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Keith McCord ReportingWhen the Olympics get underway, they will no doubt generate a lot of attention to a small but growing organization here in Salt Lake, the "Italian Center of the West".
Call it a little bit of Italy in the heart of Salt Lake City. Next to Tony Caputos and in between the Vespa store and Carlucci's Bakery, is the Italian Center of the West. The non-profit center opened in 2004.
Adriano Comollo is the Director of the center; he grew up in Torino. The center, he says, was opened to be a gathering place.
Adriano Comollo, Dir., Italian Center of the West: "Because if you don't have a place, you don't have an organization. I used to say if you don't have a piece of real estate, then you are not real."
The center welcomes everyone, Italian or not. There are regular meetings and gatherings featuring guest lecturers. Also, Italian movies are shown and arts events are held.
The big screen shows the RAI Televison network via satellite. During the past three years, the center has thrown the Ferragosto street fair, drawing thousands of visitors.
For non-Italians, the center can be an educational resource. And for Italians new to Utah, it can be like "home". Emanuele Bobbio, with the Italian Consulate of Salt Lake, came to Utah 10 months ago and didn't speak English yet.
Emanuele Bobbio, Exec. Sec., Italian Vice Consulate of Salt Lake: "I was like a baby, so fortunately I could meet many Italian people, I could talk in my language, so yeah it's very important."
In a few weeks, the center is expecting a spike in interest as the Olympics get underway. Parties are scheduled for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Ed LaGuardia, Board of Directors, Italian Ctr. of the West: "So that many people can enjoy the events of Torino here at the Italian Center here. And, at the same time, we're going to get a lot of people to know about us, that we exist."
As a non-profit, the Italian Center of the West relies on donations and sponsorships. Word of mouth among visitors spreads the message. The center is looking forward to an extra boost when the Olympic caldron fires up in Torino.
