Ciao A Tutti,
Fall is here and with it yellow raincoats, steaming boules of sourdough, and the witching simmer of a hearty minestrone on the stovetop. Here at Dante HQ, we have already said ciao to our first two meetings of the season. Thank you again to all who came out and took part in the socializing, wine drinking, and attentive listening. As someone who seldom finds the time to eat before heading out to such events, I was especially impressed with the selection of antipasti you all brought to our most recent meeting. Sicilian chicken liver mousse, trout (or was it salmon?) cream dip, and let no one forget that stunner of a torta with, if my mind remembers right, shaved almonds and an almost kringle-like texture that crumbled into flakes of sugar and warm honey with each bite. Who knew our dear society was full of so many gastronomes?
Festa Italiana was this weekend. Thank you to each and every member who stepped in to help man the booth and share Dante’s mission of spreading the Italian language and culture throughout the PNW. As always, you answered our call to action. And now, after what I am sure was a busy weekend of wine stomping and pizza noshing, you can rest soundly knowing that you did a job well done.
While we are on the topic of thanks, I’d also like to take a moment to thank Joyce Ramee, Dante’s past president, for all the work she’s been putting in behind the scenes to help keep our little ship from running aground. I had the pleasure of attending one of Joyce’s classical viola recitals last month, and as someone whose knowledge of classical music barely extends beyond a basic thumbs up, thumbs down, level of sophistication, I marvel at how Joyce finds the time to be so good at her instrument and still so generous with her energy outside of her official duties as an educator and performer. She is the definition of a service leader and we are fortunate to have her.
October is looking to be another thoughtful month of events. First up, we have Gina Siciliano on October 9th. I first met Gina while she was working as a bookseller at one of my favorite used books stores. Later, I ran into her while she was working at a different used book store down in Pike Market. I’d known of Gina’s tremendous talent as an illustrator and author for some time, but it wasn’t until this second run-in that it occurred to me to ask if she might be interested in speaking about her highly-acclaimed book, I Know What I Am: The Life and Times of Artemisia Gentileschi, to our members.
The Guardian said of Gina’s book, “I Know What I Am is an extraordinary debut — a beautifully drawn portrait of the Italian baroque painter.” It’s with great pleasure that we are able to welcome her to the Dante stage.
The Seattle Channel’s Feature on Gina
For our Italian presentation later in the month, I’m pleased to welcome, Mario Cazzanti. This event will be a co-presentation with IL Punto. Mario will be sharing a series of songs and poems with the common thread of peace.
That’s it for now. Since beginning this letter, the sky has darkened and the streetlights have begun to glow… I can still hear the traffic cruising down Mercer, but it’s less hurried than during the rush hour prior. I wish you all a pleasant beginning of Fall and look forward to hearing all your new stories at our upcoming meeting.
In Bocca Al Lupo,
Trevor K. Pogue