Home > March 2010 President's Message
March 2010 President's Message
Cari fratelli e sorelle,
As I write my monthly message to you, I noticed the calendar and the fact March is here which means spring is just around the corner and soon winter will be just a memory. I’m NOT lamenting the passing of winter although, all things considered, it’s been relatively an easy one as compared to those in the middle Atlantic states. Of course, the rain and heavy winds of the past week wreaked havoc for our area. But that’s history now!
Speaking of the weather, the February meeting had to be rescheduled from a snowy third Tuesday to a wet and windy Thursday a week later. So bad was the weather that many members stayed away. Despite the hardship, 30 people showed up and I want to thank all those who ventured out into the storm and bravely attended the meeting.
I was pleased so many of our members attended the Carnevale Veneziano at the Crestview in Woburn on February 20th. Our lodge 2223 with close to 30 attendees was well-represented and it was a very nice event. The venue and the music was wonderful and our presence was duly noted by the Grand Lodge.
At our February meeting nominations for officers took place and the proposed slate will be the same as last year. At our March meeting we will officially vote and, since there will be no change, we’ll vote by acclamation and bypass the ‘official’ installation of officers at our April meeting where we typically have a catered dinner. We’ll celebrate with either a ‘pot luck dinner’ or a pizza evening instead. It’s yet to be decided.
For the record, starting in 2011, all positions will be filled for 2-year terms. It is hoped some newer members will step forward and seek an elected position to lead us the next couple of years to begin the next decade. ALL positions will be open!
As to what’s going on currently, we have a need to raise some finds to supplement our scholarship fund. It’s slowly being used up. Tony Faria and her committee have come up with some ideas which we’ll try to finalize at our next meeting on March 16. There is an urgent need to do so. One such idea has to do with the sale of old books. Tony writes, “Do you have Italian books you have enjoyed and would like to give away for a good cause? I am asking members to donate used Italian books to our monthly lodge meetings. A table will be available for the books at each meeting and a donation box provided for each book. All money raised will be earmarked for the scholarship fund. I gathered over 25 books just in one sweep! Clear out your bookshelves and share the books for a good cause. Bring your novels, text books, travel, educational Italian/English books you have that you would like to share and move out of your shelves at home.” Thank you, Toni, for getting the ball rolling.
Be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming spring dance which will be held at the Crestview in Woburn on Saturday, May 15th. All the logistics are in place and the music will be provided once more by Trilogy, a VERY fine orchestra. Jean Squires and her committee will finalize all plans in the next months or so.
The annual Social Justice breakfast will take place at Lombardo’s in Randolph on Sunday, May 2nd. This is the annual breakfast where we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of a person of Italian heritage who distinguished himself/herself in the areas of the judiciary, law enforcement and public service. I serve on the screening committee and have placed in nomination the name of Karyn Polito, state representative of the 11th Worcester District. The event is always classy and Lombardo’s breakfast is outstanding. Please consider attending to help represent our Burlington Lodge 2223.
Another event I hope many will take advantage of is the Organization and Education Workshop which will be held on Saturday, May 8th at the Braintree Sons of Italy located at 161 King Hill Road in Braintree. Having attended this workshop, I can recommend it very highly and the cost is only $10 which the lodge will pay. The agenda is available on request and the time spent is extremely worthwhile.
Finally, we lose a few members every year when membership renewals and dues need to be collected. Because of this I intend to launch a membership drive and place some ads in the local newspapers and on BCAT. YOU can help by recommending our lodge to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Let’s all pitch in and grow our lodge.
In closing, I want to thank all those who attend our monthly meetings and participate in our lodge activities. Participation by so many continues to make our lodge a success and ‘the place to be!’ Our resident comedian, Ed Alfano, broke us all up again in his five minutes on the agenda between OLD and NEW business and we’ll have him on the agenda again in March. Don’t miss it. Laughs are guaranteed! ?
I hope to see a full house on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00. Our meetings are always enjoyable and provide an evening out to enjoy the friendship of fellow lodge members and good times. Remember, YOU are the Burlington Lodge. Mark your calendar!
Ciao!
Don McGowan
President
Burlington Sons of Italy Lodge 2223