Author Archives: Don Raimondi

November-December 2024 Newsletter

The November-December 2024 Newsletter is now available.   Click here to review the current newsletter. The following is a summary of activities described in the newsletter.
To view past newsletter, visit the Newsletter page. 

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

    • President George Golfieri thanked the family of longtime NBICF member and Board Member Sharie Sbrazza who made a generous gift to the Foundation. 
    • George also thanked members, guests and volunteers who contributed to the success of the Festa Italiana di Santa Rosa at D’Argenzio Winery on October 20.
    • November 2, 2024 – NBICF will participate in Sonoma County Finding History Day presented by the Sonoma County Historical Society.
    • November 14, 2024 – Thursday, (doors open at 5pm, meeting and
      dinner at 6pm): Meeting Dinner, Sonoma County Veterans Building
    • December 13, 2024 – Friday, (doors open at 5pm, meeting and dinner at 6pm): Dinner Meeting, “La Festa di Natale”, Sonoma County Veterans Building 
    • Sundays at the Center w/Diane McCurdy – Doors open 1:30pm, screening at 2:00pm.
      November 24, 2024 – Christ Stopped at Eboli (1979) 2h History/Drama (NR)
      December 29, 2024 –  Avenging Angelo (2002) 1h 38m. Action/Comedy (R)
    • Interesting articles – Christmas in Italy & Panettone  and Pandoro
    • The Foundation is looking to fill one Board  Member seat, the Mangiamo Chair and the Treasurer position for 2025. Contact: George Golfieri at 707-843-3176 for these positions or leave a message at the office at 707-591-9696. 

September-October Newsletter

The September-October Newsletter is now available.   Click here to review the current newsletter. The following is a summary of activities described in the newsletter.
To view past newsletter, visit the Newsletter page. 

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • President George Golfieri announced the winners of the SRJC Pedroncelli, and Mancini-Mitchell Scholarships and thanked the members of the Scholarship Committee. He also thanked all the volunteers and those that made donations to the Pizza, Birra & Vino party on July 30. 
  • October 6, 2024 – Sunday, 2-4 pm (doors open at 1:30) – Lecture by Author Kathleen Ann González at the NBICF Center. For more information about this lecture and the Finding History day on November 2, click here. 
  • October 20, 2024 – 2-7pm – Festa Italiana to celebrate Italian Heritage Month, 40th anniversary of NBICF and the 10th anniversary of CIBO Rustica Pizzeria at D’Argenzio Winery. Let’s celebrate an afternoon of “dolce vita“. To make this FREE event happen, we are calling on members to join in and help on the day of the event. Some areas that are in need are: Set up, Greet visitors, General help, and Clean up.
    This festival is also a fundraiser for NBICF. If you have a service or item you would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact us at 707-591-9696 or send an email to nbicf@sonic.net.  For a flyer with details about the Festa, click here. 
  • November 2, 2024 – NBICF will participate in Sonoma County Finding History Day presented by the Sonoma County Historical Society.
  • Sundays at the Center with Diane McCurdy – Doors open 1:30pm, screening at 2:00pm.
    September 29, 2024 – The Italian Job (2003) 1h 51m Action/Crime (PG)
    October 27, 2024 –  Mafia! (1998) 1h 24m Comedy/Crime (PG)
  • Read an Interesting article about History of the Pasta Strainer or “scolapasta”
  • Mangiamo Chair and Treasurer needed for NBICF. Please contact George at 707-843-3176 or you can leave a message at 707-591-9696. Current Mangiamo Chair can be reached at 707-528-2710.

July-August 2024 Newsletter

The July-August Newsletter is now available.   Click here to review the current newsletter. The following is a summary of activities described in the newsletter.
To view past newsletter, visit the Newsletter page. 

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri updates the membership on recent activities and thanking those who attended the June Mothers & Fathers Day Pranzo at the D’Argenzio Winery, the D’Argenzio Staff and Board Member Susan Macaluso who planned the event.  Approximately 50 guests attended, the food and wine pairings were outstanding and it was a beautiful day with seating under the grape arbor. 
  • The Board announced the recipients of the Sharie Sbrazza NBICF Florence study abroad scholarship for the 2024 spring semester. Each recipient was awarded a $1,455 scholarship. Since 1986, the Foundation has awarded 398 scholarships totaling $134,260. For more information about the Foundation’s scholarship programs or to make a donation, visit the NBICF website by clicking on this link www.nbicf.org/scholarships.
  • To commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence the newsletter includes the origin of the great principle, “All Men are Created Equal” – paraphrased in an essay by Italian physician Filippo Mazzei, a friend of Thomas Jefferson. 
  • Save the Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024  for an afternoon mini festival at D’Argenzio Winery planned to celebrate Italian Heritage Month and to recognize the 40th anniversary of the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation and the 10th anniversary of CIBO Rustico Pizzeria.
  • The next event is scheduled for July 30. This will be our 10th Annual Pizza, Birra & Vino affair from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Center. This event is limited to 60 guests.  To make a Reservation and pay online, visit the Reservation page by clicking here.  For a mail-in reservation form, click here.  Reservations for this event are required by July 25th. 
  • The newsletter provides contact information for our 2024 Business Members including a condensed background story about the origin of our newest Business Member, Saena Iulia School – a language school in Sienna. 
  • A Mangiamo Committee Chairperson is needed for 2025. This position requires coordinating the volunteer activities for dinner events. For more information members may contact current chairperson Susan Cole at colssn@aol.com.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy  – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm
  • July 28, 2024 – film: The Talented Mr. Ripley  (1999) 2h 14m Thriller/Crime (R)  
  • August 25, 2024 – film: Mid-August Lunch  (2008) 1h 15m Comedy (N/R)  

May-June 2024 Newsletter

The Mosaico May-June Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter.  If you have a problem with this link, visit the website www.nbicf.org. Click on the Newsletter tab to view the current and past newsletters. 

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri updates the membership on recent activities The Foundation announced the winners of the Trip to Italy raffle at the March 14 Dinner Event at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall. The winners  will enjoy a 10-day trip to Tuscany, Italy this fall. In addition to the winners of the trip, two lucky individuals received $100 gift certificates to the Riviera Restaurant.
  • The next event is scheduled for June 2. This will be a special Mothers & Fathers Day Celebration. Together with the D’Argenzio Winery NBICF will host an Afternoon of Food Wine & Music. The afternoon Pranzo will include a four course menu with wine pairing. To make a Reservation and pay online, visit the Reservation page by clicking here.  Click here for the mail-in reservation form.  Reservations required by May 28. This event is limited to 80 guests.
  •  Membership renewal notices were sent out in January. Membership dues for 2024 were due by March 31. Members who did not renew can still renew by mailing in payment or pay online using the Membership page on the website.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy  – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm
    May 26, 2024 –  film: Ciao, Professore  (1992) 1h 40m – Comedy (R)
    June 30, 2024 –     film: The Mafia Kills Only In Summer (2013) 1h 30m – Dark/Quirky/Comedy
  • Italy is a country known for its great variety of cheeses. The newsletter lists the best Italian cheeses with short descriptions of each.  

March-April 2024 Newsletter

The Mosaico March-April Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. If you have a problem with this link, visit the website www.nbicf.org. Click on the Newsletter tab to view the current and past newsletters. Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri updates the membership on recent activities, provides a summary of the Foundation 2023 Financial situation and reviews the Foundation Scholarship program.  He discusses the need for more volunteers to serve on committees. Member involvement is crucial to the future of the Foundation. If any member is interested in joining a committee or the Board, send an email to George.zena65@gmail.com.
  • The next dinner event is scheduled for Thursday March 14 Dinner at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Dinner will be prepared by Pasta King Catering. Doors open at 5 Dinner at 6 pm. Dinner includes: Antipasti, Salad, Ravioli, Chicken Fettuccine, rolls, Dessert with Wine at the Table. No outside liquor allowed. Open seating – arrive early to ensure seating for your entire party. Reservations required by March 10.   To make a Reservation and pay online, visit the Reservation page by clicking here.  Click here for the mail-in reservation form.  Reservations required by March 10.
  • The winner of the Trip to Italy raffle will be announced at the March 14 Dinner at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Tickets are still available. Click on this link for information on final ticket sales.  Tickets will be available at the dinner.
  •  Membership renewal notices were sent out in January. Members can pay their membership dues online by credit card or by mailing a check. A website page for annual membership renewals is available on our website at www.nbicf.org.  Please pay your dues by March 31, 2024.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy  – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm
    February 25 – film: Malèna (2000) – 1h 32m Comedy/Romance (R)
    March 24 –  film: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001) 2h 11
    April 28, 2024  film: Finding the Mother Lode (2014) 1h 20 m Documentary
  • The newsletter also describes various holiday celebrations & traditions occurring in Italy in the Spring.  For example, La Festa della Donna is celebrated on March 8. It is Italy’s celebration of International Women’s Day, recognized by the United Nations and many countries around the world. Included with this article is a list of some amazing Italian women. 

January-February 2024 Newsletter

The Mosaico January-February Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. For past newsletters and instructions on printing the newsletter, go to the Newsletter page.

Topics presented in Current Newsletter: 

  • NBICF President George Golfieri updates the membership on recent activities. George thanks members for returning ballots for the November Board Election and welcomes new Board Members Susan Mancaluso and Gina Fortino Dickson.  He thanked the many contributors to the October In Scena live theater event, the Sonoma County Finding History Day and the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Winter Lights Celebration in Courthouse Square.
  • Update – Tickets are still available for the Win a Trip to Italy for 2 – 10 Days in Tuscany,  First Prize includes airfare, lodging, and transportation. Trip to be taken in Fall 2024. Drawing – January 2024 or when all 750 tickets are sold! Tickets are $25 each. Click here to view & print a flyer with information on purchasing tickets. 
  • See below for mail-in reservation forms for the following events.
  •  Dinner on January 29 at the St. Rose Parish Hall will be prepared by Pasta King Catering. Doors open at 5, Dinner at 6 pm. Dinner includes: Antipasti, Polenta with Choice of Two Sauces, Salad, Side Dish and Dessert with Wine at the Table. Reservations for the January 29 Dinner are required by January 21.  To make a reservation online and pay by credit/debit card, visit the Reservation page on the website by clicking here.
  • February 18 at the NBICF Center, 2-4 pm.  Robert Michael Smith, a pioneer of digital sculpture, 3D CG, virtual reality,  visualization/animation, robotic CNC milling, 3D printed sculptures and synthetic biology, will be giving a video presentation. Tickets – $10. Seating is limited to 40. Reservations are required for this event by February 10.
  • February 24 at the NBICF Center, 2-4 pm.  Viola Buitoni, Chef, Instructor & Author will present a Talk & Tasting event. Seating is limited to 40. Reservations are required for this free event by February 20.  Included in the Newsletter is a flyer with details about ordering her cookbook Italy by Ingredient. Click here to see this flyer. 
  • Click here for mail-in reservation forms for the events on January 29, February 18 and February 24. 
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy  – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm
    January  28 – film: Night on Earth (1991) – 2h 8m Comedy/Drama (R)
    February 25 – film: Malèna (2000) – 1h 32m Comedy/Romance (R)
  • The newsletter also describes various holiday celebrations & traditions occuring in Italy from December through February. 

November-December Newsletter

The Mosaico November-December 2023 Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. For past newsletters and instructions on printing the newsletter, go to the Newsletter page.

Topics presented in Current Newsletter: 

  • November 18, 2023 – Saturday, 10am – 4pm: Piccolo Mercatino di
    Natale at the NBICF Center.
  • November 24, 2023 – Friday, 4-7pm: Winter Lights, Tree Lighting
    Event with Coro Allegro performing at Old Courthouse Square.
  • November 26, 2023 – Sunday, 1:30pm: Sundays at the Center with
    Diane McCurdy, film: Terraferma
  • December 10, 2023 – Sunday, 1:30pm: Sundays at the Center with
    Diane McCurdy, film: Mediterraneo
  • December 17, 2023 – Sunday, 2-4 pm (doors open at 1:30)
    Author Kathleen Ann González at the NBICF Center.
  • December 18, 2023 – Monday, (doors open at 5pm, meeting and
    dinner at 6pm): Members Dinner Meeting, “il Festa di Natale”
    Father Denis O’Sullivan Parish Center (St. Rose)
    For a reservation form for the Dec 17 talk & Dec 18 Dinner, click here 

September-October 2023 Newsletter

The Mosaico September-October 2023 Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. For past newsletters and instructions on printing the newsletter, go to the Newsletter page.

Topics presented in Current Newsletter: 

  • NBICF President George Golfieri updates the membership on the recent scholarships awarded to SRJC Students and interesting statistics about the Foundation’s Scholarship program. George thanks the membership for the support of recent events, e.g. “Italian Language for Youth” and the “Pizza, Birra & Vino” event.  Members interested in serving on the Board of Directors are invited to contact George or any Board Member in September for service in 2024 – Election scheduled for November.
  • Win a Trip to Italy for 2 – 10 Days in Tuscany,  First Prize includes airfare, lodging, and transportation. Trip to be taken in Fall 2024. Drawing – December 2023 or when all tickets sold. Only 750 tickets will be sold! Tickets are $25 each. Click here to view & print a flyer with information on purchasing tickets. 
  • October 9, 2023 – Monday at the St. Rose Parish Hall. Dinner will be prepared by Chef Cesar Orozco from Sonoma County Catering Co. Doors open at 5 Dinner at 6 pm. Dinner includes: Antipasti, Caesar Salad, Focaccia Bread, Chicken Piccata, Rice, Roasted Vegetables, and Dessert with Wine at the Table.  No outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Click here for a flyer and mail-in reservation form. Or, to make a reservation online and pay by credit/debit card, visit the Reservation page by clicking here. 
  • Volunteers with Information Technology experience are needed to support our website, monitor event reservations, communicate and respond to inquiries from members. Contact Don Raimondi at nbicf2member@gmail.com to express interest.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy  – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm.
    September 24, 2023 – film:  Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell (1968) 1h 48m Comedy (PG)
    October 29, 2023 –  film:  The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965) 2h 18m History/Drama (NR)
  • Sonoma County Historical Society Presents Sonoma County Finding History Day October 21 – 10am-2pm, Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa. NBICF historian Kathy Dowdall presents information & displays on local Italian family history including the history of Little Italy on the  Santa Rosa West side.
  • Mangiamo Committee Chairperson Susan Cole thanks volunteers who have worked so hard to make recent events successful and introduces our new chef who will cook for our October dinner. 

July-August 2023 Newsletter

The Mosaico July-August 2023 Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. Use File print or click on “printer icon”.  For past newsletters and instructions on printing the newsletter, go to the Newsletter page.   Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri reports on the status of the Foundation and updates the membership on the current financial situation and shares information about storm damage at the Cultural Center and cost for the repair. George also discusses the Board decision to join the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce.
  • July 10-14, 2023 – Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm: Italian Summer Camp for Youth “Vacanze Romane” (“Roman Holidays”) at the NBICF Center.  See below for a link to July Summer Camp registration form and activity schedule.
  • July 22, 2023 – Saturday, 1-5pm: Paint Italy at the NBICF Center. Mixed Media – Dreaming of Italy – $45.
    Instructor Susan Adler. Reservations must be received by July 8.
  • July 25, 2023 – Tuesday, 5:30pm: Pizza, Birra, e Vino, dining al fresco at the  NBICF Center.  Dinner includes: antipasti, all-you-can-eat pizza,  salad, dessert, and complimentary wine or beer. $25.00 per dinner. This event is limited to 60 guests.
    No outside alcoholic beverages allowed. To reserve and pay by credit card, visit the Reservation page by clicking here. 
    Click here for mail-in reservation forms for the July 25 Pizza Party and July Summer Camp.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy
    Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm.
    July 30, 2023 – Sunday, film: Married to the Mob (1988) 1h 44m. Comedy (R).
    August 27, 2023 –  film: Mediterraneo (1991) 1h 36m Comedy/Drama (R)
  • NBICF Scholarship Committee Chair Gino Muzzatti provides information to members on making a tax-deductible donation to the NBICF Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of Ada Nourse, long-time member and Italian Language Instructor. Donations may also be made to the Building Fund to offset the cost of the roof repair at the Cultural Center. 

May-June 2023 Newsletter

The Mosaico May-June 2023 Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the current newsletter. For past newsletters and instructions on printing the newsletter, go to the Newsletter page.   Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri reports on the status of the Foundation and updates the membership on the current financial situation and shares information about storm damage at the Cultural Center and estimates for the repair. 
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm.
    May 21, 2023 – Sunday, Lecture at the Center, Author Kathleen Ann González
    Featuring her book Giacomo Casanova,  
    May 28 – Movie hosted by Diane McCurdy – I Love You to Death (1990) Dark Comedy
    June 25 – Movie – The Unknown Woman (La sconosciuta) (2006) 1h 58m (R) 
  • Monthly Dinner – June 23, 2023, Friday at St. Rose Parish Center. Save the date.
  • July 10 – 14 – Monday – Friday, 9-Noon: Italian Summer Camp for Youth at the
    NBICF Cultural Center: Instructor: Professor Joli Love.
    This camp is a language immersion experience for youth ages 6–12 years.
    For more information on the Summer Camp, visit the Language Page
    Click here for a mail-in reservation forms for the May 21 Lecture
    and the July Summer Camp. 
  • Paint Italy at the NBICF Center Saturday, June 3, 2023 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
    Scene of Napoli and Mt. Vesuvius. Instructor: Susan Adler
  • Information about Zoom based Italian Language Classes taught by SRJC instructor Dave Henderson (May 17 – June 28), (May 25 – July 13), (June 6 – July 11)
  • Article reprinted from Primo Magazine: “People of Italian heritage have played a major role with significant presence in a number of countries”.
  • “Learning Italian is Easy” by Christl Unglaub, Board member, born in Germany, hooked on Italy, and living in America!