AMHS President Christopher J. Renneker was elected on November 13, 2024, to the Board of Directors of the National Christopher Columbus Association (NCCA) of which the AMHS is an organizational member. His three-year term begins January 1, 2025. Chris works as an examining trademark attorney in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office located in Alexandria.

Chris succeeds AMHS Secretary Joseph (Sonny) Scafetta Jr., whose three-year term covering 2022 through 2024 ends on December 31, 2024. Sonny is the senior counsel for the intellectual property law firm of Ditthavong, Steiner, & Mlotkowski in Alexandria. Sonny succeeded former AMHS President Maria D’Andrea-Yothers who served a three-year term on the NCCA board from 2019 through 2021. She was the first AMHS officer to have a seat on the NCCA board. Maria is the Director of the Office of Textiles & Apparel for the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. She will retire from that position on December 31, 2024. The NCCA has been responsible since 1995 for coordinating with the National Park Service to put on the annual ceremony at the Columbus statue in front of Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Columbus Day. The NCCA has five officers and 13 directors who represent different member organizations.

Dear members and friends:

I would like to start my message by thanking all of the members of the executive committee and other positions of leadership who have terms coming to an end. Our society is entirely run by volunteers, and we are only able to continue to exist and put on these incredible programs because of the generosity and skills of our members who are willing to help.

I would like to in particular highlight the contributions of Nancy DeSanti and Maria D’Andrea-Yothers. Nancy has been doing our programs for over a decade. Maria has not only been president of the society but has helped out in most every role that we have. We are greatly indebted to each of them.

At the same moment as we lose some members of the board, we will be welcoming two new members. You should have received notifications about how to vote for the candidates through email or postal mail. In addition there will be paper ballots at the November wine tasting. I believe the nominating committee comprised of Mark Lino, Rico Allegrino, and Maria D’Andrea-Yothers have done a tremendous job of finding new candidates for the board that will be tremendous assets to the society going forward.

At our previous general membership meeting, the culmination of over a year of work of the executive committee was realized in the amendments to the bylaws that govern our organization. This has allowed us to streamline the society and will leave us well positioned for the future. 

One of the benefits of this change is there will be more opportunities for members to help in committee positions that don’t require the same level of commitment as it does to be on the board. If you would be interested in helping out with any of the committees that cover things such as scholarship, socials and events, communications, etc., please let me know. Also if there are any programs or events that you would like to see us do in the future please contact me at  president@abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.org.

We are also excited to announce that we will be updating our website and communications technology soon. This will lower the technology costs for the society and increase our functionality. In addition we have updated our advertising materials such as flyers and will be launching our first national advertising campaign in Primo magazine. 

Lastly, although the year is coming to an end, we still have a few events coming up. Our annual wine tasting will be November 17th, and we will have an aperitivo happy hour at Officina at the wharf on December 16th. You can read more about these events on our website or in your email communications. 

In the coming year, we will incorporate more content that highlights the specific regions of our society and will incorporate some of the stories of our members. In addition, we are excited to permanently bring back our film series. We have a couple documentary films that we will be featuring with the next one being “Breaking Balls,” a documentary about bocce. At the midpoint of next year, we will be launching a film discussion series that features films from or about our regions. 

As we approach the holidays, we have many things to be grateful for as a society and many things to be excited about in the future. I hope to see you at some of our events over the next few weeks. 

I would like to wish you a joyous Thanksgiving, a merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, 

Best regards,
Chris Renneker 

In the final AMHS speaker’s program of the year, an enthusiastic audience gathered in Casa Italiana on September 22, 2024, to hear a talk by Italian sculptor, Davide Prete. They enjoyed a wonderful presentation that ranged from metalsmithing to 3D printing, linking traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Davide was born in Treviso in northern Italy, where he learned metalsmithing from his father, who in turn learned it from his father. At the age of 8 or 9, Davide learned how to straighten a piece of steel. Later, he studied architecture at a university in Venice, where his interest was sparked in science and mathematics. He was also interested in sports, and in fact became an expert kayaker who went on a whitewater kayaking trip in Africa where, as he showed the audience in a video clip, he learned about connecting with nature and taking risks riding dangerous rapids.
Davide said he was inspired by nature to make sculptures of sundials, the ancient Roman method of keeping track of time. Years later, in considering the environment and climate change, he sculpted a melted-down U.S. Capitol atop an oil can, but he said the summer temperatures were too hot. So, he had to do his work over more than once. He also showed the image he made of a mountain lion as an endangered species that was half metal in the front with 3D plastic in the rear, as if the animal were disappearing.
He noted that he was also inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. He explained that the story of Icarus flying too close to the sun inspired one of the works he donated to the Italian-American Museum of Washington DC (IAMDC). Davide used 3D printing to re-create the “corn cob” of the U.S. Capitol. The “corn cob” was also donated to IAMDC. It can be seen in the museum lobby. During the covid pandemic lockdown, he explained how he spent countless hours making the 3D printed replica based on 200 photos sent to him by the Architect of the Capitol. It was a remarkable undertaking!
Davide’s art is found in over 40 public and private collections in the United States and Europe. He said that, if he had to select his favorite sculpture, it is the one that we chose to put on our flyer for the program. It is the “Freedom to Read” sculpture at the D.C. Capital View Public Library. The large sculpture represents two pages of a book, resembling wings, in white painted steel with laser-cut perforated words from books.
Davide joked that his being used to dealing with the notorious bureaucracy in Italy, such as when he worked on a sculpture for the Treviso airport, made it easy for him to deal with all the red tape he ran into in dealing with local governments here.
One of his big ongoing projects is a U.S. flag consisting of 5,000 portraits. So far, he has 2,000 portraits, Thus, this is a long-term project for him. He is also using 3D printing for making jewelry. Davide will be going to a conference in December on artificial intelligence issues.
In addition to being an artist, Davide is also a teacher. In April of this year, he participated in a project organized by Simonetta Baldassari who links students from two high schools in Italy with two high schools in the Washington area. He gave a virtual presentation to the students. No doubt, it came naturally to him since he teaches at the Corcoran School of Art and Design, the University of the District of Columbia, and Catholic University of America. He is also planning to teach a class next year in Umbria, near Orvieto.
Towards the end of his presentation but before taking questions, Davide wowed the audience by calling on a volunteer from the audience to have a 3D color scan of her face made at his computer in about five minutes.
This program was sponsored by the Abruzzo Molise Heritage Society and co-sponsored by the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center. A delicious lunch was catered by Fontina Grille. Many thanks is owed to those members who arranged the lunch and served it, and also to those members who donated items for the raffle and bought tickets.

Arthur DeFelice, 2003 Scholarship Recipient
Arthur DeFelice received his AMHS scholarship in 2003 while attending George Washington University where he pursued a dual major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He graduated in 2006 and has since built an impressive academic and professional career. After completing his JD at Roger Williams University School of Law in 2010, Arthur continued his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2023.
Arthur currently works as a state prosecutor in Rhode Island and serves as a JAG Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, balancing his commitment to justice and national defense.
In addition to his academic achievements, Arthur has maintained a strong connection to his Italian heritage. Thanks to his brother, Arthur and his siblings have all successfully obtained Italian citizenship. Now, he plans to register his young children as citizens, ensuring that the next generation can enjoy the same connection to Italy.
In the next five years, he hopes to visit Italy with his wife and children, introducing them to the country that has played such a pivotal role in his family’s history and immersing his family in the Italian culture and traditions that he holds dear.

Arthur DeFelice and his wife at a wedding they attended in Rhode Island.

John Scianimanico, Fall 2011 Scholarship Recipient
John Scianimanico received his AMHS scholarship in Fall 2011 while studying at American University where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Italian Language and Culture, graduating in May 2013. During his academic journey, the scholarship enabled him to have a life-changing experience at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy. There, he studied European history and translation studies while living alongside Italian students. This arrangement significantly improved his Italian language skills and deepened his appreciation for the culture. Being in the Emilia Romagna region, known as a global food capital, was a bonus to the richness of his time abroad. Since this experience, John has made a personal commitment to return to Italy often to explore other regions and maintain his language proficiency.

Currently, John works in education policy for the Connecticut State Department of Education and serves as a reservist with the United States Navy, which has sparked his interest in deploying to Europe and deepening multilateral engagement on national security issues. He sees this work as a meaningful opportunity to serve his country while collaborating with Italians and other NATO partners.
Looking forward, John hopes to keep strong ties to Italy through both personal and professional avenues. He is grateful to the AMHS community for the international experience he received through the scholarship program and to mentors like Ranieri Cavaceppi who invested in his linguistics training throughout his time at the American University.

John Scianimanico enjoying a visit to Sorrento, Italy.

Mattia D’Affuso, 2013 Scholarship Recipient
Mattia D’Affuso was awarded the AMHS scholarship in 2013 to support his studies in both Voice Performance and Italian Language and Literature at James Madison University. With his passion for both music and his Italian heritage, Mattia furthered his education by completing a Master’s Degree in Music Performance and Education in Voice at the University of Tennessee. His Italian roots run deep. His mother and much of his extended family still reside in Italy, and he has visited multiple times since receiving his scholarship. Mattia returned in September 2024 to spend time with his family and to travel across the country.
In addition to his musical background, Mattia has built a thriving career in real estate over the past nine years. Currently, he serves as Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C., and sits on the Young Professionals Board of the Washington National Opera, Bravo.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Mattia plans to further his career with Sotheby’s International Realty, continuing to grow his presence as a leading residential real estate agent. Alongside his professional goals, he hopes to explore other countries in the coming years, expanding his global experiences beyond Italy.

Mattia D’Affuso for Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C.

Christina Iovino, 2013 & 2015 Scholarship Recipient
Christina Iovino was the recipient of AMHS scholarships in both 2013 and 2015. They supported her studies at the University of Virginia where she graduated in 2017 with a double major in Foreign Affairs and Italian Studies. One of the most transformative experiences during her time at UVA was studying abroad in Siena, Italy, where she lived with a host family. Christina describes this stay as the greatest experience of her life, because it taught her so much about her heritage and how important it is to her. The immersion in Italian culture was a formative experience that she carries with her every day.
Since graduating, Christina has lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works in business management within the music industry. While she does not use her Italian language skills daily, her time abroad helped her gain the confidence to navigate different cities and embrace new challenges. She hopes to return to Italy soon to visit her host family, and she is always on the lookout for ways to practice Italian in her current city.
Looking towards the next five years, Christina is exploring the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship in Italy. Ideally, she dreams of combining her love for Italy with her passion for the music industry. In the meantime, Christina enjoys sharing travel recommendations with friends and eagerly counts down the days until her next trip to Italy.

Christina Iovino in Dublin, Ireland.

Kathryn Donati, 2018 Scholarship Recipient
Kathryn Donati received her AMHS scholarship in 2018 while studying abroad in Perugia as a junior at William & Mary University, where she graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in English Literature and Italian Cultural Studies. The time she spent in Italy left a lasting impact because she has remained close with her homestay family and friends, even reuniting with her flat mates in Chicago in 2021 and keeping their “sorellas per sempre” group chat active. Kathryn also makes an annual trip to New York to attend the San Gennaro Festival, a tradition dear to her since she moved out of Brooklyn.
This August, Kathryn returned to Italy for a family wedding in Avella, continuing to explore her deep connection to her heritage. She recently published her thesis and graduated with an M.A. in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently working as a copywriter and plans to apply for PhD programs in English Literature to allow her to combine her passions for teaching and reading as a literature professor.
In the next five years, Kathryn hopes to live in Italy again while working, exploring, and, of course, eating! She also dreams of raising her future children to be bilingual in English and Italian, because she has found such joy and connection to her heritage through her study of Italian language and culture and cannot wait to pass that on to the next generation.

Kathryn Donati on the steps of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, wearing her Italian graduation laurel wreath for her graduation from VCU with her MA.

Thomas Ronan, 2019 Scholarship Recipient
Thomas Ronan received his AMHS scholarship in 2019 while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Italian and Global Medieval Studies at Georgetown University where he graduated in Spring 2023. He grew up spending summers visiting family in Bergamo, Italy, his mother’s hometown.
In Fall 2021, he studied at the University of Bologna through the Brown-in-Bologna program, which gave him the privilege of studying Dante’s Divine Comedy under renowned Dante scholar Giuseppe Ledda. He completed his honors thesis in Italian on Dante’s reasoning for including peculiar similarities between the characters Cato and Matilda in Purgatorio, which had not previously been discussed in scholarship. The summer of 2023 marked another milestone, as Thomas underwent the sacraments of initiation into the Roman Catholic Church, surrounded by his family in Bergamo.
Recently, Thomas returned from a year teaching English in rural Nara, Japan, and has moved back to Memphis, Tennessee, where he lived until he was 8 years old. He is working as a Legal Fellow at The Works, Inc., a community development corporation, where he assists attorneys with anti-blight litigation and neighborhood revitalization projects, including their community land trust initiative in the historic Klondike neighborhood in North Memphis.
Thomas is now planning to apply to law school. As an attorney, he hopes to make a difference against issues negatively affecting strained communities’ well being.

Thomas Ronan in Shirakawago Village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Abby Cuviello, 2020 Scholarship Recipient
Abby Cuviello received the AMHS scholarship in 2020 while studying at the University of Vermont, where she pursued a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Zoology. She recently graduated in May 2024 and has been focused on combining her passion for animals and science into a meaningful career. She is also hoping to apply for Italian citizenship as a way of honoring and connecting to her heritage.
Abby’s love for animals is evident in her past role at a summer camp in Vermont, where she managed the camp farm, caring for a variety of animals and helping educate the campers. Following that role, she temporarily moved to Memphis, Tennessee, for an internship doing conservation research at the Memphis Zoo. Abby is in the process of applying for veterinary technician positions in Maryland.
Looking forward, Abby hopes to enter veterinary school within the next five years and to focus on studying conservation and wildlife medicine.

Abby Cuviello’s graduation photo on the campus of the University of Vermont.

Sofia DeLuca, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Sofia DeLuca was awarded the AMHS scholarship in 2023 while pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in Italian Language and Literature at George Washington University. She graduated in May 2024 and was able to study abroad in Florence due in part to the scholarship.
While in Italy, Sofia had the opportunity to visit her cousins in Rome, spend time with close family friends in Pistoia, and visit family in Borca di Cadore and Lorenzago di Cadore. Her time abroad deepened her connection to her Italian roots, and she expresses immense gratitude to AMHS for helping her make these memories.
Currently, Sofia is preparing for the next chapter of her academic and professional career by applying to law schools in New York City, with plans to attend in 2025. Before starting law school, Sofia hopes to return to Italy for six to eight months during her gap year, aiming to improve further her Italian language skills and to spend more time with her family in Italy.

Sofia DeLuca at the Jefferson Memorial after her graduation.

Filippo Palizzi was born in the small city of Vasto (population 41,409 in the 2017 Census) on the Adriatic coast in the province of Chieti in the region of Abruzzo, on June 16, 1818. When he was 19, he moved to Naples and enrolled in the Royal Institute of Fine Arts.

However, he withdrew after a few months in 1838 to attend a private school run in Naples by the renowned painter, Giuseppe Bonolis (1800-1851), who was a native of the city of Teramo in Abruzzo. Bonolis introduced Filippo to the Posillipo School which had been founded by a group of Neapolitan artists who practiced Italian Verismo (very true) painting.

In 1844, Filippo traveled to Paris to visit his older brother, Giuseppe (1812-1888), who had just moved there and who introduced Filippo to the style of painting practiced by the Barbizon School. (Click HERE to see a profile of Giuseppe Palizzi from the March/April 2023 Notiziario.) Filippo then moved back home to Vasto where he concentrated on nature studies from life. He was inspired by the landscapes and panoramas of the countryside outside Vasto. He looked for small, unknown places and fell in love with them. When he was able to find anything of interest, e.g. high hills, tall trees, water scenes, different types of working men and women with natural expressions, he would quickly sketch them on the spot, then return to his home studio to paint them. He did not plan on great pictorial effects. The simplicity of his paintings contained a beautiful world of color and light, so true and real that it was palpable.

Filippo visited his brother again in 1855 and together they saw the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Filippo then decided to move to the Netherlands to join a colony of Italian artists. While he was living there, he painted his self-portrait in 1860 when he was 42. In 1861, he moved back to Naples where he co-founded the Naples Society for the Promotion of Beautiful Arts which advocated for the need to bring academic teaching up to date. In 1863, he returned to Paris and stayed there until 1867 to take part in the Universal Exhibition which awarded him a gold medal.

Filippo moved back to Naples in 1868 at the age of 60 for the third and last time to settle for the rest of his life. There he opened a studio in the Vico Cupa section of the city. During the next decade, he worked on the handling of light, both in landscapes painted outdoors and in the painting of interiors of rooms with windows. He also painted genre scenes of children with animals. In 1878, he co-founded the Industrial Artistic Museum in Naples. Two years later, he was appointed director of the museum. For Filippo’s work on behalf of the museum, King Umberto I of Italy named him a Commendatore of the Order of the Crown of Italy. Filippo died in Naples on September 11, 1899, at the age of 81.

Sources. All accessed June 6, 2021:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Palizzi
https://www.italianways.com/filippo-palizzi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasto
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Bonolis