OCTOBER 2021

President’s Message

October 1, 2021

As you are all aware, we are in full swing preparing for our Festa Italiana. The event will be held at St. Joseph Church’s Hall on October 8 & 9, 2021. The church address is 140 W Government Street, Pensacola, Florida.

We will begin our preparation and set up on October 7, 2021 at noon. Please remember that all hands on deck for this event.

Everyone’s efforts to help make this Festa Great has made me very proud. We all need a little fun in our lives. Please remember to remind all your friends that the Festa is quickly approaching.

I had the privilege of attending the Grand Lodge meeting on September 17 & 18 in Tampa, Florida. The Grand Lodge has given 5 scholarships for $2,000.00 each. All lodges in the State of Florida gave collectively around $50,000. The following funds were given to the State’s charities: Cooley’s Anemia $475, Autism $475, Alzheimer’s $475 and Cancer $650. The Grand Lodge presented a check to Wendy Johnson, representative for the American Cancer Society, a check in the amount of $10,000. Wendy was overcome with joy. Alice Russell, chairperson of the calendars said that there were 5 to 6 winners each month so far this year with July having 9 winners, and August had 16 winners. Ed Mottola, chairperson of the Italian Heritage Committee, reports that he is working very hard to get Italian lessons in our Florida schools. In the past the Grand Lodge has even funded individuals to become certified in teaching Italian.

The Grand Lodge of Florida is going to start virtual classes for officers to learn their duties. The first classes with be for financial secretaries of each lodge in the state of Florida. The dates will be announced later.

Anyone who doesn’t have a computer and wishes to receive the Floridian needs to give me their address to submit to State President Tony Cianciotta. President Tony also asked that he receive a complete list of all members at the end of the 4^th quarter.

I had a wonderful time at the State Convention representing our premier lodge, Buona Fortuna.

See everyone at the Festa Italiana.

Cordialmente,

President Patricia Russo

Buona Fortuna Lodge Calendar

Membership Information

Our next General Membership Meeting will be on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 6pm. It will be held in-person at St. Joseph’s Parish Center located at 140 W. Government St, Pensacola and visually through the Zoom video conferencing program. The Zoom link will be emailed to the membership the day before the meeting. A business meeting will follow at 7pm.

2021 lodge dues

Lodge dues are $45 per member for a year.
If you pay by check, please make the check payable to Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835.

Mail a check to
Sons & Daughters of Italy in America – Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835.
P.O. Box 12351, Pensacola, FL 32591.

Advertise in the Newsletter

The Newsletter Ad subscription cost is $36.00. See below under Newsletter Ads for more information. All current ads are up for renewal. Please send a check for $36 made out to Buona Fortuna Lodge and mailed to Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835. P.O. Box 12351, Pensacola, FL 32591.

Council Meetings

The first Thursday of every month at 6:00pm at Franco’s Italian Restaurant.

Grand Lodge

Be sure to visit our Florida Grand Lodge website and read The Floridian, the Grand Lodge’s quarterly newsletter.

Charities

The deadline for 2021 charity requests has passed. The charities we will be supporting will be announced soon.

Stay Abreast of our Activities on Social Media

Our updated Facebook and Instagram pages have lots of interesting cultural content, as well as updates on current happenings in Buona Fortuna. Follow us!

Lodge Committees

The current list of committees is located on the Buona Fortuna Officers page.

Buona Fortuna needs your participation. If you would like to join a committee, please contact President Russo.

Dates For Upcoming Events

You can visit our website calendar for all the year’s events at https://soibuonafortuna.org/home/buona-fortuna-calendar/

Festa Planning Meeting

Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 1 PM. Location: Mark DeNunzio’s home

Seafood Festival

September 24, 25, 26, 2021. Buona Fortuna will be cooking and serving our famous Shrimp Scampi at this year’s Seafood Festival.

Festa Italiana

October 8 and 9, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Parish Center. Members will receive posters and brochures to promote the Festa at the June meeting.

Lodge News

Buona Fortuna Delegates Patricia Russo, Dan Kaestle, Shayla Kaestle, Ginny Barberi and Vincent Tucei attended the 2021 Convention. Pictured is President Russo addressing the delegates.

Lodge Contact Information

Sons & Daughters of Italy in America – Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835. P.O. Box 12351, Pensacola, FL 32591.

Email us!

Remember Those Who Are Ill

Vera Fricano
Joyce Russo Bollenbacher
Marsha Mirra
Giovanni Mirra

October Birthdays

Thomas Bollenbacher
Nancy Colalillo
Monica Mortara
Gary Reid
Brian Rupert
Susan Shehadi
Gene Valentino
Maureen Valentino
Tod Wilson

Italian Cookbook For Sale

Preserving Our Italian Heritage. Cost per book $15.00. Great gift for Birthdays, Weddings, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.

Grand Lodge 2021 Calendar For Sale

Calendars are available to purchase, and the program is part of the Cash Three-Evening Florida Lottery Program. Prizes range from $100.00 to Special Holiday prizes for up to $1000.00. You may purchase a calendar at the General Membership Meeting at a reduced price of $25. Checks should be made out to the Grand Lodge of Florida for $25. Or mail to Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835. P.O. Box 12351, Pensacola, FL 32591. Attention: Patti Russo.

Newsletter Article Deadline

The newsletter is published monthly on the first day of the month. The deadline to submit information is the 30th of the previous month. Submit all information to the newsletter editor.