How long have you been at MBD?
I joined MBD as a “temp” in May 2014. I had previously worked with a large Boston law office and had retired, but found retirement boring. At MBD, I liked the small office setting which allowed close interaction with other workers and the intense work pace, which fit my own pace just right. I retired (again!) in 2019 but have continued to work on a part-time basis; this has allowed me to remain active but with more free time for personal pursuits.
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My elementary school teacher in Milan, Miss Matilde Galli. She took me under her wing and gave me private lessons in those subjects not taught in the official curriculum of the neighborhood school I was attending, so that I could qualify to take the special exams needed to have access to higher education. Without her, my schooling would have been over at 13 with no recourse.
On any given Saturday, where can we find you and what would you be doing?
In the summer, if the weather is good, I will be gardening in my backyard. I will also meet with friends and organize outings. In good weather it would be someplace on the coast; in cold weather, it would be a museum or art show or theatre event.
Favorite food to eat or make or both?
I love food and try everything. I don’t have a favorite food but I would put on top of the list a plate of “risotto alla Milanese” with porcini mushrooms and just a hint of shaved truffle. However, if I were on death row and had to choose my very last meal it would be a roast chicken and I would eat all, and I mean ALL, of its crispy, buttery, deliciously roasted skin!
Best place you have traveled, and/or dream destination?
I think travel is great fun and enlightening. I am partial to Italy because my heart is still there; no matter how often I visit, I still find fascinating things to see. Of all the places I visited I would put on top of the list Machu Picchu. The setting up in the majestic Andes and the archeology created by the Incas made me feel as close to the supernatural as I have ever felt. Before Covid my dream travel plan was to do part of the Silk Road, starting with Samarkand, Uzbekistan, but it’s probably too late for that.
