L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 www.italoamericano.org 6 coun try, by quoting famous Italian as tronomer, G alileo Galilei's words: "Dietro ogni problema c'è un'opportunità" ("Behind every difficulty hides an opportunity"). The highlight of the evening was certainly the decorations, conferred by the President of Italian Republic (and handed over by the Consul), on three leading figures in science and entrepreneurship. First honored with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, title of Knight ("Cavaliere"), was Italian-American prime epidemi- ologist, Dr. Cedric Garland, who has observed how population in northern Italy - with a deficiency of sun exposure and, therefore, reduced synthesis of vitamin D – is more subject to certain type of tumors, especially colon and breast cancers. S econd honored w ith the same grade was Italian electronic engineer, Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, Associate Chief Scientist at the Jet Pr opuls ion L abor ator y (JPL), in Pasadena. She was awarded for her breakthrough in the "GPS ocean reflection," as well as for fostering exchanges of young researchers among the Polytechnic University of Turin and the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies w ith the Califor nia Ins titute of Technology (Caltech). Sounds familiar? That's because I had the honor to inter- view her for a past issue of L'Italo-Americano. Third honored with the Order of the Star of Italy, title of Knight, was importer and entre- preneur, Patricia D'Aquino, who has been dedicated to the busi- ness of importing premium Italian wine to California, for over two decades. As a side note, the variety of wines, served during the evening, were provided by D'Aquino Wines. If you still didn't feel boozy enough after a couple of glasses, exquisite Ventura Limoncello might serve the pur- pose. Afterwards, if you needed a caffeine boost, Matteo Pasquini Espresso was there for you. A different kind of notes, jazz musical ones, were played by the Jasmine Tommaso Group, made up of singer/vocalist Jasmine and guitarist Lorenzo Grassi, both from Rome, bassist Blake Estrada and drummer Tim Pleasant, both from the US. The ensemble concluded the evening with a bang, by alternat- ing jazz tunes with Italian clas- sics, such as Arrivederci by Umberto Bindi, Estate by Bruno Martino, Meglio Stasera by Henry Mancini, Ritratto in Bianco e Nero by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Senza Fine by Gino Paoli, as well as pieces by the Maestro par excellence, Ennio Morricone. LOS ANGELES ITALIAN COMMUNITY Entrepreneur, Patricia D'Aquino, Consul Antonio Verde and Elisabetta Canalis. Agata Gravante Photography Jazz vocalist Jasmine Tommaso. Agata Gravante Photography Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, Consul Antonio Verde and Elisabetta Canalis. Agata Gravante Photography Soprano Elisabetta Russo, Consul Antonio Verde and Director of IIC, Valeria Rumori. Agata Gravante Photography Detail of the venue for the National Italian Celebration, Petersen Automotive Museum. Agata Gravante Photography Soprano Elisabetta Russo and her ensemble. Agata Gravante Photography Continued from page 4

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