CCR Book Club - September 18, 2024

You can start reading "An Unthinkable Thing" (2022) by Nicole Lundrigan over the summer to prepare for the first CCR Book Club get-together of the 2024-2025 season.

In this eighth novel by Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan, the reader is faced with the following question: could an eleven-year-old boy really have committed cold-blooded murder? Set against the backdrop of the late 1950s, a tragedy brings the boy to the home of a ‘perfect’ family until, according to Penguin Random House, "a horrifying moment changes everything." The novel was shortlisted for Best Crime Novel by the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence and was one of CBC Book’s Fiction Books to Watch for.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (area TBC); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

Historical Aperitivo: Garibaldi’s Staten Island Sojourn - June 18, 2024

In 1851, having barely escaped Italy with his life, Giuseppe Garibaldi moved into the humble home of Antonio Meucci on Staten Island, in New York City. What does this episode on the periphery of the Risorgimento tell us about this complex and larger than life historical figure carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders? Historian Christine Contrada, who described the ominous death of Julius Cesar on the Ides of March for us, is returning to give a brief explanation of Garibaldi's connections to Rome and the historic Testaccio district.

When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Angelineria Cocktail Salotto, Via Galvani 24 (Testaccio area)

Cost: €15 for the aperitivo combo with a drink (wine, beer or select cocktails) and snacks including mini arancino, mini focaccia, olives and chips. Other food options available. Each participant is responsible for payment of whatever they order.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina to secure a spot at our table.

CCR Book Club - June 20, 2024

"The Hummingbird" by Sandro Veronesi (Il colibrì in the original Italian, 2019) has been chosen for the last get-together of the book club season. The Guardian review review says "This time-hopping, form-swapping story about a man pummelled by events shows the Italian author at the height of his powers."

When: Thursday, June 20, 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (San Paolo-Marconi area); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

CCR Day Trip: Orvieto - June 1, 2024

Come and discover the enchanting city of Orvieto in Umbria, on a lovely day trip just an hour from Rome. Its rich history saw Etruscans, Romans, Goths and Longobards before becoming a self-governing medieval township within the Papal States. Many of its most beautiful constructions, including the magnificent duomo, date back to this period.

Upon arrival, our English-speaking guide will meet us and accompany the group from the station to the historic centre to visit the famous Santa Maria Cathedral, providing a detailed description of the two levels, its architecture, paintings, mosaics, and bronze statues. Afterwards our guide will take us for a walk and tell us about the history and the architecture of this very picturesque city. Stops will include the gardens of the Fortezza Albornoz and the breathtaking view of the valley.

Those who wish can then have lunch together and explore more afterwards. Our guide will suggest some food and other options.

When: Saturday, June 1, 2024   

Transportation: Participants may drive to Orvieto with their own vehicle or take the one-hour train trip from Termini (about €25 return).

Meeting point and time: for those taking the train, meeting point in front of Termini Platform 14 (inside the gate) at 8:45, to take 9:05 train to Orvieto Scalo. Meeting point in Orvieto with those coming by car at 10:45 in Piazza Matteotti, the small square between railway station and funicular piazza.

Cost: €15 per CCR member, €20 for non-members for the walking tour with a certified guide. Other charges each will need to cover on their own include train or car transportation to Orvieto, funicular (€2.60 return) and bus tickets, any entrance fees, and lunch. Advance payment of the guide cost required.

N.B. Spaces are limited, so book early.

RSVP at canadarome@gmail.com by May 29, 2024.

CCR Book Club - May 21, 2024

In May, the club is going to discuss "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver. This Pulitzer Prize-winner for 2023 is the story of a boy born into poverty in Appalachia who dreams of being a Marvel Comics superhero. In this homage to the classic "David Copperfield" the author weaves a story that critiques an American social system that not simply fails to lift up, but actually dooms, those entrapped by poverty and drug addiction.

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (near Piazza Cavour); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy.

CCR at the Komen Race for the Cure - May 12, 2024

This year marks the 25th year of the Komen Race for the Cure in Italy and we'll have a team gathering to participate. Join other members of the Canadian Club of Rome to participate in the run/walk for breast cancer awareness and research!

Young and old -- women, men and kids -- are all welcome to participate.

When: Sunday, May 12, 2024

Timing: Meet Cindi and the CCR team between 9 and 9:15 a.m. in front of Ad Hoc Restaurant, Via dei Cerchi 75 (Circo Massimo). The 5 km run or 2 km walk will begin at 10 a.m. following a route through the historic centre of Rome. The Race Village will be open from the 9th to the 12 of May in the Circus Maximus, offering information and screening activities.

Registration: Sign up individually at the link on this page and write "Canadian Club of Rome" to join our team where it says "Iscriviti ad una squadra già esistente." The €15 donation to participate includes the commemorative t-shirt and knapsack, which can be picked up at the Circo Massimo Race Village or at the Komen offices on Circ. Clodia 80b between 9 and 12 May.

Email: canadarome@gmail.com to let us know if you'll be joining us, so we can watch for you at the meeting point!