The Italian Cultural Foundation

Adult Cooking Class
2025-06-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10301, United States
Adult and children’s cooking classes are held on Mondays and select Tuesdays.
Children classes meet from 4 to 5 pm. Adult classes meet from 7 to 9 pm.
All cooking classes are held in Cucina Colavita, a custom teaching kitchen.
Classes are led by Kim Leo, chef and owner of Kim’s Kitchen & Catering by Kim Cooks, and a licensed food handler.
Each person participates in hands-on cooking!
Everyone will taste the recipe created by Chef Kim.
Then, after cooking your own dish, you take it home with you!
Class sizes are limited. If your desired class is sold out,
add your name to the wait list as more classes may become available.
Call the Foundation office at 718-273-7660.
Culinary Program Cancellation Policy:
There are no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.
Credits for future programs will be issued only if you cancel 48 hours prior to your registered program.
To cancel your registration, call the Foundation office at 718-273-7660.
Please note that Casa Belvedere’s cooking class prices have increased due to the rising cost of food supplies
Register Here!

Yoga
2025-06-02 18:30 - 19:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

Mondays at 6:30pm-7:30pm
$20.00 members/$25.00 nonmembers
Age 14 and up
Register Here!

Adult Italian Language Class
2025-06-02 16:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-19 16:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-12 16:30 - 19:30
SPRING SESSION
Classes run 8 weeks • April 28 – June 23
Classes will not be meeting on Monday, May 26th
$250 members, $290 non-members
Monday • 4:30 to 6 pm Basic to Intermediate
Ready to embark on your Italian language journey? Enroll in our basic classes and you will discover how fun and rewarding learning Italian can be and you will be immersed in a language that opens doors to a beautiful culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.
This cultural language program is designed to develop communication and listening skills in Italian. It focuses on learning basic grammar, from definite articles to verbs in the present tense as well as idiomatic and reflexive expressions used to describe everyday routines. All this through reading, listening and comprehension, music, articles, and short stories which also increases the knowledge of Italian vocabulary and practice of the correct pronunciation.

Monday • 6 to 7:30 pm Intermediate to Advanced
Are you ready to take your Italian skills to the next level while enjoying a vibrant and engaging experience? This program is crafted for learners who have completed the first semester of the Italian course, or who are just interested in expanding their expertise and knowledge in speaking Italian in a stimulating and enjoyable environment.
It will focus on learning intermediate to advanced grammar from simple and articulated prepositions to verbs in the past, future, and conditional tense. All this through conversation, reading, listening and comprehension, music, articles, and short stories which also maximizes your proficiency in Italian vocabulary and mastery of the correct pronunciation.

If you are ready to enrich your Italian skills and immerse yourself in a world of culture and creativity, then enroll in our intermediate to advanced classes and experience the perfect blend of sophistication and fun!

Register Here!

Children's Cooking Class
2025-06-02 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-19 16:00 - 17:00

Art Technique for Beginners
2025-06-02 02:30 - 16:00
Drawing in Color six-week art program for adults
Six Mondays, June 2 to July 7
2:30 to 4 pm in The Verrazzano Room
$165 members / $180 non-members

“Drawing in Color” approaches the topic of enjoying and producing art using techniques, using pencil, pen, graphite and watercolor pencil. The classes will present practical techniques to produce quality, color artwork for all levels of artistic talent – or even those with none at all! Lessons will combine hands-on technique with informational videos and slideshows. Students can expect one-on-one instruction as part of the course.
About the classes:

The first lecture is an introduction/review of drawing and rendering techniques introduced in the first course of this progressive series (last fall). Those returning will be given refresher exercises. Newcomers will learn our quick and easy starting procedures.
The second lecture will introduce the use of new materials (i.e., watercolor paper, watercolor pencils, graphite, and more), and lessons to begin your use of them.
The third lecture will begin individual projects. Subject matter will be chosen by the students and reviewed by the instructor. Each proposed project will be evaluated individually, and specific tips and instructions will be provided.
The fourth lecture will check the progress of each project, introduce advanced techniques and materials.
The fifth lecture will be an enhanced version of the fourth with advanced instruction in finishing and preparing for presentation.
The sixth and final lecture will be a brief review of the artistic journey, an open review of each student’s project and a discussion as to courses to follow.

Other techniques will be introduced, (acrylic painting, watercolor, field expeditions, etc.). The syllabus for a future series of classes will be discussed. A review of the series will be concluded with a group discussion and display.

Register Here!

Pilates
2025-05-31 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-05-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-05-17 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-05-10 09:30 - 10:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Saturdays 9:30-10:30am

Pilates works to tone, stretch and elongate the muscles through focused alignment, coordinated breathing, and stability. Pilates is a low-impact class for all levels.

Mat class: Personal mat recommended. No equipment required.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged. Although drop-ins are welcome to pay at the door, the class may be canceled if we do not have enough registered participants.
Register Here!

Qi-Yoga Flow
2025-05-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-20 19:00 - 20:00
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm
5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10
Are you searching for help with sleep and relaxation? Casa Belvedere invites you to try Qi-Yoga Flow, a hybrid class on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm that combines the ancient healing practice of Qi Gong with Yoga. Qi gong is over 8,000 years old. This class is a moving meditation that combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, visualization, and intention to promote vitality, longevity and wellness.

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) has been used to promote and restore health for thousands of years. It has been referred to as “the world’s oldest healthcare system.”
This class is for all levels. It’s great for anyone wanting help with sleep and relaxation while still bringing strengthening poses to their practice. Personal mat recommended. Wear comfortable clothing.
Come and move some energy with us!

Mat class: Personal mat recommended. No equipment required.

Register Here!

Prior registration is strongly encouraged. Although drop-ins are welcome to pay at the door, the class may be canceled if we do not have enough registered participants.

Young da Vinci Art Academy
2025-05-27 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-05-20 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-05-13 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:30
oung da Vinci Art Academy
Tuesdays, May 6 through June 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm
$200 members, $250 non-members
Ages: 5 yrs old & up

Young da Vinci Art Academy at Casa Belvedere – all new sessions this spring, for children ages 5 and up. The program runs six Tuesdays, May 6 through June 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm in the 2nd floor Galleria. Immerse your child in the many wonderful aspects of Italian artisanship. Children will create art projects that will later be displayed in a cumulation Art Show.

Week 1: “Perfect Proportions: Draw Like Da Vinci!” (Vitruvian Man)
Week 2: “Paint the Lady and Her Creature” (Lady with the Ermine)
Week 3: “Build a Bridge Like a Genius!” (Da Vinci’s Self-Supporting Bridge)
Week 4: “Fresco Fun: Paint on Plaster Like the Masters” (Fresco tile)
Week 5: “Sketch Yourself the Da Vinci Way” (Self-Portrait)
Week 6: Young Da Vinci Showcase

The fee includes all supplies and instruction by Lauren Lombardo.

Register Here!

Barre
2025-05-27 09:30 - 10:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Barre Workout
9:30 to 10:30 am

Admission per class: $20 members/$25 non-members

Barre Exercise class is a unique full body workout focused on low-impact, high-intensity movements that lift and tone muscles. It improves strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody. Bring your own mat and water.
Optional: Bring 1- or 2-pound weights.

Prior registration is strongly encouraged. Although drop-ins are welcome to pay at the door, the class may be canceled if we do not have enough registered participants.

Yoga
2025-05-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-19 18:30 - 19:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

Mondays at 6:30pm-7:30pm
$20.00 members/$25.00 nonmembers
Age 14 and up

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
Friday, May 23 from 10 to 11:30 am
Free for members, $10 donation for non-members

Join us for a delightful morning of bocce, a sport beloved by Italians and Italian Americans of all ages! Whether you’re a senior who’s a seasoned player or completely new to the game, this instructional event is perfect for all skill levels. Bocce is a leisurely yet engaging game that promotes socialization, friendly competition, and light exercise, all in the beautiful outdoors.

Register Here!

Theater Performance from In Scena! ~ LE VISPE TERESE w/ Kairo International Theater
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Theater Performance from In Scena! ~ LE VISPE TERESE w/ Kairo International Theater
Tuesday, May 13 from 7 to 8:30 pm in The Galleria
Members free, $10 Non-Members suggested donation

The next theater performance from In Scena! is THE PERKY THERESAS (LE VISPE TERESE) written and performed by Alessio Piazza, part of Kairo International Theater.

The author retraces his childhood through the stories of three aunts, conversing with them in the places and with the words that emerge from memories, and which merge with the personal memories of the spectators.

It is a story of a family told with modesty by one of the family’s members where places, facts and people are a mixture of reality and fantasy, between personal anecdotes and others told or heard from other family stories. It is inspired by the literary atmospheres of the book “Family Lexicon (Lessico Famigliare)” by Natalia Ginzburg and the cinematographic atmospheres of the iconic movie “The Family (La Famiglia)” by Ettore Scola.

Register Here!

Adult Paint & Sip
2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:30
Adult Paint & Sip
Monday, May 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in The Galleria
$80 members / $90 non-members

Awaken your senses at our Adult Paint & Sip evening, where you will create a refreshing view of the Italian landscape. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a glass of wine in hand and let your creativity flow as you capture the beauty of Italy on canvas. This social event includes wine, cheese, meats & crackers and all supplies.

Register Here!

Learn to Crochet
2025-05-12 18:00 - 19:30
Learn to Crochet at Casa Belvedere
An 8-week program on Mondays, March 24 to May 12 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Fee is $225 member, $250 non-member

In the first four classes of this beginner-level series, you will learn how to comfortably hold a crochet hook and the yarn and learn the basic crochet stitches: chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet. During classes 5 to 8, you will make something!
Once you have mastered all the stitches, there will be some discussion on what you would like to make, and provided with a suitable pattern.
Students should bring these required materials to each class:

Susan Bates Crochet Hook – Size 5.00mm/8/H or Size 5.50mm/9/I
A skein of yarn to accommodate your crochet hook, size H or I. You can get worsted weight, DK weight or sports weight yarn. Instructor’s favorite is Caron Simply Soft, but use what you like, just keep it a simple yarn. Please note that dark colors and speckled yarns are difficult for beginners. Some other brands to start with are Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Caron Simply Soft or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice)
Regular scissors or embroidery scissors
Plastic or steel sewing needle for weaving in ends.

For questions big or small, call instructor Margaret Rucci at 917-886-7970 or email her at mjvrucci@aol.com

Writing Your Memories Spring Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00
Writing Your Memories: “Three Weddings and a Funeral”
Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura

Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10am to noon

No experience necessary: just notebook, pen, and a desire to record the past.
Are there memories you want to write or (family) stories you want to record but perhaps don’t know where to begin or pick up? Join us for this supportive generative workshop during which we’ll read short, vibrant excerpts, many written by Italian American authors, that focus on weddings and/or funerals. Then you’ll be given prompts to write your own original piece. You’ll leave this workshop with concrete suggestions to get you closer to the truth of your own stories.

And don’t miss our other Spring Writing Workshops: April 12: Italian Towns/American Spring, which is generative—you’ll write new material—and June 14 which is revision!

Register Here!

Italian Herbal Traditions
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:30
Italian Herbal Traditions
Thursday, May 8 from 7 to 8:30 PM
Member $35, Non-Member $45

Discover the rich tradition of Italian herbal remedies in this engaging lecture and hands-on demonstration. Learn about the history of herbs used in traditional Italian healing, how to grow and preserve them, and their role in wellness practices. As a special DIY component, participants will create their own herbal soak by blending fragrant, healing herbs to take home. It could be the perfect early Mother’s Day gift!

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a lover of natural remedies, or simply curious about Italy’s botanical heritage, this immersive experience is not to be missed!

Register Here!

La Dolce Lettura Book Club
2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:30
La Dolce Lettura Book Club
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 7 to 8:30 pm
To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst
Free for Members, $10 Non-Members

Welcome to Casa Belvedere’s “Sweet Reading” Book Club! This month, we’re thrilled to explore To Sicily with Love.
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a heartfelt story of family, love, and second chances under the Sicilian sun.

When a DNA test reveals a big Italian family she never knew about, Aurora York travels to Sicily for what becomes a life-changing summer. Grieving the loss of her parents and struggling to get back on track, she’s welcomed by a warm, lively family and the charm of a kind Italian man. As she begins to heal, a tempting opportunity back home forces her to choose: return to the life she knew, or embrace a bold new future in Sicily.

The novel can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the New York Public Library.

Register Here!

Sound Therapy
2025-05-06 19:00 - 20:00
Sound Therapy
Tuesday, May 6 • 7:00-8:00pm
$25 members, $35 non-members

In celebration of spring, join us in a deeply immersive full body listening experience that uses a variety of instruments. Quartz crystal sound bowls, chimes, a crystal pyramid and other sound vibrations invite gentle, yet powerful, therapeutic and restorative processes, which nurture your mind and body. When you sink into a sound bath, you allow your brain waves to slow, shifting from a more active state to a more relaxed meditative state, realigning and balancing your energy body.

Register Here!
