Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The first meeting of the 2017 term of JCCIA officers was called to order at Trattoria Poretta. Over 70 people were in attendance, representing Italian organizations throughout Chicagoland.
Among them were the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UNICO, ARSA, Italian American War Veteran, Italian American Executives of Transportation, Italian American Human Relations Foundation, Justinian Society of Lawyers, Calabresi in America Organization, Società San Giovanni Bosco SS. Crocifisso di Ciminna, Elk Grove Sister Cities, and the JCCIA Women’s Division and Young Professionals Division.
On the agenda for discussion was the Columbus Day Parade. 2017 Parade Chairman Sergio Giangrande was present. Giangrande is a mortgage adviser with People’s Home Equity in Oak Brook.
“I am so excited about Sergio’s participation this year as Parade Chairman,” said JCCIA President Enza Raineri. “He embodies what it means to be a modern-day Italian American success story, and is committed to working and preserving the culture of the Italian community in Chicago.”
This year’s parade theme is “Columbus Around the World.”
“It is important that we stand tall in the fight to preserve Columbus Day as a national holiday,” Raineri said. “We must continue to educate everyone about the great historical significance of Christopher Columbus voyage and how he is revered around the world for his accomplishments.”
It was also announced that Michael R. Lufrano, senior vice president and community affairs and general counsel for the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, will be the 2017 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Humanitarian recipient on June 17.
Committees were announced along with their chairs, including legislative, strategic planning, Columbus Day, financial, State of Illinois Centennial and the scholarship committee.
Anyone seeking to participate in any of those committees should attend the meetings and call the office at 708-450-9050 to express interest so the committee chair can contact the individual.
