July 2026 Newsletter

Dear Members,

It’s a busy season at Cavallotti Lodge! Below are a number of important updates/reminders as to what is happening at the moment.

1/   On Saturday, the 22nd of August , a Celebration of Life will be held for Lidia Niamath, a valued member of our Cavallotti community. This will commence 12:00pm at the Legion, Branch 256, located at 1630 East Wellington Road.

2/  Our Annual Cavallotti Lodge Picnic will be held on Sunday, the 23rd of August at 2:00pm.

This will be a great way for members to catch up, especially as our new facility is being built. Both members and non Members are welcome to attend, so bring your extended families, friends and neighbours. The Picnic will be held at the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club which is situated at 6700 Dover Road, at May Richards Pioneer Park. You will recognize it by the Log Cabin Club House and the Rugby Field.

The event will start at 2:00pm with a Mix & Mingle and activities for available for those who wish to participate, such as Bocce, Corn Hole, and Putt Putt Golf.

Dinner is served at 5:00pm. The menu consists of hamburgers and hot dogs, with all the trimmings, complemented by Potato Salad, Sweet Corn, Watermelon, and Ice Cream for dessert! The bar will be open inside the clubrooms for those who would like to purchase a drink. 

Children 6 and under are free. Children 7 to 12 years will be $5.00; Children 13 years and above as well as Adults will be $15.00.

As you know, we prefer that you pay by e transfer ( cavallottilodge@shaw.ca ) or you can pay by cash on the day.  Please have the correct change.

Tickets are selling fast! Please RSVP to with Rene at 250-739-1007 or email her at freshstart.2016@hotmail.com. Please Note:  Rene is off to Italy on the 4th of August, so please contact Christine after the 4th of August, if you wish to attend. Christine can be reached at 250 619 8915 or email cfrobinson65@gmail.com

After Dinner we will be presenting our Annual Sponsorship Awards (learn more in our Newsletter Archives).

We are looking for help to run this event. If you are able to assist, please liaise with me at 250-729-7539 or email me at iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com.

If you wish to sit under the trees on the lawn, you may like to bring a deck chair.

See you all at the Picnic!

3/ Halloween Party.  Thank you to Christine Robinson for organizing this night of fun!

This will be held on Saturday, the 24th of October at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 256, located at 1630 East Wellington Road.

Tickets are on Sale now.  Last year was a huge success.  The creativity and work that went into some of the costumes was incredible.

This event helps fund the annual Scholarship Awards which we will be presented at the aforementioned August Picnic. 

This will be a Beverage and Burger style event, with our D.J. Bob of Prime Time DJ Services. Bob will make sure to have everyone up on their feet dancing so bring your dancing shoes.

There will be spot dance prizes and prizes for best costumes.

Last year we were sold out, so if you want a ticket, please contact Christine at 250-619-8915. Please e transfer your payments to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca and don't forget to include a memo of what your payment is for .

The cost is $35.00 per person, and this includes the cost of your entry as well as your beverage and burger. Note this event is for 19+ only.

Finally, if anyone would like to donate a prize item, we would greatly appreciate it. As you know, all proceeds go to our Aspiring Student Scholarship Award Fund.

4/ As mentioned at our last dinner, we have the opportunity to raise $2,000.00 Fundraising Event for the Lodge, by helping out the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, who will be having a Reunion on Friday the 27th of November at Beban Park.  They are expecting up to 400 people to attend.

We need at least 12 people to help, and these people will work in 2 shifts: 12:00pm to 6.00pm and 6.00pm until midnight.

We will be required to help with setting up, serving, putting water on the tables throughout the night, and helping to clean up.  I thought this was too good an opportunity to turn down so I have taken the liberty of committing us to this event.

PLEASE, if you are able to assist us with this fundraiser, liaise with me at 250-729-7539 or email me at iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com    All volunteers will be provided with a free gourmet meal on the night.  

5/   A reminder that if you collect Country Grocer Receipts for the Lodge, please liaise with Wendy to arrange the best way of getting these to her (259-390-3321 )  Thank you.

6/   Clothing Sales. As most of you are aware, notifications went out for a Cavallotti Apparel sale with each item having the Cavallotti Logo. We put in a large order in June. We will likely do another order in the upcoming months for those who missed out on our first large order. Please liaise with Christine (250-619-8915) if you wish to purchase any of the items such as polo shirts, t shirts, sweaters, vests, and hats.

Take care everyone, continue to enjoy the sunshine, and hopefully we will see you at our Picnic.

Regards,

Ian Cumpstone, President

May 2026 Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Our next Cavallotti Dinner is only 4 weeks away.

If you wish to attend, it will be held on Sunday, the 14th of June, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. (6234 Spartan Rd.)

The doors will open at 4.00 pm and dinner will be served at 5.00 pm. 

The menu will consist of of chicken, mixed vegetables, pasta, salami and cheese, salad, pickles , beats, olives, buns, coffee and the usual desserts.

If you wish to attend, please contact Rene at freshstart.2016@hotmail.com or phone her at 250 739 1007. Rene will be arranging seating arrangements, so please give her the names of those attending with you.

A reminder that the maximum number that can sit at a table is 8.

The cost will be as follows. Members, $25.00, Non Members $30.00,  Children 6 years and under are free,  Children 7 to 12 years $10.00,  Children 13 to 18 years $15.00.

Most of you are paying by e transfer now which is great ( cavallottilodge@shaw.ca ). Don't forget to indicate on the e-transfer, what the payment is for ( e.g. June 14th Dinner ).

If you are paying at the door by cash, please put the money in an envelope with the names of those attending on the outside.  Thank you, as this helps to speed up the process.

Bookings to attend will close a week before the event, ( i.e. Sunday, the 7th of June ).  At the May Dinner, several people missed out as they were too late telling Rene that they wished to attend.

VOLUNTEERS.  The response for the request last time was fantastic.  Lets see the same for the 14th.  If you are able to help, please liaise with Ian at iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com or by phone at 250 729 7539.

We will be needing help in the usual ways,  namely setting up (1.00 pm) and packing up as well as help with the dishes, selling bar and 50/50 tickets, preparing the salad, pickles, beets and olives, salami and cheese as well as plating the desserts (1.00 pm)

VICTORIA ITALIAN DAY

The Victorian Italian Assistance Centre (VIAC) will be hosting their 3rd annual Victoria Italian Day celebration on Sunday the 28th of June in Victoria from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The address is 195 Bay Street at the da Vinci Centre and Parking Lot.

There will be a range of activities including cultural demonstrations, cooking, music, games, choir, and dancing.

Last year, a number of our members attended and by all accounts, it was well worth the trip.

CAVALLOTTI LODGE SCHOLARSHIP

Once again, the Lodge will be providing four $500.00 Scholarships this year.  Please see this link for more information, including Application Contents.

AUGUST PICNIC

Finally, pencil in Sunday, the 23rd of August for our Picnic.  The venue is yet to be confirmed, but we will let you know.

Regards,

Ian Cumpstone, President

March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Members,

Hopefully this newsletter finds you well as we all look forward to some warmer months ahead.

Below are a few updates/reminders about what's happening at the Lodge:

1/ The next Cavallotti Dinner is on Sunday, the 3rd of May.

Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church   (6234 Spartan Road , Downstairs Hall)

Time: Doors open at 4.00pm and Dinner will be served at 5.00pm.  

Cost: Members $25.00  Non Members  $30.00; Children 0 to 6 years are free; Children 7 to 12 years $10.00; Children 13 to 18 years $15.00.

Payment: PLEASE pay by e-transfer if you can to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca

On the Menu (Catered once Again by Spice of Life Catering, Ltd):
Pork Tenderloin
Mixed Vegetables
Pasta
Salad
Salami , Cheese, Pickles, Beets & Olives
Buns
Coffee, as well as the usual desserts

If you wish to attend, please liaise with Rene ASAP at 250-739-1007 or email her atfreshstart.2016@hotmail.com. Rene will be making the seating arrangements so you will need to give her the names of the people who are attending with you. The max. number that can sit at a table is 8.

Wehad over 180 people attend our last Dinner, and some people who contacted us late missed out; make sure you connect with Rene ASAP!            

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: We need your help please to set up the Hall at 1:00pm and to pack up after dinner. We also need a group to help Cheryl and Kelly in the Kitchen for a bit so that they have time to sit and enjoy their meal as well .  IT IS IMPORTANT that we have a large number of helpers at these functions so that it is not left to the same old few all the time. This is a great opportunity for some of our new members to get involved.

If you can help, please liaise with Lenora at 778-858-0035 or email her at lardita62@gmail.com.

2/ Annual General Meeting: As you are aware, we held our Annual General Meeting earlier this month.  Part of this meeting included the Election of Officers.

Below is a list of our newly elected Executive:

• President: Ian Cumpstone

• Vice President: Philip Fratpietro

• Secretary: Wendy Calvin

• Treasurer: Karen Cumpstone

• Membership Secretary: Philomena Penner

• Speaker: Stella Robinson

Below is a list of our newly elected Executive Councillors:

• Christine Robinson

• Kevin Guizzetti

• Tom Hoyt

• Lenora Ardita

• Rene Qualizza

• Ron Oliver

• Valeria Taylor

3/ Calendar of Events: Please refer to our Calendar of Events page to see what’s happening for 2026. This list is not finite as other events will be added once venues and all details are finalized.

4/Dues: Over 150 people have paid their dues so far ($25.00 per person) ,  which is great . If you are unsure whether or not you have paid, don't be frightened to contact me (iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com)

This payment can be made by e-transfer to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca or you can mail your cheque to the address at the bottom of this webpage. Thank you.

5/ Country Grocer Receipts: These can be brought to our May 3rd Dinner and given to Wendy.  Thank you.

6/ New Building Update: Philip and I are meeting with theCity this month, along with our Architect, to submit our Development Plan. Once approved, we can then move on to securing a Building Permit. Let’s hope the City is kind to us and doesn’t delay us too long with this process so that we can move on to the Building Stage.

Personal Update for the Cumpstone Family: Karen and I are happy to announce the arrival of our new granddaughter and we look forward to meeting her soon in New Zealand!

Regards,

Ian Cumpstone, President

February 2026 Newsletter

Hi Everyone:

Just a few reminders / updates about upcoming events.

1/  Feb 22nd Dinner. As you know, we are sold out for this event, to be held at the Bowen Park Complex ( 500 Bowen Road ). There are 2 entrances to this facility so please take the top one.

If you have yet to pay for your dinner ticket/s, in order to reduce congestionat the door, we would appreciate that you pay by e transfer to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca, but if this is not possible, then you can pay at the door ( Members  $25.00 and Non Members $30.00 and Children 7years to 12  years $10.00 )

If you are able to assist with setting up, we will be doing this at 2.30pm.  We also require help with the 50/50 as well as someone to collect money at the door.

Doors will open at 4.30pm and dinner will be served at 5.30pm.

2/  A reminder that the Celebration of Life for Fred Luvisotto will be held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church ( 6234 Spartan Road Nanaimo ) on Friday the 27th of February.

The Service will be held at 1.00pm in the Church and the C.O.L. will be held downstairs in the Hall at 2.00pm.

3/   We still have a number of Members yet to pay their annual dues. These are to be paid by e transfer ( $25.00 ) to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca or you can pay at the dinner on the 22nd, or by mail ( see address below. )

4/  Our Annual General Meeting  ( A.G.M. ) will be held on Sunday the 8th of March, commencing at 1.00pm. The annual meeting will be held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church ( 6234 Spartan Rd ) and will commence at 1.00pm. The A.G.M. includes the Election of Officers. The Agenda is below:

Check re Quorum

Apologies

Minutes of Last AGM (March 9th, 2025)

Matters Arising

Correspondence

Reports

2025 Financial (Karen)

Presidents (Ian)

Election of Officers

President

Vice-President

Secretary

Treasurer

Membership

Counsellors (5-6)

Guard (not a member of the Executive)

General Business

5/  Finally, we have misplaced our 2 big cane baskets that we use to put the buns in for our dinners. I gave them to someone to look after but can't remember who!  If it happens to be one of you, can you please let me know.

Thank you.  See most of you on Sunday!

Regards,
Ian Cumpstone, President

July 2025 Newsletter

Dear Members.

Below are a few reminders / announcements about what's happening at the Cavallotti.

1/     125th Anniversary

 As you know, we will be celebrating our 125th Anniversary at the Lodge on Saturday, the 18th of October.

 Tickets for the banquet are selling well, with 80 tickets purchased already which is great.

We plan to open up ticket sales to friends and extended family members in August, but we want to ensure that all of our members who want to attend, can do so.

If you still require a ticket, please liaise with either Janet or myself as soon as possible. Contact Ian at 250 729 7539 or iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com or Janet at 250 758 5463 or mangano@shaw.ca.

Tickets are $70.00 per person .  You can pay by e transfer to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca , cheque or cash.

2/   Cavallotti Lodge Picnic and Bocce Tournament Sunday, the 17th of August.

This annual event is fast approaching and we need to know who plans on coming.

The cost is $10.00 per person and can be paid on the day please. Children 12 and under are free.

If you plan on attending, please let me know (250 729 7539 or iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com )

The B.B.Q. is normally served around 4.30pm but people normally come earlier to mix and mingle.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

If you wish to play Bocce, this starts at 12.00noon. I need to know who wants to play so I can make up the Draw.

This is just a fun event so we encourage you to participate.

If you are able to volunteer with the B.B.Q. set up etc, please let me know...  Thank you.

3/ Cavallotti History book.

We plan on having this published for our Anniversary, so if you intend on having you or your family’s "Story" in this book, please send these to me as soon as possible.  Thank you.

4/  Finally, the Cavallotti Lodge Music Festival was enjoyed by around 80 people on Saturday Night (July 19), and was a very enjoyable evening.

A big shout out goes to Tom Hoyt, Ron Oliver and their large group of helpers, for their endeavors. It was pleasing to see a number of lodge members attending and supporting Tom in his efforts to provide something different for our Members.

Regards

Ian Cumpstone.
President

June 2025 Newsletter

Dear Members.

What a great turnout for our June 8th Dinner.  We had over 130 people attend and once again we were treated to a wonderful meal  from Cheryl, Kelly and their children, from Spice of Life Catering. 

We were pleased to swear in another new member with Rene Qualizza joining the fold.  Welcome Rene.

Below are a few reminders / updates about what is happening at the lodge:

1/   Our new website is now up and running.  You can reach it by typing in cavallottilodge.ca at the top of your screen on your web browser.  This will be added to as time moves on.

2/   Our 125th Anniversary tickets are selling quickly with 40 people signing up already.

A reminder that the Early bird sale of these tickets ends at the end of June but they can still be purchased in the months of July and August as well.

Tickets are $70.00 each and these can be purchased at the Lodge any Wednesday or Sunday between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. You can pay by cheque, cash or e transfer and Ian, Janet or Frank will issue you your tickets.

3/   Wednesday night Bocce is a month in and going well. Last night we had 12 people participating which is great. Remember, everyone is welcome to attend. 

It starts at 6.30pm and finishes around 8.00pm.

Sadly there was not enough interest from the province for Bocce to be part of the B.C. 55+ Games and so the organizing committee have decided to cancel this sport, which was to be held at the Cavallotti.  They were probably scared off by Stella and Maria's abilities!

4/   Cavallotti Lodge Music Festival.  Saturday, July 19th

Tom Hoyt, from our Executive, is organizing a Music Festival at the Lodge next month for the Lodge members as well as members of the public.

Let’s support Tom and his team, by attending this event if you can. The show will start at 7.00pm and is $20.00 per ticket.

As well as live music, there will be food trucks and refreshments available for purchase. This is an outside event and what greater way to pass the time on a summers evening than to listen to music.  You may even get up and Dance!

Please tell your friends and family and organize a group to attend. You can reserve\purchase a ticket by contacting Tom at 250 713 2947 or email him at info@nanimosurveyor.com. 

Please look at the poster below for further details. Don't forget your beach chair!