LODGE NEWS
2007
The new year brought in lots of plans for a busy 2007. The Lodge held its Annual Polenta Dinner in late January. The evening was a great success with a delicious meal and lots of wonderful raffle prizes. John Menicucci turned over his job as President to Sam Macaluso. John did a wonderful job as President during his term. We are looking forward to working with Sam during the next two years.
In February the Lodge honored our outgoing State Deptuty, Rose Nicholas. After twenty years of dedicated service she has turned over her duties to Donna Zutshi. We are anticipating many wonderful years with Donna as our State Deputy. Giuseppe Verdi Lodge 1441 made its annual donation to the Birth Defects Library at the University of Nevada Reno. As in the past, the Lodge partnered with the Cristoforo Colombo Lodge of Reno who also made a donation. In addition to donating to the Birth Defects Library, the Guiseppe Verdi Lodge sent a check for $225 to the American Cancer Society.
Scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors are being accepted. Children as well as grandchildren of members are encouraged to apply. To apply students need to send a resume including all school activities, organizations involved in, as well as a certified transcript of grades to Joanne Stralla, 1645 Hamilton Drive, Sparks, Nevada 89434. May 31st is the deadline.
The highlight of our March Dinner Meeting was the presentation of a $3,000.00 check by Sam Macaluso, President, to Father Norm King, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. The check is for the Religious Education Building Fund.
April's Dinner Meeting included the initiation of eleven new members to the Lodge. The new members are Deana Sella, Bobbie Butchko, Robert Sheppard, Janice Wright, Suzi Reynolds, Sefano Ferace, Larry Wilson, Sally Wilson, Anna Menicucci, Dorothy Matteoni, and Tony Macaluso. The Lodge also purchased a portable speaker system to be used for our Lodge meetings. Plans were made for the Lodge to cook, serve, and bartend for a YMI Dinner for 140 men from San Francisco on June 24th at 7:00 pm.
Members were reminded to encourage scholarship applications. The Lodge generously donated $100 and 4 Columbus Day Dinner tickets for a Golf Tournament to benefit Holy Cross Catholic Church in Sparks.
Vice President Don Basso called the May 22nd meeting to order. The Lodge arranged to pay for the per capita assessment and Convention as well as sponsor a boy to attend Boys' State this summer. The Lodge agreed to pay the $200 registration for Boys' State. Members were reminded of the annual summer picnic on July 22nd.
Sons of Italy Convention in San Jose
In June, Sam and Maria Macaluso, and John and Shirley Menicucci attended the Convention in San Jose. Three main goals for the Guiseppe Verdi Lodge were begun at the convention namely, increasing membership in the Lodge; mentoring the youth and providing scholarships thereby encouraging more young members to join; and increasing involvement of all the Lodge members. The Convention provided lots of opportunities for discussion on ways to improve Lodges in the Sons of Italy.
July to November
On July 22nd a wonderful family picnic was held at Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall. The weather was warm and the food delicious as families visited and shared a delicious summer picnic. Members enjoyed visiting with family and friends.
The August 28th meeting had 8 prospective members submitting their applications to join the Lodge. The new incoming members are Robert Sereni, Dana Sereni, Ralph Cinfio, Susan Cinfio, Robert Baker, Sydney Baker, Gia Sophia, and Cameron Stofer. These new members will help the Lodge reach their goal membership of over 200. This is very exciting for the Lodge to have such interest shown. In addition to increasing the membership, the Lodge wants to get more young members involved and provide more scholarships for our youth. Mentoring of these young members and encouraging more involvement of all Lodge members will be a primary focus of the Lodge.
At September 25th's meeting members were reminded of the upcoming Columbus Dinner to be held on October 13th. Sons of Italy members were encouraged to attend the Open House for Immaculate Conception Church on September 30th as well as the Priest's Appreciation Dinner on October 6th. It was agreed the monthly dinner prices for the Lodge will change effective January 1, 2008. Members will pay $10, non members $15, and children and junior members will be free until the age of 22.
The annual Columbus Day Dinner was held on October 13th in the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall. A capacity crowd enjoyed a delicious meal and a raffle. Many familiar faces came to enjoy another wonderful meal prepared by the "chefs" of the Guiseppe Verdi Lodge. Compliments were given for the delicious meal.
On November 20th at the monthly dinner meeting the Lodge agreed to pay for the repair of the freezer and fan in the kitchen. The Lodge very generously keeps the appliances and kitchen in working order. Members were reminded of the Polenta Dinner that will be held on Jan. 26. Members are encouraged to attend and bring a raffle item for the auction.
December.....the year ends on a happy note!
The Lodge's Annual Christmas Party on Dec. 18th brought family and friends together to celebrate the holidays with a wonderful feast of special deli meats and cheeses and home made cookies of all kinds. Young and old alike enjoyed the meal then sang Christmas carols while waiting for a special visit from Santa Claus and his helper Megan. Everyone left with the Christmas Spirit. Canned goods and cookies were donated to the St. Vincent's Food Pantry in the Spirit of Christmas Giving.
As the year 2007 draws to a close, the members of the Guisieppe Verdi Lodge look forward to 2008 and the goals they have committed to fulfill. The Lodge through its generosity has touched the lives of its members, their families, the Immaculate Conception Church Parish, and the many charitable organizations that the Lodge sponsors. 2008 will be another great year for the Sons of Italy in Sparks, Nevada!