HONORS TO THE D’ANDREA BROTHERS BY THE REGION OF MOLISE
AMHS member Joseph (Joe) D’Andrea was recently honored by the region of Molise with the “Passaporto dell’Oro” (Golden Passport) for his years of dedication to the promotion and recognition of Molise, especially his significant role in honoring victims of the Monongah, West Virginia coal mine explosion of 1907 when 87 Molisani immigrants died in this horrific tragedy. The ceremony was hosted in Roccamandolfi, the hometown village of Joe and his brother, Lucio, by the sindaco (Mayor) Giacomo Lombardi and representatives of the Molisani nel Mondo, including Michele Petraroia, Executive Vice President of the region of Molise. In a separate ceremony held in Isernia, in conjunction with a conference on “Women of Molise,” AMHS President Emeritus Lucio D’Andrea and Joe were both honored with certificates of appreciation presented by Michele Pretraroia. Lucio and Joe were also honored in the charming village of Jelsi, in Campobasso, by Michele Petraroia, Salvatore D’Amico the mayor of Jelsi, and Franco Narducci, President of the Union of National Associations of Immigrants and Emigrants.
Jelsi is famous for its annual Festival del Grano (wheat), which was the subject of a general Society meeting presented by Immediate Past President Dick DiBuono, whose family emigrated from Jelsi. Lucio also did something that he wanted to do for years when visiting Rocca, and that is to climb Monte Miletto, which summits at 6,500 feet. Lucio was joined on the hike by a retired forest ranger. They started their ascent from Campitello Matese and climbed over some very rough, rocky trails, up to 4,000 feet. According to Lucio, “climbing down was tough; it always is. Toward the end of the descent his legs were ready to give up on him. The forest ranger was, however, astonished that my father, at the ripe young age of 81, managed to do the climb! Forza Dad! (submitted by Maria D’Andrea).
CONGRATULAZIONI TO DR. LUIGI DeLUCA
By Lucio D’Andrea
We are pleased to share with you the special recognition of the Government of Italy of our Society member, Dr. Luigi DeLuca. He has been honored with the title of "Grande Ufficiale of the Order of the Star of Italy” by the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. It is a unique and special award, given annually to only 60 people world-wide. His recognition cites his role of serving for nine years as President of the Italian Cultural Society and promoting the Italian language and culture; his scientific work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Cancer Research Institute; his pursuit of knowledge by studying the classics, and enrolling for PhD program in Latin and Greek. Dr. DeLuca is currently teaching Nutritional Biochemistry at John Hopkins University in Baltimore
NIAF HONORS PINO CICALA
Long-time AMHS member Pino Cicala (left) is being honored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) at its annual Columbus Day Gala on October 25, 2014. Pino is receiving the Special Achievement Award in Community Leadership. In awarding this prestigious honor, NIAF noted that in 1975, Pino was among the 16 Washington Italian American leaders in initial meetings leading to the founding of NIAF. Noting that Pino returns to Italy regularly, particularly to his hometown of Fiumedinisi, Sicily, NIAF said he has “shared his passion for his heritage with other Italian Americans not only personally but through media and technology, early on with original radio and television programming,” citing his “Italian Melodies” radio program and his AMICO website (http://italianamericancommunications.org/). Over the years, NIAF noted that Pino has received three commendations from the government of Italy and on this side of the Atlantic, he has earned “too many honors and awards to mention.” Congratulations, Pino!!