DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY (USPS 257-300) OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA WHOSE JURISDICTION COVERS CALIFORNIA, NEVADA AND 2017 KLAMATH COUNTY IN OREGON IL LEONE All Members To Be sure to notify your lodge Recording Secretary to notify your Recording lodge Be sure If the address, nameIf on the or title isthe not address, correct mailing label, please send it to the Grand Lodge, SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL. 71 NO. 8 5051 Mission St., San CA 94112. Francisco, Congratulations Vera Girolami A Message President John Costa’s Vera Girolami’s From The Nomination Speech Acceptance Speech State President A chinese proverb begins: Special thanks to the ‘A journey of a thousand Grand Lodge of CA officers miles begins with a single members and friends for step’ their support, and those Na- This was my Father, Sal- tional Officers and Past Na- vatore Ferrara, when at the tional Presidents who were age of 18 he took that single constantly encouraging me. step, left this tiny Sicilian vil- Now I stand before you, lage called Rodi-Milici, in the a daughter of immigrants, Province of Messina, above as your National President. Taormina, and began his ar- It is such an honor and so duous journey to America. humbling. I promise to nev- And look what that one step er forget my family’s begin- accomplished! nings, nor my fathers words Dad got a job, he was a to always give back to this shoemaker, went to night amazing country we are so school, and became a citizen. fortunate to live in. His journey led him to Together with this incred- State President Ohio, where he met my ible team, this administration John Costa Mother, Paolina Ferrara will emphasize COMMUNI- whose family, by the way CATION, TRANSPARENCY This is my first article came from that same tiny vil- & FRATERNALISM. This is Vera Girolami was born in Ohio to Sicilan parents. She as your new president. Let lage of Rodi-Milici . After the not a one-person job, we are moved to California at the age of 9. She atteneded cath- Bishop declared they were a team working toward com- me first say I am honored to olic schools & was the first class of 14 women to attend not related they were mar- mon goals. represent you for the next Santa Clara University. She has been married to Al Girol- ried on Thanksgiving Day Our goals will include: two years. I would like to ami for 58 years; they have 2 children & 5 grandchildren. 1938. growth of OSIA thru market- start my article with my ac- My sister and I were born ing and branding, promotion She joined the Sons of Italy in the earlier 80’s soon ceptance speech from the in Ohio and our journey led of our heritage and culture, becoming the president of the Modesto Lodge. In 2005 2017 convention. our family to California, including, and I emphasize, she became the first women president in the history of where another daughter was keeping and celebrating Co- Good afternoon, the Grand Lodge of California, working her way thru the born. Family, Italian customs, lumbus Day! Continuing use st Worthy National 1 Vice chairs. traditions and food, were of Social Media to promote President Vera, National Sons Janet Capello introduced her to national and she soon central in our upbringing. OSIA, emphasizing our phil- of Italy Foundation Trustee Dad drilled in us the impor- anthropic deeds, continuing became the chair of the future good of the Order, alz- Phil, State Officers, delegates tance of faith, family, educa- NELA with amazing honor- heimers and served on many other committes. She be- tion, remembering our Italian ees and continuing to honor and guests. Special thanks to th th came ‘forever 5 Vice President’, moved up to 4 Nat’l roots and giving back to our our scholars and wounded our immediate Past President Vice president & 2 years ago she was elected as your First community. He instilled in warriors. We will be inclu- Lynn, for the excellent job as Nat’l Vice President. us traditions and values we sive, not exclusive! our State President these past She is a tireless worker- and is passionate towards the will remember and treasure. My personal goal, aside 4 years; you have indeed left order. He made us promise never to from keeping everything in some big shoes to fill (high heels forget what he went thru to order and everyone happy, is Being a retired surgical nurse she will heal you. that is). Fortunately you’re get to America. to try to visit as many Grand And so recalling our roots Lodges as I can. Every in- not going too far so I can tap Being a retired banker she will keep the finances in order I must give thanks to those vitation received, either in into your experiences and the who assisted me on this jour- the National Office or at my knowledge our Past State Pres- Being a retired pianist she will bring you musical joy ney. Of course, my Grand- home will be acted on. So, idents also, which I can say is And being married to a judge you can be assured we parents and parents, my hus- if you would please put me a lot better looking now with will be in compliance with the law. band, Judge Al Girolami who on your newsletter list and Maria sitting there. has stood by me for over 59 advise me of your important The Grand Lodge of California and I, the State Pres- years. Our children, Cather- functions and events, I will Imagine a 40 year old new- ident, are very proud to place in nomation the name of ine, husband Rob and grand- try to attend, or send some- ly elected Vice President from a “Vera Ferrara Girolami” for the office of National Presi- sons Foster and Gavin, Carol, one in my stead. local lodge being elected a state dent. husband Tony and grand- And so here I stand, nine- delegate in 2003, with no clue daughters, Amelia, Nella & ty-two years after my dad what state convention is, he did Costa, that’s Portuguese atrice Portinari Lodge, she is Eva. took that single step, and Although I am the second look where it has led! I am not own a suit, owned one tie, right… my co-workers and full blooded Norwegian, Two woman to be elected to the sure he would be proud of made a guard, even had to stay some friends don’t believe me. very strong nationalities; I feel position of National Presi- what I have accomplished. at a different hotel for the first Well my father was a 2nd gen- I was lucky to obtain the good dent, Past National President God Bless the Sons & night than all the other dele- eration American, with my in both. And yes, I am a mem- Joanne Strollo served as the Daughters Of Italy & God gates, that delegate is now your grandfather originally was ber of the Sons of Norway also, first woman in 1993. Judge Bless & Protect America State President; thank all of from the northern Italian town I have applications. Al Girolami will be the First, Thank you for this incred- First Gentleman of the Na- ible honor. you for your support and trust of Lonzo and my mother Ruth tional Sons & Daughters of Fraternally and with love in me. who is a delegate for the Be- Cont. on pg. 4 Italy! Vera PAGE 2 IL LEONE SEPTEMBER 2017 From the Editor’s Desk by Andy Pampuro [email protected] IL LEONE (USPS 257-300) A monthly publication, except August, for the Grand Lodge of California, Order Sons of Italy in America, a fraternal, non-proffit organization. 5051 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. 94112 Phone: (415) 586-1316 - Grand Lodge FAX (415) 586-4786 Deadline Date for all material - the 20th of the preceding month Advertising Rates on request. Andrew Pampuro, Editor 718 Avenida Majorca #D, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 Congratulations to our Phone (949) 855-4279 • FAX (949) 206-0299 Past State President Vera Subscription $20.00 per year. Publication paid by the members Girolami who was elected Periodicals Postage Paid At San Francisco, CA 94119 and our new National President At Additional Mailing Offices at the National Convention POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes To: Il Leone which was held in Florida. 5051 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94112 It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. It is well de- served. Since our July/August issue I received many dona- interesting especially if he out. So if you have a boy that tions for our sponsors pro- makes one of the top five. 47 would be interested submit Grand Lodge of gram. Our members did not years ago my wife was the his name. Maybe we’ll have a see their names on the new queen of the Centinela Val- king instead of a queen. list but they will in this issue. ley Lodge. At the convention Hope to see most of you Our Queen Contest there were about 40 young at the testimonial for Maria California Website Chair Eva Lavezzari made ladies and it was like that for Pignati on September 23 at a decision that if your lodge many years. All of a sudden the Double Tree Hotel in San- cannot get a girl to run for it dropped to about 10 girls. ta Clara. This is a wonderful OSIACA.org lodge queen then try getting Why, we cannot figure it tribute to a great lady.