2017 Events
In addition to special events during the year we continue to schedule an Epifania (Epiphany) dinner in January, periodic Sunday afternoon coffees at Juniors in Colchester, monthy Amici luncheons, occasional Italian films at the Essex library and occasional pizza nights at Barrio's Pizza in Burlington. In the summer we have several bocce socials where members and their guests are invited to play and/or learn bocce.
September
Genealogy Presentation
On September 30, 2017 Maureen O’Brien, member of the Vermont French Canadian Genealogical Society (VFCGS) gave a superb presentation on finding our Italian roots. Approximately 30 people attended. Maureen took us from research in America to research abroad, including on line resources to guide us through. Some people stayed afterward and were helped by VFCGS volunteers to do an individual search. Special thanks to Sheila Morris who not only allowed us to use their facility but also helped someone locate living relatives in Italy! The feedback was very positive and people asked for more. We look forward to future presentations on Italian research.
Genealogy Presentation
On September 30, 2017 Maureen O’Brien, member of the Vermont French Canadian Genealogical Society (VFCGS) gave a superb presentation on finding our Italian roots. Approximately 30 people attended. Maureen took us from research in America to research abroad, including on line resources to guide us through. Some people stayed afterward and were helped by VFCGS volunteers to do an individual search. Special thanks to Sheila Morris who not only allowed us to use their facility but also helped someone locate living relatives in Italy! The feedback was very positive and people asked for more. We look forward to future presentations on Italian research.
May
Il Trittico
On Thursday, May 11th, Doug Anderson, Executive Director of the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury,
presented an informal talk sponsored by VICA on the Opera Company of Middlebury's production of Puccini's Il Trittico. Doug's talk was informative and interesting and he fascinated the audience as he described the process of designing opera sets.
Il Trittico
On Thursday, May 11th, Doug Anderson, Executive Director of the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury,
presented an informal talk sponsored by VICA on the Opera Company of Middlebury's production of Puccini's Il Trittico. Doug's talk was informative and interesting and he fascinated the audience as he described the process of designing opera sets.
April
Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief: Tales from italian America
Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief: Tales from italian America
Nicole Librandi, VICA Events; B. Amore, Presenter; Lorraine Mangione, Author
On Saturday, April 1st, VICA sponsored an author talk on Daughters, Dads, and the Path through Grief: Tales from Italian America. Lorraine Mangione, psychology professor at Antioch and co-author of the book presented a talk on the major themes of the book: the strong connections between daughters and dads throughout life, the process of grief and loss, and the impact of Italian-American culture on such relationships and loss. B. Amore read from her contribution to the book.
Despite the weather the room was filled with hearty Vermonters who gave the presenters a warm welcome.
Despite the weather the room was filled with hearty Vermonters who gave the presenters a warm welcome.
March
Beatrice Rana Performs at UVM Recital hall
Beatrice Rana
On Friday, March 31st, young Italian pianist Beatrice Rana dazzled a Vermont audience at a sold out performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations. The concert was cosponsored by the UVM Lane Series and the Vermont Italian Cultural Association. Following the performance VICA hosted a small reception in the lobby of the Recital Hall. VICA members made Italian cookies and La Villa supplied their homemade gelato. Miss Rana chatted with concert goers and was available to sign copies of her recording of the Goldberg Variations.
On Thursday evening Miss Rana deliglhted the VICA Board members and Lane Series Board Members at a small reception in her honor, performing some Debussy on the newly refurbished piano at the UVM Alumni House.
Miss Rana has received international acclaim winning the Silver Medal and Audience Award at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competitan as well as First Prize at the Montreal International Compeition.