The Pannese Society of Rhode Island’s “Taste of Italy” held last Sunday served as a kickoff and thank you for the non-profit’s on-going Sister City program with Panni Foggia, Italy.
“Papa Joe would be proud of what’s going on here this afternoon,” said Pasquale Simone at the “Taste of Italy” that was served at the nationally-accredited Johnston Senior Center (JSC). “This is an outstanding organization that is proud of its great Italian heritage.”
Simone, who is charged with pursuing sponsorships and the unique Sister City Agreement Committee, was speaking about the Pannese Society of Rhode Island President Joseph Spremulli, who sent along his well-wishes and congratulations from Florida.
Sunday’s “Taste of Italy” featured a traditional pasta dinner with chicken and salad prepared by noted volunteer chef Peter DelPonte of the Johnston Department of Public Works, the event was perhaps the most unusual form of a “Thank You” that the Pannese Society has ever held.
Louis Spremulli and his wife Carla, along with board member Louis Mansolillo, orchestrated the event that featured special presentations and a slide show of the 18-member club delegation’s trip to Panni Foggia, Italy. Mansolillo and Spremulli then made a surprise presentation to Rose and Tony DeLuca who were honored for “their many outstanding contributions and kindnesses that helped our Society in so many ways with the Sister City program.”
The Massachusetts couple was honored with the Pannese Society’s International Cultural Award of 2017, one of eight beautifully framed awards made by Spremulli presented Sunday. A special presentation was also given to Sen. Ciccone, who is credited with partnering Congressman Jim Langevin to secure the non-profit’s seemingly lost forever charter.
“I’m honored to be here today,” said Sen. Ciccone. “I was equally as honored when Joe [Spremulli] asked me to help bring back the charter and to get this proud society going again. And we can’t forget all the help we received from Congressman Langevin and the grant money that helped restart the club.”
Joe Giampoli, who teaches Italian at five different locations including the JSC, was honored with the Pannese Society’s Italian Cultural Award for Community Service.
“He puts his own money into teaching theses [Italian] classes,” said Mansolillo. “And he doesn’t charge for the lessons either.”
Also recognized for their on-going service to the Pannese Society was Johnston State Rep. Stephen Ucci, who procured a flag that flew over the RI State House that the Society carried to Italy, and Robert D’Uva, a native Johnstonian and publisher of the “Rhode Island Echo” newspaper that chronicles the club’s events in print.
Pannese Society officials also announced that its first-ever Educational Exchange would take place this summer when four selected Johnston High School students travel to Panni Foggia, Italy. With the help of Superintendent Bernard DiLullo – and JHS Language Department Head Amelia Ruggieri, who was also honored Sunday – that historic happening will be followed in 2018 when students from Italy make a stop in Johnston.
The Pannese Society, as Mansolillo said, “is to promote tourism, economic development while also preserving our Italian heritage both here and overseas.”
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