Message from the State Presicent

     This has been a busy time for all of us on your Council. We are preparing for Convention. Our first “in person” Convention since 2019 and I’m so excited to see you again! Our Convention Chairperson, Lynn Lawrence Murphy and our two sponsor Lodges, Renaissance, and Anaheim, are planning some interesting and fun things. I can’t wait for the Theme Night, “Take me out to the ballgame”. Of course, there is much business that will need to be addressed and, with your help, we will be able to cover all that and still have some time and energy for the fun. The important thing after business is Fraternity. We have not been able to extend that to each other for 2 years and it is one of the three things upon which Dr. Sellaro founded our Order. It is why you are my Sisters and Brothers, not just members. It is why we treat each other as family (Oh dear, is that “The good, the bad, and the ugly”!) But seriously, we need to stop and think before we speak. We don’t have to agree but we need to address each other with care and respect.
     I attended the Joanne Coccia Lodge 2553 meeting. I was able to initiate some new members and to crown their new Lodge Queen. So exciting to see young people participating. I am sorry we were unable to have a Royal Pageant this year. Perhaps we will have enough Lodge Queens next year. The food and hospitality were great. Thank you to all my Sisters and Brothers for making me feel so welcomed.
     I attended the Northern Salano Lodge #3253’s Prawn Feed. The kitchen staff was amazing and worked hard to make this event so successful. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our host, Joy Bruno, for her hospitality to me and First Gent, Ken.
     We attended the Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #1534’s Festa Primavera. We had a grand time. The food was excellent and what an array of raffle and silent auction items.
     I had to pass on attending the NELA Gala in Washington, DC. The cost of the airfare and the hotel was more than I could justify spending on an event that was not a mandatory meeting.
     A reminder to all Lodge Presidents. Our Presidents Zoom call is on the 4th Sunday at 7:00 PM each month. For May it is on the 22nd. Hope to see you there. If you cannot attend, please assign someone from your Council to sit in. I believe we have a lot to offer each other.