It's official!  The first FIAO sponsored Italian Language Program has started in St. Louis thanks to a grant from the Italian Government under the auspices of Italian Consul General Enrico Granara and Education Officer Dr. Anna Fiore.  FIAO's Education Committee headed by Joseph Torrisi, aided by Eugene Mariani, Franco Giannotti and other board members implemented the program while the Teachers Selection Committee headed by Franco Giannotti, recruiteed, interviewed and hired the teachers.
The first day of class was March 4, 2002 but registrations continued to pour in resulting in larger than planned classes and shortage of textbook which have been immediately re-ordered.  The addition of a fifth class alleviated some of the overcrowding and a sixth class is contemplated. The initial response from the students and the community has been enthusiastic and reassuring. 
The Italian language, which is the 4th most popular language in the world, it's finding a new home in St. Louis.  Pioneering efforts by Italiano per piacere, where one can spend an entire evening in the company of some 50 plus "amanti della bella lingua", and selected activities by the Italian Club of St. Louis have helped stimulate the desire to learn the language. If want to join the Shaw program on the Hill it's not too late, call Joseph Torrisi at (314) 776-4327 or email him at Joseph.Torrisi@slps.org, or stay tuned for the next round this coming fall.
Se l'italiano e` la vostra lingua e siete desiderosi d'insegnarla contattate Franco Giannotti al (314)428-2266, interno 211, oppure se usate la posta elettronica indirizzatela a franco@ItalyStl.com. Grazie! 

Franco Giannotti, on the other side of the camera