Women's History Month - Special Program
Join Dr. Paola Basile for a special program celebrating Italian American women. Includes a light lunch.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
11:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.
"A Journey Through the Lives of Extraordinary Italian Women"
Italy is famous for its breathtaking art, architecture, and cuisine, but its history is also rich with remarkable women whose stories continue to inspire.
This engaging presentation explores the lives of women who shaped Italian culture, education, science, politics, and the arts from the Middle Ages to today. Meet pioneers such as Matilda of Canossa, Bettisia Gozzadini, Catherine of Siena, Isabella d’Este, Laura Bassi, and Maria Gaetana Agnesi, and discover how their courage and determination opened doors for generations to come.
Special focus is given to Dr. Maria Montessori, whose revolutionary approach to education transformed classrooms worldwide, along with Francesca Cabrini and Nobel Prize–winning scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini. Concluding with modern trailblazer astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, this inspiring program reflects on the progress women have made while honoring the strength, intelligence, and resilience of Italian women across the centuries.
Lunch
- Soda, water, coffee, and wine
- Variety of sandwiches from Affettati
Cost
$35/person
Italian Language Classes - Winter/Spring 2026
Our Italian language classes provide a welcoming, small-group introduction to Italian, with an emphasis on practical vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills. Classes may be taken individually or as a progressive series.
Winter/Spring Session
Wednesdays, January 14 – May 13, 2026, 6:00-7:15p.m.
- Basic I: January 14 – February 18
- Basic II: February 25 – April 1
- Basic III: April 8 – May 13
Classes are held in person. In the event of severe weather, a class may be moved to Zoom at the discretion of the instructor. Individual Zoom attendance is not available when classes are held in person.
Registration includes copies of all class handouts.
Fees
- $125 per level
Enrollment & Policies
- If the minimum enrollment of 10 students is not met, the class will be canceled and registration fees refunded.
- No refunds after the first class
- Class fees cannot be prorated; if you miss a class, please speak with the instructor to review what was covered
- Classes are listed in numerical order, but this is not a rigid sequence. Each level moves at a pace that reflects the needs of the students enrolled.
Eligibility
Open to adults and youth ages 12 and older.