📷 L-R: Chris Garieri, Angela Garieri, Nick Niemiro and Travis Suprenant enjoy an evening of bocce at the Southbridge Italian Club.
SOUTHBRIDGE — The Italian Club has experienced a makeover to its indoor lounge area, with the help of some industrious students from Bay Path Regional Vocational High School.
The renovations are one part of an overall effort to maintain and update the Southbridge Italian Club on North Street and to engage both members and the general public in events. The organization offers a variety of recreational and social activities to the general public, including upcoming bocce leagues and the annual Italian Picnic.
The renovations, primarily to the bar and lounge area of the club, were carefully executed by Bay Path students under the direction of vocational director Don Montville, cabinetry instructor David Martinson and with Ray Mahon supporting students in the design shop. In the fall, Bay Path students will continue the work and add more improvements to the club.
The main focus of work by Bay Path students at the Southbridge Italian Club has been the bar area, which was completely made over with an updated design using cherry wood for the surrounding cabinetry. The students designed and assembled much of the cabinetry at the school and then brought pieces to the Italian Club for assembly and installation.
“I think it is important to teach the students these life skills,” comments Martinson. “Having this program in place helps them prepare for the workforce.”
Visitors to the Italian Club have many opportunities to see the upgrades. The organization is currently holding a bocce league, with sign-ups for the next session of bocce in August underway. Games will be held Wednesday and Thursday nights beginning Aug. 8. To sign up, you can contact the Italian Club or stop by on a Wednesday or Thursday evening to get more information.
The annual Italian Picnic will be held Aug. 26, with characteristic Italian hospitality and plenty of food. Members of the public are welcome; you don’t have to be a member of the club to enjoy the event. Admission to the event is $25 and children under 10 eat free.
