Italian American Heritage Month Is Here!

Who is your favorite Italian American in history? Whether it be an athlete (Joe DiMaggio), founding father (William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence), actor (Robert Di Niro), singer (John Francis Bongiovi Jr. aka Jon Bon Jovi), scientist (Enrico Fermi, father of nuclear science in America), explorer (Amerigo Vespucci who our continent is named after), saint (Mother Cabrini) or author (Mario Puzo), there are many to choose from.

Members of the Wakefield Lodge of the Sons & Daughters of Italy have extra reason to celebrate in October because it is Italian American Heritage month. At our recent meeting, we celebrated by listening to the poem “I Am an Italian American” written by Angelo Bianchi, and read by Orator Debbie Tremblay. After that, we enjoyed a wonderful meal from Charlie’s on Main of Stoneham (now on Montvale Ave.) We also held a pasta and sauce drive for the Wakefield Food Pantry as part of our celebration.

Planning has begun for our Charity Auction event. Save the date – Friday, April 25, 2025. It will be held again at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Wakefield. If you are a local business who would like to donate a gift or gift certificate to the event, please contact sharrun19@yahoo.com. All donations are appreciated. As a result of our fundraising efforts, we were able to donate to several of our favorite charities recently. These charities included Inspire Café, the Wakefield Food Pantry, Wakefield Council of Clubs, North Star Realtors Christmas Toy Drive, and the Wilmington Rotary Scholarship. Be on the lookout for more details about the auction!

We were very disappointed with the uncertain weather for Wakefield Town Day. As a result, we did not participate this year. We are hopeful that won’t be the case next year, and we can have our photo booth and raffle then. Fortunately, the weather cooperated for the Lodge’s visit to Smolak Farms for a hayride, apple picking and fall fun. This month, some members will meet up at local favorite, Laurie’s 9:09 Neighborhood Pub for “Appy Hour.” In November, they will repeat a potluck ‘Lodgegiving’ again.

Meetings are open to anyone from Wakefield and surrounding towns who are interested in possibly joining our Lodge. Be sure to check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wakefieldOSIA . Remember, if you want to speak with someone about the Lodge, contact President Paula at wakefieldosia@gmail.com.