Adesso!
The FIERI Boston Newsletter
Edizione Giugno 2001

FIERI Boston Update
by Maria Nigro

Quite a bit has happened since the last edition of the newsletter. In July, Antonietta Polcaro with the help of a few very dedicated FIERI Boston members organized our booth at the Italia Unita Festival in East Boston. Thanks again to FIERI members and Italia Unita Organizers Pat, Lisa, and Maria Capogreco for allowing us to have the space again. Proof again that Italians can and do work well together.

In September Anna Scimemi, Angela Del Monaco and I went to Spain. Our October Italian Heritage Month Wine Tasting that had seemed light years away when we were planning it, was now only a few short weeks away. Koodos to Sal, Bob, and Fiorentino who realized they had to wrap things up themselves on this "without the girls". With the constant help and support of Phyllis Bruno and her staff at Venezia, the support and guidance of the Pirandello Lyceum, and the generocity of wine distributors at Martignetti, the event was a smashing success. Everyone is still singing the praises of FIERI Boston and Pirandello Lyceum's Wine Tasting Event.

Also in October, we held our Positive Italian Movie night at my house in Peabody. This once per year event is very casual and a great way to really get to know fellow FIERI members. Ahead of time, we choose a movie with an Italian or Italian American theme. We all get together at my hose to watch it and then we have time to discuss the plot line, the characters and the theme and discuss if the images portrayed of Italians were fair. Lisa Ventresca and the "Spustations" did a great job this year! Lisa chose to show "Ciao Professore" which everyone really enjoyed. They brought plenty of wine, soda, snacks, and we ordered pizza. The admission to this event was 2 canned or boxed food items which were to be donated to Haven From Hunger Food Pantry in Peabody. In true Italian style and good will, everyone brought such more than two items. By the end of the night, we had collected more than 8 huge bags of groceries. Be proud of yourselves that you were able to make at least one family's Thanksgiving a little happier while enjoying a little bit of your own culture.

The following week Doreen Gianmarco organized Karaoke Night at the Highland Cafe‚ in Malden. Everyone found their voice that night. The bar "regulars" didn't know what hit them when they heard all the joy, spirit, and soulfullness come pouring out of the FIERI Boston members into the microphone!

FIERI Boston held its elections on Tuesday, November 7th. mercifully, unlike our country's presidential election, we didn't need a recount. The FIERI Boston Executive Board 2001.President-Maria Nigro; Vice President-Salvatore Di
Stefano; Secretary-Bob Yantosca; Treasurer-Joseph Mottola; Director or Culture-Anna Scimemi; Director of Public Relations-Angela Del Monaco; Director of Social Events and Fundraising-Elvira Federico. A heartfelt thanks to Chris Parisi and Alessandra Morelli who did a fine job as Director of P.R. and Director of Culture in 2000.

In mid-November Anna Scimemi and I attended a FIERI National Strategic Planning Meeting in Philadelphia. On Friday night we met and got aquainted with people from the other chapters and immediately began to "strategize" . We met until very late in the evening on Friday. Saturday morning began at 8:30 and we didn't wrap up until late into the evening. We met all day Sunday as well. Although we really enjoyed seeing some of our friends from other chapters that we haven't seen in a while, let me tell you it was hard work. The weekend was all about business! We met long hours and worked through lots of agreements, disagreements, frustrations and positive visions for the future. The attendees took days off from work, absorbed a huge out-of pocket expense and
really worked that weekend with very little time left over for socializing. With that type of dedication, I am willing to bet biscotti to dollars that FIERI National and the individual chapters will continue to move in a positive direction for years to come. Special thanks to Lou Calvelli for donating his time as facilitator.

Angela and I went to FIERI Chicago's Banquet on November 18th. They had a huge turnout. A great time was had by all. Angela and I stayed with the Cairo's and were hosted by several of the Storino's of the Chicago Chapter. Mille Grazie! On my way to visit friends of the family (and two certain squirrels) in Milwaukee that same weekend, I met Tony Piacentini of the soon-to-be FIERI
Milwaukee Chapter. AUGURI! We are growing so quickly I can hardly keep up!

As you can tell from my "Opinione" article in this issue, I am not a big fan of spring, fall, winter, or any kind of season that doesn't involve me baking in the 95 degree sun and swimming in the beautiful beaches of the North Shore. However, I am looking forward to the winter holidays with my friends and family
and hope you are to. Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.

Maria Grazia Nigro
FIERI Boston President