Billy Garlough puts some finishing touches on some baked beans to be served as a side dish option at the Leetonia ITAM fish fry, which is held weekly through Good Friday. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

LEETONIA — Aging membership rosters and insufficient funding to cover operational costs is a typical plight for a social organization these days, and the Leetonia Italian-American Club (ITAM) is no different.

They kicked off their busiest fundraising time during the day of January, when they will be slinging fish for the next couple months.

Kelly Knapp, who is a past president of the organization, could be found starting the prep work late night before that debut, starting her special pasta fagioli sauce to simmer.

While the pasta fagioli usually is not the star of the show at a fish fry, it highlights what does draw diners to these events, which feature flavors like one’s Italian grandmother used to prepare it back in the day.

Through Good Friday, April 18 at the ITAM’s location, 202 Main St., weekly the organization will share their special flavors.

Diners either can enjoy their meals on-site in the dining hall or carryout during their operational hours, 5 to 8 p.m.

Of course, there is fish (in this case, cod) available either beer battered or baked. Enjoy the typical fish dinner with two sides for $15.

If diners instead prefer shrimp or clams with their two sides, the cost is $10.

Also available is a fisherman’s platter, which includes cod, shrimp, clams and two sides available for $17. (No substitutions allowed.)

Fish sandwiches are available for $12. (Sides not included in price).

One can add a piece of fish for $11 or purchase from the children’s menu, which includes either chicken tenders plus one side for $8 or a hot dog plus one side for $3.50.

Side choices are French fries, baked potatoes, cole slaw, applesauce, baked beans, mac and cheese, or the highly sought forementioned pasta fagioli, which is meatless.

Extra sides can be purchased either for $2 each regular size or $4 for large size.

As Knapp explained, “We have been having these fish fries more than 50 years. The oldtimers continue the traditions.”

She acknowledged that it can be difficult to attract new members with the busy lifestyles of today, leaving limited leisure time.

Knapp said the ITAM averages around 300 dinners a Friday during the Lenten season, which is how they earn the money to keep their doors open.

With 96 years under its belt, the ITAM does accept memberships and do event rentals.

To secure an annual membership, the cost is $35 and each renewal $30. They also have dartboards and pool and are family friendly until 9 p.m.

The fish fry team encourages diners to call ahead with their carryout orders by noon on fish fry day, 330-427-9900.