The winter has not kept Saddleback Lodge from having fun! Our annual Carnevale provided a wonderful time for us to get together and prepare for Lent. Most came in beautiful, creative costumes.

The event was greeted with enthusiasm although it was mainly for Saddleback members and not the general public for financial reasons. Thanks to all who helped put this together, especially Bernie and Kerry for the decorations. We served Lasagna and a chicken pasta dish from Claro’s. We hope to go back to our normal level of partying next year. That was

Milestone Membership
Roma Lodge will celebrate its 92nd Anniversary at the April 4th meeting. A few years ago, the lodge decided to recognize members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries every 5-years. Over 60 members will receive their certificates at the meeting.
5 Year Members
Roy Beecher, Amelia Curti, Charli Jo Curti, Hayden DePaoli, James Dutto, Savina Pedroncelli, Sebastian Pedroncelli Sylvia Pedroncelli, Camden Taylor Kate Watkins

10 Year Members
Caitlin Curti, Caleb Curti, Evan Dutto,

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I want to continue to give updates to you on important topics, rather than wait for meetings like plenaries and conventions.

Firstly, I would like to introduce to you our new employee, Michael Howard, who was recently hired as a member of the National Office staff as Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant.

Michael graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and brings previous accounting, financial auditing, and not-for-profit board member experience to our team.

Michael is highly motivated, eager to learn and has already proven to be a positive addition to the culture in our National Office! He works closely with Shayla Kaestle, CPA, learning the details of OSDIA finances and implementing various process improvements. Michael will be responsible for accounting tasks, office mailings, and other administrative work. We look forward to his future with us. Please feel free to call the National Office to welcome Michael to the OSDIA team.

I want to also thank Shayla as the professional time she has put in working on our books, and with Michal and our new accountant we will literally save approximately $80,000/year in accounting services and render a more professional and competent work product. Miles Fisher, the long-time Editor-in-Chief of our Italian America magazine, recently accepted a job offer from his previous employer to return as a manager. We thank Miles for his many

First, let me apologize for submitting the same article two months in a row. I really did write one for February but attached the wrong file when I sent it to Andy and Debbie. That won’t happen again, I can promise you.

I have been meeting with our Financial Secretary, David Lavezzari, at the Grand Lodge. He has been instructing me on how we do many of the functions of the Finances.

I am sorry to announce that we have had to close two Lodges in the South; West End and Desert Valley. Those members that wished to remain have transferred to the Joanne Coccia Lodge.

I’m afraid our members are aging, and we are not addressing the search for new, active members. Our Vice-President of the North, Louie Lodi

Dear Members,

With the start of the new year, I am looking forward to scheduling my State Officer Official Lodge visits to the Central Lodges. Congratulations to the following lodges: The Watsonville Lodge #2016, received second place in the Santa Cruz County Fair Holiday Lights display.

The Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #1534 on Fill the Boot – Lodge Donation Campaign total amount as of 12/31/2021 $6,940.00. Almost there, to Fill the Boot! A wonderful way and great idea to generate funds for your lodge. Also, their Festa Primavera will be on April 30, 2022.

The Shasta Lodge #2453 raised $2,482.54 for the Salvation Army. Member John DiMatteo who has been recycling their cans