Italy's the Place to Be Young and Old

More time for blogging, as I have some time to myself now. Tuesday, May 27, both 5th grade classes walked a very short way to a senior center to make posters for a city-wide school competition whose theme this year is Alternative Energy Sources. The best in various grade levels will be chosen by the seniors at the center to display in their building.

As it turned out, this visit was rich with insight about the oldest Italians in this area. OLLI members might be particularly interested in this posting.

As soon as school began in the morning, the teachers told the kids to gather their art supplies (which are varied) and their mid-morning snacks, and led them two-by-two to a place called Il Centro Sociale Anziani di Cibeno Pile di Carpi. It's a social center where elderly (anziani) = the ancient ones, but with no pejorative meaning, enjoy themselves. It's not a residential place; it's a community center run by volunteers, all elderly. There are 3 such centers in Carpi, and they're a cooperative effort by the Church and the Civic side of the community. Apparently this is unusual, and they're very proud of this progressive meeting of the minds.

All during the month of May school groups (K-12) come and work on their posters in a pavilion similar to the one at Clemson's Madren Center (for those who know that place). The volunteers have set up long tables and covered them with paper and have put a large square sheet of watercolor paper in front of each child. Then they leave the kids to their own creative impulses, and do whatever they usually do there: play bocci ball, pool, exercise, read in the library, or just sit and smoke (outdoors only -- no indoor smoking is allowed in public places in Italy) and chat. The main building is a restored country villa. The grounds are beautiful.

My teacher (Daniela Bonini) and I went into the little cafe' for an espresso, and chatted with a lovely woman who served us. Then I spotted a room with interesting murals and framed posters (winning posters from previous years), and asked if I could go in to see them better. Of course!

And wow! An 80 year old man named Luigi Borellini who volunteers there gave us the tour, including the office where another volunteer manages tech support and the books. I was so wowed by the art that I asked if there might be a little flier or anything describing this place. Off went Luigi and reappeared with a book full of information about the center and the poster contest. It contained pictures of all the previous winning posters (10 years of them), and he wouldn't take any money for it. So I asked for his name and if he'd pose with me for a picture, and I'll write to him c/o the center when I get back to the states. I was so moved by the beauty and the health of these people, by their warmth and spirit. Look for the picture of the 2 men and a baby stroller. One man had just wheeled his grandchild up there (see the umbrella to protect her from the sun) and was chatting with his friend. The rest of the pictures should need no explanation.