A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Cari amici,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far, with grand adventures here or abroad, with family and friends. Personally (at what I hope will be the printing of this issue), I will have returned from Italy on July 3, after spending a week in Agnone, Molise studying at the program Live and Learn Italian, whose Executive Director, Jenifer Landor, is a great friend and sponsor of AMHS. Following my studies in Agnone, I will travel to Puglia, back to Molise, to visit with my father’s family, and then to Rome.

What makes this trip extra special is that I will be traveling with a fellow Molisano, and a long-time AMHS member and current Board member, Albert Paolantonio. We will write about our “grand Italian adventure” in a future issue of the Notiziario. As many of you know, the Society does not take a break over the summer, as we continue our practice of holding two events: a general Society meeting, which is scheduled this year on July 23 at Casa Italiana; and the Ferragosto picnic, scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Please be sure to read more about both of these events elsewhere in the Notiziario. This September will mark the two- year anniversary of the Society’s formal affiliation with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

The Society’s Executive Committee (EC) will be undertaking a review of our affiliation – benefits to and for us, as well as for the larger Italian American community. By the end of this month, the EC will vote on whether to recommend that the Society affiliate with NIAF for a second year. The membership will be asked to vote at the September general Society meeting. Prior to this vote, you will be apprised of the EC recommendation and any other information relevant to allow you to make an informed decision. The issue of NIAF affiliation will need to be addressed each year, as the cost for affiliation is $2,500 per year – a cost which is not taken lightly by us but that ultimately must be approved by the membership.

For the members who are new to AMHS, one of the key benefits of affiliation with NIAF is that it allows our Society to continue to receive matching scholarship funds from NIAF, and have NIAF manage the scholarship application process according to criteria established by AMHS. This year also marks the end of the terms of office for President, 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and three members of the Board. A nominating committee has been established, which will undertake the vetting of candidates for these positions.

If you are approached by the committee to serve in any capacity, I hope that you will keep an open mind and recognize the positive contributions you can make to the effective operation of the Society. If you don’t want to serve as an officer or member of the Board, do consider helping with one of our standing committees – there are several that could use help, specifically the Hospitality, Travel, and Social committees. We are forever grateful for your support; and we welcome any contribution you can make! I hope everyone enjoys a happy and relaxing summer, and I look forward to seeing you at the Society’s upcoming events.

Cordiali saluti,

Maria