100^th Annual State Convention, New York Grand Lodge Order Sons of Italy in America

The 100^th Annual State Convention of the New York Grand Lodge took place on June 22^nd through June 25^th, 2006 at the Holiday Inn Turf in Albany, New York.  The overall theme of this convention was “Journey Through The Years.”  State President Carlo Matteucci led over 400 delegates from all over New York state in a weekend of business meetings and social events.

On Friday evening, Immediate Past President of the New York Grand Lodge – Joseph J. DiTrapani was lauded for his many accomplishments during his four-year administration as State President from June 2001 to June 2005. 

On Saturday evening, a special Bene Emeritus Award program was dedicated posthumously to Rev. Donald B. Licata – National and State Chaplain.  For almost three decades, Fr. Licata was the spiritual leader to all in the Order and beloved by all. 

The 2006 Family of the Year Award was presented to the Corsello Family of Oceanside, New York.  Anthony Corsello belongs to the Per Sempre Lodge No 2344 in Lynbrook and Louise Corsello belongs to the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge No. 2344A also in Lynbrook.

The 2006 Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Awards were presented to Rose Albertson of the Arturo Toscanini Lodge #2107 and Frank Ferrante of the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211. 

The 2006 Literary Award in memory of Pietro DiDonato and John Fante was presented to Robert Viscusi, author of Buried Caesars, and Other Secrets of Italian American Writing.

On Saturday afternoon, in the presence of Cooley’s Anemia Executive Director Gina Cioffi, Esq., Cooley’s Anemia National President Frank Somma and patient Alicia Somma … the state delegates pledged over $35,000 in donations to the Cooley’s Anemia (Thalassemia) Foundation. 

Usually presented at the yearly state convention, the 2006 Elena Cornaro Award was presented to Giovanna Borradori, Ph.D., and a Professor of Philosophy at Vassar College at a special scholarship ceremony held on June 10, 2006 at the Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, New York.  The New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc., Order Sons of Italy in America also presented scholarships and grants to 57 most deserving students.  In total … a sum of over $70,000 was distributed on behalf of the New York OSIA Grand Lodge.

NYSOSIA was fortunate to have State Senator Caesar Trunzo, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, Westchester County District Attorney Janine Piro, and former Assemblyman John Faso in attendance to address the delegates during the convention.

Lastly, the following Trustees were elected to represent the eight districts in New York OSIA:  William Lamont, Janice Sibilia, Enrico Annichiarico, Adele Balsamo, Josephine Palawsky, Vincent DeRosa, Joseph Rondinelli, Louise Corsello, Margaret Forte, Robert Ferrito, Paul Oddo, Biagio Isgro, Valerie Gobbo, James Spatafora, Josephine Federico and Anthony DiCostanzo.  State President Carlo Matteucci appointed Joseph Rondinelli to the position of State Principal Trustee.

Also elected were the following Commissioners of Arbitration:  Arthur Spera, Michele Ment, Sal Boncordo, Josephine Bastone, Esq., and John Fratta. 

Garibaldi Meucci Museum Commissioners were elected as follows:  Robert Necci, Janet Rodgers, James Costa, Rose Frisari, Angela Forte and Louis Buindo. 

New York OSIA certainly shone this weekend at the Holiday Inn Turf!  We look forward to returning to this venue next year for our June 2007 … and our 101^st Annual State Convention