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Sagra in Torrioni

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / August 8, 2024 / Blog /

In the early hours of the morning, the women of our tiny little town nestled in  the mountains of Campania in Torrioni, the province of Avellino, work tirelessly to prepare the fusilli that will be sold at the Annual Sagra which takes place this Friday through Sunday. So what exactly is this Sagra? For us in Torrioni, this annual event showcases the local delicacies of our region, such as the handmade pasta, the porchetta (roasted pork) sandwiches and finally Greco di Tufo which is the local white wine that is typically served here in this part of Italy. 

But it’s not just about food, because at the heart of this feast is paying homage to our patron saint of San Michele Arcangelo and also to celebrate Sant’Antonio di Padova to which many families here are devout.

On Friday night the streets of Torrioni will be illuminated by the decorative lights that are already being put up on the poles. The usual quiet little town comes alive with people from all over to take part in the festivities. For those of us who have immigrated to other parts of the world and even within Italy and Europe it is not uncommon for us to come specifically for this event. Not only is it a way for us to celebrate the summer but it is a reunion of family and friends to come together. It is the time in which we see all those that we grew up seeing every summer. Friends and families sit at endless tables and share in the joy of the nights and the good food and company.  

We wait anxiously for tomorrow night when the music echoes in the streets and the people dance a combination of old folk music with new music. We enjoy the work of the locals who have all come together to help make the fusilli, the sauce, prepare the porchetta and so many other local grown foods that we enjoy typically of this region.

I look forward to Sunday the most,  the day of the procession, an old world tradition that despite the changes and times, this new generation holds onto honoring our ancestors and patron saints. In years past the men of our town would take turns carrying the saints through the streets of Torrioni where the priest would lead everyone in a procession and bring blessings to all homes. Today, with the sweltering heat it becomes more difficult and so for some years now, the saints are carefully placed on a tractor and slowly driven through the town while we follow behind.

At the end of each night the fireworks light up the starlit skies letting everyone in neighboring towns aware of our feast. It is the perfect end to an already beautiful celebration of the rich Italian tradition and culture.

By Diana M. Zoino

Torrioni, Avellino

My Time in Rome

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / July 10, 2024 / Blog /

By Alyssa McCadden

My love for Italy began when I moved to Rome for my junior and senior years of high school. I attended an international school, where the city became a classroom for learning about ancient Roman ruins, Baroque architecture, and Renaissance painters. There was history to be unearthed on every street corner. I loved learning by interacting with people, trying new foods, and practicing my Italian language skills every day. I also lived in Rome in the midst of the pandemic, and because the city was quiet with very few tourists, I got to know locals and visited museums without the crowds. Despite the difficulty the pandemic caused, Rome’s unique culture and atmosphere shone through. I recently returned to Rome, and it was nostalgic to be there as a tourist instead of a resident. I spent time going back to each of my favorite places—coffee bars, my high school, Isola Tiberina for a picnic by the river, and restaurants where my family had befriended the owners. Visiting Rome renewed my desire to live and work there in the future.

This upcoming school year, I hope to study abroad at an Italian university to immerse myself more deeply in Italian culture and build upon my language skills. While studying abroad, I hope to travel to more of Italy’s diverse regions and experience their unique cultures, foods, art, architecture, and histories. I will also visit Rome and I know that I will again rediscover my love for this beautiful city.

Italian Club in College

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / July 1, 2024 / Blog /

By Roselyn Asusta

Extracurriculars push students out of their comfort zones, and the same applies to clubs in college. Florida International University (FIU) sponsors a club called the FIU Italian Club at its Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC), located in Miami, Florida. The Italian Club welcomes a range of people, including native Italians, children of Italian immigrant parents, experienced Italian students, new Italian students, and those simply interested in Italian culture. I, Roselyn Asusta, lead the club as Vice President with my friend Michelle Puentes, the President. We lead the E-Board and club to accomplish our goal of bringing people interested in Italy together. Our advisor Dr. Magda Pearson, Michelle, and I encourage people to speak Italian even if they are new to the language. We work with the Board and seasoned members to create a safe, relaxed environment where students can make mistakes without hesitation, because mistakes lead to learning and growth. 

The Italian Club hosts several events throughout the semester, including a monthly chiacchierata (or “chat”), where members can casually speak in Italian. Michelle and I also plan community service events with different organizations like the WOW Center (a school for adults with disabilities, where we volunteered to teach Italian) and the FIU Office of University Sustainability (where we volunteered at the FIU Nature Preserve). We even do more leisure-oriented events like a Welcome Party at the beginning of the academic year, pizza-making class, Italian art class, and an opera to attend in the spring at the Adrienne Arsht Center (my favorite event). These events are fun, casual, and educational, and we all learn more about Italian and each other. 

My experience in the FIU Italian Club so far has been fantastic and very rewarding. I have learned plenty about organizing events, handling finances, interacting with members of varying levels in Italian, presenting in a professional setting, and leading a group in general. I have also made friends with many members of the club and even learned Italian slang! I consider the club advisor (who is also my Italian professor), Dr. Magda Pearson, a valuable mentor. I believe that clubs like the FIU Italian Club are worthwhile because you can practice Italian and be part of a small community in college. I hope to keep leading the Italian Club and look forward to enjoying more events with my new friends!

Roselyn Asusta, a junior at Florida International University. Roselyn is an Honors College student majoring in Liberal Studies with a pre-law track and pursuing a certificate in pre-law and another in Italian. She is also Vice President of the Italian Club at Florida International University.

High Impact Philanthropy: Margaret I Cuomo Of The Italian Language Foundation On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / June 15, 2024 / Blog /

An Interview with Karen Mangia
Originally published on Medium

Passion for the mission of the organization is essential. Offering my time and effort to host professional development for teachers of Italian has been a rewarding process. Teachers appreciate our dedication and our recognition of their professional commitment.

Margaret Cuomo

For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D..

Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D., is the author of A World Without Cancer, and the co-founder and president of The Italian Language Foundation, (ILF), a 501©3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and support of Italian language education nationally. The ILF offers free programs for students and teachers of Italian, college fellowships, and the new Giambelli Culinary Award.

Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?

Mygrandparents had a profound impact on my development as a person, and their work ethic, integrity, and generosity toward those in need inspired me. My parents, too, were dedicated to their family and to their community. I will always remember how my parents volunteered whenever they could and were always willing to help others.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.

Passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence are essential for success in any field. Life is filled with challenges for us all. In order to succeed, it is essential to be dedicated to your goal, and willing to fail and to try again, and again. In establishing The Italian Language Foundation, there was resistance to our mission of supporting and promoting Italian language education. Resilience and persistence were required to accomplish the founding of this not-for-profit organization, and ensuring that it would thrive.

The process of researching and writing A World Without Cancer also required passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Explaining and advocating for the prevention of cancer, as well as its treatment, is a vital element of my professional focus as a medical doctor (M.D.) If you believe in your cause, or goal, others will, too. Traveling around the country, speaking to diverse groups of Americans about the need to live a healthy lifestyle to decrease the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, it was clear that better health is a goal for many. People truly want to live healthy lives and will gladly accept change that is presented clearly and with guidance.

What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?

Many students of Italian at the high school and college level throughout the United States are Latinx, and Spanish is a first or second language for them. These students are generally excellent learners of the Italian language. Italian language and culture is for everyone! Among all European nations where English is not the native language, Italy is the most popular destination for American students studying abroad. The Italian Language Foundation encourages and rewards all excellent students of Italian with the Giambelli Awards for Excellence in high school, and with College Fellowships at the college level.

Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?

It became clear to me many years ago that in order to fully understand and appreciate a nation or culture, it is essential to understand the language of its people. In the United States, Italian Americans have been the victims of negative stereotypes, and also, misconceptions about who Italians and Italian Americans are, and what they have contributed to America, and to world civilization. The Italian Language Foundation highlights the vast contributions of Italians and Italian Americans in every field imaginable, from giants in science, math, physics, chemistry, law, philosophy, art, architecture, literature, poetry, music, dance, fashion, automotive design, shipbuilding, culinary arts, and so much more. Once a student begins to learn about Italy, and its people and beautiful language, they develop an appreciation and respect for Italian culture and the many ways in which it has enhanced our society.

What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?

The Italian Language Foundation is my “labor of love.” It is my way of honoring the accomplishments and legacy of my grandparents, Andrea and Immaculata Cuomo, and Charles and Mary Raffa and my parents, Mario and Matilda Cuomo. Bringing the love for Italian culture and language to present and future generations of American students in the goal.

Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?

Many students and teachers of Italian across the USA have benefited from the free programs offered by The Italian Language Foundation. Recently, a college freshman gratefully accepted a generous fellowship from The Italian Language Foundation which allowed her to continue her study of Italian. Without the fellowship, she would not have been able to pursue her goal of mastering the Italian language, and applying her knowledge in her future career.

We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?

My goal in leading The Italian Language Foundation is to make it easier for students to learn Italian, and for teachers to teach Italian. The Italian Language Foundation provides financial support and exciting programs to motivate students to study Italian nationwide. To summarize, I seek to compensate for the lack of interest, misunderstanding and lack of funding that exist in many school districts with regard to Italian language education.

Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.

Establishing and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization requires a passion for the mission of the organization, patience, determination, good communication skills, a committed board of the organization for financial and emotional support, and a plan for sustainability of the organization’s future growth.

  1. Passion for the mission of the organization is essential. Offering my time and effort to host professional development for teachers of Italian has been a rewarding process. Teachers appreciate our dedication and our recognition of their professional commitment.
  2. Patience and determination are required because challenges arise and must be overcome. Lack of funding from donors to our organization can be demoralizing. However, we never give up, and strive to find new ways to motivate our followers and members to give to The Italian Language Foundation, thereby supporting teachers and students of Italian.
  3. Good communication skills — Finding appealing ways to announce new programs for students and teachers is an ongoing effort. Having talented young people to create social media posts and website content is a key element in our success as an organization. The new Giambelli Awards for Excellence, the Giambelli Culinary Awards, and the College Fellowships are exciting new programs all featured on the homepage of The Italian Language Foundation: www.italianlanguagefoundation.org
  4. A committed board of directors is fundamental to the success of any nonprofit organization. Our board is engaged and generous, and that has been a major source of support. Having several board members in business, one former college president, a judge and a medical doctor provides a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. I am grateful to have a board that understands our mission, and supports it wholeheartedly.
  5. Planning for the future leadership of the nonprofit is essential The Italian Language Foundation established the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) whose members are postgraduate young professionals with an interest in Italian language and culture. My daughter, Marianna Cuomo Maier, a national board certified Health and Wellness Coach, and creator of Grata Wellness (gratawellness.com) is the leader and co-founder of the Emerging Leaders Council. Marianna plans social gatherings for ELC members, where they share their passion for Italian culture. In this way, a new generation of members in The Italian Language Foundation is formed and nurtured.

How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?

During the pandemic, we were all focused on staying alive and healthy. Basic human needs took precedence. While remote learning was in place, The Italian Language Foundation offered programs online, including an online leadership program for students, and professional development webinars for teachers of Italian. The Italian Language Foundation adapted to a new way of communicating and serving our students and teachers. It was an enlightening and humbling experience.

How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?

Challenges occur in every nonprofit organization, and to move forward in a positive and effective manner, it is essential to “keep your eyes on the prize.” Remember the mission of your organization, and with determination and patience, try to find solutions to the problems that arise. Collaboration with colleagues and members of your organization is the key to successful problem-solving. Being a good listener and accepting advice with humility and grace will allow you to be a more effective leader.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

When I consider all the contemporary leaders that I admire, Oprah Winfrey comes to mind as a trailblazer and change-agent in arts and entertainment, politics, and philanthropy, fashion, and other important areas. She is truly a “woman of influence” whom I admire. Oprah Winfrey has demonstrated personal courage and candor, and her humanity resonates with many around the world. It would be an honor and privilege to speak with Oprah Winfrey about life and the future of America.

You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online and on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook?

The Italian Language Foundation has a robust website featuring its free programs for students and teachers of Italian nationwide:

www.italianlanguagefoundation.org

Instagram: @italianlanguagefoundation

LinkedIn: Italian Language Foundation, Inc.

Facebook: Italian Language Foundation

I can be found on LinkedIn.

Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.

About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

An Italian Language Reunion And Reaffirmation

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / June 1, 2024 / Blog /

By Margo Sorenson

It began so quietly—with a “rolled R”—which right away snapped me back in time to my special childhood in Italy. The “rolled R”—such a treasure! Linguists claim if we grow up speaking other languages before age seven, when “phoneme contraction” kicks in, decreasing our ability to make sounds, pronunciation of those languages will sound much like that of a real native speaker. The rolled R was what I grew up with as a child, speaking Italian in Napoli and Bari in la bella Italia. So, when we hear a signal like a rolled R, it means that the speaker grew up speaking a language from birth—not only studying it in school. 

Where was it that I heard the rolled R that took me right back to my Italian childhood? You might think it could have been at one of our fun Italian Movie Nights with the Italian Club of Southern California, (grazie mille, Vicky Carabini, chair of Chapman University Italian Studies Council!) where we do hear a lot of rolled R’s. 😊 No—not there! It was at a regular weekly neighborhood coffee with some of our neighbors, and I was simply looking forward to hearing the latest news in the neighborhood and funny stories, most certainly not realizing I’d be given the precious gift of being able to revisit my childhood in Italy and the Italian language I try to still speak.

At the beginning of the coffee, one of the newcomers introduced herself, saying her last name, which sounded Italian, and rolled her R as she did so. I crossed my fingers for good luck, and, after the coffee, I asked her in Italian if she was Italian. Oh, my, her face lit up with a smile from ear to ear! After an exchange of backgrounds, liberally sprinkled with smiles and “Va bene così’s”, we agreed to chiacchierare once a month in Italian—I in order to be able to practice and renew my childhood memories, and she to speak her native Italian and relive her experiences—and to be very patient with my Italian!

We’re having so much fun, sharing our experiences about our growing up in Italy and the warm Italian culture—“Americans eat dinner so early and don’t understand why Italians eat so late,” and “There’s nothing so delicious as a mortadella sandwich” and “Cereal? There’s no breakfast cereal in Italy!” “You have to dress stylishly to go out to dinner—no sweatshirts!” It’s thoroughly enjoyable to hear her many stories, such as about her very Italian custom of cooking an Italian dinner for her grandson as a thank you when he comes to cut her grass—and her meals are so delicious that now his friends and his girlfriend invite themselves for dinner, as well! Yes, of course, they also help with the lawn. 😉 Naturally, being a good Italian nonna, she makes everything from scratch, her own pasta, the sauce, and she even grinds the meat for her own meatballs. She says cooking for friends and family brings her joy. For her birthday, she made herself jam tarts and brought us some as well, in typical Italian fashion, sharing with us her special celebration of buon compleanno. With her late husband, and with other family, she’s returned often to Italy. Her stories of family, of longtime friends, and of Italian meals are so heartwarming, filled with enthusiasm for the culture and history of la bella Italia, that they take me back to my childhood and my family’s own wonderful trips to Italy. It is precious to share laughter and memories together. As my friend Vicky Carabini says, “It’s a heritage of the heart.”

If you have the chance, please listen for the quiet little hints others may drop into a conversation because of pronunciations—or of references to Italy and its amazing culture. You may find yourself gifted with as special a friendship as I and my neighbor delight in sharing.

About the Author

Author of over thirty traditionally-published books for young readers, Margo Sorenson spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, devouring books and Italian food and still speaks (or tries!) her childhood languages. Her most recent Adult/Young Adult novel, SECRETS IN TRANSLATION (Fitzroy Books, October 2018), takes place in Positano, with heroine Alessandra, whose being able to speak Italian—with the authentic accent–helps her to feel at home in Italy, once again—and solve a mystery that threatens those she loves. Of course, Margo’s books make great gifts for adults and teens alike! For more information on ordering SECRETS IN TRANSLATION and Margo’s other kids’ books, please visit www.margosorenson.com.

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    Part of speech: verb Example sentence:Il nuovo lavoro ti permetterà di avere più tempo libero. Sentence meaning: Your new job will allow you to have more free time.

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