Summer is in full swing. Sweltering August. Unusual heat waves are driving vacationers to the seashores.This is the time when most Atlantans hit the road for a little summer vacation, although not all of us can afford to be away from our desk. With Italy virtually on holiday, some of us are stuck in Atlanta, daydreaming inactivity, wondering about those lucky ones who are already at the beach, feeling the cool sea-breeze on the skin, barefoot on the sand, sipping some refreshing drink in the shade of an umbrella. In Italy, Ferragosto is the night of the falling stars, dense with memories of summer infatuations and heartthrobs – the night of Italian empty cities in which, as adolescents, we would lay down on the asphalt of the busiest downtown intersection, just for the heck of it, starting a soccer game on the street with hardly a car or a bus passing by. Under 100 degrees, even the police would end up stepping in the shade and watching our game. Speaking of which I hope you did not miss the fabulous spectacle of the women’s soccer game of Japan against the US. It was a highlight of strength, perseverance and sheer elegance – which nowadays is so needed, in sport as much as in politics. But I must leave earthly matters for we will be gazing real stars this time.
On the Northern hemisphere, August 15 coincides with peak activity of the Perseid meteor shower, leaving Italians at a particular advantage to view this astrological event – best seen at pre-dawn hours. In the U.S. you may have to wait until dawn to see them – face up, on a cloudless sky, is a stunning spectacle!
The best part of Ferragosto, however, is indulging in what Italians do better than anyone else in the world and have perfected to an art-of-living: that is, doing nothing! This deliberate inactivity bears a long-standing tradition in the Italian Peninsula. In the origin, it might have corresponded to the end of the gathering season in the fields, to honoring the Gods, in particular, healthy and statuary Diana — who was the embodiment of ripening abundance and the cycle of fertility. Contrary to the common belief that Spring is the time of fertility, the Summer might have represented the ideal time to socialize, to make new friends and spread all kind of seeds… But this, Ciancia members, is no instigation to misconduct.
On the etymologic side, Ferragosto derives its name from the Latin “Feriae Augusti” – holidays of the Emperor Augustus – in which almost the entire month of August was taken as a holiday and leisure time in Italy in honor of this feast day. Italians could not find a better excuse to suit their natural inclination. Nowadays, Ferragosto is still a sensuous night one wants to spend outside, by the sea, in good company, with a glass of chilled Lambrusco or Prosecco in one’s hand, something else in the other (for those who can afford it). Granted such basic ingredients – which you may provide – plus so much more to see, our in-perfect-Italian-style-August-meeting takes place in the traditional setting of Mike Salvo’s house and garden, himself a chef extraordinaire and one of Ciancia’s best advocates. With co-host Mike Peplinski’s swimming pool and Jacuzzi next door, this meeting has become a summer fixture of our club. As a Tuesday evening would defeat the purpose of a mid-summer pool-party, our August event takes place on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. (FOR DIRECTIONS GO TO OUR “NEXT MEETING” PAGE). We will resume our traditional Tuesday meetings in September. The unusual location of this meeting, slightly outside of I-285 Perimeter, is the perfect setting for an outdoor evening, so worth it the 15 minutes extra-driving stretch! The general area is Snellville, just East of 285 perimeter, just pass Stone Mountain. As per our tradition, you can pay $10 at the door, unless you chose to bring food or wine to this event (which is not mandatory at all – see rules below). Do not forget to bring a towel, mosquito spray and your favorite swimming suit to this event.
We hope you enjoy our events as much as we do creating them for you. So, wherever your summer takes you, don’t forget about us. And, if you are on-line, visit our Ciancia Facebook page and be a friend of it.
CHANGE OF WINE POLICY:
Bringing food or wine to our events is not required. There is plenty to eat and drink, even if you come empty handed. Our $10 door fee covers our running expenses and it is a nominal price to pay for the entertainment and limitless bounty we offer to our members. Don’t feel obligated to buy anything. However, if you decide to cook, or purchase a bottle of wine, in an effort to keep Ciancia focused on the national heritage of Italy and to increase awareness of its incredible variety of regional products, we inform you that we accept only bottles of Italian wine at the door. Please, refrain from varieties of other nationalities. Once again, bringing wine or food to our meetings is optional. Special rules may apply to each event, especially those held at restaurants. Make sure you read them each time! As usual with our club tradition, drink responsibly and keep our streets safe!
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
Beth Cope, PR and non-profit
Marcia Briscoe, founder and constitution member
Kristi Hutchinson, our IT technician!
Kathleen Layton, event design, PR and promotion
Elizabeth Moore, Editing and promotion
Enrico Corradi, Opera and External Activities
Francesco Scordato, Facebook and Internet interface
Tony Pelliccia, event and door-reception coordinator
Daniele Goffredo Gonzales, website design
We accept new committee members on a regular basis. If you think that you have the drive and time to take over one of the numerous responsibilities, which make Ciancia possible, please step forward. You may contact us at info@ciancia.org . We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
The Steering Committee