The annual picnic was Aug. 16 in Silver Creek.

The Chautauqua Italian America Organization, better known as CIAO, held its annual picnic on August 16, 2025, in Silver Creek.

About 40 members attended the event. Plans for events for the balance of this year and next year were discussed with suggestions of going to the Italian Cultural Society followed by a dinner at an Italian restaurant, another cooking class, Italian sausage making class, harvest dinner (October) and Christmas luncheon (December). Places to house these events were discussed along with possible dates.

Nance Ortolano thanked all the bakers for their generous donations of cookies sold at the Italian Festival. The cookies are such a hit that they were sold out by 1 p.m. This is the only fund-raising that the club does, other than a few 50-50 and basket raffles.

It was also discussed that much of the money the club earns pays for insurance to be able to offer these activities. The cookie sale at the Italian Festival generated money to help pay for the insurance and defray the cost of a bus for the trip to the Cultural Center and dinner.

Members were treated to pasta/sauce made by the Patterson family, char-grilled Italian sausage, peppers and onions, Italian chicken made by Shari Muller, tossed fresh salad and a wide variety of appetizers and desserts provided by members.

Michelle Patterson chaired the event and provided members with quick and easy games that rewarded winners with prizes. Several card games popped up with one game of Scopa.

Membership is open to anyone who likes to learn more about Italian Culture through food and other activities and want to have a nice time meeting new people. You don’t have to be Italian to join.

Anyone interested can contact Nance Ortolano at nbortolano@gmail.com for more information.