Enza Baiamonte was Master of Ceremonies as close to 270 ladies attended the Seventh Annual Filò dinner celebrating a century of Italian Canadian Women in Ottawa at Saint Anthony Italia Soccer Club on March 5th.

Harpist Mary Muckle and oboist Angela Casagrande entertained in the reception area with selections from the opera Carmen by Bizet, the Bourees d’Auvergne by Cateloube, and a selection of early Italian, Spanish, and French dances. They also performed some Irish Ayres, and a beautiful variation on Greensleeves.

Ms Muckle commented that “Playing with Angela is always a pleasure. The dinner was delicious and what a delight to sing some beautiful Italian songs between courses.”

Hors d’oeuvres were laid out around the perimeter of the reception room while a refreshing fruit punch flowed from a fountain on the centre table. Attendees mingled, chatted, and acquainted themselves with friends, old and new.

As the crowd entered the dining room and seated themselves, Ariella Hostetter, Community Historian, welcomed everyone while an experienced team of professional staff began to serve the five-course meal.

Past Filò celebrations flashed on screens situated around the dining room, providing us with past memories as well as lots of shared laughter. Despite a nasty cold, Pierangela Pica rose to the occasion and sang “Mamma”, accompanied by old friends, while women’s voices of all ages joined in for the touching ballad. The lady seated beside me leaned over to mention that her mother had sung her this song when she was a little girl.

The Awards Presentation nominees were:

  • Vittoria Bucciarelli
  • Nina della Zazzera-D’Onofrio 
  •  Licia Forza
  • Fulvia Marcantonio
  • Rita Rarisi
  • Matilde Zinni

Awards Presentation

  • Rosa Tiezzi Award Vittoria Bucciarelli
  • Maria Ierulla Award Fulvia Marcantonio-Maria
  • Jennie Prosperine Award Nina della Zazzera-D’Onofrio

Diomira Contestabile was presented with the St. Anthony’s Church Devotional Ward. Dessert and coffee were served, and with shared hugs, the evening came to a close; with more memories to share at future gatherings.

A special thank you to all those individuals who made the evening a resounding success; especially committee members: Enza Baiamonte, Cathy Buourgignon, Anna Chiappa, Bonnie Favilla, Ariella Hostetter, Angela Ierulla, Irene Martin, and Silvana Timpson.