Abruzzo News: 24 May 2000

About 1000 Pescarese over 80 are enjoying their status as Pope's contemporaries: like Diego De Sisto father of Pescara Jazz, and famous people like Alberto Sordi, Enzo Biagi, Giorgio Bocca. Here are some of these active 80 year olds: Rachele Marchigiani, a piano teacher for over 60 years; Saturni Giorgio (born 1916), famous Castelli ceramist; senator Glauco Torlontano, hematology doctor; Michele Macchia (born 1916), orchestra director; Raffaele Paparella Treccia (born 1913) a doctor and benefactor.

Sunday, 28 May the 19th edition of the "Sagra delle ciliegie" and on 3 June a congress on "La coltura del ciliegio", to increase knowledge on this product and the economic resourse it may represent. On Sunday parade of waggons decorated with cherries.

A three-hectare area has been repopulated with the lynx, which after disappearing from Italy just started coming back through the Alps. The Park is attempting a reintroduction in the Apennines. The museum is collecting all possible present and historical documents on the lynx in the area.

This Saturday and Sunday study meetings, prayers and celebrations for San Camillo, patron of Abruzzo and of doctors, nurses and similar categories.

With financial help from the municipality Domenico Bianco and Antonietta Santoleri, originary of San Domenico, Guardiagrele could visit their native town after 50 years. Domenico Bianco moved to Argentina in 1950 with father Silvino (now 91), his late mother Floretta and five siblings.