Tuesday, October 9th @ 7:00 PM - The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Since hitting the road in 1946, eighteen million Vespa motor scooters have buzzed the Earth. Vespa's success lies in the uniqueness of its design -- in the unmistakable sheet metal skin that, over the span of decades, has defined the concept of "motor scooter." The Life Vespa celebrates all aspects of the scooters and the thriving culture that surrounds them.

Since Vespa is affordable and in high-style, the life Vespa encompasses all walks of life, from street urchins to celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne, and Brad Pitt. Part of Motorbooks' "Life" series, The Life Vespa melds machine and culture to immerse you in la bella vita. Eric Dregni is a freelance journalist and translator, and the author of five previous books, including The Ads that Put America on Wheels, Scooter Mania, and Minnesota Marvels. Come and experience The Life Vespa with us.

Eric Dregni is the author of 18 books including Never Trust a Thin Cook, Vikings in the Attic, In Cod We Trust, Midwest Marvels, Follies of Science, and Weird Minnesota. He is a professor of English, journalism and Italian at Concordia University in St. Paul and dean of the Italian Concordia Language Village, Lago del Bosco, in the summer, which he wrote about in You're Sending Me Where? He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, three kids, and an Australian shepherd named Bacco.

Q&A will follow with light fare and refreshments. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing. Suggested Program Donation: MEMBERS: $20 per person. NON-MEMBERS: $25 per person (cash, check or credit cards accepted). Refreshments and a light reception will follow. Kindly RSVP in advance so that we can plan accordingly. Call 718-273-7660 or E-Mail [email protected]. Please Park in the lots located directly across the street at Notre Dame Academy.