A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The year 2017 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; the Ferragosto picnic; and recognition of this year’s AMHS/NIAF scholarships winners, Salvatore Pitino and Nicholas Rao. We had a very successful September meeting at Carmine’s Restaurant (be sure to read Nancy’s article on page 3).
At this meeting, the 46 members present voted overwhelmingly in support of affiliation with NIAF as a member organization for a 3nd year. As the Society’s representative on NIAF’s Italian American Leadership Council this year, 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 well-respected amongst NIAF Board and IALC members.
Several officers and members will attend this year’s NIAF Gala weekend (November 3-6), at the Expo Italiana and the Gala itself. We have another fantastic event this month, the ever-popular wine tasting event on November 12 at Casa Italiana (be sure to read Nancy’s article on page 2). We are very happy to have back, as our guest speaker, Tom Savage, with International Cellars (and an AMHS member), who will give a remarks on wines of Italy. We are also excited to have as our guest Jenifer Landor, Director of Live and Learn Italian in Agnone, Molise.
If you will recall, AMHS board member Albert Paolantonio wrote an article, in the September AMHS Notiziario, about our experience studying with this program in June. Jenifer will be in Washington to connect with other Italian language programs to further promote the Live and Learn program. With respect to the November 12 meeting, one important item of business will be the elections for officers and three members of the board (for candidates, see the article from the Nominating Committee on page 3).
If the elections go as I hope/expect, the Society will elect a new President, Ray LaVerghetta. Ray and his wife Michele have been AMHS members since May 2013; Ray currently serves on the board and, since 2016, he has chaired the Scholarship Committee. He is very dedicated to the Society’s mission. Therefore, this should be my final message to you as President. It has been an incredible honor to represent the Society for a fifth year as President.
I could not have led the organization without the commitment, dedication, support and friendship of the many officers and board members with whom I have served over the years; the foundation laid by our past Presidents: my father Lucio; Ennio DiTullio; Omero Sabatini; and Dick DiBuono; and the support and friendship of the members. Stepping down as President is very bittersweet . . . . but it is time to “turn the reins over” to someone else, so to speak – someone who can carry forward with the mission of the Society and strongly represent our voice in the larger Italian American community.
But you know, given my strong familial ties to both Abruzzo and Molise, I will not venture far and I will, in fact, be a member of the board serving as Immediate Past President. I love this organization too much to simply walk away! I hope you do as well, and that you will continue to appreciate the hard work of the Executive Committee but, most importantly, I hope you will continue your support and commitment to the Society. We are a wonderful family who takes pride in our Italian heritage and in “all things Italian”.
In closing, I would like to quote Wilferd A. Peterson (the author of “The Art of Living”), who said “when we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” I look forward to seeing you on November 12!
Cordiali saluti,
Maria D’Andrea