Another year is quickly passing by and summer will soon be over. Northern Solano Lodge has been especially busy this past month. Our members have been very generous with our school supply project. The project, under the chairmanship of Charlene Ping, collected and distributed $1530 worth of supplies and cash to the teachers and students of Suisun Elementary School.

For our monthly meeting in August, we held our annual Gene Bruno Picnic – an indoor picnic where we did not have to brave the heat. Our kitchen crew supplied the main meal with members bringing appetizers,

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