VA Pensiero . . . Giuseppe Verdi Lodge No. 2457 ~ Order Sons of Italy in America

1806B Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808 ~ www.Giuseppeverdilodge2457.org

Anno 22 ~ Issue 90 Luglio 2015

September 14, 2015 ~ 6PM; at the Lodge

Welcome Dinner General Meeting with Light Dinner and Italian Cinema

September 21, 2015 ~ 7PM; at the Lodge

Helping Hand Dinner

See page four for details

October 2015 ~ Crab Feast

TBA ~ Casino Night

October 14th, 2015 ~ 6PM; at the Lodge ~ Recipe Night ~ and Italian Cinema

November 6th, 2015 ~ TBA; at St. Anthony’s & the Lodge ~ Mass for Deceased Members

December 6th, 2015 ~ 4PM; at the Mendenhall Inn ~ Christmas Party ~ with Italian & Popular Music

December 13th, 2015 ~ 10AM; at the Lodge ~ Breakfast with Santa

January 16th, 2016 ~ 6PM; at the Claymore Center ~ Polenta Night ~ with Italian Sing Along

January 27th, 2016 ~ 6:30PM; at the Lodge ~ Tombola (Bingo) Night

February 6th, 2016 ~ 6PM; at the Claymore Center

Ballo di Carnevale with Costume Judging and Italian and Popular Music

March 12th, 2016 ~ 6PM; at the Claymore Center

Wine Competition and Scholarship Benefit

March 26th, 2016 ~ 10AM; at the Lodge

Easter Bunny Breakfast

April 16th, 2016 ~ 6PM; at the Claymore Center

Rabbit Night

2015 – 2016

GIUSEPPE VERDI

EVENT

SCHEDULE

Contact

Pinuccia Scalora (302-998-6191) To Reserve

IN THIS EDITION / IN QUESTA EDIZIONE

PAGINA 1: OUR LODGES UPCOMING EVENTS

PAGINA 3: ITALIAN HAPPENINGS IN OUR AREA

PAGINA 4: HELPING HAND DINNER / BIENNIAL

GRAND LODGE CONVENTION

PAGINA 5: FERRAGOSTO

PAGINA 6: GIOVANNI & GUISEPPINA BECOME U.S.

CITIZENS / SUNSHINE COMMITTEE / WE THE

ITALIANS / TALK RADIO / BOARD MEMBERS

PAGINA 7 & 8: BUSINESS ADS

THE SONS OF ITALY ANNUALY SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING CHARITIES:

DID YOU KNOW……

That as a member of the OSIA you have many

free benefits & discounts on various products &

services, including: Wireless, Prescription

Savings, Travel, Health & Wellness, Genealogy,

language Instruction, Insurance, Culinary

products, & much more!

For more information go to: http://www.osia.org/membership/benefits.php

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Joe & Cesidio presenting a check to charity.

The most effective way to learn Italian is to start studying!

Whether it's reading an Italian textbook, taking a language

course, completing workbook exercises, listening to a tape or

CD, or conversing with a native Italian speaker, any method is

appropriate. Most important, spend some time every day

reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Italian to become

accustomed to the target language.

Months / i mesi

gennaio—January

febbraio—February

marzo—March

aprile—April

maggio—May

giugno—June

luglio—July

agosto—August

settembre—September

ottobre—October

novembre—November

dicembre—December Che mese è? (In che mese siamo?) What month is it?

(What month are we in?) È settembre. (Siamo in

settembre.) It’s September.

Days of the Week / giorni della settimana

The week begins with Monday.

lunedì—Monday

martedì—Tuesday

mercoledì—Wednesday

giovedì—Thursday

venerdì—Friday

sabato—Saturday

domenica—Sunday

Che giorno è... (What day is...)

oggi (today)

domani (tomorrow)

Che giorno è oggi? (What day is it today?)

Oggi è giovedì. (Today is Thursday.)

Domani è venerdì. (Tomorrow is Friday.)

ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS by Michael San Filippo, Italian Language Expert

http://italian.about.com/od/grammar/tp/learn-italian-language.htm

Seasons / le stagioni la primavera—Spring

l’estate—Summer

l’autunno—Autumn

l’inverno—Winter

=

Italian Language Summer Camp

North Star Elementary School, 1340 Little Baltimore

Rd.

Hockessin DE

July 6-10 & July 13-17, 9am to 3pm - $250 per week

(some scholarships are available).

Children ages 4 to 14 will learn to communicate in Italian

and explore Italy's culture. Many activities and surprises

will make the camp's two weeks the most memorable

time of the summer. Snack and lunch provided. Before

and after camp care will be available through Boy's and

Girl's Club. For information call, 302-463 6188 or go to:

http://www.lamiapiazza.org

Annual Street Feast of “St. Gabriel” & Little Italy

Lodge, OSIA

St LEOs Parish Church, Exeter & Stiles, Baltimore,

MD August 15 & 16th ~ 11 AM to 7 PM

LITTLE ITALY is a charming, cozy neighborhood

located in the heart of downtown Baltimore, nestled

between the Inner Harbor and historic Fells Point. Little

Italy’s Festival features live entertainment, game wheels,

bocce tournaments, vendors, bingo, vino & beer, Italian

food, fried dough, pizzelle, sit-down pasta dinner & more.

For more information go to: http://www.littleitalymd.com

JOIN PRINCE OF PIEDMONT AT THE ITALIAN

FESTIVAL, BRONX, N.Y.C.

September 13th – Buses leave Piedmont 8am return 6pm

Prince of Piedmont Lodge, 603 N. Lincoln Street

Join the Prince of Piedmont lodge and approximately

25,000 others who travel from near and far to make this

festival part of their family tradition. The cost is $30 per

person, payable to a Prince of Piedmont Bartender. (*NO

REFUNDS)

Sons of Italy Sylvester Grande Lodge’s Italian Festival

Burk & Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

October 2, 5pm – midnight, October 3rd noon - midnight

An 'Olde World' family festival weekend including crafts,

games, great Italian food and continuous FREE live

entertainment! A grape stomping contest and spaghetti

eating contest will both take place on Saturday from 3-

4:30 p.m. Admission to the festival is FREE.

For more information go to:

http://www.SonsOfItalyWildwood.org

St. Nicholas of Tolentine Italian Festival

1700 Block of South 9th Street

Sunday, October 4th after the 11am mass.

Presented annually since 1987, this is an annual

celebration of faith featuring a religious procession,

musical entertainment, a wide variety of ethnic food

delicacies, rides and games for the kids, Italian & religious

novelties, gifts baskets and raffles. The focus of the

celebration takes place at the 11:00 A.M. Mass, followed

immediately by the religious procession throughout the

neighborhood with a long line of the Statue of Saints.

12th Annual Vendemmia da Vinci Bellevue State Park

Oct. 11th - 2pm to 6pm

Ticket Prices in Advance are $50 / At the Gate are $60

Included with your Admission: Sampling great Italian

wines; Sampling great Italian food; Italian Beer Garden;

Great live entertainment; Vendemmia 2014 Wine Glass;

Handcrafted Wine & Homemade Gravy Contest; Silent

Auction; Italian vendor displays.

For more information or to order tickets call

1-877-731-5790 or go to:

http://www.societadavinci.org/vendemmia/

3

3

On September 21st the Club would like to show it’s

appreciation for all those members who have volunteered

their time during the past year, and those are willing to

volunteer their time in the coming year. This will be a

catered dinner and it is a free event, there will be no

charge to anyone attending.

If you have volunteered in the past, or are willing to

commit to volunteering your time for a future event, you

are invited to attend. If you are not physically able to

volunteer, you can ask another club member to ‘sign up’

and volunteer on your behalf.

At the dinner, we will have a list of upcoming events as

well as various ‘jobs’ for each event. We will ask all

members who attend to sign up for one of the upcoming

events (or if you have volunteered in the past, you are

invited to join us as well)

The ‘jobs’ will include: event set up, shopping, food

prep, food serving, clean up, bartending and committee

assignments. In addition, we are asking members to

assist by serving on standing committees, working on

club improvements and maintenance, supporting club

communications, etc.

There are many ways you can volunteer your time to help

the membership that may not be listed here, but we can

discuss it with you individually.

Please contact Josephine Scalora at 998-6191 to let her

know if you can attend. If you have any questions as to

how you can help the membership, she will discuss that

with you, or, you can speak to Vice President Tony

Ciotola (phone number) who will answer any questions

you may have.

Please take a moment to save this date and join us in

making our club a vital organization in which all

members have a role to play. By working together we

will share responsibilities and promote the brotherhood

The 45th Biennial Grand lodge Order

Sons of Italy Convention was held at the

Wilmington Montessori School on Saturday June 6th.

Over 50 Delegates representing the 4 filial lodges

participated in the convention which was presided over

by State President Joseph Facciolo. Joining us again this

year from Supreme National 2nd Vice President Daniel

Longo. President Facciolo opened the convention with

the pledge of allegiance, invocation, prayer and the

National anthems of Italy and America. Brother Fran

Urick gave the Credentials Report and a motion was

made to accept and approve the minutes from the 44th

Biennial Convention. President Facciolo showed a 16

minute slide show of all of our activities for the last 2

years: Inter lodge activities, Purple Aster, NELA Gala in

Washington and donations to charities. Facciolo gave his

president speech with the Filial lodge presidents to

follow. Motion was made to accept all reports. Brother

Demora gave the Christopher Columbus report and

Brother Alvini gave the membership report. Brother

Mike Scott gave his treasurer report and his report was

accepted. We then broke into seven committees. The

committees were: By-laws, Finance and Budget,

Membership and Extension, National Charities, President

Cabinet, National Charities, Inter-Lodge Activities and

Purple Aster/ Convention. Lunch was served and

Committee chairs gave their reports. President Facciolo

thanked all the Delegates for their effort and Brother Dan

Longo conducted the Grand Lodge Elections. Fraternally Joseph Facciolo

Newly elected officials are as follows: State President: Joe Facciolo State Vice President: Tom Vogt State Treasurer: Mike Scott Recording Secretary: Fran Urick Financial Secretary: Fran Turtoro Orator: Charles Schauber Trustees: Giovanni Rosauri, Robert Ryan Sr. Mike D'Aquilla, Phil Modesto

4

FERRAGOSTO By Leo Vadala

To the joy of my kids, we finally settled on a pizzeria that, miraculously, was open. Lesson learned. For all intent and

purposes, all of Italy is closed on August 15th. It's Ferragosto, baby!

FERRAGOSTO! What is Ferragosto? Technically, it's the Feast that commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed

Virgin Mary, what Catholics believe to be the actual physical elevation of her sinless soul and incorruptible body into

Heaven. Technically! To Italians, however, the religious angle is important, yes, but not as important as the fact that it's

THE day when every family packs a humongous lunch and goes out for a "scampagnata", a picnic, an outing that sometime

lasts 2 or 3 days.

Ferragosto has roots that go back to the Roman Empire The term itself is derived from the Latin expression Feriae

Augusti (Augustus' rest), which is a celebration introduced by the emperor Augustus in 18 BC. This was an addition to

already extant ancient Roman festivals which fell in the same month, such as the Vinalia rustica or the Consualia, which

celebrated the harvest and the end of a long period of intense agricultural labor.

The ancient Ferragosto, in addition to obvious self-celebratory political purposes, had the purpose of linking the main

August festivities to provide a longer period of rest, called Augustali, which was felt necessary after the hard labor of the

previous weeks. During these celebrations, horse races were organized across the Empire, and beasts of burden were

released from their work duties and decorated with flowers.

The popular tradition of taking a trip during Ferragosto arose during Fascism. In the second half of the 1920's, during the

mid-August period, the regime organized hundreds of popular trips through the Fascist leisure and recreational

organizations of various corporations, and via the setting up of the "People's Trains of Ferragosto", which were available

at discounted prices. The initiative gave the opportunity to less well-off social classes to visit Italian cities or to reach

seaside and mountain resorts. The offer was limited to 13, 14 and 15 August, and comprised two options: the "One-Day

Trip", within a radius of 50-100 km, and the "Three-Day Trip" within a radius of about 100–200 km.

During these very popular outings, many Italian families had the opportunity to see for the first time with their own eyes

the sea, the mountains or the art cities.

These "One, Two or Three Days trips", however, did not include chow. Thus was born the tradition of packing a substantial

packed lunch. And all Italians do it because they know that if they don't pack their lunch they may go hungry - most

restaurants are closed. And what do they pack for lunch? That varies from region to region.

A popular saying states: "A Ferragosto si mangiano i piccioni arrosto" - At Ferragosto one eats roasted pigeon. Actually,

that was an ancient custom, but it still survives in parts of Italy.

Labor Day long week-ends mean to us here in the good old USA - a chance to get away from it all plus a guaranteed four

mile back-up at the toll booths on your way back.

Except that in Italy it will probably be a ten-mile back up 5

Such ancient traditions are still alive today, virtually unchanged in their form and level of

participation during the "Palio dell'Assunta" which takes place on August 16th in Siena .

Indeed the name "Palio" comes from the pallium, a piece of precious fabric which was the

usual prize given to winners of the horse races in ancient Rome. During the festival,

workers greeted their masters, who in return would give them a tip. The custom became

so strongly rooted that in the Renaissance it was made compulsory in the Papal States.

If you happen to be traveling in Italy on August 15th of any year, do not assume you'll be able

to eat in any restaurant of your choice. You are hereby warned - it will probably be closed. And

I speak from experience. I happened to be in Rome on an August 15 a few years back and,

around noon, my wife and I and my kids went to a restaurant that had been recommended to us

for lunch (which, in Italy, happens to be THE big meal of the day). Unfortunately, when we got

there we saw that it was closed. Oh, well, too bad... we just went to another one. That was also

closed. And then to another one. Closed also. Another, closed and yet another, closed.

In Sicily, for Ferragosto they prepare the "gelu di muluni", a watermelon-based water ice

decorated with leaves of lemon and jasmine. In Rome, the traditional Ferragosto dish is stewed

chicken with a side dish of peppers. It's usually preceded by fettuccine ai fegatelli - fettuccine

with liver (we are in Italy, baby!), and followed by very cold watermelon. In other parts of Italy,

it's customary for Ferragosto to bake and consume small sweet donuts aniseed, variously

packaged.

What Ferragosto now means in Italy is the equivalent of what the 4th of July, Memorial Day and

THE SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Verdi Lodge Sunshine Committee allows the club to

extend condolences, and send flowers or gift to members

who are hospitalized, grieving, have a serious hardship, or

are otherwise in need of support. The club is effective in

this mission only if we know about those in need. So please

contact Josephine Scalora at 302-998-6191 as soon as you

know of a club member or a member of their family who is

in need. This would also include a person who has

supported or contributed to the club over time. It is better

if we hear about a need several times rather than to assume

that we have heard. Together we can help our members in

their time of need. Your cooperation & participation is

appreciated.

DID YOU KNOW…Gondolas in Venice must be painted black?

In 1562 the Doge passed a law that prevented

the boats from being decorated extravagantly.

CONGRATULATIONS

John and Josephine Rosauri

on becoming United States Citizens

June 5, 2015

We the Italians is an ongoing project open to any form of

collaboration and partnership. Any contribution or content

or news regarding Italy in the USA is welcome. Indeed,

please use our platform to promote and improve any kind

of info about what's Italian in the US.

To view more articles go to: www.wethitalians.com

To Subscribe to their Newsletter go to:

http://wetheitalians.com/index.php/newsletter

GIUSEPPE VERDI BOARD MEMBERS

President: Giovanni Maiorano

Vice President: Anthony Ciotola

Vice President Social Activities: Josephine Scalora

Secretary: Phyllis Rabolt

Treasurer: Maria Sacco

Orator: Vincent Colasante

Financial Officer: Roberto DiMichele

Trustees: Paula Maiorano, Michele Malvestuto,

Lorenzo Pelosi, Antonio Pesce, Ruggero Scavina

6

BUSINESS ADS

Members - $20 per year

Non Members - $60 per year

Size 2” X 3 1/2”

CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ¼ PAGE AD = $10 / ½ PAGE AD = $15

FULL PAGE AD = $20

CONTACT KATHY PELOSI AT 996-0632

OR DONNA PESCE AT 220-0594 TO PLACE

YOUR AD/ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY!

BUSINESS ADS

CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Doors – Cypress – Lumber – Douglas Fir

Building Materials – Millwork

=

RT. 7 (LIMESTONE RD) 109 OLD LIMESTONE RD

NEAR DEL/PA STATE LINE AVONDALE, PA 19311

FRED MASTRIPPOLITO SR. HRS. MON-FRI 8 TO 4:30

FRED MASTRIPPOLITO JR. PHONE: 610-268-3128

LOU MASTRIPPOLITO www.aalumber.com FAX: 610-268-2947

C.D.I. GRANITE & MARBLE FABRICATION, INC.

KITCHEN & BATH COUNTERTOP

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

CARMINE DELSIGNORE, OWNER Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE

Office: 302-235-7010 Cell: 302-750-1677

Fax 302-235-0739

JONATHAN N. SAUNDERS, M.D. KATHERYN M. WARREN, M.D.

JULIA W. MACRAE, M.D.

PAULA PELLEGRINI DECARO AESTHETICIAN

E-62 Omega Drive (302) 368-9611 Newark, De 19713

Bafundo & Associates Roofing Siding Sheet Metal

We roof it right the first time

Leonard F. Bafundo 802 W. 20th Street (302) 654-2221 Office Wilmington, DE 19802

www.bafundo.com

Proper Workmanship Consistent with Correct Trade Practices for a Reasonable Price

Cramer & DiMichele, P.A.

Roberto DiMichele Attorney-at-Law

5305 Limestone Road, Suite 200 www.derealestatelaw.com Wilmington, Delaware 19808 RDiMichele@derealestatelaw.com

Office: 302.397.8959 Fax: 866.295.2933 Cell: 302.598-2492

7

Delaware Performance

Consulting

LEADERSHIP

TEAM DEVELOPMENT

CHANGE MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION

STRATEGIC THINKING

Delaware Performance

Consulting helps leaders

meet the challenges of

employee performance,

leading change, communi-

cating effectively, building

teams that work, resource

management, and antici-

pating future challenges.

A. Anthony Ciotola, President 8 Meadowbrook Lane

Newark, DE 19711

Phone: 302-981-4309

Email: delperco@verizon.net

GIUSEPPE VERDI LODGE #2457

Order Sons of Italy in America

1806B Newport Gap Pike

Wilmington, DE 19808

FREE ESTIMATES

BRICK BLOCK STONE CONCRETE

STUCCO FLAGSTONE SLATE FOOTING

Cesidio Pellegrini

MASON & GENERAL CONTRACTOR

2502 ALISTER DRIVE PHONE: 302-740-9660

WILMINGTON, DE 19808

PHOENIX FINANCIAL NETWORK RISING TO MEET YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS

“To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success”

Tom St. John

TStJohn@PhoenixFN.com www.PhoenixFN.com 12 Orchid Drive, Bear, DE 19701-6330

Securities & Advisory Services offered through Foothill Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC

ARE YOUR ASSETS BEING HANDLED CORRECTLY?

We offer Investments, Retirement Plans & Insurance.

Call to set up a complimentary initial consultation (302) 468-6655

TNT

Thomas J. Baker

CAO designer

2430 Hartley Place

Wilmington, DE 19808

day: (610)524-3572

evening: (302)996-9261

email: tntdsgn@aol.com

Engineering * Design * Drafting

A. Marc DeCaro Commercial Lines

O (302) 368-0888

F (302) 368-2308 720 New London Road

M (302) 347-9697 Newark, DE 19711

marcd@iai-de.com