At the writing of this article, we are at a time when in Napa it feels like spring AND summer. This pokes me to reflect that in our esteemed organization, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the power of "AND" runs deep within our very fabric. It is not just a word or a conjunction; it represents our ability to embrace duality, diversity, and the ever-evolving nature of our Italian- American heritage.

When we examine the essence of our name, we find the inherent inclusivity that defines us. Sons AND Daughters—both genders,

Many years ago it was a tradition for our brothers and sisters to carry with them a sprig of Boxwood, (Bosso in Italian) or Buxus as was called in ancient times to the funeral at the loss of a brother and sister.  Then to place the boxwood either in or on the casket to wish their brother or sister eternal life.  As time has moved forward it seems this tradition has gone by the wayside.  

Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub

 I have just arrived home from a week in Tampa Bay, Florida, the site of the National Convention.

Congratulations to our newly elected National President, Michael G. Polo from Connecticut. He is the first son to follow in his father’s footsteps as National President. His Father, Paul Polo, traveled many times to California as National President and was honored by the Vallejo Lodges at their annual Fashion Show. I had the privilege of nominating Michael for the highest office in our Order.

The Grand Lodge of California had nine delegates who attended the convention and Immediate Past State President Barbara Wisniewski will be writing an article on the convention. I was very proud of our delegates who attended and participated in all the sessions. I will be serving as co-chair of the President’s Cabinet with Biagio Isgro, President of the Grand

It has been an incredibly busy two months since convention.  The members asked the Grand Lodge to pursue joining the IMembersdb at convention and I am happy to say we have done that.  Thanks to a lot of hard work by Anna Graeber and me beating up the rep a little bit we are online. Not all the lodges are yet up as there is some database massaging that has to be done to import the rest but they are hard at work doing that.  We have arranged for 3 contact points for help with the software as well as the Zoom training that IMembersdb is providing.  Contact points are Anna Graeber

Brothers and Sisters,

On July 28^th, I traveled up to Klamath Falls, Oregon to pay respects to our sister Louise Holst who passed away on July 8^th and to visit Yolanda Rosterolla, one of our longest and oldest members at age 97. Louise was a long-time member of the Camelia-Colombo Lodge #1294 and held many offices. She was always there if people needed any help, and she was known as the best hairdresser in Klamath Falls owning the “Family Hairloom