15 Decmeber 2021
Dear Civitellians,
It is winter in Umbria now, my absolute favorite time of the year. The colder temperatures bring terrific visibility and the mountains topped by snow seem to go on forever and ever into the distance. The night stars are more visible than ever and the Milky Way seems close enough to be touched. It’s a perfect time for bicycling, walking, wood fires, soups, and good books.
As a Civitella staff, we have been busy with our annual fund drive (please donate via our Support Us page!), end-of-year reports, off-season programming, juries, and nominations. Several alumni have come back to the Castle for independent study and research and it is always a joy to see them and share the occasional meal.
This time of year brings reflection and anticipation. I find myself so proud of our staff East and West, in Umbria and New York, and their hard work and skillful navigation through what often seemed like impossible obstacles last year.
Maurizio Bastianoni, who has been with the Foundation since 1994, retires at the end of this year. His ubiquitous gardening, painting, repair work, and mowing has been the backdrop of every Fellow’s stay, and we all wish him a fruitful and healthy retirement.
Please stay healthy and safe and keep in touch. It is our privilege to share your many worldwide successes through this website.
With all best wishes for the new year,
Dana Prescott
Executive Director