Saddleback Valley Lodge #2566

Saddleback Lodge has been very active with a lot of fun activities in the past two months. In September we had a fish fry which was organized by Al Trentini and our staff Gourmet chef and culinary expert, Joe Collora.

In October we had our taco night. This fun event was replete with a taco man, Mexican costumes, decorations and music. The affair was organized by Pat Dito and Theresa Vinciguerra. Andrea Palombo-Carpenter even brought a pinata stuffed with nummy candy. Theresa found an excellent taco man who made sure we had enough to eat. Thanks to all our members who brought desserts and salads. Decorations were by Bernie and Kerry.

Our November Meeting was a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. A heartfelt thanks to Michelle and Hank for organizing this one! Although it was a catered affair, many members brought desserts. Admission was a toy for “Toys for Tots”, the US Marine organization dedicated to giving children a happy Christmas.

Mary Ruiz’s daughter, Debra, arranged to have wine tasting at our Thanksgiving meeting. She is associated with Scout & Cellar, a company dedicated to providing natural wines, without added sugars and synthetic chemicals, from around the world. She explained the subtleties of various wines, grapes and locales. I think we all learned a lot.

We also had speaker Eliz Hendershot from WISEPlace speak about how they help homeless women get back on track with a safe shelter, counseling, health services and employment assistance.

Saddleback Valley Lodge President, on behalf of the lodge members presented a $350.00 donation.

We are all looking forward to next month’s Christmas Luncheon and are eagerly anticipating the fun meeting and outing we have planned for next year.