Sisters and Brothers:

Here we are in June of 2021 already. But, If you look ahead, we are slowly winning this fight against the pandemic.. More and more people are getting the vaccine and one day this virus will go the way of Small Pox, TB, Measles, Shingles and Polio etc. Let’s push for that.

The governor says he wants to do away with the color tier system by mid June which just might advance us a little bit faster to being able to meet and greet by August, I hope. I know all of you are so tired of not being able to see your fellow sisters and brothers.

I will miss the ‘in person’ convention this year as I do enjoy seeing all the members from all over our area. The convention will be virtual but that is not the same. I would much rather see and hug every one in person but not this year.

I have no idea where the 2022 convention will be

ALMOST FOLKS!

June 15 our California Governor says we can remove our masks....is that a time for celebration? Are we to be cautious? Can we hug again? We will be able to resume our dinners? Hopefully soon!

MISSING EACH ONE OF YOU! For sure WHEN we can be together again it will be a joyous occasion!

JUST IN CASE... Are you wondering..? I am no longer attached to Duolingo... It was over 2 years... The words are in my head... just not sure I can put them in order...go ahead and laugh!

TIES TO THE HOME LAND S. Stino Di Livenza 1961 This time of isolation has caused me to think about the times I visited Italy...The first time was in 1961...everything was as it was when my grandmother lived there...

Our scholarship recipients from 2020 were not in the Il Leone last year, thus, we would like to acknowledge them in this issue. Our scholarship recipients for the 2021 school year will be featured next month as a few of the high school awards ceremonies have not taken place yet.

We are hoping to be able to meet in person once again after June.  It is of course wait and see.

The Gold Country Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #2705 is proud to announce the winners of our 2021 Scholarship Awards. In addition to recognizing them at their high school Scholarship Nights, we recognized them at our lodge awards dinner on May 18th. At that time each student presented their future plans. The two $500 awards were presented to Chelsea Mullens & Jessica Weisser. These awards are given to students of Italian descent who have demonstrated recognized participation in school and community activities. Sofia Acosta was awarded $250 for outstanding achievement and participation in the four year Italian Language Program at Oakridge High School in El Dorado Hills, CA. This award does not require being of Italian decent. This is always the highlight of our May dinner meeting. Thank You Arietta Family for doing a fantastic job making & serving our dinner of Ravioli’s, salad and celebratory cake.

Hello from Redding,

Shasta Lodge has now had two in-person general meetings and had a good turn out for the meeting in May. We also enjoyed having State Deputy John Jefsen and Lorna in attendance. We will have our annual hamburger and hotdog barbecue at the June meeting, prepared by the council.

BOCCE IS BACK! On Monday mornings, Sharon Roberts and Gerry Carroll have bocce practice at 8:30am for all who want to come and practice and play. You don’t need a team, just play with whoever is there. They usually have enough players for three full courts. And after a couple of games, those that want breakfast go across the street to one of our favorite restaurants… Lulu’s.

The City of Redding and Shasta Lodge are halfway through our Spring Bocce League play. The first night of league was very joyful, so nice seeing all our friends after a year of no bocce play. Lots of laughter and fun. John Tasello and Jim Giacomelli are the co-chairs with the City, we have

Eureka Lodge #1274 held our second drive-up chicken and polenta fundraising dinner on May 8th at the Elks Club parking lot. One hundred and seventy tickets were sold.

Thank you to the kitchen crew members: John Salizzoni, Donna & Dave Olivieri, John Senestraro.Nick Giannini, Ralph & Nancy Giannini, Betty & Gene Senestraro, Erling Dellabalma, Pam Newby, and Eddie Morgan.

And the driveway crew of Alisa Luzzi, Julie Stagnoli, Bonnie DuMond, and Adena Bohn.

Special thanks to the Elks Lodge for their