Romana

In January 2006, the fourth session of the annual seminar “The Art of Living” was held at Arnold Hall. The seminar is intended for high school students interested in subjects connected with the home. Forty girls from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico took part.

Two popular activities in the seminar are the “mystery basket” and the “project gallery.” The “mystery basket” is a culinary competition in which each team receives a basket of unknown ingredients. The team has two hours to prepare a meal for four people presented in an attractive way. A panel of culinary art experts examines the menu chosen, as well as the preparation techniques and the attractiveness of the final presentation. First prize went to the team from Shellbourne Conference Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. The Lyncroft team from Toronto, Canada took second place.

In the “project gallery,” the most highly praised presentation was that of girls from Washington D.C. on the healthy effects of chocolate. Other projects included flower table arrangements, family photographs, afternoon tea, the history of gingerbread, and the production of costume jewelry from natural elements.

In addition to the competitions, conferences were offered on such topics as organizing large parties, Italian cuisine and fashion.