CIAO Conference brings women together in the Vicenza Military Community

CIAO Conference 2016

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Participants in the annual Combined Italian American Organization Conference enjoy a variety of classes from Italian cooking, Palladian history, Italian balsamic vinegar and olive-oil tasting to painting Venetian masks. Sponsored by the Vicenza Commu…
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

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VICENZA, Italy – The annual Combined Italian American Organization Conference offered 120 registered participants from Vicenza Military Community the chance to enjoy a special one-day women’s conference March 4 at Dai Gelosi restaurant, a few miles east of Vicenza.

Sponsored by the Vicenza Community Club, the CIAO conference marked its 14th anniversary with a compilation of sessions featuring 13 classes that ranged from Italian cooking, Palladian history, Italian balsamic vinegar and olive-oil tasting to painting Venetian masks.

Much planning and preparation goes into the event each year.

“We focused on this event at the beginning of February. We have a good committee and we knew some of the topics that attendees enjoyed from previous experiences,” said Susan Jackson, one CIAO Conference organizer, who has attended the event for four years.

First-time participant Cathy Barker said, “The CIAO (Conference) is extremely well organized and very professional.”

Barker also said the instructors for each class she attended were knowledgeable.

“They seemed to have an absolute passion for their work. I love learning and developing my skills and knowledge, and this conference helps to inspire me,” she said.

The conference received enthusiastic reviews from attendees and presenters, including veteran Sabrina Bonamini, Italian extra virgin olive-oil-tasting presenter, who has been invited for many years.

“I think this event is really great. I love the idea of women who plan to spend one day together and share experiences across cultures,” she said.

Bonamini added that, after attending her class, participants know more about olive oil and its many uses.

“I can see their enthusiasm in learning something about this Italian product, which [seems to be] less known in the States except in California where it is produced. Oil, like cheese and wine, represents what is considered the ‘Italian experience’ food wise while in Italy.”

Approximately 15 members of the CIAO committee pulled together the event, which included breakfast, transportation, classes, luncheon and participation in prize drawings.

“I have participated in the CIAO Conference each year since arriving here five years ago,” said Arlene Baptiste, CIAO committee member, who said she believes in CIAO’s mission of providing a safe way for new spouses to learn while having fun.

“CIAO is very helpful for new spouses throughout a variety of classes, from wine tasting to painting, just to name a few. [It’s a place] to learn about the wonderful things Vicenza and the surrounding areas have to offer before starting off on one’s own,” said Baptiste.