Special Presentations Contemporary Authors

Present Day Italy

Friday, May 9, 2014 at 6:30pm Financial crisis, falling population, third world immigration, these are some of the issues that Professor Louis Leonini will address in his lecture. How did Italy go from a wartorn, poverty stricken country in 1945, which was primarily agricultural, to a modern success story in the 1960s through the 1980s? What was the role of the political parties, the agrarian reforms of the 1950s, and l960s, the declining influence of the Catholic Church, the changing role of the Italian family, the Red Brigades, and political corruption in this transformation? The same period witnessed the world-wide spread of Italian culture through its fashion industry, now ranked above Paris, its cuisine, its famous "dolce vita lifestyle", its films, and its attractions as one of the most visited countries in the world. Must register in advance and prepay. Members $15, Non-Members $25

The Wartime Chronicles

by Michael Signorile
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 2:00pm The Wartime Chronicles is a small collection of stories aimed to show how ordinary people deal with the horrors and tragedy that encompass what we know as mass warfare. A historical fiction novel set during different periods of conflict and strife where the character is an Italian American serving during World War II in the Pacific. Subsequent stories follow his sons and family as they're raised in an American lifestyle, and how different conflicts through history into the present affected not only his family, but the world at large. Book signing reception will follow. Suggested donation $10. Registration is required.

A Bit of Myself

by Filomena Abys-Smith
Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 2:00pm This memoir takes you on a journey starting from the little village of Bagnoli, Naples, Italy where the author was born, to New York City where her family must endure the tests of courage and perseverance in the burning Bronx. At the time when arson fires, rampant crime and poverty pushed residents out, Filomenas family was moving into the borough. You will walk the streets of the burning Bronx, where she started her Americanization, to her final destination in Westchester. Each chapter is filled with personal thoughts, poems and family recipes so that the reader may better understand the author and her struggle to becoming an American. Book signing reception will follow. Suggested donation $10. Registration is required.

A Look Back at the First Three Tenors Concert

Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 6:30pm The evening will start with a toast to some of the greatest opera performers: Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo. A retrospective presentation that will take you behind the scenes of one of the opera and entertainment worlds greatest events a 1990 concert by Jos Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. Mr. Barrella will present excerpts documenting the preparations for the concert, interviews with the participants, wonderful musical performances during the concert, including an international medley, as well as the encores including O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma. This is an opportunity to revisit and enjoy this wonderful concert or experience it for the first time! Must register in advance and prepay. Members $20, Non-Members $25

310 White Plains Road Eastchester, NY 10709 914-961-2400

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