“Caio, Kaua‘i,” says Gaetano Vasta, vice president and treasurer of Kaua‘i’s only club that celebrates all things Italian — food, traditions, film and culture. According to Vasta, anyone can join the club, which is seeking new members. With casual social
“Caio, Kaua‘i,” says Gaetano Vasta, vice president and treasurer of Kaua‘i’s only club that celebrates all things Italian — food, traditions, film and culture.
According to Vasta, anyone can join the club, which is seeking new members. With casual social events that include potlucks, cooking lessons and film screenings, the only pre-requisite is that “you’re interested, love the country or the Italian culture.” With the next potluck scheduled for this Sunday, Vasta hopes to see many new faces join the 16-year-old organization.
It all began right after Hurricane ‘Iniki, eight years before Vasta himself arrived on the island. First generation of Sicilian heritage, Vasta has enjoyed meeting other paisanos, or countrymen, as well as lovers of Italy living on Kaua‘i.
“People bring their kids, their grandkids, the ages range from child to senior citizen; everyone is invited,” Vasta said.
The club organizes at least four events each year, ranging from Italian film screenings with English subtitles to casual potlucks and boccie ball tournaments. “We recently did a lemoncello-making workshop, where people pitched in for the cost of the liquor and we made fresh lemoncello,” Vasta said. The lemon-infused vodka is a delicious aperitif, loved far beyond “the boot.”
Fluent in Italian, Vasta’s Italian roots go back for generations, but many of the club members don’t speak the language or have Italian heritage. Welcoming anyone who loves the culture or has traveled to the country, Vasta hopes new members will suggest Italian-themed events.
Arriving on Kaua‘i in 1999, Vasta saw a calendar listing in The Garden Island and went to his first meeting, “I’ve been involved ever since. It’s just a great way to meet interesting people and have some fun,” he said. Vasta explained that the club, while unique on Kaua‘i, takes after the largest Italian-American social club on the Mainland.
“This is Kaua‘i’s answer to ‘Sons of Italy,’” he noted.
The mailing list of current members numbers near 50, with open-styled membership without requirements or restrictions. The gatherings often occur at Lydgate Park, but also take place at the Aloha Center or St. Michael’s Church.
“We hope anyone who is interested in Italian language, music, food or culture will come to one of our events and join the mailing list,” Vasta said. “Come this Sunday, bring a chair and something to drink, and play boccie ball. There will be great food and great people.”
