FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - MARIO ESPOSITO REMEMBERED

Ivano says; The below remembrance of Mario Esposito was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

On September 20, 2009, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mario Joseph Esposito passed away at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones at the age of 86. Mario was an icon in the County of Santa Cruz and well known and loved by many, many people.

Mario was born to Ciro and Maria Esposito in Santa Cruz on May 20, 1923. He spent his whole life in Santa Cruz County and graduated from Santa Cruz High School.

Mario worked for the County Bank of Santa Cruz for 29 years. His trust, friendship and hand shake will be forever remembered by those who knew him at the bank. In 2004, Mario returned to banking joining forces with Community Bank, currently Rabobank, as Vice President/Business Development Officer. He was instrumental in bringing in millions of deposits and loans as well. He was an incredible inspiration to the organization and staff.

Mario has achieved and accomplished many things throughout his life and has given so much to this community. He was named as Outstanding Young Man in 1958 in Santa Cruz; was awarded the Jaycee's Distinguished Service Award; served three terms as President of the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce and then Treasurer; Director of Santa Cruz County Tuberculosis and Health Association; served on the SLV elementary school PTA board and was one of the founders of the SLVUSD school board. He started SLV Little League as a coach and a leader and remained active within the organization; director of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Industries Board. In 1999, Mario also served as the BIG SIR in the SIRS organization as a director and chairman and received the life achievement award in 2006. He was a leader in the United Way, Red Cross and Sons of Italy. In 1991, he joined the Mall Walkers and was very involved in the program.

For 45 years, Mario was a member of the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge and served on many chairs and committees and was Exalted Ruler. He started the Monday Night Football Game dinners at Elks which were very popular as he is an avid Forty Niner fan they won on 09/20/09. He was also voted Elk of the Year in 1999. Mario also enjoyed annual trips with his wife, family and friends to Scottsdale Arizona to watch the major league baseball Spring Training.

Mario never "retired", after 29 years at County Bank, he opened up several restaurants, started his own flower business Mario's Roses and went back to banking in 2004 until 2009.

Mario is preceeded in death by his first wife June Esposito.

He is survived by his wife Lois Esposito of 36 years and his children Jeffrey Esposito, Debra husband Stephen Sanders and Nicol Esposito. His other children Steven Traylor, Robert Traylor and Sandi Evans. His sister Gloria Giovannoni and his grandchildren, Paul, James wife Deanna, Christopher, Ashley, Stevie, Michael, Jacob, Christina, Erin, Daniel, and Andrea. Great grandchildren, Zoe, Joshua, Ethan and Jared with one on the way!, and many other family members.

The family extends their appreciation to all the caregivers and Hospice of Santa Cruz that were a part of Mario's life over the past several months. Thank you for your care, comfort and response.

Services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2009, at 11:00a.m.at Twin Lakes Church 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos, California 95003.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mario Esposito Scholarship Fund, SLV Alumni, P.O. Box 1405, Felton, CA 95018. God Bless.



ADDIO MARIO. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS IL ULTIMO PONTE. IVNO

ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL - 2009

('clicca' on banner for enlarged image)

LIDO CANTARUTTI ANNOUNCES FILM SELECTIONS FOR HIS ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL - 2009

Figlio della Costa, Lido Cantarutti is putting on another spectacular presentation for his Italian Film Festival -- 2009, in San Rafael, Oct 3 to November 14. For a list of the Italian Films to be presented, please go to Lido's website: http://www.italianfilm.com/

All shows will be at the Marin Center Showcase Theatre, San Rafael, California, with screenings at 5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. each evening.

All films are in Italian or original language with subtitles in English. All films suggested for mature audiences.

Single ticket $13, series ticket (for all 6 films) $72. Advance purchase recommended.

Ticketing and further information about the Festival are available from the Marin Center Box Office at (415) 499-6800, or on the Festival website: http://www.italianfilm.com/.

A 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' SOLDIER'S STORY - NANCY JACOBS

PHOTOS: GUILIANO QUILICI, PACIFIC THEATRE WW II (COURTESY OF NANCY QUILICI JACOBS)


Those volcanic islands that are on the way to Japan became islands soaked in blood in 1945.

The Americans were determined to take the islands and the Japanese with their iron will were determined to defend the islands to the death because they knew that they were a stepping stones to Japan.

Thus the stage was set for the bloodiest fight in WW11. The Japanese had pulled soldiers from Burma and other fronts to defend Okinawa. They had peppered the island with pillboxes, tunnels and cave hideouts. This, plus their determination to defend the island to the last man made for one of the deadliest defense systems. AND the Japanese had the high ground.
The Americans had to inch their way up against constant enemy fire.
This combination of Japanese iron will and American determination had created hell's own cesspool on Okinawa. And for the Japanese it was a brutal fight for honor.

The Americans had underestimated the strength of the Japanese on Okinawa. The Japanese had established an elaborate pillbox system designed to maime, kill and deter the Americans. Japanese had dug tunnels between the pillboxes. This was to fool the Americans. Americans knew that they had killed Japs but the Japs retrieved the bodies during the night and it was as if ghosts were snatching the bodies. A deadly game was begun and nighttime was the time for killing on Okinawa. The Japanese game was to call corpsmen in perfect English and then they would kill them at night.

The Japanese had no fear of dying. This resulted in the Japanese pilots flying their planes onto aircraft carriers to destroy the carrier and the Japanese pilot. Japanese were very treacherous and extremely brutal. They would cut the private parts of the dead soldiers and put them on top of the soldiers. They carried photographs of the brutality that they had inflicted on the Chinese. My brother, Giuliano found some pictures about the Chinese brutality and turned them over to intellignce.
Horrendous battles occurred. It was kill or be killed. Sugar Loaf Hill changed hands 14 times. After seven days Sugar Loaf Hill was taken.
My brother said that you could not show emotion and survive. It was indeed a miracle that my brother survived. He was a designated flame thrower and infantry man. The life of a flame thrower is short because the Japanese snipers were always targeting flame throwers. At one point he made the decision to take out some pillboxes. Giuliano's thinking was that either he took the pillbox out or they died. God must have been with him bcause he did take out the pillbox. He said that he hated the job but he had to do it. The odor of burning flesh is horrible when you throw the flames into the tunnels.
Giuliano also said that the life cycle was altered, in other words, you didn't eat when you were supposed to, you did not sleep when you were supposed to and often you lived on the chocolate rations.

Mt Suribachi (Iwo Jima) was another miscalulation by the Americans. There were 21,000Japanese ready to defend Mt. Suribachi. It became a fortress. Kurabyashi was the Japanese High Commander.
There existed a bond between the American men that helped them to win. They were fighting against the iron will of the Japanese that made the fighting extremely vicious.

The Japanese became even more incensed when the flag was raised at Mt. Suribachi. Three of the six men who raised the flag were later killed. The area became known as the meat grinder because of the Japanese ferocity in defending it.
My brother, Giuliano said that near the end of the battle there was a ghostly pull from the dead to have you stay with them.
He resisted the pull thinking that far too many men had already died including Ernie Pyle the correspondent.
Because Admiral Turner miscalculated the number of the Japanese it took much longer and many lives to win in Okinawa.
The battle for Shuri Castle was another brutal battle. My brother said that often there were hand to hand combat battles. He somehow managed to survive.
When all was said and done, over 38,000 Americans were wounded and 12,000 killed in battle.
6 weeks after victory at Okinawa bombs exploded over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
There was no sympathy for the enemy that had inflicted so much pain and suffering for so long.
My brother Giuliano was happy because he was being trained for the invasion of Japan when the bombs were dropped.
If you asked my brother why he survived he would credit God never his own abitlities. Just because a person lacks education does not mean that that person is unintelligent.
When my brother died he had his guns behind his bed. I don't think that the WW11 experience ever left him; he was not afraid of dying.
When he left Italy his grandfather said "Fatti coraggio," never knowing the true meaning of courage that his grandson would show in Okinawa!

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IVANO SAYS: Two very important dates slipped by us almost without notice. Seventy years ago, September 1,1939, Hitler's German Army invaded Poland and World War II began. Sixty-four years ago, August 15,1945, Japan surrendered, thus ending the War.
Nancy's article above reminds us all of the countless bloody battles that were fought inbetween those years. Thanks Nancy.

MEMORY OF ANOTHER FIRE - NANCY JACOBS

SMOKING - HARVEY WEST STADIUM DURING RECENT BONNY DOON FIRE

(Photo by Shmuel Thale: Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ )

IVANO SAYS: The recent Bonny Doon Fire conjures up memories of other Davenport/Coast Road Fires. Nancy Jacobs writes of one such fire that occurred in 1949.
(BTW: Nancy wrote this for the Davenport/Coast Road Event. She has graciously agreed to give our "Blaggatori" an advanced look-see. Thanks, Nancy.)

It was 1949 and our family was living on the Foothill Ranch at the mouth of Scotts Creek.
One day we saw a thick smoke coming from the Swanton valley. We saw the smoke through the window facing the ranch on the other side of Scotts Creek.
I was really afraid that the fire would reach us.
So there we were discussing how to evacuate. No easy task because we had horses, a dog, ducks, chickens, a cow, a farmall, tractor flat bed truck, a car and a pick-up. All our possessions were in the farmhouse plus our food.
We decided to listen to the radio and watch the fire. My brother and I went to the top level of the ranch. There we could see the thick smoke slowly moving towards us. My brother said that it looked like a war zone.
Something went past us quickly in a blink of an eye. It was, in fact, a deer running from the fire. All kinds of wildlife kept running past us. The various animals were jumping the fences going under in some cases but all running for their lives from the threatening fire that was slowly advancing. I wondered how many birds, rabbits and other wild animals including snakes had actually died.
You could hear the siren of the fire trucks as they went back and forth on Swanton road to Highway One.
I was so stressed that I ate even more food, which, of course, did not solve any problem.
No one knew whether it was night or day. I remember hearing a Doris Day song, a song from the 1930's and other entertaining music of the day including the drummer Gene Kruppa. It was kind of surreal, although, I was not familiar with that word at the time. The radio played the news hourly.
And as suddenly as the fire came, the fire after raging for days was contained by the firefighters of 1949.
For decades one could see the fire damaged stumps that were left over from the fire of 1949 in Swanton. A deadly reminder of the power of nature and fire.

OFFICIAL NOTICE: DAVENPORT/COAST ROAD REUNION - SUN. AUG. 30, 2009

Hi Folks!!!

If you haven't already heard....

It's time again for the...Davenport / Coast Road 2009 Reunion...!!! So plan to join us on -- Sunday, August 30, 2009 -- for some good food -- lots of great memories and simply to have a good time!!! -- see below for full details! Also flyer attached.

Please feel free to pass this information on to others who may be interested!

We're looking forward to seeing all of you...so come for the fun!!!

All the best,

The Committee!

*FYI...After expenses, proceeds are donated towards projects that benefit the Davenport Community!


DAVENPORT / COAST ROAD 2009 REUNION

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

LAGUNA STYLE BARBECUE at HARVEY WEST PARK with MUSIC, COUNTRY STORE & RAFFLE!!!

We invite you to join us for our 17th Bi-annual get-together of Davenport, Coast Road, Newtown, Swanton, and Bonny Doon residents, former residents and guests ~ all are welcome!!!

PROGRAM: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Check in & visit with old friends
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm – BBQ: Steak or chicken, beans, green salad,
garlic bread, coffee & dessert
Soda, wine & beer will also be available

THE COMMITTEE


Joe Aliberti Teresa Bertolli Darling, Treasurer Richard Dietz
831-438-0563 831-423-2766 831-423-4521
email: teresandarling@aol.com

Cindy Olimpio Escobar Rico Della Santina 831-423-4969; email: mscindylou2002@yahoo.com 831-426-6463

Patty Morelli Stephanie Raugust Rosa Radicchi
831-438-8789 831-423-8566 831-460-0545
email: pattymorelli@rocketmail.com email: raugusts@sbcglobal.net email: radicchi@aol.com


Share your Memories!!! We want to hear your stories! Do you have a favorite story or memory to share? If so, please write a one- or two-page story, provide a picture if you like ~ and mail or email it to us by August 25th and we’ll add it to the “Memory Book”. This book will be for us, as well as future generations to enjoy! If you have questions or if you have any difficulty writing, please call us at 831-460-0545; we’ll be happy to answer your questions or help you write your story!


DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS IS AUGUST 15, 2009
Make checks payable to: D.C.R.R. 2009

Please enclose a STAMPED SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE for return of tickets and mail to:

TERESA DARLING, TREASURER – 411 ALTA VISTA DR. – SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
After expenses, proceeds will be donated towards projects that benefit the Davenport community.

ORDER FORM FOR TICKETS

NAME_________________________________________ADDRESS_______________________________________________

PHONE ( )____________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________

Ticket Price: $16.00 for steak; $14.00 for chicken Amount enclosed: $____________________
$5.00 per children under 12

# Steaks ________ # Chicken ________ # Children _______ Total Number of Reservations: _____________

If you are requesting tickets for others, please list names in your party:

1._________________________________________________2.___________________________________________________

3._________________________________________________4.___________________________________________________

5._________________________________________________6.___________________________________________________
(If needed, please use the back of this form for additional names.)

Sorry, I/We will not be able to attend, but enclosed is my/our donation: $________________

Note: Are you interested in helping with the reunion or volunteering your services?
If so, please call us at 831-460-0545 ~ We invite you to join us!

Rosa

DAVENPORT/COAST ROAD REUNION BBQ - 2009

DAVENPORT / COAST ROAD - 2009 REUNION SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, HARVEY WEST PARK, SANTA CRUZ. LAGUNA STYLE BARBECUE with MUSIC, COUNTRY STORE & RAFFLE!!!We invite you to join us for our 17th Bi-annual get-together of Davenport, Coast Road, Newtown, Swanton, and Bonny Doon residents, former residents and guests ~ all are welcome!!! PROGRAM: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Check in & visit with old friends; 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm – BBQ: Steak or chicken, beans, green salad,garlic bread, coffee & dessert. Soda, wine & beer will also be available.

---------

ORDER FORM FOR TICKETS

NAME:______________________________________

ADDRESS:_________________________________________

PHONE: ( )_________________

EMAIL:_______________________

Ticket Price: $16.00 for steak; $14.00 for chicken

$5.00 per children under 12

#Steaks___ #Chicken____ #Children___

Total Number of Reservations______

Amount enclosed: $ _______

Mail with self stamped returned envelope to:

THERESA DARLING TREASURER

411 ALTA VISTA DRIVE

SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060

LARRY SIEMERING - SANTA CRUZ HIGH FOOTBALL COACH

Legendary football coach Larry Siemering, 98, dies
By JIM SEIMAS


Former Santa Cruz High football coach Larry Siemering believed offense was all any football team needed. He died Monday at the age of 98

Santa Cruz County lost a football coaching legend Monday, when offensive-minded pioneer Larry Siemering died at Watsonville Community Hospital after suffering from a fall earlier that day at his Watsonville home. He was 98.
"He was just an outstanding man in every respect," said friend Joe Marvin, who coached with Siemering at Cabrillo College. "And highly respected by his players."
View/sign the guest book
Siemering was born in San Francisco in 1910 and raised in Lodi. He played baseball and football for the University of San Francisco and two seasons as center with the NFL's Boston Redskins [1935-36], now the Washington Redskins.
At 98, he was the oldest surviving pro football player.
Siemering made a name for himself everywhere he stepped foot.
He was practically royalty in Stockton, leading University of Pacific to an unbeaten 11-0 season in 1949. Siemering's .875 winning percentage is the highest in Pacific's 75-year football history. In his three-year tenure at UOP, he went 35-5-3 overall. The school stopped playing the sport in 1995.
Locally, Siemering served as head coach at Santa Cruz from 1956-58 and at Cabrillo from 1959-65. He coached Cabrillo's inaugural team in '59. He also coached the Seahawks golf team for a stint, stepping aside in 1976.
"He was a piece of work," said end Fred McPherson, who played for Siemering on the unbeaten 9-0 Santa Cruz football team in 1958 and on Cabrillo's first team. "He could really get into your head. He used a lot of psychology. He could get the players to work as a team together by knowing who to pick on. He would get the team to rally behind it."
After his NFL career, Siemering got into coaching, leading two San Joaquin Valley high schools. He began his coaching career at Manteca High. After that, he served as an assistant for the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg at Pacific.
Marvin said Siemering worked double duty in 1943. While an assistant at UOP, he took up the head coaching position at Stockton High after the former head coach departed to serve in World War II. Siemering, Marvin said, coached Stockton's team during lunch hour and led them to the Valley Championship.
In 1946, after a third straight losing season, Stagg retired, opening the door for Siemering to take his place.
Siemering, a disciplinarian who loved offense, devised and implemented a complex offense at UOP. It was run-heavy and full of tricky options that set up a pass attack. His first UOP team went 10-1 in 1947.
He applied the same ideals at Santa Cruz.
"It was offense, offense and more offense," McPherson recalled of his days at Santa Cruz. "His belief was if you score all the time, you don't need defense. We never practiced defense."
Marvin, a football historian, marvels at the 575 points -- an average of 57.5 a game -- that Siemering's UOP team produced in 1949 with 5-foot-7, 165-pound quarterback Eddie LeBaron.
"That was unheard of at that time," Marvin said. "They were ranked 10th in the nation and they didn't go to a bowl game. No one wanted to fool around with little ol' College of the Pacific. LeBaron was a magician. It was dynamite.
"Siemering was tough. He was a hard-nosed coach -- the old school. He knew the game very well. He was a fundamental coach. He loved offense -- his team's showed that."
Siemering also coached at Arizona State University and was an assistant for the Washington Redskins and the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders.
Said former Cabrillo football coach Steve Cox: "With him, it really wasn't an issue of what the other team did. It was what you did. The only thing you could control was who you were and how hard you worked."

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The above article appeared was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

AN OX'S TALE - ANON FURLANA

GIOVAN DEL LOSK AND HIS OXEN

On this particular day, my father had to make a wood delivery in the town of Tricesimo (in Friuli). He was also of mind to stop there to negotiate some further business, so he asked my mother to go with him. Since his business would keep him there for awhile, he told her that he wanted her to take the carriage and oxen (that came with it) home after he unloaded the wood. Being very confident that she could do that, my mother agreed to go along.

Once in Tricesimo, my father unloaded the wood and a bicycle that he would use to ride back home. He gave my mother specific directions on how to get back home. (My father was not as confident as my mother about these things.) My mother told him not to worry and started the journey back home: two oxen, one carriage, and one middle aged Furlana.

Everything went well until they reached a fork in the road. Stopping the oxen, she thought and thought, trying very hard to remember which fork my father told her to take. She couldn't be quite sure, but she felt very confident that the road to the right was the one to take. Thus, she attempted to guide the oxen to the right. The oxen started to move, not to the right, but toward the road on the left.

Becoming impatient with the two animals, she struck them with her whip and screamed in Furlan, "Volte, Volte stopits demais". (Roughly translated: "Turn, turn you dumb oxen".) Try as she may, she couldn't make the oxen take the road to the right. She even got out of the carriage and tried to lead the oxen to the road on the right. The oxen refused to go that way.

At this point she gave up. She threw up her hands, uttered a prayer, "O Dio Mio, I don't know what to do. I am in your hands now", and let the two beautiful animals go their way.

Believe it or not - the two oxen took her straight home. They knew that the road on the left was the one to take all the time. Either that or they had no confidence in mother's ability to get them home.

A TRUE STORY BY ANON FURLANA

LA NOSTRA COSTA RANCERE - JOHN COLUMBINI REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: This Remembrance for John was first published in the
Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com.

John Colombini


A recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Sunday and Monday in Santa Cruz, for John Colombini, who passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home on July 15, with his loving family at his bedside. Born in Capannori Lucca, Italy, he was 89 years old. Mr. Colombini moved to the United States in 1936 and has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 55 years. He served his country during WW II as a paratrooper with the US Army Air Corps, and saw action in the Pacific Theatre where he made numerous parachute jumps over Japan.
A well known and respected farmer on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, his career in agriculture where he farmed artichokes and Brussels sprouts spanned over 50 years. He first farmed in Pacifica and later brought his family to live on Wilder Ranch. John was a member of the Santa Cruz and San Mateo Farm Bureaus.
Mr. Colombini made many life long friends in the various organizations to which he belonged, including the Family of St. Joseph, The Sons of Italy, Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, The Italian Catholic Federation, Marconi Club, and Lucchesi nel Mondo. He was generous, kind and loving toward everyone he met. He had a contagious smile, sparkling blue eyes, and a strong handshake.
He was a long time parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
He is survived by his daughters and sons in-law, Diana and Giovanni Colombini, Sandi and Claudio Locatelli, his son Albert Colombini, his five beloved grandchildren, Freddy Colombini of Italy, Cristina, Nicolas, and Emilia Locatelli and Erik Colombini all of Santa Cruz. He also leaves his younger brother, Jimmy Colombini of Santa Cruz and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. The Colombini Family would especially like to thank and recognize his caregivers: Ana Ramos, Luis Salazar, Jorge Acosta, and the wonderful staff of Heartland Hospice, whose kindness we will be forever grateful.
Mr. Colombini was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Olga Colombini, his parents, Ottavio and Emilia Colombini and his older brother, Bart Colombini.
Friends may pay their respects at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Sunday, July 19, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church 126 High Street in Santa Cruz on Sunday evening, July 19, 2009. The mass will be celebrated at the church on Monday morning July 20, 2009 beginning at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz beside his beloved wife Olga, immediately following the mass. Any kind acts of charity may be made in his memory to Sons of Italy Lodge 1992/ Scholarship: 108 Ridgeview Court, Santa Cruz 95060.

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): John and his brother Bart were well known 'ranceri' . The word rancere or ranceri (pl) was (is) reserved for the Italians who farmed "su per la costa". When asked what our occupation up the coast was, my father Bronco and/or my mother Valentina would answer "Siamo ranceri". (We are ranchers.) I first became aware of the Colombini brothers when they first moved to the Wilder Ranch (now a State Park). Later, when I was Exalted Ruler of the Santa Cruz Elks, I would see them often at the Lodge. Now they have both crossed "Il Ultimo Ponte" to join other 'Ranceri" who have gone before them.

Addio, John and Bart.

NANNETTE MORGAN'S FAMILY STORY

IVANO SAYS: Over the past year or so, I have been selling/signing books at the Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. There I have met many people who do not have close family ties to the North Coast of Santa Cruz. To my pleasant surprise, I found that they are very much interested in the La Nostra Costa Story. Nannette Morgan is one such person.

NANNETTE, MOM PHYLLIS AND COUSIN MICHAEL

Dear Signore Comelli!

I know you won't remember me but I met you at Guglielmo's Cork Equity on 8/8/08 (!) and bought your wonderful book. You were so kind to autograph it for my mom (who wasn't with me at the event) after we had talked about my Swiss family (from the Lago Maggiore region of Switzerland) who settled in Salinas and other parts of Monterey Co. My maternal great grandfather had a saloon and wine bottling co in Salinas on Main St. We talked about this. Buying your book was the best gift I've probably ever given my mom in the past recent years. She was thrilled with the autograph and I believe read it in 2 days! (She was a voracious reader). We would talk over the phone about events in the book each evening (over "un bicchiere di vino"). I just started reading the book myself, having only read a few pages, (Introduzione, etc.) before giving it to her..... I was so excited for her to have it. I can't tell you how many times she thanked me for the book (and believe me, I gave her many gifts treasured by her over the last 50 some years).

Anyway, I love your book. You are a very talented writer and even though I was a youngin' going to Salinas and Monterey to see our Swiss relatives (we are also Irish and Scottish), I feel like I'm reliving my youth reading your book.

(The photos of) Serafina's and your parents' house looks like our cousin's/godparent's house on Main St in Salinas (still standing). I know Davenport, San Gregorio etc. well because as an adult I used to do Dressage at a horse ranch in San Gregorio. Of course, being a native San Franciscan and my Irish-Scottish descended maternal grandmother being raise in North Beach ( MY favorite part of SF), I can relate to SO much in your book.

I'm so thankful that you wrote this. I hope to run into you again at Guglielmo's sometime. I enjoyed speaking with you and your wife too. Unfortunately my mom passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on 11/2/08. I only wish that I had read your book before then because I could have asked her some questions about the coast.

One question I have is about the old Swiss Hotel in Santa Cruz. Who owned it and were they from the Lago Maggiore area? My great grandpa came from Val Versasca in that area.

My mom and I made a trip there while in Italy and even though our Swiss -Salinas relatives warned us not to bother because folks there weren't the friendliest, we did so anyway, riding the Postal Bus. Well we not only got to one of the villages but we also met descendants of my great grandpa's saloon partner. Would you believe it? It happen to be a day when they weren't open. Guess what? They wouldn't even offer us a glass of water (we were hoping for a glass of vino..... a tradition in OUR family if visitors come). The lady even knew who we were talking about. As you would say, "Porca la miseria!!"

Anyway, thanks for listening to my thank you note. If you have information on the Swiss Hotel, I'd love to hear about it. Buona fortuna, Nannette

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D):

I requested that Nannette send me further info on her family. She added the following and also sent me the photo above of herself, Mom Phyllis Frolli Morgan and cousin Michael.

My great grandfather who owned the saloon in Salinas was named Domingo Frolli. And interestingly, our family personal vocabulary called anyone that was Swiss from that or nearby areas in Switzerland "versasca" -- roughly meaning "paisano". Also you'll delight in knowing that a staple (not every day of course) in my family was and is polenta. This was a staple of that area of Switzerland and also the Piemonte area of Italy (which borders the Lago Maggiore area).

My relatives in Salinas actually had a special polenta pot. One of the cousins, Enos Frolli, was an excellent cook but people would complain that dinner took too long to get to the table at family gatherings. Apparently, Enos embodied the saying "I like to cook with wine; sometimes I even put a little in the food!" (As an aside, I loved the story in the book about the cellar where the wine was kept. Growing up in Millbrae we had a dear Italian neighbor, Joe Turla. He used to make his own wine (much later he bought the wine). He always kept it in a little room in the garage which was under the house. When we went to visit, my grandpa and grandmother and later my mom and I, would sit in the cool garage and enjoy a glass of vino and chew the fat together.

My other family members who lived in Salinas were the Martella family. Their house on North Main is still there. In fact, at one point about 20 years ago, the lane behind them and the house, which runs parallel to Main, was renamed Martella Street (or Avenue). Elmer Martella owned the old drugstore on Gabilan Street in Salinas (he was the pharmacist). I remember as a very young girl going down to Salinas for the "Big Week"(The Rodeo). My maternal grandpa, Winfred Romeo Frolli (his dad was Domingo) would tell us all the stuff going on, while we sat on cousin Elmer's balcony (2nd floor of the drugstore), and watch the pre-rodeo parade.

I mention all the above as an interesting parallel of our families' histories in the Monterey area. I actually have all the old tin-type photos of the saloon, etc. as well as old year books from Salinas High School etc. where my grandpa went. Although a few years older, he knew John Steinbeck quite well. Family history has it that grandpa sold young John his paper route! I think that's why your book resonates so much with me. I feel as though I am following part of "my" family history!Some day I will be organizing all these photos and probably donate some to the Salinas historical society.

Again, Mille grazie,

Nannette

NICHOLAS PAGNINI MEMORIAL FUND

IVANO SAYS: Len Klempnauer alerted me to article below which was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ Contact information for the NICHOLAS PAGNINI MERMORIAL FUND can be found at the end of the article.

Nicholas Pagnini: Grocery store owner, fire chief, coach was 'unofficial mayor' of Felton
By Emily Nord - Sentinel correspondent
Posted: 07/07/2009 06:18:26 AM PDT (Santa Cruz High School Photo added)

Nick Pagnini always had a lot on his plate, but to him, everything was too delicious to pass up.
Grocery store owner, fire chief, high school football coach, mentor, hero, husband and father Nicholas Roy Pagnini died June 6 after an eight-year battle with cancer.
As a lifelong resident of Felton, Pagnini was known for giving his all to his family and the community.
"He was such a great man, he was so kind and generous," said wife Beverly Pagnini. "He always gave 100 percent to everyone."
Nicholas Pagnini was born Aug. 4, 1936, at Hanley Hospital in Santa Cruz to Catherine and Roy Pagnini. His parents raised Pagnini in Felton, where Roy owned and operated Roy's grocery store since 1934.
He attended Santa Cruz High School where he met his future wife and pursued his passion for surfing.
After he graduated all-CCAL in football in 1954, Pagnini attended Hartnell College and worked for the California Department of Forestry. In 1955, he moved to Hawaii and surfed every day. Later that year, he moved back to California and attended Orange Coast Junior College while working at Disneyland.
In 1956, Pagnini enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant. After three years of service, he came back to his hometown of Felton to work at Roy's and marry Beverly at St. John's Catholic Church in 1959.
Pagnini took over the family business when his father died in 1976. The store, and Pagnini himself, became an institution in the community. For his high energy and kindness, his legions of customers named him the unofficial "mayor of Felton," and he was awarded SLV's Man of the Year in 1979.

In addition to running the store, Pagnini joined the Zayante Fire Department where he was an EMT and captain, later becoming Assistant Battalion Chief. Pagnini's experience at the department and dedication to the community made him a key player in the rescue operation during the floods of 1982.
"He is the moral compass for this organization," said Zayante Fire Chief Jeff Maxwell. "He was a great leader because he supported every individual. He was always there to give us advice and directions because he wanted the best for everyone."
An avid sports fan, Pagnini began coaching freshmen football at San Lorenzo Valley High School and was president of the Booster's Club. In 2006, Pagnini was inducted into the SLVHS Hall of Fame as an honorary member for his services to the school.
In 1990, Pagnini sold Roy's to good friend Bob Locatelli, who continues to run the store as New Leaf today. Pagnini remained active in his job with the fire department, the school, worked at the Trout Farm for a few years and as a devoted family man.
In his rare spare time, Nick loved to spend time with his family in Northstar resort in California where they would swim in the summer and ski in the winter. He liked to watch classic movies, listen to Hawaiian music, try new restaurants and tell stories of San Lorenzo Valley's history to his family and friends.
Pagnini is survived by his wife Beverly, and two daughters Dana Pagnini and Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin.

Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund

The Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund was established to help local high school athletes and honor the memory of Nicholas Pagnini. To donate, make a check out to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund and send it to the Pagnini family, P.O. Box 336, Felton, CA 95018.
;

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY - 2009

IVANO SAYS: I searched the "La Nostra Costa" photo archives for a suitable photo to commemorate our Independence Day. None was more appropriate than the photo of Lou Moro standing before the American Flags. A true American who truly love his Country.

Happy Fourth of July Everybody.

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE - NICK PAGNINI

IVANO SAYS: The following Remembrance appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel www.santacruzsentinel.com

Nicholas Roy Pagnini

Nicholas Roy Pagnini passed away on June 6, 2009 of Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer. He fought the disease with tremendous bravery and an amazing positive attitude that we would expect from such a great man. Nick was born in Santa Cruz, CA on August 4, 1936. He was the son of Roy and Catherine Sinnott Pagnini of Felton, CA.
Nick began his education at Felton Elementary, a one room school house, where he attended up to the sixth grade. Being the fourth generation resident of this county and a young wanderer, he knew the Santa Cruz area like the back of his hand. He went on to go to Mission Hill Junior High in Santa Cruz where he formed many wonderful friendships to continue through the years. His Italian grandparents Rose and Nello Pagnini resided in Santa Cruz, near the SC Wharf, and he told many stories of great food, amazing surf, and warm family memories.
One of Nick's passions was surfing. He traveled up and down the California coastline to find the perfect wave and to be with friends. With wetsuits not yet invented, he would say, "I surfed before hypothermia was invented." On his travel to Hawaii in 1955, he would be transformed and his love of the Isles emerged. He loved the warm salt water, the slack key music, and the food. Nick would travel to Hawaii many times after this with his family and he passed on his deep appreciation of the Isles to them.
Nick graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1954 and was all CCAL in football, a sport that he always loved. Upon graduation, he worked for the California Department of Forestry in Corralitos, CA and attended Hartnell Junior College where he also played football. He returned to forestry work, but in the fall of 1955, Nick was off to Hawaii to pursue his passion for surfing. Also in 1955, Nick returned to California to attend Orange Coast Junior College and to work at Disneyland the first year it opened. He was always proud to say that Uncle Walt Disney signed his paychecks. In 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was tremendously proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed being a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment #711 Monterey Bay. Nick also loved his continued connection with the SCHS class of 1954 and looked forward to attending the monthly luncheons.
In 1958, Nicholas returned to Felton and the community he cherished. He worked for his father at Roy's Market, a family owned business since 1936 currently New Leaf Market. Nick married Beverly Sommer, SCHS Class of 1955, in April 1959. Dana Pagnini, their first daughter, was born in 1960 and their second daughter, Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin Mark, was born in 1973. He is survived by his two daughters and many cousins.
Further demonstrating his commitment to the community, Nick joined the Zayante Fire Department in 1976. He was an EMT and a Captain during his time with the ZFD. Nicholas was not only an officer, but a well respected mentor to the young fire department recruits who wanted to join Zayante Fire's finest. Through the years, Nick would return home with interesting stories of emergency calls and always expressed his concern for the local people who needed his assistance.
Nick coached one of his favorite sports, football, at San Lorenzo Valley High for the freshmen teams. Throughout the years, Nick was an active supporter of the SLV and Santa Cruz High Booster Clubs. He also attended local high school football and track events to cheer on the many dedicated athletes.
He was also, for recognition of his incredible community involvement, awarded San Lorenzo Valley's Man of the Year Award in 1979. In many peoples hearts, Nick is the man of the century.
When he sold Roy's Market in 1990, Nick certainly didn't retire and continued to remain busy as ever. He was not only active with the Zayante Fire Department but also managed the Trout Farm for a few years. Since people couldn't talk to him at Roy's, the Trout Farm was a good place to catch up with their favorite local personality. He loved being the person that people could turn to for whatever they needed. Nick did this with his whole heart and no agenda.
Nick was a loving and kind person who gave 110 percent to his family, friends, and community where he grew up. He had deep roots to the local area and dedicated his life to serving its people. He enjoyed great company, good food with a nice cold beer, and a hearty laugh. Always taking the time to help and listen, he touched many people's lives in so many ways. He will always be with us, but his physical presence will be forever missed. Thank you, Nick, for everything.
The Pagnini family would like to extend their thanks to the Veteran's Administration Hospital at Palo Alto. The doctors, nurses, and the hospice unit provided Nick with respectful, wonderful, and compassionate care. For eight years, thoughout Nick's treatment, the oncology staff gave him first class attention to allow him a full life while managing his cancer.
Our family would also like to thank the Zayante Fire Department for all the love and support. We consider the members to be our extended family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund will be appreciated. This fund will provide for local athlete scholarships. You may send your contribution to the Pagnini Family at PO Box 336, Felton, CA 95018. For further information, you may also visit the fund's website at: http://www.pagninimemorial.com/

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D)

As Nick's Remembrance states, he was married to Beverly Sommers, SCHS Class of '55. I think the article above says it all about Nick. I enjoyed talking with him at the SCHS Class of "54 lunches and picnics. He always had an encouraging word to say about my attempts to keep the memories of Santa Cruz and "La Nostra Costa" alive Thanks, Nick. I will miss you.

ADDIO NICK PAGNANI. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

LEN SAYS

One item missing from Nick Pagnini’s obit is that he is in the San Lorenzo Valley High School Hall of Fame. Nick told me he was selected because of his years of coaching and being president of the SLV High Boosters Club for many years.He also was often referred to as the "unofficial mayor of Felton."Nick not only was among seven SCHS Class of 1954 members interviewed by KTEH-TV for the San Jose PBS station's "This Is Us" show telecast on May 31, he also also among a number of Santa Cruz oldtimers interviewed for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk's 100th anniversary DVD in 2007, which has been shown on KTEH and on KQED, San Francisco's PBS station.

Len Klempnauer, Capitola - SCHS '54

PHOTO SHOWS: Nick (on the left) being interviewed for KTEH-TV - 2009

[Photo courtesy of Len Klempnauer]

LA NOSTRA COSTA - IL BUCO

IL BUCO AT THE GULCH RANCH (C. 1953)

['Clicca' on photo for enlarged image]

IVANO SAYS: IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' I write (LNC: p. 35) about Il Buco (The Hole) on the Gulch Ranch. This was the place where the ranceri (Italian ranchers) worked in the 'old barn' and eat their meals at the 'old cooka housa'. When I was describing the ranch compound in 'Il Buco', I did it (mostly) by memory. Now, Gino d'Baffi Campioni, sent me this excellent black and white photo he took in the early 1950's. I was very happy to discover that my memory of 'Il Buco" was pretty good. (Please 'clicca' on photo. The enlarged image is really something.)

The 'old barn' (still stands today) where my mother cleaned all those 'sprouts' (LNC: pgs. 57-60) is the big building on the left. In the front of the barn are some sheds where the tractors, etc. were stored. (Some of these sheds still stand today, although at a different location.) The small shed forward of the barn is the washroom, where the ranceri washed up before entering the 'cookahousa' for their meals. Across (left side of photo) from the wash room is the shed covering the dugout where the Gulch Ranch stored their homemade wine.

Unfortunately, the 'cookahouse' is barely visible at the right hand corner of the photo. The tree in front obstructs the view. The 'old cookahousa' burned down in 2002.

I want to thank Gino for sending me the above photo. It brings back a lot of memories about how things were back when. Visible in the photo is a small wooden bridge (gone now) which crossed a small stream. As a young boy, I spent many hours on that bridge dropping 'rock bombs' on imaginary 'enemy ships' sailing below. Thanks again Gino. Sempre Avanti.

BTW: 'Il Buco' today is home to the Santa Cruz Mushroom Company owned and operated by Andrew and Jean Hsu.

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - RICHARD STEFANI REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (P.237) I write: :It seemed to me (I was two or three years younger than they were), that those Davenport kids were nothing but a bunch of ruffians. I always thought that they went around with a chip on their shoulders........." Although I didn't mention him by name, Richard Stefani was one of those "ruffians". In the following paragraph I continue to write about these 'ruffians': "Fortunately, most of these ruffians, grew out of their stage of rowdiness, and did not become serious wrongdoers............"

As the Remembrance published in the Santa Cruz Sentinels

indicates Richard successfully shed his "ruffian" image and went on with his life in a meaningful and productive manner.

Addio Richard . Until we meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte".

Richard John Stefani

Richard John Stefani passed away on June 7, 2009 in Santa Cruz, Ca. Richard was born on June 7, 1932 to Ezio Italo and Julia Stefani. He was raised in Santa Cruz, although he lived in Grants Pass, Oregon for 30 of his 77 years. Richard graduated from Santa Cruz High and worked as a Truck Driver for soft drinks and beer distributorships, as well as, a produce company. He also worked in logging during his time in OR.
Richard loved the outdoors, animals, camping, and fishing. He was a former member of the Marconi Club. He was predeceased by his parents, and his son, Richard. He is survived by his children: Mark Stefani, Janet Patrick McDonald, Norma Strite, and Eugene Stefani. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and a dear friend, Georgia Magnabosco.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz.

LA COSTA - PHOTOS BY GINO CAMPIONI -ARTICLE BY NANCY JACOBS

LOVER'S BEACH ON THE GULCH RANCH (SOUTH TO NORTH)

THE DAM ON THE RODONI RANCH HOLDING

WATER FOR THE 'BAGNATORI'

RODONI RANCH LOOKING FROM EAST TO WEST

.
My memory of living where my family lived on the coast is one of remoteness. It was very hard to access the ranch.
The farmhouse was built next to the estuary and when the estuary flooded and the bridge washed out WE BECAME SURVIVALISTS IN THE TRUE SENSE!
I was definitely a scroungy kid because we had to live in the proximity of mud everywhere, the fear of rising water and only and abandoned barn to escape to which was on the third level of the ranch next to the dairy cow corral.
Our farmhouse had a large pantry which allowed for the storage of foodstuffs. We kept large cans of olive oil, large bins of pasta, canned tomatoes, large sacks of cornmeal, large round of cheese and dried herbs. In one corner we had a medicine chest. In the other we had a small keg of wine, sometimes we had dried salciccia, (sausage), a keg of olives, canned artichokes, dried garlic and sacks of flour, canned spinach, and some dried firewood.
We also had a victory garden which, in fact, was a survival garden in which we planted carrots, swiss chard, lettuce etc. We never had any fruit trees because it was simply too cold.
When we were stuck because the bridge was out and the there was a slide we had to hunt for game. Ducks, deer, birds such as quail, rabbits and chickens. We raised the chickens.
The true survivalist was probably my brother because he was jungle trained. But, in fact, we all had to be survialists in order to survive the weather, especially the cold and the perennial flooding.
We still had horses, two of them and if things got really bad, at least two of us could ride out on the horses if they could climb the hill to reach the level spot so that we could get to the highway. It was all dicey at best! And if you went the other way you had to battle the curvy Swanton Rd. On a stormy day or night that was a challenge! The weather on the coast was extremely dramatic, quick changing and extraordinarily beautiful all at the same time. The sunsets could be stunning with all the colors showing as the sun went down and if a storm approached, the dark blue grey of the clouds really set off the sunset. Those clouds could put us in a survival situation overnight.

THE LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - JENNA, JESSUP AND KADIN SWANEY

JENNA (CENTER) AND FRIENDS

JESSUP - JOANNE - KADEN

----------

IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), I write about the improbable marriage of a 'Figlio della Costa' (Son of the Coast), Joe Gemignani and a 'Figlia del Friuli' (Daughter of Friuli), Lina Bressani (LNC: pgs. 191-197). The marriage was arranged by mother, Valentina (Lina's sister) in 1947. Lina came to the America as a "War Bride", after Joe who had served as a US soldier in Europe during WW II, agreed to marry her (sight unseen, except for a famous photo). Joanne (Gemignani) Swaney is the daughter of Joe and Lina. Joanne and her husband Jan Swaney make the following announcement:

Ivano

Jan and I are our proud to inform you that your cousin (our daughter), Jenna graduated with her jurisdoctorate on May 9, 2009 and was recognized by the school for her academic achievement in tort law. She is now studying for the Bar Exam which she will take in July. Please wish her luck.

We also want to let you know that your cousins (our twin sons), Jessup and Kadin also graduated. Jessup graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering and with honors in general studies from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He's looking for a job! Wish him luck too! Kadin graduated with a degree in Construction Management from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He is currently in his second round of interviews with Ghilotti Brothers Construction Company which is based in San Rafael Ca. Keep your fingers crossed! Jan and I are extremely proud of the achievements of our daughter and sons. They worked very hard and deserve the best.

Your Cousin (Prima),

Joanne

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

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Wow! Congratulations to one and all. Quite an achievement. Joanne, I know that your father Joe would have been extremely proud. And I know that Lina, your mother (who I failed to mention in a previous article is also the Great-Great Aunt of Andrew Roubal), is bursting at the seams. What a year for the 'La Nostra Costa' story (in continuance). Best wishes e Buona Fortuna to all.

Ivano

SANTA CRUZ HIGH ALUM ANNOUNCEMENT

SANTA CRUZ HIGH PEP BAND '54-'55

-----------

IVANO SAYS: Bring on the Band! Len Klempnauer, SCHS Class of '54, makes the following announcement:

KTEH-TV, the PBS channel in San Jose, will spotlight the Santa Cruz High School Class of 1954 in its next edition of "This Is Us," a show featuring interesting people within the station's viewing area.The Class of ‘54 segment will be telecast on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. Since January 2000, the ‘54ers have been getting together every month for dinner or lunch, and KTEH was interested in finding out why they have remained so close for more than five decades.KTEH sent a four-person crew to interview the local grads on Feb. 25 at the DeLaveaga Park Golf Lodge restaurant. The TV staff circulated among the diners to “eavesdrop” on their conversations during the lunch and interviewed seven individually who had varying interests while teenagers:o Nick Pagnini of Zayante, one of two Class of ’54 board surfers before the days of wetsuits and fiberglass boards.o Nancy Jellison of Santa Cruz, a teenage carhop at the Cross Roads, a local drive-in diner in the Fifties, who married after her junior year but remained in school to earn her diploma.o Chuck Filice of Salinas, a three-sport letterman and All-Coast Counties Athletic League (CCAL) selection in football and baseball.o Ruth Mitchell of Santa Cruz, a topnotch female beach volleyball player when the sport was virtually unknown outside Hawaii and Southern California.o Dick Lippert of Carmichael, a hot rod enthusiast noted for his lead foot and outracing local gendarmes.o Cookie Ruschin of San Jose, an outstanding actress who was invited to the Pasadena Playhouse high school drama tournament in her senior year.o Len Klempnauer of Capitola, class president who was instrumental in getting the monthly get-togethers started.Also scheduled to be interviewed but unable to attend were Lorraine Voight of Santa Cruz, a ‘54 cheerleader, who was ill, and Rod Jensen of Aptos, a top scholar and recipient of a full-ride NROTC scholarship, who was away on business.In addition to the seven interviewed, 40 more classmates, spouses, guests and members of other SCHS classes attended the February lunch.A total of 118 different members of a class numbering about 265 have attended one or more of the informal monthly affairs over the years.*****Of course Chuck Filice and Nick Pagnini are Italian-Americans. Chuck's uncle owned and operated the Anchor Bar on Pacific Avenue and Nick's father owned and operated Roy's Market in Felton for years.I received a preview DVD of our part of the one-hour show (we're on for seven minutes), and a lot of still photographs are used as backgound shots, including the one attached of the SCHS Pep Band that was published in our '54 Cardinal yearbook. Most of Pep Band members were in your Class of '55.

-Len-

LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - ANDREW ROUBAL

Andrew Roubal

Andrew and Ivano at the Capitola Bookstore and Cafe (2007)

BTW: Andrew is wearing his Great-Grandfather Bronco's hat. Nice fit Andrew.

THE PRESIDENT AND FACULTY

OF

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

ANNOUNCE THAT

ANDREW JOHN ROUBAL

IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS

IN MUSICAL THEATRE

AT THE

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

SATURDAY, MAY TWENTY-THIRD, TWO THOUSAND AND NINE

EIGHT O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING

---------

Ivano says: Andrew is the Great Grandson of Bronco and Valentina and Louie and Enes Moro. He is the son of Christine and Louie Roubal and the Grandson of Giovanni (John) Primo and Donna Comelli. And of course, he is my Great Nephew.

Andrew is doing Summer Stock Theatre at Cabrillo this summer. He plans to leave shortly thereafter, for The Big Apple, New York. Appearing on Broadway is in his plans for the future. Congratulations and Buona Fortuna, Andrew. Bronco and Valentina would have been most proud of you. Sempre Avanti. Ivano

A GHOST STORY BY ANON FURLANA

In a little Friulian Village, circa 1920 (when poor people did not have electricity), something spooky was going on in the family home. In the attic of their house a frightful noise was heard late at night. Because it was very dark up there, no one had the courage to into the attic to check out the noise. In the daytime they did check it out by climbing a wooden ladder that led to the ceiling attic door. They looked around and found everything in perfect order. The corn, potatoes, beans and many other things that the family kept in storage were still there. Nothing was stolen. This frightened them to no ends. They began thinking that demonic spirits had inhabited their attic.

The Reverend Monsignor from a neighboring village was called upon to perform a special ritual to bless the house and to clear it of the demons. This did not help. Late at night the demons continued to do their thing in the attic.

Sadly, the family decided that they had enough of the late night noises. They put the house up for sale. Thinking that they would have a hard time selling the place because of the ghosts in their attic, they listed it for sale at a very reasonable price.

To their surprise a person from their village met their price and bought the house. The family moved out and (surprise-surprise) the demons in the attic were never heard of again.

The question in the village then was: were there actually ghosts up in that there attic or was it "he who had bought the house" the mischief maker?

Many believed that the wise guy buyer had snuck into the house after dark and made all those rattling sounds in the attic. Thus, they said, he bought himself a very nice Friulian house at a very reasonable price.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"

Anon Furlana