On October 14, 2019 the Southington Sons of Italy  joined Southington Chapter of UNICO, the Sorella D’ Italia in America, the Knights of Columbus and Calvanese Foundation at the Grounds of the Columbus Statue for a brief ceremony to celebrate Columbus Day. Each of the Organization placed flowers at the statue in Honor of Christopher Columbus. A group photo of those in attendance was also taken. The Statue which is located at the town municipal center was dedicated on October 9, 2017 by the Core organizations to commemorate the 525 anniversary of the discovery of America.

On September 4, 2019, Alex Thomas of The Southington High School robotics Team 195 presented the Sons of Italy with a plaque of appreciation for our continued support of the Southington First Robotics team 195. Alex and the other young engineers have been gearing up for their upcoming season of robotics competitions. Knowing how this team has performed in the past, They’re looking to dominate another season of competition. Robotics team 195 has earned the respect of being a superpower in these robotics competitions and admired by many other teams worldwide. With approximately 60 students mentored by Dr. Gino Brino and his wife Sandra as well as numerous others, They have made Team 195 a huge success in first robotics.

FIRST robotics is a not-for-profit organization that aims to get students involved in STEM education by holding competitions that  teams from across the world participate in. Team 195 is ranked in the top 3 in the world and mentor many other towns starting a robotics program. They always preach good sportsmanship.

Last years The topic was deep space, and the game involves “refueling” a space ship on a fictional planet. The robots had to maneuver over different surfaces, perform tasks like picking up game pieces, and even maneuver during a “sandstorm” on the planet. Students designed and build their robot in six weeks, all while optimizing it for performance on the game floor.

Alex also explained to the Sons of Italy Membership how the team is preparing for this years competitions as well as how they are training freshmen student new to the robotics team. He further stated the team is looking forward to the announcement of this years competition. His Grandfather and Sons of Italy Member Joseph Dellaporta explained it cost approximately 50,000 a year for the program to continue. He thanked the Sons of Italy for being a contributor to this outstanding program.

The Sons of Italy is honored to be able to support such an outstanding program and wishes them nothing but the best and continued success in this yeas competition.

On September 4th during the clubs monthly meeting the membership had the distinct honor of awarding one of it’s members for his 50 years of service to our organization. Mario Leonetti has reached a level of service to our organization that just a few members have been able to achieve. It is the longevity of members such as Mario Leonetti that have helped this organization for the past 50 years to succeed, continue to prosper and be a leader in our community. Most of all it is members such as Mario that have paved the road for generation to come in representing our club and Italian heritage to the Southington community. Mario is one of just a few members left that have emigrated from Italy and have truly lived the American dream in providing a great future and life for himself and most of all his family. Mario is a living legend of the legacy that this organization was founded on in 1910.

The Officer’s, Board of Director’s, Board of Trustees and the entire membership are truly grateful for his continued dedication to our organization. On behalf of the Sons of Italy membership whole heartedly congratulates Mario on his 50 years of being members in good standing to the Southington Sons of Italy. Stop by the club and see Mario. After 50 years he’s still bartends on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights.

PAT TESTA Jr.

On June 5, 2019, Three members of the Sons of Italy, Stefano Audi, Richard Deluco and Pat Testa Jr. were recognized with a ceremony during the monthly members meeting. These men have reached a level of service in the Southington Sons of Italy organization that just a few members have been able to achieve. Richard Deluco was honored for 60 years of service as Stefano Audi and Pat Testa Jr. were honored for 50 years of service. It is members such as these fine men that have helped this organization for the past 50 & 60 years to succeed, continue to prosper and be a leader in our community. Most of all it is members such as these men that have paved the road for generations to come in representing our club and our Italian heritage to the Southington community.  They are living legends of the legacy that this organization was founded on in 1910. The Officer’s, Board of Director’s, Board of Trustees and the entire membership are truly grateful for their continued commitment and dedication to our organization. We whole heartedly congratulate them on their 50 and 60 years of service and for being members in good standing of the Southington Sons of Italy. Please go to the gallery for additional photo’s