L'Italo-Americano

THURS DAY, ��� DECEMBER��� 20, ��� 2012��� From the director The new year starts in the spirit of tradition and innovation Cari Lettori, While we were preparing for this last 2012 issue of L���ItaloAmericano we looked back on the year with pride in all of our accomplishments. We began 2012 with one platform - our traditional newspaper in its original physical form. We ended the year with the expansion of our mission with the addition of three new and successful multimedia platforms that include facebook, twitter and a new website. We now reach out to thousands of readers on a daily basis and growing. That being said, it is true that 2012 was a year of transition and transformation for L���Italo-Americano. We laid the ground for our newspaper that cherishes and honors the past, while at the same time, uses the modern tools and media outlets that speak to a generation of Italian-Americans in the US that will share in the future of L���Italo-Americano. There is so much during the holiday season to rejoice in! We at L���Italo-Americano look forward to celebrating the season with our friends and family and we wish all of our readers and contributors a relaxing and enjoyable holiday as well! L���Italo-Americano The hustle and bustle in Rome���s, Milan���s, Florence���s or any other city���s streets and shops has visibly intensified. Yet behind the bright lights the mood is slightly more sober this Christmas, reflecting the deepening recession and bleak outlooks on the job market. Therefore, with a budget that gets too tight for the usual shopping, people are changing the rules to try new routes. As the eve of unwrap gifts nears and the economic crisis bites deeper and deeper into consumers' pockets, shoppers are increasingly opening to the idea of ''recycling'' presents. According to research by retail association Coldiretti, one in three Italians this Christmas is considering re-gifting items received on other occasions. Happy Holidays! Con affetto, Italy is all set again for Christmas. Lights, markets and presents with an eye on budget ROME - They say it���s the most wonderful time of the year, and if you want to know what, precisely, makes the season so charmed you should spend a few days anywhere in the Bel Paese. As Christmas approaches, Italy is full of the festive spirit, with giant trees and nativity scenes in front of many of the churches, duomo and basilica that adorn the country and streets sparkling with lights. Combining technology, beauty and energy savings, installations light up Italy's heritage treasures. And then obviously how to forget about the thousands of Christmas markets, a key ingredient of the festive magic throughout Italy, bringing locals and tourists together to share in the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The whole country is set to bring that holiday season type of energy that makes people feel connected to a universal idea of Christmas that seems to transcend cultures. In other words, although the economic deep recession, Christmas is still Christmas in Italy. The number of Italians happy to ''recycle'' gifts is up 3% this year, Coldiretti says, even as a ''hard core'' 51% of consumers say they have never given in to the temptation and remain firmly opposed to the idea, no matter what the circumstances. As always, generational divides emerge: according to the research, younger shoppers see little wrong with the idea of re-gifting and in some 82% of cases where a gift is ''recycled'', it usually goes to a relative or close friend. According to Coldiretti, some 18% of ''recycled'' gifts are destined to charity while a similar percentage of Italians uses the Internet as a channel for placing unwanted Christmas presents. Overall, Coldiretti found that some 53% of Italians would like to receive something useful under the Christmas tree this year. Meanwhile, some 23% of Italians would like to receive a gift that they would never consider buying themselves, although they find it useful, while 14% of shoppers aim to buy something totally whimsical. Only some 11% of Christmas shoppers say they remain undecided. PAGE��� 15 Dec. 20, Thurs.- Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California Dinner Meeting; 7:00 Dinner ($15pp); 8:00 Meeting; Casa Italiana (1039 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Please RSVP to: Maria Borgese (818) 846-5764, Palmie Crispi (818) 246-5749 or AnnPotenza@aol.com Dec. 20, Thurs.-Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California Meeting and Christmas Dinner & Mixer at Casa Italiana (1039 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012). Time: 7pm-9pm. Cost is $15.00 per person. For information and reservations, contact Ann Potenza annpotenza@aol.com or (702) 217-1777 Dec. 31, Mon.-St. New Year���s Eve Gala at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012). No Host Cocktails, Hors d���oeuvres 6:30-7:30pm. Dinner 7:30pm promptly. Midnight Buffet, Party Favors, Champagne and Dancing until ??? Cost is $100 per person. Music by Duo Domino. For reservations call (323) 225-8119, ext. 10. Dec. 31, Mon.-The Garibaldina Society���s Gala New Year���s Eve Party. Cocktail Hour & Hors d���oeuvres 6pm, Gourmet Prime Rib Dinner including two bottles of wine 7pm. For information call reservations chairperson Marie Mor (818) 249-9363. Members: $55, Guests: $70. Dec. 31, Mon.- Italian American Civic Association New Year's Eve Dinner Dance at The Westin San Diego 400 W. Broadway, San Diego. 5 course gourmet dinner (wine included w/dinner, Tony Soraci & his Orchestra, Champagne , noise makers all included. Call Macrina Diviesti for price and reservations 619-208-3388. Dec. 31, Mon.-The Garibaldina Society���s Gala New Year���s Eve Party. Cocktail Hour & Hors d���oeuvres 6pm, Gourmet Prime Rib Dinner including two bottles of wine 7pm. Dancing to the Rhythm Kings. Evening Dress: Formal attireBlack Tie Optional. Adults only please! Champagne & Party Favors at midnight, followed by snacks, cookies and coffee. Pre-paid reservations are required by December 245, 2012. For information call reservations chairperson Marie Mor (818) 249-9363. Members: $55, Guests: $70. December 31, Mon.-St. Peter���s Italian Church New Year���s Gala at Casa Italiana (1039 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). 6:30pm-1:00am. Donation $100.00 per person. For information call (323) 225-8119 Jan. 27, Sun.-POINTers (Italian Genealogy Group)-Luncheon 12:00 to 4:00pm at Raffaello Ristorante (400 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731). For reservations and information call Diane at (310) 645-9442. Jan. 13, Sun.��� Mother Cabrini Chapel & Library (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA) Open House, 9 am to 1 pm hosted by Villa Cabrini Alumni. For information contact Carmelo Sabatella at 626 372-7812. Jan. 19, Sat.: Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Vitello���s Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Feb. 2, Sat.: Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Vitello���s Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Feb. 10, Sun. ��� Mother Cabrini Chapel & Library Open House (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA). 9 am to 1 pm hosted by Los Angeles District. For information contact Carmelo Sabatella at 626 372-7812.

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