On Monday evening, April 16, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, members of Albert Bilotti Lodge and guests celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Mesa chapter’s founding with a dinner at Salerno’s Restaurant, in Gilbert.
National President of Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vera Ferrari Girolami, the featured speaker, spoke about the importance of fellowship, enjoying and sharing our Italian-American culture and being part of the community. Mesa Vice Mayor David Luna was on hand to give a short talk and greet the members with congratulations on this occasion. Agostino Figurelli entertained everyone with familiar Italian music, such as Volare, An Evening in Roma and That’s Amore, played on his accordion.
The Albert Bilotti Lodge 2540, one of four chapters in Arizona, was established in Mesa in 1983. Marianne De Palma is the president of the Mesa lodge. Members live in East Valley cities, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, San Tan Valley and Payson.
Membership in the Albert Bilotti Lodge is open to anyone who is Italian, Italian-American or who enjoys being with us. There is a dinner meeting most months of the year, with many special activities at other times.
“We’re looking for members of Italian heritage to come celebrate generations of rich culture and who also can share their experiences with younger generations,” said Marianne.
In the past year, we had a cooking class on how to make Italian sausage. In the fall, we will learn about eggplant recipes, including caponata and the accompaniment panelle.
What we enjoy the most is celebrating Italian holidays, including La Pasquetta (Easter Monday), La Befana (Jan. 6) and Ferrogosta (in August) among others, as well as sharing traditions or customs of our families, which they brought from many different areas of Italy. We also have had excursions to an Arizona Diamondbacks game and St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery, in Florence.
A colazione (Italian breakfast) is planned for Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m. Those interested in learning about the Albert Bilotti Lodge membership are invited to attend. For more information, or to sign up, please email us by Monday, May 14, at BilottiLodge@yahoo.com.
To get in touch with us, call (480) 830-2998, or visit Facebook at Albert Bilotti Lodge.