A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends

Cari Soci ed Amici,

The year 2014 will soon be coming to a close. I imagine, like most of you, that we are asking ourselves “where has the year gone!” As my second year as President comes to a close, 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, with one of the largest crowds we’ve seen in a long time; recognition of last year’s AMHS/NIAF scholarships, Laura Jones and Christina Iovino; and a superb program on the influence of Italians on the growth and development of the U.S. Marine Band (which you can read about later in the Notiziario). We have also greatly expanded our social outreach via our Facebook page and through a growing relationship with the Passatempo Meetup group. We continue to grow our membership. I am delighted to meet new members who enthusiastically embrace our culture and our Society. 2 Of course, our year would not be complete without our everpopular porchetta lunch and wine-tasting event, which will be held on Sunday, November 23 in Casa Italiana. Once again AMHS member Joe Novello will prepare his succulent porchetta, and many of our local wine makers will bring their product for all to enjoy. We also will hold elections for three members of the Board, to replace Bruno Fusco, Eileen Verna, and John Verna – their term of service expires on December 31, 2014. The Nominating Committee (Lucio D’Andrea, Dick DiBuono, and Nancy DeSanti) has found three candidates eager and willing to serve: Rosina Brienza Schacknies, Ennio DiTullio, and Ray LaVerghetta. You can read more about these candidates elsewhere in the Notiziario. Please be sure to thank Bruno, Eileen, and John for their service. In closing, I wish to thank all of you for your continued support. I encourage you to get involved more closely with the Executive Committee. For example, we have several standing committees that could use some extra hands, so to speak, especially the Hospitality, Travel, and Fundraising committees. We are always open to help, and to new and fresh ideas. The work of these committees should not be left solely to the members of the Executive Committee. You can find contact information for the chairs of these committees on our website, www.abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.com

I look forward to seeing you on November 23.

Cordiali saluti,

Maria D’Andrea