Meetings
There will be no Lodge or Auxiliary meetings in July or August. Our next meeting will be September 20th followed by our annual polenta party.
June Dinner
The June dinner again was a success with all enjoying the good food (catered by Christiani’s) and the socializing with family and friends.
Scholarships
Scholarships were awarded to Amanda Biondi, Tony Biondi, Erica Phipps, Spencer Prati, Makenzie Risbeck, Miranda Romeo and Casey Sledge. CONGRATULATIONS! To the family of Bernadine Lassiter – a special THANK YOU for your generosity in funding a scholarship.
Election of Officers
Election of Lodge officers was held, electing Jim Forneris as President, AJ Forneris as Vice-President, John Natale as Orator, Tony Forneris as Financial Secretary, John Ladurini as Treasurer, Randy Prati as Auditor, Roland Bimbi as Inside Sentry, Aldo Bulgarelli as First Sergeant, Kenny Magnani as Second Sergeant, Teddy Andrieni as Outside Sentry, Jim Tazzioli as Benefits Chair, Dino Righi as recording Secretary, Bill Magnani as Inspector General, John Rossi as General President and the Trustees: Aldo Forneris, Aldo Lombardi, Aldo Bugarelli, Marion Tazizoli, John Natale, David Miller, Roger Stefani, Bruno Isolini, and Bill Magnani.
The Auxiliary’s newly elected officers are Mary Ladurini as President, Kathy Lickteig as Vice President, Judy Grant as Secretary, Julie Jennings as Treasurer, Norma Fousek as Sergeant of Arms, Della Stefani as Interpreter, and Trustees are: Freda Prati, Kim Magnani, Betty Bimbi, Mary Tonini, and Tina Battani with Alternates being Julie Willemsen, Norma Fousek and Della Stefani.
By-Laws Change
The men’s Lodge voted to allow a change in the women’s By-Laws allowing any woman of Italian descent to join the Auxiliary. If interested, please call President Mary Ladurini at 515-986-3061.
Annual Family Corn Feed Picnic
Our annual Corn Feed Picnic will be held August 30th at 12:00 noon. The Lodge will furnish the corn, hotdogs, and brats. Please bring a side dish to share with everyone and a recipe card for the dish you have prepared. Bring your whole family, your kids, and your grandkids. We’d like to see all our families there socializing and having fun. This is open to all Lodge and Auxiliary members, widows, and their families.
Highwood Trip
The date of the Lodge planned trip to Highwood Illinois needs to be changed due to bocce courts availability. The courts are open August 7 – 9 and 14 – 16. If the trip is the 7th – 9th, the Iowa Cubs play at Wrigley Field on Sunday the 9th at 1:20 PM. Tickets for the bleachers cost $10 plus handling charges. If the group does not attend the ballgame, Jim and his family will drive separately as they already have tickets for the game. Departure time will be around 10 or 11 AM on Friday, returning home Sunday about 11 PM. If attending the game, room rates are $90 for a king bed and $100 for 2 queen beds PLUS tax. If we have more than 20 rooms, the rooms would be together and we would receive a discount. You do not have to stay with the group. For example, Jim will be staying with his cousins. Travel costs will be about $50 – $65 per person. Dinner at the bocce courts will be about $21 – $35 per person. Rental of the bocce courts will be $125 (about $5 – $7 per person). Approximate total of $85 – $100 plus lodging (depending upon how many people go) PLUS other personal expenses. The bar at the courts is a cash bar. Jim needs to know as soon as possible how many will be going. This is open to spouses. Contact Jim at 515-480-4777 or presvittoria @ aol.com.
Golf Outing
The golf outing will be held Sunday, September 27th at Ballard Country Club. Be there at 8:30 AM to sign-up with tee-off at 9 AM. Cost is $25 which includes dinner.
Dance
The Vittoria Lodge will be holding a fall dance on Saturday, October 17th from 7 – 11 PM, with the Crystal Blue Band playing. Admission is $6.00 per person. proceeds will go to the Vittoria Lodge remodeling fund.
Coal Miners Exhibit at the Cultural Center
The Vittoria Lodge is working with the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa on a coal miners exhibit. If you have items that you wish to give or lend, contact Jim Forneris (presvittoria @ aol.com)
Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa
A joint committee of representatives from the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa, the Vittoria Lodge, and the Society of Italian-Americans has been formed to make plans for the first Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa. The event will be held in downtown Des Moines the summer of 2010. Many volunteers will be needed. Stay tuned for future updates.
Special Thanks to:
…Jeff Caracci for the great website that has been set up for the Lodge and the Auxiliary.
…Dino Righi, for the great pictures that he has been taking of our events.
A Warm Welcome to our New Lodge Members: Louis Butelli, Kevin Brooks, Chad Chicoine, Rick Gentosi, Ted Gentosi, Rod Isolini and Jerry Sebben.
A Warm Welcome to our New Auxiliary Members: Mary Ann Bellville, Jennifer Field, Judy Grant, Kim Magnani, Jean Miner, Kim Pitts and Lori Vivone.
Happy July Birthdays To: Mary Auerback, Marie Blatt, LeNora Coe, Toni Dickey, Josephine Lenzini (7/25), Mary Ann Medici, Jean Miner, Gina Nelson (7/6), Sheri Partington and Gloria Reese (7/23)
Get Well Wishes To: Nello Stefani and Freda Prati
Sincere Sympathy to the Family of: Joe Fousek
Mark Your Calendars
August 7-9 or 14 – 16: Highwood Trip
August 30: Corn Feed Picnic
September 20: September meeting followed by Annual Polenta Party
September 27: Gold Outing at Ballard
October 17: Fall Dance with the Crytsal Blue Band
