Italian Sons and Daughters of America is pleased to announce that a new ISDA lodge has been established in Pensacola, Fla!
The newest chapter, founded in September 2022, is called Primo Paradiso Lodge. Its members primarily reside in the cities of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, and some travel from as far away as Lillian, Ala. Pensacola is known as America’s First Settlement, or as lodge members like to say, “First Paradise.” In selecting this name, the lodge honors the legacy and sacrifice made by our ancestors and all immigrants who journeyed across the ocean in search of a better life. The lodge’s President is Dina Linn and the Vice President is Kathy Andrade.
With a heavy focus on Italian and Italian American culture, lodge members from ages 17 to 82 meet monthly for a potluck social and special presentations. In October, they celebrated Festa dei Morti, complete with a visit from the “Incense Man of Naples.” The event was featured in FACES Pensacola magazine.
In November, lodge members volunteered to serve those who serve us by cooking up a “Taste of Italy” at the USO on board Naval Air Station Pensacola, sharing stories of Italian American heroes like Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and Seaman Second Class Yogi Berra. Later that month, members participated in a Genealogy and Dual Citizenship Workshop, featuring original immigration documents from one of our cherished elders.
In December, the lodge participated in their inaugural fundraiser and membership drive by baking and selling homemade Italian cookies at the Holiday Market at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. Members celebrated Christmas together by playing Tombola and sharing a festive spread.
To kick off the new year, Primo Paradiso Lodge received a special tour of the Pinta sailing ship and museum from Captain Stephen Sanger of the Columbus Foundation. The ship is an official replica of Christopher Columbus’ original and docked in Pensacola as part of her recent circuit. The lodge finished out the month of January with a Wine Tasting featuring grappa.
In February, Primo Paradiso packed the house in support of trustee Jim Richmond and The Cat Daddy Blues Band during their historic Belmont-DeVillers District debut. A cultural outing to O’Zone Pizza Pub followed by gelato and espresso at the grand opening of Lamonte Gelato was yet another highlight. Most recently, the lodge celebrated Valentine’s Day with a potluck social and entertaining presentation on the history of the Roman Saint Valentine, given by members Nadine & Luigi Mandolini.
Many more wonderful events are planned for 2023!
ISDA is excited to be able to work with our brothers and sisters in Florida to continue our mission of uniting Italian Americans throughout our country in celebrating our culture and preserving the traditions our ancestors brought with them from Italy.
Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today!