Preserving Our Italian Heritage

Buongiorno a Tutti,

July 30, 2022 was a day FOI made history with the first screening of the historical documentary “Potentially Dangerous: When it was a crime to be Italian.” Winner of the National Italian American Foundation Russo Brothers Film Forum. Thanks to the Director/Producer Zach Baliva and his wife/co-producer Naomi Baliva for allowing us to have a private screening of this astonishing story of evacuation and internment of Italian Americans during World War II, many where from Pittsburg, Monterey, and Martinez. The 220 plus attendees were shown the 55-minute documentary depicting many of our grandparents that were evacuated during WW II.

As the Master of Ceremonies, I introduced Zach to our audience where he explained how this documentary began. He wanted to enter a documentary but did not have a story or clue of one. He Googled “unknown stories of Italian Americans” and what appeared was “Una Storia Segreta” The Secret Story edited by Lawrence Destasi and author of the book “Branded: How Italian Immigrants Became ‘Enemies’ During World War II.” Destasi was the project director of the traveling exhibit that traveled all around the country beginning in 1994. Today the exhibit items are stored at the Pittsburg Historical Museum and many were displayed at the screening.

The article and book caught his eye and he began his research. Zach and his team put together an extraordinaire documentary and it won first place. In attendance was Bob Scudero, son of Rose Scudero, Vincent Ferrante-Pittsburg Historical Society, and Alberto Bronzini all which had a part in the film. After the showing I mentioned that my great grandfather, Placido Abono, at the age of 97 was evacuated by stretcher from his Pittsburg home of 50 years to an Oakley farm. I then opened it up for comment.

Leonard Gianno remembered as a young boy that he and his family were evacuated as well as a couple of stories from Prudy Aiello DeMonner. Very emotional for all.

The attendees were treated to a reception of antipasto and plenty of vino along with lively conversation. Thanks to Mary Pappas Coniglio and volunteers; Cynthia Cardinale, Roselyn Malfitano, Linda Campbell Hayes, Midge DiMaggio, Robin Bruno, Alise Inzerillo, Cass Golshani, Paulette Lagana for another fabulous and memorable event.

In the fourth quarter we will be planning another screening but this time in Monterey. More details will be sent out as soon as it develops.

On August 28 your FOI Executive board, headed by Mary Pappas Coniglio and volunteers, entertained and wowed the Claude Grillo party with a delicious authentic Sicilian cuisine dinner. Claude had the winning bid of the live auction item at the “That’s Italian” Dinner Show. Check out this menu prepared by Mary and volunteers, wish you all were there.

To date FOI has conducted a Zoom Virtual meeting, monthly Family Rosary’s via Zoom, That’s Italian Dinner Show, FOI High Tea, Second Annual Scholarship Awards Picnic, Potentially Dangerous documentary private screening, increased our membership to 160 members, and our editor-in-chief, Alex Grillo has published 4 wonderful informative Il Notiziario (Newsletter).

So, as you can see your Executive Board and Martinez, Monterey and Pittsburg Chapters have been busy, and we will continue to. Stay tuned!

VIDEOS FROM PAST SHOWS