The Elettra Marconi Ladies Society is hosting the 61st annual Northern Ontario Italian Ladies Convention at the Marconi Multicultural Event Centre this weekend.
The convention, which began Friday and concludes Sunday, includes meetings, entertainment, guest speakers, food and a church service Sunday.
The theme of this year’s convention is ‘Paese Mio’ which means ‘my country,’ celebrating the various regions of Italy.
Saturday evening marked a night of socializing for members of the Sault’s Elettra Marconi Ladies Society, the Davedi Club of North Bay and the Societa Caruso Club of Sudbury.
Approximately 150 members of the Sault’s Elettra Marconi Ladies Society were joined by 40 women from Sudbury and 30 from North Bay.
“We mix with each other and get to know the ladies from Sudbury and North Bay. A lot of them are widows. The young women we have are very educated,” Joanne Lepore, Elettra Marconi Society president, told SooToday.
The Elettra Marconi Society was established in Sault Ste. Marie in 1932.
With 489 members, its mission is to preserve and promote Italian culture and heritage in the community while also empowering women.
As part of keeping the younger generation aware of the Elettra’s involvement in the community, a scholarship is made available each year to promote post-secondary education. The mother of the recipient must be a member for two years.
“We give to a lot of charities. We raise funds for organizations like Women In Crisis, Canadian Cancer Society, Harvest Algoma. We have a choir with almost 40 women and we go to the seniors’ homes and sing. We do everything we can,” Lepore said, adding that the Elettra Marconi Ladies Society offers membership to any woman who holds Italy close to her heart.
Below is a full release from the organization:
ELETTRA MARCONI SOCIETY INVITES NOILA CONVENTION TO SAULT THIS YEAR!
President Joanne Lepore and Vice-President Natalie Pecile lead the Elettra Marconi Society, a group with a proud history and deep roots in the Northern Ontario Italian community. With 354 members in Sault Ste. Marie, the organization is dedicated to fundraising for various charities and volunteering in the community. The mission of the society is also to encourage members to preserve and promote the Italian culture and heritage in the community.
This year the Elettra Marconi Ladies Society hosted the 61 st annual Northern Ontario Italian Ladies Convention on October 18, 19 and 20th which included women from Sudbury and North Bay that attended the Northern Ontario Ladies Auxiliary (NOILA) convention. The theme this year is “Paese Mio” which means “my country” reflecting the group’s focus on celebrating Italian regions. While the Elettra Ladies focus on women of Italian descent—membership is open to anyone who holds Italy close to their heart and provide an environment, inclusive of all persons’ fellowship.
Founded in 1932 by Anna Bernardi and a group of women curious about the activities of the men’s G. Marconi Club, so they dressed up like men and attended a men’s meeting. Then they started a club for the ladies which has grown into a vibrant organization. At the Elettra meetings, members enjoy guest speakers, games and seasonal parties. Since 2023, a local restaurant, Minelli’s, has provided delicious meals at their events, maintaining the high standard the members have come to expect.
Also, as part of keeping the younger generation aware of the Elettra’s involvement in the community, a scholarship is made available each year to promote post-secondary education. The mother of the recipient must be a member for 2 years.
The Elettra Choir, well-known throughout the city, regularly performs at senior homes and other community events.
As President Joanne Lepore reminds everyone, working together is our greatest strength and the best way to achieve our goals. Our community objective is always to welcome more amazing women to join us.