The President’s Message

Tony Mustaro

Dear Friends,

This month I have the sad task of informing you that we have lost one of our own.  Beppi Narduzzi, our friend and club photographer passed away peacefully at his residence just a few days short of his 92nd birthday.  Several of us from the club were scheduled to play for his birthday party and at the request of his daughter Anna. we did play for the other residents at Valley Orchards Retirement Community as Beppi’s last gift to his friends.  Joining me were Steve Balich, Frank DeVita, and Xavier de la Prade.  I had the honor of playing Beppi’s accordion for this last performance.  We played several of Beppi’s favorite tunes including Piemontesina, a tune dedicated to his late wife Elsa.  Beppi was an important part of the Italian-American community in Santa Rosa.  He was a sweet man with a loving family and many friends and he will be sorely missed.  Our condolences go out to his family.  Kris Nelson, who worked closely with Beppi on the Reedwooder will offer some of his  remembrances elsewhere in this issue.

Get well wishes go out to our friend and board member Elmo Fama who has recently undergone surgery.  We went to visit him yesterday and I am happy to report that he is looking well and is in excellent spirits.  Hope to see you at the meeting Elmo.

This month is the last summer meeting for this year which means that the Cotati Accordion Festival is over for another year as well.  Our thanks to Cathy and Art for their work in selling tickets to the festival to raise money for the club treasury.  Jennie Balich began this activity years ago and it has been a good fund raiser for us.

We have a great musical program lined up for this month’s entertainment.  Our scholarship chairman, Joe Chiesa, informs me that we will have some of our scholarship students playing for us at this month’s meeting in addition to any members who would like to sign up at the door to perform for us.

Our featured artist for this month is our own Bart Beninco.  Bart’s sensitive interpretations and technical expertise on the accordion always leaves us wanting to hear more.  We are all  looking forward to hearing what he has prepared for us this month. Next month before our October meeting Kris will be cooking gumbo for a pre-meeting dinner. Mark this on your calendar.  Just like our pasta feeds all are welcome including friends and family.
I look forward to seeing all of you at this month’s meeting.

Tony Mustaro
President
Accordion Club of the Redwoods