Category Archives: July 2015

UNICO Chapter Honors President

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The Keystone Chapter of UNICO National recently conducted its annual Presidents’ Dinner.  At this time, recognition awards are presented to members who have been most effective in fundraising for local charities. Certificates are awarded to members who have completed their term of office. Additionally, the incoming president, officers and directors are installed for the new UNICO year.

The evening began with a cocktail hour social with hors d’oeuvres followed by the evening’s program.  Mark McDade welcomed all present and introduced outgoing James Mack for his last duties as President of Keystone UNICO.  Ann Summa gave the UNICO Invocation with a moment of silence for deceased Charter Members Joseph Gentile and Leonard Verrastro, who past away this year.  Sgt. at Arms Ray Tropeano led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance which was followed by a moment of silence for our current and past service men and women of our Armed Services.  Secretary Marilyn Vitali reported on last month’s minutes and Val Riggi gave the treasurer’s report.  This was followed by the installation of the incoming Officers and Directors by PA II District Governor Mark McDade.

President James Mack awarded the Distinguished Director’s Service Awards to Tom Carlucci, Ernie DeStefano, Carmela Iannetta, Joe Michalczyk, Peter Noto, Joe Sadowski, Ray Tropeano and Marilyn Vitali.  This was followed by the presentation of the “Service Above Self” Award by President Mack to Catherine Bianchi, Ernie DeStefano and John Mecca for their outstanding leadership in fundraising for Keystone Chapter’s designated charities this past year.

After a sumptuous buffet provided by Pat and Mike Catalano and their staff at Al Mia Amore the program continued with District Governor McDade presenting the Chapter’s President’s Service Award to President Jim Mack for his successful term as leader of and representing the Keystone Chapter UNICO this past year.  At this time, Jim also received his Past President’s Pin from his and the Chapter’s First Lady, Mary Mack.  In turn, Mary received a beautiful bouquet of assorted spring flowers.  Jim gave a memorable farewell speech and was then cheered by all present.

Past UNICO National President Glenn Pettinato was on hand to install John N. Mecca as the fourth President of the Keystone Chapter.  Glenn presented John with the ceremonial gavel and with Mary Mack holding the bible John Mecca pledged his oath of office.  Mary then pinned John with the same President’s Pin that had been worn by the three prior presidents.  With a very moving and emotional presentation, John gave his acceptance speech which was received with a standing ovation.

The evening came to a close with Sandra Collins giving the UNICO Benediction.

Dunmorean of the Month: Ione Fetsko

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By Steve Svetovich

Ione Kohl Fetsko has played soccer since she learned how to walk.

The daughter of Brian and Kim Fetsko, Dunmore, Fetsko is only 13 years old and will be entering the eighth grade at the Dunmore Middle School this fall, but she has very lofty goals. Her primary one is to participate in the 2020 Olympics in Japan or the 2024 Olympics. Her game is soccer, and she is making a name for herself in the sport.

Fetsko currently plays starting forward for the Greater Binghamton United FC 01 Select team in the National League coached by Bahij Kashou and Region 1 Champions League. She made the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program team in 2014 and 2015. She was selected as one of three field players to play in the U-12 Elite Players Co-Ed Showcase Game.

“My immediate goal is to be selected for the Region I and National ODP Pools this year,” said Fetsko. Future goals, along with graduating with her DHS class in 2020, include playing at a D1 college, making USWNT, playing at the Olympics (earliest possible would be 2020, more likely in 2024), playing at World Cup (earliest possible would beo 2023), and to play soccer professionally.

Fetsko competed in the United States Youth Soccer Region I championships (GBUFC) in the final week of last month at Marshall University in West Virginia. She will be at the Region I camp in Kingston, Rhode Island from July 5 to July 9. She will hopefully participate in the USYS National Championships (GBUFC) from July 21 to July 23.

The incoming eighth grader also runs track for the Dunmore Junior High track and field team. There is no junior high soccer program, but Ione plays on the Binghamton travel team. She also played for the Pocono Snow Juniors whose coach Winga Siwale has been influential in her development.

Fetsko has been playing on soccer teams since she was five, but her interest started as a toddler. She has been participating for two years in the Olympic Development Program for EPYSA. If her team wins in Regionals, she will move on to National competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The up and coming soccer star is ranked 11th in her class as a student. She would like to play soccer in college and eventually work in a profession where she would design video games—one of her favorite hobbies. She also enjoys making art and hanging out with friends.

Ione was a member of the 2015 Players Development Academy Spring Kickoff champions. She finished in second place in the 13-17 age group in the Brian P. Kelly Memorial Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Two-Mile Foot Race. She was runner-up in the Joe Santacrose March Madness Tournament in the U-16 girls division. She was the GBUFC Jack Frost Tournament runner-up in the U14 boys division. She participated in the Pocono Snow Juniors 01 Girls inaugural season in the spring of 2013. She earned the 2015 New York West State Cup trophy.

Her ODP team, EPYSA Lehigh Valley, coached by Chris DaCosta, participated in the Region I tournament in West Windsor, New Jersey last month. Her team won all three games without giving up a single goal. She usually plays the striker position.

“I am very proud of her,” said her father, Brian. “I love the sport of soccer. I go to many professional games, so watching my daughter play is a real treat. She has really worked hard to get where she is. She insists that  her goal is to one day participate in the Olympics. That is her main goal. Right now, I am really enjoying watching her play soccer.”