State President Tony Cianciotta’s Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Grand Lodge of Florida held its 3rd Quarter meeting in Key Largo FL. This past October 4th through the 6th, 2019.
Hosted by The Key Largo Sons and daughters of Italy Lodge # 2843, President: Gregory Bianchini
Friday: State Officers meeting was held at the Holiday Inn Key Largo
An Overview of OSIA’s National Convention that was held in San Antonio TX in August.
Nominations, voting and installation of new National President and officers.
Elected National President: Nancy DiFiore Quinn
All other National Officers are listed on National Website “OSIA.org”
By-Law reviews and approvals of four (4) proposed Grand Lodge of Florida By-law changes were approved by Supreme at the convention: these have been emailed to the Grand Lodge Council and Lodge presidents for sharing with their lodge members.
Supreme By-law changes passed will be updated on the National Website in the Members only site.
Business discussed at our Quarterly meeting in session will be published in the meeting minutes of this past meeting.
LEGAL: Action concerning the dissolution of the former St. Petersburg Lodge has been settled.
Thirteen of the 25 lodges were represented at the quarterly; Osceola, Nature Coast, Central Gulf Coast, LaNuova Sicilia, Daughters of Italy, Port Charlotte, Bradenton, Pt. St. Lucie, Key West, Dominic Gentile, Sgt. FM Bonanno, Key Largo and Deltona lodge.
A President’s forum and Trustee Seminar after the Officers meeting was extremely informative with many questions being answered by our 2nd Vice President Nick who was the proctor along with Dr. Mark our State Orator and Carolyn our Immediate Past President.
Lodge Presidents were very involved, offering ideas and getting clarification to the duties and responsibilities of the State Deputies.
Saturday Dinner dance hosted by the Sons and Daughters of Italy Key Largo lodge was a great event with entertainment by both Tony Ventura and our own maestro Dino DiLiberti.
Everyone enjoyed themselves with cocktails, a Pig Roast Dinner, which was wonderful and plentiful. It was a great ending to a memorable quarterly meeting.
After the financial Audits were completed everyone enjoyed a plentiful Great Italian Lunch (Sub, Hero, Hoagie, Grinder, etc.) The Lunch Sandwiches were assembled by the Members of the Key Largo Lodge. Great job.
FOUNDATION MEETING
Discussions on our Foundation Cookbook I status and whether to consider a reprint.
Joe Dente, our Foundation President conveyed the need to promote fund raising activities and events that will contribute financial support for our Scholarship program. Requested ideas & comments from Lodge Presidents. Discussion on Scholarship dates to submit applications and how to apply for State scholarship also.
Committee Reports given and donations accepted for Cooleys, Alzheimers and Autism were $600 each and Cancer $800.
Grand Lodge Reconvened at 2:40 pm. By-law updates by Dr. Mark DeNunzio.
No new business from Floor.
Membership Applications- Clarification on Membership application process – All applications for membership must be fully filled out, the Regular member who Sponsors an applicant is certifying that the applicant is fully eligible for the membership type applied for, that the person meets all the requirements and are recommending approval for admission. The local lodge must approve all membership applications by a majority vote of the assembly. The State Financial Secretary will return any applications to the forwarding Lodge that is not correctly filled out and legible.
All membership applications will be reviewed by the Grand Lodge council for final approval as outlined in Article 1. Paragraphs 2 & 3 of Supreme General Laws. “Requisites & Qualifications”
Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
The Next quarterly meeting will be at the Deltona lodge on Saturday. Friday’s meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Orange City, FL.
Final meeting details will be published on the Grand Lodge Website and emailed out to all the Council and Presidents before then by Brother Ed Mottola Jr.
SAVE THE DATES Jan. 31st & Feb 1st, 2020 Plan Ahead & Attend!
Fraternally,
Tony Cianciotta
Grand Lodge of Florida President