Il Postino del Cortina
Spring - Summer 2003
Produced by Prof. V. Golini in consultation with the Cortina Board of Directors
President's Message
Dear Cortina Members and Friends,
I am honoured to have been reelected President of the K-W Italian Cortina Club for yet another year. I am particularly grateful to our board of directors who asked me to stay on for a second term. I am proud of the Cortina and its members, and promise you that I will do my best to uphold the tradition of excellence that has been established by past presidents.
In reality a president's job is made easy when he or she is surrounded by capable and responsible individuals. This year's board of directors promises to be a dynamic group and I look forward to working wIth each and every one of them.
The Cortina Club's financial position continues to be healthy as last year. This can be attributed to the many volunteers who give of their time freely and the members at large who support the many functions that take place at our Club each and every month. My personal thanks go out to all of you volunteers, employees and members! As well I would like to make special mention of the fine work of our manager, Darlene Pomeroy and her assistant manager, Fabio Cipolletti who work very hard at our functions and when there are functions with Hall rentals. Their careful and dedicated work has made it so that we have no complaints about the service we provide to members and community. Truly, we can be proud and grateful that our Cortina Club functions with serenity, profit, and fun for all. On behalf of everyone I thank also the announcers on the local radio station CKWR, Radio Italia, and Intermezzo, who each week keep us well entertained and informed about community activities. Keep up the good work!
This year I ask again that you continue to support your Club. If you have not paid your membership dues yet, please take a few moments now and complete the enclosed form. In fact, the majority of our members have renewed already. It costs on the average just over $3,000 per month to keep our Hall in good working shape. Our thanks to all who have already renewed!
The board of directors is interested in hearing your suggestions on how we can help make the Cortina a better place for our members. The board continues to meet the second Tuesday of each month. If you have a concern or recommendation please feel free to contact either myself at 896-0412, or leave a message at the club number 894-3852. If you would like to make a presentation to the Board, please call a few days in advance in order to have your request placed on the agenda for the meeting.
The events for the year 2002 were all very successful. In the Postino pages you will find a number of reports for your information. Spring has just arrived, and the Cortina has been quite active in the past three months. The Members Appreciation night was very well attended. Special recognition was given to our volunteers for the Wednesday lunches. Without volunteers our Club could not exist; like all other activities, our Wednesday lunches make it possible for our larger community to visit us and enjoy our culture, cuisine, and our Hall. On behalf of all Cortina members I express a warm "Thank you!" to all volunteers, and Wednesday volunteers, past and present. Our past president, Michael Silvestro, also received special recognition. Michael has been with the Cortina for decades, continuing the long years of service that his father has given to our Club. We are indebted to Michael for his continued loyalty, and hope that one day his children will be active members of the Cortina Club.
The Alpini evening brought many guests from Guelph and Hamilton. We are very grateful to all those who attended, despite the very inclement weather. It was a memorable evening not only because it brought back many memories, but also because we remembered friends who have passed away. A special tribute was paid to Vittorio Bertagnolli, who is a member of our board of directors. Vittorio has headed the K-W group of the Alpini for over 12 years and has raised considerable funds to assist many organizations, including the Chernobyl children. "Thank you, Vittorio and Bruna!" on behalf of the Cortina and our community.
This year promises to be again exciting and productive, especially because it marks the lOth anniversary of the opening of our Cortina Hall. It seems only yesterday that we purchased this property; how time flies! The patio in the back will soon be completed. We are planning a special Sunday afternoon for September 14th when we will hold "Open House," with barbecue and other functions that will commemorate our anniversary and provide fun for all. Please plan to attend and bring your friends along Preparations for the Primavera dance, Mother's Day Lunch, and Maggio Artistico are well underway. Come out and support our events, when we come together in good fun, to visit one another to enjoy wonderful Italian food and culture.
On behalf of the members of the board of directors, I would like to wish you and yours happy and productive spring and summer months.
Cordially and respectfully,
Lino Santarossa
President
Directors and Responsibilities -- Direttori e cariche sociali -- 2003
Maria Alaimo, social director: is informed about and oversees social events; helps organize special functions: Members Appreciation night; Primavera Dance; San Martino Dinner Dance & other events.
Vittorio Bertagnolli, director of maintenance for Cortina Hall; contact person for the Alpini Group K-W and for Alpini Dinner Dance; assists with Hall displays for Maggio Artistico.
Dominic Cardillo, Honorary director; representative to Cortina Golf Tournament.
Giovanni Cataldo, past president: is informed about everything, and assists the president as needed; building or expansion projects; chairs New Year's committee; Best Wines Prizes Night.
Richard Clausi, recording secretary: minutes directors' meetings and Cortina AGM; is the greatest Santa Claus for Cortina children (Deco); committee for San Martino.
Antonio Congi, social director: is informed about and oversees social events; helps organize special functions: Members Appreciation night; Primavera Dance; San Martino Dinner Dance & other events.
Tony Cuzzi, with Larry Tredger, membership secretary, keep updated members' lists; work together and with committee for new members; assists V. Bertagnolli when needs help set up Hall for Maggio Artistico.
Nino Gagliardi, treasurer: reviews Cortina accounts; ongoing consultation with bookkeeper & manager-monthly financial statements; year-end financial report for Cortina AGM; consults with president, is aware of all expenses and incomes; cheque-signing responsibility; committee for Golf Tournament.
Vera Golini, vice president: informed on activities; assists president & past presidents as needed; choir rep.; chairs directors' meetings as needed; writes & produces Il Postino: 883-0288; vgolini@watarts.uwaterloo.ca
Sam LoBrutto, youth-with Francesco Robles and Fabio Cipolletti; work with young families, children of Cortina members - dinner dance and/or other activities; committee Primavera Dance; help Hall displays for Maggio Artistico; Cortina picnic [July with Vince Frisella].
Francesco Robles, youth-with Sam LoBrutto and Fabio Cipolletti; work with young families, children of Cortina members-dinner dance and/or other activities; Alpini; repres. for Maggio Artistico; helps organize children's Santa Claus Christmas.
Larry Tredger, membership secretary; with Tony Cuzzi, keeps updated members' lists and; work together and with committee for new members; assists V. Bertagnolli when needed to help set up Hall for Maggio Artistico; is recording secretary when needed; helps with communication with members.
Lino Santarossa, president: in consultation with Cortina directors is responsible for administration of Cortina Club in collaboration with manager and treasurer; is aware of all Cortina needs and activities.
The Maggio Artistico organizing committee invites all members, families, and friends of
the Cortina to participate in the many activities during the week from Thursday 28
May to 1st June, 2003, to celebrate Italian culture in our community.
Artists wishing to participate are invited to telephone Camillo Cipolletti,
at 571-7387, or Umberto Fusari, at 664-2720.
The Golf Tournament will again take place this year at the Rockway Golf course. In 2002 there were over 120 participants, and the winners were awarded trophies and other prizes. The tournament concluded with a wonderful dinner for all.
For registration please telephone Cony De Francesco, at 585-2240.
On Saturday, 9 November, 182 people attended the annual San Martino dinner dance. The sumptuous, tasteful decoration of the hall along with the sophisticated musical stylings of Misael Valera and Michelle Tredger set the mood for a most enjoyable and satisfying evening. The kitchen staff worked hard in producing fine culinary delights in the Italian tradition and the serving staff did a marvellous job of serving the food promptly and efficiently. This year the Club was fortunate to be the beneficiary of a considerably higher number of donations for the silent auction and the generosity of the sponsors is greatly appreciated. The silent auction has become a tradition at this event and has received continued popular support. After dinner, guests danced to a well chosen variety of music presented by Giulio D'Oria. Any way you slice it, San Martino 2002 was a grand success!
About 81 children were in attendance--more than anticipated. "Vincenzo's"
had generously prepared 80 gifts, and a few more were added by the Cortina. The families
were very happy with the celebration and many still express their appreciation. Some
parents made a small contribution to show appreciation. The few donations were sufficient
for the pizzas that everyone enjoyed, parents and children. Coro Allegria
offered a number of carols interspersed with poems, Christmas wishes, and short songs by
the children of the Italian School of Kitchener-Waterloo. A memorable and symbolic touch
was provided by the living presence
of"Joseph," "Mary," and of course, "Baby Jesus."
The Christmas Sunday afternoon (15 December, 2002)
for our Cortina children was very well attended by parents, children, and small animals!
In fact, it was an excellent idea to bring 5 rabbits and a little lamb to the event
because all the numerous children at the Cortina were wonderfully fascinated. A very jolly
Santa Claus paid us a visit, and gave out presents to all the children after having
affectionately chatted with them.
SUNDAY MASS IN ITALlAN
It will be possible for all Cortina members and friends, and all people of the Italian-Canadian community, and anyone who loves the Italian language, to take part in a monthly Sunday mass celebrated in Italian, thanks to Father Peter (Piotr) Machnacki, Pastor and Rector of St. Agnes Catholic Community Parish, at 75 Bluevale St. N., Waterloo ON, N2J 3R7. Since 2 March, mass in Italian takes place each first Sunday of the month at 5 pm: 6 April, 4 May, and so on. Father Peter arrived recently (August 2002), to the parish, and is very eager to meet and be in touch with the members of the Italian community. His Italian is really wonderful. He was born in Poland, but has spent a number of years studying in Italy before arriving to Canada. Father Peter is a member of the Society of the Pallottini Fathers, an order formed after St. Vincent Pallottini, who was canonized in the 19th century. There are about 6,000 Pallottini in the various parishes and missions throughout the world. Father Peter invites everyone to attend the masses in the coming months, to pray and sing hymns in Italian, with a special invitation to the members of Coro Allegria. If you wish or know anyone who wishes to have confession in Italian, everyone is welcome at the Parish each Saturday from 4-5 pm at St. Agnes's Church.
For further information, please call the Parish, Mon. - Fri., 9-5 pm. Tel. 885-4480; FAX 885-6421;
face="Verdana">office@saintagnescatholicchurch.org
www.saintagnescatholicchurch.org
Some members of the Cortina have
expressed an interest in forming a seniors' association having a program similar to the
one that the Italian club of Guelph has in place for several years. The purpose for this
association would be to make new friends, and strengthen long standing friendships, so
that we can spend the latter years of our lives with a sense of well being, assisting one
another when we need to overcome life's difficulties which, as things go, are already for
some ofus hard to bear. Membership to this association is open only to Cortina
members over 55, but a younger spouse can clearly participate. Those who cannot
drive will be freely aided by other members who will gladly provide free transportation to
and from home.
Following is the program that we would like to have:
All costs are individually paid on participation:
For trips outside of Kitchener, we would arrange travel by bus.
All Cortina members over 55 will be invited by phone to attend the first meeting that
will take place in the very near future. In case we do not have enough participants, those
of us who wish to be active could participate with other local clubs, or with the seniors'
activities of the Guelph Italian club. We hope that our Cortina senior members will
welcome this initiative and its aim to better our health and our life style with the
company of friends. If you wish further clarifications and offer your assistance with
organizing, please telephone:
Sauro & Luisa Prioreschi, 886-3237; Giorgio & Cati Albano, 746-8391; Arrigo
Trevisan, 884-5171. With our best wishes, we look forward to your telephone call!
DID YOU KNOW... To renew the driver's licence all drivers 80 years of age and over will be asked to
take a vision and a driver's written test and participate in a 90-minute group education
session. The group education sessions will emphasize defensive driving techniques and
traffic situations which present the most difficulty for senior drivers. You may also have
to take a road test. In addition, your driver's licence will now be renewed every two
years.
New Canadians who have difficulties reading the test in English can take the test with
an interpreter. The role of the interpreter is only to reads the questions and translates
them. If you need an interpreter come to the K-W Multicultural Centre at
46 Mount Hope Street in Kitchener (at the comer of Park Street). To pay for the driver's
test, bring a $35 money order or certified check (no cash or personal checks). The
Multicultural Centre will make the appointment with the Ministry of Transportation and
will arrange for the interpreter to accompany you for the test.
The Ministry of Transportation allows tests taken with an interpreter
only on the following days and time: It is important to request a test (and the interpreter) at least one month before the
expiry date of the driver's license. The Driver's Handbook can be purchased at:
any Driving Examination Centre For more information call the K-W Multicultural Centre
at Tel 745-2531.
Romano Jacuzzi offers free accordion lessons to the members of the Italian community. Romano has taken accordion music classes between 1956-1962 at the Academy Luigi Lanaro in Italy.
For information please telephone 744-5442. The choir of the Cortina always welcomes new members for singing and having a good time
together. Coro Allegria is often invited to perform in local clubs or oui
of town. Cortina members of all ages are invited to join. If you do not know Italian,
choir members will teach you the songs, and it is not necessary to be a
"Pavarotti" or a "Bartoli" to sing and have fun.
Contact Mario Congi, president, at 888- 7269.
Italian Language and Culture Courses
The Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto hosts, at its location, a
selection of Italian courses ranging from beginner and intermediate to advanced levels.
Adult classes are offered twice weekly in the morning or evening, or once a week on
Saturdays for the winter and spring sessions and four days a week for the summer session,
totalling 30 hours of instruction, at a cost of $250. On request, the Istituto also offers
courses of translation and private lessons. Enrolment begins 3 weeks prior to beginning of
courses.
For info., cal1 416-921-2393.
Indirizzi Utili
-- Useful addresses ENIT --ENTE NAZIONALE ITALIANO PER IL TURISMO (Italian National Office for Tourism)
For information on cultural events and tourist attractions, hotels and display/poster materials on Italy. 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1914 Tel.: 1-800-482-5907; Fax: 514/392-1429
UFFICIO ITALIANO PENSIONI (INAS Canada) Tel.: 519/763-2228
VICE CONSOLATO D'ITALIA Tel. : 519/763-2228
ITALIAN CANADIAN CLUB ofl GUELPH ICE --ISTITUTO PER IL COMMERCIO ESTERO For information on Italy-Canada commercial relations.
Tel.: 416/598-1555; Fax: 416/5~8-1610
ITALIAN EMBASSY Tel.: 613/232-2402; Fax: 613/233-1484 CONSULATE GENERAL of ITALY Tel.: 416/977-1566, x 249; Fax:
416/962-1119
ALL SENIOR DRIVERS 80 YEARS OR OLDER
MUST TAKE A DRIVER'S TEST TO RENEW THE DRIVER'S LICENCE?
9:00 -11:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
or
Driver and Vehicle Licence Office.
Per informazioni riguardanti manifestazioni e attrazioni turistiche, alberghi e materiale pubblicitario sull'ltalia.
Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2M9
127 Ferguson
Guelph ON N1E 2Y9
127 Ferguson St.
Guelph ON N1E 2Y9
135 Ferguson
Guelph ON N1E 2Y9
(International Trade Institute)
438 University Avenue, Suite 1818<
Box 112
Toronto ON M6G 2K8
275 Slater St.
Ottawa ON K1P 5H9
136 Beverley St.
Toronto ON M5T 1 Y5
