Perry Como Lodge #2846

In regards to Philadelphia’s decision today City Council Member Mark Squilla made this statement. Via Michael Jones CITY COUNCILMEMBER MARK SQUILLA’S STATEMENT... ON MAYOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING THE COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY PHILADELPHIA, PA City Councilmember Mark Squilla (First District) today issued a statement opposing an executive order issued by Mayor Kenney that changes the city’s designation of Columbus Day to a day honoring Indigenous Peoples instead. I strongly support a holiday for our Indigenous peoples, Councilmember Squilla’s statement begins. However, I strongly oppose having a new holiday replace an existing holiday that celebrates Italian American heritage. Mayor Kenney’s Executive Order 2-21 signed on January 27, 2021, the City holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October will be recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day rather than Columbus Day is disheartening and a personal affront to Italian Americans, Squilla’s statement continues. I find it unethical to take a day from one group to celebrate immigrant culture and heritage and give that day to a different cultural group. I believe this action will lead to more conflict and division in our City and Commonwealth. I find it counter-intuitive to Mayor Kenney’s statement, this change is viewed as an acknowledgment of the centuries of institutional racism and marginalization that have been forced upon Black Americans, Indigenous people, and other communities of color. because Italian Americans were also persecuted and endured racism in this country, over the course of history. During WWII, despite more than 500,000 Italian Americans fighting for our country abroad, hundreds of thousands were persecuted on our soil. Our government removed Italian Americans from their homes and sent them to internment camps while many others endured curfews, confiscations and surveillance. On Columbus Day in 1942, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt removed the designation of Italian Americans as Enemy Aliens along with a plan to offer citizenship to 200,000 elderly Italian immigrants living in the United States who had been unable to acquire citizenship because of the literacy requirements. Since 1792, Italian Americans have observed Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage in the United States. In 1892, following the lynching and murder of Italian immigrants in New Orleans, President Benjamin Harrison declared a one-time national celebration to calm the fears of Italian Americans and ease diplomatic relations with Italy. Italians who immigrated America focused mainly on family and work. Most were unskilled laborers in mines, farms, factories and built our infrastructure of roads, bridges, dams and tunnels. They have greatly contributed to the fabric of this nation of many cultures and deserve to be celebrated. This holiday decision should be rescinded, and our City Administration should work with both the Italian Americans and Indigenous people on a plan to celebrate both heritages and cultures, on different days, Councilmember Squilla’s statement concludes. See more

Anthony Nccarato, President NYS Grand Lodge Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America OUTSTANDING NEWS!!!... PLEASE JOIN US: http://www.nysosia.org/

Anthony Naccarato, President New York State Grand Lodge Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America MY FRIENDS HERE IS A FUN EVENT TO PICK UP OUR SPIRITS.... January 9, 2021 Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am pleased to let you know that the Christmas Pet Contest was fun and a tremendous success. My gratitude to my Co-Chairs, Mary Ann Decostanzo, President of the Giuseppe Nigro Lodge, in Islip, New York and Luisa Fiume, President of the Romanesque Lodge in Blauvelt, New York, for their hard work and organizational skills which made this contest such a delightful success. Mary Ann and Luisa took precious time from their busy schedules, especially during the holiday season, to devote to this very fun project. We received 47 entries, each and every pet that was lovingly submitted, was special in their own way. Our thanks to all that participated. We hope that you enjoyed it. We thank my husband and New York Grand Lodge President, Anthony Naccarato, for appointing us to this very gratifying committee. We hope that it becomes a yearly occurrence. Attached to this letter are the winners (Further information is on the individual pictures attached): First Place: Lily Second Place: Jeter Third Place: Vezina and Stewie We are doing our best to include all the entries in our next Golden Lion Newspaper. Fraternally, Mary Naccarato New York State First Lady Giuseppe Verdi Lodge # 2163 Mary Ann Decostanzo President, Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge #2234 Luisa Fiume President, Romanesque Lodge #2198

Felice Anno Nuovo from the Perry Como Lodge!!

Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo from the Perry Como Lodge!