The Vincenzo Bellini Lodge No. 2519, a cherished Italian-American social organization in Chico, California, has officially closed after nearly 45 years of service and community engagement. Members gathered for their final meeting on January 15, 2025, at the Sicilian Cafe, reflecting on decades filled with camaraderie, charitable work, and cultural celebrations.
The lodge was founded in 1982 under the auspices of the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Sal Aiello, who became a member early on, recalls his unexpected introduction to the group. After placing an advertisement for his carpet cleaning business, he received a call from founding member Marie Del Carlo, who recognized his Italian surname. “You have to understand she was a very bold woman,” Aiello’s wife, Lauri, explained. Del Carlo invited Aiello to join, and he soon found a sense of belonging that lasted for over four decades.
During its peak, the lodge boasted approximately 150 members, but that number dwindled to around 40 in recent years. Many members expressed that while 40 attendees at their last meeting was significant, the lack of younger members posed a challenge. Debbie Rossi, who served as financial secretary for 25 years, pointed out, “There are no younger members to take our jobs.” This decline reflects a broader trend across the United States, as social and civic groups have seen diminishing participation.
Research from the Survey Center on American Life indicates that American social life has experienced a decline since the mid-20th century. Rossi noted that younger generations are increasingly turning to online platforms for social interaction, leaving traditional social groups like the lodge struggling to attract new members. She emphasized the value of in-person connections, stating, “It makes you more responsible. Because when you join an organization, you need to be accountable.”
The lodge’s contributions to the community included annual spaghetti feeds and fundraising events that supported local charities, such as the Chico Housing Action Team and individual scholarships for high school students. Rossi fondly reminisced about making 2,500 meatballs by hand for the annual fundraiser, highlighting the joy of community service.
In addition to social trends, the waning connection to Italian culture among younger generations has also impacted the lodge’s membership. Michael Colletti Smith, a member with Italian heritage, shared his concerns about cultural continuity. “Now, my kids are a quarter Italian,” he noted, reflecting on how family diversity influences interest in cultural organizations. Franco Di Lorenzo, who was born in Sicily, acknowledged that while his children appreciate their heritage, many members’ families have become more diverse, making it harder to maintain cultural connections.
Lauri Aiello, who does not have Italian roots, expressed how welcoming the lodge was, stating, “Nobody was ever singled out for not being Italian.” Her experience illustrates the lodge’s inclusive spirit, which attracted members from various backgrounds.
The final gathering took place at the Sicilian Cafe, a poignant location that symbolizes the lodge’s beginnings. The late founder Antonio Lucido initially recruited members there, calling individuals with Italian surnames from the phone book. It was a place where community bonds were formed, and it fittingly hosted the lodge’s farewell.
As the members shared their last meal together, they affirmed that their friendships would endure beyond the lodge’s closure. Many plan to continue gathering and some hope to join the Italian lodge in nearby Shasta. “We were all this big around when we joined,” Sal Aiello joked, holding up his pinky finger. The closure of the Vincenzo Bellini Lodge marks the end of an era, but the connections fostered within its walls will likely persist, united by shared history and love for Italian cuisine.
