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ICF 2007 Convention With the hot sun-baked earthen landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona as the veritable oasis in the desert for the Italian Catholic Federation during the Labor Day Weekend of 2 007, a weekend of reinvigoration and renewal was taking place for the ICF members at the Chaparral Suites. During the Friday, August 31, 2007 registration old friends were once again united, and a common buzz could be heard from hotel lobby, to elevator, to the conference rooms, "can you believe how hot it is?" The heat, for many, was a never-ending topic of conversation for many in attendance. As everyone learned the value of air conditioning the excitement level continues to escalate. As the sun set on the evening of the first night on the Convention, the members gathered in the conference center for the official Grand Opening. Convention Director David Botta greeted all in attendance and introduced the Mistress of Ceremonies Past Grand President Nettie Descalso-Del Nero. The ICF's new Spiritual Director, Fr. Daniel Cardelli gave a blessing to one and all to enjoy the weekend and feel replenished as they "Thirst for the Lord." The Italian Anthem was performed on accordion by Ernie Minchella, and Nina Malone accompanied by Pat Mueller led everyone in the National Anthem. Mistress of Ceremonies Descalso-Del Nero then, for the last time as Grand President, introduced Leonard Rossi and his wife Karen who proudly walked down the center isle. On behalf of Joe Vivaldi, president of Br. 425, Green Valley, Al Bernardi of Br. 425, Green Valley, Arizona welcomed one and all to Arizona and presented Grand President Rossi with a bottle of wine in celebration of the Convention taking place in Arizona. Grand President Rossi continued by welcoming one and all to the Convention in the pursuit of new ideas to share with each member and delegate's branches back home. Mistress of Ceremonies Descalso-Del Nero then proceeded with the highly anticipated presentation of Districts. With the help of Fresno District President Vince Piro, a slideshow began with a photo from the very first Convention and proceeded to take a walk down memory lane with photos from numerous Conventions including the most recent. All of this aside, the highlight of the Opening Ceremonies is the presentation of the Grand President's Award. This year, Grand President Rossi paid tribute to a woman who works tirelessly for the ICF and is in constant search of new members, wherever she goes, Rose Haupt. With Mrs. Haupt's humble thank you resonating in everyone's ears the closing prayer was given and Ms. Malone led everyone in "Noi Vogliam Dio" before the Opening Ceremonies was drawn to a close. As per tradition and for the fun of those in attendance, the Central Council candidates were waiting to meet the delegates and members in attendance during, "Meet the Candidates." Everyone was then invited to attend the 10 hospitality rooms in honor of these candidates. Here the food, spirits, and most importantly water, was flowing as friendships were rekindled, politics discussed, and of course the weather was mentioned a few times. From Margaritas in Leonard Zasoski's room, to the Walk of Fame in the Hollywood themed room of Roselynne Jarrett, and one could not have called it an evening until they saw the performance of the "Hawaiian Ladies". With an early morning start on Saturday, September 1, 2007 the delegates were ready to discuss the issues of the Italian Catholic Federation, hear more about the programs, and take away some tidbits of advice on how to be better public speakers at the Convention. During these workshops the topics of keeping and adding to membership were high on everyone's concern list. In addition, there were various questions on procedures and protocol that came up during the Open Forum. If the award presentations are the heart of the Convention, the Saturday business session is the nuts and bolts. After Grand President Rossi made introductions of the Central Council, clergy members, staff, and local committees the Credentials Committee led by Carmen Kilcullen informed the delegates that there were 283 voting delegates in attendance. This year, there were 12 positions on the Central Council and 12 candidates were running for these positions. Taking this into consideration, there was no need for an election on Sunday, however, the Central Council Candidates still gave their candidate speeches. Mr. Botta, with the help of timer Vic Arnaudo, kept everyone to their time limit. The speeches both reflected each candidates interest in maintaining their current position on the Central Council and gave ideas for what they hoped to do in the future. As the business session continued the delegates prepared to discuss the Convention Proposals, but unlike Convention's of past where the hotly debated items were on potential name changes for the ICF, this year's fiercely debated topic was based on "Branches Requesting to be Excused from the Scottsdale Convention". According to the handout in everyone's packet there were 16 branches asking to be excused, and nine were already excused by the Executive Committee. The remainder of the branches were all fined $150 per delegate per day. "The delegates sent a wake up call to the branches asking to be excused by fining all of them," said one delegate who asked to remain anonymous. All in all, Br. 40 in Oakland, Br. 54 in Gustine, Br. 214 in Concord, Br.382 in North Hollywood, Br. 30 in Dos Palos, Br. 44 in San Francisco, and Br. 178 in Altadena were all fined for not attending the annual Convention. ***After all this hot debate, the discussion for the remainder of proposals was docile in comparison. The delegates passed a by-law change to Chapter XI, Article 2-C to now read …"No person shall be elected to the office of President in an existing Branch unless that person has been a member of the ICF for six (6) months prior to the election." The delegates also passed the by-law change submitted by the Central Council By-Laws Committee to Chapter XV Article 3 to now read, "All Branch funds must be deposited in federally insured financial institutions an must be in the name of the Branch." Lastly, delegates voted to pass the by-law change to Chapter XII, Article 7 to now add the sentence, "On Branch checks that require 2 signatures, the signatories shall not be related either by marriage or by birth." With a sense of accomplishment the delegates departed to make the steamy walk back to their rooms in preparation for the evening's cocktail party and Banquet. As the evening began to cool off to a balmy 95 degrees, The Chaparral Suites provided a hosted cocktail party for its hotel visitors, including all ICF members in attendance. A brave undertaking by the hotel considering the refreshments was limitless. The delegates and members then returned to the Conference Center for the Banquet honoring John Lencioni, the 2007 Pope John XXIII award recipient. Once all the members were seated President Don Edwards of the ICF's newest Branch, Branch 433, Tucson welcomed and greeted all those in attendance. Past Grand President Steven Fuentes was Master of Ceremonies. Grand Trustee Ms. Malone once again performed the National Anthem with accompaniment by Mrs. Mueller. The banquet dinner was delicious. The beef was delicious, and upon looking around the room there weren't very many plates left with food on them. As the dinner progressed members dressed in sequin gowns, black cocktail dresses, and suits and ties mingled about with old and new friends swapping stories from their branches, their church, their grandkids, and their favorite sports teams. Grand President Rossi then presented the Pope John XXIII award to Anita Waits, daughter of John Lencioni who could not be in attendance due to health concerns and a recent surgery. Grand President Rossi spoke of Lencioni's humble start in the construction business in Bakersfield, California and his progression into a well known and highly respected developer in the area. Mr. Lencioni's thumbprint can be seen all over the horizon in Bakersfield. With much appreciation to the ICF for this prestigious award for her father, Ms. Waits briefly spoke of her father's accomplishments and gave all those seated at the banquet the words her father lives by, "God as my pilot." In addition to Ms. Waits, the ICF was honored to have in attendance The Honorable Mary Manross, Mayor of Scottsdale, Arizona and the Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson. After hearing the accomplishments and contributions of the night's honoree, Mr. Lencioni, Mayor Manross said to Ms. Waits, "I wish I could have met your Mom and Dad tonight." Mayor Manross then continued to address the members of the ICF by saying, "I just want you to be really comfortable and enjoy your time here. God Bless all of you and what you stand for." "I want to commend you for continuing the good fight," she concluded. With an eager audience, Bishop Kicanas addressed the banquet attendees speaking of the land and environment in Arizona and welcomed everyone to the Sonora Dessert. He also reminded everyone to shake out their shoes in the morning to make sure no scorpions made a home in them during the night. At this point many people looked around their tables a bit shocked, yet taking mental note. "Life is abundant, but not always apparent," Bishop Kicanas said. "I thank you for the way each of you tries to live as a disciple of Christ." The dinner attendees gave the Bishop a standing ovation, them Diocesan Chaplain of the Diocese of San Bernardino, Reverend Monsignor Anthony Ferrero gave the closing prayer and Ms. Malone sang "God Bless America" to draw the evening to a close. Many people lingered behind to meet Mayor Manross and Bishop Kicanas who both graciously spoke with all and took pictures with the members. The Sunday session began with the election of Julie Galaezzi, Br. 390 Tracy, to the Hospitalization Committee. All Central Council Candidates were automatically voted into the Central Council, thereby adding Leonard Zasoski as the newest member. Grand President Rossi then presented the Family of the Year award to the Tallarida family of San Diego. Upon receiving the award the family Victor and Rose Tallarida approached the microphone to the thank everyone for this award and to introduce everyone to their large family gathered onstage. The grandchildren's grades and extra-curricular activities were told to all, and the family was very proud of everyone's accomplishments. In addition to the Family of the Year award, the Central Council awarded Sister Pat Davis the Mother Teresa Award for 2007. With her commitment to her church and activity level within the ICF for many years in San Francisco, and now her devotion to the Learning and Loving Educational Center in Morgan Hill Sister Pat exemplifies the spirit of Mother Teresa. As Grand President Rossi spoke of Sister Pat's work with the Center and at St. Elizabeth's Church he also made mention of the many people who wrote in to thank Sister Pat. She has touched the lives of many. With a cracking voice and misty eye, Sister Pat thanked everyone for this humbling award. She was very touched by the level of work that went into the application for her to receive this award. As per tradition, the ICF presents its National Charity Donation to Dr. Elliott Vichinsky, M.D. on behalf of the Cooley's Anemia Research at Oakland Children's Hospital in Oakland, CA. Both Dr. Vichinsky and Outreach Coordinator Laurice Levine thanked the members of the ICF for their continued generosity and support of the work being done at Children's Hospital. Cooley's Anemia was later reaffirmed as the ICF's National Charity. Presentations and awards were later given out from the Apostolate/Charity Committee, Membership Committee, Scholarship Committee, Gifts of Love Committee, Heritage Committee, and Ways and Means Committee. Tribute was given to a constant face, guiding hand, and vocal supporter of the ICF and its programs, Past Grand President Al Teglia, who has retired from the Central Council. Member Emeritus Gerry Delfino gave a glowing tribute of Past Grand President Teglia's accomplishments not only within the ICF, but for the community as a whole. After receiving a standing ovation from those in attendance, Past Grand President Teglia gave an emotional plea for the continuation of the good works of the ICF, especially the Gifts of Love program that he created. He also requested that people consider leaving resources in their wills to the ICF. To conclude an emotional day, Grand President Rossi gave his farewell address. After two years as grand president it is time for Rossi to step down as grand president. "How time flies when you're having fun," Rossi said. He continued to thank those he worked closest with during his time as grand president including Marge Ray, Jane Dianda, Patty Smith, Charlene Kramer, Harry Pacini, Carmen Kilcullen, Dave Rose, Jim and Janice Jones, and Mike and Marcie Rossi. Grand President Rossi also said that his two main goals while entering the Grand President office was to hire a Spiritual Director and Field Director and both positions are filled. With special thanks, praise and love to his family, especially his father Nello Rossi, Grand President Rossi concluded the business session of the Convention. The Concelebrated Mass was very well attended and The Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, D.D. bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix with the assistance from XX members of the clergy performed a beautiful ceremony. Later in the evening the Sunday Banquet featured the Italian music of Pasquale Esposito. Thanks to the great food, laughter, beautiful Italian and American Music, and lots of dancing, those who attended had a great time. The evening concluded with the Convention Raffle and drawing. As the sun rose on Monday morning there was a new face to the Italian Catholic Federation. At the prayer service conducted by Spiritual Director Fr. Daniel Cardelli the new Central Council was installed. The new face of the Central Council is: Grand President Mike Rossi Grand 1st Vice President Jim Jones Grand 2nd Vice President Jane Dianda Grand Secretary Nina Malone Grand Treasurer Carmen Kilcullen Grand Trustees Maria Di Paolo, Harry Pacini and Roselynne Jarrett Grand Parliamentarian Richard Valli Grand Sentinel Andy Pappani To a standing ovation Mike Rossi took the microphone for the first time as grand president. He spoke of the future of the Federation and the changes he would be making to help see to it. For more on his speech see the Grand President's Address. With one last recital of "Noi Vogliam Dio" the Convention came to a close. Hugs were passed around and good will and thoughts were expressed to see each other again next year. As cars and shuttles were loaded with members, delegates, and lots of luggage the buzz that could be overheard between members concluded the 77th Annual Convention, "This was the best Convention we have been to in a number of years." Thus, most returned to their cooler climates with many new ideas to share with their individual branches. Italian Catholic Federation, 675 Hegenberger Road, Suite 230, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE