Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Since its inception in 1952, there have been only two three-term presidents of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans: Dominic DiFrisco and JoAnn Serpico. Ron Onesti became the third member of that elite group at the JCCIA’s Christmas party on Dec. 9 at Venuti’s in Addison.
Joining Onesti as officers for the next two years will be First Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Second Vice President Pat Capriati, Third Vice President Laura Orrico, Secretary Sam Cannizzaro and Treasurer Mario Cinardi. Phyllis Schoene was appointed executive director and Rose Mary Ranallo and Pasquale Gianni will reprise their roles as presidents of the Women’s Division and Avanti Group, respectively.
Recently arrived Italian Consul General Mario Bartoli was introduced at the event and several scholarships were bestowed to worthy recipients.
The party included a lively retrospective of the past year’s activities. Among them were a well-attended Dante Awards Luncheon, a whirlwind visit by the famed Italian aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori and a resoundingly successful second annual Italian Caucus reception in Springfield.
Onesti pointed with pride to a Columbus Day celebration that included participation by the Native American Guardians Association and a rousing performance by parade Grand Marshal Paul Anka at the parade’s first-ever official kickoff celebration.
“This has been a team effort as our community is enjoying growth, strength and unity in ways that we can all be proud of,” Onesti said.
The JCCIA legal team of Frank Sommario, Enrico Mirabelli and Anthony Onesto offered promising news regarding the Columbus statues, with a positive outcome expected in the near future for the statue removed from Arrigo Park.
