The Italian Cultural Foundation

Children’s Art Classes
2025-07-21 14:30 - 15:45 (America/New_York) | Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10301, United States
Art with Lauren at Casa
For children ages 5 to 12
$45 members, $65 non-members

Monday, July 21 from 2:30 to 3:45 pm
Renaissance and Modern Art Mashup Painting/Collage
Blend funky colors and shapes with Renaissance classical paintings.

Register Here!

Musica Sotto le Stelle: “A Bit of Sinatra. A Bit of Darin. All Himself.” with Charlie Romo
2025-07-15 18:30 - 21:30
Musica Sotto le Stelle
“A Bit of Sinatra. A Bit of Darin. All Himself.” with Charlie Romo

Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Doors open 6 pm
$125 members, $135 non-members.
Four-course dinner includes wine and soft drinks.

This Musica Sotto le Stelle at Casa Belvedere will feature Charlie Romo celebrating Sinatra & Friends: A Tribute to The Chairman of the Board & other Great Italian-American Voices. Savor fine dining ‘al fresco’ style while Charlie entertains you with live music. Added bonus: mesmerizing views of New York City’s Harbor and the Verrazzano Bridge as a backdrop. If it rains, the dinner and show will be presented indoors.
Charlie will celebrate the music of “The Voice,” Frank Sinatra and other classic Italian-American singers. The award-winning contemporary crooner will perform timeless standards and classic songs from the Sinatra songbook (and more)!
Savor fine dining ‘al fresco’ style while Charlie entertains you with live music. Added bonus: mesmerizing views of New York City’s Harbor and the Verrazzano Bridge as a backdrop. If it rains, the dinner and show will be presented indoors.

The award-winning contemporary crooner will perform timeless standards and classic songs from the Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin songbooks (and more)!

Recently a Golden Ticket recipient on the 23rd season of American Idol and named “Best Musician on Staten Island” from the Staten Island Advance, award-winning contemporary crooner Charlie Romo is no stranger to Staten Island or Casa Belvedere. Inspired by his favorite interpreters of classic American popular songs – many of whom are Italian-American singers he grew up listening to– Romo’s goal is to carry the torch of timeless music by reviving it in his own dynamic and refreshing way.

Performing classic hits as if they were brand new, Romo’s high energy stage performances harken back to the greats, but ultimately, his performances set their own standard of excellence. The local entertainer turned nationwide sensation frequently performs in cities throughout the country, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and New York (he has headlined at Lincoln Center, Birdland Jazz Club, and has performed the National Anthem for the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and 7 other MLB teams).

Romo is a proud Italian-American who grew up in a family with strong character, which has reinforced in him a style and persona that has served him well on stage and in life. Romo recently performed a tribute to Bobby Darin during the live broadcast of the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7. He is a member of multiple Italian American heritage organizations and considers it a mission to defy negative stereotypes of the Italian American community. This performance is sure to be special, as Romo takes the stage at the Casa Belvedere for an intimate, one-night only show filled with timeless music!

What NYC critics are saying about Charlie Romo:

“The Frank Sinatra of This Generation.” — Times Square Chronicles”
If you never saw Bobby Darin live, this is the closest you’ll get to it.”—(BroadwayWorld)
“Charlie Romo does something wonderful. While not changing the feeling of these songs, he gives them a new infusion of life.” — Times Square Chronicles

Adult Coking Class
2025-07-14 19:00 - 21:00
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!

Sunset Yoga
2025-07-14 18:30 - 19:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE
Sunset Yoga with Toni Freda
Held outdoors on the patio

Monday at 6:30 pm
$20.00 members/$25.00 nonmembers
Age 14 and up

Children's Cooking Class
2025-07-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00

Children’s Art Classes
2025-07-14 14:30 - 15:45
Art with Lauren at Casa
For children ages 5 to 12
$45 members, $65 non-members

Monday, July 14 from 2:30 to 3:45 pm: Sea Creatures Watercolor Painting
Explore the ocean by painting colorful sea creatures with watercolors.

Register Here!

Yoga, Meditation and Mocktails
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:30
Health & Wellness • Meditation, Yoga & Mocktails
Saturday, July 12 • 11:00 am to 12:30 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!

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
2025-07-11 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
Friday, July 11 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!

Qi-Yoga Flow
2025-07-10 08:30 - 09:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Are you searching for help with sleep and relaxation? Casa Belvedere invites you to try Qi-Yoga Flow, a hybrid class 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.

Cinema Sotto le Stelle • La vita è bella – Life is Beautiful
2025-07-08 19:00 - 21:00
Cinema Sotto Le Stelle – La vita è bella – Life is Beautiful
Tuesday, July 8. Gate opens 8 pm, movie at sunset.
Free for members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers

Join us for an evening under the stars as we present Roberto Benigni’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful).

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this unforgettable film tells the story of Guido, a joyful and witty man who uses humor, imagination, and unwavering love to protect his young son from the horrors of a concentration camp and a world at war. A poignant blend of laughter and heartbreak, La Vita è Bella is a celebration of the human spirit and the lengths we go to for those we love.
Note: This movie is presented in Italian with English subtitles.

Register Here!

Art Technique for Beginners
2025-07-07 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-30 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-23 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-16 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!

La Dolce Lettura • Book Club at Casa Belvedere
2025-07-02 19:00 - 20:30
La Dolce Lettura Book Club
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Wednesday, July 2 from 7 to 8:30 pm in The Galleria
Free for members, $10 Non-members

Welcome to Casa Belvedere’s “Sweet Reading” Book Club! This month, we’re thrilled to explore The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.

The Glassmaker follows a family of glassmakers on the Venetian island of Murano over several centuries. The story centers on Orsola Rosso, a woman who defies expectations by crafting glass beads in secret to support her family. The narrative jumps through time, depicting the family’s experiences against the backdrop of Venice’s changing history, from its height as a trading center to the modern era.

Register Here!

Crocheting Project: Hexagon Cardigan
2025-06-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 18:00 - 19:30
Crocheting Project: Hexagon Cardigan
A four-week mini session: Monday, June 9 through Monday, June 30
6 to 7:30 pm in Bacco
$110 members, $125 non-members

This special four-week crochet course for adventurous beginners or intermediate crocheters. Students will craft a Hexagon Cardigan, a popular crochet project made by creating two large hexagons and folding them into the shape of a sweater. This design is beloved for its simplicity and visual interest. The hexagons form the sleeves and body simultaneously, which means minimal shaping and seaming.
Here’s a list of basic crochet stitches you’ll typically need:

Chain (ch): Used to start the project and create spaces between clusters.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds or finishing edges.
Double Crochet (dc): The most common stitch for building the hexagon (in US terms).
Treble Crochet (tr) (optional): Sometimes used for lacier or larger hex designs.
Half Double Crochet (hdc) or Single Crochet (sc): Often used for borders, cuffs, or ribbing.
Magic Loop for the beginning of the Hexagon

Materials: The Hexagon Cardigan is a great stash buster, and very versatile. You can use light weight, medium weight or bulky yarn. The pictures show medium weight yarn. You will also need the appropriate hook for your yarn, a scissor, and a large eye needle for seaming.

Register Here!

Pilates
2025-06-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-21 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!

Tombola Game Night
2025-06-24 18:30 - 21:00
Tombola Game Night
Tuesday, June 24 from 6:30 to 9 PM in the Galleria
Free for members, $10 donation for non-members. Tombola cards must be purchased for each round at $3 each.

Beatrice Alecci returns to lead another fun evening of Tombola at Casa Belvedere! Snacks, drinks will be available for purchase – cash preferred. Tombola is a game that originated in Southern Italy. Similar to bingo, the game is fun to play, easy to learn, and appropriate for all ages. The game begins when the person holding the cartellone (big board) takes numbers out of the sack one at a time, calling them loudly, placing them on their box in the cartellone, and leaving time for players to mark the number on their card/s. In order to win, players must have one of the following:

AMBO - 2 numbers on the same row
TERNO - 3 numbers on the same row
QUATERNA - 4 numbers on the same row
CINQUINA - 5 numbers on the same row
TOMBOLA - all numbers on the card

Each game ends when all 90 numbers are drawn or when a Tombola winner is declared, whichever comes first.

Register Here!

Adult Cooking Class
2025-06-23 19:00 - 21:00

Yoga
2025-06-23 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 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
2025-06-23 16:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 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!

Swinging with Frank & Dino: A tribute to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin
2025-06-17 18:30 - 21:00
Musica Sotto Le Stelle
Swinging with Frank & Dino: A tribute to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • 6:30 to 9 PM
On the patio. If it rains, the dinner and show will be presented indoors.
$125 Members/ $135 Non-Members

The event features Jesse Posa as Frank Sinatra and Joe Perce as Dean Martin, two leading impersonators in the New York /New Jersey area who are a big hit with audiences of all ages.

Register Here!

Writing Your Memories Spring Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00
Writing Your Memories Spring Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura
Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 am to noon
$20 Members/ $30 Non-Members

Do you have a piece of writing you’ve already started, that you’d like to pick up and receive help with/constructive feedback on? Join us for this supportive virtual workshop, which will leave you with concrete suggestions to get you closer to the truth of your own story. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be asked to email five days in advance a writing piece that is maximum 700 words. Participants need to have attended at least one Casa Belvedere (Generative) Writing Workshop.

And don’t miss our other two Spring Writing Workshops. April 12: Italian Towns/American Spring and May 10: “Three Weddings and A Funeral” both of which are generative—you’ll write new material.

Register Here!
