Norwood Sons of Italy Lodge 1235

2014 Scholarship Dinner & Presentations

The Norwood Italian Lodge #1235, a local chapter of the Sons of Italy, recently held its Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner on June 3, 2014, at BONCALDO’S Restaurant in Norwood. Lodge President, George Franco, greeted members and guests. Denise Furnari, lodge member as well as Massachusetts Grand Lodge Orator, also delivered warm greetings as well as the invocation before meals.

Toni Eosco, Scholarship Committee Chair, thanked the nearly 55 members and guests for their support of the event. Mrs. Eosco also recognized lodge scholarship committee members, Barbara Campagna, Winnie Carfagno, and Linda Renzi for their volunteer work and especially for their serious evaluation of the candidates’ application materials for selection of the scholarship recipients. Scholarship award presentations took place immediately following a delicious dinner.

Through the fundraising efforts of its lodge members, and with additional donations to the scholarship fund made in loving memory of past longtime lodge members, two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to college-bound students. Barbara Campagna, made the first presentation to Pellegrino Conte, a graduate of Xaverian High School. Pellegrino is the son of Iva and Walter Conte of Westwood, as well as the grandson of lodge member, Sylvia Conte and Pellegrino Conte of Westwood. Pellegrino will pursue interests in robotics and electrical engineering at the University of Rochester.

Winnie Carfagno, presented the second award to Anthony Rodriguez, a graduate of Norwood High School, son of William and Diane Rodriquez of Norwood, and grandson of longtime lodge members, Andy & Toni Ciarletta, also of Norwood. Anthony will pursue a major in education at Northeastern University this fall. The Lodge congratulated both recipients and wished them good luck with their future plans.

Following the awards, Toni Eosco introduced the guest speaker, Nicholas Rodriquez. Mr. Rodriquez, an Italian Lodge scholarship recipient 5 years ago, is now a graduate of Northeastern University with concentrations in marketing, entrepreneurship and management of information systems. He is also the son of Diane and William Rodriguez and the grandson of lodge members, Toni & Andy Ciarletta. Mr. Rodriquez gave an inspiring talk about his various college experiences and the value of community. During his college years, he was able to study rural poverty in the countries of Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic where he worked on developing methods to increase sustainability and promote economic growth. He is currently employed by Bluewolf. He received enthusiastic applause at the conclusion of his presentation and he encouraged the scholarship recipients to get the most out of their next several years in college.

For information about Italian Lodge membership please contact President, George Franco, at 781-828-6290.



Pellegrino Conte and Barbara Campagna Anthony Rodriguez and Winnie Carfagno
Pictured in photo from left to right are: Barbara Campagna, Pellegrino Conte, George Franco, Anthony Rodriguez and Toni Eosco. Nicholas Rodriquez, Guest Speaker