Connected to community: Jessup volunteer celebrates culture, gives back

Jul. 16—For Jamie Lodovici, there's no place like home.

The Jessup resident was born and raised in the borough, and the small town values she learned while growing up had the biggest impact on her. She uses those lessons and love for her home region to give back to the community that shaped her into who she is today.

She dedicates her time to several organizations and initiatives locally, including Jessup 21st Century Association, St. Ubaldo Society and the Valley Community Library, where she also serves on its board of directors.

"I always try to make myself available even if I'm not part of a specific organization," she said. "We're going through a time where it's hard to find people, either paid or volunteer to help, so if I'm available I will try my best to pitch in."

The daughter of Jim Lodovici, Jessup, and Joann Lodivici, Eynone, a big part of Lodovici's inspiration to get involved comes from her connection to her community. Her dad, was born and raised in Jessup and she explained the family is deeply rooted in their town.

"We're rich in tradition and culture and heritage, and I wanted to make sure I was a small piece of carrying on those traditions," she said.

Her first foray into community work was through the St. Ubaldo Society, which plans the celebrations of La Festa de Ceri or Race of the Saints in Jessup. Each year during the final weekend in May, the borough welcomes thousands of visitors to commemorate the life and legacy of St. Ubaldo, patron saint of Gubbio, Italy, which is the sister city of Jessup.

While it's what the town is mostly known for, people may not realize the effort that goes into making that day a success, Lodovici said. It's a huge undertaking that involves dozens of volunteers and community members working together to pull it off. The society begins planning the next year's event shortly after that year's St. Ubaldo festivities end. They organize numerous fundraising functions throughout the year and also meticulously plan every piece of the event — including a Mass, the adult Race of the Saints, the children's race and more — so it all runs smoothly.

It's a lot of work, but it's rewarding for Lodovici, especially because of what it means for Jessup, as the society is responsible for preserving the centuries-long tradition of the event.

"What's so special about being a part of this society is that this race only happens in two places in the world, (Gubbio and Jessup)," she said. "And we are beyond lucky to have the passionate leadership we do for this group that keeps the event coming back bigger and better every year."

Lodovici's involvement with St. Ubaldo Society led to more volunteer opportunities. She also belongs to the nonprofit Jessup 21st Century Association, which supports St. Ubaldo Society Cultural Center. This serves as the epicenter to the festival's traditions, and is home to the many gifts and relics gifted by the people of Gubbio, she said. Jessup 21st Century Association also just received a grant to host a community-wide event centered around the history of Jessup. Everything kind of intertwines together to create an ecosystem of history, tradition and supporting the people of the community.

Also as part of Jessup 21st Century Association, Lodovici contributes to the development of Jessup by sponsoring and hosting community-related happenings throughout the borough, including a wine festival and an annual Family Fun Day with kids' activities, fireworks and more. It also helps to collect donations for food pantries as well as facilitate fundraisers for families in need.

Her interests have also shown her ways to give back. An avid reader, Valley Community Library was a book hub for her, but she soon realized that its services went way beyond that. She wanted to do her part to help the library continue its mission as a community resource and joined its board of directors. One of the top projects Lodovici was part of adding a community refrigerator outside with fresh produce. The library already supplies pantry items for families, but offering fresh food to families in need will hopefully make an even bigger impact on the community.

"You don't realize what's going on in your community until you get involved," she said. "People are facing hardships, especially in this economy, and if we can do one thing to help take some of the burden away I think that's the best thing you can do for someone."

She also serves as chairperson of the library's fundraising committee, which includes being involved in planning Books Appetit. The library's largest fundraiser, it takes place each April and brings local restaurants and wineries into the library for a cocktail party and raffle. Lodovici brought some new ideas for the long-standing event to the table, including adding outdoor seating and live music for guests to mingle outside.

She was blown away by the support of Books Appetit.

"When we opened the doors for Books Appetit and there were people lined up around the building to get in, it was a moment for me," she said. "The community really came together to support our event, and I felt that energy for days after."

Lodovici's volunteer projects reflect her day job, where she works in marketing for a radiology company, and helps to make connections and find solutions. She also is a fitness instructor at Quest Studio in Jessup, which is a woman-owned small business in the borough. Not only does Lodovici feel inspired by friend and studio owner Talia Walsh, but she also enjoys the social aspects of the classes and helping others to feel like the best versions of themselves.

"We live so much of our lives behind a screen and I feel that we really lost human connection in the last few years," she said. "I've always been outgoing, so striking up conversations with people comes very easy to me. You never know when a new connection will lead you to a new opportunity."

Lodovici plans to continue giving back to the community and making connections to extend her reach in local philanthropy. She hopes to get more younger generations involved in volunteer work, as well. One of the things she loves most about NEPA is that, if someone locally faces hardship, everyone in the community is so quick to put aside their differences and rally together to help. Another is the close-knit feeling of the area, as you're bound to run into someone you know any time you're out. Even though there are so many wonderful changes and advancements, Lodovici said, those core values remain. This area is constantly growing, but "it never feels too big that you don't feel at home," she said. Also, Lodovici and her fiancé, Matthew Maceyko, bought land in Jessup and plan on building their forever home there.

"We want to make sure we build on the progress that's been made in Jessup for generations to come," she said. "I can't imagine living anywhere else."

Contact the writer:

gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127;

@gmazurTT on Twitter