Message From The State Second Vice President

Brothers and Sisters,

Since March is the beginning of Spring, I’d like to notify you that The Grand Lodge needs to be made aware when a lodge is having a special event, so that we can schedule a visit to that Lodge by a State officer. Members have remarked to me about how I’m the first state officer to visit that lodge in quite a while. In talking to many past and current State Officers about this, the response is that “we cannot come to an event if we do not know about it.” I know personally that last year, I traveled to fourteen lodge events in Northern California and out of those fourteen, about half of them, I came without an invitation. I must admit there were times I had to turn down an invitation because of other lodge activities. Please give the Grand Lodge Officers ample notice so we can plan to attend your events.

I’m particularly looking forward to attending events at the four Lodges in Northern California this year that are celebrating their 100 th Year Anniversary. Check the Il Leone for the dates of these anniversaries.

These Lodges all would appreciate your visit. Just be sure to give them enough notice that you would like to attend. I know all the Grand Lodge Officers would love to attend your function so please either contact the Grand Lodge or me personally so we can ensure that we will not miss out.

Back on February 9th, Londi and I made the trip up to Redding for their Annual Crab Feed. Once again, they outdid themselves! Jim Nobli and the team did a fantastic job. Their hard work and dedication to their Lodge helped to make this event a success! A total of eight hundred people ate crab till it was coming out of their ears. There were four hundred people in attendance on Friday night and another four hundred people on Saturday night. We had a spectacular time!

On a sadder note, Charles “Buddy” Laporte, one of the longest members of the Roseville Lodge passed away on January 16 th of this year. He was in the Roseville Fire Department for 30 years and retired there as Deputy Fire Marshal. He had a passion for serving his community and will be greatly missed.

It is such a hopeful time of year and I wish you and your family many good things at Easter.

Buona Pasqua and ciao for now,

Louie Lodi