The Historical Society's Winter Frolic Featured Italian Americans

of Westmoreland County PA

The members of Emilia Sammartino Lodge #2831in Crabtree attended the Winter Frolic to celebrate our

Italian Heritage.The event was a great success with many of our members participating in the curtural activities.

Rizzo's Malabar Inn did a fantastic job with the many food tables with authentic Italian American foods, pastas,

cheeses and desserts. Tables filled the room for the 200+

that attended the event. Below is the article that the GreensburgTribune Review wrote

Tribune review article

The Westmoreland County Historical Society celebrated record attendance and Italian heritage Saturday at its third annual Winter Frolic.

More than 200 attended the party at Westmoreland County Courthouse.

Dick Flock, Bob Myers, Phil Light and Berardo Maragini played morra, a hand game from Greek and Roman times that resembles rock, paper, scissors.

Others danced the iconic tarantella, participated in auctions or watched a slide show on Italian contributions to county culture.

Lou DeRose headed a tour with commentary about the Italian workforce who labored over the masonry, stonework and art.

Lydia Blasiole demonstrated pasta-making and offered bagged samples of spaghetti and linguine to appreciative recipients, such as her husband Dennis' uncle, Rocco Blasiole.

Rocco, 95, sporting suspenders over a crisp dress shirt, said it was the first time he'd been to the courthouse since he retired as clerk of courts in 1978.

After a long career in state and local government, Rocco said, he enjoys making his home in Southwest Greensburg, and that he'd make his own sauce for the pasta.

"I'm a free man," he said.

Last but not least was a wonderful spread representing Northern and Southern Italy from Rizzo's Malabar Inn, represented by Rizzi DeFabo.

Seen: WCHS Executive Director Lisa Hays and education coordinator Joanna Moyar, Barbara Flock, Mel and Kathy Wohlgemuth, Bob and Carolyn Stutzman,

Jim and Mary Louise Silvis, Commissioner Tom Balya and Judge Debra Pezze, Judge Charles Marker and Bunny, Larry and Anita Leonard, Tom and Donnis Headley,

Dave and Debbie Delisi, with their daughter, Emma, Judge Michele Bononi and Eric, Dennis Cremonese, Commissioner Chuck Anderson and Nancy, Mayor Karl Eisaman, Carolyn Falcon, Vince Fontana and Arlene Rosatti.