A Message from the Presidente
Buon Anno, Fratelli. My name is Mike Cupello, and it is my honour to be the new Presidente of the Societa M.S. Cristoforo Colombo Lodge.
About the President
I was born and raised in Nelson, but Trail has always felt like home. In 2011, I moved to Trail and graduated from JL Crowe in 2014. I then attended and graduated from Selkirk College, Thomspon Rivers University, and Simon Fraser University. In 2024, I was commissioned as a Notary Public by the BC Supreme Court. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and making memories on Kootenay Lake.
Colombo Executive
Leaving the Executive Committee in 2026 is Joe Parrilla. During his time on the Executive, Joe has served as Presidente, Grande Marshall, Councillor, Chair of the Culture and Archives Committee and Chair of the Funeral, Sick and Hospital Visits Committee. I would like to thank Joe for his long-standing dedication and commitment to the Colombo Lodge and wish him the best going forward.
With Joe Parrila stepping down, and Kenny LeRose Jr. filling the position of Vice Secretary, two Councillor positions became available. These vacancies have been filled by brothers Mike Vercillo and Guy Vercillo Jr. I look forward to hearing their new ideas and working closing with them in the coming months. The positions of Vice President and Vice Treasurer remain vacant.
Events
We anticipate this being a busy year not only for the Lodge, but for the City of Trail and surrounding communities. The area is set to host the 2026 BC Winter Games (February 25 – March 1st), the Association Kootenay Boundary Local Government (AKBLG) conference (April 16th – 19th), and the BC Major Baseball Championship Tournament (July-August). The lodge has been contacted for bookings for the BC Winter Games and the AKBLG conference.
Building on the success of last year’s Founders Day Banquet, the Banquet Committee has confirmed that this year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25th. Events such as this require substantial planning and countless volunteer hours. If you would like to get involved, or contribute to the silent auction, please reach out.
Looking Forward
Over the course of the next year, my hope is to build upon the strong foundation that was set more than 120 years ago. Expanding membership and member involvement, finding a long-term solution to hall catering, and increasing hall and game room bookings are pivotal in ensuring the continued success of our Lodge.
I look forward to getting to know each of you more over the course of the next year as we work together to promote our Italian culture and heritage.
Sincerely,
Mike Cupello, Presidente
M.S. Societa Cristoforo Columbo Lodge