U in the common brotherhood and UNITY of man created by an all-wise and loving GOD.
N that my highest fulfillment and greatest happiness are to be found in unselfish service to my NEIGHBOR.
I that INTEGRITY of character-not wealth, position, or power-is the greatest possession I can have.
C that true CHARITY is not motivated by selfish purpose but is the expression of genuine love for my neighbor.
O in my responsibility to use every OPPORTUNITY to increase my usefulness to the needy and underprivilidged.

 

In 1986 Judge Rudolph A. Sacco became familiar with Springfield, Massachusetts members as a result of his position in the Massachusetts Court System. The Springfield members set up a meeting with a number of interested people in Pittsfield to form a UNICO Chapter in the Berkshires. There was initial hesitancy because of several existing Italian organizations in the area.

Consequently, the Pittsfield Chapter of UNICO National was formed on October 9, 1987 and Judge Rudolph A. Sacco was unanimously elected as our first President.

The original signers of our Charter were: President - Judge Rudolph Sacco, Secretary- James Ditello, Chaplain - Rev. Carlos Bevilacqua, John Campoli, Joseph Caliento, Thomas Caliento, Joseph Colombari, Paul Colombari, Edward Cristiano, Mike DiCenzo, Louis Ditello, Thomas Ditello, John DiSantis, Robert Galvagni, Glenn Gauchione, Ron Marcella, Sheriff Carmen Massimiano Jr., Mark Pasquini, Basil Petricca, Perri Petricca, Richard Petricca, Gregory Riello, Dominic F. Sacco, Angelo Stracuzzi and Judge Paul Tamburello.

Pittsfield is in its 17^th. Year of existence and is 125 members strong. We rank as the third largest chapter in UNICO National.

The UNICO of Pittsfield organization is well respected the Berkshire County area. We are a very active group and live by the National motto "Service Above Self." We have provided assistance to the sick and needy and grant educational scholarships to local high school seniors and continuing education students. This past year we contributed $14,000.00 to the public through our "Charity Board," $12,500.00 to scholarship winners and granted 5 wishes to local "Make-A-Wish" children worth $35,000.00.

Our five biggest fund raising events are our Annual Golf Tournament (August), UNICO Berkshire County Baseball Hall of Fame (September), Taste of Italy (October), Silent Auction/ Dinner Dance (November) and Deep Fried Turkey Roast (March).

Pittsfield Unicans are involved in numerous projects and activities each year. In the 2005-2006 term these are a few of the activities and projects:

· 4th. Of July Parade
· Big Brothers and Big Sisters
· Girls’Inc. “Bizarre Bazaar”
· Boundless Playground-Rotary Club (Handicapped Children and their Families)
· Berkshire Medical Center’s- “Women’s Imaging Polenta Dinner”
· UNICO’s Berkshire County Baseball Hall of Fame
· Mark Belanger Youth Sports Facility
· Hall of Fame Inductees’ Pasta Dinners
· Scholarship Awards Night
· St. Jude Polenta Dinner
· Pasta Dinner for the Diabetes Association
· Pasta Dinner for Chris Dondi’s kidney transplant
· Pittsfield ”Elms” Vintage Base Ball Club
· Make-A-Wish Kids- Christmas Party
· Food Pantry for St. Mark’s and Mt. Carmel Churches
· Salvation Army Bell Ringers
· UNICO Members’ Christmas Party
· UNICO Members’ Children and Grand-Children’s’ Christmas Party
· Pittsfield’s Youth Commission’s Pasta Dinner
· Italian Heritage Events
· Catholic Youth Center’s Handicap Accessible Elevator
· UNICO- Jimmy Fund Walk-A-Thon
· Installation Awards/Dinner/Dance
 

Pittsfield UNICO’s Judge Rudy Sacco is a key player in the state of Massachusetts’ Italian Heritage activities. The state of Massachusetts has designated the month of October as "Italian Heritage" month. Numerous activities are held throughout the state beginning with the Pittsfield UNICO’s Kickoff Breakfast. Pittsfield Unicans also hold a Dinner/Dance in conjunction with the local ITAM Lodge and "Taste of Italy" Dinner at the Eastover Resort in Lenox, Massachusetts to celebrate our proud heritage.

The Pittsfield Chapter of UNICO National is also the most popular unit in the city’s 4^th. Of July Parade. The entire membership holds down the parade’s largest "Hot Air Balloon", ride on a fire truck with our Make-A-Wish Kids, march along with our "Past Presidents" and ride in red, white and green cars furnished for those members who are elderly and immobile. The Pittsfield 4^th. Of July parade is televised nationally. Look for us this year.

Nationally, the Pittsfield UNICO Chapter was also selected as one of the "Most Outstanding Chapters" at the 2002-2003 convention.

UNICO of Pittsfield’s, Mike DiCenzo, is a Massachusetts District #1 Governor and Paul Procopio, our scrapbook chairman, won the scrapbook competition during the 2001-2002 convention and place second at the 2002-2003 convention. The UNICO of Pittsfield Chapter also, supports the National Charities each year with donations to the Jimmy "V" Foundation, Cooley’s Anemia, Mental Health and Seton Hall Italian Language Department.

 

First Vice President, Ido Merlini taught an Italian Language course at Eastover Resort in Lenox, Massachusetts for several years. The course was open to all interested people in Berkshire County. Ido ‘s charge was to maintain Italian culture and pride to local Italian Americans in the Berkshire County area.

The Pittsfield Chapter and Sister City, Cava De Tirreni, have exchanged students and have hosted one another over the years. Presently, a plan is in place to have Pittsfield Unicans visit Cava De Tirreni, a city south of Solerno, in October.

Unican Jim Ruberto, was elected Mayor of the City of Pittsfield this past November. Other political members are: State Senator Andrea Nuciforo, State Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli, City Councilor Daniel Bianchi and Registrar of Probate –Francis Marinaro.

Pittsfield UNICO’s "Most Meaningful" event is our "Christmas Wish Party" for our 60 "Make-A-Wish" kids and their families. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus gave gifts to all children in attendance, "Canyon Jack" the Clown created animal and cartoon character balloons, a huge pizza party with numerous salad choices was prepared by Pittsfield Unicans, each child at the event was given a special edition "Christmas Bear" donated by Tyco, arts and crafts projects were constructed by all the kids and the afternoon ended with everyone "Making their own Sundaes" with numerous toppings to select. Over 200 people attended the UNICO of Pittsfield sponsored party on a typical snowy Berkshire day.

Pittsfield UNICO’s most "Spectacular" event is the annual black tie "Installation/Awards/Dinner/Dance" that is held at the Cranwell Resort and Conference Center in Lenox, Massachusetts. This year President Joseph Zavattaro will install a new President, officers and other members of the Board of Directors. Joe will also present beautiful lead crystal bowls to the "Member of the Year" and "President’s Award" winners. The new President will then present Past President Joseph Zavattarro with a UNICO ring in appreciation of all his efforts for the organization. Our new President will address the gathering after receiving his/her "Gavel." Dancing follows until the late hours. What a great way to end another successful year.

 

Nationally, the Pittsfield UNICO Chapter was selected as one of the Most Outstanding Chapters at the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 conventions.

UNICO of Pittsfield's, Mike DiCenzo, just completed an outstanding 2nd term as the District Governor of Massachusetts' District #2. Our scrapbook chairman, and Past President, Paul Procopio, created another beautiful book displaying the chapter's projects, events and activities for the 2004-2005 term. Paul's efforts received another Honorable Mention at the National Convention. The UNICO of Pittsfield Chapter also, supported the National Charities with donations to the Jimmy V Foundation, Cooley's Aniemia and Mental Health.

Kevin Dondi is teaching an Italian Language classes to the residents of Berkshire County in order to maintain Italian culture and pride to Italian-Americans in the community.
 

Q. What is UNICO National?
A. UNICO National is a nationwide service organization similar to Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary. Its membership is exclusively open to American men and women of Italian heritage, or persons married to men and women of Italian heritage, of good character and reputation. Members are united in a national chain, working jointly on national projects and separately on community activities, to uplift the prestige of our people. It is non-political and non-sectarian.

Q. What does UNICO do?
A. It grants scholarship awards, promotes Italian Study Chairs, observes Columbus Day with fitting programs, participates in underprivilidged and handicapped children's work, charities, community and civic activities, mental health programs, Cooley's Anemia programs, and promotes good fellowship among members.

Q. What does the name UNICO mean?
A. The name, translated from the Italian, means "one" or "only" or "only one of its kind." Additionally, the letters are interpreted as U-Unity, N-Neighborliness, I-Integrity, C-Charity, O-Opportunity.

Q. Why was UNICO organized?
A. UNICO was organized to provide scholarships to worthy students and to give strength and force in fighting the discrimination against Italian-Americans which is a deeply ingrained facet of our American Society. We have been discriminated against and have suffered many humiliations. It was time for us, who are law-abiding American citizens, to take action to offset this situation. This was done by doing good deeds for others. Thus the motto: "Service Above Self," which has patterned the whole activity of UNICO.

Q. When was UNICO organized?
A. UNICO was first organized in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1922 when a group of men headed by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola organized the first chapter, did a splendid job and won acceptance from the community. The idea then spread slowly to several other cities in the East, but it was not until 1930 that the first convention was held in New York City. A similar idea, unknown to the Eastern group, was started in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1931 as the National Italian Civic League and spread to about 15 cities in the West. Both groups continued their fine work during the ensuing years and in 1946, efforts were begun to effect a merger into one national organization. This was completed (and note the significance of the date) July 4, 1947, at a convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when UNICO National was born.

Q. How many members are needed to form a chapter?
A. Twenty members are needed to form a chapter. UNICO is not necessarily concerned about large numbers, but is zealous of the quality of its members - individuals who will devote time, energy and money to its activities. It wants the best of our men and women, individuals who will sincerely practice the motto of UNICO: "Service Above Self."

Q. Who screens charter members of a new chapter?
A. Charter members screen themselves since each is selected by the other. You know that only good members are wanted in UNICO and you are careful in your selection insuring that each member meets the qualifications of UNICO National. After the charter is closed, you will have a Membership Committee screen all applicants and your membership must approve them.

Q. Are donations to UNICO tax exempt?
A. Donations to the UNICO Foundation have been cleared through the Internal Revenue Department.

Q. How does UNICO National function?
A. It has duly elected officers who serve without pay. It is their responsibility to administer the affairs of UNICO National. These officers are elected at the annual convention by the chapter delegates in attendance. The officers are accountable to all the chapters, which comprise UNICO National. Each chapter has representatives (or votes) in UNICO National; chapter president and delegates.. And, of course, all actions must conform to the UNICO National Constitution and by-laws.

Q. How does a chapter function?
A. Each chapter is governed by local officers and a Board of Directors, and all actions must be approved by majority vote of the general membership in accordance with its Constitution and the National Constitution. All such actions are under the chapter's exclusive control, so long as they conform to the Constitution of UNICO National.

Q. Will a UNICO chapter compete with other groups of Italian heritage in our community?
A. No, there is no reason to. We want to work together with these groups and, by good example in our accomplishments, join in increasing the prestige of our people in the community. There is, and should be, no conflict of interest.

Q. Would membership in UNICO National affect our Americanism or our relations with other ethnic groups in the community?
A. Positively not; we are Americans first. America is made up of ethnic groups, ours being one. If we work to improve our group, through charitable acts, scholarships and civic accomplishments, we are helping to make better citizens and, thereby, a better America. UNICO is tolerant and will cooperate with any community group that works toward the improvement and welfare of that community.

Q. What does a chapter gain by being a part of UNICO National?
A. By joining this great UNICO movement, you become a part of a National effort to improve the prestige of our people. By its increased membership and by national cooperative achievement UNICO is stronger in combating discrimination and defamation, in assisting our youth through scholarships, and in general, improving the status of our people throughout the country. You become a part of a National group in which you can make many lasting friendships with members in various parts of the country, giving you a broader view and understanding of our country and its people. UNICO National also provides: (1) ComUnico magazine, a fine publication reporting UNICO activities and featuring articles of interest to the entire membership; (2) participation in the National Scholarship Program; (3) various Chapter forms and standard items without charge or at a minimum cost; and (4) Chapter assistance from the National office.

Q. Has UNICO National any control over our chapter funds?
A. No, provided you carry out the provisions of the Constitution in meeting your financial obligations to UNICO National: sending representation to National meetings and carrying out your responsibility as a chapter of UNICO National.

Q. What does UNICO National expect from a chapter?
A. UNICO National expects all its chapters to abide by the Constitution, meet regularly, do good in their communities, and bear their responsibilities to UNICO National by meeting financial obligations, attending National and regional meetings and supporting the National organization and its programs.

Q. What can we expect to develop through a UNICO chapter in our community?
A. You will develop better understanding and respect for each other, and for Italian-Americans as a whole. You will develop a desire to do things for others, giving of your time and support, in the pursuit of that most rewarding virtue - Charity. And you will develop a better citizenship by community activity, reinforcing the well-deserved recognition of the innumerable contributions made by Italian-Americans to the American way of life.

Q. What has UNICO accomplished?
A. UNICO has done so many things on a national and chapter level that it would be impossible to list them all. Generally, it has awarded hundreds of college scholarships, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the establishment of Italian Study Chairs in colleges and universities throughout the country, sent thousands of children to camp, raised millions of dollars for local charities and in support of local drives, recognized many individuals throughout the nation for outstanding achievements, sponsored a national mental health program, a national Cooley's Anemia program, and annually encouraged and participated in the observance of Columbus Day. UNICO National has come to the defense of the Italian name in many instances, deterring and criticizing those who may defame, ridicule or lower the standards of our people. It took an active part in the Ellis Island/Save the Lady Campaign. It has assisted in improving Immigration Laws. It has provided financial assistance to disaster relief such as the nationwide campaigns in the sixties and eighties that raised millions of dollars for reconstruction in the devastated areas in Italy. Closer to home, funds were also raised for the more recent Florida hurricane, California earthquake and the Midwest floods.