Dear members of Ciancia,
With vacation time and sandy seashores in the mind of so many of us, Summer solstice just marked the mid-point of the seasons, its shortest night! But are we heading in the other direction of the season? Not yet, folks! A passing lunar eclipse reminded me that larger rhythms and natural cycles at play have more dignity than the waves generated by human action. In my adolescence in Italy, an eclipse was a big deal. We would go outside and wait for the event, watching in wonder. We don’t do such things any more. Instead, we notice weather patterns going haywire, the volatility of the market, the dwindling of the economy… as if our lives depended on them. Nature is the forgotten element, and yet Nature is where we are taking you next – deep in the heart of it! Moreover, our next event basks in the greatness of the endeavors that some of our ancestors undertook and that some of us still deem as worth pursuing: human invention and creativity. Greatness may hang on the power of our imagination, on our ability to convert hardship and normality into something else, on the ability to see beyond, not so much in the endurance of bad weather. Routine and the unfolding drama of so many nations and factions in conflict with one another must invite the best part of us to emerge. If you need a break from it all, this is it folks!
After 15 years of service with Ciancia, I keep reminding myself that this mission – keeping our club going and bringing these events to you – is not the result of my personal commitment as much as it is the result of the generous contribution of our hosts and the dedication and enthusiasm of a group of individuals who believe that there is something magic and desirable in human interaction – I am talking about our outstanding steering committee. There are grander novelties in the make, but these are the surprises that may keep your attention alive.
OUR SUMMER CALENDAR
We are bringing to you a summer-full of events. After a well-attended Festa della Repubblica at the MoDA, and a lovely gathering at Beth Cope’s rooftop, our next two meetings are second to none. The first is a special event in honor to America’s birthday. This is a special event that entails driving out of town on a Saturday afternoon, going to an exceptional location, staying with us late – or overnight, if you wish to do so – cooking, bathing in a fresh water pond, partying, playing and singing music till late night.
The second event is our regular member’s meeting. See the details below. If, after the next two events, you are still able to party, our summer program concludes with our Festa di Ferragosto, which is traditionally held a Mike Salvo’s residence, this time on Saturday August 13, two days prior to the traditional Italian recurrence – a night of the stars by the poolside. We hope to see an enthusiastic participation to these programs we put together for you. Giancarlo Pirrone
IN THIS ISSUE:
Special Event: an Early 4th of July Celebration!
For our regular July Meeting – go to: “Next Meeting”
Wine Policy Change
SPECIAL EVENT: AN EARLY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION!
“As we celebrate Italy’s 150th year of independence, we look back on the struggles Italy faced as a nation under the captive rule of the French, the Spaniards and the Austrians. Life was difficult, taxation reigned, freedom was endangered by the ghost of foreign domination, art threatened by the bastardization of the Italic culture, and yet the spirit and perseverance of the Italians never waivered; their independence and unification was finally was obtained in 1861.
Much like the spirit of the Italians, the Americans harbor a fierce patriotism when it comes to celebrating our timeless independence, signed and sealed on July 4, 1776, the American flag, stars & stripes, fireworks, picnics, hot summer days, cold beers, & cookouts are all how we fondly envision this memorable holiday. Ciancia would like to bring this sense of Italian & American spirit to a small town outside of Athens, GA. We have arranged an exciting Independence Day extravaganza at the home and property of one of our dedicated Ciancia supporters Ted Ciamillo. Due to the national holiday, it will be held in advance, Saturday, July 2, 2011 – until Sunday morning July 3 (for those who spend the night).
An incredible undertaking to construct both a 6,000 sq. foot workshop/loft, complete with an indoor fire pit, and a beautiful, sensuous freshwater pond, with a waterfall, these edifices represent the oasis of a driven and creative inventor. Lucky for us he is allowing all of us to enjoy these natural surroundings, beginning our festa in the afternoon, and late into the night: laughing, eating & drinking, shooting fireworks, swimming, and camping underneath the stars. Overnight stay and Sunday breakfast included – if you bring a pillow and sleeping bag and relax with us. Come join us for this unforgettable experience, an early celebration, Saturday July 2, 2011! Plan ahead for car-pooling, or get organized earlier on with a group of best friends. This location is well worth the one-hour trip from Atlanta. Brave? Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 2. For Google Map and checking your mileage to destination, click here.
FYI: don’t be spooked, the meeting is not taking place at the cemetery! I will have plenty of stories to tell, as I just came back from a vacation in Italy. Yours truly, Elizabeth Moore.
Saturday, July 2, 2011 – 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 10:00 a.m.
TED CIAMILLO
62 Memorial Drive
Nicholson, GA 30565
706-757-2414 shop
770-364-7933 cell
Directions: Take I-85 North, toward Greenville. If you pass the midtown area, zero your trip odometer: it will help you measuring progress. Careful not to take Route 316 to Athens, when you see highway signs directing you to Athens! Instead, bear left and continue on 85-North, direction Greenville. You will be driving approximately for 64 miles from midtown Atlanta. Take Exit 149 (Commerce – 441), make a right onto 441. Drive exactly for 11 miles, pass Route 59, Route 98 and Route 334. At about ten miles unto 441 you will notice a car cemetery on the right, then a large blue-sky colored water tower. Time to slow down! Exactly one mile pass the big blue water tower, immediately after James Maxwell Road, you will make a right turn on Memorial Drive. The corner is marked with a billboard that says Cabin Creek BBQ. The total Mileage at this point from midtown Atlanta is 75 miles. Slow down to a walking pace, as you are about to take an immediate right on your first driveway uphill (look for the Ciancia sign). Up a steep ramp, you will pass in front of Howington Cemetery. Early birds can continue to the white and red stripe fence. If you arrive later than 8:30, the driveway may be full and you may want to park across from the cemetery, on a flat grassy field. Ladies, avoid wearing high heels to this party! The driveway is on the left and you may park anywhere on the pad or under the tree canopy. Please, avoid to block other cars and circulation in and out of the driveway. As per our tradition, you may bring food. The kitchen facility on site is very basic, but you may still be able to cook some fresh pasta. When you arrive, you must come and pass trough the large barn main doorway to check-in at our welcoming table. For Google Map directions click here.
ATTENTION: you can bring wine or food to this event, although, due to the celebratory nature of this date, we strongly recommend that you consider a bottle or two of Lambrusco or Italian Prosecco! A bubbly or light variety is far more suited than red wine for a warm July night. It’s a long night, so come prepared with a reserve of drinks to carry you through the night. The closest supermarket is miles away!