L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015 www.italoamericano.org 15 L'Italo-Americano D ear Readers, The Peninsula Italia American Social Club of San Mateo, California, a veritable "hotbed" of Italianità, with many long-time loyal L'Italo-Americano subscribers among its 800 members, traces its origin back to the 1930's but has focused on the future with an ever expanding scholarship program for graduating High School Seniors of Italian descent. Grazie to Rudy Bertolozzi, president and Scholarship chair, I can share this with you: In 1934, a group of Italian American residents of San Mateo, under the leadership of Frank Lodato, a prominent businessman and active Democrat, joined together to form a social club for members of the Italian American community. The club became known as the New Deal Italian- American Federation of San Mateo, California. The selection of the name was influenced by the newly inaugurated national social program known as the New Deal and the first president of the club, the aforementioned Frank Lodato. *** In the early years the meetings and social events of the Club were held in the homes of members. Several of them had homes with a full basement on the ground floor with the living quarters above. The basements provided suitable quarters for the meetings and social events. By 1940, the club leased a building located at the corner of Second Avenue and Railroad in San Mateo. The premises were remodeled and used for club meetings and social events for its growing membership. The members of the club were all very dedicated and enthusiastically supported the activities of the group. Many social functions were sponsored for the enjoyment of the members and their families. The club prospered and its membership continued to increase. In 1941 the club was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and its name changed to the New Deal Civic Club of San Mateo. In1941 the club purchased the real property on B Street now occupied by the Peninsula Italian American Social Club. The premises had been vacated by the Ford Automobile Agency, then operated by Fred E. Beer. The membership immediately embarked on a major remodeling of the building to adapt it to the needs of the club. Upon completion of the remodeling in 1942, the club held an aggressive membership drive which culminated in a gala and very impressive inaugural celebration in February 1942. The festivities included an open house, a Grand Ball, Dedication Ceremonies and Queen Coronation where Mafalda Facchini reigned as Queen of the festivities. The continued growth and outstanding accomplishments of the club has been due in great measure to the unselfish and untiring efforts of many of its members who for many years most willingly contributed their time and talent to perform the many tasks essential to build and maintain the club. As time went on, the club underwent further remodeling and embellishment. Such changes included updating of its front and back bars, remodeling of its bathrooms and beautification of its main hall and patio area. The club also has two beautiful indoor bocce courts, as well as access to four outdoor courts, for the enjoyment of the members, their spouses and friends. The club hosts several important Bocce tournaments during the year. Some club members are very good bocce players and can be found playing almost daily on the bocce courts. To be a member one must be of Italian descent or be married to a spouse who is of Italian descent. The club has approximately 800 members and has been in operation since 1934 and incorporated in California in 1941. There are many Italian- Americans on the San Francisco peninsula and many of them are delighted to come to San Mateo for their social activities travel to San Francisco or San Jose. More Info: Peninsula Italian American Social Club, 100 North B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401 www.pscsf.org. *** The Peninsula Social Club Scholarship Foundation president, Rudy Bertolozzi, reports that after a successful year of fundraising and added support from members of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club, the San Mateo Countries Columbus Day Heritage Committee, the PIASC's soccer players "Goals for Grads" program and three donors of scholarships were able to give sixteen $1,000 scholarships to graduating High School Seniors of Italian descent this year. The three founded scholarships were donated by the Peter and Paula Uccelli Fondation (for the 6th year), Frank and Diane Pitre and Joseph and Marjorie Giordano in memory of Marie Perelli, Marjorie's mother. All recipients were evaluated not just for their grades but community service, school participation and letters of recommendations. The following individuals received scholarships; Peter Campana (Serra high School), Rachelle Carlevaris (Notre Dame high School), Sabrina Clark (St, Francis High School), Alessandro Di Modica (Sacred Heart Cathedral), Alessandro Di Paola (Calmont High School), Juliette Dito (Burlingame High School), Francesca Faoro (Mercy High School) Adriana Ghiozzi (Caronbolet High School), Chase Garcia (Serra High School), Victoria Grech (Terra Nova High School), Christina Hanson (Hillsdale High School) Virgina Nichilo (Liceo M. Gricoletti, Italy), Gregory Cahalan-Reis (Burlingame High School), Nicole Strupeni (Mercy High School) and Lauren Wahler (St. Francis High School). *** The Peter & Paula Uccelli Foundation Scholarship for outstanding community service went to Sabrina Clark. Adriana Ghiozzi received the Frank & Diane Pitre Scholarship and Alessandro di Modica was chosen to receive the Joseph & Marjorie Giordano Scholarship in memory of Marie Perelli. The Peninsula Italian American Social Club and the Foundation invited all recipients to attend the Membership Dinner meeting in order to be introduced to club members. Many family members also attended and the recently re-furbished dining room was filled to capacity. Buona Fortuna to all..... *** August dates with an Italian Connection: The Italian American Heritage Foundation turned 40 this year. It was established in San Jose, CA on August 5, 1975, as the Italian American Bi-Centennial Committee. In 1976, the original fifteen founders incorporated as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Italian Heritage through cultural, educational and social programs. The I.A.H.F. office is located at 425 N. 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112. The I.A.H.F. Annual Family Festa, will be held in beautiful Gradalupe Park and Gardens, at W. Julian and Almaden Blvd in San Jose California August 29th and 30th. Alfio, the Italo- Australian internationally known tenor, songwriter and composer will be heading the Entertainment and the Italian Food booths are the Best! Hope to see you there. *** August 26, 55 B.C. - The Roman conquest of Britain begins as Julius Caesar crosses the English Channel with an invasion force of 10,000 legionnaires. August 9, 1173 - Construction begins on a new 185-foot bell tower in Pisa. Within four years, the structure begins to inexplicably lean to one side, forecasting its future as an Italian icon and one of the world's most popular tourist attractions. August 27, 1911 - In one of the most sensational art heists in history, Vincenzo Peruggia steals the Mona Lisa from the Louvre and transports it home to Italy, claiming "patriotism" as his motive. *** A Buon Compleanno in August: Tony Bennett - Aug 3, 1926 Madonna - Aug 16, 1958 Regis Philbim - Aug 25, 1934 A Belated Buon Compleanno: Napoleon Bonaparte - Aug 15, 1769 Maria Montessori - Aug 31, 1870 The 2015 Peninsula Social Club Scholarships Foundation Recipients L-R Christina Hansen, Alessandro DiPaola, Gregory Cahalan-Reis, Sabrina Clark, Adriana Ghiozzi, Francesca Faoro, Chase Garcia, (present but not in photo Peter Campana, Lauren Wahler, Virginia Nichilo

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