News from the Central

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

Hoping you are all well and safe. It has been a challenging year, but we have continued with satisfactory progress despite the difficulties.

We had our State Grand Convention, and installation of state officers. Lodges are back to holding their monthly meetings and planning lodge social events.

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic some good has come out of it with all the technology we had to learn to get thru this world crisis!

I am happy to announce that I am a National Delegate for the term 2021 – 2023 and will be attending the National convention in Tampa, Fl. in October 2021.

National Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Past National President Joseph Sciame and committee members asked the delegates to attend on Saturday, July 17, 2021, a tutorial meeting at 11:00 am giving detailed instructions, and examples of how to use Zoom’s hand raising and voting function, so that when we met on August 14, 2021, we could have, nominations, elections and installation run smoothly.

The National Delegates were advised that nomination, elections, and installation of officers would occur on August 14, 2021. Delegates attending used Zoom. Supreme Council voted to hold elections installations of officers in August, gavel the Convention into recess, and re-gavel the Convention back into session in Tampa, Fl. this October 2021.

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, I was the first meeting for the 2021 – 2023 Council members. Our State President Barbara Fumosa Wiasniewski asked for suggestions to having fundraisers with the process made to support the Grand Lodge. My idea is having a “Columbus Day October Calendar” raffle for the month of October, and it is “Italian Heritagussed for fundraisers. Having successful fundraisers will help support the Grand Lodge.

I received, an invitation from Lodge President Janey’ Leonardich of the Watsonville Lodge #2016, 7th Annual Bob Moresco Memorial chicken BBQ fundraiser, on Sunday, July 18, 2021. A delicious menu; BBQ ½ chicken, bee” month. Other excellent ideas were discans, salad, Italian rolls, dessert, and No host bar. They honored students that received Grand Lodge and Watsonville Lodge Scholarships for year 2019 - 2021. There was a raffle with wonderful prizes. It was a beautiful day visiting with OSDIA members from various lodges. There was a total of two hundred members and guest in attendance. President Janey’ and members did an excellent job. It was a nice gesture by State Deputy and State Trustee - Central Frank Locicero in helping with selling drink tickets!

Sunday, August 1, 2021, I was, invited, to the Hanford Lodge #1543 Hotdog Roast, held in Lilia Giacomazzi yard. There was Roast Hotdogs, and water provided by the lodge, members and guest provided favorite side dishes or desserts. It was great to have some summertime fun participating and visiting and seeing the members socializing again!!

Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 11:36am I received a call from State President Barbara Fumose Wisniewski informing me that I was, elected State 1st Vice President of the Grand Lodge of California. I am honored, happy and excited for this position! My sincere and heart-felt appreciation to the state delegates for their vote and support giving me the opportunity to serve as First Vice President of the Grand of California. Mille Grazie! I am looking forward to collaborating with my fellow Second Vice President Mark Vaona and Third Vice President Louie Lodi to focus on LEADERSHIP and MEMBERSHIP. Our State President Barbara Fumosa Wisniewski has a full working agenda. Working together supporting her agenda as a term the grand council will move our Order forward and face demanding situations realistically and logically, with a positive working attitude.

Newsflash from our National Delegates Zoom meeting - On August 14, 2021 – The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, OSDIA has elected Attorney and former Morris County Prosecutor Robert A Bianchi Esq. as its 38th National President. The 1election was held today at OSDIA’s Biennial Convention which convened in Jersey City, New Jersey and will continue in October in Tampa Bay, Florida. Robert A. Bianchi was sworn in, assuming leadership from Immediate Past President Nancy DiFiore Quinn.

Just a reminder, if you love to Golf you might consider joining the 21st Annual Sons and Daughters of the Western Foundation California Golf Classic in October in Chico, California. If not a golfer, you might consider giving a donation or sponsoring a Tee. Call Michael Smith, Chairman for detailed information! 530-682-5641.

Fraternally