Saluti a tutti,

Spring has finally arrived with everyone ready to enjoy some warmer weather along with some great IHSI activities and events!

Bocce ball is of course back with enthusiastic players who have patiently waited to get “rolling” again on the courts at Lacey Park across from Holy Rosary. The IHSI Book club has remained steady and still going strong with monthly book reviews and discussion-luncheon meetings at Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine located on E 82^nd St on the northside of Indianapolis. Keep an eye on the newsletter, website and social media for future luncheon meeting dates and locations.

The Society’s “An Evening of Tarallucci e Vino” at the 21^st Amendment in Carmel, IN was a great success. This sold out event consisted of wine tasting from four different regions of Italy along with tasty cheeses, meats and sweets. It was not only a learning experience regarding wine, but a wonderful evening of socializing in catching up with old friends and making new ones. The Society thanks the 21^st Amendment for their assistance and expertise with this event along with extending a discount on the wines presented to those who attended. Special thanks to board member Susan Lew, VP Kevin Pastore and Secretary Zeno Tutino for planning and coordinating the event. Shortly after this was the annual no cost Pasquetta (“little Easter”) picnic in Lacey Park. This tradition of sharing and informally interacting with others after Easter proved to be extremely enjoyable. The delicious dishes contributed by those attending was well worth being there. It was yet another great way for members to celebrate tradition, become reacquainted with members and welcome new ones. Board member Claudia Heck did a masterful job in coordinating the event along with all those who assisted.

IHSI will also once again have a presence in the AES Indy 500 Festival Parade displaying its cultural heritage and enthusiasm by being part of a great Indianapolis race tradition. If you are not participating in the parade, be there on May 28^th to cheer on the Society members. Also keep an eye out for newly appointed membership committee chair Chuck Werckenthien who will be driving one of the many cars in the parade. By the way, if you have membership questions, referring others for membership or renewing, talk to Chuck. He can be reached at [email protected].

The IHSI Lecture Series has begun again. Presentations will include that on the “Veneto Region” by Prof. Elisa Lucci-Riester, followed by “Renaissance Architecture” with Dr. James Glass and “The History of Puglia” by prof. Carl Ipsen. Consult the IHSI website and newsletter for dates, times and locations. The Society will be video recording these presentations in an effort to preserve them for the cultural and educational purposes as well as making them available on the website for Society members.

Along with all of this it will soon be time for the Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival. The Society will be there and is looking for volunteers to help out at its booth. If interested in participating in this fast paced and fun event, please contact Claudia Heck at [email protected] for details.

It has already been such a busy year for members with so much more fun to come.

I look forward to seeing all of you celebrating Italian culture and the Italian American experience in one and all of the many events and activities this year.

Grazie

Ralph Tambasco,
President
Italian Heritage Society of Indiana
[email protected]