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Want to learn Italian or miss using the language? You might want to read this!

New classes at the TCAG could land you with new, or improved language skills
Italian classes
Italian instructor, Lucia Battocchio and Dan Pelletier, Executive Director of TCAG welcoming many students to the new Italian classes starting Feb. 5th. Photo: Gloria Katch/Thorold News

Buongiorno! If that currently doesn’t translate to Good Day, it will after the first day of Italian class. 

Passionate about the culture of Thorold’s heritage, Dan Pelletier, Executive Director of Thorold Community Activities Group, TCAG is kicking off Italian classes from Feb. 5 to May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at its 131 Richmond Street centre site.

In fact, one of the main donors of the centre’s 2008 campaign expansion is Nick Basciano, whose name adorns the building’s wall and is a testament to “the strength of the Italian heritage in Thorold,” he said.

Pelletier grew up in Thorold, and even as a youth realized how prominent Italian immigrants and their culture were in the community. 

“Most of my friends were Italian,” he said. 

After leaving Thorold and then returning five years ago, he notes how much the community has grown and changed. 

According to Pelletier, roughly ten per cent of Thorold’s population is of Italian descent in comparison to the national average of 4.6 per cent.

“I missed some of the Italian-ness and missed some of the diversity,” he said. 

After five years of contemplating the idea, he’s found the right teacher and timing to launch the 16-week program, which he promises will be “fun and conversational” to help bring the community together. 

It's targeted for youths and adults alike, and for non-Italians, and Italians who just want to brush up on their language skills.

“My idea is to run it like a book club,” said Lucia Battocchio, a freelance interpreter and instructor, who’s card eloquently reads: “The best of you and me in every single word.”

Battocchio taught French at the catholic school board in Toronto and is currently a supply teacher at its Niagara counterpart.

To Pelletier, Battocchio is the real deal: “Lucia is very organized and when she does it, she does it right.”

Battocchio speaks four languages, French, Italian, Spanish and English.

She lived in Di Vicenzo, Italy, which is closest to Venice in northern Italy, for 35 years. Italy has many dialects, and she finds French and Spanish closest to hers. 

She is particularly looking forward to meeting a few local elders who speak Italian, but don’t have an opportunity to “practise it.” 

She recalls the camaraderie she had with fellow students in her Spanish class, which soon became lifelong friends. 

For the elderly, re-learning their first language is “like a light in their eyes,” as they enjoy reminiscing about their past experiences and fond memories.

For those who are interested in learning Italian or enhancing some aspect of their quality of life, please visit the website or call (905) 227-0545 for more information on programming.