2 We gather this evening to mark the 95th Anniversary of La Nuova Sicilia Unita and to celebrate in the company of our beloved brothers and sisters. October 12, 2018 La Nuova Sicilia Unita October 9, 2018 La Nuova Sicilia Unita Founded October 9, 1923
3 4 The History of La Nuova Sicilia Unita October 9, 1923 the Tampa lodge was named La Nuova Sicilia and headquartered in a building on the corner of 12 th Avenue and 19 th Street in Ybor City. Paolo Pizzo was the founder and first venerable. The lodge rented the second floor of a building across from the Centro Espanol on 16 th Street until that building was sold. Subsequent meetings were held wherever space was available, such as at the Italian Club and the American Legion on 12 th Street. From 1925-1935, the economy took a turn for the worse. La Nuova Sicilia joined with three other established organizations and the La Gaceta Newspaper to borrow $30,000 from Jefferson Insurance Company. With that money, a building was constructed on the corner of 10 th Avenue and 15 th Street. By 1940, La Gaceta occupied the ground floor and the three lodges had individual offices on the second floor, which allowed for the use of a dance hall. Each tenant had monthly payments to make on their portion of the loan in accordance with the amount of space they occupied. After eight years of this arrangement, the tenants found it difficult to continue with their monthly payments and one by one each tenant was forced to vacate. Program Nick V. Capitano, president of La Nuova Sicilia Unita, presiding 6 p.m. Cocktails, hors d oeuvres 7 p.m. DINNER: The National Anthems and Grace THE MENU: Lasagna, sausage & peppers, salad, bread, sheet cake or fresh fruit and beverages (Continued on page 6)
5 6 The History of La Nuova Sicilia Unita (continued from page 3) 8 p.m. GUEST SPEAKER: Carolyn Cianciotta, president, Grand Lodge of Florida 8:30 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT: Italian Opera Sung by Andrew Arena and Dino DiLiberti In 1949, the lodge bought a two-story wooden building on Taliaferro Street. It was behind the then George Washington Junior High School. It was here that the wives and daughters of the all-male membership of La Nuova Sicilia organized their own lodge La Rosa di Sicilia. The women held many social functions, including weddings, picnics and dances. The picnics were held in Nistal Park and Coluna Park (now Drew Park) and Rocky Point. The lodge stayed at the Taliaferro location for almost 15 years but then the state bought the property for the I-75 Expressway. The lodge reached an agreement with the Unita Lodge #2015, which had a building on Howard Avenue, to hold its meetings. Later, Unita Lodge sold the building and with La Nuova Sicilia Lodge bought a parcel of land on Lemon Street, which would accommodate a building and adequate parking. A new building was erected and both lodges moved in. They had equal ownership of the building but were separate in their operations of their lodges. In 1968, La Nuova Sicilia Lodge merged with La Rosa di Sicilia lodge. There was a marked improvement in membership and meeting attendance because the women were attending the meetings with their husbands. (Continued on page 7)
7 8 Ain t We Got Fun! The History of La Nuova Sicilia Unita (continued from page 6) On October 5, 1953, the Grand Lodge of Florida was formed. The first grand venerable of the grand lodge was Alessi Demmi who was the second venerable of La Nuova Sicilia Lodge. During this period, La Nuova Sicilia Lodge became the largest lodge in Florida. Whether it s a Columbus Day pageant, a Cinco de Mayo dance or just playing bocce, La Nuova Sicilia Unita members know how to have fun. From left: Violet Teston, president of Columbus Day Celebration; Julia Cuevas, junior queen; Jane Castor, retired Tampa Police Chief; Kaitlyn Vega, the reigning queen. The former venerable of La Rosa di Sicilia, Grace S. Campisi, was elected grand venerable of the Grand Lodge of Florida, the first woman grand venerable in the history of the Order Sons of Italy in America. In 2001, La Nuova Sicilia and Unita Lodge merged and formed La Nuova Sicilia Unita Lodge. Clowning around at the Cinco de Mayo dance are from left (back), Cathy Esposito, Fred Vasconi, Sam Schiavone, Agnes Pompeo. Front, Tony Ligori and Mimi Pike. Playing bocce is Nelson Ligori and cheering him on is from left: Bill Liles, Rose Marie Giovenco, Carol Guggino, Geraldine Clemons and Nick Capitano. La Nuova Sicilia Unita lodge at 3315 West Lemon Street, Tampa
9 10 Forty-four members and guests took a bus trip to Biloxi, MS, in September. Our Venerables/Presidents The term venerable was changed to president in 1979 Our Newest Members: Indoctrinated on September 26, 2019, are, from left, David Steen, Marlene and Jim Sacarello, Martin and Jeanette Johnson. Paolo Pizzo Alessi Demmi Daniel DiBona Julio Cacciatore Paolo Longo Vincenzo Guastella Ingazio Midulla Agosto Fox Vincenzo Cannella John S. Adomo Joe P. Maniscalco Pietro Albano Victor S. Campisi James V. Cavaleri Frank S. Settecasi Charles Cagno Grace Campisi Walter Romeo 2018 Scholarship winners are flanked by President Nick Capitano (left) and Grand Lodge President Carolyn Cianciotta. The scholarship winners are: Andrew James Janis, Gage Morgan, Natalie Bellucia and Michelle Ferlita. Not pictured is Dominique Stackhouse. Vincenzo Maggio Antonio Congilio Guiseppe Maniscalco Joe Cagnina Jr. Frank P. Settecasi Frank V. Castellano Al Greco Frank Filocco Darlene Frisco Nick V. Capitano
11 12 The Council of La Nuova Sicilia Unita President: Nick V. Capitano Vice President: Al Greco Immediate Past President: Darlene Frisco Orator: Jim Pullara Recording Secretary: Joyce Peeples Financial Secretary: Yolanda Menendez Treasurer: Paul Milana Trustees: Carmen Galanos, Angela Genco, Carol Guggino, Nelson Ligori, Lucy Milana, Fred Perez, Josie Rodriguez Master/Mistress of Ceremony: Fred Vasconi, Marie Leggett Guard: Sam Schiavone Arbitrators: Geraldine Clemons, Rose Marie Giovenco, Don Leggett, William Liles, Josephine Morales From left, top row: Josie Rodriguez, Sam Schiavone, Lucy Milana, Fred Perez, Angela Genco, Nelson Ligori, Patty Galanos, Carl Guggino, Joyce Peeples, Paul Milana, Marie Leggett. From Left, bottom row: Yolanda Menendez, Darlene Frisco, Nick Capitano, Al Grecco, Jim Pulara. Not pictured: Fred Vasconi 3315 West Lemon Street, Tampa, FL 33609. Tele: 813-870-1805