Top row (l.-r.): Interpreter Jim O‰ÛªLeary, Local 3 President John E. Marchell, IBEW President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill and Father Brian Jordan O.F.M. Bottom row (l.-r.): IBEW 3rd District Vice-President Donald C. Siegel, Business Manager and I.E.C. Chairman Christopher Erikson, FLAEI-CISL President Carlo DeMasi and IBEW President Lonnie R. Stephenson.
On Saturday October 15th, 2016, the Christopher Columbus Festival Committee held its bi-annual dinner dance at the Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry. The committee, made up of Local 3 members from the various divisions and their guests feasted and danced in the traditional Italian manner.
Festival ticket Chairman Frank Sergi, along with seating Chairman Joseph Canino coordinated the gathering of approximately 620 people. The decoration committee transformed the JIB auditorium into an Italian piazza complete with festival lights direct from Little Italy, NYC. Ringed by a garden of richly colored flowers, balloons, Italian and American Flags, the setting resembled a small Italian Village. The welcoming committee, along with an army of greeters welcomed the guests. They strolled into the indoor plaza where they were met with music and a rich fragrance of Italian delicacies. An espresso and cappuccino bar set up in the lobby corridor immediately dispersed the strong coffee aroma that is popular with many, not just Italians. But attention was always drawn to the traditional “Festival Table,” coordinated with the help of Sal D’Alessio and his committee. Mouths watered at the mountains of fresh fruits, vegetables and dry pastas. Oven fresh breads from Arthur Avenue, fragrant cheeses, dry sausage and salamis hung from the pipe railings of a simulated fence.
A brief presentation began with the National Anthems of the United States of America and Italy, by the amazing, Italian tenor Tio. Festival Committee General Chairman Salvatore Russo opened the program thanking his co-chair Carol Castellaneta. Sal asked everyone to take a few minutes of their time and look through the program placed on every table. He mentioned all the names in the program have contributed towards the success of the festival and deserve recognition for their time and hard work. Sal also thanked and recognized all the officers, business representatives and special guests, along with the affiliated clubs of Local 3 that were in attendance. Sal then called upon Assistant Business Manager and advisor of the Christopher Columbus Festival Society Joseph Santigate. Sal expressed his appreciation towards Joe for all his guidance and help. Joe thanked everyone in attendance, including a warm welcome to the Italian delegation including but not limited to Carlo DeMasi. Joe thanked the committee for a job well done, and expressed some of his thoughts on Christopher Columbus and his Italian heritage that he is very proud of. Joe called upon President of Local 3 John E. Marchell. John recognized the President of FLAEI-CISL Carlo DeMasi and all those that attended, including the rank-and-file honorees Sal D’Alessio and Michael Lombardi. President Marchell spoke about the many accomplishments that both honorees have contributed to Local 3 over their long careers and presented both honorees with a plaque. Brothers D’Alessio and Lombardi graciously accepted their award with reserve and respect. Joe then called upon the Business Manager of Local 3 Christopher Erikson. Business Manager Erikson started with a presentation of one long stem pink rose to each of the wives of the honorees including the wives from the Italian delegation. Chris spoke about his relationship and how he got to meet the President of Italy’s FLAEI-CISL, Carlo DeMasi. Chris spoke about Carlo’s extensive portfolio and thanked Carlo for his dedication and tireless efforts to all his members of Italy’s Electrical workers. Carlo was then presented with a beautiful custom- made glass plaque of the Freedom Tower along with the backdrop of the twin towers. Carlo extended his gratitude and expressed his honor of being this year’s Christopher Columbus honoree. He congratulated the rank-and-file honorees and Business Manager Erikson for their hospitality and graciousness. Carlo also thanked our Business Manager for his friendship and leadership. Carlo spoke about the roles and importance of the Union movement and the brotherhood that exists across borders. His words were uplifting and encouraging. Carlo closed by thanking the membership of Local 3 and presented the Business Manager with a special gift from Italy as a small token of his appreciation.
Towards the end of the evening fresh zeppoles prepared on site were available. Local 3 apprentices, who volunteered to help, served pastries and cookies. The tradition of sharing within the village was demonstrated by distributing all the contents of the festival table to all our guests. Gift baskets and a variety of items were raffled off to our lucky guests. A good time was had by all.
Members of the Christopher Columbus Festival Committee pictured behind the Italian Piazza created at the Joint Industry Board.
