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  ICF Wraps Up InstallationsWith Spring around the corner and March now in full swing, it can officially be said that the Italian Catholic Federation's season of installations has officially come to a close. Many districts submitted articles and photos depicting their individual day's activities, and it seemed only fitting to give them all equal play. The following are the Installations as received by the editor. If your district is not included it may either have been in the previous month's Bollettino, or an article was not received by the editor. Enjoy! San Diego Installation On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the San Diego I.C.F. District celebrated its annual Joint Installation of Branch and District Officers. Proceedings began with a noontime mass held at St. Therese Church with diocesan Chaplain Monsignor Fred Florek, presiding. After mass a luncheon was held at St. Therese's Social Center. A short program following the luncheon was emceed by Central Council member Emeritus, Forrest Price, who was introduced by St. Therese's Branch President, Tony Anthony. Gifts were presented to Grand President, Mike Rossi and his wife, Marcie by Central Council members, Mary Alesi and Central Council Life Member, Jody Balestrieri. Following the Program Grand President, Mike conducted the installation. Among those installed were San Diego District President Maria Tollefson and District Deputy, Sam Caeti. Jody Balestrieri closed out the program by leading us in the singing of the I.C.F. hymn and America the Beautiful. Central Council members and their spouses who were in attendance were: Grand President, Mike and Marcie Rossi, Grand First Vice President, Jim & Janet Jones, Grand Trustee, Jim and Mary Ann Friebel, Dante Galeazzi, and Pat and Lou Mages. It was an afternoon of good feeling and camaraderie. Co-Chairs for the Installation were: Mary Alesi and Forrest and Prudence Price. Special thanks go to Marie Tollefson , Lou Palestini, Bob and Vic Tallarida, and caterer, Gloria Ann of Cupid Catering and Monsignor Florek. Forrest Price Contra Costa District The Branches of the Contra Costa District joined together on Saturday, January 31 at St. Isidore Parish for the Installation of Officers. For those of you who don't know, St. Isidore is home to our Spiritual Director, Father Daniel Cardelli. Grand Trustee/District President Roselynne Jarrett opened the installation by introducing the Installing Officer, Grand President Michael Rossi. Joining Roselynne as Marshalls were Life Member and Past Grand President, Nettie Descalso-DelNero (Tom) and Life Member Emeritus, Nello Rossi (Cookie). Escorting the Officers to the altar was Life Member, Past Grand President and Member of the district, David Botta. This year, our Grand President began a new tradition…installing the Chaplains. Father Cardelli (Branch 352 Danville and Diocesan Chaplain) as well as Father Rolando Bartoley (Branch 72 Pittsburg) were both present and installed together. Another first to take place was the installation of the Contra Costa Youth Council President Caroline Briones. Contra Costa is very excited about our new youth council! From seeing the eight banners lined up side by side on the altar, to hearing the motivational speeches given by our Grand, District and Youth Council Presidents, one could not leave without feeling inspired. Following the installation, members enjoyed a brief social hour before 4 o'clock mass began. Not only did Father Cardelli celebrate mass, but he spoke wonderful words about the ICF to the congregation during his homily. The parishioners learned a lot about us. Dinner followed mass in the hall at the Father Cardelli Activities Center. Joining us at dinner were District Chaplain Father Larry Young, Grand Trustee Jim Friebel along with his wife, Mary Ann, as well as Central Council Member Dante Galeazzi. The reception program included inspiration words from our Chaplains, a roll call and brief history of each branch and a presentation to the Grand President. Mike was presented with an engraved photo album noting the years of his presidency. Also on the cover was a picture of Mike and first lady, Marcie. At the close of our celebration, Nello Rossi led the members in our federation anthem…and a couple of our favorite Italian songs too. A wonderful time was had by all who attended and the Contra Costa District is excited about the year that lies ahead. Santa Rosa District The Santa Rosa District held its Installation of Officers on Sat., January 31 in Cotati. Br. 150, Cotati was the host branch. The day started with Mass celebrated by Fr. Oscar, followed by the Installation conducted by Grand 2nd Vice President Jane Dianda. A delicious lunch followed in the church hall. At the lunch, District President Lauren Kilcullen presented the 2008 District President's Awards to Tom and Carol Saksa of Br. 150, Cotati and Vonnie Ramos of Br. 12, Napa. Tom, Carol and Vonnie were chosen for this honor based on their years of commitment and work for their branches and the district. Central Council members in attendance included Grand Treasurer Carmen Kilcullen and her husband, Larry, Grand Trustee Jim Friebel and his wife, Mary Anne, Dante Galeazzi, Debbie Rodondi and Life Member Emeritus Bob Acquistapace and his wife, District Deputy, Kathy Acquistapace. Bob was also the Master of Ceremonies. Fresno District On February 8, 2009, the Fresno District of the ICF held its annual installation of officers in Madera, CA. Branch 27 of St. Joachim parish hosted the event. The day started with mass in their wonderful church and concluded with the installation and lunch in the parish hall. Bob Basuino, a Central Council Trustee and member of Branch 391, served as Master of Ceremonies. During the event, Allen Watts, President of the Fresno District, presented the ICF Grand President Mike Rossi with a special sweatshirt from Disneyland and a Barnes & Noble gift card. Also during the event, the Grand President gave his annual state of the ICF speech in which he stated that the organization was on solid financial footing with a growing membership. He then stressed the good works that the organization does for those less fortunate. Ray Chiarelli and his branch members were gracious hosts and everyone felt welcome. Special thanks must be given to Father Lupe Sanchez for his thoughtful opening and closing prayers. Present at the event were ICF Grand President Mike Rossi and wife Marcie, Grand 1st Vice President, Jim Jones and wife Janice, Grand Trustee Jim Friebel, Grand Trustee Bob Basuino, Sargeant-at-Arms Andy Pappani and wife Sid, CC Member Dante Galeazzi and wife Julie, CC Member and Fresno District Past President Leonard Zasoski and wife Betty, CC Member Nettie Descalso-Del Nero and husband Tom Pollicita, and District Deputy, Mabel Willmon. Priests present were Father Lupe Sanchez and Father Larry Toschi. Chairs were Ray and Louise Chiarelli of Branch 27. Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE |