September 2021 update provided by the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Monterey hosted the Counsel General of Italy Sergio Strozzi and his Deputy Vice Consul Fabio Ballerini from the San Francisco Consulate Office. A meeting was held at the Portola Plaza Hotel & Spa in the executive board room. Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula president, Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton, opened the meeting, welcoming all in attendance and presented signed copies of the Italian Heritage Society’s book: Italian Fishing Families of Monterey to the dignitaries Strozzi, Ballerini, and their public relations officer, Sharon Meagher. Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson and Frank Bruno, Founder & Chairman of the Executive Board of the Friends of Isola delle Femmine, Inc. also came bearing gifts. All in attendance were there to promote the Sister City relationship with the city of Isola delle Femmine, Sicily. Many in attendance had roots from Isola. The room was filled with co-operation and enthusiasm all around. The goal was to solidify the Sister City relationship with the Italian government in Rome and to brain-storm ways to increase interaction and participation with the cities of Monterey, Pittsburg, and Martinez with their common Sister City, Isola delle Femmine. It was a fun and productive meeting with lots of laughter.


Left to Right:
Joe Amelio, Roberto Filice, John & Judy Proud, Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton, Gasper Cardinale, Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson, Counsel General Sergio Strozzi, Deputy Vice Consul Fabio Ballerini, Frank Bruno, Mary Coniglio, Vince DiMaggio, Sal Coniglio, Vince S. Ferrante, Alex Grillo, & Dr. Vince Malfitano.


Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson, IHS President Annamarie, Consul  General Sergio Strozzi, and Deputy Vice Consul General Fabio Ballerini