Our Office will be closed for Christmas - New Years vacation from December 23rd until January 7th. We be back on January 10th with lots of new initiatives!
Happy Holidays to All and Have a Fantastic 2011!

FRIDAY DOCUMENTARY CANCELLED

WE ARE CLOSING THE ASSOCIATION EARLY TODAY BECAUSE OF SNOW!! BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!

Monday Nights at Cappella Underground

On Monday December 20th at 8:30 p.m. , the feature film will be Witness, starring Harrison Ford (when he was still in his prime). This is the companion film to Big Love - TV series featured 2 weeks ago.

Harrison Ford goes undercover in Pennsylvania Amish country to protect a young witness. Enjoy the film and the post-film discussion led by Prof. Leonardo Buonomo (in English of course!).

After the holidays the series will feature Nurse Jackie - Jan. 10th and The Hospital - January 17th.

Friday Documentary - Taste of Freedom - December 17th - 6:00 p.m.

Join us and see a double feature Christmas and The Importance of Ritual from the Burt Wolf PBS Series entitled The Taste of Freedom.

Look at American holidays and discover what they were before the arrived in America, what they became and why they are important to Americans.

After this film, the series will return on January 14th with JFK - Years of Lightning, Day of Drums.

English for Adult Beginners

Starting January 17 from 5-7pm! If you can read this, you are probably not a beginner, but maybe someone you know is (mom, dad, friends, neighbors...). Talk to Karoline for details!

ITALIAN FOR FOREIGNERS


We are organizing our FIRST EVER Italian class at the Association. It will start in January and will meet on Wednesdays from 10-12.
This course is for adults who are living in the Trieste area and are interested in improving their (mostly) spoken Italian.

Are you interested? Talk to me! Karoline

What's America Calendar 2011



Thank you US Consulate General Milan! The Blind Side was fantastic and the turnout was phenomenal. It was a lot of fun and we'll have to do it again soon.


For those of you who were at The Blind Side Showing on Friday, we will soon be doing the drawing for the "What's America 2011 Calendar" produced by the US Consulate General Milan. Keep your fingers crossed! We will contact the winners soon. Here is a preview of the winning photos featured in the calendar.

DECEMBER 2010 NEWS


ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE FEST and SANTA CLAUS
The photos of our Cookie Fest are on Facebook.  Thanks everyone for such a fun time!

MONDAY NIGHTS – Cappella Underground, via Economo 12/9, 8:30 p.m.
BIG LOVE – TV Series – December 6, 2010
WITNESS – Film – December 13, 2010   Moved to December 20

TGI THURSDAY – Adult Coffee Hour, Via Roma 15
December 9, 2010 – 10-12
Have a cup of coffee and enjoy some English conversation.  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

AMERICAN FILM SERIES IN ORIGINAL LANGUAGE AT THE CINEMA ARISTON
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 4, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
ADVENTURELAND (2009) will substitute THE BLIND SIDE at the Ariston… don’t worry though, The Blind Side will be open to the public on Friday, December 10th.  See below for more info.

THE BLIND SIDE - SPECIAL FILM EVENT, Via Roma 15
DECEMBER 10, 2010 Showings at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.
THE BLIND SIDE . The US Consulate Milan and the US Embassy Rome are our sponsors for the viewing of the THE BLIND SIDE (winner of the 2010 Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Sandra Bullock).  The true story of a family and the boy that they take in.  He goes on to become a US football star.
 This film is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – FREE of CHARGE, no membership is required.  Bring a friend (What a neat and inexpensive date night!)

FRIDAY DOCUMENTARY, Via Roma 15, 6 p.m.
From the TASTE OF FREEDOM PBS SERIES hosted by BURT WOLF
December 17, 2010 – CHRISTMAS and The IMPORTANCE of RITUAL
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

OFFICE CLOSED
December 8th, December 23rd – January 8th.  We will reopen on January 10th. 

LIBRARY NEWS
We have lots of new books and DVD’s.  Please come and check something out!

GET READY FOR STORYTIME
Storytime will begin on Saturday, January 15th at 10 a.m. with Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  See you in 2011! We wish you all the happiest holiday season!  

For all the latest news FOLLOW US on:


Via Roma 15, 34132 Trieste – 040 63 03 01             info@aia-fvg.org
Da lunedì a venerdì dalle 16-20 e anche martedì e giovedì 10-12

TGI Thursday - Adult Coffee Hour - December 9th 10-12


Our TGI Thursday Adult Coffee Hour is scheduled for December 9th from 10-12. Come and join us for some coffee and English conversation!
If you are a baker, show off your talent and bring your latest creation for the others to enjoy!
See you Thursday.

The UPDATED Ariston Film Series List

18 November 2010, The Town (2010), director Ben Affleck, starring Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, John Hamm, presented at the 2010 Venice Film Festival

9 December 2010, Adventureland (2009), director Greg Mottola, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kelsey Ford, nominated 2010 Independent Spirit Award, best screenplay

10 December 2010, The Blind Side (2009), director John Lee Hancock, starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, (winner 2010 Oscar, best actress in a leading role) - At the Associazione Italo Americana del FVG / American Corner in Via Roma 15- showings at: 2,4,6,8 p.m. - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- Offered by the US Consulate General Milan / US Embassy Rome.

20 January 2011, Toy Story III (2010), director Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack

3 February 2011, The Cove (2009), Director Louie Psihoyos, (winner 2010 Oscar, best documentary)

3 March 2011, Fair Game (2009), starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn

17 March 2011, The Messenger (2009), director Oren Moverman, starring Ben Foster, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, nominated 2010 Oscar, best supporting actor (Woody Harrelson), best screenplay

7 April 2011, The Social Network (2010), director David Fincher, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Bryan Barter, Dustin Fitzsimons

21 April 2011, The World’s Best Prom (2006), directors Chris Talbott and Ari Vena,
Filmed in Karoline’s home town of Racine, Wisconsin!

19 May 2011, My One and Only (2009), director Richard Loncraine, starring Renée Zellweger, Logan Larman, Kevin Bacon, selected for the Berlin International Film Festival

COOKIE FEST REMINDER!

Friday from 5-7.

Want to bring cookies? Feel free to make a batch of your favorites and bring your recipe so we can photocopy it for others!

Monday Nights - Big Love - December 6th, 20:30, Cappella Underground


This week's featured TV Series is BIG LOVE.
View a few episodes of this Mormon view of marriage.
Followed by English Commentary by Leonardo Buonomo.
The companion film is WITNESS, Monday (December 20th). The Amish view of family life.

THE BLIND SIDE - Special Showing in Via Roma 15, Friday, December 10th, 14,16,18,20

The film that we have all been waiting for THE BLIND SIDE, starring Sandra Bullock - Oscar Winner - Best Actress, will be shown at the Associazione Italo Americana - American Corner, via Roma 15, on Friday, December 10th at 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:00.

We are proud to announce that THE BLIND SIDE is offered to the public by the US Consulate of Milan and the US Embassy Rome.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - No membership required. Bring a Friend. Share this message.

The Blind Side is based on the extraordinary true story of a real-life Memphis family and Michael Oher, the boy they took into their home from the housing projects, who went on to become an American football star.

Unreleased in Italy, Sandra Bullock's performance won her both the 2009 Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress.

Cinema Ariston - ADVENTURELAND - December 9, 2010


There has been a change in our Ariston schedule. On December 9th, at 16:00, 18:30, 21:00 we will show ADVENTURELAND, a comedy about some twenty-somethings during summer break who end up working in an amusement park.

On the date that Adventureland was in the schedule, FAIR GAME with Sean Penn will take its place.

You are still in time to purchase your AIA-FVG Membership cards - either at the Association or directly at the cinema on the day of the film.


Don't worry, THE BLIND SIDE, 2010 Oscar Winner - Best Actress in a Starring Role - Sandra Bullock, will still be shown the following day Friday, December 10th at 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 in the Association Italo Americana in Via Roma 15.

It is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - no Membership Card Required. GET THERE EARLY TO GET A SEAT. BRING A FRIEND! SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED!

Invitation for an event about the Mid-term Elections

Dipartimento di Storia e Cultura dall’Antichità al Mondo Contemporaneo
Dipartimento di Filosofia, Lingue e Letterature
Centro Interuniversitario di Storia e Politica Euro-Americana
Associazione Italo-Americana del Friuli Venezia Giulia/American Corner
Mercoledì 1° dicembre 2010, ore 16,30
presso la sede del discam, Via Economo, 4
in occasione della pubblicazione del volume
a cura di Fabrizio Tonello, La Costituzione degli Stati Uniti (Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2010)
si terrà il seminario:

Gli Stati Uniti di Obama
dopo le elezioni di Mid-Term
Discutono del libro e delle elezioni:
Guido Abbattista
Università di Trieste
Mauro Bussani
Università di Trieste
Leonardo Buonomo
Università di Trieste
coordina Elisabetta Vezzosi
Università di Trieste
sarà presente l’autore

ANNUAL COOKIE FEST and Photos with SANTA CLAUS

On Friday, December 3rd from 5-7 p.m. we will have our Annual Cookie Fest in Via Roma 15, Trieste.

Some Holiday Cheer, including Demonstrations, Recipes, Christmas Cookies and Treats, Christmas Tree Decorating. Children Welcome. Bring your favorite homemade cookies to share - don't forget the recipe.
If you would like to make a demonstration, let us know!
NEWS FLASH . . . It is confirmed! Santa Claus is coming to Via Roma 15. Bring your children and grandchildren to meet Santa, give him their wish lists, have their pictures taken. They can also trim the tree and learn some Christmas carols!... plus what about those COOKIES!!!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Thanksgiving Photos

Thank you to all who participated and a big thanks to Andrea and the staff of La Bottega del Vino. We had a real American family-style Thanksgiving. We also appreciate the wonderful support of our sponsors: Zidarich wines, Zoe Food, Comune di Trieste, Salumeria - via Roma 15, Moka caffè - via Roma, Mrs. Gei. Here are the photos from the event.

THANKSGIVING RESERVATIONS BY TUESDAY!!

Don't forget to make your Thanksgiving reservations! Please give us a call or stop by the office by Tuesday morning so that we can give an accurate head count to the restaurant! You can pay anytime before Thursday, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE call to make your reservation...

Tell your friends, too! There's plenty of turkey for everyone!

Friday Documentary Series at American Corner Trieste


Each Friday night at 6:00 p.m. The American Corner shows a documentary regarding American society, culture, politics, nature. These screenings, in via Roma 15, are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and followed by a discussion in English.

Here is the complete calendar for 2010/2011

Oct 15 Mark Twain, A Film by Ken Burns Part 1
Oct 22 Mark Twain, A Film by Ken Burns Part 2
Nov5 An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
Nov12 War Letters
Nov19 The Congress, by Ken Burns
Nov26 Thanksgiving and The Importance of Ritual - Taste of Freedom
Dec 17 Christmas - Taste of Freedom
Jan 14 John F. Kennedy,Years of Lightning, Day of Drums
Jan 21 One on One with Barack Obama
Jan 28 A Flea Market Documentary
Feb. 4 The March
Feb 11 Frederick Douglass
Feb 18 Do You Speak English? Down South
Feb 25 Do You Speak English? Out West
Mar 18 Do You Speak English? Up North
Mar 25 One Woman One Vote
Apr 1 Earth
Apr 8 An Inconvenient Truth
Apr 15 Easter


For more news about the single features, check our American Corner Trieste Facebook page.

Monday Nights, "Joe" - Cappella Underground, Nov. 15th at 8:30 p.m.

Monday Nights - TV Series vs Film at Cappella Underground in Via Economo.
Following last week's showing of "All in the Family" the comparison is the cult film "Joe", 1969. A much more dramatic look at American society. The film is followed by a commentary in English by Prof. Leonardo Buonomo.

You can also purchase your membership "tessere" at the Cappella Underground before the showing.

Eva Margaret has arrived!

Congratulations to Karoline, director of AIA-FVG, and Cristian on the arrival of Eva Margaret on Tuesday, November 9th!

THANKSGIVING - Thursday, November 25th



Let's talk turkey...Here are the details you have all been waiting for:

Thanksgiving Dinner: Thursday, November 25, 2010, 8:00 p.m.

At: La Bottega del Vino, Courtyard of San Giusto Castle
Cost: Euro 45 for Adults and Euro 15 for children (<=12 years old)

Reservations: Pass by the association, make reservations, pay, get your receipt

We hope to see you all there! What's on the menu? Turkey!!! and all the traditional trimmings.

By the way.. What do turkies like to eat for Thanksgiving? ...Nothing, they are already stuffed!

THE TOWN - Cinema Ariston - Nov. 18th



The 30th American Film Series in original version at the Cinema Ariston begins on Thursday, November 18th with The Town, starring Ben Affleck (show times: 16:00, 18:30, 21:00). The membership cards (Tessere) are available in the office in Via Roma 15, or directly at the Ariston. Beware... since this is the first film, there is usually a line to get your membership directly at the Ariston, and you might risk missing the beginning of the film.
This year entry is with your membership card only. We cannot sell individual tickets.
Our office hours are: Monday to Friday from 16- 20, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings 10-12. See you at the cinema!

GAME DAY - November 13th - from 3-7 p.m.


Join us in the library for an afternoon of fun on Saturday, November 13th from 3-7 p.m. On the same day over 1,800 libraries throughout the world host “Game Day” where you can play table and video games in your library. Celebrate the popular and educational value of games.

Fun for all ages! Play: Monopoly (US version) , Scrabble (in English) Wii, Twister, Trivial Pursuit (US version) and others. Bring a friend! Propose another game if you like.

Here is the link for more info about this international initiative. See you in the library!

Monday Nights - Cappella Underground - All in the Family




Monday November 8th we begin "Monday Nights" at Cappella Underground in Via Economo. Be there at 8:30 p.m. to watch "All in the Family" followed by a discussion with Leonardo Buonomo. Here is the complete list of Monday Night show dates and titles. You can purchase your 2010/11 membership in the Association or directly at Monday Nights or on Ariston film night.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Lots of things are happening in November! The 30th annual Film Series at the Ariston is starting, the Monday night Film and TV series at Cappella Underground is getting underway, and, let’s not forget OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY:  THANKSGIVING!

But first, some reminders!

1)       Hey you, get us out of your SPAM.  Add us to your address list so you receive our messages. If you’re not receiving our newsletter, you can check our Blog for the same info and never miss any news or events.

You can always stop in for a printed copy of this month’s news. We’re always happy to see you!

2)       You can also become our Fan on Facebook –:  Associazione Italo Americana del FVG  and American Corner Trieste. That’s where we put event photos as well (Halloween Party Photos, for example, are on the American Corner Trieste page!)

3)       Renew your Membership for 2010-2011  – This year’s membership cards are already on sale at the Association. We recommend doing this BEFORE the first film to avoid having to wait for yours. Also, this year there will be NO SINGLE TICKET SALES AT THE ARISTON. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND THE FILMS. There will be one exciting exception to this rule. More about that later! If you have a temporary card, new cards will be available next week. Call first to make sure! You can also get your membership cards at Cappella Underground on Monday nights!


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Ariston Film Series – 30th Year at 16:00, 18:30, 21:00
November 18 – The Town

Can you believe it’s already been 30 years? Any record-holders? How many years have YOU come to the series? Let us know!

Sponsors of this year’s series include: CRTrieste, Provincia di Trieste, and Pacorini.

Monday Nights at Cappella Underground, 20:30
November 8 – “All in the Family”
November 15 – Joe

Join our host, President and TV/Film buff, Leonardo Buonomo, for another exciting Monday evening series! Like last year, he will introduce the program and run the discussion afterwards.

Friday Documentary Series, Via Roma 15, 18:00
November 5 – An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart
November 12 – War Letters:  Stories of courage, longing and sacrifice through letters from the front
November 19 – The Congress, by Ken Burns
November 26 – Taste of Freedom, Thanksgiving, by Burt Wolf

Denise and Lori will be there to give you the latest Association news and push play. Join our die-hard Friday Documentary fans and learn a little something, too! These documentaries are open to the public, so bring a friend!

TGI Thursday Coffee Hour for Adults, Via Roma 15, 10:00A.M.
November 11 - Stop by and say hello (in English, naturally).  Enjoy some conversation and a cup of coffee. Last time there were BROWNIES!! Who knows what NEXT time’s treat will be!

New for November!! Game Day!
November 13 – Saturday, from 15:00 – 19:00
Sign up to show-off your Scrabble, Monopoly (American version), Trivial Pursuit, Twister or Wii skills.  We’ll have tournaments and prizes.  Open to all Ages.

Thanksgiving Dinner
November 25 – At the Bottega del Vino – Castello di San Giusto. There WILL be turkey!
More information to come. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

American Corner Trieste – Paolo Bearz Library
On October 22nd the US Ambassador to Italy, David H. Thorne, came to the Association for a visit.  Here is the video of the event.  He was very impressed with our library, the AMAZING events happening at the Association and especially with our community of members, for your language abilities and interest in American culture!

Thank you, illycaffè for donating the coffee and the machine!

The Childrens’ Corner – Inauguration in January with Storytime.
Thanks to a generous grant from the US Government, the Association will be opening a special children’s section of the library in January. We are so excited to share our new books, educational CD Rom games, Puppet Theater, and puppets with you and your children!

New Books, DVD’s and magazines – We are cataloguing (thank you, Volunteers!) new items that just arrived. We have all of the films from last year’s film series, the original Muppet Show, and some great PBS documentaries.  All will soon be on the shelves.  If you want to watch a video here in via Roma, we have a viewing area with a fancy monitor just for you!

Rosetta Stone – American English CD Rom– During library hours, you can use this self-study program in the library to learn/perfect your American English.

It’s November: Here is what we are thankful for!
Our members, our new and returning students, our fantastic teachers, our amazing volunteers (we are so lucky to have you!), being able to stay at Via Roma, 15, the new heating system the landlord is promising us!, our sponsors—all of them: big and small, our friends who donate books... Thank you everyone for being a part of our community.  

See you at the Association in November!

The Halloween Party Was LOTS of FUN!

 There was something for everyone this year at the American Corner Halloween Party. Luna was hoping for a nutella sandwich, but she didn't get one. She DID get lots of hugs, though, and she was pretty excited to get to wear these devil horns. Thank you, Anastasia!
 There were costumes and balloons and philosophical conversations in English!
There was face painting! Thank you, Massimo!

There was coloring, and cutting, and lollipop decorating and eating)!
 There were games!
and DRY ICE! Thank you, Martin!



and lots of pictures HERE. Thank you, Cristian!  Thanks to everyone who came to the party and to our wonderful volunteers! Dario, Prosper, Denise, Davide, Leonardo, Karry, Lori, and our scarey witch: Janine!

Today is the Halloween Party!

Stop by anytime between 5pm and 8pm. For adults we are showing the film FRANKENSTEIN JUNIOR, the classic Mel Brooks film with Gene Wilder. For kids: games, candy, crafts, face painting!

Costumes encouraged but not required. See you in a bit! I have to make my Jack O'Lantern now!!

THANKSGIVING - Thursday, November 25th

Mark your calendars - Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 25th. We are planning a very special Thanksgiving dinner for everybody. Details will follow in coming days.

Association Closed Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

So Classes are cancelled for next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, too!

That means: Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult Advanced Conversation. 

Adult Intermediate on Thursday WILL meet, however.  
Have a nice long weekend!!!

Thank you, Ambassador!

From Left to right: Denise Tecchio, Coordinator of the American Corner, Ambassador David H. Thorne, Leonardo Buonomo, President of the Italian American Association, Karoline Steckley, Director of the Italian American Association
We had a great visit with Ambassador David H. Thorne, who stopped in to visit the American Corner at the Italian American Association this morning. We got a chance to talk about all of the great programs we have planned for this year, including the Friday Afternoon Documentary Series here at the Association (Part II of the Twain documentary is today from 6-8pm), our Halloween Party (October 29, 5-8pm), the Monday Nights Television and Film Series at Cappella Underground (starting November 8), the 30th anniversary of the American Film Series at the Ariston Cinema (starting November 18), Thanksgiving Dinner (November 25), Thursday Morning Coffee Hour (next meeting, November 11 from 10-12), and Saturday Morning Storytime (starts January 15). 
We also gave the Ambassador a sneak preview of our Children's Corner Library that will be opening soon thanks to a generous contribution from the US Embassy which has gone towards children's books and DVDs, multi-media equipment, little people furniture, and, our favorite, a PUPPET THEATER with lots of GREAT PUPPETS!

It was our pleasure to welcome Consul General, Ms. Carol Z. Perez, back to the Association this morning as well. She has gone absolutely out of her way over the last few months to help us and we really appreciate her excellent ideas and enthusiasm! We would also like to extend a special thanks to Jack Hillmeyer, Daniela Belloli and Giovanni Guasina for the support and organizational expertise which made this morning's visit possible, and for their friendship.   

The Ambassador is Here for a Visit!

Happy Friday! The American Corner/ Italian American Association is Very excited to host Ambassador David H. Thorne this morning for cookies, illy coffee and good company! It is his first visit to Trieste, so we are even more honored to have him here with us!

WELCOME!

Middle School and High School Classes Start WEDNESDAY!

If you haven't signed up yet, no problem. We can help you with that. Just come a little earlier so we can get everything taken care of.

Middle School 5:00-6:30
High School 6:30-8:00

These courses are SMALL (5-10 students) so you will have LOTS of opportunities to SPEAK!
See you LATER!

2010-2011 Membership cards are on their way

But we haven't received them yet. When we do, though, YOU WILL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. I promise!

Intermediate Conversation Class Still has Openings!

Thursday evening from 7-9-- come and try it out! You know you want to!!!

Halloween Party, October 29th - 5- 8 p.m.


Join us on Friday October 29th from 5-8 p.m. for a Halloween Party for all ages.


For Kids - Halloween Games, Prizes, Pumpkin Carving, Best Costume Awards

For Adults - Frankenstein Junior by Mel Brooks starring Gene Wilder plus all the popcorn you can eat.


A 5 Euro contribution is requested. Please call the office to make a reservation: 040 63 03 01

Monday Nights at Cappella Underground

On November 8th, at 8:30 p.m. we will begin "Monday Nights: Tv Series vs Film" (via Economo 12/9). Each showing, always in original version, is followed by a presentation in English, given by Leonardo Buonomo, Professor of American Literature at the University of Trieste and President of the Board of Directors of the Associazione Italo Americana del FVG.



See you at the first show: All in the Family. Do you remember Archie and Meathead?



Here is the program:

Nov. 8 - All in the Family
Nov. 15 - Joe
Dec. 6 - Big Love
Dec. 13 - Witness
Jan. 10 - Nurse Jackie
Jan. 17 - The Hospital
Feb. 7 - Battlestar Galactica
Feb. 14- Star Trek
Feb. 28 - Sanford & Son
Mar. 7 - Barbershop
Mar. 21 - Twilight Zone
Mar. 28 - The Blob

Elementary Class Starts Next Week

There is still time to sign up your 6-10 year-old for the Elementary Class. It will start NEXT WEEK, OCTOBER 19.

The class will be
TUESDAYS from 17:00-18:00
With Karry

If you have any questions or want to sign your child up, please call us as soon as possible!

Thinking about Studying Abroad?

We know lots about doing that and would love to share that info with you! 

Don't forget that our local EF office is also located at Via Roma 15. Come by and ask for GLORIA. Here is her number if you want to call for an appointment: (+39) 0403728443.


Mark Twain Month

October is Mark Twain Month in the Library. It has been 175 years since his birth and 100 since his death. Check out a book - like Huckleberry Finn or Innocents Abroad. We also have everything that he ever wrote plus many biographies.

To learn more about him, come to see our Friday Documentary (October 15th and 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in Via Roma 15). We will feature:

Mark Twain a Film by Ken Burns (PBS) part 1 and part 2

Check out the American Corner Facebook page for more info and quotes from Mark Twain.

Happy TGI Thursday for English-Speaking Seniors!

Today Next week is the first of our monthly get-togethers for Seniors who are young at heart! 2nd Thursday of each month from 10-12. Stop in to say hello!

NOTE: I was wondering where all the Seniors were!! Today is only Tuesday. DUH!! Get with the program, Karoline!! haha.

See you all NEXT THURSDAY!!!

Did you get the October Newsletter?

I sent the October newsletter today. If you didn't get it, it's because my email and yours both hate SPAM (even though I would never send you anything remotely close to SPAM, our servers don't seem to recognize a fantastically worded newsletter...). I'm not sending anything that you wouldn't know by checking in with this blog, however, so, do me a favor and subscribe to the blog to get updates, that way you don't miss anything.

ALSO, don't forget the event on MONDAY.

Have a great weekend!

For Teachers

We have created a blog just for you. Check it out! Here you will find info on our school programs, ESL teaching tips, events, lesson plans etc. Subscribe to it to receive periodic updates...

The Ariston Movie List is Here!!

AMERICAN FILM SERIES AT THE ARISTON
2010-2011

18 November 2010, The Town (2010), director Ben Affleck, starring Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, John Hamm, presented at the 2010 Venice Film Festival
9 December 2010, Adventureland (2009), director Greg Mottola, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kelsey Ford, nominated 2010 Independent Spirit Award, best screenplay
10 December 2010, The Blind Side (2009), director John Lee Hancock, starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, (winner 2010 Oscar, best actress in a leading role) - At the Associazione Italo Americana del FVG / American Corner in Via Roma 15- showings at: 2,4,6,8 p.m. - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- Offered by the US Consulate General Milan / US Embassy Rome.

20 January 2011, Toy Story III (2010), director Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack

3 February 2011, The Cove (2009), Director Louie Psihoyos, (winner 2010 Oscar, best documentary)

3 March 2011, Fair Game (2009), starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn

24 March 2011, The Messenger (2009), director Oren Moverman, starring Ben Foster, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, nominated 2010 Oscar, best supporting actor (Woody Harrelson), best screenplay

7 April 2011, The Social Network (2010), director David Fincher, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Bryan Barter, Dustin Fitzsimons

21 April 2011, The World’s Best Prom (2006), directors Chris Talbott and Ari Vena,
Filmed in Karoline’s home town of Racine, Wisconsin!

19 May 2011, My One and Only (2009), director Richard Loncraine, starring Renée Zellweger, Logan Larman, Kevin Bacon, selected for the Berlin International Film Festival

Invitation for a Conversation on Climate Change at MIB

MIB SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
AND
THE ITALIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FVG/AMERICAN CORNER

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO A CONVERSATION ABOUT US POLICY ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Our guest will be Erik Hall, a 19-year veteran of the US State Department’s Foreign Service and currently the American Embassy’s Counselor for Environment, Science, Technology and Health Affairs in Rome, where he works to support and encourage bilateral scientific cooperation between the US and Italy.

OCTOBER 4, 2010
6:00-7:30 PM
L.go Caduti di Nasiriya 1 - 34142 Trieste




No. The Ceiling has NOT FALLEN

Just to clear a couple of things up from the article on page 18 of the Piccolo today.

1) No. The ceiling did not fall down. Some water entered the the building in the far hallway (nowhere near our classrooms or library) during the big rains a couple of weeks ago, and some paint fell from the ceiling. The Amministratore has been working to clean up and fix the problem. There were people working on the roof last Friday.

THERE ARE NO SECURITY ISSUES FOR GUESTS OR STUDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

2) Yes. It is true that we are currently ironing out details for a new contract with our landlords so we can stay where we are in Via Roma, 15.

3). No. The proposed increase was not 30%. It was much lower.

4) Yes. We are confident that through transparency and good faith negotiating we will be able to keep our place in Via Roma. But, no matter what, the Association will live on. We have lots of things to do together this year and for years to come.

Thank you for your support, as always, and remember to ask us directly if you have any questions about what gets printed.

We'll tell you what's going on!

OH YES, AND DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR TESSERA!!

We are FEELING THE LOVE this week

Special thank you for being so nice to us this week: Federica G (who is helping us find our way out of the swamp legally and with lots of great fundraising ideas), Simonetta and Franco (who have volunteered to volunteer), San Giovanni in Rome (for helping us with our Amazon wish list and making it feel like Christmas every day), Davide P (for volunteering to help me with the accounting so that we can eventually grow and become great again, and so I can have a baby), Synergica (for using our Aula Magna for their classes), our front desk volunteers, Valentina, Roberta, Raquel, Leo and Denise (for being flexible, being nice to people, giving out the information and getting things done faster than I ever could), the nice people who have come in to renew their tessere (we love you), our new friends who are coming in to inquire about classes (we're so happy you found us), Luisella (for buying an Association bookbag and supporting the Association)... and anyone else who was nice to us this week that I forgot.

Thank you!

Adult Beginner Year-Long Course

MONDAYS: 5-7p.m.
Start date: October 18, 2010
End date: March 21, 2011
Number of hours: 40
Price: Euro 500*



*Participants must be members of the Association for 2010-2011

Class will not meet on the following holidays: Nov 1, Dec 27, Jan 3, March 7

Adult Advanced Conversation Year-Long Course

TUESDAYS: 7-9p.m.
Start date: October 19, 2010
End date: March 29, 2011
Number of hours: 40
Price: Euro 500*



*Participants must be members of the Association for 2010-2011

Classes will not meet on the following days: Nov 2, Jan 4, March 8

Adult Intermediate Conversation Year-long Course

THURSDAYS: 7-9p.m.
Start date: October 21, 2010
End date: March 31, 2011
Number of hours: 40
Price: Euro 500*

*Participants must be members of the Association for 2010-2011  

 
Classes will not meet on the following days: Dec 23, Jan 26

Elementary Year-Long Course

TUESDAYS*: 5-6p.m.
Start date: October 12, 2010
End date: March 22, 2011
Number of hours: 20
Price: Euro 250**

* A second group will be created on Thursdays if the maximum number of children is reached.
** There must be one member of the Italian American Association in the family. Members: 16+ years of age.

The Tuesday class will not meet on the following days because of holidays: November 2, January 4, March 8

Middle School and High School Year-long Courses

MIDDLE SCHOOL
WEDNESDAYS: 5-6:30p.m.
Start date: October 20, 2010
Finish date: June 1, 2011
Number of hours: 40
Price: euro 500*

HIGH SCHOOL
WEDNESDAYS: 6:30-8p.m.
Start date: October 20, 2010
Finish date: June 1, 2011
Number of hours: 40
Price: euro 500*

*There must be at least one member of the Italian American Association in the family. Members: 16+ years of age.

Classes will not meet because of holidays: December 8, 29; January 6; March 9; April 27

Living Diplomacy is TODAY!

Don't forget to come to the Association today from 6-7:30 to hear Jack Hillmeyer's talk on his experiences working for the US State department.

See you later!!

September 11 Nine Years Later

Be sure to watch Tele4 today. Denise, our AC Coordinator, will be commenting on September 11 from her American perspective. Here is what Slate has to say about it.

For me, it seems so recent, yet it also feels like a really long time ago. I remember going to NYC one month after it happened (I was living not far from Boston, on Cape Cod, at the time) and visiting Ground Zero, where there was STILL smoke coming up (how long did that place continue to smolder?), walking through a maze of makeshift walls with letters, drawings, and flowers stuck to it remembering the people who were killed in that terrible disaster. I remember visiting the church  next door that served as a temporary hospital for survivors and wondering why it was still in perfect condition. The entire area is a different place now, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves as time goes on.

I still can't believe it ever happened. It is so awful.

Wonder what it's like to be a US Diplomat?

Me too. I even took the exam to try to be one. But I didn't pass the second step (Darn it!).

I still have a huge curiosity about the lifestyle though. For one US diplomats move from country to country about every two years and in between those assignments they get to live in Washington D.C. (which is a great city, by the way). How neat is that?

I definitely want to know the NITTY GRITTY about Diplomatic Life, so when Jack Hillmeyer is here talking about his experiences working for the State Department next Thursday, September 16th (6pm at the Association), I plan on sitting in the front row and asking lots of (personal and embarassing) questions (we're friends. I think I can get away with it). He will also be showing a video on Hillary Clinton before his talk, just in case you're wondering what it's like to be the Secretary of State (I can't imagine, I'm having a difficult enough time running the Association!)

I hope you'll come, too. It will be a good opportunity for us to meet again and we will give you an overview of everything you need to know about this year at the Association.

You can even ask us personal and embarassing questions too (like, You're still here?? But I read in the Piccolo...) and we will ANSWER THEM!

See you Thursday, although I hope to see you sooner for Intensive Class sign-ups, of course!

A Word About Newsletters

We love telling you what we are doing every month, but it's getting more and more difficult to send them to you (members who are on our mailing list and happy to receive news and participate in Association life). You see, no one likes SPAM (neither do we) and, unfortunately, newsletters look a lot like SPAM. If you're not receiving our newsletter, then you probably have a good SPAM FILTER, or OUR SPAM FILTER isn't letting US send the newsletter to YOU.

So it's a good idea to check this blog VERY OFTEN. It will tell you everything you need to know. Subscribe to it and you can get email updates or have updates on your GOOGLE reader or iGoogle (that's what I do). If you do that, you will realize that the Newsletter will only tell you things you already know.

This blog will KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP, so to speak.

Who Should Take the Beginner's Intensive Course

Take the Beginner's course if:

1. You like English.
2. You want to speak well.
3. You have time on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm.

Do not be afraid. I will be nice to you!

Who Should Take The Advanced Intensive Course

You are an excellent candidate for the Advanced intensive course if:

1. You have wanted to take up English again for a long time but haven't made time to do it.

2. You read in English regularly and understand most of what you see.

3. You haven't used your spoken English in a while and feel a little rusty.

4. You need a swift kick in the pants to get going again in English.

I will do the kicking. Ha ha.
Karoline

There's still time to sign up for Adult Intensive Courses

They start next week, so give us a call TODAY if you can for more information or to sign up. You can also come to the Association between 4-8pm. Details on courses are in the sidebar to the RIGHT or HERE...

Some info on the Middle School/High School Intensive Courses

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When are Middle School and High School intensive courses taking place this year? 

Answer: The MS/HS intensives will take place two hours per day for four days: September 6, 7, 8, 9. Middle school 4-6 p.m., High School 6-8p.m. 

2. Why the new format? 

Answer: The idea is to give students an intensive week of English BEFORE school starts, so they will have a head start for the academic year. 

3. Who's the teacher? 

Answer: It's me, Karoline! I have to get my teaching fix in now before I have a baby in October! Then I will probably work the front desk (with a baby sling probably!)

4. What will you teach that week? 

Answer: It's all about THINKING and SPEAKING  in English. We will be doing SOME review of Grammar (but only when it comes up naturally). The rest will be tricks for becoming fluent in English, lots of conversation, and all the fun we can have since our courses tend to be small. 

5. How many students in a class?

Answer: For the classes to go, we need at least 5 participants per class (tell your friends!). The maximum number is 11 students. 

6. How much do MS/HS intensive courses cost?

Answer: This course costs 100 euros for Association members (have you renewed your membership for 2010-11?)

7. Where can I get more information? 

Answer: As always, stop by the Association! We are open Monday-Friday from 4-8pm. Or give us a call: 040 630301 or cell: +39 3498666667


Our Site is Down

I'm not sure why, but our website isn't working at the moment. But, no worries... Everything you need to know for now you can find here!

Intensive Courses

Yes, we're back! Hope you had a great summer!

September is almost here, and you know what that means: INTENSIVE COURSES! Here is what we have planned:


Middle School and High School:
September 6, 7, 8, 9
Middle School Intensive 4-6pm
High School Intensive 6-8pm
Price: Euro 100* 


Adults
September 13-October 12, 2010


Conversation and Fluency Practice for Intermediate Beginners
5-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday

Advanced Conversation
7-9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday

Total: 20 hours
Price: Euro 250*


Sign up at the Association in Via Roma, Trieste. We will be here Monday-Friday from 4-8p.m. Starting on August 30.

*+ Association Membership 2010-2011 
Students/Senior Citizens euro 25 
Adults euro 35

Association Taking a Summer Break

I just want to remind you that the Association is CLOSED from August 1-22. It's SUMMERTIME!! See you at the end of August.

We will be back on our normal five-day schedule in September!

See you soon!

Elementary Summer Immersion Fun in Monfalcone

Children ages 6-10
August 30-September 3, 2010
9.00-12.00
Istituto Comprensivo G. Randaccio
Via Canaletto, 10
MONFALCONE

Immersion fun with songs, books, games, art, sports, and culture. All in English with Janine!
Price: euro 150
Registration: 23-26 August: info@aia-fvg.org or call Karoline: 3498666667