A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer thus far, and that you have some wonderful travel plans scheduled with you and your families. (If you travel to Italy, we would welcome you to write an article for a future issue of the Notiziario, to share your experience with all of us!). The Society will remain quite active throughout the summer and into September, with the July 31 general Society meeting, the August 14 Ferragosto picnic, and the September 11 Italian Festa at Villa Rosa in Mitchellville, MD.

With respect to each of these events/activities, please read about them elsewhere in the Notiziario – and see, specifically, the flyers to publicize these events. Regarding the Italian Festival at Villa Rosa, AMHS will volunteer by selling the wine and running an adjacent booth whereby we can promote the Society and the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. We will be soliciting your help in this endeavor, in late August. So please consider helping out at the Festa, which is a fundraiser for Holy Rosary Church in Washington, DC. This September will mark the one year anniversary of the Society’s formal affiliation with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

The Society’s Executive Committee (EC) will be undertaking a review of our affiliation – benefits to and for us, as well as for the larger Italian American community. By the end of this month, the EC will vote on whether to recommend that the Society affiliate with NIAF for a second year. The membership will be asked to vote at the September 18 general Society meeting. Prior to this vote, you will be apprised of the EC recommendation and any other information relevant to allow you to make an informed decision. The issue of NIAF affiliation will need to be addressed each year, as the cost for affiliation is $2,500 per year – a cost which is not taken lightly by us but that ultimately must be approved by the membership.

This year also marks the end of the term of office for Maria Fresco, AMHS Secretary, and three members of the Board: Rocco Caniglia, Helen Free, and Sergio Fresco. A nominating committee, comprised of three members to recommend a slate of candidates, is in the process of being established (Ennio DiTullio is one member who has agreed to serve – thank you Ennio)! If you are approached by the three to serve as Secretary or as a member of the Board, I hope that you will keep an open mind and recognize the positive contributions you can make to the effective operation of the Society.

If you don’t want to serve as an officer or member of the Board, do consider helping with one of our standing committees – there are several that could use help, specifically the Hospitality, Travel, and Social committees. We are forever grateful for your support; and we welcome any contribution you can make! I hope everyone enjoys a happy and relaxing summer, and I look forward to seeing you at the Society’s upcoming events.

Cordiali saluti,

Maria