Luso Weekend (Newark and San Jose)

Luso Weekend! (running a bit behind on this one! :-)

This weekend was truly what I would call a Luso filled weekend with quite a few Luso functions. My weekend started out at the Wine Tasting Event for the Councils of Newark, Adult 19B, Region #16 and YC #30. Once again I was escorted by my Mom and we met up with my cousin Michelle Da Silva, past 20-30’s President and currently Chair of Youth Directors, her son Logan and her father Henry. The hall was decorated in fall colors and people were already sampling the delicious wines and food. I am always impressed by this group because their Youth is always knee deep in helping, serving and getting things together for their functions. I also saw many others from different councils such as our President John Perdigao and his family, Marielia and Americo Pereira, Joe and Lenor Pio, MaryJo and Arnold Rodrigues, Mr. and Mrs. Rosa and so many more I could list. To see such support during these tough economic times is great. The food was great, YC #30 performed their 2010 program and the danced followed with Chico Avila. It was a great night had by all. Thank you Newark for putting on such a great fundraiser.

Saturday, the 6th was not only my little sister Carla’s birthday but it was also the Luso Sales Agent meeting. We spent the day working on ways to make our society stronger and really show people that we have products that can benefit not only adults but our children as well. We are currently offering 6% on Single Premium Annuities (min 10,000 deposit) for the first year and we also have a great Educational Savings Account that is great for your children and grand children. Current interest rate is 4% and can be used not only for College but for Private Schools until the child is 30!!! So act now and start saving for your child’s future.

Sunday, the 7th we headed out to our last visit of 2010, San Jose 47-B, Region #1 and YC #2 of San Jose. It wasn’t the prettiest day of the year, but the turn out at the visit was fabulous. Everyone battled the rain and gloom to surround themselves with their Luso Friends. I headed down alone this time and met up with Brienne and her boyfriend Randy and we found a quiet spot for us to sit back and enjoy the afternoon. We were later joined by Anna Bettencourt, Judy Allen Dias, Judy Teixeira, Americo and Marielia Pereira, Jason, Cynthia and Madison Weekly and of course Lenor Pio (Anthony’s mom). Of course also there was President John Perdigao and family, 20-30s President Anthony Pio, Youth President Matthew Teixeira and Queen Nicole Bettencourt.

I continue to be amazed at the amount of friendships that are created by the Luso visits. You truly don’t realize how many people you have met, how long you have known them and how much of a good time you have until you see each other again. Many of us only see each other at Convention, visits or some random festa that we just happened to be at. But as I continue my journey in Luso (god help me 28 years and counting) I realize that I have been doing this same thing, year after year, visit after visit and seeing some truly amazing people. We grow up, we watch each other get married, have children, watch their children grow up and follow in the footsteps of our parents, grandparents and so on. How amazing is it to look up at a head table where the 20-30’s President‘s Father was a 20-30’s President in the 90s, the Youth Presidents older Brother was just Youth President a few years ago, our MC’s were non other then Joseph Vieira and his youngest son Ethan and Josephs older son was sitting at the head table as a youth officer. To me this is what Luso is about; it’s about traditions, our culture and continuing what our fore fathers have done before us. I commend 47B for making sure their Youth and 20-30’s were very much a part of their special day.

To Region #1 of San Jose, Congratulations on reactivating! I look forward to seeing you all again throughout the year and can’t wait to see you accept your first Rim Award and maybe getting someone in the 20-30’s State Line. I think you all have an amazing opportunity to build your region and really continue to build the bridge between the Adults and the Youth. I see a lot of potential here and I can’t wait to see you all flourish! If there is ever anything you need please don’t hesitate to contact me. I love watching new councils be reborn and created.

Thank you Adult 47B, Region #1 and YC #2 for a wonderful afternoon, delicious food and wonderful memories. I enjoyed spending the afternoon with old friends and making new friends. I look forward to continuing to build all the friendships and to see you all throughout the year.

Next road trip…Visalia for the Luso Christmas Party…See you all there!