B O L L E T T I N O

Grand President’s

Monthly Message

by Bob Basuino

B O L L E T T I N O

Italian Catholic Federation

Anno 91 No. 3

March 2015

continued on page 2

I have always known that being a part of the

Italian Catholic Federation is being part of a

large close knit group. At every event I have

attended like District Installations, Bishops’

Days, the Federation’s 90

Anniversary

I was reminded again and again of this

sense of family. We

have joined in many

spirited conversations

on how we have the

renewed sense of

family every time we

gather together.

On January 27, 2015,

my beloved father,

Frank L. Basuino,

quietly passed away.

He was surrounded

by his loved ones and

returned to our Lord after living a wonderful

life of 92 years and 9 months. I know that

my Mother Lorraine, who left us 11 years

ago, was there with open arms to be reunited

with him. On Monday, February 2, my family

held an evening vigil service and the next day

a beautiful funeral Mass for him. The days

leading up to these events were a whirl wind

of decision making. We reminisced, laughed,

and cried a lot. Every step of the way we were

surprised to have family and friends right by

our side. Those days ew by in a haze. There

really was not much time to think about what

was going on or who was there to support and

help us in our time of need.

In the days after the funeral, I had time to think

and I came to the realization that not only my

children, uncles, aunts and cousins were there

at my side, helping in any way they could, my

ICF family were there every step of the way.

Instantly branch members and district members

appeared offering help, support, love, food,

anything that I or my family needed, whether

we realized we needed it or not. Programs,

Flowers, Music for the Vigil, Music for the

Mass, or anything that was needed an ICF

family member appeared there to help. Looking

back at the Vigil and Mass I see so many of

our ICF family was helping us celebrate dad’s

life. As the weeks have gone by, there has not

been a day that goes by when I have not heard

from a member of the ICF whether they are in

Chicago, Arizona, Nevada or California. The

numerous cards, donations, Masses, letters

and calls have been heartwarming and very

much appreciated. All the stories and wishes

keep the wonderful memories following and

remind me how blessed I am for having a

wonderful, loving family. Many of these are

family members by choice, because they are

members of the ICF. This brings to mind again

that being a member of the Italian Catholic

Federation is not just being a member of an

organization it is being a member of a very

ICF Is Going Green!

If you prefer to read the Bollettino online

and like the idea of saving a tree while help-

ing the ICF save on printing costs, please

send an email to [email protected] to

branch number and email address.

Online viewers will be notied by email

when each new Bollettino issue is ready for

viewing.

Thank you!

Strategic Plan Notes

Over the past few months, the Strategic Plan

Task Force and various committees have been

working hard behind the scenes to implement

the strategic plan for the federation adopted

by the Central Council. This work has focused

on membership, community/church connec-

tions, nance, and leadership. You may al-

ready have noticed some of the results, such

as Quarterly Reports being distributed via our

new online portal, which will save the federa-

tion thousands of dollars. In the next couple

of months, the Strategic Plan Task Force will

be providing workshops on leadership, mem-

bership, and parish connections to various

districts. These workshops will be open to all

federation members who are interested and

will set the stage for work that will continue

throughout the next three years of the strate-

gic plan. We encourage district presidents to

nd dates within the next couple of months

when the Strategic Plan Task Force can visit

your district. For more information or ques-

tions, please contact Vince Piro or Leonard

Zasoski at [email protected].

Thanks -

Vince Piro

Calendar Sales Results

Top Selling Branches with 1 – 99 Members

Place: Branch33,Bakerseld  Sold50calendars

Place: Branch343,CastroValley  Sold40calendars

Place: Branch102,Burbank  Sold37calendars

Top Selling Branches with 100 – 199 Members

Place: Branch281,Bakerseld  Sold75calendars

Place: Branch10,Alameda  Sold66calendars

Place: Branch28,Gilroy   Sold51calendars

Top Selling Branches with 200+ Members

Place: Branch39,Merced   Sold100calendars

Place: Branch14,Crockett   Sold80calendars

Place: Branch391,SanJose  Sold30calendars

Individuals

Place: CarolSalmeri–Br.39–Merced Sold95calendars

Place: LouiseDeTomasi–Br.14–Crockett Sold80calendars

Place: B.G.Zasoski–Br.281–Bakerseld Sold75calendars

ICF Starts Fresh with District Installations

LosAngelesArchdioceseDistrictInstallation

SantaRosaDistrictInstallation

SanDiegoDistrictInstallation

2 - BOLLETTINO

Membership Stats as of

January 31, 2015:

10,104

Members as of July 1, 2014:

10,454=overalllossof350members

 New:  389

 Reinstated: 26

 Transferin/out:48

 Deceased: -140

 Cancelled: -292

Non-payment>12mos.:-333

High Five!

Topvedistrictsandareas

withincreasedmembership:

(excludingdeceasedmembers)

ContraCosta  +27

SanMateo  +14

SantaBarbara  +10

CentralCoast  +9

SantaRosa  +3

Upcoming:

BOLLETTINO

Ofcial Publication of the Italian

Catholic Federation

(ISN 0745-256X)

Published Monthly

(except for Combined Aug./Sept. Issue)

by the Central Council

of the Italian Catholic Federation

8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110

Oakland, CA 94621

READERSHIP as of 10/01/14: 7,800

Subscription Rate: $6.00 year

Editor

Michelle C.I. Feldman

Phone: (510) 633-9058; 1-888-ICF-1924

Fax: (510) 633-9758

Website:

ICF.org

Email:

[email protected] (general)

[email protected] (Charlene Kramer)

[email protected]

(Patty Smith)

[email protected] (Michelle

Feldman)

[email protected] (Vince Piro)

Periodicals postage is paid at Oakland, CA.,

and additional mailing ofces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to

BOLLETTINO, 8393 Capwell Drive,

Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621

Increasing Family Memberships

[email protected]

The only email address to send

things for the Bollettino is

[email protected].

All other email addresses have

been closed. Please make a

note of it.

Anne Interrante

CC Member

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!!

Easter Joy, Consecrate Your Life to Christ

Monsignor Daniel Cardelli

ICF Spiritual Director

[email protected]

2015 Bishops’ Days:

Feb. 21

Tucson

Mar. 1 Oakland (Contra Costa & East

Bay)

Mar. 7

Orange

Mar. 28

Stockton

Apr. 12

San Francisco (San Francisco,

San Mateo & Marin)

Sept. 27 San Diego

Oct. 4 Fresno

Oct. 11

Santa Rosa

Oct. 18 San Jose (Santa Clara Valley)

Nov. 1 Las Vegas

New Life came into the world on

Easter Sunday. Lucky for us, Christ

is now ever-present to us. What a

great gift of love He gave us! For

this we consecrate our lives to the

Risen Christ. We do this in a special

way during the Easter Season,

which goes on for 50 days and will

end on Pentecost Sunday.

Easter validates our Faith. Without Easter,

without the Risen Christ, we would be lost,

groping around without purpose, without

Hope. Christ is with us, around us and in us.

continued from page 1

Grand President

continued on page 6

By now you’ve heard that we need to make

sure our organization stays strong and vibrant for

future generations and that one of the keys for

success is an increase in Family Memberships.

We can all agree that this denitely needs to

happen, however how can we do it? I am going

to share with you how we made this happen in

Branch 380, Thousand Oaks.

About 15 years ago, our branch had about 60

members (maybe 40 were really involved in the

activities). There were no children in attendance

and the age range of adults was 55+ years of age.

Members decided that it was time to make

family memberships a priority. Our rst step was

making our meeting environment a place where

children were welcome. If they felt welcome,

their parents would feel more relaxed as well.

We secured a couple of highly recommended

8th grade volunteers from our parish school to

lead a craft (we provided the supplies), show a

kids’ movie and basically oversee the children

in the same room as the meeting (this way

parents remained accessible if needed). Once

this was in place we started telling our extended

family, friends, and other parishioners about our

monthly meetings – dinner, things for kids to do,

fellowship, opportunities to get involved in your

parish, etc. We found that families were happy to

nd a group where they could attend as a family

and be involved in their church community.

He gives us life, a reason to live in Faith. He

gives us reason to Love.

During this year dedicated to consecrated life,

we, too, can consecrate our lives to

Christ by the love we show him.

This love is expressed by a special

relationship between Christ and us.

A relationship that is PERSONAL

and intimate. Christ is the best

friend of all our best friends. We

want our lives to be an example

of the love of God and neighbor

dedicated and consecrated to give

honor and glory to God.

ALLELUIA GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD,

THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY

SPIRIT! AMEN

After the number of families and children

increased, we found that more was needed.

We were blessed to have members with high

school students who wanted to take over child

care responsibilities. They were given a monthly

budget and prepared all the activities. We

decided to include meeting themes that were

interesting to all ages – a Family Christmas

Party with entertainment and crafts for children,

Sports Night with trivia and game contests for

all ages, etc. Our mindset changed as we were

planning events and we asked ourselves, “Will

this be fun for everyone?”

As the number of families and children

continued to increase, it was apparent that the

children wanted to help out and were ready to

take on leadership roles. So, we paid attention

to that enthusiasm and started a Youth Ofcer

Program. Again we were blessed that one of

our high school students was ready to take on

a leadership role and oversee this program.

The children received various tasks that they

could perform at meetings and were given

opportunities to volunteer for group service

projects. We also scheduled youth events where

our kids could invite their friends to participate.

Today, we are happy to report that these Youth

Ofcers and High School Ofcers now take part

in the Ofcer Installation Ceremony – in total

we had 15 this year.

It took time, preparation, and a lot of learning

to build up our program but the benets are

immense. We have several multi-generational

families that are active contributors in our

branch. Children are learning to help others and

becoming leaders in the process. Today, our

membership has grown to over 170 members,

of which 40 are children. All we had to do is

decide that families were a priority, do some

planning, invite them, and stay the course. Your

branch can do this, too! Talk to your ofcers

and branch members now about making family

memberships a priority.

large, loving and caring family.

I know that Dad is in heaven singing:

“Fly like a bird to the Lord, my soul, I want

to soar like an eagle.

Though I may journey far away from home, I

know I will never be alone.”

On behalf of my sister Diane, and our families,

we want to thank all of our ICF family for their

love and support during this very stressful

time.

Now comes the time of year that we must

solicit proposals and/or amendments to the

Branch Bylaws. The following is a brief review

of the procedure followed in the ICF to accom-

plish this process and bring the proposals and/or

amendments to the oor of the Annual Conven-

tion of the Italian Catholic Federation.

All branches are urged to consider, discuss

and formulate a proposal to change, modify

or abolish a bylaw as it pertains to all the

Branches of the ICF. According to the Branch

bylaw Chapter XVII Art. 3 G proposals and/

or amendments to the bylaws shall be submit-

ted in writing (signed by the Branch Presi-

dent and Recording Secretary) to the Central

Council Ofce not later than April 30, 2015

Branch bylaw change proposals may also

come from the Central Council through the

Bylaws Committee.

Such submitted proposals and/or amendments

are forwarded to the Central Council Bylaws

Committee for review, as to form and content.

If a question exists relating to the submitted

proposal, the Chairman of the Bylaws Com-

mittee will contact the submitting Branch

for clarication and if necessary revisions to

make the proposal acceptable.

It is helpful to present the original bylaw fol-

lowed by a copy of the modied or changed

bylaw with the changes in bold type. The

insertions should be in italics and the dele-

tions either in strike out text or underlined.

The proposal must be accompanied by a well-

Convention ByLaw

Submission Procedure

David Botta

Parlimentarian

March 2015

Branching Out is a series that will focus on

successful ideas shared by our branches. For

more details about a particular idea, you can

nd the branch contact info at www.icf.org .

Branch 406, Orange, California believes

Collaboration is the Key to Success.

During the Lenten season, they hold a St.

Joseph Table with Italian baked goods while

other parish ministries sponsor a luncheon

and boutique. All activities take place on the

same day and collectively raise money for

the Christian service program to purchase

groceries for needy families.

Members host a meatball sandwich booth at the

parish carnival to raise funds for the church,

support Knights of Columbus service projects,

and volunteer side by side with Youth Ministry

students who help at the branch’s annual

lasagna dinner.

The next agenda item is to partner with their

parish elementary school to begin a scholarship

program and determine how best they can serve

the students and faculty.

Working together not only makes the workload

easier but brings greater achievement to each

endeavor.

David Botta and Carmen Kilcullen

Past Grand Presidents

For the next few months, we are going to

present the program which we did for the

2013 Convention. At that time, we named

the various places in each ICF District which

where the first localities of the Catholic

religion. Please bear in mind that there may

have been others, but we named those that

actually were the church’s foundation in each

area.

The CHICAGO DISTRICT of the Italian

Catholic Federation has the honor of being

the rst of our districts where Catholicism

was introduced. From our American History

studies, we remember Father Pierre Marquette

and Louis Joliet who explored a large section

of the Mississippi River.

Father Marquette was given the charge by the

French government to work among the Indians

of the region and convert them to the Catholic

religion. In the process, Father Marquette

opened the mission of the Immaculate

Conception in Kaskaskia, Illinois in 1673. In

the ensuing years, as many as 10,000 Indians

were baptized.

The TUCSON area of Arizona is next. 9 miles

south of Tucson, one comes upon Mission San

Xavier del Bac, known to the Indians as the

“white dove of the desert”. In 1692, Father

Eusebio Kino, a Franciscan missionary who

had been working in Baja California, visited

the site to prepare for the building of a mission.

Today, Mission San Xavier is a national

historic monument. Branch 433 in Tucson

carries the name of Father Kino in its title.

In 1769 begins the story of the California

missions. The rst locality of our Faith in

the SAN DIEGO DISTRICT was the mission

of San Diego de Alcala founded by Father

Junipero Serra in that year. This mission

marked the birthplace of Christianity and of

the Catholic faith in the Far West. After years

of neglect, the mission was rebuilt in 1931 and

remains today an active Catholic parish.

ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Grand President has asked the Work-

shop Committee to continue its successful

Travel Show from last year and to follow the

effort presented the last two years such as

open forum, spiritual, Heritage and fundrais-

ing. Even though the Districts and Branches

have scheduled to develop many activities for

the upcoming calendar for the goodwill in the

parish, in the community and in the name of

the Italian Catholic Federation... the work-

shop could provide for the fantastic planning

and enriching the many responsibilities of the

ICF nationally.

Your Workshop Committee can provide as-

sistance in Membership growth, the valuable

leadership and ofcers’ guidance and direc-

tions to set goals reinforced by the member-

ships of the Branches and Districts. All ideas

are necessary and valuable from the past,

present and especially the future. Once your

goals are determined, the Workshop Com-

mittee will provide the necessary resources

or additional concepts to your Branches and

Districts to hopefully achieve with less effort

and struggles. The Workshop Committee can

suggest topics on how to increase member-

ship, fundraising activities, provide heritage/

history of the Federation or tools for Italian

culture for the grandchildren, event plan-

ning, ofcers’ duties, IRS forms, convention

awards, apostolic devotions or spiritual activi-

ties and even topics selected by the Branches’

Plan Now, Set Goals... Get a Workshop

Dante Galeazzi

CC Life Member

membership.

The Workshop Committee highly recom-

mends that when you go to your next Branch

or District meeting that you #1) discuss ideas

for setting goals, #2) provide and direct the

leadership in your District to have a workshop

for support and assistance/guidance and #3)

stress the importance of achieving those goals

for the Federation, your Branch, the District,

and the Parish or Diocese in your community.

PLAN NOW, because it’s very important for

the District Presidents to get their rst choice

of date and to discuss with the Workshop

Committee what are the most valuable top-

ics that are best suited for the Branches and

District.

You may contact me via email at dantegale-

[email protected] or at 888.423.1924 for any

additional inquiries.

Do not miss out this year on scheduling a re-

sourceful Workshop to simplify your diligent

effort.

Branch 380, Thousand Oaks, California offers

Holiday Events for the Entire Family.

They have shown the love with a February

Sweetheart Auction where members bring

gently used items to donate for the live auction.

Numbered bidding paddles are purchased

and held up when someone is interested in a

particular item. Winners go home with many

interesting prizes.

The annual October HalloWine meeting is a

haunting hit. Members bring in a favorite bottle

of wine for the tasting table. A guest speaker

from a local winery can be invited. A costume

contest for kids as well as Halloween-themed

games and goodies make it fun for all.

In November, it’s time to give thanks and

celebrate life’s many blessings...with pie!

Members have baked homemade pies that are

entered into the pie contest for a special prize.

Then we get ready for the whipped cream pie-

eating contest which is fun (and a bit messy)

for all ages. The quickest pie-eaters get a pie

of course!

As you can see, there are many ways to bring

excitement into a meeting that is great for all

ages!

The Catholic Faith was introduced in the

CENTRAL COAST DISTRICT in 1770 with

the founding of Mission San Carlos Borromeo

del Rio, also known as Carmel Mission, by

Father Serra. It was named for the great

archbishop of Milan, Charles Borromeo. This

mission became Father Serra’s favorite and

he is buried there. It is also on the National

We now travel south to the SAN GABRIEL

VALLEY REGION, where, in 1771, the

Catholic faith came by way of Mission San

Gabriel Arcangel founded by the Franciscan

friars. This mission is credited with introducing

large-scale viticulture in California and the

source of many botanical vines to the state’s

wine industry. It is an active church today run

by the Claretian Fathers.

In 1776, the Catholic faith came to the

SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT with the

establishment of Mission San Francisco de

Asis, also known as Mission Dolores. It is

the oldest intact building in San Francisco

and survived the great earthquake of 1906. It

is now part of the Basilica parish of Mission

Dolores and a California Historical Landmark.

It is also a favorite spot for weddings.

In the ORANGE DISTRICT, the Catholic

Faith started with the building of Mission San

Juan Capistrano in 1776. Located in sight

of the ocean in the town of the same name,

this mission became a signicant center for

agricultural production. It has often been

featured in both song, books and movies

because of its beauty and picturesque location.

The Catholic Faith manifested itself in the

SANTA CLARA VALLEY DISTRICT in 1777

with the founding of Mission Santa Clara de

Asis, named after St. Clare, the rst mission to

honor a female saint. It is a parish church and

the chapel for the University of Santa Clara.

The bells are rung every evening at 8:30, at the

request of Spain’s King Carlos IV in memory

of those who had died.

To be continued. . .

Save The Date

It doesn’t seem possible, but Grand

President Bob Basuino’s term will

come to an end at the 2015 Con-

vention.

To celebrate his two year’s of

service to the ICF, there will be a

testimonial dinner in his honor.

Save the date for Saturday,

November 7, 2015.

More details will be available as the

date draws near.

Thank you!

Spring

“People ask me what

I do in winter when

there’s no baseball. I’ll

tell you what I do. I

stare out the window

and wait for spring.”

Rogers Hornsby

4 - BOLLETTINO

Sir Luigi & Lady Augusta Providenza

Seminary Scholarship Fund Donations*

IN MEMORY OF: DONATED BY:

Joseph Re Ofcers/Members of Br. 50

Joseph Re George and Diana Bacigalupi

Tom Pollicita George and Diana Bacigalupi

Louis Zanotti Joe Bonino and Family

Otto Ambiel Franklyn Lopes, Jr.

Wayne Shriwise Franklyn Lopes, Jr.

Joseph Re Beverly Desmond

Bill Garibaldi Giovanni and Nancy Corsi

Anna Deghi Giovanni and Nancy Corsi

Wayne Shriwise Jim and Janice Jones

Lupe and Chana Portillo Bob Basuino

Joseph Smith Ofcers/Members of Br. 290

Mary Anne Almeida Ofcers/Members of Br. 45

Mary Chelini Diana Petrolino

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Central Council

Frank Basuino Giovanni and Nancy Corsi and Art Fricke

Frank Basuino Cory and Teresa Helfand

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 392

Fr. Frank Piro Dennis Gillen

Frank Basuino Jim and Janice Jones

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 184

Frank Basuino Donna and Richard Pfaff

Frank Basuino Diana Petrolino

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 36

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 28

Frank Basuino Pat and Louie Cordich

Frank Basuino Herb Basuino and Kathleen Urmini

Frank Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 191

Frank Basuino Bob and Elaine Osorio

Frank Basuino Russ and Louise Vento

Frank Basuino Mary Rossetto

Yolanda Nails Mary Rossetto

Frank Basuino Mike and Marcie Rossi

Frank Basuino Ed and Jo Bertaccini

Frank Basuino Harold, Virginia and Steve Fuentes

Frank Basuino The Kilcullen Family

Frank Basuino Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dianda and Jane

Frank Basuino Forrest and Prudence Price

Elisabeth Steiner Terri Leinsteiner

Frank Basuino Leonard, Karen and Janet Rossi

Frank Basuino Marie Mungai

Frank Basuino Fran and Joe Addiego

Frank Basuino Larry and Alfrieda Flocchini

Frank Basuino Joe and Ann Basuino

Frank Basuino Romolo and Lorraine Iavarone

Frank Basuino Pat and Lou Mages

Frank Basuino Franklyn Lopes, Jr.

Frank Basuino Leroy and Stella Taddei

Frank Basuino Mary Alesi and the Members of Br. 416

Frank Basuino Jim, Patty and Roselynne Jarrett

Frank Basuino George and Diana Bacigalupi

Frank L. Basuino Richard and Kathleen Antuzzi

Frank Basuino Robert and Kathy Acquistapace

GET WELL WISHES:

Denise Antonowicz Ofcers/Members of Central Council

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Milani Ofcers/Members of Santa Clara Valley District

Denise Antonowicz Jim and Janice Jones

Bob Dianda Elma Casale

Marissa Muñoz Cora Marquez

THANK YOU FOR OUR INSTALLATION:

Bob Basuino Ofcers/Members of East Bay District

Bob Basuino Ofcers/Members of Br. 161

WELCOME TO CHRIST THE KING PARISH AND BR. 442:

Father Paulson Mundanmani The Jarrett and Politakes Families

*Named after the co-founder of the I.C.F., the Sir Luigi and Lady Augusta Providenza Seminary

Scholarship Fund provides I.C.F. members a lasting way to memorialize and/or extend greetings

to friends, relatives, and loved ones. Members’ donations provide scholarships to seminarians

studying for the priesthood in dioceses where the Italian Catholic Federation is located. A

monthly Mass is offered for the intention of those listed.

Cooley’s Anemia Donations

Donations received by February 10, 2015

Branch 135

Branch 416

Santa Clara Valley District

Roland and Katherine Codiga

In memory of Rose Lepetich

Roland and Katherine Codiga

In memory of Dorothy Coffman

Ofcers/Members of Br. 308

In memory of Louis Grieco

Ofcers/Members of Br. 28

In memory of Edward Thorne

Ofcers/Members of Br. 28

In memory of Rose Lepetich

Pat and Louie Cordich

In memory of Edward Thorne

Gloria Galeotti and Family

In memory of Al Teglia

Catherine Moresi

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Joan and Ray Odom

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Lois Rice Vennum

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Laurice and Matt Levine

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Angela Coscarelli

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Kathy Santos

In memory of Rose Lepetich

Roger and Kathy Santos

In memory of Richard Paterson

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member

Gennaro Felice for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member Joe

Fortino for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member Anna

Barberi for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Members Frank

and Louise Segreto for a successful year in

2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member

Marianne Peoples for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member John

Filice for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Members Louie

and Pat Cordich for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member Chris

Andrade for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member

Angelo Benassi for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member Diana

Berry for a successful year in 2014

Roger Santos

Thank you to Br. 28 Board Member Andy

Pappani for a successful year in 2014

Ofcers/Members of Br. 191

In memory of Yolanda Nails

Charlyne Pacini

In memory of Tom Pollicita

Mr. Charles P. Gullo, Jr.

In memory of Joseph Kuzinich

Ofcers/Members of Br. 108

In memory of Tony Mattazzaro

Tony and Tilly Spagnolo

In memory of Frank L. Basuino

In Loving Memory

Report Date: 02/19/2015

ED GUGLIELMETTI Branch 007

BERT MANTEGANI Branch 007

OLGA RUGGERI Branch 007

WILLIAM GARIBALDI Branch 012

MARINA DELL AGOSTINO Branch 014

VINCENT J RAMOS Branch 014

XAVIER E MIRANDETTE JR Branch 025

LOUISE R PETRUCELLI Branch 032

JULIA FANUCCHI Branch 033

ANDY A BRODEHL Branch 036

ROBERT F GRANT Branch 036

REV JOSE ARONG Branch 040

INEZ M INNOCENTI Branch 040

MARY ANNE ALMEIDA Branch 045

HELEN SCESA Branch 054

ROSEMARY J COLEMAN Branch 103

ELSIE K PIALORSI Branch 144

THOMAS R MC KEON Branch 161

LIDO S GIUSTI Branch 173

FRANK BASUINO Branch 191

LAWRENCE PERRY Branch 191

SILVIO SCOCCA Branch 258

LOUIS SOZZI Branch 258

JOSEPH A SMITH Branch 290

CLARISA V CAMPOS Branch 317

ANTHONY MATTAZARO Branch 379

GILDA EMHOFF Branch 390

ASSUNTA GAIA Branch 390

ROSEMARIE COLTRIN Branch 391

JOAQUIN CORRAL Branch 391

PETER ACRI Branch 425

LEONARD CATALDO Branch 439

Benvenuti Membri Nuovi

Report Date: 02/19/2015

DON CORDO Branch 007

REV LEO ASUNCION Branch 014

JIM CHOQUETTE Branch 014

LOUISE CHOQUETTE Branch 014

GENE L GATEWOOD Branch 014

JOSEPH J ANGELESCO Branch 018

KATHY A BULLENE Branch 025

JOANNA ESTRADA Branch 032

DEACON KURT A NEUHAUS

Branch 032

LORI HALE Branch 033

JOSEPH J CRESCENTE Branch 036

SHARON L CRESCENTE Branch 036

MARIA HERBST Branch 036

KAREN IAQUINTO Branch 036

SUZANNE MENENDEZ-HERBST

Branch 036

PATRICIA A ROSSI Branch 036

JEAN M SANCHEZ Branch 036

TOD C SANCHEZ Branch 036

DIETER SEITZ Branch 036

HANNI SEITZ Branch 036

ELVAMARIE ZIMMERMEN

Branch 036

ELAINE E LENCIONI Branch 070

JAMES B ELLIS Branch 073

MARIA LETIZIA CHAPARRO

Branch 115

ANNA GROPPO Branch 115

TED J SIMAS Branch 139

TERESA B GRAHAM Branch 154

ALICIA M TREVINO Branch 154

RUBEN A TREVINO Branch 154

RICHARD C PFAFF Branch 184

DR ANTHONY HIRSCHENBERGER

Branch 195

FRANCES O’DONNELL Branch 198

MADISON R WHITE Branch 209

JAMES F MC GEE Branch 215

JAMES D SAVAGEAU Branch 229

YOLANDA L SAVAGEAU Branch 229

ZORKA DRAEGER Branch 291

ROSEMARY A HANN Branch 319

PATRICIA N STROUD Branch 319

GABRIELLA GIANNINI Branch 326

DAN KIDD Branch 392

EDDIE CONRADO Branch 413

PHILIP GIBEAU Branch 425

MICHELINA NIGRO Branch 439

FILIPPO V PULEO Branch 439

CATHY S BRASSELL Branch 440

March 2015

Cooley’s Corner

Scholarship Donations

Donations received by February 10, 2015.

Scholarship Donations - 1

Year

Evelyn Taravella

In memory of Steve Taravella

Scholarship Donation - 2

- 4

Year

Ofcers/Members of Br. 19

Thank you to 2014 Branch Deputy Cecilia

Tommei

alassemia Research Update:

Gene erapy: How Does it Work?

(part 2 of a two part series on gene therapy)

General Fund Donations

Donations received by February 10, 2015.

John Paul Pasion

In memory of Joseph John Re

EXPLORING

GENE THERAPY

GENE THERAPY USES FUNCTIONING GENES AS MEDICINE TO HELP CORRECT A GENETIC DEFECT

TRANSFORM THE TREATMENT OF GENETIC DISEASES

BY PROVIDING FUNCTIONING COPIES OF THE MALFUNCTIONING GENES.

WHAT IS GENE THERAPY?

WHY GENE THERAPY NOW?

THE GOAL

HOW DOES GENE THERAPY WORK?

Stem cells are

collected from

the blood.

Chemotherapy is given to

make room for the modified

stem cells. The modified stem

cells are then transplanted

back into the body.

In a lab, a functioning copy of the gene is

inserted into the DNA of the stem cells, referred

to as transduction, using a modified virus.

The goal is for modified

stem cells to become

a permanent source of

blood cells that grow

and produce new cells

with the functioning

copy of the gene.

Genes are made up of a molecule

called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

When a gene does not work

properly, the gene is said to

be malfunctioning and may

cause a genetic disease

In 2012, the first gene therapy

was approved in Europe

Significant advances have been made in

gene transfer technology, safety and how

the transfer vehicles are manufactured.

Long term safety and efficacy has

been observed for more than 5 years

and positive data is growing.

~2,000

clinical trials have been conducted using different types of gene

therapy in cancers, blood diseases, central nervous system

disorders and immune system diseases

2,3,5

Sources:

1. www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/ genetherapy.shtml (Accessed Dec. 4, 2012).

2. Sheridan, C., 2011. Gene therapy nds its niche. Nature Biotechnology, 29(2), pp. 121–8.

3. Kay, M. A., 2011. State-of-the-art gene-based therapies: the road ahead. Nature, 12(5), pp. 316-28.

4. www.uniqure.com/news/167/189/uniQure-s-Glybera-First-Gene-Therapy-Approved-by-European-Commission.html (Accessed Feb. 18, 2013).

5. Kohn, D.B. & Candotti, F., 2009. Gene therapy fullling its promise. The New England Journal of Medicine, 360(5), pp. 518–21.

30 YEARS,

Gene therapy has been studied as

a potential treatment for genetic disease

For

Each person inherits features

from his or her parents in the

form of genes

Laurice Levine

MA, CCLS

Last month we talked about the Northstar gene therapy study conducted by bluebird biotech

and taking place at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Gene therapy shows incredible

promise towards curing thalassemia and other genetic disease. Here is more information on how

gene therapy actually works:

January Calendar Winners

DAY NAME BR CITY WINS

1/1 Jane Sullivan 103 Sonoma, CA $100

1/2 Mario Slavazza San Jose, CA $30

1/3 Tony Rosellini 352 Danville, CA $30

1/4 Steve & Michelle Azevedo Vacaville, CA $30

1/5 Michelle Antonowicz 184 Los Gatos, CA $30

1/6 Carol Salmeri 39 Merced, CA $50

1/7 Linda Hakey 425 Sahuarita, AZ $30

1/8 Bob Osorio 368 Palo Alto, CA $30

1/9 Lori Franzoni So. San Francisco, CA$30

1/10 Jean & Joe Kulbeth Fresno, CA $30

1/11 Jan Rosa 10 Alameda, CA $30

1/12 Nancy Seppi 52 Healdsburg, CA $30

1/13 Toni Reeder 154 El Cerrito, CA $30

1/14 Jim Maffei Foster City, CA $30

1/15 Bob Basuino 191 San Jose, CA $30

1/16 Nancy Rogers Merced, CA $30

1/17 Mike & Nick Migliore San Anselmo, CA $30

1/18 Rosemary Busch San Jose, CA $30

1/19 Steven Fuentes 163 San Mateo, CA $40

1/20 Jeffrey Westman Sebastopol, CA $30

1/21 Gail Rocca 285 Livermore, CA $30

1/22 Mr. & Mrs. Stang Folsom, CA $30

1/23 Elaine Nola 191 San Jose, CA $30

1/24 Marla Kriech 91 San Ramon, CA $30

1/25 Blanche Unti 39 Merced, CA $30

1/26 Celeste Lennemann 327 San Carlos, CA $30

1/27 Tina Tallman 45 Sacramento, CA $50

1/28 Yvonne Ayers 39 Merced, CA $30

1/29 Sheila Borrelli 54 Newman, CA $30

1/30 Patricia Korf 236 Carmichael, CA $30

1/31 Fr. Enzie Lagattuta 184 Los Gatos, CA $30

february Calendar Winners

DAY NAME BR CITY WINS

2/1 Carmen Amparan 31 Los Banos, CA $40

2/2 Sarah Jane Amoroso 206 Pebble Beach, CA $30

2/3 Debbie Myers 417 Fresno, CA $30

2/4 Josh Foster Alameda, CA $30

2/5 Sandi Miller 39 Merced, CA $30

2/6 Lisa Crudo 343 Castro Valley, CA $30

2/7 Fr. Guglielmo Lauriola 1 San Francisco, CA $30

2/8 Kristy Rossi 391 San Jose, CA $30

2/9 Valerie Vote 227 Scotts Valley, CA $30

2/10 Rita B. Csulak-Gomez Bakerseld, CA $30

2/11 Louise Vento 391 San Jose, CA $30

2/12 Manola Scovel 7 SSFrancisco, CA $30

2/13 Anna Arnaudo Monte Sereno, CA $30

2/14 Mary Acton Petaluma, CA $100

2/15 Gerald Fuentes Redwood City, CA $30

2/16 Mr. & Mrs. Joe Balice 418 Oak Brook, IL $30

2/17 Kelly Swertfager Fresno, CA $50

2/18 Dora Belluomini 86 Chicago, IL $50

2/19 Carmen Kilcullen 52 Santa Rosa, CA $30

2/20 Damien Watkins 343 Castro Valley, CA $30

2/21 Angela Vidaurreta 12 Napa, CA $30

2/22 Denise Volpetti Altaville, CA $50

2/23 Linda Goodman 14 San Francisco, CA $30

2/24 Rosalie Alioto 258 San Francisco, CA $30

2/25 Diana Bacigalupi 50 San Francisco, CA $30

2/26 Don Bohannon 237 Gardena, CA $30

2/27 Marilyn Amoral 139 Manteca, CA $30

2/28 Fernando Teglia 7 Bakerseld, CA $30

6 - BOLLETTINO

BOOK REVIEW

Vince Piro

Branch 39, Central Council

La Celebrazione di Gioventu --

The Celebration of Youth

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Submitted by Roselynne Jarrett

Grand Treasurer

continued from page 2

By-Laws

Dear Members,

When submitting donations to one of our pro-

grams (Providenza, Gifts of Love, Scholar-

ship, Cooley's Anemia, etc). please make the

check payable to ICF or Italian Catholic Fed-

eration. In the memo, indicate the fund where

you would like the donation directed.

Monetary Donation Reminder

Roselynne Jarrett

Grand Treasurer

Additionally, when making donations to mul-

tiple programs, please write a separate check

for each donation as there is an individual ac-

count for each fund.

Finally, we ask that all donations be made by

check, cashier's check or money order. We pre-

fer to not place cash in the depository.

These simple steps will assist our ofce staff

in processing your donations. Thank you for

your continued support to the ICF programs.

Support

our

Seminarians by Giving

to the Providenza

Fund

Matchbox Diary

by Paul Fleischman

Candlewick Press, 2012. 40 pp.

In Matchbox Diary, Paul Fleischman

presents a timeless tale of family. When a

little girl visits her great-grandfather for the

rst time, he tells her to pick an object from

somewhere in his home, and then he will tell

her a story about it. He gures that

it will be a good way for her to get

to know him through the stories

that he tells. The young girl picks

an old cigar box. Inside, she nds

a collection of matchboxes which

make up her great-grandfather’s

unusual but clever diary. Each

matchbox contains an object that

evokes a memory from his past.

As he tells his granddaughter

the memory and story associated

with each object, we learn of his life and his

journey from Italy to the United States. Each

object evokes different memories: the olive

pit his mother gave him to suck on when there

wasn’t enough food; a bottle cap he saw on

his way to the boat; a ticket still retaining the

thrill of his rst baseball game. In this way,

the young granddaughter (and the reader)

learn of her grandfather’s past.

Matchbox Diary contains classic themes that

children and adults will nd engaging. In part,

the tale is a story of survival as the grandfather

as a young man leaves Italy because of

poverty and immigrates to the United States.

For example, an olive pit sitting in one of the

small boxes evokes this memory: “An olive

pit. I put it in my palm and I’m right back to

Italy. That’s where I grew up. Lots of olive

trees there. Life was hard - the other reason

I save it. No oor in our house, just dirt. No

heat in the winter except the re under the

cooking pot. And sometimes not enough food.

When I’d tell my mother I was hungry, she’d

give me an olive pit to suck on. It helped.”

As many immigrants and their families, the

grandfather’s journey to America was fueled

by hope that life would be better in his new

country. In one box, there is an attractive

hairpin that the grandfather found on the

ship coming from Italy to America. He tells

the young girl that everyone thought that in

America “gold [was] lying on the ground.”

Immigrant life wasn’t easy for the grandfather’s

family and his story reminds us of the value of

perseverance and hard work. When the young

girl nds a sh bone in one of the boxes, the

grandfather remembers the long days the

entire family had to work in the canneries

to make ends meet. They were determined

to make life work in their new country and

overcame their difcult life with hard work

and determination and by sticking together.

However, the grandfather’s memories are full

of good times, too, as he remembers when his

granddaughter nds a ticket stub from his rst

baseball game in one of the boxes.

The charm of Matchbox Diaries comes

in the unfolding relationship between the

grandfather and granddaughter as he recounts

his past. She learns more about him as he tells

each story, and she comes to appreciate his

full life. Each vignette evokes a different time

with careful details and realistic

dialogue that both adults and

children should appreciate. The

illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline

are gorgeous and easily move the

reader from present to past while

adding details that enhance the

narrative.

In today’s society, when so

many children (and adults)

have forgotten their cultural

and familial history, books like

Matchbox Diary remind us about the struggles

and challenges our ancestors faced and

their determination to overcome great odds.

Their lives were lled with tragedies and

triumphs as they made their way in the world

while trying to establish a place in their new

country. Remembering this history, we realize

that we share a story with today’s immigrants

- the American immigration story. We can

emphasize with their struggles and trials as

they, too, reach for the American Dream. As

Pope Francis and the United States Bishops

call on Catholics to show compassion and

understanding towards today’s immigrants,

Matchbox Diary reminds us of our own

immigration story, a story we share with

today’s immigrants.

Paul Fleischman won the Newbery Medal

for Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

and a Newbery Honor for Graven Images.

He is the author of numerous picture books,

including The Animal Hedge, also illustrated

by Bagram Ibatoulline, and The Dunderheads

and The Dunderheads Behind Bars, both

illustrated by David Roberts. Paul Fleischman

lives in Maine.

Bagram Ibatoulline has illustrated many

acclaimed books for children, including

The Animal Hedge by Paul Fleischman;

On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells;

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

and Great Joy, both by Kate DiCamillo;

The Serpent Came to Gloucester by M. T.

Anderson; and Hana in the Time of the Tulips

by Deborah Noyes. He lives in Pennsylvania.

reasoned rationale for the proposed change.

The Central Council through the Bylaws

Committee is authorized to eliminate propos-

als: (1) that are unconstitutional, discrimina-

tory (except as to the age for benets) or in-

fringing on the fundamental principles of the

Federation, (2) proposals defeated at the im-

mediate previous Annual Convention cannot

be presented at the immediate next Conven-

tion, except if the Central Council approves

the proposal for representation.

Once the proposal is found to be constitution-

al and acceptable in wording and content, the

Bylaws Committee will present the proposals

to the Central Council at the June meeting for

their information. At this point the Bylaws

Committee will “certify” the proposals, and

announce they will be presented to the del-

egates at the next Annual Convention. The or-

der of discussions of proposals at the Annual

Convention are prepared in advance by the

Parliamentarian and approved by the Central

Council.

The proposals to be presented at the Annual

Convention will be sent to the Branches in ad-

vance of the Convention for their discussion

and consideration. At the Convention the pro-

posals will be presented to the delegates for

their vote. Matters presented by the Central

Council will have precedence in the order of

discussion.

Once passed by a majority vote of the del-

egates at the Annual Convention the adopted

bylaw change is immediately effective.

March 2015

Gifts of Love D o n a t i o n s

Donations received by February 10, 2015

Santa Clara Valley District

John Gillio

The Greco Family Christmas Open House

Fundraiser

Bob and Elaine Osorio

In honor of the birthday of Eva Stern

Bob and Elaine Osorio

Get well wishes for Denise Antonowicz

Ofcers/Members of San Mateo District

Thank you to Bob Basuino for our Installation

Anthony and Lillian La Pres

In memory of Marguerite Silverthorne

Ofcers/Members of Santa Clara Valley District

In honor of Outgoing District President John

Gillio

Ofcers/Members of Santa Clara Valley District

Thank you to Bob Basuino for our Installation

Pat and Louie Cordich

In memory of Rose Lepetich

Bob Basuino

In memory of Nancy Ciacco

Don and Mary Merucci

In honor of the 60

wedding anniversary of

Ed and Gail Rocca

Helen and Dick Wirtenson

In honor of the 60

wedding anniversary of

Gail and Ed Rocca

Eva Stern

In memory of Frank Basuino

The Antonowicz Family

In memory of Frank Basuino

Herb Basuino

In memory of Louis Vicino

Joanna C. Van Blaricom

In memory of Bob Harris

Louie and Pat Cordich

In memory of Tony Bettencourt

Evelyn Taravella

In memory of Frank Basuino

Janice and Jim Basuino

In memory of Frank L. Basuino

Brad and Rebecca Fuller

In memory of Frank Basuino

Joan and Jerry Delno

In memory of Frank Basuino

Vic and Pat Arnaudo

In memory of Frank Basuino

Marilyn Aguilar and Family

In memory of Frank Basuino

Britt and Amelia Moore

In memory of Frank Basuino

Larry and Alfrieda Flocchini

In memory of Frank Basuino

Richard and Marie Yurosko

In memory of Frank L. Basuino

Bob and Esther Ramonda

In memory of Frank Basuino

Ofcers/Members of Br. 12

In memory of Frank Basuino

Louie and Pat Cordich

In memory of George Sciutto

Joe and Judy Crosetti

In honor of the birthday of Diana Crosetti

2015 Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada

Friday, September 4, 2015 to Monday,

September 7, 2015

Glorify the Lord by Your Life

HOTEL AND TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS

***OFFICIAL CONVENTION HOTEL***

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Phone: (702) 732-5111 /

Reservations: (800) 635-7711; 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109

-- Visit the following link to hotel reservations https://resweb.passkey.

com/go/SICF5R on our Web site for ease in reserving your room for the

Convention.

►

Room Rate: $113.00 Single Occupancy plus 12% (subject to change) tax;

$113.00 Double Occupancy plus 12% (subject to change) tax

►

Use Group Name “Italian Catholic Federation” or Convention Code

“SICF5R” when booking your reservation

►Complimentary Self Parking

►Transportation to/from McCarran Airport: McCarran Int’l Airport

is approximately 15 minutes southwest from the hotel. For public

transportation (taxis/shuttle services) and rental car information, please

visit www.mccarran.com. Bell Trans has a location at the airport and the

hotel.

Reservation Deadline is Thursday, August 13, 2015. After this date,

reservations will be accepted at the best available rate based on availability.

To avoid lost reservations and reservation errors, we will no longer provide

reservation forms. You must call the hotel or go to their Web site to make

your reservations.

***AIRLINES - NO CONTRACTS - JUST GO ONLINE OR CALL DIRECT***

Here are a few:

Alaska Airlines: 1-800-252-7522; www.alaskaair.com

American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300 ; www.aa.com

Delta Airlines: 1-800-221-1212; www.delta.com

Jet Blue Airlines: 1-800-538-2583; www.jetblue.com

Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792; www.southwest.com

United Airlines: 1-800-864-8331; www.united.com

US Airways: 1-800-428-4322; www.usairways.com

PLEASE SHARE THE ABOVE INFORMATION WITH YOUR

DELEGATES!

If you have any questions, please call the I.C.F. Ofce toll-free at

1-888-423-1924

Interested in learning more about the ICF’s National Charity, Cooley’s Anemia?

If your Branch or District would like members of the Cooley’s Anemia Team at

Children’s Hospital Oakland to come and speak at one of your meetings or special

functions, please contact:

Laurice Levine, Thalassemia Outreach Coordinator

(510) 428-3885 x 5427 or email: [email protected]

8 - BOLLETTINO

Chicago

Calumet City

St. Victor, Br. 195

Condolences to 195 member Warren Cebulko

on the recent death of his father, Fred Cebulko.

Br. 195’s new president, Mike Sawadski, has

some exciting plans for 2015. He is in process

of putting together a Committee to develop a

Strategic Plan for both the short and long range

future. Since we are very diverse (and we like

being so), our Strategic Plan may put Spirituality

rst and Ethnicity second. Our focus will be to

foster good physical, spiritual and emotional

health by having professional speakers at our

meetings covering various topics of interest to

our members. He has many other interesting

plans for us.

St. Victor Parish Transformation Team concluded

the rst phase of work on behalf of the parish.

Our team worked with the Parish Transformation

team from Our Lady of Knock Parish here

in Calumet City. A Mission Action Plan was

presented to Archdiocese. An Implementation

Team has been established to follow through

on the Action Plan. It has been gratifying and

enlightening to work with the wonderful team

from Our Lady of Knock. There are opportunities

for us to work together.

Archbishop Blase Cupcich celebrated mass at

St.Jude in South Holland for neighboring South

Suburban Communities. Our Choir and many

of our parishioners joined in this exceptional

celebration.

God Bless

Jo Merlo,

Des Plaines

St. Zachary, Br. 441

Members, guests and parishioners enjoyed a

festive Christmas Party on December 13th. Food

was catered and the entertainment was fabulous

--- an Elvis Impersonator, Will Devine. He sang

all of Elvis’ famous songs and interacted with

the audience. The highlight of his performance

was gifting Christmas Scarves to ladies in the

audience.

The Italian Mass was celebrated by Father

Feccia on Sunday, December 14th. On Sunday,

December 28th, “Coffee And” was served after

the 8:30am and 10:00am Masses. All parishioners

are encouraged to partake of the refreshments.

As we begin 2015, may we continue the work

of the ICF with the help of all of our dedicated

members. Through the year, they have all

contributed to the success of our fundraisers.

Rose Marie Berg

Fresno

Madera

Santissimo Crocisso, Br. 27

The January 13 meeting found us all well for the

rst dinner meeting of the year. Many thanks

to the January committee: Chairman, Marilyn

Rowe; and the committee members; Rosemary

Dockery, Mary Contreras, Julian Rosales, Arthur

Berryman, and Sally and Jim Bomprezzi. The

beef stroganoff, peas, salad and bread was just

what we needed for a cold January night.

Members are getting ready for several fundraisers

and are making preparations for the installation

of ofcers to be held in Bakerseld.

Welcome to our new members: Jim Bomprezzi,

Dan Prosperi and Norma Fontana.

Past President Ada Cavallero just celebrated her

90th birthday. Happy Birthday, Ada!

Please remember to pray for our sick or injured

members.

Ciao,

Kerin Cavallero

Fresno

Our Lady of Victory, Br. 32

We’re off to a great start with new members,

new ofcers, and a new chaplain. Tom Marschall

organized our members for a Membership Drive

Weekend in January. New administrators bring

new rules. While not being able to speak to

the congregation after mass, parishioners were

greeted by the ICF with banners, information

brochures, enticements, and excitement.

We are so happy to announce we have a new

chaplain, Deacon Kurt Neuhaus. Deacon Kurt

has already attended some meetings and has

agreed to the challenge of being our chaplain.

Welcome aboard, Deacon.

On February 20, the rst Friday of Lent, Br. 32

hosted the Lenten Meal and led parishioners in

the Stations of the Cross.

We sadly report our dear Louise Petrucelli was

called to Heaven. Condolences to her loving

family.

Richard Romagnoli was a late elected ofcer. He

will ll in as Sentinel for Br. 32. Welcome aboard.

Please pray for our country and our military, our

sick and inrmed, and the future of the Italian

Catholic Federation.

Merced

St. Cecelia, Br. 39

Happy New Year to everyone. This new year,

may we be blessed with peace all over the world.

Let it begin with our branches, listening to each

other, speak kind words to each other and be good

examples as we walk through our journey of life

with Pope Francis.

Our branch lost two very dedicated and loyal

members, our Chaplain Father Frank Piro and

Thomas Pollicita. These 2 men gave of their

talent, time and resources to help others. They had

a wonderful sense of humor. Father Frank worked

diligently to set up classes for parishioners who

wanted to learn more about the church. He was

available to the pastor whenever need for Masses,

weddings and baptisms. He was a great listener

and always answered, sharing his amazing

intelligence. Tom Pollicita never met a stranger.

He was very dedicated to education for young

people. After retiring from the role as principal, at

the Colma middle school, they named the school

after him. God bless these two special people.

Our polenta dinner is scheduled for March 25.

Tickets will be distributed and we hope you

make every effort to sell them. We will have our

wonderful rafe again. 25 wonderful prizes all

with a value of $50 or more. Mark your calendars:

2/22/15 -- District installation

3/11/15 -- Tridium dinner with Father Andrew

3/13/15 -- ICF Soup Night at St. Patrick’s Parish.

3/15/15 -- ICF St. Joseph’s Table meal St.

Patricks.

2/25/15 -- ICF Polenta dinner at the Italo

American Hall.

We will invite the members of the Newman Club

from UC Merced to join us for our St. Joseph’s

Day meal.

Our prayers for Carol Salmeri’s mother, Caroline

Sgarletta, who passed away at the age of 92. May

she rest in peace. Remember to visit our members

who are in retirement centers or nursing homes. A

smile or hug can go a long way to brighten a day.

Clovis

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Br. 250

Branch 250 is looking forward to the District

Installation this month. It will take place in

Bakerseld. We always have a wonderful time

visiting with friends from other branches in our

District.

Mary Zanarini was the “Cheer Team” for her

daughter, Alyssa, who ran the half marathon (13.1

miles) at Disneyland on January 18.

Angelo and LeAnne Lavagnino were blessed with

their rst great grandchild. Little Ethan Philip

Laughlin was born January 13. (Great Grandpa

was pushing for the name, Luigi.)

Your reporter is a little late with the following

two articles, but thought it too newsworthy to

not print them: 1) Our youngest member, Vincent

Rodriguez (8 yrs old), joined the Garden Club at

his elementary school and will now help care for

the school garden each week; and

2) Jenny Campopiano had a wonderful time in

Pasadena at the St. Philip’s Annual Parish School

Festival. Her two grandsons are in the 6

and 8

grades at St. Philip’s. Jenny’s daughter, Joan, was

Festival Chairperson.

We need to keep Lena Daddino, Vince Jura,

Colleen Maze and Beverly Travis in our prayers.

Branch358celebratingMimosaSundayatourSt.VincentFerrerChurch.

Branch 39 member VioletTwomey from her

privateparty.

Branch27ChaplinSisterThomasMarie

Heavy,newmemberJimBomprezzi,and

PresidentElsieBottorff.

Branch27ChaplinSisterThomasMarieHeavey,newmembersDanProsperiandNorma

Fontana,PresidentElsieBottorff.

March 2015

We’re looking forward to when they are able to

be back with us again.

Our birthday celebrants this month are; Mark

Budd (3/3), Kathy Christensen (3/15) and Nicole

Squeo (3/14). Have a Happy Birthday!

These things I warmly wish for you: Someone

to love, some work to do, a bit o’ sun, a bit o’

cheer, And a guardian angel always near. (Irish

Blessing)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Ciao!

LeAnne Lavagnino

Bakerseld

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Br. 281

As we begin to prepare for the Lenten season,

we are continuing with our branch activities. We

had a delicious pancake breakfast and the Moles

Team did a lot of work to make this another

successful event.

Our annual Parish Mardi Gras event was a day

packed with fun for all. ICF Games of Chance

Chairperson George Carson and his workers are

to be thanked for a job well done. Our Branch

President and Mardi Gras Chairperson, Deborah

Leary, demonstrated much passion for the event

and spread the ICF spirit to all who attended.

It was a great day of fellowship, games, and

shopping for treasures at Grandma’s Attic. There

were many things to do, and it was all thanks to

the hard work and willing help of volunteers.

Thanks to the members who were able to attend

the Fresno District Installation held at our church,

OLPH. The ofcers are excited to start their duties

for the New Year.

Our next meeting, March 12, will be Branch

281’s 42

Anniversary of service to our church.

The menu will include a steak dinner cooked

by Leonard Zasoski for only $10. Please check

the monthly newsletter for menu options and

reservation details.

With Lent, our parish will start their annual

Fish Fry Dinners hosted by the Knights of

Columbus—ICF will host adult beverages,

Women’s Guild will host desserts, and Boy

Scouts will sell soft drinks. Before the dinner,

Stations of the Cross will take place at 5:30pm;

this is a good time to spend time with friends for

a spiritual evening and delicious dinner.

Don’t forget our Pasta Dinner on Palm Sunday,

March 29!

Please keep Michael Passaglia’s mother, Sira,

Rosena Todahl, and Marian Zasoski and their

families in your prayers.

Baci e abbracci,

Kristen Watts

Fresno

St. Anthony, Br. 308

I hope all of you had a Happy Valentine’s Day,

President’s Day

and prayerful Ash Wednesday. Our Branch 308

had a wonderful February Dinner Meeting with

spare ribs as the main entree prepared by Joanne

De Benedetto and Bernie Squeo with delicious

side dishes and desserts prepared by each member

in attendance.

President Antoinette reminded us of the Lenten

Meals that our branch will be serving the next six

Fridays from 5:00 -7:30 p.m. There will be Fish

& Chips, Linguini & Clams, Manhattan Clam

Chowder, Penne with Salmon & Creme Sauce

and our Vegetable Lasagna Dinners. All of the

meals include a salad, bread, butter, beverage,

and dessert. Friday, Feb. 20 was our rst Lenten

Dinner beginning with the Manhattan Clam

Chowder.

Those of you who haven’t received a copy of the

schedule for the year please let Antoinette know.

If you are not sure when your membership is

due, check with Susan. Please pay them as soon

as possible.

The Ofcer’s Installation was Sunday, February

22 in Bakerseld. The slate of Ofcers are the

following:

President - Antoinette Pecora

1st Vice President - Patricia Faragia

2nd Vice President - Jay Newsome

Corresponding Secretary - Carolyn Romersa

Recording Secretary - Maria E. Juarez~Garcia

Financial Sec./Treasurer - Susan Mencarini

Sentinel - Alex J. Garcia

Orator - Angelo Pecora

1st Trustee - Larry Pricolo

2nd Trustee - Tim Solipasso

3rd Trustee - Bernie Squeo

Branch Dep. Rep. - Flora De Pasquale

ICF Chaplain - Father Bert Mello

Mark Your Calendar: Wed. March 11 Dinner

Meeting will

be Corn Beef & Cabbage and Sat., May 9, the

Bocce Tournament and Picnic-

-We are still looking for a chairperson for the

Bocce Tournament to be

in charge of signing up teams of four. On May 13

Dinner Meeting will be

Tri-tip and rice pilaf;

Please pray for our ill members, in therapy, or

having surgery and for their caregivers.

Birthday Wishes go out to Tobias Fortunato

(Feb. 3), Patricia Faragia (Feb.13), Maria E.

Juarez~Garcia (Feb. 14), Kathleen Demas

Feb.15), Jay Newsome (Feb.19), Suzanne

Swanson (Feb. 24), and Ed Toste (Feb. 20).

May you have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Maria E. Juarez~Garcia

Los Angeles

Archdiocese District

Los Angeles Region

On February 8, 2015 the Mother Cabrini Open

House was hosted by the Los Angeles Region.

Many ICF Members along with Parishioners from

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church visited

the Chapel and Library after the ICF LAADC

Installation the the Parish Hall.

On February 8 Ofcers of the ICF Los Angeles

Archdiocese District Council and the 18 Branches

in the District were installed by the ICF Central

Council in the Parish Hall of Saint Francis Xavier

Church in Burbank. Congratulations to all District

and Branch ofcers new and returning for taking

on the leadership positions in this amazing

organization. Grand President Bob Basuino

congratulates and gives the San Fernando Region

a Ceriticate of Merit for 100% Scholarship

Participation in 2014 then congratulates and gives

a Certicate of Merit for 100% Apostolic/

Charity Report Participation for 2014 to the

Santa Barbara/Ventura Region. District President

Carmelo Sabatella gave the ICF Grand President

Bob Basuino and eight Central Council Members

a Mother Cabrini Coffee Mug as a souvenir of

this incredible event with an invitation to visit

the Mother Cabrini Chapel and Library. All nine

CC Members visited theMother Cabrini Chapel

and prayed to Mother Cabrini for guidance and

strength to lead ICF in 2015.

Don’t miss March 15th in La Canada! Our

Archdiocese Director, Monsignor Antonio

Cacciapuotti has recently asked Branch 374 to

invite all District Branches to join him at Saint

Bede the Venerable Church in La Canada on

March 15 as he hosts a Special Traditional

Italian Procession and Communion Sunday Mass

celebrating Saint Joseph Day at 11:00am followed

by a Luncheon in the Parish Hall. Monsignor

is a gifted and inspirational speaker and will

be preparing his very own pasta sauce. We are

blessed to have him.

The next Mother Cabrini Open House is scheduled

on April 12, 2015 from 9:00 to 12:00am prior to

the ICF Cabrini Chapel Committee Meeting

in the Chapel Library from 12:00 to 2:00pm

at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in

Burbank. Contact 626 372-7812 for a copy of

the 2015 Open House Schedule. All Branches

are encouraged to include the Mother Cabrini

Open House in their respective Church Bulletins.

Thank you ICF Members, families and friends

for your support of the ICF and its related events.

Prayers go out to those Members and parishioners

who have gone to their eternal reward and to the

sick members, family, friends and Community

Members for a speedy recovery and especially to

those who recently passed to their eternal reward.

Please remember our brothers and sisters of our

armed services in your prayers to keep them out

of harm’s way.

May God bless and keep you healthy “per cento

anni!”

Carmelo Sabatella, President

Email: [email protected]

SAVE THE DATES:

Calendar of Events: Mother Cabrini Chapel

& Library, 3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA

April 12 - Open House 9:00am to 12:00pm

hosted by the San Fernando Valley Region.

April 12 - ICF Mother Cabrini Chapel &

Library Committee meeting at 12:00pm.

June 7 – Open House 9:00am to 1:00pm

hosted by San Gabriel Valley Region.

June 7 – ICF Mother Cabrini Chapel &

Library Committee meeting at 1:00pm.

Sept. 13 – Open House 9:00am to 1:00pm

hosted by Santa Barbara/Ventura Region.

Sept. 13 – ICF Mother Cabrini Chapel &

Library Committee meeting at 1:00pm.

Nov. 8 – Open House 9:00am to 1:00pm

hosted by the Burbank Knights of Columbus.

Nov. 8 – ICF Mother Cabrini Chapel &

Library Committee meeting at 1:00pm.

December 6 - Mother Cabrini Mass (12:30pm)

followed by Pilgrimage to Chapel and Lunch

in the Parish Hall.

Note: Groups may schedule visit to Mother

Cabrini Chapel and Library by contacting

Carmelo Sabatella at 626 372-7812.

Save The Dates:

March 15, 2015 - Our Archdiocese Director,

Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuotti has recently

asked Branch 374 to invite all District

Branches to join him at Saint Bede the

Venerable Church in La Canada on March

15 as he hosts a Special Traditional Italian

Procession and Communion Sunday Mass

celebrating Saint Joseph Day at 11:00am

followed by a Luncheon in the Parish Hall.

Monsignor is a gifted and inspirational

speaker and cook who will be preparing his

very own pasta sauce for this event. You

don’t want to miss this.

April 12, 2015 - Mother Cabrini Chapel and

Library Open House at Saint Francis Xavier

Church at 3801 Scott Road in Burbank from

9:00am to 12:00 pm hosted by the ICF San

Fernando Valley Region. ICF Mother Cabrini

Chapel and Library Committee meeting in

Library from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

May 9, 2015 - LAADC Board Meeting at

Holy Family Church, So Pasadena from 9:00

to 11:30 am hosted by Branch 108.

May 30, 2015 - LAADC General Meeting at

Saint Cornelius Church, Long Beach from

9:00am to 11:30am by Branch 440.

MembersofBranch250whotookCPRTrainingtolearntousethedebrillatorintheParishHall.

10 - BOLLETTINO

South Pasadena

Holy Family, Br. 108

Congratulations to the new and returning Ofcers

of the 2015 ICF Branch 108 Board recently

installed in Burbank at Saint Francis Xavier

Church Thank you members and Parishioners

for making the 12th Annual Wine Tasting Event

on February 7th a success! Over 140 guests,

including 12 staff and eight Vintners enjoyed this

special event. Thank you to Co-Chairs Christy

Shaw and Gina Sabatella for coordinating an

excellent program again this year. A special

thank you to ICF Grand President Bob Basuino

and the three Central Council Members and the

many Holy Family parishioners for your support

and enthusiasm while learning more about the art

of winemaking from local producers. And thank

you to members and friends of ICF who helped

staff this event.

At the last General Meeting on February 1,

members celebrated the February Birthdays and

63rd Wedding Anniversary of Members Ernie

and Norma Anderson. Members also mourned

the loss of long time member Anthony “Tony”

Mattazzaro who went to his eternal reward

recently. May he rest in peace. He will be

missed. Our condolences and prayers go out to

the families of Tony and Lilian.

Thank you ICF Members, families and friends

for your support of the ICF and its related events.

Prayers go out to those Members and parishioners

who have gone to their eternal reward and to the

sick members, family, friends and Parishioners

for a speedy recovery.

May God bless and keep you healthy “per cento

anni!”

Carmelo Sabatella, Past President

ICF Branch 108 Email: [email protected]

San Pedro

St. John Joseph of the Cross, Br. 115

Fifty of our branch members and friends have

returned from a Las Vegas outing safe and sound.

Thanks to Pauline Iacono and Neal Dileva for all

the hard work they put into making these trips so

memorable for us.

Thanks to Carmela Gioiello for organizing our

potluck on Feb. 19. We all had a good time and

plenty of delicious food. At this meeting we

finalized our plans for our upcoming annual

crab dinner dance which took place on March 7.

Also discussed was the Lenten Meal our branch

will be hosting on March 13 after the 5:15pm

mass. Please join us as we share a poor man’s

meal consisting of Pasta Fagioli, sh llet, salad

and bread.

Neal also announced that the doors to the Mother

Cabrini Museum need repair. To raise money

for the refurbishing the doors a rafe drawing

is taking place. $25.00 will buy you a chance to

win $200.00 with 12 chances to win. Please call

Neal for tickets. (310) 433-1044

Please join us on April 19 at 6:30pm Italian Mass

as we honor Madonna Del Arco. Please bring

owers to be present to our Lady.

Also announced was the deadline for High

School seniors to apply for the ICF scholarship.

Please call Neal Dileva for information and or

applications. (310) 433-1044.

Upcoming events

March 26th Day trip to San Manuel Casino

$23.00 per person ICF members will receive a

$3.00 discount Call Pauline Iacono for reservation

and info (310) 832-0563.

April 20-22 Laughlin Trip 2 nites 3 days stay at

the Aquarius Casino Price $120.00 per person

double occupancy $155.00 single occupancy. ICF

members will receive $5.00 discount. Please call

Pauline Iacono for reservations (310) 8320563.

Thank you members, families and friends for your

support of the ICF and its related events. Happy

Easter to all. May God bless and keep you healthy

Anita Gioiello Trujillo Treasurer

Gardena

St. Anthony of Padua, Br. 237

Our Branch President, Connie Bohannon

represented our group at the recent LA Archdiocese

District installation. She was accompanied by

Rose Moore, special events coordinator and

grandson Johnny Roa. He was quite the hit with

the ladies from host Branch 102.

We recently took a bus load of happy gamblers to

a local casino for a day of fun and good fortune.

This is a fund raiser and an enjoyable way to add

to our scholarship fund.

March 22, we will host Coffee and Donuts for

our Parish and have a recruitment opportunity.

Wish us well!

Next month we will be going to Laughlin for

our annual 3 day trip. This is one of our major

fundraisers and is a favorite of our Parish.

Happy St. Joseph’s Day and St. Patrick’s day to

all. How can we make the forty days of lent a time

of true conversion that lasts well beyond Easter?

Respectfully.

Micheal Bohannon-Roa

TheLADistrictgaveMotherCabrinimugstoCentralCouncilMembersattheinstallation.

SantaBarbara/VenturaRegioreceiveda

CerticateofMeritfor100%ApostolicChar-

ityParticipation.

SanFernandoRegionreceivedaCerticate

for100%ScholarshipParticipationfromthe

GrandPresidentattheinstallation.

Members,parishonersandCentralCouncilmembersenjoyedtheBranch10812thAnnualWine

TastingEvent.

San Pedro Branch 115 attended the 2015 ofcers Los Angeles District installation on Sunday, February

8 at Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Burbank. Mass at 10:30am followed by installation and

luncheon. Branch ofcers present: Neal and Anna Di Leva, Frank Colonna, Nancy Ventimiglia, Nancy

Donato, Pauline Iacono, Carmela Gioiello, Nicolina Mattera, Frank Amaltano , Robert Hohman

and Mary Cigliano.

Branch237PresidentConnieBohannonand

grandsonJohnRoaatLADistrictinstallation.

March 2015

San Gabriel Valley Region

Arcadia

Holy Angels, Br. 218

A huge thanks to all that helped with the pancake

breakfast, especially Scott Carrano and John

Curley, the co-chairs. All the prot goes directly

to Holy Angels School.

The St. Joseph’s Table is almost here – March

20 – start setting up, 2lst – nish setting up. The

Table will be blessed after the 5:00 mass and will

be on display that evening, with the pasta dinners

being served. On Sunday, the Table will be on

display from 8:00 to 3:00 with dinners being

served until 3:00. Please bring any donations

to the hall on Saturday or early Sunday. If you

wish to help, contact Karen and she will guide

you to one of the leaders in each category. This

is our main fundraiser for the year, so let’s all

work together to make it the huge success that it

always has been.

Everyone is aware of the circumstances of our

president, JoAnn. She’s a ghter, but we all need

to keep her in our prayers and hope that she will

be back with us soon.

Lolly M.

Diamond Bar

St. Denis, Br. 317

03/07 - Pastoral Leadership Award Dinner/Dance

03/13 – Lenten Soup and General Meeting

03/16 - Board Meeting

On January 20, our dear member, Clarisa Campos

passed away. Everyone was in disbelief and

apparently the cause was heart failure. She was

loved by our members and many at St. Denis. The

ICF branch 317 prepared a beautiful luncheon for

attendees of her funeral on January 31. The vigil

was on Friday, January 30 at 7:30pm. Viewing

Clarisa was difcult, however, I must emphasize

she appeared as a child. Youthful, serene, and at

peace as if she was welcomed in the arms of Jesus

and Mary. We shall miss her, but we are grateful

we shared the time, even though it was brief.

We shall begin our Cannoli fundraiser on March

1. Please sign up for the presales.

On March 13 we will have a Lenten soup meal

and General Meeting. More details in the March

Newsletter.

Thank you to Barbara and Randy for hosting the

delicious February Valentine Dinner on February

13. Also, thank you to Mary for the beautiful

decorating of the tables.

God Bless,

Roxanne Perry

Temple City

St. Luke, Br. 326

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all of our members!

Our next General Meeting will be held on March

25, 2015 at 7:30pm. Dessert and coffee will be

served at 6:30pm.

Our quarterly Mass will be held on March 15 at

the 8:30am. Mass. Breakfast to follow at Coco’s

on Baldwin in Arcadia.

There will be no April meeting due to St. Luke’s

Fiesta.

Also, just a reminder that our Pancake Breakfast

will be on June 7, 2015. Pre-sale tickets will take

place in May. Please support your branch and help

make this a successful fundraiser.

Please continue to keep all of our ill members in

your prayers, especially: Anne Dandrea, Roberta

Nangelo, Mary Jacobs, Eva Arrighi, Herminia

Saez, Eleanor Cuneo, and Ann Primising. And,

let’s not forget to pray for our deceased members.

Happy March Birthday: Salma Bishara and John

Perfetto.

Happy Anniversary to: Frances and Frank

Scorsone (43 years).

“I choose to walk friendship’s path with those

who know me best, for we share life’s precious

moments, and everyone is blessed. We celebrate

the happy days and dry each other’s tears, as

the road keeps winding upward throughout the

passing years. Every life is a stepping stone

for those who come behind, For when we need

that special hug, It’s never hard to nd. (Clay

Harrison)

God Bless,

Jo Anne Disney

San Fernando Valley

Region

Burbank

Santa Maria Goretti, Br. 102

Our rst meeting was well attended and new

ofcers were voted in:

Chaplin: Rev. Benny George

President: Bert Gallagher

1st Vice President: Bernie Baima

2nd Vice President: Phil Bartus

Recording Secretary: Melanie Bellomo

Corresponding Secretary: Delores Baima

Treasurer: Kristine Kaiser

Orator: Dottie LaMacchia

Trustees: Dina Tomei, Mary Massucci, Wilma

Bartus

Deputy: Bernie Baima

We are now a smaller branch but we are

determined to keep our branch alive, thanks to our

young members who keep us seniors on our toes.

Lent will soon be upon us and our ladies will be

preparing their delicious soups for our parish soup

suppers each Wednesday evening during Lent.

Sadly we mourn the passing of Clara Letrick.

May her soul and all our dearly departed members

rest in peace.

Until our next meeting, March 14 in Cabrini Hall.

May God’s blessing be upon each of you.

Ciao,

Dina Tomei

Santa Barbara/

Ventura Region

Thousand Oaks

St. Paschal Baylon, Br. 380

Our January meeting was a celebration of our

members. Our meeting included a visit from

La Befana, aka Branch 380 member Margherita

Aufmuth, who stopped by for a visit and

passed out small gifts to each child. Board

Members provided homemade soup for dinner in

appreciation of our members. We recognized that

our branch is celebrating its 30th year anniversary

and called up our charter members to thank them

for starting Branch 380 in Thousand Oaks. We

shared special cake, too.

Preparations for our 29th annual St. Joseph Day

Celebration have begun. St. Joseph’s Day is our

biggest fundraiser of the year and we encourage

all of our members to get involved to make this

a spectacular event this year!

Were looking forward to a great year at the ICF.

Ciao,

Jean Fontana Bridges

Corresponding Secretary

Monterey

Santa Cruz

N.S. Del Soccorso, Br. 21

Ah, Spring, wonderful Spring! Leo Tolstoy once

said: “Spring is the time for plans and projects.”

And when we look at our Branch 21 event

calendar, we see many plans and projects in the

making. On Sunday, March 22, we will have our

annual St. Joseph’s Day Dinner at Holy Cross

Hall. There will be the traditional spaghetti and

meatball dinner; our wonderful bread and dessert

table; and beautiful rafe prizes. In May, on the

or Cinco de Mayo, our General Meeting will

be extra special with a Mexican style dinner.

Then later in May, on Friday the 15

, we plan to

have our annual Spring Event. And, by the time

you get this Bollettino, our annual Valentine’s

Dinner Dance will have happened and I’m sure

the zippy dance band music, the luscious menu

of Italian style short ribs and Fettuccini Alfredo,

and the camaraderie of members and guests all

made for a wonderful evening. As always, we

need to thank the hardworking and generous

members and volunteers who helped make this

evening a success.

On a sad note, we would like to send good

thoughts and prayers to the families of our Branch

21 members who have recently passed. They

are: Erma Dalbesio, Emily Cress, and Charles

Kirksey. We know they are at home now with

Our Lord.

Finally, I must say, our General Meetings have

had such a nice turn out of old and new faces.

Our membership is growing and new President,

Richard Puccinelli and other Board Members

6345BalboaBoulevard,Suite325

Encino,California91316

MembersofBranch380celebratingLa

Befanaandits30thyearanniversary.

12 - BOLLETTINO

are eager to continue to make our Branch vital

and fun. We hope that you will join us at these

meetings which are always held at Holy Cross

Hall on the rst Tuesday of the month at 5pm;

except for June, that is, when the meeting will

take place on the 3

Tuesday, June 16.

In closing, a happy note for all you gardeners out

there, past and present: “In the spring, at the end

of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Margaret

Atwood

Patty Morelli

Secretary Branch 21

Salinas

Nostra Signora Del Sasso, Br. 25

It is with a sad heart that we report the death

of Emil Mirandette, one of our most active and

respected members. Emil was a member of the

ICF for almost 30 years and actively supported

the branch all that time. He was always the voice

of caution and reason in our deliberations and

his guidance and experience are sorely missed.

God Bless Him. Our thoughts and prayers go

out to Lorraine.

It is scholarship time once again. If you know

someone worthy of a scholarship, contact a branch

ofcer or go to icf.org web site for requirements

and application forms. Applications must be in

by March 15, 2015.

As noted, our Polenta Luncheon was a great

success, netting $3,698.80, including over $450

in bake sales. We are thankful for branch members

who worked so hard, and to non-members who

helped so much. Food donations came from Joe

Massolo (wine), Salinas Mushroom, Inc, Green

Gate (lettuce), Star Market (Polenta) and Kathy

Bullene (Gourds for decorating). Great job

everyone!

Lenten Season is here again as are the Friday night

sh dinners at Madonna del Sasso. A number of

members work on food preparation and serving.

Help if you can, but attend in any event and enjoy

a great meal with friends and neighbors.

Remember: You are dust and to dust you shall

return.

Dates to remember:

August 2, 2015 District Picnic at J&M Ranch

Ciao

Monterey

Santa Rosalia, Br. 36

Lenten dinners are going strong, keep volunteering

and bringing a dessert each week, our dinner

guests love desserts, and we want to keep them

happy, and it is only six weeks.

The money we make from Lenten dinners go to

San Carlos Church, maintenance of the Parish

Hall, Loaves and Fishes, scholarships, and many

charities.

Sunday, March 15, 2015, is St. Joseph Celebration.

Mass will be at San Carlos Cathedral at 2:00 p.m.

Dinner/Dance at San Carlos Parish Hall following

Mass. Great music by Anthony Lane Band and

Mike Marotta Jr.. Dinner prepared by Celebrity

Chefs Gaspar Catanzaro and Vito Spadaro, and

Chefs Eddie Leonard, P.J. Curatolo and Crew. All

reservations must be pre-paid by March 8, 2015.

Make checks payable to I.C.F. Br. #36 and mail to:

Mary Manuguerra, 4 Antelope Lane, Monterey,

CA. 93940. Price is Adults, $25.00 - Children

6-12 $10.00. If you need any more information

please call Mary, (831) 375-2009, or Beatrice

Bonanno, (831) 649-3216.

If you bake bread please bring some for St.

Joseph’s Table.

This day is always beautiful, I am looking forward

to it.

Calendar:

March 6 - 3rd Lenten Dinner

March 13 - 4th Lenten Dinner

March 15 - St. Joseph Celebration

March 17 - Happy St. Patrick’s Day

March 20 - 5th Lenten Dinner

March 27 - 6th Lenten Dinner

We have so many members who are ill, please

pray for them.

No love more perfect than God’s love,

No gift more perfect than the gift of prayer.

Peace be with you,

Bettye Sollecito

Castroville

Santa Caterina da Siena, Br. 51

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

This past month our Branch has been busy with

all the preparation for the annual Scholarship

Fundraiser. At the January Pasta and General

meeting, our Fundraiser Chairperson, Ashley

Stefani, had a sign-up sheet for the various areas

we needed help. By the end of the evening all the

areas were covered. We have great members that

work well together, and for that I am grateful.

Later this month (March 19) is our Branch’s

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. This year our

celebration falls on St. Joseph’s Day. We always

like to prepare our St. Joseph’s table in honor of

his special day.

January was a difcult month for many of the

people of Castroville as many longtime residents

passed away. Mike and John Bellone, Pat Bissett,

Joe Jiminez, Albina Boggiatto, Nick Haro and

Marvin Sarmiento all passed away in January.

Although they were not I.C.F. members, they were

friends and members of our small community for

many years. We pray for their souls.

A reminder to Branch 51 members if you have

not paid your dues please mail them as soon as

possible.

To our members who live out of the area, Gina

Candiloro, Bruna Del Chairo, Virginia Frassetto

and Thelma Sbarra, we miss you and you are in

our thoughts and hearts always.

As we continue on our Lenten Journey, let us

remember our sacrices are small, our Lord gave

everything for us.

Ciao,

Leonora Barlow

Pacic Grove

St. Angela Merici, Br. 206

Several of the ofcers and Members will be

attending the Central Coast District Installation of

Ofcers on February 28 at Sacred Heart Church

in Salinas. Everyone will enjoy the celebration

hosted by that Branch.

Our regular meeting on March 13 will be

cancelled due to a conict with the Church’s

lenten soup supper in the Hall. All the members

are encouraged to attend this fun event.

The Members were asked to continue to pray

for any Members and their families who are ill.

God Bless!

Marjorie McClure, Recording Secretary

Capitola

St. Joseph, Br. 227

Our Fish Frys are off to a great start. Thanks to

all who volunteered to help and be sure to check

in with Coordinator Ellen Pauly prior to your

shift, so you can get credit for working. Dinner

of calamari, baked sh or fried sh is $12 for

adults, $5.00 for children ages 5 through 10, and

children under ve eat free. The rate for a family

of two adults and two or more children under 10

is $30. The dinners are every Friday during Lent.

Love must have been in the air in February

many years ago because several of our members

celebrated very special anniversaries. It’s 67

years for Ken and Kay Waldvogel, 60 years for

Ted and Jeanne Day, and 50 years for Angelo and

Rita DeBernardo. Congratulations!

Speaking of Rita, thanks to her and her crew

of Bruce and Jean Dunne and Gary and Janice

Podesto for xing polenta dinner at our recent

meeting under difcult circumstances when the

power went out due to the rainstorm.

Special recognition goes to Liz and Mike Rios

for taking charge of coffee and donuts after mass

when it is ICF’s turn to do so.

Many thanks to Salinas Branch 25 for hosting the

Central Coast Installation of Ofcers on February

28. The rib eye steak dinner was certainly a treat.

Dan Casagrande has put together the schedule of

cooks for the year, but needs help for the meetings

of September, November and December. Please

contact him if you can pitch in.

Deanna Musler, Secretary

Arroyo Grande

St. Patrick, Br. 291

Our Lenten Fish Frys are underway! Branch 291

has three sh frys remaining on March 6, 20th and

27th. Our February sh frys have been very well

attended, and our wonderful, hardworking crew

makes the whole process run smoothly, plus we

have a lot of fun!

At a recent General Meeting we had a special

guest speaker—Arroyo Grande Police Chief Steve

Annibali. Chief Annibali gave an informative and

entertaining presentation and brought us up-to-

speed on the Arroyo Grande Police Department

remodel. Chief Annibali and his wife, Deborah,

were our dinner guests at the meeting as well.

Thank you to Joanna Van Blaricom for making

all the arrangements for Chief Annibali to attend

our meeting as our guest speaker and dinner guest!

Please continue to keep in prayer Sr. Carol Carter,

Dianne Clees, Tim Dutra, Annette Grimaud,

Stevie Hall, Jean & Emil Minicucci, James and

Marjorie Rodarte, Joe Slavin, Lorraine Spargo,

Sonia & Jens Wagner, Delna Zarate, Mary Ann

Zogata and all members of ICF and their families

who may be experiencing pain or heartache.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Keely Sanchez

Recording Secretary

Oakland

East Bay

District Council

We began the new year on a sad note with the

closing of one of the Oakland branches, St.

Theresa, Br. 223. Hopefully most of you have

been able to nd other branches to join, if not

there are always some with the welcoming mat

still out there.

A BIG thank you to all who helped make the

crab feed such a huge success. The hors d’oeuvre

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Members of ICF Branch 36, Monterey, California

Branch291enjoyedapresentationmadebyguestspeakerPoliceChiefSteveAnnibaliatarecent

GeneralMeeting.PicturedL-R:Toprow–PeteandAbbyGallagher,SandyandJerryQuintiliani.

Seated–ZorkaDraeger,JoannaVanBlaricom,DeborahAnnibaliandChiefSteveAnnibali.

March 2015

table was always busy, dinner was outstanding

and some how we still had room for a refreshing

dessert. And then there were the over the top rafe

prizes and a card game by Michael Stantich to

increase our coffers.

Our next big function will be Bishop’s Day with

Contra Costa county on March 1 at St Isadore’s

parish in Danville. Mass is at 4pm with dinner

following in the parish hall. Let’s plan to attend

as a group.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 and

will be with us until Easter Sunday, April 5th.

Lots of time to improve our faith life and be of

service to others. Along with prayer this is what

the C in ICF is all about.

Now we may be Italian, but we can still celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day with the best of them. So

take a tiny break and enjoy the Irish food and

merriment!

Happy St. Paddy’s Day,

Pat Grasso, Secretary

Alameda

Nostra Signora Delle Grazie, Br. 10

We hosted our annual Polenta Dinner on Saturday

evening, January 31, in Monsignor O’Brien Hall

in Alameda. We had moved the date around

somewhat so that the event would not conict

with other activities. Still, a sellout crowd of

100 was present to enjoy an outstanding dinner

of salad, polenta with chicken, mixed vegetables

and ice cream prepared by chef and Branch 10

member Ben Ratto.

Monsignor O’Brien Hall came alive again just

six nights later for the East Bay District Crab

Feed on the evening of Friday, February 6.

Over 200 persons travelled through the rain to

attend this major yearly event. Jeanette Zugnoni

prepared two baseball-themed gift baskets as

our contribution to the rafe. The usual corps

of several other leaders of Branch 10 helped in

setting-up, decorating and stafng the dinner in

our 90-year-old meeting place.

Our Lenten Fish Fry’s started on February 20,

the Friday after Ash Wednesday, and continue

through March 27, the Friday before Palm

Sunday. The simple dinner follows Stations of the

Cross at Saint Philip Neri Church, which begin at

6:30 p.m. Prices are $10.00 for adults and $5.00

for young persons 12 and under. Reservations are

not necessary for the Fish Fry’s.

The next major Branch 10 dinner will be our

annual Irish Social, on Saturday, March 14. The

doors to Monsignor O’Brien Hall will open for

the social hour at 6:00 p.m., and the traditional

dinner of corned beef and cabbage will be served

at 7:00. From year to year, the Irish Social is

likely the most popular event on the branch’s

social calendar. Prices are $25.00 for adults and

$12.00 for guests 12 and under. For additional

information and reservations, please contact

Jeanette Zugnoni, (510) 523-8005.

Five nights after the Irish Social, on Thursday

evening, March 19, we will hold our annual Saint

Joseph’s Table. Cost is $10.00 for children and

$15.00 for adults. Guests are requested to bring

desserts to be shared by others in attendance,

and reservations will not be necessary. Maria

Croft will prepare the meal. Michael Marcheschi

will chair the event and can be reached at (510)

523-4720.

Monsignor O’Brien Hall is located at High Street

and Van Buren Street, Alameda, about 1 1/2 miles

from the High Street exit off Interstate 880 in

Oakland. Parking is available in the adjacent

schoolyard and in the surrounding residential area

(we seems to be alright with our neighbors). We

always look forward to seeing new, ”mainland”

faces at ICF functions in our island city of

Alameda.

John Zugnoni

Livermore

St. Filomena, Br. 285

Branch 285’s Bingo Bash, held on February 21,

was lots of fun! And, a BIG “thank you” to all

who organized, worked, attended and enjoyed

the evening which beneted Children’s Hospital/

Cooley’s Anemia.

The Stations of the Cross will be led by our

branch on Friday, March 6, at 7pm at St.

Augustine’s Church in Pleasanton. We hope that

many of our members will participate in this

Lenten tradition.

Our next branch meeting, Friday, March 20,

6:30pm at St. Michael’s Hall in Livermore,

will be a Lenten pot luck and will feature a St.

Joseph’s Table organized by Rosie Dickie. Please

bring non-perishable food for the needy in our

area. Marie Timmer will speak to us about the

1906 SanFrancisco Earthquake and Italian opera

singer, Enrico Caruso, who was there. Everyone

will enjoy this!

We learned recently that Catherine Cate, a

long-time member of Branch 285, passed away

in January, at a nursing home in San Jose. She

was 93, a member of St. Michael’s parish and

fondly remembered by many of us. May God

rest her soul.

Twenty three members have expressed interest in

playing bocce on a regular basis. Don Merucci

is researching courts, times and costs. If you are

interested in playing but haven’t signed up yet,

please call Don at 925-846-8436.

Clear your calendar for Branch 285’s Primavera

Dinner Dance on Saturday, May 2, at St. Michael’s

Hall in Livermore! Our major fundraiser for

the year offers a very nice evening of food,

fellowship, dancing to great music, and lots of

rafe prizes! More information next month!

Ciao,

Mary Merucci

Castro Valley

Our Lady of Grace, Br. 343

Well Christmas in January is not such a bad thing,

it makes the holidays last longer. But now it is

back to real time. Hope all had a great Valentine’s

day and were able to enjoy our “early celebration”

at our Polenta, chicken and sausage dinner.

With Lent beginning so early this year, Feb.18,

it is once again time to think about ways we can

be of service to others. Our March dinner will

again have a St. Joseph’s table for the purchase

of desserts, the proceeds will be contributed St.

Vincent de Paul at Transguration church. Our

branch will also be providing the nal Soup Meal

of Lent on March 25 at OLG. See, there are lots

of ways to be of service.

Bishop’s Day will be at St. Isadore’s church in

Danville on March 1, hopefully we will have a

large turnout. Dinner will follow in the parish

hall.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all Irish and those

who wish to be Irish.

From your non-Irish secretary,

Pat Grasso

Contra Costa

District Council

The District is very grateful to the Officers

and Members of Branch 214 in Concord for

hosting the 2015 Installation of Ofcers. Special

thanks go to Roberta Healy, David Bota, Michael

Cannady and Patty Jarrett for their extra efforts

in making this event so successful. Many

thanks also to Roselynne Jarrett for her work

and for representing our Central Council Grand

President and for performing the Installation.

The atmosphere and food at the La Veranda

restaurant in Clayton was very good, along with

a beautiful day.

The ICF Contra Costa and East Bay Districts

celebrated annual Bishop’s Day honoring the

Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ on Sunday,

March 1st 2015. I will give a more thorough

report of this event in the April issue.

Our next District Meeting will be on Thursday,

April 23 at St. Isidore’s in Danville. There will

be no meeting in March.

Best wishes for a Happy Birthday to our members

born in March. May you live as long as you want

and never want as long as you live.

We will soon be in the Lenten season.

Hurtful things wrinkle the heart--forgiveness puts

it back into shape.

Wishing you a protable Lent

Joann

Crockett

San Carlo, Br. 14

Yes, it really is Lent already. And I’m still nding

Christmas sparkles on my oor!

March 10 is our St. Joseph Table meeting, so there

is no mass, but there is a Blessing of Tables at

6:00 (note time change), followed by a meatless

pasta dinner. Please bring a meatless dish to share,

i.e., a torte, vegetable, salad, fruit, stuffed eggs,

dessert, etc. The pasta is provided by the branch.

This is an interesting, different dinner meeting

that you will want to experience.

And speaking of dinners…our Polenta Dinner

received rave reviews, and was as nancially

successful as usual. And now, ‘tis shamrock

time at Branch #14. Our Corned Beef Dinner is

Saturday, March 14, and the fun begins at 6:30.

Come share the luck, laughter and joy of the Irish

with our fun-loving Irish members. Everyone is

Irish in March, right?

The St. Rose Fish Fry is Friday, March 27.

In addition to a delicious sh dinner, the real

advantage of the Fish Fry is visiting with friends,

because this is a fundraising event for the church

that everyone attends. It’s a kind of reunion for

those who love eating great sh and visiting

with friends.

An enthusiastic welcome to our newest members,

Rich Dell Agostino, Allen Lira, and Reggie and

Judy Pereira. So glad to have you!

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14 - BOLLETTINO

It’s time to turn the page on so many illnesses

lately. Sincere get will wishes to Aaron Cargo,

Andrea DelSid, Lena McCrossen and David

Townsend.

It’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to

our members Marina Dell Agostino and Vince

Ramos. Both were active members, loved by

many; they will long be missed. Our heartfelt

condolences to their families, especially Rich

Dell Agostino and Lois Ramos.

With a tip of the hate to the Irish, we say, “May

your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May

your heart be as light as a song. May each day

bring you bright happy hours, that stay with you

all the year long.”

Ciao,

Diane Bottini Thomas

Pittsburg

San Domenico, Br. 72

In Jan. our ofcers attended the District Mass

and Installation. This was hosted by the Concord

Todos Santos branch and we thank them for a

job well done. We were honored that Roselynne

was asked by our Grand President to represent

him that day.

At our Feb. meeting we had a Valentines party

with a sweets potluck and rafe. We also shared

stories of how we met our Valentines.

Upcoming events:

Sunday, March 1 -- Bishops day Mass and

reception to be held at St. Isidore’s church in

Danville at 4: 30pm

Sunday, March 8- -- Meeting and St. Joseph’s

Table/St. Patrick’s day party at 2pm. Soup and

Salad lunch will be served.

Sunday, April 12 -- Meeting and lunch to be held

at New Mecca in Pittsburg at 2

Thurs., April 23 -- District meeting in Danville

at 7:30pm

Did you know that your children/grandchildren

can join ICF under the family membership plan

for just $10.00 for the entire family?

Did you also know that ICF has a hospitalization

plan that you can join for just $25.00 a year? Ask

Patty for details.

I am happy to report the recovery of two of our

ofcers. Our second vice president Josie was

ill and needed to be hospitalized. Our secretary

Grace had a bad fall and was injured. Both ladies

thank you for your prayers.

If you know of any other sick members contact

Jane Russo. She is our sunshine chairperson and

will gladly send a card on behalf of the branch.

See you soon.

Always remember,

Sempre Avanti

Patty

Richmond

St. Raymond, Br. 154

The February meeting opened with a Soup and

Salad dinner, prepared by Walter Costa and

Toni Reeder. Delicious as always! We hosted

two guests from district, Donna Hoffman and

David Botta. Their comments and suggestions

are greatly appreciated.

Walter Costa has agreed to take on the role of

Heritage spokesman for our group. Thank you,

Walter!

Jim Rampoli has offered to look into name tags

for all members. These could be useful to use at

convention and other ICF functions.

We welcomed three new members to our branch,

they are: Teresa Graham, Alice Trevino and her

son Zoomi.

Please respond before February 19th if you plan

on attending Bishop’s Day. The cost is $25.00 and

includes a Pork Loin dinner with Salad, Pasta and

dessert. The date is March1, 2015 at 4:30pm at St.

Isadore’s Church 440 La Gonda Way Danville.

Happy 80th Birthday to Diana De Simoni,

our Sentinel. She was kind enough to bring a

delicious birthday cake to share.

Mark your calendar for the next Polenta Dinner,

on April 18 at St. Jerome’s Parish Hall, Adults

$22.00, Children $6.00. This is usually a sold

out event so get your reservations in early at the

next meeting.

Next meeting is March 09, 2015, 6pm mass

followed by Corned Beef and Cabbage, $12.00,

reserve with Dee at 510-232-1387.

Don’t forget dues are payable now! Annual dues

are $35.00 and Hospitalization is $25.00. Make

your check payable to the ICF and give your

check to Lori Framsted.

Lorraine Acuña

Brentwood

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Br. 432

A belated Happy New Year to all. We’ve been a

little remiss in getting our happenings out so we’ll

start with the end of 2014 and head into 2015.

We ended 2014 with a great Christmas dinner at

Sweeny’s, a local restaurant. With plenty of food

and drink, a good time was had by all attendees.

Moving on into 2015, on January 17, we started

the year off with the installation of our Branch

Ofcers. In concert with the other Branches of

the Contra Costa District, the installation was

held at St. Agnes Church in Concord. After

the installation of Ofcers, all of the Branches

reconvened at La Veranda Cafe in Clayton: For

what else, food, drink and an enjoyable time.

Congratulations to our new Ofcers for 2015:

Chaplin -- Deacon John Kortuem

President -- Gene Simonetti

First Vice President -- Philomena Sawko

Second Vice President -- Grace Grimes

Secretary -- Marilyn Simonetti

Treasurer -- Linda Kortuem

Orator -- Art Londos

Trustees -- Mary Webber, Frank Stagnitto, Jack

Bagar

Sentinel -- Marie Modafferi

We held our rst Branch meeting of the year on

January 26 at Mountain Mike’s Pizza. After pizza

and beer, a great way to get ready for a meeting

incidentally, we looked forward to the year ahead.

The group was challenged by President Gene

Simonetti to come up with another annual fund

raiser. Not an easy task but looked on with great

enthusiasm by all.

May the coming year reward all with good health,

good fellowship and much love.

la vita ‘e bouna

Pleasant Hill

Christ the King, Br. 442

Thanks to all members who took part in planning,

organizing and attending our Valentine’s-themed

February branch meeting and St. Joseph’s Day

March meeting (complete with a meatless potluck

and St. Joseph’s Novena).

Because of the branch’s fundraising efforts, we

were able to donate $1,000 to the parish, two $400

scholarships and $350 toward Bishop’s Day. The

branch also donated two Italian-themed baskets

with Italian pottery and cookbooks to the parish

school auction. Thanks to all who have worked

so hard to make our fundraising events such a

success!

Plans are well underway for our April 25 spring

tea fundraiser from 11:30 to 2. It will feature

authentic tea, scones, sandwiches and desserts.

Tickets are $25. For more details or to reserve a

spot, email [email protected]. We are also

planning a spring bocce ball event, so stay tuned

for further details!

We wish everyone a blessed and joyous Easter.

Ciao!

Orange

Huntington Beach

St. Bonaventure, Br. 379

Branch 379 started the New Year with its

traditional Holiday Party on January 18. Members

held the January meeting and then enjoyed a

pasta and salad dinner at Baci Restaurant in

Huntington Beach. On January 25, members

attended the Brick Dedication of Mary’s

Courtyard at St. Bonaventure Catholic School.

Branch 379 purchased one of the rst bricks

placed in the courtyard; all proceeds benet the

school’s Endowment Fund to support Catholic

education of our youth. Also on the 25th, branch

members helped with the Donut Ministry at St.

Bonaventure, serving donuts, juice and coffee in

the Hall after all morning masses.

The branch also suffered the loss of member

Anthony Mattazaro in January. For the last

two years, Anthony has driven his 1967 red

convertible Mustang in the Huntington Beach

4th of July Parade with several ofcers of Branch

379, and he took much delight in participating in

our nation’s celebration and promoting the Italian

Catholic Federation to the crowds. He also held

an annual August summer BBQ at his home and

invited all the members. Anthony’s joy in life

and jokes will be well-missed. We will cherish

our fond memories of him.

Submitted by Karen Paz, President

Branch154celebratedthe80thbirthdayof

Diana!

Branch379-4thofJulyParade:(fromlefttoright)KarenPaz,GregGeraci,MariaDiPaolo,Lillian

CampbellandAnthonyMattazarointhe4thofJulyParadein2014.

(Above)Branch379-Brick:Branch379’sbrick

inMary’sCourtyardatSt.BonaventureCatholic

School.

(Left) Branch 379 - Marys Courtyard: St.

BonaventureSchoolissellingengravedbricks

initsinnercourtyardtoincreaseitsEndowment

Fund.

March 2015

Irvine

St. Thomas More, Br. 423

Top o’ the month to you! Wishing you all a very

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

President Mary Ann Profeta thanked Tom and

Peggy Farrell for hosting the Christmas party

in December. She also thanked Ann Volpe and

Randy Profeta for making the ham dinner at

January’s meeting.

Treasurer Tom Farrell reminded everyone that

dues are due. Membership fee is $40 per person.

Bishop dinner and Installation of Ofcers plans

are currently being made. More details to come.

The annual St. Joseph’s Table will be held on

March 21 and 22 at St. Thomas More Parish in

Irvine. Mina Brooks and Lupe Montejano are

co-chairs for the event. We will have a cupcake

station, fresh sausage and meatball sandwiches,

freshly made cannolis, Meal-In-A-Bag, and

homemade delectables to choose from. Please

bring your homemade baked goods and other

delicious edibles to the event.

Next meeting will be on Friday, February 20.

Ciao,

Miranda Gibson

Reno

St. Albert, Br. 135

Sunday, February 8 at St. Albert’s Hall, 26

members and guests braved a rainy evening,

which was a welcome relief to our very dry

winter, and enjoyed Lasagne, fresh green beans,

salad, garlic bread and Red Velvet cake prepared

by Ron and Romi Frediani. Many thanks to the

Fredianis for providing such terric food.

It was reported that our member, Brother

Matthew Cunnningham recently had back

surgery and was spending a few days in the

hospital. Keep Br. Matthew in your prayers and

we wish him a speedy recovery. We pray for

God’s healing touch for everyone who is sick.

Vonnie Ramos is lining up cooks for our

meetings in May, October and November. Plan

on volunteering to help cook for a meeting.

Vonnie Ramos gave a Heritage report on St.

Valentine who was martyred on February 14th

in the First century because he would not give up

his Christian belief. He is the Patron Saint and

protector of love, lovers, and happy marriage.

She also explained the reasons why we receive

ashes on our forehead on Ash Wednesday. The

austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar

to how people in the Old Testament fasted and

repented in sackcloth and ashes.

Our next meeting was moved to March 15th. Plan

on attending as there is prospects of a delicious

dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and Happy

St. Joseph’s Day, March 19.

Have a blessed Lenten Season

Charlyne Pacini

Sacramento

St. Mary, Br. 45

Hello from Branch 45

Time for our tasty Chicken and Polenta dinners to

begin; the rst one of the year will be on Sunday,

March 22, with a branch meeting at 4:30pm and

dinner at 6:00pm. Cost is $12.00 for members

and $16.00 for non-members and guests. Make

your reservation by calling Janine, 916-400-

3283; please call by March 17. We invite all the

branch 45 members to attend the meeting. Bring

your ideas and opinions and let us know your

visions for 2015.

Upcoming in May will be Monte Carlo Games

and Pasta Dinner Night to be held in Giovanni

Hall on May 17. “CASINO 45” will feature a

variety of games, Blackjack, Texas Hold’em,

Bingo, Bunco and Roulette with a cache of

valuable prizes for the winners. The games will

be followed by a delicious pasta dinner.

More information to come next month.

Buon Compleanno to Mindy Jung, our only

March Birthday celebrant.

Dues are DUE! If you have any questions, contact

Janine (916-400-3283) for more information.

See you all March 22 at our rst dinner; we are

looking forward to a busy and productive year.

Roseville

San Vito, Br. 73

The officers of Branch 73 are the same as

those who served last year; President , Robert

Delpippo; Vice President, Bruno Novi; Treasurer,

Marie Martin; Secretary, Jeanette Presti; Orator,

Arlene Roe; Sentinel, Rosina Genessi; Trustees,

Sherice Martin, Rosemarie Presti, Theresa

Simone. On 24 January, four of these ofcers

attended the Mass and Installation held at St.

Clare’s Church. These were followed by a very

ne luncheon hosted by Branch 438.

It is the time if the year to again pay dues.

These ($34.00, plus $25.00 if a member has

hospitalization) may be paid at the meeting (the

17th of this month) or sent to Fred Terrio, 228

Skopas Court, Roseville 95661.

Buon compleanno e tante belle cose a tutti i soci

della Sezione 73 nati nel mese di marzo.

Mark your calendars for 16 May, when Branch

73 will host its next dinner.

Robert Delpippo

Highlands

St. Lawrence the Martyr, Br. 236

On Saturday, February 7, our general meeting

was held at the Parish Center. Members enjoyed

pizza, salad & dessert. Ten members were in

attendance.

New for 2015 is a change to our monthly general

meeting time from 12pm to 11am.

Congratulations to Natalie Malone who won the

half and half drawing (nally)!

Joint Installation was held on Saturday, January 24

at St. Claire’s Church in Roseville. Approximately

75 people attended. The Installation Ceremony

was nice, the lunch was delicious and the event

was an amazing success.

President Nina Malone will be meeting with

Father Enrique to discuss the future of fundraising

and the scal impact of not allowing organizations

to have fundraisers has had on our small group.

Past President Dinner for Tina Flanders will

be held on Wednesday, March 11, 5pm at the

Thunder Valley Buffet.

Please continue to pray for our sick members

and their families.

Belated Birthday wishes to Natalie Malone

(January 10), Gloria Trapasso (January 21), Anita

St. Denis (February 6), Josena Stang (February

23rd), and Freida Mayers (February 27).

Happy Birthday to Pat Korf (March 6), Ann

D’Antonio (March 15) and Virginia Becker

(March 16).

Just another friendly reminder that annual

membership dues are now payable.

Our next meeting will be held on March 11, 11am

in the Parent Center. Hope to see everyone there.

Margie Burke

Auburn

St. Joseph, Br. 342

On Sunday, April 5, our branch will be hosting

Hospitality Sunday at St. Teresa’s Church. After

the 8:00 and 10:30 masses, we serve refreshments

to the parishoners and have a membership drive.

If you can help out be either helping out after

the masses or donating baked goods, please call

Marisa at 889-2311. Thank you.

Please reserve Saturday May 16th on your

calendars! We are very exicitedly planning a

Spring Luncheon at the Elks Lodge in Auburn.

More details and ticket info will be sent out soon.

Pam Andersen

Bolletino Contributor

San

Bernardino

Fontana

St. Joseph, Br. 210

We had our February meeting on the 8

. It was

a pretty good group. Our Substitute, Retired

Priest, Father Pierre Stopped over to see what

the ICF was all about. He Blessed our food and

took a plate home. Since he is retired, our Bishop

assigned him as Chaplain for Fontana Kaiser

Hospital so he celebrates Mass occasionally at

our Parish. Nan Judge did the decorations again,

with a Valentine theme. At our meeting, we voted

to fund another Scholarship this year and make

a donation to Cooley’s Anemia. Our Parish is

participating in Pope Francis’s Request for input

for the Synod on “Marriage and Family” which

will be held in October of this year. Our President

encouraged anyone interested to participate. John

Guerin, our Branch Deputy, informed us of the

St.Joseph Celebration at his Branch on March

. Guest Speaker, Bradley James, will talk

about his experiences working with (Mother) )

Saint Teresa of Calcutta. An Italian Dinner will be

served prior to the speaker. After singing happy

Birthday to members Angie Teal, Pat Grisafe and

Pete Dente the Meeting closed at 3:45.

Have a blessed Easter Week God bless.

Jack Grisafe

Redlands

Sacred Heart, Br. 217

On March 19, 2015 at 6:00pm, Branch 217

will be holding its second annual St. Joseph’s

Day Gala Dinner at The Holy Name of Jesus

Catholic Community, 115 West Olive Avenue,

Redlands, California. Our featured speaker is

Bradley James, composer and performer. Bradley,

a former choir director at Sacred Heart Church,

will share his experiences working closely with

Mother Teresa (now, St. Theresa of Calcutta) and

the Missionaries of Charity for over a decade.

Mother Teresa gave Bradley exclusive worldwide

rights to write and record music to her words and

prayers, and he will share some of his music with

us that evening. He has worked with Mother and

her Sisters in orphanages and AIDS care homes

in Calcutta, Mexico, San Quentin and the South

Bronx. Come and hear Bradley’s beautiful

voice and his inspiring stories of his wonderful

experiences. A full course Italian meal will be

served. Tickets are $15.00 each. For tickets or

more information, please call (909) 790-1553 or

(909) 794-2244. Grazie!

16 - BOLLETTINO

San Diego

District Council

On Sunday, February 8, 2015, the Sa Diego

I.C.F. District held its annual Joint Installation of

Branch and District Ofcers at St. Therese Parish.

The 11:00 a.m. mass was celebrated by Pastor

and Branch Chaplain Reverend Michael Pham.

Following mass, a luncheon, short program and

the installation were held in the Social Center.

A delicious luncheon was catered by Cupid’s

Catering. Grand 2

Vice President, Andy Pappani

conducted the installation and presented the

Grand President’s annual message. Master of

Ceremonies was Forest Price, C.C. Emeritus.

Chairpersons for the event were Christine (Chris)

Murphy, San Diego District 1

Vice President and

Prudence Price, District Trustee. Refreshments

were handled by Jim Cardinal-Hill, S.D. District

Vice President. Letters, program and hall

decorations were prepared by Chris Murphy;

the rafe was conducted by District Recording

Secretary, Maria Tollefson, and District President

Richard Barker, presented the district’s message.

Mary Alesi presented gifts to Andy and Silia

Pappani. Maria Tolllefson and Sherry Thurston

were awarded certicates as deputies of the year

during 2014. Life Member Emeritus and District

orator, Jody Balestrieri, closed a happy and

pleasant event with a prayer and the Federation

Anthem.

For the photo on page 1 the persons in the picture

from left to right are: Richard Barker, Jody

Balestrieri,Andy Pappani, Maria Tollefson, Mary

Alesi, and Forrest Price.

San Francisco

SS Immacolata, Br. 1

Just a few reminders. Our next District Council

meeting will be on April 9, at the Taraval Police

Station, at 6:00pm, and will be hosted by Branch

290.

Archbishop’s Day, hosted this year by the San

Mateo District, will be held on April 12. Mass

and dinner will be in Millbrae.

Ann Basuino, Dist. Secty

San Francisco

Sts. Peter and Paul, Br. 38

Can you believe that our ICF Branch 38 hasn’t

had a meeting yet in 2015? We were displaced

of our meeting room (Parish Center) in January,

and we haven’t had our regular February meeting

yet. Our 1st meeting this year will take place this

coming Saturday, February 14 on Valentine’s

Day. We can hardly wait…we are so far behind

in getting the year started!

However, our branch Scholarship Program has

already received a High School student inquiring

about, “How do I apply.” Plus, the ICF Annual

Dues notices and our branch Meetings and Events

calendars have all been mailed out (thank you

Madeline Torre for all you do from home). I

also understand from Madeline that the dues are

coming in nicely. Thank you members for being

so prompt and thoughtful. So, I guess we can say

we have actually started the New Year! Yeah!

Just a reminder: February 1, ICF Br. 38 was

established 82 years ago. I used to think 82 years

is a long time ago…now it doesn’t seem that

long! Congratulations to all the ICF branches

who will be soon celebrating an anniversary.

Since we have a little more space in the Bollettino

this month, I would also like to thank two very

nice ladies that work for the ICF and take time

to help us when necessary. I don’t know you

ladies personally, but Charlene Kramer when I

phone you you’re always so helpful and kind. You

make everything seem easy. The other person is

Michelle Feldman, Editor of the Bollettino, for

being so patient with my lengthy articles. I don’t

when to stop writing or where to look on the

computer…sorry (I promise to ask)!

Ci vediamo sabato, il 14 di marzo!

10:30am -- Ofcers’ Meeting, 11:30am Regular

Meeting in the PC, & 12:30 am Lunch

We’re celebrating: Mardi Gras, St. Patrick, St.

Joseph *details by phone.

Ciao!

Mara Amato

San Francisco

St. Elizabeth, Br. 258

It is not too late to say: Felice Anno Nuovo to all

our members and their families.

It was nice to see Bev at our Christmas lunch.

The District Pot Luck dinner on January 8 was

nice.

Our Installation of Ofcers was held on January

11. We had about 80 in attendance. It as held at

the Italian American Social Club and the lunch

was very good. Many Grand Ofcers were in

attendance, whom we always enjoy seeing.

We are sad to report that Silvio Scocca passed

away on January 18, 2015. Silvio was a member

of Br. 258 for 48 years. He was a Charter and Past

President of 258. Silvio was an active member up

until a few years ago. Silvio, you will be missed.

May the Lord keep you in His care.

Please keep our ill and deceased members in

your prayers.

Please remember these dates:

Ofcers Meeting: March 2

Mass: March 22

Meeting: March 23

Ciao,

Eva Perata, President

San Francisco

Corpus Christi, Br. 290

Dear Friends,

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, March

19. Please remember that all future meetings will

begin with lunch at 12:00 noon, followed by our

meeting. The only exception will be the June

meeting, which will be held in the evening to

accommodate the annual dinner in honor of the

ICF scholarship winners.

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all who

attended our Crab Feed on February 7. Many

thanks to everyone who worked to make this event

such a great success.

Just a reminder that our rst Champagne- Bingo

luncheon of the year is scheduled for Saturday,

March 7. For the price of $25, those in attendance

will enjoy a delicious lunch and will receive a

free Bingo packet. For reservations, please call

Mary Rowe(415) 333-7939 or Joyce Nuti (415)

586-7879. Hope to see you there.

It is with sadness that I report the death of Branch

290 member, Joe Smith. May he rest peacefully

in the arms of the Lord.

Please continue to pray for all members who are

not feeling well.

Finally, Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish

friends. We join them in celebrating the feast of

this great saint.

Ciao,

Jeannette

San Francisco

St. Cecilia, Br. 365

To quote our Branch President George, La vita

e` bella. La Federazione muove avante. Quando

abbiamo speranza, abbiamo direzione, con

direzione e spirito, abbiamo sucesso.

Elena Kelly was initiated into Branch 365 at our

last meeting. Welcome, Elena. We are very happy

to have you with us.

We joined Lois Maher in celebrating her 90

th.

Lois doesn’t look a day over 60. Perhaps she will

divulge her secret of youth at our next meeting.

District President, Debbie Major, was our guest

of the evening. She suggested that it might be a

good idea if some of our branch members would

look into visiting and speaking at nearby Middle

Schools that teach the Italian Language. This

could be part of our Heritage Program.

We have set our goals for the year. First, increase

our membership by 10 people and second, have

more fundraisers in order to increase the amount

in our treasury.

Constance Mertes is ill. Please keep her in your

prayers.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 8,

Serra Room, regular meeting.

See you then and God Bless,

Ann Basuino, Secty

San Mateo

District Council

Greetings! Many thanks to Branch 403, St.

Dunstan’s, Millbrae for hosting the 2015

Installation and thanks to Dan Capodanno for

coordinating it. It was a very wonderful and

uplifting event. Congratulations to all the elected

Ofcers. Thanks to Branch 163 for hosting the

delicious and fun-lled Christmas Party for the

District.

Mark your calendars:

Lenten Night of Recollection at Holy Angels,

107 San Pedro Road, Colma. Monday, March

23, 2015. Hosted by Branch 19. Refreshments

to follow.

Thursday, March 26, 2015 District Meeting

at 7:30pm, Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame.

Hosted by Branch 130, St. Pius, Redwood City.

Sunday, April 12, 2015 Bishop’s Day, 10:30am.

Mass at All Soul’s Church, Miller/Walnut

Avenue, South San Francisco. Lunch to follow at

the Basque Cultural Center, Railroad Ave., South

San Francisco.

A motion was made and passed at the District

meeting to give one 1st year scholarship in

Memory of Al Teglia.

SAVE THE DATE: September 19, 2015 will be

the District’s 50th Anniversary celebration mass

at 2:00pm at Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame

followed by dinner at St. Dunstan’s, Millbrae.

Cost will be $25.00. More information later.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Anne O’Brien

South San Francisco

Sacro Cuore, Br. 7

Our February business/dinner meeting was held

on the 4th and we would like to thank Jim Eli,

Tony Parenti and all of the helpers who prepared

the outstanding Italian Sausage dinner.

The Crab Feed Fundraiser was held on Feb. 21,

and over 75 guests enjoyed the delicious dinner

prepared by Bill Mangini, Jim Eli, and Tony

Parenti. Also, thanks to all for helping to make

this a successful event.

Our March dinner meeting will be on the 4th, and

we will be having Pasta Alla Bonanno”.

Sam Bonanno will be our guest chef and you

know he always does an outstanding job! We

will also have our Corned beef and Cabbage

fundraiser dinner on March 21.

Bilingual Staff

Information • Referrals

Social Service Coordination

ITALIAN-AMERICAN

COMMUNITY

SERVICES AGENCY

providing services to the

Italian-American

community since 1916

CASA FUGAZI

678 Green Street, San Francisco,

CA 94133 • (415) 362-6423

Valente Marini Perata

& Company

FuneralDirectors

FD-100

4840 Mission Street

San Francisco, CA 94112

(415) 333-0161 www.vmpandco.com

VeraCovitt,Branch261Orator;andRose

Tallarida,FinancialSecretary,atthebranch

picnicandBocceTournament..

Branch261chefs relaxafterdinner..Forrest

Price‘15President;DonChmiel‘14President..

March 2015

The business/dinner meeting for April will be on

the 1st. So don’t be an “April Fool” and plan to

attend the meeting.

Just to give you a “heads up”, we will have a

Pedro Tournament in the month of May. The

date is currently TBD (To be determined). Please

contact Norma for more information, 650-583-

3643.

May 6 will be our last business/dinner meeting as

we take a break for the months of June and July.

Our rst meeting after the break will be August 5.

So until next time…a little thought to ponder.

“The same boiling water that softens the potato,

hardens the egg. It’s not about the circumstance,

but rather what you are made of”!

Sempre Avanti,

Laurie Masetti

Colma

San Vincenzo De Paoli, Br. 19

Hello Everyone!

Looking at the Branch schedule for the year, it

looks like it will be an exciting and busy time.

The Ofcers have put together a great year for

the Branch and hope everyone will come and

help be a part of it.

Thanks to Cheryl Simon and others for starting

off with celebrating Valentine’s Day by making

Valentine favors for those in rest homes.

The Branch started off Lent with Soup Night

hosted by Kathy Trevizo and staff by serving

delicious soups. This “tradition” started many

years back and is an annual favorite.

Again many thanks to the hard working crew who

put together the Champagne Bingo. The food

was great and there were many happy winners.

Branch Schedule:

March 9: 7:00pm - Branch 19 Holy Angels in

Colma wishes to invite you to the District annual

Lenten Night of Recollection. The evening’s

presenter will be Sister Leonarda Montealto O.P

of Holy Angels School. Refreshments will follow.

Make your reservation with Cheryl Simon 650-

755-0878 or [email protected].

March 23: Corned Beef and Cabbage

dinner hosted by Donna Barnes. Reservations

to Cheryl Simon 650-755-0878 or cas94015@

yahoo.com. March 5.

May you enjoy the four greatest blessings: Honest

work to occupy you. A hearty appetite to sustain

you. A good woman/man to love you. And a wink

from the God above.

N. Thurman

San Mateo

St. Matthew, Br. 163

Greetings! Can you believe that the Lenten

Season is about to begin. Ash Wednesday is

February 18th and soon after spring will follow.

How time ies.

Thanks and congratulations again to our ofcers

for running again and recently being installed at

St. Dunstan’s, Millbrae. Thanks to Branch 403 for

hosting this wonderful event and for the delicious

luncheon that followed.

Mark your calendars:

Thursday, March 12, 2015 – Soup supper. Come

and enjoy delicious home made minestrone soup,

so good on a cold March night. Dinner at 6:00

p.m. Remember to bring your own soup bowl and

spoon. Send check to Lena Venurelli at 33 13th

Ave., San Mateo, CA 94402. Members: $10.00

and non-members $12.00.

Sunday, April 12, 2015 – Bishop’s Day. 10:30

a.m. mass at All Soul’s Church, 315 Walnut

Ave., So. San Francisco. Lunch will follow at

the Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Ave.,

So. San Francisco.

Please remember our ill members in your payers.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! God Bless!

Anne O’Brien

Burlingame

Our Lady of Angels, Br. 173

We are starting out the year with our pizza and

bingo meeting this month and looking forward to

a fun and prosperous year. We have a Rummage

sale on our agenda, a Ravioli Dinner, a Branch

Picnic and maybe a bus trip to one of the casinos.

Also, Saturday, February 28 we have our semi-

annual Communion Mass 5:00pm at our Lady of

Mt. Carmel in Redwood City. Refreshments to

follow. Please try to attend as a lot of effort goes

into planning for the event.

For the month of March (12) we will be

celebrating St. Joseph’s Table and President

Dorene Campanile will chair along with a potluck

provided by our members.

March 22, 2015 we will be celebrating Mass and

Brunch with our Millbrae Branch 403. Details for

above events will be discussed at our February

meeting.

Please keep Linda Mustachia who is recovering

from hip surgery and John Watterson who will be

having back surgery in your prayers.

God Bless,

Rosalind C. Emery

Millbrae

St. Dunstan, Br. 403

March 8 - Our 25th Anniversary will be celebrated

in our Parish Center with no-host cocktails at

4:00pm and dinner at 5:00pm. A gourmet chicken

dinner with all the trimmings will be served for

$25 per person. For reservations, due by March

3, 2015, mail check payable to ICF #403 to Dan

Capodanno, 325 San Jose, Millbrae, CA 94030.

March 19 - Our annual St. Joseph’s Table pot

luck dinner will take place in our Parish Center.

This is a Sicilian Tradition of offering thanks to

St. Joseph for his intercession during a drought.

March 22 - This is our annual joint Communion

Breakfast with our neighbor Branch 173, Our

Lady of Angels in Burlingame. Mass at 8:30am

followed by breakfast at the Terrace Cafe in

Millbrae.

April 12 - Bishop’s Day with Mass at 10:30 at

All Soul’s Church in So. San Francisco followed

by lunch at the Basque Cultural Center.

Rose Marie Morando

Corresponding Secretary

San Carlos

St. Charles, Br. 327

Our January meeting was well attended and

our meal was exceptional. Thank you to Dede

Masters-Waters

for the wonderful chicken piccata dinner and

the even more wonderful home-made tiramisu.

Coming in March: Saturday, March 7, 2015 is our

38th Anniversary Dinner. We are celebrating with

our annual corned beef and cabbage dinner to be

held in St. Charles Borromeo Hall, 890 Tamarack

Avenue, San Carlos. Tickets are $30.00 per

person. For reservations contact Barbara Borra,

650-593-4118. (catered by Harry’s Hofbrau)

Reservation deadline is March 2.

Save the date: Bishop’s Day is Sunday, April 12,

2015, 10:30am Mass at All Soul’s Church, South

San Francisco, followed by lunch at the Basque

Cultural Center.

Everyone should have received their bill for

annual dues in the February newsletter. They

are now due. Please remit payment to: Alma

Brennan, 32 Chilton, San Carlos 94070.

KQED, channel 9/709 on Comcast, will be

showing “The Italian Americans: La Famiglia”

on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30pm.

Please keep Gayton DeRosa in your prayers. Get

well soon, Gayton.

And on a sad note we lost two of our members

this past month: Allan Porter and my brother-in-

law, Bob Andreozzi. Our condolences to their

families and may they rest in peace. They will

be missed.

Ciao,

Virginia Malaspina

Marin

Larkspur

St. James, Br. 161

We would like to thank the Grand President,

Robert Basuino and the Past Grand President,

David Botta for installing the new ofcers of St.

James Branch 161.

The new ofcers are:

President – Marlene Farber

First Vice President – Jeanne Asdourian

Second Vice President – Phyllis Rybensky

Recording Secretary – Anna Biggio

Corresponding and Financial Secretary – Mary

Onetti

Treasurer – Catherine Biggio

Orator – Theresa Rosser

Trustees – Lucia Della Santina, Doris Warne-

Mulligan, Guy Francoz

Sentinel – Diane Hollister

The Crab Dinner was very successful thanks

to Debbie Ghiringhelli Catering. Also thanks

to Guy Francoz for the table arrangements, Ed

Leon (Monte’s Chapel of the Hills) for the bar,

Lorraine and Romolo Iavarone and Marlene

Farber for the wine. Also thanks to everyone who

donated money for the wonderful rafe baskets.

At our February meeting we had a speaker Nora

Thompson who is Director of Matrix, a resource

center for parents with special needs children talk

to the group.

Our next meeting will be March 17, the guest

speaker that night will be Laurice Levine.

Upcoming events: April 12 – San Francisco

District Bishop’s Day

Our get-well wishes for a speedy recovery to all

of you who aren’t feeling well.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy

Easter.

Buona Pasqua a tutti!

See you next month,

Ciao,

Anna Biggio

San Jose

Santa Clara Valley

District Council

Denise Antonowiz continues to sparkle as she

gaveled the SCV District meeting to order at

the February District meeting. Host Branch 408

President Ric Shimshock with some of his branch

members prepared the meeting room and served

up refreshments.

Branch 4 Holy Cross and Branch 5 Santa Clara

5 planning a combined celebration of 90 years.

Branch 28 conrmed 185 paid members and a

Polenta Dinner on March 7. Branch 191 - Jim

Jones sadly reported the passing of Yolanda Nails

and Frank Bausino (Central Council Presidents’

father). He invited everyone to the dinner dance

“Under the Big Top” and that a carnival theme was

emphasized especially for children. Branch 391

conrmed 155 paid members and celebrated their

Valentines Dinner Dance, Feb. 7. Branch 408

completed a successful Blood Drive and start of

Lenten Soup Nights. Branch 435, Andy Pappani

said they are planning a St. Joseph’s day.

Fr. George underscored the importance of the

Sacrament of Reconciliation being promoted

by the Diocese of San Jose at all of the Catholic

Churches during Lent this year. The series will

run every week, every Wednesday. The series

aims at equipping all the lay faithful with tools

for their own spiritual health and the spiritual

health of others.

Our Lady of Peace Mass – 11 am, June 14

Mike Nunziata

San Jose

Holy Cross, Br. 4

The Installation of Ofcers Mass was beautiful.

Fr. George Arana ofciated.

Ofcers for 2015 are hoping for a good year.

Each of us, as members, should do our best to

help out and insure our fundraisers are successful.

Bring your family members and friends. These

functions are what keep our Branch going.

We are now in the period of Lent. This is the

perfect time to reect on our personal and spiritual

lives, and reafrm our faith.

Have you paid your dues? Bring them to the

meeting or mail them to Connie Barretta.

Thanks to those who purchased a calendar. All of

our allotment were sold!

March 4- Mardi Gras fundraiser. Pasta Bar, Salad

bar and More. Donation $25.00

Feb 21- Santa Clara Valley District is hosting

a day of recollection at Santa Teresa Church.

9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Morning hospitality and

lunch. Suggested donation$10.00. Father George

presiding.

April 1- Dinner meeting- Phone Committee will

call.

Remember to pray for our sick members. A phone

18 - BOLLETTINO

call or card will brighten their days.

Our deepest sympathy to our Grand President

Bob Basuino and family on the death of the

beloved Father, Frank. All of us that knew Frank

will miss him. May he rest peacefully in the arms

of the Lord.

“May your Faith be Greater than your Years”

Blessings to all,

Ann Fitzgerald

Gilroy

Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Br. 28

A large thank you to all those who helped with

our Polenta dinner on March 7. Especially our

wonderful chef Andy Pappani and his crew of

hard working cooks.

Our spring scholarship breakfast will be on

April 12. Remember this is a fundraiser for

the scholarship program, and we give out 5

scholarships a year to High School graduates and

St. Mary 8th grade graduates and one 2nd year

graduate. So we need your support. Please come

to our breakfast and bring friends and family.

Please note: The April dinner meeting is on April

20. Roger placed the wrong date in his newsletter.

The calling committee will be calling you.

Please keep our sick and homebound members

in your prayers.

Ciao,

Anna Barberi

Los Gatos

St. Mary, Br. 184

Like our President Denise likes to say, “Our

Branch is small but we are mighty.” As we

get ready for our next dinner dance, I want

to tell you that we gave out $12,032.72 in

Charitable donations. They were given mainly to

Scholarships, Cooley’s Anemia Research, Gifts

of Love and Sacred Heart, in addition to other

entities. That is the information that fuels us to

work on “fundraising” projects. And, I might

say “fun raising” as well! BENVENUTO, or

WELCOME, to our Italian Trattoria, this year’s

theme. On March 21 our loyal cooks and servers

are preparing Polenta with Chicken Cacciatore.

No host cocktails served at 6 P.M. and dinner

served at 7pm. Dance to the live music of Reno

di Bono in Howley Hall’s Trattoria. Please call

Donna Pfaff at (408) 265 7902 for tickets and/

or information. If possible, please bring an

unwrapped layette item in size 0 to 6 months

for the Diocese Layette program. Grazie a tutti!

Sunday, March 15 is the date for our next

Quarterly Mass, at 7:30am. Join us at the Hickory

Pit on Campbell Avenue after Mass for breakfast.

March also brings us St. Patrick’s Day, St.

Joseph’s Day and Palm Sunday. This year seems

to be off to a ying start. Let’s make sure we

nd time to pray for our friends and family, and

to remember our loved ones who are no longer

with us. May the hope of the Resurrection be

with all of you.

Peace, Lucy Amico

P.S. Our next meeting is March 12 at 7pm. All

members and guests are welcomed.

San Jose

St. Frances Cabrini, Br. 191

WOW!! New President, new board, new

Chaplain, New Deputy, New Year. Jo Bertaccini

took over the reign as President at our last

meeting and did a magnicent job. We are all

looking forward to a wonderful year. Thank you

to our Chaplain Father Paolo Gobbo and Deputy

Joan Delno, wife of CC Member Emeritus and

District Deputy Jerry Delno for your dedication

and being there for us.

We were sadden by the passing of our dear friend,

Past President, long time member, Frank Basuino,

Father of our Grand President, Bob Basuino.

The funeral Mass was beautiful with a special

honor guard initiated by branch 191 members, a

procession, and Father Chris Bennett as the Main

Celebrant with ICF Spiritual Director Msgr. Dan

Cardelli, Santa Clara District Chaplain, Father

George Aranha and Branch 191 Chaplain, Father

Paolo Gobbo Concelebrating. Goodbye Dear

Friend. God Bless you and we will miss you.

Our Spring Polenta and Chicken Cacciatore

Dance will be held March 7

at St. Frances

Cabrini Church in San Jose. The theme will be

“Under the Big Top” and promises to be a lot of

fun. Debbie Piro (Vince Piro’s Sister) and Jaime

Portillo will head up this dinner dance. Bring your

entire family, especially your Grandchildren for

carnival games, Balloon Lady, and Face Painting.

I heard that Janice Jones, wife of Past Grand

President Jim Jones is having her face painted.

I may join her.

Happy New year to all the Branches in the

Federation.

Jim Jones

PGP Emeritus

San Jose

St. Martin of Tours, Br. 391

The evening started off with Penne in a meat

sauce, meatballs, salad, garlic bread, and valentine

cookies for dinner and dessert.

Our new Chaplin, Fr. Abe, updated the branch

on St. Martin’s Capital Campaign and the status

of renovations. He said that the ICF member’s

faith is contagious to the rest of St. Martin’s

community.

Bob Osorio lled-in as deputy. He spoke in his

relationship with many of the chair members

and thanked them for their service. He also said

we should be proud that our branch provides

many scholarship opportunities and donations

to charities!

John Lencioni thanked everyone for his

scholarship. He is putting it to good use! If

you know someone who is eligible for a branch

scholarship, make sure you contact Sal Lipari

before the deadline.

Louise Vento gave the heritage report on a book

she recently read about immigrants coming

into America through Elis Island. Russ Vento

announced that we need #391 members to chair

St. Martin’s station of the cross in March. Contact

St. Martin’s ofce to ll this role.

Make sure you welcome our newest member,

JoAnn Schiro, to Branch #391, who was initiated

at February’s meeting.

Ciao,

Bianca Vallorz

Sunnyvale

Resurrection, Br. 408

As we begin our Lenten Journey to a Blessed

Easter, we pary for God’s guidance.

Branch 408 hosted it rst Quartely Communion

Mass and Breakfast after the 8:30am Mass on

January 25. The 8:30am Mass Intention on the

18th of January was held for Alice Fritsch – a

long time member and supporterof ICF.

Our 2015 Kickoff ICF Blood drive was held

on the 8th of February. We hosted over 45

Donors and recruited one new member to ICF –

congrats to Patricia Look, Violetta Daniels and

MaryJoDimuccio.

Branch 408 will kick off the Parish Lenten Soup

on Friday 20 February – We will need 10 soups

for distribution to the Parish Community after the

Stations of the Cross.

We look forward to the ICF/5th Grade PASTA

Dinner to bve held on Sat Martch 14th.

Please remember to include our sick members in

your prayers - especially for Monsignor Milani

(who is walking now), Dori Blefari, Edith Novak,

Al’s wife Syd, Carolyn O’Connor, Susie Quaglia,

and Aldo Lucaratti.

Morgan Hill

Santa Caterina D’Alessandria, Br. 435

Last month our branch enjoyed a delicious meal

of Polenta and chicken and sausage Cacciatore

prepared by Jim Friebel and Syd Pappani. Thank

you both for a wonderful feast.

Our next dinner meeting will be held a week

earlier on Feb. 12 , instead of the 19th. We will be

having roasted chicken with stufng, salad, bread

and apple pie with ice cream. By the time you

receive this in the Bolletino our dinner meeting

will be over.

The Saint Joseph table will be held on March

21st with a collaboration project of the ICF and

St Catherine’s Middle school Ministry. Everyone

is welcome.

A special thank you goes out to Gail Wess, who

did such a wonderful and creative way of doing

our yers for our dinner meetings. Gail went

above and beyond the call of duty, besides being

our treasurer she put a great effort into making

them so cute and original. Thanks Gail, we all

appreciate your hard work.

Our branch is having our quarterly Mass on

March 15 at the 10:30 Mass and following Mass

we will be doing hospitality with doughnuts and

coffee. Please try to join us.

Our prayers have been answered with the rain

situation, let’s hope it continues, we certainly

need more.

Keep in your prayers, the homeless, the needy

and all the sick in our parish.

Donna Basilin

Santa Rosa

Napa

San Giuseppe, Br. 12

Our Branch attended the District Installation in

Cloverdale on January 31. The District President’s

Awards were presented. We are very happy that

our 2

VP Ken Marshall was awarded this Award.

Ken has been an involved member of ICF in our

Branch, a Branch Deputy to Petaluma Branch and

is District Sentinel. His family attended the day

too. We served a Chinese dinner at the monthly

Developmentally Disabled Christian Ministry

dinner meeting. It is so rewarding to be with these

wonderful people.

Pauline Seago prepared a delicious chicken

cacciatore dinner for our February meeting. An

Irish dinner is planned for our March dinner

meeting.

Our sympathy is extended to Gloria Garibaldi on

the passing of her beloved husband William in

January. He joined our Branch in 1976.

Ciao,

Juliann

Healdsburg

San Francesco Di Sales, Br. 52

Congratulations to our new members! At our

January Polenta Dinner, we initiated 46 new

Dante Coretta of Branch 18 presenting the

President’sAwardtoDoreenO’Rourke.

SaintRoseBranch18membersattheofcerinstallationinCloverdale.

March 2015

members, 19 of whom are children. Welcome to

Branch 52.

Upcoming Events:

March 3: Branch Meeting, 7 pm at the Rectory.

March 27: Our 1

Annual Fish Fry. Please mark

your calendars and plan on attending. Please come

and support the branch at this new event.. Price:

$20.00 for adults. $10.00 for children 6 – 12,

under 5, free. Reservations are a must by calling

Mary Madden 431-0438, Nancy Seppi 433-4708,

or Karla Lippincott 237-1308.

We will also be hosting one of the Lenten Soup

Suppers at Church. Please read the Church

Bulletin to see which night.

In honor of Dad, Mary and Monica - Happy St.

Patrick’s Day!

Lauren Kilcullen

Sonoma

St. Sebastian, Br. 103

President Margo Kosta and the ofcers of the

Branch unanimously agreed to host a Bingo/

Champagne and Dessert party on Sunday,

April 10 at the Seven Flags Club House, 1400

W. Watmaugh Rd., Sonoma, from 2-4 p.m.

SAVE THAT DATE! Proceeds will benet the

Scholarship Fund of the Branch. For reservations,

and price, please call Lila Boragno at 996-3448.

For directions call 996-9660 or consult Google

maps and/or your GPS.

Since Father Roberts’ Hall at St. Francis Solano

Church is still under repair, the Branch has

decided to have a potluck dinner on its regular

meeting night of March 10 at the Seven Flags

Club House. Members are asked to consult the

Branch’s monthly newsletter for more details.

For reservations, call Lila at 996-3448.

Saluti,

Marie-Therese Denning

Petaluma

St. Vincent, Br. 127

Greetings from Petaluma!

Well we’ve gone from stormy skies and heavy

rain to a most beautiful day today. Isn’t God good

to us. We should take advantage of the beauty of

the winter season. We can take off and go to the

mountains with all the beauty of the snow or take

off to the beaches and watch the pounding waves

as they hit the beaches or we can just stay home,

turn on the gas replace, read a good book or

watch a little television. We are all so lucky living

in Petaluma, where at least we are not shoveling

a lot of snow as they are back east and midwest.

Our thanks go to the Cloverdale Branch for the

lovely day and dinner we had for the Installation.

Glad to see that they are increasing their

membership and doing so well.

Our spaghettata dinner was great. We want to

thank Denise DiGirolamo and Sharon Hromek

for chairing the event. Denise made the sauce

and everything was delicious. Everyone who

attended enjoyed themselves. Thanks go to all

who helped in any way.

I will give a report on the Crab Feed which is on

February 21st in the next Bollettino.

We will be having our Quarterly Communion

Mass for living and deceased members on

Saturday, March 21st at 5:00 p.m., St. James

Church, followed by the St. Joseph’s Table

Dinner in the Church Hall. Everyone who has

attended a St. Joseph Table dinner knows how

great it is and how good the food is. Cost is $20

Adults $10 Children under 12 yrs. Sharon Cresci

is Chairperson and will need help to prepare for

the dinner. For reservations call: Spence - 763-

9082 or Louise - 769-7389.

March/April/May: Bakeless Bake Sale

April 13th: Regular Meeting

Welcome to our new members Madeline and

Bob.

Get well wishes to Frank Cresci and to those

members who are ill. Happy Birthday and Happy

Anniversary wishes to those celebrating this

month.

Remember to be nice to someone, you will always

get it back in return.

Ciao,

Louise Vicino

Arcata

St. Mary, Br. 144

Congratulations to our new ofcers installed in

Eureka at a lovely dinner and evening hosted by

Br 145. Our Anniversary will be celebrated on

Apr. 18,beginning with 5:30 Mass at St. Mary’s,

followed by a Social hour and Dinner in Leavy

Hall.

Barbara Vanni and Rosemary Melendy are

planning our Meager Meal for March 6. Call

them if you want to help. Larrty DePeel and

Mike DalPorto are in charge of our St. Joseph,s

Table for March 21 and 22. We would like a large

display of goodies.....Plan ahead. Jacquie Aseltine

and Marie LaBanca are in charge of the District

Christmas Raffle tickets. Please support this

project. Linda Spallino to gather the donations

for the Rafe Basket.

Please pray for the peaceful repose of Elsie

Pialorsi. Please pray for our ill: Kenneth David,

YouthInstallation--Branch75,Cloverdale’syouthgroupthatservedattheSantaRosaDistrict

Installation.

ThenewestmembersofBranch52,Healdsburg,wereinitiatedattheirPolentaDinner.

LauriceLevineacceptsa$4000donationfrom

Br. 52 President Nancy Seppi for Cooley’s

Anemia.

ShowingthewackysideofBr.52withour2

AnnualCrazyHatContest.EvenDistrictPresident

DanteCorsettiandJackieCorsettigotintothefun.

20 - BOLLETTINO

Lena DalPorto, Doris DeLashmutt, and Brantly

Hemenez. Happy Birthday Joan DalPorto and

Loretta Speziali.

How is your Lent progressing? Are you succeeding

with your intensions to givr up something and/or

adding a special “project” as a Lenten sacrice?

If younfeel you’ve been a little lax...oh well! Our

Lord still loves you. ep trying and be greatful all

of the Graces, and things he does for us. Blessed

Holy Week and Easter!!!

Ciao,

Linda

Eureka

St. Ambrose, Br. 145

Congratulations to all of our newly installed

ofcers! They are as following: Joe Bonino,

President; Vice President, Elise Furse; Recording

Secretary, Marian Griffin; Duane David,

Treasurer; Nancy Bruner, Financial Secretary;

Orator, Suanna Rowell; Sentinel, Greg Grifn;

Trustees are Gary Paoli, Lora Canzonieri, and

Greg Griffin. Thank you for accepting these

ofces.

The new Eureka ofcers and the new Arcata

Branch officers were also installed at our

January 17 dinner. Thank you to Bob and Kathy

Aquistapace for coming to Eureka to install all

of the new ofcers. Also thank you to Joe and

Julie and all who helped them prepare our dinner.

During our January 9th meeting we initiated

members Mary and Ken Grifn. Congratulations

to you both! Also at the same meeting Betty

Senestraro introduced new members Marian and

Ron DiMino. Welcome to you both.

New dates for your calendar are April 18th, our

anniversary dinner, and of course February 10 for

our next meeting, please plan to attend.

Remember to keep all our members and families

in your prayers, especially those who are

recovering from illness,

Many Blessings to you all

Santa Rosa

St. Eugene, Br. 198

Dear Brothers & Sisters

As we near the end of the Lenten season lets make

sure that we stress the Catholic side of the Italian

Catholic Federation.

End the 40 days with a special Mass remembrance

for all the I.C.F. members who have gone before

us marked with the sign of Faith.

Remember them on Good Friday and celebrate

with your family members on Easter Sunday.

Mark Bisio is our new Trustee and we thank him

for accepting the job.

The Prime Rib & Pasta Fundraiser is on April

18th in the Becker Center with Mass at 4:30pm,

cocktails at 5:45pm and dinner at 6:15pm.

The tickets are available from Clair Giampaoli

(539-1443) for $ 20.00, remember the ticket

includes cocktails and dinner with wine.

Please remember our members who are ill

or in need of our prayers. Especially Marie

Lagomarsino, RoseAnne Sikes, Ezio Mangiantini

and Caroline Vittelini.

Buona Pasqua a Tutti,

Lorraine Castelli

Sebastopol

St. Michael, Br. 209

Congratulations, once again, to our 2015 Branch

209 Ofcers!! The Installation of Ofcers was

held on January 31 and hosted by Cloverdale

Branch 75.

Our February meeting featured a “GIFTS OF

LOVE” fundraiser. Pizza, Caesar Salad and Ice

Cream Sundaes were served. A donation of $5/

member was dedicated to the fundraiser.

By the time you read this article, Branch #209 will

have hosted their February 21 Chicken & Polenta

Dinner. No doubt it was our usual success. Thanks

to everyone who attended and helped in any way.

Friday, March 13

is the date of our upcoming

Fish Fry. This is a very popular event, so if you

want tickets, please call ahead. Lona Bertoli (707-

527-1021) will be taking reservations.

Please remember that dues are now payable -

$32.80/member. Please pay at the meeting or mail

your check to: Gerrie Goin, 1883 Paradise Lane,

Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

Upcoming:

March 13 -- Fish Fry – 6:30pm – St. Sebastian’s

Parish Hall

April 7 -- 6 pm – Board Meeting

April 14 -- 6 pm – Regular Meeting

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

Lona Bertoli

Stockton

District Council

Bishop’s Day is Saturday, March 28. Let’s show

our support to Most Reverend Stephen Blaire

at this annual event being held at St. Stanislaus

Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd. Modesto.

Mass begins at 12 noon with a dinner reception

immediately following mass. The pork loin dinner

is $25/person, $12.50 for children under 12. Call

Ida Queirolo for your reservation by March 21.

(209) 982-5710. Bishop Blaire will be presented

checks from Central Council, Stockton District,

and various Stockton District Branches to educate

seminarians. A spiritual bouquet consisting

of masses, communions, rosaries and special

intentions, will also be presented.

The next District meeting will be May 3 at

Church of the Presentation in Stockton. Mark

your calendars. More details in the April edition.

Keep praying for rain.

Karen Rosson

Modesto

St. Stanislaus, Br. 48

This will be a very busy month for our branch

beginning with our St. Joseph’s Table Celebration.

It will be March 15, 2015 at 2:00 pm. It will be

in the hall at 7th and K Streets. It is a potluck so

bring your favorite dish, you family and friends

and join us. The potluck always brings some of

the best food. We will have our fun rafe after

lunch, the proceeds of which go to St. Vincent

De Paul.

Next will be the Stockton District Bishop’s Burse

Saturday March 28, 2015 starting with mass at

12:00 noon at the new church at 1200 Maze

Blvd. A social hour and a pork loin Luncheon

will follow at the community center next door.

Bring your family and friends and invite your

parishioners to attend also.

Mass for our deceased members will be Sunday

March 1, 2015 and April 5, 2015 at the 8:00 am

at the Maze Blvd. Church

Coming up:

Mar 11 - 7:00 pm - Meeting St. Stanislaus Hall

7 & K Streets Modesto

Mar 15 – 2:00 pm St. Joseph’s Table Stanislaus

Hall 7 & K Streets Modesto

Mar 28 - Bishop’s Dinner Mass 1200 Maze Blvd

– Dinner Community Center

April 8 – 7:00 pm – Meeting St. Stanislaus Hall

7 & K Streets Modesto

Cecelia McGhee

Manteca

Nostra Signora del Buon Viaggio,

Br. 139

Because of a crew of hard-working volunteer

cooks, working with donated ingredients and

under the direction of Past Branch President

Anna Mello, we had a very successful biscotti

sale before the holidays. Then came an excellent

Christmas party hosted by Chef Tony at Cucina

Queirolo.

This was followed by an active January. Branch

President Frank Re organized a social at

Angelino’s Restaurant where couples spent the

evening playing Pedro. New members were

taught the rules of the game and a good time

was had by all. Light refreshments were served.

We are already planning for our annual “All You

Can Eat” Shrimp Dinner. Chair Ida Queirolo

has set the date for May 2. Funds raised from

this dinner, as well as from the sold-out biscotti

sales, will be donated to the Bishop’s Burse and

for scholarships.

Our Branch meetings continue to be well-

attended, there being 34 present at our January

gathering.

Tracy

St. Bernard, Br. 390

Happy to report new members are joining

PhotostakenattheBranch390Januarydinnermeeting-captionsareasfollowslefttorighttoprow:

JoeBacchetticookingpolenta,MikeBacchettiinthekitchen,EileenMorriandPatReeves.

lefttorightbottomrow:

AnthonyandNanceJaques,ArveneandJimRinaldo;AnnetteElissagarayandLucyOrsi;WilliamRidolandDanteGaleazzi.

At a recent Central Council meeting in San

Jose CC Member Marco Galeazzi, Grand

PresidentBobBausino,andCCLifeMember

DanteGaleazzi.

March 2015

is Ad Space

Could Be

Yours!

Find out how

to place your

business

here by calling

the ICF

Oce:

888-ICF-1924

IRS AND STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

Asyouareaware,theIRSandFranchiseTaxBoardfortheStateof

CaliforniarequireannualtaxreturnstobeledbyourDistrictsand

Branches.

ItisimportanttorememberthatallDistrictsandBranchesnowhave

twonumbers-aFederalTaxIDNumberforanyformsledwiththe

IRSandaStateTaxIDNumberforanyformsledwiththeState

TheIRSlimitforthetaxyearending2014isthefollowing:

Branches or Districts with Gross Receipts of more than $50,000.00

will be required to le IRS Form 990 EZ or 990.

Branches or Districts with Gross Receipts of $50,000.00 or less

will be required to electronically le IRS Form 990-N which is an

e-Postcard.

TheStatelimitforthetaxyearending2014isthefollowing:

Branches or Districts in California with Gross Receipts of more

than $50,000.00 will be required to le State Form 199.

Branches or Districts in California with Gross Receipts of

$50,000.00 or less will be required to electronically le State Form

199-N which is an e-Postcard.

***THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND MUST BE STRICTLY

FOLLOWED***

Both Forms must be led no later than May 15, 2015. The IRS

and State strictly adhere to this date, so please take this process

seriously.

Any District or Branch who does not le for 3 consecutive years

will lose its tax exempt status with the IRS and the State. If you

lose your tax exempt status you will have to le paperwork and

pay a ne in order to regain your tax exempt status.

Included in the Financial Secretaries’packet are materials that the

DistrictandBranchFinancialSecretarieswillneedtohelpthemwith

thisprocess.DistrictandBranchPresidents-pleaseworkwithyour

FinancialSecretarytogoovertheinformationwhenitisreceivedand

seethattheappropriateformsareledbytheduedate.

*****************************************************************************

PleasemakesureallDistrictorBranchnancesareinorderand

thatBankStatementsarereconciledthroughDecember31,2014.

RememberthattheGrossReceiptsaretotalamountsreceived

withoutsubtractinganycostsorexpenses.Theseamountsinclude,

butarenotlimitedto,MembershipandHospitalizationDues,

Dinners,Fundraisers,RafeTickets,IncomefromConvention

RafeTicketsandCalendarSales,InterestfromallBankAccounts,

MonetaryDonations,etc.

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,orneedhelpling,pleasecalltheI.C.F.

Ofceat1-888-423-1924.

Branch 390 just when we anticipated our

numbers declining. Next month we will hold

an initiation of these new members. February’s

monthly dinner meeting attendees were served

Italian Roasted Chicken, Penne Pasta, Italian

Green Beans, salad, and dessert prepared by our

baking-specialist members. Annette Elissagary,

our scholarship committee chairwoman, is

gathering special spa basket prizes for our

annual scholarship drive which has become a

huge success. Tickets are being sold now with

the drawing held at our monthly dinner meeting,

Italian Heritage Night, on April 28th. Steve

Ridol has taken over the reigns for this larger-

than-life heritage celebration.

On Sunday, February 15, Tracy Branch 390

hosted the Stockton District meeting in Father

Fleming Hall at St. Bernard’s Church. The tasty

menu consisted of Italian Breaded Chicken, Pasta

Alfredo, Asparagus, Tossed Green Salad. A wide

assortment of deserts nished off this gourmet

meal. Lots of rafe prizes added to the fun of

this event as well. On March 28th our branch

members will be attending the Bishop’s Burse

celebration at St. Stanislaus Church in Modesto

for Bishop’s Day Mass and lunch.

More sad mentions here regarding losses during

the past month. Assunta Gaia, who was a charter

member of our branch, passed away on January

14, 2015 at the age of 99. She was born May

5,1915 in San Clemente, Italy, married Eugenio

Gaia in 1950 and moved here in 1952. Assunta

loved to garden and cook and happily shared

many personal recipes with members. Our 2nd

VP Alena Chappell is her granddaughter. Our

branch family members also lost their father,

Frank Bacchetti, 76, on January 21. He was the

father of our fabulous cooking duo of Michael and

Joe Bacchetti, and their sister Claudia. We send

our heartfelt condolences to both of their families.

Ciao for now,

Betty Hollars

Stockton

Presentation of the BVM, Br. 395

Branch 395 is very busy with the nal planning

of our annual Polenta/Chicken Cacciatore Dinner

to be held on Thursday, February 12. We are also

preparing for lent and our branch will facilitate

the Stations of the Cross and soup supper on

March 20 with homemade soups made by our

wonderful cooks! Our branch will also have a

booth at the upcoming Festa Italiana to be held

this year in Lodi in May. Upcoming events:

March 12 – Thursday, Branch meeting - 6:00 pm

March 28 – Saturday – Bishop’s Burse – Modesto

hosting

May 3 Sunday – District meeting – Our branch

to host, 1:30 Guadalupe Hall

May 31 Sunday Festa Italiana in Lodi

Many blessings.

Ciao,

Josephine Weber, President

Angels Camp

St. Patrick, Br. 413

Hello again from the Foothills of the Sierras. We

have been a bit out of touch as we have many

folks out ill. We hope to see them back at our

meetings soon. We have a need for prayers for

all of our members but in particular; Amy and

Ron Schmid and Lorin and Pat Ramorini. Please

remember them in your prayers.

Much thanks to our New President Annie

Pachinger who conducted a great Feb meeting

AND brought lunch for the group. We are off to a

good start for the New Year. Our next meeting will

be Sunday, March 1 with lunch by Giovanni and

Nancy Corsi. They have just transferred to our

Branch from Br. 91 in Oakland. Special welcome

to our newest member, Eddie Conrado!!!! We

hope you will enjoy many years of fellowship

with the ICF.

Thank you all who helped make our Valentines

Dinner Dance so much fun and a success. Great

food and dance was enjoyed by all. Please join

us every Friday during Lent for Soup or Pasta

dinner, sponsored by our Branch, for the parish

after Stations of the Cross which begin @ 4:30.

Ciao for Now!!!

Nancy Corsi

Tucson

Green Valley

Our Lady of the Valley, Br. 425

Wow! We are still in the afterglow following the

completion of another of our February Lasagna

Dinner Fundraisers. We served nearly 400 meals,

equally divided between sit-down and take out.

We give thanks for hard work of more than two

dozen members and friends.

We mourn the death of member Bill Dale

following a stroke and a brief illness. His ready

smile and quick wit will be missed. We seek ways

to comfort Marilyn. More than forty members

attended Bill’s memorial mass and a goodly

number journeyed to the Southern Arizona

Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista to

witness the burial with military honors. We are

family.

Ten Branch 425 members spent a relaxing

Saturday evening at a Branch 434 dinner dance

fundraiser hosted by Mike and Donna Raffanti

in memory of their deceased daughter. We are

family.

Branch 425 is preparing to host Bishop’s Day on

Saturday, Feb. 21st.with Tucson Branches 434

and 433 participating in the event. Undoubtedly

we will “divvy up” a fair share of the Lasagna

Dinner proceeds and we look forward to an

informative and entertaining evening.

Most Sundays...some Branch 425 members...12

to 20 strong...gather after 9 AM mass...and

proceed to a restaurant for breakfast. We are

family.

Barbara Barton reporting.

The Lodi Grape Festival and

Harvest Fairgrounds

More Info:

209.242.9970

Bambini Zone ♥ Live Music ♥ Italian Dancers ♥ Bocce ♥ Italian Vendors

And of course

AWESOME LOCAL ITALIAN FOOD !

www.festa-italiana.com

The

Original

Sunday, May 31st, 2015

10 AM—6 PM

22 - BOLLETTINO

The Annual Italian Catholic Federation

Convention will be here before you know it,

and this year, it will take place in Las Vegas.

According to Wikipedia here are some things

to see and do, aside from hitting the casinos.

To See:

Aquarium @ The Mirage. There is an impres-

sive aquarium behind the check-in counter

and a dolphin habitat. Not Free.

The Adventuredome at Circus Circus. Amer-

ica's largest indoor theme park with 25 rides

and attractions for all ages. Individual tickets

or all day ride passes are available.

The Auto Collections @ The Quad, 3535 S

Las Vegas Blvd, [11]. Originally an auto mu-

seum at the Imperial Palace, The Auto Collec-

tions became the largest classic car showroom

in 2000, selling, buying and trading more than

200 fully restored cars ranging in price from

$15,000.00 to several million. The collections

spans 125,000 square feet and every car is

one-of-a-kind.

BODIES... the Exhibition @ Luxor, 3900

S Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am-10:00pm. The

Exhibition showcases 13 whole-body speci-

mens and more than 260 organs and partial

body specimens. These real human bodies

have been meticulously dissected, preserved

through an innovative process. The bodies are

respectfully presented, giving visitors the op-

portunity to view the beauty and complexity

of their own organs and systems. The Exhi-

bition provides an up-close look inside our

skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circula-

tory systems. Authentic human specimens

illustrate the damage caused to organs by

over-eating and lack of exercise encourag-

ing healthy lifestyle choices. $32.00 General

Admission, $30.00 Seniors (65 and over),

$24.00 Children (4-12 years), Free Children

(3 & younger), $29.00 Locals (with valid id).

Botanical Gardens @ Bellagio. Inside of the

casino there is a tremendous ower garden,

with displays changed every month or two.

Flamingo Garden, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S. A

15-acre garden with Flamingos and other ex-

otic birds, as well as koi and turtles.

Fountain Show @ Bellagio. The Fountains of

the Bellagio perform a magnicent display

(set to music) every 15 minutes in the eve-

nings and also every hour on Saturday and

Sunday afternoons. Show times can vary on

public holidays.

Fremont Street Experience - Viva Vision, 702

678-5600. dusk to mid night. A pedestrian

mall just outside the downtown casinos. Mul-

timedia shows are displayed on a giant cano-

py over the street nightly. Free.

Gallery of Fine Art @ Bellagio. A ne-art gal-

lery. Not free.

Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza, (about 1 mile

west of Treasure Island, Take a westbound

Las Vegas, Get Ready for the ICF!

CAT Route 203 bus from

the intersection of Las Vegas

Boulevard and Spring Moun-

tain Road between TI and the

Fashion Show Mall). A place

to experience Asian culture.

Madame Tussauds Wax Mu-

seum, 377 S Las Vegas Blvd,

702 862-7800. Madame Tus-

sauds Las Vegas is a one-of-

a-kind special events venue

in which more than 100 of

the world's hottest celebrities,

politicians, athletes and legends are in atten-

dance. Featuring seven highly themed rooms

ranging from a Hollywood party with guests

including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears,

and Eva Longoria to an exciting sports arena

with interactive experiences featuring Sha-

quille O'Neal and Tiger Woods.

Mob Attraction @ Tropicana, 3801 S Las Ve-

gas Blvd, 702 739-2662. 10:00am - 8:00pm

Monday-Saturday. Mob Attraction Las Vegas

is a one-of-a kind entertainment experience

that immerses visitors into the world of the

mob. It takes guests on a fun, exciting, inter-

active journey through the world of organized

crime. Inside you become a part of the story

and go face-to-face with the mob. The at-

traction also features an extensive collection,

artifacts, memorabilia, photos and videos.

$33.00 General Admission, $30.00 Seniors

(60 and over), $18.00 Children (6-12 years),

Free Children (5 & younger), $18.00 Locals,

$30.00 Military.

The Mob Museum. 10:00am-7:00pm: Sun-

day-Thursday, 10:00am-8:00pm: Friday-

Saturday. Located in the heart of downtown

Las Vegas, The Mob Museum showcases

both sides of the notorious battle between

organized crime and law enforcement. With

high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-

of-a-kind artifacts, and interactive exhibits,

you can nally discover the whole truth and

nothing but the truth. $19.95 General Admis-

sion, $15.95 Seniors (65+), Military, Law En-

forcement, Teachers, $13.95 Children (5-17

years) & Students (18-23 years).

The Neon Museum Las Vegas, 821 N Las

Vegas Blvd, +1 702 387-6366. An outdoor

lot loaded with huge signs that once twinkled

in front of the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El

Cortez. See the giant horeshoe made of thou-

sands of gold-colored light bulbs! $15.

Shark Reef Aquarium @ Mandalay Bay. The

highlight is walking through a transparent

tunnel with sharks, sea turtle, sh on all sides.

$16.

Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park.

Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park

has over 150 species of animals and plants.

World's Largest Golden Nugget @ Golden

Nugget Hotel. The world's largest gold nug-

get is on display in the back of the casino.

about 100m behind reception where you can

also hold it.

The Tank @ Golden Nugget Hotel. A $30 mil-

lion complex complete with a

shark tank, a 3-story water-

slide and seven private caban-

as. $20.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibi-

tion @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Ve-

gas Blvd. 10:00am-10:00pm.

The 25,000-square-foot ex-

hibit features numerous items

from the Titanic, including lug-

gage, the ship's whistles, oor

tiles from the rst-class smok-

ing room, a window frame

from the Verandah Cafe and

an unopened bottle of cham-

pagne with a 1900 vintage. In

addition, the exhibit features a

piece of Titanic’s hull, a full-

scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase as

well as a newly expanded outer Promenade

Deck, complete with the frigid temperatures

felt on that fateful April night. $32.00 Gen-

eral Admission, $30.00 Seniors (65 and over),

$24.00 Children (4-12 years), Free Children

(3 & younger), $29.00 Locals (with valid id).

Toilets @ Main Street Station. The urinals in

the men's room are mounted on a piece of the

Berlin Wall. If you're female, ask an employ-

ee to let you see it.

U.S. Route 95 At Night. This route climbs

gradually northwest of Las Vegas so that the

Strip's neon lights remain vis-

ible for a remarkably long dis-

tance, appearing as a luminous

cloud from the furthest point.

Volcano @ The Mirage. Erup-

tions begin at 6:00 p.m. and

run every hour on the hour until 11:00 p.m.

(nightly). The volcano in front of the casino

erupts in a terric light show.

Things to Do

Ride a Gondola @ The Venetian Hotel. In-

cludes a visit to St. Mark's Square. $15 for 4

minutes.

Indoor Skydiving @ Vegas Indoor Skydiv-

ing, 200 Convention Center Dr, +1 877-545-

8093. 10am-8pm. Fly your body in a vertical

wind tunnel. No experience necessary, all

training and equipment provided. Safe for all

ages. $85.

Drive A Race Car On A Real Race Track,

7000 Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702-605-3000.

9am-5pm. Drive some of the most exclusive

race cars in the world on a real race track also

choose fomr the world largest selection of ex-

otic cars to race. $89+.

Shoot an Automatic Weapon @ The Gun

Store, 2900 E Tropicana Ave, +1 702 454-

1110. 9AM-6:30PM daily. Photo ID required.

International travelers welcome. Walk-ins are

welcome but reservations are recommended.

Packages including transportation, Glocks,

Beretta, AK-47, M249 SAW, Thompson,

Barrett 50 Caliber and M2HB. Coupons and

monthly specials available online. $49 - $999.

Play Pinball Games @ The Pinball Hall of

Fame, 1610 E. Tropicana Ave, [29]. Old-style

machines and newest ones from Stern are

there, all in very good condition. Denitely

worth a look. From $0.25 per game.

Kayak Trips from Kayak Las Vegas, 1647A

Nevada Highway, Boulder City, +1 702 293-

5026, [30]. Paddle the Colorado River from

the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach

Arizona, hike to hot springs from the river.

Paddle to island beaches for a swim at Lake

Mead.

Helicopter Tours From Fly Maverick, 6075

S Las Vegas Blvd, +1 888 261-4414, [31].

Helicopter tours that will take you deep into

the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon or soaring

above the neon lights and mega resorts of the

Las Vegas Strip, as well as helicopter tours

that include rafting down the Colorado River.

$114-599.

The Hunt Las Vegas, (Las Vegas Blvd & Fla-

mingo), +1 702 751-4868, [32]. Limo Scav-

enger Hunt throughout the City of Las Vegas.

Thrills and visits to the cities Hotspots, both

on the Strip and Downtown are included in

The Hunt. 50+.

Sun Buggy & ATV Fun Rentals, 6925 Speed-

way Blvd Bldg #C106 (I-15 N to the Las

Vegas Motor Speedway. 3rd Right behind

March 2015

MEMBERSHIP IDEAS

1. ATTRACTING NEW MEMBERS

e I.C.F. is generally good at attracting new members

Bring your family - children, grandchildren

Bring your friends

Pay rst year dues for your children and grandchildren

Have a guest night at a meeting

Your Pastor, Chaplain or other religious can help spread the word

Support your parish and school and let them know you do

Keep I.C.F. information readily available - example: church entrances

I.C.F. sponsored coee and donuts aer mass

I.C.F. sponsored free dinner for parish anniversary

Active membership committee

Information table at mass

Two-minute mass speech

Advertisement in parish bulletin

Encourage family memberships

I.C.F. is the only family-oriented group at in most parishes

Schedule events and meetings for families with young children

ICF Hospitalization Plan

Annual Cost – Only $25

Eligibility – ICF members who join before

their 65

birthday

Benets

• $75 per use of operating room in hospital or surgical center

• $50-1

day, $25-2

day, $10 each day thereafter per hospital stay

• $500 per calendar year/$500 per illness

Features

• Membership continues beyond the age of 65 yrs. old

• Payments are made directly to you

• No medical examination is required to join

• Claims are accepted up to 1 year after hospital stay and/or surgical

procedure

To apply now, visit our website

www.icf.org or call

1-888-ICF-1924

oo (Includes Four individual

ride tickets and 2 5x7 close up

photos).

Rides @ The Stratosphere Ho-

tel, 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd.

There are 3 intense rides on

the top of the tallest hotel on

the strip: Big Shot - Shoots

passengers straight up 160

feet at 45 mph (over 4 Gs) un-

til they are 1,081 feet above

the Strip. X-Scream - A gi-

ant teeter-totter that propels

you 27 feet over the edge of

the Tower, 866 feet above the

ground. Insanity, the Ride - A massive me-

chanical arm extends 64 feet over the edge of

the Tower and spins you at a force of 3 Gs

for a truly mind-bending experience. For the

people who do not like rides but still want to

do something at the top, there are shops and

a great view. Tower Admission: $18.00 Adult,

$10.00 Groups/Parties over 20; Rides: $15.00

each, $34.00 Tower Admission + All Day Un-

limited Rides, $33.00 Tower Admission + 3

Rides, $28.00 Tower Admission + 2 Rides,

$23.00 Tower Admission +1 ride, additional

$10.00 Express Pass.

SkyJump @ The Stratosphere Hotel, 2000 S

Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am – 1:00am Sunday–

Thursday, 10:00am – 2:00am Friday–Satur-

day. SkyJump is a controlled free fall, similar

to a vertical zip line. The launching pad is lo-

cated on the 108th oor, 855 feet above the

Las Vegas Strip. Jumpers are harnessed in and

attached to a cable that is connected to a de-

scender machine. Guide wires keep the sky-

jumper on course and on target. Just before

reaching the rapidly approaching ground, the

skyjumper is slowed down for a controlled

and safe landing. $109.99 Per Jump, $119.99

Jump/Photos, $139.99 Jump/Wristcam Vid-

eo/Photos.

The Adventuredome Theme Park @ Circus

Circus, 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, 702 794-

3939. 11:00am - 6:00pm Monday-Thurs-

day, 10:00am to 12:00am Friday-Saturday,

10:00am - 9:00pm Sunday. America's 2nd

largest indoor theme park with 25 rides and

attractions for all ages. $16.95 Day pass (un-

der 48 inches tall), $27.95 Day Pass (over 48

inches tall), Premium Rides - $8.00 each : FX

Theatre featuring SpongeBob SquarePants

and Dora the Explorer, Disk'O (Spinning

Ride), Canyon Blaster (Roller Coaster), El

Loco (Roller Coaster), Sling Shot (Tower

Ride), Chaos (Spinning & Tilting Ride), In-

verter (360° Counter-Rotation Ride), SimEx

Extreme Ride Theater, Happy Feet: Mumble's

Wild Ride, Lazer Blast (Laser Tag Adven-

ture); Large Rides - $5.00 each: Canyon Cars

(Bumper Cars), Sand Pirate (Swinging Ship);

Junior Rides – $5.00 each: Frog Hopper (Jr.

Tower Ride), Miner Mike (Jr. Roller Coaster),

Thunderbirds (Jr. Plane Ride); Family Rides

- $5.00 each: B.C. Bus (Bus Ride), Circus

Carousel (Merry-Go-Round), Drifters (Ferris

Wheel), Road Runner (Mini-Himalaya Ride).

Shelby's corner cafe), +1 702 644-2855, [34].

7AM-7PM daily. Chase, tour, or explore on

an ATV, UTV, or Dune Buggy at the Vegas

Dunes, Valley Of Fire, or Amargosa. The

Largest Off Road Adventure Firm in Las Ve-

gas has been featured on over 30 TV shows

internationally.

Exotics Racing School. After a training ses-

sion, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430

F1 or other race car and go up to 130mph with

an instructor in the passenger seat. From $249

depending on the car and number of laps.

Vegas Horseback Tours, 2470 Chandler Ave

Ste 11, +1 888 584-9059. Daily. Horseback

Tours include a Sunset Dinner, Lunch or

Breakfast horseback ride, an authentic cow-

boy meal and a visit to cowboy town and pet-

ting zoo. Free hotel pick-up. $109-139.

The natural attractions of Las Vegas. Red

Rock Canyon. Red Rock Canyon, on the west-

ern edge of the Las Vegas city limits. Features

hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes.

Climbing is possible year-round, though

Spring and Fall tend to be most comfortable.

There are a couple of guide books that detail

the routes. Though the area does not receive

much precipitation, it is worth remembering

that if the sandstone becomes wet (from rain

or snow) it becomes brittle and you'd be wise

to avoid it for at least two day before check-

ing if it dried out. There is also a scenic drive

through Red Rock Canyon, which will take

you about 30 minutes to complete, though

there are opportunities to park up and get out

of the car. Entry is $7 per car unless you have

a National Park pass.

Strip Gun Club, 2233 Las Vegas Blvd. South

((Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard)), 702-

777-GUNS, [38]. 10am to 8pm. This 4500

sq ft range located on the Strip at Sahara &

Las Vegas blvd, offers rentals of automatics,

ries, handguns and shotguns. Packages start

at $99 for the Deuces Wild Free which in-

cludes a t-shirt, 1 rie/1pistol 1 target, eye and

ear protection and can run as high as the let

yourself go wild package; The Buffet $1,999

which includes eleven guns, free tee, free hat,

two targets, eye and ear protection.

Rides

The Roller Coaster @ New York New York

Hotel, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd. 11:00am -

11:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am - Mid-

night Friday & Saturday. The Roller Coaster

will lift you up 203 feet, drop you down 144

feet and leave your pulse trying to catch up

to 67 mph. Simulating a jet ghter's barrel

roll, you'll turn 180°, hang 86 feet in the air,

take the famous "heartline" twist and dive.

Individual Tickets: $14.00; Scream Pass:

$25.00 (includes: all day ride pass, $2.00 off

5x7 photo); Family Fun Flight for Four: $60.

24 - BOLLETTINO

The Ways and Means Committee announces

the Theme for the 2016 Fundraiser Calendar as:

“ Famous and Infamous Italian Americans

Who Have Contributed to the Shaping of

America”

The Ways and Means Committee will be planning and

designing the 2016 Calendar.

Included in the calendar will be pictures, biographies and

anecdotes about famous, (and infamous), Italian Americans.

We invite you to participate in several ways: First, share

special stories or biographies of your favorite Italian

American in history. You can research and provide

information and pictures if you wish, or just submit a name,

and we’ll do the research! We will pick the most popular 12

names submitted.

We also invite you to participate in the listing of not only

birthdays

(yourself, your children, grandchildren, parish priests and

chaplains, or even friends) but also anniversaries (weddings,

Branch founding, Priest’s ordinations, etc.) You may include

your branch and district events as well.

The price schedule will be as follows:

$10.00 for one name/event; $15.00 for 2 names/events;

and $20.00 for four names/events.

Other numbers will be a combination of prices;

for example, 5 names/events will be $30.00 ($20.00 + $10.00),

but keep in mind that 8 names/events would be $40.00.

The deadline for the names and payments will be

May 1, 2015

Please mail your information with a check payable to the

I.C.F. to:

Italian Catholic Federation

8393 Capwell Dr., Suite 110

Oakland, CA 94621

The Committee thanks you for your continued support!

Chairperson: Lisa Crudo

and Members: Franklyn Lopes Jr., and Leonard Rossi

For questions, please call the I.C.F ofce at (510) 633-9058 or Lisa

Crudo (510 861-9835

Save The Date

5K to benet

Cooley’s Anemia

(Thalassemia)

What: 5K

Walk or Run

Where: UC Berkeley

When: Sat., April 25, 2015

Contact: Laurice Levine

Thalassemia Outreach

Coordinator

for more information

510-428-3885, ext. 5427

[email protected]