Dear members of Ciancia,
With the ever-growing dependency of the US economy on the Euro zone, 2012 opens up in Atlanta with fair weather followed by a polar blast. Is this a hint of Mother Nature on volatility? Regardless, this year opens with great expectations, in anticipation for the first signs of recovery from the slump that, since the beginning of the last decade, has enveloped every branch and aspect of the commercial, industrial and financial world. While Italy is busy in its difficult attempt to a post-Berlusconi reconstruction, the US presidential elections promise a sharp debate between adamantly opposite factions – though equally naive – about the maneuvers that may take the wheels of our economy out of the ditch and into the track – that is, if the candidate who succeeds has sufficient IQ and spine to steer the economy out of unproductive expenses, and back into production. Our economy is still a colander: you can pour all the water you want in it, but until you plug the holes… Fear not, for it is our tradition to stay out of the political debate, even if the future of our economy so depends on it. On a more personal note, we should take it easy with our New Year’s resolutions: consider it an achievement if you are healthy, satisfied with what you have, and able to enjoy and appreciate each moment, especially when most of us seem to forget how to live with simplicity. In this sense, Ciancia is the perfect escape from routine and pressure.
THE EVENTS OF 2011
Perhaps, the most relevant event of 2011 was the acquisition of a collective resilience in dealing with difficulties. In the news, the most prominent events of 2011 were scattered all over the world. Some were bad, some were sad, some joyous, like the widely-watched Royal wedding, making all the Cinderella of the world dream up about a world that is gone. It was followed by the most unlikely event, the Libyan and Egyptian uprisings, spawning into the so-called Arab Spring. The unexpected capture of Bin Laden followed. Then, a terrible Tsunami in Japan reminded us of the precariousness of life and of other relevant catastrophes, like millions of starving children who still account for the largest loss that humanity endures on a daily basis. The heartfelt and premature death of Steve Jobs, reminded us of a dreaming man who simply changed the way we live and operate. We must mention the passing of Vaclav Havel, a man of massive moral authority, who remains a beacon of the war of the Western civilization against all forms of totalitarianism. In the world of statistics, Hartsfield International lead the world air traffic with 88 million passengers over London-Heathrow with 66M. Delta moved 168 million passengers in 2011, making it the largest airline worldwide. In the world of music, Cesaria Evora, the bare-foot diva, likely the most romantic and nostalgic voice after Edith Piaf and Billy Holiday, passed away. In January we also lost John Barry, one of the most prolific composers of modern orchestral music, the author of the original scores for James Bond and Out of Africa. Known mainly for his segments at the end of 60 Minutes from CBS News, Andy Rooney will also be missed. Among the Italians, Dino de Laurentiis leaves behind an impressive 160 movies. Enough bereavement for this page. Many fabulous children were born in 2011, perfectly unaware of the challenges of the world, ready to see life as a wonderful thing. One wonders how many of them will be artists, writers, leaders, even presidents… On the other side of the spectrum, on March 30, 2011, at the tender age of 114, Walter Breuning became the third oldest man who has ever lived. Evidently, life has much to offer to those who can take it easy, stick to the basics and remain rather unconcerned in front of greed and anxiety. Which lead us back to Ciancia, our beloved club, and to the way we look forward once a month to put all sorts of problems and preoccupations behind us, and enjoy several hours of unstructured, unguided chat with other like-minded people. It may be a recipe for long life.
Co-edited by Giancarlo Pirrone and Alexandra Salivia-Soares
EXPECTATIONS FOR 2012
The most relevant change on our turf is that Cancia meetings are now taking place on the SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH CALENDAR MONTH, with this January being the first exception due to the unavailability of the hostess on the second Friday. We found that our members are more relaxed on Friday evening, less worried about what awaits the following morning, therefore more inclined to stay late. For logistic reasons, we will revert to the second Tuesday for all meetings held at restaurant venues. We are hoping that this change will please all of you who are sometimes unable to attend our meetings because a work-day calls for an early night. Attending Ciancia on a Friday night is a fantastic way to start your weekend. We hope to see you in greater numbers. This year, to popular demand, we are adding another event. The Italian Language Club is reserved to people who come to Ciancia to speak only Italian – read the details below. Meanwhile, our unwavering support of the Film Festival, of the Museum of Design, of the Atlanta Opera, the Festa della Repubblica, and other cultural events such as the visual arts, remains steady on our 2012 calendar. We so look forward to the gems brought to Atlanta by Claudio di Persia with the Italian Film Festival, scheduled this year in April. Together with the ICE, and Fabrizio Giustarini, we are planning another Festa in June, location TBA. Our Ferragosto Pool Party at Mike Salvo remains a solid Ciancia tradition, together with similar surprise-events throughout the year. Make sure that you read our Bulletins through. They are packed with information about exciting events and initiatives.
CIANCIA’S 20TH BIRTHDAY
Did you know that Ciancia celebrates its 20th birthday this coming September? Of course, we will have a huge Ciancia birthday cake and a special program. Special prizes will be awarded to people who made a difference over the years or pushed Ciancia in the right direction. The program and location for this event will be announced.
A THANK YOU NOTE TO OUR HOSTS, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
We would like to extend our gratitude to all 2011 Ciancia hosts, Jeff Varasano, Giorgio Esperti, Marcy Lindgren, MoDA, Sucheta and Depak Rath, Bella Cucina, Beth Cope, Ted Ciamillo, Rosa Burkhard, Michele Salvo, Massimiliano Gallinoni, Jalal Khadivi, Pasquale Palloni and to the amazing hosts of our Christmas party, Tito and Amy Mazzetta, together with our corporate sponsors, the Italian Trade Commission, Piola, Pizzeria Venti, The Atlanta Opera, Pizzeria Varasano, Toscano & Sons, Bella Cucina Artful Food, Antica Posta, Cuzine Chefs, Fritti, Fanoos Persian Restaurant, Grossi Consulting, Thondo, MoDA, AGP Properties and Ciamillo Corp. Also, a heartfelt thank you note to Mary McCoy, Marie, and Stefania Cappelli for their invaluable help at the Xmas party. Finally, our gratitude goes to the members of our amazing Steering Committee for their passionate work and unwavering support of our cause.
2012 DOOR PASSES FOR SALE
If, on a typical year, you are attending more than four Ciancia events, you may want to consider purchasing a 2012 door pass. Door passes are $40 and they get you through the door for free throughout the year. You may still bring food or a bottle of wine, but no cash at the door is required to those holding a pass. Passes are individual and are available at the door from now through April 2012. All prior passes expired December 2011.
OUR FOOD POLICY
Please be aware that you are allowed to bring food items only to private host events. Public venues do not allow food that is not served according to strict health guidelines. Since Ciancia does not provide dinner, we do suggest that you grab a light meal prior to attending our meetings. You never know how long you will want to stay! The food items provided are served as appetizers and wine pairings. Please, be considerate to others while you enjoy our delicious snacks and keep your serving portions to a reasonable size! Thank you!
OUR LANGUAGE POLICY
Even though Ciancia meetings are open to all of those who would like to be immersed in Italian culture, cuisine, and language, we would like to remain loyal to our core mission, which is to speak Italian. So, we are asking all who attend that you abstain from speaking other languages and that you take this opportunity to practice and learn the Bella Lingua. We understand that some of us do not have the proficiency level necessary to carry on a conversation in Italian; however, you will find that our Italian speakers are often happy to teach you a few new words. Please help us keep this important tradition.
THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE GROUP
Exciting news folks! In order to increase language proficiency and exposure, Ciancia has created a diner’s language club. If you are rather strict about Italian speaking and would like, for once, to be immersed in an environment where Italian only is spoken, the Italian Language Group is cut for you. The group shall meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at restaurant locations to be announced. No door fee is required. A complete dinner will be provided by the hosting venue at a special $20 a person, paid individually at the time you are seated. Members are free to bring their own wine. This is so much closer to what Ciancia was in its beginnings, 20 years ago. We hope that this initiative will please those who are aching for speaking and improving their Italian. The first of such meetings will be held at Fanoos Persian Restaurant on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. The ensuing meeting will be held at Pizzeria Venti, on February 28, 2012. Same time, same rules. Varasano and Piola have shown strong interest for our group. Therefore, locations will rotate. Please be aware that you are not allowed to bring food items to these events, as public venues are subject to strict health guidelines. Ci vediamo da Fanoos il 24 di gennaio!
WHO MAKES CIANCIA POSSIBLE?
Ciancia is brought to you by an outstanding Steering Committee of accomplished professionals, each one bringing to the table amazing experience in communication and event production. This is a team of volunteers, all strong believers in the great rewards of social interaction, curiosity, diversity and cultural engagement.
Here is our current roster:
Giancarlo Pirrone, president
Tony Pelliccia, event and door-reception coordinator
Marcia Briscoe, founder and constitution member
Kristi Hutchinson, IT technical services
Francesco Scordato, Facebook and Internet interface
Alexandra Salivia, our new editor
Nelson Salivia, IT technical services
Daniele Goffredo Gonzales, website design
Stefania Cappelli, events coordinator
We admit new committee members on a regular basis. If you think that you have the drive and the time to take over one of the numerous responsibilities, which make Ciancia possible, please step forward. You may contact us atagpirrone@yahoo.com . We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
The Steering Committee