October 2016
 
Orgoglioso Ottobre!
Help Save Columbus Day
 
As you are aware, our national Columbus Day holiday has been under attack to be renamed "Indigenous People's Day". Most recently we have seen these attempts in Colorado; Utah; Montana; Los Angeles, California; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Spokane, Washington. The Order Sons of Italy in America is not opposed to a day which recognizes indigenous people-who were a part of our nation's history-but we are opposed to having such a day if it replaces Columbus Day.
 
This is why we must take a stand and speak out when states, cities, or towns attempt to change this Federal Holiday. Therefore, the Commission for Social Justice is launching a formal petition entitled, "Save Columbus Day."

Click here to learn more or click here to sign the petition. 
 
Join OSIA and Win a Genealogy Research Project!
 
In honor of Italian American heritage month, either join, renew or give the gift of a Sons of Italy® national at-large membership in October and you'll be entered to win an Italian genealogy research project donated by My Italian Family. 
 
Additional rules apply; click here for more information.
Italy Earthquake Relief Efforts

There is still much to be done in the rebuilding of Amatrice and the surrounding area that were destroyed by the August 2016 earthquake. Donate to the Sons of Italy Foundation® and be sure to mark your contribution for Disaster Relief. 100% of all donations will go directly to relief efforts. Click here to learn how you can help. 
Membership Contest

The National Membership Contest among all Grand Lodges, which was developed by National Trustee-NJ Dominic Pucci and the National Membership Commission, is underway.  The contest runs for 12 months from 1st Quarter 2016 until 1st Quarter 2017.   It is based on the net % increase in membership for the entire Grand Lodge over that 12 month period. There will be four cash prizes ranging from $1000 to $250 awarded to the top Grand Lodges.  Also, Presidents of top performing Subordinate and Local Lodges will be awarded a one year membership in the prestigious Gold Membership Program. The leaders after the first quarter of competition are as follows:

GL of Arizona +20.6% 
SL of Pennsylvania +6.4% 
GL of Virginia +5.9% 
GL of Delaware +2.9% 
GL of West Virginia +2.2% 
GL of Maryland +1.8% 
GL of Ohio +0.6% 
GL of Connecticut +0.2% 

Congratulations to our leaders, but remember there are still 3 quarters remaining in the contest.  Best of luck to all!

If you have any questions or comments please contact National Trustee Dominic Pucci at dominicpucci115@gmail.com or National Recording Secretary Mark DeNunzio at denunziodds@yahoo.com.
 
Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint on Sunday, September 4, 2016. She's now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Read more. 
Lodge Anniversary

Sons of Italy® Alta Monte #2513 in Eugene, OR, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this month! Auguri!
Social Media Post of the Month

   
Did you know we're on Facebook? Be sure to visit and "Like" our page to receive fun, fascinating and informative posts! Follow us on Twitter! Subscribe to our blog!
Member Benefit of the Month 
 
As part of our featured benefit program, all non-OSIA members have access to this discount until the end of October.


To see all member benefits, sign in to the OSIA MEMBERS ONLY website.
Travel abroad is made simple with your OSIA member discount at Collette Vacations. Inclusive iteneraries ensure that you do not miss the best site seeing, and expert tour guides coordinate comfortable and safe travel. Explore dozens of international destinations including France, Italy, Germany and more with friends and family. Each purchase supports OSIA. Visit Collette Vacations, call 800-437-0235 to book. Remember to mention "Order Sons of Italy in America" and promotion code U001.AX1.918! 
Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.