To err is human; luckily, that is what we do best.

Sadly, we report on the passing of old friends: Frances Ricchiuti, a member since 1974, and Clara DeLuca, twelfth child of Ciriaco and Maria (Fasano) DeLuca. Ciriaco was an initiator for our lodge here in Clovis, and a charter member since 1927. Verona DeLuca, a longtime member, is a surviving sister. Clara was a graduate of Clovis High School (class of 1955) and Fresno

ALMOST FOLKS!

June 15 our California Governor says we can remove our masks....is that a time for celebration? Are we to be cautious? Can we hug again? We will be able to resume our dinners? Hopefully soon!

MISSING EACH ONE OF YOU! For sure WHEN we can be together again it will be a joyous occasion!

JUST IN CASE... Are you wondering..? I am no longer attached to Duolingo... It was over 2 years... The words are in my head... just not sure I can put them in order...go ahead and laugh!

TIES TO THE HOME LAND S. Stino Di Livenza 1961 This time of isolation has caused me to think about the times I visited Italy...The first time was in 1961...everything was as it was when my grandmother lived there...

Our scholarship recipients from 2020 were not in the Il Leone last year, thus, we would like to acknowledge them in this issue. Our scholarship recipients for the 2021 school year will be featured next month as a few of the high school awards ceremonies have not taken place yet.

We are hoping to be able to meet in person once again after June.  It is of course wait and see.

The Gold Country Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #2705 is proud to announce the winners of our 2021 Scholarship Awards. In addition to recognizing them at their high school Scholarship Nights, we recognized them at our lodge awards dinner on May 18th. At that time each student presented their future plans. The two $500 awards were presented to Chelsea Mullens & Jessica Weisser. These awards are given to students of Italian descent who have demonstrated recognized participation in school and community activities. Sofia Acosta was awarded $250 for outstanding achievement and participation in the four year Italian Language Program at Oakridge High School in El Dorado Hills, CA. This award does not require being of Italian decent. This is always the highlight of our May dinner meeting. Thank You Arietta Family for doing a fantastic job making & serving our dinner of Ravioli’s, salad and celebratory cake.

Roma Lodge’s 85 Year Member!

Joe Signorelli Sr. joined the Order of Sons of Italy in America on April 25, 1936. Yes, 1936! Joe just celebrated his 85th year as a member of the Order and was recognized at the Roma Lodge gathering on May 3rd. Just three days later, on May 6th Joe passed away, with his family by his side, at the age of 96 in Lompoc, California. Joe’s parents, Adam Peter and Giovanna Signorelli came to America from northern Italy in the early 1900’s and farmed and ranched in the Lompoc area.

The Signorelli Family were longtime members of the “G. Marconi” Lompoc Lodge #1575 established on August 31, 1930. When the Lompoc lodge closed, members transferred their membership to the Santa Barbara Lodge #1552 which was established in 1929. In 2009 the Santa Barbara Lodge closed,