NIAF E-News

NIAF is proud to announce two regional galas planned for Spring 2009.

On May 2, the Foundation’s West Coast Gala will be held at The M Resort in Las Vegas. Two weeks later, the NIAF East Coast Gala will be held on the rescheduled date of May 19 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

These exciting regional events will pay tribute to a host of prominent Italian Americans, all while offering the unique opportunity for our members to reconnect with their heritage. Check out our Web site or contact NIAF directly for the most up-to-date information.

Visit www.niaf.org in the coming months for more details about these exciting events.

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Last spring the College Board announced that unless external funds could be raised to sustain the AP Italian program, it would be removed from the 2009-10 academic year.

After a strong effort spearheaded by leaders of the Italian Language Foundation - including former NIAF Board Member and first lady of New York Matilda Cuomo; Dr. Margaret Cuomo, a member of the Committee to Establish the Italian AP Program; Louis Tallarini, president of the Columbus Citizens Foundation; and NIAF President Salvatore J. Zizza - the College Board announced that AP Italian will not return for the 2009-10 academic year. Only a portion of the necessary funds were raised this year. However the College Board has pledged that if the remaining funds are raised in the future, the AP Italian exam may be reinstated.

We encourage secondary schools to continue their advanced Italian courses. Although the AP designation will be removed, most colleges and universities will still recognize these advanced classes for placement purposes and as an indicator of academic rigor.

On January 6, NIAF’s Department of Government Relations and Public Policy participated in swearing-in events for the 111th U.S. Congress. Department representatives attended several receptions for members of Congress’s Italian American Delegation. There are now four new Italian American Members of Congress: John Boccieri of Ohio, Dan Maffei of New York, Eric Massa of New York, and Tom Perriello of Virginia.

NIAF celebrates kick-off of inauguration weekend

NIAF, in collaboration with the Georgetown Entertainment Group, will host an inauguration weekend kick-off event at Café Milano in Washington, D.C., on January 16. This A-list event will be attended by new administration officials, Members of Congress, business leaders, and media. On January 20, NIAF representatives will attend the swearing-in of President Barack Obama.

NIAF is a non-partisan organization that serves as a liaison between the Italian American community and Congress, promotes political and economic cooperation between the U.S. and Italy and advocates the appointment of qualified Italian Americans in government.

NIAF is proud to participate in the Presidential Inauguration Committee’s National Day of Service: Renewing America Together. Held January 19, Renewing America Together is a day of non-partisan community service across the nation.

NIAF encourages Italian American organizations across the country to take part in this day of service - many already have organized service projects in their communities.

NIAF and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Francisco will host a community service project in Washington, D.C., on January 18. For more information about how to participate, contact NIAF’s Department of Government Relations and Public Policy at 202-939-3121.

Visit www.usaservice.org to learn more about service events across the country.

Join NIAF members, friends, and family on the Queen Mary 2, Connoisseurs Caribbean Cruise. Ports of call include Cristobal, Curacao, Granada, Barbados, St. Kitts and Tortola.

As a member or friend of NIAF you will receive special rates for the Connoisseurs Caribbean Cruise; plus, if you book between January 19-24, 2009, you will receive bonus shipboard credits and a reduced deposit. The cruise is a 13-day voyage that will depart from New York on November 17 and return on November 29.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, contact Joan or Peter Menken at Cruise Market, Inc., by calling 800-223-1946.

Upcoming NIAF Events:

-Wine & Hors d’oeuvres Reception at Rao’s Restaurant in Las Vegas, NV.

Contact: Kristi Pappalardo
Phone : 202-939-3109
Email: kristina@niaf.org
Date: February 26

Contact: Giuseppina Spillane
Phone: 202-939-3107
E-mail: gspillane@niaf.org
Date: March 6

- NIAF West Coast Gala at The M Resort, 123000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89124.

Contact : Carolyn Laurenzano
Phone : 202-939-3114
Email: carolyn@niaf.org
Date: May 2

- NIAF East Coast Gala at The New York Marriott Marquis Times Square, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. Attire: Business.

Contact: Carolyn Laurenzano
Phone : 202-939-3114
Email: carolyn@niaf.org
Date: May 19

-NIAF Grants Program deadline. For more information, go to www.niaf.org/grants.

Contact: Giuseppina Spillane
Phone: 202-9 39 -3107
Email: gspillane@niaf.org
Date: May 29

- NIAF Italian University Club Grants Program deadline. For more information, go to www.niaf.org/grants.

Contact: Giuseppina Spillane
Phone: 202-939-3107
Email: gspillane@niaf.org
Date: May 29

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NIAF e-Newsletter compiled
and written by Stephen Abate.
Edited by Monica Soladay .
enews@niaf.org

For the latest NIAF news and in-depth details of all the Foundation offers, be sure to visit our Web site: www.niaf.org