August 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In the past I was always busy with family, work, community involvement, etc. But I expected that once I retired, things would slow down. Well, as I’m sure many of you know, that doesn’t happen. Having failed miserably at retirement and now busier than ever, my wife and I regularly coordinate our schedules so we know where we’re going, what we’re doing and when. Consequently, I know how important it is to plan ahead. So, in order to help you plan, here’s what’s happening for next few months - our annual summer picnic on August 10; Italian Heritage Month activities throughout October; the Christmas party in early December; regular cultural meetings on the second Friday of the month. Event details can be found on our website and in the Notiziario. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”. That’s the mission of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver!
Grazie,
John Giardino
President, Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
FALL SESSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASS REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 25th, 2025
The Society’s ten-week summer session of in-person and virtual Italian language classes is currently underway. Classes start the week of September 15th. The registration deadline for the fall session is September 14th, 2025. Classes are taught by experienced and talented bi-lingual teachers, and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Classes meet once a week for 90 minutes.
We are excited to offer a variety of class options to fit your schedule, including evening, morning, and online sessions via Zoom. Tuition is $130 for members and $160 for non-members. New students are welcome to join the Dante Alighieri Society when registering for classes. As our fall classes tend to fill up quickly, we encourage you to register early to secure your spot!
DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY ANNUAL PICNIC
Sunday, August 10, 2025, 12:00pm
The Society will provide hamburgers, sausages, and hotdogs as well as beer, wine, soft drinks and water. Plates, napkins, cups and plasticware will also be provided.
Attending families are asked to bring the following:
(with utensils for these dishes if needed)
- Last name beginning A-L - Salad or side dish
- Last name beginning M-Z - Dessert
There is a backstop for kickball and a sand volleyball court, but please bring equipment for games you wish to play.
Rhonda Hopkins has kindly agreed to be the Chairperson for the picnic -
We are looking forward to seeing you all there, so please make your reservations before August 6 including number of attendees with Rhonda Hopkins.
LOCATION: Oakhurst Park West Pavillion
ADDRESS: 9311 Lark Bunting Drive, Westminster, CO 80021 (MAP)
DIRECTIONS: Turn west off of Wadsworth on 94th and continue until you reach Lark Bunting Drive, turn left and continue until you arrive at the park on your right.
“If you give people light, they will find their own way.”
―
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
Add Italy's Small Towns to Your Itinerary
When planning a trip to Italy, most travelers set their sights on the big names: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. And while these cities are rich in history, art, and architecture, there's an entirely different side of Italy that many miss—the small towns. Scattered across rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and hidden valleys, Italy's borghi (villages) offer a more intimate, authentic experience that captures the heart of the country in a way that busy tourist hubs simply can't.
These towns may be small in size, but they’re big on character. Picture cobblestone alleys lined with flower boxes, locals chatting over espresso in the piazza, and trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen stirring the sauce. In towns like Orvieto in Umbria, Montepulciano in Tuscany, or Polignano a Mare in Puglia, time seems to slow down. You’re invited to savor life—literally and figuratively—with long lunches, leisurely walks, and spontaneous moments of wonder.
One of the great joys of exploring small towns is how personal the experience becomes. You might stumble upon a medieval festival, get invited into a wine cellar by a proud vineyard owner, or find yourself the only foreigner at a local market. These are the kinds of moments that don’t make it into guidebooks but stay with you long after your trip. Small towns also offer a welcome break from the crowds—no lines, no selfie sticks, just you and the charm of everyday Italian life.
GETTING TO KNOW CAMPANIA, ITALY
A Region of Majesty, Myth, and Mediterranean Splendor
Campania, nestled in southern Italy along the stunning Tyrrhenian coast, is a region where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in unforgettable ways. From the fiery slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the crystal waters of the Amalfi Coast, Campania offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, and world-famous cuisine.
Here are some captivating aspects of Campania:
Economy:
Campania’s economy blends traditional agriculture with modern industries and a strong tourism sector. The region’s fertile volcanic soil supports the cultivation of prized products such as San Marzano tomatoes, Amalfi lemons, and buffalo milk for the famous mozzarella di bufala. Naples, as the regional capital, hosts one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports and serves as a commercial and logistical hub. Tourism is a major economic driver, with visitors drawn to archaeological sites, coastal beauty, and cultural heritage. Craftsmanship remains strong in areas like ceramics (Vietri sul Mare), coral jewelry (Torre del Greco), and artisanal textiles. While challenges like unemployment and regional inequality persist, Campania’s diverse economy is buoyed by its natural resources, cultural assets, and resilient entrepreneurial spirit.
Ancient Legacy:
Campania is a cradle of ancient civilization, home to some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, provide unparalleled insight into life in antiquity. The ancient Greek temples of Paestum stand as some of the best-preserved in the world, reflecting the region's long-standing cultural importance. Naples, the region’s capital, has layers of history beneath its streets—including Greco-Roman tunnels, catacombs, and ruins that span millennia.
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
As a proud chapter of the internationally renowned Società Dante Alighieri, the Denver Dante Alighieri Society is pleased to offer our members exclusive access to Dante.global—an international digital platform designed to connect learners and enthusiasts to the rich world of Italian language and culture.
Through Dante.global, members gain privileged access to a wide range of cultural resources, digital libraries, and Italian language courses—including in-person learning opportunities in five cities across Italy. This members-only portal offers a personalized, immersive experience available only through official chapter membership.
Complete the registration form to receive your personalized Dante ID card.
Start exploring authentic Italian experiences—right from your screen or in Italy itself—with this exciting member benefit from the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR - NEW
Discover the New Italian Community Calendar!
As we look ahead and continue celebrating the vibrant Italian community here in Colorado, we’re excited to introduce something special just for you: Our New Italian Community Calendar!
Why You’ll Love the New Calendar:
- A Hub for All Italian Events
From cooking classes to cultural festivals and wine tastings, now it’s easier than ever to discover Italian-themed events happening across Colorado — all in one place!
- Easy Access to New Experiences
Finding your next Italian adventure is simple. Our online calendar is updated regularly, making it effortless to stay connected with everything happening in the community.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and grow together!
We’re thrilled to be your go-to source for all things Italian in Colorado. Whether you’re attending events, discovering new traditions, or meeting fellow enthusiasts, our calendar is here to keep you informed and inspired.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
As some of you may know, our previous Dante Facebook page was suspended a couple of months ago. Despite several attempts to resolve the issue, we were unable to get a response. As a result, we've decided to create a brand-new page. You can now find us at www.facebook.com/dasdenver.
While we’re still in the process of transferring some of our content, rest assured that we’re working diligently to get everything in place.
How You Can Help
- We would greatly appreciate it if you could visit our new page, give us a "Like," and "Follow" so you can stay up to date with all of our latest news.
Our new Facebook page will be active, informative, and an excellent resource for keeping up with everything Italian in our community.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
