IMPORTANT: Please keep the foundation updated with current contact information
for you and your spouse, including email addresses and cell phones.
To provide updates, call 718-273-7660 or email.
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A Special Visit to Casa Belvedere |
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The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere was recently honored to have a special visit from Minister Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York. The diplomat praised Gina Biancardi, founder and president of the foundation, for her passion in restoring the historic mansion while also educating on all things Italian. DiMichele said “it took a lot of vision” and that Biancardi deserved to be an honorary Consul General of Italy for her hard work and achievements. |
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Inside the mansion, a new subfloor was recently installed on the second and third floors, and much of the construction debris has been removed. These new photos clearly show the massive new header and support posts that were installed earlier this year to support the second-floor main load-bearing wall.
Correcting this major structural issue has allowed us to move forward with renovating Casa Belvedere’s second and third floors. Once the renovation is complete, the additional space will be used for a variety of purposes to benefit our members and the community at large. Proposed events include art exhibits, classes and lectures.
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Outside the mansion, Bob Kunz designed and constructed a screen for the exterior entrance of the elevator stair tower, in the same classic style as the entrance to Cucina Colavita. In addition, the massive bronze plaque near the front door will soon be temporarily removed and sent to a foundry in New Jersey, where it will be enlarged to accommodate all the founding and active member name plates.
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Nonno’s Garden
With lots of spring rain and sun, Nonno’s Garden is already yielding a large crop! Our devoted volunteers regularly visit to pull weeds, water, and nurture the wide variety of plants. Click here to learn more about the history of Nonno's Garden.
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A bountiful harvest of heirloom Tomatoes growing at Casa:
These tomato plants were cultivated with seeds of Vito Biancardi, late father of Gina Biancardi. The seeds are from a small province of Avelino, Italy and have been producing an abundant harvest of delicious tomatoes for centuries!
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The Italian flag is now flying on Father Capodanno Boulevard near Sand Lane, sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere. It's part of a new International Flag Program that spotlights Staten Island’s cultural diversity by flying the flags of countries represented by the island’s residents.
The flags were unveiled at a press conference on Flag Day in June. Program director Beatrice Alecci spoke at the event, detailing the meaning of the Italian flag’s colors: Green for Italy’s plains and hills; white for the snowy Alps and other mountain regions; and red for blood spilt in the Italian wars of independence. Click here to hear her speech, and click here for a story in the Staten Island Advance.
The Italian Cultural Foundation is proud to sponsor this symbol of recognition, honor and respect for our Italian heritage. The flag project was organized by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation.
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Yoga
Sue Vidal is leading several morning Yoga with a View classes on the terrace. The first one was held on the morning of the summer solstice, which is also the International Day of Yoga. Click here to learn Seven Reasons Why Italians Should Embrace Yoga - one of our June blog posts.
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Opera dinner
Opera Dinner: Serenades in Opera, Film & Song: Many happy guests enjoyed this in-person event on June 15. The sold-out event featured fine outdoor dining, live entertainment, and a video presentation by Lou Barrella, with a live performance by Kayla Suter.
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Upcoming Programs at Casa |
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The next Opera Dinner will be held on Tuesday, July 27. Join us for an evening of fine outdoor dining, live entertainment, and a video presentation by Lou Barrella. The event runs from 6:30 to 10 pm; doors open at 6 pm. This program will be A Video Essay on The Operatic Voice with examples from opera, “pop” Broadway, film and TV, demonstrating both great and not-so-great singing for you to be inspired and amused! The four-course dinner includes wine and soft drinks. Cost is $75 for members, $85 for non-members. Click here to register.
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Cinema Sotto Le Stelle: This summer, enjoy a night out once a week under the stars, experiencing fine Italian films with English subtitles. Parking is available at Casa Belvedere and chairs will be available. Please DO NOT park in the Notre Dame Academy parking lot. Click here to register for the individual films.
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Summer Culinary Program: Adults can learn how to make Italian Cheesecake; Cheese Cavatelli; Gourmet Sweet & Savory Pretzels; Homemade Ravioli and Pesto; Burrata; and Cream Puffs and Profiteroles. Children can learn how to make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake; Homemade Cavatelli; NY Style Pretzels; Manicotti; Sicilian Pizza; and Cream Puffs. Click here to register before these classes fill up!
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Casa Belvedere’s Blog
A collection of creative content about all things Italian … and the foundation’s historic mansion.
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A special offer for golfers from ClubCorp!
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Sign-up and registration for the ClubLife Champions Classic at PGA National is in full effect! Starting Oct. 9, teams of four Members and a Pro will enjoy 1 practice round and 3 tournament rounds at PGA National's legendary Tournament Course, home of the Honda Classic and Jack Nicklaus' famed Bear Trap. Compete against other participating clubs in our Community in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Past participating clubs include Amarillo Country Club, Traditions Golf Club, Wynlakes Golf and Country Club, Beau Chene Country Club, Interlocken Golf Club and many more! If you are interested, email AllianceClub@ClubCorp.com.
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Save the dates!
Sat, Oct. 23 and Sun, Oct. 24
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This year’s Festa & Motori D’Italia will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24. If you are interested in securing a sponsorship or volunteering on our Festa committee, please email Joyce@casa-belvedere.org or call the office at 718-273-7660. Grazie! |
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A reminder that The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations to the capital campaign are fully tax-deductible. Members' annual dues are separate from the capital campaign, but also a tax-deductible donation, earmarked to underwrite our myriad of arts and cultural program offerings. Members' Belvedere Club spends are separate from annual dues and capital campaign donations.
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