A Message from the State 2nd Vice President

GREETINGS! HAPPY APRIL 2021!

I hope the student that had the eligibility requirements applied for the OSDIA’s National scholarships offered. OSDIA has awarded over $61 million in scholarships to date! In past years, Sons of Italy Foundation has offered 10 to 12 merit-based scholarships and National Leadership Grants, ranging from $4,000, to 25,000 in a Nationwide competition. These figures and the numbers of scholarships may vary according to funding each year.

If you follow Facebook, each Wednesday at 4:00pm PT you can listen/watch the “OSDIA Interviews Live”. Wednesday 03/04/2021 Season 3 featured special guest-host, Adriana Trigiani along with Italian America Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Miles Ryan Fisher, and 1st National Vice President Supreme Lodge Bob Bianchi. They were joined by prolific novelist and international bestselling author David Baldacci! He told of his first trip to Italy and the changes it made in his life etc. It was a moving story about visiting his hometown in Barga, Italy. David also spoke of the “Wish Well Foundation” he created with his wife. David answered questions during the live interview. It was an excellent interview and a great example of an Italian American. I enjoyed every minute of the interview. I encourage everyone to connect and listen to the “OSDIA Interviews Live”.

The 3rd weekend of March on Saturday 20th the Grand Council will have scheduled Zoom meetings. (News of the meeting will be forth coming!).

A reminder: The State delegates requirement list has been sent to the lodges Recording Secretary to be filled out and returned to the Grand Lodge.

Thursday, March 17th I sat in on the Renaissance Lodge Zoom meeting. I was invited to give a brief history about myself. Lodge president Mary Jane Cambria ran an excellent meeting, allowing all in attendance to speak. Reports and planned upcoming events were given. There was some social time ending the meetings. Much appreciation to the Renaissance members for allowing me to join their meeting.

Until we can be together again Stay Safe! Have a Blessed Happy Easter!

Ciao – until next month!