Several members of the Vittoria Lodge Auxiliary gathered to make guanti desserts for the annual dinner to be held on June 12, 2011. Below is a slideshow of pictures from this fun-filled day.
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Giuseppe “Joe” Milani, Oldest Vittoria Lodge Member Passes Away
Giuseppe “Joe ” Milani was born October 16, 1915, in Cargedolo, Italy. He was one of seven children born to Amerigo and Clotilde Milani. He married Domenica Balducchi on September 19, 1945. Eleven years later he left his homeland for America, to provide greater opportunities for his family. He settled in Madrid, Iowa.
Joe became a U. S. citizen on September 3, 1968. He was a faithful member of St. Malachys Catholic Church. He was a WW ll Veteran and the oldest member of the Societa Vittoria Italiana of Des Moines, Iowa. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather and lived for his family. A bricklayer by trade he loved making and building things. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and telling stories. Even though he was physically in the United States, his mind, spirit, and soul were always revisiting his beloved Italian countryside of his homeland. Giuseppe “Nonno” died at The Sanctuary At The Shore in Grand Haven, Michigan on January 29, 2011.
He is survived by his children, Clotilde “Tilda” Thompson and husband Chuck of Ames, Ia. , Rico Milani and wife Julie of Commerce Township, Michigan, and Rose Perrier and husband Brent of Grand Haven, Michigan; 12 grandchildren, Rita, Rebecca, Michelle, Michael, Nic, Maggie, Tina, Elizabeth, Alexandra, Anthony, Anna Rose, and Olivia; 2 greatgrandchildren Ethan and Lucy. Two sisters Diva Cervetti of Italy, and Sophia Battani of Waukee, Ia. and many nieces and nephews.
Giuseppe was preceded into eternal life by his wife of 60 years Domenica, his parents, and daughter Rena Krug, his brothers Armando and Sivio, his sisters Oliva and Rosa.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday , February 5, 2011, at 10:30 am at St. Malachys Catholic Church in Madrid, Iowa, with burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery south of Madrid.
Vittoria Lodge Members Attend Dinner with Culture
On Sunday, November 7, 2010, several members of the Vittoria Lodge and auxiliary attended a “Dinner with Culture” event at the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa. A presentation on Christmas in Italy was presented by the cultural center, folowed by a delicious dinner prepared by Tony Lemmo of Cafe di Scala. Below are photos from the event.
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Vittoria Lodge Makes Large Donation to Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa
At the annual Columbus Day Dinner presented by the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, President Jim Forneris of the Vittoria Lodge presented a $7,500 donation to the Cultural Center to be used as a payment on the principal of the Cultural Center’s mortgage.
The donation came from the proceeds earned by the Vittoria Lodge’s efforts at this year’s Italian American Heritage Festival of Iowa.
In appreciation for their donation, the Cultural Center sent a cake and a letter of thanks to the Vittoria Lodge at their October meeting.
Vittoria Lodge Participates in Viva L’Italia Festival
Members of the Vittoria Lodge contributed many hours of volunteer work in the planning and execution of this year’s Italian American Heritage Festival of Iowa. The women of the auxilliary also worked in the Vittoria Lodge food booth selling biscotti, guanti, and Blue Bunny ice cream. Proceeds from the festival food booth went towards the Vittoria Lodge Scholarship fund. Below is a slideshow of photos from the food booth. Thanks to all who volunteered!
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Vittoria Lodge Auxiliary Bake Biscotti for Viva L’Italia Festival
The women of the Vittoria Lodge Auxiliary held a marathon biscotti baking session on Saturday, July 10 to bake biscotti to sell a the Viva L’Italia festival. They worked hard and accomplished a lot of biscotti. Below is a slideshow of a lot of fun in the kitchen!
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2010 Annual Dinner
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.
Photos of this year’s event can be viewed in the Vittoria Lodge Photo Albums.
Here are a few previews:
Auxiliary President Mary Ladurini Honored for 26 Years of Service
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.
2009 Annual Dinner Photos
Vittoria Lodge Members Complete Hall Renovation
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.
