Our Society gathered to enjoy its annual Awards Luncheon on Sunday, May 7, and was proud honor this year’s Donne di Merito recipients and to present scholarships to five outstanding university students who will be studying in Italy over the next year. Those attending enjoyed a beautiful musical performance by Darcy Naugle, Coloratura Soprano, and Rosanna Patrona-Aurand on piano.
We are pleased to announce that we will once again be awarding scholarships to five excellent students at our annual Awards Luncheon, to be held May 7 at 12:00 noon at the Mt. Vernon Canyon Club Colorado. At this time, we will also honor the recipients of the 2023 Donne di Merito Award. Our Contemporary Award winner is Rosalie Galasso Caputo and our Historical Award winner is Sister Blandina Segale. If you have not yet registered, please do so on our website: www.dantealighieriofdenver.com Click on “Spring Awards Luncheon” under Upcoming Events. The event will begin with a social time from 12:00 to 12:30, followed by a musical program presented by coloratura soprano Darcy Naugle from 12:30 to 1:00, after which luncheon will be served. Recognition of our Donne di Merito winners and presentation of scholarships will complete this event which is the highlight of the activities and the mission of our Society.
Hard to believe it was three years ago when life on this planet changed…probably forever. For all intents and purposes, COVID-19 forced the unprecedented lockdown of the world. Consequently, the Board of Directors of the Dante Alighieri Society found itself in a difficult position. People wanted/needed an outlet, a diversion, a sense of normalcy. But how could we make that happen for our members? Along with millions of others, we discovered this innovation I refer to as “remote connectivity”. In our case it was ZOOM. Utilizing this tool, the Society continued its monthly cultural meetings, Italian Heritage Month offerings and monthly Board meetings. And we survived! Now that we’re able to meet face-to-face again, we continue to bring you interesting and innovative get- togethers. April’s presentation looks at the battle between two Florentine churches for the naming of the city’s patron saint. May 7 is the annual Awards Luncheon. And plans are already in place for the rest of the year. However, we are always open to ideas for future programs. So, if you would like to hear about some topic, or would like to present on a topic, don’t hesitate to let us know. Through thick and thin we have been here for you and will continue to be so in the future.
John Giardino, President
I am amazed at this spring, this conflagration of green fires lit on the soil of the earth. D. H. Lawrence. Looking out my window I’m not seeing a “conflagration of green” but rather the dirty snow pile left over from the last storm. But not to worry, Spring is due to arrive soon. In the meantime, the Dante Alighieri Society has plans to fill the time. Appropriately, winter will be given one last showing at our March 10 Cultural Meeting. In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Tonya Clement, a Dante Alighieri member, will be relating her 2006 climb of Mt. Everest, leaving the way for Spring to arrive shortly thereafter. Plan now to attend. I know you will be captivated by the tale of her historic adventure. Also, be sure to check out our other upcoming events listed here in the Notiziario and on our website, dantealighieriofdenver.com.
John Giardino, President
