October/Ottobre 2021
Member Business Spotlight- Bobby Quintana
by Sal Siraguse
I recently sat down with “Bobby Q” on a warm September Sunday afternoon. As we ate lunch in the bar area of his restaurant, Li’l Nick’s in Wheat Ridge several Bronco fans came in to pick up
pizza for the big game coming up that afternoon.
Li’l Nick’s (named after his Son Nick) opened in 1978. Bob grew up in North Denver and has always had a passion for pizza. His first job was at Pagliacci’s where he bussed tables. He also worked at Caruso’s which was a donut shop that served pizza. But the pizza dough running through his veins came from Carl at Carl’s Pizza. He learned the ins and outs of the Pizza Business while working at Carl’s, and he spoke very highly of Carl, as he was the one created that fire in his belly for the Pizza business.
Bob also did a stint at the Yum Yum Tree in the early 1970’s. And it was there in 1970 where Bob met the love of his life, Paula.
They were married in 1973 and those of you who know Paula, know what a great support she is to Bob and Li’l Nick’s Restaurant.
When Bob was looking to open his own place, it was Paula who found the location on Kipling in Arvada, and they opened in 1978.
Those early years were a struggle, but the support from his family, Paula and their many friends kept them afloat. They even expanded the space, and the menu in the early 80’s as business increased.
Bob proudly smiles when speaking about his 3 children, Lisa, Angela and Nick!
When I ask about retirement, Bob literally laughs out loud. “And do what?” Bob loves the pizza business and Li’l Nick’s and he’s not going anywhere. His son Nick is now the General Manager and his participation in the business takes a great deal of pressure off Bob. And Nick has also brought his Tech skills to the restaurant, doing the Website,
Facebook Page, Instagram Page and upgrading systems within the restaurant. Nick is also a Lieutenant in the Arvada Fire Department. As you might have guessed, Li’l Nick is not so little anymore! Bob is very proud of what Nick has accomplished at the restaurant and at the Arvada Fire Department. (Continued on Page 6)
First place Second Place
Brothers and Sisters, As the fall season approaches, we have had a couple of exciting months here at the Lodge. This past weekend we held our Columbus Day open house (and Bocce Tournament) showcasing the positive changes we have made at the Lodge. Hall Rental has been humming along nicely keeping Anna Vann very busy. Later this month our Annual Craft Fair will be held, and our
Halloween General Meeting. In November we have our Thanksgiving General Meeting and a Spaghetti Dinner! And don’t forget the Christmas Party! Check the calendar for dates, talk to council member for details. On a side note, the Lodge was well represented at the Mt. Carmel Trivia Night! Lodge Teams took first AND second place! See the pictures! Fraternally yours, Sal Siraguse
October/Ottobre
Pam Wright, Anna Vann, Sal Siraguse , LeAnne DiTirro, Beverly Mendicello, Dominic LoSasso
and Dr. Rita DeFrange Building Contacts Tony Iozzo – Building Committee
Tim Stott – Facility Manager Health & Condolence Angie Sether 303-989-2251
Hall Rental Anna Vann Address Changes [email protected]
By-Laws
According to Denver By-Laws, Article 1-Paragraph 4, “The by-law commission shall accept for consideration any by-law or change submitted in
writing by a regular member in good standing by March 1 of each calendar year.
2021-2022 Lodge Officers
President Trustee
Sal Siraguse Patrick Lubrano
[email protected] [email protected]
Vice President Trustee
open Ed Mendicello
Orator Trustee
Pam Wright Phil Rossi
[email protected] [email protected]
Recording Secretary Trustee
Anna Vann John Callor [email protected] [email protected]
Treasurer Trustee
Beverly Mendicello John Gargano [email protected]
Financial Secretary Past President Dr. Rita DeFrange Dominic LoSasso
[email protected] [email protected]
Past President Mistress of Ceremonies
Pam Wright Diana Williams
[email protected] [email protected]
Guard Mistress of Ceremonies
TJ Henderson LeAnne DiTirro
[email protected] [email protected]
Chaplain Historian
Barbara Pietrafeso Open
our rental events?? I'd love to have you jump on
board! There are times when our Facility Manager can't work an event. We could sure use your help with facilitating an event.
Hall Rental income is the mainstay for the upkeep of our lodge. The more people that help, the less burden it is on any of us! Give me a call to sign up.
Anna Vann 303-618-8023-cell.
2021 - 2022 Membership Information
by Anna Vann
Hello all! We are in the last quarter of the 2021 and all dues are pro-rated if you have a friend that joins now. Annual dues are $65 for regular and social members, Lifetime members at $25.00; and Junior members at $8.00 – so tell your friends about us!
Thank you for being part of the Sons & Daughters of Italy! In the event you have questions, please submit all questions through our Websiteusing the “contact us” page.
Thank you!
Book Club
by Pam Wright
Book Club meets the second Monday of each month. For more info call Pam 304-210-6277..
Dancing at the Lodge – Kicks off in JUNE!
Sponsored by our own Maggie Francucci!
On the second and fourth Fridays are ballroom dancing. Come join the experienced instructors who will work with dancers of all abilities.. Lessons from 7-8. General dance time 8-11. See her website at http://danceconnectioncolorado.com/
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La Parola – October/Ottobre 2021
Red Point, Green Point!
by Sal Siraguse Hey there Bocce Peeps!
IOA Monday Night Bocce is wrapping up at press time, with at least 4 teams in the running for first place. The Fiori D’ Italia league (Tuesday and Wednesday Nights) over at Mickey’s Top Sirloin, is about 3 weeks in to their 8-week schedule.
This past weekend, the Lodge held our 2nd Annual 2 on 2 Columbus Day Bocce Tournament. It was a couple pairs of brothers battling it out, with the Luciano and Frank Busnardo defeating Joe and Tony Lombardi, to take the top prize.
The Sons and Daughters of Italy were well represented with Rita DeFrange and yours truly finishing in 3rd place.
Oh well, we’ll get ‘em next year. Until then, throw it Nice Nice and don’t be short.
Children's Christmas Party - Breakfast with Santa!
by Pam Wright
The children's party will be held on Saturday, December 11th. Santa will be visiting, and the elves will be in the kitchen cooking a delicious breakfast. There will be no charge for breakfast for our Jr. members, adults will be $10.
Watch next months LaParola for a reservation form so we know who many to prepare breakfast for YOU! Your check must be returned with the reservation form……
See SANTA…...
Any questions please call Pam at 303-210-6277 2021 Car Show gives to Caruso Family Charities by Dr. Rita DeFrange
The car show this year was very special. Although we had the car show last year, coming out of a pandemic still proves to add challenges to running the event – but the team was up to it! We had more vendors than ever! We expanded the menu to include sausage sandwiches, meatball sliders in addition to the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs. We had a special Ice Cream Vendor –
Colorado Pop Bar a new small business! And we had a ton of great raffle prizes and were able to raise money for Jerry and Caruso Family Charities.
We had beautiful weather and had a confirmed 89 cars – still breaking records! We even had a Crush Trash Truck as part of the show – compliments of our hall facilitator Tim!
We might have finished for 2021, but 2022 is already in planning stages.
Mark your calendars for Saturday
September 17, 2022!
Same time, same bat location!
Lou &
Frank in First
Joe &
Tony
in Second
A Message from Our Past President - Dominic LoSasso
I’ve been a member of the Denver Lodge since 1995 and have been fortunate to meet many incredibly passionate people who have joined our beloved organization. Some join to celebrate their heritage, some to participate in something larger than themselves, and some who just want to have fun. Whatever the case, I tell them that we have been around since 1958 because of the thousands of people who have stepped-up to volunteer their talents and time, for everything from the set-up and clean-up of an event to running for a position on the council. This was the case for me. I began volunteering for little things here and then before running for office. Since serving as a trustee, then president, I’ve served on more committees than I can count, working my way through positions on the lodge council before serving as State President of the Grand Lodge. Throughout my positions of leadership, I couldn’t have done it without the hard work and spirited community of Denver Lodge volunteers.
As is often the case with organizations of this nature most volunteers stretch themselves too thin and eventually
became “burned-out.” That’s why now we need YOUR help; whether you joined last month, last year or have been around for decades. Some members will volunteer if asked, but it would be refreshing to see people take the initiative. It’s easy.
We all have similar obstacles: “I’m too busy”, “I have a family”, etc. but volunteering at the Denver Lodge can take as little as a couple of hours, on a day or evening you are available. We are a fraternal organization that only thrives when fraternity is seen not just as friendship, but as shared stewardship to an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Italian
American experience – a passion we all share.
It is with humble gratitude for your consideration that I ask you, please, please talk to a member of the council, or our worthy President, Sal Siraguse. Or feel free to reach out to me with questions about volunteering a little (or a lot) for our organization at [email protected]
I hope that you’ll lend us your time for at least one event or cause this year as not just an attendee but a volunteer. If we all help, the lodge will continue to prosper and be the community of vibrant Americans of Italian descent dedicated to our rich heritage and preserving it for ourselves and generations to come.
Grazie!
Dominic LoSasso
Our Newsletter is going out a bit late….see organization websites for more information!
October 13th - IABA General Meeting
October 15th - Altar & Rosary Bocce Tourney @Sons & Daughters of Italy October 15th - Dante sponsors a Movie night (At war with Love)
October 16th - Fiori D'Italia General Meeting
October 16th - Sons & Daughters of Italy - Outdoor Craft Fair Date (flyer attached) October 16th - Dante sponsors a cooking class
October 20th - Sons & Daughters General Meeting October 21st - Italians of America General Meeting October 22nd - Dante event
October 24th - Dante Dinner event
October 24th - Caruso Family Charities Dinner (3 seating's) Cafe' Jordano - call for reservations
October 28th - Potenza General Meeting October 29th - Dante Movie Night
October 30th - Dante is sponsoring another cooking class!
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La Parola – October/Ottobre 2021 2021
Salute to Veterans and First Responders by Pam Wright
The November general meeting is our annual salute for Veterans and First Responders. As in the past we recognize our Veterans and First Responders so let us know if you will be in attendance…contact Pam Wright or any council member to RSVP your attendance. This is a very special meeting.so we will be serving our turkey dinner along with favorite sides!
We could use a little help the day before and day of the dinner. If you can spare some time to help prepare the dinner for our honored guests, please contact President Siraguse.
Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail by LeAnne DiTirro
Mix 3 oz. Apple juice or Apple
Cider, ¾ oz cinnamon schnapps, ½ teaspoon of honey,
½ teaspoon of hot water, 3 oz. Champagne or sparkling
wine, cinnamon & sugar for the rim with an Apple slice for
garnish.
October 2021 Trivia by Beverly Mendicello
A. What is Halloween better known as?
B. What are the two birthstones of October?
C. What are the birth flowers for October?
D. The night before Halloween is named after which vegetable?
E. What Latin number is October named?
F. The 1stMonday of October is recognized by the UN as what day?
G. Nevada joined the USA in what year?
H. What federal holiday is recognized in October?
I. What is the most popular candy given out on Halloween?
J. How much money will be spent on Halloween related food, candy, costumes & party supplies
Answers are listed elsewhere in this LaParola. Make your guess and then find the answers.
Enjoy!
Open House Recipe's From Anna Vann
On Saturday for the Sons & Daughter’s Open House “Tapas” or small plates were served. From the bacon wrapped dates, to the Italian treat skewers to the broiled asparagus and bruschetta the treats were grabbed and adapted from this recipe site!
Some may say – wow – this was a lot of work…but when you have many hands – it makes quick work of pulling it all together!
Thanks to Lynn, Lauren, Rita, Teresa, Marcia and Pam….the food was Great and we did something different!
Stay tuned for more receipe’s!
(Continued from the front page.) Paula is still a great support to Bob, doing the bookkeeping as well as supporting the business any way she can.
In addition to being a Sons and Daughters of Italy Member, Bob is also a Mount Carmel Men’s Club member.
Bob has supplied Pizza to the Mt. Carmel Bazaar for the last 3 years.
We have not seen Bob at very many meetings lately as he is going through the same issues that businesses are going through these days, a shortage of workers.
Bob will be back soon, but in the meantime, stop by and grab a pizza, plate of pasta or a sandwich at Li’l Nick’s located at, 5016 Kipling St. in Wheat Ridge.
If you are going for Pizza, try the Carlos, I promise you will not be disappointed!!
We will have Li’l Nick’s Pizza at a future meeting!!
Sons & Daughters of Italy Denver Lodge 2075
Appreciation Night, November 17, 2021
Our November general meeting we will be a social meeting in honor of our service men and
women. In addition to military, we want to recognize our first responders in Law Enforcement, Fire
& EMT Services. If you have someone in your family or a friend that has served in any one of these areas, active or retired, invite them to the lodge for this special occasion. Please fill-out the form below – and don’t forget this is our Thanksgiving Dinner night so the cost to all members will be $8 (Jr. members no charge) and guests (17 and older) will be $10. There will be no charge for the service men and women.
Reservation Form … I will be bringing the service members listed below with me to the meeting on November 17, 2021.
Member Name ______________________________ Branch of Service _____________________
Member Name ______________________________ Branch of Service _____________________
Member Name ______________________________ Branch of Service _____________________
Member Name ______________________________ Branch of Service _____________________
Please fill out the form and return int to: OSIA, Denver Lodge #2075, c/o Pam Wright, 5925 West 32
ndAvenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80212.
All forms must be returned by November 10
th, 2021. We look forward to seeing you!
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La Parola – October/Ottobre 2021
An swers:
A.
All Ha llo ws’ Ev e
B.
Opal an d To urm alin e
C.
Mari go ld an d Co smo s
D.
Cabb age
E.
10 F.
World H abit Day
G.
Octo ber 31 , 1 86 4
H.
Colu mb us Day
I.
Reese’s peanu t b utt er cup s
J.
10 billio n d ollars
We are building our list of
caterers and other service
providers. Please contact any
member of the council if you
have someone you would like to
recommend!
October/Ottobre
October 9
th– Game Day at the Lodge (Columbus Day)
October 20
th– General Meeting – Dinner at 6:15 PM, Meeting at 7 November/Novembre
November 17
th– General Meeting, Celebration of our Veterans and first responders RSVP – Dinner at 6:15 PM, Meeting at 7
December/Dicembre
December 4
th– Adult Christmas Party December 11
th– Kids Christmas with Santa
December 15
th- General Meeting
Contact Us
Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Denver Lodge #20755925 West 32ndAvenue, WheatRidge, Colorado 80212
