Weed Lodge #1269

Spring is trying to push through in Siskiyou County. Daffodils bloom amid snow showers, highs are in the 50’s and 60’s with lows in the 20’s and 30’s, and studded tire use will soon end! We’re looking forward to some warmer weather.

We have happily been busy the last few months. Our Crab Feed was well attended for the first sit-down dinner of the year. Our crowd enjoyed a tasty meal and good times with friends and family. “Girls (and boys) just wanna’ have fun!” In fact, Louie Lodi, State Third Vice-President, attended our event and even led a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”

The second Saturday of March traditionally includes the Weed Lumber Museum Dinner of ravioli and roasted chicken, catered by the Lodge. Diners packed the hall for food and fellowship. This event continues to be a win-win for both organizations, exemplifying the meaning of fratellanza.

April 29 will find us in the kitchen again to cater the College of the Siskiyous Scholarship Fundraising Dinner and Auction. They wanted a traditional Italian meal, so who better to turn to than us? Homemade meatballs will top the plates of pasta!

We will reschedule our own May Spaghetti and Meatball fundraising dinner to offer Weed Middle School an opportunity for the eighth-grade class to sponsor a spaghetti dinner of their own. We believe cooperation is an essential component of our Lodge and our small town.

June will find our two delegates at the OSDIA CA State Convention in Reno. We are eager to learn about new items happening at the state and national level.

Guess what we will be cooking at the Weed Carnevale celebration. . . Spaghetti and Meatballs! The Carnevale runs from July 6 to 9 at Bel Air Park with plenty of fun for all: bocce, softball, carnival rides, food, music, horseshoes, and vendors. Mark your calendars and visit us!

Several groups make our dinners run smoothly and deserve recognition. Josh Oates, head coach for Weed High School baseball (and a Lodge member), continues to train players who volunteer to serve and clean up after our dinners. They are rewarded with tips from our crowd as well as a small payment from the Lodge. They are indispensable! Players are respectful, efficient, kind, and funny. . . like high school boys can be!

Those members who chair our dinners are outstanding! Brenda Zandona, Richard Negro, and Paula Rossetto have taken on head cook responsibilities so far this year. Without them, some of us would have to learn how to cook for a bunch very quickly. With every head cook comes a kitchen crew who is accountable, punctual, and committed. The faces change a little bit each time, but we couldn’t have events without you.

The members who set up the hall and bar for events are few but competent. This behind-the-scenes gang gets things done!

Together, we work as one; one organization, one group, one family. Thank you to everyone!

Ciao until next time.