April 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The first thing I need to do is congratulate the Italian American Business Association (IABA) on a very successful Bravo! Awards Gala! With well over a hundred people in attendance, it was a perfect example of the collaboration of several organizations working together to strengthen our common goal of promoting the Italian culture. I’m proud to say that the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver was again a supporter of this effort. I also want to congratulate Suzanne Fasing, a long-time member and former Chair of the DAS Language Program, on her nomination for IABA Italian-American Volunteer of the Year Award. Her contributions to our Society and the Italian community are in no way diminished despite not being chosen for the honor.
In some unexpected news, a partnership between the Società Dante Alighieri in Rome and the National Italian American Foundation has recently been announced. During a brief ceremony, Presidents Andrea Riccardi of SDA and Robert Allegrini of NAIF signed an agreement for promoting Italian language and culture in the United States. At this point I’m not exactly sure what will now become available to us, but I suspect the benefit to our local community will be great. I’ll keep you informed as we learn more.
Finally, as always, I’m here to serve our members so let me know what’s on your mind.
Grazie, John Giardino
SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN ITALY 2025-2026
We will again be awarding scholarships to university students planning to study in Italy in the coming year. If you or a student you know might be a candidate for a scholarship, please look for more information and application forms on our website:
DONNE DI MERITO AWARDS
This year’s winners of the Donne di Merito awards are Joannie Vellotta Flynn and Regina Adducci. The award is given annually to women who have made contributions to the promotion, maintenance, and preservation of Italian culture. Recipents can be either living or deceased. Joannie Flynn is honored for her many years of sevice to Italian organizations. Regina Adducci was a Denver artist best known for her religious stain glass and mosaic artwork. The awards will be presented at the spring luncheon.
2025 SPRING AWARDS LUNCHEON: May 4, 2025
Please plan now to join us for our annual Awards Luncheon where we will honor the winners of this year’s Donne di Merito Award and present our 2025 scholarships to deserving college students who plan to study in Italy. This celebration marks the 40th anniversary of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver and our signature scholarship program. The event will take place on May 4, 2025, at the Mount Vernon Canyon Club Colorado and will feature a plated luncheon followed by the awards presentation. We urge you to register now.
FEATURING
Recognition of the 2025
Donne di Merito Award recipients
&
Presentation of the 2025 Scholarships
We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional occasion.
QUARTETTO di CREMONA and BASIL VENDRYES, VIOLA
Hosted by the Friends of Chamber Music, this classical music ensemble will be performing at DU’s Newman Center on April 9, 2025. The Friends of Chamber Music is offering a 25% discount for all Italian organization members, allowing four discount tickets per person. In addition, they have arranged a private “meet and greet” with the performers following the show.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 9, 7:30pm
When purchasing tickets, use the discount code FCM25DAS
STRADIVARIUS VIOLINS: The Sweetest Sound You’ve Never Heard!
This event on March 21, was superb—both John Giardino's presentation as well as that of his guest, Eric Trujillo who is the owner of Mi Vida Strings in Westminster. Eric talked about the art of violin making as well as the history of the great violin makers. It was quite a wonderful presentation, as he brought many instruments and pieces of violins as well as tools and other things that he passed around to an audience of about 50 people.
Thank you, John and Eric, for your heartfelt presence and impact.
ALAMEDA HIGH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL NIGHT: on March 12
Rosalie and Silvio Caputo represented the DAS for this event and put together an Italy table to showcase our culture to all who attended.
"We had a great time at the high school! Students and staff were very friendly". - Rosalie
Many thanks to you both for this wonderful outreach to the community.
“In that book which is my memory,
On the first page of the chapter that is the day when I first met you,
Appear the words, ‘Here begins a new life’.”
―
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
A Guide to Italian Grammar
One of the biggest mistakes I make when trying to speak Italian is I tend to strive for literal translations when sometimes they do not exist. Today I want to discuss many uses of the verb FARE. This word is used every day in Italy and in places where there is no direct word to choose; for example, how do Italians say "to pack a suitcase"? There is not a verb to express this. In each example below, I show how FARE is used to mean something in Italian and then I give an example of a common use of the words.
Fare la valigia – to pack a suitcase.
Devo fare la valigia per il viaggio di domani – I have to pack my suitcase for tomorrow.
Fare acquisti – to go shopping.
Mi piace fare acquisti il sabato pomeriggio – I like to go shopping on Saturday afternoons. (today it is common to simply say shopping instead of acquisti).
There is a different way to say go grocery shopping.
Fare la spesa – to go grocery shopping.
Di solito facciamo la spesa il sabato mattino - Usually we go grocery shopping on Saturday mornings.
Fare una passeggiata – to go for a walk.
Andiamo a fare una passeggiata – let’s go for a walk.
Fare colazione – Italians say to do breakfast vs. to have breakfast (as in consume).
Ogni mattina faccio colazione alle sette – Every morning I have breakfast at 7:00. (This only works for breakfast. This word does not work for lunch or dinner. Pranzare means to have lunch and Cenare means to have dinner. There are dedicated verbs for having lunch and dinner).
Fare una foto – to take a photo. Italians say to do a photo.
Vuoi fare una foto insieme? - Do you want me to take a photo of you together? (If you use the verb to take in Italian, you are literally taking a photo in your hands and placing it somewhere else).
Fare una domanda – to ask a question.
Posso fare una domanda? May I ask a question?
Fare il bagno – to take a bath (to actually take a bath in the tub or to take a swim in the pool or the ocean). This expression covers both scenarios in Italian.
Mi piace fare il bagno la sera – I like to take a bath in the evening.
I bambini fanno il bagno appena arrivano in spiaggia - Children take a swim as soon as they arrive at the beach.
Fare la doccia – to take a shower. (Again, Italians do not take a shower…they do a shower.)
Preferisco fare la doccia di mattina - I prefer to take a shower in the morning.
Fare una pausa – to take a break.
Facciamo una pausa di 10 minuti. Let’s take a 10 minute break.
Fare tardi – to be late.
Faro’ tardi per l’appuntamento - I will be late for the appointment.
Fare un favore – to do a favor.
Puoi farmi un favore? - Can you do me a favor?
If you really want to hone your speaking skills, consider signing up for one of our DAS Italian language classes. Your instructor will give you many opportunities to practice these phrases. These are just usages that must be memorized but the key is practicing them over and over until they roll off your tongue without any thought.
GETTING TO KNOW LIGURIA, ITALY
A Hidden Gem on the Italian Riviera
Liguria, a captivating coastal region in the northwestern part of Italy, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. However, Liguria offers its own unique charm with its dramatic cliffs, colorful seaside villages, rich history, and culinary delights. From the stunning Cinque Terre to the elegant city of Genoa, Liguria presents a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Here are some interesting aspects of Liguria:
Economy: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Liguria's economy is deeply tied to its maritime heritage. Genoa, one of Italy’s largest ports, plays a central role in both the region’s economy and its historical significance. The region’s economy benefits from shipping, tourism, and industries like fishing, agriculture (especially olive oil production), and food manufacturing. Additionally, Liguria is known for its high-tech and pharmaceutical industries, providing a diverse economic landscape.
Architecture: A Rich Blend of Styles
Liguria boasts a stunning array of architectural styles, from medieval fortresses to elegant palaces. Genoa, the region’s capital, is home to grand Renaissance palaces such as the Palazzo Ducale and the majestic Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The charming fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, such as Portofino and Camogli, showcase colorful facades, narrow alleys, and terraced houses that seem to tumble into the sea. The region's architecture reflects both its rich maritime history and its position as a hub of trade and culture.
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!
DANTE GLOBAL - A BENEFIT FOR OUR MEMBERS
The Dante Alighieri Society is a worldwide organization with chapters in 60 countries. Members of our local chapter will soon have access to Dante Global which offers information on numerous cultural experiences and a variety of Italian language classes including in-person classes in five Italian cities.
The website www.dante.global will give you an overview of Dante Global. In order to sign in to the site it will be necessary for you to fill out a form and receive a numbered card from The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. In the near future we will have the form posted on our website along with our new branding.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR - NEW
We’re excited to be your go-to platform for all things Italian in Colorado. Whether you’re hosting or attending, our calendar will keep you in the know and help bring our vibrant Italian community even closer.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
