Today one year ago at 3:32a, L’Aquila and its surrounding areas were rattled by a devastating earthquake. The 6.3 magnitude quake is considered one of the largest post-war natural disasters in Europe’s history and it left 60,000 people homeless.  The bells rung today at a candlelit vigil in downtown L’Aquila 308 times: once for each life lost.

While at first the efforts by the government and emergency crews were praised worldwide, most people still remain in temporary housing and are not able to stay terribly close to where their homes once were. Medieval architecture is still in a state of great disrepair and downtown remains essentially off-limits since the structures are still labeled as unstable.  It has been one year, yet some estimate it may take ten years for life to return to normal in this quaint and gorgeous southern Italian provincial area.

Although political slogans were banned from being broadcast during the somber vigil, it is even more of a reminder that as nearly 25,000 people gathered in front of the cathedral, many of the streets they traveled today are still littered with rubble.  Silvio Berlusconi offered his condolences once more and praised the efforts of his government in aiding the injured, the sick, the homeless, and the dead, but as expected many more whistled rather than applauded.  The so-called “Wheelbarrow People”–those displaced residents who have protested with wheelbarrows by picking up the rubble in the quartered off downtown areas–still stage regular protests because corruption has once again taken centre stage in Italy.

I was lucky since none of my extended family or friends were in their homes in L’Aquila at the time, but I know I am in the minority here.  If you wish you can still donate to the Red Cross or through the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) or any other venues listed on my friend Sammy Dunham’s website, Life in Abruzzo. Also on her site is a heart-breaking letter from the extremely articulate Sofia Lawrence, who at 12 years old wrote a letter to her friend Davide in his memory. In addition, one great way to help any area ravaged by disaster is to patronize its industry(ies), so please find some businesses below that I personally support and will help L’Aquila get back on its feet:

• Marcelli Formaggi : a family owned and operated business right in Abruzzo importing some of the finest cheeses, honey, and olive oil.  The Marcelli family’s cheeses can be found in some of New York’s top restaurants and through their sister site, Abruzzo Pantry, you can place an order and enjoy fine, farm-fresh foods.
• La Porta dei Parchi : this happens to be the Marcelli’s farm where if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take part in Italy’s burgeoning agriturismo movement.  You can stay on the grounds, help the family, and experience what life is like in the L’Aquila province–one of the most beautiful spots in all of Italy. If this seems a bit out-of-character for you, you can participate in their “Adopt a Sheep” program & your contributions will help fund the farm and you can get fresh wool and cheese sent to you from your sheep.  It’s adorable and a wonderful concept.
• Breaking Bread in L’Aquila: Maria Filice’s first book–Breaking Bread in L’Aquila–pays homage to the region’s food and traditions and today is actually the book’s official launch.  You can learn about it on Maria’s website, Food and Fate, and all net profits will be going towards the rebuilding efforts.

Video: L\’Aquila Marks One Year Anniversary

You don’t have to be Italian to love cheeses as much as I do, but if you were raised around a family like mine, then chances are you have a great appreciation for it.  I’ve said this many times–and it is the total truth–I could live happily until the day I die with some good red wine, cheese, and some salumi (not to be confused with the term salami). Now what my cholesterol levels might be come that day when I do die is a totally different story…!

My darling Grandfather comes from a very small town called Castel di Ieri in the province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo and the province itself is known for sheep, strong meats, and great cheeses. There is a family located in an equally small town called Anversa and the Marcellis are heralded for their formaggi. Outside of their bioagriturismo business where you can go to La Porta dei Parchi  and see what life is like there, they also import their cheeses to New York City where they are served in some of the best restaurants in town.  On top of it all they have this wonderful program known as Adotta una pecora or “Adopt a Sheep” where your contributions can help keep this dying industry alive. (In return you can reap some excellent benefits like a partially paid tribute to La Porta, fresh cheese, and amazing wool products.)

If you love great, farm fresh products made by real people preserving tradition, then I urge you to visit the Marcelli’s website where whether in the US or the EU you can see which restaurants carry their cheeses and place orders of your own.  Go visit them here to learn their story, philosophy and order some great goodies: http://www.marcelliformaggi.com/

If you are an animal lover like me and are interested in adopting the most adorable sheep to ever roam Italy, then please visit http://www.laportadeiparchi.it/help_usa.htm

For more information on the bioagriturismo movement in L’Aquila and Abruzzo go to:  http://www.laportadeiparchi.it/index.htm

All the information provided on these websites come in a variety of languages, so no matter what you prefer you will be able to better understand what makes this part of Italy so wonderful and hopefully enjoy some of the delicious things I got to have growing up!