The Italian Club History

About 35 people showed up at the March 22 meeting, and showed a keen interest in forming a club. After some discussion about the nature of the organization, everyone agreed we should go ahead. The Club was officially launched, and these Officers and Board members were elected on the spot:

For the new Italian Club to be officially recognized by The Villages, we had to write Bylaws, prepare a membership roster, and prepare a statement about the purpose of the organization. All of this was done and submitted to the Club Board in April, 2000. The Club approved as an official Villages organization with approximately 80 members. Dues that first year were $5 per individual, and $10 per couple.

Events during that first year included:

• Our first potluck dinner on April 30 at Foothill Center. More than 100 people showed up, and many had to be turned away.
• A potluck picnic at the Gazebo Park on July 28. The Club provided barbecue coals for cooking and ice, and the guests brought all the food.
• Our first golf tournament, organized by Ed Pasquale, on September 23. The tournament was followed by a catered dinner at Foothill Center. Cost for the golf and dinner was $14, and mulligans were $1
• A Membership Meeting on November 19 at Cribari Conference Center. The business meeting was followed by a filming of “Johnny Stecchino.” Coffee and cookies were served.
• A Christmas Party, chaired by Kathy Pavacich, on December 16 at Foothill Center. Cost was $20 person for a catered dinner and music by Bill Anders. A $5 gift exchange was held for the first and only time.
• These events were very successful, especially the golf tournament and Christmas party. Not only were we able to provide wonderful activities for our members and guests, but we were also able to add some needed cash to our treasury to pay for future mailings, postage, and incidental expenses involved with the events.

Click on year to go to Italian Club History for that year.