Message From The State President

First of all I hope this article finds everyone well and safe. This is a very hard time our country in facing, actually world is facing. Fortunately we have family to rely on and be with. Please check in with our elderly members who are by themselves and please let us all listen to our elected government officials. Please everyone stay safe and if you need anything reach out to your fellow members. Many of our members are older and they should not spend much time around groups. BE SAFE!!.I’m hoping the next article I write for the Il leone will be more upbeat.

We were just able to complete our Grand Council meeting with the use of a conference call and webinar. Thank you all that participated, I personally think things went well and we were able to get our agenda done in a timely manner. Thank you Mark and Lori Rossi for all your help in making this successful, I appreciate the feedback I received from the officers and members. Thank you for your support.

On a brighter side spring is upon us, we did not see much rain the past few months and with my busy schedule the weeds are about a foot high. We need the rain but it will be nice to get those weeds pulled. Happy Easter to all of you, hopefully we will be able to get together and worship and spend time with family and friends.

A lot of events at the filial lodges have been postponed for the next couple of months. We are still planning on having our convention in Concord this June; we will keep everyone informed to the status. The packages will be mailed out to the lodges.

As everyone knows also we have had to postpone our Royal Pageant due to lack of participation. I have our current Queen “Queen B” if she would continue for one year, and will be reaching out to the balance of the Court to ask them the same. “B” stated she would continue as our representative. The Royal Pageant committee will be reviewing the current rules to make adjustments so we can continue with this great fundraiser not just for the Grand Lodge but more for the participants and the participant’s lodge they are representing. Last year’s fundraiser earned $90,000 dollars, of that $78,000.00 of this went back to the participants, lodges and raffle winners.

As everyone knows the First Lady Donna Lee and I are huge Disney fans and were very disappointed hearing the news Disneyland was closed, but we both understand why. As Walt Disney stated many years ago, “You can Design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, But it takes people to make the dream a reality”. The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America is a great organization and what we do for our families and communities above and beyond others. So let’s continue to work together for the good of the order. My phone is always on; please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Yours Fraternally,
John