Many thanks to the National Organization of Italian American Women for honoring me, along with food editor/journalist Gail Chiampa and attorney Laura Pisaturo, as “Wise Women.” Each of the honorees spoke about our Italian roots and the importance of remembering those roots on behalf of newcomers. 

From my talk: … “Growing up, this strong sense of place was irrevocably yoked to feelings of authenticity, of abundance, of safety, of belongingness. Feeling safe allows trust – and from trust springs courage.

This is the courage of our Italian ancestors – and the...

Colorful online story in USA Today features my picks from Bridges, selections that highlight bridges that are structurally significant, aesthetically pleasing or that provide unique solutions to issues arising from environmental, political and social conditions.  Ideally, all three.

One favorite is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (2006) in Prospect, Maine, designed by FIGG Bridge Group. After FIGG conducted listening sessions with Mainers about the new bridge, they learned the community was most proud of its granite, some of which was used...