To get a look at the purple side of Sunday's six-pointer against Fiorentina
While Roma’s dramatic 2025 turnaround has captured the league's attention
the Giallorossi aren't the only side enjoying success at the moment
Although they can't match Roma's 18-match unbeaten streak
Fiorentina has quietly assembled a productive spring of their own
winning four of their past six league fixtures
including upset victories over Juventus and Atalanta
Thanks to that strong run of form, the Viola have climbed into eighth place with 59 points, three behind Juventus, who currently hold Italy's fourth and final Champions League spot for next season. To understand the Viola's dramatic spring, we reached out to our old friend Tito at Viola Nation
If Gian Piero Gasperini couldn’t squeeze much out of him
and the technical side of his game never really developed
so he just runs into defenders and hopes they fall over (they usually don’t)
He’s averaging the 2nd-most shots on the team per 90 and hasn’t scored yet
His loan’s set up in an interesting way: he had to play at least 30 minutes in 60% of Fiorentina’s total games to trigger the automatic option for €15.5 million
Raffaele Palladino started holding him out until the final 10 minutes or so to make sure that option would remain untriggered
It’s now mathematically impossible for him to hit that threshold
so he might get some burn in these last games
but it’s not happening despite Daniele Pradè expressing satisfaction with the move
His on-pitch attitude remains toxic—he even got the ever-smiling Dodô
who’s as cheerful and supportive as anyone I can remember wearing the shirt—to throw up his hands in frustration a few times
The fear is that Pradè loves a cheap reclamation project and could try a lowball offer for him but I think the return to Florence will be brief and over come July
His best season before this one was at PSG
where he also started the most games he ever had
he’s a confidence guy and needs regular minutes to get into a groove
Palladino’s built the attack around his pace
empowering him to stay on the last shoulder at all times and focus on getting in behind
he was asked to play with his back to the goal more
His teammates all know to get him the ball whenever possible
Instead of trying to cram him into a box that doesn’t fit him
Fiorentina’s delighted to let him express himself
KMB is a real thing; I won’t pretend to be an Italian hip-hop expert
but he’s clearly having a great time in the city
I’m sure there’s some larger lesson about human development and self-actualization here
VN: What’s stuck out most to me about Palladino is his smoldering good looks
but the thing that’s stood out the second-most is his flexibility
He started the year playing the 3-4-2-1 he used at Monza
then tried a 4-4-2 that looked good until Edoardo Bove was lost for the season
and then shifted to a 3-5-2 that’s been going quite well
he’s had a ton of injuries to deal with over the course of the season: Bove
and Robin Gosens have all missed significant time
Fiorentina’s gone from the most intense pressing side in Serie A to a pretty deep block
The idea is to invite pressure and tempt opponents to commit bodies forward
which in turn opens space for Kean and company to break into
they’ve actually been excellent against the big sides and really bad against the smaller ones
I wrote a thing last week about how this bunch of idiots averages more points against the top teams than the bottom ones
which may not be quite true after beating Empoli but is still pretty wild
That’s the secret of playing Palladino’s Fiorentina: don’t press
and his players will soak up that pressure like so many sponges and then charge the other way at pace
VN: The tactics match the personnel really well right now
Rolando Mandragora’s been on an insane heater
The 3-5-2 allows him a free role to drift wide and get in behind the strikers without leaving the middle completely bare
and the outside centerbacks (Luca Ranieria and Pongračić) have been excellent raiding forward to replace him when he’s high up
Gosens is a great off-ball runner and an aerial threat
which makes him a nightmare for most defenders
There are some kinks that need ironing out—Nicolò Fagioli’s form has dropped without Kean
the defense has a pretty high-risk style—but it’s working
Playing twice a week for the past few months has also built up a lot of momentum
although there are definitely some drawbacks from that as well
VN: I was very opposed to signing de Gea this summer
Fiorentina had just gotten a career year from Pietro Terracciano and Dave hadn’t played in over a year
like grabbing Franck Ribery a few years ago
34 is a spring chicken (I’m old) so it’s not surprising that he has some gas left in the tank
I think a lot of his resurgence is more about Man U than anything else
that’s just the most toxic environment in the world and everyone who wanders into it gets contaminated
Having talked with people who observe the Old Trafford soap opera pretty closely
the consensus is that de Gea was more a victim of circumstance than anything else
New coaches would try to install a more possession-oriented approach and target hi as the problem
but a smart manager should be building a team around strengths rather than weaknesses
Cataldi picked up a thigh injury that’ll probably keep him out and Dodô’s appendectomy means he won’t be available either
After a fascinating 1-2 loss in the Conference League semifinal at Real Betis
Palladino knows that he needs a big performance on Thursday to advance to (and probably lose
because the universe has a sense of humor) a third straight final
A lot of these guys have stacked up minutes recently; the death of Pope Francis delayed the game at Cagliari last week so those extra 3 days of rest evaporated
Maybe the boys can keep their intensity up but it’s bound to drop at some point and this seems like as good a point as any
I’ll be a good guest and say it’s probably a 2-1 win for the bad guys (that’s Roma)
which would deal a significant blow to Fiorentina’s European hopes for next year
Claudio Ranieri’s working his magic and Palladino’s got some key absences
and Guðmundsson; Kean’s just getting back from a week off for a family emergency and might not be fully locked in
I’m expecting a pretty scruffy game between two teams that both want to play on the counter
and doesn’t have these midweek games to cope with
I can’t even be that mad about losing to Nonno Claudio
Thanks to Tito for sharing his time and insights with us before tomorrow's critical fixture against Fiorentina. Be sure to check out Tito's work at Viola Nation, easily one of my favorite sites on our network. You can also follow VN on the site formerly known as Twitter.
And be sure to check back later this evening for our best guess at Ranieri's starting lineup
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Davis says she's seen "almost all" the Marvel movies "five
Michael Buckner/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty; Marvel
Davis’s hard-boiled president is is the reason to see this preposterous action pic
Davis has a formidable screen presence and serious action chops; for all its silliness
there’s plenty of fun to be had watching her slaughter the bad guys amid a diplomatic hail of bullets and canapés
On Amazon Prime
Watch a trailer for G20.This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025
The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media
The Oscar winner plays a soldier turned world leader forced to fight back in Amazon’s simple
and instead the film has landed on Amazon at a far less inspiring time for the US
when a president has decided to destroy rather than save his country
Any links to be made from fiction to fact push Trump’s agenda closer to that of the bad guys
who aim to tank the global economy and stop a perceived US overspend of foreign aid
While there are moments that might unintentionally insist we make the connection (lead villain expressing glee at a horribly familiar red stock market arrow)
G20 isn’t trying to be The Political Film We Need Right Now
its makers smartly picking brawn over brain
One might be fooled into thinking that might not be the case, however, with a glance toward the film’s choice of lead, the EGOT-winning actor Viola Davis
Since she graduated from bit-part player to Oscar winner
Davis has had the odd flirtation with genre (supporting roles in the DC and Hunger Games franchises) but has mostly stuck with drama
a decorated stage actor who gives a stirring monologue like no other
a fun diversion for an actor who often hasn’t had the meaty roles many of us believe she has deserved (this is only her third lead since winning an Oscar for Fences in 2017)
She’s a smart choice to play Danielle Sutton
as she has both the commanding regality of a leader (she did
play one in The Woman King) and the imposing physicality of a fighter (she has retained her well-trained physique from that movie)
She’s forced to rely more on the latter after a G20 summit in South Africa descends into chaos when terrorists take over
She’d hoped to use the conference to help further her noble agenda to help many in the poorer regions of Africa gain better access to digital banking capabilities
He hopes to stoke fear by hijacking her plan using deepfake tech to convince people across the world that this is in fact a cover for world leaders to gain control over the finances of less capable countries
He hopes to use this distrust to destroy existing currencies and persuade others to use crypto instead (very easy to root against a guy who is super into blockchain!)
With her heels replaced by flats and a gun in hand
the economy and the world – order to be determined
G20 works off a blueprint perfected in the 80s and popular in the 90s
a decade that saw its own president-v-terrorists actioner in Air Force One
There’s nothing quite as sleekly entertaining here but there are low-grade pleasures to be had in the moment before they’re forgotten about soon after
Davis provides Jack Ryan director Patricia Riggen with safer hands than we’re used to in a streaming mockbuster such as this
although sometimes the film could benefit from more talk and less action
There are moments in the last act where she’s allowed to verbally spar with Starr
that have a crackle that’s missing from much of the more mechanical film
especially in the development of her integral relationship with a rebellious daughter
a payoff that loses some of its power at the end
credited to four people including White Boy Rick scribes Logan and Noah Miller
isn’t funny or smart enough to elevate this in the way that Davis easily can and it’s hard not to wonder what a sharper writer could have done with this setup
enjoyment based less on deftly staged choreography and more on the catharsis offered to Davis
as president and actor (she has spoken in recent press about the pleasure and freedom the role has provided)
The thrill it offers to her doesn’t always make its way to us but there are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon
watching a hyper-competent president save the economy and bring down a tech bro
G20 is now available on Amazon Prime Video
Join us at the Akustika Fair at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from April 4-6
Meet The Strad team at stand F08 and pick up a free copy of the magazine
The Strad Directory
Jobs
Photos: Michael Zirkle/Library of Congress
Tuscan-Medici’ viola at the Library of Congress
The 1690 instrument is one of less than a dozen surviving violas by the master luthier
Read more news stories here
One of less than a dozen surviving violas by Stradivari
the instrument was originally part of a quintet he made for the court of Ferdinando de’ Medici
The Hills wrote that it was ‘one of the finest of the ten existing examples of [violas by] the maker
its preservation being as remarkable as the beauty of its appearance’
while the back is of two pieces of quarter-cut maple
The f-holes are finely cut although display a number of differences from each other
The viola still retains its original label
and was featured on one of The Strad’s posters in October 1992
The Tuscan Corporation was set up in December 1985 by the family of Cameron Baird
chair of the Music Department at the State University of New York
and after his death in 1960 the instrument passed to his wife Jane
who placed it on loan with the LoC in 1977
The Tuscan Corporation was set up by the Baird family
with shares owned by the various Baird family members
A renowned collector of fine Italian instruments
Fulton recently sold the last of his Stradivari violins
Following the LoC’s acquisition of the ‘Tuscan-Medici’ he noted: ‘It’s a pretty good trick to morph a uniquely fine Stradivari violin into a uniquely fine Stradivari viola
I think this is a suitable capstone for the [Fulton] Collection
which will henceforth be known as the ‘Fulton
joins five more Stradivari instruments housed and preserved at the LoC
The other five were donated in 1935 by Gertrude Clarke Whittall
with the mandate to make them accessible through performance and research
violist and president of the Curtis Institute of Music
premiered a viola concerto by composer Jennifer Higdon
written specifically for the ‘Tuscan-Medici’
It went on to win the 2018 Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition and Best Classical Compendium
The viola will also be featured in performance during the 2025–26 season of LoC concerts
‘This is an extraordinary gift to the Library and to the nation,’ said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
‘We will continue to embrace the spirit of sharing this remarkable instrument with America and the world
creating opportunities for musicians to perform at the Library and beyond so audiences can experience this exquisite viola
I am personally grateful to the Fultons and the Bairds for their tremendous generosity in making this instrument available to the public as part of the Library’s collections.’
Read: Heifetz’s 1731 Stradivari to be sold by Tarisio
Read: ‘Auer, Benvenuti’ Stradivari violin tokenised by digital asset company
most with actual-size photos depicting every nuance of the instrument
Our posters are used by luthiers across the world as models for their own instruments
thanks to the detailed outlines and measurements on the back
The number one source for a range of books covering making and stringed instruments with commentaries from today’s top instrument experts
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025
This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures
including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana
A champion of new repertoire and founding member of Ensemble Intercontemporain
French violist Gérard Caussé joins the faculty
Ahead of the Brentano Quartet’s New York premiere of Lei Liang’s Madrigal Mongolia at Caramoor
violinist Mark Steinberg reflects on the enduring influence of Chou Wen-chung — mentor
Grace Park provides a mini masterclass on how violinists can bring to life to the stylistic and musical qualities of the two seemingly opposite composers
38 violists under the age of 30 have been selected to produce a video recital
for the chance to progress to the competition’s live rounds in November
Anna Boysen Lauritsen takes up the role of director
while founder Jacob Shaw steps aside into the role of artistic director
The violinist has been appointed artistic director of Clarion Concerts
which provides chamber music concerts and experiences in New York’s Hudson Valley
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Glenn Korff School of Music faculty Clark Potter (viola) and David Neely (violin) will perform a recital
The concert is free and open to the public. It will also be live webcast. Visit the website on the day of the performance for the link
1 for Violin and Viola,” Bohuslav Martinu’s “Three Madrigals” and Christopher Lowry’s “Diversions,” which was composed in 2016
“The Lowry piece is largely based on folk idioms from Irish
Scandinavian and Bluegrass influences,” Potter said
“It’s really fun to play and will be very fun for the audience
The only problem for me is that the composer is a violist
Potter and Neely have a long history together
They met in the fall of 1984 in the studio of Peter Marsh at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
The two formed the Kirkwood String Quartet with two other musicians
the quartet left Indiana to become the graduate quartet-in-residence at California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles
The quartet worked weekly with the Sequoia String Quartet and two weeks each semester with San Francisco-based Kronos Quartet
Neely took a job at the University of South Dakota
and Potter took a job at Eastern Oregon University
Neely later joined the Glenn Korff School of Music faculty in 1993
where he and Potter performed with the Omega String Quartet
Potter joined the Glenn Korff School of Music faculty in 1996 when a viola position opened
Neely is professor of violin and an artist/faculty member of the Orfeo International Music Festival in Vipeteno, Italy. He is a member of the Trans-Nebraska Players chamber group, which has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Neely, visit his directory page.
Potter is professor of viola and is an active performer as a solo recitalist and chamber musician. He is a member of the Trans-Nebraska Players, the Nebraska Chamber Players and the newly formed UNL faculty ensemble Una Corda. He has conducted the Lincoln Youth Symphony since 2007. For more information on Potter, visit his directory page.
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2025 at 12:03 AM · Now I just have to see about inter-library loans
a viola and a cello (plus instruments by other great makers)
I wonder how much difference there is between the violins
Was every strad made to the same construction method and design
And how much difference compared to other makers
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1949 to the late Ray and Rheba (Avery) Robbins in Noblesville
Viola retired in 2017 as a Senior Account Manager at Gregory & Appel with over 40 years in the insurance industry
She enjoyed meeting with friends for a cocktail and reminiscing about the good old days
Viola loved spending time with her family and always looked forward to Christmastime
Visitation will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
2025 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center
Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Noblesville
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There’s a plaque and brass bust of woman in a sitting area on the first floor of Cape Breton University’s library
It was dedicated in November 2024 to Wanda Robson
a woman who literally lived four lives in one
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began in 1946 in the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow
where she was removed by the police for sitting downstairs with the white audience instead of taking the balcony
where the theatre owner deemed Blacks should sit
lead the campaign to recognize how important her big sister’s stance was that night
had no real intention of writing her biography
helped him realize her story was too important not to be shared
Wanda Robson had already told some of her story in her book
It wasn’t a hard sell to convince Breton Books publisher Ron Caplan this was a book that needed making
Reynolds has a very inviting style of writing
He doesn’t bog the reader down with minutiae; rather
he goes with the main themes and presents them in a manner any reader will feel comfortable with
The story begins with Wanda’s parents in the early 1900s in Halifax
Gwendolyn Johnson met James Davis in Halifax
where she was visiting from her home in New Haven
After graduating from “finishing school” in Boston
she returned to Halifax and married Davis in 1908
They raised 11 children in what Reynolds calls a “conventional yet exceptional family.” Wanda was the youngest
would within a few years become a successful businesswoman with her own beauty salon on Gottingen Street in Halifax
Wanda found herself working in the Department of Fisheries Lab in Halifax
They advertised for a smart young man with an interest in science
Wanda met “a handsome and charismatic young Black baseball player” who played for a Brooklyn Dodgers farm team that trained in Halifax that summer
Milton (Bomber) Neal literally swept Wanda off her feet
Three children later and living in near poverty conditions in the United States
Reynolds sees Wanda’s marriage situation as one many families had
“The Black family in cities across America was in a state of crisis
and at the heart of this crisis was the uneasy relationship between Black men and women — a complex and controversial topic and one that
The return to Nova Scotia at the urging of family — including Viola
who was living in New York at the time — ended the second stage of Wanda Robson’s life
She quickly got rehired at the fisheries lab and eventually met a young man working there part time to help pay for his engineering degree studies
living in a house supplied by Dalhousie University on the stipulation she rent out rooms to a few students needing lodgings and working full-time
Wanda and Joe Robson eventually married and after working 23 years in the Fisheries lab
Wanda moved to North Sydney with Robson in 1973
when he was offered a teaching job at Memorial High School
surrounded by family and friends in the Black community
was at a close and for approximately the next 50 years she was a Cape Bretoner
with their five children educated and settled
she walked into Reynolds’ office at CBU asking about auditing a course of his on race relations in North America
She had a desire to get a bachelor of arts degree
she walked across the stage with her degree and began relentlessly to champion Viola’s story
Complete at 111 pages with 32 photographs covering all aspects of Wanda Robson’s remarkable life
Reynolds has written an excellent biography of a Canadian social justice champion
Available wherever Breton Books are sold locally or online
The book will officially be launched during a ceremony on Tuesday in the library at Cape Breton University
Paul MacDougall is a Cape Breton writer and lucky to have meet Wanda Robson on many occasions
“The Life of Wanda Robson: Canada’s Advocate for Viola Desmond and Social Justice” (Breton Books
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2025 to return to her Heavenly Father and to the loving arms of her eternal sweetheart
Washington to Viola Wilhelmenia Erickson and Peter Wilhelm Schenk
She graduated from Wenatchee High School and then went on to earn a BA degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology from BYU
she attended a dance with her roommates and met a very handsome tall man in the Airforce
They quickly fell in love and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 22
Family was very important to them and they were blessed with 3 daughters and a son
They devoted their lives to being great parents
Viola continued to teach at a variety of schools as they moved to different areas
While Jerry was stationed at Edwards Airforce base in Mojave
she taught for the Mojave Unified School District
After relocating the family to Portland Oregon
she taught at Multnomah County School District
California was the next stop for their family where they lived for 15 years
Here she taught for the Hayward Unified School District
which has given the family so many amazing memories
California and they lived there for 12 years before settling in Logan
Utah which has been their home for the past 36 years
Viola continued with her teaching skills as a substitute teacher and had the opportunity to sub for some of her grandchildren
Viola is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
She was very active and served in various teaching and leadership positions
Viola and Jerry loved to entertain and either hosted in their home or helped plan many church and community events
from Halloween to Christmas parties and plays
Viola served on several community boards: USU/Community Concert Series
where she also served as president; Cache County Republican Women
and also served as president; Circle of Friends for the Child & Family Services; Cache County Historical Society as a committee member
Jerry and Viola served a 2-year mission for the LDS Church in Nauvoo
where she was the director of the Land and Records office
Viola lost the love of her life in November 2005 to Non-Hodgkins lymphoma yet she continued to serve in both the community and the church
Viola loved spending time with her family and traveling
Some of her favorite travels took her to the Griffen ranch in Escalante
She absolutely loved the beach and would often say to everyone: “The ocean is so healing!”
Viola and Jerry’s legacy is strong and continues to grow
She is lovingly known to all of her grandchildren and their friends as Grams
She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Goodwin
Shelly (Rod) Flanigan and Allison (Steve) Milne; Sister Liz (Scott)Ness
Danielle and Topher; 6 Bonus grandchildren
5 1/2 great grandchildren and 18 bonus great grandchildren
She was an amazing woman with an incredible zest for life
Everyone in her family always knew how much she loved them
Her capacity to love and care for others is endless
Our memories of her will stay with us always
When asked on her 90th birthday what she would like everyone to know
her response was “Just be kind to everyone…
The family would like to express our love and gratitude to all the wonderful staff at the Legacy House in Logan and the Intermountain Health and Hospice team
They loved Viola and always made her feel so special
2025:LDS Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward Building1260 N 1600 E
Logan Utah 84341Viewing: 9:30 – 10:30 amService: 11:00 am
Interment at Logan Cemetery following the service
TO VIEW VIOLA'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE
*Disclaimer: If for some reason the livestream of the Funeral Service does not work we will record the service and upload the video and/or audio recording at a later date.*
Memories and condolences may be share and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.
StyleBlueprint
Viola Ratcliffe is on a mission to empower Birmingham's creative economy to become a means of sustainable growth for the city and beyond
Meet this month’s inspiring FACE of Birmingham
Create your free profile or log in to save this article
she helps connect locals to the city’s vibrant creative scene
the arts are more than expression — they’re the heartbeat of a strong
Get to know this week’s FACE of BHAM
I grew up in Montgomery and am the oldest of four
my elementary school had a great arts program
I also grew up going to museums and traveling to cities like Chicago and Washington D.C.
so my love of travel and culture started young
and when I realized that they were hiring for a Community Engagement Manager
I applied for the position and was elated when I got the job
I was promoted to being the Director of Community Engagement
which has allowed me to expand my role and impact at Create
I like to describe my role as being a conduit between the programs we facilitate and the community we serve
I work most closely with our creative entrepreneurship and community arts programs and am responsible for developing and managing the majority of our community arts initiatives
Create Birmingham seeks to position Birmingham’s creative economy as a powerful driver of economic growth
and creating sustainable jobs within the sector
and we all work together to make this a reality
I facilitated the Bessemer CO.STARTERS program from 2022 to 2023
I learned so much about our region’s creative entrepreneurship community and discovered incredible small businesses and nonprofits that were doing amazing work in the face of substantial challenges and barriers
and due to our work and partnerships in Bessemer
we’ve been able to offer even more opportunities to that community
including holding a month-long series of Business of Creating workshops this past February and partnering with the City of Bessmer to administer the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recovery Grant
Our annual Community Arts Program is always especially meaningful
Joe Minter Is Here,” was profoundly impactful
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Joe
and the Titusville community to celebrate the life and work of one of Birmingham’s most prolific artists
I highly encourage anyone interested in Birmingham’s art and history to visit Joe Minter’s African Village in America
we are now working with Joe Minter and LaStarsha McGarity
Legacy Museum Conservator and Co-Director at Tuskegee University
They are the foundation of every community
We are all artists and creatives because to live is to create
The arts enable us to understand who we are and help us to determine where we need to go
They are a catalyst for economic growth and sustainability
it is the arts that bring us together when we feel most divided
Yes! We have two upcoming workshops for the Jefferson County Memorial Quilt
this project seeks to reckon with central Alabama’s haunting history of racial violence and propel racial reconciliation through the co-construction of a Jefferson County Memorial Quilt
which will be created in honor of the 33 African-Americans who were lynched in Jefferson County from the mid-19th through the mid-20th century
Our next sewing workshops will take place on May 8 at Sloss Furnaces and June 28 at Bessemer Public Library. These workshops are free to attend and open to anyone who would like to create a block for this quilt (sewers and non-sewers alike). For more information, visit our website
and I am currently pregnant with our third
whether it’s catching an international flight or just taking a road trip to a cool destination
I also enjoy painting and working with my hands
Musically, I’m loving Doechii, SZA, and Tems. I like to read a variety of authors. This spring, I read Imani Perry’s Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People
and that book has been living with me for the past few months
I first saw this in an Amos Kennedy print in my 20s
I now have this print at the entrance of our home
Last delicious local meal: My husband took me to dinner at Automatic Seafood for my birthday
and one of the best dinner experiences I’ve ever had
and it’s the gift I know everyone will appreciate
especially fresh cut from a garden or florist
Favorite recent TV show binge: This is a not-so-recent series
and it is still one of my favorite watches
It’s a docuseries that follows the lives and races of the world’s top track stars; I learned so much
Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives
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The family of Judith Anne Viola created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories
Hampton - Judith Anne Viola passed away peacefully ..
Made with love by funeralOne
Beloved wife of the late Gerard “Jerry” J
Bohn; cherished daughter of the late Fred and Lydia Lorberg
and Jim (Kris) Bohn; loving grandmother of Trevor (Alisa) Wies
and Jared Bohn; treasured great-grandmother of Carter Wies
Vi was a passionate fan of professional bull riding (PBR) and had a deep love for flowers and gardening
Vi had a flair for the theater and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
whom she lovingly called "her babies." Vi was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her
Memorials may be made in Vi's name to American Cancer Society
French violist Gérard Caussé joins the faculty
Violist Gérard Caussé has joined the faculty of the Alfred Cortot School of Music in Paris
the school described the violist as ’a major figure in the viola world in France and internationally
he actively promotes contemporary music and practises influential teaching.’
The French violist was a founding member and solo viola of Pierre Boulez’s Ensemble Intercomtemporain
he has had over ten concertos written for him
and performed as a soloist of viola repertoire with orchestras worldwide
He has served as musical director of the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra and the Camerata of the Caja Duero Foundation in Salamanca
he has taught at institutions such as the Paris Conservatoire and the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid
as well as numerous masterclasses at festivals in Verbier
Caussé has an extensive discography of over 60 recordings
including a recent transcription of Bach’s Cello Suites for viola, interwoven with poems by Rilke
He plays on a 1560 Gasparo da Salò viola
Read: New York’s Juilliard School welcomes six new members to its string faculty
Read: Cellist Christophe Coin joins Paris teaching faculty
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers
It’s packed full of exercises for students
plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written
Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists
chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s
The Astatine Trio and Novo Quartet join the scheme from 2025–2027
Ten ensembles will compete for the chance to win the top prize package
at this year’s competition from 25 to 31 August
Eight categories of young violinists and chamber groups contested for numerous cash and product prizes at the competition’s final
AS Roma mister (and World’s Best Nonno candidate) Claudio Ranieri opts for Zeki Çelik in the back 3
forming a potent right side with Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini
too; the Viola academy graduate is always extra-excited to play against his former club
Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino rotates his side pretty heavily
which some people might interpret as conceding defeat in order to rest some heavy legs ahead of the Conference League semifinal against Real Betis on Thursday
Fabiano Parisi starts at right wingback again and ex-Roma man Nicolò Zaniolo gets the nod up top
but it’s the midfield that’s particularly different: Amir Richardson and Cher Ndour—making his first appearance in a month—join Rolando Mandragora
Check the safe, reliable, and legal options here for streaming and televised options. Any requests for or links to illegal streams will get you banned. We’ll be posting live updates on Twitter if that’s your thing
keep it in the comments for the usual mix of denim-like distress and linen-like breeziness with the best damn sports community on the internet
Passed peacefully at home in the presence of loved ones
CO to Agapita Ortega Vigil and Filbert Vigil Sr
She was preceded in death by her husband Wendell Wayne Hininger
daughters Cheri Burns and husband Keith of Las Vegas
NV and Wendy Iverson and husband Dave of Edgewood
Granddaughter Tenille Kothe and husband Mike of Las Vegas
great grandchildren Bella and Rocco Gioia and Penelope and Oliver Kothe
Special friend Nela Wilkenson along with many nieces
Vi will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her
Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park beginning at 10:30am followed by a luncheon
Luncheon will take place at the FOP at 4120 Cutler NE from 11:30 - 2:30
Leona Viola Wirtz became an angel on April 13
so she took on a lot of responsibility at a very young age
she would always reminisce about the fond memories made growing up and working on the Crosby Farm
Randy was the center of her world for the rest of her life
Leona worked three jobs at times to make ends meet
She started out working at the railroad and then moved to St
She also taught accordion and piano lessons at Torps in St
Paul on the weekends and played in a band with her father to pay her music talent forward while making some extra money
she was able to get through whatever challenge was put in front of her
Paul Companies she received many awards and worked her way up to an Auditor role
She was a math guru - she could figure out any math equation in her head faster than you could type it into a calculator
She took an early retirement at the age of 55 and then went to State Farm Insurance for another ten years
Her idea of retiring was working 30 hours a week at JC Penny
(She wanted to get that employee discount.) Despite her busy work schedule
traveled whenever she could and enjoyed playing cards and bingo with friends and family
She enjoyed spoiling both Shannon and Shane with weekly trips to Dairy Queen
Always giving them her full undivided attention when they were together
She enjoyed many family vacations and always reinforced the importance of stopping in the moment and enjoying God's beautiful creations
she always made sure the best presents were under the tree
beautifully wrapped and EVERY present having a bow
by singing the entire birthday song to you
If you weren't able to answer you could bet it would be on your voicemail
Leonard and Viola (Schulke) Wirtz; siblings
Beverly (Dan) Hathaway; and brother-in-law
Leona will be deeply missed by her loving family: her son
Shannon Spychalla and Shane Wirtz; great-grandchildren
Leona's Celebration of Life will take place on Friday
followed by a few rounds of Bingo in her memory
Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go
she was educated in Bangor and was a graduate of John Bapst High School in Bangor
and together they shared over 64 years of marriage and together raised their 3 beloved children
Louise was a dedicated homemaker and mother
she worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Stoughton Junior High School for several years
she worked as a Receptionist and Secretary for Dr
Louise was a longtime communicant of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Stoughton where she was a Eucharistic Minister and was an active member of the parish
the Women’s Guild and the annual Variety Show
Louise enjoyed spending time at her home and hosting her friends
Her happiest memories were when she was surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Grace and Andrew Viola and the sister of the late James Kelley and Margaret Reynolds
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews
Visiting Hours will be held from the Farley Funeral Home
Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Thursday
2024 at 9:15 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church at 10:30 AM
donations in Louise’s memory may be made to St
until service time at Rose Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden
Interment will follow at Hurricane Cemetery in Arcadia
Louisiana and went to be with the Lord March 11
and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
by Stephanie ZacharekFilm Critic
The only thing that stretches credulity more than a woman president who picks up an automatic weapon to blast a gang of baddies at a global economic summit is the idea of a woman president, period. That’s the ironic and sad truth of Patricia Riggen’s action thriller G20, in which Viola Davis plays a war hero who has become president of the United States
with all the risks and responsibilities the position entails
Someday we really will have a Black woman president
we’ll have to make do with the wish-fulfilment fantasy of G20
a movie that does little more than tick off a selection of action-movie boxes—though some of them are at least ticked off with a satisfying click
G20 opens with a scene in which a young woman valiantly does her best to protect a digital thingamob of great importance; she fails
is being roused from her bed to deal with a domestic crisis
has managed to sneak out of the White House to go clubbing
somehow eluding the gimlet eye of the Secret Service
Serena is a tech whiz; she also has a brother
who’s very sweet but seems to have no discernible talents—this is a movie where the women are the ones who shine
although First Gentleman Derek Sutton (Anthony Anderson) does have a moment where he blams a baddie who threatens to harm his family—but let’s not get ahead of ourselves
After the press learns of Serena’s fairly harmless teenage breakout, a journalist mockingly asks Danielle how citizens can expect her to protect them when she can’t keep track of her own family. That’s when she decides Serena and Demetrius should accompany her and Derek on their trip to Cape Town, South Africa, for the G20 summit
when a group of crypto terrorists—led by the disgruntled bitcoin nut Rutledge (Antony Starr)—infiltrate the ultra-fancy hotel where the event is being held and take a bunch of world leaders hostage (after killing some
Danielle’s kids and husband are endangered
She’s equally loyal to her family and to her country
Davis is one of our greatest actresses
and she’s very good at playing an individual forced to make urgent life-and-death decisions
Give her a lofty speech—she gets several here—and she’s right at home
lending Shakespearean-level gravitas to every phrase and syllable
But she’s rarely called on to show any wit
the script radiates hushed reverence for the mere idea of a Black woman president; couldn’t G20 be just a little less self-serious
When Danielle scolds Serena for sneaking out
“You know I needed to work twice as hard to get here
Why are you making it harder?” We know exactly what she means
But even though G20 presents itself as a fun
Davis makes it clear that Danielle is giving her all to save democracy and her family; she’s just not having any fun doing it
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Two things to know about Viola Davis
and don't ask her to buy you crazy-expensive sneakers
Marsai Martin learned both lessons while shooting "G20" (streaming Thursday on Prime Video)
President Danielle Sutton and Martin is her precocious hacker daughter
The easy friendship shared by the duo was on display during a recent Zoom call
confessing she couldn't do more than one pull-up
"My trainer, Gabriela Mclain
who I call Lord Voldemort or the one who shall not be named
"I shot this movie right after doing 'The Woman King,' so I never stopped working out," she says
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People will not be doubting Davis's toughness after seeing "G20," which shows Davis single-handedly taking down a gaggle of terrorists who infiltrate a G20 summit in South Africa
protects her family and literally saves the world
Why did Viola Davis make 'G20'? To 'put every young Black girl in the story'The film came to Davis, one of Hollywood's elite EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners
and her producer husband Julius Tennon in 2015
the couple was determined to see the movie through
people who make us feel protected and cared for
she would ask Davis to insert her as a character in the fantastical stories she'd make up at bedtime
I did it to put every young Black girl in this story; I want them to see themselves without the limitations society often puts on them
But the pressure of seeing something within yourself without seeing the evidence of it in the world
What is readily apparent watching "G20" is that the plot represents something U.S. voters rejected in the last presidential election with the defeat of Kamala Harris
the cast felt they were shooting a scenario that might soon echo real life
known for TV's "Black-ish," which also starred Anthony Anderson
"Movies remind us of things that can still happen
Martin says gained a powerful mentor and "came away understanding how you lead on set
Davis just nods before heaping praise on her costar
who in "G20" plays a central role in helping vanquish the bad guys
she has extreme sensitivity and a driving need for excellence," Davis says
So you're still wondering about the expensive sneakers
When the duo is asked what they learned about each other during the shoot
a birthday was rolling up for Davis' daughter
and word was that Genesis wanted a very specific pair of Nike sneakers
so Davis enlisted Martin's help finding a pair
you have got to be kidding me,'" she says with a big laugh
Students from HBCUs had an exclusive talk with married couple Viola Davis and Julius Tennon about their new film “G20,” premiering on Amazon Prime on April 10
Just months into President Donald Trump’s second term
members of the Howard community are grappling with the effects of his new policies
Jordan has long been a prime location for Palestinian refugees
straining their resources to near breaking point
President Donald Trump has signed 143 executive orders
Howard makes moves to remodel Wonder Plaza shutting down various popular campus restaurants such as Negril
From canceled internship programs to navigating working on government projects in an uncertain political climate
Howard students touch on the impact DEI rollbacks have..
The New York Times recently released an article about Black men’s declining HBCU enrollment
President Donald Trump signed an executive order with the goal to develop and advance HBCUs leaving some students in shock
former athletes are using their platforms to share insights and personal stories
As the Class of 2025 prepares to say goodbye to Howard
their memories are etched not just in yearbooks or transcripts
HUSA President Jay Jones reflected on the challenges and obstacles that shaped her as a leader
some Black women are choosing to protect their peace and find community in the “92 percent” movement
As the job market becomes more competitive
Howard University community members debate the recent expansion of the AFRO cluster course requirement
some arguing that the variety may impact the requirement’s original..
Bison, It has been the honor of my academic career to work at The Hilltop. As I type this out
Copyright © 2021 The Hilltop: The Student Voice of Howard University
Wylie created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories
I think you know what was on our television
If the critical response and the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes are to be believed
then this might be a "miss" of a film (both ratings currently stand at a dismal 54%)
I couldn't disagree more with this score (and not just because I'm a mega-fan of Ms
In this brand-new thriller—which is currently the number one film on Prime Video worldwide—Davis plays United States President Danielle Sutton
She and her family travel to the G20 summit to meet with other world leaders
things take a wild turn when terrorists take over the summit and hold the leaders and their families hostage
President Sutton also knows how to evade capture
fight in hand-to-hand combat and wield a gun
I guess where my biggest beef with the critical response comes in is with the expectations
I'm clearly not looking for depth and well-written dialogue
cliche one-liners that make me want to cheer and lots of twists
Beyond being a fun and easy watch, the film boasts a pretty impressive cast. Aside from Davis (who, ya know, has an Oscar for Fences), we've got Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Marsai Martin (black-ish), Antony Starr (The Boys), Elizabeth Marvel (House of Cards), Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus), Clark Gregg (The Avengers) and Julius Tennon (Davis's real-life husband)
playing the First Gentleman and the Italian Prime Minister
Both get fully involved in the action—though no one gets quite the level of fighting/battling/gun-wielding as Davis
After the film hit number one on Prime Video, Davis posted her reaction on Instagram
Seven years of developing and the fruits of our labor has paid off!
Thank youuuu world....from the bottom of my heart!!!" FYI
Davis and husband Tennon are both producers on the film
In another post, Davis called out her production company's involvement in the creation of the movie: "This was a long road, but oh, so worth it! @JuVeeProductions continues our mission to bring dynamic storytelling
Whether or not your household is a Davis household like mine (though I would argue it should be)
it doesn't make you think too hard and Davis
G20 is now streaming on Prime Video
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I Just Watched This Bonkers New Thriller in Theaters—and, You Guys, There Are *So* Many Great Twists
Pace University’s award-winning student documentary team – PaceDocs – will premiere their latest film, “Viola da Terra: Harmony of the Azores,” at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Jacob Burns Film Center
The documentary was filmed over spring break on the Azorean islands of São Miguel and Terceira
It explores the story of the Viola da Terra
a traditional 12–15 string instrument with deep roots in Azorean identity
and Pace University’s documentary film team
Tickets for the reception and screening are available
“Viola da Terra is a moving exploration of music and identity that brings the story of the Azores to life through powerful voices and beautiful cinematography,” said Marvin Krislov
under the leadership of Professor Maria Luskay EdD
along with technical skills such as lighting
and other real-life lessons necessary to complete a film
“From navigating travel between 2 of the Azores 9 islands to conducting complex interviews and editing in multiple languages
they’ve grown into real-world storytellers—and it shows in this film,” said Luskay.”
The PaceDocs crew split their time between the islands
Sete Cidades and the Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Museum
they met with master musician Rafael Carvalho
visited his school and documented performances from students and local artists
They also toured a viola-making workshop led by artisan Hugo Raposo
the team continued filming with interviews at City Hall with Mayor José Gabriel do Álamo de Meneses
who spoke about the importance of preserving Azorean heritage
Additional scenes were filmed at Escola Básica e Secundária Tomás de Borba
where music teacher Lázaro Silva and two students
discussed their experiences playing the Viola da Terra
The trip concluded with a musical performance and community celebration at the Angra do Heroísmo Interpretive Center
Made up of both graduate and undergraduate students
the team was deeply moved by the opportunity to collaborate on a film of professional quality
“Working on Viola da Terra was a completely different but equally powerful experience,” said Jackson Blackburn
a senior in the combined BA/MA digital communication and media/multimedia program
“Having also been part of the PaceDocs team last year for The Cooper
I came into this project with a deeper appreciation for the process
but the cultural connection and emotion in the Azores brought something new
Dyson College’s student filmmakers have produced another fascinating documentary,” said Tresmaine R
Dean of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education
they also enlighten us to important issues across the societal spectrum
This year’s focus on the Viola da Terra in their work
reveals the importance of preserving cultural traditions and how this musical instrument is a symbol of the Azores’ musical heritage and a testament to its community’s spirit.”
and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine
as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements
The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships
cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices
Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically
With campuses in New York City and Westchester County
and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions
and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that Gregory Antill
will join the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Law beginning in Fall 2025
Professor Antill will teach courses in criminal law and tort law while also supervising student scholarship and research projects in the advanced legal writing seminar
Hopkins Professor of Law for the 2023–2025 term
Hopkins Professor delivers a lecture that is open to the entire law school community and members of the public
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that Kate Skolnick
an accomplished public defender and respected criminal law scholar
Professor Skolnick will teach courses in criminal law and criminal procedure
along with an advanced criminal law seminar
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She grew up in the oldest town in Colorado
then at 8 years old moved to Denver Colorado
She had various careers throughout her adult life but made a focus as a homemaker and raising three boys
an avid bingo player and gambling with her husband Albert Sr.
the interaction with her grandchildren and cooking for her family and a huge Bronco fan
She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Sr.
Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00pm
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am Tuesday
CO 80003 with a reception immediately following in the Reception Hall
Graveside Service will be at 2:30pm Tuesday
Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation - Northwest/Arvada
Henry passed away peacefully at her lifelong home in Wallkill NY on April 17
the very home in which she was born on October 30
and the many children and animals she cared for throughout the years.
Viola worked for the Wallkill Central School District in both the library and the cafeteria
always bringing warmth and kindness to the students and staff alike
she followed her heart and opened her own daycare
which she often described as one of her greatest joys
she lovingly cared for more than 100 children
each one a cherished part of her extended family.
Viola also rescued countless cats and dogs
She was deeply involved in her community through 4H—sharing her talents in gardening
and animal husbandry—and served as a Girl Scout troop leader for an incredible 40 years.
Viola was also a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary in Modena and a dedicated congregant of the New Hurley Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school.
Viola is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years
A graveside service will be held on April 29
at the New Hurley Reformed Cemetery at 1pm.
the family welcomes donations to the Backpack Ministry Program at Wallkill Reformed Church 45 Bridge Street Wallkill NY (wallkillreformed.org) that provides school supplies to students in need to start school in Viola’s memory
Backpack Ministry Program at Wall Reformed Church45 Bridge Street, Wallkill NY 12586Web: https://wallkillreformed.org/Backpack-Ministry
Los Angeles
t:213.403.9626
f:213.330.4501
Email
Chelsea Viola is an associate in the firm’s Los Angeles Office
Her practice includes advising and defending employers in all areas of labor and employment law
and Inclusion Editor for the Loyola Law Review
Chelsea gained valuable experience in employment law through her externship with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
where assisted in drafting decisions of an administrative judge
Chelsea externed with the Office of the Attorney General of California in the Employment & Administrative Mandate Section
where she gained hands-on experience in employment defense cases involving state agencies
She has also developed client-facing skills and experience through Loyola Law School’s Rights In Systems Enforced (RISE) Clinic
where she represented clients who were survivors of human trafficking in both civil and criminal matters
Republished Insight: California’s Latest Privacy Push: The Location Tracking Crackdown Businesses Can’t Ignore
Fisher Phillips Attorneys Pen Article Detailing 5 Steps to Reduce Risk for CCPA Enforcement
California Probe Targets Location Data Industry: 5 Steps to Keep Your Business Off the CCPA Enforcement Radar
California’s Latest Privacy Push: The Location Tracking Crackdown Businesses Can’t Ignore
The 3 Biggest Concerns for California Employers About Sweeping Employee Surveillance Bill
California Regulators Take Aim at Resume Screening and Other Automated Tech: 4 Steps for Businesses After Latest Privacy Agency Meeting
Netherlands Imposes Record-Breaking Data Privacy Fine on Uber: 4 Key Steps Companies Can Take to Ensure Compliance
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so
I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am
we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way
and the life: no man cometh unto the Father
Pasley's Mortuary announces the passing of Elder Viola E
South Carolina who answered the summons of our heavenly father to retire from the labors here on earth to her rewards in heaven on Tuesday April 8
There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in Rhode Island, but Viola Cucina is still something of an anomaly
ample water views and so few sit-down restaurants that it’s become downright strange
A lot of this comes down to Barrington’s history as a dry town and its limited liquor licenses.
But it’s also worth noting that the town’s largest five-year demographic is kids between the ages of ten and fourteen
Maybe they’re responsible for the takeout culture which has given rise to more food in paper bags than on plates
and they must be getting pretty tired of driving into Providence or down to Warren and Bristol.
So it makes sense that Barrington native Don Poissant’s Viola would grab the small restaurant space on County Road that once held Grande Forno and Mangia Trattoria and Pizza
and Viola is a tribute to Poissant’s Irish mother.
So how did an Irish woman inspire an Italian restaurant
it was Poissant’s Italian grandmother who taught Viola to cook for her son
No doubt Poissant and Passaretta know there are Barrington adults wandering aimlessly in search of a good meal — and they could have successfully dialed in a decent interpretation of Italian cuisine
But Viola is much like its older sister: an unassuming space with a distinctly feminine energy
It presents as understated but the food is seriously strong-willed and surprising
even for the state’s most accessible cuisine.
There are Italian restaurants around town that focus on fully modernizing a familiar menu but that’s not what Viola is about
Everything here is recognizable to a born and bred northern Italian — Bolognese
Piedmont-inspired dishes — and yet the kitchen has managed to elevate tradition into a contemporary elegy.
Executive chef Jon Hager (standing left) with server Charlie Ferri
The space itself holds just under fifty people but it feels smaller than that
There are no nooks or alcoves — it’s a simple square decorated in wood and tile
Vintage photos and pottery adorn the walls and Frank Sinatra is singing with full abandon overhead
there are usually some of those local kids tucked into a seat with a screen
warm focaccia ($7/$12) that comes out on boards with roasted garlic and flavored butter.
But the first wave of Viola’s disposition comes from its staff
Everyone has eaten their way through executive chef Jon Hager’s menu and they engage with diners like matchmakers looking to manifest your dormant dreams
which is really done well here,” Charlie will tell you
“but I’m being honest when I say that the pasta is going to fundamentally change you.” Turns out that young Charlie knows a thing or two.
The single best thing that Viola does is tomato sauce
This is a kitchen that believes wholeheartedly in reduction and
every version of sauce is aggressive and rewarding
Bolognese is so intense as to take center stage
even when paired with housemade gnocchi ($31) and strong enough to make room for both mozzarella and Parmesan without giving up the limelight
Even the Amatriciana ($25) — with red wine and pancetta — is ultimately a distillation of tomato
And if you’re looking for a culinary cause
consider a pitch to the kitchen to move the lasagna from the specials board to the menu
and though there’s bechamel and ricotta involved
it’s a dish that remains all about the sauce
punctuated with housemade sausage and crisped bits of pasta.
which is swimming in a rich hunter’s-style sauce
said he would order a triple portion for his next dinner as an homage to his Italian grandfather
That’s not to say that the kitchen doesn’t have a delicate side
Crispy sea bass is served with sunchokes and a mellow tapenade; swordfish is paired with lemon butter and capers
There are pastas with no tomatoes — one night a tagliatelle with truffle butter
prosciutto and leeks — that place more emphasis on the dough itself
Or you can opt for a Caesar salad with meatballs
which is as good a memory of old-school Italy as any
which is pounded thin and hangs over its plate like a hubcap
manages to eat light enough to order without (too much) shame
It’s no surprise that Viola has quickly become the neighborhood favorite
but there are always a few diners who have traveled from other parts of the state
which is a healthy dose of the whole dining room
and is regularly filled with relatives or friends — with the age gap easily spanning sixty years.
Each generation is happy to call this place their own
the nightly amalgam of people has quickly grown into a collective
good-willed family which is looked after by Poissant’s wife
though there’s little protection from the front door’s burst of cold air
most of the group stays around for dessert.
the mood shifts to buoyant ebullience when it comes to sweets
Cream is the go-to ingredient and it’s whipped into various manifestations of nostalgia
Tiramisu is not novel but it’s sublime
a thick wedge of coffee-tinged mascarpone topped with a dusting of cocoa heavy enough to cut through the sugar
The chocolate mousse tastes like unadulterated childhood
impossibly light and sweet and topped with flourless chocolate cake crumbles.
But if you’ve sized yourself up to be more mature in taste
Poissant’s brought his mother’s carrot cake into play and it’s as good as the staff proclaims
It’s full of bourbon-soaked currants instead of raisins and just a shmear of cream cheese frosting on top and below the cube of cake
with more than a passing resemblance to a steamed British sweet served in a Dickens novel
The reference will mean something to an older generation and set completely on the very young — but that’s certainly Viola’s appeal
It’s a lyrical and emphatic expression of Italy that manages to speak to ages across the spectrum
296 County Rd., Barrington, 252-4272, violacucina.com
VIBE: The atmosphere falls between rustic and makeshift
but the food will put you in Naples.
PRICES: Appetizers: $7–$23; entrees: $23–$40; dessert: $9–$15.