Kathleen Ripley Leo
The PebbleCreek Italian American Club (PCIAC) celebrated its 25th Silver Anniversary at Tuscany Ballroom on March 12. One hundred fifty-five members enjoyed a cocktail-attire served dinner and were regaled with their club’s storied past. The first meeting in 2000 numbered 71 members, and original member Jane Cook Biggs read that meeting’s minutes. Over the years, objectives have remained true: learning what extraordinary impact Italian history and culture have had on the world, plus you don’t have to be Italian to join. With monthly meetings and many events, members have grown closer to neighbors living in PebbleCreek, enjoying events and camaraderie for 25 years. Membership today stands closer to 300.
All past board members were given heartfelt thanks. Current President Ken Minichiello has held the position for 11 years. A funny story revealed that his nickname at one time was “Mini-Cello” and he was presented with a trophy adorned with a mini cello musical instrument. Ken’s generous empathy to all members, especially new members, was applauded. Also, his beautiful wife Karen was lauded for being the patient stalwart sweetness behind Ken. He said he could not do service to the PCIAC without her partnership.
Past and current board members Jane Cook Biggs, Mary Flynn, Bev Buck, Ken Minichiello, Keith Passaflume, and Pat Atkinson spoke with accompanying PowerPoints about Italian artists, authors, great musicians, opera, food, fashion, and businesses over the centuries, with the beautiful voice of Andrea Bocelli in the background. Little known fact: Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian 1500’s explorer, and because he explored what became ‘the new world,’ our country is named America in his honor. Many thanks to Shelly Carnevale and her committee for organizing the dinner, prizes, table decorations. Many thanks to David Carnevale for PowerPoint presentations.
Neil Diamond’s song “America” could have sponsored this event: over 4 million Italian immigrants came to America since the late 1800s chasing the American Dream, and rubbed shoulders on ships streaming into Ellis Island and New Orleans with immigrants from all over Europe. Stories were offered by members whose grandparents came here from the old country, some had to drop out of elementary or high school to work and thereby sacrificed so that their children could have that better life. All came away with a renewed desire to write memoirs so that children know how important the American Dream is.
PCIAC has many events: monthly meetings, golf events, several times a year aperitivo cocktail parties and pasta dinners sponsored in member’s homes, monthly luncheons at local restaurants, monthly Italian movies (some starring Sophia Loren), sponsored trips to Italy. Anyone interested in hearing more about membership in the PebbleCreek Italian American Club can call Ken Minichiello at 419-356-4010.
The PCIAC says Ciao to all, and thank you, PebbleCreek, for all you do to support clubs and their activities. Grazie!