FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Here we are in the midst of a very cold winter.  Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have been as they say, “under the weather”.  Recent illnesses, injuries and surgeries all bring out the best of our Italian traditions – “la famiglia”. As I write this letter I am sitting in the room of the current patriarch of our family, Uncle Gandolph who recently fell and broke his hip.  He was moved to rehab and although his care has been good, it is not “famiglia” and its not his own “casa mia”.

Our thanks to Brother Joe Berta and his nominating committee for presenting the new slate of officers for 2009-2010.  In Joe’s absence at the General Assembly Meeting on January 8th, Brother Lou Giambra presented the slate and since there were no nominations from the floor the vote was taken to accept the slate as presented including the delegates for the 2009 State Convention.  Thanks to those members who agreed to run for another term and especially our newest additions to the board, Sisters Shirley Sculli, Nancy Rubé and Debra Cutari.

Since we do not need to have elections at our February meeting we plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend time discussing our planned activities for the coming year.  Hopefully we’ll have a good turnout with our members bringing to the table some ideas on what functions they want and where they are willing to help.  Each function in 2009 will have a current board member as a “sponsor-chair” and at least one non-board member as co-chair.  This is everyone’s opportunity to have input and as I’ve said before, time permitting and willingness to give it a try, we’ll encourage activities.  Some will be fundraisers, some will be purely social and others will be educational or topics of interest. As heritage is an important part of the Sons of Italy, we’re planning on several activities including genealogy workshops throughout the year.

The March General Assembly Meeting will be the induction ceremony and brunch for our newly elected officers.  The only order of business permitted by OSIA bylaws at this event is the installation of officers.  Mary Ricci and her committee have chosen the place and date (see announcement in this month’s newsletter) and this event is open to members, family and friends.

For the remainder of 2009 our Board Meetings will take place on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00PM at Casa Italiana with the exception of June when the board meeting falls during the State Convention.  The General Membership Meetings will continue to take place the second Thursday of the month at 7:00PM at Casa Italiana unless otherwise noted.  The exception will be December when the Christmas party will substitute for the meeting.

Once our other dates and events are solidified, we will print an annual calendar for our members.  Information can always be found in our newsletter as well as on our website.

Again, I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

                                                                                    Fraternally,

                                                                                    Brother Joe Rubé

NEW CONTACT INFORMATION – Please update your records!

The new address for lodge mail is: OSIA Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270

                                                        c/o President Joseph A. Rubé, Jr. MD

                                                        71 Cohasset Drive

                                                        Rochester NY 14618   

                                                        Phone: 585-461-1181