COLUMBIA LODGE #1940

Columbia Lodge #1940 celebrated its 80th anniversary at the beautiful Peninsula Italian American Social Club in San Mateo and also honored long time member and State President Arlene Marcucci Nunziati.

One hundred twenty attendees were present and after the program danced to the great music of the Lou Franco Band.  In addition, a beautiful raffle was held with over 50 prizes.  Most people went home with at least one prize, and there was lots of excitement as the numbers were drawn.

President Angelo Fanucchi welcomed everyone and then introduced Mistress of Ceremony, Past State President and State Deputy of the lodge, Maria Fassio Pignati, who did a great job.

Introductions were made and representatives from the following organizations were in attendance: Cornelia-Vita Nuova, San Francisco, St. Helena, Watsonville, Cesare Battisti, Petaluma, Terry Anderlini from the Peninsula Italian American Social Club Scholarship Foundation and Past First Gent Ugo Pignati from the PIASC.  We were also happy to have Past State President Lynn Lawrence Murphy and Past First Gent Bill, Past State and National President Vera Ferrara Girolami and Past First Gent Judge Al with us.

State President Arlene presented pins and certificates to the 25 year members: Judy Steele, Amelia Varni (accepted by her mother Carol) and Emilio Nunziati (accepted by brother Lorenzo).

Pins and certificates were also presented to the 50 year members, James Nunziati and Linda Nunziati. Arlene Nunziati received a pin for her 72 years in the Order.

Many 25, 35 and 50 year members who were unable to attend were sent their certificates and pins.  A special 77 year certificate from the National Lodge was awarded to Andrea Sutter for her mother Frances who passed away a few weeks before the dinner.  National certificates and Grand Lodge certificates will also be awarded to Louise Ghiorzi for 75 years and to Elsa Lavezzo for 79 years. 

Arlene was introduced and spoke of her years in the Order and the local, state and National offices she has held.  She spoke of how her Mom was the first one in the family to join the organization and then her Dad followed.  The lodge has been very active in its 80 years, starting out having meetings in a member’s basement.  Arlene introduced her cousins, whose Grandmother, Eva Venturelli, was the first woman President of the Lodge.  Mario Marcucci was the first State Officer from the Lodge and the meetings were all held in Italian.  The lodge has been very active and has had Reno Trips, Toys for Tots, Christmas Parties, Pancake Breakfasts, Picnics, Banquets, Hawaiian Nights, Bowling, Bocce, Night at the Races, and a Softball Team and has always had representation at the conventions.  Many members have been elected to political positions in the County and State.  They have had State Officers, Committee and Commission Chairs, a State Queen and a National President.  Arlene is the first State President. If it was not for all of our hardworking members, past and present, we would not be where we are today.

Special presentations were made to Arlene by various friends and family members, and Cornelia-Vita Nuova President Jennifer De Palma Chandler presented President Angelo Fanucchi with a congratulatory check from her lodge members.

Thank you to all who attended to make our 80th anniversary a successful event!