IL RAPPORTO
News & Updates
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FIAO Il Centro Reminder to ALL MEMBERS:
Memberships fees are FROZEN until we are able to re-open
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Although the membership fee are frozen for the duration of the closure, FIAO has continued to provide many free services to all Centro Members and the community at-large in-person with weekly food distributions and remotely with fitness videos, art classes, language classes and cultural events. In addition, we have been able to continue our Social Services & Counseling calls while making improvement to the building and organizing for our re-opening.
The Good News for New York City!
Phase I Re-Opening starts this Monday, June 8 and that each subsequent Phase follows at a two-week interval. It is projected that
the re-opening of Il Centro may be in Phase III or IV with a Mid-July Re-Opening!
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Dr. Joseph Rizzi:
One of the Original Fundamental Building Blocks of FIAO
By RosaLisa Licci
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From its inception, in 1977, Dr. Joseph Rizzi has been dedicated to the mission and growth of the Federation of Italian American Organizations which is evident through every project he has been part of including serving as its Secretary. His teaching career has always weaved through his journey with the Federation and as his family grew his profession became his primary focus while working with the Federation in the common goal of assisting the Italian immigrant community of South Brooklyn. His career flourished at New Utrecht High School where he started as a teacher of Italian language, then as coordinator of the largest Italian Bilingual Program in the country, and ultimately as Assistant Principal. His determination and love for education inspired him to enroll in a Doctorate Program in International Educational, earning him the title of Doctor in Education (EdD).
The years in the education system flew by and before he knew it, Dr. Rizzi retired in 2006. As he was approaching this milestone, while visiting with Ms. Nancy Sottile, Executive Director of FIAO, to discuss the future plans for an After-School Program at New Utrecht H.S., he was offered the position of Director of the Beacon Program which the Federation at Seth Low JHS (IS 96). With the ambitious development of the new building called Il Centro, he became the Director of External Affairs of Il Centro. While overseeing the daily developments of the construction phase of Il Centro, he worked closely with city, state, and federal elected officials, private and not for profit agencies, and business leaders to secure funding for Il Centro. Anyone involved with Il Centro can attest that Dr. Rizzi has gone above and beyond his title and call of duty to ensure the continued success of Il Centro by being one of the proud champions of FIAO.
Dr. Rizzi sees a bright future for the Federation and Il Centro. He strives to make this cultural and community center the hub of the rich Italian culture while welcoming the multicultural members of the community to join us in “Preserving and Enriching Community” for decades to come.
Some of the exciting parts of his job include representing FIAO while participating in political or business events, securing funds for the sustainability of Il Centro, and hosting cultural events at Il Centro. But what gives him the most joy, however, is to see the smiles of satisfaction on the faces of colleagues, friends, and people he meets on a daily basis. As stated by Dr. Rizzi, “As in my 33 years spent at New Utrecht HS, the last 14 years have been a labor of love. These years have given me the opportunity to serve the community, which has always been an integral part of my life, and it allowed me to develop and shape the character and the education of the youth as well as assist entire families utilizing my personal experiences. I never consider it a job; it has been a mission that I would live all over again.”
As for the future of Il Centro his hope is best stated in his own words: “I’m sure Il Centro will be a staple in the community for many decades to come and my wish is that it continues to represent the proud Italian American community, the history, art, culture, and contributions to the world in a positive and productive way.”
We can all agree with Dr. Rizzi that the future of Il Centro has many positive possibilities especially since it has such dedicated staff continuing to maintain its established goals and aspiring dreams. “E Pluribus Unum” will make us strong, creative, and productive.
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Join us tomorrow!
FUN WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Learn to Dance la Tarantella!
LIVE Saturday, June 6
th
at 11:00AM
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FIAO Il Centro
Community News
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Lenco Dx Laboratory Testing Day a Success at
Il Centro
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Thank you for wearing masks and practicing social distancing!
Big thank you to all that made the mobile Covid-19 Testing day a big success on Wednesday, June 3rd. Over 45 men and women, FIAO members and community members, were able to get tested for the Covid-19 Diagnostic and Serology Antibody (lgC & lgM) tests.
Thank you to Dr. Cumella and Mike from the Lenco.
FIAO is grateful for all the services it can continue to deliver to members of the community even during our continued shut down.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Il Centro soon.
Stay Safe!
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FIAO's Il Talento Performance a Rousing Hit!
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Last week, Il Talento aired their first in a series of shows for FIAO.
What did viewers have to say?
- Charlie Sicily writes, "Great fun and talent all around."
-Jayne Thompson-Chillo shares, "This was great!!!! Thank you for the distraction during quarantine."
Want to catch their next performance?
Episode 2 is coming next Friday, June 12th at 8 pm.
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FIAO Celebrates Il Centro's 2nd Anniversary!
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Some of you have been a part of FIAO for many years, and for those that are new members we hope you have felt welcomed to our community. June 2020 marks FIAO's 2nd Anniversary of the opening of Il Centro.
Although we are not able to honor the occasion at the annual golf outing or offer special in-person events to our members, we did not want to miss the opportunity to share this special milestone with all of you.
Until we can gather together, we offer some sneak peeks into the past and how we were able to build and open Il Centro.
You may notice that between our onset and now, modifications were made to the plans. Several areas of the building, such as the culinary arts center, have not been completed. Today, we continue our mission serving the community's children, seniors, families and those in need of social services. With your continued support, Phase II will become as much a reality as our aquatics center. Want to contribute to help FIAO complete Phase II, visit:
https://app.mobilecause.com/form/QVkutg?vid=8romh
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Using Amazon Prime?
Do you know you could earn $ back for FIAO at no cost to you?
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Here's how to shop AmazonSmile:
- Visit smile.amazon.com.
- Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials.
- Choose a charitable organization to receive donations, or search for the charity of your choice.
- Select your charity: Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn, LTD.
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Summer is Coming,
Don't Waste Any More Time
Join a LIVE FIAO Fitness Class This Week
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How to Take a Virtual Class
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Members please review the schedule to see which classes you wish to join.
This IS A NEW SHCEDULE THAT GOES INTO EFFECT SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH.
Next, you must contact the instructor via email or text, this information is listed below the schedule.
Then, you will receive a link for the Zoom class.
This is the link you will need for the day and time of the scheduled class.
To view the complete schedule click the image.
View our full schedule of classes here.
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FIAO Virtual Art Class:
Registration, Pick Up & Class Schedule
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All Members are welcome to join the class for any and all classes. Please note, you must meet the Registration Date and need to Pick
U
p the FREE supplies on the date for your specific class.
Please refer to the attached chart for dates and times.
All Classes are FREE!
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Something for Everyone
FIAO Online Classes
Italian - Art - Dance - Culinary - Spa at Home
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New Videos:
Libera Mitrione-Capezzuto
Italian
Catherine Russo and Christina Villarino
Spa Day with Mask Making
Carolina
How to Make Zeppole
Zaira Indelicato-Polizzi Arts & Crafts
Bedtime
Alexandra Montana Arts & Crafts
Flag Day Arts & Crafts for Young Kids
Flag Day Arts & Crafts for Older Kids
Gabriela Messina Dance
Panini
Visit the FIAO Video Archive:
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Taking Care of Your Mental Health
by Dr. Estelle Miller, LCSW
Weekly Topic:
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Rainy Days, Family Night,
Explore this Timeout NY List of the
Best Animated Movies
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Need to keep the kids busy or just need a few minutes of calm while you catch up in work? Need a few ideas for tonight's family movie? Here's a great list compiled by Time Out NY.
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FIAO Brooklyn |
www.fiaobrooklyn.org
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