UNICO kc Newsletter 02/12/2026

"Con te ogni giorno è San Valentino ," - Italian quote Translation : "With you, every day is Valentine’s Day”

Upcoming Meetings/Events - Save The Date(s)

February Wed. Feb. 18th Monthly Dinner @Cascone’s 3737 N Oak Trafficway, 64116 KCMO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm

February Wed. Feb. 18th Monthly Dinner @Cascone’s 3737 N Oak Trafficway, 64116 KCMO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm

March Wed. Mar. 11th Monthly Dinner @Johnny C’s 7012 Universal Ave. 64116 KCMO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm

Buona Festa degli Innamorati!

Even if you don’t enjoy the cold that February brings, hopefully you can appreciate the warmth that is shared during this month from those you love!  February is a very important month in the Cucchiara household.  I have a rare opportunity to share in multiple birthdays.  My beloved wife (Sarah) was born on February 24th, so that day has held significance for me for over 25 years.  But to make that day even more special, she gave birth to our twins (Giovanni & Mila) on the very same day!  Yes, my wife and twins share the very same birthday, so the next time you see Sarah you might give her a big hug and console her for giving up her special day!  But seriously, it is a very special day in our hearts and we count our blessing daily.

St. Andrew’s Shrimp Dinner — Our annual All you can eat Shrimp dinner will be next week on Friday Feb 20th at St. Andrews Parish.  5 Tickets have been mailed out to all UNICAN’s at their home address with our request you purchase/sell them for this event.  In addition, we are still in need of some volunteers, so any assistance you can offer would be very much appreciated.   

UNICO Scholarships— It is the time of year we start accepting applications for our 2026 scholarships.  Qualified applicants should be of Italian American heritage and a graduating high-school senior that is moving on to a trade school or college.  Applications hard copies and all required information must be submitted by mail and received by March 16th. 

February Dinner — Our February Dinner next week is on Ash Wednesday so there will be non-meat and/or fish option for our meal.

Festa Italiana 2026— Mark your calendar for May 29th, 30th and 31st for our annual festival!  Volunteers and support will be needed all weekend, but most importantly, plan to be there to celebrate our heritage for the entire weekend!

For 2026, we are mailing out $200 in raffle tickets to all UNICAN’s for your support of our 50/50 raffle.  Our ask is for your to purchase or sell these tickets to drive up the value of our raffle during with weekend of the event.  Our winner will be selected on Sunday, and UNICAN’s are eligible to win!

A presto,

Michael A. Cucchiara