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  2008 Convention RecapOrange County, California is known for lots of things: Disneyland, expensive houses, and great shopping, and during the Labor Day Weekend of 2008 it was also known as the location of the Italian Catholic Federation's 78th Annual Convention. With "Christ Be Our Light" as the theme, the beacon was set out to bring delegates and ICF members to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a weekend of rekindling the spirit of the ICF that lives within one and all members. Before the business session of the Convention convenes, those who chose to arrive early - Thursday or early Friday - are treated with lots of fun activities. On Thursday the annual indoor hotel-style bocce tournament took place, and the Orange District hosted a dinner at the hotel followed by an auction of baskets and various other items including a digital camera. Friday morning started early with the Convention Golf Tournament. Later in the day was the annual Pedro Tournament, which was won by Central Council Member Andy Pappani of Branch 28, Gilroy. In response to 2007 Convention recommendations, Past Grand President Leonard Rossi put on the ICF's first Bingo at the Convention. The conference room was filled with eager Bingo players and Charlene Drobeck from Branch 286 was the official caller. Registration was held throughout the day as ICF members, delegates, family and friends trickled into the hotel, and browsed through the goods being sold by the Orange District. Many people were also seen boarding the hotel's free shuttle to spend a little bit of time in Disneyland. For some this was first time in a few decades to return to the famed park, and for others it was the second or third trip made there this year. As the sun set on the evening of the first night on the Convention, the members gathered in the conference rooms for the official Grand Opening as a photo show, arranged by Vince Piro of Branch 39, was being displayed of the previous year's Convention. This year's new Convention Director, Past Grand President Steven Fuentes, greeted all in attendance and introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Center Council Member Robert Basuino. Spiritual Director Fr. Daniel Cardelli gave a blessing to one and all to enjoy the weekend and feel inspired as they let "Christ be our Light." After Grand President Michael Rossi and First Lady Marcie Rossi processed into the filled room, Orange District President Jo DiGrado welcomed all in attendance and presented Mike with a Hawaiian style Disneyland shirt and an ever-appropriate Mickey ears sorcerer hat. Marcie was also crowned "Princess" with pink Mickey ears adorned with a veil. Commenting on his own fun and sometimes silly personality, DiGrado put on an authentic Goofy hat, all the while subtly reminding everyone how close the Convention was to Disneyland, and how much fun we can all have while revitalizing our spirit and charge-for-purpose in the ICF. Grand President Rossi, beaming beneath his newly crowned sorcerer hat 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. Master of Ceremonies Basuino continued the tradition of presenting the Districts this year a bit differently by naming each District within the ICF and giving their year or origin and the District's first president. As each District was named Grand 1st Vice President James Jones and Grand 2nd Vice President Jane Dianda placed glow sticks in lieu of candlelight in the candles on the stage with each District's name on it. 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 is the backbone and heart of her branch, Elizabeth "Liz" Donaldson. As a member of Branch 191, St. Frances Cabrini, in San Jose, California, Rossi said of Liz that she is a member that branch president can rely on for she is always ready and willing to work and always has a smile on her face. Liz is known for chairing the branch's quarterly Mass and breakfast and other dinners and branch functions, and Liz is an active new member recruiter. In addition, Liz volunteers in the church's CCD program, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and collects clothes for the needy. She helps children who are victims of physical and emotional abuse and is a Spanish interpreter. Receiving her award graciously and with much gratitude to her friends and ICF family in Branch 191, Liz thanked the ICF for this most humbling award and promised to continue her support and passion for the ICF. Reverend Robert Capone, Diocesan Chaplain of the Orange District gave the evening's final blessing, and then those in attendance were off to meet and greet the Central Council candidates that were set up at tables lining the room. Flyers and goodies were handed out and everyone was invited to attend the different hospitality rooms. The hospitality suites were filled with friends catching up on the year's events, and enjoying the various sweet and savory delicacies the candidates had to offer. From Margaritas in Leonard Zasoski's room, to the "It's a Small World" themed room of Roselynne Jarrett, and one could not have passed up an opportunity to sing Karaoke in Jim Friebel's room. With an early morning start on Saturday, August 30, 2008 the delegates were ready to discuss the issues of the Italian Catholic Federation, hear more about the ICF's National Charity - Cooley's Anemia, and learn about the ICF website, Bollettino and awards program. 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 Jane Dianda informed the delegates that there were 247 seated delegates, 24 CC members, 4 CC Life Members Emeritus, and 7 CC members emeritus, totaling 282 voting delegates. A majority voted needed 142 votes and 2/3 vote would be 188 votes This year, there were 12 positions on the Central Council and 14 candidates were running for these positions. In sharp contrast to last year's election, this year two candidates would not make it into the Central Council, so the speeches held an even greater impact on the voting delegates. All branches who requested to be excused from this year's Convention were granted exclusion. George Bacigalupi helped explain the latest tax form, and even Bishop Pepe of Las Vegas gave his insight. New to the Saturday Business Session of the Convention was the presentation of the Family of the Year award and the Young Adult Leadership Award. Grand President Rossi presented the Family of the Year Award to the Tomasello Family of Branch 173 in Burlingame, California. All members of the family were present and the patriarch of the family, Bob Tomasello accepted the award on behalf of his wife Bea; daughter Lisa Martinelli; her husband Steve; their children Michael and Jack; son Tony and daughter-in-law Ellen. Every member of the Tomasello family are active members of the ICF and have been everything from garbage patrol to district deputy. A new award to be presented at the Convention is the Young Adult Leadership Award. Previously this award has been presented at the District level, but the Central Council voted in 2007 to have this award be given at the Convention. This year Grand President Rossi presented the award to two members of the same branch: Michelle Rubi and Richard Interrante of Branch 380, Thousand Oaks, California. Grand President Rossi said of Michelle that she has made significant contributions to her branch since joining in 2004, including work on the St. Joseph's Table, Family Christmas Party and Bishop's Day. She also is active in the Church festival, Christmas Shoe Boxes for Children of the World and Adopt-A-Family Program. Michelle said in her acceptance that she truly has a passion for passing on her Italian heritage and Catholic faith to her children, and she said a special thanks to her husband who takes care of their young children so she can do work for the ICF and her church. Of Richard Interrante, Grand President Rossi said he is responsible for brining their branch into the 21st century by creating the branch's website and other multi-media presentations for the branch. Richard is also involved in Life Centers of Ventura County, their church's festival, ICF Christmas parties, and parish ministries to feed the homeless. The business session was drawn to a close, and delegates and members returned to their rooms or went for a quick dip in the pool before the Saturday night cocktail party and banquet. As the sun began to set the glitter and sheen of the Banquet began to radiate throughout the hotel. Members descended from their rooms to the banquet hall as the cocktail party was in full gear. The interior corridor was full of friendly faces not only reminiscing on the past, but talking about family, recent trips and vacations, and of course politics. The party spilled out onto the terrace where some tables were set with the pool and fountains as a soothing backdrop. The balmy evening had a cool gentle breeze to keep all comfortable. The Convention Committee arranged for a professional photographer to photograph couples and groups against a backdrop at the banquet. These will make for once in a lifetime memories. Once inside the banquet hall members took their seats as the Mistress of Ceremonies, Grand Trustee Roselynne Jarrett, reminded everyone of a tradition that had long since passed of taking an official Convention photo. For the first time in more than 50 years the members attending the banquet will be forever immortalized. The head table was introduced and dinner was promptly served. Grand President Rossi then presented the Pope John XXIII award to David Rose of Branch 10, Alameda. As Grand President Rossi spoke of Mr. Rose's selfless dedication to more than 60 troubled teens in Alameda County, Mr. Rose himself seemed a bit uneasy with the praise and platitudes. Upon receiving his award Mr. Rose spoke of his work with these young people who need so much more than just a roof over their heads. He even told of a recent hospital stay he had where they had to inform the nursing staff that there may be more than 60 of his children coming to visit. As the banquet concluded many people lingered behind to congratulate Mr. Rose, including his family that stopped to take a few photos with the award recipient. The Sunday session began with the election of Tom Pollicita, Br. 19 and Br. 39, to the Hospitalization Committee. Then, the voting was in full session. Papers were folded, collected and counted, and the Central Council Candidates anxiously awaited the results. Grand President Rossi then presented Mother Teresa Award for 2008 to Father Loren Blessing, branch chaplain to Branch 308, Fresno. Grand President Rossi told of Fr. Blessings support for families and guidance for prison inmates. Fr. Blessing, also known as "Father Lorenzo Blessini" at his branch attends branch meetings and activities and inspires his branch with his thoughtful words and prayers and sense of humor. Upon receiving his award, Father Blessing demonstrated his sense of humor by entertaining the delegates with at least 10 minutes of humorous stories and jokes. Mr. Fuentes returned with the results of the election. There would be two new faces on the Central Council: Pat Mages of Branch 380 and Deborah Rodondi of Branch 19. The Central Council would say good bye to four year member Maria DiPaolo of Branch 379. As per tradition, the ICF presented 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, and the Heritage Committee. A fond farewell was paid to Central Council Member Joseph Polselli who will be stepping down from his role on the Central Council to be a Central Council member emeritus. In his farewell Polselli thanked the ICF for this experience that has influenced all aspects of his life. The Concelebrated Mass was very well attended and the choir sang beautifully. Later in the evening the Sunday Banquet featured the audience participation performance of "Tony and Tina's Family Reunion." It was an evening of fun and laughter, lots of dancing, and a chance to be part of a live theatrical performance. The evening concluded with the Convention Raffle and drawing. As the sun rose on Monday morning there was a sense of continuity for the Italian Catholic Federation. At the prayer service conducted by Spiritual Director Fr. Daniel Cardelli the new Central Council was installed. The newly installed officers of the Central Council are: 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 Robert Basuino, James Friebel, Roselynne Jarrett Grand Parliamentarian Richard Valli Grand Sentinel Andy Pappani Beginning his second term as ICF Grand President, Mike Rossi took the microphone to continue his charge for the success and future of the ICF. 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 everyone waited in the lobby for their cars or shuttle buses it was evident that everyone was leaving with a little better sense of where they want to see the ICF be in the future, and what exciting ideas they would be taking back to their branches. 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 |