Ciao tutti,

Grazie a tutti. Your continued support of the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana is so greatly appreciated. Whether you are a new or a renewed member your participation, volunteer work and contributions keeps the Society on track with its continuing mission in preserving and promoting Italian culture along with the Italian American experience. It cannot be done without you.

We have a number of events, presentations and gatherings which will help celebrate Italian heritage this year. In keeping up with all of this you will see these announced on the IHSI website, social media, newsletter, emails and mailers. Some of these are no cost such as the lecture series which are live presentation which are recorded. If these could not be attended for the live presentation, as a current IHSI member you can see them through your IHSI website account once they are uploaded. Some of our past presentations are available now. If you haven’t attended one or have a special one, this is your chance to view or revisit it. Our cultural committee under the direction of Susan Santore Lew and Carol Faenzi have done such an outstanding job with these as well other memorable cultural events.

Another free event happening soon is Pasquetta (little Easter). This is an informal gathering where everyone brings a dish to share in a convivial setting to reconnect with other members or meet new ones. This Italian tradition (a picnic) usually follows Easter Sunday on Monday. However, here in the States as everyone works the next day, we celebrate it on the following Sunday in Lacey Park across from Holy Rosary in downtown Indianapolis. This is a great family event and one of my favorites. Another no cost favorite is the Chapel in the Meadow at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh IN. Italian POW’s during the second world war built the chapel from scrap material on the base which has become a landmark. A ceremony and picnic are held there every year by the Society. Seeing this historical landmark is worth the drive on I-65. And please, don’t forget the Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival in June which IHSI supports and participates in. This extraordinary summer family event offers everything from food to a traditional procession of clergy, to children in traditional Italian dress, and, of course, the IHSI Italian merchandise booth is not to be missed.

As always, IHSI participates in the Italian Film Festival which creates the opportunity to see some of Italy’s most remarkable cinematic works that one may otherwise never see. Again, watch for the announcements on this for all the films, dates and locations where shown. You won’t want to miss it.

Then of course we have those events which the Society strives to price reasonably for members to attend that provide some wonderful cultural and epicurean experiences. These would include Italian wine paring dinners and wine tastings along with celebratory events such as October’s Italian Heritage Month and a year-end holiday party which is always festive and enjoyable.

IHSI also has a scholarship program in which students of our members may apply for where their parent are current IHSI members and also for the preceding year. Consult the IHSI website for details on how your student can apply: https://italianheritage.org/about/ihsi-scholarship/.  Now, if your student decides to attend Marion University, ask the school or go to their website about the newly created scholarship set up by the Society for those students of Italian Heritage, This is known as the David Page – Matthew Iaria (IHSI) Endowment Scholarship. This was named in honor of two founding Society members who have done so much to raise funds for student scholarships over the years. Their time and talent contributed to this is just exceptional.

Remember, if you’re not already a member, you can become one, as well as your business through our corporate membership, by going online: https://italianheritage.org/about/membership/  I also encourage you to ask others to consider becoming a member. You don’t have to have been born in Italy or be of Italian ancestry, but only appreciate all things Italian. All are welcome!

Lastly, do consider becoming fully involved as a member along with having input on the events. We are in definite need of volunteers — now more than ever. If interested, please send an email specifying your particular area of interest to: [email protected] The Society looks forward to great year ahead and asks that all to be part of this exciting time!

Grazie,

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