L'Italo-Americano

THURS DAY,   AUGUS T  1,   2013  L'Italo-Americano PAGE  15 Italian Crisis: One in Five Families at Poverty-Level Income Continued from page 1 Of these, 4 million and 814 thousand (8%) are absolute poors: they don't succeed in purchasing goods and essential services for a dignified life. Recession in the last two years has taken a heavy toll on ordinary Italians who are increasingly digging into their savings. The situation is worst above all in the South: in 2012 almost 2 million 347 thousand people was in condition of poverty (they were 1 million 828 thousand in the 2011). Crisis and joblessness, which has struck alongside Italy's deepest recession in 20 years, has driven more Italian children and their families into poverty. Worrisome are the data on the children and elderly people: those in absolute poverty in the South are 1 million and 58 thousand (703 thousand in 2011, the incidence has been climbed by 7% to 10,3%) and the elderly 728 thousand (707 thousand, the incidence is equal to 5,8% for both the years). The families in this situation are 6,8% on national staircase. From 2011 to 2012 the incidence is increased for those with three (from 4,7% to 6,6%), four (from 5,2% to the 8 ,3%) and five or more components (from ble effects: it means a 33% increase between 2010 and 2012 for charitable assistance and free distribution of hot meals and food to the poor people. Moreover, the percentage of Almost 3.7 million Italians sought food aid last year 12,3% to 17,2%). But also the number of single-parent families in absolute poverty is jumped to 9.1% from 5.8% the previous year. The economic crisis has visi- people in families who could not afford to eat a protein-based meal, such as meat every two days, rose to 16.6 percent in 2012 from 12.4 the previous year and 6.7 percent in 2010. Italy confirms Nato commitments but says defense needs cuts Continued from page 1 We can increase the safety for all to a price that we can pay". As to say, a clear warning against defense cuts adopted in recent years by many Nato members during the economic crisis: there may be consequences. One is that Europe risks losing its lead role in the international arena. Letta explained that "the issue of defense costs is linked to the fact that, at the European level, we have to work to avoid duplications and overlaps to save Anders Fogh Rasmussen money and be more efficient in the military structure". This is "as crucial as Euro economic crisis" and it is important for all to have "more advanced European politics". Secretary General also thanked Italy for its significant contributions during his talks in Rome: "Italy has been a staunch member of Alliance since its creation and continues to demonstrate strong commitment to Nato every day in many different ways". Rasmussen praised Italy's "pivotal role in Isaf" where it leads the mission's efforts in the west of Afghanistan and expressed gratitude for Italy's intention to play a leading role in the post2014 mission with new non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan Security Forces. "These contributions are even more valuable - he said - at a time when all our nations have to make tough budget choices". Aug. 1, Thurs.-The Garibaldina Society La Famiglia Dinner Dance. Dinner 5pm, Dancing 6-8pm. Pasta, Roast Chicken, Vegetable, Salad, Wine, Dessert & Coffee. Dancing to the Johnny Fata Band. $12 Members, $14 Guests. Dress Casual. Reservations are required. Call Maria Mor (818) 249-9363. Aug. 3, Sat.: Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Victorio's Ristorante, 10901 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Aug. 4, Sun.-Santo Padre Pio Society- Rosario a San Padre Pio at St. Peter's Italian Church (1039 N. Broadway, Los Angeles), 10:30 a.m. For information please call President Maria Bruno at (818) 241-4672. Aug. 6, Tues.-The Garibaldina Society Dinner Buffet and General Meeting- Delicious Mexican Dinner includes Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Salad and Glass of Wine. Cost $8 per person. Buffet Dinner served promptly at 5pm. Reservations are required. Call Maria Mor (818) 249-9363. Aug.12, Mon.-San Padre Pio Society Dinner Mtg. 6:30 pm, Casa Italiana. Una serata piacevole per stare con amici. Cost: $15.00 per person. For Reservations and information please call the president Maria: 818-241-4672. Aug. 12, Mon.-The Garibaldina Society Council Meeting- 7:00pm. All members are welcome to attend the monthly Council Meeting. Coffee and Donuts will be served. For information, call (323) 2235005. Aug. 15, Thurs.-Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California General Meeting at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). 7:00pm Dinner ($15 pp), 8:00pm Meeting. Please RSVP by Monday before meeting to: Maria Borgese (818) 846-5764, Palmie Crispie (818) 246-5749 or annpotenza@aol.com. Aug. 17, Sat.-The Garibaldina Society "Italo-Hawaiian Luau Dinner Dance"- The "Mai Tai" Hour 6:00pm, Gourmet Italian Dinner 7:00pm. Dancing to The Summerwind Band. Dress: Hawaiian-Casual (no shorts). Adults only please! Reservations are required and must be received by August 12, 2013. Members: $32, Guests: $37. For more information call Reservations Chairman Marie Mor (818) 249-9363. Aug. 17, Sat.-Ferragosto. Presented by L'Italo-Americano with Patrons of Italian Culture. A Summer Evening Event to benefit L'Italo-Americano at Villa Barbera (745 Sierra Madre Blvd., San Marino, CA 91108). 5pm-9pm. Featuring 5-star comedy show, exquisite Italian dinner buffet, Premium drinks and cocktails by Ventura Limoncello, Coffee and Cappuccino by Pasquini. Cost: $50 p/p. Reserve early by August 9. For information call (626) 359-7715 or email info@italoamericano.com Aug. 17, Sat.: Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Victorio's Ristorante, 10901 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Aug. 18, Sun.-Italian Cultural Arts Council Presents Cinema Italiano at Bowers Museum (2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706). In the state-of-the art, ultra deluxe Norma Kershaw Auditorium. COST: Adults $10, Students: $5 (no need to RSVP). SCHEDULE Arrival: 1:30- 2:00 pm, Reception/Refreshments; Seating in Auditorium: 1:45 pm, Program Begins: 2:00 pm. Film: Seduced and Abandoned – Sedotta e abbandonata (Pietro Germi – 1964). Starring: Stefania Sandrelli, Saro Urzi, Directed by: Pietro Germi. Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes, In Italian with English Subtitles. For additional information contact (714) 567-3600. Aug. 22, Thurs.-The Garibaldina Society Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. The Garibaldina Society Women's Extension cordially invites you to the Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. Cocktails 4pm, Dinner 5pm sharp!, Dancing 6-8pm. Pasta dinner includes Salad, Pasta, Sausage, Glass of Wine & Dessert. Dancing. Dress Casual. $10 Members- $12 Guests. For reservations: Jean Giacomelli (626) 281-6639. Aug. 25, Sun.-Families of Italian Lineage Post Ferragosto Picnicheld at Regional Park, Laguna Niguel. Antipasto salad, barbecued chicken, baked potato, dessert, fruit. Private Bocce field, other games. Members: $20.00, Non-members: $25.00. For information: (949) 363-5348. Aug. 25, Sun.-The Garibaldina Society Special Event Fundraiser Dinner Dance. Please support your club! Enjoy a wonderful dinner and dancing to The Summerwind Band! Time: 2-6pm. Exciting White Elephant Sale. Cost $25 per person. For more information and reservations: Merle Corradi (626) 284-3567.

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