Message From the 1st Vice President

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our 85th State Grand Convention was very productive and successful with business reported on and approved. State President Barbara Fumosa Wisniewski did a wonderful job running the sessions with a cheerful outlook!

Thank you with appreciation to: Lynn Lawrence Murphy our Convention Coordinator, who did a fantastic job in ensuring everything was in place and on schedule with meals and keeping everyone happy! To Lori Rossi, State Recording Secretary for the preparation before convention. To Ervin, Grand Lodge Office Manager working with Lori and Lynn in preparation for convention and staffing the office at convention: answering questions and taking care of any issues that may have occurred. Meeting in person, visiting and connecting with friends was very fun. So as not to have repeated information about convention, I am just sharing highlights:

We were honored to have our National President, Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. in attendance at our convention, plus Philip J. Privitera, National SIF Trustee and son Payton Privitera.
Opening of convention on Thursday morning – the National Anthems of United States and the Republic of Italy. The National President, Robert A. Bianchi Esq, was escorted by the Mistress & Master of ceremonies to the Dias and was introduced and he then was asked to speak. He reported on what National is doing for US and what has been accomplished in the past year!
After the presentation of reports – the general meeting was, closed – the opening of the Western Foundation – with committee reports – presented and closed. Then re-opening of the general meeting – with committee reports.
Discussions and questions on – By-laws changes; The delegates agreed and passed the change removing fines for delegates who do not attend sessions.

Selling of the building; It was Voted to remove the Five million dollar minimum, and not give it to the Western Foundation, but directly to the Grand Council and Building Investment Committee, to move forward on the selling of the building. The proceeds are to be deposited into the Grand Lodge fund.

Friday, we had the Royal Court of the Golden Lion luncheon recognizing and donating $2,500.00 to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Their mission is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. They create and support unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.

Saturday at the Black and White Ball and Twenty-first Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony our National President dedicated his speech to the youth/scholarship recipients. It was a wonderful inspiring speech for all not only for the youth. It reminded all of us why we are members of OSDIA. He remarked how Italian Immigrants were treated when they came to America and about discrimination for jobs. National SIF Trustee, Philip Privitera presented the Privitera Family Charitable Foundation in memory of Jean Privitera scholarship for $2,500.00 to Preston Boswell from El Diamante High School in Visalia, CA. Philip also, donated a check for $10,000.00 to the Western Foundation.