le notizie - John Michael Marino Lodge

LE NOTIZIE
News and Events
John Michael Marino Lodge No.1389
Order Sons of Italy in America
Port Washington, New York
Winter 2015
Carissimi Fratelli e Sorelle; Ciao a Tutti:
Since my last letter I hope that you, your family and loved ones have had wonderful and healthy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's celebrations with lots of family gatherings, plenty of food and beverages, wonderful gifts, but most of all the love and affection from those closest to you, always remembering, "All We Need is Love".
I’ve always said that we are a “busy bunch” and that's been the case since our last newsletter. It will always be the case with the brothers and sisters of the John Michael Marino Lodge. Since our last newsletter, we had our casino bus trip to Mohegan Sun, which was sold out! Thank you to Brother John Maura
and Sister Sandy Nunziata for handling this most enjoyable outing. Nearly a dozen of us attended the NYSOSIA Gift of Sight Luncheon, which was chaired by our own Sister Marianne Principe O'Neil. We had
our annual Family Christmas Party at the Swan Club with nearly one hundred in attendance, including a
number of children and teenagers. The party has truly become a “family affair” complete with great raffle
prizes. I want to send a special thank you to Sister Josephine and Brother Eric Pappalardi for chairing the
event, and to their hard-working helpers who spent many hours wrapping the prizes and handling
the raffle sales. To all our members and friends who were so generous in donating those great prizes, I extend by gratitude and appreciation. Finally, I want to say Thank You" and "Mille Grazie" to all those that attended and brought a covered dish to our December 17th General Meeting. We had a wonderful time (between seventy to eighty people in attendance) listening to Christmas music and eating to our
heart’s content. The homemade food that was brought in was fabulous and there was hardly any left! It was at this meeting that we also
recognized forty-seven active Lodge members who have worked the feast over the years, starting with the very first Grande Festa Italiana
in 1979. A commemorative medallion was presented to the honorees (see page 8 of this newsletter for further details).
Now we turn our attention to 2015. We'll again roll up our sleeves and get to work on the many events that bring us together socially, and
the many charities and scholarship efforts and causes that we support. One special event that will kick-start 2015 is our Lodge's hosting of
the Plenary Session for NYSOSIA. The session will be held at our Lodge on Saturday, January 31st. We can use all the help we can get to
setup and breakdown the room, as well as serve breakfast and lunch to the dozens of OSIA State and National officers that will be conducting the important business of the Grand Lodge of New York. Please let me know if you are available to help, whether for a few hours or all
day.
Please enjoy this newsletter and its many interesting articles and news. It is put together by our talented Brother Tom Amato and Sister
Marianne Bortone Prince. I ask that you read closely the calendar of upcoming events and join us at as many events as possible. We always
love seeing you!
Finally, Sister Nancy, Brothers Johnny & Chris, and I wish you and your family a very mild and warm winter. And if you're one of our
lucky brothers and sisters running off to Florida, we wish you a hot, sunny, and dry winter (don't forget to use sunscreen!!)
God bless you and yours throughout all of 2015!
A Presto! Con Affetto!
Fraternally, Brother Tony
Committees
John Michael Marino
Lodge #1389
Officers
Le Notizie Editor
Marianne Bortone Prince
718-631-7917
[email protected]
President
Anthony Conetta
Le Notizie Artistic Design
Tom Amato
516-423-9113
[email protected]
1st Vice President
Mary Anne Biundo
Le Notizie Circulation Staff
Agnes Bingham and Giuseppe Ciotoli
Christmas Party
Eric & Josephine Pappalardi
718-746-5640
Good & Welfare
Sandra Nunziata
516-676-1336
Grande Festa Italiana
John Maura, Jr.
516-250-2900
John O’Neil
516-883-5762
Membership
Marianne Bortone Prince
718-631-7917
Memorial Mass
Joy Cosenza
October Cultural Events
Tom Amato
516-423-9113
Pat Lombardo
516-944-0303
Parades
John Maura, Jr.
Tom Giovenco
Queens Pageant
Josephine Palawsky
516-883-6602
Scholarships and Awards
Nancy Conetta
Rocco Andriola
Jacqueline Maura
Angela McGrade
Daryl Zimbardi
Leo Cimini Josephine Palawsky
Family Events
Michelle Spagnoletti
516-582-8891
2nd Vice President
Henry Cosenza
Immediate Past President
Eric Pappalardi
Orator
Marianne Bortone Prince
Recording Secretary
Janice Eubank
Financial Secretary
Angela McGrade
Corresponding Secretary
Nancy Conetta
Treasurer
Rita Eredics
Principal Trustee
John DiLeo
Trustees
Jayne Brooks
Agnes Bingham
Giuseppe Ciotoli
Tom Giovenco
Petrina Lombardo
Benedict Lonetto
Sandra Nunziata
Walter Palawsky
Masters of Ceremonies
Josephine & Sisto DeNardis
Sentinels
Anthony Ardovini
Barbara Faticone
Chaplain
Joy Cosenza
Commissioners of Arbitration
Thomas Amato
Anthony Carpinelli
Anthony Cavallaro
Thomas Faticone
Josephine Pappalardi
NYOSIA
Bene Emeritus
And
National Vincenzo Sellaro
Award Recipient
Edward Innella
National Foundation Trustee
And
NYOSIA Gift of Sight
Chairperson
Marianne Principe O’Neil
Commissioner
Garibaldi Meucci Museum
Anthony Conetta
NYS Grand Lodge
OSIA
State Officers
NYS Trustee District II
John Maura, Jr.
NYS Deputy
Tom Amato
Loggia Glen Cove #1016
NYS CSJ Executive Committee
Leo Cimini
NYS CSJ District II Representative
Lee Cerullo
NYS Heritage & Culture
Chairperson
Leo Cimini
NYS District II Membership
Chairperson
Marianne Bortone Prince
JMML Autism Representative
Marianne Principe O’Neil
JMML Alzheimer Representatives
Ann Marie and Frank D'Angelo
JMML Cooley’s Anemia Representative
Josephine Palawsky
JMML CSJ Liaison
Benedict Lonetto
Lisa Vecchio Belinsky
Lisa Velotti
NYS Deputy
Kathryn Grande
'La famiglia è tutto' (family is everything)..
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2015 Calendar of Events
January 21st - John Michael Marino Lodge General Meeting; 7:00PM dinner; 8:00PM meeting
January 30th at 7:30PM – NYOSIA 23rd Anniversary Winter Charity Ball honoring State President Joseph Rondinelli,
Charles Fuschillo, Jr., William Camastro, and the Maglione Family to be held at the Chateau Briand, Carle Place.
Cost is $100pp. Contact: Joan Rondinelli at 516 799-0044 or Annette Lankewish at 516 933-7393 or Madeline
Matteucci at 631-654-2578
January 31st at 8:30AM – NYOSIA Winter Plenary Session to be hosted by the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 at
the Port Washington Senior Center, Port Washington. Contact: Eileen Stavis at 516 785-4623
February 4th at 7:30PM – John Michael Marino Lodge Officers’ Meeting
February 18th - John Michael Marino Lodge General Meeting; 7:00PM dinner; 8:00PM meeting
February 22nd at 12:00PM – NYOSIA 35th Annual CSJ Dinner Dance honoring National CSJ Vice President John
Fratta and Artist/Producer Simona Rodano to be held at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach. Cost is $85 per person.
Contact: Josephine Morici Cohen at 631 345-6586
March 4th at 7:30PM – John Michael Marino Lodge Officers’ Meeting
March 20th at 8:00PM - John Michael Marino Lodge Installation of Officers (note: replaces the March 18th General
Meeting)
March (date to follow) - Feast of St. Joseph Celebration Masses at St. Peter of Alcantara Church and Our Lady of
Fatima Church. Lodge members are requested to wear their red jackets. Contact: Leo Cimini at 516 883-3826
April 1st at 7:30PM – John Michael Marino Lodge Officers’ Meeting
April 7th at 7:00PM - NYOSIA Grand Lodge Foundation Annual Cooley’s Anemia Dine-A-Round at Verdi’s of Westbury. Contact: Mary Naccarato at 516 921-7839 or Mildred Mancusi at 516 359-1745.
April 15th - John Michael Marino Lodge General Meeting; 7:00PM dinner; 8:00PM meeting
April 24th at 7:00PM – NYOSIA Grand Lodge Foundation 33rd Anniversary Golden Lion Awards Gala at the Garden
City Hotel, Garden City. Contact: Carol DiTrapani or Eileen Stavis at 516 785-4623
May 6th at 7:30PM – John Michael Marino Lodge Officers’ Meeting
May 16th at 8:30AM – NYOSIA Grand Lodge Foundation Walk for Education & Culture at Eisenhower Park Field
#1. Walk steps off at 10:00AM. Contact: Angela DeCosimo at 516 837-7750 or Eleanor Jobbagy at 516 358-9151.
May 17th at 9:00AM – NYOSIA Special Breakfast Tribute to State First Lady Joan Rondinelli at the Chateau Briand,
Carle Place. Contact: Barbara Lupo at 631-981-5932 or Rae Lanzilotta at 516 334-0830 or Madeline Matteucci at 631
-654-2578
Origin of the Lodge's Name
The John Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389 is named after Private John Michael Marino, a resident of
Port Washington and son of James Marino (one of the original Trustees/Curatore of the Lodge).
Private Marino served in World War I and was the first American of Italian ancestry from Port Washington to die serving his country during that war. He fought gallantly and heroically
in the trenches of Northern France and Belgium and died on November 9, 1918, at the age of twentythree, less than forty-eight hours before the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918.
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John Michael Marino Lodge
Annual Family Christmas Party
Swan Club December 2014
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John Michael Marino Lodge
Annual Family Christmas Party
Swan Club December 2014
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John Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389
2014 Honor Role
Barbara Faticone and Ron Maura were recognized at the Lodge’s December 7th Family Christmas Party as the 2014 Honorees
of the John Michael Marino Lodge’s prestigious Honor Role. The Honor Role cites “unsung heroes and heroines” of our
Lodge who choose not to hold positions on the Lodge’s executive board and have provided countless hours of support, dedication, and hard work on behalf of the order over the years.
The Honor Role was established in 1998 and past recipients include Giuseppe Ciotoli (2013), Antonio Ardovini (2011), Antonietta Ardovini and Mima Strangolagalli (2010), Tom Faticone and Walter Palawsky (2009), Evelyn Giacobbe (2007), Camille
Squillante (2005), Frank DeSantis (2004), John O’Neil (2002), Rose Marno (2001), Henry Frappaolo (2000), Antonio DiStefano (1999), and Josephine Gnecco (1998).
1st Quarter 2015 Milestone Membership Anniversaries
70 Years
Matthew Corinaldesi
45 Years
Diane Scancarello
35 Years
Giovanni Cerroni
Giuseppe Ciotoli
John Dellaratta
John Fasano
Mario Strangolagalli
20 Years
Vincent DeSantis
Esperanza Vulpis
August 20, 1916 - January 3, 2015
May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
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The John Michael Marino Foundation, Inc. Funds Italian Language & Culture Course
St. Peter of Alcantara School's new after-school Italian Language & Culture Course began the 2014 school year and its students are truly
enjoying a very fine introduction to "la belle lingua" under the wonderful direction of their renown teacher, Mrs. Gilda Macchiavello
(shown top left in photo). The students are learning the elements of basic conversation and reading, in addition to an introduction to modern
Italian culture and history.
The course, which includes students in Grades 3-6, will run until December 2014 and then continue from February through May 2015. The
John Michael Marino Foundation, Inc Order Sons of Italy in America provided major funding to support this course. Principal Robert Windorf (shown top right photo) stated, “the faculty, and the students' families are indeed very appreciative of the Foundation’s generous support. Molte Grazie!!”
Safely In Winter Weather
Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous. These common sense safety tips from CDC, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council can help make winter car travel safer.
Have your car tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires. Keep
emergency gear in your car for everyday trips (cell phone, flashlight, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter (for traction); ice scraper, snowbrush, and small shovel, blankets, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflectors).
For long car trips, keep food, water, extra blankets, and required medication on hand.
Avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly. Let someone know what route you're taking and when
you plan to arrive so they can alert authorities if you don't get there.
If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or
around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open. Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
If your car stalls or gets stuck in snow, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away. Make sure snow has not
blocked the exhaust pipe. Then stay in your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets and run your
vehicle's heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.
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Grande Festa Italiana 35th Anniversary Honorees
1979-2014
September two thousand fourteen marked the 35th anniversary of the John Michael Marino Lodge’s Grande Festa Italiana; an
annual event that has become a much anticipated end of summer happening in the Port Washington community. In celebration
of this milestone, the Lodge recognized forty-seven active members (original feast volunteers) who generously devoted endless
feast related manpower hours since it’s inception in 1979.
The recognition ceremony took place at the Lodges December 17th General Meeting and seventeen of the fabulous forty-seven
honorees were able to attend the ceremony. This year’s feast co-chairperson John Maura recognized each person by name (see
below) and President Tony Conetta presented those in attendance with a medallion commemorating the 35 th anniversary. Those
unable to attend the December 17th ceremony will receive their medallion via US mail.
Congratulations to these members/volunteers who are truly an inspiration to us all.
Antonio Ardovini
Carmela Augustino
Maria Balletta
Ernesto Bartoloni
Giovanni Cerroni
Leo Cimini
Giuseppe Ciotoli
Matthew Corinaldesi
Peter Faiella
Barbara Faticone
Thomas Faticone
Colombo Ferri
Edward Innella
Edward Innella Jr.
Richard LaPera
Patsy Lamberti
Josephine Palawsky
Thomas Pellegrino
Michael Pinna
Alessandro Raimo
Concetta Russo
Diane Scancarello
Alexander Scaramucci
Marie Scaramucci
John DeFeo
Sisto DeNardis
Frank DeSantis
Lorenzo DeSantis
John DellaRatta
Antonio DiBenetto
Antonio DiStefano
Gilda DiStefano
Joseph Marro
Gaetano Mazzei
John Murro
Frank Nuzzolese
Paul Nuzzolese
John O’Neil
Marianne O’Neil
Annette Oestreich
Frank Scobbo
Phyllis Scobbo
Mario Staccone
Mario Strangolagalli
Augusto Tiberia
Esperanza Vulpis
Salvatore Zimbardi
(pictured standing l-r are Augusto Tiberia, Alessandro Raimo, Colombo Ferri, Leo Cimini, Giuseppe Ciotoli, Sisto DeNardis,
President Tony Conetta, Grande Festa Italiana co-chair John Maura, Antonio Ardovini, Thomas Faticone, Josephine Palawsky,
Salvatore Zimbardi, Annette Oestreich; seated l-r are Frank Nuzzolese, Gilda DiStefano, Antonio DiStefano, Edward Innella,
Barbara Faticone, and Christine Zahn (who accepted the award on behalf of her grandfather John Murro)
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The Origin of Valentine’s Day
source: About Education
Those looking for the origins of Valentine's Day inevitably encounter the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. The Lupercalia
festival is described in sometimes conflicting details by classical and Christian writers, so we have some idea of what went on
at it, but there's even more about it we don't know. For example, we don't know which god was celebrated and exactly how/
where the Lupercalia was celebrated, or what its origins were.
Lupercalia is one of the most ancient of the Roman holidays (one of the feriae listed on ancient calendars from even before the
time Julius Caesar reformed the calendar). It is familiar to us today for 2 main reasons:
1. It is associated with Valentine's Day
2. It is the setting for Caesar's refusal of the crown that was made immortal in Shakespeare’s play.
This is important in two ways: the association of Julius Caesar and the Lupercalia gives
some insight into the final months of Caesar's life as well as a look at the Roman holiday.
The name of the Lupercalia was talked about a lot in the wake of the 2007 discovery of the legendary Lupercal cave - where,
supposedly, the twins Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf.
The Lupercalia may be the longest lasting of the Roman pagan festivals. Some modern Christian festivals, like Christmas and
Easter, may have taken over elements of earlier pagan religions, but they are not essentially Roman, pagan holidays. Lupercalia
may have started at the time of the founding of Rome (traditionally 753 B.C.) or even before. It ended about 1200 years later, at
the end of the 5th century A.D., at least in the West, although it continued in the East for another few centuries. There may be
many reasons why Lupercalia lasted so long, but most important must have been its wide appeal.
If all you know about Lupercalia is that it was the background for Mark Antony to offer the crown to Caesar three times in Act I
of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, you probably wouldn't guess that Lupercalia was associated with Valentine's Day. Other than
Lupercalia, the big calendar event in Shakespeare's tragedy is the Ides of March, March 15. Although scholars have argued that
Shakespeare did not intend to portray Lupercalia as the day before the assassination, it sure sounds that way. Cicero points to
the danger to the Republic that Caesar presented on this Lupercalia, according to J.A. North -- a danger the assassins addressed
on that Ides.
" It was also, to quote Cicero (Philippic I3): that day on which, sodden with wine, smothered with perfumes and naked (Antony)
dared to urge the groaning people of Rome into slavery by offering Caesar the diadem that symbolized the kingship."
"Caesar at the Lupercalia," by J. A. North; The Journal of Roman Studies, Vol. 98 (2008), pp. 144-160
Chronologically, Lupercalia was a full month before the Ides of March. Lupercalia was February 15 or February 13-15, a period
either proximate to or covering modern Valentine's Day.
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Important Scholarship Application Overviews and Filing Dates
The John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 has established a Scholarship Award Program in order to encourage young people to
achieve excellence in education, whether their talents lie in academic, vocational, or technical fields.
Applicants must have applied to, or have been accepted by, a college or accredited vocational or technical school. Detailed
qualifying factors and a copy of the application are posted on the Lodge’s website www.marinolodge.org.
Applicants are required to send hard copies of all their application materials to the following:
Nancy Conetta, Chairperson
John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Scholarship Award Program
89 Reid Avenue
Port Washington, New York 11050
The application for the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 scholarship must be received no later than April 15, 2015 and
sent by certified or registered mail. All material, including letters of recommendation, must be dated. Applications and material
received after April 15, 2015 will not be considered.
The New York Grand Lodge Foundation also offers scholarships as well as grants. Applications and guidelines for the scholarship and grant are posted on www.nysosia.org. The deadline for this year’s competition is March 31, 2015 and there is a nonrefundable processing fee of $10 for each application. Applicants are required to send hard copies of all their application and
materials to the following District II Scholarship Chairperson:
Mr. Angelo Grande
10 Chestnut Avenue
Glen Head, New York 11545
I also encourage you to visit the National OSIA website www.osia.org because it contains applications and descriptions for a
host of additional general and special scholarships. The deadline for all these scholarships is February 28, 2015 and each of
the National scholarships carry a non-refundable processing fee of $30.
The submission deadlines are quickly approaching and I strongly urge you to share this information with potential candidates so
that they will have sufficient time to gather and submit the required documents.
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A Nation of Immigrants: One Man’s Story
By Howard Blankman
year old Mike volunteered for the New York National Guard. The guard was
housed at the New York Armory, home of the famed Fighting 69 th, which
was close to CCNY, where he was enrolled. And that’s how Mike became
the first non-Irishman in the mostly Irish Fighting 69th.
“They had fathers, sons, brothers, brothers-in-law, all related,” said Mike. He
served for three years and the Korean War broke out.
One morning, he was awakened from a sound sleep by a half-dozen of his
close friends telling him they were going to join the Navy. That woke him
up. “Not without me,” he said. He got up, joined his friends, and down to
346 Broadway in Manhattan they went. By the time they got to the recruiting
office, the group numbered eleven, all from Mike’s neighborhood.
When they had to take an exam to qualify for the Navy, some couldn’t pass it
and others changed their minds. “The windup was that I was the only one
accepted. I had an absolute great going away party. And that was that. I was
in the Navy at the age of nineteen,” said Mike.
Mike’s next stop was Camp at Bainbridge, MD for three months of boot
camp. After graduating, he was assigned to the USS Macon, a
cuiser with the Mediterranean Sixth Fleet, which happened be in Naples,
Italy.
To get there, Mike and his shipmates had to board a transport from the
Brooklyn Army Terminal and sail to Naples. Ordinarily that wouldn’t be so
bad, but Mike has never even been on a rowboat in the water. Ever
Naples. Ordinarily that wouldn’t be so bad, but Mike has never even been on
a rowboat in the water. Ever here of mal de mer? As anyone who’s ever had
it will tell you it’s the worst kind of seasickness you can imagine. In between
bouts, Mike said to himself, “Is this what it’s going to be like?”
(Editor’s note: The following are two in a series of articles written by Howard Blankman about members of the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 that
appeared in his Port Washington News column “Everybody’s Port.” These
two articles feature members Mike & Santa Ragusa and District II State
Trustee John Maura and Ron Maura. Upcoming editions of our newsletter
will feature additional member related articles written by Mr. Blankman)
When the Macon anchored in Belfast, many aboard had a five-hour liberty.
As a gesture of hospitality, each of the sailors was met by a nice Irish girl,
who would show them around. “The girl I was with asked for my home
address,” Mike said, “and without telling me, she sent a package to my mother at home which contained Irish linen, handkerchiefs, and similar items
found in Ireland.” Nice, huh? Wrong. It was a masterpiece of bad timing.
For sitting with Mike’s mother, at that vey moment, was the only girl he had
ever dated since he met Santa: Santa.
With July 4th at hand, it’s a good time to remember that America’s Declara“The next thing I know,” Mike said, “I get a Dear John letter when I’m in the
tion of Independence was signed by nothing but immigrants or their descend- middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Santa was infuriated, to put it mildly.”
ants. From the earliest beginnings, America’s welcome mat has been tread
You know what they say: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
by children and adults alike.
“It broke my heart,” Mike said. Thankfully, when he was discharged and
Luigi Ragusa was 17 years old when his parents emigrated from a small town home, Murphy’s Law was not upheld, and eight months later, October 9,
in central Sicily to New York City in 1905. A year earlier, Maria Lipani’s
1954, they were married. The reception at the Terrace Garden in the Bronx
parents left the same town and arrived in New York City when Maria was
was an Italian wedding to end all weddings. “In those days,” said Mike, “you
only three years old.
would send out invitations and the whole family would come including children, plus gatecrashers. We would up having six hundred people.” Mazel
Good Karma---both families settled in East Harlem in a predominantly Italian tov.
neighborhood on East 104th Street. And---or for all you romantics---the two
eventually met, fell in love, and did what comes naturally. They got married. Soon after their marriage, Mike began what was to be a 30-year career with
the United States Custom Service Office of Investigations. He rose through
But that’s not all. In a few years, the duo became a trio when the Ragusa’s
the ranks to become Special Agent-in-Charge at JFK airport, which covered
son Michael was born. Unaware of it at the time, another family settled on
Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. His distinguished service to his counEast 104th Street and that would figure in Mike’s future.
try included undercover assignments where one false step could be fatal. The
denouement?
Unfazed by the Great Depression, Mike did what other 15-year olds in his
neighborhood was doing with their time. It is called hanging out.
Long-time Manorhaven residents, Santa and Mike, will celebrate their 60th
Wedding Anniversary on October 9th. On hand for the celebration will be
One evening, Mike and a few friends were handing out under a street light
their children, Linda, Michael Jr., and Louis along with eight grandchildren.
when a pretty girl on roller-skates came by. There was nothing wrong with
his eyes, so macho Mike said to her, “What’s your name?” She replied,
Dio vi benidica, Santa and Michael. May good health and happiness be with
“Santa.” He smiled and said, “Well, I’ll be seeing you Santa.” She was 11you always.
years old at the time, and it wasn’t long until they were an item. And that
was just the beginning.
After graduating from Benjamin Putnam High School in East Harlem, 18-
11
well. He was a pleasant, well-liked and generous man, anxious to be
helpful when he could be. I met John Jr. as a kid (anyone under 80 is
a kid to me) in his 20’s with a full head of hair when Maura Bros.
built a small brick patio off our family room many years ago when
February 22, coming sooner than you think, is a day that should be
regarded as one of the most important birthdays in the history of our we were living on Murray Avenue. No problems. The completed
Republic. George Washington was born on Jan. 22, 1732. If it were- job turned out just the way they said it would. And although we’re
n’t for George Washington, the United States of America would not gone, the patio isn’t. It still looks as good as ever.
be the United States of America. And you and I might be living in a
After his father retired, John Jr. became president of the company
monarchy.
and Ronald, vice president. As hard as he always worked, fortunateJohn Adams had doubts about the average person’s ability to govern ly, he’s not all business. He wooed and married a young woman with
brains and beauty: Gina who, by the way grew up in Port.
himself. But when offered the title of king or emperor, General
George Washington, Michelangelo Maura, and Port
By Howard Blankman
Washington didn’t fancy the title. He set a precedent that has resulted in, arguably, the longest continuing democracy in the world; a
country less impressed by lineage than by deed.
After marriage and four children – in descending order, John III,
Kristiana, Robert, and Jacqueline – Gina went back to school and
earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.
Perhaps he read something the English author Daniel Defoe wrote as Presently, she is managing an upscale children’s shop for a major
retailer.
a satire on his fellow Britishers before Washington was born:
Ask Gina Maura about husband John, Jr. and out come the superla“Antiquity and birth are useless here. Tis impudence and money
make a peer…Great families of yesterday we show, and lords whose tives. “He is someone you can count on. He is a heart of gold, and
he is forever trying to help people,” she said softly and not without
parents were the Lord knows who.” Please translate you say. Read
emotion.
on, I reply.
The fact that you could make it in America without having a greatgreat-grandfather who was the Duke of Baklava or an ancestor whose
second cousin was one of Henry VIII’s unlucky wives became a
magnet that attached many immigrants from Europe and elsewhere.
Some of the best settled in Port
Washington. Generally, one or
two members of a family would
emigrate here and once they
were ensconced and had an income, those in the old country
would join those in the new
country.
Sibling rivalries occur in the best of families – especially when two
brothers like John III and Robert work in the family business. Fortunately, in this instance, the boss is also the father. How do they get
along?
“Like brothers,” John said. “Everybody’s different. That’s what I
tried to stress with my children. We’re a team like
baseball or football is a
team. You have your strong
sides and weak sides. And
all together make a team.”
John made sure his education included business college because he didn’t want
to be anywhere other than
where he is now. “I grew
up in business and I wanted
to be in the business I’m
in,” said John and added, “If
I had it to do over again, I’d
do the same thing.”
A case in point: Michelangelo
Maura and his brothers, Mario
came to America in 1939 from
Ceccano in southern Italy. Typically, Michelangelo’s wife,
Antonia, and Son, John remained in Ceccano until the
brothers were settled.
With a “get-up-and-go-to-work”
ethic, they established Maura Bros. & Co., Inc. in Manhasset and
were joined by Antonia and seven-year-old John – all in the space of
one year. Maura Bros. worked the area’s estates, providing landscape maintenance and planting services.
By 1966, John and Mario had moved lock, stock, and barrel to Port
Washington, but went their separate ways. Mario opened a retail
landscaping products business at the corner of Middle Neck Road
and Avenue A. Meanwhile, John grew the landscaping business by
adding excavation, retaining walls, and drainage capabilities.
Perhaps it was because his
father was such a strong influence on him. He remains grateful for
the opportunity his father provided. So it is not surprising that in
2002, before the senior Maura was called on to share his landscaping
business with the angels, his 80th birthday was celebrated with two
parties: the first at his house in Port for his friends and the second at
the Port Washington Yacht Club for those who couldn’t make the
first party.
John and his brother Ron – whom he describes as “a real good guy” –
have continued in their father’s footsteps. However, about a quarter
of their take now comes from snow removal. Rumor has it that John
As seems natural for someone who grew up in their father’s business, does a Snow Dance at the onset of winter.
John Jr. joined the company in the 1970s and was followed by his
younger sibling (by seven years), Ronald. Maura Bros. was once
again Bros. in fact, as well as the name.
Time for a personal aside: I remember the first time John Maura
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Preventing the Flu: Tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
According to the CDC, the single best way to help prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits
like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like
the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting
sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes,
nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep,
be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Did You Know That………………………
Some 78 years ago, the bay community of Port Washington was aviation's eastern gateway to America?
Well it all began in 1937, when a fledgling airline with grand ideas, Pan American World Airways, determined to conquer the
North Atlantic, as it had the Pacific, the Caribbean and the eastern coast of South America to Brazil.
Port Washington was chosen as the eastern terminus of a circuitous route that included New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ireland
and finally Southampton, England. Why it was chosen was a combination of geographical merit and available resources.
The airships that challenged "The Pond" were called flying boats because, in a sense, they were. As water-bound as tadpoles,
(they were giant forerunners of today's seaplanes) the boats required long stretches of smooth water to get aloft. So, the shelter
of Port Washington's Manhasset Bay, and the expanse of the Sound beyond Plum Point, gave Port Washington a leg-up on other waterfront communities in the race for the international sea-airport.
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New Years Resolutions To Make If You Want 2015 To Be The Happiest Year Ever
Source: Ari Eastman of “The Thought Catalog”
1. Get rid of those “goal weight” clothes
We’ve all got some pair of pants in the back of our closet that we fantasize fitting in perfectly one day, or browse outfits that
get labeled “once I’m in better shape.” This type of thinking isn’t doing you any good. In fact, it’s probably counteracting
any progress you hope to make. If you have this constant image of who you need to be and what you need to look like, you
are going to slowly drive yourself nuts. Love who you are in the moment, and don’t treat yourself as a rough draft.
2. Stop skipping meals
Whether it’s a misguided attempt to lose weight, or you just lose track of time and realize you have skipped an important
meal, it’s important in the new year to cut this damaging habit. It doesn’t seem like it’s doing much, but in the long run skipping meals can wreak havoc on your metabolism, as well as overall energy levels. Figure out a time that works in your schedule and commit to eating at that time. It may help to prep meals the night before if you know you will have a hectic day.
3. Reorganize your workspace
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unclear with what your objectives are in the workplace/career path, it might help to take a
day to just completely rearrange your desk, or other place you do most work. Maybe print off some inspirational quotes you
like, and place them somewhere you can see whenever start working. It might boost your motivation.
4. Dedicate a “me” day each week
We get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, that we often neglect our own needs. If you aren’t first making sure you
are healthy and happy, what good are you really going to be to those around you? Though this can be a difficult task with
responsibilities that get in the way, try to put aside one day every single week that is about YOU. Maybe you carve out a few
hours to read a book, or take a class on something you’re interested in learning more about. Take a day that is just about you,
and prioritize yourself again.
5. Take a daily walk
Instead of diving into an intense new work out regimen and pushing your body to a point that you’re no longer sure your
body works anymore, try starting off with something easy to commit to every day, like a 30 minute walk. Create an awesome
playlist that pumps you up, get outside, and just enjoy your surroundings. It’s a small thing you can do every single day that
will make you feel better.
6. Make a list of weekly goals that are doable
If you want to be the next Oprah, that’s fantastic, but simply having the goal “be Oprah” might freak you out more than it
inspires you. Try making weekly goals that are realistic. Maybe this week you will call and catch up with that friend from
college. Next week, you can go through your closet and donate things you no longer need. By breaking things down weekly,
it can be easier to get more done and then feel more productive.
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Diane’s Place
Closed Monday
Roslyn Heights Funeral Home
75 Mineola Avenue
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
RoslynHeightsFH.com
516 621-4545
Joseph Velotti, Director
Maura Brothers
Landscape Contractors
137 Haven Ave.
516-767-2134
Ronnie & John
R & Company
Salon * Day Spa
1532 Northern Blvd
Manhasset
516-365-9030
Arena
Sports & Graphics
52 Main Street
Port Washington
516-767-5106
Chris & Steve Avasis
S.F. Falconer
Hair Salon
191 Main Street
516-767-3834
Florist
8 Maryland Ave
Port Washington
516-767-0866
Louis Biundo
Licensed Funeral Director
Home Appointments
Pre-Need Arrangements
Service Available in
All Communities
516-671-4877
JOBCO
We Build
Communities
Health Facilities
RetroFit
Great Neck, NY
SJA
The Snedeker Jenkins
Insurance Agency
Allison Prudente
Nancy R. Lotito
516-627-0001
“Gourmet Your Way”
Personal Chef
Service
516-674-2433
Zimbardi Financial Group
Estate Tax &
Retirement Planning
Salvatore Zimbardi
Certified Financial Planner
516-767-2600
Brian D. Calenda
Arch Aluminum & Glass
Sales
516-325-8290
[email protected]
The Innella Family
Wishes
Continued Success to
John Michael Marino Lodge
#1389 Newsletter
Le Notizie
In Loving Memory of Nettie Innella
Dynamic Lodge Member
and
Inspirational Mentor
Who Will Forever Remain in
Our Hearts
MB Carting
Residential & Commercial
5-30 Yd. Containers
137 Haven Ave
516-944-2727
Tony DiStefano Landscaping Corp.
Nursery and Garden Center
1056 Northern Blvd, Roslyn
516-767-3524
“Serving the North Shore Since 1952”
"It is not simply what a person feels or what a person says that determines the character of a person. It is what a person does."
Anonymous
15
John Michael Marino Lodge #1389
Post Office Box 403
Port Washington, NY 11050
To:
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