The Italian Cultural Foundation

Yoga
2025-05-05 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-21 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-14 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10301, United States
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

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

Learn to Crochet
2025-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-14 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

Adult Italian Language Class
2025-05-05 16:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-28 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
2025-05-05 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-28 16:00 - 17:00
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!

Health & Wellness • Meditation, Yoga & Mocktails
2025-05-03 11:30 - 13:00
Health & Wellness • Meditation, Yoga & Mocktails
Saturday, May 3 • 11:30 am to 1 pm

Back by popular demand! Experience a guided meditation and series of breath-work to cultivate inner peace, flow through Pilates/yoga movement, deep relaxation during a hands-on savasana (restorative pose) with lavender essential oil, and conclude with a hydrating and healthy refreshing mocktail.

Register Here!

Pilates
2025-05-03 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!

“Yankee Batboy, from Lil’ Italy to Yankee Stadium”
2025-04-29 19:00 - 20:30
“Yankee Batboy, from Lil’ Italy to Yankee Stadium”
Tuesday, April 29 • 7 to 8:30 pm
$15 members / $25 non-members

Anthony Florio was a batboy for the New York Yankees from 1962 to 1964. He will speak about his book “Yankee Batboy, From Lil’ Italy to Yankee Stadium,” sharing stories about growing up in Little Italy in New York, traveling with the team each summer and also for three World Series.

Anthony has spoken at dozens of events in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He will tell about his experiences with NY Yankees greats Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Roger Maris, Whitey Ford, Joe Pepitone and many others.
Anthony will answer questions and have books available for purchase.

Register Here!

Adult Cooking Class
2025-04-28 19:00 - 21:00

Diet for Seasonal Allergies
2025-04-26 11:30 - 13:00
POSTPONED-Diet for Seasonal Allergies
Saturday, April 26 from 11:30 am to 1 pm
Admission/Donation: $25 member, $35 non-members

Explore and learn about a selection of renowned dietary elixirs for seasonal allergies, unveiling the wonders of an anti-inflammatory diet that may offer relief. The program will be led by Nicole Langone Scarangello, a certified dietitian nutritionist. The program will conclude with a delightful culinary creation.

Opera Dinner: Delightful & Demanding Duets in Opera
2025-04-25 18:00 - 21:30
Opera Dinner at Casa Belvedere: Delightful & Demanding Duets in Opera
Friday, April 25, 2025 • 6 to 9:30 pm
$90 Members/ $100 Non-Members
Come enjoy great food and the company of Opera lovers! This event includes a buffet dinner, live opera performances, and a presentation by Opera Educator Lou Barrella.
Opera lovers always enjoy listening to solo arias; but when two singers blend their voices in a beautifully or dramatically harmonized duet, our listening becomes doubly rewarded. The event will feature live performances by soprano Melody Alesi and mezzo soprano Anna Tonna. Lou’s presentation will feature a variety of Tenor-Baritone duets from memorable operas.
Register Here!

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors • Sit & Stretch
2025-04-25 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors
Sit & Stretch
Friday, April 25 from 10 to 11:30 am

The Galleria
Free for members, $10 donation non-members

Revitalize Your Body and Mind with our Sit & Stretch Senior Class!
This gentle yet invigorating session is tailored to enhance flexibility, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being. Led by experienced instructor Audrey Urcia, this class offers a perfect blend of seated exercises and gentle stretches, ensuring accessibility for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to fitness, our welcoming environment encourages you to move at your own pace, to help you feel empowered!

After class, treat yourself to coffee, tea, and biscotti. Weather permitting, you’ll be able enjoy these refreshments on our scenic balcony overlooking the Verrazzano Narrows, surrounded by nature’s tranquility and the company of fellow participants.

Register Here!

Barre
2025-04-22 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-04-15 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-04-08 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.

Young da Vinci Art Academy
2025-04-15 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-04-08 16:00 - 17:30
Young da Vinci Art Academy
Tuesdays, April 1 through Tuesday, April 15
4 to 5:30 pm in the 2nd floor Galleria
$100 members, $125 nonmembers
5 years old & up

Immerse your child in the many wonderful aspects of Italian artisanship by enrolling them in Casa’s Young da Vinci’s Art Academy! Children age 5 and up will meet on Tuesdays to create art projects that will later be displayed in a cumulation Art Show. The fee includes all supplies and instruction by Lauren Lombardo.

Writing and Philosophy- Writing and Imagination like Da Vinci
The Science of Perspective – Drawing Depth & Space
The Renaissance Finale – Showcase Gallery and performance of all work with a party!

Register Here!

Theater Performance: Se si Insegnasse la Bellezza (If We Taught Beauty)
2025-04-14 19:00 - 20:00
Theater Performance: Se si Insegnasse la Bellezza (If We Taught Beauty)
Monday, April 14 from 7 to 8 PM
Free for members, $10 donation non-members

In “Se si insegnasse la bellezza” (If We Taught Beauty), actor Ignazio Chessa tells the story of Peppino Impastato, the journalist and anti-mafia activist murdered in 1978 for exposing organized crime through his satirical “Radio Aut” broadcasts.

Balancing satire and drama, Chessa embodies Impastato and key figures from his battle, including his grieving mother, Felicia, and the powerful mafiosi he defied. This gripping performance highlights Impastato’s enduring belief in the transformative power of beauty: “By teaching beauty to people, we give them a weapon to fight oppression, silence, and fear.”

With costumes by Fabio Loi, Chessa delivers a tribute to courage, resistance, and the fight for truth – an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Register Here!

Chocolate Creations
2025-04-14 16:00 - 17:30
Chocolate Creations for Kids
Monday, April 14 • 4 to 5:30 pm

$50 members/$60 non-members
Ages: 6 & up

Children will create their very own Easter treats with Staten Island master chocolatier Denise Willis.

Register Here!

Writing Your Memories: Italian Towns, American Spring
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00
Writing Your Memories: Italian Towns, American Spring
Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura

Saturday, April 12, 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, some written by Italian American authors, that take place, and focus on, springtime in Italy and America. 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 two Spring Writing Workshops: May 10, Three Weddings and A Funeral” which is generative—you’ll write new material–and June 14 revision workshop.

Register Here!

Pilates
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Mindful Vinyasa Yoga
2025-04-10 18:30 - 19:30
Mindful Vinyasa Yoga
This all-levels, full-body, 60-minute Mindful Vinyasa class will not only strengthen and lengthen your muscles, but will also increase your sense of presence, body awareness, and leave you feeling less stressed and more grounded. The side effects of consistent attendance are a stronger and leaner physical body, a calmer and more centered mind, and an overall increased sense of self-esteem, confidence, and compassion. This class is beginner friendly. Come as you are.
Register Here!

Film Screening: Tutti In Scena!
2025-04-08 19:00 - 20:30
Film Screening: Tutti In Scena!
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 • 7 to 8:30 pm
Free for members, $10 suggested donation for non-members

Join us for a special screening of a documentary exploring the history of Italian theater in New York City from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, as told by today’s Italian theater company in New York: Kairos Italy Theater. A finalist at The Russo Brothers Film Forum 2020, this compelling film offers a deep dive into a rich cultural legacy. The evening will be even more special with the presence of the film’s director, Laura Caparrotti, who will share insights and engage with the audience. Light refreshments will be served.

Register Here!
