April 2024
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Technically speaking, the vernal equinox, which occurred on March 19 this year, is the moment when the sun crosses over the celestial equator. In layman’s terms it’s simply the first day of spring in our part of the globe. What’s so special about this day, other than the fact that it signals the official end (sic) of winter? Spring! - just hearing the word elicits thoughts of new growth, new life, a bright and colorful regeneration of our wintered world. Regeneration is not just limited to nature though. It can and does happen everywhere. Over the past few months, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver has considered ways in which it can regenerate itself into an organization that provides more substance to a larger and more diverse audience who desires to experience the Italian culture. We are looking at possible changes in programs, times, places, media presence, outreach, working with the other Italian organizations, etc. Rest assured that when you do see changes in the future, whatever they are, we will always hold true to our mission, “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”. I’d love to hear what you’d like to see this “spring”!
Grazie, John Giardino
PRIMA DOMENICA: APRIL 7
The Dante Alighieri Society is sponsoring breakfast in the Parish Hall following the 9:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3549 Navajo Street. Help will be needed before and after the Mass.
APRIL CULTURAL PROGRAM: APRIL 12 - 7:30pm
Through the Eyes of Innocence
The program will feature Sophie Thomas, a student of Professor Roberta Waldbaum at the University of Denver, who will present her undergraduate honors thesis entitled “Through the Eyes of Innocence: Childhood Memories and Italian Historical Realities”. Sophie will discuss how, using the perspective of a child, Italian Jewish authors document the prejudice and horrific events of fascism and the Holocaust in Italy. Plan now to join us for this intriguing incite in history.
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Refreshments and social time will follow.
CULINARY CLASS: APRIL 27 - 10am
History of the Tomato – the Relationship Between Italy and the Beloved Pomodoro!
The history of the tomato in Italy may not be what you think. It will surprise you to learn how they came to be in Italy and ultimately in America. You will learn about its “shady” past and how Italians fell in love with the tomato and everything it accompanies. We’ll then venture in the kitchen to make fresh pizza dough, homemade Mozzarella, and sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes (they also have an interesting story) to make the World-Famous Pizza Margherita.
COST: $50 per person
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Space Is Limited
SPRING AWARDS LUNCHEON: MAY 5
Please join us for an exquisite celebration of excellence at the annual Awards Luncheon where we will be presenting the 2024 Donne di Merito Award and scholarships to deserving college students who plan to study in Italy. This highly-anticipated annual event will take place on May 5, 2024, at the Mount Vernon Canyon Club Colorado and will feature a plated luncheon followed by the awards presentation. This event is a hallmark of our annual calendar and embodies the goals and mission we strive to promote in our community. We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional occasion.
LOOKING AHEAD: JUNE CULTURAL PROGRAM: JUNE 14
How the Music of Giuseppe Verdi Impacted the Risorgimento
This program will feature a blend of history and opera presented by noted music historian Betsy Schwarm. She will share with us music by Giuseppe Verdi which inspired and advanced the movement for Italian independence known as the Risorgimento. Look for details in coming editions of the Notiziario and on our website.
GRAZIE!
We want to thank Alisa DiGiacomo for her excellent program at the March cultural meeting. She inspired all who attended to look into preserving family legacy and provided valuable tools with which to do so. So, let’s unpack those shoe boxes and see what we find!
CONGRATULAZIONI!
We are proud to announce that our President, John Giardino, was honored as Italian-American Volunteer of the Year at the annual Bravo Awards Gala on March 9. This recognition is richly deserved as John has worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission of our Society since becoming a member 32 years ago. Thank you, John, for your dedication and service to the Denver community.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES: SPRING SESSION BEGINS MARCH 25
Registration is now closed for the spring 2024 session of Italian language classes offered by the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. In-person language classes will be held at 3549 Navajo Street, Denver 80211 in the parish office of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. Each class meets for 90 minutes, once a week for 10 weeks, beginning the week of March 25, 2024. The class schedule is listed below, and it is also posted on the Society website. Classes are taught by talented bilingual instructors who have significant experience teaching Italian. The cost is $130 for members, $160 for non-members.
New students are welcome to join the Dante Alighieri Society when they register for classes.
Registration for the Summer Session will begin mid-May
ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL: APRIL 3 - 20
Enjoy the local premieres of five recent Italian films at the 2024 Italian Film Festival USA of Boulder. All films shown in original language with english subtitles on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU).
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR
April 2024
April 6th: Prima Domenica at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel hosted by the Dante Alighieri Society.
April 12th: Dante Alighieri Society cultural program. “Through the Eyes of Innocence: Childhood Memories and Italian Historical Realities” Four female Italian-Jewish authors documented the horror of Fascism and the Holocaust in Italy. Citing these writings, Sophia Thomas, a DU undergrad student, presents the compelling case that prejudice is not innate, but learned. Mt. Carmel Parish Hall, 7:30 PM. Open to the public.
April 20th: Our Lady of Mount Carmel All School Reunion & Friends
April 27th: IOA Rodders’ Ball, held at the Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge - get your tickets now!
April 27th: Dante Alighieri Society Culinary Experience History of the Tomato. The Relationship Between Italy and the Beloved Pomodoro.
May 2024
May 4th: Trentini Bocce Tournament, Location Sons & Daughters of Italy
May 5th: Prima Domenica sponsored by Altar & Rosary
May 5th: Dante Alighieri Society Annual Awards Luncheon Recognition of the Donne di Merito winner and awarding of college scholarships. Mt Vernon Canyon Club.12:00PM-3:00PM
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
