Message from the State Presicent

This month has been very active for our Local Lodges. With this being an election year, they have been recruiting new officers to take on new responsibilities. As members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, it is important for each of us to give a little time and energy to our Lodges. We are always in need of innovative ideas and new energy to keep our Lodges going in a growing direction. We can not afford to become stagnant. For those of us that are not able to take on an office, we must support our Officers in any way we can. Congratulations to all our new and returning Officers.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Saddleback Valley Lodge meeting to install new members. My apologies to President Hank Lowinger and the members of that Lodge. My First Gent, Ken, is down with a bad back. Hopefully, by the time you read this he will be back to his old self again. I’m afraid I’m not used to having him incapacitated. He has been my right hand during this term, and I am having a challenging time without his help.

I am writing this in our Grand Lodge building. After the electrical fire we still don’t have power. We are working on getting repairs completed but, as I’m sure you all know, there seems to be a short supply of service people and a lengthy list of those needing services.

Again, my sister and friend, Arlene Nunziati, put me up and drove me back and forth to take care of the business of the Grand Lodge. Brother Joe Simoni also assisted in my transportation! Thank you both for your help.

Thank you, Ervin, our office admin, for keeping our office running efficiently, even during this crazy time. Our Real Estate Broker, Bruno Baldini, has graciously allowed us to use an area of his office to conduct business.

I am looking forward to our annual trip to Palm Springs to attend the Dolly Sinatra Lodge’s Golf Outing. It is always a fun time.

We lost a dear member of our Council this past month. State Orator, Manny Finazzo will be sorely missed. I loved his sense of humor. He always made me laugh.

Our Youth Chair, Brian Watson and Past State Queen, Jenny Watson Rivera lost their mother Carol Watson, long time President of the Clovis Lodge. She always had a kind word for all.

First Gent, Ken and I wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Till next month
Fraternally
Barbara