Italian American Club of Venice

Remarks by Candidates Running
for the 2015 Executive Board of the
Italian American Club of Venice

See voting eligibility at bottom of page.

President:
Bruce Bastian

I am currently serving as Past President. For 4 of the past 5 years prior to this, I was proud to be your President during which time there were many positive accomplishments. With the help of willing volunteers, we had many quality events that added considerable funds to the club's coffers. To give back to the members, I introduced the monthly Birthday parties & free carafe of wine, hosted the annual Snowbird Appreciation dinner, taught Italian classes and worked diligently on the kitchen expansion. I chaired the Feast in 2011, 12, 13 & 14. As shown, my commitment to the continuing success of this fine Club cannot be questioned. My wish is that you give me the opportunity once again, to serve you and bring harmony, encourage ideas & involvement and foster friendship. All members want to belong to a club with a friendly, open atmosphere. With your vote, I'll continue to provide that. Thank you.

1st Vice President:
Ronald DeBacco

I am running for this office because I believe that I am very qualified for this position due to the following: I served on the 2014 Board as 2nd VP & I have been a loyal member of the club for 8 years, a member of the Scholarship Committee, a Friday Night Dinner worker, a Feast worker, event chair and a participant in the many cultural events sponsored by the club. My experience as an educator for 40 years gives me the ability to work easily with the public by using my good people skills. I am a problem-solver and a good listener who would be open to your opinions and suggestions. Additionally, I am a team player who will strive, along with the other officers, to continue to move the club in a positive direction. Thus, I would very much appreciate your vote. Thank you, Ronald V DeBacco

Recording Secretary:
Joseph Carbone (Joe)

I have lived in Venice for 11 years and have been a member of the Italian American Club of Venice for 2 1/2 years. I have a business background having retired as Regional Operations Director for ARAMARK supervising food service operations throughout the country for over 35 years. I love the club and its membership so I am running for the position of Recording Secretary. I support all the activities of the club and want to be part of the future growth. I volunteer in the food service operation for Friday night pasta and other club functions as needed. I respectfully ask for your vote on election day.

Corresponding Secretary:
Viola Giancola

I am commonly known as "Vi" currently Corresponding Secretary on the board, as well as sending cards to ill members as the "Sunshine" reporter. In 1997 my sister Donna and I went to the Italian American Feast for the first time and decided this looked like something we would like to be a part of. That's when we joined this amazing organization. By signing the membership application we bound ourselves to help develop fellowship through social and cultural activities. I have worked many Friday nights for Frank Carlozzi for our famous Friday dinners. Over the years, I have co-hosted several affairs with many other members. My cultural activity has been helping Peter DiVecchio with his Italy film presentations and recently helping Diane Houston with her amazing cultural events. I have been fortunate to work with a great board this past year. Thank you for your vote.

President:
Patrick Alfarano

I joined the Club in December 2009 and have participated in various events and committees since joining the club. I'm a Friday night volunteer and have worked the annual festival for the past 3 years. Currently, I am the co-chairman for the 2015 festival. I was born in Brooklyn NY and worked for the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection for 37 years. I retired as Chief Inspector for the Five Boroughs of the City of New York. I was an officer of local 375 and President of Chapter 32 of AFL-CIO Public Employees Union. I moved to Venice with my wife, Barbara, in 2008. With your help we can accomplish our goals and work together for the good of the Club. I would be proud to serve as your president and with your vote we can make this happen. Thank you, Pat

1st Vice President:
Lou Scalfani

In 1979 at my kitchen table, I founded the Italian American Club of Venice and was elected the first president. I was pleased to have negotiated the purchase of this building with no money down, the mortgage, and oversaw construction so we could all enjoy the facility we have today. In the past couple of years I was instrumental in the kitchen renovations, additional storage areas and new signs. In the past I've served on the Executive Board in various positions, coordinated the parking & signage for the Feast, chaired & helped at many events so I feel that with my 35 years of experience associated with our fine Club, I am more than qualified to serve on the Executive Board. I'm very proud of this club, the way it has grown over the years and I would like another opportunity to help it continue to grow. Thank you, Lou

Recording Secretary:
Thomas Colangelo

In my profession career I was a Corrections Officer, Police Officer, and a Professor of Criminal Justice. I joined the club in 2007. I volunteer in the kitchen, and I am the omelet chef for the annual Mother's Day Event. I have served on the Board in 2012 and 2013 as the Recording Secretary. I am currently on the Grievance Committee at the club. I have my own business in Bradenton called: The Fix It Professor, LLC. I am a Notary Public. I travel 37 miles each way to volunteer at the club and to participate in club activities. My goals on the Board will be to foster growth, to promote membership harmony, and to maintain good communication throughout the membership . I would appreciate your vote at the general election.

Corresponding Secretary:
Loretta McFarland

My family name is Acciavatti and I am full Italian. My father was from Ortona, Italy. My husband was the late Louis McFarland. I was born, raised, and educated in Michigan. I was an executive, in charge of logistics, at Chrysler Corporation. Since becoming a member of the club I have worked on the Friday night Dinners for the past 5 years. I assemble the take out packages that accompany the take out dinners and I do the salad prep. I was chairperson of the Relay for Life representing the club in 2011. My goals on the Board will be to open more lines of communication to the membership, to promote membership harmony, and to recruit younger people to join the club. I would appreciate your vote at the General Election Meeting

Voting Eligibility

Election Candidates

Remarks by the candidates running for the 2015 Executive Board of the Italian American Club of Venice.

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Join our club!

Download our membership application form.

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2020 Feast and Carnival

Visit our 32nd Feast & Carnival between Feb 20th thru the 23rd

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Pasta Dinner

Open every Friday for a delicious home cooked meal!

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Italian Cultural and Language Classes

Foster and encourage knowledge of the language, art, culture and history of Italy.

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Venice High School Rotary Futures Scholarship Program participant.

Read about our latest scholarship recipients

Learn more about our beautiful city at venicegov.com.