OSDIA NATION
OSDIA LODGES AT WORK
MASSACHUSETTS The Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge #2183’s Easter Bunny tooled around Wilmington in style last April, riding around in a shiny white Camaro Convertible and surprising both children and adults with visits. The bunny was played by lodge member Alicia Johnson and chauffeured through town by fellow lodge member Michele Caira Nortonen.
their cameras ready as children ran up to hug the bunny and receive a sweet, chocolaty treat courtesy of the Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge.
From there, the bunny visited some town residents who were feeling under the weather and then returned to Yentile Recreation Center for another impromptu visit to its park, where the They paid visits to Windsor Place, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge once Advinia Care, and the Yentile Recre- built a beautiful pavilion for which the ation Center, where delighted children lodge raised $100,000. hopped off the playground apparatus and sprinted to the Easter Bunny. Parents took out their cameras and got busy snapping some candid shots. After a brief carrot break, the Easter Bunny was driven to the Town Common, where children were getting ready to hunt for Easter eggs hidden by members of the Junior WOW (We’re One Wilmington), a service organization comprised of high school volunteers. An abundance of squeals permeated the park as the bunny made her way onto the Common. Once again, parents had
(L.) Twins Celine and Vivienne Nadeau visit with the Easter bunny before the Easter egg hunt. (R.) The Easter bunny with its chauffer, Michele Caira Norton.
WEST VIRGINIA Last March, La Vittoria Lodge #914 of Morgantown held their 2nd Annual St. Joseph’s Day Celebration, which featured the blessing of their new St. Joseph statue donated by lodge member James Laurita, Sr. Following the blessing, Monsignor Anthony Cincinnati spoke about Joseph’s life to more than 40 members who were in attendance. In honor of St. Joseph, the lodge held a food drive for St. Ursula Food Pantry. Members also indulged in three types of homemade zeppoles as well as pizzelles, Italian roast beef sliders, fresh fruit, imported cheeses, pizza, and a large selection of wines. The lodge hopes to continue to build on its St. Joseph’s Day Celebration to include a procession carrying the statue into the church, having the Knights of Columbus members marching alongside, and inviting the public to attend.
FLORIDA Last May, the Cuore d’Italia Lodge #2703 of Jupiter celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The lodge very proudly sponsors many deser ving causes, which includes awarding two $1,000 scholarships every year to high school graduates in the community as well as supporting organizations like Wounded Warrior Project (through their local Veterans Administration), American Cancer Society, and OSDIA’s three national charities: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The lodge celebrated its 25 years of SUMMER 2021
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The Officers and Trustees of the Cuore d’Italia Lodge #2703 at their 25th Anniversary celebration. devotion and support to all these community needs with a fantastic event at a local Country Club. There, the lodge recognized the efforts of Lodge President Carole DeVito as well as its Officers, Trustees, and members.
La Vittoria Lodge #914 members celebrate their 2nd Annual St. Joseph’s Day Celebration.
Have you or your lodge done something remarkable that makes a difference to your community or promotes our heritage and Italian studies? If so, send details including your lodge’s name/ number, a brief write-up, and digital photos of 300 dpi to Editor Miles Fisher at mfisher@osia.org ITALIAN AMERICA
