ROMA LODGE NEWSLETTER
130 Spring Street- Racine, Wisconsin 53406 – (262) 886-3610 – Fax (262-886-6286 Also Available in Full Color on the Web at http://members.romalodge.com/newsletter.html
June 2014 Issue May 27, 2014 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Cari Fratelli, Please keep in mind our founding principles: LIBERTY, EQUALITY and FRATERNITY. Also, please strive to achieve our objectives: TO SERVE, TO STRENGTHEN and TO UNITE.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY…BUONA FESTA DEL PAPA’ Our monthly membership meeting is Friday, June 13 th and starts at 7:00pm. This abbreviated meeting will be immediately followed by a delicious buffet, festival update and early bird drawing. Our Festival Chairman Pat Diem and the other festival committee directors have been working very hard throughout the year to provide another great Roma Lodge festival. Please come to see and hear what our festival plans are for 2014 and also to win one of the early bird prizes. The 2 nd season of “Coffee and Cars” revs up again on Saturday, June 14 th from 7:00am – 11:00am. Chairman Charlie Presta has been working very hard to provide another fantastic rendezvous for all car enthusiasts. Admission is free and open to the public. The bus trip to Arlington Park is on Thursday, June 19 th . The first bus is already full and we are working on the second one. Contact Zuddy DeRose, Chip Mazurek or Rose Bagdasarian to reserve a spot. Our Roma Lodge walk/run team is still looking for participants for the Lighthouse Run on Saturday, June 21 st . Contact Jeff DeMatthew to register. Please continue to monitor our calendar in the newsletter, website http://www.romalodge.com/members and the timeline in the hallway leading into our member’s dining room, for our events.
Our congratulations go to our Roma Lodge “Singles” Bocce Tournament Champion Dave Silvani and to the other finalists; Jason Evitts, Brian Hart and Emil Ruffalo. Our congratulations also go to: Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship winners…Claire Weyers, Amy Grycowski, Jacob Haase, Susan Scolaro and Daryle Sturino; the Helen and Russ Missureli Scholarship winner…Susan Scolaro; and the Jeana and Darryl Sturino Scholarship winner…Nicholas Galis.
On behalf of Roma Lodge, I would like to convey special thanks to the following people: To John Pisanello, Jerry Perona and Mitch Ferraro…thanks for your time and great work regarding our annual scholarships. To Tom Garbo and Joe Porcaro…thanks for always being there to help serve our guests attending various high school events like proms and scholarship award dinners. To the RIWA staff…thanks for your outstanding efforts in serving 500+ people that attended our Mother’s Day Brunch. To Zuddy DeRose and all of the $10,000 raffle volunteers…thanks for your hard work and dedication. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU. Vi Saluto…. Rick BonannoBon anno
JUNE 2014 EVENTS Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting – 6:30 pm
Friday, June 13, 2014 Membership and Social Meetings – 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 14, 2014 Roma Lodge Coffee and Cars – 7:00 – 11:00 am
Saturday, June 14, 2014 Flag Day
Sunday, June 15, 2014 Father’s Day
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Zuddy’s Special Wednesday Night Buffet – 5:30 pm
Thursday, June 19, 2014 Roma Lodge / Arlington Park Bus Trip– 11:00 am
Saturday, June 21, 2014 First Day of Summer
-1- By-law Changes Passage Failed Two proposed by-law changes that were voted upon at the May 9, 2014 Membership Meeting failed to win approval. The vote to change Article V: Membership Regulations – Section 6 D. (Membership Dues Payment) and Article V: Membership Regulations – Section 8 (Widowed and Divorced members), while garnering more than 50 percent of the votes by the member present, the changes did not secure the required 2/3 majority required by the by-laws. A copy of the Roma Lodge By-Laws can be viewed and printed from the Roma Lodge Members web page at http://www.romalodge.com/members/laws-and-rules-lodge-0.
Board Votes to Rescind Conceal Carry Ban at Roma Lodge At its April 29 meeting, the Board of Directors voted to remove the ban on concealed carry weapons at Roma Lodge. Those interested in reading the law and rules governing concealed carry weapons should read Wisconsin Concealed Carry Law – Questions and Answers, published by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, available on-line at http://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dles/ccw/ccw-faq.pdf .
Your Help is Needed – BINGO!
One of the major sources of income is weekly Roma Lodge Bingo. Volunteers are always needed. Sign up for a date, time, and work assignment by telephoning Jim Faraone at (262) 657-1244, [email protected], Jim LaBelle 262-995-0152 [email protected] , or Rick Heck, 262-681-1279, [email protected] . The Bingo Captain for June is Tom Vena , is 262-694-0880 .
Funeral Service Calling Tree Schedule June 2014 The Calling Tree schedule includes those members whose names are listed on the Membership List between: Bonofiglio, Charles – Christensen, Gary If you are notified of a funeral during your scheduled month you are expected to attend to represent the Lodge. Other members are also encouraged to attend. There will be a special Roma Lodge sign in book at the service for members who attend to verify that they are fulfilling their obligation.
June 13 th Social Meeting and Early Bird Drawing
Roma Lodge Festival – Pick up Your Raffle Tickets – Be Eligible for Early Bird Drawing The Friday June 13 th lodge meeting is a social meeting. This means each member can bring their spouse or significant other. The Bar will open at 5:30 along with the table to turn in your raffle tickets. Sell as many raffle books and turn them in at this meeting. For each $20 book of stubs and payment turned in that evening you get a chance to win one of 20 - $50 prize money in a drawing. Additional raffle tickets can be obtained from Rick Tringali (262)-504-9950 or [email protected]
There will be a short board meeting at 7:00. After that will be a nice dinner. A Festival presentation and the Early bird drawing will be held after the dinner.
Festival Volunteers Needed – We are looking for a Director of Distribution and helpers to manage the receiving of product and its distribution to the booths. Many other volunteers are needed also. Contact Pat Diem at 414-530-2988 [email protected] to volunteer.
Also needed is an assistant chair ground food, beverage and entrance tickets sales. Contact Jeff DeMatthew. 262-880-7474 [email protected] . Bartenders to staff the beer tents at the Festival are also needed. Contact Art Rozzoni, 262-637-6312, for available dates and times .
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2014 ROMA LODGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS This year all the applicants for the various Roma Lodge scholarships again displayed outstanding records of academic achievement, community service and school participation. The Roma Lodge Scholarship Committee along with the Board of Directors wishes the best to all of the applicants as they pursue their academic goals and occupational careers and hope they will remain close to Roma Lodge.
Nicholas Galis is the recipient of the $1,000 Darrel and Jeana Sturino Life-long Leaning Scholarship. Nicholas is a 2014 graduate of Horlick High School, ranking fourth in his class. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including selection for the Racine All County First Team Swimming, All- Academic Team Scholar Athlete Award, multiple state Solo-Ensemble medals for trombone, and the Walter Stenavich Outstanding Junior Band award. His community and school activities include volunteering at Wheaton All-Saints, the Gifford School Carnival, the Roma Lodge Festival, and his church. In his application, Nicholas writes, “I believe I possess many qualities that make me suitable for receiving this scholarship. I am a very determined person that sets high goals in all aspects of my life. I have demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to community service as demonstrated by the large number of hours volunteering at church and All Saints Hospital. Nicholas plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Nicholas is the grandson of Joe and Judy Porcaro.
Amy Grycowski is receiving a $4,000 Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship. As a student at St. Catherine’s High School she served as Student Council Vice-president, editor of the school yearbook, vice- president of Interact High School Rotary Club, a peer helper, an Angel Ambassador, and captain of the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. Her volunteer work included the Kayla Domanico Benefit, St. Rose Meal Program, Cup of Hope, Special Olympics, and many others. She also works as a Mount Pleasant playground leader, a Mount Pleasant umpire, and is employed at Rogan’s Shoe’s and Footlocker. In her essay, Amy writes, “Family and education are two of the most important parts of my life. Family is the thing that teaches us who we are and where we came from. Family isn’t always just who you are related by blood, but those who believe in you. My family has made me the person I am today.” Amy plans to attend Carroll University in Waukesha for a degree in Nursing. She is the daughter of John and Sarah Grycowski.
Jacob Haase , the recipient of a $500 Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship, has been accepted as a student at the University of Louisville in Kentucky to pursue a degree in business. He hopes to become a financial advisor. Prior to graduating from Washington Park High School, Jacob participated in the National Honor Society, the Park High School Orchestra, the Kiwanis Youth Symphony Orchestra and the University of Wisconsin – Parkside Community Orchestra. He also served as Varsity Baseball Team Captain. In a letter of recommendation, his physics instructor and baseball coach writes, “Jacob is the consummate student athlete and is a three-year member of the baseball team. He is an accomplished musician and was named Exemplary Cello Soloist in the 2012 Wisconsin State Music Association State Competition. Jacob has been working hard and is preparing himself well for post-secondary education. Jacob is the son of James and Lori Haase.
Susan Scolaro was selected to receive both the $1,000 Russell and Helen Missureli Scholarship and a $500 Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship. Susan participated in the Washington Park High School Girls’ Volleyball Team, Softball Team, and Golf Team for which she was voted MVP her junior and senior year. She also was a member of the high school band, jazz band and the National Honor Society. After receiving her certification in Nursing Assisting, she now is employed at Elizabeth Residence Assisted Living Home. In her scholarship application, Susan wrote, “All of the sports and clubs I have participated in have exposed me to several different ideas and cultures and I have never passed up the opportunity to make new friends in these activities. I have always been dedicated to helping my community as well. Whether it means donating money, volunteering my time, or participating in a fundraiser, I am always glad to join in the effort. Susan will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. She is the daughter of Ken Scolaro.
Daryle Sturino was selected for a $500 Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship. While attending J.I. Case High School, Daryle received numerous awards for music theory and performance on piano, guitar, and saxophone while participating in band and Master Singers. His community activities included participating in the Schubert Music Club of Kenosha, volunteering with HALO and the Salvation Army, and making visitations to local nursing homes through his church. Daryle’s piano instructor wrote in his letter of recommendation, “Daryle Sturino is an exceptional young man – smart, talented, hardworking, motivated, and sensitive. He is role model for ALL young adults. I am confident he will be extremely successful in whatever he sets his mind to. Daryle plans to attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln for a major in pre-med and minor in music. He is the son of Darryl and Jeana Sturino. -3-
Claire Wyers was named as a recipient of a $4,000 Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship. She a is graduate of Washington Park High School where she was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Award, the Ruth Bradford Johnson Outstanding Leadership and Services Youth as Resources Award, the Wisconsin State French Competition Gold and Silver Awards, academic high honors, and three Varsity Swim Letters. She participated in Badger Girls State, Model United Nations, Economics Bowl Team, concert, symphonic, and jazz bands, and the National Honor Society. She is employed as a lifeguard and water safety instructor at the JMBA Aquatic Center. In her application essay, Claire writes, “My family, education, leadership and volunteer experiences have provided the foundation necessary for a successful future and I appreciate that strong foundation. I plan to work hard to achieve my goals, challenge myself to be the best I can be, give back to my community, and honor those who have supported me.” Claire is the daughter of Russell and Debra Weyers.
Donate to the Roma Lodge Scholarship Fund Roma Lodge has been supporting the students since 1984 through its scholarship program. Help insure that this tradition continues by making a donation to the Roma Lodge Scholarship Fund. Make your check payable to the Roma Lodge Scholarship Fund and send to the attention of John Pisanello, c/o Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring String, Racine, WI 53406.
ROMA LODGE / VITTORIA COLONNA LODGE MEMORIAL SERVICE – POSTPONED April may be the cruelest month of all – but May must be one of the busiest. Upon the request of numerous members who had commitments to graduations, First Communions, and the many other events that mark spring, the Memorial Service scheduled for May 18 has been postponed. Look for it in the fall. And “Thank You” to all the members who submitted the names of past members to be memorialized.
Members Dining Room and Lounge Menu Price Adjustments Faced with rising food prices, the Board of Directors approved modest price increases for selective items on the Members Dining Room menu. Primarily affected were prices for meat and fish items. However, the Members Dining Room still offers the best in restaurant prices since the prices still include a full salad bar, soup, dinner entrée and side dish. The cost for the Wednesday buffet remains unchanged. Increases in bar prices were also approved
Members Are Welcome to Use Members Facilities A reminder that members who have keys to the Members Entrance may access the Members Facilities any time between 6:30 am – 1:00 am Monday – Thursday, and 6:30 am – 2:30 am Friday – Sunday. Members can enjoy the bocce courts and card room. They are also free to invite guests and eat in the Members Lounge during those times when the Members Dining Room is not regularly open, including Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Members are requested to abide by these hours to avoid tripping the alarm system and to make sure all lights are extinguished and doors locked.
Zuddy’s Wednesday Night Buffet – Served every third Wednesday of the month Wednesday, June 18, 2014 is the next Special Buffet Night. Call 262-886-8850 for reservations.
New Member Recruitment Special Continues Upon the recommendation of the Membership Recruitment Committee, the Board of Directors adopted two proposals to encourage applications for membership in Roma Lodge. Effective immediately: 1) The $50 application fee is suspended until the end of December 2014 2) Award a $20 Members Dining Room gift certificate to proponents whose applicants that apply through December 2014 successfully complete their probationary membership. A man is eligible for Roma Lodge membership if he meets the following qualifications: 1. He has reached the age of twenty-one (21) years, and 2. He was born of an Italian parent, or a parent of Italian lineage, OR 3. He was adopted by an Italian parent, or a parent of Italian lineage, OR 4. He is the spouse of a person who is Italian, or of Italian lineage, OR 5. He is the spouse of a person adopted by a person of Italian lineage. Applicants must be sponsored by a regular member (proponent) Application for Membership forms along with the Handbook for New Applicants and Proponents is available online at http://www.romalodge.com/members/membership-information , or from Doug Goebel, Membership Secretary, at 262-554-7316, or email [email protected] . Screening of proposed new members is normally held on the 3 rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Lodge -4-
ROMA LODGE BUS TRIP
ARLINGTON HORSE TRACK THURSDAY - JUNE 19 TH, 2014 BUS WILL LEAVE ROMA AT 11AM - RETURN 6PM CONTACT: CHIP MAZUREK 262.884.9868
$35 -TRIP INCLUDES BUS RIDE (BEER, SODA, & COFFEE ON THE BUS) - TRACK ENTRANCE FEE, AND A BUFFET AT ROMA UPON RETURN
Roma Lodge is sponsoring a team to participate in this year’s Lighthouse Run. Our team will participate in the Fun Walk/Run Division. You may opt for the 2 or 4 mile distance. Saturday, June 21, 2014 8:30am If you want our logo on the back of your shirt, the Deadline for team entries is: June 6, 2014 . Contact Jeff DeMatthew 262-880-7474 for details and entry forms
Don’t Miss this Year’s First Coffee and Cars – Saturday, June 14, 2014 – 7:00 am – 11:00 am
-5- News from the Bocce Courts
Roma Lodge Bocce Committee Venetian Club Bocce Tournament Champs Jim Silvani, League Director, Rick Bonanno, Chairman, Nunzio Germanotta, Tom Garbo, Frank Chirico, Joe Lipari Dave Chiapete, Singles Bocce Tournament Director. won over 8 other teams from the Rockford, Ill. area. and Tony Povkovich
Men’s Singles Bocce Tournament Winners - Dave Chiapete and Armando Covelli being Jason Evitts- 2nd Place. Dave Silvani – 1st Place, Emil interviewed by Mario Ruffolo during the Men's Ruffalo - 4th Place, and Brian Hart – 3rd Place during the Singles Bocce Tourney on May 4, 2014.
News from Our Members
A group of Roma Lodge members visited Gene Silvani at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove on Tuesday, April 29th. Gene is doing very well and sends his best regards to all at Roma Lodge. Pictured from l to rt: Jim Faraone, Rick Bonanno, Gene Silvani, Dick Pelletieri and Tom Linden . -6- A Bit of History – In a Book that Features Roma Lodge
A recently published book, Racine’s Horlick Athletic Field: Drums along the Foundries, by Alan R. Karls ( The History Press, 2014) gives an almost forgotten bit of history of Roma Lodge. The book highlights how Horlick Athletic Field hosted drum and bugle corps shows that made the stadium a landmark in southeastern Wisconsin. From archive recollections and painstaking records, the author pieced together a history of Horlick Athletic Field that justifies the reverence that drum and bugle corps have felt for the place for almost a century. Alan Karls is a fourth-generation Racine native and was often in Horlick Athletic Field for high school football games, drum and bugle corps shows and semi-professional football games. A member of the Racine Scouts and the Boys of '76, his other drum and bugle corps credentials include instructor, judge and journalist.
In the book, Karls, wrote this about the Roma Lodge Drum and Bugle Corps: Roma Lodge was a leading drum and bugle corps in Racine during the 1930s. It appeared in Horlick Field many times at music festivals and for exhibitions, and it appeared at the Chicagoland Music Festival and the World’s Fair, among other events. The unit disbanded around 1940 and sold its uniforms to the Belle City drum and bugle corps, a new Racine drum corps that performed for a short time in the early 1940s. Roma Lodge is an existing fraternal association formed by Racine residents of Italian heritage. He also included this October 12, 1930 photograph, the original of which hangs in the Members Card Room.
From left, first row : Tony Litrenta, Remo Giacinti. Stanley Litrenta, Sam Arnone, Ed Groenke, Carmen DeLuca, Jim Falaschi, Louis DeRose and Guy Policicchio. Second row : Ralph Nicotera, Rocco Litrenta, Anthony Litrenta, Peter Vallone, S. Serpe, Michael Sicilia, Joe Arnone and Louis Giacinti Third row: Jerome Litrenta, Frank Marino, John Schiralli, Mike Corona, John Labrasca, Al Constabile, Vincent Cottone, Joe Fillipone and Costraza Vallone
An Important Reminder to Our Members
Rent Roma Lodge and Receive a Discount!!! Members of Roma Lodge are eligible to receive a discount on functions they have with RIWA. The amount of the discount shall be 1% for each year of membership in the Lodge with a maximum discount of 10%; The discount may be used once each calendar year. The event must be for a primary reason associated with a member, his spouse or his children (weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement, graduations, and baptisms). (Adopted March 2000 - Roma Lodge Rules ). To reserve your event or for more information, telephone Roma Lodge/RIWA 886-3610 or on the web at http://www.romalodge.com .
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U.W. Parkside Exchange Student Visits Roma Lodge
Mario Pugliese (left), an exchange student at Parkside from the University of Calabria, was a recent guest of Jerry and Judy Perona. Mario, who is studying for his Master’s Degree in business administration at Parkside, was the trumpet soloist for the American and Italian national anthems at the Celebrazione Italiana celebration at Parkside. He is joined by his sister, Valeria and her husband Parth. Valeria was a former Calabrian exchange student at Parkside Buon Compleanno e’ Tanti Auguri Happy Birthday to our Roma Lodge Brothers Born in June
June 1 William Isaacson June 12 Mario Ruffolo June 23 Pat Zuchowski Jim Finnigan ``` June 24 Phil Marry, Jr John Pisanello June 15 Kelly Ruffolo June 25 Mike Cuccia Ron Zicarelli Kurt Sinclair June 26 Carl Catrine Nick Covelli June 16 Robert Domanik June 27 Mario Aiello Lorenzo Miceli Stanley Postorino Gary Suokko Troy Graceffa Jerry Bullock June 28 James McDougal June 2 Doug Goebel TTThomasThomas C. Wood June 29 John Barranco Thomas Nelson June 17 Michael Szymandera Tony Totero June 3 Anthony D’Alie June 18 Joe Mandala Al Quadraccia June 5 Daniel Zanella Gregory DaPra Eric Dahlke June 6 TrisTrisTris Ruffalo June 21 Peter Koleske June 30 Keith Stannis Scott Goodsell June 22 Joe Cottone Ralph Annina June 8 Richard Anderson Gerald Schulz Jason Caira June 9 Giuseppe Cortese Mitch Ferraro June 11 David W. Pucci
This List compiled from the Roma Lodge Membership List. Contact Doug Goebel [email protected] if corrections are needed .
Roma Lodge Members Rules are On-Line Do you want to know how many guests can dine with you in the Members Dining Room? Can your wife bring guests on her own to dine in the Members Dining Room? What is the age limit for the Children’s Christmas Party? Answers to these and other questions can be found in the Roma Lodge Members Rules available on line at http://www.romalodge.com/members/laws-and- rules-lodge-0
Sick and Shut-ins – On behalf of the members of Roma Lodge, the Sick and Shut-ins Committee sends flowers to the funeral of deceased members as well as plants and get well cards to members who are hospitalized or ailing at home. If you know of a Roma Lodge brother who died or is hospitalized or ill at home, contact Jim Faraone, 657-1244 or email [email protected] . -8- COUPLES GOLF OUTING
WHO: MEMBERS & GUESTS (AT LEAST ONE MEMBER IN EACH FOURSOME) WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014 ASSIGNED TEE TIMES STARTING AT 10:30 A.M. - 9-HOLE PLAYERS TO FOLLOW
WHERE: IVES GROVE GOLF COURSE COST: $135 PER COUPLE / 18 HOLES $92 PER COUPLE / 9 HOLES INCLUDES: GOLF, CART, SNACKS & DRINK ON COURSE, APPETIZERS, DINNER, PRIZES DINNER IN MEMBERS’ DINING ROOM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014 QUESTIONS: GARY OR VICKI @ 262-552-1331 ------DETACH & RETURN TO GARY CHRISTENSEN, 5919 MARNIE CT. RACINE WI 53403 CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROMA LODGE COUPLES’ GOLF OUTING
Roma Lodge Contact Member: ______Phone Number: ______E-Mail: ______
Others in Foursome: ______
18 Holes ______9 Holes ______
Indicate tee time preference: Early ______Later ______
Roma Lodge President’s Dinner The annual President's Dinner was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Past Presidents, Roma Lodge Officers and Roma Lodge Directors were recognized. There were a total of 18 people in attendance. Each person was provided a booklet containing a brief biography of each president and group photos of the presidents in 1967 and 2013. Issues involving the Good and Welfare of Roma Lodge were the focus of discussion. Each person was provided a booklet containing a brief biography of each president and group photos of the presidents in 1967 and 2013. The dinner was prepared by Zuddy DeRose and his staff.
Standing Left to right: 25th president Don Cicero, 24th Joe Porcaro, 27th Rick Bonanno, 26th Buddy Alfano Sitting left to right: 19th Gene Presta, 14th Ralph Nicotera, Jr., 17th John Lapetina, 15th Russ Missureli Not Pictured: 21st Ralph Nicotera III, 23rd Pete Ciaramita -9- Family Picture Day at Roma Lodge Roma Lodge is planning for a Family Picture Day at Roma Lodge. If you are interested in participating, contact Dennis Poraco at 262-884-9121, [email protected] .
OTHER EVENTS IN THE AREA
il Volo, with the Wisconsin Philharmonic – Saturday, June 21 – 7:30 pm – Milwaukee Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Il Volo will be joined by the Wisconsin Philharmonic to perform a compilation of Italian and English hits for il Volo’s critically acclaimed albums. Tickets range from $45 to $85 each. More information can be found on the web at http://milwaukeetheatre.com/events/1093-il-volo-with-the-wisconsin-philharmonic , or telephone 1-800-745-3000.
ICC Court Yard Music Series – Monday – Thursday June 2 – September 15, 2014 – Milwaukee Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street Enjoy free performances throughout the summer at the ICC’s Court Yard Music series. Monday features jazz artists. Tuesday will be jazz or blues groups, the new Wednesday programs will include a different genre of music each week, and Thursday will be rock and roll bands. Performances begin at 6:30. Dinners and beverages can be purchased from the Café La Scala. More information can be found at http://www.iccmilwaukee.com/courtyard- music-series.html .
COMING EVENTS Friday, July 4, 2014 Independence Day Tuesday, July 8, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting Friday, July 11, 2014 Membership Meeting Saturday, July 12, 2014 Coffee and Cars Sunday, July 13, 2014 Couples Golf Outing Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Roma Lodge Festival $10,000 Raffle and Dinner Wednesday July 16, 2014 Zuddy’s Special Wednesday Night Buffet February Friday, July 25, 2014 Roma Lodge Italian Festival Saturday, July 26, 2014 Roma Lodge Italian Festival Sunday, July 27, 2014 Roma Lodge Italian Festival -10- Stories from Italy St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, located on Douglas Avenue north of Racine, was named after an Italian saint whose Feast day is celebrated every May 22. At her canonization ceremony, she was bestowed the title of Patroness of Impossible Causes while in many pious Catholic countries , Rita came to be known to be as patroness for abused wives and heartbroken women. Here is how her feast is celebrated in native Perugia
The feast dedicated to St. Rita of Cascia is very complex because it is made of celebratory moments, spaces for reflection and prayers according to a liturgy born almost three hundred years ago. In the name of Santa Rita, adhering to the message of peace that she has left in everyone's heart, during the celebrations people from everywhere reach Cascia (in the province of Perugia, Umbria) to remember this humble woman, immovable in her faith and determined to promote the ideals of peace.
The legend says that the saint's death was announced by bells that miraculously began to ring without any bell ringer and people came out of their homes with flashlights and torches.
Thus was born the "Luminaria" also known as "fire of faith".
The celebrations of St Rita begin with a torchlight procession, which commemorates the death of the saint: as the sun goes down thousands of lamps are lit, positioned on buildings and streets and lawns along the valley the river Corno.
The next morning from Roccaporena, the birthplace of St. Rita, starts a procession that arrives to Cascia with a parade, reminiscent of scenes from the life of the saint.
Each year, then, twinnings are established with some surrounding municipalities, from which start athletes that reach the churchyard of St. Rita, where they receive the blessing at the presence of religious and civil authorities.
Source: "Italian Religious Events: The Blessings of St. Rita of Cascia.”. We the Italians, 15 May 2014. Web. 22 May 2014. http://www.wetheitalians.com/index.php/magazine/8852-italian-religious-events-the- blessing-of-st-rita-of-cascia
Milestones of the Italian American Experience
1906 Amedeo Obici, head of Planters Peanut Company, and extraordinary Italian American entrepreneurs during the first half of the 20th century
Amedeo Obici (1877-1947) was an Italian immigrant Horatio Alger story that is a rags to riches saga. He arrived in this country virtually penniless, yet rose to become a highly successful business person. Obici was born in 1877 in Treviso province Italy and at age 12 arrived in America with 12 cents to his name. He went to work for an uncle selling fruit in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He acquired valuable expertise in the fruit business while also absorbing education in the schools of his adopted land. Realizing the potential market for roasting and packaging peanuts, he purchased parts for a crude roaster to roast peanuts and sell to a receptive public. In 1906 this developed into so prosperous a business that Obici was able to open factories in various states, market his products extensively and become the head of The Planters Peanut Company, one of the great corporations in the United States. In the process he became not only wealthy but also engaged in philanthropy Source : LaGumina, Salvatore. "Obici, head of Planters Peanut Company, and extraordinary Italian American entrepreneurs during the first half of the 20th century." . National Italian American Foundation, 1 Jan. 2004. Web. 22 May 2014. < http://www.niaf.org/milestones/year_1906.asp >
-11- Reservations For Members Dining Room reservations, the telephone number is 262-886-8850 . When making reservations for the Members Dining Room, please telephone the Members Dining Room number only. Leave your name, day and date you want the reservation, your phone number, number of people in your party, and estimated time of arrival. You will only receive a call back if there is a problem or a question about your reservation. NOTE: The Members Dining Room is always closed on Membership Meeting nights. It is also closed on Wednesday and weekend nights when events for members or members and guests are scheduled. To reserve the Venetian Room and for Roma-to-Go, telephone the RIWA Office at 262- 886-3610 . For the Members Card Room telephone is 262-886-2557.
Advertising Available in the Roma Lodge Newsletter You can now purchase ads that will appear in the monthly Roma Lodge Newsletter and in color on the Roma Lodge Members’ web page. Cost for ads is $20 / month for a six month contract with an introductory offer of $15 / month for six months. These ads will provide a new and profitable outlet for our members who own or operate businesses as well as a source of services available to our members. Contact Jim Faraone (262)657-1244 [email protected] for more information.
MICHAEL F CUCCIA, CPA TAX ACCOUNTING PAYROLL SERVICES INDIVIDUALS & BUSINESS & PROBATE RETIREMENT & ESTATE PLANNING
262-886-1352 www.MFC-CPA.com
JAMES A. PITTS GREGORY A. PITTS Attorneys at Law – Roma Lodge members
Civil Trials / Personal Injury / Business Disputes / Insurance Claims / Workers Compensation / Disability
Schoone, Leuck, Kelley, Pitts & Pitts, S.C. 6800 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53408-5600 www.pittslaw.com (262) 886-8240
RACINE’S #1 BINGO – Every Thursday Night $2000 Paper Sheet & New Games for $200 Prizes! Come for Dinner- Doors Open at 4:00 Games Start at 6:30 pm –SMOKE FREE
Southwest Dental Group Dr. Richard L. DeFurio Dr. David L DeFurio PLACE YOUR AD HERE ROMA LODGE Racine’s Most Prestigious Banquet Facility Dr. Stephen N. Norwich Receptions, Meetings, Parties 2601 Taylor Ave 262-632-3156 262-886-6286 www.sw-dental.com
The deadline for information for the July 2014 Newsletter is Friday, June 20, 2014. Comments and suggestions and articles of interest to our members are welcome at [email protected]. Jerry Perona ,,, Jerry Perona, Roma Lodge Secretary -12-