iL Circolo Florida

We are very saddened to hear about the loss of Elsa Pulvirenti.  Her death has come as a very big jolt to all of us.  On behalf of all of us at Il Circolo Florida, I extend our genuine sympathies to the family during this period of distress.  She will always be honored and remembered as a strong advocate of Il Circolo’s mission.

A few photos from the Sons of Italy Honoree Luncheon.

See all the photos here: 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joannova/albums/72157669469132979

Il Circolo donated $12,000 as a scholarship to The Culinary Institute of America in Memory of Pat and Tom Valenti. “This partnership will allow the ability to enroll and retain talented and dedicated students who excel while facing financial challenges.” Kevin Allen, Vice President

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, donated $1500 to Saint Andrew’s School for its Italian studies program.  Language Department Chair, Douglas Daza-Quintero was on hand along with teacher, Danielle Firmino, and several students to receive the donation from Il Circolo Scholarship Chair, Lucia Maggiore.  Each of the students expressed a reason for selecting Italian study.  Among the answers were, “I visited Italy and just loved it,” “The language is so beautiful,”  “Their food is incredible!”  Their teacher proudly stated that her students exhibit such enthusiasm for their involvement with Italian culture and expects that they will further their studies after leaving Saint Andrew’s.

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, donated $3000 to the Palm Beach Opera’s Young Artists Program. These talented, aspiring singers are given an opportunity to perfect their skills and learn the techniques necessary to achieve their goal of “Opera Star.” Along the way, they perform at various functions where they demonstrate their vocal talent and acquire notability.

One of these functions will be sponsored by Il Circolo at Palm Beach Atlantic University on Sunday, February 4 at 2 pm. The program, “Opera Highlights,” chaired by Rick Zullo of the Palm Beach Opera Staff, will feature excerpts from Italian operas. Admission is free, but contributions to Il Circolo Scholarship Program are appreciated.

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, held its annual Christmas party, Natale in Famiglia, at Boca West Country Club on Sunday, December 10, 2017. Catering manager, Andrew Masia, went out of his way to provide an outstanding holiday atmosphere and menu for the more than 120 guests in attendance.

Gino De Marco provided holiday songs and familiar tunes throughout with a special appearance by tenor, Carlos De Antonis, who performed some Christmas tunes and favorite arias. He was accompanied by Sergio Salani on the piano. The scheduled portion of entertainment ended with Babbo Natale, the Italian Santa, arriving with gifts for the children.

But it didn’t end there. Among the invited guests were Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Dion and his wife, Sue, who attended to help celebrate their friend, President of Il Circolo, Paul Finizio’s, milestone birthday. To everyone’s surprise and delight, Dion, in the holiday spirit, took the stage and in no time flat, had the entire room dancing to his inimitable, unmatched music and singing. What a fantastic, unexpected addition to an already successful event for all who came!

Il Circolo is grateful for its many blessings throughout its 42 years. Its dedication to preserving and promoting Italian culture through education has brought many rewards and beautiful memories while achieving its goals.

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, sponsored an over-the-top program, “Italians Got Talent,” at Palm Beach Atlantic University on Sunday, November 12, 2017. The more than 120 guests entered the Helen Persson Auditorium where a screen projection of Florence, Italy on stage greeted them. After an introduction by President Paul Finizio, the program began with a slide presentation by Executive Director of Friends of Uffizi, Lisa Marie Browne, who gave a history of the gallery, its construction, and present-day views. The film also included samples of restorations of the museums old tapestries made possible by her organization.

Next, Dr. Emanuele Pettener, professor of Italian Studies at Florida Atlantic University, gave a comprehensive review of his experience as a native Italian coming to the United States. His clever, humorous talk had the audience laughing and crying at the same time. His childhood dreams of New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles were shattered when he eventually came to live and work in Boca Raton! However, as time went by, along with his wife, Ilaria, and two children, he adjusted and actually loves his new life. Emanuele never ceases to capture his audience with his refreshing, Italian accent and his inimitable sense of humor.

Barbara Salani addressed the audience by giving a brief history of her heritage including a composer uncle and phenomenal, performer father. She and her brother, Sergio, then gave an outstanding performance with the two of them on one piano. Assuming nothing could top that, along came world-renowned tenor, Carlos De Antonis, whose emotionally performed singing of familiar Italian folk songs, brought the guests to standing ovations. The rendition of an original song created by him and his accompanist, Sergio Salani, while in Sorrento together, was a realization of the inspiration that Italy’s beauty can create.

This never-to-be-forgotten afternoon ended with Carlos De Antonis leading the audience in the singing of O Sole Mio. Cheers and tears ended the event.

Italians have talent and they are emotional!

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, held its annual Welcome Back luncheon at Benvenuto’s in Boynton Beach on Sunday, October 29. Greeted with a welcome cocktail, members and guests found their seats at the uniquely-decorated tables. Centerpieces, topped by Italian and American flags were one-pound bags of pasta, for each to take home, donated by Colavita USA.

President, Paul Finizio, thanked Chair of the event,Gloria Ciongoli, who led the attendants in a prayer and a chorus of God Bless America. Benvenuto provided a four-course lunch of insalata caprese, pasta alla primavera, chicken breast or salmon and crème brulee or profiterole served with red or white wine to accompany the delicious meal. Gino De Marco played familiar Italian music while diners enjoyed the camaraderie and the festive mood. As a matter of fact, they often left their seats to join in the group-dancing that encouraged old-timers to celebrate with the young attendees.

A highlight of the afternoon was Profs. Myriam Ruthenberg and Ilaria Serra introducing the group of FAU students who came to thank Il Circolo for its support of their summer study program. “Without Il Circolo’s help, I could never have had this life-changing experience,” many said. Members and guests were gratified because our youth is the hope of preservation and perpetuation of the Italian Culture.

A renewed, strong energy was felt at this event; an indication that ensuing events, when season is in full-swing, will only be more inspiring and enjoyable. Please visit ilcircoloflorida.org for Il Circolo’s 2017-2018 calendar. All are welcome.

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society held a special celebration of October as Italian Heritage Month at Palermo’s in Boynton Beach. Chairpersons Robert De Angelis and Sally Valenti, arranged for a four course dinner prepared by owner/chef Anna Orlando to be served outdoors, under the warm, evening skies. While Italian music played and the wine flowed, the 100 members and guests joined in the camaraderie, ready for the new season’s gatherings.

In his greeting, President, Paul Finizio, thanked all those whose tireless efforts have successfully brought Il Circolo to its 42nd year in the community. They helped bring awareness of the cultural contributions made by Italians and Italian Americans which are evident throughout the world. He saluted Jim Guttuso, former president of Il Circolo, who came with his wife, Lucy. New members were especially welcomed and the winning 50/50 ticket was drawn by one of them, Louise Crutchley. Surprisingly, it was won by charter member of 42 years, Virginia Longo!

Il Circolo thanks Senator Maria Sachs whose driving force achieved the proclamation of October as Italian Heritage Month forevermore in the state of Florida and honors all those who celebrate it.

More than 100 guests gathered Jan. 29 at a dinner that Il Circolo hosted at Cafe Sapori to celebrate the food and wine of the region of Puglia, Italy. Operatic tenor Carlo De Antonis thrilled attendees with his rendition of the aria Nessun Dorma, from Puccini’s opera Turandot. Joe Spadaro circled tables playing his mandolin, and Joe Carriero sang Italian songs.

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