Panoram Italia Toronto June-July 2016

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THE ITALIAN-CANADIAN MAGAZINE MAILED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

BUILDING THE

ITALIANCANADIAN

HOME COVER: FRANCESCO PIETROPAOLO (1977) ONE OF US • UNO DI NOI JUNE / JULY 2016 • VOL.6 • NO.3

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COSTIERA

AMALFITANA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DeRos

JUNE / JULY 2016 Vol. 6 NO. 3 Cover Photo “Francesco Pietropaolo, 1977” Photo©Vincenzo Pietropaolo. Courtesy of the artist.

EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Amarcord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Words of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sonia Commisso Turns Struggles into Victories . . . . . . . . . 16 Remembering Gaetano Gagliano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Future Leader: Natalie Pecile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jack Celli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cosmo Mannella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

LIFE & PEOPLE

From the Casetta to the Casone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 A House to Call Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 From Builders to Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

CASETTA IN CANADA

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EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & EDITOR Tony Zara

EDITORIAL DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Adam Zara MONTREAL MANAGING EDITOR & WEB MANAGER Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

EURO 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Match Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

PROOFREADERS Rossana Bruzzone Aurélie Ptito

FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN David Ferreira

VILLA CHARITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 LIVING ITALIAN STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Living the Dream in the Amalfi Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 The Isles of the region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Top Flavours to Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 La granita di Amalfi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Limoncello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Ceramic tradition from Vietri sul Mare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ARTS & CULTURE

EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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ERRATUM In the article “Many Languages – One Community: Celebrating Johnny Lombardi”: Vol.6, No.2, pg.14, the article misidentified the individuals in the caption. The caption should read, “Johnny Lombardi with his daughter Theresa and his son Lenny.” Panoram Italia apologizes for the error.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Vittoria Zorfini TRANSLATORS Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo Athena Mellor

ART DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY Giulio Muratori Vincenzo Pietropaolo

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Anthony Zara Gianpietro Nagliati-Bravi Fred Lamberti

AMALFI COAST

Viva Vitalità art exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Pal Di Iulio TORONTO MANAGING EDITOR Rita Simonetta

CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Alberico • Erica Cupido • Danila Di Croce • Sal Difalco Daniela DiStefano • Alessia Sara Domanico • Beatrice Fantoni Marisa Iacobucci • Sarah Mastroianni • Romina Monaco Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo • Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB • Paul Salvatori Francesca Spizzirri • Antoine Tavaglione 26 Duncan Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2B9 Tel.: 1.844.ITALIA.1 or by e-mail at: info@panoramitalia.com Legal deposit - Bibliothèque nationale du Québec / National Library of Canada - ISSN: 1916-6389 Distribution par / by

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EDITORIAL

Home is Where the Casetta and Castello Are Dalla casetta al castello The Italian-Canadian Home – Then and Now

H

La casa italo-canadese – da ieri a oggi

C

ow did it happen that our ItalianCanadian community, especially in the Greater Toronto and Montreal areas, went from arrangiarsi in affitto to casetta, casone, castello and back to a Roman invention: the condominium?

It’s the story of sacrifice, struggle and sudore, love of family, casa propria and, it seems, forever increasing real estate prices.

In this edition, we take a look at the movement of our community through time, space and styles, from inner city working-class immigrant areas to the ubiquitous suburban developments surrounding Canada’s two major metropolises. From a second floor flat, to sharing a house with the sister-in-law, to semi-detached, detached, split level, two storey, and back to ranch style bungalow or a condo.

Why did most of the community live in the West End of Toronto or the East End of Montreal? What was the cultural predisposition to owning a casa?

What were the “pushes” and “pulls” that made the community buy, fix, sell and move, on average, four times before moving to the eternal comfort of the “condominium crypt of afterlife” leaving the “casetta in Canada” to the children and grandchildren? Is the BMP (Banca di Mamma e Papà) really the most reliable and best financial institution?

Was it the push of new and ever-changing demographics in the city core or was it the pull of developers and builders who offered more ceramic tiles, bigger backyards, new and better mousetraps in the suburbs? Was the community keeping up with the Joneses, LeBlancs or maybe the Rossis?

Were the Roman arches and four season’s statues along the way necessary, cultural statements of pride in heritage or just overkill? Was cement grey really our fathers’ favourite colour? Or was it the fact that la comare had already moved up to the new hot ’hood and you did not want to be left behind?

Are fences and walls really needed in gated communities? And were plasticized couches and Chesterfield sofas in the family room museum really better than the new couch, which now serves as the favourite perch point for the pet poodle or cat?

What are we going to do now that our children and grandchildren cannot afford to go back and live in the neighbourhood house that nonno bought for $15,000 in 1960 when the present bidding price war starts at $750,000?

Suddenly, the “Casetta in Canada,” a song made famous by singers Gino Latilla and Carla Boni at the Sanremo Festival in 1957, doesn’t seem so small anymore.

On the other hand, in some instances: “Aveva un castello in Canada,” is, in 2016, a better refrain and sounds like an euphemism for some of the monster houses now found across St. Laurent to Laval in Montreal or Mississauga to Markham in the GTA. It’s a reflection of the community’s economic success and climb up the social ladder. I may have more questions than answers but our writers will delve into this intricate aspect of our community’s history to try to understand how it all happened.

Condoglianze to the Gagliano Family on the loss of their patriarch, community leader, connector and communicator, Gaetano.

Grazie for your responses and suggestions for our new feature, AMARCORD. I urge you to participate and enjoy the Italian Heritage Month activities planned in and around the GTA and I hope you enjoyed Italian National Day at Castello Italia-Casa Loma.

Finally, HAPPY CANADA DAY, EH! What a great country we are blessed to call home, which we can share with many other communities. Celebrate!

om'è successo che la comunità italocanadese, particolarmente nella GTA e a Montreal, è passata da arrangiarsi in affitto alla casetta, casona, castello per poi tornare ad una invenzione dei romani, il condominio? È una storia di sacrificio, fatica e sudore, di amore della famiglia, di casa propria e anche un po’ di prezzi che vanno soltanto verso l’alto.

In questo numero diamo un’occhiata a come la nostra comunità si è mossa attraverso tempo, spazio, stili, dalle zone della città degli immigranti e della ‘classe operaia’ (come si diceva una volta) alle grandi ‘suburbia’ (periferie) che circondano le due maggiori città canadesi. Da un appartamentino al secondo piano si passa alla casa in comune con la cognata, poi alla semi-detached, detached, un piano (ma su diversi livelli), due piani, per arrivare al bungalow in stile ranch o a un condo.

Perchè la maggior parte degli italocanadesi è andata a vivere nel West End di Toronto o nell’East End di Montreal? C’era una ‘predisposizione culturale’ a comprare casa? Quali erano le ragioni, i motivi buoni o cattivi che hanno spinto gli italocanadesi a comprare casa, ristrutturarla, venderla e traslocare in media quattro volte nella vita prima di stabilirsi per l’eternità nel comfort della cripta (in condominio), dopo aver doverosamente lasciato la “casetta in Canada” a figli e nipoti? Davvero la BMP (Banca di Mamma e Papà) è la più affidabile e migliore istituzione finanziaria? È stata la pressione dei nuovi e sempre mutevoli profili demografici nel cuore della città, o sono stati quei pifferai magici di immobiliaristi e costruttori con le loro offerte di più ceramica, più ‘backyarda’, nuove e rivoluzionarie trappole per animali nei suburbs (sobborghi)? Gli italocanadesi riuscivano a stare alla pari con i Jones, i LeBlancs o al limite i Rossi?

Gli archi romani e le statue ispirate alla Primavera di Botticelli nel vialetto erano una necessità, una dichiarazione di orgoglio per la propria cultura e radici – o semplicemente una pacchianata? Il grigio cemento era davvero il colore preferito dei nostri padri? O non era piuttosto il fatto che la comare aveva già traslocato nel nuovo quartiere alla moda, e noi non volevamo rimanere indietro?

Steccati e muri sono davvero necessari nelle gated comunities (comunità chiuse)? E quei divani ricoperti di plastica, le poltrone chesterfield nel salotto museo erano davvero meglio del divano nuovo, che adesso serve come alloggio prediletto per il cucciolo preferito?

Che possiamo fare ora che i nostri figli e nipoti non possono permettersi di tornare indietro e vivere nel quartiere, nella casa che nonno ha comprato per 15.000 dollari negli anni ’60 quando adesso l’offerta di partenza supera i 750.000? La casetta in Canada – canzone resa famosa da Gino Latilla al festival di Sanremo nel 1957 – non sembra più così ‘piccola’. In realtà, per molti nel 2016 un ritornello migliore sarebbe “aveva un castello in Canada”, dove castello è un eufemismo per le ‘monster homes’ che si trovano ora da St. Laurent a Laval, a Montreal, o da Mississauga a Markham, a Toronto. È vero, ho più domande che risposte: tocca ai nostri collaboratori scavare nella storia della nostra comunità per provare a capire come tutto ciò sia accaduto.

Condoglianze alla famiglia Gagliano per la perdita del patriarca, leader della comunità, connettore e comunicatore, Gaetano.

Grazie anche per le vostre risposte e suggerimenti per la nuova sezione “Amarcord”. Vi invito a partecipare e a godere delle attività previste per il Mese del Patrimonio Italiano nella GTA e dintorni, e spero che avete celebrato al Castello Italia-Casa Loma la Giornata Nazionale Italiana.

Infine, felice CANADA DAY! Siamo fortunati a poter chiamare questo grande paese “casa” e condividerlo con molte altre comunità. Festeggiamo!

Pace e bene.

Pal Di Iulio Associate Editor

Pace e bene.

Pal Di Iulio Associate Editor

Visit our website www.panoramitalia.com to read our Montreal series of articles: The Italian-Canadian Home – Then and Now.

Visita il nostro sito web www.panoramitalia.com per leggere gli articoli di Montreal: Dalla casetta al castello: gli italocanadesi, la casa, la prosperità

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive exclusive weekly online content.

Iscriviti alla nostra e-newsletter per ricevere contenuti esclusivi ogni settimana.

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LIFE & PEOPLE

AMARCORD

1982 World Cup Celebrations Parade The street was awash with green, white and red like never before. The place I was so used to walking from Dufferin St in the east to Caledonia in the west had standing-room only. A flood of Italian pride and patriotism as never before seen in our adopted home was covering every inch of street and sidewalk as thousands of us came together to celebrate a well deserved victory. Amazing what a soccer ball can do!

Silvio Calcagno, Toronto, Ontario

Cercatemi nel giardino I remember the pungent aroma of freshly laid manure wafting through my neighbourhood every spring. No triple mix for us; it had to be sheep’s manure delivered in a dilapidated old pick-up truck. This was Sudbury circa 1973; the juxtaposition of the hills coloured black by the sulphur of the Inco and Falconbridge smoke stacks and the lush, green gardens lovingly cultivated by families I knew. My father believed that the old ways were still the best ways and nothing tasted better than freshly-picked vegetables. My father loved his garden so much that his epitaph reads, “Cercatemi nel giardino.”

Giovanna Lalonde, Sudbury, Ontario

The Tricolore Band Joe Gulini's’/Gulino’s 1964 photo shows The Tricolore Band who played at hundreds of Italian weddings in Toronto before disbanding in 1965. Some of those sposini may now be celebrating their 50th anniversary! Back then, their guests were lucky to get a panino, chicken leg, pizza and sausage, compared to today’s lavish antipasto buffet, multi-course dinner and sweet table. Most receptions were in small basements of churches like St. Sava on River Street, since few could afford the Knights of Columbus Hall on Sherbourne Street. The photo was submitted by Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, who played the accordion in trumpeter Sam Fronte’s band.

Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, Stouffville, Ontario

Building Their Canadian Dream My parents Ada Pannunzio and Michele Travaglini building their Canadian dream in late 1960. So many fond memories from that BBQ and backyard family get-together. If only I had all the sausage and lamb chops cooked on that BBQ! Nick Travaglini, Montreal, Quebec

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Words of Wisdom

LIFE & PEOPLE

Text and photos by Paul Salvatori

Name: Gianna Patriarca Occupation: Poet And Author City: Toronto (Little Italy) When I was growing up I was young! The angst of a young woman is totally different. But I think if you’re talking socially, a lot of things have changed for Italian women now – and I’m thinking mostly immigrants like myself. I mean, it’s 2016.

We can actually speak. We have a voice. We can tell someone to Buzz off, don’t touch me if I don’t wanna be touched. The ’60s were different. It was a very closed, very silent time for Italian women. We still had such ties to our religion, our culture, patriarchal ideas of our family. We lived in a fearful environment. I think it’s much more relaxed today for Italian girls. I’m really glad for that. They have a voice if they want it. They have freedom. They are not subjected to having to follow any kind of tradition – you have to get married, you have to do this or that job. There are more choices now. And certainly the right to make the choice.

Name: Joe Menna Occupation: Auto Body Specialist City: Toronto (North York) When I was a kid, there was this Canadian family next to us – good hockey players and what have you. I wanted to fit in with them, right? But they used to call us names like “WOP,” “dago,” all that kind of stuff. I said to my mom, “Why is it that these guys don’t like us? I feel like we’re not as good as them. They make me feel bad.” She goes, “Listen to me and listen to me clearly. Those people you’re talking about, I think they still rent their house. They’ve been born and raised in this country. We’ve only been here three years. We already own this house. I think they’re going to be in a lot of trouble when we learn this language.”

Name: Josie Grossi Occupation: Piano Teacher City: Toronto It was difficult to meet the right person. I was fearful too because a lot of marriages I knew about were bad. There were a high number of divorces. I saw it among my friends and acquaintances. I think if it weren’t for Frank [my husband] I don’t know if I would have met someone who would’ve been as compatible, which is deeply important to me. I could not just settle because I was getting older or because I felt lonely. If I did marry, I thought, it’d have to be someone I connected with in spirit – not for money, status, things like that. They don’t keep a marriage together in the end.

Name: Elda Maraldo Occupation: Founder of Famee Furlane Toronto Women’s Auxiliary City: Toronto For me what’s important is making sure younger generations recognize that life, it’s a gift, but it’s tough. If you’re going to make it, you need to build character, learn the value of work, and sometimes that means staying in the struggle. If you flee from adversity, it’s not possible to really mature. It’s what makes a strong, independent person.

Send us your words of wisdom at info@panoramitalia.com 14

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Photography by Blue Monkey Pictures

LIFE & PEOPLE

Turning Family Struggles into Everyday Victories The Commisso family. From left: Alessia, Sonia, Tony and Cosimo

By Marisa Iacobucci

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onia Commisso knows hardship well, but you wouldn’t ever guess it when you meet her. The 44-year-old wife and mother is the sole caregiver of her family. Her husband and two children have significant health care needs, and as their physical needs have increased, so has the financial burden. Yet, Commisso exudes only positivity. “We have had a lot of challenges, but we have also been blessed to meet so many caring and generous people because of them,” she says.

Over the years, family members, neighbours, schools, local businesses, banks and even politicians have helped the Commisso family with donations, trust funds, fundraisers and assistance. But the family’s extraordinary needs have become overwhelming, prompting Commisso to reach out to the wider community through a GoFundMe campaign with hopes of raising enough money for therapy, equipment and home renovations (including an elevator), to help make her Mississauga home more accessible.

Since March 20, the campaign has raised over $30,875 of the $99K goal, but there is still far to go.

Commisso’s husband Tony and daughter Alessia use wheelchairs and require supportive equipment for most of their personal and home care. They are both limited, mobility-wise, to the first floor of their small bungalow.

“Alessia, just like any other girl her age, would like to spend time with her friends away from family,” explains Commisso.

Alessia, 13, is living with mitochondrial disease, a condition in which the mitochondria, or powerhouses of the cells, are not working properly. Both Commisso and her husband are carriers of the mutated gene.

Commisso’s husband, Tony, 49, was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1998 with his symptoms steadily worsening. He cannot work and requires physical assistance for his personal care.

The couple’s son, Cosimo, 22, has lived most of his young life with a seizure disorder and non-verbal learning disability that affects his social skills.

In 2001, the couple had a daughter, Jesse, who at 18 months was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease as well as congestive heart failure. She died months later. “While some families are torn apart by such a tragedy, it made us closer and strengthened our love for one another,” says Commisso, unable to fight back her tears.

“

Then, as fate would have it, they had Alessia, who at 18 months, was diagnosed with the same disease as her sister, as well as congestive heart failure and a seizure disorder. Doctors weren’t hopeful, but Alessia proved them wrong.

Not only did she beat the odds of survival, she continually strives to live life to the fullest. She does regular physiotherapy and osteopathy and keeps active with swimming, wheelchair tennis and horse therapy.

The Commisso family does receive assistance (personal care, overnight support, home medical equipment and devices) from numerous government agencies and charities, but many of these resources have restrictions and can be cut any time. “There’s help out there, but you have to know about it and work hard for it,” explains Commisso.

Then there’s Commisso’s parents, who are retired, yet continue to run a small cheese and deli business in Mississauga to help out financially. “I couldn’t do it without my parents,” explains an emotional Commisso. “They visit me every day, do my shopping and help in any way they can.”

Her three sisters and other family members are always there for them. Her younger sister, Nancy Ceccomancini, describes her as “a saint on Earth,” explaining, “I’d never be able to go through what my sister is going through.”

Fighting for her family’s rights and moving past barriers in society also keep Commisso busy. Her advice to other families facing the same challenges is “never give up or take no for an answer.”

When personal care hours were cut for her husband this winter out of the blue, she filed a complaint with the social services agency and had those hours reinstated.

Last year during the PanAm games in Toronto, Commisso went to The Toronto Star when she was denied three tickets together (for her, Alessia and her friend) in the wheelchair accessible area of Scarborough’s Parapan Am Aquatic Centre. The PanAm venue officials overturned their ticket policy and offered Commisso three tickets together. “Our family’s needs are complex and increase day-to-day, but just like every other family, our family belongs together at home surrounded by love. Hopefully, we will meet our fundraising target, and if not, it is in God’s hands,” says an ever hopeful Commisso.

To help out the Commisso family, please visit their GoFundMe campaign at www.gofundme.com/commisso_family

Our family’s needs are complex and increase day-to-day, but just like every other family, our family belongs together at home surrounded by love.

PANORAMITALIA.COM

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LIFE & PEOPLE

Remembering Gaetano Gagliano Great connector and communicator our day, Gaetano Gagliano’s story is an especially inspiring one. It is a story about two people’s love for 70 solid years resulting in 10 children, 35 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. It’s a story about how someone from the small farming town of Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily, with a Grade 5 education, went on to found two organizations and become the recipient of several honorary doctorates, prestigious awards and the Order of Canada in his 80s. And it’s the story of a man’s deep passion and faith impacting millions of people around the world.

Gaetano served in World War II, and after the war returned to his Italian hometown to get married. Farming life was very difficult, especially in southern Italy after the war. When his wife Giuseppina was pregnant with their fifth child, the Gaglianos sold all their worldly possessions and moved to Canada.

The day after he arrived in Canada, Gaetano was lucky to find work with CP Rail. In the beginning he laid tracks for the railroad. But in reality he was laying tracks and blazing trails for something totally bold and new. At night he printed invitations on a small printing press in his basement.

Over a century ago, the famous American city planner Daniel Burnham told Chicago city planners: “Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.” Gaetano had a grand vision and plan: From a little printing shop in his house, he would found a media company that would spread across Canada. From day one, he named the company “St. Joseph” in honour of the foster father of Jesus, the patron saint of workers and of Canada.

What began in 1956 as a one-man basement letterpress operation is now a national ommichannel communications leader with 1,400 associates nationwide. This modern success story is about the tireless efforts, vision and faith of an Italian immigrant named Gaetano.

But the best part came later on – when in 2003, at 86 years of age, Gaetano founded yet another means of communication: The Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, Canada’s first national, Catholic 24-hour-a-day digital cable television network (saltandlighttv.org), born on the wings of World Youth Day 2002. Every time Gaetano Gagliano visited us at our broadcast centre in downtown Toronto, he would ask us, “How is the baby?” meaning, “How is Salt and Light Television?” Salt and Light was his dream come true! He had longed for a Catholic Television Network for Canada for many years, and the World Youth Day was its impulse and the wind under its wings.

Thirteen years later, this digital cable network is now available to well over

In

2.5 million homes in Canada and accessible to people around the world through its many social media platforms. It broadcasts in English, French, Italian, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Gaetano Gagliano’s secret was very innovative yet quite simple. It involved responsibility to the community, decency, respect, integrity, and living Christian faith in God and in humanity. He succeeded in achieving balance that made his life and business so fruitful because he learned early on about serving others and giving back to society. He stuck to his principles, no matter how successful he became.

Over 60 years ago, Gaetano Gagliano made no small plans for his communications dream. Thank God for people like Gaetano and Giuseppina who didn’t need a fancy education and lots of titles to teach the world such a powerful lesson. They have left us a legacy of outstanding family values and Gaetano has given Canadian society some sterling business practices of honesty, decency and generosity. They have taught us very important lessons about faith, family, business ethics, generosity and philanthropy. Through his life and witness, Gaetano taught us how to truly communicate with one another, and how to live integrated, faithful lives.

In the final years before his death on April 14, 2016, Gaetano’s life was a living witness to the words of Pope Francis in his recent Apostolic Exhortation: Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love): “Listening to the elderly tell their stories is good for children and young people; it makes them feel connected to the living history of their families, their neighbourhoods and their country. A family that fails to respect and cherish its grandparents, who are its living memory, is already in decline, whereas a family that remembers has a future. A society that has no room for the elderly or discards them because they create problems, has a deadly virus; it is torn from its roots.”

“Our contemporary experience of being orphans as a result of cultural discontinuity, uprootedness and the collapse of the certainties that shape our lives, challenges us to make our families places where children can sink roots in the rich soil of a collective history.” (#193) We shall be forever grateful to Gaetano who gave us faith and hope, boldness and courage, roots and wings. May he rest in peace and intercede for us.

Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB Founding CEO, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation PANORAMITALIA.COM

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FUTURE LEADERS

Making the world a better place

By Danila Di Croce

W

hen Natalie Pecile decided to study science throughout high school, she was planning to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an engineer. However, that all changed when she realized that her extroverted personality was far better suited for the business world.

Her decision was definitely the right one as this recent alumnus of York University’s Schulich School of Business has flourished with the opportunities her program provided her. At 21, this native of Toronto has already garnered a pretty impressive résumé. She spent a semester abroad in Bangkok, Thailand, developed a literacy program at her old elementary school, competed in Dubai for the Hult Prize, held the title of VP of Operations of Schulich’s Undergraduate Business Society, and she was just recently hired for a full-time position with the Tim Hortons Leadership Development Program. “I’ve always been interested in how to apply myself to benefit society,” she says. “Originally, I specialized in accounting and the non-profit business sector; however, I then switched to focus on marketing and entrepreneurship.”

That switch is what led her to Dubai. In her fourth year at Schulich, Pecile directed her focus on social entrepreneurship and social business. This resulted in her, along with three of her classmates, entering a local competition organized by the Hult Prize Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to launching the world’s next wave of social entrepreneurs. The competition invites students to develop new ideas for sustainable start-up enterprises that will help to solve the planet’s biggest challenges. Although Pecile and her team did not win, she points out that the experience was definitely worthwhile. “It was very empowering; it allowed me to use everything I had learned at school up until that point and apply it to a global challenge that I am really passionate about. It helped me to look at our issues with new perspectives and taught me to be more flexible and open to change, which I think will be very helpful moving forward.”

Pecile’s experience in Bangkok, Thailand, also left her with a positive impression. “Meeting people, discussing career options with them, and observing individuals who were pursing entrepreneurship was a great career influence.”

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Nowadays, Pecile is focusing on her new position at the Tim Hortons Leadership Development Program, which allows individuals to train in different areas of the business before deciding on which sector to commit to.

“I am excited about the program as it gives me the opportunity to try out new things; most especially to experience marketing in ‘the real world,’ outside of school.”

When she isn’t busy trying out new ventures in the business world, Pecile occupies her time with organizing and overseeing events at York University. She also devotes time to the arts. As a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Pecile enjoys playing the piano. When asked how she balances it all, Pecile credits her family for their support. “My parents have always let me make my decisions freely. They have always been supportive and helpful with their advice.”

She also credits her strong family ties for helping shape the person she has become. “We are close; for each special occasion we all gather at my grandparents house, and I really appreciate that because I know that not everyone has that.” She acknowledges both sets of grandparents, who hail from the Friuli and Lazio regions of Italy, for helping keep her connected to her Italian roots. “A lot of my Italian influence comes from food and speaking the language. Initially I learned Italian was I was little, and then I switched to English. My grandparents have always shown us traditions such as making sausages, wine and pasta sauce.”

In regards to continuing traditions, Pecile explains, “I definitely want to put more time into the Italian culture and concentrate on it more. I would love to improve in my speaking and continue the language with future generations of my family.”

When asked where she sees herself in the near future, Pecile says, “I want to learn everything about the business and hopefully one day become a successful entrepreneur. Having all parts of your life balanced and working hard at something, while improving the lives of others – that would be ideal.”

Photography by Giulio Muratori

Natalie Pecile

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LIFE & PEOPLE

Designing dreams

By Beatrice Fantoni

If

anyone knows the meaning of “dream home,” it’s interior designer Jack Celli. Celli, who grew up in Toronto, has seen first-hand the transition from modest inner-city homes to palatial suburban living in just a few generations.

As the director of interior design for Greenpark Homes, one of Canada’s largest home builders, co-founded by Carlo Baldassarra, Celli’s job is to plan out living spaces for Greenpark’s houses, condos and commercial spaces.

He’s also the brains behind the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre lottery “dream home.” The hospital’s famed fundraiser gives away a brand new, ultra-luxurious mansion (usually on the outskirts of the GTA) every year as part of its grand prize.

The multi-million-dollar mansions are outfitted in all things lux, whether it’s marble floors, a home theatre or – this year’s “wow” factor – an indoor skating rink.

“Early generations of Italians in Canada saw their modest homes as palaces, so they were kept in near-perfect condition,” says Celli, whose parents Isa and Imerio came to Canada from Pescara, Abruzzo.

He remembers how his childhood home on St. Clair had an upstairs and a downstairs, and his mother and father insisted on using the basement living space so that they could keep the upstairs immaculate. “For them, the little house they bought was so monumental,” Celli says. In a way, he says, the modest homes he grew up in had an influence on the work he does today with Greenpark.

The early generations had to work very hard for what they earned. “They came here for the opportunity and took advantage of it,” he explains. “Naturally, families progressed to larger, more comfortable homes as subsequent generations did better and could afford more,” he says.

Rather than keeping one part of the house untouched, homeowners today like to use every available space in the house. “Our generation uses everything,” notes Celli, who has worked for more than 30 years in interior design. “Materialwise they’re spending more money,” he adds, commenting on trends today.

Homeowners are more likely to invest in good quality building materials like granite countertops and hardwood floors. And more open-concept spaces have become a characteristic of homes today. “Things really are getting a lot more streamlined, less fussy and a lot more casual,” Celli says. For example, the formal

dining room – if there is one – hardly gets used at all anymore.

Now, the focus is on the kitchen and family room, because that’s where everybody tends to congregate.

“Family is important, and family gathering is important,” Celli says, describing one characteristic of Italian-Canadians that arguably hasn’t changed with time. So a house today might feature a kitchen with an island where everyone can gather and watch Nonna cook, he points out.

And that second kitchen in the basement that characterizes so many mid-century Italian-Canadian households in Canada? That’s become a thing of the past.

Even in more mainstream homes, Celli says, features like custom-built closets and made-tosize cabinets have become more common over the years. Bigger master bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are also no longer limited to just luxury homes, he adds.

When it comes to his own dream home, Celli also focuses on the aspect of gatherings. “I’d love a big kitchen and family room,” he says. “And a big, big honkin’ laundry room.”

(The laundry room is in reference to a design pet peeve of his: cramming the washer and dryer into the mud room off the garage with the winter boots and coats. For the 2017 lottery dream home, in fact, he’s looking at putting the laundry room on the second floor of the house near the bedrooms. After all, that’s where most of the laundry is coming from, Celli says.)

Celli would take his mother and father through the lottery’s dream homes every year. The expansive suburban homes are open to the public for viewing in the lead-up to the lottery draw. “They couldn’t believe what I did,” he says, describing his parents’ reactions to the ultra-elegant homes he was designing and furnishing.

Both his parents died in 2015 and both, coincidentally, were patients at Princess Margaret Hospital, Celli says. That has added another layer of significance to the work he does for the hospital’s fundraiser every year, which he adds is his most satisfying work and a real labour of love.

Celli is careful to point out that the lottery dream homes he designs are, well, dream homes. But they can serve as a source of inspiration. After all, we don’t often get to see a 6,000-square-foot home fully furnished, he says. “It’s a way of dreaming, too.”

Family is important, “and family gathering

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“

is important

Photo provided by Richard Bell and Associates

Jack Celli

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LIFE & PEOPLE

Cosmo Mannella Tireless champion of workers

By Erica Cupido

F

PANORAMITALIA.COM

I was responsible for the development of a number of programs, including the first apprenticeship for labourers in the province of Ontario.

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“

Photography by Giulio Muratori

or Cosmo Mannella, a recent family trip to Italy marked two milestones: the start of his younger daughter’s study abroad program in Siena and his formal retirement after dedicating 40 years to the labour movement.

Decades after he left Serra San Bruno, Calabria, the 67-year-old was excited to show his children where he was born. “That was a real eye opener for them,” says the father of four. “It was mindboggling to think that they were standing in a place that’s withstood earthquakes, floods and war.”

His experience immigrating to Canada in 1953 is in part what inspired his work. When Mannella was five years old, his mother travelled with him and his sister to Toronto, where they joined their father who’d left for Canada two years prior to start working. In 1956, they bought their family home on Manning Avenue in the city’s Little Italy neighbourhood.

An admittedly outspoken child, Mannella says he’s always been the type to stand up for others. “That’s how it started, actually,” he says. “Coming here as an immigrant, we thought we were underdogs.” He recalls witnessing instances of labour exploitation first-hand. “When I realized that I could advocate on behalf of those who I perceived to be underdogs, it became my life’s work. I’m very proud of that.”

Mannella got his start working as an assistant in the City of Toronto’s fair wage office. As he moved up the ranks, he eventually held posts with the Carpenters’ Union, the Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 183, the largest local construction union in North America.

Throughout his career, Mannella’s focuses have included health and safety standards, as well as increasing apprenticeship opportunities for workers.

“I was responsible for the development of a number of programs, including the first apprenticeship for labourers in the province of Ontario,” says Mannella, who’s quick to add that he couldn’t have done it without a team of collaborators.

Before formal apprenticeships, Mannella says that labourers in Toronto were more likely to become adept at a wide variety of tasks on a construction site to make themselves invaluable on the job. “The fact that we were finally able to get recognition for them is something that’s really close to my heart,” he notes.

Improving working conditions and opportunities for the next generation has always been a priority for Mannella. More than 10 years ago, he played a role in developing Fanshawe College’s first online blueprint reading course.

He says technology continues to impact common practices on job sites today.

“Things are done differently. I think it’s not as difficult an industry as it used to be in my father’s generation,” he points out. “It’s still hard work. I’d like to believe that it’s safer than it was, and it’s a career worth pursuing for young people.”

Less has changed for Mannella at home, where he and his family practice many of the same Italian traditions he grew up with. “People talk about Italian culture and they refer to the Renaissance,” he says. “But for those of us who came from barely the working class, the keystone of our culture in the Italian community is family.”

Like many other Italian-Canadian households, Mannella’s loved ones also sit down to delicious meals, observe Catholic holidays, and share a love of the arts. Still, when he compares his experience growing up in Toronto with his children’s, Mannella says, “I’ll tell you the difference, I didn’t step on a plane until I was 28. My children have been to most of Central America [on trips with the social enterprise Me to We] and to Europe.” Like any proud parent, he’s thrilled to share details of his first-born daughter’s work with Local 183, his younger daughter’s studies in Siena, or mention that his two sons were part of the St. Michael’s Choir School group who performed for Pope Francis in Rome.

“That was a very proud moment for our family,” he says.

Today, Mannella continues to be committed to improving conditions for workers. After decades spent advocating for health and safety regulations on behalf of labourers, he’s still an active member of union and government committees. When asked how he’d eventually like to summarize his legacy in the industry, he cites Dan Vittorio Segre’s book Memoirs of a Fortunate Jew. “For me, my memoir would be called Memoirs of a Fortunate Italian Immigrant. I’ve been fortunate to work for these organizations.” As for the many employees who make up those groups, he says it’s been a “privilege to represent them.”

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ADVERTORIAL

Old-World Recipes for Success Mastro® celebrates 40 years

By Rebecca Alberico

D

ry-cured meats and specialty hams have been a staple in the Italian home for centuries. When Italians immigrated to Canada and the United States, they brought their tasty traditions with them and introduced foods like salami, ham and pancetta to the Western world.

There’s nothing quite like authentic Italian charcuterie that can ignite the taste buds and transport you to Nonna’s house in the Campagna with just one bite. The flavours and aroma are reminiscent of a time when food was simple, fresh and homemade.

The renowned Mastro® brand has been producing and distributing the finest artisanal dry-cured and cooked Italian deli for the past 40 years, and keeping the values of quality and tradition alive. Mastro® products have likely made an appearance at some of your most cherished occasions.

Think, delicious slices of salami on fresh homemade pizza, Genoa Salami tramezzini for the kids’ lunches and Nonna’s mouth-watering pasta carbonara with diced cubes of pancetta.

As the brand celebrates four decades in the business, it doesn’t hesitate to divulge the most important secrets to its success – authenticity and quality.

Mastro® brings old-world recipes and traditions to modern-day kitchens. Since its inception in 1976 to the present day, Mastro® prides itself on the freshest ingredients and top processes in the industry, while staying true to the rich Italian origin of its products. “Our technology and dedication to excellence enables us to create amazing products, all while maintaining the highest food safety standards,” says Adrian Zilli, Vice President of Sales for Mastro®.

Mastro® employs the expertise of a “Master Salumiere” from Italy that boasts over 30-years-experience in the world of dry-cured meats.

The Salumiere’s sole responsibility throughout production is to ensure top quality at each phase of the slow aging process, and in the final product.

Mastro® believes that consumers are most satisfied when there is consistency in the product each time they open a new package.

As the brand aims to provide a truly Italian culinary experience for consumers, it continues to garner the adoration and loyalty of Italian-Canadians and people from all walks of life, of all ages. “A gentleman came up to me at a trade show and told me that when he first came to Canada he always traded sandwiches at school with the Italian kids that had Mastro® deli meat, because they always had the best sandwiches!” shares Zilli. “He was so passionate about the product; it’s really gratifying to hear that kind of positive feedback.”

The brand believes that a quality cured meat product takes time to produce. Mastro® respects and believes in the process and doesn’t take measures to speed up production. “When creating specialty products, the secret is patience and time,” says Zilli. “It’s all about craftsmanship when we’re developing artisanal products, especially in today’s production landscape where many tend to focus on output as opposed to quality.”

By keeping up with trends in charcuterie, Mastro® manages to produce mouth-watering products for its consumers that cater to a variety of different palates and diets.

100 Commerce Valley Drive West

For the modern day foodie, Mastro’s® Riserva line is a charcuterie experience, with flavoured salami including smoked paprika, Chianti wine and fennel, truffle and roasted garlic.

Each of the dry-cured and specialty cooked products within the brand can be enjoyed by the slice, and boast exceptional flavour when paired with the perfect recipe.

Mastro® holds its products to a gold standard, and it’s no surprise that various products are ranked number one in their segment, including the brand’s most popular, *Genoa Salami.

With any business, market strategies and numbers are always important, but product excellence never takes a back seat to business goals for Mastro®. It’s the secret it believes will push it through another successful 40 years of business and consumer satisfaction. “When we put the Mastro® name on a product, we never compromise on the quality,” says Zilli.

To maintain leadership in any industry for 40 years is a feat of its own, and Mastro® stays humble to its success and acknowledges that its consumers play a big role in maintaining that success.

The Italian deli giant appreciates its faithful consumers as “brand ambassadors,” as they are ultimately the ones who share their satisfaction with the product and recommend it to friends and family.

The master in authentic charcuterie shows no signs of slowing down, and it remains committed as ever to delivering the best quality product that it can make.

“We still have a lot of room to grow,” says Zilli. “The world is getting smaller and charcuterie is gaining appeal beyond the Italian-Canadian community, so we’re always on the lookout to bringing more of the Italian traditions to consumers of all backgrounds.”

Haven’t tried any of Mastro®’s products? With pride and passion poured into each product, the team guarantees you won’t be disappointed.

Good, quality food and family are the epitome of Italian culture, and Mastro® is proud to be part of the traditions that continue to bring these two values together. As the brand continues to flourish, the products become a tradition of their own.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the brand has become the title sponsor for this year’s “Mastro® & San Daniele® Taste of Little Italy” taking place June 17 – June 19.

The annual cultural festival transforms College Street, from Bathurst to Shaw, into an Italian piazza with restaurants, vendors and live entertainment on every corner.

The Mastro® family welcomes everyone to come down to the festival and celebrate 40 successful years. /MD

*Claim based on MarketTrack Service for the Luncheon Meats category, 52 weeks ending March 5, 2016 for the National Branded Genoa segment and GB+DR+MM+GM+WC Channel.

Copyright © 2016, The Nielsen Company.

Markham, ON, L3T 0A1

1-855-SOFINA1

www.sharemastro.com PANORAMITALIA.COM

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CASETTA IN CANADA

From the Casetta to the Casone in Canada Dalla Casetta alla Casona in Canada

By Sarah Mastroianni

C

anada has long been a place where Italians have immigrated in search of a better life for themselves and their families. An integral part of that search was the acquisition of a house.

Ralph Nardi, a real estate broker with over 45 years of experience in Toronto’s Italian community describes the mentality behind the value that many Italian-Canadians place on home ownership. It starts, he says, with the fact that in Italy, very few of the families that then immigrated actually had the opportunity to own their own house. In Canada, that changed. “In Canada, we had possibility, we were making money. And where would you put it? If you bought a house, it was a good investment,” he explains. “Nobody could move you, and we liked that. Italians, they don’t want to be gypsies. They want roots.”

And roots they found in neighbourhoods of humble post-war houses, creating Toronto’s Italian neighbourhoods around St. Clair and College Streets.

Communities were formed – an extended network of family, friends, 24

PANORAMITALIA.COM

Canada è stato un luogo dove gli italini sono emigrati in cerca di una vita migliore per se stessi e per la loro famiglia. Una parte integrante di questa ricerca riguarda l’acquisto di una casa.

Ralph Nardi, un agente immobiliare con oltre 45 anni di esperienza nella comunità italiana di Toronto, descrive la mentalità che si nasconde dietro il valore che viene attribuito dagli italo-canadesi alla proprietà. Tutto ha inizio, dice, con il fatto che in Italia, pochissime delle famiglie che sono poi emigrate, avevano l’opportunità di possedere una casa propria. In Canada questo è cambiato. “In Canada abbiamo avuto una possibilità, stavamo facendo soldi. E dove avremmo potuto metterli? Se acquistavi una casa era un buon investimento,” spiega. “Nessuno ti poteva cacciare, e a noi piaceva così. Gli Italiani non erano zingari. Essi volevano radici.”

E hanno trovato le radici nei quartieri umili del dopo guerra, creando a Toronto i quartieri italiani intorno a St. Clair e a College Street. Si sono formate

Il

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CASETTA IN CANADA

“

“

The house or the home are a real sense of pride for most Italians.

specializes in Italian-Canadian studies, Bozzo’s situation was a textbook case.

She explains, “Little Italies are an extension of moving in a north and west direction in the city and to areas where homes are or were more affordable.” She also cites gentrification of downtown areas as another factor that contributed to the exodus of Italians from certain areas of the city.

And while homes in the suburbs were becoming more affordable, ItalianCanadians were also climbing the socio-economic ladder and firmly securing a place for themselves in a new level of society. This, in Colussi-Arthur’s eyes, is what started to lead the trend away from humble homes towards mega mansions. “Generational differences in socioeconomic mobility mean that when the second generation moved into the professional class – doctors, dentists, lawyers, entrepreneurs – they purchased homes to keep up with their socio-economic mobility,” she explains.

Another way to put it? The larger, fancier houses are a symbol, not only of how much money a person might have but of how far Italians have come in this country, of their success, of their having realized the dream that they worked so hard for.

The children and grandchildren of immigrants to Canada, who in Italy may have been peasant farmers or manual labourers, were now becoming some of the most prominent and influential members of Canadian society. And they needed the houses to match.

But have we gone too far with flashy displays of wealth and status? Bozzo doesn’t think so. “Pride and a lot of hard work have gone into those houses,” he explains. “I don’t begrudge anybody and I don’t think it’s gone too far,” he says, but admits, “there are extremes in every culture and in every community.”

And while mega mansions have been all the rage for a while, we’re now seeing another trend: the move back to the city. “People my age and their kids are moving back into the city,” says Bozzo. “It took me 30 years to convince my wife to move back.” And he’s happy he finally did.

Although Italian houses and communities look much different now than they did 60 years ago, Nardi still believes that, “the tradition continues to want to own the casetta in Canada.”

comunità – una rete estesa di familiari, amici, vicini e paesani che, specialmente durante la grande ondata di immigrazione italiana, hanno trovato le loro tradizioni, credenze e pratiche culturali molto diverse dalle tradizioni della società canadese.

John Bozzo, vicepresidente degli Affari Pubblici per l’Ontario Energy Board, è cresciuto vicino a Corso Italia e ricorda il senso di comunità che si percepiva lì. “Una volta ho contato,” racconta, “e c’erano 18 famiglie, nel raggio di due blocchi, che erano o direttamente collegate o erano parenti alla lontana.”

Oltre al senso di comunità Bozzo sentiva inoltre, e crede ancora adesso che “la casa sia realmente motivo di orgoglio per tanti italiani.” Molti concordano, soprattutto tra le prime generazioni di italiani che solitamente erano abituati ad avere molto poco. Ciò che avevano, l’avevano ottenuto lavorando sodo e sacrificando tutto. Sono stati in grado di acquistare le loro case dopo anni di risparmi ed economie, quindi erano molto orgogliosi di prendersi cura (e qualche volta di mettere in mostra) quello che erano riusciti a guadagnare.

Bozzo continua “Passando per le diverse comunità italiane, a parte il buon gusto o il cattivo gusto, non troverete mai una casa italiana che non sia ordinata e pulita e ben tenuta, anche quando le persone hanno una casa piccola.”

Dopo il matrimono, però, Bozzo e la moglie hanno incontrato difficoltà a trovare una casa in affitto a prezzi accessibili nel loro vecchio quartiere, e hanno scelto, come molti altri, di muoversi verso nord. La famiglia Bozzo si stabilì a Thornhill, ma era anche molto comune per tante altre famiglie italiane spostarsi da Toronto a Vaughan, Woodbridge, o Richmond Hill dove hanno creato altri quartieri italiani.

“

La casa è realmente motivo di orgoglio per tanti italiani.

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neighbours and paesani who, especially during the larger waves of Italian immigration, found their traditions, beliefs and cultural practices to be quite different from those of more mainstream Canadian society.

John Bozzo, vice president of Public Affairs for the Ontario Energy Board, grew up near Corso Italia and remembers the sense of community he felt there.

“At one time I counted,” he recalls, “and there were 18 families who were either directly related or distantly related within a two-block radius.”

In addition to the sense of community Bozzo felt, he also believes that, “the house or the home are a real sense of pride for most Italians.”

Many would agree, especially in the case of the numerous first-generation Italians who were used to having very little. What they did have, they worked hard and sacrificed for. They were able to purchase their homes and possessions after years of scrimping and saving, thus they took great pride in caring for (and sometimes showing off) what they had managed to earn.

Bozzo continues, “You go through Italian communities and whether people have good taste or not, you won’t find too many Italian homes that are not neat and clean and well kept, even if people have a small and humble place.”

After getting married, however, Bozzo and his wife experienced difficulty finding an affordable house to rent in their old neighbourhood, and chose, like so many others, to move north. The Bozzos settled in Thornhill, but it’s a familiar refrain to also hear of Italian families moving out of Toronto to Vaughan, Woodbridge, or Richmond Hill where other Italian neighbourhoods have formed.

According to York University Professor Gabriella Colussi-Arthur, who

Secondo la professoressa Gabriella Colussi-Arthur, della York University, specializzata in studi italo-canadesi, la storia di Bozzo è stato un classico caso da manuale.

Lei spiega che “Le piccole Italia sono la conseguenza del muoversi in direzione nord ed ovest nella città e in nuove zone dove le case sono o erano più accessibili.” Lei sostiene inoltre che la gentrificazione del centro sia un altro fattore che ha contribuito all’esodo degli italiani da questa zona.

E mentre in periferia le case stavano diventando più accessibili, gli italocanadesi stavano anche loro salendo nella scala socioeconomica. Si sono così garantiti un posto saldo nella società. Secondo il punto di vista di ColussiArthur, questo è il fattore che ha dato il via alla tendenza di acquistare non più case umili ma mega palazzi. “Le differenze generazionali nella mobilità socioeconomica hanno fatto sì che, quando le seconde generazioni sono diventate una classe di professionisti – dottori, dentisti, avvocati, interpreti – hanno comprato casa per tenere il passo con la loro mobilità socioeconomica,” spiega. Le case più grandi, più decorate, sono non solo un simbolo di quanti soldi una persona possa avere, ma rappresentano anche quanto successo abbiano avuto gli italiani venuti qui. È la realizzazione del sogno per il quale hanno lavorato così tanto.

I figli e i nipoti degli emigrati in Canada, che in Italia potevano essere contadini o operai, erano ormai diventati membri influenti della società canadese. E avevano bisogno di case all’altezza. Ma abbiamo esagerato il modo in cui abbiamo messo in mostra il nostro successo?

Per Bozzo no. “Quelle case sono costruite sull’orgoglio e su tanto duro lavoro,” spiega. “Io non invidio nessuno e non credo nessuno abbia esagerato,” dice, ma ammette, “ci sono gli estremi in ogni cultura e in ogni comunità.”

E mentre i mega palazzi andavano di moda per un po’, stiamo vedendo ora un’altra tendenza: il ritorno alla città.

“Le persone della mia età e i loro figli si stanno trasferendo in città,” dice Bozzo. “Mi ci sono voluti 30 anni per convincere mia moglie a tornare indietro.”

E ora che finalmente l’ha fatto, è veramente felice.

Anche se adesso le case italiane hanno un altro aspetto rispetto a quello di 60 anni fa, Nardi ancora ci crede, “la tradizione continua ad essere il voler avere una casetta in Canada.”

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CASETTA IN CANADA

Illustration by Dave Ferreira

A House to Call Home

By Daniela DiStefano

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ork hard, sacrifice and buy a home. In a society where wealth and contributed their income towards the property. “An Italian family looking to status are affirmed by owning property, a great emphasis is placed buy a house back then may not have qualified if the strict guidelines and on becoming a homeowner. regulations of today were in place,” says Gaudio.

For Italian immigrants arriving to Canada in the first half of the 19th In addition to being an incubator of strong cultural values, the home century, the same ideal rang true. Men endured long hours of gruelling work, offered Italian-Canadians economic and emotional security in a new country. women frugally managed the household, and families scrimped and saved to It was the place were Italian was spoken, traditional foods were prepared and buy a home of their own. They were largely successful, and according to consumed, and holidays and celebrations were enjoyed with relatives. Houses statistics from the Canadian Encyclopaedia, 86% of Italians in Canada owned like the Zeppieri family home were equipped with multiple kitchens and large their own home by the 1980s, compared to the 70% national average. dining areas to accommodate extended family, cantina and pantry spaces to For Italian immigrants Mario and Maria Zeppieri arriving in Toronto in store homemade wine and provisions, and backyard gardens to harvest their 1950, the road to homeownership included living with relatives and other own fruits and vegetables. boarders until they had enough savings to make a home purchase. “My father Naturally home ownership was in great pursuit. “Immigrants came to bought our first family home in 1963,” says this country having experienced poverty Louis Zeppieri, whose parents emigrated and hunger, and were ready to sacrifice from Veroli, Italy. “He paid $7,000 for a halfanything not to experience that again with In addition to being an incubator finished house, and he worked on the rest their families,” says Gaudio. himself. He didn’t have a mortgage and The effort didn’t end in homeownership of strong cultural values, the home probably didn’t even know how to go about – the house continued to be a source of offered Italian-Canadians economic pride and identity through improvements. getting one.”

After 26 years in the city, the Zeppieris “Renovation requests for new immigrants and emotional security in a purchased land in Richmond Hill in 1976 who purchased post-war homes were to and built a home that was comfortable fulfill basic programmatic needs like larger new country. enough for their two children and Maria’s bedrooms, more bathrooms, and improved older sister and brother-in-law whom they kitchens,” says Renzo Pillon, Principal of had lived with when they first arrived in Canada. “My dad was a bit nervous at Pillon Architect Inc. As the second and third generations became more first and wasn’t sure he could afford it, but I convinced him. We come from a established and grew their wealth, their housing aspirations changed. “Now we family of contractors, and my dad was a plasterer so we had many family hear more from clients looking for their home to be an oasis for leisure and an connections to build the house,” says Zeppieri, 58, who still lives in the home expression of themselves,” says Pillon. with his wife and his 87-year-old father. Each family had their own living While it’s true previous generations made big sacrifices to own real estate, quarters, ate meals together and tended to the garden. “Everyone helped each today’s young Italian-Canadians continue to have a strong desire to own a home other out. It was a great privilege to grow up in that type of environment.” despite the wide disparity. “The average housing unit in Toronto is way out of It’s no surprise the economic and financial circumstances in which the first reach of the average household income,” says Gaudio. “However, there are a lot generation of Italian-Canadians purchased their homes were very different than of young people in the community getting into home ownership thanks to today. “Many people don’t know that banks didn’t finance home mortgages on strong family assistance.” resale homes until about the late 1970s,” says Fausto Gaudio, President and CEO It may be a small condominium in downtown Toronto rather than a big of IC Savings. “When people bought homes they went to l’avvocato to make the house in the suburbs, but the emotional and financial support from family can necessary arrangements.” help to make their home ownership dreams a reality. “The sacrifices of the Higher interest rates kept prices down and qualifications were not as rigid, previous generations are ingrained in our community,” says Gaudio. “Because making it somewhat easier to enter the market. Oftentimes families paid of our immigrant experience it’s instinctive to want to do the same for our cash for the home, and parents, children, grandparents and other relatives all children, and hope to leave them with a sure footing when we move on.”

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CASETTA IN CANADA

Photo © Vincenzo Pietropaolo. Courtesy of the artist.

Italian workers 1977, Woodbridge Ontario

From Builders to Owners

By Sal Difalco

W

hile it is indisputable that first generation Italian-Canadians, despite innumerable obstacles, managed to find a workable niche in the manufacturing and construction industries, particularly in Montreal and Toronto, cities they veritably “built,” it’s also true that ItalianCanadians have in recent times transformed themselves from builders to landowners.

In his book The Italians Who Built Toronto, scholar Stefano Agnoletto offers a chronicle of Italian emigration during the 20th century. “It’s a topic that has almost disappeared from Italian public debate,” he says. “As an Italian historian I felt I had a social responsibility to focus on such an issue.” Agnoletto, born near Genoa and currently residing in Vienna, Austria, came to Canada in 2010, when his wife won a post-doctorate fellowship at the University of Toronto. He spent a year and a half as a visiting scholar at York University, researching Italians who had immigrated to Toronto. “One of the more impressive factors affecting the history of Toronto’s Italian community has been the emergence of homeownership as one of its basic characteristics,” he notes.

Osvaldo “Ozzie” Logozzo, executive director of OREA Real Estate College, who has served on the front lines of the GTA real estate scene as an agent, teacher and administrator, concurs that the drive toward homeownership has been keen in the Italian community. “We started out as renters,” he says, “then modest attempts at homeownership. Boarders were common for first home buyers, subsidizing mortgages. Paying off the mortgages was key, and owing 28

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money taboo in the community. So they scraped and saved and took initial steps.”

For Stefano Agnoletto, this demonstrated an aspiration to achieve a middle-class standard of living and security. “Which would allay once and for all,” he says, “memories of old world deprivation and, often, social inferiority. On the other hand, there was the traditional tendency of Italian first generations, as former peasants, to buy the land, and then build the house, as part of their agricultural background.”

As Logozzo observes, there was always a thrust northward, toward virgin terrain. Born in Tarquinia, northwest of Rome, Logozzo himself was a member of that immigrant community, arriving in Canada with his family at age five.

“There has been a tremendous exodus,” he says, “in channel format, from College Street to St. Clair, then to North York and now Vaughan, which has become the new Little Italy.” He estimates that the Italian-Canadian enclave of Woodbridge, well known for its oversize houses, is almost 90% Italian. “They turned north,” he says, “not to escape necessarily, but because they thought every step north was progress.”

While Italians met the usual immigrant challenges, in less tolerant times, Agnoletto points out that they were not passive agents. “Although not immune to suffering and hardship,” he says, “Italian workers and employers showed a tremendous capacity to pool their resources and to improve their conditions.

For example, they used the ethnic economic niche – the construction

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Italian-Canadian community “ The of Toronto must remember its CASETTA IN CANADA

“

industry – in which they had been forced to concentrate, as an opportunity for individual and collective social mobility.”

Agnoletto adds that despite their hardships, the first generation of Italian immigrants “were able to build a new story. It’s the story of what happened to a mass of Italian immigrants who discovered that the streets of America were ‘not paved with gold,’ but who overcame enormous difficulties to achieve emancipation and give a better opportunity to their families.”

Yet despite the triumphant narrative, this upward and northward mobility has perhaps come at a cost. Although Italian-Canadians have arrived as an ethnic mass, almost fully enmeshed in Canada’s tapestry, and in the GTA in particular, thanks to old school attitudes about home-buying and mortgage debt, now own substantial chunks of prime property, complacency is rampant.

“People of the past,” says Logozzo, “wanted a link to the land, and this included maintaining a garden, wine-making and so on, but this has changed.” As he sees it, buying property increased wealth, quality of life and safety, but was accompanied by a loss of cultural capital, and something else. “The community has become too satisfied with what they have,” he says. “They’ve reached nirvana, but as a result have become less politically active and less of a force as a community.”

While one can lament a certain loss of community cohesion, and a lackluster political voice, this may be a condition of life in the 21st century, and not a malaise limited to Italian-Canadians. Still, keeping the narrative alive may be central to keeping the community integral and not drifting further north, and afield. “These men and women should not be forgotten,” Agnoletto insists.

“The Italian-Canadian community of Toronto must remember its roots and history, even its darker aspects. We have to remember how things were, so when we look at new arrivals we can understand their problems.” r

roots and history, even its darker aspects. We have to remember how things were, so when we look at new arrivals we can understand their problems.

Photo © Vincenzo Pietropaolo. Courtesy of the artist.

Helping you is what we do.

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416-496-9220 647-966-4991 domenicsalvadore@royallepage.ca www.angelosol.com 624B Fleet Street, Toronto, ON, M5V 1B9

Royal LePage Terrequity Realty

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EURO 2016

Gigi Buffon, Marco Verratti, Giorgio Chiellini and Manolo Gabbiadini posing with the new jersey of La Nazionale

2016 UEFA Euro Cup Italy looks to bounce back from poor performance at the World Cup

By Joey Strizzi Gli Azzurri, les Bleus, la Furia Roja...

In international football, with a few exceptions, European nations are considered to be the cream of the crop. And although the World Cup is the most important tournament on the planet, the UEFA European Championships, also played every four years, may showcase better competition. The 2016 UEFA Euros, made up of 24 qualifying teams from across the continent, kicks off on June 10 in France.

For the Italian national team, winners of the title in 1968, this tournament represents opportunity for redemption following a lacklustre performance at the 2014 World Cup, hopefully rediscovering the form that propelled the Azzurri to the finals of the last edition of the Euros in 2012.

Coca-Cola rankings. With EPL stars Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, and AS Roma’s Nainggolan on the roster, the Red Devils will be a force to be reckoned with.

The Republic of Ireland (31) and Sweden (36) are always tough competition. The Irish have played Italia to a 1-3-1 record in five meetings since 2009, while Sweden presents a unique challenge with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the premier goal scorers in recent history. “Ibra” scored 53 goals in 54 games this past season with Paris St-Germain and has a knack for breaking Italian hearts, scoring wonder goals like his unbelievable back heel in the 2004 Euros (with his back to goal) that floated into the top corner and eliminated Italy during group play.

Fresh format For the first time, the Euros will be contested by 24 teams, having been expanded from the 16-team format used since 1996. What this means is that the group stage will now consist of six groups of four teams, followed by three rounds of knockout games and then the final. The top two from each group still go through to the knockout stage, while the new format allows for the four best third-ranked sides to also progress.

He keeps going and going...

One man that will be pivotal to Italy’s success is 38-year-old captain Gianluigi Buffon. Considered to be one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of the beautiful game, Buffon, like a fine wine it seems, has gotten better with age, helping Juventus win its 5th consecutive Scudetto this season. Earlier this year, “San Gigi” announced that he planned to retire from professional football in two years, making this his final appearance at this tournament. It could possibly be the last time the most capped player (156) in Italian football dons the blue jersey for his country. He has mentioned he’d like to emulate one of his heroes, Dino Zoff, who captained Italy to its 1982 World Cup victory as a 40year-old keeper, but that remains to be seen.

Group E Italy, the world’s 15th ranked team, will face some stiff competition in Group E, starting with Belgium, the second best country in the FIFA/ 30

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EURO 2016 Coach Conte While questions remain about Buffon’s future, the 2016 Euros will definitely be the swan song for Coach Antonio Conte, who becomes the new bench boss at Chelsea F.C. following the tournament.

Conte, winner of three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus from 20122014, took over for Cesare Prandelli on a two-year deal after the dismal showing at the 2014 World Cup and has led his country to a 9-6-3 record since taking over.

With only three losses in 18 games, it is most certain that he’d love to end his tenure with a title, so look for some interesting tactical decisions throughout the tournament.

The Azzurri backline No surprises here. Italy’s backline will be strong, and knowing Conte’s penchant for sound defensive play, the Juve trio of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini will be relied upon to carry the load, especially since “the Italian Mourinho” is inclined to play three at the back. Their experience and chemistry with club teammate Buffon will make it tough for any team to bulge the old onion bag. Youngsters Matteo Darmian (Man U.) and Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan) are available to slot in if their manager has a change of heart and decides four defenders is the way to go.

Centrocampisti A couple of injuries to key players in the midfield may leave La Nazionale short on depth. Juve’s Claudio Marchisio, who would have been relied upon heavily during this competition, suffered a torn ACL in April and is out for a long time.

Rising star Marco Verratti hasn’t featured regularly for Paris St-Germain since January as he’s been in and out of lineup battling a groin injury.

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Searching for scoring

Earlier this year, “San Gigi” announced that he planned to retire from professional football in two years, making this his final appearance at this tournament. It could possibly be the last time the most capped player (156) in Italian football dons the blue jersey for his country.

“

The biggest question mark for Conte’s side lies in its ability to find goals. During qualifying, Italy showed signs of difficulty in penetrating the final third, managing just 16 goals in 10 qualifying games – with five of those goals coming in a lopsided victory over Azerbaijan. Graziano Pelle, a traditional target man with Southampton, has been inconsistent when on national team duty.

With Mario Balotelli’s fall from grace, the Azzurri don’t have a prototypical number 9 and Conte has resorted to adding Oriundi (foreign-born naturalized players) like Inter Milan’s Éder for help.

Predictions and prognostications As defending World Cup champions, Germany will be THE team to beat in this tournament. Despite a tough road through qualifications, Die Mannschaft will get its act together and be the juggernaut that all pundits expect them to be, with Toni Kroos manning the midfield and shredding defences with his precision passing. Spain are the two-time defending Euro champs and will be looking to bounce back from their own disturbing performance at that same World Cup, while host country France is young and vibrant, and could surprise if its players can overcome an alleged blackmail scandal involving star striker Karim Benzema, who will be left off the roster.

Despite its trouble scoring goals, La Nazionale went undefeated in 10 qualifying games (7-3-0) and demonstrated, as it always has, that it will field a formidable defensive lineup. If Pelle or any other striker can channel the spirit of Totò Schillaci and find their scoring touch, the Azzurri can do some damage.

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A

C

GROUP

E

GROUP

GROUP

June 19

June 19

June 15

June 15

June 11

June 12

June 22

36

June 22

35

22

June 18

June 17

19

10

June 13

DATE

June 13

Belgium

June 21

June 21

June 16

June 16

June 12

DATE

9

MATCH

30

29

18

17

7

6

June 10

DATE

Germany

MATCH

26

25

15

14

2

1

MATCH

Albania

Romania

Switzerland

France

Albania Romania

France

15:00

15:00

9:00

9:00

15:00

12:00

TIME

Ukraine Germany

Poland Germany

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

Poland

Germany

Poland

Italy

Sweden

Belgium

Italy

Belgium

Republic of Ireland

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

Marseille

Paris

St-Denis

Lyon

Lille

St-Denis Toulouse

Lyon

CITY

Republic of Ireland

Belgium

Lille

Nice

Republic of Ireland Bordeaux

Sweden

Italy

Sweden

Nice CITY

Sweden

Northern Ireland

Ukraine

Lyon

Lille

Marseille

Paris

Lens

Ukraine

Northern Ireland

Poland

Albania

France

Albania

Switzerland

Switzerland

St-Denis CITY

Switzerland Romania

Republic of Ireland

Ukraine

Northern Ireland

Italy

12:00

12:00

15:00

12:00

15:00

12:00

TIME

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

vs

Romania

Northern Ireland

15:00

15:00

15:00

12:00

9:00

15:00

TIME

France

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33

24

23

12

11

MATCH

32

31

21

20

8

5

MATCH

28

27

16

13

4

3

MATCH

June 22

June 22

June 18

June 18

June 14

June 14 DATE

Austria

June 21

June 21

June 17

June 17

June 13

June 12 DATE

Croatia

June 20

June 20

June 16

June 15

June 11

June 11 DATE

England

12:00

12:00

15:00

12:00

15:00

12:00 TIME

15:00

15:00

15:00

12:00

9:00

9:00 TIME

Russia

Slovakia

England

Russia

England

Wales

Iceland

Hungary

Portugal

Iceland

Portugal

Austria

Hungary

Czech Republic

Croatia

Spain

Czech Republic

Spain

Turkey

Czech Republic

15:00

15:00

9:00

9:00

15:00

12:00 TIME

Russia

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

Wales

England

Wales

Slovakia

Russia

Slovakia

Paris

CITY

Turkey

Toulouse

St-Etienne

Lens

Lille

Marseille

Bordeaux CITY

Wales

Lens

Bordeaux

Nice

St-Etienne

Austria

Portugal

Austria

Hungary

Iceland

Hungary

St-Denis

Lyon

Paris

Marseille

St-Etienne

Bordeaux

CITY

Portugal

Turkey

Spain

Turkey

Croatia

Czech Republic Toulouse

Croatia

Spain

Iceland

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

TEAMS

Slovakia

*All kick-off times are EST

B

D

GROUP

F

GROUP GROUP

MATCH SCHEDULE

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5

3

1

ROUND OF 16

12:00

QF3

QF1

SF1

July 2

June 30

12:00

June 27

June 26

15:00

9:00

June 25

June 25

TIME

July 6

15:00

15:00

VS

VS

VS

VS

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15:00

VS

FINAL Final

VS

Lyon

15:00

Winner QF2

July 10

Winner match 7 Bordeaux

Marseille

St-Denis

Lille

Winner match 3

Winner QF1

Winner match 5

VS

Runner-up D

3rd Place A/B/F

Lens

CITY

Runner-up C St-Etienne

3rd Place B/E/F

TEAMS

Winner match 1

Winner E

Winner C

Winner D

Runner-up A

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QUARTER-FINALS

DATE

SEMI-FINALS

MATCH

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SF2

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QF2 July 3

July 1

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15:00

9:00

12:00

TIME

Winner SF2

VS

St-Denis

Winner QF3

VS

Lille

SEMI-FINALS

Nice

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Marseille

Winner match 8

ROUND OF 16 QUARTER-FINALS Toulouse

Lyon

Paris

CITY

St-Denis

Runner-up F

Runner-up E

3rd Place C/D/E

3rd Place A/C/D

Winner match 6

VS

VS

VS

VS

TEAMS

Winner QF4

15:00 Winner match 4

VS

Runner-up B

Winner F

Winner A

Winner B

15:00 Winner match 2

June 27

June 26

June 26

DATE

June 25

15:00

8

6

4

2

MATCH

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Italian Fallen Workers Memorial: a Place to Remember and Reflect The newly unveiled memorial to fallen Italian workers now has a permanent home on Villa Charities’ Toronto campus. Located next to the Villa Colombo gardens, the memorial offers a quiet corner to honour the more than 1,000 Italian-Canadian workers who died in workplace accidents in Ontario, and to reflect on their sacrifices.

Marino Toppan, who led the effort to establish the memorial, has now passed custodianship of the site to Villa Charities.

This followed the April 28th unveiling ceremony that was attended by more than 1,000 people.

“We are honoured to serve as the memorial’s custodian for future generations, who now have a lasting testament to the enormous sacrifices of Italian immigrants in the development of our province,” says Eligio Gaudio, CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Toppan worked on the initiative with a committee composed of Gino Cucchi, Fulvio Florio, Mario Marra, Fortunato Rao, Odoardo Di Santo, Paola Breda and Pal Di Iulio. Their work to identify other Italian-Canadian workplace victims, and to ensure they are properly recognized on the memorial, will continue.

“It’s important that the new generation knows about the price paid by their fathers and grandfathers to build this beautiful country,” Toppan says.

Marino Toppan hands custodianship of the Memorial to Fallen Italian Workers to Villa Charities CEO Eligio Gaudio

To learn more about the memorial, please visit www.ItalianFallenWorkersMemorial.com or email info@ItalianFallenWorkersMemorial.com.

DanzArts Toronto Dancers Fill the Trophy Cabinet DanzArts Toronto dancers stepped their way to another banner competition season.

The company’s Competitive Dance Team won several dozen awards and earned special recognition at Fever International Dance Championships, On the Floor, Dance Canada and MOVE - the Ultimate Dance Competition. The team faced tough competition from other studios.

“Congratulations to our competition winners, and to all of our competitive and non-competitive dancers who worked hard through the year to learn, grow and improve,” says Kathryn Miles, Artistic Director, DanzArts Toronto. “Many thanks also to the superb instructors and choreographers who led our dancers through another successful season, and to our wonderful volunteers and families.”

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The company’s many honours this year included numerous first place overall awards in several categories, and in all age groups.

and their instructors have been hard at work to put on the most spectacular and memorable season finale show yet.

The DanzArts Toronto year wraps up on June 11 with the YearEnd Dance Recital at Toronto Centre for the Arts. The students

The 2016-2017 dance season begins on Sept. 12, 2016. More information is available at www.danzartstoronto.com.

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Villa Charities Celebrates Festa della Repubblica Villa Charities is expanding its annual Festa della Repubblica/Italian Heritage Month celebrations with two showcases of Italian arts and culture.

The month-long event kicked off on June 2nd with Salone di Cultura, a showcase of contemporary Italian and Italian-Canadian arts and culture presented by Villa Charities at the Columbus Centre.

Salone di Cultura, an annual event produced by musician/producer Daniela Nardi’s Espresso Manifesto, this year also celebrated the Columbus Centre's influence and importance in the Italian-Canadian community. The event featured music, poetry, visual arts and food.

“Villa Charities was delighted to present this superb showcase in association with Espresso Manifesto,” says Eligio Gaudio, CEO of Villa Charities Inc. “The event marks the beginning of a renewed energy and direction for our organization and its cultural programming.”

On June 7, Viva Vitalità, an annual exhibit of works by Italian and Italian-Canadian artists, opens at Carrier Gallery. The exhibit kicks off with an evening of Italian art, food and music, free of charge and open to all.

This year’s Viva Vitalità features sculptures and paintings by Siena, Italy-based artist Massimo Lippi, as well as works by Naples artist Antonio Ciraci and Florentine Masters. Italian-Canadian artists

Italy's celebrated Banda dell'Arma dei Carabinieri performed before an appreciative, standing room-only audience at the Villa Charities campus on April 22

Francesco Gallé, Silvio Mastrodascio, Sam Paonessa, Mario Pariselli and Sandra Tarantino are also featured.

On June 9, Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana presents the annual festa della lingua italiana. Hundreds of students enrolled in Centro Scuola’s International Languages Extended Day Program will gather on the Villa Charities campus for “Concorso Letterario,” where winners of the school’s annual literary contest will be announced.

The Venetian Ball Opens its Doors to the Jazz Era Knock three times, enter the doors and experience the sights, sounds and mysteries of a vibrant and exciting playground most of us were never invited to explore . . . until now!

Thursday, October 20, 2016, Metro Toronto Convention Centre Door opens at 6:30pm Villa Charities Foundation is proud to once again host The Venetian Ball, a memorable evening of exceptional dining, entertainment and camaraderie amongst old friends and new. This unrivaled charity event continues its long tradition of supporting Villa Charities’ programs and services, benefiting our community, our seniors and our youth.

The story of Villa Charities is one that embraces the Italian experience.

Our high quality, culturally sensitive programs are made possible by caring benefactors and fundraising events such as The Venetian Ball.

Your attendance at this year’s gala will help to support not only these programs, but also the upcoming revitalization of the Columbus Centre, the cultural heart of the GTA’s Italian community.

The Venetian Ball has always been ranked as a signature gala within our city and amongst our attendees. This fall, the event will continue this tradition, replicating the mystique, glamour and sounds of some of the world’s most exclusive jazz lounges. The evening also serves as the premiere showcase for the Foundation’s many programs, and as an expression of pride in our community’s culture, heritage and achievements.

Sponsorship Opportunities If you or your company are interested in becoming a valued sponsor of the evening, please contact Jean Jarvis at the Villa Charities Foundation office at (416) 789-7011 ext. 321 for details, including information on the benefits that you will derive from your support. Be part of the celebration and help support our mission.

The 2016 edition of The Venetian Ball.

A journey to the heart of an era you have to experience!

UPCOMING EVENTS Carrier Gallery

Summer Art Classes

Viva Vitalità, celebrating Italian Heritage Month: June 7-July 4

June 7- 28 416-789-7011 x248 / cultural@villacharities.com

Lilian Broca’s The Judith Mosaics: to July 4

DanzArts Toronto Year-End Dance Recital

Nandor Horthy’s Then & Now Little Italy: June 9-July 4 Ben Ibebe - Nigeria Exhibit: July 7-Aug. 8 Franco DeSimone’s Frida Kahlo: July 7-Aug. 8 Tiziana Morganti’s Sicily: July 7-Aug. 8 Carmello Mora: July 7-Aug. 8

Toronto Centre for the Arts June 11

Villa Charities Golf Classic June 21 www.villacharities.com/golf2016 / 416-789-7011 x337

Summer Day Camps for Kids Columbus Centre 416-789-7011 x244/ cultural@villacharities.com

Centro Scuola's festa della lingua italiana Columbus Centre gardens June 9

The Venetian Ball Oct. 20 416-789-7011 x321

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A Personal Training Journey of Hope and Fulfillment capabilities slowly increased. Eventually I was doing things I would never have thought possible for me.

As I got in touch with my body, I also began to get past mourning for my departed wife, and to resume a more active social life. Before long, to my astonishment, I found myself in love again, and soon married. My wife was much younger than I, and wanted to have children. Though I had never expected to be a father again, I agreed, and we now have two wonderful boys.

I feel enormously lucky to have found a trainer who was truly personal, in that he was always focused on me and where my life was at. By getting me in touch with my body, he has also got me in touch with my potential to live a rich, fulfilling life. When I try to thank him for this, he tells me I did it myself, because I was open to learning and to expanding my boundaries.

Everyone comes to personal training with his or her own life history and set of hopes and expectations. But I think, if you are really open to what your trainer is trying to achieve, you too may end up enriched and fulfilled, as I have.

Columbus Centre Athletics member Tony Papini shares a very personal story of how personal training at the Club helped him get his life back on track: I was in my mid-fifties, and my life had fallen apart. My dear wife of many years had died of cancer and our children were grown up and independent. Although I owned a successful business, that didn't seem important any more. One day I looked in the mirror and realized that I had a decision to make: find a way to lead a full life, or become a lonely, empty old man.

I became a member of the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, and signed up for personal training. I was immediately impressed by the seriousness and professionalism of my trainer, Kosta Tzigas. He asked me what I was looking to get from personal training, and I told him I felt I needed a kick-start into the rest of my life. That seemed to please him, because he said he was not interested in working with people who only wanted to flatten their bellies or define their six-packs. He told me he could help me get in touch with my body, and that in turn would help me get in touch with my life. I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but I liked his openness and directness. I said "let's get started."

I was impressed with the fact that he made sure I did a full 60 minute workout every session. We'd take a few minutes just to talk about how my life was going, but after that it was strictly work. He always made sure I stayed within my capabilities, but he also pushed me enough so that my 36

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Seventy Years of Love Celebrated at Villa Colombo Vaughan

On February 14, Rocco and Maria Pagniello celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Villa Colombo Vaughan with family, friends and staff. Rocco and Maria were presented with special recognition from City of Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Vaughan MPP and Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.

Signs of the couple’s love for each other were everywhere – Rocco reading the morning newspaper to Maria over coffee, making homemade wine and sausages together, and enjoying afternoons in the garden. Throughout their marriage, Rocco was the affectionate one while Maria was shy and reserved. But today, occasionally you will see Maria reaching over to hold hands and sneak a kiss.

The couple’s life together began in Italy when they were introduced by mutual friends, prior to the outbreak of World War 2. While away during the war, Rocco had asked his mother to write love letters to Maria so she would always know he was thinking about her, and counted down the days until they could finally be together again.

After hostilities ended, on Valentine’s Day, 1946, Maria, 19, and Rocco, 24, were married. Thus began not only a long lasting union, but also a friendship that would continue to grow for many years.

By respecting each other, through laughter, and loving one another every day, they have unlocked the secret to a happy, lifelong union.

As with many Italians, family was the most important part of their relationship. Maria and Rocco’s children were always surrounded by love – a love evoked by the aroma of fresh baked cookies on a cold winter day and weekend outings to the movies.

Villa Colombo Toronto Recognized for Excellence in Care Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. (Toronto) has earned the prestigious “Accreditation with Exemplary Standing” from Accreditation Canada, the country’s leading national healthcare standards organization.

The Exemplary Standing designation, the highest level of performance recognition awarded by Accreditation Canada, applies to all Villa Colombo Toronto services including the long-term care home and Community Day Programs comprising Adult Day Programs, Transitions Program, the Frail Elderly and Alzheimer Day Program, and the Elderly Persons Centre.

The organization’s report praised the Villa Colombo Toronto team for providing “open communication”, being “passionate and proud” and offering services that are a “wonderful asset to the community”.

Accreditation Canada assesses healthcare organizations against national standards of excellence. Villa Colombo Toronto has been accredited continuously by Accreditation Canada since 1985.

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FASHION

1.

Riviera 2.

3.

4.

Stock up on these key trends for summer before flocking to the seaside

By Alessia Sara Domanico

5.

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he glamour of Italy’s coastlines has been immortalized in hundreds of films and photo shoots. And it’s contagious, as we ourselves as visitors to places like Sardinia, Amalfi or Puglia have found that we cannot resist becoming enveloped in the trends that the Italians are sporting. This is because they are winning styles that have stood the test of time. Just watch the beginning scenes from Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Avventura – even though it was released in 1960, I’ll bet anyone with the least bit of fashion sense would kill to get the same look as the narcissistic characters enroute to their 5-star holiday.

Ladies’ swimwear is very nostalgic this season with Tommy Hilfiger’s New York show paying an ode to the Swinging Sixties. When it comes to cover ups, there’s an arsenal of elegant linen cover-ups, light and airy dresses and hot wedges to show off those legs and that pedicure. Consider Italian designer Simona Barbieri whose Twin Set collection (www.twinset.ca) features sexy and romantic styles with a touch of bohemian chic. For something fun and flirty, customize your own Havaianas

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FASHION

Romp 7.

9.

8.

11.

12.

13. with a little bling. Speaking of bling, you’ll need to go for some fuss-free jewellery: cute, thin, waterfriendly bracelets such as the dainty numbers proposed by Monica Vinader or Links of London paired with colourful statement jewellery à la Pomellato. Finish it all off by investing in a chunky coral or turquoise necklace – a staple of the feminine boardwalk look. For the bag, make it light and make it fun – save the black leather bag for winter.

The O Bag remains the ‘It’ style for women across the boot with its customizable handles and interiors. Not sold in Canada, so book a trip!

Gents should focus a bit more on their swimming trunks as they are likely to be sporting them off the sand with a T-Shirt and a collared shirt to grab lunch or a coffee before calling it a day at the beach. The light and colourful linen suit is always a winner in this context as are sporty accessories like shades and backpacks from Dior and a big watch from Hugo Boss.

L E G E N D

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1. Dior 2. Dior 3. Billabong 4. Louis Vuitton 5. Pily Q 6. Lacoste 7. Hugo Boss 8. Monica Vinader 9. Cruciani 10. Dior 11. Simone Barbieri 12. Havaianas 13. Ermenegildo Zegna 14. Volcom 15. Vilebrequin

15.

14.

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LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Go to panoramitalia.com and click on “Living Italian Style” to submit your profile! Photography by Giulio Muratori

Stefano Serpa

Letizia Iuorio

Nickname: Serpz Occupation: Director of Sales, Serpa Automotive Group Age: 26 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Cosenza, Calabria Mom’s side from: Matera, Basilicata Who do you speak Italian to?

Nonna and Nonno Passion: Grow my business alongside my family, golf and always do what I enjoy.

Goal in life: My goal in life is to always be involved in my family company: Serpa Automotive Group.

What’s your typical lunch? I am the typical Italian. I love a fresh plate of spaghetti and fresh sugo. And of course, a salad with balsamic dressing on the side.

Your best dish: Pappardelle with rapini and sausage.

Who is your role model?

Without question, my father.

He has taught me everything I need to know about being persistent in my goals.

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Most important family value: Respect, honesty and unconditional love.

Do you identify as ItalianCanadian or Canadian-Italian?

Italian-Canadian What does Panoram Italia represent to you? It represents the incredible foundation our culture is built on.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Spending countless afternoons at my Nonna/Nonno’s house at Dufferin and Lawrence, playing soccer with my cousins in the backyard while my Nonna and Nonno were in the garden.

Nickname: Tee Occupation: Marketing Coordinator, EllisDon Age: 25 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Naples, Campania Mom’s side from: Foggia, Puglia Raised in: Richmond Hill Speaks: English, Italian, and French Who do you speak Italian to?

My parents when we don’t want anyone else to understand what we’re saying.

Passion: Travelling, fashion, fitness, boxing, and ice cream Goal in life: To become a Fashion Buyer and travel to every continent.

What’s your typical lunch?

An array of salads from Wholefoods or the kale salad from Gusto 101 Your best dish: My gluten-free banana waffles Your favourite ItalianCanadian expression: “Che sarà sarà.”

Main difference between first generation and second/third: More opportunities and possibilities for second/ third generation.

Who is your role model?

My Nonna Incoronata Most important family value: Integrity, loyalty and lots of hugs.

What does Panoram Italia represent to you?

A magazine that connects Italians, keeps the heritage alive for future generations, and showcases the accomplishments of talented Italian-Canadians.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Not eating breakfast on Sunday mornings before church to save room for mandatory Sunday lunch with the entire family. There’s always enough food to feed the entire street and still have leftovers.

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Makeup by Monica De Las Casas Rosati

Location Alexander Muir Park

Maximilian Gubert Nickname: Gubes Occupation: Accountant with PWC Age: 23 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Treviso, Veneto Mom’s side from: Campobasso, Molise Raised in: Toronto Speaks: English, French, Italian Who do you speak Italian to? Nonni, cousins in Italy Passion: Hiking and distance running Goal in life: Hike the E1 trail (from Palermo to Norway) What’s your typical lunch?

Panino with leftover fettine Your best dish: My spaghetti alla carbonara Best Italian neighhourhood: College Street Main difference between first generation and second/third: The opportunities to pursue education.

Who is your role model?

Both my Nonnos who immigrated to Canada.

Most important family value: That family time, especially if eating is involved, is sacred.

Do you identify as ItalianCanadian or CanadianItalian? Italian-Canadian What does Panoram Italia represent to you? It’s a way to stay engaged and learn about the Italian-Canadian community in my city.

Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Parading down St. Clair after the 2006 World Cup win.

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DESIGN

Designing Your Oasis Double sofa - Roda

Sprucing up the patio with inspiration from Italian luxury furniture designers

By Alessia Sara Domanico

In

the past issues of Panoram Italia, we’ve looked at outdoor lighting and gardening tools for brightening and manicuring our lawns and gardens. As summer descends upon us, we have now come to outdoor furniture: that all-important purchase for anyone determined to enjoy the spoils of summer from their own backyard. Now if you pride yourself on buying Made in Italy and want to make an extra special statement when you invite everyone round for a BBQ or aperitivo, you’re going to want to learn a bit about what these heavy-hitting furniture maisons are proposing for 2016.

RODA is a brand that started in 1990 in Varese and strictly specializes in outdoor design.

Their philosophy is to treat the outdoors as you would for interior design, allowing both the interior and exterior elements of your home to blend together in harmony. Their Double lounge chairs are timeless classic. They pack innovation with a 3D neting and aluminium frame upholstered in soft multi-layered polyurethane padding to ensure comfort and drain capacity in rainy conditions. Their iconic Dandy sofa collection designed by Rodolfo Dordoni brings the tradi-

Afra - Paola Lenti

RODA TEKA - coffee table

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DESIGN

Nido Tecnico - Paola Lenti Wabi Tecnico - Paola Lenti

tional sofa outside. Fabrics can be custom chosen as well to give you plenty of variety in terms of colour and texture. Finally, the structural and formal TEKA outdoor collection uses wood to bring a touch of rustic elegance to sofas, armchairs, dining and side tables using both outdoor fabrics and mesh.

The outdoor collection from Paola Lenti, founded in 1994, is bent on bringing all aspects of domestic living outside. Modern art seems to have escaped the confines of a gallery and ended up on a deck. We particularly fancied the outdoor loveseats in the Afra collection, the swing sets and full scale cabanas that implement modular architecture to create visually stunning verandas and gazebos that stand the test of time and weather.

Vertical plant walls really make this brand stand out for originality and transform the backyard into a cosmopolitan playground for adults. They do require extra care on the owner’s part – but could make for lovely planting pots for herbs. Oh, and did we mention that they have swing sets? Colourful and super stylish sets with minimal assembly required.

Dandy - Roda

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AMALFI COAST

Photography by Travelista73

City of Positano, View of the dome of Santa Maria Assunta church

The Amalfi Coast La costiera amalfitana

By Francesca Spizzirri @Travelista73

Living the dream Un sogno da vivere High above the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea on a series of rocky cliffs are the enchanting seaside villages of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

In alto, sopra le acque azzurre del mar Tirreno su una serie di pareti rocciose vi sono le località marittime della Costiera Amalfitana.

T

Costiera Amalfitana è ciò di cui sono fatti i sogni estivi. Molti hanno provato a catturare la sua seducente bellezza nella letteratura, nei film e su milioni di account Instagram da tutto il mondo. Tuttavia, per apprezzare veramente l’essenza della regione, essa deve essere vissuta, e lentamente assaporata come quei momenti di fine estate che vorresti non finissero mai.

La Costiera Amalfitana è costituita da 13 villaggi traboccanti di fiori e alberi di limoni, magicamente sospesi tra lo scintillio del mare e le verdi montagne della costa meridionale della penisola sorrentina, a sud di Napoli. La costa si estende per 70 chilometri da Punta Campanella a Salerno, e comprende le caratteristiche città di Positano, Amalfi e Ravello. Molti tesori giacciono nascosti all’interno di questa celebre costa, tra cui la città di Vietri sul Mare, dove vengono prodotte le ceramiche colorate e le piastrelle della regione di fama mondiale. A questa località preferita dai ricchi e dai famosi, dagli sposi novelli e dai turisti, è stata assegnato un ambito posto nella lista del Patrimonio Mondiale dell’UNESCO nel 1997.

Il modo migliore per cogliere a pieno lo splendore della Costiera Amalfitana è in mare, in barca lungo le rive incantevoli, crogiolandosi al sole immersi nello splendido paesaggio. Questo offre anche la possibilità di scoprire molte calette, spiagge nascoste e ristoranti isolati affacciati sul mare come a Conca del Sogno in Nerano, luogo perfetto per il pranzo. Fate un giro in macchina lungo le scogliere tortuose dell’esilarante Strada Statale 163 con il vento fra i capelli ed il mare che precipita sotto i piedi.

he Amalfi Coast is what Italian summer dreams are made of. Many have tried to capture its beguiling beauty in literature, film and on millions of Instagram accounts around the world. However, to truly appreciate the essence of the region, it must be experienced and slowly savoured like those final moments of summer you try to hold onto forever.

La Costiera Amalfitana is made up of 13 villages dripping with flowers and lemon groves, magically suspended between the shimmering sea and green-swathed mountains on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula, south of Naples. The coast stretches 43 miles (70 km) from Punta Campanella to Salerno, and includes the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Many treasures lay hidden within this celebrated coastline, among them, the town of Vietri sul Mare, where the region’s world-famous coloured ceramics and tiles are produced. This favourite haunt of the rich and famous, honeymooners, and tourists alike, was awarded a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

The best way to take in the splendour of the Amalfi Coast is at sea, while leisurely sailing along its blissful shores, basking in the Mediterranean sun and soaking in the glorious landscape. This also provides an opportunity to discover many of its cove-hidden beaches and secluded seaside restaurants like Conca del Sogno in Nerano, the perfect lunch spot. Take an exhilarating drive along the winding cliffs of Strada Statale 163 with the wind in your hair and the ocean swirling at your feet.

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AMALFI COAST Sorrento opens its doors to La Costiera Amalfitana and provides a convenient base for exploring the coast. The town is filled with seaside resorts, restaurants and artisanal shops that spill onto vibrant streets, selling an array of handmade sandals, Limoncello liquor, souvenirs and other local goods – many lemoninspired. The cliff on which Sorrento rests is poised like a beautiful terrace and boasts commanding views across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. On a clear day you may even see Pompeii or Capri. This region has some of the richest, freshest cuisine in the world. At Ristorante Lo Scoglio, take in the impressive views as you dine on local Mediterranean specialties. Don’t forget to visit the Sorrento port, where you can set sail for the neighbouring islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Farther south is the region’s crown jewel, the legendary town of Positano, where cliffside homes cascade down to the shore in a panorama of ochre, terracotta and pastel hues; while the gold and green mosaic dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta glistens beneath a crystal blue sky. Positano provides a picturesque setting to revel in il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing. Lounge on the rocky beach of Spiaggia Grande or browse Positano’s boutiques. Sip an aperitivo alfresco, perhaps an Aperol Spritz, and dine on fresh fish under the canopy of lemon trees. For a slice of heaven, go to La Zàgara pasticceria and try their Delizia al Limone cake; you can also treat yourself to the legendary Le Sirenuse Hotel and splurge on a cocktail or meal at their poolside restaurant, La Sponda, while savouring the views.

Situated on the mouth of the Valle dei Mulini, Amalfi is the shimmering medieval town that gives its name to this famous coastline. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, one of the 12th century’s great naval powers, the town dwellings are connected by covered passageways and stairways reminiscent of its storied past. The main piazza houses a beautiful bell tower, an impressive cloister and the striking cathedral of St. Andrew towering atop a sweeping flight of stairs; it provides a scenic backdrop for the many cafes that line its square. At Gran Caffè, Amalfi’s place to see and be seen, sip on a Campanello, their signature cocktail of Campari and Limoncello. Other points of interest include Amalfi’s Museum of Handmade Paper, housed in a cave-like 13th-century paper mill. Four kilometres west of Amalfi, see the luminous Grotta dello Smeraldo, where emerald light is magnificently reflected off the cavern walls.

Sorrento apre le porte alla Costiera Amalfitana e fornisce un’ottima partenza per esplorare la costa. La città è ricca di stabilimenti balneari, ristoranti e negozi artigianali che riempiono le strade affollate, dove si vende ogni tipo di sandali fatti a mano, limoncello, souvenirs e altri prodotti tipici, molti a base di limone. La scogliera su cui si trova Sorrento si presenta come una meravigliosa terrazza e vanta vedute mozzafiato sulla baia di Napoli fino al Vesuvio. In una giornata limpida si possono vedere anche Pompei e Capri. Questa regione ha alcune delle più ricche e fresche cucine del mondo. Al Ristorante Lo Scoglio, godetevi la vista stupenda mentre gustate un piatto tra le specialità locali. Non dimenticate di vedere il porto di Sorrento, dove si può salpare per le isole vicine di Capri, Ischia e Procida.

Più a sud si trova il fiore all’occhiello della regione, la leggendaria città di Positano, con le sue case arroccate che si tuffano giù fino alla riva in un panorama che integra colori pastello, ocra e terracotta, mentre l’oro e il verde dei mosaici della cupola della Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta brillano sotto un cielo azzurro.

Positano offre un ambiente suggestivo per vivere il dolce far niente. Passate il tempo sulla costa rocciosa di Spiaggia Grande o date un’occhiata ai negozi.

Sorseggiate un fresco aperitivo, magari un Aperol Spritz, e mangiate pesce fresco sotto gli alberi di limone che fanno da baldacchino. Per una fetta di paradiso, andate alla pasticceria La Zàgara e provate la loro torta Delizia al Limone; poi concedetevi il leggendario Le Sirenuse Hotel e offritevi il lusso di un cocktail o un pranzo nel suo ristorante a bordo piscina, La Sponda, gustando la vista.

Situata sulla bocca della montagna della Valle dei Mulini, Amalfi è la scintillante città medievale che dà il nome a questa famosa costiera. Una volta sede della Repubblica Marinara di Amalfi, è stata delle grandi potenze navali del XII secolo. Le abitazioni del paese sono legate da passaggi coperti e da scalinate che richiamano il suo passato storico. La piazza principale ospita un impressionante chiostro, uno straordinario campanile e la strepitosa chiesa di Sant’Andrea che troneggia sopra una lunga scalinata e che offre un palcoscenico ai molti bar intorno alla piazza. Al Gran Caffè, il luogo di Amalfi per vedere ed essere visti, sorseggiate un Campanello, il loro cocktail tipico a base di Campari e Limoncello. Un altro luogo di interesse e il Museo di Amalfi ospitato in una vecchia cartiera del XIII secolo. Quattro chilometri a ovest di Amalfi, si vede la luminosa Grotta di Smeraldo, dove la luce verde smeraldo è riflessa magnificamente sulle pareti della caverna.

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AMALFI COAST

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Photography by Michele Abbagnara

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The Amalfi Coast is what Italian summer dreams are made of.

City of Atrani by night

La Costiera Amalfitana è ciò di cui sono fatti i sogni estivi.

Perched on a ridge 365 metres high above Amalfi and the neighbouring town of Atrani, the romantic hilltop town of Ravello is bursting with fragrant gardens, grandiose villas and mind-blowing views over the entire Gulf of Salerno. The best views can be seen from the terrace of the 11th-century Villa Cimbrone lined with classical-style statues and busts. To the south of Ravello’s cathedral and Piazza Duomo, a 14th-century tower marks the entrance to Villa Rufolo, famed for its cascading gardens, where notes of lemon hang in the air, and for hosting the summer-long Ravello Festival della Musica, one of the oldest in Italy. Music lovers from all over gather, year after year, to listen to outdoor performances set against inspiring views.

A hike along the Sentiero degli Dei, “Trail of the Gods,” is a must-see!

Lose yourself in the expanse of sea and sky along a network of paths connecting villages and towns all over the Sorrentine Peninsula. The path begins in Bomerano, a village 630 m in the mountains between Sorrento and Amalfi, and ends in Nocelle where you can unwind with a delicious meal. The trail stretches approximately 4.5 hours across terraced vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves with views over caves and a gorge, the perfect adventure for hiking enthusiasts.

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that the Amalfi Coast continues to lure visitors who want to savour the perfect Italian summer dream.

Arroccata su un costone alto 365 metri di altezza sopra Amalfi e vicino alla città di Atrani, la romantica cittadina collinare di Ravello è ricca di giardini profumati, ville grandiose e incredibili vedute sul golfo di Salerno. Il miglior panorama si può ammirare dalla terrazza di Villa Cimbrone dell’ XI secolo, circondata da statue e da busti di stile classico. A sud della cattedrale e di piazza Duomo, una torre del XIV secolo marca l’entrata a Villa Rufolo. Famosa per i suoi giardini a cascata, dove le note del profumo di limone sono sospese in aria, essa ospita durante l’estate il Ravello Festival della Musica, uno dei più antichi in Italia. Gli amanti della musica si incontrano, anno dopo anno, per ascoltare i concerti all’aperto con vista spettacolare.

Una passeggiata sul Sentiero degli Dei è da vedere! Perdetevi nella distesa del mare e del cielo lungo una rete di sentieri che collegano i diversi villaggi e città in tutta la penisola sorrentina. Il percorso inizia a Bomerano, un villaggio a 630 metri nelle montagne tra Sorrento ed Amalfi, e termina a Nocelle dove è possibile rilassarsi con un delizioso pasto. Il percorso dura circa 4.5 ore di camminata attraverso vigneti, alberi di limoni e di ulivi con vista su grotte e burroni, la perfetta avventura per gli appassionati di trekking.

Con così tante cose da offrire, non è una sorpresa che la Costiera Amalfitana continui ad attirare visitatori che vogliono provare il perfetto sogno dell’estate italiana.

Our visitors come from about seventy countries, Canada and the United States occupying the top five. North American tourists account for twenty per cent of total visits in the region, and are clearly one of our fastest-growing clientele.

I nostri ospiti provengono da circa settanta Paesi, posizionando Canada e Stati Uniti fra i primi cinque. Il turismo nordamericano costituisce infatti il venti per cento del nostro totale, essendo uno dei più floridi sul nostro territorio

- Enza Cobalto, Assessore alla Cultura di Amalfi

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AMALFI COAST

Photography by Azienda Autonoma Soggiorno e Trurismo

Places to See 6 on the Amalfi Coast City of Ravello, View from Villa Cimbrone

By Vittoria Zorfini

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ll over the world, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its unique beauty.

Amongst the array of historical monuments, holiday resorts, extraordinary views and terraces of citrus, grapes and olives, we have chosen the six must-see sites. You’ll feel like you’re dreaming with your eyes open on the most beautiful coast in the world.

2. Path of the Gods A walk down the Path of the Gods is enough to appreciate the full beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The journey begins in Bomberano, a neighbourhood of Agerola, and passes through Nocelle before arriving in Positano. An incredible and evocative historical walk named after the temples that, in Roman times, lined the entire route. Furthermore, the unspoiled nature of the Path of the Gods makes it almost timeless; you will walk through cultivated terraces, the ruins of ancient houses set in stone and stretches of woodland, and that’s not to mention the breathtaking views. There is also something for budding climbers, who can tackle one of the many challenging vertical trails.

3. Borgo di Furore Borgo di Furore, situated between Amalfi and Positano, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its famous Fiord, that gives way to an incredible little bay, hides one of the most enchanting beaches in the area. Borgo Furore, with its houses clinging to the rock, is also renowned for the murals that adorn the houses in the village. It’s also worth mentioning that Borgo hosts the High Diving World Championships. The athletes dive from the bridge that overlooks the Fiord from a height of 28 meters.

5. Vietri and the Ceramic museum Without doubt, one of the gems of the Amalfi Coast is the small village of Vietri. Along with Positano, it is one of the major centres of ceramic production in the area.

Today, master ceramists hand down this tradition from generation to generation. Vietri is also home to the Museum of Ceramics, situated inside the Toretta Belvedere of the Villa Guariglia complex.

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1. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano Positano will win you over with its coloured houses, narrow streets and famous beaches. But reigning over the centre of the village is a true symbol of the coastline, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Legend has it that pirates who came from the East, carrying a sacred icon on their ships, heard a voice saying “posa, posa” (‘lay me down’). They saw it as a sign from the Madonna and decided to dock their ship on the mainland, where they then built the church dedicated to her. Today the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the main attractions of the town; its dome is decorated with green and yellow tiles, standing out for its vivid colours and grandness. Inside the church you can see the Byzantine statue of the Black Madonna carrying her child, along with the reliquary bust of St. Vitus, one of the most famous works of Neapolitan goldsmith’s art.

4. Conca dei Marini and Emerald Cove Conca dei Marini, a village in the province of Salerno, is a main attraction on a tour of the Amalfi Coast. From here you can admire Emerald Cove, so-called for its wonderful, intense green water that results from the reflection of the sun, making it one of a kind. Since 1956, a white ceramic Nativity scene can also be found on the seabed.

6. Ravello and Villa Cimbrone To admire the beauty of the entire Amalfi coastline you must go to Ravello, where the famous Villa Cimbrone is situated. This Villa of rare beauty is especially famous for its garden maze and incredible views. The Villa also has a magnificent terrace, deliberately named Terrazzo dell’Infinito (The Terrace of Infinity); imagine a natural balcony surrounded by marble busts, facing the sea and providing incredible views of the whole Fountain in Vietri sul Mare coast. Another main event of the area is the Ravello Festival, which from June to September accompanies visitors with music and the town’s best orchestras.

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AMALFI COAST

Photography by Archivio Fotografico, www.capritourism.com

The Isles of the Amalfi Coast Capri, Marina Piccola

By Francesca Spizzirri @Travelista73 Photography by Archivio, www.isoladischianet

Capri With the glitz and glam of a chic resort town and an abundance of natural splendours, Capri’s beauty reigns supreme. For more than half a century, royals, artists, intellectuals and actors have all come to Capri to experience the quintessence of La Dolce Vita. Sailing around the island provides many photo-worthy opportunities of the famous Faraglioni rocks, limestone cliffs and numerous sea caves, among them the well-known Grotta Azzurra – its azure waters are incomparable. Once you arrive at Marina Grande, take the famous funicular up to Capri town while relishing the views. Then set out on a passeggiata through the town’s picturesque streets, where vibrant bougainvillea frame designer boutiques and the sweet scent of lemon blossoms fill the air. Treat yourself to a citrus granita from a local stand or a gelato at the renowned Gelateria Buonocore, both deliciously refreshing. At Canfora, browse the island’s bejewelled handmade sandals made famous by Jackie Onassis. Capri is home to many beautiful gardens like the Gardens of Augustus that offer splendid views of the Via Krupp criss-crossing its way to Marina Piccola and the jutting Faraglioni rocks. At Carthusia, purchase a fragrance scented with local flowers – it’s like taking Capri home in a bottle! In the charming Piazzetta, savour a glass of local Limoncello over lunch and immerse yourself in the art of people-watching.

Afterwards, set out to Anacapri to ride the one seater chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point of the island. Keep your camera close as the aerial views are amazing! Later, stroll through the gardens at Villa San Michele and take in the panoramic vistas of Capri town and its harbour.

Ischia, View of Castello Aragonese

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Ischia Unlike its famous neighbour on the Bay of Naples, the volcanic island of Ischia is everything Capri is not – old-world, rustic and authentic. The biggest of the islands, the Isola Verde (Green Island) is covered in greenery and bordered with white sand beaches. It is home to more than a hundred thermal springs and therapeutic muds said to have healing powers. At the Negombo Thermal Gardens, spend a day sunbathing, swimming, relaxing in one of the thermal pools or rejuvenating with a spa treatment. Embark on exciting adventures like hiking to the top of Monte Epomeo (789 metres high) from the village of Fontana for a bird’s eye view of the island and ocean beyond. Explore Castello Aragonese – a medieval castle built on a rock near the island in 474 BC, and take in the magical view of the sun setting over Ischia.

Taste local wines at Casa D’Ambra, one of the island’s oldest vineyards, or take a leisurely stroll through the island’s craft shops and boutiques, eating Coniglio all’Ischitana (local rabbit stew and fresh seafood), and enjoying everyone’s favourite pastime—boating around the island, diving into crystalline waters and swimming into a grotto.

Ischia, View on the bay from Castello Aragonese Photography by Alfio Giannotti

Procida The smallest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Procida may be the most enchanting, in part because it remains untainted by mass tourism. Procida was created by the eruption of four now dormant volcanoes, and is located between Cape Miseno and the Isle of Ischia.

Small enough to explore on foot, this sleepy Mediterranean fishing port provides visitors with an opportunity to witness authentic island living, a place where young children are out playing on its weathered streets and local fishermen return with the days, catch. Marina Grande, Marina Corricella and Marina di Chiaiolella are where you will find most of the action, along with an array of quaint seaside trattorias serving local fare.

Procida is not an island you visit for cultural attractions, though the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo is worth seeing. You come for l’ambiente, its charming atmosphere, which served as the backdrop to several cinematic masterpieces including the classic Il Postino and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Be sure to visit the beach at Pozzo Vecchio featured in Il Postino and the more popular Chiaiolella Beach and swim in the island’s cerulean waters.

Port of Procida

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AMALFI COAST Photography by Travelista73

Flavours of the Amalfi Coast

Scialatelli agli Scampi

10 typical dishes to experience fter experiencing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, all that’s left to do is sit down and sample some of the typical dishes of the region.

Homegrown ingredients are the real highlight of this cuisine, and we’re going to show you some of the traditional recipes that you must try when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

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2. ’Ndunderi In Minori you must try ’ndunderi, a unique type of pasta shaped like small gnocchi. Made from flour, ricotta, eggs and Parmesan cheese, ’ndunderi is a typical dish prepared especially during celebrations in honour of Santa Trofimena, the patron saint of Minori.

1. Scialatelli Scialatelli is a type of fresh pasta typical of Amalfi and the Campania region. The name probably derives from a merging of two Neapolitan words: scialare (to enjoy) and padella (frying pan). Scialatelli is a type of short tagliatelle and is usually served in a seafood sauce. You can order this dish in any one of the traditional restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.

3. Sarchiapone When passing through Atrani, a small seaside town near Amalfi, you must try sarchiapone. Typically prepared on the day of Santa Maria Maddalena, the patron saint of Atrani, this dish is formed of a long, stuffed pumpkin that, when cut, resembles cannelloni.

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AMALFI COAST 4. Risotto con agrumi e gamberetti The Amalfi Coast is well known for its citrus fruits, which are even used in primi piatti (starters). This is the case for risotto con agrumi e gamberetti (shrimp and citrus risotto), a dish you can sample in Minori. Citrus has always been a preferred flavour, with no exceptions; this fragrant risotto proves that theory. The combination of sour oranges and lemons with the taste of the prawns makes this a delicious dish with a summery scent.

8. Sfogliatella Sfogliatella originates in Conca dei Marini. The idea came from a nun of the Santa Rosa convent who – in order to not waste any leftovers – decided to try to create something new; and so one of the delicacies of the Amalfi Coast was born.

Sfogliatella is a flakey pastry that resembles the hood of a monk’s robe, filled with a cream made from lemon liqueur and dried fruit. A delicious dessert to savour on the Amalfi Coast.

5. Pigniatello all’amalfitana A seafood dish to whet the appetite; clams, squid, mussels and slightly spicy shrimp cooked in a “pignatiello” – a clay pot. A soup you cannot miss on the Amalfi Coast made even more special by the final touch, chili.

9. Delizia al limone When you think of the Amalfi Coast, what immediately springs to mind is the Delizia al limone, an homage to the most famous fruit of the coastline. Domes of fluffy sponge cake enclose a velvety lemon cream, covered with a creamy frosting.

The flavour is extraordinarily refreshing and the perfect end to a lunch or dinner.

6. Colatura di alici Colatura di alici from Cetara is an essential element in the Amalfi kitchen. The sauce seems to be directly descended from Garum of Roman times, a creamy amber-coloured fermented fish sauce. The colatura is produced through a very long procedure of fermenting anchovies in brine. The anchovies are harvested from March 25, at the feast of the Annunciation, until July 22, the day of Santa Maria Maddalena, but the sauce will only be ready in December in time for Christmas celebrations. Colatura di alici is mainly used as a sauce for spaghetti.

10. Torta ricotta e pere If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the torta ricotta e pere (ricotta and pear tart), a timeless dessert in Amalfi bakeries. Let yourself be tempted by the two almond biscuit discs filled with a cream made of ricotta, cream, hazelnuts and of course pears. This is an ancient dessert, dating back to Egyptian times.

Legend has it that the chef accidentally dropped caramelized pears into pastry and the combination turned out to be so delicious that it became a great classic of the Amalfi kitchen.

7. Limoncello With every respectable meal you can’t leave out the classic of classics: Limoncello.

The most famous variety is made with Femminello lemons from Sorrento, or with the Amalfi Coast lemon known as Sfusato Amalfitano. Limoncello could only have originated here, where the lemons have a true richness; a blaze of colours that contrast with the blue of the ocean. Lemon peel is in fact the basis of this special digestif, made with essential oils, alcohol, water and sugar.

Delizia al limone

Torta ricotta e pere

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AMALFI COAST

La granita di Amalfi Recipe courtesy of Andrea Laudano malfi’s famous granita is simple, refreshing and authentic.

If you find yourself in the area, you cannot miss out on this delicacy, enjoyed by all ages. To tell us the three fundamental stages of making a good granita we asked Andrea Laudano, owner of the stall “Asciula” in Amalfi.

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granita di Amalfi, semplice, rinfrescante e genuina. Se vi trovate da queste parti non potete perdervi questa delizia per i palati di tutte le età. Ci siamo fatti raccontare da Andrea Laudano, proprietario del chiosco “Asciula” ad Amalfi, i tre passi fondamentali per una buona granita.

Ingredients

Ingredienti

• 200ml (¾ cups) of juice from Amalfi lemons • 300ml (1 ¼ cups) of water • 200g (1 cup) of suga

• 200 ml di succo di limoni di Amalfi • 300 ml di acqua • 200 g di zucchero

Instructions

Istruzioni

Squeeze out the lemon juice and pour into a bowl. Add the water and sugar.

Combine the mixture.

Dopo aver spremuto i limoni, versate il succo in un recipiente, aggiungete l’acqua e lo zucchero e mescolate il tutto.

Leave the mixture to rest in the freezer for 6-7 hours.

Lasciate il composto ottenuto riposare nel congelatore per circa 6-7 ore.

Una volta ghiacciato, tiratelo fuori dal congelatore e cominciate a grattare con un gratta ghiaccio o una palettina. Mettete il composto della granita in un bicchiere da riempire bene bene fino all’orlo. A questo punto non resta che il tocco finale, mettete nel bicchiere una fetta di limone e il gioco è fatto!

Once frozen, take the mixture out of the freezer and use an ice scraper or palette knife to scrape the mixture to form ice crystals. Put the granita into a glass and fill to the brim. At this point, all that remains is the final touch; garnish the glass with a slice of lemon.

To make things easier, an alternative method is to put the juice into an ice cube tray and freeze. When ready, put the ice cubes into a food processor and blend until they reach the desired consistency for the granita. * Andrea Laudano explains that the secret to an excellent granita is in the lemons.

They absolutely must be from Amalfi. Andrea in fact cultivates his own lemon grove and so always has fresh lemons he can use in his recipes and, obviously, for granita. * Asciula’ in Amalfi dialect means “slide”. His stall has this name because it is situated on a downhill slope in Amalfi.

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Per comodità, potete versare il succo nei recipienti per il ghiaccio e lasciare congelare. Quando sono pronti, versate i cubetti di ghiaccio nel frullatore e attivate il robot da cucina fino ad ottenere la desiderata granita. * Come ci spiega Andrea Laudano il segreto per un’ottima granita è nei limoni.

Devono essere proprio quelli di Amalfi. Lui infatti ha un limoneto che coltiva e per questo ha sempre i limoni freschi da poter usare per le sue ricette e, ovviamente per la granita. * Asciula nel dialetto amalfitano vuol dire “la scivolata”. Il chiosco ha questo nome perché si trova in una discesa ad Amalfi.

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AMALFI COAST

Photography by Alfio Giannotti

Limoncello I

emons are an indispensable part of life on the Amalfi Coast, where the fruits grow in abundance in beautiful terraced groves. The lemons in this region are world famous for their low acidic levels, sweetness and delicate flavour. Now that the summer is finally here, what better way to celebrate the much-deserved warm weather than with a refreshing homemade limoncello?

limoni sono una parte indispensabile della vita nella Costiera Amalfitana, dove la frutta cresce in abbondanza sulle bellissime terrazze a schiera della costa. I limoni di questa regione sono famosi per il loro basso livello di acidità, la loro dolcezza e il loro sapore delicato. Ora che finalmente è arrivata l’estate, il modo migliore di festeggiare la tanto attesa calda stagione è con un rinfrescante limoncello fatto in casa.

Ingredients

Ingredienti

• 1 litre water • 1 litre vodka • 1 kg sugar • 9 lemons

• 1 litro di acqua • 1 litro di vodka • 1 kg zucchero • 9 limoni

Instructions

Istruzioni

Clean and scrub lemons and then pat dry. Peel skin (avoiding pith as it will be too bitter). Place peels in a pitcher and pour vodka in. Then seal with plastic wrap. Let the mixture combine for four days at room temperature (although consider that for a stronger flavour, it’s best to let sit for up to a month).

Pulite e sbucciate i limoni e poi asciugateli. Bisogna togliere solo la buccia superficiale senza andare troppo a fondo (evitando la parte più interna, altrimenti il sapore risulterebbe amaro). Mettete in una brocca la scorza dei limoni e aggiungetevi la vodka. Sigillate poi il tutto con la pellicola trasparente. Lasciate riposare il composto per quattro giorni a temperatura ambiente (per ottenere un sapore più intenso lasciate la miscela a riposo per un massimo di un mese).

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Heat water in a saucepan on medium heat (do not boil) and then stir in sugar until it dissolves. Let the syrup cool completely. Then pour into the lemon and alcohol infusion. Let sit overnight at room temperature.

Discard the peels and then strain liquid into cold glass bottles. Seal and refrigerate until ready to serve (anywhere from a day to a month).

Prendete una pentola e riempitela d’acqua da scaldare a fuoco medio, senza farla bollire, e aggiungete lo zucchero fino a quando non si scioglie. Lasciate poi che lo sciroppo si raffreddi del tutto. Versate poi l’infuso di limone e alcol. Lasciate riposare il tutto per una notte a temperatura ambiente. Togliete le bucce e poi filtrate il liquido nelle bottiglie di vetro fredde. Lasciatele in frigo fino al momento di portarle in tavola (da un giorno a un mese).

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Photography by Alfio Giannotti

The Ceramic Tradition of Vietri sul Mare

By Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo

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andering around the village centre creates the impression of walking through an open-air exhibition, where the shop entrances, framed by spectacular ceramic panels, seem like gateways into a blaze of colour and craftsmanship. From the ornamental works given to the town by ceramists, to the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista with its striking dome and bell tower decorated with yellow, green and blue tiles, to the Museum of Vietrese Ceramics at Villa Guariglia, ceramic art reigns supreme in this small town.

The sea, fishermen and landscapes are all depicted in tiles; true replicas of splendour gradually revealed to visitors, who stop to admire shrines embedded in the walls of narrow streets which have seen the passing of centuries. The old and the new united by a unique mastery of ancient origin.

The clay-rich coastline of the Amalfi Coast has certainly fostered Vietri’s hundred-year-old tradition. The first evidence of ceramics dates back to the 11th century, when symbolic names like Sergio Caccabellu had already appeared; a name which inevitably evokes the word “caccavella”, clay pot, which in turn derives from the Greek “càccabos”, terracotta pot.

The hegemony in the production of ceramics from the 12th century is almost certainly due to the Norman duke Ruggero who decided to donate the port of Vietri to the Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Cava dei Tirreni. Taking advantage of this strategic position, the abbots converted the area into an industrial zone, producing and exporting materials for the abbey and for various other buildings.

The demand and supremacy were such that, in the 17th century, objects for decoration and other uses began to be produced alongside the materials used mainly for building. Thanks to the arrival of skilled workers from Abruzzi, for example, the “riggiole” (tiles) were joined to create tableware, fonts and votive shrines, one of the oldest of which is still embedded in the wall of the Institute of the Sisters of Charity in Raito (a small neighbourhood of Vietri), where it’s been since 1627.

This constant readaption of shapes and colours – a sort of reinvention – means that tradition, like every respected art form, has encountered new phases and embraced the ‘new’ so much so as to assume international nuances that make it special.

Speaking to Tamara Rossetti, a ceramist and interior designer from Vietri sul Mare, ceramics have come so far that, as well as blue, yellow and orange, one of the most distinct colours is the splendid “manganese brown”, a colour that initially distinguished pharmaceutical vases and that “is still used despite being very difficult to use – like copper green that, when raw, is completely black.”

Though industrialization may have favoured a modernization in produc-

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tion methods, the use of the lathe (the machine that ceramists use to shape their pieces) and the typical gleam of Vietrese varnish (the recipe for which is zealously guarded) remain strong principles for craftsmen. “The huge difference between handmade and industrial production, in addition to the use of highquality raw materials like the varnish (for which my husband Cosimo has a secret mixture), is the importance attributed to the design and to a meticulously neat decoration. It means that you don’t look at the quantity but at the quality of the ornament, at the clean brush strokes that are not just thrown together by chance,” continues Rossetti.

When many foreign artists came to Vietri in the 20th century, the welcoming of a certain experimentalism enriched local traditions. Traditional, popular techniques were joined with elements from other traditions (for example the Nordic characters of Irene Kowaliska, from Poland) giving life to a naïve style with an international flavour. It is no coincidence that it was a German named Dölker who introduced one of the symbols of Vietrese ceramics, the “ciucciarello” (donkey).

This continuous alternating between tradition and evolution has not been lost over the centuries. Not surprisingly we read on the website for the Institute of Vietrese Ceramics, “Ceramics of Vietri are the soul’s imagination, they are both betrayal and delivery to others, they are a story that has been rewritten everyday for five centuries.”

Cosimo D’Urso, the husband of Rosetti and a multi-award winning potter, affirms, “though at times I create a modern design in order to invent something original, I have never neglected classic ceramics made with only a few decorations, but that never fade; like the Byzantine, the naïve of the German period, lemons, flowers, fish and geometric shapes.”

D’Urso, who began his craft at the age of 16 by going to a shop owned by master craftsmen, adds that “the main teachers were the old ceramists who didn’t think about the time needed to carry out a piece, but about its level of beauty”.

A beauty that can only be achieved through meticulous craftsmanship.

“The potter’s job is the most difficult: mixing the clay, learning the rules, the position of the hands to ensure that the vase has a straight line. It is for this reason that 35 years ago there were many potters, but today only five of us remain,” concludes D’Urso.

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AMALFI COAST

Gli amalfitani stabilirono una rete economico-commerciale alla quale l’Occidente deve invenzioni, tecniche e beni che trasformarono il volto dell’Europa.

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Storico centro cosmopolita sul Mediterraneo Mattia Bello

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malfi è molto più di una località paradisiaca, baciata dal sole e dal mare. È uno scrigno di tesori artistici e culturali, legati ai tempi della Repubblica Marinara. Centro cosmopolita sul Mediterraneo, aveva una cartiera per la produzione della ‘carta a mano’, vide l’invenzione della bussola nautica e coniò una moneta propria, il tarì. Sono diverse le leggende che narrano la fondazione di Amalfi, e tutte ne indicano l’origine romana. Il nome ha estrazione latina: potrebbe derivare da Melfi, paese lucano abbandonato dai romani nel IV secolo d.C., o corrispondere al cognome “Amarfia” di una gens romana (I secolo d.C.).

Molti romani in terra campana, per scampare alle orde barbariche, si rifugiarono sui Monti Lattari. Poi scesero ad Amalfi, che già nell’anno 596 era sede vescovile. La città compare nei documenti storici solo intorno al ’600, come fortezza per la difesa del Ducato romanico-bizantino di Napoli. Dotati di straordinarie capacità nautiche, a partire dall’VIII secolo gli amalfitani erano entrati nei principali centri portuali del Mediterraneo, creando colonie con botteghe e ospedali propri.

Il primo settembre 839 fondarono una Repubblica autonoma, una sorta di monarchia ducale, per meglio difendersi dagli attacchi dei longobardi. Il Ducato di Amalfi comprendeva le odierne cittadine di Agerola, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Gragnano, Lettere, Minori, Maiori, Pimonte, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Vietri sul Mare e l’isola di Capri. “Gli amalfitani stabilirono una rete economico-commerciale alla quale l’Occidente – fino all’Alto Medioevo un continente quasi “sottosviluppato” in confronto ai Paesi orientali – deve invenzioni, tecniche e beni che trasformarono il volto dell’Europa”, afferma il dott. Giuseppe Cobalto, presidente del Centro di Cultura e Storia Amalfitana. Data la posizione geografica, questa città fu mediatrice tra le civiltà araba, bizantina e l’occidente romanico-germanico.

Da Amalfi passarono la seta, il caffè, lo zucchero, i limoni, oggetti di oreficeria, l’arte della ceramica, oltre all’introduzione della carta e delle sue tecniche di fabbricazione nel XIII secolo. Testimonianza di quel periodo florido è l’Arsenale della Repubblica, attestato per la prima volta in un documento del 1059, dove venivano costruite le navi del Ducato di Amalfi. Al suo interno ha oggi sede il Museo della Bussola e del Ducato Marinaro, in cui è custodito il più antico statuto marittimo italiano.

La Repubblica Marinara divenne così prospera che le potenze concorrenti tentarono a varie riprese di conquistarla. Amalfi perse la sua indipendenza nel 1131, entrando a far parte del Regno normanno della Sicilia, e fu superata nei commerci da Pisa e Genova. Il definitivo tramonto fu però segnato dalla guerra del Vespro, combattuta tra Angiolini e Aragonesi per il dominio dell’Italia meridionale. La città fu invasa più volte e subì la concorrenza catalana nel XV secolo. Le violente incursioni – dei saraceni e dei pirati – portarono alla costruzione di torri difensive e di avvistamento lungo tutta la costa amalfitana, da Vietri sul Mare a Positano. Una trentina di baluardi fu eretta dal IX al XVII secolo.

Seguirono secoli di carestie, pestilenze e spopolamento. Agli inizi del 1800 Giuseppe Bonaparte rimase estasiato dalla meraviglia della Costiera Amalfitana, e decise di costruire una grande strada costiera che arrivasse alla capitale Napoli. Da allora questi luoghi sono diventati straordinarie mete turistiche che l'Unesco tutela come Patrimonio dell'Umanità. “Il giorno del giudizio, per gli amalfitani che andranno in paradiso sarà un giorno come tutti gli altri”, scrisse il fine letterato toscano Renato Fucini nel 1877. “Come dare torto all’ode di Fucini? – commenta Enza Cobalto, Assessore alla Cultura di Amalfi – Fortunato e saggio è chi la sceglie come meta dei suoi viaggi”.

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CUSTOM DESIGNING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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Photography by Michele Abbagnara

La Repubblica Marinara di Amalfi

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ARTS & CULTURE

Gianfranco Frezzolini

Francesco Gallè

Viva Vitalità Art Celebrates Italian Heritage Month

By Rita Simonetta

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eonardo da Vinci, one of Italy’s most revered artists and thinkers, held the belief that “painting is poetry that is seen.” That power to evoke inspiration, thoughts, feelings and ideas is a long-held tradition of Italian artists from the past to the present. And it’s what continues motivating Marcello Tarantino to curate the Viva Vitalità art exhibit, now in its sixth year. It runs from June 7 to July 5 at Columbus Centre’s Joseph D. Carrier Gallery as part of Italian Heritage Month in Ontario. “I want to share some of our artistic culture with the public,” says Tarantino. “I think that’s very important.”

That goal began with Tarantino’s appreciation for art, which was instilled in him when he was a child. After arriving in Canada, he studied sculpture, drawing and design at the Ontario College of Art. His education and experience served him well when he decided to pursue tailoring instead.

“There’s an art element in tailoring,” he points out.

Trading in his paintbrush, canvas and clay for a sewing needle and measuring tape hasn’t dampened Tarantino’s passion for his first love. In fact, the Toronto tailor, who has headed his own shop since 1972, says he still makes time for painting and sculpting.

Massimo Lippi with his sculpture Il Monumento all'Emigrato with Marcello Tarantino, who curated the exhibit

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ARTS & CULTURE

Antonio Ciraci

Silvio Mastrodascio

Exhibit Bringing together two worlds is nothing new for Tarantino, who considers Viva Vitalità art exhibit a unique opportunity to showcase artists from Italy and Canada under one roof.

Italy is represented with Antonio Ciraci, Rodolfo Marma, Guido Borgianni, Gianfranco Frezzolini and Massimo Lippi. Ciraci, who was born in Naples, is known for his surrealist imagery, a theme that still inspires him today. The work of Rodolfo Marma showcases the artist’s deep regard and love for his beloved city of Florence. Lippi is a modern-day Renaissance man with a skill for the written word as well as stone. Tarantino was particularly touched by what the Siena-born sculptor had dreamed up: Il Monumento all’Emigrato Tarantino, who was born in Pentone, Italy, before making the move to Canada, says he feels an instant connection to Lippi’s artwork of a solitary figure in mid-movement.

“I was taken by it. It reminds me of a pilgrim,” explains Tarantino. “The sculpture represents the journey of Italians who have immigrated in search of a better life.”

He says its significance to Italians throughout Canada has led him to seek out a permanent home for the statue in Ontario. Initial talks with Vaughan City Hall have been encouraging and Tarantino hopes that Lippi’s pilgrim (in a revamped version of four metres tall) might soon settle there.

Alongside of Lippi’s Il Monumento all’Emigrato and the works of four other Italian artists, the Viva Vitalità art exhibit includes a contingent of five Italian-Canadian artists: Francesco Gallé, Silvio Mastrodascio, Sam Paonessa, Mario Pariselli and Sandra Tarantino. Painter, illustrator and graphic artist Francesco Gallé, who was born in Calabria and moved to Canada when he was six, showcases his affinity for the Canadian wilderness.

Silvio Mastrodascio, long praised for his craftsmanship, intertwines classical and contemporary styles. Sam Paonessa is well-known for his oil paintings, which are part of both corporate and private collections, while Mario Pariselli’s fascination with nature is transferred through sketches, sculptures and watercolours. And then there’s Sandra Tarantino, an art teacher who works with paint, sculpture and mixed media. She created this year’s Italian Heritage Month poster that incorporates symbols and iconography representative of Italy and those that are symbolic of Canada. Her father, Marcello Tarantino, could not be more proud of her many accomplishments. “Art is in our blood,” he points out.

With this family trait firmly in check, Tarantino hopes that other Italian-Canadians will also experience the power of art with the Viva Vitalità art exhibit.

“It’s about giving back something to our community,” he says, “and making the community aware of our cultural background.”

Artist Sandra Tarantino created the 2016 poster for Italian Heritage Month in Ontario

Viva Vitalità art exhibit launches on Tuesday, June 7 from 6:30-9:30pm and runs until Tuesday, July 5 at the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto. For more information call Rosa Graci at 416-789-7011 ext. 300 or Marcello Tarantino at 416-270-2031 or visit www.carriergallery.com.

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EVENTS

Italian Heritage Month On October 7, 2010, the Ontario Legislature made history when it passed Bill 103 into law thus declaring all of June as Italian Heritage Month (IHM).

With the mandate

By Romina Monaco to promote and preserve Italian heritage for future generations, countless Italian-Canadian organizations have created events celebrating this rich and renowned culture. In the five years since the inception of IHM, all facets of Italian culture have been showcased from art, literature, film, music, sports, fashion, automotive to cuisine and enology.

A key component to IHM is the honouring of noted individuals, past and present, who have contributed to the fabric of Canada as well as having made an impact on a global scale. IHM’s signature and most noted event, “Castello Italia,” held at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma, has grownin popularity attracting visitors from far and wide.

Other popular festivities include the preliminary Italian Pavilion at Carassauga Festival, Taste of Little Italy as well as the Festa della Repubblica and its flag raisings at Queen’s Park and Vaughan City Hall.

For a complete listing of events visit www.italianheritagecanada.com.

Italian Heritage Month poster. The artwork for the poster was created

by Sandra Tarantino and commissioned by Michael Tibollo and the Italian Heritage Foundation

Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Unveiling

From Left: Joseph Cordiano of Dominus Construction Group, Marino Toppan (committee member), Eligio Gaudio, CEO of Villa Charities. Cordiano’s Dominus Construction Group donated labour and material to the building of the monument.

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new names added just prior to the unveiling for a total of 1,200 Italian workers who perished in Ontario. In attendance were families of fallen workers who came from Windsor, Sudbury and Ottawa, dignitaries, labour organizations, and donors. All were touched by the heartfelt remarks of Joseph Cordiano, who lost his father in 1959. Also speaking at the event were Italian Ambassador to Canada Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland, Ontario Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn and Mayor of Toronto John Tory.

Gabriel Proctor

Italian-Canadian labourers have played a pivotal role in the building of our province, contributing greatly to its economic growth and prosperity.

However, according to historical records many succumbed to tragic accidents mostly relating to Ontario’s mining, railway and construction industries. In order to commemorate these individuals, over 1,000 people gathered at Toronto’s Villa Charities Campus on April 28 for the unveiling of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial, the largest of its kind in Canada.

The project was the result of years of time and dedication from the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Committee: Gino Cucchi, Fulvio Florio, Mario Marra, Fortunato Rao, Odoardo Di Santo, Paola Breda, Pal Di Iulio and Marino Toppan. “This memorial has taken over 50 years to take shape – in thought, in form, but also in sadness,” said Toppan. “From my view as a labour leader, I watched the procession of funerals each week in horror. Those were truly dangerous times for the Italian working man in Canada. We took the dangerous jobs no one else wanted,” he added, recalling his early years as an immigrant worker.

According to committee member Paola Breda, the statistics are staggering. Listed on the monument are the names of 951 men including two women, with 241 other Italian Fallen Workers Memorial men still to be verified and 32

For more information visit www.monumentoaicaduti.com. Donations can be dropped off at the Columbus Centre reception; for online donations visit www.villacharities.com.

330 University Avenue, Suite 506 Toronto, ON M5G 1R7 T: (416) 629-7022 F: (416) 204-1846 marco@marcosciarralaw.com

marcosciarralaw.com

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EVENTS

Cinema sotto le Stelle Returns to Corso Italia Take one of the most beautiful and revitalizing projects in Toronto, Wychwood Barns, (just south of Corso Italia on St. Clair Avenue), and add: * a very active Italian-Canadian BIA, Corso Italia; * the warm weather and atmosphere of Toronto summer evenings; * the art of Italian cinema; * the friendship and the chiacchiere that are perfectly suited for a stroll and a movie night; * cap it off with Italian cuisine.

Combine all of this and you will have “Cinema Sotto Le Stelle,” the free annual festival that brings wonderful Italian movies to St. Clair Avenue as a celebration of the authentic Italian-Canadian summer spirit. Enjoy two nights of films and celebrate the Italian “gioia di vivere” under the summer skies.

“We are working to make Cinema sotto le Stelle the most important event in our summer program,” says Mike Di Sapia, Corso Italia BIA Chair, “because we feel that Corso Italia deserves to be enjoyed during the summer by all Torontonians and we’re proud to showcase some Italian art and culture as an ‘appetizer’ to TIFF.” Cinema Sotto Le Stelle screenings will take place on July 16 and August 13.

Both days will feature music, art, children’s entertainment, photo booths, vendors, food, and much more.

Visit Corso Italia’s Facebook page for complete details.

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EVENTS

36th Annual BILD Awards

Aspen Ridge, CountryWide and Lakeview were presented with their Best New Community, Planned or Under Development award for Queensville.

Members of the home building, professional renovation and land development industries recognized outstanding achievements in their field on April 28 as part of the 36th annual Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) Awards.

“The GTA is home to some of the best projects in the world thanks to the hard work of local industry professionals,” expressed BILD President and CEO, Bryan Tuckey. “Their hard work is a testament to the quality of our communities, which is what makes the GTA such a great place to live.”

BILD was established in 1980 to celebrate outstanding quality and innovation of new homes across Toronto and today boasts 1,450 members, becoming the voice of the industry. Crowned “Home Builder of the Year Mid/High Rise” and

“Green Builder of the Year” as well as winning a number of other awards for marketing and sales was renowned developer, Tridel.

“Tridel has established itself as a leader in condominium construction throughout its 80-year history,” praised Tuckey. “The company’s forwardthinking approach to green building and innovation is matched only by its commitment to quality and customer service.”

Honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award was Ignat Kaneff, CEO of the Kaneff Group of Companies with Friday Harbour by Geranium Corporation and Pemberton Group receiving the People’s Choice Award.

Other recipients included companies such as Great Gulf Homes, CountryWide Homes, Aspen Ridge Homes and Lakeview Homes Inc.

Molise regional president Paolo di Laura Frattura with FAMCO The Molisane communities in Quebec and Ontario and a delegation of 15 mayors from Molise led by the President of the Region of Molise, Paolo di Laura Frattura, made official and working visits to Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto in May. The discussions focused on strengthening cultural ties and exchanges, as well as increasing tourism and investments in Molise.

After a weekend conference and gala organized by the Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane del Quebec (FAMQ) in Montreal, headed by its President Tony Zara, Frattura and the Mayor of S. Elia a Pianisi CB, Stefano Martino, travelled to Toronto on May 8 to meet with Franco Sampogna, President of the Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane Canadesi dell’Ontario (FAMCO) as well as association members at Décor-Rest Furniture in Woodbridge.

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From left: Paolo di Laura Frattura, the President of the Region of Molise, met with President Franco Sampogna, and members of FAMCO (Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane Canadesi dell’Ontario) in Toronto.

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EVENTS

Sam and Donna Ciccolini Tribute

Donna and Sam Ciccolini

From left: Pal Di Iulio, Sergio Marchionne and Tony Zara

For 50 years Sam Ciccolini and his wife Donna have exemplified the true meaning of community service by donating time and resources to youth and sports initiatives, medical research projects, church organizations and countless charities. In recognition of their philanthropic work, they were honoured at the inaugural Community Builders Tribute dinner held March 31 in Toronto.

“Italian-Canadians are coming to new heights in the community and finally being considered as people who have contributed in the building of this country. The entire community should be proud of what they have achieved,” said 71-year-old Sam Ciccolini who arrived in Canada from humble roots in

Pescosolido, Italy, and established Masters Insurance Ltd. with his brother. A committed business and family man he went on to receive the Orders of both Ontario and Canada, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Italian Star of Solidarity medals.

The event, which was chaired by Fausto Gaudio and Con Di Nino, raised $1 million for the New Humber River Hospital, a project the couple has long been passionate about.

“I have to say that being involved with Donna in North America’s first fully-digital hospital for the care of citizens in our community was a slam-dunk, home-run and goal-scoring all in one,” expressed an elated Ciccolini.

Fauto Gaudio (President and CEO of IC Savings) and former senator Con Di Nino served as co-chairs

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler

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EVENTS

11th Annual Walk So Kids Can Talk

From left: Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase, Councillor Mario Ferri, MP Francesco Sorbara, Mary Mauti (Chair of York Region’s Walk So Kids Can Talk), Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Marylin Brown (VP of Revenue Development at Kids Help Phone), Councillor Gino Rosati

Braving the stormy elements, participants joined the 11th Annual Walk So Kids Can Talk in order to raise over $200,000 for the Kids Help Phone. Held May 1 at Vaughan’s Boyd Conservation Area, the 5 km trek serves as a fundraiser for the nationwide anonymous and confidential outlet which provides support, information and professional counselling to youth.

“I’m so proud of the how much we’ve raised in such a short period of time,” explained Mary Mauti, Chair of York Region’s Walk So Kids Can Talk. “It’s important to understand that the money you donate could be helping your child.” As a kick-off to Mental Health Week in Canada, the fundraiser allows the Kids Help Phone to keep its services available 24 hours daily, seven days a week.

Rino Noto’s Piazza Petawawa

Rino Noto’s Piazza Petawawa is a searing documentary that examines the wrongful internment of Italian-Canadians during the Second World War. Over 700 men and women were forced into internment camps across the country starting in 1940. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini had sided with Nazi Germany during the War and Italian-Canadians were alleged to have ties to fascism and declared “enemy aliens.” No charges were ever laid and none of the detainees were ever brought to trial. The CIBPA presents free screenings of this important chapter in Canada’s history this month. Montreal’s La Cinémathèque québécoise shows the documentary on Thursday, June 16 at 7pm; the Toronto screening takes place on June 15 at 7pm at the Cineplex Colossus in Vaughan.

Toronto commemorates the 40th anniversary of Friuli’s earthquake The earthquake that 40 years ago devastated many towns in Friuli, Italy, was so traumatic that it impacted not just Italians, but people of all backgrounds and politicians at all levels of government. In a few months $4,416,700 was raised for the earthquake victims, which helped build 180 houses and two retirement homes. But there is another important aspect to consider: May 6, 1976 was a pivotal moment for the Italian community in the GTA. “The moment when people from Friuli, Calabria, Lazio, Veneto, Sicily, any Italian region, found themselves working together towards a single cause for the very first time,” said Paolo Canciani, during the commemoration of Friuli’s earthquake held on May 1 at Famee Furlane Toronto. Canciani is a journalist who served as the announcer for the 1976 fundraiser.

“I remember with tears in my eyes that children came to Famee with their piggy banks full of coins, things that really touch your heart,” added Canciani.

The event, which was attended by about 200 guests, included historical documentaries, testimonials by the organizing committee, and a performance by the Friuli Terrace Choir. Laureano Leone, who served as MPP for several years in the 1980s, was awarded with a Certificate of Merit; at the time of the earthquake, Leone was the president of the National Congress of Italian Canadians, which spearheaded the fundraiser.

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From left: George Rodaro, Armand Scaini, Laureano Leone, Paolo Canciani, Lucy Cosolo, Alberto De Rosa and Matthew Melchior. All are members of the organizing committee except for Leone, who was awarded a Certificate of Merit for his contributions towards the fundraiser

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