On Tuesday, July 9, Italian Heritage Night with the SF Giants vs. the Toronto Blue Jays was held at Oracle Park,.  As a Community Sponsor with the Giants, members of our Grand Lodge were present, including our State President Arlene M. Nunziati. The Aurora Mandolin Orchestra serenaded guests walking in, and the orchestra from La Scuola Internazionale under the baton of Maestro Carlo Dean provided the on-field pregame entertainment.  Italian Vice Consul General Davide Corriero threw out the first pitch, and

Francesco Paolo Calise
1934 - 2024
Napa Lodge 2043
By Anna Galbo Graeber

The Napa Lodge was saddened to hear about the passing of our Brother Frank, a member ofour Lodge for nearly 20 years. He was born on the beautiful island of Ischia, Italy, in the town of Forio, growing up with his mother and two sisters, Orsola and Maria. His father was separated from the family due to World War II.  Despite having very little, he always said they were happy. They lived only steps from the sea, where he swam and played soccer on the beach with his friends. After finishing school, he apprenticed at a local barber shop. Seeking more opportunities at the age of 17, he embarked on the ocean liner MS Vulcania and immigrated to the United States.

Gianna Fernandes was unable to attend the Black and White Ball at our Grand Lodge convention this year.  In good keeping with protocol, Rosmarie Vandehaar sent the scholarship certificate to our Western Foundation Trustee, Pauline Richmond, ensuring Gianna would receive it.  The Capparelli Family Scholarship was presented to Gianna Fernandes at a luncheon held on July 19, 2024, in Visalia, California.  The luncheon was hosted by

The following is a brief summary of the 87th Convention of the Grand Lodge. We were honored to have National President Michael G. Polo in attendance at our Convention.

Michael arrived late Tuesday night to meet with our Grand Council early Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, he teamed up with our State President Arlene to play in the Bocce Tournament. Winners will be announced later in the report! As usual, there was much enthusiasm and energy displayed at this event, along with the traditional competitive spirit of

I retired from the City of New York after 26 1⁄2 years. I retired as a Police Sergeant for the NYC Police Department.  I moved to Southern California in September 2000, settling in Hesperia in the High Desert. The first organization I joined was the Knights of Columbus Desert Valley Council 4228. I am also a member of Msgr. William E. Van Garsse Assy 2664. I have served as the Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy. I am still actively involved with the Knights of Columbus.

I also joined the OSDIA Desert