Andy Marino
The Italian Heritage Club’s inaugural event at SaddleBrooke was a celebration of culture, community, and connection—and by every measure, it was an inspiring success. Created to bring neighbors together through a shared love of Italian heritage, the club welcomed more than 40 members to the Activity Center for an evening filled with laughter, stories, and the unmistakable warmth of la famiglia.
An Evening Enriched by Culture and Sharing
From the moment guests walked in, the atmosphere radiated Italian pride. The Activity Center was decorated with vibrant Italian flags, festive touches of red, white, and green, and classic Italian music filling the room. It felt like stepping into a small village celebration–warm, inviting, and full of life. Members arrived with potluck dishes that showcased antipasti, pastas, salads, and decadent desserts. One member shared their homemade limoncello with everyone!
Mapping Our Roots
One of the highlights of the night was a large laminated map of Italy where members were invited to pin the cities their ancestors came from. As the map filled up, so did the room–with stories of grandparents, childhood memories, and immigration journeys.
A Little Extra Fun: The Raffle
The celebration included a free raffle drawing and one lucky member went home with a gift basket filled with Italian treats–food, wine, and other goodies that captured the spirit of the event.
Looking Ahead to Feb. 23
The Italian Heritage Club is off to a vibrant start. Our next event will take place on Feb. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Activity Center and requires an advanced reservation. It will once again be a potluck and will feature a lively Italian Trivia game, perfect for testing knowledge, sparking friendly competition, and sharing a few laughs.
Join the Community
For additional information or to become a member, please email sbitalianclub@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming even more neighbors as we continue to celebrate Italian culture, heritage, and lasting friendships here in SaddleBrooke.