​We welcome October - our month. The month we proudly celebrate our Italian Heritage. The month we honor everything that our culture has given us - from rich traditions and values to the food, music, art, and deep sense of family that define who we are. Although I was not born in Italy, as some of you may have been - like our Lodge’s two Vice Presi dents, Brother Gerardo Filippone and Brother Andrew Illiano - I am a proud first-generation Italian American. My parents instilled in me and my sisters the importance of tradition and the deep pride in our roots. They taught us that while we are American citizens, living in this great country, we must never forget that our culture and heritage came from one of the most beautiful countries in the world - La Bella Italia. This month, we celebrate not only Christopher Columbus and his historic journey, but also the incredible contributions of Italian Americans to this great nation. Did you know Italians helped shape everyday American life? The Jacuzzi - invented by Candido Jacuzzi, The Zamboni - created by Frank Zamboni, The Big Mac, Buffalo Wings, Oreo cream filling, and Tropicana Orange Juice - all with Italian American roots! Italian hands helped build the Capitol Dome, Lincoln Memorial, and even Mount Rushmore. Here's a beautiful piece of history: The very first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was put up by Italian construction workers during the Great Depression. It was purchased with money raised by Cesidio Perruzza, from San Donato Val di Comino - the same town where my parents were born. This October, we honor our culture, traditions, and heritage - and the Italian spirit that continues to inspire.

Upcoming Events • Our Italian Heritage Lodge Celebration - Tuesday October 21st at 7:00 PM. YOU MUST RSVP for this event. A Light Collation with Desserts will be served. Again, you must RSVP. This is a must!! Please be prompt as I would like to start this meeting as close to 7:00 PM as posable. • The Long Island Columbus Day Parade in Deer Park Long Island on Saturday October 11th 1:00PM starting at the Lake Ave Firehouse in Deer Park. We are trying to come up with a group from our lodge to march in this parade. If you would like to march, please contact me. *Columbus Day celebration and Parade on Columbus Day Monday October 13th in Manhattan. *November 18 – General Meeting & Food Drive along with small personal items. At this meeting, we will be collecting non-perishable food items and personal items like gloves, shirts and puzzle books for our yearly donation to Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook. Please consider bringing a contribution to help support those in need within our community. Also, if you can acquire copy-paper boxes with their tops please bring them to the meeting. They will be used to box the food items. Please note: Annual dues are increasing by $10, bringing the new total to $50 per year. Your dues form is included in this newsletter mailing, so please don’t delay in submitting your payment. Timely payments help keep our organization running smoothly. Note: Please be sure to check the newsletter calendar for a complete list of upcoming events. Each month brings something new, and as we continue to adjust and update our schedule, the calendar will keep you informed and up to date. Don’t miss out on what’s ahead!

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Fraternally,
 

​​Robert