News from the Central

I will be including in brief some information regarding Membership & Leadership in my article each month “Back to the Basics”: simple ideas to keep members engaged in Retention and Recruiting members.

For some members of our Order, recruiting is the easy part. Membership retention, however, is sometimes the most difficult and important. It’s great that you got those members in the door, but how do you make them stay?

The Lodges have learned that former members left the Order for various reasons. While we can’t control whether members leave our lodge, we can strive to offer them good reasons to stay. It starts with us keeping in mind that members are humans. Members tend to want to be in places and situations where they feel valued and respected, can contribute to a greater good, and find fulfillment, maybe even enjoyment. Having a shared vision, along with meaningful shared experiences with peers, is also motivation to remain part of a group.

On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, our State President, Barbara Fumosa Wisneiwski called a Zoom meeting with the National Delegates of the Grand Lodge to discuss National By-law changes. We discussed the proposals. Reactions were favorable, with some suggestions. Thanks to our Judiciary Chairperson Hon. Al Girolami for a better understanding of the proposals.

On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 5:00 pm Pacific Time the 2021 Supreme Convention reconvene via Zoom to consider two proposed by-law amendments. A Call to Order – National President, Robert Blanchi. Pledge of Allegiance by 1st National President, Joseph Boncore. Opening Prayer by National Chaplain, Rev. Adam Forno. Roll Call by National Recording Secretary, John Saladino. Opening Remarks, by National President, Robert Blanchi, (A) – Organization Chart and (B) – National Office Staff Updates. Proposed Amendments and Bylaw by National Orator, Frank Gattuso, (A) – Amendments to Articles 62 and 79 and (B) – Article 120. A lot of discussion ending to table so that the Bylaw Committee can review the suggestions given by the delegates. A Call for Nominations for National Trustee for Grand Lodge of Connecticut. A Vote was cast and approved.

On Thursday, September 9, 2021, The Enrico Caruso Lodge #1463 Celebrated their 94th Anniversary held at the Lamp Liter Hotel with a Dinner, honoring 25,40-, and 50-year lodge members. Past State President Lynn Lawrence Murphy and husband Bill attended representing State President Barbara Fumosa Wisneiwski. Certificates of Appreciation were given to the honorees with their pins for their years of membership. Each honoree was asked to speak. It was a beautiful evening visiting with all in attendance.

Saturday, September 11, 2021. A group of 21 members from the San Joaquin Valley Lodges got together for lunch at the Marie Callender’s restaurant. No official meeting, but just a time to get together, have lunch and share what we have been doing for the past 18 months or so.

It was a fun day visiting and sharing!

The weekend of September 17th I will be attending The Grand Council meeting, held at the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, in Sacramento, CA. (reporting on our meeting next month)

Fraternally