NOVEMBER 15 PORCHETTA LUNCH DRAWS A BIG CROWD!
The AMHS annual wine-tasting and porchetta lunch once again turned out to be an outstanding success, with 109 members and friends attending and 17 winemakers participating—one of our best turnouts for this popular annual event. Much credit must go to Joe Novello, who outdid himself with a delicious porchetta made from a recipe he developed himself over five years ago for family and friends. Some say it was his best porchetta ever!! Romeo Sabatini did his usual superb job organizing the winemakers.
There were many varieties of wines to taste this year, made by Osvaldo Barsi, Carl Clinton, Raffaele DeGregorio, Stefano di Girolamo, Jim Gearing, Bill and Anne Marie Leali, Jack Grimaldi, Vince Marinucci, John Paul Maye, Joe and Joann Novello, Tony Ricche, Joseph Ruzzi, Jr., Romeo Sabatini, Darin Sobin and Wayne Witkowski. After the wonderful lunch of porchetta, root vegetables and some delicious desserts, we had a short business meeting.
President Emeritus Lucio D’Andrea introduced the slate of candidates for officers and board members, selected by the nominating committee - Lucio D’Andrea, Ennio DiTullio and Lynn Sorbara. All were then elected by acclamation. So in a couple of hours, we enjoyed good food, good wine and good company. And it’s safe to say, no one went home hungry or thirsty. Father Ezio in his opening remarks noted the sad passing of our dear friend and longtime board member Deno Reed, and he noted that given the recent attacks in Paris, we are fortunate to have a safe place to meet in fellowship and enjoy good times together.
Many thanks as always to Romeo Sabatini, all the winemakers, Joe Novello and everyone who helped make the event a big success, including Ennio DiTullio who helped carve the porchetta; and the hospitality committee members and volunteers including Peter Bell, Edvige D’Andrea, Elisa DiClemente, Trish Maltagliati, Sarah Scott, Helen Free and all those who helped with preparing the root vegetables and serving the lunch. It should be noted that Joe arrived early in the morning and prepared and stuffed the meats for the oven.
And thanks to all those who donated items for the raffle or bought tickets. Special thanks go to Romeo Sabatini and Joe Lupo who donated a free semester at the Casa Italiana Language School, which was won by Deno and Monica Reed’s daughter Andrea, who said it was meant to be since her father always wanted her to study Italian. The raffle brought in $296 for the scholarship fund. The winetasting and porchetta lunch netted the scholarship fund a total of $1,919.65. Now the bar has really been raised high!! Our thanks to all whose hard work made for such a successful event.