- Michael Cucchiara
- Nov 11, 2025
- 3 min read
 | "La condivisione del cibo e un momento sacro,"
Translation : "The sharing of food is a sacred moment" |  |
Upcoming Meetings/Events - Save The Date(s)
November Wed Nov. 19th Monthly Meeting @Johnny C’s 7012 Universal Ave, KCMO 64120 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm | December Sat. Dec. 13th Holiday Dinner @Piropos 4141 N Mulberry Dr, KCMO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm | January Thur. Jan. 22nd Monthly Dinner @Johnny Cascone’s 6863 W 91st St, OP, KS 66212 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm |
Buongiorno!
The sharing of food is a sacred moment, and we as UNICAN’s have the wonderful opportunity to do so on a monthly basis. As we head into this month of Thanksgiving, I sincerely wish that you all have the oppor-tunity to break bread and share a hearty meal with those that mean the most to you.
While our own Cucchiara family tradition of Thanksgiving has changed over the years, each year I relish the time with loved one’s and celebrate my bountiful blessings and I hope the same for all of you.
Columbus Park Documentary Preview — On Sunday November 9th, the hard work of our member, Jody Valet, was put on display with a preview of the creation of The Neighborhood Becomes Columbus Park. If you missed the preview, you can watch the original livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/aDxOlroYSrQ
Heritage Committee— They continue to do great work. Please make sure you are reviewing the heritage page for their most recent articles and updates. https://www.unicokc.com/heritage
And don’t miss out on the wonderful recipes on the page. Thanks to Joan (Fisichelli) Brisimitzakis for the lastest addition for Chocolate Torrone! https://www.unicokc.com/post/chocolate-torrone
November Dinner Special Guest— Jerry Anselmo is a presenter and speaker, and founder of the BMA foundation that supports local charities like the Dream Factory, Midwest Animal Rescue and Operation Breakthrough. Jerry will be taking some time during our next meeting to share information about his book. All UNICAN’s in attendance will receive a free copy of his book titled “When the Doorbell Rang” sharing his memoir through the passing of his son to support others on learning to cope with family loss.
Christmas Dinner— Saturday Dec 13th will be our Christmas Dinner at Piropo’s. Cost of this even will be $50 per person, and family and friends are welcome to join us. However, a reminder that all guests will need to pay for dinner. We will once again be serenaded with the sweet stylings of Mr. Frank Cherrito Sr.
In addition to our dinner, we will also have a small fundraiser/auction for attendees. We will have door prizes, autographed Chiefs and Royals items, as well as other items available for raffle or auction.
If you would like to make a donation of goods or services to support this fundraiser, all proceeds go direct-ly to our Kansas City Chapter of UNICO.
Adopt A Family for Christmas— The holiday season is creeping up fast and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas giving. Each year UNICO looks to adopt families in need over the holidays, so if you know of any friends or families of Italian Heritage that might be in need this season, please reach out to me. We can keep the giving as confidential as needed.
Media Updates—
Starting in November, a new UNICO National button will be available on the homepage, located next to the UNICO KC News button. This feature will highlight UNICO National’s bimonthly magazine and indicate the specific page where the UNICO KC article appears in each issue.
We encourage you to take a look and feel free to share it with others.
A presto,
Michael A. Cucchiara