In a recent conversation, my friend, Andy Kim, yes that Andy Kim (yes, shameless name dropping on my part) recounted the story about his honor of inducting Connie Francis in the Italian Walk of Fame in Toronto. It's the 40th anniversary since the iconic song 'Sugar, Sugar' became a #1 hit - by the way. Not bad for a Montreal native, eh?
The subject had come up because I mentioned to him earlier in our discussion about the revival project of Casa d'Italia in Montreal and my small role in it. Your truly was asked to write, well, let's just say to put into words who we are and where we're going as a community - among other things. I'm truly thankful for having met Pasquale Iacobacci.
But the point of this post wasn't to boast about my friendship with Andy Kim - did I mention this? Oh yes, I see that I did - or my work with Casa d'Italia - although I should take a couple of minutes to talk about it. Actually, I'll do this right now.
Casa d'Italia is a Montreal institution that has served the Italian community since 1936. Much history has been written and witnessed within its Art Deco wallks, but in recent years the Casa's relevance had slipped into obscurity. This raised concerns among community leaders and led by tireless Mr. Iacobacci as the "project-manager-point-guard," the sought to change this.
With a renewed interest in Italian culture among younger people, it was time to seize the moment and drag Casa d'Italia into the 21st century.
Italian contribution to the North American experience has been massive and it's quite unbecoming - if not embarrassing - for a community as big as ours to not have a a community center preserving our heritage with an, among other things, archive center.
Incidentally, if you're a Montreal Italian, Casa d'Italia is interested in collected your family's history. Contact them at 514-271-2524.
Ok. Back to the Italian walk of fame. Check out the site.
Andy was awesome at the Italian Walk Of Fame gala giving Connie the award. There were so many celebs that night and then the evening topper was Abraham’s Children singing all their hits….a highlight of 2009. ciao
ReplyDeleteI’m sure it was a great evening. Andy was honored that much I know.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you have a role in Casa d’Italia, which Paul told me has been renewed recently. Whenever I come to Canada I will surely visit it.
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