^{GRAND LODGE of MARYLAND}

^{Il Giornale}

^{Winter 2026}

^{FROM OUR PRESIDENT}

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

I would like to thank you for the continued faith you place in me as your State President. We are off to a great start for 2026!

I look forward to visiting as many of our local lodges as possible for the installation of your new officers. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Ocean City Lodge installation - it was truly a treat. In the coming months, I hope to visit Harford County, Towson/Dulaney, and Montgomery County. If other Lodges would like a visit for an upcoming event or installation, don't hesitate to reach out!

A heartfelt THANKS is extended to Anita Lombardi Riley and Loretta Butta for another fun-filled Christmas party at Liberatore's Restaurant, Perry Hall, including the elves and Santa. A wonderful time was had by all!

Please check out the flyer in this newsletter regarding our annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Sunday, March 22, 2026. For information on this or any upcoming event, contact Ali Sliwka, 3rd Vice President, 410.299.1526.

Additionally, please remember to buy your raffle tickets for our Grand Lodge Super Raffle! Call Fran Transparenti 410-256-4372.

As always, if there is anything you or your Lodge members need, please reach out to me or any member of the Grand Council. We are always here for you. Without our members, we would not be the strong and successful Grand Lodge of Maryland we are today!

Ciao & Best Wishes,

Vincent Zaccaria

State President

mixvz1963@gmail.com

^{OCEAN CITY LODGE}

Pictured from left: OSDOI's Lisa Bryant and Judy Zanetti present a

ceremonial check to WBOC’s Janet Ackerson and Steve Monz

The Ocean City Lodge of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy (OSDOI) has made its largest charitable donation of the year with $2,000 given to the annual WBOC-TV Bless Our Children campaign. This is twice as much as usual because of a highly successful 2025 St. Joseph’s Day Festival, the major fundraiser for the Lodge's annual charitable and scholarship programs.

The St. Joseph’s Day Festival - with free admission - is one of the most popular ethnic festivals in Ocean City, Maryland, and will open March 21, 2026 at St. Andrews Hall (Sinepuxent Ave / 144th Street). Last year's huge turnout enabled the OC Lodge to donate $10,000 to 29 charities and award college scholarships of $3,000 each to three local high school graduates.

Profits were generated from the sale of home-style Italian foods prepared on-site, pastries and cookies, Italian-themed merchandise, silent auctions, raffles of dozens of gift baskets, 50-50 cash raffle, pick-6 game, and beverage sales. Throughout the day festival goers were continually entertained with popular Italian music.

For more information about the Festival and/or Ocean City Sons & Daughters of Italy, visit sonsofitalyoceancity.com. This Lodge was established in 1980 and has over 200 members.

send us your lodge news & photos!

^{HARFORD COUNTY LODGE}

The Harford County Lodge had the honor of hosting Bob Cassilly, Harford County Executive, as its guest speaker November 24 during its monthly membership meeting. Cassilly has served as County Executive since December 2022 and spoke about the importance of providing an honest and transparent government. Mr. Cassilly answered questions on topics such as over-development, zoning, farmland preservation, Columbus statue, and local projects such as Harford Mall and Costco.

Harford County Lodge celebrated December 13 for two reasons: its annual Christmas party and its 45th anniversary celebration! Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, great music by DJ Steve Monaldi, good conversation, and warm camaraderie. The highlight of the day recognized and honored seven incredible members:

Mike Castino - Lodge President since 2022
Guy DiMatteo - Charter member who helped form the Lodge in 1980
Frank DiPietro - Member for 44 years, serving as Lodge Treasurer for many
Sharon DiMatteo - Charter member and past president
"Uncle Danny" Ferrara - Past president
Dan Longo - former State President and National President
Joe Traino - 20+-year member who has served on the Council

Joe Cluster (pictured below, left), Harford County Chief of Staff, presented an official Citation to Mike Castino (below, right) recognizing the Lodge’s anniversary. It was truly a time to celebrate the generations that have worked to make Harford County Lodge what it is today. Their strong devoted efforts are truly appreciated!

^{SUPER RAFFLE WINNERS!}

How does our

Super Raffle work?

We pull a raffle ticket winner every day of the year! Then, winning tickets are placed back in the bin for the possibility to be pulled again. Winners are mailed a check.

How much can you win?