Upcoming Club

Events
December
3, 10, 17 - Pasta & WOW
5 - Opera on Tap
5, 12, 19, 26 - Cena
6- Childrens San Nicola &
Santa Lucia
8 - General Meeting and
Board Elections
11 - Wine Tasting Dinner
12 - Italian Bake Sale
19 - Seven Fishes
19 - Christmas Carols
24, 26 - Closed
31 - New Years Eve
January
5, 21 - Hunger Busters
10 - La Befana
7, 14,21,28 - Pasta & WOW
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Cena

Notiziario Ufficiale del Circolo Italiano di Dallas Dicembre 2014 Vol 35 Num 12

Celebrate La Vigilia Di
Capodanno
Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner
December 19
Come celebrate the Christmas season at the Italian
club on Sunday December 19 with our Feast of the
Seven Fishes dinner. This much anticipated feast of
the holiday season is believed to have originated in
Southern Italy and now has become a tradition in
many parts of Italy.
This feast typically consists of seven different seafood
dishes, but some Italian-American families have been
known to celebrate with a number of more seafood
dishes. This celebration commemorates the wait,
the Vigilia di Natale, of the midnight birth of the
baby Jesus. At our clubhouse, we host this popular
celebration as a family event and encourage everyone
to come and enjoy a delicious meal of seven types of
fish and seafood, so please make your reservations
early by calling the clubhouse.

Ring in the New Year with Your Friends

at the ICD!
As the end of the year draws near, we are busy
cooking, shopping, and finding time to spend with
family and friends and that means that our plans for
saying arrivederci to this year and benvenuti to the
year ahead take a back seat to everything else. Make
plans to join us to say goodbye to the old and dance in
the new at the Italian Club of Dallas Clubhouse for
the ICDs New Years Eve Extravaganza one of the
best parties in town! Bring your friends and family to
welcome in the New Year with a glass of Prosecco, a
gourmet menu, and a joyous celebration.
We will have mouth-watering food and when you
think you cant eat another bite, it will be time to hit
the dance floor to a DJ playing your favorite dance
music, both old and new.

Pricing is $40 for members and $60 for guests. Doors

open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6 pm.

As the New Year begins, youll ring it in with Italian

tradition, but best of all, you will be celebrating with
some of your favorite people from 2014, your ICD
friends! Can you think of a better way to start 2015?
Stay tuned for details!

Advance Ticket Purchase required: Click here

Advance Ticket Purchase required: Click here

Italian Bake Sale ~ December 12

Keep up to date
and subscribe to
our weekly
e-mail bulletin...
please visit our
website!

Come to the ICD on Friday, December 12, between 11 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for a wonderful Italian Bake
Sale. The women of the Club will be selling Italian baked goods that they have made, which will consist
of Rum Cakes, Tiramisu and Cannoli made by our Chef, Biscotti, Ricotta Cookies, Fig Cookies, Regina
Cookies, Ricotta Pie, Amaretti and many other Italian goodies made by the ladies of the Club. We will
also have some lasagna casseroles for sale and frozen, so you can shop until you drop and still have food
for dinner during the busy month of December. Stock up for the holidays. Come early for the best
selection.
Come on the 12th and shop for the best Italian baked goods in the Metroplex. Enjoy lunch at the ICD
on Friday after you select your goodies. Special Italian desserts will be prepared by Chef Christian
Manganero, our visiting Chef from Sicily.
Come back for Cena Friday evening and a fun Christmas raffle.
Any questions call Francesca Barone at (214) 295-2864 or Semira Pacifico at (972) 831-1351.

W W W . I TA L I A N C L U B D A L L A S . O R G

Presidents Letter
Dear Members,
The month of December will be a busy one at the ICD.
But before we get too busy, I want to say thank you for your generosity
and participation.
Recently, we made an appeal to the members to help us get past a cash
flow problem that we were having, We had requested that each member
assist with at least a $100 donation. Many of you did that and more. To
you who did, the rest of the members owe you a thank you.
Also, we had a beautiful Gala held in our own facility. The ladies of the
Club, worked tirelessly to produce the Gala and Wine Auction in record
time. The Gala, which provided a lovely evening of dining, dancing,
great wines and amazing desserts, was very successful. The generosity of
the underwriters and auction bidders provided us with significant funds
to carry on.
Dont miss any of the December events, they all will be great.
Regards
Jay

Culinary Events
Wednesday ~ Pasta & Pizza Night: 03,10,17,24. Doors open 6 p.m.
Every Wednesday evening features our fantastic antipasti bar and one of
several pasta or pizza selections for a great price. Add extras if the mood
suits you meat, seafood & veggies. Pasta or Pizza - Members $12 /
Non-Members $16; Antipasti Bar only - Members $8 / Non-Members
$12.
Call for reservations and large tables (972) 931-9167

Friday Cena Schedule & Pricing

Member Adult $20 / Non-Member Adult $28
Reservations are kindly requested as seating is often very limited.

Regular Cena
December 05
December 12
***Raffle night

October 2014

2014 through October

Income:
$43,839.88
$272,145.61
Expenses ($17,616.58) ($275,250.86)
Profit (loss) $26,223.30
($3,105.25)

December 19
*** Raffle night
December 26

Opera on Tap Warms Our Inverno Italiano

It wont officially be winter yet when we all get together for Cena on
Friday, December 5, but the weather recently has proven that the calendar
cant be trusted! The Clubhouse will definitely have a wintery theme
that Friday, though, when Opera on Tap will be in the house to sing
about an Inverno Italiano! Theyll entertain diners with favorite Italian
opera arias that, though their theme focuses on the seasonal chill, will
warm your heart and rekindle your appreciation for this decidedly Italian
musical art form. (La Bohemes Che Gelida Manina anyone?)
Our amici from Opera on Tap have always wowd us with their talent,
and every evening with them feels like hanging out at an after-hours
backstage party. Be a part of it! Normal Cena prices apply ~ an
unbeatable deal for great food, Italian culture, and fun with
your ICD famiglia. Reservations are recommended and can be
made at italianclubdallas.org. Please contact Mary Ann Webster at
culture@italianclubdallas.org with any questions, and plan to come to
the Clubhouse ready to have a fun night ~ and an opera experience that
will warm a wintery evening! ~ Mary Ann Webster

Each Friday, we make special time to enjoy

Cena (dinner) with famiglia e amici (family &
friends)
Visit the Club for a delicious four-course
menu, enjoyed insieme (together).
Join us to savor the taste of authentic Italian
dishes from fresh ingredients & recipes old
and new, prepared by guests Chef.
Share the joy of good food, good wine and
good company ~ Italian-style!
Weekly menu available via ClubMail.
Reservations recommended at (972) 931-9167
or online at http://icdcena.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday,
December 31

New Year Eve Celebration

New Member Reception Oct 15

The membership committee sponsored their third New Member
Reception of the year on Wednesday Oct 15 at the Club. We had
a great turn out. We changed the time for this reception to 7:30 but
many new members came early to enjoy the antipasto and a glass of wine
before we had a full house of new members. It was wonderful to see new
members meeting other new members and doing what we always talk
abouteat, drink a glass of wine, visit and enjoy the eveningit was
great said co host Ken Venuso and Gina Lecca.
In attendance were Nate Schiccatano and his friend Norah and her
parents, Joann and Phillip Webb, Nick and Leanne Guagliarde, Chuck
and Corrine Lucido, Gladys Jiminez, Charles and Anna Calella and
Tom and Dee Thornton. They all did what all Italian families dostart
talking and enjoying the company of each other. Hey its family!
As is our custom, each new member stood up and told everyone why
they joined or talked about their Italian heritage along with what part
of the U.S. they lived before coming to Texas. New Jersey won hands
down as well as strong Sicilian ties. They were either born there or lived
there and in regards to their family heritage Sicily stood out just ask
Chuck Lucido. Charles (New Jersey) and Corrine (Rome, Italy) cheered
for Nate Schiccatano New Jersey born not to mention he was a former
Notre Dame football player Go Irish. Phillip Webb had ties to New
Jersey. Phillip and Tom Thornton were Italian wanna abeestheir
wives were Italian and they love Italian food and all their trips to Italy.
There was a Chicago factionNick and Leanne Guargliardeand love
being with other Italians. Gladys Jiminez isnt Italian but has traveled
to Italy many many times. Like we always say there are those who are

Italian and those who want to be Italian and the Italian Club offers that
to all.
Melissa Stoa was busy cooking in the kitchen while her staff took care of
the new members and we want to sayeverything was MAGNIFICO!
Its a Grazie Mille to Melissa Stoia and to her staff for providing super
service.
Our president Jay Laurenzi talked to the group. He gave the history of
the Club but most important why we are a Clubto enjoy the Italian
Culture and Tradition of Italy. In addition it was great to hear him talk
about the Club and its family attitude The clubs uniqueness comes
from the members treating everyone like family he added. The best way
to get involved with the Club is to volunteer Jay added. Also speaking
to the group were Ben Parlapiano on the Charity Outreach committees
and Carrie Harris on the I Colori and all the wonderful things the dance
group does, Francesca Barone on the Cicerone and Ken Venuso gave
information on our Bocce Ball tournament on Nov 2.
Benvenuti ai nuovi membri della nostra famiglia ICD.
Welcome new members to our ICD family.

A New Face in the ICD Kitchen

We are pleased to have Christian Manganero from Taurmina, Sicily in
our kitchen along with Chef Gerard. Christian is a complete chef with a
specialty in pastries. We look forward to some great dishes and pastries
coming from Christian in the coming months.

GRAPE FOCACCIA (SCHIACCIATA ALLUVA)

Ingredients
4 cups (500 grams) type 00
or plain flour, plus extra for
dusting

1 3/4 cups (400 grams)

lukewarm water

1 pound (450 grams)

concord grapes (see notes)

1/4 cup extra virgin

olive oil

1 teaspoon (7 grams) of
active dried yeast

5 to 6 tablespoons
raw sugar

Powdered sugar for dusting

(optional)

Instructions
Prepare the dough the night before you need to bake it or a couple of hours ahead
of time. Dissolve the yeast in a few tablespoons of the lukewarm water with a
tablespoon of the flour. Leave aside until little bubbles begin to form if this doesnt
happen, throw it out and start again.
In a mixer or in a bowl (if doing it by hand), sift the flour and add the yeast mixture.
Add the rest of the water little by little, working the dough well after each addition.
Note: This is important to allow the flour to absorb all the water. If, while adding the
water, you see that its losing its elasticity and becoming more like a batter, stop, add
a bit more flour until it returns to a dough. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
to the dough.
Place the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes or
until the dough is elastic and bounces back when you poke it. Roll into a ball and
place it back into the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and set it in a warm place, away
from drafts, until it doubles in size (about one hour). If doing this the night before,
you can leave the dough in the bowl to rise in the fridge slowly, which will result in
superior flavour and aroma.
When ready to assemble the schiacciata, wash and pat dry the grapes and separate
them from the stem, no need to deseed them.
When the dough has risen, line a rectangular baking pan with some baking paper (or
oil it well with olive oil) and heat the oven to 350F.

Take the dough out of the bowl with wellfloured hands (it will be very sticky!). Divide
the dough into two balls, one slightly larger
than the other. Roll out the larger ball on a
well-floured surface roughly to the size of
your pan, no more than inch thick. Lay the
dough in the pan, pushing the dough to the
corners and sides, if necessary.
Divide about two thirds of the grapes and scatter them on the first dough layer and
sprinkle half of the sugar over, with half the olive oil.
Roll out the second ball of dough to the size of the pan and cover the grapes with
this second layer of dough, rolling up the edges of the bottom layer of dough from
underneath to the top, to close the schiacciata. Gently push down on the surface of
the dough to create little dimples all over.
Cover the top with the rest of the grapes and sprinkle over the remaining sugar
and olive oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and
crunchy on top and the grapes are oozing and cooked.
Allow to cool completely. When ready to serve, cut into squares and dust with
powdered sugar, if using. This is best served and eaten the day of baking, or at the
most the next day.

New Members

Monday, December First

The Last Hunger Buster This Year

Mr. Philip and Joanne Webb

Mr. Nick Guagliarde
Anthony Vecchio

Did You Know?

that there are more than one hundred and fifty varieties of figs?
that figs were one of the first plants cultivated by humans
predating domestication of wheat, barley and legumes going
back from 9400 to 9200b.c.?
that figs are among the richest plant sources of calcium and
fiber, and excellent sources of vitamin K and various minerals?
that figs were held in such high esteem by the ancient Greeks that they
created laws forbidding the export of the best quality figs?
...that figs have a laxative affect, and also contain oxalates and
should not be eaten by those suffering from untreated kidney
and gallbladder problems?
that in the Book of Genesis it is said that Adam and Eve
clad themselves in fig leaves after eating the forbidden fruit
from the Tree of Life.?
Ben Parlapiano

Special Olympics Bocce

A Win-Win Event
There were no losers at the Special Olympics Bocce Tournament held at
Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch on Saturday, September 20. On a
beautifully sunny and warm day the Special Olympians and their families,
tournament administrators, and Italian Club monitors and scorekeepers,
participated in an event where everyone came away winners. While the
scoring might seem to prove otherwise, the intensity and spirit of good
sportsmanship demonstrated by all the participants; the dedication to, and
almost palpable love families and friends had for the Olympians; the hard
work of Tournament Director Julia Scott and her staff, and the on-field
positive interaction of monitors and scorekeepers with the contestants and
their astute handling of the games, made winners of them all. It was indeed a
day of celebration of all that is noble in the human spirit.
Very special thanks go to Italian Club of Dallas members whose participation
helped make it a very special time: Karen Mungioli, John Mungioli, Luigi
Mungioli, Fred Hansen, Francesca Barone, John Pully, Jay Laurenzi, Ken
Venuso, Semira Pacifico, David Mauriello, Damian Caruso, Carlo Strippoli,
Carole Strippoli, John Di Tucci, Mary Ellen Di Tucci, Carrie Harris, Charles
Castellano and Carol Castellano.
From year to year the Special Olympics Bocce Tournament seems to return
so very quickly so its not too soon to save the date and mark your calendars
for the 2015 tournament. See you all on Saturday, September 19th next year
at Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch.
Ben Parlapiano
Chair, Charitable Outreach

By the time you read this issue of Il Cicerone there will be only one Hunger
Buster session left this year. The calendar has conspired with the Dallas
Independent School District schedule to limit our participation at Hunger
Busters in December to just the first Monday. The fourth Wednesday in
December falls on Christmas Eve so consequently no school, no Hunger
Buster meals. Coincidently, the November Fourth Wednesday schedule came
up against the Thanksgiving Holiday so that our Wednesday volunteers had
that day off too. Hunger Busters will resume with a full First Monday (the
fifth) and Fourth Wednesday (the 21st) schedule starting in January.
Welcome to board member Carole Strippoli for joining our Hunger
Buster volunteers starting on Monday, October 6th. Many thanks Carole.
Hopefully Caroles example and the example of the rest of the Hunger
Buster crew will inspire other Club members to join us in helping Hunger
Busters perform their very generous mission.
Three hours once a month. Thats all were asking for. Contact me at 972
699-0243 or by e-mail.
Ben Parlapiano

There will be a General Membership Meeting and

Election to the Board on December 8th. If you are
interested in serving on the Board, please contact Jay
Laurenzi at
jlaurenzi@gmail.com

San Nicola and Santa Lucia

Coming on December 6, 2014
December 6th, Saturday 11:00 am to 1 pm.
Our traditional party for the children of the Club
San Nicola and Santa Lucia will come to visit.
Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, neighbors.
There will be games, prizes, traditional food and
surprises from San Nicola and Santa Lucia.
Please RSVP by December 5 so we are able to
have enough for everyone.
Call Carrie Harris 972-242-8283 or
Maria Chobany 972-235-4920

Save the Date!

January 10th , Saturday 11:00 am to 1 pm.
Our traditional party for the children of the Club
Celebrating La Befana who travels all over the world in search of the Christ Child.
Since she does not want to miss Him she gives gifts to all children.
For more information call Carrie Harris 972-242-8283 or Maria Chobany 972-235-4920

Tis Better To Give Than To R eceive

(But R eceiving Ain t So Bad Either)
Well, friends here we are again. Its holiday time; gift giving time; party/
entertaining time; yearend tax planning time.
You say youre pressed for time? You say youre out of ideas? You say youre
tired? Just you gather round friends and give a listen, for your friendly
Italian Club of Dallas has the cure for all that ails you this holiday season.
Short on time? Whats easier than one-stop shopping at the Italian Club?
And hows this for an idea? Italian Club gift certificates in denominations
of $25, $50 and $100 for Club lunches, dinners, special events, and
language classes - the possibilities are many. And dont forget, when
someone asks what you would like for Christmas, one of those gift cards
wouldnt be so bad to receive. See Club restaurant manager Melissa Partin,
or Club president Jay Laurenzi for these and other fabulous additions to
your holiday gift giving.
Need help with your holiday entertaining friends? Talk or call Melissa
Partins (972) 931-9137 to order trays of gourmet Italian specialties that will
make your holiday entertaining a breeze.
Please consider the following ~ The Italian Club of Dallas is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization and as such your generous donation to it is fully tax
deductible. Talk to your tax accountant as to how a donation to our Club
can help with your yearend tax planning. Your gift will also be a great help
in accomplishing our mission to explore and preserve Italian culture and
perform charitable works.
Ben Parlapiano Chair, Charitable Outreach

Carolers Voices Will Fill the

ICD Clubhouse on December 19
There are many special celebrations unique to the Christmas season. From
Advent calendars to Secret Santas, its a time for those signature touches
that let everyone know the holidays are here. None is more special or
enjoyable as singing Christmas carols. No one cares if the singer is offpitch or muffs a few words, as long as the singing is done with gusto and
heart!
Diners at the December 19 Cena will become a chorus of beautiful voices
when Marsha Anderson and Ron Montgomery lead them in what has
become an ICD tradition, singing carols after dinner. Marsha and Rons
professional training will shine through as they get the crowd started in
singing God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, Oh, Come All Ye Faithful,
Joy to the World, and many more favorite Christmas carols. When the
crowd joins in the songs, Marsha and Ron will be two of many voices, and
the music will become even more joyous as everyone gets into the spirit of
the season!

Did You K now?

that Christmas wasnt celebrated on December 25 until the third century
AD when Roman church officials using various biblical and historical
references, determined that Christ was born on December 25. The
accuracy of the date has been disputed by a number of theologians and
historians, some claiming by their own calculations, that the date was
actually March 8th and others saying that December 25 was picked to
coincide with the Saturnalia, a time of Roman feasting and debauchery.
that in Italy the start of the Christmas season officially kicks off on the
Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary December 8, and lasts until
January 6 the Day of the Epiphany and the Twelve Days of Christmas.
that the Christmas Tree first came into use in 15th and 16th Century
Germany. Evergreen trees were set up in town squares and homes decorated
with fruit, candies and candles for the holiday. The trees stood as a
metaphor for life and light during the dark cold of Winter. Prince Albert,
the German Consort of Queen Victoria, introduced the German tradition
to England in the 19th Century and subsequently the practice was adopted
in the United States.
that the modern concept of Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) was innovated
in 1822 by Dr. Clement Moore, a professor at New Yorks Episcopal
Theological Seminary. In his poem The Night Before Christmas written
as gift to his family, he portrayed a jolly, plump Santa Claus with eight
tiny reindeer flying house to house, coming down chimneys with gifts to
fill in stockings hung by the fireplace. Later in the Nineteenth Century
the periodical Harpers Weekly showed Santa Claus living at the North
Pole with a workshop for building toys assisted by elves, and with a large
book filled with the names of children who had been naughty or nice. By
the beginning of the Twentieth Century the standard image of Santa Claus
was a man in a red suit trimmed in white, sporting a full white beard, and
sometimes smoking a pipe.
that the custom of sending Christmas cards was started in England in
1843 by Sir Henry Cole and his artist friend John Horsely. The cards
appeared in the United States in the late 1840s; but, being hand painted
they were too expensive for most people to afford, until in 1875 Louis
Prang a printer from Germany came to the United States and started to
mass produce affordable cards printing over five million cards a year. In
1915, John C. Hall and his two brothers created Hallmark Cards the
biggest card maker today. Over one and a half billion Christmas cards were
sent last year.
that we wish you our members and your loved ones, a Very Merry and
Joyous Christmas, and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Ben Parlapiano

We hope you will plan to be at this special holiday Cena. Contact Mary
Ann Webster at culture@italianclubdallas.org with any questions ~ and
start getting your voice in tune to sing some of your favorite Christmas
music! ~
Mary Ann Webster

Family R eunion... the E asy Way

Beginning immediately, the ICD will offer six month free trial memberships to relatives of current members. The program is easy and no
risk. Here is how it works. Any member that has adult children, parents, brother, sister or any family member that would like to try a Club
membership could do so without any commitment--at zero cost.
At the end of six months, or sooner, they can join the Club at whatever membership level that would apply to them. The only thing
necessary is to come to the Club with your sponsoring member, let us know who you are and we will start the six month trial period.
During the trial period, the family member will have full membership benefits and discounts. This is a great opportunity for family
members to spend time together and enjoy the many events at the Club, and at member rates.
If you act quickly, you and your family can enjoy special December events. Seven Fishes and New Years Eve are coming soon. Lets
celebrate with our families.

ITALIAN CLUB OF DALLAS

I PICCOLI COLORI HOSTS

BUON NATALE
Christmas was first celebrated in Rome near the year 300 A.D.
Join us as we continue our traditions at the Italian Club of Dallas.
Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews will enjoy a variety of holiday activities
including a shadow puppet show in which the children make stick puppets and participate in the
story; readings of favorite Italian Christmas stories; decorating our ceppo, an Italian Christmas
tradition long before the Christmas tree; playing tombola; and hearing zampognari play our
favorite Italian carols on their ancient bagpipes.
We will learn about and enjoy some of traditional Italian foods served for the December feast
days of San Nicola (December 6), Santa Lucia (December 13), LaVigilia (Christmas Eve), and
Natale (Christmas). Holiday breads, cakes, and cookies will provide sweet treats for everyone.
And if the children have been good, we will have special surprise visitors who will present each
child with a bag of goodies.
$5 for each child or adult.
RSVP by November 30 to Carrie Harris 972-242-8283 or Maria Chobany 972-235-4920, so we
will be sure to have enough food for everyone and treat bags for the children.

Presepio from Naples

Also be sure to save the dateJanuary 10for our childrens Visit with La Befana!

Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 800 Dallas, Texas 75380

ICD Board
of
Directors

Jay Laurenzi ~ President

Clubhouse
14865 Inwood Rd.
Addison

John Gala ~ Vice President

Domenick Iacovo ~ Treasurer
Doug Delsanter
Carole Strippoli

The Mission Statement of the Italian Club of Dallas

To explore, preserve, and promote Italian culture, language, history, and traditions; perform charitable works; and foster
social interaction within the community.

La Missione del Circolo Italiano di Dallas

Conoscere, conservare e diffondere la cultura Italiana, la lingua, la storia e le tradizioni; fare opere benefiche; promuovere i
rapporti sociali all'interno della comunit.

Did You Know?

Readers of Il Cicerone can click anywhere
in the Upcoming Club Events column (see
highlighted area below) of our monthly
newsletter and make an online reservation to
any ICD event right then. Give it a try ~ this
feature is available already!
Dont forget to Like Il Cicerone and Share
it on Facebook, too - just click on the latest
issue from ClubMail or the Web site, or find
your favorite issue on www.Scribd.com by
searching Italian Club of Dallas, and then
hit the upper menu button for Share with
social networks (square with arrow) to
choose Facebook and post to your page ~
or just download it and share it wherever you
like!

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION;

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT CICARTICLES@ITALIANCLUBDALLAS.ORG

W W W . I TA L I A N C L U B D A L L A S . O R G