Annual Assembly and Board Updates
Dear Friends and Members of Reading Retreats in Rural Italy,
As many of you know, lots has been happening here at La Macchina Fissa this year, and this is a short update just to keep those interested in "Reading Retreats" in the loop. If you're not interested, we offer a silent, easy way out: click the UNSUBSCRIBE button at the end of this message. We're not offended, and know how annoying SPAM can be.
The good news is we have just held our Annual Meeting on Saturday April 11th and have published our 2025 budget which was accepted by the eleven members present. If you would like to know specific details, such as how much we spend on cat food each year (or car insurance, electric bills, firewood and more expensive things) feel free to ask for a copy.
Big news: Our annual membership fee, after remaining unaltered at 10 euro for over 20 years, has now "skyrocketed" to 15 euro. ;) Please forgive those who, at the meeting, decided to gently push up a price to somewhat reflect decades of inflation. We all agreed it should be higher than ten, but kept it as low as possible!
We also elected a new board of directors, who in turn nominated me as President and Matteo Morisi of Crevalcore as Vice President. Other members of the board include Enrico Comaschi and Giordano Savi (Mantova) and Roberta DiBisceglie (Connecticut). Luca Nespoli acted as secretary, recorded it all and wrote up the minutes, which also have been filed and are available for all active members to consult.
ITALIANS ONLY: This message about 5 x 1000 is not for foreigners, unless they pay taxes in Italy.
It's time to choose which registered non-profit cause in Italy will receive your mandatory donation of 5 euro for every 1000 you pay in taxes. I am asking you to consider donating to our association, Reading Retreats in Rural Italy APS, which will turn thirty in December of this year. Just ask your accountant to put our name and Codice Fiscale on your tax forms: Name: Reading Retreats in Rural Italy, APS Codice Fiscale: 911 543 10378 Previous years of 5 x 1000 donations have boosted our annual income by over two thousand euro, which makes a huge difference for us!
Everybody is asking, so I am telling: We are packing up this summer and moving out in August; Anyone who could help with the move is kindly asked to lend a hand. It's a daunting task, but together we will do it, as we have thrice before, from the villa to the castle in 2003 and from the Castle of Galeazza to Corte Eremo in 2012 (after the earthquakes) and again from Corte Eremo to La Macchina Fissa in 2015. Please let me know what Sunday(s) of August you might be able to join in the caravan, beginning with Lunch at La Macchina Fissa and Dinner in our new home.
If you would like to come for a reading retreat here, this is your last season to enjoy the property. A friend from London and I are sowing seeds this week for a beautiful summer garden. f you're good at organizing books or wrapping works of art and fragile objects, please come in July!
"Noon to Nine" Picnics and Yard Sales are on the following dates: 23/24 May, 27/28 June, 25/26 July. Come buy a book, a plant, a trug or a toy that would love a new home!
If you haven't renewed your annual membership for 2026 (or for years), please do so now. It's the perfect moment to help the association face the costs of moving. Just click on our DONATIONS PAGE here: https:/www.lamacchinafissa.com/donazioni/ and send over 15 euro. I'll let you know when I receive your donations!
Keep in touch. Our search for a new seat continues, and in June we announce where we're headed! We've seen 11 properties and hope to see at least 11 more before deciding.
Warmly, Clark