Also thank you for forwarding Janet DiPastena's message to us. I just checked my old emails. Janet and I shared a couple of emails over a year ago. They were very interesting. I'll forward them to you and and the rest of the Torricellano group.

First of all, I think your idea of a database is excellent. Al and Angela have already mentioned the concept in previous emails. It would be great to create digital images of all the pages in the church archive. The Mormons managed to make microfiche copies of the civil records from 1806 to 1865 (not quite certain about those dates). If they managed to do that, I can't see why we can't do the same for the church records. It would take a lot of time. I know because I've pored over every book and every page myself. In the the end, however, it would be a way to preserve the records forever.

Then we would need to index the various books by last name, first name, volume number and page number. Once again, it would take a lot of work, but it can be done.

You also mentioned the Onciario census of the mid-1700s. On my behalf, you have already researched the Aspromonte clan. It would be nice to have the records for all of Torricella posted on our website and/or Abruzzo2000. How much would that cost us to have you do the research? On the other hand, that job may have already been done. I read an article in the Amici di Torricella newsletter, Anno I, Numero 2, May 1989, page 3, entitled "L'Universitas di Torricella". The author of the article, Domenico Pettinella, writes about the Onciario records and gives a synopsis of the results for Torricella. If Angela or Barry can get a hold of Domenico, perhaps he can share with us his results.

It's interesting that you also mention dual citizenship. My two brothers and I have dual citizenship. As you know, Italians abroad are now eligible to vote. We all voted in the referendum last month. Unfortunately, a quorum wasn't reached and the vote was nullified. In any case, I read the results worldwide. The consular region of San Francisco had the lowest participation worldwide. Only 10% of eligible voters voted. In other places like Buenos Aires and New York, where people still have more of a connection with Italy, a much higher percentage voted. In any case, many Italians in the US are unaware of the fact that they have the rights to dual citizenship. It would be nice to spread that news on our website.

At the moment, I'm registered to vote in a small town north of Verona and my brothers are registered in Rome. I have requested that all three of our registrations be moved to Torricella. Why do I mention all of this? Well, to validate what you were saying. Now, that Italians abroad can vote, town politicians are going to want to stay on our good side. As you said, in small towns a few votes can make a difference. If all goes well, my 2 brothers and I will be able to vote in the next Torricella election. Our 3 votes could make an impact.

Finally, you mention tours. As I mentioned in a previous email, the tourist office in Torricella (near Bellini's statue) organizes tours. High school students take you on free tours of Juvanum, the museum, old Torricella, etc. At the end, you can leave a tip with the students. I went on a tour the last time I was in Torricella. I was very pleased. The students did an excellent job.