The Vittoria Lodge held its annual dinner on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at the lodge hall. Before a delicious meal of pasta and chicken was served, lodge president Jim Forneris completed the hall remodeling project by attaching the last piece of trim. The meal was followed by a program which included a review of the successful year by Jim and auxiliary president Julie Jennings. Outgoing auxiliary president Mary Ladurini was also presented with a bouquet of flowers in honor of her many years of service to the group.
Vittoria Lodge Auxiliary President Mary Ladurini was honored at the group’s May meeting for her 26 years of service as president of the auxiliary. Julie Jennings will be replacing Mary as president.
Other officers and trustees elected at the May meeting include: Vice-President – Kathy Lickteig, Secretary – Judy Grant, Treasurer – Kim Magnani, Sgt. of Arms – Norma Fousak, and Interpreter – Della Stefani.
Trustees elected include: Tina Battani, Betty Bimbvi, Mary Ladurini, Sarah Mahnani, and Freda Prati. Alternate trustees elected were: Darlene Cross, Della Stefani, and Mary Tonini.
Over the past two months, members of the Vittoria Lodge have been hard at work remodelling the main hall of the lodge building. New walls, ceiling and lighting are the highlight of the project. The panoramic photos below are courtesy of member Rick Hutcheson. If you are interested in using the hall for your event, please see our Lodge Building Usage page for more information.
Santa stopped to pay a visit to the Vittoria Lodge on Sunday, December 13th, where coincidentally lodge members and their children/grandchildren were enjoying a potluck dinner. After a hearty meal and some quality time with Santa, members headed to the Italian American Cultural Center to participate in the Santa Lucia activities. Here are some photos of Santa updating his list with some good boys and girls.
The Vittoria Lodge extends its sympathy to the family of longtime member Joe Romitti. Joseph John “Joe” Romitti, 88, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Madrid Home.
Joe was born on September 9, 1921 in Zook Spur, Iowa to Virginio and Assunta Milani Romitti. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1946. During this time, he was an interpreter for the Italian Prisoners of War who were sent to various camps throughout the Midwest. On February 7, 1953, Joe married Dora Theresa Pagliai in Madrid, Iowa, and to this union three children were born, John, Mary and Paul.
Joe was employed as a production scheduler with John Deere Co. for nearly 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Ankeny Knights of Columbus Council 5038; Vittoria Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, Madrid VFW Post 5060, Madrid Garden Club and the Madrid Historical Society.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Dora Romitti of Madrid, three children, John S. (Kathy) Romitti and Mary C. Romitti both of Madrid and Dr. Paul A. (Roberta) Romitti of Marion, Iowa; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Lily. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, where a parish scripture service will begin at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, in Madrid, of which he was a member. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, south of Madrid.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Malachy’s Catholic Church or the Madrid Public Library.
A large group of Vittoria Lodge members and their families met on September 20 to share a polenta meal. Although the polenta production got off to a slow start, there were eventually too many cooks in the kitchen and plenty of polenta toppings and desserts to be served. In the end, everyone enjoyed great food, wonderful conversations, and left with a belly full of warm polenta.
As promised, Teresa Caracci is happy to share the recipe for the Lemon Almond Cake that quickly disappeared. See below or click here for an Adobe pdf version for printing.
Lemon Almond Cake
1 package lemon cake mix
1 cup almond paste
1 cup sugar
Mix cake mix according to directions. Mix almond paste and sugar together to a cornmeal consistency. In a greased 9 X 13-inch pan, pour half the cake mix and then half of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Add the rest of the cake mix, and then top with the rest of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve as is.
Teresa buys her almond paste in Pella, but she says that you can buy Solo brand almond paste at most of the groceries in Des Moines.
The annual Vittoria Lodge Corn Feed was held on August 30, 2009. Although it was a rather cool day for August, the weather didn’t deter a large group from attending. The lodge furnished the hot dogs, brats, beverages, and plenty of Iowa sweet corn, while the attendees brought a variety of side dishes, desserts, and wine.
Photos from the 2006 – 2008 Annual Vittoria Lodge Dinner are now available on Picassa online. You may access them by clicking here or on the photos below.
