Primavera 2022
CASA SPOTLIGHT
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Spring into Culture at Casa Belvedere |
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Welcome back the warm weather by enjoying a variety of fascinating cultural events at Casa Belvedere, presented by The Italian Cultural Foundation!
Celebrate Il Natale di Roma – the Birthday of Rome – on Tuesday, April 19; and discover Fascinating Facts about the Lovely Italian Region of Lazio on Tuesday, April 26.
Wine lovers can sample premier Tuscan wines from Tenuta Torciano in Tuscany at a wine tasting on Tuesday, April 12, with Italian delicacies from Met Foods. This event always sells out quickly!
To learn more and register for these events, click here.
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A quasi-disaster with a happy ending |
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On Aug. 26, 2021, years of water damage finally came to a head and caused the original plaster ceiling in the DaVinci Room to suddenly collapse. Water leaking from the Juliet balcony door on the second floor had caused some damage that visually appeared minimal, but unknowingly compromised the DaVinci Room ceiling until it finally gave way.
God was on our side: The room was empty, and was immediately cordoned off by Belvedere Club employees.
Once the ceiling was secured temporarily with Sheetrock, two companies gave estimates to repair or replace the ceiling back to its original plaster. Due to budget limitations, Director of Operations James Paone ultimately decided to use modern materials - including flexible composite molding - to match the original design of the plaster ceiling, a linked series of circles and squares.
Careful measurements were taken to replicate the design. Master carpenter and Casa Belvedere member Bob Kunz created a template and produced a sample. Once the original design was finalized and penciled on the arched ceiling, the materials were purchased and construction began.
The original plaster ceiling in the DaVinci Room is now under repair. Its intricate design is being painstakingly replicated using modern materials to ensure its longevity. The circles have been installed, and the remainder of the design will be completed soon.
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We are grateful to Bob Kunz for his dedication to restoring the ceiling to its original beauty. The restoration adventures at Casa Belvedere truly never end!
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Updates ... and Save the Dates! |
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The bronze Founding & Current Member Name Plaque, previously located to the left of Casa's front door, was sent to a foundry in New Jersey to be enlarged, in order to accommodate names of all our active members in good standing. The plaque was picked from the foundry on Friday, and a frame is being built to hold the larger plaque. Once the framing is complete, it will return to the front portico for display.
Near Nonno’s Garden, patio blocks will soon be installed to become Nonno’s Garden Learning Pavilion. The new flat surface will be used for class trips for young students as well as outdoor cooking classes.
Save the dates!
This summer, Cinema Sotto le Stelle will resume in July on the outdoor patio overlooking New York Harbor and the Verrazzano Bridge.
New this year, the Foundation will present Musica Sotte le Stelle, featuring live performances and dinner.
Mark your calendar! This year's Festa & Motori D'Italia is Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25!
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Making great progress on
Casa Belvedere's Upper Levels
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Throughout the winter, work continued daily on the second and third floors’ restoration, thanks to Carlo Seneca of CA Seneca Construction and his very generous donation of labor. We are hopeful the upper floors will be completed by early summer 2022. |
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Second floor under construction |
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Third floor under construction |
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The Italian Cultural Foundation is tremendously grateful for the in-kind donations of Anthony & Carlo Seneca of C&A Seneca Construction, who are generously providing skilled labor and project management for the final phase of this decade-long project.
We are also very grateful to the following generous in-kind donors:
Chris Dariak of Demar Plumbing Corp.
Robert Nappi and Nicholas Assini of Five Borough Electric
John DeAmicis of Lighting Design Associates.
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Upon completion, the second floor will be available to members for additional dining options, conference rooms, Foundation events, and space for members to host large or small special events. |
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Spring is blooming on Casa's grounds |
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We have expanded our existing patio by 550 square feet!
We can now accommodate more participants to our outdoor cultural programs, and increase the Belvedere Club's alfresco dining ... all while enjoying the most spectacular view on Staten Island!
Special thanks to Tom Corbett of Corbett Concrete Supply for his generous donation of concrete for our patio expansion and Nonno's Garden Learning Paviliion.
Special thanks as well to Nick D’Amato and sons (Nicholas Jr. and Vincent) for their generous contribution of labor and materials to help make Casa Belvedere even more breathtaking!
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Getting ready for growing season - and seeking volunteers! |
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The devoted volunteers who take care of Nonno’s Garden are planning another an abbondanza of beautiful vegetables and herbs for 2022.
This very social group welcomes new volunteers who enjoy gardening - including teens! If you are interested or want more details, please email info@Casa-Belvedere.org
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Some new blog posts on Casa Belvedere's website: |
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A look at colorful Carnevale traditions in various Italian cities.
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Easter pies feature eggs and grains, which represent new life and harvest.
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Italy has a special connection to the holiday because of San Valentino.
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The Belvedere Club will serve a special Easter Sunday dinner and is now taking reservations. A variety of specialties will be served family style for antipasti, first course and dessert, with a choice of entrees for the second course. A Kid's Menu is available.
To reserve your table, please call the Belvedere Club at 718-420-6040.
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A reminder about The Belvedere Club Dress Code
Collared shirts or sweaters are required at all times. After 5 pm, men's jackets are required in all dining rooms, and ladies are required to wear business-appropriate attire, dresses, or slacks.
All members are expected to dress in a neat and presentable manner. Dressy jeans are acceptable, but cut-off jeans, jeans with holes and tears, T-shirts, flannel shirts, and similar casual clothing are not permitted anywhere in the Belvedere Club.
Also, sneakers, running shoes, stretch pants, leggings, rubber sandals and athletic attire are strictly prohibited.
It is the member’s responsibility to ensure that their guests adhere to the Dress Code. Staff at the Front Desk will also ensure that members and their guests comply with the Dress Code.
Noncompliance by members and guests will be referred to the foundation office.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
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The staff of the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere wishes our members a very Happy Easter! |
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Support Casa Belvedere when you shop at Amazon!
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere can receive a donation for every Amazon purchase you make, but only if you place the order at smile.amazon.com and select “Casa Belvedere the Italian Cultural Foundation Inc.”
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Are you planning your 2022 vacations?
Click here for the ClubCorp Network that has participating city, golf, athletic and yacht clubs across the US and abroad.
Click here for a list of reciprocal agreements with dinner clubs arranged by the Italian Cultural Foundation.
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IMPORTANT: Please keep the foundation updated with current contact information for you and your spouse, including email addresses and cell phones.
To provide updates, call 718-273-7660 or email.
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The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere
Preserving the Past, Enriching the Future
79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
T. 718-273-7660 • E. info@casa-belvedere.org
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