March 2023
As Spring approaches, SICE finds itself at the height of its current season, and what a season it has proven to be! Almost ninety attendees joined the festivities at the Sarasota Yacht Club to welcome Dr. Joseph Scelsa, Founder and President of the Italian-American Museum in NYC. All were informed of the history of the museum and its completion slated for Summer 2023. Dr. Scelsa graciously accepted SICE’s donation of $3,000 to support his efforts on behalf of the development of the museum as it reaches fruition in the upcoming months.
Our Sophia Loren Retrospective has attracted a record number of registrants for our first two offerings. It pleases me to report that we have more than doubled our usual attendance at the film events. Our cinephiles enjoyed two leisurely lunches at the newly opened Sofia’s Restaurant in Lakewood Ranch and now eagerly await our third film and luncheon on March 22nd.
The annual Opera Event, forever a crowd pleaser, exceeded all expectations. Maestro Marcello Cormio provided our registrants with a thorough overview of Sarasota Opera’s upcoming performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” His presentation was enhanced by selections from the opera sung by Caitlin Crabill and Stefano de Peppo, performing the roles of Donna Elvira and Leporello, respectively. A leisurely gathering in the courtyard to the accompaniment of Italian pastries and coffee embellished the overall experience. Because of Sarasota Opera’s ongoing commitment to highlighting Italian culture, SICE showed its gratitude with a $3,000 donation.
Not to be outdone, three students received scholarship assistance from SICE, along with one student chaperone hosting a group of medical students to Florence, Italy. All in all, SICE has expended $10,500 in donations, scholarships and travel abroad in this season alone.
We now await our final two events for the current season, the film, “I Girasoli” and our End-of-Year Luncheon at Heritage Oaks Country Club. If you haven’t as yet registered, please do so.
Grazie, Amici!
Joe Morra, SICE President