CARNEVALE 2014: “I PIÙ FAMOSI ITALIANI NEL MONDO”
On Sunday, March 1, 2014, almost 120 members and friends of the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society and The Lucchesi nel Mondo-Tuscany Club donned costumes and brought the fun to Casa Italiana for the 2014 celebration of Carnevale. The evening was full of revelry, friendship, good food, wine and dancing. There were several children in attendance, who were entertained with arts and crafts and games in the lower hall of Holy Rosary Church, but also provided those in attendance with some of the best entertainment when they were led, in dance, by Tricia Maltagliati, President of The Lucchesi Club, for the costume competition. Father Ezio Marchetto was one of the judges for costume prizes, which were awarded to:
Bill Berl, dressed as Leonardo DaVinci, who took the prize for “Most Original”; Maria D’Andrea and Sam Yothers, dressed as Francesca da Rimini and Paola Malatesta (characters from Dante’s The Divine Comedy), who took the prize for “Most Authentic”; Barbara Friedman and Peter Bell, dressed as Ippolita Torelli and Baldassare Castiglione, who took the prize for “Best Couple”; and Janel Barsi, dressed as an angel, who took the prize for “Best Overall”.
The best child’s costume prize went to Matteo Brewer, who was dressed as Arlecchino. We had a lucrative 50/50 drawing, which raised money for the renovation of the Casa Italiana kitchen. AMHS and The Lucchesi Club were also able to make a bit of money from the event, which was donated to Holy Rosary Church. AMHS is thankful to many people who dedicated their time and energy to planning this incredibly successful and fun event: from AMHS, Peter Bell, Jeff Clark, Sarah Scott, myself; and from The Lucchesi Club, Osvaldo Barsi, Karen Berl (event planner “extraordinaire”), Mariangela DiPietri, and Tricia Maltagliati.
We are also thankful to the many individuals and companies who provided their services for the evening: Piero’s Corner Ristorante Italiano for the sumptuous meal of appetizers, pasta, meat and seafood dishes; tantalizing desserts provided by Dolci Gelati (an excellent, popular dessert!), Sweet Pearlz Cheesecakes, and Sweet Reasons Cupcakes; Jon Fleming Photography; music by DJ Mike Del Borrello; prizes donated by DiPietri Contractors, Inc., the Italian Children’s Market, Mamma Lucia Restaurant, and Tony’s NY Pizza; and, of course, the wonderful decorations and table place settings and centerpieces by RSVP Events.
AMHS was so pleased with the success of the event that we have decided to join The Lucchesi Club to co-sponsor Carnevale 2015. The date has already been set – Saturday, February 14 at Casa Italiana. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! So mark your calendar and join us for next year’s festivities!
