Raising the Italian flag with great pride on Courthouse Square

Posted on November 5, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The 13^th annual Italian Flag Raising in honor of navigator and explorer Christopher Columbus was held during Italian Heritage and Culture Month in October at the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square.

This Columbus expedition produced the beginning of the colonization and great migrations of people from the countries of Western Europe. Many Italian organizations of Lackawanna County were present, and a representative from each group was given the opportunity to present about their organization, customs and what this Federal holiday means to them.

Keystone Chapter UNICO National organized this event.

Members of Keystone Chapter UNICO shown above from left are: Louise Ligi, Sylvia and Bob Tagert, Ann Summa, Mark McDade, Marilyn Vitali, Holly Cappellini, Keystone Chapter President Michele McDade, Mary Rinaldi, Cathy Gerard, and Cathy Bianchi.

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Present at the 13th Annual Italian Flag Raising in Honor of Navigator and Explorer Admiral Christopher Columbus from left are Commissioner Chris Chermak; Marilyn Vitali, Louise Ligi, Maria Verdetti, Ann Summa, Saveria Fiorillo Fata, Cathy Bianchi, Valerie Riggi, Mary Rinaldi, Cathy Gerard, Gina Verdetti Mundorff, Sylvia Tagert, San Mango D’Aquino Representative Mena Verdetti Gaylets with Lyla and Alexander Mundorff; Linda Anelli, participant at large, Past UNICO National President Glenn Pettinato; Bob Tagert, Terri Pettinato, Flag raising event coordinator Mark McDade; Keystone Chapter President Michele McDade; Columbus Day Association President T.J. Savero; Victor Romeo, Joseph Mecca, Felittese Association President Louis Terruso; Sons and Daughters of Italy Gloria Lodge Representative John Romano; Board Chairman of the Felittese Association Jeff Casella; Joanna Reviello, Jack Trapani, Rich Belardi, Italian American One Voice Coalition representative Dr. Peter Cognetti; Frank Morel, Victor Alfieri President Joe Macciocco; Stefanie DePietro Camoni, Sam Tomeo, Sant’ Ubaldo Representative and Columbus Day Association Man of the Year Mike Cappellini; Holly Cappellini holding Angelo; Phil and Mary Marrara, and Paul Angeloni.

$10,000 donation made to Equines for Freedom

Posted on July 3, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Keystone Chapter of UNICO National recently donated $10,000 to “Equines For Freedom” (EFF). The Chapter was given a tour and history at the site of the facility by Founder Ann Lewis. Desert Storm Veteran Philip Hawthorne spoke of his moving experience as both a client and now as a Director at EFF, which offers therapy to individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using horses as the conduit (not for riding). This service is offered to clients with PTSD ranging from Armed Services Veterans and First Responders and there is no fee.

If you or someone you know can benefit from this therapy, call 570-319-9684 or visit the website at equinesforfreedom.org.

Shown at the presentation, front row from left: Keystone UNICO Treasurer Mike Gramigna; Keystone Board Member and Pig Roast Cochair Sylvia Tagert; Bruce Roast Co-chair Bob Tagert.

Back row: Keystone Board Members Cesira Berardelli and Marge Ruggiero; EFF Board Di Jolley; EFF Founder and Lead Psychologist Ann Lewis; Keystone Board Member Gloria Rizzo; Keystone Chapter President Nan Gramigna; Keystone Board Member Val Riggi; EFF Board Vice-President Mary Beth Guyette; Keystone Board Member Marilyn Vitali; EFF Board Member Philip Hawthorne; Keystone Board Chairman Louise Ligi and Chapter V.P. Michele McDade.

UNICO helps support boy battling autoimmune blood disorder

Posted on June 5, 2024 by The Dunmorean

Keystone Chapter UNICO recently donated to the Matthew Mursch Fund to help with his transportation costs for treatments in Philadelphia. Besides having been treated multiple times for a congenital heart defect, Matthew was diagnosed in 2020 with an autoimmune blood disorder.

Pictured in the front row from left are: Keystone Board Members Frank and Mary Ann Coviello, Matthew and his mother Lynn Mursch, and Keystone Board Member Toni DiVizio.

Second row, same order: Bob Tagert, Marilyn Vitali, Sylvia Tagert, President Elect Michele McDade and Mark McDade, all Board Members.