A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I hope that everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxing summer, whether you travelled far from home, or stayed nearby. I also hope you were able to participate in at least one or two Society events, including the July 23 meeting, and/or the August 13 Ferragosto picnic. Each one of these events provided a wonderful opportunity for Society members, guests, and friends to interact in a warm and welcoming environment. Be sure to read about each of these activities elsewhere in this issue of the Notiziario.

Over the summer, I was very fortunate to spend 16 days in Italy with one of my dearest friends and AMHS board member, Albert Paolantonio (he and I have known each other for over 15 years, and had also spoken of going to Italy together!). I spent one week in Agnone, Molise, studying the Italian language at Live and Learn Italian, a wonderful language immersion program that was brought to attention of the Society over 5 years ago. The Executive Director, Jenifer Landor, has done a remarkable job to make the experience one of intensive study but also of indelible experiences interacting with the citizens and artisans of the town. We followed our studies in Agnone with 5 days in Puglia (Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Manopoli, Castellano nel Grotto – beautiful!), then back to Molise for a visit to my father’s village, Roccamandolfi, the village of Albert’s grandfather, Roccasicura, and a visit with Michele Petraroia, Consigliere Regionale, Molise. This issue of the Notiziario includes articles about our studies in Agnone and our travels throughout Molise – we hope you enjoy.

The next Society-sponsored event will be held on Sunday, September 24 at Carmine’s Restaurant. We will hear from AMHS 2nd VP, Dr. Lynn Sorbara. Drawing on her experience as an expert at the National Cancer Institute, Lynn will use a powerpoint presentation to explain to us in layman’s terms the new cancer treatments of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. This promises to be a very interesting program; be sure to read more about the meeting in the next article. Also at this meeting, the membership will have one critical piece of Society business to attend to, and that is to vote on whether the Society should formally affiliate with NIAF for a third year. Please see page 2 to learn more about this issue, including the EC recommendation on which the membership will vote.

I look forward to seeing you at the September 24 meeting.

Cordiali saluti,

Maria