Dinner guests at the May Meeting were surprised by music played by the Silver State Accordion group.  This group of talented musicians played a wide variety of songs from Italian songs to polkas to old time favorites.  Roland Pagni, one of our own Giuseppe Verdi Lodge members, is an accordian player in the group who entertained dinner guests.  "Rollie" as he is known to the Lodge is usually found cooking in the kitchen unless he is playing his accordian for family and friends.  The Silver State Accordian players entertain in the Reno-Sparks area at dinners, parades, hospitals, restaurants, or wherever they are requested.  Lodge members and guests were treated to a wonderful evening of music.  A "mouth-watering" dinner of pork roast, risotto, and all the trimmings brought added smiles to all.  As an extra surprise, Santina Giudici, made pineapple upside down cake to the delight of the dinner guests.  Smiles were seen throughout the hall as diners enjoyed the delicious cake along with their coffee.   The Lodge is excited about having members share their talents, and tonight's dinner showed just how talented our Lodge members are!

Lodge President Sam Macaluso dances to the accordian music with his cousin Miss Emily Macaluso.  Judging by their smiles they were having a wonderful time!  Giuseppe Verdi Lodge is committed to encouraging young members to take an active part in Lodge activities.

As the music played other Lodge members joined in the dancing. 

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008, was a milestone for our Giuseppe Verdi Lodge.  After a delicious meal of spaghetti and meat balls prepared by our talented chefs, State Trustee North, Lynn Lawrence Murphy and State Deputy, Donna Zutshi, initiated 25 new members into our Lodge.  Amid much excitement our lodge welcomed these new initiates.  Our newest members are Terry and Mickey Imus, Barbara and Bart Lydon, Wendee and Jeff Lynch, Nann and Leon Michelini, Barbara Mouchou, Marilyn and Glen Heywood, Darleen and Dave Galleron, Dolores Degolyer, Betty and Fred Carlson, Ann and Ron Campbell, Earleen and Rico Bigotti, Lee and Mike Duggin, Santina Giudici, Elsie Burgarello, and Dorothy Davidson.  After the initiation, the new members introduced themselves to the audience and many shared why they wanted to be a part of our lodge.  It was wonderful to hear the enthusiasm and gratitude as many shared their appreciation for the many charitable acts that our lodge does for the Immaculate Conception Parish Community and the communities of Sparks and Reno. 

We are excited that these new initiates will bring their enthusiasm and manpower to our lodge.  Already the new initiates were asking how they can help at the next dinner meeting.  Our goal is to have our newest members mentored by the willing and capable lodge members.  We are all looking forward to this sharing of time, talent, and “work.”

 Our lodge is in the process of trying new things to encourage the members to stay for the meetings and become an active part of the lodge.  Beginning at the April 22nd meeting, a cash drawing will be held.  All members will have the chance to win the $25.00 cash drawing, but the winner will need to be present to “collect” the money.  If the member is not in attendance or has gone home before the meeting, the drawing will have $5.00 added to it and the drawing will be held the following month.  Lodge members were encouraged to be thinking of ideas to encourage new members to join and activities that would be fun and worthwhile for the lodge to pursue.

            Our Lodge is in the process of putting the finishing touches on a website.  The website will include pertinent information about the lodge as well as monthly activities and a calendar of upcoming events.  We are anxious to share this information with everyone!  Speaking of sharing….two wonderful ladies, Elsie Martini and Irma Martini were each presented with a 50 year pin for their involvement in our Sons of Italy Lodge.

Fifty years ago these ladies were initiated and their enthusiasm for the work of the lodge has endured.

            The year 2008 started off with our terrific Polenta Dinner Fundraiser in January and now with our initiation of 25 new members, we are excited about the endless possibilities for our Lodge.  Our dinner meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of each month except for our special dinners, and we encourage the community to come find out what’s happening.  As soon as the website is complete we hope people everywhere will log on and see what the Sparks Sons of Italy are all about.