CIAO Board members met Jan. 2 at Laurie Detenbeck’s home to discuss past and upcoming CIAO events.

The board was saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Valone, who was one of the driving forces of CIAO. She was very active in the club until her confinement to the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

It was noted that several members reserved meals for the Christmas party and did not attend, nor did they notify anyone that they were not attending. CIAO was responsible for their meals. The Christmas stockings were filled with candy and treats at the party along with pillows donated by Dunkirk Middle School students in Michelle Cerrie’s class to the Circle of Love, which were delivered to Willow Mission to be included with their Christmas baskets.

Mark your calendar for March 3 at 7:30 p.m. for “Murder at the Beaver Club,” presented by CIAO. Tickets are $20 per person. The price of the ticket will include Italian finger foods, a great show, and door prize! The board is asking all members to sell (at least) two tickets. More information will follow. Don’t miss this entertaining evening! It will prove to be a lot of fun!

The annual meeting and picnic date is Aug. 11 at Russell Joy Park lower pavilion. Also discussed is a “take out” chicken barbecue, cooking class, renting a bus to the Italian Festival at the Outer Harbor in Buffalo, Sicily/ Italy Trip and giving a community service scholarship in memory of Margaret Valone. Details of these activities will follow at a later time.

All activities are open to CIAO members and their guests. New members and their families are always welcome.

Any CIAO member who is interested in serving on the board or would like more information about what the board does may contact President Sam Crisanti at 934-2592, or email CIAO Secretary Laurie Detenbeck at ciaosecretary@gmail.com.