Ballo di Carnevale Ballo di Carnevale

Va Pensiero . . .
Giuseppe Verdi Lodge No. 2457 ~ Order Sons of Italy in America
1806B Newport Gap Pike, Wilm., DE 19808
Website: www.Giuseppeverdilodge2457.org
Facebook: GV Lodge OSIA 2457 Wilmington Delaware
Anno 22 ~ Issue 95
Dicembre 2015
Wednesday
January 27th ~ 6:30p.m.
Free Admission
Ballo di Carnevale
Ballo di Carnevale
Saturday
th @ 6 p.m.
February
6
th
February 6 @ 6 p.m.
The Mendenhall Inn
$55
Open bar with wine, beer, soda, water, and antipasto.
Dinner at 7 p.m. (menu to be announced) followed by
dancing and music by the ever popular Fulvio.
Come in costume if you wish.
2015/2016 LODGE EVENTS
Contact Pinuccia to reserve for all events at 302-998-6191
Mail payments for all events to: Pinuccia Scalora, 4602 Laura Dr., Wilmington, DE 19804-4104
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA for the Kids & Adults, Sunday, December 13th ~ 10 a.m. at the lodge.
$10 for adults, kids are free. Contact Pinuccia by December 8th to reserve.
POLLYANNA PARTY for the Ladies, Saturday, December 19th ~ 11:30 a.m. at the lodge. $10 for lunch
and bring a gift of no more than $10 for the Pollyanna. Must call Pinuccia by December 15th to reserve.
POLENTA DINNER, Saturday, January 16th ~ 6p.m. at the Claymore Senior Center located at 504 S.
Clayton St, Wilmington, DE 19806. (Corner Clayton and Sycamore Streets) $30. Meal includes
antipasto, polenta, pasta, sausage, salad, dessert, wine, beer, soda, and water.
TOMBOLA (BINGO) NIGHT Wednesday, January 27th ~ 6:30p.m. Free admission.
BALLO di CARNEVALE with Costume Judging, with Italian & Popular Music. $55. Saturday, February
6th ~ 6 p.m. at the Mendenhall Inn. 6–7 p.m. open Bar with wine, beer, soda, water, & antipasto. 7 p.m.
dinner followed by dancing and music by the ever popular Fulvio. Come in costume if you wish.
Menu to be announced.
WINE COMPETITION & SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT Saturday, March 12th ~ 6 p.m.
EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST for Kids & Adults, Saturday, March 26th ~ 10 a.m.
RABBIT NIGHT Saturday, April 16th ~ 6 p.m.
MEMBERSHIP DUES & VA PENSERIO AD FEES ARE DUE
Dues remain the same for individual ($45.00) and family memberships ($80.00). Members can mail a check or use our
website to renew. Checks should be made payable to Giuseppe Verdi Lodge and sent to Phyllis Rabolt, 11 Berkshire Ct.
Wilmington DE, 19807-2565. Members with internet access can use our website www.giuseppeverdilodge2457.org to
pay their dues by logging in, clicking on the 'view profile' tab in the upper right corner to access their membership
information, and following the instructions for membership renewal. Members should have received emails and letters
announcing the 2016 dues payment schedule, if you have not please contact Phyllis or any Lodge officer. Paying early
will be a help to the club but members should plan to make their payments before December 31, 2015.
Members who choose to advertise in our newsletter should send their payments for 2016 to Phyllis Rabolt at the address
noted above. Annual business ad rates are $20.00 for members and $60.00 for non-members. If you wish to change your
ad, or start a new one please be sure to enclose your business card, or advertising copy along with your check. Personal
advertisements that commemorate a special event, recognize an individual’s birthday or special occasion, or honor a
deceased member can be placed in the newsletter as well. We will work with you to design your ad if you would like.
You can call (302-220-0594) or email ([email protected]) Donna Marie Pesce for more information and help
with business and personal advertisements.
IN THIS EDITION / IN QUESTA EDIZIONE
PAGINA 1: TOMBOLA/BINGO & BALLO di
CARNEVALE FLYERS
PAGINA 3: MEET YOUR FRIENDS
PAGINA 4: ITALIAN HAPPENINGS IN OUR AREA
U of D STUDENTS VISIT THE LODGE
PAGINA 5: GENERAL MEETING NOTES / NEWS
TALK RADIO / WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
IMPORTANT LODGE NEWS
PAGINA 6: MEET YOUR FRIENDS cont. / LODGE
OFFICERS & STAFF / MORE IMPORTANT NEWS
PAGINE 7 & 8: BUSINESS ADS
MEET YOUR FRIENDS
.
Scrappy and outsp
by Leo Vadala
Scrappy and outspoken. That's how I would best describe Vince Colasante, this
month's featured guest. He was born in 1946 in Sulmona, a pretty town in Abruzzo.
Soon after he was born his family moved to Introdacqua, an even prettier small
burg just a few miles from Sulmona, and there he resided till 1962 when he came
to the United States.
Like many other Italians looking for a better way of life, Vince's father had left his
native country and migrated to Canada leaving behind his wife and two children.
He briefly returned to Italy, but he then again left and came to Wilmington where
found work as a carpenter with Jameshe
Julian,
had become
prominent
in who
Delaware.
founda "paisan"
work as who
a carpenter
with aJames
Julian,contractor
a "paisan"
had become a
prominent contractor in Delaware.
Taking advantage of an easement in immigration policy, his family was able to join him in 1962, and they settled where else? - In Wilmington's Little Italy. Vince had attended elementary and a trade school in Italy and completed his
High School education at Wilmington High.
Along with a bunch of other Italian kids, Vince was a frequent visitor at my in-law's house. I was then courting my
future wife, and two of my brothers-in-law - both of them around Vince's age - had become good buddies of Vince.
Being at least ten years older, I was not part of their "gang". The age factor - plus the fact that I was the "honcho" at
WSFS' Union Street branch - earned me their respect, and they always treated me with deference. I became closer to
them when they managed to talk me into resuming my career as a soccer player at the tender age of 35. Yes! I foolishly
did that, but despite the aches and pains that followed I can't help humming "Those were the days" whenever I look
back on those particular times.
And here I must say that Vince was a hell of a soccer player. Lean and mean, he was very fast, had excellent ball control,
could dribble and shoot, had good sense of positioning and was willing to fight for every ball that came his way. I had
first noticed his skill when I happened to referee a soccer game between St. Anthony's School and the elite St. Andrew's
private school in Middletown. I couldn't help noticing and being impressed by this little kid running all over the field. I
don't remember if he scored or not, but I do remember that St. Anthony won 3-1. And without any help from the referee,
I swear.
When we played together for the "Italian Stars" (that's how we modestly called our team), he was so intense about the
game that frequently, before each match, he would actually throw up, pretty much the same as what happens to world
superstar Messi. As I said, he was scrappy, and I have never known him to back down from a confrontation. The
problem was that frequently he directed his aggressiveness toward his team mates. As player-coach, more than once I
had to scream at him: "Damn it, Vince! If you have to fight, beat up on our opponents, not our own guys!"
When he was 21, he was drafted and he served briefly in the U.S. Army. While he was in the service, sadly, his father
passed away unexpectedly and Vince was granted an early discharge since he had become the sole provider for his
family. He found temporary work in two different automobile body shops and then landed a job at Diver Chevrolet
where he learned all there was to know about car repairing.
In 1969, while at the wedding of "that marrucchinu", Michael Malvestuto, he noticed a young guest there - her name
was Antoinette. As soon as he saw her, he told a friend of his: "You see that girl? Tonight I am going to dance with her
every single dance". And he did. At the reception, he asked her to dance and she accepted. After a couple of dances,
she tentatively said he should perhaps dance with someone else. But Vince would have none of that. He told her: "If
you dance with anyone else, I'm going to make a hell of a scene". And he meant it. What other choice did that poor girl
have?
Long story short - they married and had two kids, Cesidio and Renee'. Cesidio - who is now 40 - was a soccer star on
his own. He set scoring records at La Salle College, was the 15th leading scorer in the entire USA and was even drafted
by the New York Metro Stars. He decided, however not to pursue a career as an athlete. He now works in the
pharmaceutical field, is married and has already presented his parents with 4 grandchildren. Vince tells me the oldest
granddaughter - 11-year old - is a superb soccer player for the "Rush", a Hockessin soccer team. He swears that she will
be the next Mia Hamm. Two other girls - aged 9 and 6 - are also very promising players. Oh! And his 2 1/2 year old
grandson is already kicking a soccer ball also.
continued on page 6
4
FRIENDS OF ITALIAN CULTURE
December 20th: Padua Academy
Vince Marinelli returns with a
Christmas Concert
January 17th: Captain Marvin
Colin USN from Suffolk, VA
discusses the life of Mr. Emidio
901 N. DuPont St.,
Ubici from penniless Italian
Wilm., DE 19806
immigrant to owner of Planters
Peanuts, and the personal struggles Founded in 1968 by
Rev. Robert
he experienced in preserving
Balducelli
Ubici’s home.
February 21st: Anthony Poppiti
Ciro Poppiti,
President
speaks on Women in Roman
Culture.
Ron Marcozzi,
March 20th: Anthony Riccio of
Vice President
Westchester, a historian & author,
Lorenzo Pelosi,
will discuss his book, Italian
Treasurer
Women in the Work Force.
April 24th: Delphi Opera returns,
Board Members
Lina Brown
Eve Edwards and her colleagues
Kay Gaglione
will perform a concert of favorite
Henry Gambacorta
arias. Following intermission we
James Gambacorta
will enjoy the Pagliacci opera.
Kathy Pelosi
Terri Tavani
*We are looking for volunteers to
Anthony
Albence
assist our hospitality committee for
Rita Carnevale
our social hour each month, if
Ann Gilmour
anyone would like to help please
Anthony Poppiti
call Carmella Ianni at 302-762For More Info
9057. A special thanks to Kass
Contact
Mauro, Carmella and Frank Ianni
Terri Tavani
for their generous spirit and
302-384-8075
contribution to that effort.
A LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS
Blue and white twinkling lights, whirling fountain features,
thousands of seasonal plants, and a bounty of trees with icicles
and fountain-inspired glass ornaments fill the conservatory.
Outside, a magical world awaits. From the Italian water
garden illuminated with a 20-foot tree form, to a maple tree
with its roots aglow near our meadow boardwalk, there is
holiday magic everywhere!
Tour Henry Francis du Pont's home decorated in holiday style!
Enjoy visions of holidays past, including those of the Gilded
Age. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the majestic driedflower tree, featuring some 60 varieties of flowers. In addition
to the Yuletide Tour, you can partake in one of our many
related programming opportunities including family-friendly
garden workshops and a live performance of A CHRISTMAS
CAROL as well as nighttime events such as Yuletide Jazz and
Wine and University of Delaware Chorale performing Carols
by Candlelight.
Our Lodge hosted University of Delaware students who
are going to study for a semester in Tuscany. Giovanni
Maiorano and Josephine Scalora provided tips and
language help, as well as lessons in Italian culture for the
students and their faculty. They also had a great time
learning to play Bocce.
4
GIUSEPPE VERDI LODGE GENERAL MEETING
November 9, 2015
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 7:30pm
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Giovanni Maiorano, Maria
Sacco, Josephine Scalora, Lorenzo Pelosi, Michele
Malvestuto. ABSENT: Paula Maiorano, Phyllis Rabolt,
Vince Colasante, Ruggero Scavina, Anthony Ciotola,
Antonio Pesce, Roberto DiMichele.
(ABOUT 27
ATTENDEES)
PRAYER, PLEDGE, MISSION STATEMENT Reading
of October minutes. Motion to accept, passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Scholarship Fund:
$5,870.10 Money Market Account: $19,315.94
Operating Fund: $1,213.21 Crab Fest profit $1,455.00
plus $120.00 for sale of left over crabs. Motion made to
accept report, passed.
Welcome
Patricia Grasso
Giuseppe & Pina D’Arro
Gabriella Finizio
John Ioannoni
Joanna DiMondi
NEW MEMBERS: Patricia Grasso, Giuseppe & Pina
D’Arro, Gabriella Finizio, John Ioannoni, Joanna
Wednesday Nights at the Lodge have Started! The club is
DiMondi. Motion made to accept new members
open on Wednesdays for mixed Bocce and other games. Since
Upcoming Events: Saturday, November 21st Casino beginning in November the participation has grown and we
Night details to follow. Sunday, December 6th Christmas are looking forward to starting a new lodge tradition. The
Party at Mendenhall Inn (President Giovanni reminded lodge opens at 7 p.m. for these evenings. The lodge will be
everyone to please bring a toy for a local charity as well open every Wednesday in December except the 16th.
as a bottle of cheer to be raffled off). Sunday, December
13th Breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m. $10.00 per adult.
Bocce Tournament Finals and Banquet. The lodge’s bocce
Saturday December 19th Pollyanna Party for Ladies, bring tournament is nearing its final showdown. One team remains
a gift for no more than $10.00. January 16th Polenta Night undefeated with only one night of regular season games to be
details to follow. January 27th Tombola Night, details to played. Thursday, December 3, will be the last night of regular
follow. February 6th Ballo di Carnevale details to follow. games. The Finals for the tournament are scheduled for
th
OLD BUSINESS: Crab Fest was a success, everyone had Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 PM. The two best teams will
a great time, we want to thank all those who attended and square off in a best of 3 match to determine the championship.
Plan to stop by for this exciting night. The Bocce Tournament
support our events.
banquet is scheduled for Wednesday December 17th. Anyone
NEW BUSINESS: Co-ed Bocci League Starting interested in attending needs to pay their $30.00 to Cesidio
Wednesday November 14th there will be a ‘co-ed bocci Pellegrini by December 10th.
league’ We invite men and women to participate in this .
fun sport, we also need someone to tend bar and help out.
If interested, please contact Tony Ciotola 235-2131.
friends of Italian Culture will host an event at Padua
Academy to discuss the Italian American who contributed
his works at Mt. Rushmore. University of Delaware
students will visit our club on November 17th, Giovanni &
Pinuccia will host and answer any questions they may
have regarding spending a semester in Italy.
Good of the Order: Members of St. Anthony’s Club
in New Castle would like to join our Club and use our
club for some of their Sunday events. Italo Americani:
President Giovanni is still engaging in conversations with
President Pagano of Italo Americani regarding combining
our social activities.
Closing Prayer Notes taken by Debbie Falkawski
5
Submitted by Phyllis Rabolt, Secretary
continued from page 4
His daughter Renee', 38, is also married and has 2 kids of her own, aged 7 and 5. And, guess what? They also play
soccer. Clearly, good soccer genes run in the family
Talk about weddings, Vince was once the protagonist of a tragic-comic episode while acting as an usher at a friend's
wedding. He and the other ushers decided to live it up and continue the previous night's bachelor party the morning of
the wedding. A few beers were downed just before the wedding Mass. Well, more than a few, but who is counting?
Nature, however, called just as the Mass started, and Nature insistently kept telling him that his bladder HAD to be
emptied. And I mean NOW! ON THE DOUBLE! PRONTO! But how do you do that when you are at the altar?
Vince was squirming like a worm on a hook and kept looking around helplessly. He began sweating, sweating bullets.
And the damned priest wouldn't stop jabbering about the sanctity of marriage and this and that. No, I will not tell you
how that ended. You'll have to ask him.
After working with Diver Chevrolet for 17 years, Vince figured it was time to start his own business and that's exactly
what he did. He started his own body shop - Executive Autobody - and ran it successfully for 30 years until his
retirement.
I really admire Vince. Over the past few years he has had some pretty serious health problems - a quadruple bypass and
even colon cancer - but despite that, or perhaps because of that, he has maintained a strict fitness regimen consisting of
riding his bicycle anywhere from 40 to 80 miles or more daily, weather permitting. As a result, as he approaches the
age of 70 he is still the same lean and mean guy he was when he was 20.
Clearly the man doesn't realize that he makes the rest of us look bad. Thankfully, he has had the decency of losing his
hair.....
Vince is also a very skilled wine maker and his wines have frequently won prizes at wine tasting competitions. He has
now transferred his competitiveness from the soccer field to the "bocce" court, and a couple of years ago he won the
Club championship partnering with Lorenzo Pelosi.
He is a very popular member of the Giuseppe Verdi Lodge. You will see him frequently puttering around the kitchen
with his buddy - or I should say accomplice - Michael Malvestuto. The two of them are the ones who do all the greasy
work behind the scenes whenever we have any affair at the Club, and for that they deserve all our gratitude.
Along with our enduring thanks for his unselfish work for the Lodge, we want to wish him and his entire family a long
and healthful life.
GRAZIE, VINCENZO!
GIUSEPPE VERDI OFFICERS & STAFF
PRESIDENT: Giovanni Maiorano ~ 302-545-2684
VICE PRESIDENT: Anthony Ciotola ~ 302-235-2131
V.P. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Pinuccia ~ 302-998-6191
SECRETARY: Phyllis Rabolt ~ 516-429-0221
TREASURER: Maria Sacco ~ 302-239-9495
ORATOR: Vincent Colasante ~ 302-239-2152
FINANCIAL OFFICER: Roberto DiMichele ~ 302-598-2492
TRUSTEES: Paula Maiorano, Michele Malvestuto, Lorenzo Pelosi, Antonio Pesce, Ruggero Scavina
NEWSLETTER CREATOR: Donna Pesce ~ 302-220-0594
WEBSITE CREATOR: Kathleen Riddell
NEWSLETTER STAFF: Lina Brown, Flora Calabrese, Michele Malvestuto, Kathy Pelosi, Leo Vadala.
DINNER CLUB SETS DATE ~ The Verdi Lodge Dinner
Club has set dates for 3 evenings this coming year. Dates
are January 24, March 6 and April 24th. Those interested
in participating should call or email Tony Ciotola.
CASINO NIGHT A GOOD START ~ The Lodge
hosted a Casino Night during November. A small, but
active turnout enjoyed games of chance, light
refreshments, and good fellowship. The board is
considering hosting more of these events during the
next year as a way to bring more people into the club
and better serve the members with low cost, fun events.
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
6
BUSINESS ADS
CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUSINESS ADS
Members - $20 per year
Non Members - $60 per year
Size 2” X 3 1/2”
CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Quarter Page Ad = $10 / Half 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!
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leading change, communicating effectively, building
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Phone: 302-981-4309
Email: [email protected]
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Proper Workmanship Consistent with Correct Trade Practices for a Reasonable Price
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Attorney-at-Law
5305 Limestone Road, Suite 200
Wilmington, Delaware 19808
Office: 302.397.8959
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[email protected]
Fax: 866.295.2933
Cell: 302.598-2492
7
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email: [email protected]
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Day: (610) 524-3572
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GIUSEPPE VERDI LODGE #2457
Order Sons of Italy in America
1806B Newport Gap Pike
Wilmington, DE 19808
PHONE: 302-740-9660
Commercial Lines
O (302) 368-0888
F (302) 368-2308
M (302) 347-9697
[email protected]
720 New London Road
Newark, DE 19711