LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) DAYS REVIVAL II - SUNDAY, OCT. 17 - JUST AROUND THE CORNER

My Grandson, Kristian (photo above) reminds us that that LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) DAYS REVIVAL II is just around the corner - Sunday, October 17, from 1-4PM, at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm: http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

Remember that this historic setting is a working ranch, so wear your best rancher's clothes (hats and 'shavolas' are optional'). Food will be served; however, if you wish you can bring your own 'picnicka' basket with your favorite wine. Also if you have a favorite dish you want to share, please do so. So, come along and enjoy a fun day, of food, music and stories as told by his friend the "Old Rancere". And don't forget that Lido Cantarutti, Director of the Italian Film Festival http://www.italianfilm.com/ will be our special guest. In the meantime enjoy some of the photos taken at "La Nostra Costa Days Revival I. For further info and photos scroll down this "Blagga" Page ( http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/ )

LA NOSTRA-COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SUNDAY - OCTOBER 17, 2010

JIM COCHRON AND THE SWANTON BERRY FARM
PRESENTS
LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS (OUR COAST) REVIVAL
SUNDAY, OCT 17, 2010

Ivano Franco Comelli, Author –Screenwriter of
La Nostra Costa/Turbulent Quest

In his guise as the “Old Rancere,” Ivano will re-create (with stories and songs), historical events as they might have occurred on the North Coast of Santa Cruz (1923-1983).

Come join us for a fun afternoon of food, music, and “tall tales of old.”

Location: Swanton Berry Farm – 2 miles north of Davenport.

http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/


Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00PM

Fee: Voluntary Donations Only

SEMPRE AVANTI

AN AMERICAN STORY BY GINO CAMPIONI

MARY OKAMOTO IN FRONT OF HER PORTLAND, OREGON FRUIT STAND

GINO SAYS:
After reading the current discussion (re: restrictions placed on Italians during WWII) on the LNOSTRA-COSTA BLOG, I feel prompted to share this story with you and your fellow bloggers.

************************************************

AN AMERICAN STORY - SUBMITTED BY GINO CAMPIONI
In South East Portland, Oregon, there once was a small but well built fruit stand in front of a nice private home. The fruits and vegetable were always the finest to be found, and arranged in artistic manner. The owners of this business were Mary and Haru Okamoto. Mary was Nisei, a native of Watsonville, California, while Haru, a
Nihon Jin, was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Their several children were all born in the United States.

The Okamoto gained a large following of customers, not just because of the high quality and fair prices of their products, but also by their friendliness and courtesy. Many people called them "Oka San" and "Oto San". (Grandma
and Grandpa)

By the time the war began, two of their older sons were already serving in the U. S. military. One of them later was lost in action. When the family was given short notice that they were to be bussed to a concentration camp in Arizona (because of those WWII restrictions against "enemy aliens"), they took with them all the clothes they could carry, plus a tricycle for the small children, and an electric iron and ironing board. Those three "luxuries" were the only ones at the camp, and they were shared by many families.

After the war they were allowed to return home. They continued the business until one morning a car driven by a drunken driver smashed into the fruit stand, and completely demolished it. Neither the driver nor the fruit stand were insured. Mary and Haru received no help to restore their business. It was over two years before they could resume their work, but somehow they managed to return to normal, with no help from those who should have given it.

On my latest visit there, I found the stand looking nice as before, but being run by a young American man. Haru had passed on, and Mary, now very old, was only working part time. Presumably the Okamoto are now both on the other
side of the "Nihon Hashi" or Japan Bridge.

*******************************************

GINO SAYS (CONT'D) It has been many years since the times I used to see these people. Their place was on 52nd Ave. in South East Portland, near the Rhododendron gardens, Reed College, etc. I would stop at the fruit stand any time I was scheduled to work on a TV anywhere near it, and buy something, either "ringo", (apple) "sakurambo" (cherries),"budo" (grapes), or "kaki" (persimmon). Note that persimmon is "cachì" in Italian and pronounced the same. It is also khaki in English, for the color of the leaves of the persimmon tree.

LIDO CANTARUTTI PRESENT THE 2010 ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

SHOWCASE THEATRE IN SAN RAFAEL (TEL: 415-499-6800)

LIDO CANTARUTTI HAS JUST ANNOUNCED HIS FILM SELECTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE SHOWCASE THEATRE IN SAN RAFAEL, CA., OCT 2 to NOV 13, 2010. TO VIEW HIS SELECTIONS, DATES FOR SHOWNG, AND TICKETING INFORMATION GO TO LIDO'S WEBSITE: http://www.italianfilm.com/

IVANO SAYS: Remember Lido is going to be our special guest at the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival" on October 17. Come meet Lido at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm between 1 and 4 PM. The Film Festival will still be going on and you can ask Lido a bunch of questions. Oh, by-the-way "The Old Rancere" will be there too. That is if he can find his way.

Sempre Avanti

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBER - LaNORMA

LaNORMA ,pictured above (on the left) with Nunni Radicchi, is an integral part of the 'LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL
COMMITTEE (LNCDRC). Nunni is the mother of 'LaRosa' Radicchi. LaRosa is also a member of the LNCDRC. Come meet these wonderful ladies at the LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL EVENT on SUNDAY, OCT. 17 at JIM COCHRON'S SWANTON BERRY FARM BETWEEN 1-4pm. Scroll down on this page to view Event Announcements.

In the meantime, LaNorma has sent us a gem of a story that conjures up many, many memories of the past.

“La Storia del Circolo” (The Story of the Circus) by LaNoma
Circuses are mostly a thing of the past now and most of the ones that do exist do not even have animals.

However, years ago they were magnificent entertainment and everyone looked forward to the circus coming to town. They mostly must have traveled by train (remember the old movie “Greatest Show On Earth” with Cornel Wilde, Betty Hutton, Charlton Heston, etc.)

My Dad used to talk about the circus coming to town by train. I recently talked to Sharon Watson and she also remembers the circus coming to Santa Cruz by train – they would disembark at the depot and then the elephants and horses would pull the cages and wagons and all the equipment trailers down Pacific Avenue to what is now 550 Water Street Medical Buildings (across from the old Adolph’s). This was quite an adventure. Everyone would come down and it was literally a parade that everyone enjoyed until the circus was put up and going!

I cannot remember when this stopped happening – Sharon and I are in the same age category and can remember it but the oldtimers remembered it vividly as well so it must have been going on for a long time!

My Dad talked about the circus coming to town and this one episode happened in the late 20’s or early 30’s.

Again – why oh why didn’t I (we) pay more attention to these wonderful stories and remember details!

Anyway the circus had stopped at the depot and all the cages, etc. werw lined up; d the horses and elephants started pulling the wagon, cages, etc. down Pacific Ave. It was a grand parade with both sides of Pacific Avenue being packed with excited people, especially the kids! THE CIRCUS WAS COMING TO TOWN !

About half way down Pacific Avenue, as everyone was excitedly watching the grand parade, a Mother apparently took Her eyes (and hands) off her toddler for just a second. As the elephants got closer to her location - everyone gasped in horror! The little toddler had wandered out right in front of the elephants – probably thought WOW – these guys are huge! No one knew what to do except gasp. A few seconds probably seemed like an eternity. All of a sudden one of the elephants picked up the child with her (or his) trunk. He paused then turned slightly closer to the crowd and gently placed the child next to the mother. Everyone gasped again in sheer disbelief.

Wish I knew more details but that must have been quite and adventure. Guess things change and now the circus hardly comes to town and as I said mostly without animals if it does come……but our memories shall always go on even if some are bit 'fuzzy".

LaNorma

IVANO SAYS: Great Story LaNorma. And to all our "blaggatori" out there we thank you.
If you all come to the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival" on October 17, I'm sure you will here many more stories like this. And NO!! The Monkey is not a LNCDRC member. SA (Sempre Avanti ) ivn0

PHIL NETTO - FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE- REMEMBERED

Phil Netto passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 1st after a sudden illness, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marie, his two girls Kelly and Kristy Netto, his granddaughter Whittaker Miller and his faithful companion Sulley. He is also survived by his brother David Netto of West Hills, Ca., and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Edith Netto and his sister Loralee Kingdom.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Phil graduated from SCHS in 1957. He attended Hartnell College, Cabrillo College and San Francisco State College. He then was drafted into the Army in 1962 and proudly served until 1964. His proudest memory was standing Honor Guard at President Kennedy's funeral, where he stood at attention for 16 hours straight. After serving his country he returned to Santa Cruz and began working for Lone Star Industries in Davenport, Ca. where he continued to work for 33 years. He met his wife to be Marie Maranta in 1964; four months later they were married at Holy Cross Church.
Phil's involvement in sports spanned over 40 years. He coached basketball at every level, girls and boys, sharing his knowledge of the sport that he loved, with patience, passion and a voice that could be heard throughout any gym in Santa Cruz. His involvement with Special Olympics was also very important to him and his family. After retirement he enjoyed tending to his flower garden, feeding his birds and being tortured by his beloved Giants. He had the gift for storytelling; even if you had heard once, he always made you want to hear it again. Phil also enjoyed riding around the Westside with his granddaughter Whittaker in his Chevy pick up.
Known to so many as "Coach" or "Big Phil", this gentle man, with a big heart, strong hands will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, September 6, 2010 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Elementary School, 150 Emmet St. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060 or Cabrillo College Woman's Basketball Program, 6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos, Ca. 95003.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz. Please visit our web site www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest registry.
Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on September 3, 2010


IVANO SAYS: In my book, “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), Chapter 27 (Rancio Di Bronco, Casa Di Valentina) page 307, I write:

A second-hand Willy’s Jeep Truck was one of Bronco’s first purchases. Bronco (my father) and John (my brother) would park the truck (usually facing the wrong way) along the curb
next to our new house (729 Seaside St.). Phil Netto, the son of Edith and Manuel Netto, had the dubious privilege of attending Santa Cruz High School with me. Along with his parents, brother David, and sister Laurie (Loralee), Phil lived across the street from our house at 722 Seaside St. Phil often told me that he "cursed that infernal truck", for waking him up so early in the morning (when Bronco and John left for the ranch). Sorry, Phil if we had had more money we could have bought a less noisy truck.

And in a Chapter Endnote on Page 315 I add: "Phil Netto was a star basketball player at Santa Cruz High School, circa 1956 to 1957. Credible reports have it that his father Manuel, who worked for many years at the Portland Cement Plant, had been even a better player than Phil."

Addio Phil. Until we meet again "Across Il Ultimo Ponte"

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST- LIDO CANTARUTTI

LIDO CANTARUTTI - FIGLIO DELLA COSTA has agreed to be our Special Guest at the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival Event" on Sunday, OCT 17, at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm

(1-4PM).

To re-introduce Lido to you I post an article that first appeared on this "Blagga" in 2006.

(Photo) Lido Cantarutti (Right) with his mother, Evelina and brother, Reno (Left). Photo taken at the Cantarutti family home in Richmond in 2002. Evelina celebrates her 98th Birthday this coming December (2010).

Lido Cantarutti was born in Santa Cruz, at the old Sisters' Hospital, which was located at Bay and West Cliff Drive (near Cowells Beach). His parents Guido and Evelina Cantarutti with their first born infant son Carino (Reno) immigrated from Italy to California in the mid-1930s. For the first couple of years of his life, Lido lived in a wind-blown shack which was located about 7-miles north of Davenport. ("La Nostra Costa" p.140). From these meager beginnings (All they had according to Evelina, was the clothes on their back and that infernal coastal wind in their faces), emerged a most honored "Figlio della Costa."

"Born of an Italian family from the Friuli region, Lido Cantarutti grew up in the Bay Area. He attended U.C. Berkeley, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Romance Languages and Literature, and "Highest Honors" and Phi Beta Kappa recognition.

After college, Lido served as a U.S. Army officer, followed by a corporate career in marketing administration and human resources. Throughout his career he has maintained and enthusiastic interest in Italian cultural activities. In 1980 he assumed leadership of a fledgling Italian film program at the College of Marin. His presentation of the program, as a "festival" and not just a movie, with live entertainment, informative and entertaining introductions, and personal "family style" greeting of guests, produced a winning formula for popular success.

Since 1985, most Festivals have been sold out. Special series featured great neorealist (1985) and comedy classics (1986 and 1987) of the Italian cinema. In 1988, Mr. Cantarutti offered two shows in the open-air setting at Dominican College's Forest Meadows Theatre. In 1989, the Festival moved to the Showcase Theatre at Marin Center in San Rafael, affording improved patron conveniences and 35 mm film projection.

Also in 1989, Lido was honored with Italian knighthood, and the title of "Cavaliere", or "Knight" of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was named Marin County's Italian American Citizen of the Year by the Cristoforo Club of Marin in 1995. In 1996, he received two awards in Italy - the Merit Furlan and recognition from the Friulian branches of the Alpini national soldier association. For the academic year 1998-1999 at the College of Marin, Lido was honored for his teaching of Italian with the award as Outstanding Faculty Member (Part-Time). In addition he has served as the host of Northwest Airlines' inflight video program showing Italian films.

More recently, Lido was again honored by the Italian government with a promotion to "Cavaliere Ufficiale" or "Knight Officer", and by his family's native town in Italy with the conferral of honorary citizenship."

Well done Lido! All those honors and please add one more :"Figlio Della Costa - Speciale", conferred on you this day by your 'amico della costa" Ivano Franco Comelli.

BTW: The Italian Film Festival is held annually (usually in October). New releases for this year's festival will be posted soon on Lido's website:

http://www.italianfilm.com/

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SUNDAY- OCT 17, 2010

JIM COCHRON AND THE SWANTON BERRY FARM PRESENTS:

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010

(1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

FEATURING AUTHOR/SCREEN WRITER

IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

Join us as Ivano, in his guise as the "Old Rancere" re-creates (with stories and songs) events and

how they might have occurred 'su per la costa' (up the coast) during
the 1930s and 40s.

The "Old Rancere" says: The best
part of this "Event" is that I get to tell 'tall' tales about Santa Cruz and the Coast from days past. And we get to sing-along to our favorite Italian songs (some American favorites, too). Everyone is welcomed. A Great opportunity to learn more about the history of the North Coast of Santa Cruz.

By-the-way, The Swanton Berry Farm is located just north of
The Coast Road (Hwy 1) and
Swanton Road intersection (about two miles north of Davenport). Look for the Organic Farm signs (on Hwy 1) just north of that intersection. For a map and other information regarding the Farm please go to their website:

http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

I hope you all will put this 'Event' on
your calendar. I want to see you there. Bring your hats and 'shavolas'.
Trust me! This is going to be a lot of
fun. SempreAvanti.

For more information call : 'LaNorma' at: 831-438-7061 or Ivano at 831-521-0576.
-------

Ivano Franco Comelli is the author of La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) published by Authorhouse (2006). His new screenplay Turbulent Quest was inspired by true events as recorded in his book.

FIGHTING FURLANS (CONT'D) - BY RENO DI CISTERNIA

TOP PHOTO: Luigi "Moro" Degli Esposti (standing center) and comrades in the Italian Cavalry, C. 1920. Photo courtesy of the Degli Esposti Family.




RIGHT PHOTO: Dante Dinelli, Italian Soldier WW I Photo courtesy of Norma Dinelli Wilson.
(For explaination of photos, please see Comments section.)









Ivano's new movie script,brought back to mind the true story of my Uncle. One that I think should be made into a movie. Here it is as I remembered it. (I'm sure some of you have a story like mine --lets hear them).

My Uncle from Rodeano Basso (Friuli) who was a CPA and a newly wed (married to my Aunt) was drafted into the Italian army in 1938. In 1940, with very little training, he and his fellow soldiers,were sent to the Russian front. (Yes, the Italians fought along side the Germans against Communist Russia). My Uncle was never seen or heard of again.

In 1946, my mother and I went to the American Red Cross on behalf of my Aunt to seek information about my missing Uncle. The answer we received was that the Russian's (at the time) were not responding to questions concerning MIA enemy soldiers.
Subsequently, the Russian's did start to release Italian prisoners of war. Problem was that they released them in the middle of Siberia, in the middle of winter -- with NO SUPPLIES of any kind. Among those released, were about 90, originally from our area in Friuli. Only six survived.

The story on how these six survived is incredible (and horrifying) in itself. Having no food to eat, the group decided to draw straws. The ones that drew the short straws,were cannibalized by the others. (Of course the 6 that finally made it back home suffered from severe depression and mental illness.)

In 1990, my cousin found out from the Italian government (after all those years), that the Russian government had finally turned over a list of prisoners and the location of their remains. Incredibly, and to our great relief, my uncle's name was on the list.

My cousin and her husband traveled to Russia in an attempt to find my Uncle's grave. The trip took about 6 hours by train from Moscow. My cousin described it as being in the middle of hell, ice cold with nothing but empty tundra before them . (The area was a mining area. The Italians prisoners worked the mines as slave labors. Of course, many died there.) My cousin did locate the grave site. Imagine the emotion she felt as she actually saw her Father's name (who she had never seen) on the grave. Truly a sad and poignant moment in her life.

AND here is the beautiful part of this story . The people of our part of Italy, sent a group back to Russia to the final resting place of my Uncle and his fellow fallen soldiers. As a memorial to these brave soldiers they built a school and church for the people who lived there. As far as I know, they still stand today as a memorial to these brave "FIGHTING FURLANS".

As incredible as this story might seem, EVERY BIT OF IT IS TRUE. ( Yes, a book has been written about this story. My Aunt sent my Mother a copy a few years ago.)
----------

IVANO SAYS: Thanks, Reno and yes this story should be made into a movie. TURBULENT QUEST (my screenplay) does take us back to Italy during this time period. It offers a glimpse of what the Italians had to go through under Nazi ocupation.

BTW: FIGHTING FURLANS OF WW II - by Doriano Degano also appears on this Blog. to view, type in Fighting Furlans in the search block located at the upper left hand corner of the Blog and "clicca" on the spy glass. Sempre Avanti

TURBULENT QUEST - A SCREENPLAY BY IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

TURBULENT QUEST

A SCREEN PLAY BY IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

A young immigrant couple from Northern Italy confronts
Fascism, the Great Depression and a World War while
seeking the American Dream.

**************************************************

IVANO SAYS:
For the last several months, my colleague, Professor Derrill Kerrick (SCHS Class of ’58) and I have been working on the above script. I wrote the script and Derrill provided editing, feedback and he formatted the script according to the movie industry strict standard. During the scriptwriting process we have experienced several stops and starts, mostly having to do with editing and rewrites. Today I would like to announce that we have both agreed on a final, formatted version, which we intend to market to producers.

TURBULENT QUEST is fiction; however, it is inspired by true events as recorded in my book: “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast). The time period is 1923 to 1949 and the main setting is the coast north of Santa Cruz, near the little town of Davenport, California. There, as the logline of our screenplay implies the two main characters BRONCO and VALENTINA struggle to seek a better life in America for themselves and their two sons. The screenplay also takes us to a Nazi-occupied Northern Italy where Bronco and Valentina’s families face dire circumstances during World War II.

Derrill and I have no illusions about our own ‘turbulent quest’ ahead of us. This is only the beginning and we know it is going to be very difficult to bring TURBULENT QUEST to the screen. However, this is our dream and we are seeking your help. If any of you know people in the movie business who you think might be interested in carrying this project forward, please let us know. We have prepared a Treatment (Synopsis) of the screenplay. We are happy to make it available to qualified interested parties. You can contact us via the comment section on the LaNostra-Costa Blog: http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/

I have often concluded my writings by the words “Sempre Avanti” (Always Forward). Well, for Derrill and I this is certainly a very big “Sempre Avanti” project. Wish us luck.

Ivano (and Derrill).

ALOHA! WE'RE BACK !!

IVANO SAYS: MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE MILDRED AND I JUST GOT BACK FROM MAUI, HAWAII.

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE GONE. WELL, WE WERE. UNFORTUNATELY, AS THE 'OLD RANCERE' IS FOND OF SAYING, "ORA E FINITA LA CUCCAGNA". (NOW THE PARTY IS OVER.) IT'S BACK TO WORK I GO. SEMPRE AVANTI!

FABBY DEGLI ESPOSTI (LANCE EGAN) 50TH SCHS REUNION

(L-R)BUNNY AND MARIO - FABBY AND LINDA-ROBERTO AND DEANNA



Hello Ivano,

Thanks for the picture of Mildred, Andrew (Roubal) and yourself. Sorry that we didn't make the performance,Bob had surgery on May 26th.

Our picture was taken last October when Fabby had his 50th HS reunion down in Santa Cruz We were able to get together with Mario& his wife Bunny, ,Fabby and Linda and us two for brunch. Deanna (Degli-Esposti)

--------------

IVANO SAYS: CONGATULATIONS FABBY DEGLI-ESPOSTI AKA LANCE EGAN AKA "LANZIO EGANNI".
And thanks Deanna for the very special photo.

Sempre Avanti.

GREAT PERFORMANCE - A CHORUS LINE- ANDREW ROUBAL

MILDRED AND IVANO - A CHORUS LINE- SACRAMENTO

IVANO, ANDREW AND MILDRED

AFTER THE SHOW

IVANO SAYS: Last Saturday, May 29, 2010, my lovely wife Mildred and I attended a live performance of "A Chorus Line" in Sacramento, California. What a great performance by my Great Nephew Andrew and the entire Chorus Line Cast. Congratulations to one and all. We were thrilled to be there to see you all perform. Sempre Avanti.

LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - JENNA SWANEY

Ivano:
Joe Gemignani's (La Nostra Costa's 'Figlio di Ferro', Chapter 16) Granddaughter, Jenna, just yesterday got notice that she passed the bar exam!

Maybe she deserve to be on your "Su per la Costa" Blog. Here is a cute picture. By the way, I'm doubly proud to say that she is also my Granddaughter and Great Niece of my sister, Valentina.
Zia Lina.

----

IVANO SAYS: Congratulations Jenna. We of the "La Nostra Costa" family are all very, very proud of you. Imagine -- a lawyer and a beautiful one at that. And it's all in the family.
Yes, yes, Zia Lina, she is certainly deserving to be featured on our "Su per la Costa" Blog.
Sempre Avanti.

BOBBY CAMARLINGHI - REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: The below Remembrance on Bobby was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/




Robert "Bobby" Camarlinghi
Santa Cruz will be saying goodbye to the patriarch of the Camarlinghi clan on Thursday April 29, 2010. Robert "Bobby" Arthur Camarlinghi, 78, was born October 21, 1931 and died April 25, 2010, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is affectionately remembered by his children as a man you looked up to, as he personified a true father figure. Best known to the community as owner of Adolph's Italian Family-style Restaurant, a landmark in Santa Cruz for over 50 years.
In the large family of animated and sometimes cantankerous personalities, Bobby was always the calm and gentle soul who warmed your heart and brought a smile to your face. Always a pillar of fashion he was admired and adored by the family and they will all miss his smile, his hugs, and the loving kiss on his shiny head. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Bobby at the family functions.

Part of the Italian heritage spread throughout the heart of Santa Cruz community, Bobby was true to his family, community and church, which he attended regularly. Bobby's copious generosity touched the lives of many whether it was working in a soup kitchen, or volunteering to drive those in need, or simply taking up collections at mass. He enjoyed giving. Truly an exceptional individual Bobby Camarlinghi was a giving soul and he embodied characteristics that are rarely seen in this world.

Bobby took pleasure in family above all, and then golfing, dancing, traveling, and volunteering. He enjoyed his yearly fishing trips with close friends and family. He loved and talked often of his travels across the country with his lifelong friends.

The large and loving Camarlinghi clan extends throughout Santa Cruz and various other locations in California. Bobby is survived by his wife Ardilla and daughter Marina, son Michael, son Mathew and grandson Luke; son Marc and daughter-in-law Diana and two granddaughters Madison and Ashley; nieces Barbara Aluffi and Cindy Famularo and husband Chuck; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Georgia Camarlinghi; brother Rudolph and wife Norma, brother Gilbert Camarlinghi and nephew Mark Camarlinghi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola, Ca. on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to call at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, Ca. on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Volunteer Center Transportation Department, 1010 Emeline Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060.

-------

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): In "La Nostra Costa" (P.68) I mention Adolph's Restaurant and on page 75 I have two extended end notes about the history of the Restaurant, the Camarlinghi family and also 'Smitty'(Grover Smith) the ever faithful bartender. When I think of Bobby, I always think of 'Smitty' . For a long, long time, the two together made Adolph's the place to be in Santa Cruz. Addio Bobby, and please say hello for me when you meet 'Smitty' "Across IL Ultimo Ponte".

ALBANO (AL) DEGANO - FURLAN REMEMBERED

DEGANO, ALBANO (AL)After a long fought battle Albano Degano has crossed over the last bridge. Quietly and peacefully with his loving wife Allegra his sons Doriano, Paul and daughter Joanne by his side. Albano was born in Pasian di Prato, Udine, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy on January 26th, 1924 amongst a large family of six brothers and five sisters. Predeceased by Enrica(Adelchi), Rosa(Egidio), Pasquale (Augusta), Maria, Natalina, Fortunato, Ugo, Ettore and Giuliano. Albano is survived by his wife of 58 years Allegra (Zuliani) and his sons Doriano (Suzanne) Paul (Tracey), daughter Joanne (Robert) Caruso and sister Rita. Albano is also survived and adored by his grandchildren Celina (Mike), Genna, Olivia, Quentin, Anthony and Elio. Albano will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and Friuli. Albano arrived in Welland from Italy in 1952 as a licensed Auto Body Repairman, applying his trade for 45 years at local businesses such as Storey and Rose, Patterson Motors, Len McGee, Maclean Motors, George's Auto Body. A proud Canadian, Albano loved his new country while retaining his Furlan Heritage, as one of the founding members of the Fogolar Furlan Niagara Club; member of the Club Roma Seniors and a life long Alpino of the 3rd Battalion Artillery Company. Family will receive family and friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL 585, Carlton St., St. Catharines on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be recited at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church, 169 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines. Rite of Committal to follow Mass at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens, Fonthill. If desired, donations may be made on behalf of Albano to the Hamilton General Hospital Cardiac Unit or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
--------

IVANO SAYS: Doriano our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
And yes your father has crossed the last bridge (Il Ultimo Ponte), but as the "Old Rancere"
finds out -- there we will all re-unite, young, strong and without any kind of sickness.

"Oh, my dear, sweet wife! How can this be? I was old and sick, shadowy death constantly by my side. Now by you I stand, young and able, so glad to be alive!"

His young wife smiled and looked up at the rancere.

"O rancere mi," she replied in a soft and gentle voice. "Don't you know? Now you are in Heaven"

-LA NOSTRA COSTA - Il ULTIMO PONTE-
-

METAL BATS

GUNNER SANDBERG AGE 16


IVANO SAYS: ON MARCH 11, 2010, GUNNER SANDBERG WAS HIT IN THE LEFT TEMPLE AND ALMOST KILLED BY A BATTED BALL OFF A METAL BAT. THE ARTICLE BELOW WRITTEN BY SPORTSWRITER TED SILLANPAA FOR THE NAPAVALLEY REGISTER http://www.napavalleyregister.com/

GIVES GOOD REASONS WHY EVERY PARENT AND EVERY GRANDPARENT SHOULD BE FOR THE BANNING OF METAL BATS.

Home / Sports / Columnists / Ted-sillanpaa
Wood bats better than helmets for pitchers
StoryDiscussionBy Ted Sillanpaa Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 am (7) Comments

It’s impossible to understand the controversy over the use of metal softball and baseball bats in upper age groups until you have a family member pitching in game where the high-tech hitting sticks are being used.

My youngest son, now 14, pitches for elite-level baseball teams. It became clear from watching him pitch from high school distance (60 feet, 6 inches from home plate) that a well struck ball off a metal bat leaves a pitcher virtually no time to react to a rocket back to the mound.

I knew that metal bats that cost hundreds of dollars enable players to hit the ball harder and further than their respective physical gifts should allow. So, we quietly waited and hoped my son would be an elusive target on the mound. It’s hard to hide a 6-foot-1, 165-pound eighth-grader, you know?

A Marin Catholic High School pitcher remains hospitalized after being hit in the head with a line drive hit with a metal bat. The result is that Marin County Athletic League baseball teams, including Justin-Siena, will use only wood bats for the remainder of this season.

It was only a matter of time before a tragedy forced leagues to really consider the safety of metal bats. Somebody had to suffer a life-threatening injury before everybody paid attention.

Look, I’m an old-school baseball guy. The idea of wearing safety helmets to pitch seems silly. If too much protective gear is required, the game’s just not right. I’m absolutely in favor of using wooden bats.

My kids and their buddies starting using those lightweight metal bats to hit balls to the moon in the 1990s.

My older sons played at the same huge ball park that I played at during my early teen years. It’s 335 feet down the left field line, 345-ish in the gap in left field. The center field fence is 410 feet from the plate. It’s a cavernous yard.

Using wooden bats, I had a reputation as a bit of a power hitter in 1972. I hit four balls off of the green wall in left and hit a one-hopper off the 410-mark in center. Nobody hit balls over those fences with wood bats.

By the time my older sons hit their teens, kids were pounding balls over that wall all the time. When a nondescript 13-year-old hit three home runs in one game — I knew the game was forever changed.

Two springs ago, I saw 12-year-old boys hitting home runs more than 300 feet over softball field fences. The typical 12-year-old plays on a Little League field with fences 200 feet from home plate. Metal bats makes Little League parks nearly too small by half.

And, sure, the metal bats made my sons better hitters. It didn’t matter, though, because they were all pitchers and the risk outweighed the reward. A long home run versus a line drive between the eyes? An easy call for a dad.

Everything changed when the family welcomed the youngest brother to the fraternity of pitchers. His fastball was clocked at over 80 mph — last year at age 13. The taller a pitcher is, the closer he is to home plate when he releases the ball. My youngest appears to be on top of home plate at the point of release.

My kid pitched in a 13-under league with teams from throughout the region. League games were played on high school fields where he pitched from 60 feet, 6 inches. Tournaments were played on softball fields where the pitching distance was 54 feet or so.

One weekend in San Jose, my son struck out the first six hitters he faced. Then, he got a fastball up to a tiny kid at the bottom of the batting order. The kid reached up and hit a line drive off the barrel that smashed off my son’s left kneecap and sent him sprawling into the dirt.

After leaving that game and spending a week watching deep bruise slowly subside, my son pitched again. Three innings into that game, he was decked by another shot up the middle. This one hit just below the right kneecap, at the top of the shin. By the time coaches helped him to a spot behind the dugout, he had a baseball-sized lump and couldn’t put any weight on what we were sure was a seriously damaged leg.

Only blind luck keep those line drives from hitting him in the head. We still made two trips to hospital emergency rooms in successive weeks. It was sobering to know that, even being a fairly gifted pitcher who doesn’t get hit hard often, my son was helpless against a well struck ball off of a metal bat.

We bought a clear, hard plastic mask for my son to try. No kid wants to be riding that first wave of safety-first gear. I almost had him convinced that the bench jockeys who heckled the mask would be quiet after four scoreless innings. Then, maybe, other kids would wear masks.

My son didn’t go for it. Too bad.

There’s no good reason to keep putting kids at risk by allowing bat manufacturers to make a fortune of metal bats that give hitters more pop than they need. Those bats can cost $400 — and kids can buy three, four quality wood bats for less than that.

Those safety tests are meaningless. I saw my kid, a skilled pitcher, hit by line drives in successive weeks. After two trips to the hospital, I promise, the bats aren’t safe enough.

Register Sports Writer Ted Sillanpaa can be reached at 256-2220 or tsillanpaa@napanews.com.

Posted in Ted-sillanpaa on Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 am Updated: 10:48 pm.

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): So why am I posting this on the LNOSTRA-COSTA Blog: It so happens that I have a 12 year old Grandson, who plays in the Morgan Hill Pony Baseball League and who, on occasions, takes the mound and pitches. I worry that what happened to Gunner might happen to Kristian (my grandson). And I'm sure many of you readers of this blog have sons or grandsons (or perhaps even daughters - granddaughters) who pitch for Little League Teams and have the same concerns that I do. If so, I urge you to let your concerns be known to League Administrators, both at the local and the national level. It's only through your vocal efforts that things will change. Remember, our concern must not be how well our sons or grandsons pitch or how hard they hit the ball. As parents and Grandparents it is their safety that must be our primary concern.

'THE LARK' WRITES ABOUT RAMANDOLO AND POLENTA

Dipping Ramandolo Straws (like biscotti)in Ramandolo Wine

hospitality at the Ramadolo Club. (Ferruccio Dri and wife to the left;

Derrill and Kathy Kerrick to the right - 2008)

Ivano, I must get some words off to you, so many things happening.

We did make the trip to Ramandolo, very successful and very worthwhile. We did not get to visit your family nor a planned luncheon with the Mayor of Tarcento. We did stay at the Ramandolo Club http://www.ramandoloclub.it/ under the care of your cousin Ferruccio Dri, even in January it was truly delightful, we finished our trip early Saturday morning with a visit to the Church of Ramandolo, has a beautiful small Osteria( I had an expresso with 100 ml of grappa, a good way to get started and I was not driving).
Concerning polenta: I am truly shocked that there are people making polenta without stirring, but no more so than being served pollo Visentin with polenta that was bought in the market in a small block, sliced and browned with butter. A beautiful meal served by a favorite niece in Manzano, this is the heart of Furlan, the niece is of the same family of my wife. The Mother of my wife, mio suocera, family name of Visentin, came from a family of Farmers. During the thirties and early forties, they lived in a very large farm house, four families including 4 wives, 3 husbands, perhaps 16-22 children, one kitchen, and other similar singularly facilities, including a polenta making machine. This machine required manpower to rotate same, this came from the kids. My wife has some arm scars to prove that she did her turn and did not live there as a resident. Her Father, mio suocero, had decided long before that he was not going to be a farmer. Polenta was made once each day, in a quantity to meet the needs of this household for 3 meals. My wife remembers this as about a 2 hour project and everybody who has made really good FRESH polenta, knows there is a bubbling, or popping period when hot little balls of polenta pop out and if they land on fresh young skin, they will be remembered. By the time I arrived in 1947 the family had gotten down to 2 wives, one husband, and 4-8 kids. No polenta machine as polenta was being made 4-6 times a week, having been replaced with good white rolls.

I do not remember the Fieste de Patrie dal Furlan, this would be asking a lot, I am sure they celebrate at least 50 holidays each year.

Do any of the Americanized Furlani recall any talk about polenta machines??

Happy Easter e sempre avanti,

Lark

CANADIAN FURLAN ANNOUNCES A DEGANO FAMILY MILESTONE, ETC.

Allegra and Albano Degano


Ivano "Mio Caro Amico"
Just wanted to share a little something with you. The photo above is of my parents Albano and Allegra during their 58th wedding anniversary celebrations on 26Feb2010. My Father Albano is 86 and my Mother Allegra 82. This joyeous event was celebrated just a few weekends ago.
Well my Father has not been doing well these past few months and yesterday after many weeks of demands and pushing the doctors I finally received some not so great news. My father will require surgery to repair a bad heart valve. He has been steadily retaining water since Christmas in his stomach and legs ... the medical team took a few weeks to determine what the root cause was. Well yesterday we were told. My father is presently in Hospital and somewhat resting. He hates the food. He asked my last night to bring some Proscuitto and some wine!! I said sure thing here you are weeks away from major surgery on your heart and you want Proscuitto and wine!! Typical Furlan !!
Any way I said to my Dad sempre avanti ... We carry on no matter what. This operation is necessary and it will be done and you will be back on your feet. My father is a tough person he still drives and is in good health otherwise. Now the big task is the preparation for surgery and most importantly the post surgery.


Ciao e Sempre Avanti
Doriano

----

CONGRATULATIONS ALLEGRA AND ALBANO. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. AS DORIANO SAYS, SEMPRE AVANTI. IVANO

JIM ALIGO REMEMBERED BY JAIMI SALDIVAR

OFFICER JIM ALIGO - SAN FRANCISCO POLICE TAC SQUAD 1968-69

FAMOUS FRONT COVER PHOTO SEEN AROUND THE WORLD

IVANO SAYS: I received the below e-mail from Camille Brent, Jim Aligo's daughter, regarding her father along with a remembrance by retired San Jose Police Officer Jaime Saldivar. After leaving the San Francisco Police Department, circa 1970, Jim Aligo joined the San Jose Police Department.
......
Hi all. I discontinued the virtual memorials (or I thought I did) some time ago. This entry just popped up today. Since I cancelled the service I'm not sure if it will post when I approve it for entry so I thought I'd forward it on. It's a long post about dad but brought laughter and tears at the same time. But it's so dad! Enjoy the memory. -Camille

.....
I was a rookie officer in the early months of 1976 and spent one week with Jim as my FTO as he was filling in for my regular FTO. I knew who he was by name, but I sure as hell didn't know who he was. After I loaded up the car before shift, he came out . " You got everything you need kid"? "Yes." I said. " Lemme see your soft hat". So I gave him my brand knew, crisp soft hat. He turned it over and over in his hands and said," lemme fix it for ya". He then reached into the hat and pulled out the plastic forming coil and threw it in the garbage can. As I watched in disbelief, he walked towards the front of the car and placed my hat right in front of the tire. He started the car and drove forward and backward over the hat a few times all the while being careful to miss the hat piece. He then picked up my hat and with great care and masking tape rolled over his hand, he cleaned it and formed it into a shape closely similar to his own that was placed atop his head. " Here," he said handing it back to me," that's a real policeman's hat now". Not uttering a word I took it back. " You don't mind if I drive do ya?" " No, I don't mind." I replied. " Let's see if we can pinch a crook tonight." " Sure," I again replied. Wow! What the hell else is he going to do to me tonight? I excitedly thought.
Later on that night we were cruising on one of the main streets with nothing and nobody in front of us. Jim was mostly silent during the shift . His silence was only broken by the occassional cough, piss break or his one or two questions regarding my personal history or upbringing. I never thought he was mean and I didn't feel intimidated by his demeanor. On the contrary, I felt comfortable and somewhat at ease, something not usually felt as a recruit being evaluated. My attention was brought back to the emptiness of the streets ahead of us as Jim calmly broke the silence. " Hey kid, you wanna make a pinch?" "Yea! sure... " My head rapidly pivoted side to side trying to see what the hell I missed. He smoothly tapped the brakes which slowed us to about 25mph and a car on my right passed us gradually. Now I'm still wondering who or what he is talking about. " Do you know how to use the radio?" he asked. I said I did and he told me to use it on the car that just passed us. So we stopped the car according to all the academy proper protocal. Jim got out, put on his hat and calmly walked up to the drivers side. I was also out of the car and was keeping a nervous eye on the two males in the car ahead of us. Halfway up to the car Jim pulled out his revolver and held it alongside of his leg, keeping it there as he was talking to the driver. I had seen this before with other officers so it didn't surprise me to much. What did surprise me was when he pointed the gun at the men and told them to put their hands up which they did. Now he was very calm and speaking softly so my brain became even more confused. Keeping the gun trained on both of them he told the passenger to get out and " talk to that kid back there", motioning towards me. I was fumbling with my gun at this time and the passenger did what he was told. I searched this guy when Jim told me to hook him up. My mind was racing and heart was ready to burst. " What is going on!!!!!" I thought. Keeping his gun trained on the driver, Jim told him also to " go talk to that kid over there." Now I did the same thing to the driver. Jim was still standing by the drivers door of the crook car and asked if I had them both. I said I did. He then holstered his revolver and started looking inside the car without actually going in. He then hesitated for a second, bent down reaching under the drivers seat. He then pulled out a loaded 1911 pistol with the biggest shit-eatin-grin on his face. My jaw dropped. I was stunned. After we booked the guys I stopped him and looked him straight in the eyes. " How in the hell did you know that was there?????" I demanded. He just grinned with his teeth clenched and gave me a husky laugh. " Aw, you'll figure it out" and walked away as he kept laughing.
The next night, he did the same identical thing with two hippie girls in a VW bug. He pulled a pound a marijuana out of that one. When that bug drove in front of us and he turned again to me and uttered those words, " hey kid, you wanna make a pinch?" I couldn't believe it. Again after the booking I asked how did he know. He told me the same thing that I will figure it out.
My friend Jim was one of , if not the best policeman I have ever known. Over the years I learned much from watching him as he never really told how he did something. Maybe he really didn't know himself or if he did he couldn't explain it. But his sixth sense was uncanny and his ability and methods were passed on through me to my recruits as well. I am very proud and honored to have known him and to have been his friend. I think of him often and am grateful for the experience of learning from this man. I was saddened when I was notified of his passing and funeral service long after it was held. I wanted to be there to bid my friend goodbye. To his children I hope that this gives you a little insight as to how your father impacted guys like me. He always ruled by the adage " good people get a break, bad guys go to jail." He is a great street cop; I think that is all he ever wanted to be. About a week before he retired, I heard him go out on a foot patrol at a pool hall. I rolled up to say hi and see what he was doing. He showed me a picture of a burglar and got a line that the guy frequents this pool hall. A week before he retires, at his age, and he is still looking for crooks. Amazing.
God, take care of my friend in heaven, because he sure spent his time in hell.
Jaime Saldivar #1805 SJPD ( Ret)

THE GREAT POLENTA CONTROVERSY

(Ivano says: We have quite a few comments to this article. Here's a tip. To view the "Polenta" article along with all the comments "clicca" on the title of the article above. The comments will appear at the end of the "Polenta Story". )




DORIANO THE 'CANADIAN FURLAN' (2nd from left) WITH
FURLAN FRIENDS AT A 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA PARTY.

"CANADIAN FURLAN'S" OLD WOOD BURNING STOVE (OPTIONAL) USED TO COOK POLENTA.POLENTALOGIST OLG GROSSUTTI SHOWS US HOW TO MAKE 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA. WOOD BURNING STOVE NOT NECESSARY.

NO 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA

AHHHHA -- MOLTO BUONO. NO 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA AT CESARE E ANNA MARIA COMELLI'S
CASA IN NIMIS-RAMANDOLO, FRIULI, ITALY.


IVANO SAYS: Last week, Donna Maurillo's column in the Santa Cruz Sentinel http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/
had a few suggestion on how to shorten the time to prepare polenta. In this week's column she published some of the responses she received. Very interesting.

Donna Maurillo: Column on quick-and-easy polenta stirs up quite a response
By Donna Maurillo
Posted: 03/03/2010 08:02:12 AM PST


Last week’s column about polenta generated much more response than I’d anticipated. A lot of you must love polenta, and you have your own favorite ways for preparing it in a snap — or at least without much stirring. Here are a few comments. Gail Levy says, “I’ve been making cold water polenta for years, and it has never failed. Stir the grain into cold stock or water, then stir as it comes to the boil. Add more boiling liquid as needed and stir in the butter at the last — perfect lump free creamy polenta in under 30 minutes.”

Ivano Franco Comelli wrote, “Making polenta the traditional way was almost a ritual — no additives or shortcuts please.

Imagine my chagrin when I received a photo from my cousins in Italy making polenta in a large electric cake mixer.

Nobody has any scruples anymore.”

To that, Richard Smith of Aptos wrote, “I don’t need any stinking scruples! Is there any way my bread machine can make polenta? Now that sounds cool.”

A reader with the screen name Polenta Casserole Junkie said, “I whisk in two cups of polenta to four cups boiling water, turn the heat down low, and I only stir it twice in 15 minutes of cooking.

I turn off the flame and let it sit for five more minutes. I do not cover it with a lid. It is always great.”

Ken Clark, an impressive 99 years old and still cooking, says, “Have you
ever cooked polenta in the microwave?

In a Pyrex large bowl, mix polenta with three times as much water. Cover with plastic wrap. Cook for 5 minutes. Add sour cream, butter and cheese, stir well. If too thick, add some milk. If not hot enough, just microwave for 1 or 2 minutes more.

No splatters from the hot stuff.”

Keith and Barb, no last name, wrote, “Another way to make polenta without stirring is to start with cold water.

Add pinch of salt and two tablespoons butter to cold water. Stir in polenta.

Turn on low heat and bring to a slow boil. Stir occasionally. Polenta is cooked shortly after coming to a boil. Add cheese before removing from the stove.”

Marianne Plastina says, “In an ovenproof pot, add salt to 5 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil on the stove. Melt butter in a skillet and stir in 1 cup polenta to coat, toasting it slightly.

Whisk toasted polenta into the boiling water.

Place the pot in a 350 degree oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Whisk until smooth.”

NOT THE SAME

Whenever people ask what my favorite restaurant is, I have the same response. My mother’s dining room table. There’s just nothing like the food you can get at home.

A few days ago, I was having an alarm system installed in my home, and Saul the installation guy was talking about the fine Mexican food his mother and grandmother could make. “No matter what restaurant I go to in Watsonville,” he said, “it just isn’t the same.”

We thought maybe it was the ingredients.

But no. Restaurants can access the same ingredients your family can find — and sometimes even better.

Or maybe we just happen to like the cooking we’ve grown accustomed to as children. But I think the real secret is the love that goes into it. You just can’t get Mom’s love at a restaurant.

BE NICE

If there’s one thing that annoys party organizers more than anything, it’s the increasing lack of responses from invited guests. The season is coming up for graduations, weddings and other milestones.

Please remember to respond to your invitations, and do it before the requested time.

Your host and hostess are depending on an accurate count to ensure enough seating and refreshments. And please do not ask if you can bring a guest of your own. Many party budgets are limited, especially in this economy.
-----------

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Sempre Avanti, Donna and keep stirring the pot.

SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OR 1955 REUNION

HEY, HEY, HEY!! THE GANGS ALL HERE!
Photo above (l-r): Jim Ceragiol, Marvin Del Chiaro, Muriel Prolo, Ivan "Zorch" Comelli, Jerry Mungai.

IVANO SAYS: RECEIVED THE BELOW NOTIFICATION FROM MURIEL (McPHERSON)PROLO REGARDING THE SCHS CLASS OF '55 REUNION. NOTICE TO ALL SCHS'55ERS :MARK OCTOBER 16 AS
THE DATE TO BE IN SANTA CRUZ. IF I STILL CAN COUNT THE YEARS CORRECTLY THIS WILL BE OUR 55TH YEAR REUNION. SEMPRE AVANTI


Dear Classmates,

Our reunion committee (David Hara, Ivan Dodson, Marvin Del Chiaro, Josephine
Hart, Esther Wilson, Lois Esposito, and I) planned all for October 16th,
2010 at the MacKenzie Bar and Grill at Pasatiempo from 5:30 - 11:00. All
further info will be sent to you (including lodging suggestions etc.)
during the week of February 9th. We had fun planning it all; in fact we
even recognized one another!!!! Muriel
Posted by Ivano Franco Comelli at 1:57 PM
Labels: la nostra costa - santa cruz
5 COMMENTS:

LEN K. SCHS '54 said...
Ivan,
Ceragioli, Comelli, Del Chiaro, Frizza-Wilson, Mungai, Van Orterendorp-Esposito -- That's quite a reunion committee lineup.
What did you have to do to get on the committee? Grow up on the West Side or up the Coast?
But the real reason I'm writing: What is Josephine Hart's maiden name? I posted the reunion committee picture to the Class of '54 web site, but I have no idea who Josephine Hart was? I could find only one Josephine in the '55 yearbook: Josephine Tinetti. Is it she? Another Italian?
Len
9:06 AM

ZORCH said...
Len: I don't know Josephine's maiden name. Perhaps someone on the committee could answer your query.
BTW: The four "boys" in the photo -
Ceragioli,Del Chiaro,Comelli and Mungai, are also graduates of Laurel School and were members of the award winning "Traffic Boys" Squad. Also, I do believe Muriel attended Kindergarten at Laurel. I'm sure if she would have continued on she would have been selected by the principal(Miss Edith King) for the equally prestigious Traffic Girls' Squad that monitored the traffic in the hallways. Sempre Avanti ivn

Saratoga Sam said...
Hey there "Zorch". Seems that the four guys in the photo are also from the Coast. Am I right? SS
9:26 AM

IVANO said...
Right you are Sam. Jim Ceragioli,
Marvin Del Chiaro, Jerry Mungai and I, are "Figli della Costa" (Sons of the Coast). Muriel was born and raised in Santa Cruz. As an aside, she married Stan Prolo the son of Eugene Prolo who owned the Prolo Chevrolet Company in Santa Cruz. In 1949, my father and mother bought a brand new Chevrolet from him. This was a major event in our family and is properly recorded in "La Nostra Costa. ivn0

CHILD ABUSE FURLAN STYLE/ ANON FURLANA

ANON'S MOUNTAIN TOP IN FRIULI ?

What ever possessed my parents to send a 12-year-old girl (alone) up a winding, narrow and sometimes icy mountain road, leading two oxen attached to a big carriage to load firewood?

The round trip was about 40 miles and many times I had to make the trip in the snow and rain with temperatures sometimes hitting 20 and 40 below zero . During my childhood in Friuli this type of work was common and I didn’t mind the work, but I did mind very much the responsibility that they placed on my shoulders. Thinking about it today, I still can’t forgive my parents for putting me in such a dangerous situation. The carriage itself was unstable and the old brakes kept failing as it moved down the mountain side. On top of that, the road was so narrow that you could look over the side, 40 to 50 feet below to where a river ran through the rocks. A little mistake on my part guiding the animals would have sent the carriage and all of us with it over the side to our doom. To this day, I can not forgive my parents for putting me in such a dangerous situation. Was this not a form of child abuse? Read on.

The fear of falling has stayed with me all my life. I still dream of falling off a cliff into a deep hole. In my dreams I’m on top of a mountain, either leading that old Ox cart, or driving a car. The ending is always the same – off the side I go and down into the abyss below. The only thing that saves me is that I wake up shaking with fright.

I have many fond memories about growing up in Friuli, but this is not one of them.

Anon Furlana