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President's Message-Peachtree Lodge 3018

By Joseph Dolgetta on Thursday, May 28, 2026

President’s Message

Cari Fratelli e Sorelle,

As President of Peachtree Lodge 3018, I am pleased to share that our Lodge continues to grow and thrive. With our membership now reaching 80 members, we have established a strong foundation upon which to build an even more vibrant and successful organization dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and promoting our Italian American heritage.

Growth, however, is about much more than numbers. It is about engagement, participation, and creating opportunities for our members to connect with one another in meaningful ways. To help us achieve these goals, we have established several key committees that will serve as the backbone of our Lodge activities and initiatives:

The Cultural Events and Calendar Planning Committee, responsible for organizing the programs and gatherings that bring our members together throughout the year.
The Community Impact Committee, which leads our charitable efforts, supports worthy community causes, and helps grow our scholarship fund.
The Membership Committee, focused on both recruiting new members and ensuring that current members remain active, engaged, and connected.
The Professional Travel Planning Committee, which will organize cultural pilgrimages, excursions, and opportunities to participate in Italian American gatherings and experiences.
The Public Relations Committee, charged with overseeing our social media presence, communications, and marketing efforts to expand awareness of our Lodge and its activities.
The Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee, which will develop partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising initiatives to support our programs and future growth.

Establishing these committees is foundational to developing a successful Lodge. However, committees only succeed when members step forward to participate. I encourage every member to select a committee that aligns with their interests, talents, or professional experience and ask themselves, “How can I help make this committee successful?” Whether your contribution is large or small, your involvement will make a meaningful difference.

The coming weeks offer several wonderful opportunities for fellowship and celebration.

On May 31, we invite you to join us for a casual afternoon of live music, laughter, wine, and food at Stoney J’s Winery in Cumming. It promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable gathering among friends.

Then, on June 7, Peachtree Lodge 3018 will host our Pranzo al Lago (Lunch at the Lake) at Young Deer Park. This special event is sure to evoke cherished memories of the large family picnics many Italian Americans remember from their youth—days when Moms and Dads, Nonnos and Nonnas, worked tirelessly to ensure that family, friendship, and tradition remained at the center of our lives. We look forward to creating new memories together while honoring those treasured traditions.

Adding to the excitement, the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ kicks off on June 11, 2026, and runs through July 19, 2026. Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, this historic tournament will feature an unprecedented 48 teams competing in 104 matches. While Italy unfortunately failed to qualify once again, Italian Americans who love Il Calcio and The Beautiful Game will undoubtedly remain deeply engaged, cheering on Team USA and enjoying the opportunity to witness the world’s finest national teams compete on soccer’s grandest stage.

June promises to be a month filled with opportunities for Peachtree Lodge members to come together, celebrate our heritage, strengthen our friendships, and continue building a Lodge that will serve our community proudly for years to come.

Thank you for your continued support, participation, and commitment to Peachtree Lodge 3018.

Tante belle cose a tutti!

Fraternally,

Joe Dolgetta
President
Peachtree Lodge 3018

Mr. Albert (Al) Nardone

By Joseph Dolgetta on Thursday, May 28, 2026

Peachtree Lodge: Bocce Ball State Champions

By Lynn L Gregory on Monday, March 30, 2026

STATE CHAMPIONS: THE RIGATONI ROLLERS

Atlanta Bocce League | March 2026

"Precision, Passion, and Persistency"

On Saturday, March 14th, at Halcyon, the Rigatoni Rollers etched their name into league history, emerging victorious after a grueling 10-hour marathon of elite bocce competition. Facing off against some of the most skilled teams across Georgia, the Rollers displayed unwavering focus, strategic precision, and the kind of resilience that defines true champions.

Under record-setting heat and mounting pressure, every roll mattered. Each frame brought tighter competition, louder cheers, and higher stakes. Yet through it all, the team remained composed—leaning on experience, teamwork, and the unshakable bond of Italian famiglia. That synergy carried them from the opening throw to the final game, allowing them to dominate the competition and go completely undefeated through the winners' bracket.

What set this team apart wasn’t just skill—it was heart. From clutch shots under pressure to moments of laughter between matches, the Rigatoni Rollersembodied everything bocce is meant to be: competitive, communal, and deeply rooted in tradition.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER

Lynn Gregory – Team Captain & OSDIA Vice President
John Wiesemann – OSDIA Master of Ceremonies
Lori Carella – OSDIA Trustee
Andrea Augello – OSDIA Member

A VICTORY WORTH CELEBRATING

As the final ball was rolled and victory secured, the celebration began in true Italian fashion—filled with laughter, pride, and of course, a well-earned toast.

"After ten hours of battling the elements and the best teams in Georgia, we celebrated our victory the only way we know how—with a toast of homemade Limoncello!" said Captain Lynn Gregory.

The championship win is more than just a trophy—it’s a reflection of dedication, sportsmanship, and the vibrant culture that defines our Lodge. It also highlights the growing strength and camaraderie of the Atlanta bocce community.

LOOKING AHEAD

With this state title now proudly belonging to Peachtree Lodge 3018, the Rigatoni Rollers have set the bar high for seasons to come. Their victory serves as an inspiration to new and seasoned players alike—proving that with teamwork, passion, and a little Italian flair, anything is possible.

Whether you’re a longtime player or someone curious to learn the game, we invite all members to join us on the court this upcoming season. Come be part of the tradition, the competition, and the fun!

GRATITUDE & PRIDE

A heartfelt thank you to all Lodge members, families, and supporters who cheered on the team throughout the season. Your encouragement, presence, and spirit helped fuel this incredible journey.

We are proud—today and always—to represent OSDIA Peachtree Lodge 3018 on the state stage.

Forza Bocce!

Two Lodges, One Heritage

By Vito Buono on Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Two Lodges. One Heritage.

I joined the newly installed Peachtree Lodge here in Atlanta with pride and real curiosity. I wanted stronger ties with fellow Italian Americans. I wanted to serve. I also wanted to help keep our culture present and visible in our daily lives.

Soon after I joined, I received news during a council conversation I will not forget. Our president shared an update from Italy. People in Matera, my hometown, had begun planning to install a new lodge. The timing surprised me. The feeling hit even stronger. I live in Atlanta now, yet my hometown stood in the same moment of growth.

In one week, I felt two communities move in the same direction. Atlanta welcomed a new lodge and a new start. Matera moved toward a lodge of its own. Two cities. One shared identity. One shared duty.

OSDIA exists for a clear reason. We represent millions of Americans of Italian heritage. We protect our culture, our traditions, and our language. We honor the legacy of our ancestors. We also honor the impact Italian Americans have made in the United States and beyond. We do this through community, education, service, and scholarships.

This coincidence reminded me why lodge life matters. Heritage does not stay strong on its own. You keep it strong through people. You keep it strong through time spent together. You keep it strong when you show up, bring your family, bring your history, and build something future generations will recognize.

If you ever wondered where you fit in, you fit here. If you want connection, you will find it here. If you want to pass something meaningful forward, start with your next lodge event. I look forward to building Peachtree Lodge with you, and I look forward to cheering for Matera as it begins its own journey.

Best Regards,

Vito Buono Read More

A Passion Passed Down

By Louis Triolo on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

A Passion passed down.

For Louis, some of life’s earliest memories were not of birthdays or holidays, but of soccer matches — the roar of a crowded stadium pouring through the television speakers, the tension in the room before a penalty kick, and the unmistakable voice of his father rising with every attack on goal. In their home, soccer was never just a game. It was tradition, identity, emotion, and family woven together in ninety unforgettable minutes.

As a young boy, Louis first watched with curiosity as his father lived and breathed every match played by the Italian National Team and his beloved Juventus. Victories brought celebrations that echoed through the house late into the night. Defeats left a silence so heavy it lingered for days. At first, Louis could not fully understand how a game could command such passion. But over the years, sitting beside his father through World Cups, league battles, and unforgettable rivalries, he slowly began to understand.

What started as admiration for his father became a passion of his own. Louis fell in love with soccer — The Beautiful Game — with its artistry, heartbreak, strategy, and drama. As he grew older, the bond between father and son deepened through every match they watched together. They celebrated impossible victories with arms around each other, and endured crushing defeats with the same shared anguish known only to true supporters.

For them, soccer became more than entertainment. It became the language through which they connected across generations — a lifelong journey marked by loyalty, emotion, and an unshakable love for Gli Azzuri (Italy's National Team is referred to as Gli Azzuri), for Juventus, and for the game itself.

Cucina Povera

By Joseph Dolgetta on Thursday, May 28, 2026

Cucina Povera Southern Italy (“poor man's food”)

Amadeo Pietro Giannini, usually known as A.P. Giannini.

By Joseph Dolgetta on Thursday, May 28, 2026

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a Notte dei Serpenti

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