Wakefield Sons and Daughters of Italy Nominate Officers

Lodge members reunited at the West Side Social Club in March after a two-month hiatus. It was a great turnout, and everyone was glad to see each other. It was an important meeting because biennial elections are coming up, and officers needed to be nominated.

After that business was taken care of, the Lodge discussed upcoming plans for social activities, charitable organization involvement, and finally, the April Charity auction.

The auction will take place on Friday April 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s parish hall in Wakefield. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with dinner from Avellino’s at 6:30. Members are coming up with creative items to auction or raffle off, and we have many wonderful donations from local businesses ,as well.

Last month, we thanked some of the businesses that donated items to the auction. Additionally, we want to thank Calareso’s Farm and Garden Center, Christopher’s Restaurant, Fat Larry’s Sub and Ice Cream Shop, Half & Half Café, Reading Town Florist, Reading House of Pizza, Meraki Medical Esthetics, The Chocolate Truffle, and Venetian Moon of Reading. From North Reading: Kitty’s Restaurant.

Thank you to the Wakefield Bowladrome (of movie fame), Tania Hair Salon, Morena Cucina Rustica, Mel & Sons Oil, Fahey Tire and Auto Center, Dunkin’s (Salem Street store), Cibo’s Café & Bistro, Mary Kay Representative Cheryl Carroll, Café Italia Trattoria, Billy’s Roast Beef and Seafood, authors Alison Simcox and Douglas Heath, Leaf & Ginger and Tonno’s of Wakefield. A special item this year is an opportunity for four people to be on the viewing stand during the famous Wakefield Independence Day Parade.

Other area businesses who have donated include Peppino’s of Melrose, Salon Oasis, Nude Esthetics of Danvers, North Shore Music Theater of Beverly, Hanover Theatre of Worcester, Manganaro Plumbing & Heating of Melrose, author Lisa Marie Rankin, author Jane Healey*, Dom’s Sausage, Colonial Cadillac, Bella Bling, photography by Tracy, and photography by Rebecca.

If you are a business or individual interested in donating an item, a service, or a gift certificate, please contact sharrun19@yahoo.com.

This charity event is our primary fundraiser that allows us to give out scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year. It funds the Lodge’s other philanthropic endeavors including the Wakefield Food Pantry, Stoneham Senior Center, Wakefield Senior Center, Wakefield’s Council of Clubs holiday food baskets, INspire Cafe, Alzheimer’s Association and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation.
Tickets are $25 each and can be reserved by the deadline of April 17th by contacting President Paula at wakefieldosia@gmail.com. To learn more about the Lodge, check out our Facebook.

* Good news: Jane Healey's next book, The Women of Arlington Hall, will be out in August.