A Message from the State 3rd Vice President

To My Sisters & Brothers of OSDIA
As you can see, I have aged significantly from my last picture. This month I have decided to provide a more recognizable look.

With Thanksgiving this month and all that that has happened in the past year and a half, November is a wonderful time to truly give thanks. Covid has been difficult, and some have lost loved ones. Through my own personal experiences, I have found that when faced with difficult circumstances we overcome them and become stronger and better. My condolences to all those who have struggled with these times. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful and appreciate what we have.

I can see that our fraternal family (OSDIA) is emerging and starting to rebound with enthusiasm. I have been to several events, and everyone says it is always the same great feeling to be back together enjoying each other’s company. On the 9th and 10th of October I celebrated Columbus Day weekend at The Festa Italia in my hometown Reno, Nevada. About 20,000 Italians enjoyed themselves eating pasta, raviolis, sfingi, drinking bellini & beer while enjoying great entertainment. A shout out to all the members I ran into there. Members of the Chico (Vincenzo Bellini), Northern Solano, Shasta, Roseville, Giuseppe Verde, and Cristoforo Colombo Lodges were there. Everybody was having a great time.

On Columbus Day I traveled to Chico for the 22nd Western Foundation Golf Tournament held at Canyon Country Club. I arrived to find that history had just been made. Our own Grand Lodge President Barbara Wisniewski won the Frozen Meatball Putting Contest! In 22 years, no woman had ever won this Contest. Congratulations Barbara!! I have tried for ten years to win and never came close. It was a very windy day. John Costa and I were paired up with two great gentlemen, Jim Ponzio, and his good friend Manuel. They are both over seventy and their drives and putts kept us in the tournament. Jim kept venturing out in the bushes finding golf balls. When we finished, he had over forty golf balls. I was quite happy he did not get bit by a rattlesnake. The real hero of the day was Michael Smith and his crew. Everything was fantastic from the raffle prizes to the lunch and cannoli. Everyone had a wonderful time. Excellent job to all of you at Vincenzo Bellini Lodge.

On a sadder note, Pam Ricci, President of the Cristoforo Colombo Lodge lost her beautiful sister Lydia Aberasturi. Lydia was a long-time member of the OSDIA. Our prayers go out to the families. Lydia is now singing all the Italian songs in heaven with her father. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Ciao For Now,
Louie Lodi