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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.
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