THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB: A Reinvention and Rediscovery of the Golden Age!
By Antoinette Silicato
With vision, passion, experience and old-school-know-how, Angelo Cassaro “The Man” who embodies down-to-earth leadership skills, is the inspiration behind, what should be, every proud Italian-American in Las Vegas, whether professional or layman, to roll up their sleeves in the rebuilding of our beloved Italian-American Club, at 2333 East Sahara Avenue. And, that means you!
Established in 1960, The Italian-American Club prospered and enjoyed its first ten to fifteen years with loyal and active members, which some refer to as the golden age. This Rat-Pack era was also home to celebrity members who were A-Lister’s, namely -Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante, Joe DiMaggio, Sergio Franchi, to name but a few. The club in its hay-day was the place to be and the joint was jumping, as it was saturated in personality and style. Celebrity was certainly not a requirement, but by mere association with these famous people, it made you a celebrity as well, and everybody had a pep-to-their-step.
As a member of the club for nearly thirty years, Cassaro recalls how in the 70′s and 80′s, there were factions from people out of New York, Detroit, Chicago and Buffalo who wanted to influence the decisions that were being made. To be expected, inner fighting as to who was in control started to penetrate the once harmonious spirit of the club, treasury reports were not followed through, and the chaos led to distrust. Even back then, Cassaro was a courageous person and re-asked questions that were being posed by others, but unanswered. He peaked their attention, got answers to the long awaited questions, changes were made and he was eventually voted in unanimously as president, in which he served from 1988-1992. During this same period, The Nevada State Gaming Commission approved Gaming to be brought into the Italian-American Club, a respectful motion by declaring it good for the community.
Fast forwarding to the present, the Italian-American Club is facing yet another rediscovery of itself after the previous management mismanaged the club and left it in financial distress, to the point of nearly closing the doors for good. Also, Joseph Fallico, the President, resigned on June 12th due to health issues. In his graciousness, Fallico ushered Cassaro in as interim president, until the new board of directors takes place later this year.
Cassaro, well known and respected in the Las Vegas community possesses great insight as to what it will take to not only get the Italian-American Club breaking even with the financial debts it now faces, but foresees the club freshly rediscovering itself in a renewed and exciting way, yet in the keeping with Italian tradition, flair and nostalgia. Randy Genovese, the clubs general manager, is a professional who also owns Gilligan’s Hide-Away; once known as the Starboard Track. Cassaro anticipates turning the corner and believes with the effort, support and involvement of the active members along with the Italian-American community at large, the club will experience a transformation that will have renewed life like never before. But, everyone is needed to catch the spirit, dive in the pot, get set on fire for the cause of the club’s modernization, with Italian tradition as its core. Lending your special Italian skills, inherited by our proud Italian families from the mother-land will help towards the survival of the Italian American Club. After all, we are only as strong as the weakest link.
The recent hiring of Chef Penny could be considered as a stroke of divine intervention. With solid culinary skills, Chef Penny makes the Italian American Club kitchen a home away from home and her diners are steadily singing her praises. She is committed to providing great food with the clubs commitment to great service, she insists on all fresh ingredients used from the clubs menu, new specials will be featured and all pasta dishes must be cooked to order. Brava, someone who understands “al dente” and the importance of a wonderfully firm pasta versus overcooked musha pasta in which the Italian-Italians scornfully call “scotto” (too soft).
Some very exciting news is that the club is planning the return of weekly live music, dances and other artistic and cultural events! And, the Italian-American Club is still hailed at having the hippest Jukebox in all of Vegas!
As of today, the Italian-American Club has 153 active members who are pulling together in unity and solidarity, and feel that the club means too much to the Italian-American community to have to close. They realistically understand that the financial needs of the club are steep, but stress that even though we’re in a whole, we’ll climb out. Now that’s a lot of evidence that Italians do get along!
It is note worthy, as well, to mention the charities that the Italian-American Club has been supporting over the years: Candle Lighters (children with cancer), St. Vincent’s Catholic Charity, Woman’s Shelter (Shade Tree), Boulder City Orphans, including the scholarship program for helping kids go to college. Also, the Italian-American Club were the original organizers of the Bocci Leagues at the City Bocci Courts directly adjacent to the club.
Short term goals are set to cover the expenses of maintenance and operating reserves of the club and long term goals will be determined as the club progresses. Not only is the Italian American community encouraged to become active members, but the club also offers associate membership to non-Italians. For membership, party reservations or dinner please call 702.457.3866 or go online www.italianamericanclubsn.com. You can also email iaclv1960@gmail.com.
Of utmost importance is the invitation that the Italian American Club encourages you to take part in:
The Columbus Day Fund Raiser
October 15, 2011
The Italian American Club
2333 E. Sahara Ave. , Las Vegas, NV
Buffet Dinner 6:30 PM
Show 8 PM (non-stop live entertainment)
Tickets: $40 Per Person
RSVP: 702. 457.3866
Cassaro, for me, is a real east-coast Italian brother, with street smarts, mother-wit, and a modest disposition. Las Vegas, a town built on personalities, but now saturated with over-rated impersonators, Angelo Cassaro stands out as his own man with a huge heart and an old-school personality, who gets tougher when the times get tough. As Cassaro and I wrapped up our interview, I said to him “just when you thought you were out…they pulled you back in…” We laughed and he said that there have been many who have said the same thing to him. Honest Italians pride themselves in non-foolish matters and they know a leader when they see one. Angelo Cassaro is the right fit to bring the Italian-American Club back to a vibrant life, but, with the help of every Italian American and lovers of the Italian culture, in Las Vegas! Can we count on your support and involvement?
