How is it possible that it is 2022? I guess it is true what they say, “Time goes faster as you get older!”.

I want to wish my Sisters and Brothers in our Order a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We can only pray that the pandemic will subside enough to allow us to continue to share our meals and meetings together. If you haven’t seen a member recently, give them a call. They may need to hear a friendly voice. I was excited to attend the meeting of the Columbia Lodge #1940 in San Mateo. President Angelo Fanucchi was a gracious host. The Lodge collected so many toys for the “Toys for Tots” program. It warms my heart to see our members working together towards great causes. They did put me to work, which I loved. We initiated six new members, installed a Sargent at Arms and I was able to give out pins and certificates for members over 25 years and over 50+ years. I was honored to give a 73-year certificate to a wonderful woman, Frances Sutter. It is members like her that have kept our Order going.

I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention my most amazing hostess, Arlene Nunziati. She not only put me up (put up with me) and fed me but was my chauffeur for the time I was in San Francisco.

Since last edition of the Il Leone, First Gent, Ken, and I have attended Lodge meetings at Gold Country #2705 and Northern Solano #2534. While there we initiated new members. There is nothing we like better than to assist with new members becoming Sisters and Brothers.

I spent a few days at the Grand Lodge building where State Recording Secretary Lori Rossi and I interviewed for a new office administrative person. We hired Ervin Siax and both of us feel he will be a good

What a wonderful day First Gent, Ken and I had at the Western Foundation’s Golf Outing. It was sponsored by the Vincenzo Bellini Lodge #2519, in Chico. This Lodge worked tirelessly to prepare this event. President Michael Colletti Smith along with more members than I can name put on a wonderful, profitable event. Thank you all. And, by the way, some of our skilled golfers are a little upset with your Grand Lodge President as I won the “Frozen Meatball Putt”! As I don’t golf no one including myself saw that coming! If you get the opportunity to tune into https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Chico-Sons-and-Daughters-of-Italy-hosts-annual-charity-golf-classic-575505741.html, you can see this actually happen!

I attended the virtual National Convention this weekend

The smoke seems to have cleared for most of us. I hope your skies are clear. Since I last wrote you, there have been several Zoom calls with National. All were interesting but one was very interesting. All the National Committee Chairs were on this Zoom. Our National President Robert Bianchi told us what he expected in the way of action and reporting. He also told us to feel free to reach out to other committee chairs for assistance with activities.

I was impressed with this idea of sharing assistance with each other. We certainly can do this on a Grand Lodge or Local Lodge level. If our committee has a project they are working on and find themselves in need of help from a technology or membership committee, they should feel free to reach out. The best chance we have for continued success is

I hope you are all staying cool and smoke free. Ken and I have missed many Reno Aces games because of the unhealthy air. We are hoping to get to the rest before the season is over.

Ken and I visited the Gold Country Lodge #2705 to celebrate their 25th Anniversary, with President Jim Silveira, First Lady Barbara and so many of their officers and members. The food and company were wonderful.

I want to remind everyone that, as President, I would like