Message from the State Presicent

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. I know many of us remember when we could travel the state and stay with a Sister or Brother in their home.

I also got to spend more time with our Office Admin, Ervin. He was patient with me as I asked questions. Maybe by the end of my term, I might learn a fraction of the procedures at our Grand Lodge Office!

The Giuseppe Verdi Lodge #1441 had First Gent, Ken, and I as guests at their Christmas party. The food was excellent as always and the fraternity is just wonderful. Thank you, President Maryanne Campbell for your hospitality. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful, extended family of all my Sisters and Brothers in the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

Please remember to include me in your invites (Please send a copy to our Recording Secretary, Lori Rossi, loriatthegrandlodge@gmail.com) when you are initiating new members or honoring long time members. I would be honored to be a part of the ceremonies.

I, along with our National Officers, Lynn Lawrence Murphy, Maria Pignati, and Arlene Nunziati are getting ready to attend the National Plenary session in North Carolina. I know they will have a report for you at that time.

Because there was not an “in-person” National Convention, the Sellaro Awards were not presented. This will be done at the Plenary Session. The winners of this prestigious award for are our own, Past Grand Lodge President, Past National President, and dear friend, Vera Girolomi. The second awardee is a longtime friend of me and my family, Vince Sarno, Vince is a Past President of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey and Past National President.

For those of you who don’t know what the Sellaro Award is, it is the highest award presented to a member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. A candidate must be nominated by another member of the Order. The selection is based on accomplishments, commitment, dedication, and efforts on behalf of their Lodge, their Grand Lodge and/or the Supreme Lodge of OSDIA. Participation in community activities that benefit Americans of Italian heritage will also be considered. You don’t have to have held a position in the Grand or Supreme Council to be nominated. This is quite an honor. Wouldn’t you agree.

Our January Lodge Presidents’ Zoom Meeting will be held on January 23, 2022, at 7:00 PM. If some of our Presidents don’t have an email account let me know and I will send a phone dial number so you can take part in our calls.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or to reach out to Ervin in the Grand Lodge Office. Ervin is in the office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday.

Till next month
Fraternally