Avon UNICO hosts special gathering

Guests are invited to the June 15 meeting

Submitted release

AVON – On May 18, the Avon Chapter of UNICO National held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. This month’s meeting was held at Buon Appetito Restaurant of Canton. Chapter President Dominick Lucenti said that “while all our meetings are lively and productive, this one was particularly enjoyable because we had a full, five course dinner with wine pairings – two things everyone and Italians in particular love.”

Avon UNICO is the local chapter of the oldest, national Italian-American service organization in the United States. UNICO National was founded in Waterbury Connecticut in 1922, and today is the largest Italian-American service organization in the country. The principal goal of UNICO is to serve the community where its members live, and across the nation. UNICO is an acronym for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity, the five guiding words for UNICO’s service and charitable activities. Among the Avon Chapter’s principal activities is to raise funds for the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, local high school scholarships, Vessels for Vets and other worthy charitable and community activities. Avon UNICO was instrumental in the initiation of what became “Avon Day”, an annual family event in Avon that though it may be “gone” at present, it is “not forgotten.” Avon UNICO is also very proud of its connection with supporting Veteran activities, including its annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.

At this most recent dinner meeting, in addition to the incomparable five course dinner presentation by Chef Hoa, five separate wines were presented, paired with each course. Along with the wine offerings the guests had the benefit of a discussion about each, from guest speaker Gino Tranchero of Italian Family Estates.

The Avon Chapter of UNICO National will next meet on June 15 at the Farmington Country Club. At the conclusion of the evening’s dinner, the business discussion will include planning for the Chapter’s annual dinner dance and the summer golf outing, the two principal annual fund raisers for the Chapter. Scholarship awards will also be presented to local graduating high school seniors. Anticipated special guest speaker will be the current UNICO National President, Dr. Frank N. DeFrank, who will be joined by other Chapter Presidents and UNICO District Governors. Guests and potential new members are welcomed. For more information about Avon UNICO and the June meeting, anyone can contact Lucenti at dlucenti@gmail.com.