L'Italo-Americano

THURS DAY,   JANUARY  31,   2013 L'Italo-Americano PAGE  17 The Richmond Galileo Club SAN FRANCISCO - A few days ago L'Italo-Americano received a letter from one of its readers, suggesting interesting information about a historic institution located East of San Francisco: The Richmond Galileo Club. The Galileo Club is affiliated with the Italian American Federation of the East Bay, and continues to serve the community since 1933. The Club has recently undergone a remodeling, one that enhances its Italian roots. Here's the letter submitted by our fan R. Vannucci: "Immigrant of Italian descent found Richmond, California, to be a prosperous opportunity to re-direct their lives. They left their country of birth to seek a better life that was available to them. Traveling by various means, each sought the possibility of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, so promised on our founding documents. Italian seeking any work, found Richmond, ripe with harvest. Several major industries had established themselves on the West Coast to gather advantages in trade, and service. Railroads, oil refineries, raw materials, agricultural products, automobiles, aircraft, etc. all needed additional hand to manufacture these goods and services. Italians were among the Club Room Interior Wall, Italian Countryside many allowed to immigrate here justifying these jobs. With the security of work in place, these laborers began to gather together seeking happiness. The Richmond Galileo Club initially an informal gathering, established an official charter on March 2, 1933. With the security of the property on the corner of Virginia and 23rd street, the first club house was built. The remnants of the original structure can still be seen from the exterior. Afterwards, as monies and material flowed in, additions were made to accommodate the Main Entrance of Richmond Galileo Club increasing membership. Our signature edifice, at the above intersection was completed in 1939. Other additions were made later to include boccie ball courts, kitchen and dining hall. The clubhouse is the anchor of hospitality for family and friends and has a place in the history of the city of Richmond. Many persons and organizations have utilized our fine locations for meeting, dances, parties and political fundraisers. The organization began as a man's social club, a safe harbor where to speak their native tongue and network with each other. With the strong growth in membership it became clear that a women' auxiliary was needed. Thus, in 1938 a formal charter was drafted establishing the Richmond Galileo Club Ladies Auxiliary. Our women have contributed greatly towards the success and endurance of this establishment. Together the membership is more than 350 individuals. Some families have now third and fourth generations ItalianAmerican as members. It now celebrates 75 plus wonderful years as an asset to Richmond, and the heritage of strong families values continues to be the foundation for its future. Strong leadership has contributed time and money towards scholarships, Christmas toy drivers, cultural preservation, and goodwill. It is integrated into Richmond's diverse history and wish to continues towards its future success". Avanti con anima Richard Vannucci CONSOLATO GENERALE D'ITALIA SAN FRANCISCO Console Generale: Mauro Battocchi Segreteria: Anna Clara Maselli (segr.sanfrancisco@esteri.it) 2590 Webster StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115 Telefono: (415) 292-9200 Fax: (415) 931-7205 E-mail: it.sanfrancisco@esteri.it ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI CULTURA Direttore: Paolo Barlera 814 Montgomery Street San Francisco, California 94133 Tel.: 415 788 7142 Fax: 1 415 788 6389 Email: contact.sanfrancisco@ esteri.it COM.IT.ES. - COMITATO DEGLI ITALIANI ALL'ESTERO President: Romana Bracco 870 Market Street, Suite 815San Francisco, CA 94102 Telephone: (415) 398-5312 Fax: (415) 398-3345 Email: SanFranComites@aol.com MUSEO ITALO AMERICANO Managing Director: Paula Bagnatori 204 Bay St # C, San Francisco, CA(415) 673-2200 Phone: (415) 673-2200 Fax: (415) 673-2292 E-mail: sfmuseo@sbcglobal.net ITALIAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO Manager: Julie Clima 25 Russia Ave.San Francisco, CA 94112 Phone: 415.585.8059 Fax: 415.585.8060 Email: info@iascsf.com SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN ATHLETIC CLUB President: Al Cipollina Administrator: Rich Baldoni-Denney 1630 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94133 General Information: (415) 781-0165 Fax: (415) 781-0167 Office: (415) 781-0166 (Office hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F, Pacific Time), email: administration@sfiac.org ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA State President: Maria Fassio Pignati State Recording Secretary: Arlene Nunziati (Rlene49@pacbell.net) 5051 Mission Street San Francisco, California 94112-3473 Phone: (415) 586-1316 Fax:(415) 586-4786 Email: sonsofitalyca@aol.com IL CENACOLO - ITALIAN CULTURAL CLUB President: Jim Boitano Membership Chair: Ronald Derenzi (membri@ilcenacolosf.org) Post Office Box 475119 San Francisco, CA 94147-5119 Email ilpresidente@ilcenacolosf.org ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION President: Ken Borelli 425 No. Fourth StreetSan Jose, CA 95112www.iahfsj.org Phone: 408-293-7122. Fax: 408-293-7154. Facebook: Italian American Heritage Foundation ITALIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES President: Luigi E. Pinotti Executive Director: Anna Maria Pierini (ampierini @italiancs.com) 678 Green Street, San Francisco, Ca 94133 Tel. (415)362-6423 Fax (415) 362-6423 E-mail info@italiancs.com - www.italiancommunityservices.org

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