A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The year 2016 will soon be coming to a close. I imagine most of you are asking, as am I, “where has the year gone!” I want to thank the members of the Executive Committee who worked so hard this year to bring some extraordinary events to our membership: informative and quality programs presented at our general Society meetings; special events (Carnevale); the Ferragosto picnic; and recognition of last year’s AMHS/NIAF scholarships winners, Christina Iovino and Maria LaVerghetta.
We continue to greatly expand our social outreach via our Facebook page and our website, whereby members and friends can register for events on-line; join or renew membership online; purchase merchandise; see photos of events; recognize our scholarship winners; and just basically showcase who we are to the larger Italian American community in the U.S. and around the world. The Society is very thankful for the numerous sponsors of the website, including A. Litteri’s, amico, Carmine’s Restaurant, Colavita, Fontina Grille, Palm Bay International, Pasta Plus, Positano and Portofino Restaurants, Osteria da Nino, and Three Brothers Restaurant. And thanks to Board member Jonathan Stern, who helps to maintain and update the site. Please be sure to check out our website, www.abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.org. Of course, 2016 would not be complete without our ever popular wine-tasting event, which will be held on Sunday, November 20 in Casa Italiana.
Due to restrictions on use of the kitchen in Casa Italiana, we are unable to make the porchetta. However, we will have a wonderful meal catered by Three Brothers Italian Restaurant. We will also vote on three candidates for members of the Board: Jeff Clark, Helen Free, and Albert Paolantonio. Please be sure to read the report from the Nominating Committee, with information on the candidates, on page 3. I also wish to highlight the urgent appeal for a candidate to serve as Secretary. Maria Fresco, who has done a superb job for us for three years, will be stepping down at the end of December. Maria will also relinquish her responsibility as editor of the AMHS Notiziario.
Maria has done a terrific job and has been instrumental in proofreading articles to ensure we can print the newsletter in a timely manner. So please thank Maria when you can! In closing, I wish to acknowledge the will of the members who voted, at the September 18 general Society meeting, to formally affiliate with NIAF as a member organization for a 2nd year.
As the Society’s representative on NIAF’s Italian American Leadership Council, I have remained dedicated to its work to grow the Council to include more member organizations such as ours. The “great name” of AMHS is well-known and wellrespected amongst NIAF Board and IALC members. Several officers and members attended this year’s Expo Italiana and the Gala, both of which took place on October 15. We saw and interacted with NIAF staff, Board Members and other IALC members who are very grateful to have AMHS back for a 2nd year. Please be sure to read more about this affiliation in the article that follows this message.
In closing, I wish to thank Rocco Caniglia and Sergio Fresco for their three years of service on the Board. They brought valuable input to the operation of the Society; also to Helen Free, who served part of a year’s term to fulfill the Board slot of Lana Nardella, who resigned late last year. We owe them our gratitude for their service. I also thank you, the members, for your continued support of the mission and objectives of AMHS.
I encourage you to get involved more closely with the Executive Committee – see how you can help to make a difference and impact change and growth for the future of the Society. For example, we have several standing committees that could use some extra hands, specifically the Hospitality, Social, Travel, and Fundraising committees. The work of these committees should not be left solely to the members of the Executive Committee. I look forward to seeing you on November 20!
Cordiali saluti,
Maria D’Andrea