Celebrating Our Leadership
Mr. Donny Orlando
Mr. Donny Orlando
Mr. Donny Orlando
President
Dominic "Donny" Orlando was born and raised in Independence, La. "I am retired. The museum is my passion, out of respect and gratitude to my ancestors and the sacrifices they made as immigrants."
Loretta Joiner
Mr. Donny Orlando
Mr. Donny Orlando
Vice President
Loretta has served as volunteer and publicity officer at the museum, giving tours and administering website and social media content. She is a founding member of the Mama Mias Sicilian Italian Trio, a live group who continue to celebrate traditional Sicilian music. She is also an educator, journalist and organist for local area Catholic churches.
Larry Calmes
Mr. Donny Orlando
Larry Calmes
Treasurer
Mr. Larry is a man of many talents. As well as his duties as the Museum's Treasurer, he is known for his carpentry, painting, and restoration skills. His craftsmanship can be seen throughout the museum as he restores beauty to many of the museum's displays.
Gwen Durham
Mr. Donny Orlando
Larry Calmes
Recording Secretary
Gwen was born in El Paso, Texas and is a substitute teacher for the Tangipahoa Parish School System. "I enjoy my time as a volunteer at the museum, helping to preserve and celebrate the stories of our community's ancestors and their contributions."
Rosetta Hughes
Thomas Levatino
Thomas Levatino
Correspondence Secretary
I was born in Independence, La to Sicilian parents. Retired as Administrative Specialist with La. State Dept. of Social Services. Keeping up with family traditions, I embrace Sunday dinners with my family. Genealogy is one of my passions. I am one of our family historians in the quest for our ancestors' history and
Correspondence Secretary
I was born in Independence, La to Sicilian parents. Retired as Administrative Specialist with La. State Dept. of Social Services. Keeping up with family traditions, I embrace Sunday dinners with my family. Genealogy is one of my passions. I am one of our family historians in the quest for our ancestors' history and culture by sharing family photos and stories of days gone by.
Thomas Levatino
Thomas Levatino
Thomas Levatino
Advisory Board
Thomas's ancestors were from Sicily and planted their roots here in Independence where he was born and raised. He is retired both as postmaster and from the State of Louisiana Department of Labor.
Brent Pizzolato
Thomas Levatino
Brent Pizzolato
Advisory Board
Born, raised and lives in Independence. Graduate of Mater Dolorosa and Independence High School. Divisional Human Resources for O'Reilly Auto Parts. Support to Board for preservation and growth in the community.