3rd Annual CIAO Food Drive
On August 30, 2024, CIAO members showed their generosity by donating 400 lbs. of food items for the Williamsburg House of Mercy. CIAO Board members Cathy Walsh, Sue Generazio and Anne Lamar, along with CIAO member Ray Walsh, collected and delivered the food items.
CIAO supports the Williamsburg Regional Library
On August 12th, 2024, CIAO Treasurer, Dennis Stanzione, presented the organization's annual donation of $500 to the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) Perpetual Book Fund. Standing with Dennis and holding the check is Mr. Benjamin Goldberg, Library Development Officer.
Member Wedding Anniversary
CIAO members Regina and Richard Thek celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with the Tressette group at Sal’s by Victor on June 27, 2024.
Happy Hour at LeYaca, May 29, 2024
CIAO Cyclists
Nick Vrettos and Tony LoScalzo are showing their colors while looking svelte and dapper. They had just returned from riding on the Capital Trail during Memorial Day weekend, 2024.
Spring Picnic — 2024
Around 45 CIAO members and a few guests attended the second annual Spring Picnic on May 5, 2024. Attendees brought a variety of dishes to share and all enjoyed a pleasant meal and the camaraderie of fellow club members. Afterwards, some played a few friendly games of bocce while others engaged in conversation. Although stormy weather posed a threat to the event, rain held off long enough for us to hold the picnic as planned.
Happy Hour at Bonefish Grill, March 20, 2024
Pruning Italian Style
During his talk on 25 February 2024, CIAO member and master gardener Franco Caruso presented many techniques useful for pruning trees and various plants. He brought with him some actual tools of his trade.
Bocce FINAL - November 2023
On Thursday, 16 November, CIAO members enjoyed playing several rounds of bocce. A great afternoon was had by all.
While the afternoon temperature was unseasonably warm, the competition was hot (but friendly!). The 1st place winner of the "closet to the pallino" competition was Pat Valvo with Pasquale Di Giacomo taking second place. Congratulations!
Thanks to Julie and Mark Andino for being our gracious 2023 hosts at the Ford's Colony bocce courts and to Ben DiVito for organizing.
Bocce will be back in March 2024!
Scholarship Pasta Dinner
On Sunday, October 22, CIAO held its inaugural Scholarship Pasta Dinner. Family, food, and fun brought us together for a very worthy cause. The photos below are just a sampling of this wonderful event.
2nd Annual CIAO Food Drive
On September 22, CIAO collected nearly 420 lbs. of non-perishable food items. After the collection, these were donated to the Williamsburg House of Mercy. (Pictured left to right, Laura Branton, Anne Lamar, House of Mercy volunteer, and Sue Generazio)
CIAO supports the Williamsburg Regional Library
On July 10th, 2023, CIAO President, Anne Lamar (left) and CIAO Treasurer, Dennis Stanzione (right), present a $500.00 donation to the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) Perpetual Book Fund. Accepting the check is Mr. Benjamin Goldberg (holding the check), Library Development Officer. CIAO and the WRL have a history of partnering for the WRL Perpetual Book Fund for the Williamsburg community.
Christmas Luncheon @ Sal’s by Victor
On December 11, 2022 the CIAO club celebrated in fine Italian family tradition, an exceptional 7 course meal prepared by the chefs at Sal’s by Victor! Family, Food, and Fun — all in a spectacular afternoon! Abbondanza di cibo!
Mixed Member Luncheon
Now that the harvest is over, Pasquale Di Giacomo gave a presentation on the Winterization of Fig trees at a luncheon on November 3rd. He provided an informative discussion on the health benefits of both the fig fruit and leaves and other issues pertaining to figs and a successful harvest. It was an engaging presentation!
CIAO Annual Picnic
On Sunday, 9 October, the Annual CIAO Picnic was held. WHAT AN EVENT! Food, Fun, Family, Friends, Fabulous Weather — It was a spectacular day!
Arancini Demonstration by Chef Fabio and CIAO Potluck
On Sunday, September 25th, CIAO members were treated to an Arancini cooking demonstration by chef Fabio! Everyone enjoyed the delicious Sicilian Arancini and shared in a potluck dinner at the Powhatan Secondary Clubhouse. Raffles were held for an Italian gourmet basket and for a trio of Italian wines. Cooking, eating, and family were the ingredients for this afternoon of fun!
Grape Harvest!!
CIAO members help to harvest the grape crop at Gauthier Vineyard.
CIAO Food Drive
On 9 September, CIAO came out to support our Williamsburg Community with a food drive for The House of Mercy. CIAO members donated more than 800lbs of non-perishable food items! Thank you for your generosity!
CIAO supports the Williamsburg Regional Library
On August 24th, 2022, CIAO Treasurer, Dennis Stanzione (center), presents a $500.00 donation to the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) Perpetual Book Fund. Standing to the left of Dennis is Mr. Rob Hass, Director of Library Program Services and to the right, Mr. Benjamin Goldberg (holding the check), Library Development Officer. CIAO and the WRL have a history of partnering for the WRL Perpetual Book Fund for the Williamsburg community.
Happy Hour @ Eagles: Burgers and Beers!
On Thursday, July 14th, CIAO held a Happy Hour event at Kingsmill Resort’s Eagles Clubhouse. It was a wonderful evening overlooking the James River enjoying happy hour fare. There were lots of shared stories and so much laughter! What a great night!
Wine & Oyster Festival at Gauthier Winery
On Sunday, June 26, CIAO spent the afternoon socializing on the patio of Gauthier Winery. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful wine and yummy oysters (and charcuterie and antipasto platters)!
Maymont Italian Garden Tour
on June 15, CIAO visited Maymont gardens which incorporates a number of features characteristic of the Italian style: fountains, geometrically-shaped beds, sculpture, the contrast of sun and shade within the long pergola that stretches along the northern edge of the garden. In keeping with the classical ideal, the Maymont garden was laid out in several levels and situated on a south-facing slope overlooking a body of water. An expansive vista of the James River was visible from the Italian Garden in 1910. After the tour, the group lunched at a nearby restaurant.
June 4th Bocce Event!
Speaker Presentation: American Military Cemeteries in Italy
On May 22, 2022, Ron Grosso, CIAO member gave an informative presentation on the two American Military Cemeteries in Italy. Ron was Director, Mediterranean Region, American Battle Monuments Commission from 1996 – 2010. The two cemeteries memorialize the ultimate sacrifice of 16,741 American soldiers killed in World War II. One cemetery, The Florence American Cemetery, is located a short distance from Florence, Italy and the other, The Sicily Rome American Cemetery, is located in Nettuno, south of Rome. The presentation included how “ABMC honors the services of overseas US Armed Forces by maintaining and promoting America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials.”
Speaker Presentation: Photos, Memorabilia and Stories of Marcellino (Charlie) Del Vecchio
On April 23, 2022, Chris (Del Vecchio) Sizemore, CIAO member, shared photos, memorabilia and stories of her father Marcellino (Charlie) Del Vecchio, a first generation Italian American and award-winning photographer with the Washington Post from 1935-1978. In his years with the Post, Charlie took photographs of almost every event that occurred in Washington D.C. and served as President of the White House News Photographers Association under John F. Kennedy.
Men’s Luncheon and Speaker Presentation: All About Figs
On April 21st, 2022, our own Pasquale Di Giacomo shares an informative presentation entitled, “All About Figs.” If you’ve ever wondered if you can cultivate, care and maintain a fig tree in the greater Williamsburg area, Pasquale has the answers!
Bocce
Our monthly Bocce games are quite competitive and FUN!!
Tresette Card Games
On December 9th, 2021, the CIAO club began a new series of Italian card games. Our first card game to master is Briscola. Briscola is a trick taking game - that is, the object of the game is to take cards which gives you (or your team) a high score. It is popular in Italy and it uses the Italian 40 card deck. It is often played with Italian cards, which have suits of coins, cups, batons and swords. The CIAO ‘pros’ gave lessons before everyone started playing. This was a delightful afternoon with friends, wine, cappuccino, and snacks. Once we master Briscola, we will move on to Scopa and Tresette.
