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On
This Page:
•
Il Circolo: Annual End of Season Gala
•
Symphonic Band presents
American
Tapestry,
May
15th and May 19th
•
Il Circolo: Annual Symphony of the America's Gala
•
Symphonic
Band's 55th Season Opener: It's Academic!
•
Il Circolo Horse Race Party: The Palio
•
Il Circolo Holds Season Closer
•
Il Circolo Appreciation Luncheon 2015
•
Palm Beach Model Railroaders Celebrate 40 Years
•
2015 South Florida Fair, January 16th - February 1st
•
Il Circolo Christmas Party, 2014
•
Thai Bay Restaurant has New Location
•
Tippi's Pizzeria — Delizioso!
|
F O O D , F U N &
E N T E R T A I N M E N T |
Il
Circolo’s Annual End of Season Gala
By
Sally Valenti • Photos
by Joan Nova |
 |
(l-r):
Sally Valenti,
Grace
Marquez,
Gloria
Ciongoli,
Giovanni
Marquez,
Rose
De Angelis |
Joseph
Ciaburri,
Marie
Ciaburri,
Claire
Giannamore |
 |
 |
Tony
Phillips,
Norma
Phillips |
 |
(l-r):
Standing- Marie & Joe Castro; Seated- Dolores Anostario,Lori
Mugavero, Elaine Santowasso, Lucia Maggiore,Josephine Schlags,Louise
Straney, Carolyn Lafferty |
Despite
being a rainy day, many members filled Paradiso Ristorante in Lake
Worth for "Alla Prossima", Il Circolo’s last
event of this season. What better way to spend a dreary afternoon
than lunching in famiglia, enjoying a delightful menu which
Chairman, Tony Phillips, arranged. Gloria Ciongoli gave a pre-meal
blessing and Frank Todaro treated diners with a couple of impromptu
acapella songs with all joining in. It’s time to say,
"Arrivederci" to the snowbirds and wish everyone a
happy, healthy summer.
Alla
prossima. |
Symphonic
Band presents
"American
Tapestry"
By
Chris Horn
|
 |
Guest
Pianist David Crohan |
It
is that time of the year, the beginning of Summer, that we celebrate
Memorial Day, which is the day that we honor and remember our
citizens that died while in the service of our Armed Forces. The
Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches join with virtuoso pianist, David
Crohan, in a reflective and patriotic tribute to America showcasing
our greatest composers’ love of their country and culture.
The
first of two concerts will be held at the Duncan Theatre in Lake
Worth on Monday, May 15th, followed by the second concert at the
Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens on Friday, May 19th.
Both curtain calls are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and may be
purchased by phone at 561-832-3115, or online at www.symphonicband.org.
The
Symphonic Band will perform two classic American pieces. "Variations
On A Shaker Melody", as penned by the great Aaron Copeland,
and "American Folk Rhapsody No. 2", by Clare
Grundman, includes the melodies "Billy Boy" and "Skip
To My Lou".
Guest
Pianist David Crohan will complete his improvisation of American
History in Music. He will pick up at the First World War, which is
where he paused at last year’s concert. True American Music
Tapestry!
What
Americana concert would be complete without marches? The Band’s
list includes Sousa’s "The Washington Post March",
Henry Fillmore’s "Miami", and a rare performance
of Christopher Paul’s "The School Musician March".
Meredith Wilson’s signature tune from the musical, "The Music
Man", allows the Trombone section to imagine that they are
"76 Trombones".
Feel
like singing? Join the Symphonic Band in a "Patriotic Sing A
Long", "America The Beautiful", and the
"Armed Forces Salute". Rounding out the program
will be a performance of Offenbach’s "Orpheus in the
Underworld", and "Lights! Camera! Action!",
a tribute to famous American movies.
Come
to the concert, and live our version of "American
Tapestry." |
Il
Circolo: Symphony of the Americas' 25th Annual Summerfest |
 |
Members
of Il Circolo Support Summerfest |
Renee
La Bonte, Sally Valenti |
 |
(8-31-16)
By
Sally Valenti
Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, participated in the Symphony
of the Americas 25th Annual Summerfest celebration at Florida
Atlantic’s University Theater. The orchestra led by Maestro James
Brooks Bruzzese and composed of musicians from all over the world,
entertained a full-house audience with familiar pieces as well as
originals.
To
honor supporters, Renee La Bonte, Vice President of the Symphony,
presented a plaque, in recognition of continued involvement, to Il
Circolo’s Vice President, Sally Valenti, who accepted on behalf of
the organization’s membership. A reception followed where
musicians and audience mingled. Such an enjoyable afternoon should
certainly be repeated next summer and Il Circolo looks forward to
yet another delightful musical experience.
Visit
ilcircoloflorida.org for the 2016-2017 calendar. |
Symphonic
Band's 55th Season Opener: It's Academic! |
 |
Florida's
Gulf Coast University Wind Orchestra |
By
Chris Horn
The
Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches opens their 55th season with a
program entitled "It’s Academic!" Academic due to our
performance partners: the Florida Gulf Coast University Wind
Orchestra; Dr. Rod M. Chesnutt conducting. The Band welcomes this
51-member Ft. Myers based orchestra as they prepare for a
performance later in the year at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The
concert will be presented at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach
Gardens on Saturday, October 17th; and on the following Saturday at
the Duncan Theater in Lake Worth on October 24th. The curtain rises
for both concerts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased
by phone at 561-832-3115, or online at www.symphonicband.org.
Even
though it is "academic," Phineas Fogg of "Around the
World in 80 Days," would be most happy with the musical
selections. In addition to the many locations showcased by the
music, Dr. Chesnutt has selected pieces written by current popular
composers. First, we head to Naples (Florida, not Italy). James
Stephenson’s American Fanfare was composed for a
celebratory occasion for a church in Naples. This version was
commissioned by the Commander of the Air Force Band of Flight.
We
now point our compass east (or west, depending on which route we
take) to Greece. Dionysiaques, Op. 62, was composed in 1913
by Florent Schmitt. It celebrates the festivals held to honor
Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and drama. Let the party begin!
Now we travel west to France. Martin Ellerby’s personal tribute to
a city he loves is reflected in his 1994 composition: Paris
Sketches. Bells are featured in this tribute to composers who
have lived, worked or traveled through Paris.
The
modern city of Memphis is our next stop. Jug Blues and Fat Pickin’
was originally commissioned for the celebration of Tennessee’s
"Homecoming 86." Composer Don Freund was inspired by the
music of the Memphis Jug Band. The final performance of the evening
by Florida Gulf Coast reflects the scope for the struggle for
personal and universal peace and is represented by Pacem — A
Hymn for Peace by Robert Spittal.
The
second half of the concert will feature the Symphonic Band of the
Palm Beaches. Spanish Dance by Dmitri Shostakovich, was
composed for the 1955 Soviet film "The Gadfly," which was
based on the 1897 novel by Ethel Voynich, but takes place in Italy
in the 1840s. Glad I cleared that up. Staying in Mother Russia, the
band plays an arrangement of the familiar Night on Bald Mountain.
Composer Modest Mussorgsky claimed to have been inspired by the
confession of a witch who was then burned at the stake in the 1660s.
Our tribute to Halloween!
From
the cold steppes of Russia we sail to the island nation of Japan. Fantasy
on a Japanese Folk Song, by Samuel R. Hazo, tells the story of a
Japanese girl who is given a music box by her parents when she was a
child. As an adult, she falls in love with her American husband, but
is conflicted with the music box reminding her of the love for the
culture she left behind. Keep your hankies handy.
The
British Empire is represented by a march entitled The Voice of
the Guns. This 1917 piece was composed by Kenneth Alford in
tribute to WWI British artillerymen. An arrangement was famously
used in the movie, "Lawrence of Arabia."
The
final three pieces represent the New World. First, we travel to the
shrine in Peru known as Machu Picchu (city in the sky). The
haunting music represents the rise and fall and re-emergence of the
golden Andes city of Cuzco. Moving north to the good ol’ US of A,
we arrive at Broadway with A Tribute to Jerome Kern. It
should start your feet a-tappin’ with "I Won’t Dance,"
"Long Ago and Far Away," "Pick Yourself Up," and
"All the Things You Are." Of course, we include a John
Phillip Sousa march: King Cotton.
Thanks
and Best Wishes to the Florida Gulf Coast University Wind Orchestra
for helping the Symphonic Band start off their 55th season on such a
high note. Enjoy! |
The
Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches hold Italian Style
Horse Race Party — The Palio!
Story
and photos by Sally Valenti |
 |
Watching
the race |
 |
Sergio
Salani
&
Rebecca Noble |
Sally
Valenti
&
Paul Finizio |
 |
 |
Maria
Kabitzke,
Joe
Castro,
&
Marie Castro
|
Palio
Cake |
 |
(8-5-15)
Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society held its own horse race party
on July 3, 2015. Each year, on July 2nd, in Siena, Italy, a race
called the Palio is held. It is a competition of ten of the
seventeen "contrade" or districts of Siena. With roots
going back to the middle ages it is a deeply emotional experience
for every Sienese.
The
horses cannot be thoroughbred, but after very careful consideration,
each horse is selected to represent a contrada. Specially selected
veterinarians rule out any emotionally negative traits, assess their
mental attitude toward winning as well as their speed. After three
laps or ninety seconds in time, the victorious one makes the
represented contrada the next "kingdom" of Siena and is
awarded a banner (palio).
In
Federico’s Fellini’s words:"You people of Siena have a
precious thing and in the conflict between your districts lays your
union. All the world is flaking away, but there you are with the
aliveness of these rites and with your loyalty to the centuries. I
believe you are the only example in Italy. There’s a sort of
mysterious cord between you and the Sienese of every other age. It’s
beautiful, very beautiful!"
While
in the throws of Kentucky Derby parties, it was suggested that we
have our own Italian style horse race party, THE PALIO! Sergio
Salani said, "Great idea. Let’s do it. We can watch it on
television at my house." With the greatest generosity, together
with Rebecca Noble, they shared famiglia, amicizia, gourmet food,
wine, and music with all who came to his home. Everyone was invited
to come and bring along a side dish to accompany the pasta dishes
cooked al dente by Rebecca. Bar tenders, Marco Salani and his
friend, Daren Newby, kept glasses full.
What
a feast!
Palermo
Bakery of Boynton Beach donated a huge, unbelievably-beautiful,
delicious cake for dessert and afterwards there was a musical
program when Guilio Salani, Sergio’s Dad, lifted our souls with
his songs and Barbara Salani joined her brother in a duet at the
piano.
A
guest, young tenor, Marcello Razza, encouraged all to sing along
with him, familiar Italian tunes.
Like
the Palio, founded in deep tradition, Sergio and Il Circolo project
the culture, traditions and love of life that have been passed on to
us by generations and these are uniquely Italian.
Grazie
Sergio and Rebecca. You have made tomorrow a better day.
Using
Fellini’s words "It’s beautiful, very beautiful."
|
Il
Circolo Holds 2014-2015 Season Closer
Story
& Photos By Sally Valenti |
Lucia
Maggiore & Chef Fabrizio |
 |
 |
Kathy
Miller & Virginia Longo |
Yale
Fisher & Meg Fisher |
 |
 |
Kate
Ceresaro, Debi Rodi & Adriano Ceresaro |
Claire
Ginnamore &
Barbara
Palumbo |
 |
 |
Antoinette
Vigilante & Debi Rodi |
Tony
Ventura |
 |
(5-27-15)
Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches, held its
last event of the season, celebrating the art of Sardinian food and
wine at Café Sapori in West Palm Beach on Sunday, April 26, 2015.
Guests were welcomed to beautifully decorated tables with white
hydrangea and orchid center pieces. After a greeting by Vice
President, Sally Valenti, an announcement of the elections by the
nominating committee member, Tony Phillips, and an introduction by
Chairperson, Lucia Maggiore, "Tutti in Sardegna" started
with an antipasto of zuppa di pesce with a lobster sauce. The next
course was homemade Sardinian dumplings with a lamb ragù and
traditional pecorino cheese. The wines of Sardinia, Vermentino and
Cannonau, were served according to preference of white or red. A
typical ricotta raisin cheesecake with goat cheese and anisette ice
cream was the dessert served with the coffee of choice. A brief
presentation by Monica Ruiu, who was born in Sardinia and whose
family still resides there, assured that this meal was authentic and
it brought her back to memories of her native land. The one hundred
guests who attended were also so pleased with Chef Fabrizio’s
preparation and presentation, that they requested his appearance
from the kitchen to give him personal accolades.
With
lively music provided by Tony Ventura, the closed-for-the-event
restaurant rang out with lively singing and dancing while dining.
Guests parted with boxes of Baci candies and memories of an
enjoyable end-of-the-season celebration and with expectations of
more of the same to come.
Thanks
to Lucia Maggiore for organizing the event, to Francesco and
Fabrizio for its presentation and to all who made it such a fun
time.
|
Il
Circolo Appreciation Luncheon 2015 |
 |
 |
Sally
Valenti & Marcello Fiorentino |
Robin
Miller & Paul Finizio |
Amber
Johnson
&
Paul
Finizio |
 |
 |
Barbara
Finizio,
Segio
Salani
&
Chris
Salamone |
Ilaria
Serra
&
Emanuele
Pettener |
 |
 |
Laurel
Baker
&
Kristen
Di Nonno |
 |
 |
 |
Caesar
Cora |
Gino
De Marco |
Virginia
Zeani |
By
Sally Valenti
Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches, honored
all those who helped the organization this past season. A sumptuous
luncheon prepared by master chef, Marcello Fiorentino, at La Sirena,
was held on May 5, 2015. Invited guests included Il Circolo Board of
Directors, Professors Ilaria Serra and Emanuele Petener, sopranos
Virginia Zeani and Marilyn Mims, Dean Lloyd Mims, Laurel Baker,
Robin Miller, Kate and Adriano Ceresaro, Ivana Regan, Marianna Du
Bois, Gregg Beletsky, Laurie Carney, Kathy and Leo Vecellio, Jana
and John Scarpa, Mayor Gail Coniglio, Frank De Stefano, Amber
Johnson and Michelle Botindari. Although some invitees were unable
to attend, thirty-two diners enjoyed the luncheon at the
closed-for-the-event restaurant. Marcello’s classic menu started
with bruschetta and mozzarella di bufala over roasted peppers, A
fresh fish dish oreganata over chopped broccoli rabe was followed by
risotto with porcini mushrooms and black truffles, named alla Frank
Cava after Il Circolo’s distinguished recently deceased member. It
was his favorite dish. Lemon panna cotta with fresh raspberries
finished the meal as the coffee was served.
Music
by Gino De Marco added to the festive celebration. A special
scholarship of $5000 by the Renee Silvester Foundation was given to
Amber Johnson for her studies in medical school and another
highlight was the presentation of a tribute to Robin Miller of the
Worth Avenue Association for a most unforgettable celebration of Il
Circolo at this year’s Worth Avenue Italian Week. The tribute
read, "In recogniton and appreciation for designating Il
Circolo as the featured charity for the celebration of Worth Avenue
Italian Week 2015. We are privileged to have you in our
circle." Robin Miller’s response included a compliment to the
organization for its reliable, dependable cooperation which
facilitated the organization and operation of the event. Il Circolo
looks forward to next year’s Italian Week.
Thanks
to Marcello and Diane Fiorentino and their staff for such an
outstanding presentation of over-the-top food and wines and to all
who participated in making 2014-2015 an outstanding season in Il
Circolo’s history. |
Palm
Beach Model Railroaders Celebrate 40 Years |
 |
Harold
Machiz, of Village Green H condominium in Palm Springs, has been a
member of the Palm Beach Model Railroaders club for 3 years.
Originally from Long Island, Machiz has been in Florida since 1995.
He is an avid hobbyist and has had trains in his basement in Long
Island. His first model train was a Lionel at age 12, followed by HO
scale models. |
 |
Modal
Railroad Club members Nick Litwin and Vincent Cuomo. |
Since
1975, the Palm Beach Model Railroad Club has maintained a model
railroad layout in Heritage Hall, Building 8, Palm Beach County
Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, FL. The building is owned by the South
Florida Fair Corporation. The layout is HO scale which is the ratio
of one inch equals eighty seven inches, or approximately 1/8 of an
inch to a foot of actual size. There are 25 club members who live
from Jupiter to Pompano Beach, FL.
The
club models the area of the United States from Virginia south along
the east coast into Florida. Their time era is from the 1950s. The
layout is in a nearly constant state of maintenance and improvement
and members perform various tasks such as scenery, electrical
wiring, electronics, trackwork, rolling stock and motive power
maintenance, operations, painting, lighting and design. Club members
also give lectures and demonstrations to interested community groups
that wish to develop an appreciation of their hobby and actual
railroads as a vital part of American history.
The
club meets regularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6pm and other
times as needed. The club is open for public viewing during the
South Florida Fair and other events at the Fairgrounds throughout
the year.
For
more information go to their website at: palmbeachmodelrailroaders.org
or call Fred Bohle, president at 561-951-6561.
|
Il
Circolo Christmas Party, 2014
|
 |
Carlos
Gonzalez,Marco Capoccia,Sally Valenti,
Kristen
Noffsinger, Tony Phillips, James Derry |
Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches, combined
with Sons of Italy, Pompano Chapter, to celebrate an Italian
Christmas at Via Mizner Country Club in Boca Raton on December 7,
2014. Members were invited to bring their children and grandchildren
as activities were being planned for them. Guests brought Toys for
Tots which were given to Marines James Derry and Carlos Gonzalez to
be delivered to the local collection center. A jolly Santa appeared
by surprise to give gifts to the attending children as they gathered
around the tree. Marco Capoccia showed a video filmed in a small
town in Italy where young, costumed dancers sang and performed a
typical holiday dance.
A
delightful lunch was served while Gino DeMarco played seasonal
music, often with guests chiming in. Many door prizes of wines,
candies etc., donated by Tony Phillips, President of Pompano’s
Chapter of Sons of Italy, were awarded to the lucky ticket-holders,
but the big prize, a basket of wine and food, was given to Francine
Scaffidi who won the Tombola game, the Italian version of Bingo,
traditionally played by families at Christmas time.
A
good time was had by all due to the well-planned event orchestrated
by Chairmen Tony Phillips and Marco Capoccia and assisted by Il
Circolo’s Executive Director, Kristen DiNonno Noffsinger.
Buone
Feste
Visit
www.ilcircolopalmbeach.org for information about our next
events. |
Thai
Bay Restaurant Has New Location
By
Betty Thomas |
Thai
Bay Food Restaurant has been a favorite of Palm Beach County diners
for the past 24 years. Formerly located on Okeechobee Blvd., west of
I-95.
They
have moved to 1000-A Old Okeechobee Rd., West Palm Beach.
Owner/operator Boon Som has been serving up some of the best Thai
food in the county for 24 years --- all home made with fresh
vegetables, spices and her own sauces and over 100 menu items to
choose from.
This
writer had the pleasure of dining there Saturday night and I can
assure you that you will be totally pleased. The service is
courteous and efficient.
My
favorite Thai dishes are the curries. I had the chicken vegetable
red curry. So-o-o-o good. My co-taster, Jimmy, had the broccoli stir
fry with shrimp in a brown sauce. Both our entrees were scrumptious.
Soup came with our dinners. He had wonton and I had the hot and
sour. Delicious.
Their
prices are moderate and their menu is a full menu for lunch and
dinner complete with appetizers, beverages, desserts, and, of
course, Thai Bay Specialties.
Thai
Bay has inside and outside seating and also features a complete
take-out menu.
For
more information or to make reservations, please call them at (561)
832-6091. Or visit their website at: www.thaibayrestaurant.com. |
Tippi's
Pizzeria — Delizioso!
Photo
& Story by Jimmy Shirley
A
business profile |
 |
Tippi
Redzepi |
Tippi’s
Pizzeria is an established business on Okeechobee Boulevard, across
from Century Village. Tippi Redzepi, an immigrant from Albania,
first moved to New Jersey more than 30 years ago, where he opened
two pizza stores.
He
moved his family to Florida in 1991 and opened a store at Belvedere
Road and Georgia Avenue and ran it with his son, Reggie. Eleven
years ago, they moved to their present location at 5778 Okeechobee
Blvd. in West Palm Beach.
They
offer a wide range of Italian-type foods, such as spaghetti,
calzone, parmigiana, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and so on. This
writer has sampled their meatball sandwiches, their Greek salads,
and of course their pizza. It can honestly be said you won’t find
better fare around.
The
late Sam Koppleman, long time adv. salesman for the Condo News,
was a frequent patron of Tippi’s. He used to use his quirky sense
of humor on them when he would complain they had not properly
arranged the beans in his soup, or that they had inadvertently
placed the sauce under the cheese on his pizza.
Tippi’s
Pizzeria is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday
from 11am to 12 midnight, and on Sunday from 12 noon to 10pm. They
offer take-out, delivery, and limited sit down, and catering. Call
them at (561) 681-9224 or just stop by the next time you want to eat
Italian. And, please tell them you saw their ad in the Condo
News. |
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