High notes
The 111th Columbus Day Association Dinner was held in October at Fiorelli’s Banquet Hall in Peckville.
Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi began the program with an invocation and past state commander of Disabled American Veterans, Mike Iacavazzi, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Giovanni Antidormi performed the national anthem. President Mark E. McDade also announced that Siconolfi was celebrating his 60th anniversary as a priest, which was followed with a standing ovation. Peter Noto was toastmaster and entertained the guests. After dinner, Judge Robert Mazzoni presented the Spirit of Columbus Award to Joe Fazio, association secretary. McDade presented the 2019 Italian American Men of the Year awards to brothers attorney Daniel Penetar and Dr. Martin Penetar and the Columbus Day Association’s Past President’s Award to Joe Parise.
Siconolfi gave the benediction, which included a solemn tribute to the men and women of the armed services and first responders.
Antidormi then sang “Ave Maria.”
The rest of the evening was spent congratulating the honorees and dancing to the music of the Luongo Brothers’ Band.
Columbus Day Association members and distinguished guests at the dinner included Judge Michael Barrasse, Judge Vito Geroulo, Judge Tom Munley, Judge Terry Nealon, Judge Margaret Moyle, Judge Julia Munley, attorney Joe DeNaples, Mike Colangelo, first vice president; Alec Senofonte, Frank Ruggiero, Jim Baress, Frank Morell, Leo Vergnetti, Jim Colangelo, Dr. Peter Cognetti, Ron Cordaro, treasurer; Pat Scarpino, Charles Spano, Justin Gagliardi, T.J. Savero, Ernie DeStefano, John Mecca, second vice president; Joe Alu, Leo Wentline, Ed Cammerota, Ross Macciocco, Joe Macciocco, incoming president; and Richard Belardi.
Lackawanna County ethnic organizations representatives at the dinner included Ltc. A. Joe Albert, ret., B’nai B’rith representative; David Fitzpatrick, M.D., president, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick; Ed Karpovich, president, Friends of Poland; Jerry Notarianni, Lackawanna County commissioner; and Rick Sabato, past Columbus Day Association president.
Columbus Day Association raffle sellers included Marianne Cognetti, Eileen Parise and Michele McDade. Proceeds benefit the St. Francis Kitchen and St. Joseph’s Center.