i Ministri D’Alema, Amato e Chiti che questi pochi emendamenti assicureranno ‘che il voto si svolga in modo assolutamente rigoroso secondo i principi costituzionali della libertà, della personalità, della segretezza e dell’eguaglianza?’

Non si rendono conto che le scuole d’italiano all’estero sono l’espressione del potere dei vari enti gestori, (come il PICAI a Montreal) la cui trasparenza lascia molto spesso a desiderare e sono suscettibili quindi di trasformarsi in centri di influenza politica? E che dire degli ‘altri locali usati dallo Stato’?

Quali sono? Prendiamo Montreal come esempio. La Casa d’Italia o il Centro Leonardo da Vinci (o il Columbus Centre a Toronto) sono luoghi ‘usati dallo Stato’ come pure le varie sedi dei gruppi della Terza Età come il CRAIQ. Lascio al lettore immaginare quanto ‘libero, segreto e personale’ sarebbe il voto a Montreal o a Toronto se si votasse in questi locali. E, mutatis mutandis, lo stesso avrebbe luogo in altri paesi.

I possibili brogli, verificatisi nelle sedi dei vari patronati nel 2006, rischiano di verificarsi di nuovo in altre sedi e le autorità consolari, per mancanza di effettivi, non saranno in misura di garantire che lo scrutinio si sarà svolto legalmente, secondo i principi imposti dalla costituzione e dalla legge elettorale.

La via da seguire nell’emendare la legge Tremaglia non può ridursi ad un semplice meccanismo tecnico, - l’eliminazione del voto per corrispondenza- come il ministro D’Alema o l’On Ferrigno o il Senatore Turano sembrano credere.

E’ tutta la questione del diritto di voto all’estero che va obiettivamente e severamente riconsiderata.

Il voto all’estero, così come è stato istituito dalla legge Tremaglia, non funziona. Ciò non significa che debba essere abrogato, ma senz’altro profondamente emendato.

Ecco alcune proposte di emendamento 1. Va abolito il voto per corrispondenza che viola la segretezza e si presta a tanti abusi.

2. Il diritto di voto va richiesto per iscritto alle autorità consolari.

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3. Il diritto di voto scade dopo dieci anni di residenza permanente all’estero a meno che il cittadino possieda proprietà sul territorio italiano e paghi le tasse.Il principio sacrosanto di no representation without taxation si applicherebbe. Si eviterebbe così di avere il diritto di votare per leggi alle quali non si dovrà sottostare.

4. Vanno abolite le 7 circoscrizioni ‘estero’, un vero assurdo giuridico, con pretese di extra-territorialità italiana sulla sovranità dei singoli stati. Chi nega questa evidenza è in perfetta malafede.

5. Va abolito il diritto passivo di candidarsi al Parlamento ed al Senato italiani per i cittadini italiani permanentemente residenti all’estero.

La doppia cittadinanza, oltre che diritti, presuppone anche doveri. Per chi vive permanentemente in Canada il dovere inderogabile è di essere fedele alle sue leggi. Certo l’Italia ed il Canada sono paesi amici, ma questo non esclude che ci possano essere divergenze e/o conflitti tra di loro. (Come avrebbe votato l’onorevole Bucchino, o chi per lui, quando, qualche anno fa, ci fu la ‘guerra della pasta’, ossia il blocco dell’importazione della pasta italiana?).

6. Il diritto di voto attivo va mantenuto ed esteso a tutti i livelli (europeo, nazionale,referenda, regionale, provinciale e municipale). L’elettore vota per il seggio di ultima residenza o di origine in Italia, poichè il vero punto di riferimento per il cittadino italiano residente all’estero è la regione di origine.

7. Occorrerebbe superare un esame generale di cultura e di conoscenza della lingua italiana per chi riacquista la cittadinanza italiana per ius sanguinis (diritto di sangue).

Concludendo i 18 parlamentari eletti nel 2006, (12 deputati e 6 senatori) delle 7 circoscrizioni estero,- su circa 1000- , ricevono scarsa considerazione, hanno pochissimo tempo per intervenire o parlare in aula e quando lo fanno alcuni di loro usano un italiano approssimativo, costano tantissimo all’erario, svolgono un ruolo analogo, e quindi ridondante, eccetto per quello legislativo, a quello svolto dagli eletti al CGIE (Consiglio Generale degli Italiani all’Estero) o ai vari Comites. Il ruolo dei parlamentari delle circoscrizioni estero si è rivelato insignificante, anzi semplicemente inutile.

La loro funzione va quindi sic et simpliciter abolita.

E non mi si dica che queste proposte esprimono una posizione anti-italiana. Sono, al contrario, italianissime (e patriotticamente canadesi) e mirano ad unire la nostra comunità innegabilmente eterogenea e quindi divisa secondo preferenze ideologiche e partitiche. v

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A response to the Italian Canadian Congress Q.R. on the right to vote for Italian nationals living in Canada

by Filippo Salvatore

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he reactions to my editorial - Right to run for office abroad for Italian Nationals: Canada should oppose it, the English translation of the original version La Legge Tremaglia sul diritto di voto all’estero va emendata-, were many, overwhelmingly in support of its content. I am now in a firm position to state that the Italian nationals permanently residing in Quebec, while favouring the right to vote, are opposed to the right to run for office from abroad for the Italian legislative houses. Almost all respondents have dual citizenship, Italian and Canadian, and have been living in Canada for about 40 years. The common line of reasoning in their responses is: ‘I am proud to be Italian, but I feel at the same time that I am also Canadian and it is to my adopted country that my allegiance goes first and foremost. My future and my children’s future is in Canada.’

There have been a few dissenting voices as well. The one sent by Me Antonio Sciascia, president of Congrès National des Italo-Canadiens, Région Québec is particularly significant and is published without any editing. The following clarifications are, however, in order concerning Me Sciascia’s letter.

1. My editorial was NOT against the right for Italian nationals to vote from abroad. Because of the importance of the issue at stake the editorial in this issue(see p. 12) deals again with it and makes it, again, abundantly clear. My stand was and remains against the right for Italian nationals permanently residing abroad to have the right to be candidates and wage a political campaign on foreign soil to be elected to the Italian Parliament or Senate. This is a position I have taken for the last 15 years both as a journalist and more recently as a member of Comites. There is thus ‘no sudden change of mind’ on my part.

2. Who are ‘the others’, Me Sciascia, who may use my stand on this particular issue ‘to divide the community and deprive the few who have been privileged by the Italian law?’ The federal Canadian authorities, I suppose, although you shrewdly do not say so. As you know the Canadian liberal federal government agreed under very special circumstances, an imminent national election,and repeated pressures to go along, on a trial basis and una tantum, with the Tremaglia electoral law.

By so doing they wisely avoided creating a binding legal precedent, applicable to all other ethnic minorities living in Canada. Had they done so, they would have opened a Pandora’s box and conflicts existing around the world would have been imported and transplanted on Canadian soil.

3. Canada has every right, national and international, to assert the principles of territoriality and sovereignty. It was the Italian legislators who erred on this issue asserting Italian extra-territorial rights.Frankly the Tremaglia law is anything but an act of generosity. It was an act of political expediency that went sour for the center-right Italian political coalition.

4. Who can honestly claim in Montreal that Senator Turano from Chicago is an extra-territorial representative who ‘ knows the local issues and shares our concerns?’ or, for the same reason, that the Hon. Bucchino from Toronto is deeply aware of the specific concerns of Italian nationals living in the different areas of the USA, in Mexico or in Santo Domingo?

5. There is no ‘oppression of the right of a minority’ involved in the issue to deny the principle to run for office from Canada for a foreign legislative body. Canada has every right to set parameters and conditions, involving both rights and duties, to its own citizens who hold dual citizenship. And,let us keep this in mind, almost all of the 100,000 Italian nationals involved are both Italian and Canadian citizens.

6. In conclusion I am NOT advocating that ‘Canada be the only country in the world to deprive Italian Canadians of their right to vote’.It is a complete misrepresentation of my position. Italian Canadians should keep the right to vote, but they should cast their ballot for Italian candidates running for office on Italian soil. This, I firmly believe, is the logical stand and legal position the Canadian federal authorities ought to take.If they do so, I for one, will NOT feel oppressed or deprived of any of my rights and I dare say the vast majority of the readership of Panoramitalia agrees with my position.

I fail to understand therefore why the Italian Canadian Congress,Q.R. is against such an obvious and sound principle.

Let me specify that this exchange of opinions with Me Sciascia ought to be interpreted not as an acrimonious confrontation but as a genuine form of public, democratic debate. v

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The Language Debate in Quebec and Montreal Italian Community 2007: the 30th anniversary of Bill 101

by Filippo Salvatore

007 marks the 30th anniversary of the enforcement of Bill 101, the most important piece of legislation in Quebec contemporary history.

On August 27 1977 the Charte de la Langue Française, also known as Bill 101, became law. It was approved by the National Assembly after an extenuating 40-day, 200-hour acrimonious debate by a vote of 54 to 32. The elected members of the Parti Québécois, which formed a majority government after their stunning victory on November 15 1976, voted in favour, while the Liberals and the Union Nationale opposed the bill.

Bill 101 declared French Quebec only official language, obliged companies to use French in the work-place, imposed the use of French in public signs, obliged Francophones and immigrant children to attend French public schools.

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he power struggle between the French and the English With hindsight Bill 101 achieved to a large extent the intent of Camille Laurin, the architect of the law: to make Quebec as French as Ontario is English. This constituted a fundamental conceptual revolution because it redefined the political role and the economic rapport between the French majority and the English minority. Caught in between this redefinition of the roles and the power struggle it entailed, were other nonofficial minority communities, especially the Italian, which was by the 1960`s the biggest.

Montreal Italian Community, then and now Ciccone It numbered by 1971 over 150,000 members and tended to join and swell the ranks of the English speaking minority. At first the Italians were pawns in the French-English battle. They became the focal point of a conflict which was not of their own making. By the end of the 1960`s and early 1970`s they came to play an active role in the dispute, found their own voice, through F.A.I.Q (Federazione delle Associazioni Italiane del Quebec, later known as Congresso Nazionale degli Italo-Canadesi, founded by former businessman and senator Pietro Rizzuto;

F.I.L.E.F. (Federazione Lavoratori Emigrati e Famiglie) and especially Consiglio Educativo Italo-Canadese) with respect to the new Quebec nationalism and defended a particular position: bilingualism and non-discriminatory and non-retroactive implementation of the language laws.

If we want to understand the makeup of today Montreal Italian community, over 250,000 people strong, and the widespread trilingual proficiency ( English, French, Italian) of the majority of its members, we need to go back to the language debate of the 1960`s and 1970`s. We need also to remember how it affected numerous families and the necessary accommodations it forced them to make.

Notwithstanding the restrictions of Bill 101, the vast majority of Italians chose to stay in Quebec, adapted to the new language and economic reality, constitute an example of harmonious integration and have become a bridge between the two traditional solitudes.

La Révolution Tranquille in Quebec Let us go back in time and see how all this came about.

Bill 101 was the end result of a long struggle which had begun in 1960, after the death of Maurice Duplessis in 1959, with the Jean Lesage`s electoral victory with the slogan `maîtres chez nous`(masters in our own house).

Lesage`s liberal government was the beginning of the so-called Révolution Tranquille, which put an end to the stronghold of the Catholic Church on the political life of the province, began a fast-paced process of secularization, made the French-Canadian middle-class aware of its second classstatus, (Pierre Vallières, an ardent separatist, defined the French-Canadians as Nègres Blancs d`Amérique – White Niggers of America), unleashed a current of creative energy in the arts, set the stage for a power struggle between the French speaking majority and the very influential and powerful English speaking minority. The

Révolution Tranquille found in the Quebec government its main supporter and in the defence of the French language its focal point.

Many members of the English community, roughly 300,000 people, were not willing or able to adapt and left the Belle Province in the throes of a situation they could not control. Most of them resettled in Toronto or Calgary.

The growth of Montreal Italian Community from 1951 to 1971 By 1971 ethnic groups which were neither British nor French made up 10.4% of the Quebec population, almost the same percentage of the population originally from the British isles. The allophones made up 20% of the population of Greater Montreal and almost 30% of the Island of Montreal.

By 1971 Italians accounted for 3% of the Quebec population, 6% of the Greater Montreal area and almost 8% of the Island of Montreal. Given these figures, it is logical that Italians were directly involved in the linguistic debate in Quebec.

After the end of the second world war the majority of immigrants in Quebec were Italians.

Their number increased from 34,165 in 1951 to 108,552 in 1961, some 60,000 during the 1950`s. Soon the newcomers outnumbered the already established Italians and their offspring.

They were more educated and more dynamic; had no psychological scars caused by the economic difficulties faced during the Depression of the 1930`s and especially had no memory of the Internments during the last World War when naturalized Canadians of Italian origin were considered and treated like `enemy aliens`.

The new immigrants choose English as their language of instruction.

Until the 1950`s a good percentage of children of Italian origin attended French language schools. The large number of newcomers found the French Canadian school authorities in Montreal unprepared and access to French language school became more difficult, or was even denied. Having opted for institutional isolationism, the French Canadian leadership made no effort to integrate or assimilate immigrants or oblige them to learn French. In Montreal the Anglicization of all people who were not de souche française came to be considered normal. By 1961, 70% of Italian pupils were attending schools in the English- Catholic sector of the

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Montreal Catholic school system which had been set up in the 19th century for Irish immigrants.

The former Irish schools became for all intents and purposes English-language Italian schools.

The choice of English as their language of instruction did not imply that Italian Montrealers became assimilated into the British community. Because of the social working class to which they belonged and the neighbourhood of settlement where the majority was French speaking, their most frequent contacts were by far with French-Canadians. Italians still maintained an inward-looking cultural identity of their own.

The rise of nationalism in Francophone Quebec With the Révolution Tranquille and the rise of the new Quebec nationalism the situation changed radically. The reform of the education system of the early 1960`s , which challenged the mid-19th century agreement of separate institutions, shows that nationalists sought economic and social positions proportionate to their demographics and level of schooling.

Soon what they demanded was a drastic transformation of society. They wanted French to be `la lingua del pane`.

With the dramatic drop in birth–rate towards the end of the 1960`s the future of Quebec depended on making the allophones French speakers. Intellectuals and a number of politicians favoured the option of making immigrants already settled in Quebec and especially their children French speaking. The language debate had begun and Italians in particular, who at first seemed to be outsiders, were drawn into it.

The Italians and the querelle linguistique: the clashes in Saint Leonard in 1968 The Italians found themselves at the centre of the querelle linguistique for obvious reasons. They were already, as mentioned, the largest allophone community. Their visibility made them the symbol of all other allophone groups.

The language conflict between French Canadians and Italians erupted in 1968 in Saint Leonard, a new Montreal suburb in the North East part of the island. The issue at stake was this: should the residents be obliged to register their children in French language schools or should they be free to choose their language of instruction? ( This meant sending their children to English-language schools). No easy answers could be found and in the Fall of 1968 passionate debates took place which escalated into turbulent meetings. A street battle occurred between extreme québécois nationalists and Italian parents, who were to a large extent naturalized Canadians and whose children were Canadian born. It was as Canadians whose basic rights were being broken or denied that they reacted. Several people were arrested, others were wounded and almost all the windows of stores owned by Italians along Jean Talon Street were broken.

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The conflict in Saint Leonard was just the tip of the iceberg; it reflected the explosive nature of the debate in the wider context of Quebec society. On one hand, it was the expression of the radical demands of Quebec nationalism and separatism; on the other hand it was one of the first instances of the affirmation of `ethnic clout`.

Bill 63, Bill 22 and Bill 101: Quebec legislates on language.

The reaction of the Italian community.

Before 1968 the language of instruction was based on free choice.In 1968 the Union Nationale Government passed Bill 63 which began restricting access to school in English. As a result of the report of the Gendron Commission on the status of French language in Quebec, the Liberal Government of Robert Bourassa adopted Bill 22 in 1974 which accentuated the primacy of French in Quebec society. As to the language of instruction Bill 22 allowed parents whose mother tongue was English to maintain the right of free choice. Immigrant children were to attend French schools. Only those who could pass a competence test in English, were allowed to enter English language schools. How did the Italian community react? The majority tendency was that Italians and other allophones were being discriminated against, simply on the grounds of their ethnic origin. Their demand was to receive equal treatment. Bill 22 was openly challenged by very many Italian parents who were directly affected. A pressure group , the Consiglio Educativo Italo Canadese, headed by Angelo Montini, William Cusano and Donat Taddeo, with the tacit support of many teachers in the English sector of the Montreal Catholic School System, began parallel classes and provided instruction to about 2,000 `illegal` students who finally received amnesty and full entitlement in the mid 1980`s by then Minister of Education Claude Ryan.

When in 1977 the Parti Québécois government passed Bill 101, restricting access to English-language schools, the Italian community, being directly concerned, reacted again, by and large, negatively. The most controversial clause was that only children with at least one parent who had attended an English-language elementary school in Quebec kept the right of free choice. It was the division of families that was being criticized as well as the retroactive application of the law.

A French Quebec, yes. A separate Quebec, no.

Since the 1970`s Italian immigration to Quebec has become a trickle and the gains or the losses brought about by Bills 22 and 101 have been, by and large, accepted by the Quebecois of Italian origin who are now considered, and in truth have become, an established community. The position that has emerged is that increase in the use of French in Quebec is just an undeniable fact. Italians remain, nonetheless, opposed to unilingualism and favour the idea of a bilingual Quebec, the anti-nationalist position defended at the time by former federal Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. This also implies, for the majority of the Italian com-

munity, that a French Quebec does not necessarily have to mean a separate Quebec. They have remained staunchly federalists.

It is important to remember as well that their language choices were not intended as a move towards assimilation within the two larger components of the Quebec population.

Language tensions have made stronger their sense of identity and allowed the survival of the Italian language, or one of its dialects, both for family communication and, increasingly so, as a language of culture much more in Montreal than in Toronto or in other Canadian provinces.

The French/English tensions favoured also the emergence of a younger, more qualified community leadership.

The main associations of Montreal Italian community in 2007 Here is a tentative portrait of the main associations that define the Italian presence in Quebec: Fondazione Comunitaria, Congresso Nazionale degli Italo-Canadese, CIBPA,(business association), CO.MI.TES,( comitato italiani all`estero), Camera di Commercio, APIQ ( associazone professori d`italiano), ICWA ( writers association), PICAI,( Saturday language schools), Ospedale Santa Cabrini, three Italian language weeklies, Corriere Italiano, Il Cittadino canadese and Insieme as well as a trilingual (yearly and quarterly) magazine Panoramitalia, a radio station and several Italian language programs as well as a 24 hour Rai International channel directly from Italy, a complex network of Clubs d`Age d`Or, two community centers, the historical Casa d`Italia and especially the newly built, superb Centro Leonardo da Vinci, a number of Federations of Associations from the different regions of Italy, six parishes. The Italian government is present with a Consolato Generale, with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and with Istituto Commercio Estero (trade commission).

In the span of two-three generations the bulk of the community has moved from working – class to middle class or even, increasingly, upper middle class status.

The medium-term solution to the language debate in Quebec has been a process which has slowly eroded isolation ( a form of self-protection for the newly arrived immigrants) and favoured integration without assimilation. The Québécois nationalist challenge from the 1960`s to the mid years of the third millennium resulted, in the final analysis, in a strengthening of the Italian community sense of identity, in the massive acquisition of proficiency in the two official languages of Canada, and in social upper mobility. v

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Dr. Del Maestro; Genius of the Mind

by Joey Franco

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orn in the town of Borgotaro in the province of Parma, Dr. Rolando Fausto Del Maestro has one thing in mind; the human brain. That is not to say that he is preoccupied solely with one subject.

Like his idol, the great renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, he is passionate about art and science as well.

Having moved to Canada at a young age, Rolando attended high school at Lambton Collegiate in London Ontario. He received his M.D. at the University of Western Ontario in 1973. His postgraduate education brought him to the University of Uppsala in Sweden, one of the oldest Universities in the world. There, he received his Ph.D. in Pathological Chemistry in 1979.

The title of his thesis: “The influence of oxygen derived free radicals on in- vitro and in-vivo model systems. Interactions of super-oxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical” is perplexing to the most erudite scholars, yet, such issues seem to be child’s play for a man like Del Maestro.

During Rolando’s internship year (1973-74), a great fire was lit within the young sstudent. A fire whose flames would continue to burn inexorably to this very day. He enrolled in a course concerned with the psychology of creativity. The course was taught by Professor Jaroslav Havelka. According to Del Maestro, Havelka had a significant bias, that being, that Mozart was the most creative individual who had ever lived. In order to successfully complete the course students had to pick another individual and defend him against Mozart. While contemplating his assignment, Del Maestro was enthralled by a phrase from a paperback edition of Kenneth Clark’s Leonardo da Vinci that he had purchased at a used book store which read; “His art and the personality it reveals, is of universal interest, and like all great art, should be re-interpreted for each generation.” The love affair with the great renaissance painter, scientist, engineer and architect’s life and works had begun.

Dr. Del Maestro went on to achieve great things as Director of the Brain Research Laboratories at the University of Western Ontario from 1981 to 2000. The world-famous neurosurgeon has written over one hundred papers and book chapters related to his research in the area of brain tumours.

Throughout all the time that has elapsed since that fateful day at the used book store, his love for Leonardo can only be rivaled with his love for Pamela J. Del Maestro, his wife and mother of three children; Lana, Adrian and Christian.

In 1981, the doctor, along with his wife Pam and good friend Steve Northey founded the Brain Research Fund Foundation of Canada, which evolved into the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada in 1991. The fund was started after Northey’s eight-year-old daughter Kelly passed away from a malignant tumour.

Today, a portrait of Kelly Northey hangs in Rolando’s lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital Brain Tumor Research Center.

Dr. Del Maestro is presently the Clinical Director of the Brain Tumour Research Center at the Montreal Neurological Institute, still the only neurological institution in the world to have a research center and a hospital in the same building, making it a model for the rest of the world.

In what he refers to as his “magnificent obsession”, Del Maestro boasts one of the largest and finest private collections of materials related to Leonardo da Vinci in North America and perhaps the world.

Most of his outstanding collection is housed in a library in his Nun’s Island home.

His most prized items are meticulously displayed in illuminated museum-like glass display cases. Hundreds of rare manuscripts, books and facsimiles related to da Vinci fill the dark wood shelves in Del Maestro’s private library. One of his most prized possession is a 382-yearold compendium of the artist’s sketches of art and anatomy, the Accolti. He has been the curator for several exhibitions related to his private collection.

Del Maestro believes that the human brain is capable of doing much more than we give it credit for. “It has the capacity to do all kinds of marvelous things”. Leonardo da Vinci is proof of this and has provided the world with numerous and timeless examples of such marvels. v

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Valérie Khayat

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24 ans peu d’entre nous peuvent se vanter d’entamer une carrière prometteuse d’auteure-compositrice et poète, le tout comblé par un diplôme d’études supérieures dans un des programmes les plus convoités du pays. C’est en effet ce qu’a accompli Valérie Khayat, une ravissante jeune artiste dont le sourire et le charisme presque contagieux sauraient faire fondre l’âme la plus endurcie. Cette beauté moitié-libanaise moitié-italienne vient récemment de lancer son tout premier livre intitulé The Road To Vesper. Cette œuvre poétique est un recueil des pensées les plus profondes de Valérie.

Pour Valérie, tout a débuté par la poésie depuis qu’elle est très jeune.

«Au fil des ans, j’ai accumulé plusieurs journaux intimes et à force d’écrire, j’ai développé un grand intérêt à comprendre mes émotions et à les exprimer par écrit. Mes débuts en composition musicale, sont d’ailleurs fondés dans l’écriture de ma poésie,» explique-t-elle.

Valérie a vite trouvé une audience. Après avoir acheté sa première guitare il y a 6 ans, elle s’est appris elle-même à la jouer et un an plus tard elle se trouvait sur une scène à chanter ses propres compositions dans des soirées ‘open mic’ où tous les yeux étaient rivés sur elle. La jeune chanteuse cite plusieurs sources d’inspiration qui ont stimulé l’artiste en elle. Il y a tout d’abord son éclectique répertoire d’influences musicales composées de Charles Aznavour, Joni Mitchell, Lauryn Hill sans oublier Bjork et puis des poètes comme Federico Garcia Lorca et Pablo Neruda entre autres.

En tant que fière italienne, elle se doit de mentionner ses nombreux voyages à Milan, qui ont d’ailleurs grandement contribué à l’inspirer. Elle aime beaucoup la musique de Lucio

par Aicha Cissé

Battisti et les écrits de Cesare Pavese. Valérie reconnaît aussi l’inconditionnel amour de sa famille, plus particulièrement sa complicité avec sa grand-mère, Evelina, qu’elle considère comme une grande confidente.

«Ma grand-mère est une femme très forte et elle a aussi cette ‘joie de vivre italienne’.

Mes voyages en Italie et le temps passé avec elles me gardent proche de mes origines et renforce ce lien avec ceux qui m’ont précédés. Je crois vraiment qu’en tant qu’artiste, il est important de se connaître à fond pour pouvoir exprimer son message à un auditoire».

Apres avoir étudié, entre autres, la photographie au Cegep John Abbott à travers le programme d’arts et lettres, Valérie a continué de prendre de magnifiques photos en noir et blanc durant ses voyages en Italie. A ses yeux, la photographie est un art qui permet «d’attribuer un visage humain aux différentes réalités qui existent». Loin d’être conformiste, cette jeune musicienne prend régulièrement part à la promotion de causes humanitaires. Elle attribue l’éveil de son côté activiste à son expérience universitaire et au programme de Communication de Concordia, mais avant tout à son désir de comprendre la nature humaine.

«J’ai suivi plusieurs cours qui traitaient de globalisation et d’enjeux sociaux dans lesquels le but était d’analyser et de formuler nos propres opinions. Ça m’a encouragée à ne pas accepter les choses comme elles sont, surtout les injustices. Ce besoin de questionner complémente mon côté artistique et l’art devient aussi un moyen de sensibiliser, de réfléchir et surtout, d’évoquer la compassion chez mon public.»

Contrairement à ce que nous projettent les médias, Valérie insiste sur la créativité et le fait que «la musique authentique est un art qui n’est pas créé à partir d’une formule gagnante.»

«Il faut continuellement cultiver et enrichir sa perspective des choses. L’art devient une extension de la richesse intérieure et de l’évolution personnelle. Je crois que c’est ce qui est à la base de la longévité dans la carrière de l’artiste et c’est ce que je vise,» explique Valérie en attendant le lancement de son premier album. Une chose est certaine … nous n’avons pas fini d’entendre parler de cette jeune artiste au talent inégalable. www.myspace.com/valeriekhayat. v

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The Other Side of Sean

by Chiara Folini

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ust 27 years old, Sean Marckos Benvenuto has overcome many impediments to be where he is today.

While enrolled in the cinema program during college, he knew he had discovered his true calling to be a filmmaker. Being born handicapped, Sean grew up with social pressures and was all too familiar with fighting against adversity. Coming from an Italian/ Spanish family with the traditional expectations of becoming a lawyer, Sean’s aspirations diverged from what his parents had expected of him. Upon realizing his talent, his parents became more supportive and now tre côté” Poster of the film “De l’au even his younger sister shares his passion for the arts.

Sean grew up very close to his grandfather Rafel Benvenuto, who was born in Calabria. During World War 1, his grandfather’s family and many other Italians had to immigrate to La Boca, a little region in Bueno Aires, Argentina. “I learned the lessons of ingenuity from my grandfather who introduced me to the world of film. While my grandfather lived as a welder with limited resources, he showed me how to make the most of it” Sean tells.

In 2003, Sean founded Dreamsgate Pictures, his own entertainment and communications company with the collaboration of his partner Jean-Robert Cloutier. Dreamsgate Pictures sought “to further the artistic realm of the motion picture industry in Quebec” says Sean. His aim was to produce works that allow his audiences to dream and to escape reality, which he did with his first feature entitled “De L’Autre Cote.” The Other Side, a film about Hugo Durain who goes through a near-death experience and loses his capability to perform as a musician. Due to unexpected events as a school janitor, he enters a world of supernatural encounters leading him to face the other side where secrets are concealed. The film has been selected to be shown in 11 international film festivals across the world including Hawaii, United States, Italy and South Africa. The Other Side will be the first Quebecois independent feature film screened in the Grauman Chinese Theater facing Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. “I’m so excited to display my work in a prestigious theater where my ultimate favorite film Indiana Jones was premiered” said Sean with excitement. As I saw Sean visualizing this day yet to come through his sparkling eyes, it was clear that little boy in him finally was fulfilling his dream.

He also expressed his gratitude in being able to display his film in the Italian Salento Fear Festival in Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy. His movie was selected from among those of such influential producers as Gray Fredrickson from the trilogy series of The Godfather. The Other Side represented only one out of four international films chosen for the festival. Sean feels proud and closely connected to his Italian roots.

Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Luc Besson are the filmmakers who inspired Sean to pursue his career. Among these childhood role models came inspirational movies like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Star Wars” which were movies admired for their action-filled and stylized visual effects. “Not only did these films revolutionize the film industry at that time, they inspired filmmakers to push the boundaries for higher-quality special effects.” Sean expresses. He feels this burning urge to tell stories to a wider audience. Ingenious in his approach, Sean chose to write a film with a taboo topic. “I was curious about the supernatural because it seemed to me to be something refreshingly out-of-touch with the world. If I can inspire and stimulate thought about an unconscious world beyond the known then I have done my job” says Sean. He invested his hopes for four months in writing the script followed by 45 shooting days and two years of post-production.

Sean came to this realization, that instead of fulfilling his goal individually, it required a team with patience, perseverance and belief in his company’s goals. Therefore, his company has opened his doors to recent film graduates who want to gain experience through an internship. “My business is all about finding people who are equally passionate about filmmaking and that have the desire to learn more about the industry” Sean declares proudly.

Sean has also given back to the community, undertaking various projects like creating Time World Association and Dreamsgate Children’s Foundation. The foundation would form an audio-visual therapy to help treat and provide a medium for children to be the artist of their films. As for Time World Association, it is a non-profit organization that is presently organizing an event to build awareness and raise funds for the prevalent crisis in Darfur. Sean believes in helping those in need. “I believe my grandfather passed a tiny shred of that quality on to me” says Sean about his generous spirit. “I am an immigrant so I know how it feels to struggle and fight for what I want, I truly understand what my Italian grandparents went through” states Sean. Sean has adopted his grandfather’s appreciation for every precious moment of life.

Being partly Italian/Spanish, English and French Canadian, his vast knowledge of cultures reflects his ideas for his upcoming films. Sean defines himself as a “citizen of the

Sean Marckos Benvenuto

world,” embraces other cultures while preserving his Italian roots. As he speaks of Italian family celebrations and traditions, a sense of familial pride is heard in his voice.

Many did not have faith in Sean’s abilities, yet he saw it as an advantage. Despite technical and financial setbacks, Sean made it clear that it has only made him stronger.

Sean describes success for him as “being happy with my achievements and in what I do, and not in what others think of me.” He truly believes that money is only a tool but not a reaching goal. “No one should believe that any dream is beyond their capability.” advises Sean.

Dreamsgate Pictures’ future lies in the interest of expanding his projects with a bigger budget to the international market. Recently a television segment on E-Talk mentioned The Other Side. “I’m so happy that my film is receiving lots of exposure” Sean modestly states on the unexpected response to his film. Given the success of the film, he is planning to create a sequel to The Other Side.

As a screenwriter, director and producer, Sean has outshone the expectations of his family and friends. Sean truly embodies a person who has turned his dream into a reality. With a constant positive outlook on life, the sky is the limit for this young over-achiever. “I would like to direct my first large-scale film production in Hollywood before I turn 30” replied Sean when asked about his future goals. Even though he has lots of work ahead of him in the coming years, Sean is confident “It’s going to happen.” No doubt he has many supporters rooting for him.

For more information: www.dreamsgatepictures.com, www.seanmarckos.com, www.theothersidemovie.com. v

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www.ptg.ca

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RITRATTOportrait

Dark Horse

By Joey Franco and Mario Di Flavio

A

s a young boy in a tiny village near Cassino, Luigi Della Grotta used to drive a carriage propelled by a horse. He earned two lira per hour.

Later on in his life it would be a different horse that would propel his dreams, a prancing horse.

Luigino, as they called him in his native town of Sant’Apollinare in the province of Lazio, came from a family of seven children; four boys and three girls. Two of the boys were tailors, the other two were mechanics. Luigi was a mechanic.

Luigi remembers the days when prior to becoming a mechanic one had to learn to be a “maniscalco”, a blacksmith.

“In order to save coal, a horseshoe had to be crafted on the first attempt, there was no room for errors” recalls Luigi. Perhaps this is where he acquired his perfectionism.

At the tender age of 11, Luigi began to learn his trade in a tiny mechanic shop in Cassino. It was also at a young age that Luigi’s entrepreneurial spirit began to fleurish; He began renting bicycles in the neighboring town of San Giorgio a Liri.

Like many young Italian men under Mussolini’s rule, Luigi Della Grotta’s life was put on hold as he entered military service during World War II. On a fateful day in 1941, as Luigi’s battalion was returning to Sicily from Casablanca, the Italians were captured by American troops in Enna, Sicily. Luigi was one of nearly 2000 prisoners who would be sent to the United States in the Prisoner of War (POW) camps. He spent two months aboard a merchant ship on a voyage which took him from Sicily, to Africa and finally to New York.

Upon their arrival in New York City, Luigi identified himself as a mechanic. In all, ten Italians were sent to learn mechanics at a school in Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving his diploma, Luigi’s job was to inspect motors in American camps.

“In four years I never made a mistake,” proclaims Della Grotta.

When the war was over and Luigi was a free man, he returned to a war stricken Italy, it was barren and in ruins. Cassino had been destroyed. A local priest was looking for mechanics, and Luigi was ready to travel to the farthest reaches of the earth to pursue his passion.

He found his way to Cordoba, Argentina on a two year contract at an aviation plant earning 300 pesos per month. Not bad. There was only one problem, Luigi was an auto mechanic not an airplane mechanic, he knew little to nothing about airplanes. He actually worked there for six months before having to explain to the authorities that there had been a misunderstanding and that he was in fact an auto mechanic. The company agreed to void his contract.

After one year of looking for work in Argentina, Luigi met Juan-Manuel Fangio, a man who many consider to be the greatest race car driver of all time. Luigi worked as Fangio’s mechanic in a famous rally championship race with the starting line in Caracas and the finish line in Buenos Aires.

5000 kilometers in distance.

Both Luigi Della Grotta and Juan-Manuel Fangio would eventually go their separate ways. Fangio would write formula one history by winning five world championships with Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes and Ferrari. Luigi would write his own history in Montreal, Canada.

After several tough years of working as a mechanic in Montreal, Luigi returned to his wife Mabel, whom he had met in Argentina and his two daughters, Maria and Sonia who were now in Italy. One day a letter from a man named David Hamilton arrived at the Della Grotta house in Italy. Hamilton offered Luigi a five year

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RITRATTOportrait

Luigi Della Grotta - A man serious about his business.

Luigi and members of the Ferrari Club. contract to work in his garage in Montreal. Luigi accepted the offer and packed his bags once again.

After witnessing Della Grotta’s skills and dedication to his trade, Hamilton gave Luigi his very own garage. He was soon flooded with work and his business began to thrive.

But Luigi had something on his mind and he couldn’t let go of it. He wanted to bring Ferraris to Canada.

One day Della Grotta packed his bags and booked a flight to Modena. He entered the Ferrari head office and spoke to Amerigo Manicardi, Ferrari’s international sales manager at the time. Luigi explained to Mr. Manicardi that he wanted a Ferrari dealership in Canada. Manicardi refused to let Luigi even speak to Enzo Ferrari, and assuring him that he had made a mistake, showed Luigi the door.

Luigi returned to Canada and went on with his life. But he wasn’t going to forget about it. It wasn’t long before he packed his bags again; destination Modena. Luigi met with Manicardi. “Mr. Della Grotta, go back to Canada,” he was told. “I’ve just come from Canada,” Luigi fired back. Manicardi told him that his proposition was impossible and showed Luigi the exit once again.

Luigi went home to Montreal and his business and continued fixing his cars. In 1960 he decided to try his luck one last time.

As Della Grotta walked into the Ferrari head office an exasperated Amerigo Manicardi stood and watched in disbelief, and out of desperation, agreed to let him speak to Enzo Ferrari. Luigi explained his plans to Enzo Ferrari as il commendatore shook his head, “I won’t allow my cars to go to the North Pole, it’s too cold,” he said. Luigi assured Enzo that his automobiles would only be driven during the summer.

Luigi’s perseverance paid off, a Ferrari 250 was the first Ferrari to reach Canada.

The 250 would eventually be sold to a lawyer in Quebec City and Luigi Sport Cars was born. Della Grotta would continue to sell about a dozen cars per year but only to clients he deemed worthy. He didn’t care if you had a million dollars to spend, if you didn’t know the car, know how to drive the car and truly love the car enough to treat it well, you didn’t get one. In all these years of working on these special automobiles Luigi has never had a client come back with a complaint and has never had one single claim made against Ferrari.

An incredible feat in itself.

One might say that Luigi Della Grotta has had a love affair with his suitcase, his mechanic’s tools and that prancing horse. While most of his dreams have come true, Luigi still has one more desire, to make Montreal the automotive capital of North America. A wish that does not seem so far fetched thanks to his contributions, determination and love for what he does.

So just as he brought the first Ferrari to Quebec, Luigi also started the first Ferrari club in this Province.

In 1990 he founded the Luigi Ferrari Club. In 1995 the club was incorporated as the Club Ferrari Quebec. There are currently fifty members in the club, which organizes events year round.

Frank Del Pinto, co-founder and member of CFQ is proud to be associated with Luigi Della Grotta’s club. “Whenever there was a world meeting at Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari always wanted his good friend Luigi Della Grotta to be seated at his table.” says Del Pinto.

Luigi was referred to as the “Enzo” of Canada. It has been said that Luigi Della Grotta and Enzo Ferrari were a lot alike. Those who knew both men will attest to that. Nothing but pure, unbridled and focused passion for what was Ferrari. They were both perfectionists, meticulous in every way, but never changed their philosophy about their work and about their very special “product”. They conducted their lives and businesses in the same way and shared a life-long mutual admiration for each other.

The name Ferrari will live on, there is no doubt, but for those who are intrigued by the true mystique behind this name, you must learn about its origin, its progression, its failures and triumphs. Many race fans and Ferrari fans of a new generation know Schumacher, and championships and grand prix parties. What they may not know is that in a garage on Henri Bourassa in Ville St-Laurent, an 85 year-old man called Luigi Della Grotta can be found, every week from Monday to Saturday, surrounded by photographs, cars and memories. A man who has been around the world and experienced just about anything you can imagine. He has worked with legends, walked with legends and whether he likes it or not, has himself become a legend. If you stop by and see him, he’ll invite you in, offer you a seat and a coffee and some of the most interesting stories you’ll ever hear.

Between the time you get up to leave and he sees you to the door and you’re sitting in your car, it dawns on you that you have just been in the presence of someone special. If you want to brush up against the greatness that is Ferrari, don’t try to bump into a driver at a party, go see Luigi. v

Tony Loffreda, C.P.A. Regional Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services Quebec West

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Little Angel called home too soon Brandon-Jonathan Teresi’s illness went undetected

By Melanie Porco

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t was the last room. The only one left to pack. They had put it off until the very end, and now it was time. They had rented the moving truck for tomorrow m o r n i n g, a n d t h i s was i t . Th i s was Brandon’s room. The one room their sweet three-year-old son had called his until he passed away almost two years ago. It still seemed so unreal, but a reality they faced everyday.

Everything was just as Brandon had left it and his mom and dad hadn’t Brandon with big brother Joey, mother Nancy touched a thing. “We didn’t want to move and father Sal. anything. This was his room and I still don’t feel right putting anything away,” says Nancy Fiorino, Brandon’s mom. The family was moving and packing Brandon’s things, his furniture, his clothes, his toys, it all had to be done, but it wasn’t easy. Even his crib sat in the same spot it had since that Thanksgiving morning in 2005 when his parents brought him into the hospital – they never had the chance to get him that “big boy bed” that they’d promised, and they never thought that would be the last time he would be in his room. It all happened so fast.

It wasn’t uncommon for Brandon to all of a sudden become weak – going from dancing and jumping around, to just slouched over his mother’s shoulder. “He was a happy boy, full of energy, and then he’d be tired,” said Sal, Brandon’s dad. At one and a half years of age, right before Christmas, Brandon had fought through what the doctor’s thought was a strong gastro. “He only started coming around and cracking a smile when we put the Teletubbies on in his hospital room days after he’d been there,” explained Nancy. The next year, right after Christmas he was taken to the hospital once more. This time, doctor’s felt Brandon’s liver was swollen and immediately started treatment. All they could do was keep him well hydrated by intravenous and feed him vitamins that way as well. Unfortunately, a

liver must come back on it’s own, so the family waited. They spent days in the intensive care unit through to the start of 2005, with their son in a comma-like state. Eventually, he regained consciousness as his liver slowly began to fight its way back. Doctor’s were amazed and the family was overjoyed. Brandon asked for doughnuts, a word he had never said before. Soon he was ready to go home.

Six months later, energy-less once more, Brandon found himself at Ste-Justine’s hospital. Doctor’s said his liver had begun to fail again, but he never lost consciousness this time.

This episode wasn’t as severe as the last. He even celebrated his third birthday in his hospital room. Once again, his liver regained its strength. Doctor’s seemed baffled – they ran their tests and did a liver biopsy. And once again, he was sent home.

The summer months passed and Brandon seemed healthy, but his mom and dad constantly worried, never knowing when he’d suddenly lose that energy, when they’d have to take him back to the hospital. The biopsy results still hadn’t come in.

When they took him in on that Thanksgiving morning, his parents feared the worst. Another episode, but Brandon seemed too alert. That would soon change rapidly.

Once again his liver was failing. Through the night, doctors gave him plasma. Tuesday morning, he was agitated and not himself. By Wednesday he was in and out of consciousness. “He grabbed my face and said three times, “Mommy, I luf you.” That’s how he said love. I could sense that he wasn’t even sure I was there; he said it with such urgency. I knew it was bad. It was really bad this time,” said Nancy. She was right; those words would be the last her little angel would speak to anyone.

Brandon went to sleep that night and never woke up again. The next day, doctors placed him on the waiting list for a liver transplant, but hours later he’d be taken off.

His liver was regaining strength. Finally the biopsy results from June had come in and he was given an MRI. Doctors had at last figured it out: Brandon had what they called Mitochondrial disease. A genetic disease he had since the day of conception, a disease where every cell in the body does not contain the right mechanisms to produce energy, where every organ begins to shutdown until eventual death. There is no treatment and there is no cure. “We couldn’t believe it. There were so many doctors sitting there with us, but it was such a blur. I mean I understood, but I didn’t. It was just surreal,” said Sal. Mitochondria are incredibly important to our understanding of the human body.

If there is a defect in mitochondrial function and formation, life cannot be sustained.

Mitochondria are tiny organelles found in almost every cell in the body. They are known as the “powerhouse of the cell” and are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of cellular energy. Understanding these organelles can lead to the understanding of various illnesses, including diabetes, heart, liver, and kidney disease, among others. Mitochondria are essential to human existence.

That night, Brandon slipped into a coma. As his family sat by his side, and watched doctors and nurses come in and out, take blood and run more tests, Brandon slowly slipped further and further away. The next day, doctors met with the family again and reconfirmed what had been said. There was nothing left to do. The machines were doing the work for him - his little body wasn’t functioning on its own at all. Now, they had to decide when to end it.

“This is my son. How could we make that decision? How could any parent?” said Sal. By the Saturday morning, Brandon’s blood pressure was seemingly non-existent and the family had no choice. This was it. It was time to let go. Nancy held her son in her arms until the last second. “It just didn’t make sense. It all didn’t make sense,” she said.

Brandon died October 15, 2005. “It was like yesterday, the smells, sights, sounds of the machines, the hospital room, I can still see and hear it all so vividly,” says his mom, “but for Sal and I, those six days were so huge in our lives. They’ve meant and changed everything, but we have to keep going for Joey.” Brandon left behind a big brother. A brother who, at eight years old, was forced to face the reality of life, in death, who had to quickly understand what was happening and had no choice but to take part in every step – his baby brother would no longer be there to follow him around, to play with him, to listen as he told his mom about school, or to even fight with, simply put, he wouldn’t be there anymore. “We always played together,” said Joey. “We were always together and I always showed him what to do. Now he’s the one showing me, watching over all of us.”

As they packed Brandon’s room, it seemed time had stood still - the smells slowly faded, but his smile and infectious giggle seemed to seep through all they touched. Box after box piled in the hallway as Brandon’s room slowly became empty. As Nancy removed the “Shhh, Angel Sleeping,” sign from his door, she cried. A present he’d received upon his birth. “He really is our sleeping angel now,” she said.

Brandon’s room may be empty now, but his spirit continues to fill the family’s hearts and minds. Within weeks of his death, the family started the Brandon-Jonathan Teresi Foundation in his honour. “We had to do something,” said Nancy. In conjunction with SteJustine’s Hospital’s Genetics department and Dr. Grant Mitchell, they hope to raise funds to help facilitate research for Mitochondrial disease. So far, the family has raised $35,000. “If we can prevent this from happening to just one family, it will be worth it,” said Sal. For more information about Mitochondrial disease and how you can help, visit the Brandon-Jonathan Teresi Foundation’s web-site at www.bjtfoundation.org. v

Antonio Colannino with his wife Anna and children Iriana, Daniela and Gianmarco.

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“Mr. C”

by Aicha Cissé

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

T

hese immortal words spoken by the great Albert Einstein can easily be applied to the late Antonio ‘Tony’ Colannino. A dedicated husband and proud father of three, Colannino shared an unabated passion for education. “Mr. C”, the sweet-tempered teacher, who passed away in 2005 after a battle with cancer, will forever be remembered fondly by his loved ones and the people of John F. Kennedy High School.

Tony Colannino dedicated most of his time to enjoying life to its fullest and giving back to his community. His wife and best friend Anna Paduano is the first to reminisce about her husband’s love of life, almost teary-eyed. His children, Iriana, Daniela and Gianmarco share an equally inspiring sense of admiration when they Antonio Colannino (1948-2005) speak of their father.

“My dad was always busy, always helping people. He fixed everything around the house. I’ll never forget how kind-hearted and generous he was, almost selfless” describes his 24-year-old daughter Daniela.

Born in Panni, a small southern Italian town, Tony came to Canada at the age of 13. He graduated from McGill University in 1971 with a BA followed by a teaching certificate the year after. His 33-year career as an educator began at John F. Kennedy High School – he spent 29 years there. He taught religion, mathematics, languages and special education before becoming a vice-principal. Tony then briefly pursued his teaching career as principal of Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary School, in Rivière-des-Prairies. He went back to JFK after realizing that high school felt more like home, and became principal there. Tony’s good-natured personality enticed him to get A dedicated educator. involved in many community-related projects. A soccer enthusiast, he served as vice-president of the RDP Soccer Club, as well as contributing to its House League during the early and mid 1990’s. Tony loved being in the ‘limelight’. He was very committed not only to school activities but also to personal events involving the Panni Cultural Association. He simply delighted in organizing the Association’s Children’s Christmas Party or the Annual Dinner Dance. On the school front, his interests ranged from ordinary activities to far-fetched ones like the collection of $2000 in ‘pennies’ which he had the students roll and send to the Red Cross. The collecting of these “pennies for peace” took place during the conflict in Kosovo. He had a way with everyone – but unfortunately, when it all seemed to go well, Tony was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumors that afflict men over the age of 50, and true to the norm, he was diagnosed on January 13th and passed away on September 13th, the same year that he had planned to retire. But, on January 12th, 2006, exactly a year after he left his beloved school, JFK paid back by holding a very moving Memorial in his honor at which time the auditorium was named for him. Also, every year, at graduation, a student who has made the most improvement will receive the Tony Colannino Award. This award, which is non-academic is a true tribute to “Mr. C” who cared not only for the academic aspect but to the total development of the student as a person – a human being.

“My husband lived his life to the fullest. His passing left a huge void, but generated something wonderful and that is the very newly established Tony Colannino Foundation.

The purpose of the Foundation which is a wholly non-profit organization is to increase awareness in the devastating effects of brain tumors and the funds will be used to promote research on the disease. His wife, retired in 2000, now dedicates her time to the foundation.

The Tony Colannino Foundation will be formally launched with a Cocktail Party on Friday, September 21st, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Complex Le Baron. All proceeds will go to the Montreal Neurological Institute. v

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Remembering

A Simple, Good Man

by Laura Casella

F

rank Goffredo was your average man. His parents were originally from Monacilione, Campobasso, and Frank was born and raised in Montreal, he was a hard working, loyal, and funny fellow.

“He had a good sense of humor,” says his wife, Anna, of twenty-eight years. “He was a very calm person too. I probably only saw him angry two or three times in all the years I’ve known him,” she says, sitting comfortably in the Rivière des Prairies home she shared with her husband and their three children, Michael, 26, Joey, 25, and Samantha, 16.

Anna met the charming Frank when she was eighteen years old and he was nineteen. They were married August 4th, 1979. Anna remembers the day like it was yesterday.

“It was a very hot, very sunny day. The sky was blue, blue,” she says, smiling, as a picture of them looking happy on their wedding day hangs on the wall.

Frank Goffredo worked at CN for thirty-four years. But just recently, decided he wanted to make some extra cash before both their sons’ upcoming weddings. But tragically, it was his part-time job that would change the lives of his family forever.

On May 19th of this year, while working the night shift, a drunk driver driving on the wrong side of the road, struck Frank while he held the door open for a group of girls celebrating a birthday downtown. He sadly passed away shortly after in hospital, at the age of 50.

“Before leaving for his shift we were having a quiet dinner together, just he and I,” says his wife, Anna, teary-eyed. “Then at 3:10 a.m. I got the call, and before I knew it, he was gone.”

According to Anna, for a man who was always available for his children in order to avoid them ever getting behind the wheel drunk, this was extremely hard, as it still is, for her to accept.

“I was very angry at the beginning,” she says. “We ourselves never got behind the wheel after having a drink. My husband never drank, period. That was the rule in this house. So to be hit by that (a drunk driver), it was just so unnecessary.”

But Anna isn’t letting this go. After her husband’s death, she started a petition to make the laws for drinking and driving stricter. She believes the sentence for this dreadful crime should be life in jail.

“You have to pay for your actions,” she says assertively. “I don’t want vengeance on this man who killed my husband, I just want justice.”

However, what angers Anna the most is the fact that her children were robbed of a father, and she was robbed of a best friend.

“I’m upset that my kids were robbed of their wedding days,” she says, now tears rolling down her cheeks. “Now was our time to relax and have some fun. We wanted to travel together, and just enjoy our lives.”

na. s beloved wife An Goffredo with hi The late Frank

But despite this unthinkable loss, Anna tries to remember the good times. Frank, an avid ski fan, loved the winter, something many us could find hard to believe. The snow, she says, will always make her think of him.

“He loved the snow and the cold,” she says, now a smile stretching across her face. “He would put on his favorite flannel shirt and chuckle, ‘This is my favorite weather’ and we would all laugh.”

According to Anna, her kids are all great skiers just like their dad. Also, with her sons getting married next year, Anna thinks of the possibility of grand children one day, something, she says, Frank looked forward to very much.

“He would have told them stories, and maybe teach them how to ski,” she says, courageously. He would have definitely had them over for sleepovers too.”

But although Frank won’t be there to do all those things, Anna says she will make sure to do all of them for him. She also says her and her kids’ talk about him a lot, remembering what daddy would do in any given situation.

“He wasn’t a showy guy, and he never complained,” says Anna. “He really liked to joke, and play pranks. He was just a simple man…a good man.”

An average man he was, but a great one, too. v

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Vincenzo D’Alessio: The life behind a landmark

Vincenzo D’Alessio doing what he loved best.

by Giuseppe Valiante

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istorians say human history was written on the back of the horse. Likewise, the history of Café Milano in St Leonard was inscribed on the back of its workhorse: co-owner Vincenzo D’Alessio, who passed away June 19, 2007, leaving behind three children and his wife of 27 years. He was 61.

Many of the café’s regulars—some since the store first opened in 1971 - didn’t know Vincenzo’s real name.

They called him “Marco Antonio” for decades, after his lucky Blue Bonnets racehorse, and probably didn’t realize how fitting the term of endearment really was.

Horses are known for their strength, persistence and energy. Horses are completely devoted to their work, rarely give up and are dependable, honest and loyal. And as Vincenzo’s friends, colleagues and family can attest, the staple of Café Milano carried all these characteristics.

“At times like these, I didn’t realize how much he did,” said Vincenzo’s 26-year-old daughter Rosanna, who is a financial planner at Banque Nationale du Canada. Sitting with the rest of her family in the living room of her father’s St Leonard home, she spoke about the legacy he left: a community gathering spot with loyal customers of all ages, races and social strata; a legacy of quality coffee, quality food and quality service - a Montreal landmark. “Now that everybody’s telling me how much he did, I’m still loving him even more.”

Youngest of eight siblings, Vincenzo D’Alessio was born in the small town of Sassano, which is located in the Italian province of Salerno, on April 3, 1946. “His heart was always there,” said his second of two daughters, Antonella, 25, who is studying accounting at UQAM. “He was really attached to his roots.”

Vincenzo’s wife, Francesca, explained that back in Italy, he worked with his father on the farm, but according to his brothers, he was always thinking of starting a business.

“My uncles always would say,” Rosanna recounted, “your father, since he’s seven, he knew how to deal with people. He had charisma, he had entrepreneurial skill.”

Vincenzo displayed these attributes when he bought the financially-burdened Café Milano from its original owner, Matteo Paranzino, in 1976. Slowly, Vincenzo developed a loyal clientele, and a few months after purchasing the café, he brought Paranzino back in as co-owner.

The two men worked together ever since.

Sitting at the expanded section of Café Milano (the original store was much smaller, 800 square feet compared with today’s 3,500) Paranzino said it was easy for him to choose the name, “I had to go for the permit, it was the easiest name I could figure out.”

Everything else, though, proved more difficult.

Café Milano is open 24-7. Paranzino said the hours are justified because himself, Vincenzo and “the boys” would play cards in the café until the early morning. “We decided, ‘we’re closing up now, it’s two, three o’clock, and we’re open at five. What’s the use closing?’” The store rarely did.

The holiest day on the Roman Catholic calendar couldn’t prevent Vincenzo from serving his clients. He’d spend Christmas Eve and morning with his family, then head down to the Café, often with his son, Giancarlo.

Even the infamous 1997 ice storm couldn’t freeze shut Café Milano’s doors. When it was easier to skate down the streets than walk, when many Montrealers spent the night in shelters, Vincenzo started up the store’s generators and allowed the community a place to feel at home.

The devotion he poured in to his work was well represented by the hours he clocked. For the last few years, Vincenzo went to work at midnight and only came home the following morning.

Rosanna said she used to remind her father that he owned the store—he shouldn’t have to work so hard.

Vincenzo disagreed.

“One day you’re going to understand,” Rosanna remembered her father explaining, “when you come from far […] when you’re going to have something that you built […] if you want to keep it you have to satisfy.

Sometimes people see the big picture, that outside everything is nice, but inside, you have to work hard and make a lot of sacrifices.”

Understanding the “value of having values,” studying hard, having goals and not stopping until they’ve been attained, were some of the lessons his tri-lingual children say their father instilled in them.

Vincenzo’s family and former co-workers want to keep his legacy alive. Paranzino’s son, Marco, continues to works at the café and said the store will keep the “same recipe” that has been so successful throughout the years.

Vincenzo’s son, Giancarlo, 17, also works at Milano and is entering grade 11 at Antoine de St. Exubery. He hopes to take over his father’s business some day.

“They say I look too much like my dad,” Giancarlo said about some of his 15 co-workers. “They say, ‘when I look at you, I see your dad.’”

Rosanna still speaks of her father in the present tense. She says believing that “he’s still right here,” helps her get through his passing. And if Vincenzo—or Marco Antonio—might not be around physically, the lessons and memories he’s shared with his family and community remain.

“He taught us…a passion for life,” says Antonella, “He taught us to grab inspiration from everyone you meet and from everything you do. He taught us to work hard, to watch, to listen and to be curious.” v

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Remembering

Tribute to Mamma Parasuco Gaetana (Mingari) Parasuco August 22, 1921-August 3, 2007

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t 8 p.m. on August 3, 2007, the Angels came to escort our loving mother to heaven. We had spent the last year in and out of the Royal Victoria Hospital. The whole family came together as we never left her alone, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, especially the last 3 months! The nurses and other patients would comment on how lucky my From left Salvatore Parasuco, center Mrs. Gaetana Mingari Parasuco, mother was to have such a loving family and we would always reply how blessed we were right, Giuseppe Parasuco in a rare portrait. to have such a loving and caring mother who always gave of her heart and never asked for anything in return. My brother While I was driving my Father Giuseppe was always by her side during the day and we would all to the hospital the week before she take turns to keep her company and care of her 24 hours a day. passed away, he told me a story Our careers took a back seat, our mother and family were and are I never knew about. In 1972, our priority! During these last 3 months we talked about and I came up with the idea of selling remembered so many simple but beautiful moments of our famipre-washed jeans. No laundry ly life growing together. Our sister Antonia made 6 trips from LA would take me seriously (to wash to be with our mother and us during the past year. the jeans) but my Mamma did.

We always knew she was a great mother and during the past I brought home a pair of jeans and year, we understood how much of a courageous woman she was. washed them and easily sold them.

Imagine that at age 26, this farm girl from Capizzi, Sicily who only Next day I brought home 30 more spoke her Sicilian dialect with a grade 3 education left her parents, jeans to wash. My Father explained brothers and sisters to board a big ship with two young sons to cross to me how she crie d al l day the Atlantic and REUNITE with her husband who was waiting in because she used too much bleach Montreal for over a year. My brother Giuseppe was 2 and I was 3 which made the wash different months shy of turning 4 years old. I remembered that trip and not from what I had instructed. What leaving our quarters for the whole journey. But it was only in the past I remembered was how excited I few months that I realized how much courage she had to make such was because they turned out better a journey with a dream for a better life for her family. I remember than my version! But it’s only the arriving in shorts and sandals, it was January 17, 1957. Exactly one week before her passing that year later, my sister Antonia was born, she was the first Canadian in I learned how she cried and worour family. Then came Domenic, Tina and Giacomo. ried about ruining my future.

In those days, there was no medicare, no welfare, no I’m the oldest of six children unemployment insurance and “no money.” Our Father, Antonio was and we were raised in a one bedin WWII and suffered in that war. Many times, he was too ill to go room, one bathroom house. Years to work and there were weeks where we would have no money or ago, my wife and I built “the home food at all, but somehow, our mother fed us, dressed us and kept us of our dreams” and when my parclean and taught us to respect others and to never complain. We were ents first came over for dinner, never allowed to ask for anything. When visiting relatives, if we were I proudly showed them the many offered something, we would need her eye signals to allow us to bedrooms, bathrooms and indoor accept or not! swimming pool. I had my arm I remember at 8 years old, I was helping her unravel and old around my mother’s shoulders and 1972: from left, Mrs. Gaetana Mingari Parasuco and Mr. Antonio Parasuco, sweater and she would recycle the yarn to knit socks for my Father. reminded her of that one bedroom looking proudly over the first PARASUCO laundry, in the family’s Montreal residence.

At that moment, I asked her how she put up with my Father who home we were raised in and she could be very stubborn and demanding at times. Her reply still plays replied “there was nothing wrong in my head today: “he loves us and always comes home to us!” With those few words, she with that home, we were healthy, happy and most of all, we were together!” taught me a life lesson: people may not be perfect but if they show “love, kindness and genThere is so much wisdom in that little comment about what is really important in life. erosity” it makes them almost perfect!

Mamma, you are so wise and right for I would give everything up just to be hugged by She would always see the good in people and not take sides in family disputes, her soluyou again. tion was “no matter what, family members must love each other” and that was it!

Mamma, ti ringrazio per tutto e da parte di tutta la nostra famiglia, ti vorremo sempre At age 19, I quit my $85 per week job and decided to open my own store! She worbene e sarai sempre nel nostro cuore. v ried and cried out “we have no money to help you, all we can give you is love and physical Salvatore support.” I replied “that’s more than most people have!”

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Dossier

Le Cinéma de Paul

TANA

des Grands Enfants à La Déroute Par Filippo Salvatore

Le personnage de Ninetta, dans La Sarrasine

aul Tana occupe une place particulière dans l’univers du cinéma québécois. Le réalisateur de La Sarrasine est, en effet, l’auteur d’une oeuvre originale et critique sur la société québécoise sur laquelle il porte le regard du cinéaste traversé par une appartenance culturelle autre. L’auteur de Caffè Italia, interroge souvent dans son cinéma l’urbanité cosmopolite, sa précarité, sa mouvance et la coexistence des différences.

Traversé par la culture québécoise et italienne, le cinéma de Paul Tana tout en s’occupant de la réalité migrante montréalaise, offre une réflexion sur le problème très complexe de l’équilibre à établir entre fidélité aux sources et ouverture au monde, entre nouveaux immigrants et société d’accueil.

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Un voyage au bout de soi (Les étoiles et autres corps - 1973), regards sur le quotidien (Deux contes de la rue Berri - 1975-6), entre précarité et recherche d’identité (Les grands enfants - 1979), huit portraits des Italiens de Montréal (la série Planète - 1980), trois générations se racontent (Caffè Italia, Montréal - 1985), entre hasards et velléités du désir (Le Marchand de Jouets - 1989), une sarrasine parmi les érables (La Sarrasine - 1992), la fatalité des origines (La Déroute - 1998): cette chaîne de titres est en soi un parcours des grands thèmes présents dans le cinéma de Paul Tana.

On peut déceler deux grands courants thématiques dans sa production filmique.

D’une part, il y a chez lui une propension à faire un discours philosophique,ontologique sur la nature de l’homme et du cinéma. On constate en effet que Les étoiles et autres corps, Les Grands Enfants, et jusqu’à un certain point La Déroute abordent et privilégient l’expression d’un éventail de questions existentielles. Questionnement presque sartrien sur l’absurdité de l’être, impossibilité de tout connaître, de tout comprendre chez Alex dans Les Étoiles et Autres Corps; précarité du quotidien, manque de grands idéaux, refus de se définir socialement, acceptation de la petite vie à la limite de l’errance chez François et ses amis dans Les Grands Enfants; désencrage du réel et de ses coordonnées spatio-temporelles, jeux de la séduction au hasard des rencontres, logique écartée au profit de l’imprévisible chez Marianne, Charles et Paulo dans Le Marchand de Jouets; interrogation sur le rôle de l’image en regard de la mémoire, les origines chez Joe Aiello dans La Déroute.

D’autre part dans Les Gens Heureux n’ont pas d’Histoire, la série Planète, Caffè Italia, Montréal, La Sarrasine, La Déroute et jusqu’à un certain point Les Grands Enfants, c’est la dimension socio-historique et identitaire qui prédomine: les personnages de Nino dans Les Gens Heureux n’ont pas d’Histoire, de Jeanne Rossi dans Les Grands Enfants, de Ninetta dans La Sarrasine, de Joe Aiello dans La Déroute, les acteurs/personnages Pierre Curzi et Tony Nardi dans Caffè Italia Montréal, se questionnent sur l’appartenance. Le souvenir qu’ils ont de leur pays d’origine, l’Italie, est basé sur un rapport de haine et d’amour ainsi que sur une volonté plus ou moins consciente de la nécessité de se forger une identité nouvelle.

Les Grands Enfants est une chronique douce-amère sur une jeunesse qui dérive lentement au gré des événements. Le scénario a été minutieusement écrit et pourtant l’intrigue semble concéder une large part à l’improvisation, au hasard. C’est le quotidien de quatre jeunes personnages qui est présenté: François, Marielle, Jean-Claude, et Jeanne, une fleuriste d’origine italienne. Tous sont partagés entre leur besoin d’amour, de tendresse et celui de liberté. Ils ne poursuivent pas de grands idéaux, ils se contentent de leur petite vie.

Jeanne Rossi est celle qui se questionne avec plus d’acuité. Elle incarne une forme de nihilisme identitaire enjoué. À François qui lui dit: “Tu parles des Italiens comme si t’étais pas Italienne.” Elle répond: “J’suis pas Italienne. A Montréal, on me dit que je suis Italienne, en Italie, on me dit que je suis Canadienne, moi, je dis que je suis rien.” La marginalité est la normalité et le manque d’ambition et de réussite sociale n’est pas vu comme un défaut. L’arte di arrangiarsi s’institue en mode de vie, ce qui met les personnages dans des situations loufoques à la limite du tragique. Cette façon de faire rappelle et fait songer aux meilleurs exemples de la nouvelle comédie italienne, telle qu’un Massimo Troisi l’a pratiquée dans Ricomincio da Tre où l’humour et la mélancolie sont constamment en balance.

Le discours sur l’identité s’élargit dans le deuxième long métrage de Paul Tana: Caffè Italia, Montréal. C’est la voix chorale et contrapuntique de toute une communauté qui y est captée. Trois générations se racontent et se cherchent. Contrairement aux huit portraits des Italiens de Montréal présentés de façon didactique dans la série Planète, Caffè Italia, Montréal propose un discours ouvert, aux pistes multiples.

Pourquoi le titre Caffè Italia, Montréal? Le film commence et se termine au Caffè Italia qui se trouve au coeur de la Petite Italie de Montréal. Tana veut enraciner son analyse socio-historique de la communauté italienne dans une réalité vivante. Toutefois, le Caffè Italia joue le rôle symbolique d’un microcosme avec ses traits tant positifs que caricaturaux. C’est à partir de ces deux niveaux de signification qu’il faut dégager la thématique du film: tracer le portrait de l’identité italo-québécoise, la conflictualité qui la caractérise, son évolution depuis la fin du 19e siècle, ses constantes et ses paradoxes.

Dans son deuxième long métrage Paul Tana et son co-scénariste, l’historien Bruno Ramirez, ont choisi de monter parallèlement des documents d’archives, des témoignages étalés sur trois générations,des extraits de pièces de théâtre écrites par Tony Nardi et des reconstitu-

tions dramatiques - en particulier le couronnement du “roi” des Italiens Antonio Cordasco et l’internement des Italiens, devenus enemy aliens, en 1940 lors de la déclaration de guerre de Mussolini au Dominion du Canada.

Le moyen métrage, Le Marchand de Jouets, est le seul film de Paul Tana adapté d’un texte littéraire. Il met en images la trame d’une nouvelle du même titre de Naïm Kattan, tirée du recueil (Le Rivage - 1982). La trame du film découle de la rencontre fortuite d’un marchand de jouets et d’une femme accompagnée de son enfant, dans un wagon de train faisant le trajet Montréal-Toronto.

Tana garde foncièrement la même trame, mais privilégie une fin ouverte. Hasard, ludisme, émotion gèrent les rapports entre Charles, Marianne et son fils Paulo. Charles se sent attiré par elle bien qu’elle ait un comportement bizarre. Elle en est consciente et entame un jeu de séduction afin de le manipuler à sa guise. Et il finit effectivement par devenir un homme/jouet qu’elle marchande. La gare, le train, un voyage en taxi, un appartement anonyme, puis la sortie énigmatique de Marianne pendant des heures,le rôle de substitut de père de Charles, une longue attente qui lui permet de retrouver son libre-arbitre. Lorsqu’elle revient dans la nuit, tout laisse croire que désir et séduction vont s’acheminer vers la phase ultime de l’assouvissement charnel. Mais rien de tel ne se produit. Charles renverse le rapport de dominant/dominé, prend ses valises, sort de l’appartement et erre la nuit dans les rues de Toronto.

Dans la dernière séquence Charles est à la gare tout comme Marianne et son fils qui sont eux aussi sur le point de retourne à Montréal. Va-t-il les voir et renouer sa relation avec eux? Seul le hasard en décidera.

Même si ce moyen métrage réalisé pour la télévision n’a pas reçu beaucoup d’attention, il est un des films les plus accomplis de Paul Tana. Il contient tous les éléments qui font la spécificité de son oeuvre et qui en manifestent le talent: un enchaînement très maîtrisé des séquences et qui pourtant ne suit pas une logique événementielle, une quête ontologique sur la signification de l’être, une habileté à montrer par une distanciation ironique un nihilisme enjoué, une vision de la vie assumée dans sa dimension dérisoire et provisoire. Tana se révèle être un excellent peintre des rapports humains dans ce qu’ils ont de plus ludique, d’irrationnel et de spontané.

La Sarrasine, le troisième long métrage de Tana, a reçu une bonne et importante réception critique ainsi qu’un bon succès commercial. Le film raconte la fin tragique de Giuseppe Moschella, un tailleur d’origine sicilienne, qui est condamné à la pendaison pour avoir tué dans une rixe un Canadien français, Théo Lemieux. La femme de Moschella, Ninetta, se bat pour que la peine capitale à laquelle son mari est condamné soit commuée en emprisonnement à vie. Et alors qu’elle semble avoir gagné son combat, on l’informe que Giuseppe s’est suicidé. Désormais seule, Ninetta doit donner un sens à sa propre existence et elle le fait en choisissant de rester au Canada plutôt que de retourner en Sicile. Elle défie ainsi la volonté de deux hommes, celle de son mari et celle de son beau-frère qui est venu la chercher pour la ramener en Italie.

La Sarrasine illustre le cheminement de la prise de conscience d’une femme qui doit apprendre à faire face, seule, à son propre destin. On peut comprendre vraiment Ninetta, si l’on établit un parallèle entre elle et Clorinda, la femme guerrière qui apparaît dans la séquence des

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marionnettes au début du film.

La mort de Clorinda symbolise la volonté que Ninetta a d’affirmer son identité nouvelle dans une réalité inconnue, hostile.

D’ailleurs l’image finale de La Sarrasine, où Ninetta apparaît vêtue de noir dans un champ blanc couvert de neige en constitue l’expression métaphorique.

Dans leur film Tana et Ramirez suggèrent que les sarrasins modernes tels que Ninetta et les autres immigrants en général, ont dû faire face à l’intolérance et à la xénophobie dans le Montréal du début du siècle dernier. À cette époque-là le conflit était entre Canadiens français et italiens, mais évidemment un tel discours s’applique à toute société qui doit tenir compte d’une présence “autre”. C’est j u st e ment dans ce bes oi n d’ouverture à la diversité et d’acceptation de l’altérité que se trouve le message universel de Tana et Ramirez.

La Sarrasine ne réussit pas toutefois à garder une dimension spontanée. Si humour il y a, ou bien il confirme les stéréotypes culturels ou bien il est le véhicule d’une démonstration didactique. La Sarrasine est un film bien fait, certes, mais tout y est trop construit, trop calculé, trop peaufiné. C’est une bonne reconstitution qui manque de passion. Paul Tana dans La Sarrasine a plus de métier qu’auparavant mais il semble avoir perdu sa fantaisie ludique et créatrice. S’il avait su être moins intellectuel et plus instinctif, son film aurait évité les écueils de la démonstration à thèse pour s’ouvrir à l’imaginaire de la différence ainsi que l’a fait Jean-Claude Lauzon dans Léolo.

Le dernier long métrage de Paul Tana est La Déroute qui a ouvert au mois de février 1998 les 16es Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois. Il s’agit d’un titre imposé par le distributeur pour des raisons commerciales. Le film aurait dû, selon la volonté de Paul Tana et de ses co-scénaristes Bruno Ramirez et Tony Nardi, - qui est aussi magnifiquement l’interprète principal - Le Rêve de Joe Aiello ou bien, à un autre moment de l’écriture du scénario, Le Rêve de Joe Pagano.

L’idée leur est venue il y a une douzaine d’années,lors du tournage de Caffè Italia et la rencontre d’un chef d’entreprise en construction d’origine italienne. En l’écoutant parler ils ont eu envie de faire un film sur un personnage de son genre. Joe Aiello en est l’expression et c’est autour de lui, de sa vie, de sa hantise de la mort et de son besoin de vouloir à tout prix laisser une trace que se construit l’histoire. Bien intégré à son pays d’adoption, le Canada, Joe incarne la réussite économique et sociale mais, en dépit qu’il soit chef d’entreprise, il y a en lui un côté profondément paysan, archaïque, anachronique exprimé par le rêve et les pratiques superstitieuses. Comme l’explique le personnage de Bastiano, le rêve contient une part de fatalité. En termes freudiens, il réfère é l’inconscient transgressif de Joe qui a pour sa fille Bennie un attachement au bord de l’inceste.

Toute l’attention de Tana s’est concentrée justement sur ses ambiguïtés irréconciliables et leurs répercussions sur son milieu familial.

Il y a dans La Déroute différentes composantes: onirique, sociologique, psychanalytique et existentielle. La dimension sociologique est représentée en termes caricaturaux, lors de la fête en l’honneur de Bennie pour son obtention du diplôme en commerce à l’université et surtout lors de la présentation en primeur a la télé de langue italienne du vidéo de la success story de Joe. Ainsi video et télévision deviennent les moyens par le biais desquels s’opère une déconstruction satyrique du parvenu et de son auto/exaltation. Ceci indique que l’interrogation identitaire se fait désormais chez Tana a un deuxième degré de réflexion.

Le dénouement de la trame se prêtait au passage du réel au spirituel: malheureusement Tana,n’a pas su capter et exprimer le potentiel métaphorique et métaphysique,comme a su si bien le faire Martin Scorsese dans Mean Streets ou Raging Bull. Dans La Déroute Paul Tana, s’en est tenu en grande partie à une dichotomie bien/mal qui finit par se manifester par un duel entre Joe qui joue au vigilante et Diego, le réfugié politique sud-américain qui vit illégalement au Canada et que Joe perçoit et définit comme un indiano. La composante onirique, bien que très présente n’a pas su catalyser l’enchaînement dramatique. Pourtant c’est le noyau du film. La prémonition de la mort de Joe à travers le rêve, la séquence du rituel superstitieux près du fleuve, soulignent le côté obscur, inavouable de son être. Toutefois lorsque Joe se débarrasse de Diego, qui vient d’épouser sa fille Bennie, le réel l’emporte sur l’onirique. Ceci réduit la dimension symbolique et éthique de son geste. Le meurtre n’apparaît alors que la vendetta d’un père jaloux et petit-bourgeois. Ceci banalise son acte.

Mon esquisse des deux grands courants thématiques présents dans le cinéma de Paul Tana montre l’importance de la quête identitaire. En parcourant son oeuvre on suit les différentes étapes du phénomène migratoire. La boucle,après un personnage complexe et riche comme Bennie, est bouclée. Saura-t-il se renouveler après La Déroute? v

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Interview

Entrevue avec Justin Trudeau Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

e 29 avril dernier, M. Justin Trudeau a remporté l’investiture libérale dans la circonscription fédérale de Papineau.

M. Trudeau, qui a enseigné pendant cinq ans à des élèves des niveaux primaire et secondaire en ColombieBritannique, est impliqué dans plusieurs causes humanitaires et environnementales. On connaît entre autres ses activités auprès de Katimavik, de Moisson Montréal et de Students on Ice. L’entrevue qui suit a eu lieu le 26 juin 2007.

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Justin Trudeau au Café Espresso Lina sur la rue Jean-Talon avec propriétaires Pietro et Mario Stellato

M Trudeau, vous venez de remporter l’investiture du Parti Libéral dans la circonscription fédérale de Papineau, parlez-nous un peu de cette circonscription et de ce qu’elle représente pour vous.

Ce comté reflète bien l’ensemble du Canada. Un cœur francophone au centre de Villeray et une réalité immigrante et multiculturelle forte, près de 60 pourcent, constituée de toutes sortes de communautés, chinoise, arabe, haïtienne, assez bien intégrées au Québec, et d’autres mieux intégrées encore, plus anciennes, telles que les communautés italienne et grecque. L’intégration et les relations entre les communautés et les individus représentent pour moi une ressource extraordinaire pour notre pays. Bien connaître et comprendre la réalité de ce milieu m’aidera certainement à prendre les décisions nécessaires pour l’avenir du Canada en matière d’emploi, d’éducation et de santé, dans le cadre de mes fonctions à Ottawa.

Ce comté représente donc une partie importante du Canada moderne?

Et de l’avenir du Canada! Et des directions dans lesquelles on devrait s’engager comme pays. Car, on y retrouve un bon nombre d’enjeux auxquels il faut réfléchir pour le Canada.

Le choix de la circonscription était ainsi lié à des enjeux qui vous tiennent à cœur?

Mon seul vrai choix était de venir ici à Papineau: un comté typiquement montréalais, urbain et diversifié. Un secteur de tradition libérale qui me permettra de faire mes preuves avec une équipe forte, dans une investiture contestée, pour reprendre le pouvoir au Bloc québécois. C’est loin d’être une voie facile comme le prétendent certaines personnes. Ce n’est pas comme ça que j’ai été élevé, au contraire.

Vous êtes le fils de Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Votre père vous a grandement influencé comme il a influencé le Canada tout entier. Papineau représente-t-il aussi pour vous un moyen de poursuivre dans la lignée de votre père et de porter plus loin ses grands principes?

Tout à fait. Toutefois, les principes que j’ai hérités de mon père ne sont pas rattachés à des politiques précises, mais plutôt à des valeurs et à une ouverture sur le monde et aux responsabilités qui nous y rattachent comme Canadiens. Je m’intéresse particulièrement aux grands enjeux tels l’environnement, le multiculturalisme et la jeunesse. L’important repose sur la recherche d’un équilibre avec le monde qui nous entoure. C’est notre devoir en tant que pays riche et prospère. Le problème se pose, à mon avis, lorsqu’on se perd dans les dédales politiques générés par la division au lieu de parler des grands enjeux comme l’environnement, l’intégration, et la santé. L’actuel gouvernement conservateur semble vouloir s’en tenir à de la petite politique. Il doute des Canadiens et de la possibilité qu’un gouvernement puisse réellement influencer la vie des gens en les intégrant dans des initiatives d’envergure, axées sur une vision meilleure pour le Canada.

Certaines de vos préoccupations, l’environnement et l’intégration par exemple, vous tiennent particulièrement à cœur. Comment s’ajustent-elles aux orientations du Parti Libéral du Canada? Sentez-vous qu’à travers elles, vous avez quelque chose de nouveau à apporter au Parti?

Je crois que oui. Je suis une personne rassembleuse. C’est la façon dont j’ai été élevé.

Et c’est la façon dont j’entrevois la politique en général. C’est tellement facile en politique de jouer la carte de la division. Le défi pour moi est de rassembler les gens et d’instituer un respect mutuel à travers le dialogue entre les groupes et les individus; un aspect cher à la vision de mon père, mais que je retrouve aussi beaucoup dans la passion et l’énergie de la jeunesse. Les jeunes que je rencontre sont plus engagés que jamais et saisissent bien le rôle que peut jouer le Canada, notamment dans la question de l’environnement, et l’incidence qu’on peut avoir comme pays sur le reste du monde. Misons plutôt sur nos différences comme une force motrice, plutôt que de les percevoir comme des faiblesses.

C’était récemment la Saint-Jean Baptiste, la fête nationale du Québec. Quel est votre point de vue sur la nation québécoise? S’agit-il pour vous d’un anachronisme ou plutôt d’une réalité sur laquelle on peut construire?

J’ai passé la fête nationale dans Villeray, la section francophone du comté, et un peu à St-Michel avec la communauté haïtienne. Quand je constate la diversité culturelle qui existe dans le comté, je comprends que les gens ne se préoccupent pas nécessairement de la définition d’une nation. Toutefois, quand je me promène dans le comté, je ressens une fierté, une identité québécoise, qui est basée sur une multitude de différences qui nous enrichissent tous en tant que peuple. Les gens ne veulent pas qu’on parle de choses qui nous divisent. Y a tellement d’enjeux importants en politique. Pourquoi se limiter à un seul débat?

Pour moi le mot nation n’est pas tout à fait juste. Je pense que pour les Québécois, il s’agit plutôt d’une question d’intégrité, de proximité, de valeurs communes, pour parvenir à un meilleur potentiel pour l’avenir. Moi, je suis de cette génération qui veut regarder vers l’avant et je pense que les gens sont prêts pour ça.

Les défis pour le comté de Papineau?

Il y a en a beaucoup. C’est un comté plein de défis, mais aussi plein d’occasions.

Développer un meilleur sens de la communauté, encourager les jeunes et briser leur isolement en leur donnant une chance de s’impliquer tout en devenant des citoyens plus engagés. Il y a beaucoup de personnes âgées dans le comté qui souffrent aussi d’isolement. Il faut tisser des liens entre les générations en encourageant la communauté à s’aider elle-même.

J’entre en politique en tant qu’enseignant. Je suis donc quelqu’un qui écoute, qui comprend et qui partage les solutions. Mais surtout, je donne aux gens les outils pour transformer eux-mêmes leur monde et devenir des citoyens responsables. Un politicien doit servir de catalyseur et doit rassurer les gens en les encourageant à s’impliquer dans leur quartier, leur pays, leur monde. Pour permettre aux gens de faire une différence.

Vous accordez beaucoup d’importance à votre expérience de professeur. Est-ce que cette expérience vous sert pour mieux communiquer avec les gens?

Loin d’être quelqu’un qui détient la vérité absolue, un professeur est d’abord et avant tout une personne qui sait écouter et reconnaître les besoins des gens en leur donnant les outils nécessaires à leur développement. Cette expérience me sera sans doute très utile de ce point de vue là pour mieux leur expliquer de façon simple et compréhensible les concepts complexes associés aux grands enjeux avec lesquels on doit composer.

Le professeur possède une ouverture d’esprit essentielle pour reconnaître les différentes solutions à un problème. Cette volonté d’apprendre et d’écouter permet d’évoluer dans un processus avec la communauté sans commettre l’erreur d’imposer à tout prix sa seule vision.

Cette philosophie de professeur me servira certainement comme politicien.

J’imagine aussi que ça apprend à devenir patient?

Effectivement. L’évolution des élèves est quelque chose de très satisfaisant, mais il faut être patient. Tout comme l’idée qu’on ne peut pas changer le monde du jour au lendemain.

C’est un effort continu. Un ensemble de petits gestes font toute la différence au bout du compte. Il est utopique de s’attendre à ce qu’un seul geste transforme la planète. Ce n’est pas ça la politique. Ce sont les actions individuelles de milliers de personnes, incluant les politiciens, qui changent le cours des choses. Ça commence par l’écoute. Vous semblez être quelqu’un qui est prêt à écouter les gens du comté de Papineau …

Les gens ont beaucoup de choses à dire dans Papineau. Une des raisons pour lesquelles j’ai choisi ce comté consiste à leur prêter ma voix pour transmettre leurs valeurs et leurs priorités comme il se doit, car ils ne sont pas souvent écoutés. Je suis encore très jeune pour débuter une carrière politique et je reconnais que j’ai beaucoup à apprendre. Les gens de Papineau ont beaucoup à m’offrir et j’en suis fier.

Vous avez prononcé votre discours d’investiture en français, en anglais et vous vous êtes même risqué à quelques mots en grec et en italien?

C’était important pour vous?

Oui, ça me tenait à cœur. Ça fait partie de ma stratégie de rassembleur. Je sais que dans l’investiture, les deux autres candidats libéraux, Basilio Giordano et Mary Deros, étaient associés à une communauté. Moi, je suis Canadien-français. C’était donc très important de démontrer que j’étais capable de rassembler toutes les communautés, sans en favoriser une en particulier.

On me pose souvent la question lorsque je rencontre les communautés: «Qu’est-ce que vous allez faire pour nous?» Je leur propose de s’engager dans la politique et dans leur communauté pour devenir des agents de changement, en partageant avec moi le pouvoir que j’aurai au sein du Parlement et faire passer le message.

Au-delà de ce que vous pouvez faire pour les différentes communautés culturelles, que pensez-vous qu’elles puissent faire pour le Canada? À quel point pensez-vous qu’elles puissent faire une différence?

On parle beaucoup du rôle du Canada dans le monde qu’il s’agisse de la guerre au Liban ou en Afghanistan. On a des ressources ici. Des gens qui comprennent comment ça se passe. Des gens qui ont quitté leur pays en temps de guerre ou qui gardent un très beau souvenir de leur pays et qui veulent d’autant plus aider leur pays d’origine. Ils ont à nous offrir une connaissance du monde très utile d’un point de vue humain pour saisir davantage la réalité des familles et des individus sur le terrain. C’est une ressource formidable qui devrait influencer les hautes instances politiques responsables des décisions.

www.rimarvw.com La garanzia della tecnica tedesca con il calore e la cortesia italiani

Rimar Volkswagen

I

Interview

31 64

INTERVISTAentrevue

Vous êtes dans un comté où cohabitent une variété de communautés. Il existe probablement un dialogue entre elles. Les Québécois d’origine italienne sont nombreux dans Papineau et constituent désormais une communauté bien intégrée et bien implantée au Canada. Pensez-vous que cette communauté puisse constituer un modèle pour les autres communautés du comté de Papineau et d’ailleurs au Canada?

C’est exactement le mot que j’avais en tête: modèle. L’intégration et le succès de la communauté italienne, et il y en a d’autres aussi, est un excellent exemple d’un groupe qui a su s’intégrer et conserver une identité, une fierté culturelle et, pour la plupart, une langue, tout en étant parfaitement Québécois, en acceptant non seulement le modèle québécois, mais en contribuant aussi à l’épanouissement de cette identité québécoise. La communauté italienne est à Montréal depuis maintenant assez longtemps. De nombreuses communautés qui ont de la misère à s’adapter peuvent ainsi s’en inspirer. D’une part, pour comprendre qu’il faut peut-être quelques générations, et d’autre part pour comprendre qu’il ne faut pas avoir peur pour son identité. Et regardez ce que ça donne chez la communauté italienne. Ces gens sont souvent trilingues. Ça fonctionne et cette communauté constitue un exemple formidable de ce point de vue là.

Monsieur Trudeau bonne chance et grazie mille. Ça me fait plaisir. v

Un

service

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TO OUR READERS, PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS. THIS IS CRUCIAL IN KEEPING OUR MAILING LISTS UP TO DATE AND ELIMINATES UNNECESSARY EXPENSES. THANK YOU.

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PANORAM

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Available in Chapters, Indigo and all better book stores

I

34 64

FAMIGLIAfamille

Family

“Ciao! How was your day Nonna?”

by Sonya Legault-Cesta

S

ometimes what it takes is just a simple “hello” or phone call. The act of acknowledging a presence entails the very basics: listening to, talking with, or simply looking at.

This very act of being acknowledged is often considered the very foundation of healthy human relationships. I’m no therapist, but I can say with confidence that a baby needs the touch of parents, a child craves the affection of family, a teenager demands the understanding of loved-ones, and an adult often devotes him/herself entirely to the attention of spouse and children – and in return, hopes to be seen and heard by them. The need to be acknowledged sees no race, no gender, and no age. It encompasses all.

My Nonnina, Guglielmina Cesta, once told me that it is important for me to greet an elderly passerby when I am taking a stroll in my neighbourhood. Not only does the act of greeting become a sign of respect, but it also stands as an act of acknowledgment for the other person. Elderly people are often victims of isolation, said my grandmother. Once their children have left the house and have started a family of their own, seniors are sometimes cast aside. That is why it is so important for younger individuals to demonstrate signs of acknowledgment toward them. In doing so, younger generations are – knowingly or unknowingly – linking past and present. The feeling of “who once was” is replaced by the affirmation “who is.”

It is no secret that Canada’s senior population (65 years and up) has increased over the years, according to Statistics Canada. Whereas the childbirth rates are slowly dropping, the country’s population continues to grow well into the “golden years.” Although 63.5 percent of Québec’s population fit between the 20-to-65 frame, a significant 14.1 percent are 65 years and older, indicates Stats Can. It is thus important to mention that the elderly population play a fundamental part within a contemporary landscape.

Italian seniors in Greater Montreal benefit from a wide-ranging network which emphasizes social interaction and cultural integration. CRAIC (Conseil Régional des Personnes Agées Italo-Canadiennes) is the main association linking the network together.

This not-profit organization was founded in 1974 by Senator Marisa Ferretti Barth and reaches out to over 14 thousand members. As mentioned in its website, the Montreal-based association has laid out clear objectives: to improve its members’ autonomy and quality of life, to promote active participation through group action, and to disseminate information.

Such goals are carried out through various activities: from physical education and art to language courses and collective cooking. CRAIC also provides services which are intended to foster friendly discussions among elders themselves and also with volunteers. Such curriculum raises collective consciousness. One becomes aware of the issues affecting elders on a day-to-day basis: seclusion, language and cultural barriers, physical and mental obstacles.

Most importantly, CRAIC allows many elders to take part in a social network made up of over 75 Âge d’Or clubs located in different areas of the city. Each club has its program and list of activities.

Bridging the Gap Between “Personal” and “Communal” My grandmother has created a lifestyle for herself which is una meraviglia, it suits her perfectly. It is not uncommon for her to wake up early in the morning and listen to CFMB while sipping espresso. She later does half to a full hour of yoga – which she follows religiously on satellite TV. She then showers and gets dressed. Espadrilles laced up and a delicate fazzoletto gently tied around her neck, Nonnina walks straight toward her local Inter Marché on Maurice-Duplessis boulevard in R.D.P. On her way to the food store, Guglielmina greets her fellow neighbours. She stops to talk to a few of them. The conversations revolve around food, family, and weather.

It is also typical for my grandmother to meet one or two friends or paesani at the supermarket. By 11 o’clock, my grandmother is back home, preparing a wholesome lunch for herself and for her son Tony, who lives on the same street and who often stops by to eat with his mother.

Since Nonno passed away in 2003, Nonnina has had to take charge of her free time and take part in health-promoting activities. She takes the time to think of her health and make new friends. From September to June, Guglielmina often spends her afternoons (from one to four o’clock) participating in social gatherings organized by her local Âge d’Or club, conveniently located five minutes away from her residence.

“My Âge d’Or club is amazing,” says Nonnina, “especially for seniors who live alone or who feel lonely. It allows us to have fun and to make friends.”

“After lunch, we head to the club. We start off by dancing for one full hour. We then do a half hour of exercise. We then have coffee with friends – sometimes the coffee is free, and other times, we pay 25 cents. Bingo comes next. We interact this way till four o’clock,” she explains.

All these activities are available for a small fee, said my grandmother. Weekend outings cost a little more – eight to twenty dollars depending on the activity. Saturday evenings are also times for gathering and interaction, she added. This time, it is done through dance. Finally, cultural feasts are also celebrated in unison. From Christmas to Mother’s and Father’s Day, “c’è un grande sorriso tra di noi,” said Nonnina.

Guglielmina was quick to add that her Âge d’Or club gives many elders, within her community, the opportunity to create friendships with their peers – which, in many cases, would be impossible if seniors were confined solely to their homes. Seniors build ties with other members of the Italian community, according to my grandmother. In this manner, the Italian culture – which many elders hold so dear to their hearts – is experienced in unity with fellow paesani. One might say that this sense of nostalgia brings together the elder generation of Italian Montrealers. All this happens in the midst of contemporary multiculturism.

Acknowledging the Self and Others Although Âge d’Or clubs do enable seniors to socialize among themselves and others, “the family” remains a rather significant factor contributing to the wellness of individuals – especially for those who benefit from close family ties. I believe it is through this unit that the acknowledgment of one’s self and others prevail. Let me give you a clear example – which I am sure many of you have heard. For those of you who still live at home, how many times have your parents reminded you to call your nonna and nonno? Many of us have been taught to make a simple phone call – even if it is only once or twice a week – and inquire on the wellness of our grandparents. Your side of the conversation might go as follows: “Nonna! Come stai? Che hai fatto oggi? Si, abbiamo già mangiato il pranzo, Nonna.

Abbiamo cucinato il pollo con i legumi.”

These phrases, as simple as they sound, enhance the acknowledgement of our grandparents’ lives. The very fact of calling our nonni and asking them about how their day went contributes to their self-acknowledgment. We become onlookers, noticing the details of their lives, no matter how common some details might seem. That is one way family can improve the wellness of its elders.

Seniors, in turn, might also achieve self-acknowledgement by “keeping busy.”

The very act of carrying out simple activities like reading or cleaning the house becomes another means to attain self-satisfaction, according to my nonna. In my grandmother’s case, she views family responsibility as self-fulfilling. It is not uncommon for my grandmother to voluntarily prepare tomato sauce, pasta, and polpette for her children and grandchildren when going on a family holiday. It is to these sorts of actions that we, as a younger generation of Italians, must pay respect.

I have grown close to my nonnina over the years. She has always showed interest in my undertakings, and I have always tried to be present in her life – although I am guilty of sometimes skipping a phone call because I was too busy with work or friends. But she never shows that she minds. Nonetheless, sometimes what it takes is just a simple “hello” or phone call to let the other person know that you care.

Note to Readers This personal essay has presented one of the many facets of the elderly Italian community of Montreal. I am sure that most readers have experienced many different stories and would be able to present a strong argument – which I may agree with. However, “right or wrong” is not the point of this discussion. What matters is that we talk about the implications and issues affecting seniors. v

Help me

Mommy & Me

please

My name is Marisa Cuffaro

A

t the age of 29 I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. I won the battle and in May 2007 had my last chemotherapy and was in remission. This happiness did not last because on my 33rd birthday, in August 2007, my leukemia came back. I am again undergoing treatment.

I want to return to a normal life and this time cancer free. My best chances of surviving would be to find a blood/tissue donor. Please don’t let me leave my husband and son without a wife and mother.

The first step would be to find out if you are a match. My chances increase with the number of people getting screened and that are preferably of Mediterranean descent. New diagnoses are made every 40 minutes while someone dies every 88 minutes from Leukemia.

Time is of the essence! I will only have one month in which to find a match.

For a few hours of your time and with a simple and painless procedure, you can save my life. The stem cells are extracted via your blood. If you are interested in being a donor please go to www.hema-quebec.qc.ca and fill out the registry for stem cell donation and fax it ASAP. You will receive a call the next day to make an appointment. Thanks to people like you progress can be made and a cure can be realized and YOU CAN SAVE MY LIFE. I need an earthly angel and pray that it is you. Please pass on my story to as many people as you can.

The hardest part is not being home with my family; not being able to kiss my son goodnight; not walking with him on his first day back to school; not watching him play soccer or hockey. It is the simple things in life I miss the most.

Yours Hopefully, Marisa

Maman et Moi

I

URGENT

35 64

Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

Aidez-nous

s’il vous plait

Mon nom est Marisa Cuffaro

À

l’âge de 29 ans, j’ai été diagnostiqué avec une leucémie lymphocytaire aiguëe. J’ai gagné mon combat et en mai 2007, j’ai reçu mon dernier traitement de chimiothérapie et j’étais en rémission. Mais ce bonheur n’a pas duré parce que le jour de mon 33 e anniversaire, en août 2007, la leucémie est revenue. Je reçois donc encore des traitements.

Je veux retourner à une vie normale, sans cancer. Ma meilleure chance de survie est de trouver un donneur de sang/tissus.

Ne laissez pas mon mari et mon fils sans une épouse et une mère.

Le premier pas serait de valider si vous êtes un donneur compatible. Mes chances s’améliorent avec chaque personne supplémentaire qui se fait tester, surtout si elle est de descendance méditerranéenne. Un nouveau diagnostique de leucémie est donné à toutes les 40 minutes, alors qu’une personne en meurt à toutes les 78 minutes.

Le temps est compté! J’ai seulement un mois pour trouver un donneur compatible.

En quelques heures, et avec une procédure simple et sans douleur, vous pouvez me sauver la vie.

Les cellules souches sont extraites de votre sang. Si vous êtes intéressé à devenir un donneur, visitez le site www.hema-quebec.qc.ca, inscrivez-vous au registre de donneurs de cellules souches et télécopiez votre formulaire le plus rapidement possible. Vous recevrez un appel dès le lendemain pour établir un rendez-vous. Grâce aux gens comme vous, les progrès peuvent continuer, un remède peut être trouvé et VOUS POUVEZ ME SAUVER LA VIE. J’ai besoin d’un ange terrestre et je prie pour que ce soit vous. Veuillez partager mon histoire avec le plus de gens possibles.

La partie la plus difficile est de ne pas être à la maison avec ma famille; ne pas pouvoir embrasser mon fils avant son dodo, ne pas marcher avec lui pour son premier jour de retour à l’école, ne pas le voir jouer au hockey ou au soccer. C’est les choses simples de la vie qui me manquent le plus.

Avec beaucoup d’espoir, Marisa

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Giovanni and Agata Libertella

Live the Renaissance Experience…

Enjoy Le Carlton Elegance

by Sabrina Marandola

What better way to live it up than by celebrating at these two magnificent establishments? hether you’re organizing a gala, a conference, a wedding, an anniversary or a baptism, Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets and Le Carlton centre d’événements promise to make your event a memorable celebration.

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Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets, located in the East End of Montreal, is the third largest convention centre on the island of Montreal, just after Palais des congrès and Place Bonaventure.

One of the largest in the city, Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets can accommodate from 20 to 3000 guests and has 45 000 sq ft of meeting space that can be transformed into a multitude of different options capable of satisfying the most specific of needs. Situated just 20 minutes from downtown Montreal, the vast free parking area allows for a stress-free arrival. One of many important details that contribute to the establishment’s impeccable reputation for service, setting it apart from its in-town competitors.

Immerse yourself and your guests in the refined and tasteful ambience of the Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets.

Events will be set on a stage of effortless beauty by first encountering the imposing splendor of a stunning granite waterfall, cradled gracefully in the arms of the ascending spiral staircase.

Guests will be swept away by the sheer luxury of the seven grand banquet rooms. They will leisurely enjoy cocktails in the lovely mezzanine area. All of this elegance is offset by the awe-inspiring light and beauty of the atrium.

Executive chefs Vince Maira and Frank Carbone await you at Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets and at Le Carlton centre d’événements with their Italian fine cuisine. However, all tastes and cuisines can be accommodated – with a special touch of originality.

The professional staff will consult with you to ensure your event will be a fulfilling and memorable one and is flexible to accommodate all nationalities.

The centres are managed by the Libertella children and headed by pioneers of the reception banquet industry: Giovanni and Agata Libertella.

Le Carlton centre d’événements through it’s subtle sophistication, boasts international menus, free parking, personalized service, and three banquet rooms on two floors, all highlighted by a beautiful staircase leading to a mezzanine on the second level.

The centre exudes a comfortable, opulent and warm feeling, that can host up to 700 guests.

Today, over 35 years later, the Libertella family ensures satisfaction is delivered and your expectations exceeded be it at Le Carlton centre d’événements or Renaissance centre des congrès et banquets.

So, if you’re looking to celebrate life in the company of good food and good people, the “Renaissance and Le Carlton Experience” promises to be original, professional, elegant, and above all, make a lasting impression. v

7550, boulevard Henri Bourassa East Montréal, Québec H1E 1P2 Tel: (514) 352.1818 • www.centrerenaissance.com

8860, boulevard Langelier, Montréal, Québec H1P 3C8 Tel: (514) 323-5445 • www.centrelecarlton.com

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Pat Depalo: The Coat Man Storia – Passione – Orgoglio

by Sabrina Marandola

Pat Depalo never thought his very first job at the age of 14 would be his passion, pride and profession 43 years later.

Pat Depalo

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hen I was very young, I had a summer job at a large coat manufacturer called QJW on Beaumont Street in Montreal,” Pat says.

“I loved it because of the challenges, but I didn’t understand it at the time.”

The 57-year-old recalls how passionate he was, even as a teenager, when it came to women’s winter coats.

“I used to walk up and down St. Hubert Street and look in every window. I used to count how many jackets and coats were in the stores, and in how many colours,” Pat says.

“I noticed (at that time) women freezing at the bus stop, so I would think how to make the coat warmer, by adding a warmer lining with a chamois, maybe add a scarf or a detachable hood and then embellishing it with fur trimmings.”

It was hard work and passion that helped him move up the ladder of the coat manufacturing world.

“I worked my way up to head shipper, and later to assistant general manager in charge of production scheduling, shipping and in-house sales,” he says.

In 1974, after working on Beaumont Street for 10 years, Pat left to join Jay-Me, the leader in fashion ladies’ coats, at that time. An opportunity arose in 1982 when that company abruptly closed down and with Moe Ross (one of the principals of that company) Pat started a new company called “Me-Jay”. “

“Personally, it was the best time I had working alongside Moe. He was the stylist and administrator and I was looking after sales and production. It was a privilege to work with Moe Ross as he taught me the trade and acted as a brother to me.”

When Moe retired in 1993, Pat took over the reigns at Me-Jay. “I took over all areas of the company,” says Pat, which includes designing, selling, producing and shipping up to 25,000 winter coats per year across Canada and some parts of the United States.”

“I travel to Europe for styling inspiration, to pick up the latest trends and concepts and buy fabrics in Italy.

I use the European influence because they are master tailors and fashion leaders.”

Me-Jay continues to be the leader in manufacturing and importing of ladies’ coats of contemporary styling, classic lines and comfortable fit, specialized in Missy, Petite and Full sizes per la Signora Giovane, using better fabrics such as 100% wool, blends of cashmere, alpaca, mohair, merino wool, lana cotta (boiled wool), mufflon and baby lama all imported from Italy. “The garments manufactured in our plant are produced by employees experienced in tailoring who take pride in the quality and confection traditions. We keep our employees happy as some of them have been with us since 1982.”

One of Pat’s co-workers is his wife Carmela, who looks after all trimmings (buttons, braids, pads and all other accessories)

“She matches these trims and always finds the perfect buttons for our coats, as a button on a coat is like make-up on a woman,” Pat says. “It dresses it up. We get a lot of compliments about our trimmings.”

Carmela also runs the annual sample and duplicates sale held as usual at 4765, boul Robert in St. Leonard on October 18th, 19th and 20th, where we accommodate our employees, contractors, family and friends with great bargains.

Ultimately you get what you pay for,” says Pat, adding that Me-Jay’s motto has been to “be the best, not the biggest” “this is a tribute to our employees of the past 25 years.”

“The construction of our coats is totally different. The coats compliment the woman. Pat says that above all, Me-Jay coats are made to fit well. “You can have the best price, fabric and colour, but if the coat doesn’t fit right, a woman won’t buy it.”

“This year we see a strong demand for Wool fabric in our designs as we have now passed the fad of synthetics and are now going back to the Natural warm Fibers of Wool.

It’s now the month of September, which means that Me-Jay winter coats are ready to be shipped from the second floor warehouse on Casgrain Street, to stores across the country. Our product can be found in better shops and specialty stores like Simons, Taylor, Laliberté, Laura, Laura Petites, Laura Plus, J Michaels, Charmante, Melanie Lynn, Manteaux Manteaux and many more independent shops.

So ladies, as you look at your old winter coat or shop for a new one in the coming weeks, be sure to check the label. If it says ‘Me-Jay’ it means that your coat was designed and made right here by Pat, “The Coat Man” with the Italian traditions of storia, passione ed orgoglio. v Me-Jay International 5425 Casgrain Street, suite 201 Montreal, Quebec H2T 1X6 Tel: (514) 270-8177 E-mail info@me-jayintl.com

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Everything but the kitchen sink

by Sabrina Marandola

ou’re welcome anytime to drop in and sit at a dining room table, or on a comfortable couch, as you enjoy a cappuccino and biscotti.

Giacomo Marziliano will make sure you feel at home – after all, the couch you’re sitting on or the coffee table on which your cappuccino cup rests may well end up in your home.

Y Welcome to Meubles Deco Direct.

Bright lights, high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and fresh coats of cyan and café-au-lait paint will greet you as you walk through the glass doors at 2025 Autoroute Laval West.

This retail store has been open since March 2007, but its 12 employees are no newcomers when it comes to the furniture business.

“We’ve been wholesalers since 1965, under the banner of Valentino,” says Marziliano, Meubles Deco Direct’s manager. “We are manufacturers and distributors, and now we are retailing.”

Marziliano spent 14 years working for the Valentino family.

This new store, presided over by Rosanna Valentino and her husband Paul Pangalo, offers customers the opportunity to get Valentino products at the most competitive price.

“We have very aggressive prices because we are the source,” Marziliano says, adding that Valentino bedroom sets selling at $12,000 in a store can be bought at Meubles Deco Direct for half that price. “We offer close to a wholesale price because it comes directly from us.”

Meubles Deco Direct offers traditional, classic and contemporary living room sets, bedroom sets, and dining room sets… and that’s not all. Throw in all the accessories that go with it, from mattresses, to bedspreads, to mirrors, to picture framesand they would appear to have it all but the kitchen sink.

“We use only select hardwoods for our furniture,” Marziliano says.

Woods in an array of stains – from cherry to chocolate to slate – span across the store.

Dozens of couches, loveseats and ottomans in all shapes, colours and fabrics brighten up the space, while four-poster, sleigh and panel beds are also on display.

“What’s on show is only a quarter of our merchandise,” Marziliano explains. “Clients can look through our catalogues as well, and most of the products I have in stock. So, if you see something you want, nine times out of 10, it can be in your home the very next morning.”

Besides free delivery and installation, Meubles Deco Direct offers you the chance to have your furniture custommade.

“You can choose the stain you want; you can change the leg of a table, the shape of a table from round to oval to rectangular, the fabric of a chair, and so on. It can all be done.”

You can also get financing at Meubles Deco Direct – making no payments for up to a year, interest-free.

Meubles Deco Direct offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Beyond that, Marziliano says he works with Valspar Guardsman, one of the oldest furniture warranty & care companies in North America. When it comes to furniture, they will ensure your pieces stay as new as the day you bought them.

“Our clients can get a 5-year accidental warranty. So, if you spill wine on your couch, or cut your tabletop with a knife, that’s all covered. If it’s not repairable, your furniture will be replaced.”

Marziliano says the feedback has been positive so far, and he says he’s happy he can offer a full line of products customers want at very competitive prices.

“People love the store,” he says. “And I enjoy it. It’s Meubles Deco Direct fun, I’m always dealing with 2025 Autoroute Laval West, suite 100 people, and I get to make Laval, Quebec H7L 3W3 them happy at home. That’s Tel: (450) 988.4999 the best part.” v www.meubledecodirect.com

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Jardins d’Italie: The Residence that maintains its traditions

By Daniela Scoppa

aking the decision of moving to a retirement home or senior residence can be a period of questionning for some. They may feel uneasy leaving the comfort of the home they’ve come to love over many years.

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The project currently in the works is located in St. Leonard. The place is called Les Jardins d’Italie and Joseph Biello, the director of the new residence promises that it will have the same flair, style, and comfort that set the works of Reseau Selection apart from the rest. “Our goal is to give residents an opportunity to continue living as they always did,” Biello says. “They shouldn’t stop doing what they’re used to like making their wine and their salsa.

Living at the Jardins D’Italie is living with the flavour and rhythm of the Italian culture. Situated on the corner of Lacordaire and Jean-Talon, you will find three hospitals in the area, one of them being Santa Cabrini, shopping centers, the Caisse Populaire canadienne italienne, the Leonardo Davinci Center and much more. A lively and dynamic neighbourhood.

Security at the Jardins D’Italie is very important. Each resident will be able to count on 24-hour presence and will have at their disposition, an emergency system that will permit them to view the entrance thanks to a television monitor. In addition to this, residents will benefit from an on-site auxiliary nurse and a doctor who will work on a weekly basis.

The residence will include a dining room where Italian food will be served.

On the menu, residents can find veal, “verdura”, pasta, and much more all cooked with Italian recipes. “We want to make our Italian folks really have what they’re used to eating,” says Biello.

As for activities, the list is endless for those who are set to move in on December 1st, 2007. There is a built-in “cantina”, along with a section to make wine.

This section will include all the equipment such a press for the grapes and the barrels. The “cantina” where the wine will be stored is temperature controlled and Biello says there is more than enough space for those who want to make it.

Along with that, there will be a place called “La Cucina” where residents will be able to congregate and make their salsa and exchange recipes. There is also a garden with a fair size of land for people to plant vegetables and flowers should they choose.

Of course, there will also be a large room to accommodate card players along with a place to play Bocce outdoors. In addition, residents will be able to make use of two large dining rooms where families can get together and have a great meal. “As we all know, the Italian culture puts a big emphasis on family,” Biello says. “We took the importance of family and added it to this home.”

The residence has a capacity of about 195 apartments and is located in a prime location, in the heart of the Italian community. The Leonardo DaVinci Centre is not far and it is surrounded by stores. Inside, a hairdresser is available along with a pharmacy and dry cleaning service. A chapel with Sistine Chapel flair will also be available for meditations, reflection, prayer, and small ceremonies. “Moving into a place like this one won’t be a big change for the residents,” Biello says of all that is available within the home and within walking distance of it.

Apartments on the 6th and 7th floor of this complex come complete with 5 appliances. The meal plan is separate, should the residents want one or they can cook in their own rooms. The appartments include electric heating, air conditioning, telephone connection, and cable. “For Réseau Sélection, the main concern is quality of life for each resident,” Biello says.

Biello also explains that Réseau Sélection really felt the need for a residence

such as this one to accommodate the Italian community. “The demand was there and there isn’t a residence yet offered to the Italian community,” he says. “This residence will have a taste, colour and rhythm that is Italian.”

Mr. Biello also made sure that the needs of the Italian community regarding a residence were given importance by Senator Mrs. Barth who is also president and founder of CRAIC. It is also interesting to note that there will be a CRAIC office at the Les Jardins to answer any questions that its residents may have.

Réseau Sélection has seen such great success because of the way they choose to cater to their residents’ every need. “We really want to please the client,” Biello says. And please they do, offering activities and services to make the transition for their residents as seamless and as comfortable as possible. “We want the people who live in these homes to spend more time doing what they like without worrying about things like snow removal,” Biello says. And that has been their recipe for success for years.

Le Réseau Sélection is a developer that has been working in the habitation and dwelling field for over twenty years including the construction, management and administration of over 2000 rental units in all of Québec. It has taken on the challenge of creating a residence that reflects and respects the traditions and way of life of the Italian community. Among its notable accomplishments are Les Tours Angrignons (Lasalle),Le St-Michel (Montréal), Le Jardin des Sources (Sainte-Thérèse), Les Cours du Moulin (Saint-Eustache), Le Manoir Notre-Dame (Roberval) and Le Manoir SaintAugustin (Gaspe). For more information on Les Jardins D’Italie, visit our website at www.reseauselection.com and click on the our residents selection to find Les jardins D’Italie or contact our office at (514) 253-5650, situated at 5733 Rue Jean-Talon est on the corner of Lacordaire and Jean-Talon. v

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Individual pension plan could let you maximize tax-sheltered retirement savings he major advantage of an individual pension plan (IPP) is the additional tax-sheltered savings that can be created when compared to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP).

The extra contribution room is available because an IPP is usually established as a defined benefit pension plan as opposed to a defined contribution plan. Basically, a defined benefit plan can allow greater tax-sheltered savings because the level of income at retirement drives the contributions, as opposed to the level of contribution with a defined contribution plan.

With an IPP, rather than you contributing to an RRSP, your employer makes contributions to the IPP. An IPP is simply a registered pension plan (RPP) for an individual or an individual and his or her family members. IPPs became popular when the federal government introduced its major pension reform legislation in 1990.

Contributions to an IPP

Does an IPP suit you?

Benefits of an IPP include:

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The ideal candidate for an IPP is someone who: • is at least 45 years old • is an employee of a corporation (could be an owner/manager or an executive); proprietorships and partnerships are not eligible (e.g. a professional who cannot incorporate) • has historically had employment income of at least $100,000 per year since 1990 • has a reliable future employment income stream in excess of $100,000 per year, and • has no foreseeable need to access the funds set aside for retirement since the money inside an IPP is locked in.

Amounts that can be contributed to an IPP are restricted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) maximum funding formula. The formula uses numerous assumptions and the funding rules are quite complex. You would require the assistance of an actuary to deal with the compliance issues.

Payments from an IPP As a defined benefit plan, payments from an IPP are pre-determined. The pension plan document would establish the payment structure, which could be, for example, based on the employee’s five best years of earnings. Payments would typically begin on the employee’s retirement. The document would also deal with what would happen on the employee’s death. If there are other family members in the plan, surplus funds would typically remain in the plan.

• Contributions in excess of normal RRSP limits • Potential ability to make lump sum past service contributions • Creditor protection • Potential for terminal funding payments in the year of retirement, and potential to provide bridge funding payments to a plan member who retires before the normal retirement age of 65 • Interest deductibility of payments to IPP, since interest payments are deductible on funds borrowed by a corporate employer to make contributions to an RPP

by Peter Pomponio

• Possible inter-generational transfer of pension assets if other family members are included in the plan.

The importance of getting professional advice Since an IPP is a complex retirement vehicle, it is important to obtain professional advice to ensure such a plan is appropriate for your needs.

There are costs related to the creation, organization, registration and maintenance of IPPs. They are regulated under both income tax and pension legislation.

In most cases, the costs to establish and administer an IPP are not a deterrent if other circumstances indicate that the plan would be beneficial.

Please contact me, or have your accountant contact me for more information on whether an IPP may be suitable for you. I can offer you a customized, turnkey IPP solution.

The information in this article is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and is not intended to provide individual financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting or pension advice. Professional advice should be obtained prior to acting on the basis of this information.

– Peter Pomponio is a Vice-President of Assante Capital Management Ltd. He is the owner of the Ville St-Laurent Branch and practices as a Senior Fully Licensed Financial Planner from the Ville St-Laurent office. He can be reached at (514) 832-5100, or by e-mail at ppomponio@assante.com. v

Be smart. Be sure. Be set for life.

It starts with a plan. And our plan is, quite simply, to make you wealthier. We do it by analyzing and optimizing every aspect of your financial affairs (investment strategies, insurance policies, tax planning, estate preparation, cash and credit management) to make sure it’s all working – and all working together – to build and preserve your net worth. We call it your wealth plan.

If you’d like to be set for life, be sure to give us a call.

For a free consulation, please call...

Peter Pomponio, CFP, RFP, C.Adm., Fin. PL. Financial Planner Senior Fully Licensed Representative Owner, Ville St-Laurent Branch Assante Capital Management Ltd. (Member CIPF) 8301 Trans-Canada Highway St-Laurent, QC H4S 1Z1 Tel: 514.832.5100

Les conséquences légales de conduire avec les facultés affaiblies.

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

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l est 23h00. Vous avez pris un verre de trop lors d’une soirée entre amis mais vous décidez tout de même de prendre le volant de votre véhicule automobile. Vous roulez et arrivez à un barrage routier lors duquel un agent de police vous intercepte. Lorsque vous baissez votre fenêtre, l’agent remarque que vous avez les yeux rouges et qu’une forte odeur d’alcool se dégage de votre véhicule. L’agent demande alors vos papiers que vous avez de la difficulté à lui remettre, lorsqu’il vous parle, vous bégayez et avez la bouche pâteuse. Le policier vous demande de sortir du véhicule et vous vous exécutez, votre démarche est chancelante. Dans les circonstances, le policier vous met en état d’arrestation pour avoir conduit avec les facultés affaiblies et vous indique que vous avez le droit au silence et à un avocat. Le policier vous amène alors au poste afin que vous fournissiez un échantillon d’haleine.

Pour demander à un individu de fournir un échantillon d’haleine, le policier doit avoir des soupçons raisonnables que la personne arrêtée a des facultés affaiblies. Ces soupçons proviennent habituellement des symptômes de la personne arrêtée, notamment l’odeur d’alcool, les yeux rouges et vitreux et la démarche chancelante. Le comportement de la personne, les admissions de consommation ainsi que toutes les circonstances peuvent aussi éveiller les soupçons du policier.

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L’échantillon d’haleine est obtenu avec un alcootest approuvé par un technicien qualifié.

Le technicien obtiendra deux (2) échantillons qui fourniront la teneur d’alcool dans le sang et ce, à un intervalle minimum de 15 minutes. Dans l’éventualité où ces échantillons dépassent 80 milligrammes d’alcool par 100 millilitres de sang, une accusation à cet effet sera portée en vertu de l’article 253 b) du Code criminel. Cette accusation ne tient pas compte du comportement de la personne arrêtée et ne fait référence qu’à sa quantité d’alcool dans le sang.

Dans le cadre de sa défense, il sera possible pour l’accusé d’apporter la preuve qui tend à démontrer que son taux d’alcoolémie au moment de l’infraction ne dépassait pas .08. Cette preuve pourra se faire par le biais d’un expert, dont le témoignage et/ou le rapport qui, compte tenu des faits propres à chaque dossier et de la consommation de la personne, conclurait que le taux d’alcoolémie de la personne devrait être inférieur à la limite de .08.

Par ailleurs, une accusation d’avoir conduit avec les facultés affaiblies par les effets de l’alcool ou de la drogue pourra également être portée en vertu de l’article 253 a) du Code criminel, laquelle tient compte du comportement de la personne arrêtée peu importe sa quantité d’alcool dans le sang. En effet, les habiletés à juger les circonstances qu’il peut rencontrer peuvent être diminuées par l’alcool ou la drogue, peu importe que le taux légal de .08 soit dépassé.

Par ailleurs, pour qu’une personne soit reconnue coupable de l’une ou l’autre de ces accusations, la poursuite devra prouver que la personne au moment de l’infraction conduisait ou avait la garde et le contrôle de son véhicule. En conséquence, même si le véhicule n’est pas en marche une personne pourra être accusée s’il existait un risque qu’il puisse mettre le véhicule en mouvement.

Dans l’éventualité où une personne était reconnue coupable d’une de ces deux (2) accusations, elle ne pourra être reconnue coupable de l’autre puisque ces infractions découlent de la même « transaction » et qu’une règle existe qui interdit les condamnations multiples pour une même transaction. Également, lorsqu’un policier vous demande de fournir un échantillon d’haleine afin d’évaluer votre taux d’alcoolémie, vous avez l’obligation légale de le faire. Le policier doit exiger de la personne qu’elle se soumette à l’alcootest en utilisant une formulation qui fait sentir à la personne qu’elle n’a pas le choix de le faire. À défaut de s’exécuter, des accusations peuvent être portées contre la personne arrêtée et peut entraîner une peine équivalente à celle d’avoir conduit avec les facultés affaiblies. Les moyens de défense sont beaucoup plus limités dans le cadre de telles accusations et nous suggérons habituellement à toute personne de fournir l’échantillon demandé.

En conclusion, pour prévenir ce type de problème, mieux vaut ne pas boire et conduire.

Tous les cas sont des cas d’espèce et nous vous suggérons de contacter un avocat afin d’obtenir une opinion particulière à votre cas. v

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Fall

by Joanne Latimer

Forward

Get the season’s hottest looks for the campus, coffee house and the corporate workplace.

D o n ’t w e e p w h i l e packing away your s u m m e r c l o t h e s.

Want the autumnal advantage?

I t ’s t i m e t o Wear a man-style suit, à la Annie Hall. c e l e b ra t e This updated look has all the impact of classic t h e s e a s o n ’s tailoring, plus enough fashionable panache for Casual Friday. Trouser pants and t a r t a n s k i r t s, pinstripe suits are smart with man-style suits unisex attaché bags and a n d ru b y re d a c c e n t s.

ANNIE HALL

argyle sweater vests.

CRIMSON TIDE Red alert!

No self-respecting wardrobe is complete without this arresting colour. Bold and sassy, red is the perfect way to enliven an all-black wardrobe. Just add a shiny red suitcase or wet-look red boots.

Nothing turns heads like red heels, so leverage the opportunity by wearing a ruby tunic dress or a crimson top.

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All hail the return of tartan.

Heralded as the savoir of fall fashion, tartan is taking no prisoners.

Devotees love the brown tartan car coats, red trenches, yellow tartan heels and knee-high boots. If you want to make a smaller statement, try a brown or lime tartan handbag with contrasting leather handles. v

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VIAGGIOvoyage

Voyage

My Reflections

by Chiara Folini

s I traveled to Italy this summer with my friends Isabel and Catherine, I went with little expectation of what I would discover about being a second-generation Italian. Through my travels I had realized that simply knowing about Italian culture could not compare to what it would feel like to live there. I had formulated opinions on the young Italian generation from listening to my grandparents’ stories about Italian culture, fashion and lifestyle, but now I wanted to create my own ideas.

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Chiara Folini on a mountain in Sicily

My first day On my first day, as I strolled in my grandmother’s neighborhood in Peschiera del Garda an unfamiliar yet mellifluous voice chanted: “Ciao Bella” Curious, I turned around, only to discover that I had woven my self into a tangled web of flirtatious conversation. As my mind still reeled from this unconventional welcoming, I quickly realized that this was just the beginning of my adventure. And so, I set off to explore the similarities and differences between the youth in Italy and Italian youth in Montreal, and what I found were a collection of stories, people and experiences that opened my eyes to what it meant to be Italian. These are just a few of many aspects of Italy’s culture that highlighted my experiences.

Lifestyle Along with picturesque outdoor cafés where soft, sweet music flowed through the narrow streets, many young Italians dressed in their work attire nonchalantly hopped onto their Vespas. While this is a common sight in Italy, ItaloCanadians have yet to adopt and popularize this means of transportation.

The Italians I encountered enjoyed spending their time with friends at the gym or sailing on their boats across the beautiful water. The ultimate hot spot in Italy was the beach.

Katia Gagliano and It was the place to make new acquaintances and spend long Chiara Folini hours of leisure. “I don’t really need to travel since I live near one of the most beautiful beaches” expressed Katia Gagliano. As for Italo-Canadians, they are elated by the mere thought of traveling to their native home. During the World Cup Finals in Montreal last year, parties erupted on the streets in Little Italy where Italo-Canadians wore the Italian colors with admiration while waving the flag. ItaloCanadians’ display of affection towards their homeland was similar to the way youth in Italy celebrated pride in their roots.

Men Coming from a generation with an open-minded mentality, I noticed Italian men are more affectionate towards one another compared to the cultural norms I am accustomed to in Canada. For example, it was clear to me that Italian men had a unique manner in greeting each other by giving two kisses on the cheek. This came as a culture shock to me, as the idea of camaraderie amongst Montreal Italian men was usually a cheerful pat on the back, a shake of hands or a warm hug.

Fashion By observing the ragazze and ragazzi in Italy, I instantly noticed that as many men as women were carrying around a handbag with them as an accessory. On the contrary, it is unusual to come across Italo-Montrealers carrying handbags. Men wearing handbags is considered to be sophisticated in Italy but Italo-Canadians would view it as more feminine.

Nightlife On a Saturday night, my cousins took me out to dance at a discoteca. As soon as I stepped into the club, men were already giving the ladies heavy-lidded, come-hither looks. Everyone was checking everyone else out, taking notes of who was wearing an exclusive label, a pair of the new Dolce & Gabbana pants or the latest Sevens. This reminded me how fashion has been a unifying bond that transcends from one generation to the next. As the night approached an end, my cousins continued the festivity at the nearest restaurant for

Chiara Folini, Marco Ruggeri, my cousin Ruben Sdrizzi and Isabel Cafaro

Boat ride: Isabel Cafaro, Chiara Folini and Katia Gagliano

Brenzone: Isabel Cafaro, Catherine Barry and Chiara Folini

brioche con nutella, my personal favorite snack. This is similar to how after clubbing in Montreal, many Italians crave a sandwich at Milano.

Family On many occasions in Verona, my entire family sat around the long woodenextended dinner table enjoying an Italian home-cooked meal. Young and old generations passionately conversed over their views on politics and entertainment; a sense of unity. Similarly, the Italian “gioventù” in Montreal and in Italy both embrace traditional family gatherings and show a profound respect for the wisdom of their elders. The veneration of family and the desire of being a close-knit family run deep in Italian culture.

Work Today’s Italy is defined by stories like that of Alfonso Gagliano. In the small town of Ribera Sicily, at 33, he lives contentedly with his parents in the same house where he grew up. Working in the olive oil vineyards, Alfonso demonstrates one of the many young Italians who run their family business, which is not at all rare in Italy. Most Italian men under 30 are not married and still live with their parents, enjoying the coddling of doting mammas who take care of all their mundane chores of daily life. Italian youth consider work to be only a small part of their life, which reaffirms their flexible siesta hours and long-lasting dolce vita.

Education While visiting Milano, I met Giorgia Beretta who attends university in the city.

She noted, “It is uncommon for Italians to work and study simultaneously”. In Montreal, however, the Italian youth often have part-time jobs while studying. Following university degrees, Italo-Canadians are faced with society’s pressures and the challenges of attaining a job in a fast-paced society. Montreal’s youth are driven by their vigor to work, which is a contrast with the South of Italy, where bleak job prospects often extend their youth well into the 30s.

My trip made me value Italy’s approach to life, which is quite different from my own in Montreal. It also helped illuminate my perspective on the differences in Italians’ manners, traditions, behavior, language, fashion, food, family values and work ethic from Italo-Canadians in Montreal. I revel in Italians’ ability to celebrate life’s simplest moments.

As my grandmother shed a tear of sadness upon our departure, I was shedding a tear of j oy for all t h e ne w friendships I made, the culture I had experienced and for having a newfound appreciation and understanding of wh at bei ng It ali an means to me. v Chiara Folini in Verona

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Wine

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VINOvin

Discovering the wines of Molise

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

enuine area ingrained in secular enogastronomic traditions, the Molise region is one of Italy’s oldest and most underestimated wine regions of Italy.

Overshadowed by more famous winemaking areas, it nonetheless offers an increasing number of good, affordable wines. Often referred to as the Province of Campobasso, its actual capital, it is one of the country’s smallest regions with only 350,000 people.

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Located along the Adriatic coast between Abruzzo and Apulia, Molise stands right in the middle of the italian peninsula. Essentially rural, its territory offers fertile grounds for grape production. Vineyards are hence found all over its territory, from the beautiful rolling hills of the Central Adriatic coast near Termoli, Gulgionesi and Campomarino; in the Biferno river corridor also called il Colle di Bacco (bachus’ neck), to the upper plateaus of the Apennine mountain ridge near Isernia (the Pentro d’Isernia) in alto Molise. The region only counts four doc1 : Biferno (rosso, bianco, rosato), Pentro di Isernia, Molise (rosso, bianco), and Tintilia del Molise, and tally a few more Igt2, the most famous one being the “Osco” o Terra degli Osci.

Yet, Molise is mostly renowned for its production of bulk wines and local contadina consumption and never developed a strong tradition for fine wines. Few truly autochthonous grapes like Tintilia are still found here, while Italy counts more than 400 native, quality grape types. Most of the local varieties now in use, such as Falanghina, Greco and Aglianico, along with sweeter Moscati, Moscatelle, Malvasia and fiano, were brought successively by the Greeks and the Romans and have been cultivated for hundreds of years in the area.

Recently introduced in the 1970s for their high yields, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (red) and Trebbiano (white) from more northern Abruzzo, are without any doubt the most common grape types of Molise. They are usually at the base of the local table wines and local doc wines and are often blended with other common grape types of the region. Fruity and ropy, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a perfect everyday wine especially good with pasta and meat sauce. Often dull, Trebbiano can however be very charming with its delicate smell and good acidity perfect for fish and greens.

Falanghina and Greco grapes offer some of the regions best whites. More widespread in close-by Campania (Naples) these crisp, mineral wines are nonetheless becoming increasingly popular and serve as a perfect drink during the torrid Molisani summer months, which often reach average temperatures above thirty degrees Celcius (92 F). This warm Mediterranean climate favors the production of a remarkable meridional grape called Aglianico, that makes complex and full-bodied red wines. Famous in the Vulture area in Basilicata, it is also much praised in Molise.

Sangiovese, a very adaptable variety from Tuscany and Marche, is also cultivated in good proportions along with more traditional Bombino and Malvasia. Recently rediscovered, the Tintilia is considered one of the most traditional grape types of Molise. Few producers still grow it, but it has been regaining a growing interest in the last few years with the region’s creation of the new doc (denominazione di origine controllata): Tintinlia del Molise in 2004, with promising results. Its characteristic black licorice and spicy smell combined to a medium body and firm tannins makes it a perfect match for roasted red meats.

Reminiscent of the region’s small size, only eight serious producers are nominally stated in the specialized guides, the most interesting ones being Borgo di Colloredo, Di Majo Norante and Masseria Flocco. However, newcomers are slowly showing up, such as the Cantina Cipressi or Cantina Catabbo which are at the forefront of the Tintilia production, encouraged by the region’s potential for good quality wines. In fact, Plinio the Ancient in his Naturalis Historia, stated the locality of Cliternia near Campomarino as one of the best areas for viniculture.

The Di Giulio family, owner of the Borgo di Colloredo winery, has been exploiting this area since the 1970s, using typical southern varieties as well as international ones in their 50 hectares domain. Their magnificent Podere, worthy of the most beautiful Tuscan vineyards, also stands as a bed and breakfast. Try their Biferno Gironia white and red (available only in some of Montreal’s restaurants), both splendid examples of the region’s jump into modernity.

Nearby, the Di Majo Norante family has produced wines since the 1800s. Real qualitative locomotive of the region, it stands as one of the most dynamic agencies of the area, promoting, through contemporary interpretations and modern techniques, ancient autochthonous grapes such as Tintilia. Their champion: the Don Luigi is an actual blend of Montepulciano and Tintilia. The Biferno Rosso Ramitello, available at the SAQ, is another of their praised wines along with the Molise aglianico Contado. Yet, for a good, inexpensive, fruity medium bodied wine, look out for their Moli Terra degli Osci Rosso.

Finally, Masserie Flocco, Portocannone’s leading winery, offers a mix of tasty, unbinding wines of local and international varieties.

Cantina Catabbo

Hence, next time you happen to visit Molise, do not hesitate to order local wines instead of limiting yourself to regular table wine. The producers listed above are easily accessible and are, most of all, amazingly cheap for what they can offer (count about 20$ for a medium range bottle you would probably pay two to three times more in Canada). Here are two addresses you must visit if you are a wine lover and appear to be in Molise. First, right outside of Guglionesi, near Termoli, amidst the sunflowers, weat fields, and fruit trees, is the restaurant Ribo, famous for its fine reinterpretation of Molise’s regional cuisine. The surrounding panorama is worth the detour. Also try il Mare di vino, in Campomarino. A charming food haven, specialized in fish and sea products of the region. Both carry an incredible selection of fine wines, menus that will make you come back for more, and passionate owners always ready to accomodate your needs. v

Cantina Catabbo

Denominazione di origine controllata (Protected denomination) 2 Indicazione geografica tipica (Protected denomination) 1

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Cantina Cipressi

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FORMAGGIO

fromage

Cheese

Taste from the highlands The cheeses of Molise

by Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

n the mid-Apennine Mountains in central Italy stands the Region of Molise with its green pastures and impressive panoramas. For thousands of years, these lands have welcomed shepherds and their herds of cattle migrating along the ancient tratturi (sheep-track) from Campania to Apulia in search of food for their livestock. The history of these routes, located in the heart of the Upper Molise, has always been linked to antique pastoral and culinary traditions based on dairy products. Especially praised are the local mozzarella, caciocavallo, ricotta, and formaggi stagionati (aged cheeses).

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Azienda Agricola De Nigris

The Caciocavallo

Pecorino Molisano

Considered one of the greatest cheeses of the world, the Caciocavallo is often compared to parmiggiano reggiano because of its appetizing spicy taste and intense smell. Solely made out of milk from local cows,’ fed from extensive grazing, this typical semi-hard cheese can also be confectioned with father Bufala milk. Aged for a minimum of two months, it can either be eaten fresh or stagionato.

Smooth and unctuous when young, it gains power and complexity during aging, making it a perfect match for local full bodied reds such as Tintilia or Aglianico. Its unmistakable pear shape with an overhanging head top makes it one of the most original cheeses of central and southern Italy, and the only traditional cheese of Molise carrying a denominazione di origine protteta DOP (protected denomination). Commercialized under the Caciocavallo Silano DOP its production area extends to various regions of southern and central Italy. Yet, the Molise region has always had a specific savoir faire, great landscapes and local cow types that bring a unique taste to this incredible cheese. The origin of the name caciocavallo seems to relate to the way it is hung for aging, straddled on a horizontal beam, like a horseman. The best ones come from alto Molise (Agnone e Vastogirardi), and Molise centrale (Frosolone), in the province of Isernia.

The Pecorino Molisano is a goat cheese usually aged in cellars between two months to two years. It is generally found in the Matese area (Campobasso), near Campitello, and in the Capracotta area (Isernia), which also adjoins Agnone, Carovilli, Pescopennataro, San Pietro Avellana e Vastogirardi. Usually weighing a few kilos it has a hard, nutty coloured crust and a characteristic spicy flavour.

Two local references

Azienda Agricola De Nigris

Mozzarella Fresh Mozzarella is another culinary marvel of Molise. Soft and chewy, this famous traditional cheese “di pasta filata” (floss dough) is always done with fresh cow milk and is available all year long (the best ones during spring time). Normally shaped into dough balls of various dimensions, from bocconcini to cigliegine, it is locally called Treccia when knotted in the form of a braid (tress).

Salted in brine water for 12 to 20 hours, it does not require aging and is best eaten within a few days. Originating from the local city of Agnone, similar to the treccia but shaped in rectangular stripes, the Stracciata is one of the most praised cheeses of Molise. Bigger and chewier than regular mozzarella, the mozzarella di Bufala, especially famous in Campania, is also available in Molise. Scamorza, however, is the name given to hardened mozzarella once aged for about fifteen days. It is the traditional type of semi-hard mozzarella used to season pizza and other Italian dishes.

The Bojano (Isernia) area is now famous all over Italy for

its mozzarella and might benefit in the near future from a DOP of its own. Look out for the Caseificio Pulsone, probably the best of the area.

Ricotta Fresh Ricotta is probably ultimate for cream cheese lovers. Exclusively made out local cow milk, it is produced with the whey (residual milk parts) obtained during the processing of the caciocavallo and the scamorza dura. Filtered and mixed with milk, it is then boiled to a temperature of 85 ºC until it hardens. Extracted with a ladle, the ricotta is than left to strain into little, characteristic circular baskets. Its smooth texture and gentle taste makes it the perfect cheese to spread on your toast, to stuff lasagnas or mix with pasta and pastries. The Ricotta Salata or salted ricotta is the result of a careful aging and salting process. Harder and tastier than fresh ricotta, it is especially used for seasoning pasta with greens or bruschettas.

For generations, the Di Nucci family has been playing a leading role in migratory herding in the area of Capracotta, the highest Municipality in the Appenines, selling its products to all the major local shops. Now celebrating its 50th year in the city of Agnone, the Caseificio Di Nucci is one of the most respected traditional dairy plants of Molise and is one of the official cheese suppliers for the Vatican. They have won the bronze medal at the Olimpiadi dei Formaggi di Montagna in Appenzell (Switzerland) in the general cheese category, finally establishing for the first time the caciocavallo as one of the best cheeses in the world.

Yet, cheese production in Molise is not only about maintaining traditions alive but also bringing new ideas to life. This is exactly what young Francesco Fimiani from the Caseificio De Nigris in San Giuliano del Sannio did when he took over his mother’s goat farm, transforming the old estate into a bufala dairy farm and promoting innovative cheese types of his own confection. Hence, beyond the classic mozzarella di bufala, the De Nigris estate offers a range of seven exquisite products for consumers looking for novelty. Noteworthy is their formaggio stagionato il Moro, a hard cheese aged for a minimum of 4 months in antique cellars belonging to the family for generations.

For more information: Caseificio Di Nucci Antonio di Franco Di Nucci Artigianale Giovanni Paolo II, 8, 86081 Agnone (IS) Tel. 0865 77288 web site: www.caseificiodinucci.it Azienda Agricola De Nigris, Contrada Fontana Cappella 86010 San Giuliano del Sannio (CB) Tel. 0874 791103 web site: www.aziendagricoladenigris.com v

TO OUR READERS, PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS. THIS IS CRUCIAL IN KEEPING OUR MAILING LISTS UP TO DATE AND ELIMINATES UNNECESSARY EXPENSES. THANK YOU.

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Olive oil

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OLIO D’OLIVAhuile d’olive

L’Huile d’Olive Italienne La grande championne du Salon international de l’alimentation (SIAL) de Montréal 2007 Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

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’Italie a remporté les Trois Gouttes d’OR au concours Olive d’Or du SIAL Montréal 2007 (Salon international de l’alimentation), les 28, 29 et 30 mars derniers, dans les catégories fruité-doux, fruité-moyen et fruité-intense.

Le sud s’est imposé cette fois avec deux producteurs de la Sicile et un producteur des Pouilles, détrônant ainsi la Toscane, la Sardaigne et la Ligurie souvent primées pour leurs huiles. PanoramItalia vous présente ces trois huiles d’une qualité exceptionnelle.

Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge L’Affiorato

Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge Planeta

L’Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge L’Affiorato produite par le Frantoio (huilerie) Galantino situé en plein coeur de la région des Pouilles au nord de la ville de Bari, a dominé dans la catégorie Fruitédoux. À base d’olive Coratina et Ogliarola, cette huile de grande qualité résulte d’un procédé délicat recueillant uniquement un petit pourcentage (2-3%) d’huile remontée à la surface lors du foulage à froid avant la pression. Au doré s ou t enu , s a ro b e es t r ich e e t onctueuse rappelant surtout au nez la tomate verte et l’amande séchée.

L’attaque est fine et soyeuse libérant par la suite de doux arômes de radicchio et d’endive d’une bonne allonge.

Essayez-là sur un filet de maquereau cuit au court bouillon ou sur des légumes grillés au BBQ.

Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge Ravida L’Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge Ravida a remporté, quant à elle, la première place dans la catégorie fruité-moyen. Récemment popularisée dans l’émission À la di Stasio, cette huile provient de Menfi en Sicile où elle est produite par la famille Ravida depuis 1773 avec trois variétés d’olives : Cerasuola, Biancolilla et Nocellara. Les olives sont récoltées principalement à la main et pressées le jour même. Non-filtrée, cette huile arbore une couleur vert doré, un fruité riche et des saveurs d’olives fraîches, d’herbe coupée, de tomates et d’amandes, évoluant sur un doux fini poivré.

Essayez-là sur une salade d’oranges sanguines tranchées en rondelles agrémentées de poivre, de persil frais et d’oignons finement coupés.

L’Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge Planeta, en l’important dans la catégorie fruité-intense, a elle aussi rendu honneur aux olives Cerasuola, Biancolilla et Nocellara cultivées dans la pointe ouest du terroir sicilien. Établie à Capparina près de Menfi, entre Palerme et Agrigento, l’oliveraie de la famille Planeta (famille surtout célèbre pour ses vins) bénéficie depuis 2006 de l’appellation D.O.P. (dénomination d’origine protégée) Val di Mazara. Sa couleur dorée intense évoque le chaud soleil sicilien.

Son nez tout aussi charmant rappelle le foin, l’herbe coupée, la tomate verte, ainsi que de subtils arômes d’agrumes. Un équilibre parfait entre intensité et finesse marie agréablement l’aspect fruité et épicé de cette grande huile d’olive. Son goût riche évoque ainsi la tomate verte et l’artichaut progressant sur une amertume assez prononcée (l’ardence) au goût de salade frisée et de chicorée.

Essayez-là sur une salade frisée aux lardons, pour faire du Pesto Ericino (pesto sicilien aux amandes grillées, tomates et basilic), ou pour une Caponata aigre-douce à la sicilienne. v

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48 64

GASTRONOMIA

gastronomie

Majestic view of Chianti.

Gastronomy

Casa Di Sopra (our villa).

Traveling With Taste A Tuscan Culinary Tour

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View from Fattoria Campriano.

Gazing out from La Cantinetta di Rignana.

By Maria Loggia

hen choosing a holiday destination, many issues enter into the decision-making process.

Typically we try to envision ourselves immersed in a diverse energetic culture, surrounded by breathtaking scenery while enjoying delectable local dishes. Simply put, we try to saturate our senses during our time away from home. This is the Italy of our dreams-the magical region we have read about, seen in paintings and fantasized about. Tuscany offers all this and more, from medieval villages, walled towns and Renaissance cities. This is the land of Florence, Siena and Lucca and more duomos than we can count. And then there are the wines. What would life be like without Chianti, Brunello, the Super Tuscans and Vin Santo .

Driving from the Florence airport to the villa with our guests, we are immediately impressed not only with the incredibly efficient use of space, but the balance between nature and man. The landscape is one of endless rolling hills, all neatly groomed with cypress trees, grapevines and ancient olive groves. What God has created, man has sculpted, maintaining a beautiful balance.

The villa is located up in the hills of Chianti on a very large, private estate, a short walk from the Maria shopping at San Lorenzo’s “mercato centrale” perched town of Radda. As the guests are assigned rooms, they all eagerly explore the luxurious villa which will be their home for the next week. Inside, huge, airy, light rooms with original beams come as a complete surprise for everyone to enjoy private moments or to gather together for a glass of Chianti Classico.

The tour officially begins on the Sunday morning with a trip to an open-air market in Panzano, followed by a visit to Tuscany’s most famous butcher shop “Antica Macelleria Cecchini”. Here, owner Mr. Dario Cecchini, a very serious and dramatic man (Simon Cowell look-a-like) holds court displaying his skills and products amid classical music. Although photographs are not allowed, his hospitality is genuine and displayed with the various tastings of mouthwatering porchetta, sausage, and liver pate. He even provides his own wine to complement the offerings. Truly worth a visit! (Serious gourmands should not miss this place). Later on, a stop in Greve, a friendly market town, allows us to visit the town square and low and behold, a food fair in the center of town allows us to taste more local products:(Finocchiata, pecorinoToscano, Marzolino-a soft pecorino cheese, salame di cinghiale, and lardo di Colonnata-sinfully delicious cured fatback).

For lunch we stop at La Cantinetta di Rignana. This is the ultimate in rural feasting as both the setting and the local dishes are “genuino”. We head home through the winding roads of Chianti for a rest and of course let us not forget dinner at the villa. No one is hungry, after all, we ate all day, but come 8:00 pm every one gathers around the villa table and somehow our appetites return.

Cinta Senese pork farm ”L’appetito viene mangiando”!

The following day, we visit an organic goat cheese producer and a “Cinta Senese” breeder - the zebras of the hog world, used to produce the highest quality cured meats in Tuscany. Along with a beautiful drive in the country, we experience first hand, the best that Tuscany has to offer. Even though our GPS (called a Tom Tom locally) is not being co-operative with us, and sends us around in circles ( We arrive 30 minutes late at our first appointement).

After a wonderful morning we head off for our first estate meal. At the “Azienda Campriano”. Mr Rarnuccio is hosting us for lunch and has prepared a Galantino olio al basilico wonderful feast, each course is paired This fragrant basil infused extra-virgin olive oil is wonderful drizzled on with one of his estate wines. Here, one of the most repeated Italian sayings vine-ripened harvest tomatoes, grilled medley of vegetables and any comes to mind. “Time stands still when grilled whole fish. you’re at the table”. This means that Antica Macelleria Cecchini in the Panzano region Retail suggested price is under $13.00 each course is presented in a definite order as the meal is leisurely and Le Fouvrac convivial. Tuscans have a “genius” for celebrating the moment.

1451, avenue Laurier Est Although Tuscany is more often associated with wine, its “cucina povera” is second Montréal, Québec to none in Italy. As we are in Tuscany on a culinary tour particular attention is paid to local T: 514-522-9993 dishes. You soon discover that their cured meats are saltier than those from other regions because until not long ago, farmhouse bread was baked only once a week, so to prevent it from Les Douceurs du marché going mouldy, no salt was put in the dough. As the same people who baked the bread also cured 138, rue Atwater # 150 the pork, they compensated for this by making the salumi saltier than most.

Montréal, Québec With that in mind we head off on Tuesday to “Castello di Volpaia” for a cookery T: 514-939-3902 class followed by a tour of their winery as well as their “acetaia”- vinegar factory.

The meal features: Schiacciata al Rosmarino, Penne con zucchini e zafferano, Fromagerie Cavallaro Involtini alla Toscana (recipe follows), Indivia stufata, and Giovannella’s gelato. Once again 11760, boul. de Salaberry the meal is skillfully paired with their estate wines.

Dollard-des Ormeaux, Québec Wednesday morning, there is a buzz in the air. Today we are heading to Siena.

T: 514-683-9662 This city once controlled much of Tuscany and fought for centuries with Florence for control of the region. I much prefer Siena over Florence as it is less frequented by tourists and

Favorite find -

Eating lunch “al fresco” at the Cantinetta di Rignana.

Limonaia estate in Panzano.

allows for breathing room. The group is quickly split in two. The women casually walk through a large open-air market selling leather goods, clothing and shoes, while the men quickly escape to the comfort of the food stalls.

Following the free time, the group assembles for an “al-fresco” meal at Osteria Le Logge. Our menu featured: Paté di Fegatini con Mirtilli, Spaghetti di Gragnano con pecorino di Pienza, Controfiletto di Chianina con verdure,and Crostatina di Frutta con gelato della casa. Later in the day our guide Donatella escorts us through a walking tour of the city and its many historically important buildings, all the while regaling us with historical facts.

For many enophiles Montalcino is their Mecca. So, on Thursday we hit the road and travel through the Sienese hills towards the medieval hill town of Montalcino. Once a city state on its own, it was taken over by the Sienese centuries ago. It is the home of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most esteemed red wines. A pleasant stroll through town, a glass of Brunello on an outdoor terrace, or a full tasting of Brunello wines at the Enoteca La Fortezza within the fort walls are all viable options to visitors.

Later on, we lunch at Castello Banfi and enjoy a sumptuous 5-course meal. Each course is paired with wine from their award-winning estate.

On Friday our farewell meal is celebrated at Badia a Coltibuono a former Benedictine Abbey dating back to 770 AD. The estate includes an 11th century church, Lorenza di Medici’s cookery school and a classy restaurant run by her son Paolo.

My love affair with Italy began over 12 years ago when my husband and I decided to take a 19-day journey across Italy.

Although Italy’s splendors are many, it was in Tuscany that I left my heart. People here obviously and thoroughly enjoy day-today life, especially gathering, preparing and sharing food. The guest is welcome to the table with a natural and deep sense of hospitality. At each season, different foods are welcomed, savoured, and honored. As every day is a blessing we too should try to embrace in this pleasure cycle.

Now, year after year, I faithfully return to the region with students to share new experiences and the Italian “gioia di vivere”.

Gastronomy

Dog House in Siena (even the dogs live the “dolce vita”).

Town of Panzano.

For more information on Tavola Mia Culinary Tours visit www.tavolamia.com and click on the tours tab. v

Involtini di Vitello alla Toscana Tuscan veal roll - Yield: 6 servings

Maria and her husband Gino at the Azienda Baruffaldi.

Ingredients 3 slices of top round veal, butterflied, then pounded into 1/4 inch pieces 3 thin slices mortadella (preferably imported Italian) For the frittata: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 6 eggs 3 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste To cook the rolls: 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 rosemary sprigs, left whole 4 garlic cloves, peeled, flattened 2 bay leaves 1 cup dry white wine 1 to 1-1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, completely defatted Preparation To prepare the frittata: In a small bowl combine 2 eggs at a time with 1 tbsp of parsley and season with salt and pepper. Heat one tbsp of oil in a small skillet. Add your frittata batter and cook, flipping over once. Continue with the other eggs. Cool the frittata on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. On a work surface place your veal slices, season with salt and pepper.

Place a mortadella slice over each veal slice, followed by the frittata. Roll the meat tightly jelly-roll style and tie with kitchen string. The “involtini” should look like a small salami. Continue with other two veal slices.

In a large skillet heat the oil on medium-high heat and combine the garlic and rosemary sprigs. Add the veal rolls and brown lightly, turning the meat a few times. Add the white wine and let evaporate. Add 1/2 cup of broth and cook covered on gentle simmer for about 6070 minutes. Add more broth as needed. Ten minutes before the end of cooking time, remove cover and let meat brown. Allow to cool a little, remove string before serving, then cut into 1/2-inch slices. Serve with some pan juices.

Tavola Mia Tuscan tour group.

Left to right, Dora, Jeanne and our host from the Volpaia cookery school, Signorina Stianti.

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nos villages

Our towns

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA

di Imelda Facchin Bisinella

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on è cosa facile presentare Bassano del Grappa in poche righe, avendo la città già festeggiato il millennio. I manufatti ritrovati nella necropoli di san Giorgio di Angarano, datati tra il XI e il IX secolo a.C. testimoniano un insediamento precedente a quello romano, che giungerà solo nel II secolo a.C. ad opera del colono Bassianus, proprietario di un fundus (ossia una proprietà agricola). Bassano del Grappa è situata nel nord-est della penisola italiana, nel cuore della regione Veneto, in provincia di Vicenza. La città ai piedi delle pre-Alpi vicentine, nel punto in cui il fiume Brenta sbocca dalla valle Canale di Brenta, possiede una ubicazione privilegiata rispetto ai principali centri del territorio (Padova, Vicenza, Venezia,Verona). È situata a 129 ms.l.m. ha una superficie di 46 km2, abitanti 40.141, ma con l’area urbana ha una popolazione di circa 65.000 abitanti ed aspira a diventare provincia.

Veduta del Ponte degli Alpini, ripresa dal ponte nuovo, con la torre degli Ezzelini.

Età Medievale

La Resistenza

Sono poche le informazioni circa il dominio longobardo (568-774) e franco (774-888), mentre fonti scritte confermano l’esistenza di un primo nucleo della città già nel 998, con la pieve di santa Maria, e nel 1150, con il Castello degli Ezzelini, castello che esiste ancora è stato ristrutturato ed è una attrattiva turistica.

Nel 1175 Vicenza estese il suo dominio su Bassano, attratta dalla posizione strategica della città. Quegli anni si caratterizzarono per le strette relazioni militari e politiche con la ricca famiglia degli Ezzelini e favorirono la costituzione delle prime magistrature cittadine.

Con la morte dell’ultimo degli Ezzelini nel 1259, Bassano subi’ la dominazione prima di Vicenza e poi di Padova.

Anche a Bassano, tra il 1922 ed il 1943, si afferma il fascismo e dal 1926 il sindaco venne sostituito da un podestà governativo. Con lo scoppio della seconda guerra mondiale, e la caduta del fascismo, la città subi’ l’invasione tedesca. L’evento piu’ drammatico che subi’ la resistenza fu il rastrellamento del Monte Grappa del 1944 (piu’ di 500 morti e 400 deportati), che culmino’ con 31 impiccagioni nei viali cittadini.

La Repubblica di Venezia Venezia giunse a Bassano nel 1404, senza alterare statuti e consuetudini del comune, dandole il governo di un Podestà e un Capitanio scelto dal Senato tra i patrizi veneziani.

Per quattro secoli la Serenissima mantenne la pace e prosperità del territorio, con beneficio del settore tessile (lana, sete e pelli) e dell’oreficeria. Il ‘500 vede, inoltre, la proliferazione artistica della famiglia di pittori Da Ponte, della stamperia Remondini, che nel Settecento rese famoso il nome di Bassano in tutta Europa. Il soggiorno di Napoleone , segno’ la fine del dominio di Venezia. Il baratto con l’Austria di tutto il Veneto in cambio della Lombardia, porta Bassano a vivere l’avventura della dominazione austriaca. Bassano fu annessa all’Italia solo nel 1866.

Il ponte sul Brenta, detto Ponte Vecchio o Ponte degli Alpini, tutto in legno subi’ numerosi interventi e ricostruzioni dalla sua nascita, documentata nel 1209 da Gerardo Maurisio. Fu Andrea Palladio che, nel 1569, progetto’ il nuovo ponte li gn e o. Una p i ena nel 174 8 distrusse l’opera palladiana, che fu r i c o st r ui t a 3 anni dop o da Bortolomeo Ferracina. Nel 1956 e Brenta. m un’ altra piena del Brenta mise in fiu l su e nt Po l vecchio Veduta aerea de pericolo il ponte ma fu ricostruito con legno importato dalla Columbia Britannica,rispettando sempre l’opera palladiana. Il Ponte fu un punto strategico nella prima guerra mondiale dal 1916 al 1918, sopportando il passaggio di armi e di armati fluenti che andavano dall’altipiano al Carso. Ora è solamente aperto ai pedoni ed è la fierezza degli Alpini. Chi non conosce la canzone… Sul ponte di Bassano?

Là ci darem la mano Ed un bacin d’amor…

Ma rendere ancora piu’ attraente il Ponte è la distilleria Nardini e la sua famosa grappa, che ora si trova in mezzo mondo, anche qui in Montréal.

I Nostri Giorni

Piazza Garibaldi, giornata di mercato, con la torre del municipio a sinistra e la chiesa di San Francesco a destra.

Una volta conosciuta Bassano non la si puo’ dimenticare. È ancora una città a misura d’uomo. Le sue rosse torri, le sue mura millenarie, i giardini delle case, la mole della Torre Ezzeliniana, le pigne dei campanili di San Francesco, San Giovanni, della Ss. Trinità, del Duomo e le minori torri che emergono sul mareggiare dei tetti. I musei, le tipiche vie di selciato sembrano uscire dal pennello di un artista. La famosa ceramica, l’oro, i mobili antichi, l’artigianato ed il commercio hanno contribuito all’espansione della città ed alla sua ricchezza. Nei giorni di mercato attraverso le piazze l’odore dei funghi e di acquavite, la vivacità della gente, tutto sembra suggestionare il turista avido di nuove scoperte.

Prodotti tipici Tra alcuni prodotti tipici conosciuti in tutta Italia si notano: • Gli Asparagi Bianchi, D.O.P., unici per il loro sapore si ritrovano ogni anno anche alla mensa del Papa.

• I “Bigoli” di Bassano, con l’anitra, un piatto da gustare .

• La Grappa è qui entriamo veramente in un campo infinito, tanto per nominare le piu’ famose; la Nardini, la Poli, la Bassanina, la Lovato, la San Giorgio…

• I formaggi, a cominciare per l’Asiago ed i duoi derivati, il morlacco delle montagne vicine e via di seguito.

Gli avenimenti Il Carnevale coi carri mascherati a febbraio, le mostre artistiche, i mercati del giovedi’ e del sabato, la fiera annuale a settembre che attira migliaia, e migliaia di persone, le attività sportive che vanno dalla pallavolo all’hockey, Calcio, Rugby, corse di bicicletta su pista, insomma la noia non esiste a Bassano.

La Grande Guerra

L’emigrazione

La prima guerra mondiale vede Bassano come zona di guerra, paralizzando ogni attività sino al 1916. La disfatta di Caporetto (1917) vide la città in prima linea, costringendo all’evacuazione piu’ di 7000 persone. La nascita nel 1924, della Smalteria Metallurgica Veneta fu l’evento piu’ importante della ripresa economica: in pochi anni divenne l’azienda piu’ importante della città.

Di Bassanesi in Montréal e nel Québec ce ne saranno una cinquantina, ma il Veneto ha subito un grande esodo, ben tre milioni di Veneti sono sparsi per il mondo.

I primi Veneti ancora nel 1860 si dirigevano verso il Brasile e l’Argentina. In questi paesi hanno già festeggiato i 135 anni di emigrazione Veneta. Nel sud del Brasile parlano ancora il vecchio dialetto veneto ed è un vero piacere visitarli. Hanno conservato i canti, la cucina ed il modo di vivere veneto, perfino le viti ed il modo di fare il vino. Ci sono stata come turista due anni

Our towns

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fa e mi sono sentita a casa, la loro accoglienza m’è rimasta nel cuore. Dopo la prima guerra mondiale l’emigrazione si diresse verso i paesi europei, Francia, Svizzera, Belgio, qui soprattutto lavoravano nelle miniere di carbone e molti ebbero i polmoni ammalati e subirono molte discriminazioni. Alla fine della guerra 1940/45, l’Italia era devastata, non c’era lavoro e la ripresa fu molto lenta. Ecco allora una nuova ondata emigratoria verso gli Stati Uniti d’America ed il Canada. La maggioranza dei Veneti si trova in Columbia Britannica.

La prima associazione Veneta in Montréal fu la famiglia Leone di San Marco, resti della dominazione Veneziana.

Veneta, che raggruppava tutti i Veneti ed anche dei Friulani, ed ha già festeggiato i settanta anni di fondazione.

Nel 1969 è nato il Club Vicentini nel Mondo, e di seguito nacquero: l’ass. Padovani nel Mondo, l’ass. Trevisani nel mondo, l’ass. Bellunesi nel mondo, l’ass. Veronesi nel mondo La grapperia Nardini, sul Ponte degli Alpini, (quest’ultima non esiste piu’), il Centro di Cultura Veneta. fondata nel 1779.

L’ultima arrivata è l’ass,Veneziani nel mondo. Tutte queste associazioni hanno in comune il mantenimento delle proprie origini, la difesa della loro lingua e della loro cultura. Constatato che le Associazioni vanno assottigliandosi e ben sapendo che l’unione fa la forza, nel 1998 è nata la FEDERAZIONE DELLE ASSOCIAZIONI VENETE DEL QUÉBEC; a loro si è unito anche il Coro Alpino 3 Venezie. Molte delle loro attività si svolgono alla Casa del Veneto situata a Rivières des Prairies.

Quest’ultima è stata costruita nel 1985, grazie ad una sovvenzione del Governo Canadese, dalla buona volontà dei Trevisani, ma con l’aiuto anche di tanti altri Veneti di ogni provincia. Durante la stagione estiva ci sono molti pic nic per incontrarsi e mantenersi uniti, partite di calcio fra giovani e meno giovani, ma anche conferenze, incontri gastronomici, mostre ed il Carnevale che i veneti sognano di rendere simile a quello Veneziano… Abbiamo ricevuto gruppi teatrali, come cori da montagna, mostre d’arte famose, Arti per Via di Bassano che hanno fatto la gioia di tutta Montréal. Esiste anche Arti per Via di Montréal che presentano i vecchi mestieri di una volta, mestieri ormai dimenticati e sconosciuti dai giovani d’oggi.

La Regione Veneto negli ultimi anni s’interessa maggiormente dei suoi concittadini per il mondo. Nel 2003, ha tenuto qui, una Conferenza d’area alla quale hanno partecipato i Veneti di tutto il mondo, per rivedere le politiche ed Orologio sulla loggia del La statua del vescovo San il da farsi per migliorare la posizione di tutti. Ha offerto un corso per giovani dai 18 ai 35 anni qui a Montréal con Podestà, installato il Bassian, il patrono di insegnanti locali e provenienti dal Veneto. Ogni hanno la provincia di Vicenza accoglie giovani interessati all’architettura, 2 febbraio 1430.

Bassano del Grappa al commercio ed all’industria con seminari di formazione. La provincia di Belluno accoglie i giovani che si dirigono all’ attività alberghiera. Inoltre sono offerte delle borse di studio nelle università venete, viaggi per giovani e per anziani, per ultimo, sempre la Regione Veneta sta realizzando un documentario sull’ emigrazione veneta in tutto il mondo, ci sono molti altri progetti in corso per giovani che vogliono trarne profitto.

Far conoscere Bassano, il Veneto ed i Veneti, è stata per me una grande gioia. Rincresce di non aver spazio per parlarvi di “Monte Grappa tu sei la mia Patria”. Sarà per un’ altra occasione. v

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STORIAhistoire

Story

Confessions

The garden, the closet and the carpet

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here are many reasons why being raised in an Italian family is so wonderful. The unconditional love, the closeness, the caring, the feeling of security and the happiness.

These are but a few examples. There is also another aspect that is present in our lives. It is pretty much there from the start of your life and tends to follow you Mario... feelin’ bad as you get older. It sometimes appears in different forms but its purpose is usually the same. It can make children shake with fear, make teenagers think about entering the witness protection program and drive normally welladjusted adults clinically insane. It’s a little thing we Italians like to call “guilt”.

Confession #1 Although this is not technically a confession, (I was apprehended shortly after having committed the act) when I think about it today, I still feel bad. It was summer, I was about 5 years-old and my friend and I were a little bored. My family and I lived next door to my grandfather, he had a large garden (about the size of a backyard) as did we. For some reason we decided that it would be fun to pick the vegetables, carry them down to my driveway, drop them on the asphalt and step on them. We smashed every tomato, green pepper and any other innocent vegetable that we could find… and there were a lot that summer. By the time we ended the slaughter, the 2 gardens were empty, and our shared driveway (which could probably fit 8 cars) was completely covered with smashed vegetables. It was red and green all over.

When my mom came out and saw the mess, she wasn’t sure if she should kill me or wait for my grandfather to come home and help him kill me. Then my grandfather got back from work and all I heard was, “Sa-na-ma-beetch!” As I peeped through the window I could see him talking to my mother, turning redder and redder by the second as his hands dangled dangerously

6873, Plaza St-Hubert Montréal, Québec 514.276.1360

by Mario Di Flavio

near his belt. I don’t know what she said to him but I think she saved my life. Later, when he asked me why I chose to destroy our gardens and not my friend’s I answered, “Because ours had more stuff.” What a schmuck. The garden was a source of pride, something my grandfather loved to work at and take special care of and something that gave him a sense of accomplishment. Still feel bad about that one…

Confession #2 I was 14 years-old and it was my first day of summer vacation. I knew that I had to paint the fence that day but it was ok, I had the whole summer ahead of me. I was still asleep when my doorbell rang at 9am. It was my cousin Marco. He had come by to show me his new skateboard. Still groggy and in my pajamas, I climbed onto the skateboard and rolled back and forth in my hallway for about 3 seconds when the board slipped out from under me. I went flying and the skateboard bashed into the closet door. As I picked myself up, I saw Marco pulling it out of the hallway closet exposing a nice little gash at the bottom. We had just moved in the year before and my dad had sanded and beautifully varnished all the doors. “Don’t panic!” said Marco, “I know exactly what to do!” We ran down to the garage and he quickly began gathering materials. I thought to myself, “Wow! This guy really knows what he’s doing!”

Then I asked him, “Has this ever happened to you before?” “Oh sure, “he replied, “Lots of times!” I felt a bit better. We ran back upstairs and got to work, filling, drying and sanding, but the hole just seemed to get bigger. Hours went by. I started to panic, my mother would be home for lunch soon. I ran back downstairs and cut a piece of wood out of an old door that was laying in the garage. I glued it to the closet, covering the hole, sanded and varnished it. It wasn’t pretty. This beautiful wooden door with an ugly jagged patch at the bottom. I still felt relieved and thought, “Maybe I’ll get away with this.” That’s when I tripped over the gallon of varnish and knocked it over. I watched in horror as it oozed all over the kitchen floor and over the plastic tiles. At this point I heard Marco say, “ Well, I’m gonna go now…” As I ran to get the mop I thought, “My mother is going to get home, it’s 12 o’clock, I haven’t painted the fence, there’s a hole in the closet, a gallon of spilt varnish in the kitchen and I’m still in my pajamas.” I just managed to clean up and put everything away when my mom came in. I held my breath as she stood in the hallway next to the closet. I exhaled when she walked towards the kitchen. She hadn’t noticed! “Hi Ma!” I said. “Hi Mario,” she answered, “how far have you...”

That’s when I heard the sound of her feet sticking to the floor. She tested the floor and looked at her feet, “What’s this? And what’s that smell?” she asked as she sniffed the air. “Sorry Ma, I got up late and I was about to start painting and I spilled some paint thinner by mistake and…”

She was furious as she mopped the whole floor during her lunch hour and I could hear her say things like, “Can’t believe…that no good…this is what I…that lazy…wait till his father gets…”

My mom worked hard enough, she didn’t deserve this. Still feel bad about that one too. Funny thing though, no one ever noticed the closet...

Confession #3 I was twenty-something…let’s leave it at that. We had just gotten new carpeting in our basement. Weeks before, I told my parents that we should get something light-colored, white or beige. They thought differently but I finally convinced them and it was beautiful. On the very day that the carpet was installed, I came home in the middle of the night, I had been out partying. My room was in the basement, so I came in through the side door and went downstairs. I walked to my room and undressed, my usual routine. I was a little hungry, so I made my way through the playroom and into the laundry room where we had a couple of freezers and a refrigerator. In the dark, I opened up the fridge and saw a lovely corning ware dish with freshly made tomato sauce and meatballs. “Mmm, beautiful” I thought as I gently lifted the glass cover which still had condensation in it and scooped up some sauce and a meatball with my fingers. “Oh yeah, that’s good” I said to myself as I stuffed my face. Well, it must have been the condensation because all of a sudden, the thick glass cover slipped out of my hand and crashed on the cement floor. “Holy…” I looked down. I was bleeding. “Wait a minute, let’s just assess the situation here, Mario. It’s 3:30 in the morning, you’ve just dropped a freakin’ glass dish on your foot, you’re bleeding badly, you have meatballs in your mouth and your face is covered with tomato sauce… and you don’t have any clothes on. Then I realized that any second now, my parents would be running down the stairs. I had to get back to my room before they came down. As I was about to step into the playroom, I stopped dead in my tracks. The carpet! I looked at it expanding before me like a vast ocean. A vast, white, clean, new, expensive ocean. “Any second now, Mario, any second…” I couldn’t… but I had no choice. I took off across the carpet trying to hop on one foot, leaving huge, bloody tracks behind, all the way to my bedroom. I put some shorts on, wrapped up my foot and went back to the laundry room to start cleaning up.

It took my parents longer than I thought to hear all the commotion in the basement.

God probably said, “Okay you idiot, I’ll give you an extra 30 seconds to put something on before your mom and dad get here.” Well, they finally did and they saw the blood and of course, they didn’t care about the carpet. They asked if I was alright and took care of my foot, picked up the broken glass and cleaned the carpet. That one I’ll never get over.

Guilt. See what I mean? And one more piece of advice, if you’re hungry after a long night of partying, do yourself a favour, just go to La Belle Province. v

Music

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musique

Franco Battiato, sperimentazione & elettronica tra musica etnica e classicismo

by Massi Miliano

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MUSICA

ranco Battiato nasce a Jonia (che oggi si chiama Riposto), in una Sicilia del 1945. Ed il carattere di quest’artista sembra riflettere appieno la personalità delle terra “sicula”: un’accennata introversione, contaminata da tutte quelle culture che, solcando il Mediterraneo, hanno lasciato un segno profondo sull’isola. Allo stesso tempo, proprio come il vulcano presso il quale è nato, Battiato sa esplodere rompendo la quiete degli schemi musicali, creando nuove forme e nuove dimensioni che perdurano nel tempo. E non è un caso, infatti, che numerosi artisti italiani abbiano rivisitato le sue canzoni, cercando di reinterpretarne stile ed originalità (Una per tutte? Voglio vederti danzare, che Battiato ha pubblicato nel 1982, nell’album L’arca di Noè).

Le prime due pubblicazioni di Franco Battiato risalgono al 1965, quando la Nuova Enigmistica Tascabile, periodico appunto di enigmistica, pubblica due cover dell’artista che interpreta due brani già famosi: L’amore è partito (Beppe Cardinale, Anita Harris) e …e più ti amo (Alain Barrère).

Nel 1967, grazie ad un incontro con Giorgio Gaber, Battiato firma il suo primo contratto con una vera casa discografica (la Jolly) e pubblica La torre ed Il mondo va così, andandosi ad inserire nel filone di protesta, che sfocerà poi nel famoso ’68.

Un autore avanguardista, però, è tale proprio perché non segue le masse, anzi le anticipa, per poi allontanarsene quando queste iniziano a muoversi nella sua stessa direzione.

Così, in pieno 68, Battiato abbandona la canzone di protesta per abbracciare un filone decisamente più romantico e pubblica, con l’olandese Philips: Vento Caldo e Marciapiede.

Ma è nel 1971 che Battiato, calata la maschera ed abbandonata la ricerca del consenso popolare, si dedica all’innovazione ed alla musica sperimentale colta, con un ampio uso dell’ elettronica. In fondo, anche a livello internazionale la scena musicale sembra volersi lasciar contaminare dal microchip: sono proprio questi, infatti, gli anni di The dark side of the moon dei Pink Floyd e di Tubular Bells di Mike Oldfield, mentre Giorgio Moroder si prepara a lanciare alcune delle produzioni che poi influenzeranno le sonorità degli anni 80.

F

In soli quattro anni, dal 71 al 75, Battiato pubblica 5 album decisamente all’avanguardia, quali: Fetus (la cui copertina verrà censurata), Pollution, Sulle corde di Aries, Clic e M.elle le “Gladiator”. Sebbene il grande pubblico non abbia ancora compreso il genio di quest’artista, nel 1977 la critica gli riconosce l’ambito Premio Stockhausen di musica contemporanea, per il brano L’Egitto prima delle sabbie (esperimento di un solo accordo ripetuto al pianoforte).

Il 1979 segna il passaggio alla casa discografica EMI con la quale Battiato pubblicherà i suoi più grandi successi che resteranno nella storia della musica italiana, quali: L’era del cinghiale bianco, Prospettiva Nevskji, Bandiera bianca, Centro di gravità permanente, Cuccurucucu, I treni di Franco Battiato Tozeur, La Cura, E ti vengo a cercare…

Da ricordare l’album La voce del padrone, che, pubblicato nel 1981, resterà per oltre un anno al vertice delle classifiche italiane, vendendo oltre un milione di copie (primo 33 giri italiano a superare questo record).

Il genio artistico di Franco Battiato, sempre ispirato allo sviluppo ed all’autoanalisi, ha trovato spazio anche in altre forme artistiche quali la pittura, il cinema e la letteratura. A proposito vi consiglio il DVD “Dal cinghiale al cammello”, che raccoglie molti dei video-clip da lui stesso diretti. Inoltre, il 31 ottobre 2007, uscirà direttamente in dvd il film “Niente è come sembra”, insieme al libro “In fondo sono contento di aver fatto la mia conoscenza”. v

I recommend

Classifica dei brani italiani più suonati dalle radio in Italia

Il Negozio della solitudine – Rosario Di Bella (2007) What can you buy in a “solitude store”? What kind of music do you expect to find? Melody, pop-rock, some electronics and a lot of poetry. These are the ingredients of the latest Rosario Di Bella album. “La solitudine” is a recurring theme in the songs’ lyrics: solitude that sometimes is desired and sometimes is imposed by distances and misunderstandings. Il Negozio della solitudine is the result of five years of research. No rush for this fantastic Sicilian singer. My favorite track: Portami Via.

Concerto Grosso – New Trolls (2007) Third episode of this saga, started in 1971. Once again it represents a perfect blend of melody and symphonic baroque poprock. Another amazing work for this “genovese” group and its founders: Vittorio De Scalzi and Nico Di Palo. Several songs are sung in English. In particular “Dance with the rain”, moving on a fantastic guitar arpeggio, recalls the Cat Stevens ballads. On these pages, I would prefer to talk about “pure” Italian creations, but the quality and the wideness of this album forces me to save a space for it.

Musique et Ambiance Encore une fois l’été nous dit «Au-revoir» en laissant la place à l’automne. J’adore cette saison, c’est le temps des premiers frissons. Avec le froid qui avance, on averti le besoin de se sentir protégés par quelque chose ou par quelqu’un qui nous serre dans ses bras. Quel moment meilleur, donc, de bien dresser notre table pour un «dîner aux bougies» en regardant les arbres qui, en silence, laissent tomber leurs feuilles en compagnie desquelles ont vécu la belle saison. Mets italiens, vins italien et… musique italienne. Avec Questo piccolo grande amore (Claudio Baglioni), Una nuova canzone per lei (Vasco Rossi) et Come Mai (883), je débuterais notre soirée romantique; Ti amo e non lo sai (Francesco Baccini) et La descrizione di un attimo (Tiromancino) pour souligner un doux échange de sourires et regards profonds, pendant notre repas ensemble. Quand arriveront les mélodies de Non arrossire (Giorgio Gaber, chantée par Morgan), Soli (Adriano Celentano) et Prima di essere un uomo (Daniele Silvestri) il sera alors le moment de prendre sa main pour danser ensemble. Après? Beh… après, après… je ne peux pas tout vous dire, mais je vous propose Daisy (Daniele Groff ) et L’importante è finire (Mina). Ah, les italiens… quel poésie!

E raffaella è mia ...........................................................................................Tiziano Ferro Domo mia..............................................................Tazenda (duetto con Eros Ramazzotti) La compagnia di vasco.....................................................................................Vasco Rossi Parlami d’amore .............................................................................................. Negramaro Fresco ..................................................................................................... Daniele Battaglia Gli occhi verdi dell’amore ................................................................ Zeta Clan & Spagna Bruci la città ................................................................................................ Irene Grandi L’ego .................................................................................................................... Io Carlo Musica.................................................................................................... Paolo Meneguzzi Generazione x ........................................................................................... Mondo Marcio Amo sai di te ...................................................................................................... PQuadro Torno subito................................................................................................... Max Pezzali Istruzioni per l’ (ill)uso ............................................................................ Gemelli Diversi Gino e l’alfetta ........................................................................................ Daniele Silvestri Oltre ogni senso ....................................................................................... Daniele Stefani La paranza ............................................................................................... Daniele Silvestri Sognami ................................................................................................. Biagio Antonacci Niente da perdere ................................................................................................ Simone Cambio Direzione .................................................................................. Francesco Renga Un Kilo.............................................................................................................. Zucchero

Lost GEM Vinicio Capossela – Modì (1991)

Warm and intense sensations for this Italian innovative “cantautore”, born in Hannover (Germany). Surfing from easy/eclectic jazz to melodic tracks, his smoky voice marks every song. La regina del Florida, Ultimo amore, and …e allora mambo have all the energy of dry South American vibes, played with a jazzy attack, while Modì, 25 aprile, Solo per me and Notte di provincia dance around a melodic piano which is sometimes languid.

An album that should be placed next to those of Conte and Testa on your shelf.

Trust me!

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hommage

Tribute

Equazioni impossibili: donna-natura e cinema-vita in

Identificazione di una Donna di Michelangelo Antonioni Filippo Salvatore

er rendere omaggio alla memoria di Michelangelo Antonioni, (Ferrara 1912 - Roma 2007) uno dei grandi maestri del cinema italiano e mondiale, scomparso di recente, Panoramitalia presenta la recensione di Identificazione di una Donna, (1982) da considerarsi, col senno di poi, la più autobiografica di tutte le sue opere.

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Il film di Michelangelo Antonioni, Identificazione di una Donna è un`opera polisensa: ha cioè significati multipli e va quindi decifrata a diversi livelli.

Il filosofo sceglierà d`indagare le cause e la scaturigine della incapacità dei personaggi di accettare la normalità come base di un rapporto amoroso soddisfacente. `É quando due esseri hanno un rapporto normale che cominciano i guai` dice Niccolò ad Ida nel film.

Il critico impegnato insisterà sugli elementi sociali, strutturali presenti nel film: gli `emigranti di lusso,` dei Parioli che costituiscono `il cemento della corruzione` sociale ialiana. Si potrebbe anche fare anche una lettura psicologica della incomunicabilità del personaggi come pure vedere il film come una dichiarazione di ars poetica. Diversi e molteplici sono dunque i possibili livelli di lettura di Identificazione di una Donna.

La chiave per aprire tutto il ventaglio di significati presenti nel film è forse di indagare la natura del cinema come arte.

L`ontologia filmica in Antonioni Esiste tra Identificazione di una Donna e la produzione filmica precedente di Antonioni un legame strettissimo. Direi, anzi, che questa pellicola è una sintesi della tematica diventata sinonimo del termine `antonioniano`: incomunicabilità tra gli esseri umani, alienazione, scepsi epistemologica, e così via. Basta dare una scorsa ai titoli, tralasciando i documentari, ed ai contenuti presenti nelle opere del regista ferrarese per rendersene conto: Cronaca di un amore(1950), I Vinti (1952), Amore in Città, La Signora senza Camelie (1953), Le Amiche (1955), Il Grido(1957),

Michalangelo Antonioni (Ferrara 1912 - Roma 2007)

L`Avventura, La Notte(1960), L`Eclisse (1962), Il Deserto Rosso (1964), Blow Up (1966), Zabriskie Point (1970), Professione Reporter (1975), Il Mistero di Oberwald (1980), Identificazione di Una Donna (1982), Al di là delle Nuvole (1995), Eros (2004).

In Identificazione di Una Donna Antonioni rielabora temi da lui prediletti, ma vi aggiunge una dimensione nuova: la decifrazione del reale entro cui agiscono i personaggi (la Roma di Piazza Navona o di altri luoghi deputati barocchi del centro storico) acquista una dimensione scopertamente personale, autobiografica. Il protagonista del film è il regista Niccolò Fava (Tomas Milian) che è alla ricerca di un volto di donna che deve incarnare il suo prossimo film, di cui è incapace, però, di parlare in termini precisi. Uomo di mezza età, divorziato, già abbastanza famoso come cineasta, Niccolò vive in un appartamento del centro storico di Roma. I riferimenti autobiografici di Antonioni sono più che evidenti. Altrettanto evidenti sono le riflessioni sulla vita e sulla natura del cinema fatti per interposta persona nella sequenza in cui un amico sceneggiatore va a fargli visita nel suo appartamento.

La trama del film: un triangolo amoroso Come spesso avviene in Antonioni, la trama del film è bassta sul un triangolo amoroso: quello di Niccolò prima con Mavi o meglio Maria Vittoria Lupis (Daniela Silverio) una giovane e seducente aristocratica e poi con Ida, una giovane attrice di teatro. In entrambi i casi il rapporto amoroso di Niccolò é costruito sul vuoto. Malgrado i frequenti rapporti erotici, Mavi gli fa capire che non c`è amore tra di loro, per cui scompare all`improvviso senza dare spiegazioni. Niccolò non riesce a stabilire un rapporto duraturo neppure con Ida e rompe con lei quando scopre che è incinta, incapace di accettare la paternità del nascituro. Nell`ultima sequenza del film vediamo Niccolò solo nel suo appartamento che pensa di girare un film di fantascienza forse intitolato Le Voci dell`Aldilà.

Medaglioni • Ravioli • Cappelletti • Cannelloni Lasagna • Gnocchi di Patate • Tagliatelle • Tortellini

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La Maison du Ravioli vous offres sauces et lasagnes fraîches, fait à la maison Bon Appétit!

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TRIBUTO 5 La trama è esile, se non addirittura banale, ma questa é una costante nei film di Antonioni. Non è infatti la ricomposizione verosimile del reale quello che gli interessa, quanto l`alchimia delle passioni, gli impulsi incontrollabili che causano la passione e la rottura tra due persone, l`illusione di trovare nel sesso una risposta soddisfacente all`angoscia dell`esistenza o di trovare nel ritorno alla natura incontaminata la fonte d`ispirazione artistica.

Ma questi sono temi già trattati sia ne L`Avventura che in Blow Up. In L`Avventura era la precarietà del sentimento amoroso l`elemento sul quale si insisteva, mentre in Blow Up era la fotografia come mezzo tecnico per scoprire la verità nascosta delle cose, con la conseguente scoperta dell`impossibilità di decifrare, fissandola con una immagine, la realtà.

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Dall’ equazione donna-natura all’ ossimoro cinema-vita

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L’Avventura briele Ferzetti in Monica Vitti e Ga

In Identificazione di una Donna è il cinema come mezzo ontologico che viene ripreso e discusso. Il volto di donna che Niccolò cerca è forse l`equivalente umano di una forza naturale incontaminata. L`aristocratica Mavi, corrotta e bisessuale non r i e sc e a fungere da p unt o di ri feri ment o all`equazione donna-natura. Quando, durante l`ultima notte trascorsa insieme, Niccolò le dice `Ti amo`, si sente rispondre: `Cosa significa?` 7 Dopo l`aristocratica corrotta, Niccolò si illude di trovare in Ida l`incarnazione del volto femminile che sta cercando. L`equazione tra donna e natura diventa esplicita allorché a Venezia, Niccolò la conduce al punto in cui la laguna diventa `aperta, credendo così di aver trovato nuovo vigore alla propria ispirazione in crisi. Ma come il fotografo in Blow Up deve arrendersi all`evidenza che esiste uno scarto tra vita ed arte allorché, tornato nel parco, si rende conto che il cadavere che aveva scoperto per mezzo di ingrandimenti, è scomparso, così Niccolò in Identificazione di una Donna deve ammettere di essere incapace di assumere la paternità del bambino di un altro. Emerge così nel film l`ossimoro, l`impossi4 bile legame tra cinema e vita.

8 Prova di questo è la scena nella hall dell`albergo a Vene z i a. Ni ccolò i n p i edi dietro la porta guarda fuori mentre Ida in fondo al corridoio è sul punto di avvicinarglisi e dirgli che lo ama. È quando Ida gli dichiara, `Tu sei il mio amore, la mia cocaina, ma non il mio ordine` che la sovrapposizione cinema-vita si sfalda. Lo spettatore lo capisce nel vedere sovrapposte varie realtà sullo schermo. Pur compenetrandosi sullo schermo, nel cinema, ogni realtà resta nella vita a se stante: il mondo interiore di Niccolò, quello di Ida ed il mondo fisico circostante. L`arte, ci dice metaforicamente Antonioni, ha una propria logica e non può corrispondere alla normalità della vita.

Identificazione di una Donna: l’ 8 1/2 di Antonioni?

All`umano rimane certo, dopo la scoperta dell`impossibilità di stabilire un rapporto duraturo con altri esseri, il mistero del vivere in termini metafisici. Ed uno dei temi del film, anche se trattato solo di sfuggita, è quello dell` esistenza di Dio. Niccolò finisce con l`abbandonare la sua ricerca della donna-natura e si rifugia nella fantascienza. Egli farà, come regista, un film in cui una navicella, fatta di un metallo capace di resistere al calore del magma solare, volerà nello spazio per svelarne i segreti in termini scientifici. Ma anche questa si rivela una soluzione provvisoria. Una voce di bambino, quella del nipotino di Niccolò, chiede: `È poi?`.

E con questa domanda senza risposta si conclude Identificazione di una Donna, uno dei grandi film di Antonioni, inevitabile per lui, come lo era stato 81/2 per Federico Fellini, una profonda riflessione sulla natura del cinema come arte e come chiave per indagare i misteri della vita umana. v (1-4) Immagini di Zabriskie Point (5-8) Immagini di Identificazione di una Donna

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Events

United for the Community

By Mario Di Flavio

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t rained on June 4th, 2007. Not a good day for golf. Not a good thing for a tournament. But the 280 people who paid good money to participate in this particular one didn’t mind, they knew why they were there. The Italian-Canadian Community Foundation was holding its 20th annual golf tournament, so they came out Members of the committee and sponsors swinging.

After a day of “tough golf ”, the enthusiastic participants were able to unwind and enjoy the top notch facilities of the St. Raphael Golf Club. It was a wonderful soirée of great food, drink and service followed by a draw where guests had an opportunity to win a large range of prizes. Some of these fantastic gifts included high-end jewelry, golf memberships and round-trip airfare to Rome.

This event was meant to “contribute to the prosperity of our community.”

Thanks to charitable hearts and love of the Italian community in Montreal, more than $225,000 was raised, part of which will be given to the Santa Cabrini Hospital Diabetics Day Center.

So a special thank you goes out to the organizing committee and its presidents and to the main sponsors Mr. Vincent Santillo (Scotia Bank client relations Director, Québec region) and Mr. Tony Loffreda (Royal bank Regional Vice-President financial and commercial services, West Québec). Last but not least, to all of the companies, individuals and of course the participants who helped to make this tournament a real winner, grazie mille, merci beaucoup, thank you so much. v

Happy 25th Montréal Tracteur!

By Mario Di Flavio Angelo Masciotra, Joseph Amato and Enzo Masciotra

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ho says that Friday the 13th is unlucky? For Joseph Amato, Enzo Masciotra and Angelo Masciotra, Friday, July 13th 2007 is a day that they will remember as very lucky indeed. On that day, these founding partners celebrated a milestone that anyone should be proud of, the 25-year anniversary of their company, Montréal Tracteur Inc. The company was founded in 1982. Its goal was to sell new, used and rebuilt equipment, parts, components and accessories of the highest quality for the best possible prices. 25 years later they are still doing it. In fact they’re doing it from Ontario to the Maritimes, to the Northern United States, to Germany, Africa and the Middle-East.

The celebration that took place on company grounds at 21601 Clark Graham in Baie d’Urfe, Quebec could be compared to the best of summer festivals. There was warm weather, a large tent, live music and great food. Close friend Andrea Telaro of Andrea Ristorante provided the food and owner Joseph Amato and his band supplied the music.

Enzo Masciotra recalls the desire the brothers had from a very early age to work in the machine industry. It was instilled by their father who operated heavy machinery himself and who lit the fire in his son when he took him to work one day and showed him what it was all about.

Joe, Enzo and Angelo remember the early days of Montréal Tracteur when the three worked out of a 1500 sq ft space. “We worked from Monday to Sunday” recalls Enzo.

That’s what it takes to build a business that grows from the hopes and dreams of three men into a successful company that has endured and thrived for a quarter of a century. Tanti auguri. v

Bronzi Dorati in Montreal

We Listen With Our Hearts

By Aicha Cissé

By Aicha Cissé

M

O

ontreal is a beautif ul c ity; we a ll know it. In fact, an honor was bestowed upon our cosmopolitan town this summer. Montreal was selected to be the first city in the world to receive the famous bronze statues of Cartoceto di Pergola from the Marche region in Italy- in honor of “La Giornata delle Marche 2007”.

The extraordinary From left to right, Emidio Mandozzi, Vice-President of the Province of Ascoli Piceno, Giordano Borri, Mayor of Pergola, Gian Mario Spacca Bronzi Dorati, a group of Presidente della Regione Marche, Francesco Bellini, President of Picchio gilded bronze statues dating International and Domodimonti, Jean Chrétien, Former Prime Minister of Canada, Pietro Colonella, Sottosegretario di Stato Affari regionali e back to the 1st century AD, Autonomie Locali, Gabriele Sardo, Italian Ambassador to Canada have never been exposed out of Italy before but they’re now being displayed at our very own Fine Arts Museum until December 2nd. Perry Mezzanti, one of the co-organizers of the launch of the statues on July 6th, is extremely proud to have taken part in the event. “It’s an honor not just for our city to have been chosen, but it’s also something historical. We’re trying to make links with Italy and rediscover and celebrate Italian culture. This is not just great for our community, but also for anyone who would like to learn about Italy.”

The four sculptures are one of the few larger-than-life archeological wonders to have survived the Roman Empire. In 1946, two farmers accidentally discovered the fragmented statues in the fields near Cartoceto di Pergola. They were then reconstructed and restored between 1948 and 1959 at the National Archeological Museum of Le Marche in Ancona.

Besides their unknown story, the statues convey another mystery: that of their significance. The sculptures consist of two men on horseback and two standing women.

Archeologists are still debating who they represent and many theories have come forward.

The most intriguing suggests that both men may have taken part in the assassination of Julius Caesar - that would explain why they were destroyed. What is known for sure is that Montrealers will get a taste of the mystery until December. v

n June 14, the Garnierkids.com foundation held the third edition of their annual Rythme et Passion – On écoute avec son cœur benefit at the prestigious Château Vaudreuil. This year, a moving tribute was paid to honoree and congenital cardiac surgeon Nancy C. Poirier, director of the heart transplant program at Sainte-Justine Hospital’s cardiovascular surgery department. Groupe Garnier president Joseph Borsellino and former president and chief executive of Mckesson Canada and vicepresident of McGill University’s Health Centre Claudio F. Bussandri co-chaired the event which amassed an astounding $585 000. The prestigious evening which mingled a glittering décor and succulent food was Left to right, Groupe Garnier president Joseph Borsellino, highlighted by performances from honoree Dr Nancy C. Poirier and Alexandra Diaz in Montreal’s singing wonder Nikki background.

Yanofsky.

Garnierkids.com was established in 2004 and since then, the foundation has taken great part in the funding of numerous associations striving to provide better health and education for local children.Garnierkids.com can fulfill its mission for the children by holding a plethora of fundraisers every year. Some of the beneficiaries of the Foundation include the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Ste. Justine Hospital, and Montreal oral school.

“We’re extremely happy and fortunate to benefit from the support and generosity of so many people and we hope it will continue in the future so we can keep reaching out to our youth,” said Mr. Borsellino. v

TO OUR READERS, PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS. THIS IS CRUCIAL IN KEEPING OUR MAILING LISTS UP TO DATE AND ELIMINATES UNNECESSARY EXPENSES. THANK YOU.

w w w . p a n o r a m i t a l i a . c o m

The Vita Children’s Foundation-Soccer for Life

By Mario Di Flavio

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he third edition of the “Soccer for Life” Charity Event was held, as always, in conjunction with the Saint-Leonard Soccer Association (A.S.S.L.) and was made up of two major fundraising activities: A charity raffle and a benefit tournament. Over 1300 soccer players associated with the A.S.S.L. managed to sell over 7000 raffle tickets. The draw took place on the l ast d ay of the c l ub’s 2 0 0 7 From left to right: Nick Longo, President of the 2007 Primiani Cup tournament held Saint-Leonard Soccer Tournament (Primiani Cup), from June 15th to June 17th.

Daniela De Santis, President of The Vita Children's Prizes included a $2,500 Travel Foundation, Lucy Longo, Vice-President of the 2007 Saint-Leonard Soccer Tournament (Primiani Cup) and Frank Certificate, a week-end travel Conciatori, President of the Saint-Leonard Soccer Association. package to Toronto for the FIFA U20 World Cup championship game and an electric scooter. The foundation was able to raise additional funds by selling food and beverages at 3 different stations which were located on the site of the tournament.

Many thanks to the event’s main sponsor, Assante Wealth Management (Peter Pomponio) and other major sponsors; Via Rail, Civdev, Pavigres Ceramiques, Maple Lodge Farms and Roma Foods.

Gianluca Adornato, A.S.S.L. soccer player Players from the Montreal Impact and cancer survivor, draws the grand prize were also present to support the cause. Thanks winning raffle ticket. to the community’s involvement, $27,794 was ultimately raised for The Vita Children’s Foundation.

“Soccer for Life” continues to be a fun, great way of raising money for children suffering from cancer. Including this year’s tournament, the event has generated over $85,000 since its conception, helping The Vita Children’s Foundation to raise over $325,000. This money goes directly to organizations whose research is aimed at children’s cancer treatment, as well as patient/family support organizations. Thank you all for another year of great soccer, great kids, and great hope.

To learn more about the Foundation and its mission, please visit their website www.vitachildrensfoundation.com v

Upcoming Event

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ouce Harmonie is cordially inviting you to an evening of dining and dancing in conjunction with Shave to Save Mix’96. We are holding this event for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, helping to raise the much needed funds. It will be held at Complex le Baron, 6020 Jean Talon Est, October 13, 2007 from 6pm to 1:30am. A five course meal will be served along with open bar after dinner. There will be special guest speakers, a live band, gifts to be won and a few little surprises! Tickets cost $75.00 and can be purchased through Tanya at (514) 755-6568 or Patricia at (514) 513-4407. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a great evening together with us!v

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EVENTI

Big Night

By Joey Franco

F

errari Quebec welcomed owners and special guests to their annual Grand Prix Weekend VIP cocktail.

Guests were given the opportunity to visit the show room which features a 1962 Jean Todt with PanoramItalia’s Joey Franco Ferrari 250 GTO, a 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa 250, and an Enzo Ferrari.

Ferrari Quebec President Joey Spineti along with director of sales for Ferrari Quebec, Umberto Bonfa and events manager, Sabrina D’Amico welcomed guests of honor Laurence Stroll, Maurizio Parlato and Jean Todt.

Maurizio Parlato, President and C.E.O. of Ferrari North America along with Ferrari CEO Jean Todt emphasized the importance of both the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis. North America has been Ferrari’s largest market for many years. At the moment, North America is Ferrari’s prevalent market in terms of sales.

Franchise owner Laurence Stroll took the opportunity to announce p lans t h at Ferrari Maserati Quebec will be constructing a new dealership at the corner of De La Savanne and Decarie. The new state of the art, 22,000 square foot dealership will feature three floors and will be nearly three times as big as the current location.

Moreover, the new dealership will have fourteen lifts as opposed to the current five lifts which will result in more efficient and dedicated service to the 21/08/07 vehicles.

Am_FITHQ_4-418x6-3_Panoram.qxd:Am_FITHQ_4-418x6-3_Panoram Ferrari-Maserati Quebec is eastern Canada’s official Ferrari dealer. v

Les producteurs de vins les plus réputés d’Italie, membres de l’Istituto del vino italiano di qualità Grandi Marchi, ont choisi de dresser la table à Montréal pour célébrer la Notte di Gastronomia e di Grandi Vini italiani.

Prenez part à un dîner gastronomique exceptionnel au cours duquel huit de nos plus grands chefs québécois et italiens réaliseront un menu gastronomique de six services inspirés du terroir québécois et conçu pour s'harmoniser avec les 18 grands vins italiens sélectionnés pour l'occasion.

Le lundi 22 octobre 2007 à 18 h 30 Hôtel Hilton Montréal Bonaventure René-Luc Blaquière, directeur général de la Fondation de l’ITHQ Tél.: (514) 282-5106 - fondation@ithq.qc.ca

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SPORT sport

Sports

The 2007 Canadian Grand Prix

By Joey Franco Lewis Hamilton

A

lot has changed over the past forty years; fads, leaders, trends and ideologies have come and gone in a multitude of manners.

Let us step into a time machine and set the dials on MCMLXVII, otherwise known as 1967. Lester B. Pearson was prime minister of Canada and the Toronto Maple Leafs won their last Stanley Cup, therefore 1967 must have been a really, really long time ago. The Maple leafs (by the way) beat the Montreal Canadiens four games to two in the final, not that any Montrealer should care given the Habs won ten more cups since then.

1967 was also the first time the Super Bowl was disputed, that’s right, it was the year of Super Bowl I, won by the Green Bay Packers.

On May 9th 1967 Muhammad Ali was stripped of his World Heavyweight Championship titles due to his refusal to be inducted into the United States Army.

In 1967 Canada celebrates its first one hundred years of Confederation, and as part of a year long celebration, EXPO ’67 attracts tens of millions of visitors.

In forty years the Montreal Expos were born, lived and died!

Most importantly, 1967 was the year of the first Canadian grand prix, held at Mosport Park in Ontario. The ’67 Canadian Grand Prix was won by Australian driver and three-time Formula One champion Sir John Arthur “Jack” Brabham.

Many great drivers have tasted victory on Canadian asphalt; Sir John Arthur Stewart, Piquet, Senna, Shumacher, “Jack” Brabham to name a few. None will be remembered as much as the man who won the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Île Notre-Dame, the man who gave his name to that very circuit; Gilles Villeneuve.

In 2005, the Canadian Grand Prix was the most watched Formula One race in the world and was also the third most watched sporting event on the planet. The 2007GP reminded us why the Canadian race is one of the most spectacular races in the world circuit. The Grand Prix du Canada 2007 will be remembered for two reasons; Kubica and Hamilton.

Polish driver Robert Kubica’s accident on lap 27 at the hairpin was one of the most terrifying accidents in recent years. Dr. Ronald Denis, head trauma at the Circuit Gilles Villenueve narrated, “When I saw the crash on the screen I was very worried; I thought he was dead.”

Fortunately safety has been a priority in F1 and Kubica’s survival is the extraordinary result of the safety measures employed in the sport.

The 2007 Montreal Grand Prix will go down in history as being British sensation Lewis Hamilton’s first career win in the top echelon of motor racing. Hamilton’s victory in Canada might mark the birth of the first postShumacher superstar. As always, only time will tell.

Much has changed since that very first race at Mosport Park, for starters the finishing race time has been cut by more than half. Hamilton, Alonso and Massa have grown from the shadows of past legends that have graced the world circuit before them. Here’s to forty years of Formula One culture in Canada.

Here’s to Jack Brabham, Lewis Hamilton, and everyone in between.

Most importantly, here’s to you Gilles. v

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Espo the Pen T

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SPORT sport

by Joey Franco

he 2007 NHL Entry Draft first round pick for the Pittsburgh Penguins can be summed up with two words; outright steal.

The Penguins selected Montreal native Angelo Esposito 20th overall in this year’s entry draft held in Columbus, Ohio this past June. Prior to a less than stellar 2006-2007 campaign with the Quebec Remparts, Esposito was the consensus number one pick for this year’s National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Espo’s personal stats last season had 27 goals and 52 assists in 60 games with the Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, 19 points less than his previous season with Quebec.

Angelo’s parents Gianna and John Esposito Senior traveled to Columbus to experience what is surely one of the most exciting moments in a young hockey player’s life, being drafted into the zenith of professional hockey, the NHL. “They [Pittsburgh] had him sixth in their books, he shouldn’t have gone past six, after six they were freaking out,” said Gianna in relation to the draft. The Espositos are not concerned with whether or not Angelo will make the Penguins team this year. “There’s no point in playing if you’re only going to play a little bit. He’s got a whole lifetime to play and one or two years doesn’t make a difference,” added Angelo’s proud mother.

According to hockey scouts, Espo is blessed with world-class speed, mobility and is an excellent skater with a creative mind. Esposito joins an offensive arsenal loaded with players such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Stall. Such a talented roster with three world class centers might cause the Penguins to use Espo on the wing. Angelo adapted to this alternative position last season with the Quebec Remparts when head coach Patrick Roy used Esposito on the wing for about six weeks.

One thing is for certain; at 18, time is not of the essence for Angelo, one might even say it’s an asset for the young Montrealer. v

Club Lazio

by Joey Franco

O

ltre 250 tifosi di calcio si sono riuniti per celbrare il decennale del Club La z io ` Vin c en zo D’A m i c o ` d i Left to right: Joey Franco, Montreal.

Vincenzo D’Amico, Simona Cantoni, Il presidente del club Mimmo Fransca Calligaro. Background: Mimmo Calabretta, insieme con il vice Fernando Vallone, e Calabretta (president of lazio Club il tesoriere Giovanni Costantino, hanno avuto il grande onore di accogliere una leggenda del club calcistico Lazio, Vincenzo D’Amico in persona.

Vincenzo D’amico esordisce in serie A nella Lazio di Maestrelli e Chinaglia a soli diciasette anni. Il centrocampista, nato a Latina, ha indossato per ben 15 compionati la maglia biancoceleste. Nel 1974 conquista lo scudetto con la Lazio. Nel 2002 D’Amico diventa opinionista nel programma televisivo della Rai, `La Grande Giostra dei Gol.` Oltre a D ’Ami co erano presenti alla serata Simona Cantoni e Francesca Calligaro. La Cantoni, laureata in scienze politiche, cura lo spazio internet nel programma `La Grande Giostra dei Gol.` La Calligaro esordisce in tv nel 1988 a Telefriuli. Insieme con Carlo Brienza, Francesca Calligaro conduce «La Giostra».

Left to right: Francesca Calligaro, Vincenzo d’Amiro, Insieme ai tifosi laziali, erano Simone Cantori, Fernando Vallone (vice-presidente) presenti soci di diversi fanclub sportivi montrealesi, quelli dei Club Juventus, In t e r, Mi la n, Roma, e Nap oli .

Presentatore della serata, allietata dalla musica di Dominic MIngucccio, é stato il direttore della stazione radio CFMB Nino Di Stefano.

Il presidente Calabretta coglie lòccasione per ringraziare lo Chef Luigi Taddei e la ditta Roma Foods per la loro collaborazione. v Vincenzo D’Amico and Dominie Mingussio

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