The forthcoming is news on the Grand Lodge Council Virtual Meeting held on March 20, 2021.

The meeting started at 11:00 am. Roll Call of Officers, Pledge of Allegiance, and the Invocation was given. A reading and approval of the minutes for Saturday, October 10, 2020 Grand Council meeting. proceeded.

Reports were given by each of the state Officers after the meeting was closed the meeting of the Western Foundation was opened. Reading and approval of the minutes for Saturday, October 10, 2020 proceeded. The Western Foundation Committee Chairperson reports were given.

The Western Foundation Meeting was closed and then the Grand Lodge Committee Chairpersons Reports were continued.

In brief, (not in order) the following items were discussed. There was Concern over declining memberships. The Order has dropped to 3,300 members with the closing of five lodges during the past year. There will be

Happy Mother’s day to all the mothers. I trust everyone is well. Here’s a fun quiz for your enjoyment. Answers are at the bottom, don’t cheat.

1. What Italian composer penned the major work.......

The following is a brief summary of the National Plenary Zoom Meeting conducted by National President Nancy DiFiore Quinn on Saturday, February 13th. The Meeting opened with Prayer by Father Forno, Pledge of Allegiance by President Nancy, the National and Italian Anthems sung by our own Maria Pignati. It was great seeing the faces of so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the country. Even though we could not physically hug, everyone’s warm smiles and greetings conveyed the spirit of fraternity.

Reports were given by President Nancy and the 5 Vice Presidents keeping us up to date as what is happening at the National level. Kudos were extended many times by all as to the competency and commitment of the Office Staff.

The Membership Committee has been busily working with the Technology Committee reaching out to increase membership. While our membership num-bers have dropped some, they have seen a big increase in

Ken and I wish you all Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!

Your Vice-Presidents have been sending emails to your Lodge Presidents telling them what other Lodges are doing during this time. I am so impressed with the ingenious ways they are keeping in touch with you, the members. Some are having Zoom meetings, hybrid Zoom meetings, Zoom dinners, Drive through dinners and celebrations are just a few. Perhaps this is the time to reach out to some of the members of your Lodge. I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas celebrations in Italy. Some you may already know but

Ken and I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. We are still being very cautious.

Congratulations to all our new and returning Officers. We thank you for your commitment during this difficult time. We will need LEADERS willing to go the extra mile. We don’t, currently, know how the pandemic is affecting our membership. We need to reach out to our current members and not be afraid to look for new members. I know that might seem difficult but if we maintain our lodges’ social medias we can still reach out to potential members. Don’t be afraid to offer applications electronically and put those potential members on your email list. They will be more likely to be around when we are able to meet again if we keep them included in our emails and newsletters.

Your Grand Lodge President and Vice-Presidents