    
DID YOU KNOW? Rome had a summer snowfall on August 5, 352 AD? The snowfall is celebrated in the name of the Virgin Mary as the Feast of St. Mary Major, also known as Our Lady of the Snows. Read more about this celebration, here. 
Belle Gente Lodge (#2603) in Bensalem, PA celebrates its 25th anniversary on August 12. Auguri!
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OSIA Trips to Italy- Now only $1,799!
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Sons of Italy Presents:
Nine Day Value Tour of Campania
Looking to travel to Italy but don't want to break the bank? Choose to travel with Unitours and you won't have to! Priced at $1,799, this a la carte tour of Campania even offers multiple departure dates (December 3, 2012 and January 21, 2013) to fit your busy schedule. The price of each trip includes round-trip airfare between the U.S. and Italy on Alitalia, four-star hotel accommodations, and daily breakfasts and dinners.
To check out this trip itinerary, click here.
For more information or to book your trip, email mpisano@unitours.com or call 1.800.777.7432.
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Blog Post of the Month
| Have you joined the conversation? Check out our most popular post from last month on the OSIA blog - it received over 200 views!
Also, make sure to check out the latest social media posts on the OSIA Twitter and Facebook pages! |
Italian 101: Survival Travel Phrases
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 Heading to Italy and wishing you saved time to brush up on your Italian? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here is a list of key survival phrases to help you ask for directions, find a bathroom or buy the correct train ticket while you're there.
Do you speak English? Parla l'inglese?
My name is Michael. Mi chiamo Michele. Excuse me, can you tell me where St. Peter's Square is? Scusi, mi sa dire dov'è la Piazza San Pietro? Where's the bathroom? Dov'è il bagno?
Do you have any vacancies? Ha una stanza libera?
I have a reservation. Ho una prenotazione.
How much will it cost? Quanto costa?
I'd like to rent a car. Vorrei noleggiare una macchina.
Where is there a hospital? Dov'è l'ospedale più vicino?
Two round trip tickets to Florence, please. Due biglietti di andata e ritorno per Firenze, per favore.
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Member Benefits Featured Discount: Wyndham Hotels
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Each month OSIA will feature an exclusive special benefit for all members and supporters.
 The OSIA Vacation Center makes exploring the world easier and more affordable than ever! Exclusive discounts off already great deals are available to OSIA members and supporters through the month of August.
Save an extra 20% on best available rate at all Wyndham Hotels worldwide, including Ramada, Wingate, Hawthorne Suites, Days Inn and many more.
OSIA MEMBERS: access this and all other benefits at any time by signing in to the Member Marketplace. Problems logging in to the Members Only Section? Email us.
EXTENDED SPECIAL FOR NON-OSIA MEMBERS: Click here to reserve or call 1-877-670-7088 and use corporate code 1000008135 for your discount. It's never too late to book a last-minute summer getaway!
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Calling All OSIA Authors
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 | | Murder in Little Italy by Victoria Thompson, member of Buoni Amici Lodge #2772, PA. |
Have you had a book published? The Sons of Italy would like to recognize you in the Members Only Section of our website!
If you're an OSIA author and would like your published book to be highlighted, please send an email to khayes@osia.org with the following information:
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Name
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Lodge name, number and state (or note At-Large Member)
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Book title, publisher, a brief one-paragraph synopsis, and an image (.jpg or .tif) of the cover
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Also note if the book is sold on amazon.com.
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Photo Blast from the Past
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From the OSIA News Archives, 1993:
OSIA and SIF representatives traveled to Disneyland during the California state convention in July 1993 to present Annette Funicello with a $30,000 check to help fund research on multiple sclerosis. Pictured (left to right) are National Executive Director Philip R. Piccigallo, former SIF Trustee Sebastian Polo, Past National President Paul S. Polo, Past National President Peter R. Zuzolo, Mickey Mouse, Annette Funicello, Past National Pesident Joseph Sciame, former National Treasurer Sam Di Trapani, Past SIF President Valentino Ciullo, and former OSIA National Trustee Scott Ciullo.
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"Places I Love" 2012 Census
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The 6th census of the most beloved Italian places in the world, promoted by FAI-Fondo Ambiente Italiano and supported by the Sons of Italy, has begun. Now, for the first time, the survey is open to people from all over the world, because beauty has no borders.
Italian, American, Indian? You, too, can take place in the 6th Census of Italian places I Love. Travel to your heart to find an Italian place you love. A garden, a home, a forest, an island, a bell tower, a church, a path. A place that you would like to see loved and protected.
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| 2012 Italian Festival Directory |
 The Sons of Italy 2012 Italian Festival Directory lists 370 festivals in 39 states and the District of Columbia. This month, there are 84 festivals across the country.
View the 2012 Italian Festival Directory in the US for more information.
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Lodge Photo of the Month
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The 3rd Annual Italiano-Greco Golf Tournament pitted the Sons of Italy Lodge #1175 of Tacoma, Washington against the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The contest for Mediterranean bragging rights was held at Allenmore Golf Course on July 15 in Tacoma.
After the tournament, players and guests were treated to lasagna, eggplant, sausage and salad made by Tacoma Lodge members, while the Greeks served homemade pastizio, hummus and baklava.
 Prizes were awarded for the closest to the pin on par 3's, the longest drive, longest drive closest to the center line, low nets and low gross scores. At the conclusion of the evening, a huge cheer was heard from the Italians as it was announced that they had won the tournament. Both teams look forward to next year with great Mediterranean pride.
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