News from the Central

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On June 26, 2021, we had our State Grand Lodge hybrid convention held at the Grand Lodge Hall in San Francisco, CA with all State Officers in attendance with some state delegates in person while others joined by zoom. State President John Costa opened the meeting and dedicated it to Past State and National President Frank J. De Santis, a very heartwarming gesture. We accomplished quite a bit of business in a short period of time. Two By-laws were presented, with a motion to approve. With some discussion the delegates moved to table the motion. The motion was passed. The delegates voted to table until next convention 2022. Our 2022 Convention will be held in Anaheim, CA on June 23 – 26, 2022. The budget and finances were reviewed and with the exception for a minor issue it was passed.

Installation of State Officers was held. Congratulations to the newly elected State Officers and a Heartfelt Thank you to the outgoing officers for their work and dedication the past two years.

There are three positions for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Vice President. Ballots will be mailed to each state delegate with instructions and with a return envelope. The outcome will determine the positions of the three State Vice Presidents.

The State Trustees gathered and voted Mary Jane Cambria as their State Head Trustee.

An interesting presentation was given by the National Lodge explaining what they are doing for the local lodges. On Facebook OSDIA has had Live Interviews. Prior guests have included: Joe Mantegna, Doug Flutie, Mike Massamino, Adriana Trigiani, Deana Martin, Lidia Bastianich, Joe Piscopo, John Colaneri, David Baldacci, Italian Ambassador, Rocco DiSpirito, & Mary Ann Esposito. Increasing brand awareness. There has been a total of 820,000 views.

There is OSDIA Slogan Contest: The slogan contest is open to the entire membership. Promotions will be done via E-blast, Questo Mese, and Italian America magazine. There were 300 slogans submitted by OSDIA members. The top 16 will be determined by voting among Tech & Membership Committees. It will take over 3,000 votes to choose a winner. Two finalists will be on OSDIA Facebook Live to present the winning slogan. T-shirts with “Italian Roots; American Branches” and special designs are available for sale.

To end my article this month, I would like to share the speech that ordinarily would be given as a newly elected Vice President for the position of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

Worthy State President, State Officers, Delegates and Guests,
One of my personal goals for the next two years is that I would like to be even more proactive and passionate on recruitment for this organization, so that all brothers and sisters can see the beauty and gift of OSDIA and how it can enrich their lives.

As I begin a new term on the Grand Council in the office of State Vice President, I look back of the past two years and the blessings that serving my OSDIA members has brought into my life.

Being on the Grand Council has been an experience of growth in my knowledge.

In the next two years, I will continue to work for the good of our Order by promoting growth in membership and encouraging all to work together. Whatever the results may be for Vice President I am looking forward working with a positive attitude with my fellow officers!

I like to remember and try to live the words of Mother Teresa, “There are no great things, only small things done with great love.”

Fraternally yours