Suzie Casta sang up a storm of 1950s and 1960s songs at the original Italian American Club’s April meeting Wednesday night at La Hacienda Regional Recreation Center. The sign said “Bienvenuti amici”– welcome friends, as the friendly group shared snacks and vino.
Casta told the group wistfully how her house full of Easter company had just left — brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles — big Italian family — and how empty her house felt now. But she was cheered by the huge room full of Italian-Americans — especially those from Brooklyn, New York, where her origins are. “I’m second generation Italian-American,” she said proudly, “and I feel very at home with warm-hearted Italian people.”
The active group was also delighted to distribute checks from their successful March casino night fundraiser to four area charities. A total of $2,800 was divided equally among four worthy local charities — $700 each. President Frank Truglio, who lives with his wife, June, in Alhambra Village, did the honors. June serves as secretary and membership chair for the club.
Receiving the donations were Mayra Usme, a Colombian-American, and resident director of HOME, which stands for Hands of Mercy Everywhere ; and JoAn Suttle, representing the SoZo Kids Club @ The Villages. Peter Tetrault accepted the donation for The Villages Honor Flight group, and Sandy DeChristofaro, VP and director of operations for Operation Shoebox, received the club’s contribution for her charity.
HOME in Belleview provides shelter, food, education and child care for pregnant teenagers and their families, and does all it can to provide stability and guidance — so these young people can grow into a normal, productive lifestyle. “We encourage the babies ‘ fathers and the youngsters’ families to get involved, and we encourage the couples to keep their babies,” Usme said. “We teach them morality, ethical values, personal finance and self-responsibility.”
It is thought that around 45,000 people live within the Ocala National Forest — many in abject rural poverty. The ‘Turning Point Mentor Centers’ run by the Sozo Kids charities provide after school and summer programs in four of the poorest forest areas — so the children can be safe, get homework help, food, the basic necessities of clothing, school supplies and see good examples of normal lifestyles . “We want to give the children hope,” Mayra said, “so they can experience what it is like to just be ‘normal children .’ The program’s founder, David Houck, and his wife, have adopted ten children, several from the forest, who have gone on to college.
DeChristoforo leads hundreds of Villages volunteers who send goodie bags to deployed American military troops overseas. They run several successful fundraisers of their own each year, but gratefully accept donations from other Villages clubs. Peter Tetrault ‘s check to help finance groups of World War II and Korean War veterans’ flights to Washington, D.C. to visit the military monuments in our nation’s capital, For those veterans’ too frail or ill to fly, imaginative trips within The Villages are simulated with films and ‘welcome home’ entertainment.
“We have a terrific club here,” Frank said, “with lots of great members and fun activities. Most of us are from the Northeast — from New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. We gravitate to one another — we’re on the same page — and we have great times together. A native of Brooklyn, Frank moved to The Villages from New Hyde Park, Long Island. “We had over one hundred new members join this year,” he added. “Our total membership is about 460 people.”
On May 14, the club will have BINGO night, with hero sandwiches. “It depends where you’re from,” Frank clarified. “Some call them sub sandwiches, some call them hoagies — but in Brooklyn, they’re ‘heros.’ On June 11, which will be the last meeting before the summer break, the club will hold an indoor barbecue picnic, catered by the Oakwood Grill. Lou Gatto will entertain with his music and vocals.
“There are far too many Italians in The Villages to just have one club,” Frank explained. “Ours is the original Italian American Club, which started in 1992. Then there’s an Italian American Club — South, and the Benvenutos. We all work together on the resident parade committee to put on the Italian-American Parade. We also help the Irish with their St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Germans with their Oktoberfest parade. In October, after the parade season is over, all the parade committee leaders go out for dinner to celebrate. We’re glad all the nationalities help each other to bring the resident parades to the community. And there’s also the Italian Paisans Club.”
“My husband got involved and worked very hard, going to the AAC meetings to help bring back the parades after they were cancelled,” June said. “Villagers like their parades. Members also go on casino trips and cruises together.”
The Truglios have only been married for five years — but they had known each other for more than 40 years, when they were married to their first spouses.
June’s sister and Frank’s deceased wife had worked together for more than 25 years, and had attended June’s 50th birthday party together. They had all become good friends, going to shows in Manhattan and casinos in Atlantic City. “When we were both single again, we became a mutual admiration society,” Frank quipped.
June, who is of Polish, Irish and German heritage, worked in sales her whole life. Together the Truglios have four kids and eight grandkids — on Long Island, in New Jersey, and in Lake Worth, Florida.
Frank describes the Villages as ‘a total lifestyle phenomenon.’ “There is so much to do, and everything is so affordable — so people can live well and don’t have to worry about their bills,” Frank said. “Yes,” June added, “we are both so very happy here.”
The Truglios are working on having the club start a scholarship fund for an Italian-American Charter School student. “We’d want to have an essay contest for them to write about their Italian-American heritage,” Frank envisioned..
The original Italian-American Club of The Villages meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month (except July and August) in the Carmen Miranda Room at La Hacienda Recreation Center. The doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, call June at 352 391-1740.