Archive of Novità (News)
An archive of Novità (News) for past news from the "city" pages: Appleton, Green Bay Area, Kenosha/Racine, Madison Area, Milwaukee and Pewaukee. Sorted by newest to oldest by date.
2011
Bradford Italian Program Honored
- by Ralph AnninaThe Coccia Foundation, its founders Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr. and Dott.essa Elda Coccia, the Board of Trustees and all its members have awarded the Students of Italian at Bradford High School, Kenosha, WI with the Coccia Scholarship.
Bradford High School affords students the opportunities to participate in a world class language program with a philosophy of continuous growth and always providing opportunities for its students. These opportunities include guest speakers, scholarships, field trips to museums and Italy, as well as an established open outreach program.
As acknowledged by Phil Sergio, Student Liaison with the Coccia Foundation, "We also wish to congratulate you on all your programs and activities performed during the school year by your school's Italian Department and the Students of Italian. It is something of which you should all be proud. - CONGRATULAZIONE !!!!!"
For information on the Coccia Foundation, visit www.cocciafoundation.org/aboutus.html (exit WisItalia).
Golf Fundraiser for Victory a Success
The 1st Annual One Club Golf fundraising event benefiting the Victory Italian Immersion School was held Saturday, September 18, 2010, at The River Bend Golf Club. The event was sponsored by the Order Sons of Italy and The Corner Pub. Over $810 was raised, despite the intermittent rain, and fun was had by all. Picture with Ms. Zizzo, Michael Palmisano (organizer) and Wanda Varela-Katz.
Victory Performed at the Sons of Italy Scholarship Night
On Wednesday, August 18, 2010, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee, the Filippo Mazzei Lodge of Order Sons of Italy held its annual scholarship awards night. Performances by the students from Victory Elementary School Italian Immersion Program entertained the audience.
Al Corso of Collins Restaurant Now Offers Italian Language and Culture Classes
Emily Salm is back in the Unitied States after spending several years in Italy. She is now offering Italian language and culture classes at her family's restaurant, al corso of Collins, 20931 Main Street, Collins, WI www.alcorsorestaurant.com (exit WisItalia). The classes are on Monday evenings from 6-8 pm at the restaurant in Collins (about 20 minutes from Manitowoc and 40 from Green Bay). The first hour and fifteen minutes are dedicated to language/grammar learning while the remaining forty-five minutes are focused on a specific region of Italy paired with a glass of wine and an appetizer typical from the region.
Emily graduated a year ago with a BA in international affairs with a minor in Italian studies. She is happy to be back stateside after the past four to five years of living in Italy, and is eager to share this passion with those in the area.
2010
Spring Harbor Visits the IWC in Madison
By Giovanna Miceli Jeffries
Friday April 16, 2010, the 7th and 8th grade Italian students from Spring Harbor Middle School went on a field trip to visit the Italian Workmen's Club (IWC) in Madison. Both classes had finished units of study on the Italian-American Experience. They had watched documentaries and movies about the Italian emigration to the USA, the early settlements on the East Coast, and the "Americanization" process.Welcoming the students to the IWC were the president of the club, Frank Alfano, and "old-time" Greenbush residents, Catherine Caravello LeTourneau and Joe Cerniglia. Students listened intently to fascinating accounts told by Catherine and Joe of growing up in the Greenbush, and had the opportunity of confirming, first-hand, the facts they had learned in the readings and documentaries they had watched. The students were able to ask questions and take notes, which they later used to complete their written reports and presentations.
Everyone was then treated to a lunch of pizza, and also enjoyed delicious "biscotti" freshly baked for the occasion by Catherine Caravello LeTourneau.
Select photo to see larger view.
Scherzi di Carnevale
During February 2010, students taking the Saturday Italian language program at the Italian Workmen's Club learned about the Carnevale season that takes place in Italy during that time of the year, as well as the traditions of masquerading during this period. The photo to the right depicts the students during their performance of "Scherzi di Carnevale." They also learned about la Commedia dell'Arte, an old theatrical tradition that dates back 500 years using stock characters, each representing a particular personality. Students played and recited in Italian the roles of several of those characters, such as Arlecchino, Pulcinella, Colombina, Pantalone, Brighella, etc. and learned how each of these characters is connected to a different city in Italy. Students from the class include Atteo and Massimo Bellanzini, Gennarino and Ethena Conzemius, Lillian Cox, and Eli and Nell Pollack.
East High School Offered Italian in Fall 2010
Green Bay East High School, 1415 E Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 now offers Italian classes this Fall of 2010. Preble High School was the first high school in the area to offer Italian in the fall of 2008. Lisa Meli is the Italian teacher at both schools.
Italian Class Wins Door Decorating Contest
The Italian class at Preble High School won the door decorating contest for Homecoming this week (10/4/10) using a quote from Dante about a battle they chose from Inferno Canto XXXIV:
"Behold this, and behold the place where thou with fortitude must arm thyself."Interested in more from Dante Alighieri, then read Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's English version of Inferno Canto XXXIV (exit WisItalia).
Italian version of Inferno Canto XXXIV (exit WisItalia).
Summer Italian Opera Program in Kenosha
Kenosha Middle and High School students performed the opera, "La Cenerentola" by Gioachino Rossini. This opera has two acts. The libretto was written by Jacopo Ferretti, and it is based on the fairy tale, Cinderella. Rossini composed "La Cenerentola" when he was 25 years old, following the success of "The Barber of Seville" the year before. "La Cenerentola," which he completed in a period of three weeks, is considered to have some of his finest writing for solo voice and ensembles. [summary from Wikipedia (exit WisItalia)]Auditions were March 27 and 29, 2010. The Kenosha summer program started June 15, 2010, and ended with the 1-hour performances on July 23 and 24, 2010. This opera was performed in Italian. The objectives of this summer program were to teach and coach students to learn "Italian for Opera" and work with students throughout the preparation and perfomances. The libretto was reviewed, as well as the various songs translated by the students for them to better appreciate the opera. Artistic Director Kathryn Peperkorn and Italian Teacher, Ralph Annina coordinated this program, in conjunction with the Opera ala Carte, SouthEast Wisconsin Performing Arts (SWEPA). View the SWEPA website at http://sewpa.org/ (exit WisItalia) for details.
Holy Rosary Children's Italian Classes in Kenosha
NEW! Italian classes now on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 11 am. The first class began Saturday March 20th and goes to May 15th. This program is intended to provide students with an introduction to the Italian Language and the Culture of Italy. The Italian Language Instructors are Tina Bonofiglio, St. Therese-Mount Carmel Elementary School, Joanna Stenson, St. Joseph's Catholic Schools and Ralph Annina, Bradford High School. This program is open to all elementary school students attending Elementary Schools in Kenosha.Did Someone Say Insalata?
By The Italian Immersion Team at Victory
"At Victory, we are beginning to grow an amazing garden of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers. Maestra Zizzo's 1st grade has joined Maestro Falsetti's and Maestra Benedetto's K5 class in planting the seedlings, and I have personally seen the wonderful lettuce that is all ready to eat! Che bello! Their classes are learning about the wonderful worlds of agriculture and nutrition; nothing like fresh carrots and lettuce. Many teachers, children, and helpers began the clean up for the revitalizing of our garden. Enjoy our pictures of before and be sure to check back for the after. We are extremely excited about this endeavor. A special thanks to those who have been instrumental in this project: Maestro Falsetti, Maestras Zizzo and Kleczewski, Ms. J along with her children, and Mr. Christianson.
As far as Italian program events, Maestra Zizzo's and Maestra Laurenzi's classes had a tour of the Milwaukee Public Library. While there, the children were introduced to the Italian books section, they were shown how to check out a book, and were able to participate in a storytelling session. Our adventure didn't stop there. We next ventured over to the Milwaukee Public Museum where we experienced the butterfly exhibit and many other wonders of the world.
Be on the lookout for updates about the program, upcoming events, and the growth of our garden."
Check out the Victory School website http://victoryitalianimmersion.wordpress.com (exit WisItalia) to see videos of the students learning Italian.
Carina Schiro to Represent the USA at Italian National Youth Athletic Games
Congratulations to 12-year old Carina Schiro, who was one of 6 girls between the ages of 11 to 14 to qualify from the tryouts held on 5/2 in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles for the girls Track Team representing, not only her school (Whitefish Bay Middle School), but also Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Midwest and ultimately the USA. Carina will compete in selected sprints, e.g., 100 meters, probably 200m, maybe the 400m, plus relays. The teams will travel to Italy on 5/14 with a chaperoned schedule of competition and activities and return to Chicago on 5/23. The teams will compete against Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina in Imperia (Liguria Region), Italy as part of the Italian National Youth Athletic Games. All expenses are paid for by CONI. See www.coniusa.com/events.html (exit WisItalia) for the schedule and program. View the list of the American students who qualified for these youth games (pdf - in Italian).In bocca al lupo, Carina!
Italian Students Visit Lomira High School
For two weeks in April 2010, Italian students from the historic Language School/Institute of Science "Duca degli Abruzzi" of Treviso (northeastern Italy in the Veneto region) were welcomed and hosted by the families of "fellow" Americans of Lomira High School, a school near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. After full immersion with the staff and students of Lomira High School, led by Principal Shannon Stein, the Italian students then went to visit Chicago for a couple of days (April 26-27), including the Italian Consulate on April 27. There, they met with Prof. Eleonora Cammareri and an intern Dr. Adriana Romano, who expressed the Consulate's interest in the cultural value of exchange opportunities with national institutions abroad and Italian students visiting the United States. This experience for the Italian students was made possible by the English language teacher, Prof. Cecilia Ferraro of the Duca degli Abruzzi high school, who arranged it together with her colleague, Prof. Alessandra Cibin. In fact, Prof. Ferraro had been an exchange student in Wisconsin around 20 years ago, and she kept alive the contacts and the relationships, which made it possible for her to organize this event. View the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago Facebook site (exit WisItalia) to read a description of the visit (in Italian), and to see more photos.
"Graduation" at Nash Elementary Italian After-School Program
Nash Elementary School in Kenosha concluded its Children's After School Italian Program. This program provided students with an introduction to the Italian Language and the Culture of Italy. The Italian Language Instructors included Pellegrina (Rina) Pingone-Debartolo - primary (K-2) instructor; and
Ralph Annina and Tina Bonofiglio - intermediate (3-5) instructors. Dominic Savaglio and Maria Patrizzi, student volunteers from Bradford High School's Service Learning Project, also assisted with the program.View some photos from the "graduating" class.
"It Happened in Italy" Presentation by Author Elizabeth Bettina and Holocaust Survivor Ursula Korn-Selig
View the article from the Kenosha News by Terry Flores; photos by Sean Krajacic (exit WisItalia) and the information about the book on the Italian Book Corner page. On March 25, 2010, Author Elizabeth Bettina and Holocaust survivor Ursula Korn-Selig gave a presentation to student members of Bradford High School's Italian Club in Kenosha. They described to the students about the little-known story of how thousands of Jews were saved throughout the Italian countryside during World War II when ordinary Italians risked their lives to keep Jews safe from the Nazis and certain death. Bettina, a New York-based marketing executive, spent her childhood summers visiting her family in the Italian village of Campagna. Her book, It Happened in Italy, tells this amazing story of courage and determination. Ursula Korn-Selig, now age 84, said she owes her survival to a Roman Catholic priest, Beniamino Schivo, who hid her family in the Italian countryside. The women were invited to speak to the Bradford Italian Club by club adviser, Ralph Annina.
View more online photos of the event >>
Italian Immersion Vegetable Garden - Ready, Set, GROW!
Victory School has a new Vegetable Garden project, coordinated by Steve Falsetti, Italian Immersion Teacher. Your help and support will ensure their success. The goal of this project is to revive the school's garden by creating a school-wide vegetable garden initiative. The goal is to inspire unity and create mentoring opportunities at their K-8 school by the creation of a vegetable garden. They hope to encourage healthy eating habits and grow produce that the students will cultivate, harvest and consume.
Their goal is to have classrooms growing plants indoors this spring to get a jump on the short Wisconsin growing season. Many volunteers and organizations have stepped forward to provide them with seeds, seedlings and muscle.
Although they have written some grants in order to receive financial support for this project, they still require some more capital to get on their feet. You can support this endeavor by purchasing seeds through Botanical Interest Online (exit WisItalia). Forty percent of your seed purchases will go towards the costs associated with this project. They plan to use the money raised to purchase wood for raised vegetable beds, supplies for hoop houses, tomato cages, seedlings and other garden related supplies.
You can continually check victoryitalianimmersion.wordpress.com (exit WisItalia) for updates on the progress of the Victory Vegetable Garden.
Preble Italian Class Celebrates Carnavale
The Green Bay Italo-Americano Club celebrated an 'Italian Carnevale' style Mardi Gras. It was held at a local Italian eatery, Mario's. Approximately 18 of Lisa Meli's (Italian teacher) students attended. Lisa had a contest within her classes of a traditional Italian Carnevale mask-making craft. She had many to display at the party. To the right is a picture of some of the students and Lisa with their masks. Contact Lisa Meli, Italian Teacher, Preble High School at 920 391-2400 or lmeli@greenbay.k12.wi.us for more information.
Searching for Older Italian Speakers
Alice Astarita, a Doctoral Student in Second Language Acquisition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking for older native Italian speakers. The goal is for these Italian speakers to interact with learners who are seeking to improve their Italian skills and cultural knowledge. If you know of any older immigrants or heritage speakers of Italian who may reside in local Wisconsin nursing homes, assisted living facilities or in their own homes, please contact Alice Astarita at astarita@wisc.edu or 608 890-1428. The general topic she would like to investigate, as a part of her doctoral dissertation, is Service-learning and how it can be used for the development of linguistic skills and cultural awareness. View a summary of Alice Astarita's request (htm).2009
Homecoming Parade
A little bit of rain didn't stop the Bradford High School's Italian Club students from creating their float for their annual homecoming parade in October 2009. The float shows Super Mario Brothers, Luigi and Princess Peach. The finish line states their school motto, "Practice Peace" in Italian, "Praticate la pace." They are grateful to Frank Bindelli for his support, without which, the float could not be completed. View the web album for photos submitted by Ralph Annina >>
Join the UW-Madison Italian Club
The UW-Madison Italian Club is open to anyone who is interested in the Italian language/culture. People who join are notified of official (and unofficial) Italian Club meetings on the UW-Madison campus. You can bring your friends to meetings too! A trip to Chicago will be happening soon, as well as more informal presentations about different topics in Italian culture. Other ideas for events/activities include opera/theater outings, restaurant outings, pizza parties, film nights, sports like bocce, and cards nights (giocare a carte with famous Italian card games).The UW Italian Club has a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28276254670&ref=ts (exit WisItalia). Their website is not up yet, but when it is ready, it will be: italianclub.rso.wisc.edu (exit WisItalia). For contact information, view the WisItalia Italian-American Clubs page.
15th Year of Italian Programs at the IWC-Madison for Adults and Children
By Giovanna Miceli JeffriesThis year (Fall 2009), we have a large number of beginning students – though the economy seems unfavorable, many Madisonians want to learn Italian and visit Italy. We have four levels of classes: Beginning, Continuing, Intermediate and Advanced. This year, after a hiatus of almost 5 years, Giovanna Miceli Jeffries is back to teaching both beginning and continuing on Monday evenings. Antonella Caloro teaches the Intermediate, Advanced and Children's Saturday program. A lot of new faces, with some Italian-Americans expressing a desire to join the IWC and IAWC clubs in Madison. The Saturday’s children class has 4 additional children, in comparison to last year, all very spirited and active. There is also a nice synergistic interaction with UW-Madison Italian majors: four of them will be assisting in the Saturday class for children. At the moment, Isabella Livorni, Prof. Ernesto Livorni’s daughter, is assisting, as well as two Italian majors.
Victory School Expands to 2nd Grade
New for Fall 2009! Victory School expanded its Italian classes and offers classes from K4 (4-year old students) through the Grade 2 for its Italian Immersion program.
Annual Mostaccioli Dinner to Support Language Classes
On April 26, 2009, the Italian language students and parents from Bradford, St. Joseph and Tremper High Schools hosted a fundraiser for their Italian language classes. The event was held at the Italian American Society at 2217 52nd Street, Kenosha. At $7/person, they raised $1,800! All proceeds went towards the language classes. Entertainment for the event consisted of students singing favorite operas, with a special performance by Kathryn Peperkorn. Bradford High School performers included Brianna Santelli and Beunkka Davis. St. Joseph High School perfomers included Kristin Collum, Gina Lemens, Vanessa Jordan, Tess McTernan, Megan Hartke, Lauren Brown and Alex Egolf. Tremper High School performers included Alexandra Sturycz and Angela Stancato. Thanks to the generous donations from the Italian American Society of Kenosha, Tenuta's Deli and Grocery Store, Paielli Bakery, Infusino's Restaurant, Luigi's Restaurant and Kenosha Beef.View the web album for photos submitted by Ralph Annina >>
Victory School Projects and Activities
Pen Pal Project - Victory School has been busy with lots of fun activities. Read about these projects and activities in both English (pdf) and Italian (pdf), thanks to articles in the April 2009 edition of the Italian Community Center's newspaper, "The Italian Times."
Of note is Victory's project in creating a "Post Office" center where students, ages 4-6, are learning to write letters, address envelopes, and organize their thoughts and ideas in Italian. They started writing letters to a pen pal living in Sicily. This way, students are able to connect with the country and language, and it gives them a real life opportunity for writing their letters. If you would like to send their class a postcard or letter in Italian, they would love to respond to you. Their address is Victory K-8 School, 2222 W. Henry Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53221.
International Learning Community Hosts Italian Dinner
On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, the International Learning Community of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, hosted an Italian dinner. The dinner was preceded by remarks from Chris Kleinhenz, Professor Emeritus of Italian. In a brief, illustrated presentation, Professor Kleinhenz gave an overview of the diverse cultural influences that have affected Italy. He also touched upon Italy's geography, literature, music and, of course, food. Students, staff and friends were then treated to a delicious Italian dinner. The menu included Bruschetta, Arista di Maiale al Pepe Verde, Bucatini alla Matriciana, Petto di Pollo alla Milanese, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Insalata Mista, Gelato and Biscotti. Thanks to the International Learning Community and Chris Kleinhenz for providing a delightful evening of Italian cuisine and culture. (Article written by Larry Godding; photos by Rita Prigioni)
View more photos from the event.
Roma Lodge Offered Italian Language Lessons
An Italian language class was offered to Roma Lodge members at the Roma Lodge in Racine, Wisconsin. The class began Saturday, March 21, 2009, and consisted of 5 weekly sessions of two hours each. Ralph Annina, Italian language teacher at Bradford High School in Kenosha, was the instructor. The cost of the sessions was $150.00, which included all learning materials. Contact people: Don Cicero at cheech@wi.net or Ralph Annina at rannina@wi.rr.com. 2008
Trinity Academy Receives National Recognition
Trinity Academy received national recognition for its sports program as the 2008 United States Coach of the Year honor was earned by Head Field Hockey Coach Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell. Mitchell was selected for the United States
Coach of the Year award from a pool of 2,000 Head Coaches nationwide by TopOfTheCircle.com (exit WisItalia) a sports reporting entity based in Washington, D.C., which covers the sport of Field Hockey at the High School and Collegiate level nationwide. Mitchell's name made the top twelve contenders in October, and she was notified of the award on December 23rd. The award was made public on December 30, 2008. Mitchell received the award at the National Field Hockey Coaches Association convention in Philadelphia, PA, in late January 2009. Mitchell led the Sentinel Varsity Field Hockey Team to win the WHSFH State Field Hockey Championship this Fall 2008 Season. She founded the Trinity Academy Field Hockey program in 2003, and took the team to the Varsity level in 2008.
Bradford Italian Club Celebrates Homecoming
The Mary D. Bradford High School Italian Club participated in the homecoming day parade Friday, October 10, 2008. Students built and decorated a gondola and participated in all homecoming activities, including the dance. A special thank you to Bindelli Construction of Kenosha, Wisconsin for the use of the truck and flatbed trailer.View the web album for more photos >>
Madison - Italian Folk Dancers Visit Elementary School
The Madison Italian Folk Dancers visited Mr. Godding's 2nd/3rd grade class at Sandburg Elementary School in Madison on October 24, 2008. Students from Ms. Vidulich's 1st grade class and Ms. O'Duffy's 1st grade class also enjoyed the show.
View more photos from the event.
Milwaukee - Victory Students Perform at Banquet
On April 12, 2008, at the WisItalia Teacher of the Year dinner, students, ages 4 and 5 years old, from the Italian Immersion Program at Victory School (exit WisItalia), gave a delightful performance by singing several Italian songs. Victory School’s Italian Immersion Program is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States. These students are taught exclusively in Italian as they learn about the Italian language.
View more photos from the event.
