August 2014 - Roma Lodge

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
August 2014 Issue
July 25, 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.
The Roma Lodge and Vittoria Colonna’s 4th of July parade entry was a complete success. We featured our scholarship winners,
advertised our great festival, promoted our wedding facilities and WON the Bernard Magruder Award in the float division. This was
a result of the extraordinary cooperation, hard work and dedication of our volunteers and suppliers. This newsletter contains photos,
descriptions and a listing of everyone that worked to make this event successful. Great job everyone!!! Our 36th annual festival is in
full swing. We are anticipating a great event. A full festival report will be provided to our membership at our October 10th meeting.
August is another busy month for us. Our membership meeting is on Friday, August 8th at 7:00pm. This meeting will be immediately
followed by our annual “Sports Night”. Coffee and Cars is on Saturday, August 9th from 7:00am – 11:00am. Admission is free and
open to the public. Our great Roma Lodge will host our 32nd annual bocce tournament on Sunday, August 10th. This promises to
be another fun-filled and exciting event. Registration forms are available on the bocce bulletin boards. The Roma Lodge family
picnic is on Sunday, August 17th. Great food and fun activities are planned. For our baseball fans, Roma Lodge’s bus trip to the
Brewers vs. Toronto Blue Jays is on Wednesday, August 20th. For our football fans, Roma Lodge’s gold package featuring the
Packers vs Oakland is on Friday, August 22nd. The first 2 sessions of our “Family Picture Day” are scheduled on Sunday, August
24th and Wednesday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity to get your family together for memorable photographs. All of these
events serve to strengthen and unite our Roma Lodge into the best fraternal organization in the country. 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 all of our events.
Our best wishes go to Chuck Daceno on his 90th birthday.
On behalf of Roma Lodge, I would like to convey special thanks to the following people: To all of the volunteers and suppliers for our
4th of July parade entry…thanks for your efforts in producing an award winning float. To Don Smiley…a belated thank you for providing
Summerfest tickets for our Winter Festival and Coffee and Cars.
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU.
Vi Saluto….Rick
Bonanno
AUGUST 2014 EVENTS
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Friday, August 22, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Board of Directors Meeting – 6:30 pm
Membership Meeting and Sports Night – 7:00 pm
Coffee and Cars – 7:00 am – 11:00 am
Roma Lodge Invitational Bocce Tournament – 9:00 am
Wisconsin Fall Primary Election
Roma Lodge Family Picnic – 11:00 am
Men’s Bocce Organizational Meeting
Baseball Game Bus Trip - Brewers vs Blue Jays – 11:00 am
Packers vs. Oakland (Gold Package) – 7:00 pm
Family Picture Day - 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family Picture Day - 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcome New Members - Voted into Membership at the July Membership Meeting:
Keith H. Ogden, age 40, was born in Buffalo, Minnesota. He is employed as a mail carrier by the U.S. Postal Service. He and his
wife Gena (Sarto) have three children. They reside in Racine. Keith’s proponent is Pat Sarto.
Jon Ortiz, age 70, was born in Chicago and now lives in Racine. He and his wife Carmella, who is of Italian descent, have three
children. Jon is employed by Big Lots as a sales manager. His proponent is Pat Sarto.
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Applications for Membership - to be voted on at the August 8, 2014 Membership Meeting
John (Jack) Bianchi, age 51, Franksville, WI – Proponent: Jeff DeMatthew
Kristoffer McDermott, age 26, Kenosha- Proponent: Larry McDermott
Gabriele (Gabe) Nudo, age 62, Kenosha – Proponent: Mario Ruffolo (02/02/1952)
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, jfaraone@wi.rr.com, Jim LaBelle 262-995-0152 jlabelle71@yahoo.com , or Rick
Heck, 262-681-1279, Rheck@Voyager.Net. The Bingo Captain for August is John Gehring, 262-654-1908.
Funeral Service Calling Tree Schedule August 2014
The Calling Tree schedule includes those members whose names are listed on the Membership List between:
DeRose, Al – Funk, Charles
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.
NOTES FOR OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Dear Roma Lodge Members
I am a very proud recipient of a Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship. Thank you all for the support and showing me
that you believe in what I can accomplish next year. I will be attending Carroll University where I have already
been accepted into the nursing program. Thank you again for all of your support. Sincerely,
Amy Grycowski
A BIT OF HISTORY OF ROMA LODGE
Dear Roma Lodge Members,
I thought you might be willing to post this information about Louis Bencriscutto (1919 - 1985) for
your members. I'm his son, Richard, and I've just put a rare recording of his accordion music on the
Internet for anyone to listen to free of charge.
Louie's family, the Bencriscutto's, had a home a block or so from the old Roma Lodge by the
foundry, were members, and enjoyed many a bocce ball game over the years. I believe Louie's
wedding reception also took place at Roma Lodge in 1946.
Louie was one of the premier local accordion players who entertained for years at the Spinning
Wheel Restaurant, and at Kelly's Corner and Primavera before that. I'm sure many of your senior
lodge members will remember Louie fondly and might wish to listen to the only recording of his
music in existence.
Here's the link:
http://louisbencriscutto.bandcamp.com/track/accordion-medley-part-1
Thank you,
Richard
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership Approved Building Repairs and Maintenance Projects
It’s somewhat hard to believe but portions of the Roma Lodge facility is reaching 30 years of age. For many of us
that is young, but those thirty years necessitate some building modifications and repairs. Approved by the
Membership at the July meeting was nearly $25,000 in expenditures for the following:
•
Replacing carpeting in the Old Members Lounge (the bar area that serves north banquet hall)
•
Completing roof repairs to prevent leaking
•
Upgrading the interior sprinker system as required by the fire code
Thank you to Jim Faraonel, Kevin Elrod and the Building and Grounds Committee for gathering information, preparing proposals,
and soliciting bids for these projects.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Zuddy’s Wednesday Night Buffet – Served every third Wednesday of the month
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 is the next Special Buffet Night. Call 262-886-8850 for reservations.
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The Roma Lodge Board of Directors
Cordially invites you to the next Roma Lodge Membership Meeting
Friday August 8 - 7:00 pm
Followed by Sports Night
A light Buffet Meal will be Served
RSVP to Rick Bonanno
Your attendance at Membership Meetings is important for the success of the Lodge. Your attendance helps to ensure
that:
A quorum is present so that business can be transacted
You can voice your opinion on Lodge issues and business
You can vote on Lodge business
You will be informed of activities and opportunities to volunteer
You will maintain contact with your Roma Lodge brothers so that our spirit of Fraternity that has made the
Roma Lodge great will continue
ROMA LODGE FAMILY PICNIC – SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014
Roma Lodge members and members of their immediate families are invited
to this year’s Roma Lodge Family Picnic. Immediate family includes spouses, adult children,
grandchildren, parents, and brothers and sisters. Also invited are members of Vittoria Colonna Lodge
and spouses.
PICNIC BUFFET FROM NOON to 5:00 pm
AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S and ADULT GAMES AND ACTIVITES
Tickets purchased in advance for the entire day’s events are $12.00 for each adult; Children 12 and
under are free.
Contact: Zuddy DeRose (262) 886-8850 or Bill Pucci, Jr (262) 939-3452
ROMA LODGE BUS TRIP
BREWERS VS. TORONTO BLUE JAYS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014
Bus Leaves Roma Lodge at 11:00 am – Game Time is 1:10 pm
Cost is $40 per person
Includes: Bus ticket, Brewers Ticket (Terrace Box Seat), Tailgate of beer, soda, and
water
Roma Lodge Pizza Buffet upon return
To Make Your Reservations, Contact Zuddy DeRose (262) 886-3610 or Chip Mazurek
(262) 884-9868
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The Dates have been set for Family Picture Day
The 15 minute sessions are scheduled for:
Sunday, August 24, 2014 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 – 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 – 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 14, 2014 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
For Reservations Contact Dennis Porcaro by phoning (262) 884-9121 or emailing apprlservices@netscape.net
ENTRY BLANKS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE HALL OF HISTORY and on the WEB at
http://www.romalodge.com/events/mens-golf-tournament
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Don’t Miss Next Month – Saturday, August 9, 2014 – 7:00 am – 11:00 am
News from the Bocce Courts
LA PAGINA ITALIANA
News by and About Italy
a cura di Ralph “Raffaele” Annina
Bocce
Quando gli immigrati italiani hanno portato il gioco delle bocce negli Stati Uniti, lo sport è stato così radicato nella loro comunità che
il primo sindaco italiano-americano di New York, Fiorello La Guardia, ordinò che fossero costruiti campi da bocce pubblici nella sua
zona East Harlem. In questi giorni, bocce e' un gioco trasversale per linee etniche, genere ed età.
A New York, un folto numero di appartamenti e condomini di lusso stanno attirando affittuari e acquirenti con campi da bocce. Un
campo di bocce corretto deve essere piatto e di dimensioni 8-14 metri di larghezza e 60-91 metri di lunghezza. Per aggiungere
emozione al gioco, i progettisti bocce-set hanno creato palline di legno riciclato, palline rivestite in lacca e palle persino LED-illuminati.
When Italian emigrants brought bocce ball to U.S., the sport was so ingrained into their community that New York’s first ItalianAmerican mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, ordered public bocce courts to be created in his East Harlem neighborhood. These days, bocce
crosses ethnic, gender and age lines.
In New York, a number of upscale apartment and condo developments are luring renters and buyers with bocce courts. A proper
bocce court needs to be flat and level with dimensions from 8 to 14 feet wide and 60 to 91 feet long. To add excitement to the game,
bocce-set designers are creating balls made from recycled wood, balls coated in lacquer and even LED-lighted balls.
Source: Wall Street Journal June 20, 2014
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ROMA LODGE FUTURE MEMBERS
The future of Roma Lodge lies in our children and grandchildren. We would like to feature in the Newsletter as many Roma Lodge members and
their young sons and grandsons who could be future members of Roma Lodge. When we receive a sufficient number we also hope to display these
photos in our Members Dining Room hallway. Please consider emailing a jpg color photo of yourself with the future member, along with your name,
the name of the child or grandchild, his age and the year in which he will turn 21 years of age to Jerry Perona, gperona@wi.rr.com. You may also
place a color photo and information in the mail slot located in the door of the Roma Lodge Board Room.
If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Perona by email or telephone 262-632-9172 or Rick Bonanno 262-914-1509, ricokeno@yahoo.com
Five-year-old Carter Anzalone (left) of Milwaukee [son of Roma Lodge member Derrick Anzalone and grandson of John
Anzalone] plays a one-on-one soccer cage match with Jonathan Foersterling of Wauwatosa during the Lakefront Soccer fest at
Veterans Park in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Soccer Development Group presented the festival, which had a variety of activities for all
ages. A cage match is played in a small circular fenced area with a goal box on each side. Copyright June 16, 2014, Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel Inc.
Buon Compleanno e’ Tanti Auguri
Happy Birthday to our Roma Lodge Brothers Born in August
Aug 1
Aug 2
Aug 4
Aug 5
Aug 7
Aug8
Cesare Bosco
Attilio Cicchini
Mark Osmundsen
Steve Rawlinko
Richard Valin
William Greco
Dale Landree
Dennis Porcaro
Derek Anzalone
Troy Ruffalo
Leonard Carini
Jeff Chiapete
Anthony Lipari
Frank Matrise, Sr.
Aug 13 Stan Jurasewucz
Aug 15 Jeff Drettwan
Aug 16 Rosalbino Ammedola
Tom Lorenzini
Aug 17 Randy Evitts
Dennis Jalensky
Aug 18 Anthony Ferraro
Harry Perroni
William Ruffalo
Aug 19 Jack Ruffolo
Aug 20 Tom Catrine
Aug 21 Anthony Porcaro
Aug 22 Bill Rivers
Aug 23 Daniel Marami
Robert Pitts
Aug 25 Nicholas Bililllo
Aug 26 Frank Bisotti Jr
Aug 27 Louis (Lou) Ferraro
Robert Piccolo
Aug 28 Ralph Porcaro
Aug 30 Warrem Bradley
William Celeste
Aug 31 John Gehring
Compiled from the Roma Lodge Membership List – Doug Goebel , Membership Secretary
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ROMA LODGE AND VITTORIA COLONNA
WINNERS AT THE 4TH CELEBRATION
Joan Domanico, President of Vittoria Colonna, holds the Roma Lodge - Vittoria Colonna Float Award
The Bernard F. Magruder Trophy
Bernard F. Magruder 1895 – 1968
In early 1937, the mayor of Racine, Roy Spencer, in an attempt to neutralize the bitterness that the industrial community was
experiencing, organized the Goodwill Committee. Bernard Magruder was chosen as chairman of this 25 member group made up
of business and labor leaders.
The Goodwill Committee organized a celebration centered on the 4th of July. The event was a smashing success, far beyond
anyone’s expectations. At the follow-up meeting after the Fourth, Chairman Magruder suggested that the committee stay intact
and promote the Goodwill Celebration as an annual event. Some members balked at the idea, but Magruder’s plan prevailed.
Magruder left Racine in the late 1940s to join the faculty of Wayne State University in Detroit. He later moved to Washington,
D.C. where he was on the staff of the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement. Through the years, Magruder was an active
member of the American Legion, The Masons, the Elks and many other civic and professional organizations. He was also a master
bridge player, lecturer and teacher.
Magruder passed away on October 27, 1968. The Board of Directors of Fourth Fest of Greater Racine, Inc. had decided (belatedly)
to rename the President’s Trophy the Bernard F. Magruder Trophy beginning July 4, 2006.
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The volunteers and well-wishers accept the Parade Banner
From Left: Marco and Judy Perona, Jacob Haase, Anita Bonanno, Joe Povkovich, Joan Domanico, Rick Bonanno, Lisa
Graceffa, Zuddy DeRose, Nick Galis, and Joe Porcaro
2014 Roma Lodge and Vittoria Colonna Lodge Scholarship Recipients
Jacob Haase and Nick Galis
Claire Weyers and Amy Grycowski
It took hard work to create an award winning float
John Domanico, Sr. and Jr.
John Domanico
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The Completed Project
2014 Roma Lodge and Vittoria Colonna - 4th of July Float Participants
DAY OF PARADE
Sandy Herrera - Banner Holder
Max Herrera
- Banner Holder
Madeline Herrera - Banner Holder
Joe Porcaro - Driver
Zuddy DeRose - Rider
Don Cicero Rider
Rick Bonanno - Driver/President
Dennis Porcaro - Rider/Vice Pres.
Jacob Haase - Rider/Scholarship
Nicholas Galis - Rider/Scholarship
Joan Domanico - Rider/President
Lisa Graceffa - Driver/Vice Pres.
Amy Grycowski - Rider/Scholarship
Claire Weyers - Rider/Scholarship
Joe Povkovich - Driver
Anita Bonanno - Rider
Amber Olson - Rider/Bride
Judy Perona – Fan Club
Kyle Condroski - Rider/Groom
SUPPLIERS
Tony D'Alie Trailer
Mark Porcaro - F-150
Nick Maragos - Corvette
John Domanico, Jr. - Corvette
Rick Bonanno - Corvette
Connie Poffenberger -Gown/Tux
Rob Piccolo - RIWA-Signs
Steve Prochaska - Michael's Signs
Joe DeMatthew - Sound System
Frank Caruso - Photos
Jerry Perona - Photos
Bill Greer - Photography
Barb Schneider - Photography
Kelly Kudrna - Erickson Auto Trim
Garrett Meader - Motor Unit
Vicki Christensen - Application Advisor
Ron Gardina
- Judging Advisor
Pat Diem - Festival Signs
Tom Garbo – Festival Signs
FLOAT CONSTRUCTION
John Domanico, Sr. - Chief Engineer
Tina Gatzke- Designer/Construction
John Ruffalo - Electrician/Construction
Dennis Porcaro - Sound Engineer
Gina Graceffa - Construction
Sarah Graceffa - Construction
Charlie Domanico - Construction
Adam Lucarelli - Construction
Lisa Graceffa - Construction
John Domanico, Jr. - Construction
Bill Greer - Construction
Joan Domanico - Construction
Rick Bonanno - Construction
COMING EVENTS
Monday, September 1, 2014
Labor Day
Monday, September 8, 2014
Men’s Winter Bocce Leagues Begin
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, September 20, 2014
Family Picture Day
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Coffee and Cars
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Men’s Golf Tournament
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Family Picture Day
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Zuddy’s Special Buffet
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
First Day of Autumn
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Roma Lodge Calendar of Events
If you want to check on upcoming Roma Lodge events, the full year’s list of events is available on line at
http://www.romalodge.com/members/calendar.
Roma Lodge Newsletter Online Subscription
If you would like to receive an electronic version of the monthly Roma Lodge Newsletter (in full color) send your email address to
Jerry Perona at gperona@wi.rr.com and ask that you be added to the Roma Lodge Newsletter email list.
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 jfaraone@wi.rr.com.
Roma Lodge RIWA Hall Rentals
Do you have friends or acquaintances planning a wedding or other special event? They may not know that the Vittoria Hall and Roma
Hall are open to rental by the public. Have them contact the RIWA Office at 886-3610 for information on renting Racine’s most
prestigious banquet facility or visit http://romalodge.com and click on Roma Lodge Public Banquet Facilities. Remember Our
Members Can Be Our Best Advertisers!!!
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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)6571244 jfaraone@wi.rr.com 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
The Public is Welcome to
ROMA LODGE
CAFÉ VENERDI
Open Fridays 4:004:00-8:00 pm
Southwest Dental Group
ROMA LODGE
Racine’s Most Prestigious Banquet Facility
Receptions, Meetings, Parties
262-886-6286
Dr. Richard L. DeFurio
Dr. David L DeFurio
Dr. Stephen N. Norwich
2601 Taylor Ave 262-632-3156
www.sw-dental.com
The deadline for information for the September 2014 Newsletter is Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Comments and
suggestions and articles of interest to our members are welcome at gperona@wi.rr.com.
Jerry Perona,
Jerry Perona, Roma Lodge Secretary
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