Message From the 1st Vice President

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

There are many members that have asked “What does the State and National Lodges do for us?” I would like remined all the Lodge Presidents, State Officers & Past State President, State Committee Chairpersons, to share the information that I pass on from the State and National office to all our members.

When we take the time to read, participate and click on to the various links included in my articles; the information keeps all members up to date with information on what is being accomplished by our State and National Officers and Office staff that keep OSDIA moving forward with the times!

When we stay connecter, it helps us remember our Italian Heritage and keeps us motivated to be a member of OSDIA, the oldest Fraternal organization of 117 years!

Thursday, December 8, 2022. I attended the Christmas Party of the Enrico Caruso Lodge #1463. A delicious catered dinner was served by lodge members at 6:00pm with Santa making a visit with gifts for the children in attendance. Three names were drawn; each person was given a gift and got to sit on Santa’s lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas! I was one of the lucky winners!! There were a lot of laughs and fun, making the party enjoyable.

On Sunday, December 11, 2022, I attended the Christmas Party of the United Lodges of the San Josquin Valley, Luncheon at the Spaghetti Factory in Fresno, CA.; hosted by the Colombo-Stella #1149. In the spirit of Christmas, donations were accepted for the Marjaree Mason Center’s “Safe House” in the form of gift cards: Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, CVS, Walgreens.

Central Lodges attending were Roma #1573, Hanford #1543, Colombo-Stella#1149, Rodolfo Valentino #1449, Enrico Caruso #1463.

The weekend of December 17and 18, 2022, I traveled with State Trustee – Central Pamela Buldo, and lodge member Judie Buldo to the Joanne Coccia Lodge #2335 Christmas luncheon/meeting. The meeting open with the induction of their Lodge queen and crowning of Jessica Ragsac in Fontana, Ca. The Past lodge queen Susi Ragsac and mother presented her daughter Jessica with a beautiful bouquet of roses. Violinist Isabell Ragsac, sister of queen Jessica entertained the members and guest. After the ceremony, the meeting continued following with a lovely, delicious buffet luncheon! The hospitality shown to us was wonderful and much appreciated.

Lodge President Paul Finazzo does an outstanding job of leadership with his members as well as the lodge officers. It was a fun filled weekend meeting and visiting with members that I had not seem in a long time! A fantastic memorable weekend thanks to the Joanne Coccia Lodge #2553.

Wishing All a Healthy Prosperous Happy New Year!
Ciao – until next month