The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) has started a new chapter located in Howard Beach, named the Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge.
“I expect this to be huge, a big organization for a lot of reasons, since we have a good population of Italian-Americans in the Howard Beach, Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill areas,” said Anne T. Romano, president of OSIA, Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge. “This is a fraternal organization, doing a lot of good things for the community.”
According to Romano, the strictly Italian membership has stemmed from the proud stance and promotion of Italian heritage.
In its 106th year of service, formed in 1905, OSIA was created to unite men and women of Italian heritage under one banner, to disseminate the cultural heritage of Italy.
Romano also noted that what sets OSIA apart from other organizations is that they are philanthropic, with a focus on cultural, social, charitable, educational work and civic activities in the community.
“We are social in that we get together, we are fraternal by assisting each other, but we also do community service work,” said Romano. “We plan to have speakers to induce some work in the community, reaching out to high schools and mentoring programs.”
OSIA has provided contributions to various charities.
“The organization donates to Cooley’s Anemia,” Romano said.
According to Rosemary Ciulla-Frisone, vice-president of OSIA, Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge, both men and women are reflected equally within OSIA.
“The ratio gender in the organization is split, there is a mixture,” Ciulla-Frisone said. “It’s half and half.”
With the required amount of applicants to commence a lodge, the charter was signed and the Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge was started.
Membership with the organization is provided in various ways – professional-at-large members, social or online members for non-Italians, and lodge-chapter members for Italians or their spouses.
“On May 7, the installation and ceremony will be held, a celebration honoring all the members,” said Romano.
For more information on OSIA and its new chapter, visit www.nyosia.org or contact Rosemary Ciulla-Frisone at 917-734-2411.
