Latest news with #SaintJoseph
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
Hanging Gardens And Vines In The Castle: An Italian Dream Turned Into Reality
A view of the official presentation of the vineyard on the terrace of the castle. They have been sister cities since 1963, and one was named after the other. Despite being thousands of miles apart and one being renowned worldwide, the other has something that no one else in the world owns. What am I talking about? Cupertino (US, CA) and Copertino (Italy). The first, famous for being the capital of high tech was named after Saint Joseph of Copertino. He was a Franciscan friar born just in Copertino, and is revered as the patron saint of aviators, travelers and students. Many things connect these two places, but the small Italian Copertino boasts a treasure unique in the world. A vineyard on the terrace of a castle. Copertino is a picturesque town that has a magnificent fortress that was built in the 16th century. It is considered one of the most impressive defensive structures from the Italian Renaissance. Located in a famous wine region, the town also hosts a cooperative winery, founded in 1935 by some thirty wine-growers. This year, the 350 members who cultivate 400 hectares of vines are celebrating the first 90 years of their cooperative. The grapes are mostly local: Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Bianca, Primitivo, and some international grapes that have found homes in these places for a long time. But there is also a particular variety of Negroamaro, the Negoramaro Cannellino, that is cultivated in a quite unusual place: the outside walkway of the castle. Actually, it's a kind of "back to the roots". In the past, the upper parts of the castle ramparts, walls, and communication trenches were used as hanging gardens, where people cultivated citrus trees, vineyards, and olive trees, useful in case of siege for the self-support of the inhabitants. Over time, though, as circumstances changed, the usefulness of those crops came to an end, and they were abandoned and then forgotten… Until 2013. The vineyard on the rampart of the castle That year, the Cupertinum cooperative president Francesco Trono submitted to the local authorities an original project: 'We had verified with the archival sources that in the past, the walkways were cultivated – explained Francesco Trono– and thus proposed to restore at least the vineyards in that place. They accepted our idea with enthusiasm.' Indeed, it is a one-of-a-kind project: it has no precedent either in Italy or abroad. "The 'vineyard on the castle' enhances the most original aspects of the culture and crops of Salento Copertino – Trono claimed - It is no by chance that the Copertino DOC bottles produced by our winery bear the castle's portal as their emblem on the label, while the Igt Salento bottles of wine are dedicated to Squarciafico and Spinello dei Falconi, two noble families who lived in the castle." So, after many years, the vineyard returned on the communication trenches. In April 2014, they planted 100 vines of Negroamaro Cannellino, an ancient and early variety. The training system follows the oldest winegrowing tradition in Salento, the Apulian alberello, which calls for the vines to grow as isolated plants, without the aid of supports or palisades. It develops into a compact and lower form, generally not more than one meter in height. This choice allows the plants to make maximum use of the soil's water and nutrients resources, particularly important in the poor soils and arid climates typical of Apulia. Even the arrangement of rows is a reminder of the past: the vines are planted according to the quincunx, an order used by the Romans. A bottle of "Copertino Rosso Riserva" and the entrance of the castle. Today, this vineyard is regarded as the first and only vineyard on a fortress in the world, and the moment of pruning is always a time of celebration for the castle and the Cupertinum winery. Although the Castle is always open to visits, the vineyard can be visited only a few times a year, during moments of wine-tourism (such as "Calici di Stelle" in August) or cultural days chosen by the castle management. The wine made with the grapes from the vineyard is ready yet, unfortunately. Once they can produce it, it will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to support a land enhancement project. However, the headquarter of the Cupertinum winery is not far from here. If you decide to visit the wonderful Salento region and Copertino, I recommend tasting some of their wines. The full-bodied and fruity "Copertino Rosso Riserva DOC", made with Negroamaro grapes in purity, is a deep ruby red wine with an intense bouquet of blackberry, plum, ripe fruits, and a warm flavor with hints of almond and black currant. The mouth-watering freshness of their pink wine "Spinello dei Falconi Salento IGT Rosato", from Negroamaro grapes vinified in rosè, with its bright and charming coral color and flavors of cherries, redberries, and wild rose, is a great wine for summer dishes and carefree drinking. An authentic taste of old Apulia with a contemporary twist. Elisabetta Tosi
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Anni Amalnathan embracing the pressure that comes with leading Saint Joseph girls tennis
Wins and losses don't matter much to Anni Amalnathan right now. She's more focused on embracing her final season as a member of the South Bend Saint Joseph girls tennis program. The senior star wants to make sure that her final go around for the tradition-rich Huskies is an enjoyable one. Advertisement More: HS Tennis: Who are the top prep girls tennis teams this season? Last spring: Saint Joseph girls tennis claims elusive state title with 3-2 decision over Fishers "This is the last time together with my high school friends, and I want to make sure to enjoy it and have fun," Amalnathan said. "I just want to go out there and be the best that I can be. I also want what is best for our team." A decorated career Amalnathan has known nothing but success at St. Joe. She posted a 27-1 mark at No. 1 doubles as a freshman in 2022. Anni teamed with older sister, Ashi, to go 18-0 and win the No. 1 doubles state championship in that season. Advertisement She then was 28-1 in 2023, going 19-0 at No. 3 singles and 9-1 at No. 2 singles. Amalnathan was 28-1 at No. 3 singles in 2024, playing behind senior stars Molly Bellia and Ashi as the Huskies won the team state championship. Amalnathan has moved into the No. 1 singles spot this season for her team. She admits that there are more eyeballs on her now to succeed for a squad that was 77-9-1 the past four seasons and has been to the State Finals each of the past four years, with runner up finishes in both 2021 and 2023. "There is definitely pressure," Amalnathan said. "Molly and Ashi were definitely great players and definitely made a name for themselves. Now, I'm the captain and I'm in a new spot at No. 1 and playing the top players on every team. "I have a lot of belief in myself and that's what I need to focus on. I need to learn from my losses and keep looking forward." Advertisement Amalnathan started the year 4-0 before losing three of four matches against top flight competition. She lost versus the top player from No. 4 Westfield April 25 and then to players from No. 6 Fishers and No. 10 Columbus North in the loaded Park Tudor Invitational April 26. Longtime Saint Joseph coach Bill Mountford isn't concerned about the losses. "Anni will be fine," said Mountford the day after his team placed third in the Park Tudor event. "Honestly, this was a bump in the road. She did not play her best and lost to some very good players. "Is Anni one of the best players in the state? Yes she is. She knows what it takes and will go back to work and put in the time on her game. She has all the shots and the game to do it. She just needs to get her mojo back." Advertisement Amalnathan bounced back after the tough go down South by winning Monday versus Elkhart and Tuesday versus Culver Academy. The Huskies, who were ranked No. 15 in the latest coaches poll, are 6-1 through Wednesday's matches. An expected showdown with rival Penn Thursday, May 1 was postponed to Tuesday, May 6, due to weather. "Playing at No. 1 singles is a whole different ballgame, and Anni is learning that," Mountford stated. "It makes a difference when you are playing every team's best player every match. Then-Saint Joseph junior Anni Amalnathan pumps her fist after scoring a point during a girls tennis semistate match against Carmel Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Culver Academies in Culver. "The thing about Anni is that she knows her way around the court. She has a complete game. It's just all about her confidence. She beat a good player (in the win at Culver Academy) and played a lot better. It was fun to see her figure it out." Advertisement Amalnathan admitted that she had almost decided not to play collegiate tennis until opting to commit to Colorado State. "I contemplated quitting tennis and just playing club in college," Amalnathan explained. "But then I found I loved the game. I'm so excited now to play for Colorado State. I fell in love with the environment there on my visit and the coaches there are just the sweetest people." 'How am I still alive?' Concord senior reflects on crash that nearly killed her, recovery More: Here are the best South Bend area high school girls sports performances, April 28 - May 3 Amalnathan did note that she does miss playing with her sister and Bellia. Ashi is now playing at South Carolina State, while Bellia is at the United States Naval Academy. Bellia played No. 1 singles each of the past four years and was the individual state champion in 2021. Advertisement "Ashi and Molly were the best role models, and I learned a lot from both of them," Amalnathan said. "Molly had grit and perseverance and never gave up. Ashi was able to bounce back from tough things." Amalnathan has been around the game her entire life. Her father Arul currently teaches tennis in South Carolina. He used to be a teaching pro at the South Bend Racquet Club. Amalnathan is keeping things in perspective as the Huskies chase another long postseason run starting later this month. She will also try to navigate through the No. 1 singles tournament as well. "The obvious goal is to win state," Amalnathan said. "That's always the goal. But tennis isn't everything." Advertisement Mountford praised the makeup of his top player on a team that boasts some strong underclassmen like sophomore Libby Yergler and freshman Coco Burfien. "Anni is definitely a team kid," Mountford said. "She has a great attitude. The right attitude. She's a tennis rat and a bright kid." This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Anni Amalnathan is making sure to enjoy her final prep tennis season
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Saint Joseph girls tennis takes top honors in NIC
The South Bend Saint Joseph's girls tennis program swept top honors in the Northern Indiana Conference for the 2024-25 season. Senior Anni Amalnathan earned NIC MVP honors for the Huskies, while coach Bill Mountford was tabbed as the NIC Coach of the Year. Advertisement The Huskies, who won the state title in 2024, were the NIC champions with a 7-0 mark in league dual matches. More: Anni Amalnathan embracing the pressure that comes with leading Saint Joseph girls tennis More: HS Tennis: Who are the top prep girls tennis teams this season? Also named as All-NIC first team choices were Saint Joseph sophomore Libby Yergler at No. 2 singles, freshman Coco Burfien at No. 3 singles and junior Anna Walsh and senior Molly Borger at No. 2 doubles. Penn, which was NIC runner-up at 6-1, had first team selections in senior Aileen Hu at No. 1 singles, freshman Olivia Wu at No. 2 singles and junior Amina Spahic and senior Jaanavi Kaushik at No. 1 doubles. Advertisement The All-NIC second team included junior Sofia Jankowski of New Prairie at No. 1 singles and sophomore Samantha Pischalko of Penn at No. 3 singles. Also second team were junior Ella Michaels and sophomore Maya Ewing of Saint Joseph at No. 1 doubles and seniors Rachel Paul and Melanie Greenwood of New Prairie at No. 2 doubles. The honorable mention list included freshman Olivia Snell of Marian at No. 2 singles, senior Lillian Meier of Marian at No. 3 singles and senior Kim Crawford and sophomore Morgan Setmayer of New Prairie at No. 2 doubles. Saint Joseph was NIC champion at 7-0, followed by Penn (6-1), New Prairie (5-2), Elkhart (4-3), Marian (3-4), Adams (2-5), Riley (1-6) and Washington (0-7). Anni Amalnathan Bill Mountford This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Anni Amalnathan and coach Bill Mountford are MVP and COY in NIC tennis
Al-Ahram Weekly
25-05-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Coptic period structure unearthed in Assiut, Upper Egypt - Ancient Egypt
An Egyptian-led archaeological team unearthed the remains of a mudbrick structure in the Monqabad area of Assiut in Upper Egypt, believed to date back to the sixth and seventh centuries AD during the Coptic era in the country. Further excavation is underway to determine the exact function and significance of the mudbrick structure. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Supreme Council of Antiquities secretary-general, described the building as having two levels coated in white plaster. The archaeologists also found inscriptions and carvings on walls, which could shed new light on Coptic art and spirituality. These inscriptions and carvings include a unique depiction of multiple eyes surrounding a central face, which is interpreted as representing spiritual insight and inner vision, key themes in Coptic religious tradition. Another striking mural features a man holding a child, believed to represent Saint Joseph carrying the Christ Child. The mural is flanked by figures thought to be Jesus' disciples, with inscriptions in the Coptic language. Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector Head Gamal Mostafa said the upper level contains three parallel halls followed by two rooms, while the lower level features monastic cells and living quarters. Among the artefacts unearthed were also pottery fragments, stone objects, and a tombstone inscribed in Coptic, identifying a saint with the date of his death. Moreover, the excavation revealed several amphorae bearing Coptic letters and a stone frieze with animal carvings, including a deer and a lion, alongside domestic pottery vessels. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Mohamed, director-general of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities in East Assiut, noted that excavation and documentation efforts will continue in the coming weeks. 'We are still uncovering the story of this building and what it may reveal about Coptic life in Upper Egypt during this period,' he said. The Monqabad archaeological site, located approximately 12 kilometres northwest of Assiut city and about 22 kilometres from Assiut International Airport, has a long history of exploration. Systematic excavations at the site, which was first identified in 1965, began in 1976 and continued intermittently until 2010. Work resumed in 2024 under the current Egyptian-led archaeological mission. This latest discovery adds a valuable chapter to understanding Coptic heritage and monastic life in Egypt's early Christian era and underscores the continued importance of archaeological work in the region. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New owner of Saint Joseph hospital suspends pediatric inpatient care less than two months after buying hospitals
The new owner of Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet plans to suspend inpatient pediatric care at the hospital, less than two months after buying Saint Joseph and seven other Illinois hospitals from Ascension – a move that's drawing criticism from the hospital's nurses union. Executives at California-based Prime Healthcare sent a letter Monday to the mayor of Joliet saying the hospital planned to halt pediatric inpatient care, and would start transferring pediatric patients Friday. The hospital's inpatient pediatric unit has been averaging less than one patient a day, while the need for other services, such as advanced surgical, neurosurgical and spinal care has grown, according to a statement from Prime. 'To best serve our community, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend inpatient pediatric services and expand other needed critical service lines,' Prime said in the statement. Two doctors and eight staff members are affected by the decision. The doctors have been offered positions at Prime's affiliated medical group, and the nurses will be offered jobs in other departments at Saint Joseph or other nearby Prime hospitals, according to the letter. The letter notes that Saint Joseph has entered into an agreement to transfer pediatric patients to Endeavor Health Edward Hospital, which is in Naperville, more than 20 miles away. Pediatric patients can also go to Silver Cross Hospital, which is about nine miles away, or Lurie Children's Hospital, which is more than 40 miles away, according to the letter. Saint Joseph will continue to treat children in its emergency department. The Illinois Nurses Association, however, says the move violates its contract, which requires 30 days notice if nurses are to be laid off or displaced. They also say the closing will be difficult for the Joliet community. 'St. Joe's is the only hospital in the third largest city of Illinois, and without a Pediatrics unit, the city's thousands of children will need to go as far as Chicago in order to get access to the critical care that they need,' the union wrote in a news release. The union also accused Prime of going back on pledges that it would not discontinue any services at the hospital for at least two years after purchasing it. An application to the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board to change the hospital's ownership, stated that ' … at this time, no changes to the scope of services or the levels of care provided at the facility are currently anticipated to occur within 24 months of the proposed transaction.' The application to the state board also stated that during Prime's first 12 to 18 months of ownership it would assess the hospital's services with 'the potential existing of decisions being made to modify the scope of or manner in which certain services are provided at the facility, the addition of services, or the discontinuation of services at the facility.' Prime bought Saint Joseph in March for $71 million, along with seven other Illinois hospitals previously owned by Ascension, a large Catholic health system. Most of the hospitals sold to Prime, including Saint Joseph, changed from being nonprofit hospitals to for profit hospitals as part of the sale. In recent years, many Chicago area community hospitals have closed their inpatient pediatric units, citing decreased demand. More children are getting care without needing to stay overnight, and community hospitals face competition from major children's hospitals in the area, such as Lurie, Advocate Children's Hospital and University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, which are often top choices for families seeking complex pediatric care. Closings of pediatric units typically have to be approved the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board.
