The Grapevine

November 2018
NOVEMBER LUNCHEON
Nov 14, 2018
€23

Join us at a new location off post.
Strada Padana Superiore Verso Verona 30
You're the Next Contestant on the Price is Right
What better way to keep the VCC fun going in the “RIGHT” direction than with a fun game of the Price is Right? Guests and tables will compete against each other in six prize showcases to remember. Doesn’t matter if you are a Bob Barker fan or like it the Drew Carey style—just make sure you know how to play everyone’s favorite Price is Right game. Who knows? Maybe we'll call your name to come on down!

At the luncheon we will invite the membership to vote on an updated version of our Constitution and By-Laws as well as our 2018-2019 VCC Budget. Only paid members in good standing in attendance are eligible to vote.

Experience the Italian Olive Harvest with VCC
Nothing defines life in Italy more than a stroll through ancient family olive orchards and the excitement of the traditional olive harvest. Join VCC for a tour of this amazing family owned frantoio. The highlight of the trip is experiencing a coveted tasting of the freshly harvested olive oil. 

There are two dates: Nov 3 at 9 am and Nov 7 at 11 am . Both tours and tastings are FREE, but there are only 25 slots per tour. First reserved, first paid have priority.

Following the tour, we have the option for an add-on luncheon. The cost for the luncheon only is €22 online or €20 discounted cash prepayment required 24 hours before your selected tour.

First RSVP deadline is Friday, Nov 2.

Holiday Dough Bowl Auction
Our Holiday Dough Bowl Auction is fast approaching and there are two ways you can participate:

We need your help to make the auction successful. As in years past, we invite units, coffee groups, community organizations, civic groups and other military affiliated groups to sponsor a dough bowl to help us raise money for the Vicenza Military Community. We provide the bowl and you provide the creativity and contents to make beautiful holiday centerpieces or unique themed gift sets. 

Dough bowls are ready for pick-up on Tuesdays & Thursdays at the VCC office from 10 am to 2 pm through November 15. Drop off is November 29 and December 4 from 10 am to 2 pm at the VCC office. 

Contact 2ndvicepresident@vccitaly.org for more info. 

The VCC gives out over $100,000 every year in grants and scholarships, but it takes a lot of work to raise that money. Whether you help sponsor a dough bowl or attend and bid on items, we can't wait to see the amazing accomplishments your generosity makes possible for the soldiers and families stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

Obsession: Demijohn 101
Save the Date for our December 12 luncheon!

Are you as obsessed with all the gorgeous glass demijohns as we are? But maybe you aren't sure how to practically use it in your home or how to dress it for fancy or low-key decor spaces. Perhaps you have a few demijohns but want to grow your collection based on knowledge, history, types and value. Then come to our December luncheon to enjoy a private class on all things demijohn. Given by our VMC neighbor Harold Estabrook, you'll be surprised at how many beautiful options await the collector in you. Harold and his wife have spent years scouring Italy and beyond for the best and most unique demijohns. Come and learn from their experience.

Nove Ceramics B-I-N-G-O had Big Winners
Over 40 members joined us on October 17 for a rousing game of B-I-N-G-O. With $300 in Nove ceramics for prizes, the competition to win was fierce. The great pumpkin was a perfect prize for fall decorating and all the gifts went home with happy members.

Great news! Our monthly luncheon attendance is growing and that means we need to look at other venues for our events. For November and December we are trying events at Villa delle Rose. We think it will be a nice change of pace and their lunch buffet is amazing.

If you know of a great venue that can accommodate 70-100 people off post in a private space, please contact our 1st Vice President, Bevin Landrum at 1stvp@vccitaly.org.

Thank you to the board members who worked hard to pull off the October luncheon. The luncheon line up for the rest of the year is not to be missed.

Save the date for all our upcoming fun VCC events.

Dec 1
Massage & Merlot
Dec 6
Holiday Dough Bowl Auction
Dec 12
Obsession: Demijohn 101 Luncheon
Jan 16
Shake, Rattle & Roll Polish Pottery BUNKO Luncheon
*member only event
Feb 13
Single Soldier Valentine's Social
Feb 9
Casino Royale Gala & Auction
*open to the public
Feb 20
Milan Meets Thrift Shop Fashion Runway Luncheon
Mar 7-8
CIAO Conference
Apr 17
Make it, Bake it, Fake it!
Spring Wreaths & Planters Luncheon
May 15
Picture Perfect Endings & Board Installation Luncheon
May TBD
Family Appreciation BBQ
Sub-Clubs & Activities
We know that everyone has different schedules and we want to offer activities on a variety of dates and times. Fun and exciting day and evening activities are being added daily to our sub-club roundup. We will offer trips to explore this beautiful country in which we live and regular social groups to build friendships and skills.

We had robust sign-ups at our last luncheon, but we still need folks to lead the following groups:

  • Cooking
  • Bowling
  • Scotch & Cigars
  • Hiking
  • Exploring with Littles

If you would be interested, please contact Lynette Pfaff via email at subclubs@vccitaly.org.

Join our new VCC Sub-Clubs & Activities Group on Facebook. The group is closed and for VCC members only. All of our fun events like Crafting, Antiquing, Couples Dinner Club, Wonderful Wednesdays, Photography, Casual Gourmet, Lunch Bunch and more will all be in one easy to find place online.

*Note this year we have chosen to partner with existing VMC groups for book clubs and wine tastings and tours. This helps consolidate our resources and is a smart way to engage with the community around us.
November Cultural Heritage: Panama
Our November International Culture events will feature the fabulous food of Panama. There will be a cooking demonstration and tasting. We have two events available. One is for members only and the other is open to the military community. The events are free but space may be limited. Membership is available at events.

Nov 2, 2018
ACS Bldg # 108
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Open to the whole Vicenza Military Community

Nov 9, 2018
ACS Bldg # 108
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VCC members only
2019 CIAO Conference Planning Set to Begin
The first planning meeting for the 2019 CIAO Conference is Nov 15 from 10-11 am at the USO in the room on the other side of the breezeway. We will be discussing the overall theme, session tracks and topics, and getting the ball rolling for a spectacular CIAO conference.  

VCC is still in the process of building the planning committee. Volunteering is always more fun with a friend. We encourage you to look left and right and bring a friend to the meeting! All are welcome.

Vicenza Community Club  |  Unit 31401, Box 61, APO, AE 09630