Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #1534

Felice anno nuovo!
We had a fun and successful 2022. Great attendance at all our monthly dinner meetings and a sold out crowd for our big fundraiser. We have initiated several new members and have a new President this coming year. We are still looking for a new financial secretary to fill Madeleine Zunino’s position as she has been doing it for many, many years. We gave away scholarships to some wonderful young adults and gave to our chosen charities.

At the end of June, Dawn Romero, Hugh and Pamela Ricci, and Ken and Barbara Wisniewski attended the Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim. President, Barbara, did a great job and all of us at our Lodge are proud she is our State President.

In August we had our annual picnic at Idlewild Park. We had a great turn out, the weather was perfect, and everyone had a great time with the Salami Toss and Corn Hole games. The food was traditional Italian sausage & peppers and sides by the members.

In September we had a really wonderful presentation from Lorena and Marco, the owners of Bella Italia, a great little Italian import store in Reno. They brought some of their most popular items and explained the importance of good pasta, good sauce, and good canned tomatoes. They shared many of their wonderful Italian ingredients with us.

In October we nominated our officers. All positions were open and we were hoping for some new blood. The Eldorado Italian Festival was also in October. Our Lodge had their sauce booth manned by Barbara Wisniewski and her crew. The Bonaldi/Ricci’s had their sauce booth as well as Chef Joe Eidem and we enjoyed a wonderful day with many, many people tasting our sauces. Also the Washoe County Commissioner’s officially declared October Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month and presented our State President, Barbara, with a Proclamation. We initiated 7 new members this month and welcomed them with open arms.

November is our Community Giving Month. This year we again gave to Awaken which helps youth who are caught in sex trafficking, and Honor Flight Nevada which sends Veterans to visit Washington, DC to see their memorials. Our President, Pamela Ricci, presented these organizations with checks to help their really wonderful causes. We also voted and elected our new officers for the 2023-2025 years. We are glad to have some new people in office but still desperately need a financial secretary.

December was our annual Christmas party at the Elks. Of course, Santa came and gave presents to all the children. Antonio Ricci, Frank Picone and their crew all made and served a fabulous Christmas dinner for us. We enjoyed everyone’s company, the great food and the excitement and smiles on the children’s faces anticipating Santa’s arrival.  Sam Olson headed our raffle. Dawn Romero sold the tickets, Silvana Ricci helped pick the tickets, and Andrew & Matthew Moore helped give out the raffle prizes. Many won some fun and wonderful prizes.

We are happy and blessed for a great 2022 and look forward to some new and exciting things in 2023.

Thank you for reading about our Lodge. Tanti auguri di buon anno! (Many wishes for a good year).

Please visit our Face book page at Reno Sons of Italy and our website for more information: www.renosonsofitaly.org. Learn more about our Lodge, your Italian heritage and upcoming events.