As I am finishing this month’s message on August 20, I am saddened by the news of the Italian bridge tragedy on Tuesday, August 14. Reading articles and seeing pictures, it is amazing that more didn’t perish when an almost 700-foot section of the bridge fell 150 feet to the area below. That that this bridge was known to be ‘in trouble’ is disconcerting. As of 8/19, at least 43 people have died, many more injured and at least 600 families displaced in the aftermath of the Morandi Bridge collapse in Genoa. Please pray for the families of our friends/family in Italy during this trying time.
On a happier note, September 29 is the actual date of our 50th golden anniversary. Happy Birthday Cellini! I am sure a lot have seen the lodge grow and go through good and tough times, especially brother Joe Sciame who is the only active member from 1968.
As I write, the Feast hasn’t yet taken place, just the start of the setup, but it will be over when you receive this newsletter. I hope with all the hard work it will be called a success – I will report on the Feast at the general meeting and in the October newsletter.
On August 9, I hosted, at Marcus Christ Hall in New Hyde Park, the ceremonial crowning of the new Nassau County (District II of the Grand Lodge of NY) King and Queen: Connie Mulé and Alexander Marchiselli of Cellini Lodge. Cellini members and respective grandmothers, Connie Ciccione and Joan Marchiselli were ecstatic along with their families. We are doubly proud of the King and Queen as they represent both Cellini Lodge and District II.
The autumnal equinox is the astronomical start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This year it occurs at 9:54 pm on September 22. It will already be September 23 in Italy, a special day this year, as Francesco Forgione (Padre Pio) will be remembered and celebrated. The Capuchin friar died 50 years ago on 9/23 (six days before our Cellini Lodge opened its doors) of a heart attack at age 81 in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Today he is venerated as a saint of the Catholic church.
Never forget 9-11; 17 years later and I think solemnly about all of us; and friends and relatives hurt, disheartened or gone: the changes hate can bring.

The Feast “thank you” will be on September 21 at Clinton Martin Park and our critique will be at the Jericho Turnpike office on Monday, September 24.
Answer to August newsletter question: Luigi Galvani was an Italian physician, physicist, biologist and philosopher, who discovered animal electricity. He is the pioneer in bioelectromagnetics. His studies were a great influence on author Mary Shelley and perhaps her not completely fictitious Frankenstein. His name lives on in the word galvanize – ‘shock into action’.
Quando l’amico chiede, non v’è domani. – When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
God Bless you and your family, God Bless our ancestors and heritage and God Bless America!
Always Forward,
Mark A. Ventimiglia
Cellini Lodge #2206 – President 2017-19
In Errata
In August message, last name Capazzo should have been Capasso for Phyllis Capasso.
Also in August message, last name Hghes should have been Hughes for Val Hughes.