🍷 OSDIA - LEONE D’ORO LODGE #2700 NEWSLETTER
Ferragosto Edition – Agosto 2025
Cari amici,
Grazie mille to everyone who joined us for our Annual Lodge BBQ! Despite the sizzling summer heat, your smiles, laughter, and camaraderie made it a bellissimo day. For those who couldn’t attend due to health concerns, please know you were deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A heartfelt grazie to the Leone D’Oro Board and our incredible volunteers—from setup to cooking, Bingo games to cleanup—you made it all happen. These events are no small feat, but with your dedication, they become a true festa di famiglia.
🌹 In Loving Memory of Arthur Morgan 🌹
To all who attended Arthur’s funeral services, thank you for honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation: https://support.kidney.org/
🧾 Placemat Drive – Final Call for Sponsors
We are wrapping up our **Annual Placemat Drive** and still have a few spots available! These placemats will be featured at our upcoming luncheon and throughout the year, including the St. Joseph’s Dinner, scholarship Luncheon and monthly meetings. Advertising your business on our placemats shows your support for our organization and reaches attendees at multiple events.
- Business-card size ad: $70
- Double-size ad: $125
Please send your ad copy (Word format) or email your content to **Linda Loparco** at lloparco51@gmail.com. If you’d like us to design the ad, just send your logo and desired information—we’ll take care of the rest!
Checks should be made payable to:
Leone D’Oro Lodge #2700
We appreciate your sponsorship and support, and we hope to see you at our next event!
*Note: We are a charitable organization authorized to operate in Illinois under 501(c)(8).*
🔗 More Info on OSDIA Sponsorships
https://www.osia.uno/osdia-sponsors
🎉 Upcoming Events – August & September 🎉
August 24th
-Amerigo Vespucci Lodge #1722 – 3rd Annual La Scampagnata, starting at noon
- Chicago Heights Lodge #1430 – 25th Annual Golf Outing*
👉 OSDIA Calendar for Details
September Highlights 🎶
September 17th – Lou Man the Bluesman
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Lou Man, performing for the third time at our lodge! Seating is limited reserve early.
We’ll be raising funds for the Doug Flutie Autism Awareness Foundation, supporting families affected by autism across the country.
September 28th – Scholarship Drive Luncheon at Orland Chateau
🎤 Featuring Nino Folino performing the greatest Italian American hits!
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
- Ages 21+: $60 or 2 for $100
- Ages 13–20: $40
- Ages 6–12: $30
📧 Questions? Contact Lori: osdia2700@gmail.com
October 13th – Columbus Day Parade 🚍
This year, the Grand Lodge is once again arranging a float to ensure our senior members and those with mobility challenges can comfortably participate in the parade.
We warmly encourage all able-bodied members to walk alongside the float and show their support if they’re able. Additionally, we’re working on securing a bus to transport members from the South Side to the parade and back. Stay tuned for more updates—we’ll share details as soon as they’re confirmed!
🍝 Recipe of the Month – Nonna’s Classic Eggplant Parmigiana 🍝
Bring a taste of Southern Italy to your table with this timeless favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- Salt
- Olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Fresh basil leaves
- Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for breading
Instructions:
1. Slice eggplants, salt them, and let sit for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
2. Rinse and pat dry, then bread each slice (flour → egg → breadcrumbs).
3. Fry until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish, layer sauce, eggplant, mozzarella, Parmigiano, and basil.
5. Repeat layers and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. *Buon appetito!*
📅 For All Upcoming Lodge Events in Illinois & Wisconsin
👉 OSDIA Calendar: https://www.osia.uno/calendar
Grazie ancora, amici!
Your passion and participation keep our Italian heritage alive and thriving. Let’s continue to celebrate together—with food, music, laughter, and love.
Ciao for now,
Mario D’Antonio
President OSDIA Leone D’oro #2700