PRISONERS..... in Paradise

The Italian soldiers were held at camps in 26 states across the United States, many in Northern California. About a third of the film footage takes place in California. There were camps located at Stockton, Oakland, the San Francisco Presidio, on Angel Island, in Benicia, Sacramento, Pomona, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino and elsewhere.

Captured primarily in North Africa during the early stages of the war, the Italian soldiers were amazed at the abundance of the US and the generosity of their captors. Shortly after the Italian POW's arrived, Italy officially switched sides and joined the Allied side in the war. Over 90 percent of the prisoners agreed to to work for the Allied war effort. Though still restricted and kept under guard, the POW's joined Italian Service Units organized by the US Army. On Army Posts, they sorted and shipped war supplies and worked in Army hospitals. In their respective nearby communities, they worked as farmers and farm workers, cowboys, cook's and carpenters to earn extra money. In the Texas panhandle town of Umbarger, where 3,000 Italian prisoners of war were interned, a group of artist-prisoners agreed to decorate the local Saint Mary's Church with painted murals and carved figures in return for meals from the local community. The Church still stands.

The Italian POW's had a great degree of freedom in the camps in California. The Italian POW"s stationed on Angel Island held regular dances in a hall in San Francisco that they rented with their own money. Nationwide, the men were permitted both to receive visitors and to visit the homes of Americans on the weekends.

Frequently, they were entertained on the weekends by Italian American families. The local Italian American communities welcomed them. Romances between Italian American women and Italian POW's were common, and many ended in long lasting marriages. In Stockton, California, Alma Bacigalupi, the granddaughter of immigrants from Genoa, met her husband, Louis Maccini, who was a POW at the nearby camp and who came from Parma, Italy. After the war, they married and returned to Stockton to live and raise a family. Today, Parma is the sister-city of Stockton due to Alma's efforts and her daughter, Diana Maccini Lowery, is the director of the Parma Sister-City Association and a candidate for the Stockton City Council.

After the war, most of the Italian prisoners of war returned to Italy. Some were followed by American women and later returned to the United States as "war grooms." The New York Times reported in August, 1946 that among those sailing on an American ship bound for Italy "were twenty-five American girls from various parts of the country who will marry former Italian prisoners of war. All expressed hope to return soon with their husbands."

The film, Prisoners in Paradise, follows the lives of six Italian POW's - and the women they met in America.

Film Documentary

"PRISONERS in Paradise"

by Camilla Calamandrei

- Meet the Film Director -

Saturday - March 29 - 3 to 5 pm

at the Italian Cultural Center

2791 - 24th Street (24th St. & 4th Avenue) - Rm 13

During World War II, more than 51,000 Italian soldiers were brought to the United States as prisoners of war. Prisoners in Paradise, a charming and poignant documentary, traces the story of these young men, their romances and friendships with American women and their contributions to the Allied war effort. This one hour film features rare footage of POW camps and follows six Italian POWS on their extraordinary journey from soldier to prisoner to ally of the United States. A number of these Italian soldiers were held in camps in Northern California and married Italian American women in the area.

Join us for this fascinating afternoon and meet some of those wartime brides and hear their stories. The Society has arranged for New York filmmaker, Camilla Calamandrei, to travel to Sacramento to present this film at our Center and speak to our community. Admission is free.

"Venice"

THE GRAND CANAL

Friday - April 4 - at 8:00 PM

at the Italian Cultural Center

The city of Venice has been immortalized by so many but none with more wit than actor Nathan Lane. Making it his mission to find the real Venice, he makes his way through the usual tourist spots uncovering some lesser-known secrets of the Grand Canal. After the traditional gondola ride, our video visit will take us to a woodworking studio where forcola are made. A visit to a private palazzo on the Grand Canal allows a glimpse into the elaborate and elegant lifestyle of the Venetian upper class. We will visit with artists, glassblowers, gondoliers and everyday Venetians to see the city that they love. Admission is free.

MEET THE AUTHOR

"Hot-Wired in Brooklyn"

by Douglas DiNunzio

Friday, April 11, at 8:00 PM

at the Italian Cultural Center

Douglas DiNunzio, known to the patrons of the Carmichael Library as Librarian Doug Rathgeb, will talk about his first mystery novel, Hot-wired in Brooklyn, featuring Italian-American detective Eddie Lombardi. DiNunzio will discuss the Italian American influences on the book, especially his own Italian heritage growing up in Westchester County, New York. He will describe how his own memories of Italian American family life helped develop the main character's world of Brooklyn New York in the 1940's and 1950's. The author will autograph copies of his book at the Center.

Celebrate St. Joseph's Day

With a Pot-Luck Feast at St. Mary's Church Hall

Sunday, March 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

1333 - 58th Street - Giovanni Hall

Spring brings the St. Joseph's Day holiday, which is widely celebrated by Italians and Italian Americans. This year, Sacramento's Festa di San Giuseppe, will be sponsored by the Arberesh of Sacramento, the Italian Cultural Society, the Sons of Italy and the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Mary's. Entertainment will feature the Italian Cultural Society folk dance troupes: Balliamo! (adult), La Danza Italiana (teen) and Bambini (children).

Each person attending is requested to bring a meatless dish for 8 people. Because St. Joseph Day is in the Lenten season, meatless foods are traditional. Some of the foods typical of the feast are specialty breads, antipasto and salads, pasta and rice, fava beans, fish, vegetables, beans and other salads and sweets like the popular zeppole pastry, cavazune, sfinci, biscotti, cannoli and citrus fruits.

St. Joseph's Day is a feast of thanks. It is a widely recognized saint's feast day, especially in Sicily. March 19 is also Fathers' Day in Italy. The tradition of building "St. Joseph's Day Alters or Tables" began in the Middle Ages. The St Joseph's Tables are decorated and covered with food and beautiful breads. This year's St. Joseph's Table will also feature a new clay statue of St. Joseph by local sculptor, Angelo DiStefano. Admission is free and the public is invited. If you want to taste some of the best traditional dishes prepared by some of the Italian community's best cooks, this is the one time each year you will have the opportunity. And it's free. Incredible! For Recipes Visit these websites: http://www.bellaonline.org/arti

http://www.foodtv.com/foodtv/recipe/0,6255,20597,00.html

http://www.bulin.com/stjoe/recipes.html

http://members.aol.com/nonstopny/italiano/lacucina.htm

TOUR RENAISSANCE ITALY

Cruise the Grand Canal

INCREDIBLE PRICE!!

9 days ~ June 13 to 21, 2003

Imagine waking up in Venice's Grand Canal. The Italian Cultural Society invites you to cruise the fabled canals of Venice and discover the beauty and charm of the Renaissance cities of Parma, Ferrara, Cremona, Mantova, Padova, Chioggia, Boretto, Venice, Burano and Murano. June is the loveliest time to visit Venice, the Island of the Venice Lagoon and the Renaissance Jewels of Northern Italy. Travelers will enjoy exploring this part of Northern Italy which is brimming with a wealth of art, culture and tradition. This wonderful cruise is now priced from $1,798 and the airfare is FREE!! Your Italian vacation includes round trip airfare, all transfers in Italy, accommodations in an outside cabin aboard the ms. Venezia (VE), all meals aboard ship and 7guided shore excursions. A lovely 3 day post-trip excursion to Lake Como is also available. For a brochure and details call (916) 482-5900 or email your request to Italy@winfirst.com.

The Italian Radio Show

"SACRAMENTO ITALIAN STYLE"

Saturdays - Cable Channel 74 - 10am to NOON

Tune in"Sacramento Italian Style" any Saturday from 10:00 a.m.. to noon and enjoy 2 full hours of Italian -style entertainment. This Italian Radio Show broadcasts the best of Italian music and your Italian American favorites every week."Sacramento Italian Style" has been on the air for 21 years and is sponsored by the Italian Cultural Society. This entertaining radio program is hosted by Society members Joe D'Ambrosio, Phyllis Cupparo and Bob Masullo.

Festa DI Natale

This year's Christmas Celebration hosted by the Italian Cultural Society at Il Fornaio Ristorante was a festive afternoon of food entertainment and Italian-style holiday cheer. The entertainment featured the Italian Society Singers and popular accordionist, Don Garibaldi. The annual Festa DI Natale has become a Christmas tradition where our community gathers to celebrate the holidays, see friends and enjoy the warmth of the season - Italian style! Grazie! to Noland Cavey and Bill Cerruti for organizing the event.

ITALIAN

CLASSES OFFERED

at THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER

2791 24th Street, Room 13, Sacramento.

"Un uomo che parla due lingue ne vale due."

A man who speaks two languages is worth two men.

Have you fallen in love with Italy or an Italian? Do you want to learn the language of your nonni?Are you planning to visit il Bel Paese- Italy? Or do you just want to learn the beautiful language of music, food, culture, fashion, art and amore? Our Italian classes stress the pleasure of the Italian Language and culture because we know that the most effective learning happens in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere. The Italian Cultural Society offers 19 adult classes in a complete series that will guide you from basic to advanced Italian. This year The Italian Language School is celebrating its 21th anniversary of courses taught by professional, experienced teachers and native speakers who follow a proven curriculum. If you are thinking about taking one of our popular language classes DON'T HESITATE! We offer free tutoring for students who desire extra help or practice. Convenient day and evening times are available. Classes are offered at $105. for a complete 10 week program. Students may attend any section they wish and it is always possible to change sections or classes. It's fun and it's easy! Registration and Books are available for purchase at the first class meeting; CALL: ITALY -00 (482-5900) or visit www.italiancenter.net

SPRING -2003- CLASS SCHEDULE:

Beginning I - Italiano Uno: Day Section 1- April 01 to June 03, Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15pm

Evening Section 2 - *April 01 to June 03, Tuesday 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Evening Section 3 - **April 03 to June 05, Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

The perfect introductory class for those with very little or no knowledge of Italian. Students learn the basics of every day Italian conversation. An ideal course for anyone who wants to learn to converse in ITALIANO! Instructors: Patrizia Cerruti *Franca Brida Lingren**Nancy Stefani

Beginning II - Italiano Due:  Day Section 1 - April 02 to June 04, Wednesday, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15pm

Evening Section 2- April 02 to June 04, Wednesdays, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Evening Section 3- *April 03 to June 05, Thursdays, 7:15 to 9:15 pm.

Calling all former Italiano Uno students and all those who want to continue learning Italian! Students will expand vocabulary and grammar and learn to speak and understand everyday Italian. (Prego Chapters 3 -5 ).Instructors: Patrizia Cinquini Cerruti *Nancy Stefani.

Beginning III- Italiano Tre:  Day Section 1:April 03 to June 05, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00pm

* Evening Section, April 03 to June 05, Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Graduates of Italiano II and students who possess the basic grammar and vocabulary skills will enjoy this interactive class. Students learn new grammar, expand vocabulary and practice conversational skills. (Prego Chapters 5-8). Instructors: Gabriella Notarianni *Matthew Stivener.

Intermediate I - Italiano Quattro: *Day Section 1: April 03 to June 05, Thursdays, 2:30am. to 4:30 pm.

Evening Section 2: April 02 to June 04, Mondays, 7:15 to 9:15 pm.

Students will increase their vocabulary, grammar and conversational skills. You'll be speaking molto bene! Continue learning Italian, enhance your skill and play an active role in the class discussions. Instructor: Jay Grossi *Gabriella Notarianni

Intermediate II - Italiano Cinque: *Day Section 1: March 31 to June 02, Mondays, 12:30 to 2:30

Evening Section: March 31 to June 02, Mondays, 5:15 to 7:15 pm.

Strengthen conversation, grammar and vocabulary - lively class discussions. Prego! book where Italiano Quattro left off. Instructors: Jay Grossi *Laura Loddo

Intermediate III - Italiano Sei: (returns in Fall)

Advanced I - Italiano Sette: April 03 to June 05, Thursdays, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

This class is taught in Italian to increase students' conversation, grammar and total language skills! Prego! Book where Sei Left off. Instr: Gabriella Notarianni

Advanced II - Italiano Otto: April 02 to June 04, Wednesdays, 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.

This class is taught in Italian to increase students' conversation, grammar and total language skills! Prego! Book where Sette. Left off. Instr. Jay Grossi

Corso Superiore: Day Section 1: March 31 to June 02, Mondays, 10:15 to 12:15

*Evening Section: April 02 to June 04, Wednesdays, 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Class broadens students' understanding of more complex linguistic constructions, grammar, idioms and expressions. Instr. Laura Loddo *Jay Grossi

Intermediate to Advanced Conversation:- April 01 to June 03, Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6:45 pm.

The perfect class for the students who wish to enhance their Italian conversation skills, learn new vocabulary and have the opportunity to speak Italian in a teacher led, friendly environment. No text. ONLY $90.00 FOR 10 WEEKS!! Instructor: Nancy Stefani.

ITALIAN

FOR

TRAVELERS

"Don't leave home without this class"

Day Section 1. April 01 to June 03, Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2:15 pm.

Evening Section 2. April 02 to June 4, Wednesdays, 7:15 to 9:00 pm. 

If "il Bel Paese;" Italy is on your itinerary, don't miss this informative class designed especially for travelers to Italy. The best the world has to offer: -art, history, food, wine, music, culture and spectacular beauty all wait the traveler to Italy. This course makes your trip to Italy more enjoyable! Travelers learn basic conversation skills, useful vocabulary and important phrases. Students appreciate the focus on Italian culture and customs, and the valuable travel tips and practical information which prepare travelers to confidently visit and enjoy the Italian Peninsula. Instructor, Patrizia Cinquini Cerruti, is a native of Tuscany, an expert travel planner and the author of the course textbook: BUON VIAGGIO! A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.

CIAO

ITALIA

CHILDREN'S LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE PROGRAM

Sundays, March16 to April 13 from 12:00 TO 1:30 pm

2791 24th Street, Room 13, Sacramento, CA 95818

Special 5 Week Course!!

THERE IS NO GREATER GIFT FOR A CHILD: THAN THEIR CULTURE, LANGUAGE & HERITAGE

Every one's life is very busy these days...a child's life is no exception. We have developed a very special 5 week language and cultural program for children from first to eighth grade. This 5 week program is a great introduction to Italian Language and the culture, customs and traditions of the Italian heritage. In addition to learning Italian language, children will enjoy games, songs, dances, videos, foods, history, geography and celebrations which teach them about their special heritage.

Many studies have documented the advantages of being introduced to a second language during the grammar school years.

So many of our children grow up without any tie to their Italian heritage. This program offers them what is not available in the regular school curriculum and can greatly enrich your children's lives. Your children will appreciate this gift of knowing their heritage.

These wonderful classes are taught by Kathy Marchetti and Sarah Fredrickson and offered by the Italian Cultural Society for only $35.00. Send your registration in today and receive a $5.00 discount (pay only $30). For information about the CIAO ITALIA, THE BAMBINI DANCERS or any of the other Children's Programs call 482-5900.

The Italian Cultural Center Fund

Maintaining Our Culture and Community

Italians have a powerful connection to their heritage. They share a history that connects them to each other. The Italian American story is rooted in the great migration and settlement of people from every region of Italy to every corner of the United States. From the immigrant neighborhoods, to the post war suburbs and into the present day Italian communities, the Italian American story has been shared by millions of Italian American families.

One of the primary goals of the Italian Cultural Society is to maintain our community through our cultural and educational programs. Each generation of Italian Americans deserves the chance to learn and understand their story in this country. We cannot rely upon our public education system to tell our story. It is up to Italian Americans to pass on the sense of community and of being Italian that is so vital to the well-being of Italians in every generation.

It is important for all Italian Americans to support the campaign to build the new Italian Cultural Center in Sacramento to maintain the connection we have to each other - to maintain "La Storia."

Recently, one of the main supporters of the Building Fund, John Savarino, passed away. John had a strong connection to the Italian American community and was well known and respected in our community. John loved being Italian. He was the first person to donate $25,000 to the Building Fund to get it off the ground.

John had a dream. He wanted our community to build a modern Italian Cultural Center in Sacramento to keep our community alive and well into the future. John was a successful and smart businessman and knew this was a big project for our community. But he had faith that the Italian Cultural Society was up to the job. He often called to find out how we were progressing with the project. He never lost faith that we would accomplish the goal of building an Italian Center in Sacramento. He gave generously to the Building Fund and challenged others to do the same. This is a good time for those who care about their heritage, as John cared, to meet the challenge.

Thanks For Your Donations To The Building Fund

Yes, I want to Help Build The Italian Center

Name___________________________________________________________Telephone__________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________Zip_______________

In Memory of_____________________________________________________________________

$25_____ $50_____ $100_____ $250_____ $500_____ $1000_____ $5000_____

Make checks payable to the Italian Center Building Fund and mail to P.O. Box 189427, Sacramento, CA 95818

Earthquake Relief Fund

The Italian Cultural Society's Earthquake Relief fund raised $4, 425 to help the victims of the recent earthquake which so brutally devasted the town of San Giuliano di Puglia and forced more than 10,000 people out of their homes. Society member, Maria Zelano, visited schools in the Molise region just weeks before the tragic quakes. Member Mike Cipolla and his seven year old daughter visited friends in the region after the earthquake. This type of personal contact always makes the loss of lives and the destruction very real. The Society was able to respond immediately by establishing the relief fund. Our hope is that this region can rebuild. In addition to the funds, we send the people of San Giuliano di Puglia the clear message that our Italian Community remembers them in their time of tragedy and need. We wish to thank the donors who made our efforts a success: The Peninsula Social Club, James Christian, Evelyn Grossi, David and Victoria Bradshaw, James Luotto, Alan and Miriam Fishman, Capitol Square Children's Center, Togo's Freeport, Land Park Infant Center and PreSchool, Marcia and Steve Ceccato, Giovanni's Pizza, Bob and Eileen Masullo, Miriam Nunez, L.L. Martin, Jo Anne Foulk, Cheryl and David Crowdis, Louis and Mary Maucieri, Rodney and Paulette Hennum, Gail Lesley Diehl Interiors, Frank and Doris Cerill, Margaret Venturi, Teresa and A. D. Pizzuti, Lauralynn Jones, Carol Case, Clara Capriato, Catherine Nierva, Angela Cramer, Roseann Cerrito, Linda Hall, Carolyn Brown, Michael McKeever, Bill and Bernadette Cramer, Don Gordon, Marcia Bodem, Teresa and Senon Valadez, Kyle Kelley, Ernest and Patricia Vilter, Nancy Wilson, Bevan and Nelva Richardson, Codell and Leonard Silva, John and Nancy Seibert, Doni Foxworth. Grazie tante!

La Befana

Visits Sacramento

On January 6, the legendary "Befana" visited the children of Sacramento's Italian community with her bag of candy and gold coins. Nearly 400 children and their parents attended this year's party. In Italy, gifts are exchanged on January 6 the Feast of Epiphany . It is the kindly old lady named "Befana"who fills the stockings of good children. The Italian Cultural Society's annual Children's Festival celebrates this tradition with a wonderful afternoon of puppet shows, folk-dancing, music, crafts, and traditional Italian desserts. This year, the featured entertainment was the Bambini Dancers, a children's folk dance troupe who were joined by La Danza Italiana, the teen folk dance troupe. Grazie! for a wonderful festival to Bonnie Hodge, the festa director and her committee of Kathy Marchetti, Patty Peter, Patrizia and Bill Cerruti and Grazie!to Tony Damiani for the music and puppet show. Grazie! to the many dancers who performed and the volunteers who worked in the kitchen, at the crafts tables, on the puppet show and at the T-shirt and Children's book tables which featured more than 30 book titles for parents to select from..

CIAO ITALIA PROGRAM

Teaching kids to Speak Italian

The Society's "CIAO ITALIA" programs are designed to teach children about their heritage and to teach them Italian at a time when language acquisition is so natural for them. The Italian classes for children from 1st to 8th grades meet on Sundays at the Italian Cultural Center and provide children with the opportunity to learn Italian in a creative and supportive learning environment. It's a great way for kids to connect to their heritage. Call the Society at (916) 482-5900 to sign up for the next session of classes.

BOCCE BOCCE BOCCE

The East Portal Bocce Club in East Sacramento will begin its new season of Bocce leagues in April. The first league will run from April through July and the second will run from July through October. The Bocce leagues are open to all ages and skill levels and free orientation classes are held for newcomers. Call Traci Malley at (916) 456-7169 to sign up.

Within an hour drive of the State Capitol, there are an estimated 70 Bocce courts in operation. The East Portal Bocce Club operates 4 outdoor courts at East Portal Park. The Italian Benevolent Society in Sutter Creek operates 3 outdoor courts. Martinez has 14 city operated courts. Other nearby cities with courts are Fairfield with 4 courts, Vallejo with 4 courts, Crockett with 2 courts and Roseville with 2 courts and 4 additional courts at Roseville Sun City. There are also major concentrations of courts in Oakland, San Rafael, San Francisco and San Mateo. One of the largest centers of Bocce in the area is in Stockton with 16 courts at the Italian Athletic Club and 4 more courts at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club.

The Sacramento area is home to several national Bocce champions who play on local courts. Teresa Wagstaff, of Sacramento, led the United States Women's team in the Women's World Bocce Championships in Saluzzzo, Italy in August. Her husband Rick Wagstaff, led the United States Men's team in the Men's World Championships in Brazil where they placed 9th in the world.

ITALIAN FILM SERIES

Friday - March 21 - at 8pm

"bread & tulips"

A zesty internationally acclaimed Italian comedy

with a wonderful sense of la dolce vita.

Filmed in Venice, this films reminds you that its

never too late to bloom..

(2002) in Italian with English subtitles.

Friday, April 18 - at 8pm

"UP at the VILLA"

Sean Penn and Kristen Scott Thomas star in this

thriller set in 1938 pre- World War II Florence.

Co stars Anne (Italiano) Bancroft.

1999 - in English

both films are open to the public

& shown at the Italian Center

2791- 24th St. - rm 13