L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 5 Patrons of Italian Culture hold Annual Ferragosto Event in Marina del Rey 5 Paul Romano with 2014 Casola Prize winner Mr. Marco Saglimbeni & his parents The Patrons of Italian Culture returned once again to the Marina del Rey harbor and the Zagat rated "Sapori" Restaurant for their 2014 Ferragosto, reports Paul Romano, Patron President. Owner Stefano Baccianella out did himself with a marvelous luncheon of fresh antipasti, home made pastas and two fine main dishes; one his award win- This summer, the great Italian Opera returned to Los Angeles on the occasion of what has become a traditional appointment for the Italian Cultural Institute. On Mondays, the IIC is host- ing the fortunate and appreciat- ed series of screenings dedicated to one of Italy's highest forms of art, including a selection of masterpieces by renowned com- posers Donizetti and Rossini. "Presenting great examples of Italian operas during the month of August has become a tradition in our calendar of events, introduced by IIC former director Alberto Di Mauro" says IIC deputy director Michela Magrì. "Our goal is to recreate the authentic experience and ning "pollo al mattone" fol- lowed by a fresh dover sole in white wine and caper sauce, all with fresh roasted veggies. This was all topped off with Sapori's home-made tiramisu. A wonder- ful selection of wines accompa- nied the luncheon. 1st. Vice president Jim Giallo arranged for a repeat perfor- mance by the well known man- dolin artist, Evan Marshall, who provided a variety of Italian favorites during the afternoon's festivities. Mr. Marshall roamed among the guests and kept up with requests from many mem- bers. The 2014 Ferragosto also provided the backdrop for the award of 'one of the two' 2014 Casola Prizes. Ms. Georgia Pino, is a UCLA graduate stu- dent who plans to continue an academic career researching the educational systems in Italy and America. She also teaches Italian to bambini in Glendale and is an academic counselor to undergraduates at UCLA. Last years winner, UCLA graduate student, Ms. Valeria Galeazzo, returned to bring the members up to date on how the 2013 Casola Prize helped her in her studies and in her teaching of the language. At the conclu- sion of the luncheon a wonder- ful selection of prizes were given out, which included sev- eral books on Italian art, culture, travel and gastronomy. The second Casola Prize was presented at the Italo- Americano Ferragosto, held at the estate of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Barbera, on Saturday, Aug. 16. PAul RoMANo NIColA AlFANo The winner traveled from San Jose, Ca. along with his parents to accept the prize. Mr. Marco Saglimbeni is attending Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is a "Chancellor's" pre- med Honor student. Italian studies is his minor and he is a member of the Universities Italian Club and their winning soccer team. Several of his University Italian professors also attended the event to lend their support. Both Casola Prize winners will return next August to update all of us on their acad- emic and personal progress. For a Membership applica- tion or more information about the Patrons of Italian Culture, and their 50+ years of promot- ing Italian Culture throughout Southern California, visit their website: 'picla.org', or contact them at: P.I.C., P.O. Box 3465, Burbank, Ca. 91508-3465. The P.I.C. is a non-profit 501c-3 Corporation. Paul Romano with 2014 Casola Prize winner UCLA's Ms. Georgia Pino atmosphere of a night at the Opera in one of Italy's famed theaters. We would like that our public could feel the same emo- tions as if they were enjoying the Opera live at the Arena in Verona." The screenings are illustrated by conductor Ignazio Terrasi and composer Fabrizio Mancinelli, who have always supported the Institute. "Our mission is to promote the Italian culture," continues Michela Magrì. "The Italian Opera represents one of the best instruments to showcase our extraordinary heritage." Considering the audience's ovation after the screening of Donizetti's Don Pasquale, we would say that the target was hit. The Italian Opera returns to the IIC

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