October 2007 Edition

 

Click here to view our 2007 Events Calendar: explore! Multicultural Boston

 

 

 

Boston’s Italian American Heritage

Month Events  

October 2007 

Italian American Heritage Month offers visitors opportunity to celebrate

Italian culture & heritage

 

These events are constantly updated; please return to this site for more events:

 

·       ANNUAL KICK-OFF EVENT- MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 2007 STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, 10:30 A.M. SENATE READING ROOM (Room 222)
Attend with family and friends and show your support for October Italian Heritage Month! A proclamation by Governor Deval Patrick will be read. Honored Guest, Consul General of Italy, Dr. Liborio Stellino. A wonderful program has been planned, so please join us! Free and open to the public.
Following the ceremony light refreshments will be served in the Nurses Hall.

 ·       Student Essay Contest- October 2007. Participate in the October Italian Heritage Month Committee's Essay Contest! Middle School and High School 300 word student essay on Contributions Made by Italians or Italian Americans to World Civilization. Prizes, Cash awards and certificate of participation. Essays are due by November 1, 2007. Contact: Dr. John Chistoforo at beagsley@rcn.com

 

·       October 1: Lecture/Musical Performance by Famed Italian Mandolinist Carlo Aonzo at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Boston University Italian Studies Program.  Refreshments will be served.  Free and open to the public. Boston University CAS 313 Contact: Professor Nancy Harrowitz nharrow@bu.edu

 

·       October 2: Preserving the Art in the Vatican Museums. 7:00 p.m.  Tickets $7 general public, $5 seniors/FSC staff and faculty, $3 students. The Vatican Museums, 501 years old, is a repository of countless treasures dating from pre-historic times to the present. Selecting and restoring the most damaged of the important pieces has been the goal of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Discussions of the resulting work will review recent renovations and procedures, and details of Vatican City politics. Refreshments. Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State College, Ellis White Lecture Hall, Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA. Contact: Mary Chapin-Durling (978)-665-3709 / (978)-665-3347. mdurling@fsc.edu

 

·       October 3: Cena Romana, an authentic ancient Roman meal. 7:00 p.m. second annual fund raiser event to sample of ancient Roman cuisine, from the food of emperors to the food of farmers, guided by Lucia Clark and executed with volunteers of the Italian community and other Roman experts.  Tickets: $35.  Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139. Contact: Lucia Clark (978) 769-5040.

 

·       October 3: Italian Film Classics -- 5:30 p.m., Nights Of Cabiria (1957, 100 min.); North End Library

 

·       October 4: "Women Healers or witches? Popular medicine and Witchcraft in Italy through the ages. A historical and contemporary survey of the role of women in popular medicine and the perception they encountered in their society through the ages. Presented by Lucia Clark and Augusto Ferraiuolo. 7:30 p.m.  Refreshments. Free and open to the public. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contacts: Lucia Clark (978) 769-5040, Augusto Ferraiuolo, (617) 697-3726

 

·       October 4: 3^rd Anniversary Boston Fieri wine tasting.  7 p.m. $ 40 donation  Vinalia Restaurant  34 Summer St.  Boston, Ma.  For tickets contact Doug at winetasting@fieri-boston.org

 

·       October 5: Newpoli. Concert. 8:00 p.m.  Cosponsored with the Pirandello Lyceum. Tickets $15. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139

 

·       October 5: Columbus Parade Dinner, 6:30pm; Sponsored by the Committee of the Columbus Parade. Tickets: $35.  Joe Tecce’s Restaurant 60 North Washington Street Boston, MA Contact Lino Rullo (781) 862-1633

 

·       October 5: Exhibition at the Consular offices by the Italian artist Raffaele Ammavuta. 6:00p.m. -9:00p.m. The Consul general will launch the initiative: Exhibit at the Consulate inviting the Italians and Italian-Americans to exhibit their work at the Consulate in a system of rotation which will allow the offices of the consul general to become a permanent art gallery.  Free and open to the public. Consul General of Italy, Boston; 600 Atlantic Ave., 17th floor;  Boston, MA 02210 Contact: paola.careddu@esteri.it (617) 722-9302

 

·       October 6: Saint Cosmas and Damian Gaeta Night. Join us as we honor our 2007 Man and Woman of the Year Steve Maio and his wife Dorothy Maio. Family of the year 2007 The Elaine and Alex Leccese Family. President Award Anna Maria Mc Lain. Full Italian dinner and dancing to the music of The Cosmos. Tickets $55. Anthony’s restaurant, Malden  Contact: Sal Di Domenico (617) 354-7992

 

·       October 6: Federation of Abruzzese Associations 16th Annual Dinner Dance. A Medaglia d’Oro will be presented to Dr. Carlo Cipollone, Director of Education, Office of the Consul General, Boston.  Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $60.  Orsogna Plaza, Everett. Contact: Rosetta Romagnoli at 617-924-7641.

 

·       October 7: Columbus Day Parade, North End, 1 p.m. Grand Lodge of Mass OSIA and Italian Heritage Month Committee – Division 3. Assembly at City Hall Plaza at 11:00 a.m. – Kickoff at 1:00 p.m.  Collation provided by OSIA following Parade at the Nazarro Center – 30 N. Bennet St. North End, Boston Contacts Tina Abate (617) 723-2009 or Lino Rullo (781) 862-1633 Grand Lodge phone (617) 489-5234

 

·       October 7: The COMITES in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Month Committee and the Dante Alighieri Society will present a movie about the life of Judges Falcone and Borsellino killed by the Mafia.  4:00 p.m. This year marks the 15th anniversary of their death. The movie is about 6 hours in length; only about 3 hours will be shown. There will be an intermission halfway through the movie with refreshments. The Consul General, Liborio Stellino will be there to give opening remarks. Please note, that this film is in Italian only without English sub-titles. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139

 

·       October 8: The Pirandello Lyceum presents The Boston Italians, 6:00 p.m.  With the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Boston.  Author, Stephen Puleo will speak on The Boston Italians, his book spanning the Italian immigration period to the present.  A light buffet will be served. Call for reservations.  Free. Anthony’s Pier 4, Lynn Room 140 Northern Avenue Boston, Ma.  (617) 482-6262 Contacts: Maria Capogreco & Dorothy Maio Phone: (617) 567-1233 or (781) 245- 6536

 

·       October 16: Demonstration of Italian Cuisine. 6:00 p.m. The demonstration is offered by Gloucester Fisherman’s Wives Association, and will include a brief history of each dish and its origins. Open to all Northeastern students. Stetson west cafeteria Exhibition kitchen or ISSI Library Kitchen (please call 617-373-2310 or visit www.issi.neu.edu for confirmation. Northeastern University Contact: ISSI al 617-373-2310 e issi@neu.edu or Carlo Cipollone: ufficioscuole.boston@esteri.it

 

·       October 10: “The Sunny Skies of Italy” starring Ruth Harcovitz, soprano. 2:00 p.m.  A concert of Neapolitan songs and well-loved opera arias.  No admission fee.  Refreshments.

 

·       October 10: La Notte 6 p.m. (1961, 122 min.) North End Library

 

·       October 12: An evening of Italian semi-classical and popular songs of the past century. 8:00 p.m. Lorraine DiGregorio, soprano, Maria-Pia Antonelli, pianist. Sponsored by the Dante Alighieri Society, The Pirandello Lyceum, & Circolo Letterario Italiano. Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contacts: Lorraine DiGregorio, Maria-Pia Antonelli (617) 267-0816

 

·       October 12: Italian Serenaders present folk, classical and popular Italian music; Italian Dinner Show 7:30pm. 7:30pm Lucia's restaurant, North End.

 

·       October 13: Author Talk: Stephen Puleo. 12:00 p.m. The author of The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance and Paesani From The Years Of The Great Immigration To The Present Day will discuss his book and sign copies. North End Library

 

·       October 15: Amarcord a film by Federico Fellini. 6 p.m. The film will be introduced by a brief presentation from the Director of the Italian Studies (Ufficio Scolastico) of the Italian General Consulate of Boston. Free and open to the public.  West Village F, room 20 Northeastern University Contact: ISSI al 617-373-2310 e issi@neu.edu or Carlo Cipollone: ufficioscuole.boston@esteri.it

 

·       October 16: Italian Heritage Month Films -- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 16 and 23, My Voyage To Italy (1999, 246 min., in two parts) North End Library

 

·       October 17: “Regional Poetry and Cuisine”, 7:00 p.m. with a contest of dinners and poetry recitals, from 5 Italian regions, organized by the Consulate General of Italy in Boston, in cooperation with COMITES, the Italo-American Federation of the Associations of New England and local restaurants.  The first evening will be presenting the region of Abruzzi. Tickets: $40.  Lucia Restaurant,  Hanover Street (North End), Contact: Lino Rullo (781) 862-1633

 

·       October 17: Northeastern University Italian Culture Society Fundraiser 11:45 a.m. A meal of baked pasta is offered in order to raise funds for the group. Library Quad or CSC (depending on the weather) Northeastern University Contact: ISSI al 617-373-2310 e issi@neu.edu or Carlo Cipollone: ufficioscuole.boston@esteri.it

 

·       October 18: "Giuseppe Garibaldi: Modern Revolutionary" presented by Professor Spencer Di Scala.  7:30 p.m. The Italian Risorgimento has not received its due as a modern revolutionary movement. If Giuseppe Mazzini--seizing on the ideas of Carlo Bianco--is the progenitor of the modern "War of National Liberation, Garibaldi's actions concretized that idea. Free and open to the public. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contact: (617) 876-5160

 

·       October 18: Italian Heritage Night Dinner and Entertainment.  6 p.m., Dinner at 6:30, dance and show at 7:30 p.m., door prizes. Tickets $ 60 all-inclusive. Presented by the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce. Ristorante Lucia,  Hanover St. North End Contact Lino Rullo (781) 862-1633

 

·       October 18: Tarantella lesson. 3-4:30 p.m. Description: A dance instructor of our community will teach the steps of the Tarantella, an Italian folk dance. TBD (450 Dodge or ISSI, 403 Ell hall) Northeastern University To confirm location, call: 617-373-2310 or visit www.issi.neu.edu

 

·       October 19: Dante Young Professionals Wine tasting. 8:00 p.m. Excellent Italian food and highly selected wines; beautiful Italian music. Come and enjoy this Taste of Italy prepared by our young and enthusiastic generation of Italians. Tickets: $35. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contact: (617) 876-5160

 

·       October 19: Steven Puleo will present his book “The Boston Italians” 4:30-6 p.m. Steven Puleo will speak of the history of the North End and the experience of the Italian community in Boston. Refreshments: Pizza and desserts. The event is open to the public. 403 Ell Hall Northeastern University Contact: ISSI al 617-373-2310 e issi@neu.edu or Carlo Cipollone: ufficioscuole.boston@esteri.it

 

·       October 19: Annual Workshop on the Italian Advanced Placement Program for the North-East region. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the AP College Board with the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Boston.   Update course for Middle and High School teachers, focusing on optimizing the skills necessary to the preparation of the students who will take the AP exam. Federal Reserve Bank 600 Atlantic Avenue Boston For information and registration: Contact: College Board Registration 800-787-7477 x1 NEROmtgs@collegeboard.org.

 

·       October 20: Annual Dinner Dance of St. Leonard’s Parish.  6:30 p.m. Cocktail hour.  Tickets: $50.00 per person.  Valet parking: $7.00 per vehicle. Joe Tecce’s Restaurant 60 North Washington Street Boston, MA St. Leonard Church: (617) 523-2110

 

·       October 20: Music of Italy by Angela Rossi. 7-8:30 p.m.Angela Rossi will sing Italian songs, particularly from her repertory of jazz and Southern Italian folk music. Refreshments.  Free and open to the public. Curry Student Center Ballroom Northeastern University Contact: ISSI al 617-373-2310 e issi@neu.edu or Carlo Cipollone: ufficioscuole.boston@esteri.it

 

·       October 20: 19th and 20th Century Italian Immigration.  4.00 p.m. A presentation given by Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk. Sponsored by The Dante Alighieri Society and the Italian Genealogical Society of America. Marcia is President, and a founding member, of The Italian Genealogical Society of America, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), former executive board member of the New England Regional Genealogical Conference (NERGC) as well as many local and national societies. Tickets are $10.Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contact: (617) 876-5160

 

·       October 26: Pop'n'jazz Italiano 8:00 p.m. The 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond Italian pop hits and original songs performed by Ferdinando Argenti’s Eight Piece Band (Octet) in Concert with special guest vocalist, Angela Rossi and Carmen Marsico. Tickets: $15.  Refreshments.  Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contact: (617) 876-5160

 

·       October 26: Don Orione Banchetto.  Black Tie Ball Honoring Lou D’Auria as Man of the Year.  Hilton Boston Logan Airport East Boston Mario Salvatore Hotel: (617) 568-6811

 

·       October 28: Book presentation and book signing by the author, Alessandro Piperno, of his masterpiece: “The Worst Intentions”, winner of Premio Campiello 2005 and Premio Viareggio 2005, 80,000 copies sold in two weeks (Italian record).  Sponsored by the Italian General Consulate  Time and Place TBD for information please call call (617) 722-9302

 

·       October 28: Celebrated arias and ensembles from famous Italian operas of the Romantic period, 1810-1910. Bel Canto Opera. 4:00 pm. Tickets $10. Refreshments. Dante Alighieri Society Cultural Center 41 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Contact: (617) 876-5160

 

·       October 30: The Kiwanis Club of Medford presents….“A TASTE OF ITALY” 6:00pm – 9:00pm Tasting of fine foods and fine wines from some of the areas finest restaurants, bakeries, food and wine establishments. Tickets:  $30.00 Accardi & Sons 85 Commercial Street, Medford, MA For tickets please call: Rita Cornelio,  (781) 396-0710 Kelly Catallo (781) 844-5457 or Annette Hunt (781) 727-1952

 

·       October 30: Italian Heritage Month Films – 10:30 a.m. The Tree Of Wooden Clogs (1978, 186 min.) North End Library

 

·       October 31: “Regional Poetry and Cuisine”, 7:00 p.m. The Calabria region is featured this evening.  Tickets: $40. See Oct 17^th for details. Limoncello Restaurant, North End Contact: Lino Rullo (781) 862-1633

 

 

Did you know?

 

·       Boston’s Sister City in Italy is Padua?

·       The sister city relationship has also led to a formal business agreement between the Boston based Italy New England Chamber of Commerce, and their counterparts from the Padua/Veneto region.
Padua Website: http://www.padovanet.it

·       The City of Padua's commitment to excellence in education, as evidence in its fine universities, creates an important bond with Boston. Student exchanges at both high school and university level have reflected this shared dedication.

·       A high point in the Sister City relationship to date has been "Padua Week", an eight-day cultural event featuring fashions, art exhibits, culinary demonstrations, music by Padua Chamber Orchestra, and the gala event, "Serata Veneta".

·       During the past few years the New England Conservatory Youth Orchestra has performed twice in Padua's famed Scrovegni Chapel.

·       There has also been an exchange between architectural and business associations.

 

·       Italian-Americans have been dominant in Boston’s North End since the 1870's, as evidenced by a Mediterranean ambience of espresso cafes and trattorias, religious festivals and vibrant street life. For over 300 years the “North End” has existed. English Puritans first settled the area known as the North End in the early 1600’s. The North End soon became the threshold for many different immigrant faces in the 1800's. The Irish were the first immigrant residents, then came the German, Russian, and Polish Jews, followed by a few Portuguese, and finally a wave of Italian immigration in the 1880's. The Italians have dominated the area since the time of their immigration and have made the North End the forefront of their community in the city of Boston as we know it today.

 

·       The North End is best known for its summer season fourteen (14) Italian Feasts. In 2008 Boston will celebrate the 83^rd St. Joseph Society North End Feast Celebration,the 94^th  St. Agrippina di Mineo Society Feast Celebration , the  93^rd Madonna Della Cava Society North End Feast Celebration, the 98^th Fisherman’s Feast of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca North End Festival , the 89^th St. Anthony Feast or San Antonio Di Padova Da Montefalcione North End Feast Celebration

 

·       Examples of the industrial movement in the North End was the formation of  Prince, Boston, and Maravigna macaroni companies - all of whom started in the North End and created employment for the area.

 

·       The First Italian Church in New England, St. Leonard’s built in 1873 is at the northwest corner of Hanover and Prince in the North End.

 

·       The Langone Funeral Home, 383 Hanover Street, recalls an era of political unrest in the country.  It was here that Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, accused of a 1920 robbery in Braintree but caught up in a modern witch trial, were brought following their execution on Aug. 23, 1927.

 

 

Links

 

Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts, Inc Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts

Pirandello Lyceum www.pirandello.com

Italia Unita of East Boston Www.italiaunita.org

Fieri Boston Www.italiaunita.org

 

Boston visitor information - from updated weekend event information to special hotel offers  during October Italian Heritage Month visits are available www.BostonUSA.com ; toll free 1-888-SEE-BOSTON; e mail visitus@BostonUSA.com