Italian News (update) | Article

*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 – November 22, 2024

New wooded areas in Vicenza thanks to 4,000 trees – November 22, Il Giornale di Vicenza

There are more than 4,000 trees ready to take root in the city. The first 1,200 trees arrived Nov. 21 in what has been named the “Park of the Associations,” accessible from Via Caregaro Negrin, basically an extension of the Retrone Park. This number is not random: one for each association of the Volunteer Service Centre. Another 3,000 trees will find a home from tomorrow in two other areas of the city: 580 in Via Divisione Julia, where in a few years there will be a grove a stone’s throw from the historic center, and 2,378 in the area of Bosco del Quarelo. Alì supermarkets donated the plants, and the initiative will start at 11 a.m. at the entrance to the Bosco, in Via Ponte del Quarelo. Citizens will also be able to participate, upon registration. The new green lungs of Vicenza will host more than 20 different species of native trees and shrubs. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Small businesses urge city officials to revive tourism industry– November 22, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The local small business association called on the city council to revitalize the local economy by organizing major exhibitions in the Palladian Basilica. The association believes that these events can significantly boost tourism and create a positive economic impact on the city. The trade association emphasized the success of previous major exhibitions held in the Basilica and urged the city council to prioritize such events in the future. They believe that these events can attract many visitors, generate revenue, and enhance the city’s international reputation. The opposition has leveled harsh criticism at the current administration’s approach to tourism and culture. A former mayor accused the city of lacking a clear plan to attract visitors. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Vivaro, dog saves family from house fire – November 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Freedom, a seven-year-old mixed breed dog prevented a fire that broke out in a house in Vivaro from turning into a tragedy. The fire broke out around five in the morning of Nov. 16 on the ground floor of a house, and quickly spread, filling the rooms with thick smoke while the owners slept on the first floor. Freedom was resting on a landing of the internal stairs, sensed the danger and started barking insistently, waking up the owners who had to climb down from the balcony and break the glass of the front door to allow the dog to come out. The fire caused significant damage to the house. Freedom was slightly intoxicated but is now fine. Adopted several years ago when he was a stray looking for a home, in addition to being a family member, now he has become a hero. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Healthcare workers strike disrupts services in Vicenza amid nationwide protest – November 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Healthcare workers across Italy, including doctors, nurses and healthcare managers, staged a 24-hour strike on Nov. 19 to protest the government’s 2025 budget. The strike aimed to highlight concerns over insufficient funding and deteriorating working conditions in the healthcare sector. The strike was widely supported, peaking at 85 percent nationally and impacting 1.3 million services across the country. In the Veneto region, joining the strike were 12.7 per cent of doctors, 0.8 percent of nurses, and 0.4 percent of social-health workers. The strike resulted in significant disruptions to healthcare services, particularly in Vicenza. Many elective surgeries and outpatient appointments were postponed, and emergency services were impacted. However, critical services, such as emergency rooms and intensive care units, remained operational. A major demonstration took place in Rome, with union leaders criticizing government funding and calling for reforms. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Vicenza museums draw 25,000 visitors ahead of Roi wing opening – November 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Vicenza’s city museums have attracted 25,000 visitors from Nov. 1 to 17, nearing a record for the month. This surge sets the stage for the Dec. 20 opening of the new Roi wing at Palazzo Chiericati, featuring 18th- and 19th-century collections. During a recent press conference, culture councilor Ilaria Fantin highlighted the wing’s potential to enhance the museum’s cultural and tourist appeal. The project began in 2016 and includes upgraded educational spaces. December will also feature the “Three Masterpieces in the Basilica” exhibition, with free admission for locals. The new wing’s opening will increase management costs, prompting the municipality to seek cost-effective solutions. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Loison’s direct sales strategy: a case study in the global food market – November 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza

COSTABISSARA (Vicenza) – Dario Loison, the pastry chef from Costabissara, has managed to achieve global success through a unique strategy of direct management in international sales, bypassing expensive intermediaries. This approach has allowed his company to maintain close relationships with over 600 customers in 70 countries, contributing to an expected turnover of 13-million euros this year, with 63 percent of sales coming from exports. Loison’s products, known for their “innovation of accessible taste,” are largely sold under the Loison brand. Prices for his classic panettone range from €17 to €47, depending on the product line and packaging. Loison emphasizes the importance of branding, merchandising, and creating a loyal consumer base through high-quality, affordable products and collectible packaging. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Creazzo celebrates the San Nicola Festival for two weekends – November 20, VicenzaToday

The San Nicola Festival in Creazzo will be held from Nov. 22 to Dec. 8 and will offer local specialties; shows; music and entertainment. During the festival it is possible to taste spätzle with cream and speck; minestrone; sausage or cutlet with chips; tripe; goulash with polenta; cold dishes; fries and red beans inside a covered and heated tent. The tent will be open on Nov. 22, 23, 24 and 30 from 6:30 p.m. with live music. The other evenings will feature special themed dinners upon reservation. Pre-sales on www.upcreazzo.it (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Trissino, pet therapy lesson “The wolf teaches in class” – November 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza

TRISSINO (Vicenza) – At the Occupational Training Center (CFP) in Trissino, students are participating in a new initiative involving pet therapy and connecting with the animal world and nature. The project, supported by “Il Sorriso di Angela,” an organization located in Arzignano, aims to promote empathy among students. The certified dog trainer, Lorenzo Fois, introduced the students to a she-wolf named Galadriel, who became a “teacher” in the classroom. The students had the opportunity to interact with the wolf, experiencing the calmness and security that the animal provides. Fois guided the students in practices to establish a bond with the wolf, emphasizing the simple act of petting or showing affection to a four-legged animal. This unique experience allowed the students to appreciate the gentle nature of the wolf, challenging common perceptions and highlighting the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)

Local newspaper interviews US Consul General Milan, “The bond with Vicenza is solid. In 2025 it will be 70 years of friendship” – November 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza

U.S. Consul General in Milan Douglass Benning was recently interviewed by the local newspaper Il Giornale di Vicenza. During the interview, he underlined the “bond between Italy and the United States has lasted a long time, it is based on a strong friendship, on cultural and economic relations. The American military presence in Vicenza dates back to 1955, in 2025 it will be its 70th year.” Speaking of Villaggio, he stated that it will become operational in two years, and it will be not only eco-sustainable but also well integrated in the aesthetics and architecture of the area surrounding it. Asked about how Americans stationed here relate to the Italian healthcare system, he replied: “American citizens living in Vicenza are extremely fortunate to be able to access the free Italian healthcare system. We continually receive positive opinions about the level of care found here in Vicenza.” In closing, he spoke of the relationship with the municipal administration, adding that Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai appointed a Councilor in charge of relations with the American community. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Ecological Sunday in Vicenza, scheduled events and traffic restrictions in the center – November 19, VicenzaToday

VICENZA – The Ecological Sunday returns on Nov. 24 with traffic blocked within the walls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in Via Palemone from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Piazza dei Signori will host awareness activities dedicated to the World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. There will be the Slow Food Earth Market in Viale del Mercato Nuovo 32, and the extraordinary opening of Villa Ghislanzoni Curti, with guided tours of the greenhouse (by reservation). The San Pio X neighborhood near Caserma Ederle will be the focus of the day, with a cleanup of the neighborhood starting at 9:30 a.m. At 9:45 a.m., there will also be the departure of CorriXVicenza with a 10-km running route and a 7-km walk route. At 10 a.m., there will be a free throw tournament at the basketball court in Via Giuriato. At 10:30 a.m., a guided tour of the garden of Villa Tacchi, followed by workshops for children, educational games and information gazebos by local associations. Another highlight will be the “SriLanka-Pakistan-Bangladesh” cricket tournament at the sports field in Via Dalla Scola. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Palazzo Valmarana Braga, open to the public for the first time on Sunday – November 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Palazzo Valmarana Braga Rosa is located in Corso Fogazzaro, shortly after the intersection with Corso Palladio. It was built in 1566 on a pre-existing building. and heavily damaged by the bombings of March 18, 1945. Inserted among the 23 Palladian heritage sites on the UNESCO list, it has been going under a massive work of emptying the basement of the building that was completed a few weeks ago, with the laying of an ancient brick floor and the cleaning of the two access staircases. On Sunday, Nov. 24, it will be open to the public for the first time. There will be guides who will conduct tours in the underground rooms. To reserve tickets and information visit www.wetourguide.it (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Polar Park, the ice rink arrives in Campo Marzo – November 18, VicenzaToday

The covered ice rink will open in Campo Marzo on Nov. 23 at 4:30 p.m. The rink will remain open until Dec. 20, and again from Jan. 7 to 12, 2025, Monday to Friday, from 3:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, it will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets will be €10 including skate rental and reduced to €8 for children up to 1.30 meters in height. Entrance with your own skates is €6. Elementary and middle school classes can book use of the ice rink in the morning, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Monday to Friday at the cost of €5 per person but must book at least three days in advance. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

“Unico,” the handmade market in Vicenza this Saturday – November 19, VicenzaToday

VICENZA – On Saturday, Nov. 23 in Piazza dei Signori there will be “Unico,” the handmade market, dedicated to remakes, creativity and originality. You will be able to find creative and artisanal objects; unique accessories; small and large sculptures; colorful ideas for children; original and refined objects for the home; custom jewels and objects made thanks to creative and artistic recycling. The exhibitors come from all over northern Italy and will display exclusively original, handmade pieces, as the result of the creativity and ingenuity of artists, artisans and designers. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Local community invited to plant trees at the Tree Festival – November 18, https://www.comune.vicenza.it

VICENZA – To celebrate the Tree Festival Day, Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. Alì supermarkets, WOWnature and the Municipality of Vicenza invite the citizens to the planting of new trees. The morning program includes a meeting at 11 a.m. in Vicenza at the entry of Bosco del Quarelo (Via Ponte del Quarelo) with an introduction to the project and institutional greetings, followed by the planting of the new trees with the experts’ forestry by WOWnature. At the end of the event, it will be possible to take part in an educational walk. The area will host more than 20 different species of trees and shrubs native to our Po Valley, including oak; hornbeam; ash; elm; maple; with particular attention to the selection of honey species, to safeguard bees and other pollinating insects such as lime; hawthorn; blackthorn; dogwood and hazel. To actively participate in the event, simply confirm your presence by filling out the online registration form at bit.ly/BoscoQuarelo, and bring with you the desire to spend a day in the open air, gloves and appropriate footwear. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

The hike on Great War sites of the Spitz Verle peak – November 17, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The Spitz Verle peak, also known as Vezzena peak, is a popular destination for hikers in the municipal territory of Levico Terme, Italy. Located at 1,908 meters, it offers stunning views of the Trentino lakes of Caldonazzo and Levico and the Dolomites. The hike begins at the parking lot of Passo Vezzena and continues along a paved road, closed to unauthorized vehicles. Along the way, hikers can see the Austro-Hungarian fort of Busaverle, which was part of the barricade against Italian forces. After the fort, hikers can continue the paved road until they reach the sign for path 205, the most direct and fastest route to the summit. This path is steep, but does not involve any technical difficulties. Hikers should take it slowly and enjoy the view. The trail passes through a thinned forest and high mountain clearings before reaching the rocky mule track that leads to the summit. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)

Christmas and Epiphany Market in Bassano with the Lilliputian train – November 12, VicenzaToday

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA (Vicenza) – The Bassano del Grappa Christmas Market will run from Nov. 16 until Jan. 6, 2025, with the traditional Befana Market. The market will have 30 vendors distributed between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Libertà, with a variety of typical and artisanal products. It will be open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and from Dec. 7 onwards every day until Jan. 6. On Dec. 27, the Christmas displays will give way to the Befana Market. Every weekend Santa Claus will welcome children by distributing candy and tickets for a panoramic ride on the Lilliputian Train. This little train will travel/tour through the streets of Bassano with special stops. Tickets cost €2, free for children under three. Train times are Saturdays from 2:30–7 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2–7 p.m.; there will be extraordinary openings on the afternoons of Dec. 26 and 31, and Jan. 1 and 6, 2025. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

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