Preservare origini, cultura e lingua
Progetti concreti che coinvolgano i giovani per poter salvare la nostra italianità
Di ELENA SERRAArticolo pubblicato il: 2010-05-22
HAMILTON – Un piccolo rimprovero per genitori e nonni per il mancato insegnamento dell’italiano ai propri figli, e la richiesta di guardare oltre la realtà italo-canadese di Toronto per poter preservare l’italianità in tutto in Canada.È questo il commento di Angelo Di Ianni, abruzzese di nascita, arrivato in Canada all’età di 13 anni, ed oggi direttore responsabile del Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana Dante Alighieri di Hamilton.«Il nostro centro è attivo dal 1972, ci siamo sempre occupati dell’insegnamento e del recupero della lingua e della cultura italiana per i giovanissimi delle elementari e per i ragazzi delle superiori. Organizziamo anche concerti e spettacoli teatrali con artisti che arrivano dall’Italia, ed il tutto è focalizzato verso la promozione dell’italianità, e la conoscenza dell’Italia». Il lavoro del Centro Dante tocca non solo la comunità di Hamilton, ma tutte quelle del Sud dell’Ontario, da Guelph a Niagara Falls, attraverso «il supporto organizzativo dei corsi di lingua e cultura italiana per i bambini che frequentano le elementari» spiega Di Ianni, «sia attraverso materiale didattico, sia con l’organizzazione di corsi di aggiornamento e preparazione per gli insegnanti che svolgeranno i corsi di italiano. Questo vuol dire – prosegue il direttore – che spesso dobbiamo anche insegnare come motivare gli studenti e rendere consapevoli le famiglie della propria comunità dell’importanza di far frequentare questi corsi ai propri figli. Le classi sono tutte nel doposcuola o il sabato mattina -continua Di Ianni – in quanto non vi è un numero sufficiente di bambini italiani nella stessa scuola per poter ottenere corsi di italiano come invece è possibile in altri grandi centri canadesi». Raggiungere il maggior numero di bambini possibili, in modo tale che l’apprendimento dell’italiano inizi presto, appare quindi spesso una sfida. Ma quanto è coinvolta la comunità italo-canadese in questa missione?«Gli italo-canadesi di Hamilton sono circa 70.000, una comunità quindi consistente, ma non tutti sono interessati a preservare la lingua e a permettere ai propri figli di frequentare le classi. Negli ultimi anni abbiamo avuto una leggera flessione di tutti i corsi di lingua e cultura italiana nel doposcuola, e temo questa sia una tendenza che si è registrata in tutto il Canada».Dalla sua esperienza di insegnante, preside ed ispettore scolastico che lo ha coinvolto per 14 anni nel mondo della scuola, il direttore Di Ianni si sente di “tirare le orecchie” a genitori e nonni, che sembrano preferire per i propri figli e nipoti attività come l’hockey e la palestra, «tutte attività validissime, ma così facendo, si rischia di perdere la lingua italiana che sta alla base della cultura».«La verità è che i giovani, ancor di più se si tratta di bambini – tiene a sottolineare il direttore – hanno bisogno di essere guidati dalla famiglia per quanto riguarda l’apprendimento dell’italiano, soprattutto in questa realtà dove l’inglese è la lingua parlata quotidianamente. C’è anche un po’ di pigrizia da parte di tutti, non ci sono abbastanza famiglie che parlano italiano e spesso anche durante degli eventi, coloro che sanno parlare l’italiano o il dialetto preferiscono esprimersi in un inglese stentato».Ricordando che altri gruppi etnici – francesi, croati, serbi – sono invece fieri di saper parlare la propria lingua, Di Ianni attribuisce questa tendenza italiana a ragioni lontane: «Penso che questa mentalità risalga ai problemi di integrazione che la comunità italiana ha dovuto affrontare in passato. Forse ci siamo illusi nel pensare che non parlando l’italiano la nostra integrazione sarebbe stata più semplice e rapida, ma ci siamo sbagliati. L’integrazione sarebbe stata ugualmente possibile, ed in più non avremmo perso parte della nostra cultura che ora è a rischio qui in Canada».Nonostante ciò, il futuro dell’italianità nel Paese può ancora essere roseo, a patto che non si perda più tempo e si investa in progetti concreti che coinvolgano tutti i giovani del Canada: «Abbiamo perso delle belle occasioni e bisognerebbe dare più visibilità a tutte le comunità italo-canadesi, perché il Canada non inizia né finisce a Toronto. Ora abbiamo molta collaborazione anche da parte del Consolato e dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura e dovremmo cercare di trarne vantaggio, ad esempio facendo sì che un maggior numero di spettacoli e mostre italiane siano presentati in tutto il Canada».L’ottimismo deriva anche dal grande successo dei corsi di lingua e cultura italiana organizzati nel periodo estivo e dai corsi estivi che permettono ai ragazzi delle superiori di visitare l’Italia: «Sono contento di dire che durante l’estate, solo nella città di Hamilton, ci sono oltre 850 ragazzi che imparano l’italiano. In più avere un’esperienza in Italia è la chiave giusta per motivare i ragazzi, che poi ritornano e diventano ambasciatori dell’italianità nella loro comunità. Quest’anno sono coinvolti nel progetto 150 giovani che trascorreranno un mese in Italia ricevendo anche un credito scolastico dal Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione dell’Ontario».

COMITES of Toronto shares views on engaging youth and organizing events

by CONCITA MINUTOLA

The Italian community in Toronto is undergoing a period of transformation as it considers various restructuring approaches. Wednesday evening, advisors and representatives from the associations and federations reunited to discuss the future at a meeting at Columbus Centre organized by COMITES of Toronto (association of Italians Abroad, Toronto district).It was a “brainstorming” session – in the words of Consul General Gianni Bardini who was present at the round table – to identify challenges and issues of generational turnover, and to discuss new proposals such as an Italian day to bring together, celebrate, and promote the Italian-Canadian reality in Toronto with a June 24 Cabot Day, for example.
Italian-Canadian organization presidents are open to dialogue and willing to collaborate in the open debate on modalities of restructuring, amid the optimism and pessimism, to ensure survival of the associations and clubs.
For his part, COMITES president and moderator of the round table, Gino Cucchi, affirmed the availability of COMITES to “act as coordinator, offer space, and share ideas, without judging the decisions taken by associations, which are and must remain independent.”
Cucchi also pointed out there will be follow-up round tables to discuss the future of associations, the role of youth, and events for the community.
Passing the torch to the youth is fundamental, emphasized COMITES member Fulvio Florio. But how?
Italian-Canadian youth are attracted to the Italy of today, attests Cristiano De Florentis, speaking on the success of the L’Altra Italia association which attracts increasing numbers of university and college students.
These are youth who are integrated into the Canadian social fabric, therefore solidarity among immigrants and a sharing of local traditions – which was the basis for the founding Italian associations – today are no longer elements for aggregating. This is the analysis that emerged during the course of the debate.
Cosmo Femia, president of Federazione Giovani Italo-Canadesi (FGIC), reassures us however, in their willingness to create new generations who “know how to speak Italian.”
“It’s not true that associations are finished. They only need to restructure,” says Antonio Porretta, advisor for Lazio region, who invites advisors from other Italian regions of Canada to reunite and discuss common strategies in support of associations and the Italian-Canadian community during this period of transition.
Caroline Di Cocco, president of Federazione Lazio calls for “discussions for a common strategy among federations,” reminding us that the associations are part of Canadian society, and of the importance of opening up and promoting ourselves.
“Times have changed and a round table on the survival is essential for understanding how we, together, can do something for the future,” confirms Di Cocco.
Tony Marcantonio from Campania region also emphasizes the urgency of an analysis.
Also joining the chorus is Franco Sampogna, Molise region advisor and president of the Federazione delle associazioni molisane in Ontario.
“The associations are headed towards extinction. We need to collaborate,” he invites, citing the successful example of the Italian-American community, “because much can be achieved, at least for the youth, by collaborating.”
“This is a positive step,” says Vincenzo Antezza, advisor for Lucania, who questions however how many truly are open to dialogue, and how visible COMITES is.
Tony Silipo of Federazione dei calabresi invited COMITES to join in along with the federations “when it involves taking a position with government or with the Consulate,” and expressed his regret over the absence of the National Congress of Italian-Canadians.
“The Calabrian federation,” he reassures, “is always open to all institutions,” and is in favour of a Cabot Day for June 24.
Roberto Bandiera from Molisani ne Mondo re-proposed the idea of an Italian week, including a big parade but “the problem is to see if the people are prepared to (do the) work,” appealing to such institutions as COMITES and the Consulate to urge the associations to come together.
COMITES councillor Mario Marra confirmed the willingness of his organization, calling for openness, and considers that a Cabot Day in Canada can be similar to Columbus Day in the U.S.A. – a world-renowned event.
“But you have to start with the basics,” he added. “This is the first step – another successful COMITES reunion organized by Mimmo Rizzo confirms that we’ll continue to have success.”
“I marvel at the pessimism,” says Lucia Flaim of Club Trentino pointing out the generation gaps of today, and not only for the Italian-Canadian community. Citing the NEXT (Nuove energie per il Trentino) program, Flaim invites us to look to the future with enthusiasm, giving youth autonomy and having faith in their professionalism.
“We chose the academic route using scholarships,” says Moreno Bernardi (Toscana), who is open to collaboration.
With respect to previous debates, recalls Paolo Natale of Confederazione siciliana, participation has increased but we also need to involve the Congress, and “pass this torch on to the youth.”
For Gino Ripandelli, who invites us to overcome individualism and to unite for initiatives such as la Giornata del sacrificio (day of sacrifice) and the Festa della donna (women’s day), the will for COMITES to cooperate with the Congress is there. “We’re not against it but are always open.”
As an objective outside observer, Consul General Bardini ended proceedings, praising the COMITES initiative, and urged associations to organize youth trips to Italy and commit to safeguarding university Italian departments, such as at Queen’s University.
A team of representatives (Roberto Bandiera, Vittorio Scava, Tony Marcantonio, Franco Sampogna, Moreno Bernardi, Giovanni Addolisio, Cosmo Femia, Caroline Di Cocco, Antonio Porretta, and Domenico Servello) along with Gino Cucchi, will now draw up an agenda. In other words, the debate continues.

Italian-Canadian students in Halifax tell story of their community

by CONCITA MINUTOLA

HALIFAX – With microphones, pens, and pads of paper in hand, young Italian-Canadian students living in Halifax transformed themselves into reporters in order to tell the story of their community. The interviews they conducted with Italians who arrived at Pier 21 will be published in an upcoming book, which will also include traditional recipes from the various regions of their parents.
The book project entitled Next Generation, was launched by the Italian Canadian Cultural Association (ICCA) of Nova Scotia as a way to unite Italian-Canadian youth between the ages of 13-30.
It began two years ago when the association, which was founded in the ’70s, nominated a group of young people all under 30 to the executive committee.
Michael Gasparetto, Alessandra Rosetti and Caterina Fava, along with Luigi Velocci, who at 36 is the new president of ICCA, became the leaders of the association’s future.
“The youth group is growing,” said Luigi Velocci, thanks to more club activities, Facebook, and a new website (www.iccans.org).
But Velocci is well aware that attracting young people to Italian clubs is a concern elsewhere.
“I’ve spoken with various Italian association presidents in all of Canada and the problem is that there are few young people,” he said.
Even among the ICCA members, at least half are more than 65 years old. Velocci suggested that in order to attract new generations it is necessary to organize activities that unite the past and present, which will “allow the youth and elders to work together in common projects, whether they are cooking lessons, etc. By doing so, the older group members will feel better and the youth will learn the culture, language, art and cuisine, and they will become aware of what the older members have experienced.”
The book project is part of this goal — allowing young people a chance to hear stories about the Italian immigrants who traveled to Canada, some of whom decided to remain in Nova Scotia, the province where they arrived.
“There are 3,000 families of Italian origin in Nova Scotia,” Velocci said.
The ICCA was informally born during this period of mass immigration and in the ’70s it became a non-profit organization whose objective was to preserve Italian culture throughout the province.
However, the club, which has more than 600 members, had to make due with the same office for 10 years.
“Last year was very important for the association,” explains Velocci. “We opened a new office and an Italian school that allows us to organize new events.”
About 200 students participate in language lessons, as well as culinary and wood-working classes. The centre also includes a library.
Velocci said that the renovations took a long time, but it was well worth it.
“We wanted to be sure that we had the right place and that we had the means to build and sustain it,” he said.
“My parents arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax and then moved to Ontario. When I returned to Nova Scotia, I missed the Italian Canadian community in Toronto, and thanks to the ICCA, I’ve found a new family. Now my children Danilo, 9, and Matteo, 4, are able to participate in community life.”
Velocci has only returned to Italy once, when he was a small boy, but it was his parents who passed on to him the Italian spirit. The next Velocci family vacation will be in Italy, however, for now Velocci voluntarily dedicates a great part of his free time and his vacation days to the Italian community.
“In the past, many Italians who immigrated to Canada didn’t want their children to speak Italian because they were ashamed.”
It is no longer like this today, he said. “I grew up in an Italian speaking family, in contact with Italian workers. It’s never too late to rediscover your Italian identity. It is a part of who we are. Learning Italian and going to Italy are very important.”

Bonanni wants more involvement from Italy

By Mariella Policheni

Recent comments about the need to strengthen the power and scope of Italian-Canadian associations by Consul General Gianni Bardini and former ambassador to Canada Gabriele Sardo hit home for the Italian-Canadian community.
There are those who fully agree with the proposals put forth by Consul Bardini, and those who feel there is nothing new contained in his open letters. Anyone reading between the lines, however, can sense his great affection and hope that the Italian culture and traditions will continue to create a place in Canadian society.
“It’s difficult disagree with what is affirmed by both the Consul General and the former ambassador in Canada,” says Roberto Bonanni, founder of Supino Social Club in 1970 and Coro di Supino in 1994, and COSTI official during the ’60s. “Both outline the fragmentation of our community, as well as the necessity of rejuvenation and unity of intent with the goal of preserving and diffusing our culture and language, especially among the new generations.”
In his open letters, the Consul General also invited the Italian-Canadian community to play a more active role, to act as a bridge between Italy and Canada and strengthen ties, thus obtaining mutual benefits.
“An opinion that most can agree with, though there’s no apparent commitment on his part to solicit the Italian government to invest more for the communities abroad,” Bonanni continues fervently. “In the past, the former ambassador Sardo had already warned us not to expect too much from Rome because Italy was undergoing a period of economic and institutional crisis. Translated into simple words, their argument is that there are many problems, so we have to make do the best we can to save our cultural and linguistic identity in Canada.”
To safeguard and maintain the Italian language and culture, other components of the community have done much in the past, according to the Italian-Canadian.
“Given that the societies, as I see it – no matter how important – don’t represent the entire community, I find it ungracious not to acknowledge how much others have already done and continue to do for our language and culture in the GTA and surrounding area,” continues Bonanni – who came to Canada in the early ’50s. “I’ve personally witnessed firsthand the creation of Corriere Canadese, our true ‘spokesperson’, COSTI, the Italian Chamber of Commerce during the ’60s, the Dante Alighieri Society and CHIN soon after, and the National Congress of Italian Canadians during the ’70s, and then bit by bit also the Italian Cultural Institute, COMITES (committee of Italians resident abroad) with CGIE (general council of Italians abroad), and the various regional federations. And it’s thanks to them that over the years, countless musical and cultural events have been organized, as well as exhibits that promote our language, culture, and traditions.”
What’s missing, according to Bonanni, is the collaboration between various components of the community: “What’s lacking in my opinion is the glue that Bardini talks about, in the sense that they all, in their own way, feel they are spokespersons for the community – with COMITES and the Italian-Canadian Congress leading the pack – but in reality that’s not how it is,” Bonanni says without mincing words. “It’s the community that’s paying for the lack of dialogue among those organizations. I feel then, that a coordinated plan of action by the entire community should be established, to provide a strong and authoritative voice, made up of personnel ready and willing to work – each one contributing their part – although I realize that this would not be an easy undertaking.”
Times are ripe for new initiatives, to look to the future in a new light, and truly include the youth.
“I don’t find it scandalous in any way that the new generations do not nurture any interest at all in dinner-dances organized by the societies,” adds Bonanni. “Interest and love of Italy must come from initiatives such as study vacations in Italy or by providing opportunities to specialize professionally in the Bel Paese, and so on. We need to create a bridge between our community and Italy.”
It’s an approach that can begin with small but significant steps: “One can begin by abolishing the $64 stamp tax that is applied to the Italian passport when that document used for travel to Italy. Then one can proceed by convincing the Italian government to revisit the laws for reacquiring Italian citizenship, to reinstate a concrete dialogue giving way to projects that favour communities abroad, and work towards common objectives so we can feel – although we’re very far – closer.”
With clear ideas, although admitting their fulfillment would be no easy task, Bonanni points a finger towards Rome:
“I was born in a country that boasts a millennia-old civilization,” concluded Bonanni. “I’d like it if the Italian government was more involved with communities abroad, because a collaboration between us and Italy would provide nothing but reciprocal benefits. Investing more in this regard cannot be anything but a positive for all.”

lang_en]Organization representative Angela Di Benedetto shares her passion for Italy

By Concita Minutola

Originally Published: 2010-01-17

She is 29, Canadian-born, loves Biagio Antonacci and Negramaro, listens to Italian radio over the Internet every day, and grabs a slice of pizza as soon as she lands in Italy. Angela Di Benedetto loves Italy like a second home. She also has extensive experience with the Italian-Canadian community both in her city of Montreal, as well as across Canada. She is in her second mandate as spokesperson for young Canadians of Abruzzese origin within Reggione Abruzzo; she is secretary of the Associazione Famiglia Abruzzese of Montreal as well as an associate of COGIC, the Italian-Canadian youth group from COMITES, Montreal.
“Many say that the music and food make you feel Italian,” says Di Benedetto, “but for me it’s not just about that: It’s the sense of belonging to the roots of my grandparents. I feel fortunate to be of Italian origin, although I’m a Canadian citizen.”
Her Italian is impeccable, due to her grandfather’s encouragement and help in distinguishing dialect and proper Italian words. Subsequently, her passion for Italian film and music made it easy to study the grammar and expand her vocabulary.
After the Abruzzo earthquake tragedy, Di Benedetto put her consulting projects on momentary standby to collaborate in the aid initiatives for the victims.
“In Montreal we raised $870,000 to rebuild homes in Onna through the Canadian Red Cross who distributed the money to the Italian Red Cross,” she said.
She recalls the day last year when the Quebec provincial capital hosted the second annual congress of Abruzzesi youth in the world. Based on that experience, Di Benedetto wants to deflate the myth that youth do not participate in the world of associations.
“We’re young professionals,” she says resolutely. “We’ve traveled to and seen Italy. Now it’s up to association leaders to allow us space to bring forth new ideas. We don’t want to put those preceding me aside, but I do wish to work together. In order to be drawn in, youth must also feel they can promote the culture their own way.”

To those who ask why she feels so Italian, Di Benedetto responds “for passion, for love” – two words that go beyond definitions and rational explanations.
“It’s a love,” she adds, “that overcomes all distances. It’s something you carry in your heart, conveyed by your parents and grandparents.”
And the advice of the Abruzzesi youth representative to those who also feel Italian is to “listen to your grandparents if you have the great fortune of still having them with you. Listen to their stories and what it means to be Italian. Maybe this,” she concludes, “could convince youth to participate more and to feel part of something enriching.”
Di Benedetto’s passion is an example to follow for Guido Picconi, president of the associazione Famiglia Abruzzese of Montreal.
“We’re trying to attract a large following of youth,” Picconi explains, “because the founders are now of a certain age or are no longer around.”
There are over 700 already registered at Famiglia Abruzzese, but the number increases if one considers that for each subscriber, their families are also included, and that registration is also open to sympathizers, not just those originating from Abruzzo.
Through organized reunions and events, the association tries to promote knowledge of Italy and the Italian and Abruzzese culture to the new generation.
“The youth often do not participate because they are very busy,” Picconi reflects, “but we’re trying to change our association to involve them more. We want them to participate in the organizing too, and we’d also like more exchange with Italy.”
But the positive signs are already there. The participation by young Abruzzesi at the convention hosted in Montreal last year shows that the younger generation is more active than ever before.[/lang_en]

By CONCITA MINUTOLA

What are the priorities and challenges facing Italian-Canadian associations? This was the central theme at the roundtable held at Villa Colombo in Vaughan on Dec. 30, on occasion of the presentation of the conclusive document from the “First Convention on Italian-Canadian Associations.”
The roundtable event was also an opportunity to unite representatives from the Italian-Canadian community – youth included – for a discussion on the future of associations.
The document, drafted by COMITES of Toronto vice president and event organizer Mimmo Rizzo, was presented by Consul General Gianni Bardini to federation and club presidents and representatives in attendance, and to representatives of Italian-Canadian youth associations Associazione Giovani Italo-Canadesi (AGIC) and Federazione Giovani Italo-Canadesi (FGIC).
The report – which is an analysis and collection of reflections that emerged at the October 2008 convention – will be examined and elaborated on by three operative groups made up predominantly of youth, Rizzo says.
Following are the objectives and priorities as indicated by the report:
“The involvement of the new generations, with their inclusion at management levels as well; the necessity of overcoming regional or associational confines; the usefulness of twinning or other forms of collaboration among associations throughout the Canadian territory; the willingness to preserve and spread the Italian language and culture along with the various regional cultures; the necessity of the community to be represented and supported in an efficient manner – and not just in word only; social initiatives that involve the entire community, overcoming parochial confines when the nature of the problem or issue calls for it.”
And following are the operative proposals after the roundtable discussion on the state of associations in Ontario:
“a) to put in place new mechanisms for communication among societies, among them: a shared secretariat (at the COMITES headquarters, in the case of Toronto, for example) that can gather and disseminate information and proposals; periodic meetings among directors; shared website for dialoguing and rendering individual activities more transparent, and that could be placed into a shared calendar;
b) to elaborate on an inter-associational program of activity by an ad hoc committee to reinforce the awareness and routine of working together (such as through various tournaments, travel exchanges, etc.);
c) to evaluate the major points of reference for the entire community (such as Columbus Centre in the case of Toronto) for meetings and initiatives;
d) special-events days coordinated by the societies, open to the entire community, to celebrate historical figures and to acknowledge contemporary personalities that have honoured and given lustre to the community and Italy, as well as events that are especially significant to the Italian identity;
e) to participate in the implementing of social, cultural, commercial, and political projects of special prominence and commitment, such as for example: the creation of one or more schools offering credit courses with substantial Italian content; holding high-profile exhibits, from Italy, through local prestigious institutions (ROM, AGO, etc.); evaluating and expanding museums of emigration (such as AMICI in the case of Vaughan) that house the shared memories; donations to the major Canadian cities of artworks by contemporary Italian artists; creation of foundations; harmonized lobby activities to promote the interests of the Italian community in Canada;
f) strong communal commitment to promote the creation of an association of the second generation through economic support (creation of a ‘youth’ fund financed through community activities and various levels of public funding as well: central, provincial, municipal) and various incentives directed to the study of the Italian language (study scholarships, prizes, facilitation of short stays in Italy including exchange programs as well).”
“It is an optimal document,” comments Consul General Bardini, who is actively promoting debate on the future of associations and the state of the Italian-Canadian community. “It accurately analyzes associations and has an operative nature that attempts to provide concrete responses to the issues of the future of associations.”
For Bardini, what emerged from the roundtable is “an opening, a willingness to contribute and to get instep with the times, which highlights the healthy state of the community, but also the necessity to get to work.”
And as for 2010 predictions: “My impression,” says Bardini, “is that there will be many new initiatives.”
According to Rizzo, it was “a constructive event, to unify not divide, because it is now time to put words into action, with a unity of intention, and transparency.”
The three workgroups, Rizzo explains, will be formed in the near future with the collaboration of young adults who have already confirmed their willingness to participate.

A revamped Celano Canadian Club in Mississauga brings together young and old
By Concita Minutola

Originally Published: 2010-01-17

A meeting place for three generations of Italian-Canadians, the Celano Canadian Club was founded 40 years ago in Mississauga. Grandparents, parents, and children, – from six-months to 89 – reunited at the newly-renovated club headquarters this past December for the annual Christmas party in an event organized by the club’s youth committee.
Club president Carlo D’Ovidio is proud of the results. “The youth committee organized the entire event from buying and wrapping the gifts to dressing up as Santa Claus,” he said.
D’Ovidio explained that there are about 60 members registered with the club who are under 40 years old, including over 200 families from Woodbridge to Rochester, N.Y.
“The first objective,” he emphasized, “is to convey Italianià to the youth. Bit by bit, we’re trying to draw third- and fourth-generation Italian-Canadians to the Club.”
Recalling the deliberations by Consul General Bardini on the community’s future, the club president explained that “the youth are there, but it’s not enough that we just draw them into the club. We have to have faith in them and give them space for social and recreational projects. They know what to do and they do it well, so it’s now time to pass the torch.”
The interdependence of youth committee members demonstrates as well that to keep Italian-Canadian club traditions alive, it’s not enough to involve adolescents and those in their 20s, but also the generation of young parents who want to convey their heritage to their children.
This is the motivation for Carlo D’Ovidio’s 39-year-old son Marco, who is the coordinator of the youth committee and father of Annalisa, nine, and Isabella, six.
“We organize a Family Night to dine together or watch a movie,” says D’Ovidio. “Then we have the bocce league for those between 20 and 40 years of age, as well as a golf tournament.”
Now that renovations to the club’s banquet hall are complete, the commission wants to organize an events-filled calendar, “maybe with two family nights per month,” said D’Ovidio, “because we’ve seen the success of the the Gnocchi Night and Poker Night.’

D’Ovidio’s hope is that his two children learn Italian. The Celano Canadian Club is considering creating Italian language courses.
“Our objectives are that they learn Italian and that they don’t lose their culture,” said D’Ovidio. “Just as my father worked in the club for me, now I’ll do the same for my kids.They’re having fun, and they’re aware that their grandfather contributed to the founding of the club. It doesn’t take much to lose one’s roots, if we don’t encourage continuation of the club’s activities. And with new ideas, we can involve more youth.”
Competition with other events is strong, however. But keeping interest high is possible, because “if we can’t travel to Italy, at least we have a headquarters here where we can unite.”
Laura Di Gennaro, coordinator of activities, is of the same opinion.
Di Gennaro is a mother of two: eleven-year-old Luca and nine-year-old Selina. Her priority is to cement the memories “of our cultural belonging and the sacrifices our grandparents and parents made to give us everything we have today.”
She began her volunteer work out of a desire to commemorate her grandfather Giacomo Russo as a founding club member.
“The Celano Canadian Club is part of our lives,” she said. “Lasting friendships have been forged here, and the life of the club has always been a topic of conversation in our family. We meet, we’re happy to be together, and we also want our children to live this tradition.”
Di Gennaro, who is a teacher, is in favour of Consul General Bardini’s proposals of offering youth opportunities for travel to Italy: “Seeing Italy is the best way of reinforcing the bonds,” she said, adding that exchange programs with Italian students would also be useful, as would Italian language courses.
“The study of Italian,” also depends on the area.” In Woodbridge, for example, it’s easier to find courses, compared to other areas of the GTA “which is why we’d also like to organize lessons at our club headquarters.”
Di Gennaro is in favour of promoting bilingual schools such as the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, as proposed by Consul Bardini, “although it would be easier if tuition fees were more affordable. A diploma from a bilingual school where one would have a lot of opportunity to learn about Italy, would certainly open many doors for our children.”