Newsletter April 2011
Content
NOTIZIARIO UFFICIALE DEL CIRCOLO ITALIANO DI DALLAS
PCOMING E VENTS VENTS U PCOMING APRIL 1 - C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 6, 13, 20, 27 - P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT EGIONAL C ENA ENA 8 - R EGIONAL EADOWS T OUR OF OUR OF LOST 9 - M EADOWS ANUSCRIPTS M ANUSCRIPTS ICHLAND C OOKING OOKING C LASS LASS 11 - R ICHLAND UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 15 - G UEST ASTER E GG GG H UNT UNT 17 - E ASTER 22 - C ENA ENA 23 - C HEF HEF M ORRIS ORRIS S ALERNO ALERNO ' 'S S C OOKING OOKING C LASS LASS 24 - E ASTER ASTER B RUNCH RUNCH OOK C LUB LUB 28 - B OOK TALIAN C ENA ENA 29 - I TALIAN ALK 30 - LYMPHOMATHON W ALK MAY 4, 18, 25- P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT 6 - C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 7 - S IDEWALK IDEWALK S ALE ALE 8 - M OTHER ’S OTHER ’ S DAY 11 - P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT & I TALIAN TALIAN ARD G AMES AMES C ARD EGIONAL C ENA ENA 13 - R EGIONAL OUGH R I DERS G AME AME 15 - R OUGH RIDERS UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 20 - G UEST ASTE A DDISON DDISON 20-22 - T ASTE 26 - B OOK OOK C LUB LUB 27 - E NTERTAINMENT NTERTAINMENT C ENA ENA JUN UNE E ASTA N IGHT IGHT 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - P ASTA ELEBRATON & C ENA ENA 3 - 150 TH C ELEBRATON TALY ’ S 15 TH C ELEBRATION ELEBRATION 4 - I TALY ’S 150 0 TH EGIONAL C ENA ENA 10 - R EGIONAL UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 17 - G UEST NTERTAINMENT C ENA ENA 24 - E NTERTAINMENT 30 - B OOK OOK C LUB LUB LANGUAGE CLASSES HELD ON MONDAYS, W EDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS. SEE CALENDAR ON WEBSITE FOR FOR MORE MORE DETAILS.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m.
BOCCE
CHAMPIONSHIP
EASTER EGG HUNT Bring the children for an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Italian Club. In addition to the Easter Egg Egg Hunt, we will have fun dancing the Ballo de Qua Qua and enjoy light refreshments of traditional food for Pasqua. Each child will also receive la pupazza della Pasqua, an Ital It alia ian n br brea ead d do dolll to ta take ke hom ome. e. The cost is $4 per child or adult. adult. RSVP by April 13 to Carrie Harris at 972-242-8283 or Maria Chobany at 972-235-4920 so we'll make sure we have enough food fo od fo forr eve everyo ryone ne an and d a br brea ead d fo forr ea each ch ch chil ild. d.
CELEBRATE PASQUA ITALIAN-STYLE! In A.D. 325 the Nicean Council decided that Pasqua (Easter) would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox - unless the first full moon also rose on a Sunday, in which case Easter would be celebrated the following Sunday. Got that? Anyway Anyway,, this calculation has been used for nearly 1700 years now, and what is important is that on Sunday, April 24, it is time to come to the Clubhouse to celebrate Pasqua with your Italian Club family and friends. While food is certainly a main attraction at every Italian celebration, because Easter is the end of the traditional deprivations of the Lenten season, food plays an especially big role in the celebration of Pasqua in Italy. Traditional Easter foods include lamb or goat, artichokes, and special Easter breads that vary from region to region. Pane di Pasqua or la Colomba (a dove-shaped bread) are often given as gifts, as are hollow chocolate eggs with a surprise inside. These can be custom-made and may contain anything from an inexpensive toy to an expensive piece of jewelry. The price for brunch is $37. Members discounted price is $30 and children (6-12) are $9. Doors open at 12:30 with brunch starting at 1 pm. The link to make reservations is http://icdeaster2011.eventbrite.com or you may call the Club at 972-931-9167. Please see menu on the insert of this newsletter ne wsletter for more info!
APRILE 2011
V OL OL 32 NUM 4
CENA REGIONALE FOR APRIL: LIGURIA AND THE ITALIAN RIVIERA “In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue…” Every American schoolkid learns (or used to learn!) this poem. And while all Americans, Italian or otherwise, owe a huge debt to Genova-born Sig. Colombo Colombo,, really now now,, who in their right mind would leave behind the Italian Riviera to sail off to points unkno unknown?? wn?? Portofino, San Rem Re mo, Ci Cinq nquue Ter errre, La Sp Spez ezia ia – or “H “Hey ey!! Maybe we can get to India if we head west!” Silly S illy man. Well,l, on April 8 we intend to Wel reverse Cristoforo Colombo's famo fa mous us jo jour urne neyy an and d ta take ke th thee Italian Club on a tour of the small but dramatically beautiful region of Liguria. This strip of land hugging the northwestern coast of Italia is comprised primarily of mountains, with a narrow, 315 kilometer (196 mile) long coastline. To give you an idea of the type of terrain you'll find in Liguria, Punta Marguareis, at at 2651 meters (8698 feet) the highest peak of the Ligurian Alps, lies only 44 kilometers (27 miles) inland from the seaside town of Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia. Obviously seafood is an important part of the local diet, but Liguria's seafaring ways have resulted in a cuisine influenced by many other Mediterranean cultures, while its mountains provide a wide variety of herbs, vegetables, chestnuts, and, of course, the famous porcini mushroom. And its small, sweet taggiasca olives are prized throughout Italy – and the world – both for eating and especially for the sublime Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from them. And you certainly don't want to miss a Cena featuring the region that brought us pesto and focaccia and that elevated the humble acciuga (anchovy) to a veritable art form! Regular Cena prices apply, and Ligurian wines will be available to Members at half price by the bottle. And don't forget to come to the Clubhouse for Pasta Night on Wednesday, Wednesday, April 6 for a tasting of the featured Ligurian wines! Our Regional Cenas are selling out quickly, so make your reservation SOON through the Eventbrite link at ItalianClubDallas.org and plan to join us April 8 as we sail to the dramatic coastal region of Liguria! “The first American? No, not quite. But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.”
W W W . I T A L I A N C L U B D A L L A S . O R G
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT UNNING OUR OPERATION R UNNING Last month I discussed our brand so this month I'd like to discuss what it takes to run our operation.
In closing I'll say I'm very optimistic about our future. As you'll see from the financials below below,, we have made significant improvements over 2010, we're generating new memberships and higher quality offerings while working hard to preserve our heritage and integrity. As always, I encourage your thoughts and your feedback.
Operating the ICD as a financially successful business requires that each month we closely monitor numerous levels of detail but, to put it into very simplistic terms, I'll break in into 3 basic categories and address each ~ income, cost of goods sold and operating expenses.
Michael Trovalli
Our income consists of the revenue we generate from our language classes, our special events and private rentals, and our weekly offerings such as lunches, Cena and Pasta Night. I won't spend a lot of time on income other than to say we have increased our income in every category we review in 2011 vs. 2010. Comparing to 2010, some of the more significant increases have come in our rental income (+292%), lunch sales (+92%), Cena (+49%), memberships (+34%) and language classes (+29%). In total, our income for the first 2 months of 2011 is +60% vs. the first two months of 2010.
February Februa ry 201 20111 Inco Income me Revenue Reve nue = $35 $35,78 ,784.8 4.822 Expens Exp enses es = $35, $35,464 464.94 .94 Nett Ga Ne Gain in = $3 $319 19.8 .888
Our cost of goods sold varies based on the business we're offering. The more meals and rentals we have, the more raw foods we need to produce the meals and the more more labor we need to serve them. This is an area we very closely monitor on a daily if not hourly basis. At each offering, Vito Calo reviews our headcount headcount as it is happening. Our food preparation and shift labor is adjusted accordingly to control these costs but this is an example where you as Members can help us. By making reservations in advance, we can more accurately predict the food products and labor required for each offering. Too often we have experienced events where only 20 people made advance reservations and at 7 p.m. there are only 15 people there. A decision is made to release labor and prepare less food anticipating a smaller crowd and to control costs. But then at 7:15pm, 40 unexpected unexpected people arrive. Basically what it causes is a slowdown in the kitchen and a slowdown in your service. The other side is if we prepare prepare for 60 people and only 20 arrive, we have wasted food and thus increased costs so you can help us in this area simply by making a reservation to let us know you're coming. Another significant change for 2011 has been the addition of FreshPoint FreshP oint as a valued partner to the Club. Each week FreshPoint FreshPoint donates many of our produce needs to the Club which helps lower our costs for meal preparation. This valuable donation has been a significant contributor to our increased profitability for 2011 and we are very grateful to t o FreshPoint FreshPoint for their assistance. Our final area is operating expenses. There There are two key points I'd like to hit here, and the first is our lease. Over the last few months we have been negotiating a long-term lease extension, and I'm happy to report that we have received a very advantageous deal to stay in our current location while reducing reducing our monthly expenses. In addition, we have negotiated into the deal significant capital improvements that will allow us to do some much needed repairs to the Club (such as a faulty air conditioning unit) with our landlord footing footing the bill. Grazie Mille to Angelo Vaccaro and Doug Delsanter for negotiating a great deal for the ICD. The last area of operating expenses where you can help the Club is on what we call our “wish list”. We analyzed everything about the Club and have generated a list of needs that ranges from more wine and water glasses to computers and touch screen monitors to window blind replacement to painting and tile work. Rather than sharing the whole list here, I'll be happy to send it to anyone who inquires. inquires. If you feel that your business could make a contribution in a non-monetary form please contact Angelo or me. You would be surprised how you might be able to help the Club in ways you never imagined.
President [email protected] Year To Dat Datee 201 20111 Revenue Reve nue = $74 $74,52 ,527.0 7.088 Expens Exp enses es = $72 $72,63 ,632.4 2.411 Nett Ga Ne Gain in = $1 $1,8 ,894 94.6 .677
* While February was tight, remember that we lost 4 days of operations to the ice storm we experienced early in the month. Continuing to compare to last year's data, in February 2010, our Net Loss was (-$20,258.50) versus February 2011 where we showed a Net Gain of $319.88. Comparing the first two months of 2011 to 2010, we have improved our Net Income by $29,477.58 vs. the similar period in 2010.
CULINARY EVENTS April Birthday Cena
Cena Italian-American Cena
** We depend on our members to bring small items to be used for the raffle. Re-gifti Re-gifting ng is acceptable. The point is to have lots of of fun. Raffle tickets are sold at the the table at a price of $1 each and get one free when you buy 6 for $5.
Lunches: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. fixed menu is available including a soup, salad, entrée and pasta for only $14 (beverages and gratuity not included). If you are looking for something very particular Chef Tommaso is always ready to make sure your palate is satisfied. Bring your friends and business associates for a delicious delicious meal…AND support your Club! Call for reservations (972) 931-9167 and ask for Vito Pasta Night: April 6, 13, 20 & 27. Join us Wednesdays Wednesdays for Pasta Night where you can enjoy the antipasti bar and then select from several pastas or pizza. Add extras as the mood suits suits you – meats, seafood and vegetables. Prices: Antipasti $7 (members) (members) and $9 (nonmembers); Pasta or Pizza $7 (members) and $9 (non-members); Combined Antipasti/Pasta or Pizza $13 (members) and $16 (nonmembers). Wine, beer and soft drinks sold separately. separately. Look for the Wednesday night occasional wine tasting. Date and price information will be sent through ClubMail. Cena: Come, visit and enjoy the company of friends with a glass of wine while waiting for the delicious meal Chef Tommaso Tommaso has prepared for our enjoyment, usually served around 7 p.m. Reservations are appreciated by calling (972) 931-9167 or through the Eventbrite link: http://cena-ehome.eventbrite.com. http://cena-ehome.eventbrite.com. This will make it easier for our management to plan and will assure your place for dinner. Check the weekly ClubMail for the menu. Look for the weekly wine specials.
CELEBRATE ITALY 'S “CENTOCINQUANTA” NNIVERSARY OF OF UNIFICATION ANNIVERSARY
OU K NOW NOW … DID Y OU ITALY JUST CELEBRATED ITS 15 1500TH BIRTHDAY ?
A birthday is always cause for celebration ~ all the more so when the celebrant is as beloved as our bella Italia! The ICD will recognize Italy's 150th anniversary of unification as well as her national holiday the “Festa della Repubblica” during the first weekend in June. June 3rd's Cena will highlight foods from from throughout the peninsula, provide historical information, and feature dances from the various regions, courtesy of our own “Colori Italiani” folk dance group. You will no doubt be b e encouraged to join them on the dance floor ~ it couldn't be any other way at a great Italian party!
While Dallasites drank green beer and danced on Greenville Avenue wearing green “Kiss Me I'm Irish” buttons, on March 17, Italy celebrated its 150th Anniversary as a unified country. country. Most major Italian cities marked the milestone with parties, parades, speeches and special events. To honor this anniversary, members of the U.S. Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) introduced a special joint resolution into both houses of Congress officially recognizing and congratulating Italy on the 150th Anniversary of its unification in 1861, and posthumously awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. Garibaldi. Garibaldi had been one of the principal leaders in the Italian Wars of Independence which paved the way to unification.
We will welcome the new n ew Consul General at a reservations-required reception the evening of Saturday, June 4th. Prosecco and antipasto will greet you, followed by an extensive buffet dinner and live entertainment. The Consul General will also give a brief presentation about the history and significance of Italian unification, and an informational film on the subject, provided courtesy of Com.It.Es., will play in the bar area. What better venue to meet the new Consul General and tell him about all our great programming than at a celebration in our beautiful Clubhouse? Plans are in the finalization stage, so look to upcoming ClubMails and announcements for further information. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected]. The “centocinquanta” is an important Italian event ~ plan to do it up right at the ICD during the first weekend in June!
JUST A R EMINDER EMINDER … SIDEWALK SALE IS MAY 7, 2011 Spring is coming and you will be clearing out some of your old belongings to make way for the new. new. Please remember to put all your gently-used treasures in bags and boxes marked for the ICD and our spring Sidewalk Sale. Then put it somewhere out of the way until until we send out the call next month for those items to be put into the storage unit. The POD should be available mid April. Grazie Mille! Carrie Harris
OLUNTEERS SET A R ECORD ECORD AT CCA ICD V OLUNTEERS
Our volunteers kicked-off the year on Wed Wednesday nesday,, March 2 with Children Craniofacial Association's Association's first mailing in fine style. Nine ICD volunteers made short work of CCA's quarterly newsletter by 11:00 a.m. setting a record for a CCA address address labeling. Many thanks to Beverly Bever ly Butera, Fred Hansen, Fred and Elfriede Napurano, Gina Lecca, Joan Seley, Gn Corazzo, Nick Parigi Parigi and John Pully for their hard work. It's so greatly appreciated. appreciated. And also many thanks to CCA for expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the help ICD volunteers have provided them in three separate places of the newsletter, along with photographs of our volunteers at the CCA offices offices and of ICD's donation made to CCA CCA at the Children's Christmas Party last December. December. As was mentioned in the newsletter, n ewsletter, we have indeed become family. Stay tuned for the t he date of the next n ext CCA mailing in May. Ben Parlapiano Chair – ICD Charitable Outreach
Until Italy's unification, some provinces in the northwest of the country were ruled by France, while others in the northeast were ruled by Austria. Central portions of the country were part of the Papal States governed by the Vatican, and the southern sector, including Sicily, was was an independent principality called c alled the Kingdom of the Two Two Sicilies. Garibaldi and his troops, supported by forces of the House of Savoy in the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, battled to free all provinces on the Italian peninsula from foreign control. Although Garibaldi initially envisioned that a modern democratic republic would arise from the independence effort, he came to believe that only the disciplined military might of the Piedmontese army could successfully challenge the forces of France, Austria, the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to achieve unification. After three Wars Wars of Independence, Italy successfully threw off the rule of foreign powers and became unified as the Kingdom of Italy under Vittorio Emmanuele II of the House of Savoy, the first king of a unified Italy.
TOMMASO 'S CULINARY MAGIC AT EMERITUS COOKING LESSONS Our in-house chef Tommaso Tommaso Lestingi never ceases to t o amaze. Tommaso once again demonstrated his culinary skills at two Richland College Emeritus Program cooking lessons. On Monday, Monday, February 21 he turned mashed potatoes, flour, eggs and cream into the best gnocchi this writer as ever has ever tasted. And instead of the usual topping of marinara, the light, plump, gnocchi pillows were blessed with a fresh sage sauce. Indescribably delicious. The theme of this this lesson was “Food for Lovers to Share” and included inc luded a soup called “Passato di Asparagi e Pomodor Pomodoro” o” namely an asparagus and tomato combination that he carefully poured simultaneously in soup plates forming two separate green and red half moons. Space limitations don't allow me to fully describe all the other delicious dishes demonstrated and sampled in the two lessons other than to say that the theme of the March 14 lesson was a “Three Course Traditional Traditional Italian Easter Menu.” These lessons are part of ICD's cultural outreach and are open to individuals 50 years and older through Richland College's Emeritus “plus50” Program. The last lesson in the Spring 2011 series will be held at our Clubhouse on Monday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. to about noon. The theme of that lesson will be “Dinner for Four In Thirty Minutes.” It should be exciting. Let me know if you're interested in attending. E-mail me at [email protected]. Ben Parlapiano Cultural Outreach Committee
APRIL BOOK CLUB NEWS The year is 1570. Sixteen-year-old Serafina's father lacks the money to provide her a sufficient marriage dowry, so forces her into a convent. Ripped from her family and the man she had hoped to marry, Serafina rebels against her confinement. confinement. In Sacred Hearts, author Sarah Dunant brings to life the heartbreaking suffering of young girls caused by the marriage customs of Italy during this period of history in which fathers frequently forced their young daughters into convent life, rather than provide the t he extravagant dowries required to arrange arrange suitable marriages. The Book Club will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the ICD on Thursday Thursday,, April 28. If you would like more information about the Book Club, please contact the Coordinator,, Norma Iacovo at 972-386-4321 or [email protected]. Coordinator
FAMILY FUN W ITH ITH THE FRISCO R OUGH OUGHR IDERS IDERS SUNDAY , MAY 15 ~ PLAY BALL! It's time to dig out your old baseball mitt, get your taste buds set for a hot dog (or two, or three...), and celebrate the start of baseball season with a trip out to the beautiful Dr. Pepper Ballpark Ballpark in Frisco. The ICD will cheer on the RoughRiders as they take on the Corpus Christi Hooks at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, May 15. There is no better way to spend a spring afternoon than enjoying a baseball game with family and friends, and Minor League baseball has a more home-town feel than the Majors ~ that's probably one big reason that it is gaining rapidly in popularity around the country! country! Add to that the convenience convenience and accessibility accessibility of the Dr. Pepper Pepper Ballpark just off the Dallas North Tollway Tollway and you have an event not to be missed. This year, our group seating area will be on the third base line ~ so we'll be in the shade and up close as the runners come into home plate. The cost of the afternoon will be $16/ICD Member and $20/ICD Guest for the “All “All You You Can Eat Bullpen” Bullpen” seating. What does that include? As the name indicates, in addition to your ticket, you will enjoy all-you-can-eat Stadium food, (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and all the fixin’s) s) as well as all-you-can-drink Dr. Pepper Pepper products, an official souvenir program, and a Rough Riders baseball cap. Discounted parking is available for $5 if purchased in advance. The ICD will also be recognized on the Jumbotron throughout the game ~ who knows, we may see you smiling on the big screen! screen! Please try to RSVP by April 12 at http://roughriders2011.eventbrite.com or at the Clubhouse. Contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected] with any questions. Fun, family, family, and fellowship are all integral parts of any Italian experience and they will fill the stands when the ICD goes to cheer on the Frisco Rough Riders. We'll see you at the ballpark!
OW TO TO PLAY SCOPA FROM THE ICD'S EXPERTS! LEARN HOW
You've just had a great meal at Cena or Pasta Night and finished the evening with an espresso and some laughs at the bar. But you'd like to spend just a little more time with your ICD friends. You've seen the groups of people playing cards at the Clubhouse long after the tables have been cleared ~ in fact, you've probably looked over their shoulders, trying to figure out what these strange cards are all about and how the games are played. It looks like a great way to continue your evening at the Club. On Wednesday, Wednesday, May 11th, it will be time to stop looking over their shoulders, pull up a chair, and learn how to play one of Italy's most popular card games ~ Scopa! The men and women who are pros pros at playing and who you see weekly throwing down cards with gusto will teach anyone who's interested in sharing this simple yet integral part of Italian culture. A pair of knowledgeable players will be at each table, explaining the rules, scoring, and strategies of what is a truly simple and fun game.
The evening's lesson, which is offered at no cost, will begin at 7:30 p.m., so you will have time to enjoy some pasta or pizza beforehand. Then it will be time to refill your glass, settle into a chair, put on your “game face,” and learn what the “Primiera” is, why it's the lucky player who gets the “Sette Bello,” and much more! This will be the first in a series of card lessons, so look for future opportunities to learn Briscola, Briscollone, and Tre Sette as well ~ armed with these four games, you'll be ready to join in a round of play not only at the ICD Clubhouse but at any Italian osteria on your next trip. Contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected] with any questions, and RSVP at http://scopalesson.eventbrite.com so that we know how many tables to set aside for instruction. We'll provide provide the cards ~ you just come ready to learn and have fun. And, from now on, when you see the folks settling in to play a hand or two after Cena, you won't be looking over their shoulders ~ you'll be pulling up a chair of your own to join in the action!
NEWS FROM ITALY : LIBYAN TURMOIL PITS ITALY 'S ECONOMIC INTERESTS AGAINST ITS NATO COMMITMENTS While NATO NATO nations announce an nounce a freezing of Libyan government assets, and consider implementing an arms embarg embargoo and a no-fly zone in response to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi's murderous crackdown on protesting Libyan citizens, Italy has vacillated in responding to Qaddafi's onslaught onslaught against his people. Italy has refrained from freezing the considerable Libyan assets in Italy, and was initially slow to condemn Qaddafi's brutal tactics in suppressing dissent within the oil-rich North African nation. It has said it would only consider approving a no-fly zone if approved by both NATO and the United Nations. Italy's reluctance to confront confront Qaddafi on his human rights abuses stems from from Italy's desire to protect lucrative Italian investments in Libya amounting to several billio billion n dollars, and the many key Italian companies which rely upon Libyan investments, loans and contracts. Italy's economic ties with Libya are deeper than any other Western nation. Since Italy occupied and colonized Libya in 1911, Italy has been heavily involved with Libya, and the economies of the two nations have become intertwined over the decades. Italy receives onequarter of its crude oil, and ten percent of its natural gas from Libya. Italy's national oil company ENI provides critical technical and infrastructure support to, and capital investment in, Libya's petroleum industry. ENI has been rewarded with billions in lucrative oil contracts and concessions. Italy is the European Union's top arms exporter to Libya, and a NATO-led arms embargo would be a blow to Italian arms manufacturers. Italy is Libya's largest trading partner. Italian construction companies have been tapped to build a coastal highway for Libya, as well as many other national projects. Italian companies are under contract to build a fiber optics cable system, and a railway system in Libya. In addition, the Libyan government and industries have made significant investments in Italy, owning stakes in Italian aerospace and defense companies, banks, Fiat, and Telecom Italia. As the crisis in Libya escalates, and calls mount for firm Western action to protect Libyan civilians from being slaughtered by forces loyal to Qaddafi, Italy struggles to protect its vital economic interests in the region while upholding NATO NATO commitments. According to the New York Times, for NATO to enforce an effective no-fly zone, using NATO air bases in Italy would be critical for NATO's success. Italy may be signaling a willingness to let military action against Libya be launched from Italian bases, for Rome recently announced the suspension of its 2008 “Friendship Treaty” with Libya in which, among other things, Italy had pledged non-aggression against Libya, and had agreed not to allow its territory to be used for hostile acts against Libya. By suspending this treaty, Italy has opened the way for Italian air bases to become a launching pad for action against Qaddafi.
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PCOMING E VENTS VENTS U PCOMING APRIL 1 - C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 6, 13, 20, 27 - P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT EGIONAL C ENA ENA 8 - R EGIONAL EADOWS T OUR OF OUR OF LOST 9 - M EADOWS ANUSCRIPTS M ANUSCRIPTS ICHLAND C OOKING OOKING C LASS LASS 11 - R ICHLAND UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 15 - G UEST ASTER E GG GG H UNT UNT 17 - E ASTER 22 - C ENA ENA 23 - C HEF HEF M ORRIS ORRIS S ALERNO ALERNO ' 'S S C OOKING OOKING C LASS LASS 24 - E ASTER ASTER B RUNCH RUNCH OOK C LUB LUB 28 - B OOK TALIAN C ENA ENA 29 - I TALIAN ALK 30 - LYMPHOMATHON W ALK MAY 4, 18, 25- P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT 6 - C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 7 - S IDEWALK IDEWALK S ALE ALE 8 - M OTHER ’S OTHER ’ S DAY 11 - P ASTA ASTA N IGHT IGHT & I TALIAN TALIAN ARD G AMES AMES C ARD EGIONAL C ENA ENA 13 - R EGIONAL OUGH R I DERS G AME AME 15 - R OUGH RIDERS UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 20 - G UEST ASTE A DDISON DDISON 20-22 - T ASTE 26 - B OOK OOK C LUB LUB 27 - E NTERTAINMENT NTERTAINMENT C ENA ENA JUN UNE E ASTA N IGHT IGHT 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - P ASTA ELEBRATON & C ENA ENA 3 - 150 TH C ELEBRATON TALY ’ S 15 TH C ELEBRATION ELEBRATION 4 - I TALY ’S 150 0 TH EGIONAL C ENA ENA 10 - R EGIONAL UEST C ENA ENA & R AFFLE AFFLE 17 - G UEST NTERTAINMENT C ENA ENA 24 - E NTERTAINMENT 30 - B OOK OOK C LUB LUB LANGUAGE CLASSES HELD ON MONDAYS, W EDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS. SEE CALENDAR ON WEBSITE FOR FOR MORE MORE DETAILS.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m.
BOCCE
CHAMPIONSHIP
EASTER EGG HUNT Bring the children for an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Italian Club. In addition to the Easter Egg Egg Hunt, we will have fun dancing the Ballo de Qua Qua and enjoy light refreshments of traditional food for Pasqua. Each child will also receive la pupazza della Pasqua, an Ital It alia ian n br brea ead d do dolll to ta take ke hom ome. e. The cost is $4 per child or adult. adult. RSVP by April 13 to Carrie Harris at 972-242-8283 or Maria Chobany at 972-235-4920 so we'll make sure we have enough food fo od fo forr eve everyo ryone ne an and d a br brea ead d fo forr ea each ch ch chil ild. d.
CELEBRATE PASQUA ITALIAN-STYLE! In A.D. 325 the Nicean Council decided that Pasqua (Easter) would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox - unless the first full moon also rose on a Sunday, in which case Easter would be celebrated the following Sunday. Got that? Anyway Anyway,, this calculation has been used for nearly 1700 years now, and what is important is that on Sunday, April 24, it is time to come to the Clubhouse to celebrate Pasqua with your Italian Club family and friends. While food is certainly a main attraction at every Italian celebration, because Easter is the end of the traditional deprivations of the Lenten season, food plays an especially big role in the celebration of Pasqua in Italy. Traditional Easter foods include lamb or goat, artichokes, and special Easter breads that vary from region to region. Pane di Pasqua or la Colomba (a dove-shaped bread) are often given as gifts, as are hollow chocolate eggs with a surprise inside. These can be custom-made and may contain anything from an inexpensive toy to an expensive piece of jewelry. The price for brunch is $37. Members discounted price is $30 and children (6-12) are $9. Doors open at 12:30 with brunch starting at 1 pm. The link to make reservations is http://icdeaster2011.eventbrite.com or you may call the Club at 972-931-9167. Please see menu on the insert of this newsletter ne wsletter for more info!
APRILE 2011
V OL OL 32 NUM 4
CENA REGIONALE FOR APRIL: LIGURIA AND THE ITALIAN RIVIERA “In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue…” Every American schoolkid learns (or used to learn!) this poem. And while all Americans, Italian or otherwise, owe a huge debt to Genova-born Sig. Colombo Colombo,, really now now,, who in their right mind would leave behind the Italian Riviera to sail off to points unkno unknown?? wn?? Portofino, San Rem Re mo, Ci Cinq nquue Ter errre, La Sp Spez ezia ia – or “H “Hey ey!! Maybe we can get to India if we head west!” Silly S illy man. Well,l, on April 8 we intend to Wel reverse Cristoforo Colombo's famo fa mous us jo jour urne neyy an and d ta take ke th thee Italian Club on a tour of the small but dramatically beautiful region of Liguria. This strip of land hugging the northwestern coast of Italia is comprised primarily of mountains, with a narrow, 315 kilometer (196 mile) long coastline. To give you an idea of the type of terrain you'll find in Liguria, Punta Marguareis, at at 2651 meters (8698 feet) the highest peak of the Ligurian Alps, lies only 44 kilometers (27 miles) inland from the seaside town of Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia. Obviously seafood is an important part of the local diet, but Liguria's seafaring ways have resulted in a cuisine influenced by many other Mediterranean cultures, while its mountains provide a wide variety of herbs, vegetables, chestnuts, and, of course, the famous porcini mushroom. And its small, sweet taggiasca olives are prized throughout Italy – and the world – both for eating and especially for the sublime Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from them. And you certainly don't want to miss a Cena featuring the region that brought us pesto and focaccia and that elevated the humble acciuga (anchovy) to a veritable art form! Regular Cena prices apply, and Ligurian wines will be available to Members at half price by the bottle. And don't forget to come to the Clubhouse for Pasta Night on Wednesday, Wednesday, April 6 for a tasting of the featured Ligurian wines! Our Regional Cenas are selling out quickly, so make your reservation SOON through the Eventbrite link at ItalianClubDallas.org and plan to join us April 8 as we sail to the dramatic coastal region of Liguria! “The first American? No, not quite. But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.”
W W W . I T A L I A N C L U B D A L L A S . O R G
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT UNNING OUR OPERATION R UNNING Last month I discussed our brand so this month I'd like to discuss what it takes to run our operation.
In closing I'll say I'm very optimistic about our future. As you'll see from the financials below below,, we have made significant improvements over 2010, we're generating new memberships and higher quality offerings while working hard to preserve our heritage and integrity. As always, I encourage your thoughts and your feedback.
Operating the ICD as a financially successful business requires that each month we closely monitor numerous levels of detail but, to put it into very simplistic terms, I'll break in into 3 basic categories and address each ~ income, cost of goods sold and operating expenses.
Michael Trovalli
Our income consists of the revenue we generate from our language classes, our special events and private rentals, and our weekly offerings such as lunches, Cena and Pasta Night. I won't spend a lot of time on income other than to say we have increased our income in every category we review in 2011 vs. 2010. Comparing to 2010, some of the more significant increases have come in our rental income (+292%), lunch sales (+92%), Cena (+49%), memberships (+34%) and language classes (+29%). In total, our income for the first 2 months of 2011 is +60% vs. the first two months of 2010.
February Februa ry 201 20111 Inco Income me Revenue Reve nue = $35 $35,78 ,784.8 4.822 Expens Exp enses es = $35, $35,464 464.94 .94 Nett Ga Ne Gain in = $3 $319 19.8 .888
Our cost of goods sold varies based on the business we're offering. The more meals and rentals we have, the more raw foods we need to produce the meals and the more more labor we need to serve them. This is an area we very closely monitor on a daily if not hourly basis. At each offering, Vito Calo reviews our headcount headcount as it is happening. Our food preparation and shift labor is adjusted accordingly to control these costs but this is an example where you as Members can help us. By making reservations in advance, we can more accurately predict the food products and labor required for each offering. Too often we have experienced events where only 20 people made advance reservations and at 7 p.m. there are only 15 people there. A decision is made to release labor and prepare less food anticipating a smaller crowd and to control costs. But then at 7:15pm, 40 unexpected unexpected people arrive. Basically what it causes is a slowdown in the kitchen and a slowdown in your service. The other side is if we prepare prepare for 60 people and only 20 arrive, we have wasted food and thus increased costs so you can help us in this area simply by making a reservation to let us know you're coming. Another significant change for 2011 has been the addition of FreshPoint FreshP oint as a valued partner to the Club. Each week FreshPoint FreshPoint donates many of our produce needs to the Club which helps lower our costs for meal preparation. This valuable donation has been a significant contributor to our increased profitability for 2011 and we are very grateful to t o FreshPoint FreshPoint for their assistance. Our final area is operating expenses. There There are two key points I'd like to hit here, and the first is our lease. Over the last few months we have been negotiating a long-term lease extension, and I'm happy to report that we have received a very advantageous deal to stay in our current location while reducing reducing our monthly expenses. In addition, we have negotiated into the deal significant capital improvements that will allow us to do some much needed repairs to the Club (such as a faulty air conditioning unit) with our landlord footing footing the bill. Grazie Mille to Angelo Vaccaro and Doug Delsanter for negotiating a great deal for the ICD. The last area of operating expenses where you can help the Club is on what we call our “wish list”. We analyzed everything about the Club and have generated a list of needs that ranges from more wine and water glasses to computers and touch screen monitors to window blind replacement to painting and tile work. Rather than sharing the whole list here, I'll be happy to send it to anyone who inquires. inquires. If you feel that your business could make a contribution in a non-monetary form please contact Angelo or me. You would be surprised how you might be able to help the Club in ways you never imagined.
President [email protected] Year To Dat Datee 201 20111 Revenue Reve nue = $74 $74,52 ,527.0 7.088 Expens Exp enses es = $72 $72,63 ,632.4 2.411 Nett Ga Ne Gain in = $1 $1,8 ,894 94.6 .677
* While February was tight, remember that we lost 4 days of operations to the ice storm we experienced early in the month. Continuing to compare to last year's data, in February 2010, our Net Loss was (-$20,258.50) versus February 2011 where we showed a Net Gain of $319.88. Comparing the first two months of 2011 to 2010, we have improved our Net Income by $29,477.58 vs. the similar period in 2010.
CULINARY EVENTS April Birthday Cena
Cena Italian-American Cena
** We depend on our members to bring small items to be used for the raffle. Re-gifti Re-gifting ng is acceptable. The point is to have lots of of fun. Raffle tickets are sold at the the table at a price of $1 each and get one free when you buy 6 for $5.
Lunches: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. fixed menu is available including a soup, salad, entrée and pasta for only $14 (beverages and gratuity not included). If you are looking for something very particular Chef Tommaso is always ready to make sure your palate is satisfied. Bring your friends and business associates for a delicious delicious meal…AND support your Club! Call for reservations (972) 931-9167 and ask for Vito Pasta Night: April 6, 13, 20 & 27. Join us Wednesdays Wednesdays for Pasta Night where you can enjoy the antipasti bar and then select from several pastas or pizza. Add extras as the mood suits suits you – meats, seafood and vegetables. Prices: Antipasti $7 (members) (members) and $9 (nonmembers); Pasta or Pizza $7 (members) and $9 (non-members); Combined Antipasti/Pasta or Pizza $13 (members) and $16 (nonmembers). Wine, beer and soft drinks sold separately. separately. Look for the Wednesday night occasional wine tasting. Date and price information will be sent through ClubMail. Cena: Come, visit and enjoy the company of friends with a glass of wine while waiting for the delicious meal Chef Tommaso Tommaso has prepared for our enjoyment, usually served around 7 p.m. Reservations are appreciated by calling (972) 931-9167 or through the Eventbrite link: http://cena-ehome.eventbrite.com. http://cena-ehome.eventbrite.com. This will make it easier for our management to plan and will assure your place for dinner. Check the weekly ClubMail for the menu. Look for the weekly wine specials.
CELEBRATE ITALY 'S “CENTOCINQUANTA” NNIVERSARY OF OF UNIFICATION ANNIVERSARY
OU K NOW NOW … DID Y OU ITALY JUST CELEBRATED ITS 15 1500TH BIRTHDAY ?
A birthday is always cause for celebration ~ all the more so when the celebrant is as beloved as our bella Italia! The ICD will recognize Italy's 150th anniversary of unification as well as her national holiday the “Festa della Repubblica” during the first weekend in June. June 3rd's Cena will highlight foods from from throughout the peninsula, provide historical information, and feature dances from the various regions, courtesy of our own “Colori Italiani” folk dance group. You will no doubt be b e encouraged to join them on the dance floor ~ it couldn't be any other way at a great Italian party!
While Dallasites drank green beer and danced on Greenville Avenue wearing green “Kiss Me I'm Irish” buttons, on March 17, Italy celebrated its 150th Anniversary as a unified country. country. Most major Italian cities marked the milestone with parties, parades, speeches and special events. To honor this anniversary, members of the U.S. Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) introduced a special joint resolution into both houses of Congress officially recognizing and congratulating Italy on the 150th Anniversary of its unification in 1861, and posthumously awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. Garibaldi. Garibaldi had been one of the principal leaders in the Italian Wars of Independence which paved the way to unification.
We will welcome the new n ew Consul General at a reservations-required reception the evening of Saturday, June 4th. Prosecco and antipasto will greet you, followed by an extensive buffet dinner and live entertainment. The Consul General will also give a brief presentation about the history and significance of Italian unification, and an informational film on the subject, provided courtesy of Com.It.Es., will play in the bar area. What better venue to meet the new Consul General and tell him about all our great programming than at a celebration in our beautiful Clubhouse? Plans are in the finalization stage, so look to upcoming ClubMails and announcements for further information. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected]. The “centocinquanta” is an important Italian event ~ plan to do it up right at the ICD during the first weekend in June!
JUST A R EMINDER EMINDER … SIDEWALK SALE IS MAY 7, 2011 Spring is coming and you will be clearing out some of your old belongings to make way for the new. new. Please remember to put all your gently-used treasures in bags and boxes marked for the ICD and our spring Sidewalk Sale. Then put it somewhere out of the way until until we send out the call next month for those items to be put into the storage unit. The POD should be available mid April. Grazie Mille! Carrie Harris
OLUNTEERS SET A R ECORD ECORD AT CCA ICD V OLUNTEERS
Our volunteers kicked-off the year on Wed Wednesday nesday,, March 2 with Children Craniofacial Association's Association's first mailing in fine style. Nine ICD volunteers made short work of CCA's quarterly newsletter by 11:00 a.m. setting a record for a CCA address address labeling. Many thanks to Beverly Bever ly Butera, Fred Hansen, Fred and Elfriede Napurano, Gina Lecca, Joan Seley, Gn Corazzo, Nick Parigi Parigi and John Pully for their hard work. It's so greatly appreciated. appreciated. And also many thanks to CCA for expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the help ICD volunteers have provided them in three separate places of the newsletter, along with photographs of our volunteers at the CCA offices offices and of ICD's donation made to CCA CCA at the Children's Christmas Party last December. December. As was mentioned in the newsletter, n ewsletter, we have indeed become family. Stay tuned for the t he date of the next n ext CCA mailing in May. Ben Parlapiano Chair – ICD Charitable Outreach
Until Italy's unification, some provinces in the northwest of the country were ruled by France, while others in the northeast were ruled by Austria. Central portions of the country were part of the Papal States governed by the Vatican, and the southern sector, including Sicily, was was an independent principality called c alled the Kingdom of the Two Two Sicilies. Garibaldi and his troops, supported by forces of the House of Savoy in the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, battled to free all provinces on the Italian peninsula from foreign control. Although Garibaldi initially envisioned that a modern democratic republic would arise from the independence effort, he came to believe that only the disciplined military might of the Piedmontese army could successfully challenge the forces of France, Austria, the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to achieve unification. After three Wars Wars of Independence, Italy successfully threw off the rule of foreign powers and became unified as the Kingdom of Italy under Vittorio Emmanuele II of the House of Savoy, the first king of a unified Italy.
TOMMASO 'S CULINARY MAGIC AT EMERITUS COOKING LESSONS Our in-house chef Tommaso Tommaso Lestingi never ceases to t o amaze. Tommaso once again demonstrated his culinary skills at two Richland College Emeritus Program cooking lessons. On Monday, Monday, February 21 he turned mashed potatoes, flour, eggs and cream into the best gnocchi this writer as ever has ever tasted. And instead of the usual topping of marinara, the light, plump, gnocchi pillows were blessed with a fresh sage sauce. Indescribably delicious. The theme of this this lesson was “Food for Lovers to Share” and included inc luded a soup called “Passato di Asparagi e Pomodor Pomodoro” o” namely an asparagus and tomato combination that he carefully poured simultaneously in soup plates forming two separate green and red half moons. Space limitations don't allow me to fully describe all the other delicious dishes demonstrated and sampled in the two lessons other than to say that the theme of the March 14 lesson was a “Three Course Traditional Traditional Italian Easter Menu.” These lessons are part of ICD's cultural outreach and are open to individuals 50 years and older through Richland College's Emeritus “plus50” Program. The last lesson in the Spring 2011 series will be held at our Clubhouse on Monday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. to about noon. The theme of that lesson will be “Dinner for Four In Thirty Minutes.” It should be exciting. Let me know if you're interested in attending. E-mail me at [email protected]. Ben Parlapiano Cultural Outreach Committee
APRIL BOOK CLUB NEWS The year is 1570. Sixteen-year-old Serafina's father lacks the money to provide her a sufficient marriage dowry, so forces her into a convent. Ripped from her family and the man she had hoped to marry, Serafina rebels against her confinement. confinement. In Sacred Hearts, author Sarah Dunant brings to life the heartbreaking suffering of young girls caused by the marriage customs of Italy during this period of history in which fathers frequently forced their young daughters into convent life, rather than provide the t he extravagant dowries required to arrange arrange suitable marriages. The Book Club will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the ICD on Thursday Thursday,, April 28. If you would like more information about the Book Club, please contact the Coordinator,, Norma Iacovo at 972-386-4321 or [email protected]. Coordinator
FAMILY FUN W ITH ITH THE FRISCO R OUGH OUGHR IDERS IDERS SUNDAY , MAY 15 ~ PLAY BALL! It's time to dig out your old baseball mitt, get your taste buds set for a hot dog (or two, or three...), and celebrate the start of baseball season with a trip out to the beautiful Dr. Pepper Ballpark Ballpark in Frisco. The ICD will cheer on the RoughRiders as they take on the Corpus Christi Hooks at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, May 15. There is no better way to spend a spring afternoon than enjoying a baseball game with family and friends, and Minor League baseball has a more home-town feel than the Majors ~ that's probably one big reason that it is gaining rapidly in popularity around the country! country! Add to that the convenience convenience and accessibility accessibility of the Dr. Pepper Pepper Ballpark just off the Dallas North Tollway Tollway and you have an event not to be missed. This year, our group seating area will be on the third base line ~ so we'll be in the shade and up close as the runners come into home plate. The cost of the afternoon will be $16/ICD Member and $20/ICD Guest for the “All “All You You Can Eat Bullpen” Bullpen” seating. What does that include? As the name indicates, in addition to your ticket, you will enjoy all-you-can-eat Stadium food, (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and all the fixin’s) s) as well as all-you-can-drink Dr. Pepper Pepper products, an official souvenir program, and a Rough Riders baseball cap. Discounted parking is available for $5 if purchased in advance. The ICD will also be recognized on the Jumbotron throughout the game ~ who knows, we may see you smiling on the big screen! screen! Please try to RSVP by April 12 at http://roughriders2011.eventbrite.com or at the Clubhouse. Contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected] with any questions. Fun, family, family, and fellowship are all integral parts of any Italian experience and they will fill the stands when the ICD goes to cheer on the Frisco Rough Riders. We'll see you at the ballpark!
OW TO TO PLAY SCOPA FROM THE ICD'S EXPERTS! LEARN HOW
You've just had a great meal at Cena or Pasta Night and finished the evening with an espresso and some laughs at the bar. But you'd like to spend just a little more time with your ICD friends. You've seen the groups of people playing cards at the Clubhouse long after the tables have been cleared ~ in fact, you've probably looked over their shoulders, trying to figure out what these strange cards are all about and how the games are played. It looks like a great way to continue your evening at the Club. On Wednesday, Wednesday, May 11th, it will be time to stop looking over their shoulders, pull up a chair, and learn how to play one of Italy's most popular card games ~ Scopa! The men and women who are pros pros at playing and who you see weekly throwing down cards with gusto will teach anyone who's interested in sharing this simple yet integral part of Italian culture. A pair of knowledgeable players will be at each table, explaining the rules, scoring, and strategies of what is a truly simple and fun game.
The evening's lesson, which is offered at no cost, will begin at 7:30 p.m., so you will have time to enjoy some pasta or pizza beforehand. Then it will be time to refill your glass, settle into a chair, put on your “game face,” and learn what the “Primiera” is, why it's the lucky player who gets the “Sette Bello,” and much more! This will be the first in a series of card lessons, so look for future opportunities to learn Briscola, Briscollone, and Tre Sette as well ~ armed with these four games, you'll be ready to join in a round of play not only at the ICD Clubhouse but at any Italian osteria on your next trip. Contact Mary Ann Webster at [email protected] with any questions, and RSVP at http://scopalesson.eventbrite.com so that we know how many tables to set aside for instruction. We'll provide provide the cards ~ you just come ready to learn and have fun. And, from now on, when you see the folks settling in to play a hand or two after Cena, you won't be looking over their shoulders ~ you'll be pulling up a chair of your own to join in the action!
NEWS FROM ITALY : LIBYAN TURMOIL PITS ITALY 'S ECONOMIC INTERESTS AGAINST ITS NATO COMMITMENTS While NATO NATO nations announce an nounce a freezing of Libyan government assets, and consider implementing an arms embarg embargoo and a no-fly zone in response to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi's murderous crackdown on protesting Libyan citizens, Italy has vacillated in responding to Qaddafi's onslaught onslaught against his people. Italy has refrained from freezing the considerable Libyan assets in Italy, and was initially slow to condemn Qaddafi's brutal tactics in suppressing dissent within the oil-rich North African nation. It has said it would only consider approving a no-fly zone if approved by both NATO and the United Nations. Italy's reluctance to confront confront Qaddafi on his human rights abuses stems from from Italy's desire to protect lucrative Italian investments in Libya amounting to several billio billion n dollars, and the many key Italian companies which rely upon Libyan investments, loans and contracts. Italy's economic ties with Libya are deeper than any other Western nation. Since Italy occupied and colonized Libya in 1911, Italy has been heavily involved with Libya, and the economies of the two nations have become intertwined over the decades. Italy receives onequarter of its crude oil, and ten percent of its natural gas from Libya. Italy's national oil company ENI provides critical technical and infrastructure support to, and capital investment in, Libya's petroleum industry. ENI has been rewarded with billions in lucrative oil contracts and concessions. Italy is the European Union's top arms exporter to Libya, and a NATO-led arms embargo would be a blow to Italian arms manufacturers. Italy is Libya's largest trading partner. Italian construction companies have been tapped to build a coastal highway for Libya, as well as many other national projects. Italian companies are under contract to build a fiber optics cable system, and a railway system in Libya. In addition, the Libyan government and industries have made significant investments in Italy, owning stakes in Italian aerospace and defense companies, banks, Fiat, and Telecom Italia. As the crisis in Libya escalates, and calls mount for firm Western action to protect Libyan civilians from being slaughtered by forces loyal to Qaddafi, Italy struggles to protect its vital economic interests in the region while upholding NATO NATO commitments. According to the New York Times, for NATO to enforce an effective no-fly zone, using NATO air bases in Italy would be critical for NATO's success. Italy may be signaling a willingness to let military action against Libya be launched from Italian bases, for Rome recently announced the suspension of its 2008 “Friendship Treaty” with Libya in which, among other things, Italy had pledged non-aggression against Libya, and had agreed not to allow its territory to be used for hostile acts against Libya. By suspending this treaty, Italy has opened the way for Italian air bases to become a launching pad for action against Qaddafi.
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