L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015 www.italoamericano.org 11 L'Italo-Americano On May 31, 2015, the Families of Italian Lineage held its Spring Dinner Dance at the Mission Viejo Country Club. It was a "full house". Upon entering the ballroom one could notice the unusual cen- terpieces which Chairlady Sharon Gambino had designed and completed. They consisted of large glass squares which con- tained the biographies of well known Italian artists. All who were seated at the tables found the information interesting and informative. Also, one could hear the quiet chatter of members mulling around the "Antipasto Table" which contained a variety of cheeses, crackers and seasonal fruit which was elegantly pre- sented. Also Sharon chose a perfect filet mignon dinner with all the perfect side dishes and dessert. During the dinner phase of the evening artist Joyce Garro sang many beautiful and well known Italian songs which pleased the many members and guests...It was a real pleasure to be part of this grand social evening. All the invited guests were so pleased with the conge- niality and spirit of friendship that many requested applications to become members of FIL. Before dinner Mrs. Venus Franceschi, who founded FIL in 1991, presented the purpose of this club which is to have fun BUT above all to inform the members, via a newsletter titled "Italian Culture" whereby they can understand and know the great contributions that Italians have given to the world, so that they, their children and grand- children are to be proud of their heritage. ITALY HAS CON- TRIBUTED MORE INVEN- Dinner's ready for the Italian Institutions and the entrepreneurs of Newport Beach ELISABETTA RUSSO On June 4th, right after the grand National Republic Day celebrations, the Orange County hosted the first meeting of local Italian and Italian American entrepreneurs with the represen- tatives of the Italian Institutions in Los Angeles. The unique networking occa- sion was also aimed at introduc- ing the newly appointed Consul General Antonio Verde, Italian Cultural Institute Director Valeria Rumori, and Italian American Chamber of Commerce West President Christiano Manfré to the commu- nity and businessmen based in Newport Beach and nearby areas, as explained by the organizer of the event Giampaolo Mancuso, President of OMNIA USA. Consul General Antonio Verde positively welcomed the invitation, and commented: "The main goal of my visit to Orange County was to connect with those entrepreneurs who I had not yet met, due to the distance from the Consulate General's headquarters in Los Angeles." Mauro Barbato, Giampaolo Mancuso, Consul General Antonio Verde, and Fiorella Cagnolo. Photo by Kaylee Duff IIC director Valeria Rumori, Antonio Cagnolo, and Consul General Antonio Verde. Phoyo Kaylee Duff Bruno Serato and Frank DeSantis. Photo by Kaylee Duff Consul General Antonio Verde and Gabriel Ferrucci. Antonio Cagnolo and chef Bruno Serato. Photo Kaylee Duff L-R: Musician Joyce Garro-Venus Franceschi, Founder of FIL- Sharon & Frank Gambino, Chairpersons Maurizio Bertoldi, Valeria Rumori, and Eugenio Mennella. Photo by Kaylee Duff And he also added: "This is an important networking opportuni- ty to get to know each other and start working together, as we all share common objectives and interests." Among the attendees and special guests were Letizia Miccoli and West Hooker- Poletti, respectively IACCW Executive Director and former President; Cynthia Catalino, President of the Italian Heritage Culture Foundation; star chef Bruno Serato, founder of Caterina's Club charity; Commendatore Frank DeSantis; and Alessio Pavan, representa- tive of the Italian Trade Agency in L.A. In turns, all participants illustrated the activities and competences of the correspond- ing Institution. Exquisite Italian dishes accompanied the round table, as it was held at the elegant Antonello restaurant, owned by Antonio Cagnolo. Considering its successful outcome, the pro- ductive gathering will be repeat- ed once a month, in order to enhance and strengthen such crucial, recently established rela- tionships. Classic Italian Celebration for Families of Italian Lineage VENUS FRANCESCHI TIONS, ETC. THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE NATION. Be proud of your Italian Heritage. The evening continued with music and visiting with other members and guests. F.I.L.'s next event will be on July 12 which will be a Family Picnic.

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