A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I was sorry to have missed the first general Society meeting of the year, which I understand was quite successful in terms of the presentation by the First Counselor, Embassy of Italy; the presentation by the two scholarship winners; and the lunch that was catered by Osteria da Nino. (I was “sailing the high seas” on a Western Caribbean cruise!). I was very pleased to learn, upon my return, that the AMHS Executive Committee voted to donate the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets and merchandise, from this meeting, to relief efforts in Abruzzo. The region has been subjected to some major disasters lately, not so long after the horrific earthquake that struck L’Aquila in 2009. We raised $238, and we plan to follow the same course at the April 9 meeting. At that time, we will share with you the planned recipient for our donation AND that the Society will match the funds raised from both meetings. So more on this later!

We have had a most successful 2016 fundraising campaign for the AMHS scholarship and the AMHS endowment fund. As of end of January, 42 members have donated $5,010 to the AMHS Annual Scholarship Fund, and $625 to the Endowment Fund. On behalf of the Fundraising Committee, I wish to thank each of you who gave so generously – we will give a full reporting of our fundraising initiative in November.

This is a big year for the Society: the terms of office for the President, two Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and 3 board members expire at the end of the year. I will soon create a Nominating Committee to carry forth the very important work of finding qualified individuals who can volunteer their time to manage the operation of the Society, persons who are passionate about the mission of the Society and want to see it growth and thrive moving forward. I also wish to reiterate a very urgent appeal for someone to consider serving on the Executive Committee as Secretary. The primary responsibility is to take the minutes at the EC meetings, which are held 6 times a year, and to disseminate the minutes to the officers for review. We know there is someone ready, willing and able to help!

Once again, this issue is full of wonderful and interesting articles, which we hope you will enjoy. We look forward to seeing you and, as always, we are forever grateful for your support and dedication to the Society.

Cordiali saluti,

Maria