Local Organizations and Clubs make our communities stronger, closer, and certainly much more engaging. Then why are so many dying out?
These organizations were once a significant part of social life in America, however, this is no longer. America has changed. It’s part of an overall trend in the Country along with the fact there are 43 to 54 percent fewer family dinners, an addiction to phones, games and television here in the United States.
One local Organization to buck this trend has been The Southbridge Italian Club, located at 20 North Street, Southbridge Mass.
The Italian Club was founded with a goal of celebrating our Italian Heritage, and through
their strategy of community engagement and varied events, has defied the odds and is thriving.
However, this Organization was in a struggle of it’s own until a couple of individuals , Scott
Garieri and Paul DiGregorio, organized a group of friends and began the revitalization of
what has to be one of the fastest growing and popular family venues locally.
With the belief in this long standing icon of the Italian Heritage in Town and the
understanding that it no longer needed to be exclusive, while opening up Membership to
all, the “Club”, as it is referred to, has become a staple of Leagues and Events open to the
Southbridge Community as well as neighboring towns.
There is a renewed energy and an influx of younger families who are rekindling the joy of
family and friendships here. People naturally love to connect and bond with their friends as
well as making new ones, and this is a great place to do it. The Southbridge Italian Club has
created a space to make people feel comfortable and to invite their friends to participate.
By recognizing this need to evolve with the times, the Southbridge Italian club has been
able to offer a large range of activities appealing to various age groups and interests. This
approach of inclusiveness ensures that newcomers as well as long time members are
feeling engaged and welcome. From spring and fall bocce leagues to winter pitch leagues
and the popular winter indoor corn hole leagues established by current President Scott
Provost, there is a lot going on.
Kudos to the Presidents leading the surge forward as well as the tireless efforts of the
Board of Directors, and the hard work of so many of the members whom have
contributed to the daily success of the Italian Club. Past President Scott Garieri, whose
vision and marketing expertise along with Paul Digregorio brought the club back to life,
past President Mike Bonadies who followed Scott Garieri and helped complete the overhaul
and reconstruction of the club. Past President Tony Postale who kept the fundraisers going
during his tenure through the difficult covid crisis, and finally Current President Scott Provost
who has added new revenue sources and reorganized and brought the club’s structure to
the 21st century. Let's not forget Board Member Mike Placella, Jim Ciprari, and Paolo Sinni,
who have been on top of numerous technical and financial concerns throughout their terms
with this ever evolving club.Special thanks to Russ Lebarge, Norm Brodeur, Doug Boyce,
Stella Electrical, Alan DiPietro, Bay Path School, Chris Garieri, and all those whom
have helped and contributed to the rebuild of the Bar, Club and Bocce courts.
For more information about membership, current event, and leagues, visit the Italian
Club’s new website at https://www.southbridgeitalianclub.com/
Comments