Category Archives: Newsletters

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 IngredientClick 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!

March-April 2023 Newsletter

The Mosaico March-April 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. He will also announce the recipients of The Sharie Sbrazza NBICF Florence Study Abroad Scholarship for the 2023 spring semester and request completion 2023 membership renewals by March 31.
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center – Doors open 1:30 pm, programs start at 2:00 pm.
    March 26 – Movie hosted by Diane McCurdy – Farinelli (1994) – 1h 56m – Drama (R)
    April 23 – Lecture, Dr. Douglas Kenning – Italy and World War I – Marching from Colonialism to Fascism. Discussing the government of the newly minted parliamentary monarchy called “Italy”
    April 30 – Movie hosted by Diane McCurdy, My Cousin Vinny (1992) – 1h 59m – Comedy/Crime (R)
  • April 28 – Friday, NBICF Dinner (doors open 5pm, dinner 6pm). Father Denis O’Sullivan Parish Center, 320 Tenth St. Santa Rosa, CA. Menu: Antipasti, Mixed Green Salad, Bread, Pasta Penne al Pesto or Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Dessert with Wine at the Table, Members $25, Guests $28, Teens $10, Children $5
    For a mail-in reservation form for April 23 Kenning talk & April 28 dinner, click here.
    Click here to reserve and pay by credit card for the April 28 dinner,
  • March 11 – Saturday 1:00-5:00 pm – Paint Italy Class at the Center offered by Susan Adler

November-December 2022 Newsletter

The Mosaico November-December 2022 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
    George reviewed the Sonoma County Finding History event and the October 17 Appreciation Party
  • Election of the Board of Directors will be held at the November 21st Dinner Meeting
  • Sundays at the Center with Diane McCurdy  Doors open 1:30pm, screening at 2:00.
    November 27- Godfather Part III (1990) 2h 42m. Crime/Drama (R)
    December 18 – Luca (2021) 1h 35m Comedy/Fantasy (PG) – Bring the kids and grandkids 
  • Become an Instant Italian-American Olive Oil Expert – quiz by member & author/publisher Leon Radomile
  • November 19, 2022 – Saturday, 10am – 4pm: Mercatino di Natale at the NBICF Center. This event is free for all members and guests. 
  • November 21, 2022 – Monday, NBICF Dinner (doors open 5pm, dinner 6pm). Father Denis O’Sullivan Parish Center, 320 Tenth St. Santa Rosa, CA.
    Menu: Antipasti, Salad, Bread, Polenta with Stew, Dessert and Wine at the table

    To make a reservation & pay by credit card, click on this link for the Reservation page.
    Click on this link to view the mail-in reservation form and detailed information on Mercatino di Natale. 

September-October 2022 Newsletter

The Mosaico September-October 2022 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
    Through the efforts of Board Member Ron Grassi, NBICF received property tax exemption for 2019-2022 
  • Three or four vacancies on Board of Directors – contact George at 707-843-3176 to volunteer
  • Sundays at the Cultural Center with Diane McCurdy – Opens 1:30 pm, Movie – 2 pm
    September 25 – Tea with Mussolini (1999) 1h 57m. War/Drama (PG)
    October 30 – The Sicilian Girl (2008) 2h 9m Drama/Crime (not rated)
  • Mangiamo Committee in need of help to plan future events – call the NBICF office at (707) 591-9696 to volunteer.
  • Save the dates – Monday, October 17, Welcome Back Party at St. Rose Parish Hall and
    Saturday, November 19, 2022: Mercatino di Natale at the NBICF Cultural Center.  More details to follow in September.
  • Christopher Columbus History Article

July-August Newsletter

Click here to view the current newsletter. Use File print or click on “printer icon” to print or use the download icon to save the newsletter on your device. 

Topics presented in Current Newsletter:

March-April 2022 Newsletter

Click here to view  March-April 2022 Newsletter. Use File print or click on “printer icon”. If you have a problem with this link, visit the website www.nbicf.org. The home page has links to the current Newsletter.

Topics presented in the Current Newsletter:

  • NBICF President George Golfieri reports on the status of the Foundation
  • Italy Travel Abroad Scholarship renamed The Sharie Sbrazza Florence Study Abroad Scholarship
  • March 19 and April 30, 2022: ToGo Dinners by Randy Apel – Menus and Reservation forms
  • Italiano Due: Conversing with gli Italiani – SRJC Community Education Course by Dave Henderson
  • Seulo, South of Sardinia – one of five blue zones worldwide with a record number of centenarians 
  • Festa della Donna, or International Women’s Day on March 8
  • Festa di San Giuseppe – the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19
  • La Pasquetta, the Monday after Easter Sunday (Little Easter) is also a public holiday in Italy

Go to the Reservation page to make reservations for the To-Go Dinners by clicking here.