As my first official message as State President, it has been a very busy two weeks.  My first official function will be attending the Watsonville picnic with our Immediate Past President, Arlene Nunziati, a quick network upgrade for the Pignati’s and then a stop at the bank to transfer the signers on the accounts. Then to the Grand Lodge office to conduct signing duties and home on Tuesday.  After this ‘slow week’ I will begin preparing for the National Convention in Orlando Florida which I look forward

Thank you to all the Grand Lodge Officers that have served over the last 2 years; it has been a pleasure working with you as the CAO of the Sons of Italy Western Foundation.  I have served two terms as the Foundation CAO and am grateful for the work of the Foundation Trustees, Committee Chairs and Grand Lodge Officers. The most important thank you goes out to our individual donors and lodges that continue to support the charitable and educational

I hope everyone had a safe Fourth of July.

What an amazing convention this year. As your newly elected 2nd State Vice President-Central, I am excited to work with all our new and existing officers and represent a larger role in our organization. I want to thank all our delegates who have put your faith in me to help make the changes needed to keep our organization going for another 100 years. My first order of business is to focus on helping with making our organization more visible and

My name is Paul Finazzo, the newly elected Third Vice President of the South.  I was appointed State Trustee of the South by Barbara Wisniewski when there was a vacancy a little more than two years ago.  I have served as State Trustee of the South since then having been elected at the 2023 Convention in Reno.  I am a member of the Joanne Coccia Lodge having joined in 1988.  I joined then to help my father with Bingo, and

I want to give a big “Thank You” to our lodge members that helped organize this years convention at the Sonesta LAX.  Without our members it would not of been a successful convention.  We had many that helped prepare one evening from washing vases, putting together the favors and staging everything.  Without the following Britany Garnica, Gilma and Nicole Vaona, David and Eva Lavezzari (Anaheim Lodge), Betty Sandroni, Carol Damico, Diana Boileau, Brian Sinaguglia, Steve and Bobbi Guthrie, Vicky Tondolo, Linda Enneman, Lucy Sacco, Vince and Teri Manto, Mary Paradice and John and Italia Barbera.  We made it a party and ate pizza and salad, everyone had a wonderful

Happy summer from Shasta Lodge!

Boy have we had a lot going on here.

Our Bocce league finished Strong with a record-breaking 44 teams this year. That was the most teams we have ever had since we started this spring league back in 2019. Thank you Jim G for all of your hard work alongside the City Of Redding to keep this program running, and a special thank you to John D

On April 26, members of the Joanne Coccia Lodge, Fontana, California, came out to support the Inland Empire Heart & Stroke Walk. Team Manny Finazzo consisted of 45 members and raised over $6,000 for this important cause. We walk in remembrance of long-time Sons and Daughters of Italy leader, Emanuel Finazzo, who we lost to heart disease in October, 2022.

Hanford Lodge #1543 was represented at the Grand Lodge of California Sons & Daughters of Italy  Convention held at the Sonesta Hotel at LAX in June!!   Delegates were: President Michael Leoni, Louise (Lulu) Silacci, & Jackie Giacomazzi.  The Grand Lodge celebrated its 100th Anniversary at this event. Louise Tesoriere & her granddaughter, Annamarie Gallardo (2018 Miss America)  with her husband Carlos & sons,

We installed our new President at our meeting dated July 20, 2025.   Michaelynn Minicucci has been a member in good standing for many years and has serve our club in different capacities as an officer.  We welcome her with open arms and wish her well as our new President.

The Joanne Coccia Lodge #2553 will award scholarship to twelve deserving students.  They will receive between
$1,500 to $2,000 depending on funds available.  We congratulate them on completing their education and getting their degree.  Following is a list of the students, their major, and the sponsor’s memorial name:

Convention is almost here.  I hope everyone has made their reservations and plan to attend.

We are planning a wonderful convention for you plus a beautiful 100th celebration.  Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event!

I have been at the office this week