January - February 2013

PAGE 1

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS New England’s Largest Italian-American Newspaper Email: newspaper@osiama.org • Website: www.osiama.org

VOL. LXXXVIII - NO. 1

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

(ISSN 0038-1446)

Don Orione Nursing Home Epiphany Party

North End Nursing Home Holiday Party

by Dorothy Berlandi

by Dorothy Berlandi

On Sunday, January 6, 2013 the Charity Commission and Chairman Marylou Abbatessa joined the residents of the Don Orione Nursing Home for the annual Epiphany Party.

The Don Orione Epiphany Party is one that is long awaited by the residents at the home. Before starting time, they are all anxiously waiting for the festivities to begin. They come in wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and yes, some in their beds.

Danny Ventola and his accompanist begin with an oldie that started everyone singing. The Commission members visit with each of these guests, hold their hands, have conversations with them, and it seems that we become a part of a large family. Then Santa Claus arrives to visit with each resident and it is very rewarding to see the smiles and wonder in each of their faces. All of a sudden

the tempo of the music changes and the Commission members join in dancing a lively polka.

Many of the Italian favorite songs are played and sung with the residents, and it is amazing to see the change overcome everyone. It seems sad to think that all this happens just one day a year.

The residents are regaled with homemade Italian cookies, biscotti, punch, a Christmas gift bag, and the visit from Santa Claus. All too soon it is time to leave. We thank Franca Montemuro, function director, for all her help in bringing this little bit of joy to the residents.

Special thanks to Robert Oliverio who was our Santa Claus. We thank everyone who participated in the 2013 Epiphany Party at the Don Orione Nursing Home, and look forward to next year.

On Sunday, December 9, 2012 the Charity Commission visited the North End Nursing Home for their annual Holiday Party. The Charity Commission, including Chairman Marylou Abbatessa, plans these holiday parties for the benefit of the many residents in the North End Nursing Home.

The function director Tina Leone and the residents were anxious for the festivities to begin. Danny Ventola and his accompanist provided the musical part of this program. The amazing part of the event is watching and listening to the residents singing all the old favorites and truly enjoying themselves.

We thank Robert Oliverio, Vice President of the Belmont Mixed Lodge #1094, for once again portraying Santa Claus.

On arrival Santa stopped and visited with each of the residents who then were

(Continued on Page 5)

given gifts by Santa.

The Commission and State Officers provided many “goodies,” which included homemade Italian cookies, biscotti, punch, and ice cream. The Commission and other guests stop and visit with the residents, holding their hands, encouraging them to sing, and some even do some dancing.

Tina Leone always manages to involve a group from the Commission to join in the singing of all the carols, especially “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

All too soon our time is up and it is time for us to take our leave. We wish all the residents the best and hope to see them next year.

Special thanks to all those individuals who attended the 2012 North End Nursing Home Party. We also thank our roving photographers for all the pictures.

(Continued on Page 6)

TRIATHLON OF GAMES

by Dorothy Berlandi The Sports Commission of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts held its second annual Triathlon of Games on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Quincy Sons of Italy.

Three different tournaments took place among the members: Scrabble, Cribbage, and Darts. In the Scrabble tournament, first place was awarded to Julie Sbraccia-Manos, and second place to Cheryl Caira, both from the Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge #2183. The Cribbage and Darts competitions were dominated by the Quincy Men’s Lodge #1295. The Cribbage tournament was won by Robert Panico and John Ryan, and second place was awarded to Frank Purpura and Debbie Nieguid. The first place Darts team consisted of Michael Mullins, Kevin Cotter, John Anagnos, and Jason Walsh, and the second place team included Rick Brant, Nancy Savioli, Lisa Crockett, and Sal DiRusso.

We extend thanks to the Quincy Sons of Italy for hosting this event and to everyone who made this event a success.

State Recording Secretary Ron Hill, State Trustee Michelle DiPlacido, Benefit Insurance Commissioner Steven Cedrone, State Trustee Carol Rossi, State Immediate Past President Florence Ferullo Kane, State President James DiStefano, State Second Vice President Antonio Sestito, State Treasurer Marie Jackson, and Chairman of the Charitable and Educational Trust Angelo Rossi.

(Continued on Page 7)

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SONS OF ITALY NEWS

SONS of ITALY NEWS Pamela Donnaruma, Editor Dorothy Berlandi, Public Relations Chairman Dom Campochiaro, Photographer

The

President’s

Message

NO. 1 - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013 88TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION The Sons of Italy News (ISSN 0038-1446) is published bi-monthly by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Order Sons of Italy in America, a fraternal non-profit organization with offices at 93 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Phone (617) 489-5234.

All manuscripts, photos, art work and editorial material should be type written and mailed to: Editor, Sons of Italy News - 93 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Photo and copy will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and return postage. Closing date for publication is the 10th of the previous month. Photos should be clear and sharp and people must be identified on a separate sheet.

Direct all subscription correspondence, orders, change of addresses, etc., to Sons of Italy News, Subscription Dept., 93 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Subscription price is $2.00 per year. When changing address, please allow six weeks advance notice. Send old address (clip address from past issue) along with new address. Please include lodge name and zip code.

Periodical postage paid at Boston, MA. and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster, address corrections requested — send to Sons of Italy News, 93 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478.

STATE COUNCIL JAMES DI STEFANO State President CARMELITA BELLO State 1st Vice President ANTONIO SESTITO State 2nd Vice President FLORENCE FERULLO KANE Immediate Past President ROBERT BONCORE, ESQ. State Orator RON HILL State Recording Secretary CATHERINE BOURASSA State Financial Secretary MARIE JACKSON State Treasurer STATE PAST PRESIDENTS KEVIN A. CAIRA JOSEPH A. RUSSO JOSEPH S. GIUFFRIDA PHILIP R. BONCORE, ESQ. CHARLES H. PERENICK

STATE TRUSTEES DISTRICT NO. 1 STEPHEN COZZAGLIO DISTRICT NO. 2 MARGARET OLIVIERI DISTRICT NO. 3 STEPHEN DE ANGELIS CHARLES DE STEFANO DISTRICT NO. 4 DR. JOHN CHRISTOFORO DISTRICT NO. 5 DENISE FURNARI DISTRICT NO. 6 LUCINDA NOLET

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

from James DiStefano

Dear Brothers and Sisters; Kathy and I hope that all our Brothers and Sisters had a wonderful Christmas and hope you all have a great New Year, may 2013 bring us all happiness and good Health.

As you all know it’s time to elect new Lodge Officers and Delegates to two year terms.

Nominations will be held in February and elections will be in March. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those Officers and Delegates who have served these past two years in office. It’s thanks to Brothers and Sisters like you that have stepped up and kept our lodges viable. I believe that any brother or sister wanting to be elected to an office should first know what the duties of that office are.

We have listed our bylaws on our web site (osiama.org) and there is a description of all officers’ duties listed in our bylaws.

Thanks to Donna Quinno of the Sports Commission and Ann Marie Moreno for all the help at our Triathlon of Games held at the Quincy Lodge on January 27 th . Another outstanding job done by President Ed Roche and his food committee, we did eat very well.

On March 9th at the Braintree Lodge we will be holding our first O&E Workshop of 2013, the next one will be held at the Newton Lodge on March 23, 2013.

Our Annual Bowling Tournament will be held at the Woburn Bowladrome on March 17, 2013, please join your Brothers and Sisters for a fun time.

On Friday April 12, 2013 we will be holding a Walk-a-thon Fundraiser at the Newton Sons of Italy. The Walk-a-thon will be held on Sunday April 28, 2013 at the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus.

Our annual Law and Justice

Day Breakfast will be held on the first Sunday in May. Location and times will be announced.

This year, as voted by the Delegates at our last convention, our 99th convention will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2013 thru Sunday, June 23, 2013 at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon, NY. It has been a number of years since we have attended a convention in the Catskills, many Brother and Sister Delegates and even non delegates have expressed their enthusiasm in attending this fine resort in June 2013.

Kathy and I look forward to meeting all the new officers at their installations in April and May. May God bless you all, the Order Sons of Italy in America and all our servicemen and women overseas protecting our freedom.

Cari Fratelli e Sorelle, Kathy ed io ci auguriamo che tutti voi abbiate trascorso un felice Natale ed un bel Capo d’Anno. Che il nuovo anno, 2013, ci porti felicita’e buona salute.

Come tutti sapete, e’ giunto il tempo di eleggere i nuovi dirigenti in ogni loggia ed i delegati per un biennio. Le nomine avvengono a febbraio e le elezioni a marzo. Colgo l’occasione per ringraziare tutti i dirigenti ed i delegate che sono stati in carica nelle varie cariche per questo passato biennio, nelle rispettive logge. E’ un ringraziamento ai Fratelli e Sorelle che hanno lavorato tanto per il successo delle loro logge. Io credo che ogni Fratello e Soprella, che ambisce ad una carica, deve prima sapere quali sono i poteri della carica a cui si aspira. Il nostro ‘web site’ (osiama.org) contiene le regole con la descrizione dei

doveri di ogni dirigente.

Ringrazio Donna Quinno della Commissione ‘Sport’, , ed Anna Moreno per l’aiuto offerto durante il ‘Triatlon svoltosi alla loggia di Quincy il 27 gennaio.

Un altro fantastico lavoro fu dato dal Presidente Ed Roche ed il suo ‘Comitato Alimentare’: abbiamo mangiato tutti bene.

Il 9 marzo si terrea’ alla loggia di Braintree il primo seminario della Commissione ‘O&E’. Il secondo seminario avverra’ alla loggia di Newton il 23 marzo, 2013.

L’annuale ‘Bowling Tournament’ avra’ luogo al “Bowladrome” di Woburn il 17 marzo, 2013. Chiunque puo’ attendere e divertirsi con gli altri fratelli e sorelle.

Venerdi’ 12 aprile 2913 si terra’ la festa del ‘Walk-a-thon’ alla loggia di Newton per raccogliere fondi. Il reale ‘Walk-athon avra’ luogo domenica 28

aprile al “Breakheart Reservation,” a Saugus.

L’annuale colazione del “Law & Justice Day” avverra’ la prima domenica di maggio.

Quest’anno, come deliberato dai delegati all’ultimo Congresso Statale, il 99.mo Congresso si terra’ alla “Villa Roma Resort e Centro Conferenze”, da giovedi’ 20 giugno a domenica 23 giugno, 2013, in Collicoon, N.Y. Sono trascorsi diversi anni dall’ultimo congresso nei ‘Catskills . Parecchi Fratelli e Sorelle delegati, e non, si sono espressi con entusiasmo nella nuova scelta di quest’anno.

Entrambi Kathy ed Io siamo ansiosi di incontrare i nuovi dirigenti alle loro istallazioni, in aprile e maggio.

Che Dio benedica tutti voi, l’Ordine Figli d’Italia in America, ed i militari tutti che prestano servizio oltremare a proteggere la nostra liberta’.

DISTRICT NO. 7 THERESA FARINA AT-LARGE JOHN ARGIRO MICHELLE DI PLACIDO CAROL ROSSI

STATE CHAPLAIN REVEREND GREGORY MERCURIO BENEFIT INSURANCE COMMISSION ANTHONY PANAGGIO, JR., President MARJORIE CAHN, Treasurer PAUL DI BONA, Secretary COMMISSIONERS MARY ANN BELLO - JOSEPH BONCORE, ESQ. - STEVEN CEDRONE DAVID COVUCCI - BRIAN MC NAMARA - ROSS ZAGAMI CHAIRMEN OF PERMANENT COMMISSIONS BUDGET AND FINANCE JUNIOR DIVISION COMMISSION COMMISSION CHARLES DE STEFANO ARTHUR BENNETT MAGAZINE COMMISSION CHARITABLE AND PAMELA DONNARUMA EDUCATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP COMMISSION ANGELO ROSSI ANTONIO SESTITO CHARITY COMMISSION ORGANIZATION AND EDUCATION MARYLOU ABBATESSA COMMISSION COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL LOUIS FLORIANI, JR. JUSTICE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION ALBERT DE NAPOLI DOROTHY BERLANDI HISTORICAL COMMISSION SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION DELIA BARTUCCA DONNA GIULIANI ITALIAN CULTURE SPORTS COMMISSION COMMISSION LORETO PELLEGRINI PATRICK MORENO STATE DEPUTY JUDICIARY COMMISSION MARY COOPER PHILIP PRIVITERA NATIONAL OFFICERS JOSEPH A. RUSSO, National 2nd Vice President RITA MALETTA-ROBAK, National Recording Secretary PHILIP R. BONCORE, ESQ., National Past President FLORENCE FERULLO KANE, National Trustee ALBERT DENAPOLI, National Foundation Trustee PHILIP PRIVITERA, National Foundation Trustee

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2014

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

The Italian Diaspora

LODGE HISTORIES In this issue we are featuring the Regina Margherita DiSavoia Lodge #1402, Waltham, MA. If you have not as yet sent in your lodge history, please do and send it to the attention of our Historical Chairman Delia Bartucca at the Grand Lodge Office, 93 Concord Avenue, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478.

REGINA MARGHERITA DiSAVOIA LODGE #1402 The Regina Margherita DiSavoia Lodge #1402 was instituted in February 1926. The Lodge took its name from the former Queen of Italy, who had passed away only a month prior to their institution.

The charter members of the Lodge are Carmella Campisi, Clotilda Profita, and Providence Cacciatore.

The founders of the Lodge include Providenza Cacciatore, Carmela Campisi, Rose Cannistraro, Frances Castrogiovanni, Grace Gargone, Concetta Moriana, Josephine Morreale, Clotilda Profita, Concetta Rizzo, and Vincenza Vincillo.

PAST VENERABLES AND PRESIDENTS Carmela Campisi Demi Marmonte Providenza Cacciatore Gilda Sardi Kunz Rose Cannistraro Anita Vellante Clotilda Profita Philomena Profita Mary Ciacciatraro Santa Walazek Anna Sardi Frances Giordano Clara Graceffa Rosemarie Mele Angelina Tarallo Eleanor Vanaria Palma Guarenta Catherine Bourassa Adela Malone Nadia Mommolo Ann Serriella Jean Paoletti Members who have attained State and National office include State Deputies Adele Malone, Anita Vellente, and Demi Marmonte, and Catherine Bourassa (6 years as State Trustee, 5 years as Financial Secretary, 2 years as Recording Secretary, 4 years as Benefit Insurance Commission Secretary, 4 years as Historical Chairman, and 6 years as a National Delegate).

The accomplishments of the Lodge include the establishment of a Scholarship Fund for one graduate and one Proficiency Award in the Italian Language, donations of Italian books to the Waltham Public Library in the Italian section, and donations to the Don Orione Home, Cooley’s Anemia, and Alzheimer’s.

The Lodge meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Sons of Italy Hall, 99 Cedar Street, Waltham, Massachusetts.

PAGE 3

Submitted by P. Moreno Often, the unanticipated consequence of a scene set before the eye (uno sguardo) can bring about a chain of nerve connections in the brain (synapses) that create the sense impression of a related topic, directly or suggested. Such an impression found meaning as I shook the hand of Sig. Innuendo Gardella in the city of Swellendam, South Africa. Why had Sig. e Sig.ra Gardella chosen to resettle in South Africa from Sesto San Giovanni (Pr. di Milano)? And furthermore, where else have Italians settled in our world outside of Boston?

But, hopefully buoyed by a fig to curiosity, you may ask, “What were you doing in Swellendam?”. Here then, out of respect for the limit of your consent, permit me to comment briefly on Swellendam and South Africa. In terms of the many ports of call in our (my wife and I) wanderlust, South Africa is the most congenial, the most dramatic in the extremes of the modern (Johannesburg, Capetown, Pretoria) and the exotic (Zululand), bold in beauty caught between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans, historically present with the residue of apartheid and pervasively acculturated with Dutch, English, Africans and native black (Zulu, Swazi, etc.) traits everywhere.

Details here would be difficult. However, a boundless list of tropical animals, winged creatures, reptiles, shared nights of hut and food with natives (Zulus), magnificent rolling scenery of flora, an army of sugarcane everywhere, a fifteen hundred flight within South Africa, a southern route of picturesque vacation villages with pristine beaches, great metropolitan areas, remnants of apartheid, conflicting Dutch, English, African and African accents everywhere intermingled, stunning and endless fields of wine grape and a most receptive people, can perhaps provide a more defined picture. It is an amazing country in its benign multiculturalism. One is very quickly resuscitated on arrival from twenty-two (22) hours of flight.

But the Italian Diaspora beckons. From 1876 to 1900 in excess of five million Italians emigrated to a host of different countries. The northern regions of Piedmont and the Veneto accounted for the greatest number of emigrants with only the Aosta region providing no emigrants.

From 1900 to WWI approximately nine million Italians emigrated with the greatest number leaving from Sicily, Campania and Calabria in that order. Today, there are about four million indigenous Italian citizens living outside of Italy

and about eighty (80) million descendants of Italians in the Diaspora.

Between 1876 and WWI Italians left for many reasons; most prominent was that of poverty, but also of civil strife, disease and as “birds of passage” who benefited from remittances usually sent by an already emigrated husband, father, brother or son.

Italians have immigrated to most countries of the world, to wit: UK, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Egypt, Canada, USA, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Uruguay, Venezuela, Australia, New Zealand. In part because of overpopulation in the South as well as colonial design, Italians settled colonies of significant number in Algeria, Somalia, Eritrea, Libya and South Africa. My chance encounter, the result of an invitation to lunch at the home of Sig. e Sig.ra Gardella, became one happy result of the Italian Diaspora in Africa.

The Italian Diaspora, with regard to Italy’s geographical size and population must rank as one of the most significant world diasporas, especially so in terms of its monumental cultural contributions to the world and especially Western Civilization. We, as Italians, are uniquely justified in showing pride in our worldliness and rich heritage.

Grand Lodge of Massachuetts 93 Concord Avenue Belmont, MA 02478 (617) 489-5234 newspaper@osiama.org

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SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

The Benefit Insurance Commission Announces Formation of the BIC Insurance Agency The Benefit Insurance Commission is pleased to announce a major initiative to bring a complete line of financial services to OSIAMA members.

On January 24, 2013, Benefit Insurance Commission President Anthony Panaggio signed a joint marketing agreement with Highland Financial Group of Wellesley, one of the premier financial services companies in New England. Highland Financial has a long history of delivering the highest quality services and results to thousands of individuals and businesses. Through the joint agreement with Highland Financial Group, the Benefit Insurance Commission can now deliver exceptional value with a complete line of financial service products for all OSIAMA members and their families. The new venture will operate under the name “BIC Insurance Agency”.

ABOUT THE BENEFIT INSURANCE COMMISSION The Benefit Insurance Commission was formed in the late 1950’s to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Italian population. Our parents and grandparents who came to this country were largely uneducated and spoke little or no English. They had difficulty obtaining life insurance to take care of their family’s needs in the event of death, to the point where they could seldom even afford the cost of a funeral. The Benefit Insurance Commission stepped in to provide all members of the Sons of Italy the life insurance they needed. Over the years, the Benefit Insurance Commission has grown to become an integral part

of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Today’s OSIAMA membership differs in many respects from the membership of past generations. Our members are successful and highly educated. Many have large extended families. Our members require a far more sophisticated array of financial services than the simple whole life policies that were once the mainstay of the Benefit Insurance Commission.

The BIC Insurance Agency has been formed to address these more sophisticated needs. Our members will now have access to highly experienced professionals and a complete line of financial products and services, such as insurance, annuities, estate planning, business insurance and risk assessment, policy reviews, and much more.

The Benefit Insurance Commission will continue to play an important role in serving the Grand Lodge and its members, and through the BIC Insurance Agency will provide our members with access to the most cost-competitive financial products available.

ABOUT HIGHLAND FINANCIAL GROUP Over a period of 10 months, the Benefit Insurance Commission conducted a careful search of leading insurance carriers and financial services agencies to identify potential joint venture partners. The search yielded two finalists, Highland Financial Group and another leading financial services agency. President Anthony Panaggio appointed a committee of three Commissioners, Mary Ann Bello, Steve Cedrone, and David

Covucci to evaluate the two finalists.

The Committee met with the leaders and key staff of both companies and evaluated the companies along approximately 15 criteria. At the completion of this process the Committee unanimously recommended Highland Financial Group to the full Commission. In September the Commission authorized President Anthony Panaggio to negotiate the agreement.

The signing of the final agreement took place at Highland Financial Group offices on January 24th.

Highland Financial Group brings a long history of high quality service and results to its clients. Following the philosophy of their father, who started Highland Financial 25 years ago, Matthew and Luke Sotir have grown the firm to 13 highly experienced professionals. The philosophy of Highland Financial is to deliver the best possible value to each client, individuals and businesses alike.

Highland Financial has built its reputation around high quality service in business and family financial planning. Highland represents all major insurance carriers and always making sure to shop for the best products on the market, whether a client’s need is life insurance, annuities, long term care and disability insurance, or some combination of these services.

WHAT WILL THE BIC INSURANCE AGENCY DO FOR YOU? With the formation of the BIC Insurance Agency and the partnership with Highland Financial Group, the Benefit Insurance Commission is now positioned to serve the full financial needs of all OSIAMA members.

Through Highland Financial Group’s affiliation with every major insurance carrier, members of OSIAMA will now have access to the best products in the market.

If you are a business owner, we can help you acquire the best possible insurances to manage your business risks. If you are an individual we can help you with your family estate planning and all of your life and health insurance needs. You will be dealing with highly experienced industry professionals at Highland Financial Group in a completely confidential process to select the best possible strategies and products for your family’s financial well-being.

Through the BIC Insurance Agency, Highland Financial will provide free policy reviews for all OSIAMA members. If you have insurance that you purchased more than three years ago it is very likely that Highland Financial can find opportunities to lower your premiums. If you are a business owner and have not had your insurances reviewed in recent years, Highland Financial will provide a free review of your situation in search of better and more cost-effective products.

HOW TO CONTACT THE BIC INSURANCE AGENCY In the coming months you will learn more about the BIC Insurance Agency and Highland Financial Group and the services they offer. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, or if you have an immediate need for any type of insurance, or would like a review of your existing insurances, please call us at 617-489-0196 for a confidential consultation.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

Don Orione Nursing Home Epiphany Party

(Continued from Page 1)

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

North End Nursing Home Party

SONS OF ITALY NEWS (Continued from Page 1)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

Triathlon of Games

PAGE 7

(Continued from Page 1)

Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno, Scrabble Second Place player Cheryl Caira, First Place player Julie Sbraccia-Manos, State President James DiStefano, and Ed Roche.

State Second Vice President Antonio Sestito, Benefit Insurance Commission President Anthony Panaggio, Jr., Braintree Ladies Lodge #1422 President Marisa Ranalli, State Treasurer Marie Jackson, Patrick Massey, and State Immediate Past President Florence Ferullo Kane.

Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno, Cribbage Second Place Team members Frank Purpura and Debbie Nieguid, State President James DiStefano, and Ed Roche.

Ed Roche, State President James DiStefano, Darts First Place Team members Michael Mullins, Kevin Cotter, John Anagnos, and Jason Walsh, and Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno.

Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno, Cribbage First Place Team members Robert Panico and John Ryan, State President James DiStefano, and Ed Roche.

Ed Roche, State Recording Secretary Ron Hill, State President James DiStefano, Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno, State Second Vice President Antonio Sestito, and Sports Commissioner Ann Marie Moreno.

State President James DiStefano, Darts Second Place Team members Rick Brant, Nancy Savioli, Lisa Crockett, and Sal DiRusso, and Sports Commissioner Donna Quinno.

PAGE 8

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

Recipes from the

Homeland

by Vita Orlando Sinopoli COPYRIGHT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

LODGE NEWS NORTH ADAMS LODGE #704 Holds Unique Celebration for Italian Heritage Month

by Diane Floriani

STRUFOLI

A Fried Nugget-Shaped Pastry 2½ cups flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine

1 large egg (beaten) ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 eight-ounce jar honey 1 small jar nonpareils 4 cups cooking oil

Mix first four ingredients in a ten-inch bowl. Add melted butter or margarine, beaten egg, milk and vanilla. Mix to make dough that can be rolled into a ball. Cut dough into four or five portions and cover. Roll each portion into long strips of one-inch thickness.

Cut strip into half-inch portions. Heat oil in small saucepan or small deep fryer. Carefully drop a few Strufoli into hot oil. Stir with slotted spoon. Cook until golden brown. Remove from oil with slotted spoon. Set aside in a clean bowl.

Heat honey in a double boiler. Drop Strufoli, a portion at a time, into warm honey. Stir a few seconds. Remove with slotted spoon.

Place in a clean bowl. Sprinkle nonpareils over them. Continue until all Strufoli are coated with honey and nonpareils. Serve hot or cooled.

These do not need refrigeration.

NOTE: Mama made these for holidays because she knew that Peter and I loved to have some for breakfast with our milk or cocoa.

She also prepared them for us to deliver a dish full to a few neighbors. She always reminded us to wish them a happy holiday.

I remember relatives and friends arriving at our home for a brief visit on Christmas and Easter morning. They brought us a bowl of their Strufoli or Sfinge. Mama or Papa also served the visitors a small glass of liqueur as they exchanged holiday greetings. Sometimes, Peter and I were allowed a small taste of the liqueur before being savoring the guest’s dessert.

Those precious moments always flash back in my mind when I am preparing my special holiday treats.

Vita can be reached at voswriting@comcast.net

1st Generation Italian-American

Vita Orlando Sinopoli Shares with us a delightful recollection of her memories as a child growing up in Boston’s “Little Italy” and a collection of Italian family recipes from the homeland.

Great as Gifts FROM MY BAKERY PERCH available on AMAZON.COM and in local bookstores — ask for Hard cover #1-4010-9805-3 ISBN Soft Cover #1-4010-9804-5 ISBN

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taken at a Sons of Italy event.

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Everyone in attendance enjoyed the celebration in honor of Italian Heritage Month.

Preparations in honor of Italian Heritage Month started at the regular June meeting when Diane Floriani suggested that the Lodge should plan a unique celebration. Members offered many suggestions, and Diane was told to contact the Library Director, Richard Moon.

Mr. Moon was very enthusiastic and was helpful with his suggestions of a “Taste of Italy” night and a night of open discussions on being Italian in North Adams.

There was much work to be accomplished, which was broken down into three phases: a large display of memorabilia, an Italian Dessert Night (in lieu of a full “Taste of Italy”), and a rousing two-hour discussion with opportunities to share memories of growing up Italian in North Adams.

Over the summer, Kathy Catelotti sorted through hundreds of photographs and newspaper articles, researching and labeling the photos with names and finally arranging them chronologically in several notebooks. All this material was to be used at the display at the Library.

A second meeting was held with Mr. Moon, and it was decided to set up the display on October 1st. Kathy and Paul Catelotti, Diane and Louis Floriani, and Betty Dickinson arrived at the library with boxes of memorabilia. They filled a large display case with original regalia, an original book of minutes from the Ladies Lodge, and American and Italian flag on each side. They were given permission to use the entire front room of the mansion to display the memorabilia.

Additional items were displayed, including an antique deputy’s vest, books, and a plaque listing the “Judge Ernest Rosasco Humanitarian Award” winners displayed in the library’s antique glass front bookcase. Also on display were the original charter and an unfinished needlepoint

of the charter members of the Ladies Lodge with their birth and death dates noted. A large map of Italy was attached to a foam board, and a supply of quilt pins were left nearby with instructions for visitors to add their family name and attach it to the map. A large plaque with the names of the Past Venerables and Presidents was prominently displayed next to the fireplace along with a guest book for visitors to sign.

The Italian Dessert Night was held on October 18th. Trays of Italian cookies and coffee were brought in by Kathy Catelotti, huge baskets of crispitelli as well as anisette and sesame cookies were brought in by Fran Kwasniowski, Maria Oberti, and Antonietta Mazzantini, and Diane Floriani brought lemonfilled butterfly cupcakes reminiscent of Natalie Mazzuchi’s cupcake snacks that appeared for many years at the Lodge meetings. The room was filled to capacity, with visitors enjoying all the desserts, searching all the photo albums, and inspecting the many displays.

On October 25 th , another overflow crowd showed up for the Italian Discussion Night.

Several of the visitors had prepared family stories which rang a bell to those of us pres-

ent, prompting statements such as “I remember that” or “Didn’t they live . . .?” Memories of cooking, gardening, shoemakers, working on the railroad, riding the trains, boxes of grapes being delivered, making wine, grappa, and the man who sold olive oil, cheese, sausage, and pasta to his neighbors were shared.

Discussion moved toward more modern times when Eugene Carlson from the North Adams Historical Society asked when mixed marriages started to become accepted and when the “neighborhoods” disappeared. It was mentioned that “mixed marriages” meant that it was frowned upon for a Northern Italian to marry an Italian from the South. Everyone present decided that World War II was the turning point for these marriages and the Americanization of Italians, where parents told their children, “You’re in America!

Speak English.”

Time was running short and soon the loudspeaker announced that the library was closing, thus bringing an end to this very successful celebration. It was noted that everyone was hoping for a repeat of this Italian Heritage celebration next year.

Lodge Events Every Thursday is Bingo Night at the Watertown Sons of Italy. Come press your luck to win the $3,000 Progressive Pot. Thursdays 6:45 p.m.-10:00 p.m. For more information please contact Frank Cannalonga at 617-484-3894.

June 13, 2013 — Remembering the Fabulous Fifties with Charlie Thomas & The Drifters. Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA. Price of $57 pp includes show and luncheon. If anyone is interested in participating in this event please contact Angela Maraia, 4 Maraia Lane, Saugus, MA 01906. Telephone 781-233-7660.

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

PAGE 9

LODGE NEWS

ITAM Lodge #564 Celebrates Christmas and New Year’s Eve Submitted by Alba Wendling

Lilia Roberts, Pierre Gontier, Liz Gontier, Joe Sinopoli, Tom DiNicola, and Alba Wendling.

New Year’s Eve Committee: Donna Merletto, Jean Piegza, Shirley DiNicola, Alba Wendling, and Lilia Roberts.

Tom Ricci, Jean Piegza, Donna Merletto, Sylvia Noto, Shirley DiNicola, Sato Valenti, Justin DiNicola, and Lodge President Guy Noto.

MaryAnn Sherman reading Christmas stories to the children.

Sylvia Noto with Lodge President Guy Noto.

Tom Delano and Alba Wendling.

Bernie and Lilia Roberts.

Santa’s Helpers: Alba Wendling, Sylvia Noto, Lilia Roberts, Helen Stracuzzi, Jean Piegza, Shirley DiNicola, Mary Butler, Rita Gordon, and Nina Mastangelo.

Santa (Joseph DiCroce) has been stopping in at the ITAM lodge for the past 15 years.

Joe Del Gallo provided Christmas music at the children’s Christmas Party.

Bernie and Lilia Roberts, Sylvia and Guy Noto, Donna Merletto, Shirley DiNicola, Bob Furlano, Jean Piegza, Alba Wendling, and Tom Delano.

PAGE 10

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

LODGE NEWS Christmas 2012 Celebrated by Worcester Lodge #168

by Maria Sciannameo, EdD Worcester Lodge #168 held its Christmas party on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Ann Center.

Michael & Maria’s Catering, as they usually do, provided a wonderful meal of Italian wedding soup, antipasto salad, pasta, roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables along with coffee and dessert to more than 200 attendees, including lodge members, Grand Lodge members, friends, and families. Lodge Chaplain Msgr. F. Stephen Pedone gave the blessing before the meal.

Members of the Lodge showed their thankfulness for all the blessings they have received throughout the year, and appreciated the opportunity to give many needy men, women, and children some much needed warmth by donating hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters. The clothing drive effort was coordinated by Sister Elena Olivieri. It was a great success and an opportunity for all to share the wonders of the Christmas season!

In addition to Christmas music, the evening’s festivities included music of all types provided by DJ Kevin Kempton. Music and dancing was enjoyed by everyone attending! Also part of the festivities were the many raffles ranging from baskets, carefully and lovingly decorated by lodge members and filled with various goodies, to gift certificates and cards donated by members and local businesses.

The yearly 50/50 candy guessing game was held, and the lucky winner won $72. It was a lot of fun as people took several one-dollar guesses as to how many chocolate Kisses were in a large vase. The person with the closest guess won the vase with all the Kisses and 50 percent of the money. It proved to be great fun watching everyone wonder and anticipate who would be the winner! This year Carmelita Bello shared the winnings with her friend Arlene!

Congratulations!

Three Sciannameo sisters, Vittoria Mastrocola, Caterina Valentine, and Maria (Gina) Sciannameo, were once again responsible for coordinating this event, along with a wonderful crew of helpers who made the event a sucess. Members who assisted with setup, clean-up, and the raffle included Rita DeSimone, Joseph DeSimone, Rosemarie Mikitarian, Ginger Rinaldi, Anna Alano, Donna Giuliani, Mary Ann Bello, Margaret Campbell, Carmelita Bello, Rose Porcaro, Rosalyn Consiglio, Frances Carlson, Josephine Kangas, Lucille Carrier, Michael Sacco, Pat Sacco, Maria O’Connor, and Michael O’Connor.

Without the help of these dedicated people, the event would not have been successful. Thank you all.

During the festivities, Lodge President Donna Giuliani welcomed everyone and encouraged those in attendance to consider becoming members of the Order if they were not already. Co-chairman Maria Sciannameo introduced the members of the Grand Lodge and other lodges who attended, including State First Vice President Carmelita Bello, Public Relations Commission Chairman Dorothy Berlandi, State Trustee Margaret Campbell, Benefit Insurance Commissioner MaryAnn Bello, Scholarship Commission Chairman Donna Giuliani, Braintree Ladies Lodge #1422 President Marisa Ranalli, and State Deputy to Lodge #168 Alex Nardacci. We were happy they could join us and hope they had an enjoyable time.

Besides the donations for the raffle by many lodge members, the following local businesses were generous enough to support the Lodge by donating baskets, gift cards, and gift certificates: Buca di Beppo (Shrewsbury), Clay Time (Shrewsbury), Coral Seafood (Worcester), Wexford House Restaurant (Worcester), Wonder Bar (Worcester), Worcester Office of Economic Development, Mobilio Insurance (Worcester), Invidium Salon (Worcester), and Ritual Restaurant (Worcester).

The evening was wonderful, and everyone had a great time and felt blessed with this great opportunity to share some good will.

A great heartfelt “thank you” goes out to everyone who helped and supported this event in any way! Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s party!

Guests enjoying dinner, including State Deputy Alex Nardacci, State First Vice President Carmelita Bello, Lodge Vice President and Benefit Insurance Commissioner Mary Ann Bello, and Lodge President Donna Giuliani.

Lodge Chaplain Msgr. Stephen Pedone (left) with other attendees enjoying the festivities.

Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

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Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

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Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

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Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

Guests and attendees enjoying dinner and each other’s company.

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

LODGE NEWS

PAGE 11

Winthrop Mixed Lodge #2057

Celebrates Christmas with the Boston “Holiday” Pops

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Many Boncores attended the “Holiday Pops,” this year’s Christmas celebration for Winthrop Mixed Lodge #2057. Pictured are Lodge President Joeseph Boncore, Trustee Mary Boncore O’Keefe, Mistress of Ceremonies Raffella Boncore, Corina Boncore, Past President Goldie Boncore, Past National President & Winthrop Councilor-at-Large Philip R. Boncore, and Nick Mesa.

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Pictured leaving Symphony Hall are Mistress of Ceremonies Donna Segreti Reilly, Past President and State Charity Commission Chairman Marylou Abbatessa, Financial Secretary Janis Pomeroy, and Sue Gaughan.

Winthrop Mixed Lodge #2057 celebrated Christmas by dining at Paesan’s before heading to Boston Symphony Hall where they thoroughly enjoyed the “Holiday Pops” with Keith Lockhart conducting everything from Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” to the Pops’ signature “Sleigh Ride.”

Winthrop Town Councilor and Mixed Lodge #2057 member Linda Calla brought her granddaughter Gianna to the “Holiday Pops” at Boston Symphony Hall.

Have you had your PICTURE taken at a Sons of Italy event.

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PAGE 12

SONS OF ITALY NEWS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

Winthrop Ladies Lodge #2071 Lodge News

by Dottie D’Onofrio

Winthrop Ladies Lodge #2071 holiday gathering at Alia Ristorante. Pictured with the ladies are Said Lahyani, Chef/owner, and Loubna, our lovely server.

On November 13th, the ladies joined Father Graziano at St. John the Evangelist Church in celebrating their annual Memorial Mass in prayerful respect of their dearly departed lodge members, family, and

friends. Mother Cabrini, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, was remembered and venerated. Born in Italy, Mother Cabrini came with a little group of devotees to New York City. A frail woman,

In Memory of Sandy Giuffrida

by Charles Perenick In Memory of Angela Wright

by Charles Perenick

she led an impressive and challenging life occupied with her love for the poverty stricken, homeless, and uneducated. She was a major benefactor for the struggling Italian immigrants in the United States as well as

in South America. Before her death in 1917, Mother Cabrini had succeeded in establishing 67 houses, one for each year of her life. Frances Xavier Cabrini became a naturalized citizen in 1909 and was entered into sainthood in 1938. Her body was laid to rest under the alter in the Chapel at the Mother Cabrini High School in New York City. Following the Mass, the ladies headed on over to enjoy socializing over brunch at Cimino’s Café in Winthrop.

The ladies continue to support their standing charity programs, including supporting our troops with the many wonderful donations made each year in the hopes of bringing a warm touch of home to our young men and women serving our country. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers and thank them for protecting our freedoms.

Thanksgiving is America’s harvest festival — a reminder of what a gift it is to be alive and celebrating. It is a day to overindulge in true traditions with family and friends, and a time to remember the less fortunate. Traditional dinners with all the fixin’s are sent in

four baskets — filled in love and caring — with money, gift-cards, and sundry items to insure that each family will have their special day as part of the ladies’ annual Thanksgiving Basket Project. Thank you to everyone who supported this most worthwhile endeavor with our charity raffle.

Our year ends with the traditional holiday luncheon celebrated at the Rustic Table on Shirley Street here in Winthrop.

The owner Said is host to many in both of his area restaurants and the ladies enjoy his excellent cuisine.

The 2012 Charity Raffle drawing had three smiling winners come forward. The Snowflake drawing is lots of fun and dates have been selected. When will ol’ man winter come a calling?

President Dottie D’Onofrio thanked everyone for another successful year despite the decline in membership and general participation. We thank Paul and the Grand Lodge office staff for all their assistance whenever called upon. From our lodge to yours — may God Bless Everyone with health and happiness in the coming New Year.

In Memory In Memory of David Saliba

by Charles Perenick

In Remembrances The Grand Lodge received notification of the death of the following members. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts extends sincere condolences to the members of their families.

LODGE NAME Worcester #168 Christopher Columbus #216 Giuseppe Verdi #278 Venezia #374 Peter B. Gay #540 ITAM #564 ITAM #564 North Adams #704 Massimo D’Azeglio #760 Methuen #902 Piave Fiume #1036 Piave Fiume #1036 Veturia Romana #1200 Norwood Italian #1235 Milford #1356 Regina Margherita #1402 Francesco DeSanctis #1411 Francesco DeSanctis #1411 Quattro Eroi #1414 Quattro Eroi #1414 Quattro Eroi #1414 Tasso Cabrini #1479 Cornelia dei Gracchi #1583 Winchester Women #1592 Sempre Avanti #1600 Sgt. Guido Petrilli #1606 Sgt. Guido Petrilli #1606 G. Marconi #1620 G. Marconi #1620 Wakefield #1734 Wakefield #1734 Maria Montessori #1744 Minerva #1846 South Shore Men #1850 Melrose #1931 Peabody Ladies #1964 Seacoast Area #2303 Seacoast Area #2303 Greater Boston Renaissance #2614

CITY Worcester Brockton Weymouth Rockland Taunton Pittsfield Pittsfield North Adams Braintree Methuen Watertown Watertown Salem Norwood Milford Waltham Natick Natick Franklin Franklin Franklin North Attleboro Watertown Winchester East Boston Roslindale Roslindale Lee Lee Wakefield Wakefield Belmont Stoughton Hingham Melrose Peabody Portsmouth Portsmouth Boston

NAME Elizabeth C. Monfreda Phyllis C. Sergi Joseph Deluca Eda Barese Gilbert F. Simmons Angelo E. Buzzanco Antonio Pellegrini Joseph A. Moresi Jr. Richard J. Bianco Americo Buco Joseph Cardarelli Louis J. Ceddia Mary Scialdoni Frances Gatto Michael T. Parente Sr. Josephine A. Ravesi Francis J. Cristofori Odorico D’Eramo Steve Dalo Vincent J. DeBaggis Yolanda C. Sciolto Concetta M. Iafrate Angela L. Wright Marian P. Thistle Delphine T. Markis Achilles D. DeMartino Anthony J. Struzzieri Michael C. Baccoli Cindy Smachetti Phyllis Evangelista Peter S. Volpe Yona E. Campedelli Eleanor Urciuoli Frederick DeSantis Edward C. Cinella Generosa Aiello Connie Gallagher Carmen Paul Richard A. Marra

In Memory of

Joseph A. DeLuca by Weymouth Bank

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