Going on six months now, I think it’s time to hurry and get to New Year’s Eve and welcome 2021 in. 2020 has been a very difficult year to say the least. The year started out well, then the pandemic, shelter in place, cancellations of many events, Conference call for March Grand Council (a first), things looking better, than a upswing on cases, no Convention and now we are fighting the heat and fires in the south, central, north and in Reno. Enough already. Maybe it’s a bad dream. This we will overcome and hopefully come out stronger on the other side. Let’s pray real hard for our firefighters, first responders and continued prayers for our hospital workers. Better days are ahead!

Many of you have heard that we have a new Office Manager, Rodelle Palce. She is a dynamic young lady, who has picked up the day to day items very quickly. I want to thank Head State Trustee Ray Bini and State Recording Secretary Lori Rossi for helping me go thru numerous resumes. Also an extra thank you to Lori for helping out keeping the office going until Rodelle came on board. Welcome Rodelle!!!

Normally I would be packing my car and heading to our State Convention on the day I am writing this. This will be the first time in 17 years I will not be attending Convention (except one year for my daughter’s wedding). Many of you also, would be checking in to our Hotel for the week to share some laughs, and fraternity. This will be a different year. I hope everyone continues to be safe, and hope for that day when we can break bread, share a conversation, and share an adult beverage will come soon!!

By now you have probably received the Western Foundation donation forms for 2020. Even though we are not meeting at convention you are still able to donate to our scholarship funds, Medical charities and our civic projects. If you have not received the forms please email the Grand Lodge office and we will get them to you.

Another month has passed and we are continuing to live a different world than what we are use to. I hope everyone is doing well and abiding by the rules set up by our elected State officials.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the De Santis family for the loss of Past State and National President Frank. I will always remember the first time I met Frank at the 2003 convention. He will be missed by all of us for his knowledge and his kind smile. He will now look over all of us in The Grand lodge above!

We will be sending out the Western Foundation donation forms you would normally receive at convention and be able to donate to our charities. Even though a lot of lodges have had to cancel

Usually I would be starting out my article with I had the pleasure of attending this event, this anniversary, But no, this is a new dimension we are living in now following the rules set forth by our elected officials. I am hoping that all of our members are staying safe and well. This is has been a difficult time for all of us. By now you have heard that the Grand Council had a conference call last month, and with all of your lodges input, the decision to cancel the 2020 Convention in Concord was made. This was the right thing to do for the safety and wellbeing of our members. I would like to thank the C. Colombo lodge for the hard work in helping the Grand Lodge as host lodge for the Convention. Information will be going out to the delegates soon as to what will needs to be voted on.

First of all I hope this article finds everyone well and safe. This is a very hard time our country in facing, actually world is facing. Fortunately we have family to rely on and be with. Please check in with our elderly members who are by themselves and please let us all listen to our elected government officials. Please everyone stay safe and if you need anything reach out to your fellow members. Many of our members are older and they should not spend much time around groups. BE SAFE!!.I’m hoping the next article I write for the Il leone will be more upbeat.

We were just able to complete our Grand Council meeting with the use of a conference call and webinar. Thank you all that participated, I personally think things went well and we were able to get our agenda done in a timely manner. Thank you Mark and Lori Rossi for all your help in making this successful, I appreciate the feedback I received from the officers and members. Thank you for your support.