November 2024
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Remember the old TV ad, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile!”? How about the iconic phrase “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!”? Unfortunately for Oldsmobile, their campaign didn’t produce the results they hoped for, finally halting production in 2004. In contrast, Dorothy, with help from her “new” friends, figured things out and safely “got back” to Kansas. The Wizard of Oz, which came out in 1939, has since become a movie classic.
In October of 2025, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary! Unlike Oldsmobile, your Society is still producing cultural programs, Italian language classes, college scholarships, culinary classes, and social events. As happened in Wizard, guidance from its dedicated leaders and members, the Dante Alighieri Society has found its way to becoming a true classic in the realm of Italian organizations.
At November’s Annual Meeting, membership will hear reports on the state of the organization. Additionally, those in attendance will elect the next officers to the Board of Directors. The people who have agreed to run have shown the dedication and passion necessary to ensure the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver will change and grow appropriately in order to continue providing those things which have made it the premier Italian cultural organization. Please attend this special meeting to show your support for your leaders, or even consider running for a leadership position yourself. Hope to see you there.
Grazie, John Giardino
Celebrating Community and Inspiration through The Film: CABRINI
On October 4th, The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, proudly cosponsored a screening of the film CABRINI, alongside the Mount Carmel Altar and Rosary Society. This event marked the kickoff of Italian Heritage Month, bringing together nearly 100 members of our community, creating a wonderful atmosphere of connection and shared experience. The venue was truly exceptional, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon dedicated to honoring the legacy of an extraordinary figure.
CABRINI offers a breathtaking portrayal of Mother Cabrini's remarkable journey, showcasing her unwavering courage and dedication to helping others. The film captures the deep emotions surrounding her life’s work, leaving viewers profoundly inspired. Many attendees expressed how her story resonated with their own values and experiences as part of our Italian heritage.
If you have not yet experienced this film, we wholeheartedly encourage you to do so on behalf of all who attended. The work of Mother Cabrini is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. We look forward to more events that bring us together, celebrating our community and the inspiring stories that shape our identity!
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7th - 5:30pm | THE SHOWCASE ON ITALIAN CINEMA at DU
Un Mondo a Parte (A World Apart)
A World Apart is based in Abruzzo, Italy. It addresses the very real issue of the closure of local rural schools due to depopulation and the resilience of the human spirit, the power of education, and the strength of community bonds.
University of Denver, Sturm Hall - Davis Auditorium: 2000 E Asbury Ave. Denver, CO 80210
FREE Event - Online Registration Required
November 8th - 7:30pm | November Annual Meeting
At November’s Annual Meeting, membership will hear reports on the state of the organization. Additionally, those in attendance will elect the next officers to the Board of Directors.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Parish Hall): 3549 Navajo Street, Denver Co 80211
FREE Event - Online Registration Required
Social Hour and Pizza to follow
December 7th - 12:30pm | DAS Holiday Celebration
Join us for an afternoon of Italian cheer, delicious cuisine, and joyful traditions!
As in the past, the Society will provide wine, coffee, and sodas along with cups, plates and plasticware.
Members whose names begin with:
- A - M are asked to bring heavy hors d'oeuvres
- N - Z are asked to bring a dessert
We are asking that you bring a WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT FOR THE MEMBER EXCHANGE; no need to go shopping, just look around your house for something you wondered why you bought in the first place.
We hope you will all join us to usher in the holiday season.
North Park East Association Clubhousel: 9996 Grove St, Westminster, CO 80031
FREE Event - Online Registration Required
“Do not be afraid; our fate
cannot be taken from us; it is a gift.”
―
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
FALL SESSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES IS UNDERWAY
The winter session will begin in January 2025. The schedule will be posted online in early December.
Our classes, guided by expert bilingual instructors, cater to all levels—from beginners to advanced learners. Evening classes run for 10 weeks, meeting once a week for 90 minutes at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Denver.
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
La Bandiera d’Italia or Il Tricolore
Have you ever wondered what the three colors on the Italian Flag represent? If you ask ten Italians, you might get ten different answers. There is no clear-cut answer to the meaning behind the colors. Like all things Italian, there is a lot of passion to be shared if you ask an Italian to tell you what they think the colors mean. Some will tell you the green represents the hills and the plains, the white represents the snowy mountains, and the red represents the blood spilt in the war of independence. Others might give you a more specific meaning saying the green represents human rights or freedom, the white symbolizes faith and the red indicates love or charity. It is always interesting to see what answer you get.
What we do know is the green portion must always be hung next to the pole and the three color segments are of equal proportion with the width to length ratio being 2 to 3. It was on January 7, 1797, the XIV Parliament of the Cispadane Republic voted to make the green, white and red tricolor the official flag. Now January 7th is recognized and celebrated as Flag Day. Over the years the flag has had emblems such as coats of arms or shields placed in the center of the flag but after June 19,1946 all symbols were removed following a referendum that ended the monarchy and established the Italian Republic.
Rarely will you see the flag flown on homes in Italy unless the national football team is doing well, then the flag is prominently raised. With that said, you see the flag represented everywhere you go in Italy. It is an icon of Italian culture. You will see the flag colors on products to represent “made in Italy” and you will also see the flag colors reflected in common foods like caprese salad and pizza margherita. One thing is for certain, the Italian Flag is a cherished symbol of unity, pride, and the long road to become a republic.
TRAVEL REFLECTIONS BLOG
Travel Reflections, our community blog that celebrates your captivating travel stories! This is your chance to transport readers to the enchanting corners of Italy through your experiences. Whether you've uncovered a hidden gem in Sicily or wandered the scenic vineyards of Tuscany, we want to hear your unique tales.
Ready to contribute? It’s easy! Just fill out our simple online form and let your unique stories weave a vibrant tapestry of Italy’s culture. Don’t miss the chance to spark curiosity and inspire others—submit your story today and celebrate the magic of travel with our community!
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Use this link to view community-wide events by Italian organizations in the Denver metro area
OFFICIAL NOTICE
According to the Bylaws of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, the elections of new officers for the 2025--2026 term will be held at the general meeting on Friday, November 8, 2024. The nominating committee announced that the following Board members will run again: President John Giardino, Vice President Veronica Goodrich, Secretary Idamae Casagranda and Treasurer Nick D’Adamio.
PLEASE NOTE: Nominations for all four elected positions may be made from the floor the night of the election. All other Board positions are appointed by the elected President.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
