It’s been a crazy time ending my first year in my journey to Luso President in 2015. I have gotten so overwhelmed that I have lost track of my blogging and haven’t finished the last 5 visits I attended along with my last fundraiser and of course convention. So while my summary may be short it doesn’t mean that each visit wasn’t special.
April 15th, 2011, TAX DAY was our own official visit for Council #3L, YC #1 and Region #2. What can I say about this group of people, is that I am so very proud of all that they do. We are small, but strong and determined to honor our Presidents and members in the best possible way. We started off the visit with a little Beatles music in the back ground to honor President John Perdigao as we know how much he loves the Beatles and I KNOW how that is being that everyone knows how much I have traveled around to see Duran Duran! We also decided that just handing them their gifts this year with a little speech wasn’t good enough. So with the help of our 20-30’s Region President Brienne Peixoto we sent them on a small scavenger hunt to find their gifts which ended up under their chairs. It was a moment of laughter and it was great watching them wander around the room trying to figure out the hints. YC# 1 also performed this year. They performed their 2nd place performance from 2010 from the region of Madeira and once again did it just as they did at the performance at convention with the one exception of having an additional dancer, our very own Youth President Matthew Teixeira. It was great to watch him dance with the youth and become an honorary member if even for one day! I was very happy that day to. I had set a goal of 20 new members for myself when I became a Luso Sales Agent again and was thrilled that I hit my goal and some. We brought in bunch of new members and I couldn’t be happier. Now it’s time to work on the New Year! Once again I’m extremely proud of the Fremont/Union City councils. You have all been the back bone of our area and I’m so happy to be a part of it and love that it’s what has kept me so active in Luso.
My next visit was in Tracy (and unfortunately I do not have the date of that visit.:( ). As usual my partner in crime Brienne came along with me and my parents as we headed our way to the valley to spend an evening with old friends. It was wonderful to see such old Luso friends. We had a nice turn out there with many coming from the bay area to join Frank Silva and his council. It was small but intimate and nice to see that everyone is still working hard to hold on to fraternalism. They are small but strong and I can’t wait to see what else comes out of Tracy.
With a short break, we moved into May and headed out to the valley again for the Gustine Visit on May 14th. I shared the road trip with Brienne and Anthony and we headed out. One thing missing from this trip, STARBUCKS IN GUSTINE!!! WTH!!!! Between texting Monica Xavier looking for coffee, ending up at McD’s and all the laughter the night started off great! We spent the evening with Monica, Paul Teixeira, Anna Bettencourt and everyone else that was supposed to be there! I think it was the first visit all year that I think we actually got into trouble for too much talking and laughing. Go figure!!! It was blast thought. I laughed so much I think I hurt myself. I will say that the food was delicious, and omg the bread was to die for. Sra Pires makes the best bread!!! I might have taken some home if we hadn’t all eaten it during and after dinner! It had been a long time since I had been to the Gustine Visit but I’m glad I came out this time. They are strong and determined and they should be proud of themselves. I see many things happening here and can’t wait to see where it leads them!
The drive home is usually uneventful, but wow this one was pretty eventful, Who Knew!!!
The next day we headed to Mt. View/Santa Clara where they did their visit at park. While normally it’s all good but omg it was raining and chilly. I loved the fact that they didn’t change locations, people made do, put on jackets and had a great time either way. I got there and everyone was already eating the tri tip. The rain came and went but it never took the fun times and the memories of that afternoon. We hung out with Judy Teixeira, Judy Allen, Monica Xavier and Anna Bettencourt. I must say that this last year has been surrounded by these ladies and they have made this last year very memorable and filled with many many laughs. I’m not sure how it happened but at some point there was balloon sword fighting at our table along with candy eating and what not. Great visit by such a strong council. With many Luso Youth Presidents, 20-30’s Presidents and Adult presidents under the belt, they have the knowhow and the pride that we all love to see at our visits.
With no visits until the testimonials for John, Anthony and Matthew, I squeezed in one more fundraiser before the 2011 Convention in San Diego. I was fortunate that Region #2 of the Bay Area allowed us the opportunity to work with them on their successful Comedy Night with Out of the Gutter Comedy from Fall River. With a Steak and Oyster dinner and Portuguese Comedy we had a great dinner and show. The guys from Fall River are funny, take you back to being a Portuguese Kid growing up with parents that just came here from the Azores and just make you laugh until you can’t laugh anymore. My committee of course worked tirelessly in the kitchen, barbecuing the steaks, the oysters, serving and clean up. I could not have done this without their help or their dedication to the committee and my journey to president. It’s because of them that I can continue to do this and I am so appreciative of all they do. A big thank you to the SDES for allowing us the use of the hall, To the Guys of Out of the Gutter Comedy for coming back out to the West Coast and giving us laughs and continuing the friendships we built last year. I look forward to working with you again the near future. To everyone that sponsored, attended and helped, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for us.
In between all this I managed to talk my parents into letting myself, Brienne and a new friend Frank Dias and his daughter borrow our motor home to head out to Casa da Fruta for the annual Luso Picnic. I’m not sure how I managed to talk my parents into letting us take the motor home but with careful driving (thanks Frank) and with all of us being diligent in taking care of the MH we made it to Casa de Fruta without incident. It was a lot of fun participating this year in the picnic. It had been several years since I had been there and I was glad to know that the mosquitoes were fairly gone and I wasn’t going to be eaten alive by the mosquito population of CDF. With music, games, and hanging with my Luso family we had a wonderful weekend filled with laughs, memories and some really good food. I had a blast this year and I hope that I can come again the in future, although I’m thinking the parentals will be taking their motor home next time! Thank you Frank, Sara and Brienne for making this weekend so memorable.
Testimonial visits!!!! It’s come to an end for our Presidents and it’s been quite an honor to go on this journey with them this year. July 9th San Pablo #5C, Region #10 and YC 16 took us to Hawaii for their annual Luau. The dinner as usual was fabulously delicious and began with (Little) Lino’s annual ALLLOOHHHHAAA greeting as we began the visit. I traveled with my best friend this year as he went through this journey as 20-30s President and I’m so proud of the way he represented the 20-30s as well as the society in general. We laughed, we drove, we laughed some more, we even disagreed on many Luso things but one thing for sure is that this year would not have been the same had it not been for him being president and my getting the chance to share it with him. Thank you Anthony for taking me along on your many road trips and letting me be a part of your memories. I’m proud of you and I can’t wait to see where you go from here in Luso. You are a true treasurer for this organization and I hope you never lose sight of that! To John Perdigao and his wife Eduardina and daughter Stephanie, it was an honor to get to spend time with you this year and to get to know you. While I have grown up around John, we didn’t really know each other and I’m glad I had the opportunity to spend time and be a part of the same journey he was on. It was great to be on your board. Great job this year and I hope you have amazing memories of this year!
Sunday, July 10th was Matthews’s testimonial in Sacramento. Can I tell you this has got to be one of the strongest areas as far as Youth that I know. They are strong, passionate and truly seem to love the society and all it offers. I think once again we managed to get into trouble for making too much noise but this time I’m going to blame Danny Sequiera! :p Kidding. We had a blast not just with the adults at our table but with the Youth who sat behind us. What an amazing group of kids we have growing up in this organization who want to move up the lines and do what we have done through the years. I’m excited to see how they all become our next youth presidents, 20-30s presidents, adult presidents and I see a LALIS President in that mix at some point too. Thank you Sacramento for a delicious meal and a wonderful afternoon to honor Matthew. Matthew is the 2nd Youth President from his family in the last 4 or 5 years and he did an amazing job representing our youth this year. I’m proud to have gotten to know him and his parents. We have shared some amazing laughs, memories and have become fast friends in the last year and I know beyond a doubt that your journey in Luso Matthew is now over yet. You have so much more to do for this society and I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish. Good luck in College and don’t forget about us Luso People! :p
It’s been a very busy year as I got through my year as Outside Guard and now convention has come and gone and I’m starting my new adventure…but before I get there…I’ll be blogging about the 2011 Convention in San Diego. Can’t believe how behind I really am! Once again thank you to everyone who made 2010-2011 so memorable!!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Jantar de Mentiras, April 1st, 2011
Jantar De Mentiras…was in fact my 2nd fundraiser already in this journey to the 2015 Convention for the East Bay. I had started my fundraising back in October of 2010 with a small raffle and now this one on April 1st was to be my first big festa. We had decided to do something different, something that wasn’t happening in the many Portuguese halls through the bay area. So since we picked April Fool’s day for our dinner, we also decided to call it Jantar De Mentiras, translated to Dinner of Liars. It always became a topic of conversation as we sold tickets and made people wonder what dinner was really going to be.
We chose a very different dinner for this festa. We wanted something new, something different and something that would make people interested to come back for the future. So we did Polvo Grelhado, Frango and Bacalahau. Now trust me we were nervous, this was something very new to us (the Polvo and bacalhau anyways) and we were slightly apprehensive but things couldn’t have gone better. Not only did we have an amazing dinner to serve everyone but I had an amazing committee that helped to sell tickets, advertise and worked extremely hard to put on an amazing festa.
We were fortunate to have had the support of the SDES Alvarado, for years they have supported our local councils and my father’s committee for his presidency in 1998 and they didn’t fail me either. They were there helping, allowed us to have access to the hall and made things so much easier for us in the end. I love this place, it’s a place where I grew up and celebrated many happy occasions with my family and I’m thrilled that I’m able to continue working with SDES through my journey and with my LUSO council. We are extremely appreciative all that you do for us.
Thank you to Progresso for coming out from the Valley and playing such wonderful music for all of us to dance and enjoy the night. We are very grateful that you came out for us and played even when the dance floor was light. Everyone had an amazing time and we look forward to working with you again in the future!
I was fortunate to have Youth Council #1 of Fremont /Union City perform for us as well that night. They did their dance performance from the 2010 Theatrical Program, which earned them 2nd place in the Dance Category. They came out just as strong that night as they did at the Convention dancing their Madeira Dances in full original Folklore costumes. I am so proud of what this council has done over the last 20 years. You all are such a wonderful and talented group of kids who have no fear of trying something new and different. You don’t follow what is expected at the conventions and do what you feel is right. I love the fact that you are all so happy to do folklore and to learn where we come from and the culture. You all make me so proud to be a part of the Fremont/Union City area. A big shout out to Carla Moreira the Youth Director and her team that helps her put on shows year to year. You should all be so proud of what you do for YC #1 and what you instill in these children. The love they have for performing is there as well as the love they have for their Portuguese culture. Kudos to all you do!
Thank you to all that attended the dinner and supported our committee by buying raffle tickets, auction but we also had some fabulous people who donated so much for our auction and raffle. Thank you all so much for all you did to help make this a successful festa.
It is extremely overwhelming and emotional when I think of all the time people took out of their day or days to help make this dinner a success. There are never enough thank yous to go around and I don’t know how I will repay everyone for all their hard work and dedication that they have given me for the next 4 years. I only hope I can be the type of president they can be proud of.
Now on to our next fundraiser: Friday June 10th @the SDES Alvarado we will be working alongside Region #2 of the Bay Area for the 2nd Annual Out of the Gutter Comedy Night. Dinner: Steak and Oyster $30 and show. This troop is hilarious and will remind you of growing up a Portuguese Kid. If you are interested in tickets please contact me. These tickets run fast and you won’t regret it. Fabulous show and dinner!!!!
Thank you all again for all you have done so far in my journey to the becoming the 2015 Luso President!
We chose a very different dinner for this festa. We wanted something new, something different and something that would make people interested to come back for the future. So we did Polvo Grelhado, Frango and Bacalahau. Now trust me we were nervous, this was something very new to us (the Polvo and bacalhau anyways) and we were slightly apprehensive but things couldn’t have gone better. Not only did we have an amazing dinner to serve everyone but I had an amazing committee that helped to sell tickets, advertise and worked extremely hard to put on an amazing festa.
We were fortunate to have had the support of the SDES Alvarado, for years they have supported our local councils and my father’s committee for his presidency in 1998 and they didn’t fail me either. They were there helping, allowed us to have access to the hall and made things so much easier for us in the end. I love this place, it’s a place where I grew up and celebrated many happy occasions with my family and I’m thrilled that I’m able to continue working with SDES through my journey and with my LUSO council. We are extremely appreciative all that you do for us.
Thank you to Progresso for coming out from the Valley and playing such wonderful music for all of us to dance and enjoy the night. We are very grateful that you came out for us and played even when the dance floor was light. Everyone had an amazing time and we look forward to working with you again in the future!
I was fortunate to have Youth Council #1 of Fremont /Union City perform for us as well that night. They did their dance performance from the 2010 Theatrical Program, which earned them 2nd place in the Dance Category. They came out just as strong that night as they did at the Convention dancing their Madeira Dances in full original Folklore costumes. I am so proud of what this council has done over the last 20 years. You all are such a wonderful and talented group of kids who have no fear of trying something new and different. You don’t follow what is expected at the conventions and do what you feel is right. I love the fact that you are all so happy to do folklore and to learn where we come from and the culture. You all make me so proud to be a part of the Fremont/Union City area. A big shout out to Carla Moreira the Youth Director and her team that helps her put on shows year to year. You should all be so proud of what you do for YC #1 and what you instill in these children. The love they have for performing is there as well as the love they have for their Portuguese culture. Kudos to all you do!
Thank you to all that attended the dinner and supported our committee by buying raffle tickets, auction but we also had some fabulous people who donated so much for our auction and raffle. Thank you all so much for all you did to help make this a successful festa.
It is extremely overwhelming and emotional when I think of all the time people took out of their day or days to help make this dinner a success. There are never enough thank yous to go around and I don’t know how I will repay everyone for all their hard work and dedication that they have given me for the next 4 years. I only hope I can be the type of president they can be proud of.
Now on to our next fundraiser: Friday June 10th @the SDES Alvarado we will be working alongside Region #2 of the Bay Area for the 2nd Annual Out of the Gutter Comedy Night. Dinner: Steak and Oyster $30 and show. This troop is hilarious and will remind you of growing up a Portuguese Kid. If you are interested in tickets please contact me. These tickets run fast and you won’t regret it. Fabulous show and dinner!!!!
Thank you all again for all you have done so far in my journey to the becoming the 2015 Luso President!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Luso Visits and Activities Feb/March
It’s been busy busy busy over the last few weeks and once again I’ve fallen behind on the blogging of my Luso travels. I ended my last blog with sadness and loss that some in our Luso Family had endured. It taught us that life is short and we should cherish every moment we have with our family and friends and I can probably honestly say that is what I’ve been doing over the last 8 weeks or so.
Saturday, February 19th, Santa Clara Council chicken and shrimp dinner. I headed out to Santa Clara with the usual partner in crime, 20-30’s President Anthony Pio and met up with 20-30’s Director of Activities, Monica Xavier, Isabel Matos, Mr. and Mrs. Pascoa, Frank Dias and his daughter Sara and his cousin and friends. Dinner was delicious with Carrot soup, chicken, shrimp and veggies. The dance followed with Manuel Jacinto, Frank Rosa’s little silver case, tequila, dancing, laughter and a really good time. I spent the evening with old and new friends of Luso and I’m really glad to have been able to attend this function. The Youth Council performed their performance from 2010 and everyone just seemed to be enjoying the evening. Thank you to Anthony for being the designated driver that night and for just hanging out with me.
Friday, March 11th, was the Newark council Chicharros (spelling may be off). Even with the bad weather people came out for a great Portuguese fish dinner and dance. I headed out with my parents, meeting up with my cousin Michelle, her son Logan, her father Henry and Frank met us there. Like always there were tons of Luso family members ready for good food and festa! The chicharros were delicious, the music was fabulous and we all had a great time once again. Once again the man with the silver case was there and we enjoyed a little pomegranate.
The fun didn’t stop there that weekend, Sunday, March 13th we headed out to Oakland visit in Hayward. It was far and long drive for us but we made it through. Haha! Always great to see Manuel Rosario, Bernice Pelicas and everyone else that has held this council together always. They had an amazing turn out that was followed by delicious Alactra (I think that’s how it’s spelled) and delicious cake. Mr. Rosario did an awesome job as MC and if I’m correct in saying this, he received a 50 yr pin. Despite the gloomy weather we had a great time with our Luso family!
Saturday, March 19th, YC#1 put on a bus trip to Black Oak Casino to help their queen contestant Monica Amaral in her fundraising. On a very wet and dreary Saturday afternoon, 2 buses headed out to Black Oak, filled with Laughs, too much food and alcohol. From the moment we left SDES Alvarado we laughed, we ate and we made more memories. Little did I know we would even see snow upon arrival, after a slight detour (lost bus driver) through some random town.lol I started the evening off with some gambling and gave up when all it did was take my money. A few of us decided that we no longer wanted to gamble, ate dinner and headed down for some Cosmic Bowling. 3 teams against each other and I have no idea why I thought I could bowl. Lol I was in fact the weakest player but in the end we all had a great time. The ride home was just as entertaining as the ride there even with the pouring rain. I don’t think I’ve ever been caught in such a crazy rain storm. We were soaked through our coats by the time we got home. But it was a great night.
Luso seems to fill our weekends these days and we ended the weekend at the Newark Councils Visit where we had bife a portuguesa. We got a bit of a reprieve with the rain so people were ready to come out and celebrate our presidents that day as well as enjoy a very delicious lunch. We sat with the youth officers and actually had a great time with them. It’s always great to see a youth council, region and adult council continue to grow and become successful. Every year they put on a theatrical performance and they just recently had their first 20-30’s president. It’s always wonderful to see a strong area and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow.
March 27th, myself, my dad, mom and Brienne headed on our furthest trek of 2011, off to Newcastle we went. It was my first time attending this visit and I was really excited to. Not only do they have an amazing youth group but they were also going to install a new 20-30’s Region! I am so proud of Anthony as this will be his 2nd activation of a region this year. I love this youth group, they are so energetic, so talented and always put on such an amazing show. I wasn’t lying when I told them they were our own Luso Broadway group! It’s also amazing to see so many of those parents that are now teaching their kids in Newcastle, some danced when I danced, some were in the youth when I helped them, now they are keeping their youth group active and teaching their kids that it’s all about the fun, the experience and learning about your culture. They always have the most wonderful message and I hope that other groups will look up to them because of it. I know I do!
I’m going to stop this part of the trek here…still a few more to go…but it’s been a very hectic few months. 2010 and the beginning of 2011 remind why I’m still active in Luso and why I’ve chosen the path I have. I simply adore my Luso Family even if we don’t always agree!
Next up to blog, Jantar De Mentiras, Luso #3L Visit and I’m sure I’ll find more to talk about!
Till then!
Saturday, February 19th, Santa Clara Council chicken and shrimp dinner. I headed out to Santa Clara with the usual partner in crime, 20-30’s President Anthony Pio and met up with 20-30’s Director of Activities, Monica Xavier, Isabel Matos, Mr. and Mrs. Pascoa, Frank Dias and his daughter Sara and his cousin and friends. Dinner was delicious with Carrot soup, chicken, shrimp and veggies. The dance followed with Manuel Jacinto, Frank Rosa’s little silver case, tequila, dancing, laughter and a really good time. I spent the evening with old and new friends of Luso and I’m really glad to have been able to attend this function. The Youth Council performed their performance from 2010 and everyone just seemed to be enjoying the evening. Thank you to Anthony for being the designated driver that night and for just hanging out with me.
Friday, March 11th, was the Newark council Chicharros (spelling may be off). Even with the bad weather people came out for a great Portuguese fish dinner and dance. I headed out with my parents, meeting up with my cousin Michelle, her son Logan, her father Henry and Frank met us there. Like always there were tons of Luso family members ready for good food and festa! The chicharros were delicious, the music was fabulous and we all had a great time once again. Once again the man with the silver case was there and we enjoyed a little pomegranate.
The fun didn’t stop there that weekend, Sunday, March 13th we headed out to Oakland visit in Hayward. It was far and long drive for us but we made it through. Haha! Always great to see Manuel Rosario, Bernice Pelicas and everyone else that has held this council together always. They had an amazing turn out that was followed by delicious Alactra (I think that’s how it’s spelled) and delicious cake. Mr. Rosario did an awesome job as MC and if I’m correct in saying this, he received a 50 yr pin. Despite the gloomy weather we had a great time with our Luso family!
Saturday, March 19th, YC#1 put on a bus trip to Black Oak Casino to help their queen contestant Monica Amaral in her fundraising. On a very wet and dreary Saturday afternoon, 2 buses headed out to Black Oak, filled with Laughs, too much food and alcohol. From the moment we left SDES Alvarado we laughed, we ate and we made more memories. Little did I know we would even see snow upon arrival, after a slight detour (lost bus driver) through some random town.lol I started the evening off with some gambling and gave up when all it did was take my money. A few of us decided that we no longer wanted to gamble, ate dinner and headed down for some Cosmic Bowling. 3 teams against each other and I have no idea why I thought I could bowl. Lol I was in fact the weakest player but in the end we all had a great time. The ride home was just as entertaining as the ride there even with the pouring rain. I don’t think I’ve ever been caught in such a crazy rain storm. We were soaked through our coats by the time we got home. But it was a great night.
Luso seems to fill our weekends these days and we ended the weekend at the Newark Councils Visit where we had bife a portuguesa. We got a bit of a reprieve with the rain so people were ready to come out and celebrate our presidents that day as well as enjoy a very delicious lunch. We sat with the youth officers and actually had a great time with them. It’s always great to see a youth council, region and adult council continue to grow and become successful. Every year they put on a theatrical performance and they just recently had their first 20-30’s president. It’s always wonderful to see a strong area and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow.
March 27th, myself, my dad, mom and Brienne headed on our furthest trek of 2011, off to Newcastle we went. It was my first time attending this visit and I was really excited to. Not only do they have an amazing youth group but they were also going to install a new 20-30’s Region! I am so proud of Anthony as this will be his 2nd activation of a region this year. I love this youth group, they are so energetic, so talented and always put on such an amazing show. I wasn’t lying when I told them they were our own Luso Broadway group! It’s also amazing to see so many of those parents that are now teaching their kids in Newcastle, some danced when I danced, some were in the youth when I helped them, now they are keeping their youth group active and teaching their kids that it’s all about the fun, the experience and learning about your culture. They always have the most wonderful message and I hope that other groups will look up to them because of it. I know I do!
I’m going to stop this part of the trek here…still a few more to go…but it’s been a very hectic few months. 2010 and the beginning of 2011 remind why I’m still active in Luso and why I’ve chosen the path I have. I simply adore my Luso Family even if we don’t always agree!
Next up to blog, Jantar De Mentiras, Luso #3L Visit and I’m sure I’ll find more to talk about!
Till then!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Can't believe its been a year since you've left us. I miss you every day!
~~~~~~~~~~
Till this day
I never knew what took her away
Grandma had died and I never new why,
All I new she was in pain and was taken to
Heaven. It broke my heart in two.
It hurt me deep inside,
I couldn't believe it when she died,
I heard my mother, so frightend and hurt,
The tears in her eyes,
Oh, I couldn't believe she died
I couldn't believe it when I heard she's gone
I wish i could remember the times when I was young, having fun with her, but those times have passed, but I haven't forgotten.
We were close, it was hard when grandma lived so far, but now God has taken you grandma.
You are gone and there was nothing I could do.
I hope though you come to read my short poem from
Heaven above.
I want to tell you i miss you,
I want to tell you i love you.
I miss you grandma from deepest in my heart~ by Tanya Lee Busher
Monday, February 21, 2011
Watsonville, Committtee, LALW, Martinez Activities
What a busy couple of months in my world and I haven’t had a chance to really sit down and blog about life, LUSO or anything at this point. The year started out with a major stomach bug that flew around our family for a few weeks and finally settled out. Our family business moved our entire operations to our Alameda location and underwent some changes; we celebrated my niece’s baptism and began our LUSO activities again. So yes a very busy first few weeks of the year.
January 16th, my first visit of the year was Watsonville. What a gorgeous day it was to go up into the mountains and near Santa Cruz. You would have thought it was a beautiful summer day. As usual my partner in crime Brienne (as I call her my secretary. The girl has a better grasp of when all the visits are then I do) and my parents joined us this time and we headed out to Watsonville to meet up with all of our LUSO Family. I am sad to say that I have not been there since my presidency in 98-99 but they have been forever etched in my mind and heart. I was excited to see Mr. & Mrs. Machado and to taste their delicious tuna that they serve. We arrived around the same time as our 20-30’s president Anthony, our Queen Nicole and her mother Anna, my cousin Monica who is running for Luso Queen from YC #1 and her mom Linda and Sister Lindsey. Seeing familiar faces or family is always great but it was nice to know that once you walked in the door that no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen someone they open their arms and hearts to you and make you feel completely welcome. That is exactly how they make you feel in Watsonville. We had a good time, great food and some great laughs.
January 23rd was the Hilmar/Turlock and I’m sad to say that I was unable to attend this one due to my Convention Committee having their first official meeting. I had an amazing turn out and I’m so glad to have them all behind me. I can’t wait for our convention in 2015…and to work with all of them over the next few years. I think I have one of the best team of people ever! We have our first couple of fundraisers coming up in April and June along with our raffle and I’m extremely nervous but I know that without a doubt they will be great!
January 29th, was our first Luso Fraternal meeting day in Dublin. We spent the day in meetings, lunch and then got ready to head out to Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco. I’m so glad that the 20-30’s Administration put this social activity together for all of us. What an amazing night filled with laughter, good friends, old and new, Frank Rosa’s Pomegranate Aguardente (don’t know how to spell this..lol). With the Bus Ride (Thank you Rosie’s Tours) and the fabulous show, I commend the 20-30’s Board for doing an amazing job! I look forward to your next social! After the show we all headed to Pier 39 for dinner, drinks or just walking around and enjoying our SF Wharf. Many stayed on the pier but me, Anthony, Frank and Julianna headed to the wharf and had some of the best tasting chowder and shrimp. YUM! I was absolutely stuffed although it didn’t stop us from going into the chocolate store and getting chocolate. Hello Mr. Chocolate covered honeycomb!!! My weakness. Even in the rain and cold weather we all managed to have a great time. We ended our evening at the holiday inn in Dublin and still managed to have the front desk come up to the lobby of the 2nd floor and tell us “please quiet down”.
February 13th, the Martinez Visit. I had not been to the Martinez Visit “the cow palace” in years but looked forward to heading out there and seeing some old friends. We had some delicious tri tip, omg it was so good. We laughed as usual with Jose Da Rosa and enjoyed a nice beautiful afternoon.
While we had a good time there was a black cloud over our Luso Family that day. We lost a member of our society. Our youth director for San Joaquim Michelle sadly lost her husband in a tragic accident the night before and it our hearts were broken for her.
Our sadness did not end there. On Tuesday, February 15th we lost another dear member of the society, she was a past youth director and director of the fraternal board. Margie lost her battle with cancer that week and it was another huge loss for our family.
We also had two of our past presidents Liz Alves and Jr. Correia who lost a grandparent as well.
It was with great sadness that we went through the week with such tremendous losses. My thoughts and prayers to the Morris/Rocha, Correia, Meirinho/Alves and Silveira Families.
While it was a great start to my Luso Journey this year, it was also met with some great sadness.
So I end my blog with this: Remember to take each day as it comes, remember to say I love you to those you care about, remember to forgive those you felt hurt you and remember to smile and enjoy your life. Life is far too short and you never know what tomorrow will bring you.
Till my next blog
January 16th, my first visit of the year was Watsonville. What a gorgeous day it was to go up into the mountains and near Santa Cruz. You would have thought it was a beautiful summer day. As usual my partner in crime Brienne (as I call her my secretary. The girl has a better grasp of when all the visits are then I do) and my parents joined us this time and we headed out to Watsonville to meet up with all of our LUSO Family. I am sad to say that I have not been there since my presidency in 98-99 but they have been forever etched in my mind and heart. I was excited to see Mr. & Mrs. Machado and to taste their delicious tuna that they serve. We arrived around the same time as our 20-30’s president Anthony, our Queen Nicole and her mother Anna, my cousin Monica who is running for Luso Queen from YC #1 and her mom Linda and Sister Lindsey. Seeing familiar faces or family is always great but it was nice to know that once you walked in the door that no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen someone they open their arms and hearts to you and make you feel completely welcome. That is exactly how they make you feel in Watsonville. We had a good time, great food and some great laughs.
January 23rd was the Hilmar/Turlock and I’m sad to say that I was unable to attend this one due to my Convention Committee having their first official meeting. I had an amazing turn out and I’m so glad to have them all behind me. I can’t wait for our convention in 2015…and to work with all of them over the next few years. I think I have one of the best team of people ever! We have our first couple of fundraisers coming up in April and June along with our raffle and I’m extremely nervous but I know that without a doubt they will be great!
January 29th, was our first Luso Fraternal meeting day in Dublin. We spent the day in meetings, lunch and then got ready to head out to Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco. I’m so glad that the 20-30’s Administration put this social activity together for all of us. What an amazing night filled with laughter, good friends, old and new, Frank Rosa’s Pomegranate Aguardente (don’t know how to spell this..lol). With the Bus Ride (Thank you Rosie’s Tours) and the fabulous show, I commend the 20-30’s Board for doing an amazing job! I look forward to your next social! After the show we all headed to Pier 39 for dinner, drinks or just walking around and enjoying our SF Wharf. Many stayed on the pier but me, Anthony, Frank and Julianna headed to the wharf and had some of the best tasting chowder and shrimp. YUM! I was absolutely stuffed although it didn’t stop us from going into the chocolate store and getting chocolate. Hello Mr. Chocolate covered honeycomb!!! My weakness. Even in the rain and cold weather we all managed to have a great time. We ended our evening at the holiday inn in Dublin and still managed to have the front desk come up to the lobby of the 2nd floor and tell us “please quiet down”.
February 13th, the Martinez Visit. I had not been to the Martinez Visit “the cow palace” in years but looked forward to heading out there and seeing some old friends. We had some delicious tri tip, omg it was so good. We laughed as usual with Jose Da Rosa and enjoyed a nice beautiful afternoon.
While we had a good time there was a black cloud over our Luso Family that day. We lost a member of our society. Our youth director for San Joaquim Michelle sadly lost her husband in a tragic accident the night before and it our hearts were broken for her.
Our sadness did not end there. On Tuesday, February 15th we lost another dear member of the society, she was a past youth director and director of the fraternal board. Margie lost her battle with cancer that week and it was another huge loss for our family.
We also had two of our past presidents Liz Alves and Jr. Correia who lost a grandparent as well.
It was with great sadness that we went through the week with such tremendous losses. My thoughts and prayers to the Morris/Rocha, Correia, Meirinho/Alves and Silveira Families.
While it was a great start to my Luso Journey this year, it was also met with some great sadness.
So I end my blog with this: Remember to take each day as it comes, remember to say I love you to those you care about, remember to forgive those you felt hurt you and remember to smile and enjoy your life. Life is far too short and you never know what tomorrow will bring you.
Till my next blog
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