How is it possible that it is 2022? I guess it is true what they say, “Time goes faster as you get older!”.

I want to wish my Sisters and Brothers in our Order a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We can only pray that the pandemic will subside enough to allow us to continue to share our meals and meetings together. If you haven’t seen a member recently, give them a call. They may need to hear a friendly voice. I was excited to attend the meeting of the Columbia Lodge #1940 in San Mateo. President Angelo Fanucchi was a gracious host. The Lodge collected so many toys for the “Toys for Tots” program. It warms my heart to see our members working together towards great causes. They did put me to work, which I loved. We initiated six new members, installed a Sargent at Arms and I was able to give out pins and certificates for members over 25 years and over 50+ years. I was honored to give a 73-year certificate to a wonderful woman, Frances Sutter. It is members like her that have kept our Order going.

I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention my most amazing hostess, Arlene Nunziati. She not only put me up (put up with me) and fed me but was my chauffeur for the time I was in San Francisco.

Dear Members,
A look back, during the pandemic:
It has been an unusual year and a half. The COVID-19 pandemic has reflected on how OSDIA and our members remain resilient and continue finding ways to serve our lodges.

Years from now members will look back on these issues and see how our world is constantly changing and how new things became part of our everyday lives, such as face masks and virtual meetings.

How many of you participated in a videoconference such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams before 2020? How many unfamiliar products are now considered commonplace as we use them to connect with others.

These platforms allow us to continue to connect, even if it is through a screen. The pandemic pushed us to use technology that has been around for a few years and get creative on how we reach members and serve our Lodges.

Our National Supreme Lodge and Grand Lodge

To My Sisters & Brothers of OSDIA
Well Happy New Year 2022! I think we all are looking forward to it. Maybe we will not have a drought this year and maybe America will realize that Christopher Columbus really was a caring person to his fellow man and maybe Amerigo Vespucci will get more credit along with Garibaldi & Meucci for their achievements that they deserve. Oh my God!! I just woke up and I must have been dreaming!! I think my New Year’s resolution should be to stop watching news on television. I recommend that everyone watch The Sons & Daughters of Italy channel on YouTube TV. I spent about three hours watching it the other day. It made me proud that I was a member of this organization. If you can listen to our National President Bob Bianci talk about how he is tired of the

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022; from the Anaheim Lodge and we are wishing all the lodges to start this New Year with Health, Hope, Prosperity and much love. “SAVE THE DATE” SUNDAY - MAY 15, 2022. ANAHEIM LODGE; 64TH ANNIVERSARY. All lodges will be sent more information at the beginning of the year. Please remember that when you do your calendars for 2022 that you keep it in mind to save this date for the Anaheim Lodge. Members of Anaheim Lodge will also receive information regarding the Anniversary.

On Saturday Dec. 18th; The Anaheim Lodge had their Annual Christmas Party and Toy Donations were brought by everyone

December was a busy month for Roma Lodge members. The lodge held their annual Christmas party and a fundraiser drive-thru on the same day. We had over 120 members attend the Christmas party with nearly 30 junior members receiving candy stockings from Santa Claus. The “Dinner for Two” ravioli dinner drive-thru was also very successful with over 300 meals served which included ravioli, BBQ chicken, rigatoni, salad, bread, green beans, and wine. The organization is planning on having their Italian food booth at the World Ag Expo in February.

Roma Lodge lost a 52-year member of the lodge with the passing of Diane Della. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Conservatory of Music at University of Pacific in Stockton, CA. Diane had a 30+ years long career at Fresno Unified where she created curriculum used in many classrooms

Saddleback had a great December planning for all our activities for 2022, but the highlight was a Christmas Luncheon at Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Ladera Ranch. Almost sixty people attended the event which consisted of good food, great companionship and Christmas caroling led by our own Nina Perez. It was just wonderful that we all got together for a very happy and festive occasion! We all thank Lucky Lippa for hosting the event, an act of generosity which we truly appreciated. Lucky has been a member of Saddleback for many, many years and has been a great supporter of Saddleback activities. Besides Nina leading Christmas carols, the lodge presented Lucky with a plaque