OSDIA Nation

MASSACHUSETTS WEST VIRGINIA

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. They paid visits to Windsor Place, Advinia Care, and the Yentile Recreation Center, where delighted children 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 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 Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge once built a beautiful pavilion for which the lodge raised $100,000.

(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.

FLORIDA

Last May, the Cuore d’Italia Lodge #2703 of Jupiter celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The lodge very proudly sponsors many deserving 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 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.

The Officers and Trustees of the Cuore d’Italia Lodge #2703 at their 25th Anniversary celebration. La Vittoria Lodge #914 members celebrate their 2nd Annual St. Joseph’s Day Celebration.

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.

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

On March 30, OSDIA’s oldest member, Emma Pezza, celebrated her 110th birthday. She received many proclamations and well wishes from around the state, including a bouquet of roses from the Salvatore Mancini Lodge #2440 and a plaque from the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. She was also presented with the key to her hometown of Johnston by Mayor Joseph Polisena.

On behalf of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and its National President Nancy DiFiore Quinn, Grand Lodge of Rhode Island President John Bonaventura presented her with a Certificate of

RHODE ISLAND

Emma holds the Certificate of Recognition given to her by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Supreme Council. Beside her stand Salvatore Mancini Lodge President Rosemarie Capalbo and Grand Lodge of Rhode Island President John Bonaventura.

Recognition from OSDIA’s Supreme Council. A drive-by parade preceded the presentations and a light meal followed the festivities.

Sadly, Emma passed away on May 10, 2021.

“Rhode Island lost a treasure,” said State President John Bonaventura. “This beautiful, kind, generous and deeply religious lady was the oldest member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in the entire United States. Rose Marie Capalbo, President of the Salvatore Mancini Lodge, often asked Emma what the secret of her longevity was and she always responded with the same answer: ‘God.’”

WASHINGTON

The Cle Elum Lodge #1968, with the support of the Grand Lodge of the Northwest, sponsored and installed a memorial dedicated to Italian immigration to the Pacific Northwest. The memorial is set in the historic Roslyn Cemetery, which has 23 ethnic cemeteries within it. Three of these are Italian cemeteries, which were named after Italian lodges and were formed to help pay funeral expenses. The memorial is set in the Silvio Pellico Cemetery. The other two cemeteries are named the Druids and Caccitore d’Africa.

(L. to R.) Lou Depicolzuane, Kathi Butorac, and Mike Butorac at the back of the memorial.

When the idea for the memorial was first presented, the lodge began work on a design that would honor the immigrants, fit within the historical aspect of the cemetery, and demonstrate pride in Italian heritage.

The obelisk was suggested by Lou Depicolzuane, and Kathi Butorac created the design. The inscription is in English on the left panel and in Italian on the right panel. On the back appears some mushrooms—hunting them being a traditional Italian pastime—and the word “Salute”—a greeting for health and well-being.

Funding for the project came from many sources. The Cle Elum Lodge hosted community dinners and worked at a rest stop. The Grand Lodge of the Northwest and many local lodges provided financial resources. Within the community, many individuals who live or grew up in the area donated to the cause. Suncadia, a resort community, and the Roslyn Downtown Association gave generous donations. Local businesses donated materials.

The memorial committee consisted of Mike Butorac, Rich Grillo, Cheryl Ficele, Rachele Rogalski, Joye Fredrick, and Lou Depicolzuane. The Cle Elum/ Roslyn area is located on the east slopes of the beautiful Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day.

The front of the memorial, inscribed in both English and Italian.

Helen and Eddie before they were married.

An Irish Fiancée Meets Her New Italian Family … at Sunday Dinner

BY HELEN (PEPSIN) COLELLA

Shortly after Eddie and I became engaged to marry, I received the formal invitation to join him and his parents for Sunday dinner.

Combining their Italian heritage, the stories I had heard about my future mother-in-law’s culinary skills, and my love of Italian food, generated my excitement and anticipation of eating a gourmet meal. The day before the family gathering, I went for a haircut, a manicure, and a pedicure. I purchased new dress slacks, a silk blouse, and a blazer. My goal was to dress to impress and feel confident. On Sunday, I carefully and meticulously readied myself. I slipped into my new outfit, took care putting on make-up, and practiced smiling and laughing in the mirror so I wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb. I felt prepared for anything by the time I arrived at their home … until Eddie opened the front door and my nervousness reared itself. The aroma of Italy filled the air. “It smells delicious,” I said.

Eddie smiled, and I took a deep breath and tried to relax.

“Come on in,” he said. “Everybody’s waiting to meet you.”

Everybody? The word caught my attention and swirled around in my head like a tornado. The word caught in my throat. I didn’t have time to ask just what “everybody” meant because when I entered, it took but a second to understand.

Surprise? Yes.

Shock? Yes.

Fear? Yes.

The small, intimate family gathering with Eddie and his parents turned out to include his sister and her family of four, his brother, and several aunts and uncles—all there to meet and greet me.

Helen and Eddie right after they said, “I do.”

Everything changed for me in an instant. My apprehension accelerated to a level of pure panic. I stood there smiling, the center of attention, and didn’t know what to say. This, I thought, could become the Italian Inquisition of the modern world.

But each one welcomed me with genuine warmth and affection, gave a hug and kissed me on the cheek, and thankfully didn’t ask too many questions. I took several deep calming breaths, did my best to suppress my fears, and enjoyed the company of my soon-to-be new family.

Then it began. The meal, that is. No, it wasn’t exactly a meal as I knew one to be. Rather, it was a feast. Or maybe not a feast and more like an event.

The dining room table had been set in a buffet style which turned out to be “the noshes” you nibbled on and the wine you sipped while the main course finished cooking. No chips or dips or anything of the sort. Only specialized Italian hors d’oeuvres.

I tried to limit my portions, but every time I turned to talk to someone, the food on my plate mysteriously swelled in volume. I could never quite identify with the let’s-see–how-much-I-can-eat mentality, but that Sunday it was fully present.

As the afternoon progressed, I began to feel quite comfortable in my surroundings. After all, with a glass of wine here and a glass of wine there, a nibble here and a nibble there, fitting in was easy.

Before long, dinner appeared in massive, seemingly limitless, quantities.

First came soup and salad. Then came the “macs” (pasta) smothered with red gravy (not sauce), meatballs, and fresh grated parmesan cheese. What a delicious meal!

“Mangia! Mangia! Mangia!”

This seemed to be the word of the day as family members encouraged me to have more. When I indicated how much I enjoyed everything, I was told not to worry. “We’ll make a plate for you to take home,” they said.

The deliciousness was phenomenal, and since the only Italian food my mother made was Irish spaghetti—buttered macs with stewed tomatoes—I knew I had a lot to learn about Italian-style cooking.

What transpired next fell into the overwhelming category.

Adopt an Olive Tree

for one year from our groves in Calabria, Italy and we will send you the extra virgin olive oil from your tree after harvest.

You will also receive photos of your tree, an adoption certificate and your tree is tagged with your name for the year!

The Perfect Italian Gift! www.treolive.com 413-224-2031

Roast beef, mashed potatoes, and three vegetables found their way onto the table—the second part of the meal. Everyone passed the serving plates and then ate with increased gusto.

I knew I couldn’t refuse, for I feared I’d appear to be ungrateful for all the preparation that went into this dinner for me, so I indulged as well. As I glanced around the table, the smiles and nods verifying the approval of the skinny Irish girl who could eat as much as and keep up with all of them, I felt special and just couldn’t get over the idea that someone would prepare such a celebration for me. What a remarkable family to be brought into!

Although I offered to help clear the table, my future mother-in-law and sister-in-law were adamant about not allowing me to do so.

“No, no, no,” they insisted. “You’re the guest of honor. Sit. Relax. Let the family get to know you.”

It wasn’t long before the table turned into a spectacular party of sumptuous, sweet desserts. There were so many choices it could compete with any dessert cart wheeled through a fine restaurant. Homemade cookies, pies, tiramisu, pastries from ‘the’ favorite family bakery, and an assortment of fruits and nuts teased my taste buds. I couldn’t wait to partake.

Determined to enjoy all the goodies, coffee, the afterdinner liqueurs and drinks, I once again indulged but kept the portions under control. I tasted and savored it all. My body silently screamed of a “pending explosion” but I forged onward. As I looked around the table, I felt I shared my family-to-be’s romance with and appreciation of food.

When it was time for goodbyes, we all exchanged promises to gather together again. I praised the delicious meal and promised to learn—with their help, of course—how to

Authentic • Traditional • Innovative TasteLittleItaly.comGet $10 off!

Italian Gift Packages

1-833-TL-ITALY (854-8259)

Use coupon code ITALAMERICA10 for $10 off every package

Helen’s in-laws, Helen and Louis Colella, who welcomed her to Sunday dinner.

make such tasty meatballs and red gravy. I also emphasized what a wonderful time I had. In my own mind, I couldn’t get over the idea that someone would go through so much trouble for me. I felt blessed.

No sooner had this day passed that I once again returned to join the family for Sunday dinner. To my surprise, the exact same ritual of the past prevailed, from the buffet of noshes and the multiple dinner courses to the dessert and special beverages.

I didn’t want to seem thoughtless or neglectful so I leaned toward Eddie and asked, “Is this another special occasion or celebration you forgot to tell me about?”

He shook his head and smiled. “No,” he said. “It’s the usual Sunday dinner.”

I didn’t say a word. Instead, I quietly enjoyed the wonderful Italian delicacies spread out in front of me once again. Realizing that I’d been mistaken, my heart overflowed with love. There had never been a celebration in my honor. No, I was already convsidered part of the family.

Helen (Pepsin) Colella is a published freelance writer, mother of five, and former teacher. Her work includes educational books/materials, articles/stories for adults/children that have appeared in general interest and parenting mags, and anthologies.