Notice Board and Guest book
on Le Marche, Italy.

REF. 11/069 August 23, 2011.

 Hello,
A year ago we bought a farmhouse (1600, stone house) close to Jesi (AN). The house is a ruin and we have been consulting with architects and builders to start the renovation. However the prices we have received up till now have been too high for our budget. I would therefore want a second (actually third) opinion and price offer of a building company. Does anybody have a good and reliable contact I could use? Thanks in advance for your help.
MBJ

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REF. 11/068 August 22, 2011.

 Could you tell me approximately how far Amandola is from Spoleto, Florence & Rome ? Also, where is the closest train station ?
We are thinking of moving to Amandola , but we do not want to be far from larger cities & transportation.
Thank You
Diane Turney

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REF. 11/067 June 08, 2011.

Looking for any Rossi family members from Ascoli Piceno, Piedilam, or Arquata Del Tronto areas. Grandmother: Carminella Turini Rossi.....Grandfather: Giovanni Rossi.....his brother's name: Carlo Rossi.
My paternal Grandmother: Paulina Piccolomini Spinelli.....Grandfather: Alfredo Spinelli

A Domenic Spinelli (notebene659-at-comcast.net)

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REF. 11/066 June 08, 2011.

My maternal grandfather was Rinaldo Orsini was born in Pretare and came to the states in the eraly 1900s via Ellis Island then Boston and ultimately to West Virginia where he worked in a rock quarry and became a farmer. He married a girl from his hometown of Pretare. She was Marcellina (or Marcella - we've seen it both ways) Piccolomini. They had 7 children, their oldest daughter, Maria, is my mother. Marcellina's mother was Ottavia Piccolomini who brought Marcellina to the US as an infant. Her father was Settimio who eventually came to the states as well. Other surnames that our family was associated with (who are from Pretare or the Marche region ) are Caponi, Bigeralli, Trenta, Angelucci, Petrucci, Saladini and others I can't remember. Would be great to hear from any one who has a connection or information (or just to commiserate on trying to find information!) would be appreciated. Travelling to Italy in June 2011.

Bill ( billstreett-at-gmail.com)

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REF. 11/065 May 30, 2011.

I have two apartments in an old building in the historic centre of Amandola. The apartments are on the second floor of the building directly under the roof. The roof area is very approximately 180 square metres. The geometra who carried out the restoration of one of the apartments has quoted 60,000 euros to replace the roof! This seems rather expensive. There are two other apartments in the building and so the costs should be shared, however one of the owners has very little, if any, money, so would be unable to contribute. Does the estimate seem reasonable for the area? Anybody with experience in replacing on their property who could give me some advice?
Many thanks
Pete

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REF. 11/064 May 27, 2011.

Hi, Does any one have any dates and places where tribute bands may be performing during July to Augist? I am particullary interested in Queen.
thanks
Patricia Sanders

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REF. 11/063 May 27, 2011.

Hi, We are thinking of buying a house that sits below a road near Monte Giberto.I am concerned about the badly corroded roads in this area due to what appears to be mud slides. Does anyone have any information that may be able to put my mind at ease?

H. (harry-at-barkerandball.com)

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REF. 11/062 May 27, 2011.

I am trying to locate any living relatives of Nazzareno Sabatini and his wife Maria Orsini , both from the Ascoli Piceno region. Nazzareno came to the states in the earlt 1900's to work in the coalmines of western PA and his wife ,Maria, followed him 7 years later with their daughter Laura in tow. The relatives there are hotel/resturant owners and some other family members grow olives for oil export. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, KH

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REF. 11/061 March 9, 2011.

I wondered if it was possible to make space for a few words of warning to other honest and unsuspecting people arriving in Le Marche, thinking of having work done to there properties. I would like to warn them of falling foul to Englishmen, posing as builders, when they are not! 
Like a few others, my partner and I fell into this trap.
Two Englishmen, One of whom worked as a sales representative in the UK for most of his working life and the other a mushroom farm hand, I believe. Both of these characters hoodwinked us into believing that they were bona fide builders. They took our money and left us with nothing other than totally inferior work, which we have had to pay for again to put right. Carnage in the gardens and non refund of monies paid in respect of their promise of engaging a Geologist (which they never did) for essential works to our project.
I would love to name and shame, but I wont, they know who they are. I just want to spare some other decent person from having their dream potentially wrecked, by men such as these.
Apart from the financial loss, it is as much the upset and anguish one suffers.
Having purchased our property in San Ginesio about 18 months ago, I am happy to say that the rogues we fell foul of, are few and far between, but just beware.
Paul Griffiths & Deborah Brooks (debrabrooks-at-btinternet.com)

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REF. 10/060 October 13 2010.

Can you help me. I have a house in Serra de Conti and would like to know if it is possible to obtain detailed maps suitable for walking in the lovely countryside of le Marche?

Julian McMahon

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REF. 10/059 September 28, 2010.

Hi! A friend of mine would like to get married in Porto San Giorgio (Marche) in August 2011 and wonders whether the ceremonies in Italy are held in English for foreigners and if there are buses (that fit about 40 guests) which one can rent in order to go from Rome to Porto San Giorgio and back with a week apart? I would really appreciate an answer. Grateful for any help!

Renee Hayek

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REF. 10/058 September 05, 2010.

Which coastal town/city in Le Marche is best for a visit of 4-6 days...when I arrive in Italy I will stay in Pescara for about 6 days..would now prefer smaller town venue and just want to relax...trip will be in October...any hotel/restaurant recommendations or other suggestions would be appreciated very much...thank you in advance...

Filippo

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REF. 10/057 July 15, 2010.

Hi there, For anyone interested I am giving away 4 beautiful kittens, all white tabbies with blue eyes...Now 9 weeks old.... I can email pictures upon request...I live just outside of Amandola...Thank you for looking...
Emily (emzal-at-hotmail.com)

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REF. 10/056 May 20, 2010.

Can anyone tell me what sports clubs there are for girls (12 and 14) this August 2010 within 30 mins of Pedaso? Netball, tennis, volleyball?
Lesley Lloyd

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REF. 10/055 March 28, 2010.

Hi, I am looking for any relatives of my grandparents who immigrated to the US in the 1920's from the Marche region, possibly Ancona. Any information on Sante Chiappa or Virginia Biondi would be appreciated. I think my grandmother (Virginia) left behind sisters. Thank you.

Patricia Malarkey (pattiem-at-optonline.net)

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REF. 10/054 February 28, 2010.

Hi,
I have recently bought a house in Le Marche and am currently renovating it. I was wondering does anyone know where I can find some windows and a kitchen at a good price? 
Thank you for your help in advance.
Kind Regards,
Paul (plawlor69-at-hotmail.com)

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REF. 10/053 January 26, 2010.

Hi - we are getting married in Le Marche in September 2010 and would like to have local wild flowers at our ceremony. Does anyone know what will be in season then? Thanks! 
Siobhan

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REF. 09/051 December 30, 2009.

Hello to my Marche relatives. I visited Le Marche twice in the last 3 years. A friend lives near Porto San Giorgio named Marco Malaigia. Both my Grandfathers were from Marche by way of Viterbo and Fara in Sabina near Rome. One is the Amici family and a relative is Don Ameche, the actor (name changed for Hollywood pronounciation). The other family is FELICI and I do still have counsins living in San Benedetto and Ascoli. I personally live near Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.
If anyone knows any of my relatives, please email me. Thanks.
Happy New year.
Mario Amici
(mamici-at-roskadirect.com)

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REF. 09/050 December 23, 2009.

I was wondering what people are paying for LPG gas for heating/cooking in Le Marche. Our supplier (Golden Gas) appear to set the price per liter quite arbitrarily and we have trouble locating a reliable benchmark. Perhaps sharing some information on the "going rate" may be useful.
Thank you.
Adam

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REF. 09/049 December 18, 2009.

I would like to find a email pal that speaks Italian. I have been trying to teach myself the language for a couple of years and really need someone to talk to and practice with. I would be happy to help someone with English. Please reply if you are interested. I will be visiting Le Marche in September 2010. Grazie mille!
Cecelia

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REF. 09/048 October 02, 2009.

Does anyone know the date of the Grottammare Antique fair next year, or of any others in Le Marche area.
Trisha Sanders.

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REF. 09/047 July 18, 2009.

I am researching the Orsini family from Pretare. There is a Maria Spacciapolli married to Francesco Orsini. Other surnames in this family are Angelini, Ficera, Lalli. Domenico Orsini lived on Lincoln Terrace...I believe he is my grandfather. Please write with some info...maybe we can make a connection.
Edie, Fitchburg, MA. (scottygirl2-at-gmail.com)

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REF. 09/046 July 07, 2009.

Seeking Long Term Rental
Hello, we are a Canadian family of 4 (two girls aged 4) looking to spend 8-10 months in Italy starting in September or October. We are looking for a house/apartment, ideally with some outside space for the kids and close to a small village with basic services.
Thank you
Patrick Roy

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REF. 09/045 June 01, 2009.

Gentlemen, thank you for your website. I bought a spectacularly wrecked farmhouse between Amandola and Comunanza some 2 years ago, and, as a Chartered Surveyor, your site was a great help in conducting my due diligence. 
I intend to relocate to Le Marche in the next few months for a year, before deciding whether to sell up in Scotland and make a new life in Italy. The economic climate and recession has meant that I've had to consider very closely how I can do this financially without at this time selling my own 2 bed detached cottage in an uncertain market. 
Ideally, it would be great to find a similar mid-life (I'm in my 50s), single professional to exchange either a room or house/flat suitable for myself and 2 small cats in Le Marche/Emilio-Romagna in return for the same in a very pretty conservation village with blue flag beach half an hour by train from Edinburgh. Alternatively, as a very experienced Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), I would be pleased to house-sit over the winter, possibly for someone who is building/renovating but cannot be here to supervise. My third alternative is to buy a caravan and rent a piece of land with access to water and sanitation disposal until I build a new access to my own property, which has both.
I should mention that I am also a trained TEFL teacher with 3 years experience of teaching adults in Scotland and Spain, and have additionally lived in Germany and Denmark. My Italian is (very) beginners, but experience has taught me that being there is the only way to learn. I would be happy to provide first-class references.
I would be grateful for any advice your readers can give me.
With kind regards, Iain McNair (xxvillaconti-at-yahoo.co.uk)

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REF. 09/044 

Hi! I am a shoe designer from India and want to visit Le marche to learn more about the techniques of making shoes, visiting factories, learning more since I have to set up my own factory in india. Please can u advise me on this. I dont mind staying there for up to 2 weeks. Also while i am there I would also like to learn italian cooking. will await ur response.
Payal Kothari (kothari.payal-at-gmail.com)

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REF. 09/043 April 30, 2009.

My grandfather Nazzareno Petrucci was born in Piedilama and I plan to visit in the near future. While researching the area I found that there is a Petrucci who is mayor of Arquata del Tronto. Any information about his immediate family I cannot find. If anyone has info or is able to direct me how to find some info it would be appreciated.
Patty Horseman ( horsemanpatty-at-yahoo.com )

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REF. 09/042 February 09, 2009.

Hi, We have just bought a farmhouse near Fano, and need some help with translating to arrange change over of utilities, going to the commune to obtain residency, contacting local builders an finding a gardener. If you can help please email me. thanks.
Martyn ( martynwak-at-hotmail.co.uk )

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REF. 09/041 January 23, 2009.

I am trying to trace my grandfather's family.  His name was Giuseppe Sciamanna and he was born in the area of Venarotta, IT in September 1894 to Luigi Sciamanna and Maria Bruni.  His siblings names were Antonio, Giaconda, Silvia, Albina, Giovanna, Giuditta, Giulio and Guilia.  Giaconda last wrote to my grandfather in April of 1982...this is the last correspondence I have and my grandfather passed away in 1985.  I would LOVE to locate a living relative and hope that someone reading this may have some information on my family, or better yet, perhaps we are related.  Thank you!

Cecelia ( kevncece-at-msn.com )

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REF. 08/040 December 29, 2008.

We have recently bought a fabulous old villa in le marche, near san ginesio and we need some tips on where to get old second-hand or restored furniture (any condition)...I look forward to some inspiring suggestions.  We are determined to take the place back to it's former glory using as much from the region as possible.

Karen Storey

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REF. 08/039 October 28, 2008.

I understand you make vina cotta (cooked wine).  My mother used to make this when my father made homemade wine.
Joan DeCarolis ( joaniedarc-at-hotmail.com )

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REF. 08/038 September 13, 2008.

We are renovating our house in Serra de Conti and are looking for a 'cheap' way of bringing some of our furniture over from England (Norwich). Is there anybody out there who can help/wants to share a transporter/small lorry? Any ideas appreciated.

Ursula Keller

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REF. 08/037 August 20, 2008.

I am traveling to Italy in October and visiting Pretare because my great grandparents were born there.  My Nonna, Viola Theresa Perla, was born in New York in 1912 to Vincenzo Perla and Ottavia Piccolomini, and she's still alive today at 96 years old.  She married Enrico Marchetti and they raised a family on Lincoln Terrace in Leominster, Massachusetts, along with many other families from Pretare.  I'm hoping to find some living relatives when I visit.  Any information or direction would be appreciated!
Lynn DeLorenzo ( dlcdelorenzo-at-yahoo.com )

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REF. 08/036 July 22, 2008.

Hi,
We are planning to visit family in Ascoli Piceno in February, March, or April of 2009.  We would like to know what the average high temperatures would be for those 3 months. 
Thank You!

Montana Pino

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REF. 08/035 July 25, 2008.

I am flying in to Fiumicino airport in Rome and would like to take a bus to Civitanova. My understanding is that from Fiumicino, I would take the express train to Termini and from there take a bus. Does anyone have any information on websites for Italy's bus services? Does anyone know if there's a better route to take?
IM (creampuffsinvenice-at-gmail.com)

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REF. 08/034 July 22, 2008.

Hello, we have bought a casolare in Offida which we plan to refurbish and turn into an agriturismo.  However having visited some agriturismo's here during peak season they don't all seem to be full which is worrying - can anyone enlighten me on why?
Stuart Parnell

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REF. 08/032 July 20, 2008.

I will be in Ancona for a few days over each of the coming months and am in need of somebody who can speak Italian and English. There is no written work involved but I need somebody who can make phone calls and help me speak to my lawyer. Is there anybody who can help and what sort of payment would you require

Mary O'Connor (mary_kles-at-yahoo.com)

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REF. 08/031 July 20, 2008.

Hello! I am English working as a Foreign Language Teacher and I would like to move to the city of FERMO sometime next year. I was wondering if there are any schools (public or private) that would appreciate an EFL teacher/native English speaker for their students?? I have not been able to find a list of schools in this city online. Does anyone know of any good "English" schools there? Much thanks for any help!

Victoria Lewis (acoreano1983-at-yahoo.co.in)

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REF. 08/030 July 19, 2008.

We're off to Cartoceto near Fano in mid August. Can anyone provide me with some ideas for interesting things to do for the last two weeks of August?

Lesley Godfrey (la.godfrey-at-tiscali.co.uk)

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REF. 08/029 July 9, 2008.

Does Vitali have a web page?  Where in Pesaro is the factory?  And do you have pictures of the Chests of drawers, tables etc??

Rosemary Noden (rosemarynoden-at-talktalk.net)

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REF. 08/028 May 3, 2008.

I lived briefly in a lovely Le Marche town called Fano a few years ago and I would like to come back to the region for a year, around September this year. I'm wondering if anyone knows of a local primary school with some English speaking staff or students that isn't an expensive private international school. My kids are 11 and 8 and the school would determine the area we live in. Any guidance appreciated!

Cheers, Deb

Deb Bartlett (deb.bartlett-at-xtra.co.nz)

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REF. 08/027 April 16, 2008.

I will be spending the first two weeks of June in Montefiore dell'Aso AP. I was wondering if anyone can recommend the best place to get Brodetto there? Also, do you know if anyone hosts evening cooking classes in the area?

Charles Laudadio (PharmMD-at-gmail.com)

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REF. 08/026 March 19, 2008.

My grandfather Luigi Marinelli was born is Serrungarina. He married Maria Ferri and had a child Angelo. Maria died during the birth, in Soltara in 1898. He then married my grandmother Marietta Valentini of Calcanelli (next to Saltara) and they came to the USA.
Angelo was the caretaker of the church in Soltara. Angelo and his wife (Elenora Persico) had some children. the boys went to Canada and then Argentina. I believe the girls are still in Italy. If you have any information about my relatives please email me.

Joe Marinelli (jjmweth-at-yahoo.com)

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