May 2023
“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” – Fennel HudsonLet’s celebrate this gorgeous month! May acts as the bridge between spring and summer. The Sun is warming, the Birds are chirping, the Flowers are blooming, and the Garden is growing.
In Italy May begins with a public holiday – May 1, based on an important anniversary: the Festa dei Lavoratori, the International Workers’ Day, an important day created in honor and defense of laborers. This festivity was born with the aim of remembering workers and trading unions who fought to guarantee to the labor force equal rights and benefits. This public holiday inaugurates the beginning of May and the weather is usually quite warm, therefore, it is an opportunity for Italians to take some days off and go somewhere, especially if it falls on a long weekend, like this year that is on Monday.
The club’s May calendar is rich in many interesting events, we will keep you busy! May is the last complete month before the Club’s summer holidays that will start around middle of June.
Before starting our summer holiday, on June 10th, I remind you of our traditional Summer Evening Party, to embrace each other one last time before the summer break, with an exchange of wishes for the best summer holidays ahead of us. This year we celebrate it at the Fondazione Minoprio in Vertemate con Minoprio in their beautiful garden, with good food, tasty wine, lovely music and a lot of fun! The theme of the party is flowers, which suits with the season and location, dress code is elegant. The party is sponsored partially by the club, the contribution per person is 35 euro for members and partners, 70 euro for friends who are not part of the Club. May 3rd at the coffee morning it is the last chance to pay the contribution in cash to Elisa Aspesi. After that you can pay via bank transfer to Elisa Aspesi (IT42L0306909457100000007148). Please indicate your name and reimbursement of dinner’s cost on 10/6 at Fondazione Minoprio. The sooner you book the better.
Our monthly aperitivo is held on May 20th at 6.00 pm at the beautiful and redesigned pool restaurant Kincho, Sharaton Hotel, via Per Cernobbio 41A. You have the rare opportunity to taste cocktails especially created for the CIC. The general&marketing manager with the culinary chef Molon will introduce us to the new culinary concepts and Annakarina Goldkind has prepared some surprises for us. Don’t miss it. Please RSVP by May 10th to me, email: Paolalovisettiscamihorn@gmail.com, cell 349 39 84 806.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our next Coffee Morning on May 3rd, at the Yacht Club. This time we will have the pleasure to taste the delicious cheese by Casale Roccolo, that was nominated one of the best organic goat cheese producers at the World Cheese Awards 2022 in United Kingdom, where they raked in award after award.
Warm regards,
Paola
President of the Como International Club
April 2023
“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” –Marty Rubin
With the days getting longer, sunny days, new hopes, and a new you are awaiting. Are you, ladies ready to welcome April and celebrate Easter?
This year Easter falls on April 9th. The Easter date is variable since it coincides with the Sunday following the spring full moon. According to this rule, it is said that Easter is low if it falls from 22 March to 2 April, average from 3 to 13 April, high from 14 to 25 April. Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year in Italy, it marks the beginning of the warm-season and outdoor activities. From north to south popular festivals, concerts, religious processions are some of the events organized during this period. We planned many activities to create the special Easter mood and atmosphere.
On March 29th, our member Gisela Schwier Weber has organized an afternoon of making Washi eggs. You can choose paper with traditional modern designs for your Washi eggs. But what then are ‘Washi’ Eggs? Washi eggs are hollowed out eggs covered with paper. To make these beautiful eggs, we use special ‘Washi’ paper from Japan (like that used for origami). Paper items for the home have a long tradition in Japan – such as stationary, calligraphy, lamps, umbrellas, and even dividers. Our April calendar is full of many interesting events. Our event planner have been busy as ever. Thank you ladies for your amazing contribution.
On April 12 we have organized at the Como Tennis Club (Villa Olmo) a new members welcome coffee. New members are people who registered starting from September 2022 until now. It will be our pleasure to meet in person many of you. This year we have many new ladies from different countries, that makes the club stimulating and interesting.
In Italy the month of April is full with many holidays apart from Easter during which people take advantages and have some mini vacations. Therefore, we postpone our monthly aperitivo to May, actually the last one of Club year. Time flies. In fact, we will be on holiday from mid of June until beginning of September. Before starting our summer holiday, on June 10th we will have our traditional Summer Evening Party to have a final hug before the summer break with an exchange of wishes for the best summer holidays ahead of us.
This year we will celebrate it at the Fondazione Minoprio in Vertemate con Minoprio in their beautiful garden. The theme of the party will be flowers, which suits with the season and location. The party will be sponsored partially by the club, the contribution per person is 35 euro for members and partners, 70 euro for friends who are not part of the Club. We will start reserving places and collecting money at the next coffee morning on April 5th. Elisa Aspesi will collect preferably cash the contribution of the participants. The sooner you book the better.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our next Coffee Morning on April 5th to wish you personally Happy Easter in front of some colomba, (Easter Dove). This is an Italian dessert only available at Easter, something in between a cake and a sweet bread loaf. The particularity of this cake is that it is shaped like a dove, the symbol of peace and rebirth. In the Catholic tradition it also symbolizes the Holy Spirit. On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish you a Happy Easter.
Warm regards,
Paola
President of the Como International Club
March 2023
“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.” Jean Hersey.
March has arrived, the month that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the season in which nature is reborn and you want to be outdoors to enjoy the scent of the first flowers and the warmth of the sun. During the month of March we give some attention to all of the amazing accomplishments of determined women around the world. Since 1909, on March 8th is the International Women’s Day is celebrated to remember the social, economic and political achievements, as well as the discrimination and violence to which women have been and are still subjected in every part of the world. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. So get ready because this month is about honouring magnificent ladies and, as the club , we are ready to celebrate it at the fullest.
On March 8th we have organized a delicious women’s lunch. Having the chance to spend some time together is a great way to reconnect and recognize the strength and the power of us as women! In the past months many new ladies from different countries, cultures and ages joined the club and brought something new. Diversity makes the club more interesting and exciting. Since September we grew more than 50%, our club is getting bigger and better known. I would like to thank each of you for her contribution, enthusiasm and time. This makes me very happy and I wanted to share with you in this March bulletin, the month that celebrates women.
We have prepared various events balancing art, culture, gastronomy, beauty and wellness. The calendar is very rich that I cannot mention all the nice surprises are ready for you. In the bulletin there is a complete list of activities and events.
The monthly evening gathering is held on 25th March at 7 pm at at the Restaurant of Villa Olmo Tennis Club. You have the opportunity to socialize while tasting an inviting apericena, good food and a tasty cocktail/prosecco!
I look forward to seeing you all at the March coffee morning.
Warm regards,
Paola
February 2023
“Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.” – Charmaine J. Forde
This year February brings a festive event: Carnevale, Carnival or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Carnival is a huge Catholic festival celebrated forty days before Easter, before Ash Wednesday, with masquerade balls, parades and public street parties. Masks, or maschere, are one of the most important parts of Carnival, and cities throughout Italy celebrate this festival in one way or another, although Venice is certainly the most well-known Italian city for its traditional Carnival masks and parties. The streets are full of people dressed in costumes, and all over town artists and singers entertain with performances and songs. It is a unique adventure worthy of the experience!
This month, we have prepared various events balancing gastronomy, art, culture and wellness. The calendar is rich. I will briefly mention only some of them. In the bulletin you have the complete list.
We start with the Valtellina wine discovery day on February 4th. Valtellina is a highly respected region of Lombardy, at the boarder with Switzerland and famous for its high-quality and classy red wines produced almost exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. We will have the opportunity to visit the Cantine Nino Negri and taste their delicious wine with some finger foods.
Another interesting excursion is the visit to the Balloon museum in Milano that is the first incubator of installations and works entirely composed of inflatable balloons and art. An unique experience that you should not miss. Save the date, February 9th.
Do you have some back/neck pain? Try the free massage therapy session both on February 11 and February 18 and you will feel rejuvenated.
The monthly aperitivo is held on 25th February at 6.30 pm at a cozy place in town, Luce Cafè. You have the opportunity to socialize while tasting some Italian specialties food paired with a tasty cocktail/prosecco!
I look forward to seeing you all at the February coffee morning.
Warm regards,
Paola
January 2023
“January is the first month of the year: The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato.
Buon Anno! Happy New Year!
New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!
Last past year brought exciting change and new growth to our club. It was a thrill to experience. I am so thankful for each and every one of our club members and your individual contributions Many events and activities were organized and many more are planned for this year.
This month’s calendar is full of many events from fashion, beauty, culture and art. 0n the 12th we can enjoy shopping at the Vicolungo (NO) outlet, taking advantage of the sales. On the 25th we can learn how to keep our face skin tonic and glowing, and on the 27th how to select the right accessories for our unique face shape.
This January our networking&business activities will start up officially on January 21 (Aperitivo at Babi, Como) and January 25th (Luce Cafè, Como), a good occasion to socialize, connect with new people and start new collaborations.
I would like to thank all the members who kindly gave a Christmas donation for Casa di Nazareth in Como. The money raised was used to buy some food. Dina and I took it there and they were very happy. Every day they prepare 200 meals, each contribution is very welcome.
I look forward to seeing you many of you at the coffee morning on January 11th.
Warm regards,
Paola
December 2022
“Goodbye November! Hello December! Please be a good month and bring smiles, happiness and good fortune to our families and friends.”
There is no more beautiful month than December – when Christmas is celebrated. Christmas is the most awaited holiday of the year for both adults and kids due to its magical and suggestive atmosphere. Children get into a festive mood in anticipation of Santa Claus and his gifts. The grown-ups delight in the preparations, buying presents, decorating the house and preparing the menu for this very special day.
Christmas, beyond the joy of gifts, represents an important moment to stregthen family bonds, especially in an age in which we are increasingly witnessing a growing fragility of the family. This year, let’s color not only our houses and tables, but above all our hearts, with joy and love.
This month the highlight of the club’s events is our 50th anniversary party at the Sala Bianca of Teatro Sociale in Como. Good food, tasty wine, live music and a lot of fun will be the “ingredients” of the evening. The Como International club was born in 1972 as a small group of international ladies living in Como. The main purpose was socialization and organization of interesting activities to discover the beauty of Lake Como. In the last 50 years the club enlarged and changed step with the times, but the same spirit and motivation are the still there, making our group of ladies special.
Many other activities are planned for this month to create the special Christmas mood and atmosphere such as the Christmas Garland Workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful garland to decorate your house or visiting the Città dei Balocchi in Cernobbio. Lights, colors, Santa Claus, the famous Christmas Market with the typical wooden houses with a fairy-tale atmosphere, Christmas carols and many other events for the whole family will make your Christmas even more special and Italian.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and New Year, full of Health, Joy and Happiness.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our next Coffee Morning on December 7th, to wish you personally Buon Natale and Felice Anno Nuovo in front of some panettone and sparkling wine.
Warm regards,
Paola
November 2022
Goodbye October, Hello November. New month, New blessings, New beginnings, New intentions and New Results!”
At the beginning of November, autumn still shows itself with warm days and colorful leaves. The leaves then slowly fall to the ground and the trees become balder. In the middle of this month the temparature drops down and when the first snowflakes appear towards the end of the month, you know that autumn has passed and winter is just around the corner.
November is packed with an abundance of special days of awareness and observances to celebrate in Italy. Two Christian holidays, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, fall within early November, and the Advent calendar begins at the end of the month to countdown until Christmas, as well.
This month, we have prepared various events balancing between art, culture, gastronomy, lifestyle and beauty. The calendar is very rich. I will mention only some of them. In the bulletin you have the complete list.
We start with some physical activity, a pilates class, to keep us in a good shape. Then, we are lucky to have the opportunity to visit the Mantero outlet, one of the major silk companies in the area where you can buy some unique silk accesories made in Italy.
Hair is part of the female beauty; our member Zamira Dini is presenting the hair styling trends of the next season. On the 14th, we will have an amazing hair show here at the Yacht Club.
This month I am happy to host one event at my house, giving some tips on basic rules of etiquette when it comes to an Italian table, for example how to compose the menu, setting the table or hosting your guests. For the Alfa Romeo lovers, I suggest the visit to the Alfa museum in Arese, a rare collection of antique and modern cars that made the Italian history.
The aperitivo is held on 24th November at 6 pm at a cozy place in town, Koicha Room, at the roof top of Coin. You have the opportunuty to taste some oriental food paired with a tasty glass of prosecco and admire the Doumo, unique view!
I would like to remind you that the November coffee morning is your last chance to pay cash for the 50th anniversary party that we are organizing at the Sala Bianca of Teatro Sociale in Como. The cost of the ticket is 40 euro/person and your partner is welcome too. Good food, tasty wine, live music and a lot of fun will be the “ingredients” of the evening. All the details are in the bulletin.
I look forward to seeing you all at the November coffee morning.
Warm regards,
Paola
October 2022
Dear Members,
“October is the month of painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world. As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight.” Henry David Thoreau
Welcome October! When the hot summer days are almost behind you, you can think about ushering the cooler weather. You are more than ready to finally trade out the sandals for boots, go for a pleasant walk in the woods among the changing leaves and enjoy Halloween treats, pumpkin dishes and roasted chestnuts.
This month I am honored to host Primavera Fisogni’s presentation at our October coffee morning. Primavera is a journalist, renowned Italian writer and Ph. Philosopher; she will talk about her last book – Giovane è la parola – a literary biography of Carla Porta Musa, a super centenarian, international poet from Como. We have the special privilege to have in the CIC a member, Marie-Josè D’April Musa, related to C. Musa, who will interview the writer.
This October we offer several spectacular activities, such as the visit to the beautiful Villa Monastero in Varenna and Orrido di Bellano, the interesting Science Museum Casartelli, in Como, usually closed to public. (We are lucky to have the opportunity to have it opened for us!) Just to mention a few of them: Our Italian classes will start again and are available to everyone who wants to learn/improve her Italian. This is a great opportunity to practice the language in a friendly environment. Not to mention, autumn is also a traditional period of gastronomy events. Let’s start with the visit to the pumpkin field in Galbiate (LC) where you can buy your Halloween pumpkin. October 25th, is Pasta Day, that we will celebrate with a tasty lunch.
To kill two birds with one stone: our monthly recipe is Pasta with pumpkin and amaretti, a singular dish for pumpkin lovers. At the last coffee morning, I was elated to see many members and welcome new people. Our club is getting bigger and better known. I would like to thank each of you for your contribution, enthusiasm and time.
I look forward to seeing you all at the October coffee morning.
Warm regards,
Paola
Another CIC’s season is about to conclude. For the board, it is a very special time – time to say goodbye to our duties that we carried with dedication and commitment for a long three years! Our board definitely set a precedent in the club’s history. Due to the covid, lockdowns and restrictions, we carried the club for an extended period without elections. Finally, this month we can organize a vote, we already have extraordinary candidates for the new board, and it makes us delighted! We will pass the governance into capable hands! If someone wants to join the board, please do not hesitate to let us know before June 7th. You still have time to join!
You are invited to our next coffee morning at the Yacht Club, the last one of this season before the club’s summer break. Let’s meet there so we can chat, have a nice coffee together and share our experiences and plans for this summer.
Dear members,
During the webinar, we will discuss: