I want to take this opportunity to say that I did not realize how much this would help me become a better member by taking this position. In talking to numerous members, I really see the dedication that many of our members have for the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Summer is almost over, and Fall is upon us. I hope all the Lodges are finding their way through this Pandemic safely. I’ve been in contact with most of our Lodges in the North and I find it exhilarating that the Lodges are getting together and starting to plan functions for the rest of the year. I hope the fires are starting to calm down and we can enjoy our lives again.

I want to give a shout out to my brothers and sisters especially Richard Negro, President of the Weed Lodge. We had a great conversation last month and I am looking forward to going back to visit their Lodge. I’ve made a multitude of friends over the years in OSDIA, but I just made a new one in Ernie Giono. He is a dedicated President of The Cesare Battisti

This is my last article since will not be running for another state office. I have enjoyed serving as your third Vice President and wish my replacement the best of luck. I’d like to thank everyone for their support during my tenure. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Hope you’ve enjoyed my trivia articles. Love, Sadie

1. Italy has three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli.

2. Italy is often called the Bel Paese, which mean beautiful country.

3. Italy is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – more than 40.

4. Italy has 20 regions and 6 islands.

5. Italy speaks a national language, which was based on the Tuscan dialect, but each region still speaks its own dialect.

6. The Vatican

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday celebration, with families. We are getting closer to a normal lifestyle. But do we remember what normal is? I for one am more than ever thankful for family. Being happy with what you have. Enjoy spending time with your family. Slowing down and taking the time to smell the roses.

We as a social organization are slowly making our ways back to having in person meetings and some simple fundraising events. Please listen to your county officials and follow the guidelines, this way we can socialize once again.

As I mentioned last month our State Convention will be done by “Zoom” this year. The date of our Convention will be

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