Our Third Annual Wine Tasting, free to all members who had paid their dues by the end of 2006, was held on January 14 at Foothill Center. Total cost to the Club was $1,750, including about $1,000 to the Clubhouse, which provided hot and cold appetizers to the more than 100 members. Cookies were baked by the Club. Ed Knott provided the music, including a very popular sing-along.
At the January 25 meeting, the Board amended the Club Bylaws to clarify our financial responsibilities. All Club funds must be deposited in one checking account, the Board is responsible for establishing an adequate operating reserve to pay normal expenses, and any excess over this amount may be invested in a Certificate of Deposit, at the Board’s discretion. As in the past, two signatures will be required on all checks.
The February 10 Valentine’s Day Party at Foothill Center attracted another sellout crowd. Virginia Gavin was the organizer, Norma’s Catering provided the full dinner, and Milt Posnick’s group provided the music throughout the event, even as guests came in the door. As in the past, Polaroid photos were taken of those in attendance, with Bill Durante as photographer. Cost was $20 for members and $25 for guests, which covered all costs.
At the February 27 meeting, the Board voted to have servers at dinner functions, to avoid some of the problems that came up at the Valentine’s Day Dinner, when there was not quite enough antipasti for the last people in line. It was also decided that as a matter of policy, we will refund event payments only to those who cancel at least four days in advance, but not to those who decide not to attend at the last minute.
On March 17, the annual “Santo Patricko” Day dinner, chaired by Kathy Pavacich, again had the Irish Dancers as the featured entertainment. This popular event had a complete corned beef and cabbage dinner provided by Norma’s Catering for the 104 members and guests, and a wonderful sing-a-long to Ed Knott’s music. Using servers at the buffet table was very successful. Prices of $20 for members and $25 for guests covered all expenses.
On Thursday, May 17, Bob Puppo organized another successful bocce party at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos; 32 members participated in the bocce play and then a enjoyed a generous buffet table. With a price of $28.50, the Club realized a very modest profit, but most importantly, everyone had a good time and voted to have the event yet again in 2008.
BBQ and Bocce on June 24 turned out to be the biggest Villages event of the Summer. Myron Zaccheo organized a complete steak dinner for 140 members and guests, including sausages, steaks, salad, garlic bread and dessert. The Clubhouse provided pasta. For the first time, attendees were not asked to bring antipasti or desserts. Bill and Marie Durante did a great job of organizing the bocce play, and provided biscotti as prizes. Ed Knott provided the music. Price was $15 for members and $20 for guests. A very successful raffle helped defray the costs, and the Club actually realized a profit of about $300.
The annual cookie sale at The Villages Fourth of July celebration was a big financial success, contributing about $500 to the Club treasury. A call went out to members to bake their specialties for the event, and more than 30 responded. We had a great selection, and the volunteers at the booth managed to sell out just about everything. At its next meeting, the Board decided to continue the bake sale for another year, but with some organizational improvements that will include pre-packaging and pre-pricing to avoid last-minute set-up problems when the booth opens on the morning of the sale.
On August 20, the Board approved two changes to the Club Bylaws:
1. All events must be chaired by a member of the Board of Directors. The chairperson may delegate a Club member to supervise the program for that event, but financial responsibility remains with the Board member.
2. Any Board member who misses three meetings in one calendar year will be removed from the Board, and may be replaced immediately at the Board’s discretion.
The August 26 Ed Pasquale Golf Classic, chaired by Myron Zaccheo, was another big success. 76 golfers played the front nine, and then more than 100 members and guests enjoyed a nice dinner provided by Norma’s Catering at Foothill Center. The golf winners were recognized, and everyone went home with a prize. Prices of $20 for non-golfers and $25 for golfers covered all expenses.
At the September 13 meeting, the Board approved the purchase of 250 buffet plates, monogrammed with The Villages Italian Club logo, to be distributed as part of the 2008 Membership package. The Board also decided not limit the Club membership, and to consider using The Clubhouse for more events to accommodate larger crowds. Despite the high anticipated expenses for the Christmas Party, it was decided to keep the pricing as low as possible, and to use Club funds to cover the deficit.
As usual, the October 6 Opera Night at The Clubhouse turned out to be one of the biggest and best events of the year at The Villages. Chairperson Kathy Pavacich arranged for an elegant catered dinner with three different entrees for the 150 members and guests. Trio Amore gave one its best performances, and Reno DiBono provided music for after-dinner dancing. Prices were $35 for members and $40 for guests, which was enough to generate a modest profit. The only suggested change for future events was the elimination of the music for dancing, because almost everyone went home after the featured entertainment concluded.
On November 11, our annual Membership Meeting was held at Foothill Center. About 80 members enjoyed a spaghetti and meatballs dinner provided by The Clubhouse, and a after a brief annual message by President Bob Iacopi, the crowd was treated to an Italian movie, “Incantato.” The price was $20, which resulted in a financial breakeven.
The December 1 Christmas Party provided a resounding conclusion to the year’s social calendar, and was generally considered to be one of the best parties in the Club’s history. It sold out within a week, despite competition from other events. More than 100 members and guests enjoyed a full prime rib dinner provided by the Clubhouse. Antipasti plates were prepared in advance by Chairperson Lorraine Cappellieri and her staff, and the distributed to the tables. Ed Knott provided music, including a sing-along. Santa Claus, who vaguely resembled Past President Nick Lickwar, made an after-dinner appearance. He and his elves distributed small gift bags (assembled by Carole Iacopi) to all attendees; and then raffled off eight big gift baskets. Raffle tickets were provided free of charge to everyone except Board members and their spouses. Prices were $30 for members and $35 for guests, which resulted in a net loss for the Club, but the guests were rewarded with an event to remember.
At its final Board meeting of the year, it was decided to distribute a 2008 membership packet at the January 12, 2008 wine tasting, but to eliminate the membership cards. Membership total is about 260.
Click on year to go to Italian Club History for that year.