Latest news with #Vasto
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Palizzi Social Club, one of South Philadelphia's most exclusive clubs, welcoming 100 new members
South Philadelphia social club opens membership to the public for first time in two years South Philadelphia social club opens membership to the public for first time in two years South Philadelphia social club opens membership to the public for first time in two years Hidden behind the facade of a classic South Philly rowhome, Palizzi Social Club has been a cherished members-only establishment for over a century. Founded in 1918 by a group from Vasto, Italy, the club has long served as a space where members could connect, converse in Italian, and uphold traditions passed down through generations. They named the club after Filippo Palizzi, a painter from their town who was perhaps its most famous resident. Palizzi isn't just a club — it's a tradition, a taste of history, and an experience. The atmosphere exudes nostalgia — from the classic Formica tables and tile floors to the warm embrace of community, every detail pays homage to its storied past. General Manager Jorgen Eriksen, despite not being Italian himself, describes the feeling as familiar and comfortable. General Manager Jorgen Eriksen pours a drink behind the bar at the Palizzi Social Club, an exclusive South Philadelphia club that after two years is once again welcoming new members, but only 100. CBS News Philadelphia Palizzi Social Club remains committed to its roots, offering authentic Italian cuisine, served family style in a setting free of phones and photography. But for the first time in two years, the club is welcoming 100 new members into its exclusive circle over the next month. Membership comes with perks, and for a few, that includes access to the newly opened President's Room — a cozy martini bar featuring live jazz music, where the ambiance is as intimate as it is inviting. The President's Room offers cocktails and light snacks to enjoy before or after a meal downstairs in the main dining room. Every Thursday in May, Palizzi Social Club will release 25 memberships at the door, starting at 3 p.m. The first 10 customers in line will receive a gold seal upgrade for entry into the President's Room. The cost of membership is $20.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Roommate of NC State student with revoked visa warns of ‘chilling effect'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Two North Carolina State University students are back in Saudi Arabia after their visas were revoked by the U.S. government. One of the students, Saleh Al Gurad, received the life-changing news a week ago, according to his roommate, Philip Vasto. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 NC State students leave US after visas terminated, officials say 'We didn't know what to make of it, we thought it was a mistake,' Vasto said. 'He had just the most grave expression on his face, wide-eyed.' Vasto said there was no explanation or reason given for why Al Gurad's visa was revoked. 'I could tell he had felt betrayed,' Vasto said. 'It was a feeling of abandonment.' Vasto met Al Gurad in December when the two started rooming together. He said they bonded over their love of different cuisines and professional sports, describing Al Gurad as someone who kept to himself. 'He was just a hard worker, very diligent,' Vasto said. 'He actually took a job here on campus and he was just really knee deep in his studies. According to Vasto, Al Gurad was working on a master's in engineering management. Students at other American universities who have voiced support for Palestinians have also had their visas revoked by the U.S. government, but Vasto said that is not the case for his roommate. 'He's an apolitical person, so he minded his business,' Vasto said. Vasto believes Al Gurad was singled out because of his ethnicity. 'That sends a very chilling message to international students all across America,' he said. Other students echoed that sentiment. 'It's a scary time right now for everyone,' said Satha Boaj, a student government senator at NC State. Boaj is not an international student, but is originally from Jordan and said the situation has been a shock for her. 'I think there's a lot of fear right now, not because of losing rights, but being deported, getting kicked out, losing their families, losing their progress in their education, in their jobs,' she said. In her role in student government, Boaj recently helped pass a bill making an international affairs department permanent to help international students navigate college, including immigration issues. 'One of the things we really wanted to focus on with this department is working with the Office of Global Engagement and the immigrant attorney we have at NC State, putting them together, and helping [students] with any legal issues that they run into regarding their visas, green cards, things like that,' she said. NC State enrolls nearly 5,000 international students, the most in the University of North Carolina system. 'They're contributing so much to the student body,' Vasto said. 'And it would be an absolute shame if the Wolfpack abandons these students.' In a statement Wednesday, the university said in part, 'NC State did not initiate these terminations and was not directly notified of these changes. 'We are deeply concerned about the lack of communication from federal agencies and the impact of these actions on our international students.' The university explained both students decided to return to their home country and said they will be able to finish their semester while there. Vasto wants to see more action. 'I would think that it would send a message if the university said they would not comply with ICE and would allow this university to become a sanctuary campus,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
