January 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Buon Anno! May the New Year bring forth our strength and
goodness to create a more loving and peaceful world.
Last month, my message reflected on the events and achievements within the Dante Alighieri Society over the past year. As I begin my fourth two-year term as president, I’m looking forward to our 2025 plans. Early next year, the Board will devote time to review and adjust our vision for where we want the Society to be in the future. With that vision in mind, we’ll direct new and enhanced efforts toward our new goals. You may notice some changes in how we operate, but rest assured! You, our members, are the primary inspiration for everything we do to advance the Society's mission.
Speaking of change, things have changed at our “mother ship”, the Dante Alighieri Society in Rome. Technically, the Società Dante Alighieri still exists but now has developed a new public persona, Dante Global. You’ll find more information about this change and what it means to our organization in this issue of the Notiziario.
As always, I’m available for questions, recommendations, complaints, etc. I hope to hear from you in the coming year.
Grazie, John Giardino
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
WINTER SESSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES BEGINS JANUARY 6, 2025
The Society’s ten-week summer session of in-person Italian language classes is currently underway. The schedule for winter classes is now online. The registration deadline for the winter session is January 3, 2025. Classes are taught by experienced and talented bi-lingual teachers, and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Evening 10-week classes meet once a week for 90 minutes at 3549 Navajo Street, Denver, in the parish office of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
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 winter classes tend to fill up quickly, we encourage you to register early to secure your spot!
“From a little spark may burst a flame.”
―
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.
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
Name that GREAT Italian Brand?
Italy has numerous brands that Americans treasure and love. I have also noticed that Italians treasure and love many American brands. Today I woke up thinking what was the very first Italian brand I ever heard of? I am going to give you a few clues and see if you can guess. The answer will be posted at the end of this Notiziario.
So my grandmother used to be enamored by several celebrities and always noticed that Marilyn Monroe wore this brand. My grandmother was very classy. She would rather own one expensive product than have ten lower cost items.
The Founder of this brand spent 13 years in the US (Boston and California) and then returned to Florence in 1927 to begin production. Eva Peron and Judy Garland were other raving fans of this brand.
Today the brand is carried in prominent stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. It is considered a high-end luxury brand that caters to both men and women. It has a reputation for experimenting with alternative materials and producing products of the highest quality that offer extreme comfort. The founder opened his first store while only 14 years old. His ability to provide comfort stems from his study of anatomy at the University of Southern California. While the Founder passed away in 1960 at the age of 62, the business continues to be run by family members today.
Today there is a museum dedicated to the Founder’s life and work in the Palazzo Spini Feroni. Name that brand!
We warmly invite you to join us for our
Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers:
Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 7:30 PM.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Parish Hall)
3549 Navajo Street, Denver Co 80211
Your dedication and passion are the heart of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, and we want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. It’s your unique contributions that help our society flourish and keep the Italian spirit alive in our community.
This meeting is a wonderful chance to:
- Hear updates from the current board about the state of our society and the exciting plans ahead.
- Share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback—your voice matters in shaping the future of our organization.
- After the meeting, we’ll gather for a FREE Pizza Social to relax, enjoy some delicious food, and continue our conversations in a more informal setting (in both English and Italian)
Please REGISTER to ensure we have enough pizza to go around!
The Color of Dreams: An Umbrian Tale Book Presentation
Presentation by Dr. Roberta Waldbaum
Travel back in time to rural Umbria in the late 19th century where the protagonist of the novel undertakes a magical journey that may change her destiny in her quest to chase her dreams. A narrative of historical fiction, the book is a love letter to Italian culture, landscapes, and womanhood.
The Dante Alighieri Society will provide the beverages and dessert.
Dr. Waldbaum will do a book signing for people who wish to purchase it.
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo Street, Denver CO 80211
WHEN: Feb 14th
TIME: 7:30 PM
GETTING TO KNOW TOSCANA, ITALY
Tuscany, or Toscana in Italian, is one of Italy’s most iconic and beloved regions. Located in the heart of the country, it is a place where breathtaking landscapes, centuries of art and culture, and some of the world's finest wines come together. From rolling hills covered in vineyards to medieval towns steeped in history, Tuscany offers a rich and immersive experience for any traveler.
Here are some interesting aspects of Tuscany:
Economy: A Hub of Agriculture and Tourism
Tuscany is an economic powerhouse in central Italy, driven by both agriculture and tourism. Known for its fertile land, the region produces some of the finest wines in the world, including the renowned Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Olive oil is another key agricultural product, with many small, family-run olive farms offering some of the best extra virgin olive oil you’ll ever taste. The tourism sector thrives thanks to Tuscany's rich cultural and natural offerings, drawing millions of visitors each year to explore cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, as well as its charming rural villages.
Architecture: A Renaissance Wonderland
Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance, and its architectural wonders are a testament to this incredible period of cultural rebirth. Florence, the region’s capital, is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with palaces, churches, and museums that showcase the brilliant works of artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
It's that time of year again. Membership in the Dante Alighieri Society runs from January through December so 2025 renewal cards have been mailed. Please make any corrections on the card before mailing it back with your payment. If you would like to renew and pay online, you can do so easily on our website.
Language students: You can renew and pay for your 2025 membership online when you register for the January classes.
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
Name That Brand Answer: Salvatore Ferragamo
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
