*The garrison public affairs office translates summaries of local news articles for the convenience of non-Italian speaking community members. The information contained in these summaries is originally written by Italian news sources and does not reflect the opinion of U.S. Army Garrison Italy or any of its tenant commands. Direct any questions about the Italian news to the garrison public affairs office.*
Italian News from Vicenza and Darby – May 10, 2024
Vicenza Military Community
Base named after Alpino Matteo Miotto to honor his memory – May 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
On May 7, the base of Longare was named after Corporal Matteo Miotto, who at only 24 years of age died on 31 December 2010 in Afghanistan, during a firefight with the Taliban. The dedication comes a few days before the 95th Alpini Rally, and it is not a coincidence, as Matteo Miotto was an Alpino from Thiene the first to die in combat after the Second World War while defending an outpost of the Julia Brigade during a peace mission that turned into real open combat. In 2012, he was awarded the Army Silver Medal for Valor. Now, in 2024, the U.S. installation will be named in his memory. At the ceremony, Francesco Miotto, Matteo's father, said: “We as parents are left with only the memory of Matteo, but here today I see something that will remain forever, like a house built into the rock for many young people who share my son's dreams and ideals. Like an indelible mark left by Matteo's sacrifice.” (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Alpini rally security, Vicenza to close its airspace and bring 400 more police – May 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The airspace above the city will be closed to all private aircrafts and drones during the 95th national Alpini rally. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has confirmed his presence in the city, and it is likely that other government representatives will attend. The Department of Public Security authorized significant reinforcements to Vicenza: there will be an extra 400 agents and soldiers. The plan also includes the use of special units: anti-terrorism, anti-sabotage, bomb squads and dog squads. Manholes will be sealed, and trash cans removed within a 10-meter radius of the parade route. Moreover, there will be two mobile offices of the State Police, the Carabinieri and the local police in Piazza Biade and Piazzale De Gasperi - considered strategic points for the logistics of the event - to allow any crime to be promptly reported.
From Torino to Vicenza, Alpino veteran walks 450 kilometers to the rally – May 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
A step challenge of 450 kilometers. Alpino soldier Dario Cimberle, 73 years old, is walking from Moncalieri, Torino. He plans to arrive May 10. It is his 10th Alpini rally reached on foot, the first was that of Bassano in 2008. Cimberle is a member of the Edolo Alpini group, in Brescia area but his ancestors were from Asiago area, so he knows Vicenza province well. For the first time this year, Dario's wife accompanied him for the first two kilometers of his walk, they usually say goodbye at home, but this time when he left home on April 27th, she decided to walk the first stretch with him. Cimberle is not just a great walker, he has a diving instructor's license, and he is active in volunteering, as a tourist guide and archivist. He planned and organized this trip with extreme care, walking daily 30/32 kilometers. He thinks that this will be his last rally on foot because age is kicking in. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)
Camping at the Peace Park, Alpini spouses say it's like being on vacation – May 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza
At 12:30 p.m. sharp, the sound of a siren interrupts the lively buzz under the sun at Foro Boario. It's lunchtime and the Alpini troops are always on time when it’s time to eat. Along with the green area at the Peace Park, Foro Boario is one of the two largest camp sites prepared for the Alpini rally. At least 1,800 black feathers [Alpini] have been converging on the huge space in the city's eastern area since early this week. Work is ongoing to set up tents, where there will be the kitchens, a mess hall, and then the dormitory area. Accompanying wives share with their husbands the spirit and commitment of wearing such a meaningful hat. “If you don't embrace the Alpine philosophy, it's hard to carry on this kind of life, between rallies and activities,” assures Maurizia, who arrived from Brescia. With her friend Fiore, she sits on a deck chair among the avenues and lawns of Peace Park, the other large “village” of Alpine hospitality. “It feels like we're on vacation, we at least take it that way, we go for walks, we take the opportunity to visit the city.” (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Santa Corona in bloom, eight thousand pompoms for school projects – May 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The garden of the church of Santa Corona in Corso Palladio looks like a flowery meadow these days, as part of a solidarity initiative. From 9:45 a.m. today it will be possible to enter the garden and pick the fabric pompon you like most and make a donation. The proceeds of the donations will finance workshops on education for peace, non-violence, conflict management and equal opportunities to be held in the schools of Vicenza in the next school year. Using 7,000 balls of yarn, children (6,000) and volunteers (1,500) created 7,800 pompons as well as a thousand Alpini-themed artefacts such as pennants, brooches, and bookmarks. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
US market to attract Vicenza companies with incentives, lean bureaucracy – May 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
“We will produce in the U.S. by cutting transportation costs, taxes, and export times. Above all, our presence in America will allow us to be perceived very positively by the market, expanding sales opportunities and export to neighboring countries. Therefore, we are preparing to set up our own factory there.” Remo Pedon, treasurer of Confindustria Vicenza and highly experienced in foreign markets with his cereal company, has been active in Miami since 2010; out of the 100 million in annual revenues, the Pedon group in America has a turnover of 20 million, a figure it aims to triple already when his factory will start production in the U.S. Pedon illustrated the opportunities available to local businesses at a forum that Confindustria Vicenza dedicated to the U.S. market, which is Vicenza's second export market. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Interruption of train service between Vicenza and Verona from Aug. 1 to 21 – May 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza
From Aug. 1 to 21, the train connection between Vicenza and Verona will be temporarily interrupted. This interruption will affect all local, regional, and high-speed trains. The temporary suspension is due to the construction of a high-speed train line aimed at improving railway infrastructure in the region. During this period, travelers along the Venice-Milan line should anticipate detours and potential delays in their journeys. Alternative transportation options will be provided to ensure minimal disruption. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza-based publisher won 2024 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction – May 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Vicenza-based publishing company Neri Pozza added a new Pulitzer Prize to its prestigious trophy case. After the last two: Barbara Kingsolver's “Demon Copperhead” in 2023 and Thanh Nguyen Viet's “The Sympathizer” in 2016, Nathan Thrall's book “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama - Anatomy of a Tragedy in Jerusalem” won this year's award in the Nonfiction category. This is the eighth Pulitzer awarded to Neri Pozza. The motivation defines the novel as “a passionate and timely account of life in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, through the portrait of a Palestinian father who loses his five-year-old son in a frightening accident.” (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Darby Military Community
Cameras in town for TV series starring Vanessa Incontrada – May 10, Il Tirreno/LivornoToday
LIVORNO – With more than 100 film productions having been filmed in the city, Livorno has long been the focus of the film industry. The television series "Only a Mother," starring Vanessa Incontrada, will film in Livorno for Mediaset. The shoot will begin at the Scoglio della Regina and continue via the Venezia and Garibaldi areas to the municipal cemetery. Filming will begin next Monday, May 13, and continue throughout June. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Cisternone, new extraordinary opening to the public from May 27 to 31 – May 10, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – The doors of the imposing reservoir constructed in the first half of the 19th century will open from May 27 to May 31 from 3 to 8 p.m., following the enormous success of the initial events that sold out. To schedule a complimentary visit, go to https://www.eventbrite.it/ and look up Cisternone. Alternatively, you can give the booking support line a call from May 20 to 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 0586 - 894563. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Terricciola hosts the 40th strawberry fair – April 30, Il Tirreno
TERRICCIOLA – Despite the "crazy" weather, first great heat and then spring frosts, it is already strawberry season. The "fairy food" as William Shakespeare called it. The Terricciola strawberry festival celebrates 40 editions this year and will take place over two weekends, May 11-12. First held in 1982, the festival has grown to become a must-attend event. In addition to stalls with strawberry boxes, there are local produce markets with strawberry tastings and desserts made from this delicious fruit. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Tuscany Medieval Fest – May 10, LivornoToday/ Il Tirreno
LIVORNO – The Tuscany Medieval Festival, which takes place at the New Fortress from May 10 to 12, is already open for pre-orders on the Liveticket website. This annual event transports many of the city's fans to a different era with roaming performers, lively music, dancing, and fearless knights eager to engage in combat for the amusement of onlookers. Friday, May 10: 6 p.m. to midnight is when it's open. There will be rowing demonstrations in front of the New Fortress along the canals. The festival's spectacular opening extravaganza, which can be seen from every street in front of the fortress at 9:30 p.m., is free to attend. Opening hours on Saturday, May 11 are 10 a.m. to midnight. Apart from the events planned within the New Fortress, there will be a historical parade in the early afternoon that links the Livorno Cathedral and the Fortress. Open on Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. till midnight. The price of the admittance ticket includes a concert by the band Furor Gallico in addition to the regular concerts. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Weekend events in Pisa – May 10, PisaToday
PISA – To facilitate several activities scheduled for Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, the Municipality of Pisa has implemented a set of measures to temporarily alter the road network.
The Art and Selfie Run consists of a non-competitive run through the historic city of Pisa, either individually or as a team. Competitors will snap photos in front of Pisa's many landmarks along the route; the most striking ones will win prizes. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ponte di Mezzo will be off-limits to cars to make room for the event.
Bimbimbici – To allow the event dedicated to sustainable mobility and to spread the use of bicycles to take place, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic: Lungarno Galilei; Lungarno Gambacorti; Lungarno Pacinotti; Lungarno Mediceo; Ponte Di Mezzo; Ponte della Fortezza sea-side lane (North-South direction) and Ponte Solferino relatively to the two lanes on the Monte side (South-North direction); Lungarno Sidney Sonnino; Ponte della Cittadella; Via del Brennero in the section between Via Luigi Bianchi and the Martiri delle Foibe traffic circle. Access will also be interdicted in the streets and alleys that converge at the affected riverbanks.
March for Peace – On the afternoon of Saturday, May 11, Pisa will host the "March for Peace." The event is scheduled to start around 3 p.m. in the municipality of San Giuliano Terme to end at Piazza San Paolo at Ripa d'Arno in Pisa. To allow the event, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., the following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic: Via di Gello; Via Lucchese; Via del Brennero; Largo San Zeno; Via San Zeno; Via Buonarroti; Via Di Simone; Via Santa Bibbiana; Piazza Mazzini; Lungarno Mediceo; Ponte della Fortezza; Lungarno Galilei; Lungarno Gambacorti; Lungarno Sonnino and Piazza San Paolo a Ripa D'Arno. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
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