October 22, 2015
From the President
Thank you all for continued support. Please share this newsletter with friends! Please ask a friend to join! Visit the website, for membership information, and “friend” our Facebook page, "Fredericksburg - Este, Twinning," to get the latest postings.
Remember back when we first met and you told us what you’d like to see and do? We listened! Look at what we’ve been up to, and read about what is coming up. Then, come join the fun!
On a sunny September Saturday in the Veneto, Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and Este Mayor Giancarlo Piva were the center of attention as the ceremony confirming the Italian city’s commitment to partner with Fredericksburg unfolded. With flags of Italy and the USA as backdrop, and about 40 in attendance, the new international friendship was confirmed. Following the event, Mayor Piva and Este folks hosted a celebratory luncheon, which was planned, prepared, and served by the culinary students at Manfredini College. Charcuterie, cheeses and wines by regional producers were served alongside the students’ culinary offerings, and toasts confirming the new relationship were raised. Lovely!
Fredericksburg folks there to cheer and celebrate included Cathy Herndon, Bill and Susan Beck, Mayor Greenlaw, Sarah Fartro, Mandy Carr, Nathalie Bullock, Beverley Newton and Orazio Muzzolini, Chip and Kathryn Willis, and Fredericksburg friends Don and Denise Culp, Blake Willis and Christiana Konstintinou.
Trips to the Este Ceramic Factory, and Monte Fasolo winery, along with staggering amounts of pasta and wine, and a wonderful classical concert in an Este church, were all a part of a brief and delightful visit. Thank you, all of our Este friends!
Art Talks Debut The first, on Titian, a rousing success
On Friday evening, October 9, 56 people listened attentively to a fascinating commentary on the genius of Titian, given by Dr. Marjorie Och at St. George’s Church, Faulkner Hall. Beginning with light refreshments and conversation, attendees soon settled in to hear about Titian and his times, followed by some insightful questions. The event was free, and several guests decided to join the organization.
A second art talk will occur on Friday, November 13, again at 6:30, and again, free. Light refreshments will be served, and Dr. Och will share her insights about Michelangelo. Here is a description of the program.
Michelangelo Buonarotti (1475-1564) was a proud Florentine. Aware that his birthplace was the center of art in fifteenth-century Europe, he studied the work of his Florentine predecessors and explored the city's collections of antiquities. This talk will focus on his early works (ca. 1490-1504) in sculpture and painting, the influence of Florence, and the challenge the art of Rome presented him on his first visit in 1496.
Barboursville or Bust!
Please note registration email deadline, October 23
Wine tasting and lunch Saturday, October 31 10 AM-5PM
Rene Rodriguez, our Fundraising and Program chair, has put together a tempting day of wine tasting for our group.
We will travel to Historic Barboursville for a tasting in the Library 1821, which presents a changing selection of flights of older vintages from the cellars. We’ll enjoy these along with bite-sized culinary pairings designed by their chef, and have an opportunity to meet the owner (an Italian native from the Veneto Region). We will also have a box lunch prepared from one of the local restaurants, followed by a tour of the Landmark Ruins, one of Jefferson’s true architectural masterpieces.
Location: Barboursville VA Who: Open to Members and the Public (for the first 30 people) When: Saturday October 31, 2015 from 10:00 – 5:00 (We will depart at 10:00 from Dorothy Hart Community Center and return by 5:00). Cost: $55.00 Includes Transportation, Tasting, and Lunch. Logistics: We have limited Seating for 30, Please R.S.V.P in advance with your meal choice (see options below) by emailing fredeste2015@gmail.com (deadline is Friday October 23, 2015). Check out this Washington Post article about Barboursville!