A New Reporter
Hi, I'm Valentina Montanari, twin sister of Francesca. This afternoon has been absolutely wonderful—I got to see my friends from Faith and Light again! The past two days have been amazing: yesterday with the boat inauguration, and today (read more here). But this afternoon was a truly important and moving moment, because I was chosen as a reporter for Faith and Light. They gave me my badge with my name and photo, printed with "Reporter Faith and Light Mondovì," and for me this is a tremendous honor. I've been part of this community since around 2002. I'm so happy and proud to have been given this responsibility. I hope COVID passes quickly so I can embrace all my friends from Faith and Light again.
(Valentina Montanari)
Drawings for CarrozzAbile
Dear editors, the Condivisione and Sicomoro communities in Fidenza have recently faced a season of fragility and hardship. But we've had cause to celebrate and congratulate our friend Alessandro, an artist, who thanks to the ANFASS Center in Massa Carrara—which he attends daily—was able to take part in "CarrozzAbile," an annual event at Marina di Carrara. The event invites everyone, especially schoolchildren, to sit in a wheelchair and experience firsthand the problems, obstacles, and architectural barriers that people with mobility difficulties face every day. This year, because of COVID, CarrozzAbile had to change format. Schools were asked to submit written pieces or graphic works on the theme of architectural barriers. The staff at the ANFASS Center asked Alessandro if he wanted to participate, and he said yes right away. Our artist drew inspiration from a friend he knows at the Center—he created a special, colorful wheelchair that would help his friend move more easily while also making it easier for his caregiver to assist him. And the chair is so special that it has the power to make its "passenger" smile and feel happy. His drawing was displayed alongside all the schoolchildren's submissions at a shopping center in the province. So Alessandro received lots of recognition and well-deserved praise—and we shared in his joy!
(Silvia Tamberi)