April 2016
 
Aprile Allegro!
In Memoriam:
National President Emeritus & SIF President Emeritus Robert A. Messa


The Sons of Italy is mourning the loss on Feb. 26 of Robert A. Messa at the age of 84. Bob was one of OSIA's most adored leaders and members. He served as National President from 2001-2003, as Sons of Italy Foundation President, and was a longtime member of the Ernest M. Strollo Lodge #683 in Flourtown, PA. Recently, he was bestowed the titles of National President Emeritus and SIF President Emeritus. Bob will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his Sons of Italy brothers and sisters. To read his obituary in the Philly Inquirer, click here.
Help the Sons of Italy Foundation Today!



iGive is offering Doubled Donations at over 1,700 great stores to help the Sons of Italy Foundation for one day only. From Amazon to Zobha, purchases on April 1 mean twice as much for the Sons of Italy Foundation. No fooling around here! Click here to sign up and get started!
Lodge Members - We want your opinion!



Sons of Italy members, your assistance is needed. The National Membership Commission has developed an online member satisfaction survey in order to measure the opinions and desires of active members. This survey is specifically targeted for the lodge membership. The information gained from the responses will be used to guide OSIA in making changes and improving the organization. The satisfaction survey is being administered through the website Survey Monkey. The survey is completely anonymous and only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. There is even a section at the end to share any concerns or ideas you may have to improve our beloved Order. Thank you in advance for participating in this important project. To ensure security and data integrity only one survey response will be accepted from each individual computer.

For questions or comments regarding the member satisfaction survey please e-mail Membership Commission Chair Mark DeNunzio at [email protected].

Click here to start the survey!
Join us at the 28th Annual NELA Gala!

On Thursday, May 26, 2016, join the Sons of Italy Foundation for the 28th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala in Washington, D.C. to honor:

Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Dr. Condoleezza Rice
66th U.S. Secretary of State  
Thomas & Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Award for Excellence in
Business

Nicholas E. Calio
President & CEO 
Airlines for America

National Education & Leadership Award

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr. 
Chairman & CEO 
The Mattone Group
National Education & Leadership Award  

Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, RN/MPH  
Philanthropist & Community Leader   
Humanitarian Award
 
Paul Rinaldi
President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Master of Ceremonies

Joe Mantegna
Award-winning Actor

Special Guest

Gary Sinise
Award-winning Actor
Founder, Gary Sinise Foundation
Featured Performer

Tenor Michael Amante

The NELA Gala is the SIF's most important fund-raising and public affairs event, highlighting the foundation's commitment to educational excellence, leadership and the betterment of society.   

Please direct questions to [email protected] or call 202.547.8115.
Additional information may also be viewed on the NELA website
The Sons of Italy Visa Rewards Credit Card

The Sons of Italy Visa� Rewards card features a flexible rewards program with thousands of rewards options and additional cardholder benefits. Get the card that rewards you and supports the Sons of Italy everywhere you shop, dine, or travel! What's more, open an account and use your card within 90 days and the Sons of Italy will be helped even more! Click here for details.
 
To apply for the card:
2016 Italian Festival Directory



Have you seen the Sons of Italy� 2016 Italian Festival Directory? Festival season is about to kick into high gear! The directory lists over 360 festivals in 45 states plus the District of Columbia.
The first female in the U.S.A. to become the dean of an architecture school was Italian M. Rosaria Piomelli in 1980.
The Reckoning, Pecora for the Public Sneak Peek 
  
The brand new play, The Reckoning, Pecora for the Public, made its debut in Seattle on March 4, 2016. OSIA friend Neil Thomas Proto, The Reckoning's playwright, states: "It was a special joy to give life to Ferdinand Pecora, an Italian immigrant who, when the responsibility to ensure fairness and justice was his to exercise, brought to bear the skill and moral imperative necessary to confront successfully Wall Street's bankers and lawyers. He made a profound difference in America when it mattered."
Click here to get a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the play.
Lodge Anniversary

Sons of Italy Cambridge Italian Lodge #506 in Cambridge, MA, and the Peter B. Gay Lodge #540 in Taunton, MA, are celebrating their 100th anniversary this month! Auguri!
Member Benefit of the Month 

For the month of April, LifeLock is offering OSIA Members and Supporters a 10% discount on memberships with a 30 day free trial. Take advantage of this special offer with LifeLock and live more freely in the digital age  Click here to learn more and find your peace of mind. 



To see all member benefits, sign in to the OSIA MEMBERS ONLY website.
Social Media Post of the Month

 
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