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.
From left are Keystone UNICO Volunteers Diane Beckage, Mary Lou Karliak, Cathy Gerard, Tina Haas, and Michele McDade.
Keystone UNICO members volunteered and donated to Saint Francis Kitchen as part of their Service Day activities. Chapter Members helped to prepare food for one of the many dinners served to those in need of a “Hand Up.” Afterwards they were given the opportunity to help in the serving of that day’s meal.
The kitchen is a full-service venue that has been recently upgraded and serves a full-course meal every day at noon and a second meal is served on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Donations are welcome throughout the year and can be made payable to and mailed to Saint Francis Kitchen at 500 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Dunmore’s Keystone Chapter UNICO conducted its annual Italian Heritage and Culture meeting at Arcaro and Genell Restaurant. President Nanine Gramigna introduced the evening’s presenters, which included wine tasting with Sal Maiolatesi of Maiolatesi Wine Cellars and an olive oil/balsamic vinegar presentation by Thirteen Olives with Gene Litz. The presentations were followed by the yearly election of Officers and Board Members conducted by Nominations Chairman Peter Noto.
Pictured in the front row, from left: Sal Maiolatesi of Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Chapter President Nan Gramigna, and Gene Litz of Thirteen Olives.
Back row, same order: Mike Gramigna, treasurer; Michaelene Merrill, guest; Mark McDade, past National Membership Director; Terri Pettinato, immediate past PA II District Governor; Glenn Pettinato, past National President; and Melanie Biederman, guest.
Dunmore’s Keystone Chapter UNICO National will host its 12th annual Charity Pig Roast on Saturday, April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fiorelli’s Catering.
“Equines For Freedom” is the primary beneficiary of this year’s event which has the theme of “A Little Bit Country.” There will be an open bar from 5-7 with passed hors d’oeuvres, Italian buffet dinner, and “EJ the DJ” will provide music. There will be chances for an extensive basket raffle, money umbrella, Wilbur the money pig, and new this year is a “Wheelbarrow of Spirits.” Cost is $70.
Reservations are a must and can be made with Michele at 570-343-7009 Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Mark at 570-335-7830.
Planning committee members are, front row from left: Cochairs Bob and Sylvia Tagert; and representing “Equines For Freedom” are Roxann Nole-Graham, Therapist LPC; and Bruce Spencer, Board of Directors president. Second row: Mark McDade, sponsorships; Michele McDade, reservations; Chapter President Nanine Gramigna, decorations; Gloria Rizzo, “Wilbur The Pig” money raffle coordinator; Cesira Berardelli, “Italian Money Tree” coordinator, and Mary Lou Karliak, coordinator of the Super Italian Basket Raffle. Missing from photo are Anne and Vince Martino, coordinators of the “Wheelbarrow of Spirits.”