October 2024
Now is the time for all good Italians, Italian wannabes, Italophiles, or anyone who appreciates and wants to experience a bit of Italian culture to attend the events being offered during Italian Heritage Month. Listed here in this issue is the list of activities to check out. There’s fun, food, film, and friends awaiting. For more detailed information check out our website. I look forward to seeing you there.
Grazie, John Giardino
August 2024
My wife and I recently took our three youngest grandchildren to New York City, wanting them to experience the vibrance, chaos and history of arguably the most famous city in the world. In a few short days we walked the Brooklyn Bridge, saw the Statue of Liberty, visited the 911 Memorial, walked through Central Park, toured the Tenement Museum, awed at Times Square, and more. More included the obligatory tour of Little Italy. Though this iconic part of lower Manhattan is shrinking, it still retains the flavor of its namesake, Italy. Wandering down the bustling streets brought back memories of North Denver when I was growing up - three of four Italian restaurants in walking distance, three Italian markets nearby, the fresh fruit and vegetable truck that came by Nanie’s house in the morning, and of course, the church, Mt. Carmel. While Our Lady is still there, the neighborhood has become a weird mixture of the traditional and the neo-modern. Over the years I’ve heard rumblings of a “Little Italy” in the downtown Denver area, but nothing so far. It would be wonderful if that ever happened but, in the meantime, let’s do everything we can to hold on to the culture and the language we know and love. The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver is committed to that purpose. We’ll always welcome your collaboration in doing so.
Grazie, John Giardino
July 2024
Summer officially arrived at 2:51 MDT on June 20th. School’s out, people are going on vacation, the weather is getting warmer, you know, the normal summer stuff. While we had an enlightening cultural meeting in June, the Society has decided to take the month of July off. Rather than doing our own program, we will be supporting Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s annual celebration and bazaar. We’d like to invite everyone to participate in this meaningful and fun weekend. Then, on August 11, we will be having our Annual Members Summer Picnic. Beyond that, we’re well into planning for Italian Heritage Month in October, looking at other Italian organizations to host their events in conjunction with the month-long celebration. As always, we’re here for you so don’t hesitate to let us know what more we might be able to do to “share and celebrate the richness of the Italina culture and language with the entire community”.
Grazie, John Giardino
June 2024
Thanks to a group of Italians and Italophiles, next year we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the chartering of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. Their foresight and leadership continues to ensure that the Society maintains and carries out its mission. Sadly, we recently lost one of our founding members, Gianfranco Marcantonio. With his passing, we have lost not only a patriarch but also a historian who dedicated much of his time to keeping, cataloging and sharing the history of the Dante Alighieri Society. In his honor, in honor of all the founders who went before him, and for those who are still with us, we will continue to “share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture with the entire community”.
Grazie, John Giardino
May 2024
Love all things Italian? Have new, innovative ideas?
Enjoy decision making? Comfortable working with others?
Have we got a job for you! No experience necessary, we train!
Apply Today!!
Seriously, I’m serious! The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver has been around since 1985 and we plan to be here far into the future. Times have changed and we’re working to change with them. Not only do times change, but leadership changes as well. In the past we’ve had to seek out people to fill the ranks of the board of directors. But I’m hoping that, with the new tack on which the Society is embarking, interested and excited people like you will come forward, wanting to be an important part of our unique, and growing organization. I’d be happy to visit with anyone who is interested or has questions about the “job”. I can always be reached via the DAS website.
Grazie, John Giardino
April 2024
Technically speaking, the vernal equinox, which occurred on March 19 this year, is the moment when the sun crosses over the celestial equator. In layman’s terms it’s simply the first day of spring in our part of the globe. What’s so special about this day, other than the fact that it signals the official end (sic) of winter? Spring! - just hearing the word elicits thoughts of new growth, new life, a bright and colorful regeneration of our wintered world. Regeneration is not just limited to nature though. It can and does happen everywhere. Over the past few months, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver has considered ways in which it can regenerate itself into an organization that provides more substance to a larger and more diverse audience who desires to experience the Italian culture. We are looking at possible changes in programs, times, places, media presence, outreach, working with the other Italian organizations, etc. Rest assured that when you do see changes in the future, whatever they are, we will always hold true to our mission, “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”. I’d love to hear what you’d like to see this “spring”!
Grazie, John Giardino
I recently attended a gathering of leaders from several Denver area Italian organizations. The purpose of the meeting was to compile a calendar of each group’s activities, meetings, etc. to share with the entire Italian community. From talking to those at the meeting, it was clear that almost every organization is struggling to attract and retain new members, especially those who might be interested in taking on leadership roles. Not surprisingly, there was the acknowledgment that we can no longer remain in our respective silos but must begin to work together if we are going to continue our roles. In this issue of the Notiziario, you will find the calendar that was created that evening (see page 7). We will post the updated calendar monthly to keep you informed of not only what’s happening in the Dante Alighieri Society but what other clubs are doing. Promoting any and all activities will hopefully spark new interest in our common goal, as our Dante Alighieri Society Mission Statement says, “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”.
Grazie, John Giardino.
Did you know that the first Italians arrived in Denver in the 1870’s? Many came directly from Italy, leaving behind their poverty-stricken country in search of the land of opportunity. Instead, they found more poverty and discrimination. Having brought with them their own culture, food, style and more, they survived and flourished. Today we know that, despite its grim beginnings, the Italian community had, and continues to have, a significant impact on Denver and its culture. In 1985, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver was chartered and today still “exists to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”. To learn more about Italian history, culture, and its influence, please join us as we spread the word about all things Italian. Grazie!
Grazie, John Giardino.
Buon Anno! This is the time of year when people reflect on what they’ve accomplished over the past twelve months and envision what they would like to accomplish over the next twelve. Your Dante Alighieri Society is no different. We are proud of what we brought to our members in 2023 but are already thinking and planning what we can do to make the Society even more interesting, engaging and fun in 2024, for members and potential members alike. I continue to ask not only for your support but also for your thoughts, good and bad. Together, that’s the best way to fulfill our mission, “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”.
Grazie e tutto il meglio per il nuovo anno! John Giardino
Buon Natale! Except for the last remaining days of December, 2023 is all but past. I’m happy to report that the Dante Alighieri Society has had another successful year of fulfilling its mission – to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community. Looking back, this year has been a busy one with language classes, cultural programs, films, awards, scholarships, Italian Heritage Month, and more, culminating in our Annual Christmas Party. I hope you plan to be a part of the festivities not only to celebrate the season but to be with friends and family who share your love of all things Italian. See you there! If you can’t make it then let me now wish you a Joyous and Peaceful Christmas.
John Giardino
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