UNICO kc Newsletter 10/14/2025

"Chi si volta, e chi si gira, sempre a casa va finire," - Italian quote Translation : "No matter where you turn or who you are, you will always end up at home"

Upcoming Meetings/Events - Save The Date(s)

October Wed Oct. 22nd Monthly Meeting    @Jaspers 1201 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64114 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm

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

Ciao UNICO Familia!

"La famiglia è tutto" Family is everything, and has even more meaning to us during this month when we celebrate our heritage! I celebrated by finding a family heirloom in storage and proudly displaying in my home. An old sausage grinder stored in my fathers basement brings back fond memories of my Poppie and Dad making sausage. The cast iron press is from the 1800’s, and has a deep meaning for me, as it was once a possession of my great-grandfather who passed away before I was born. I hope that during this month of celebration, you are also able to connect with your heritage in a way that is meaningful to you.

Italian Heritage Day at the K— Sincere thanks to everyone who participated.  While the Royals didn’t bring home a win, it was a beautiful day and I was happy to see so many of our members present.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino— Our thanks to everyone who was able to attend.  From the pictures it looked like a fun day, and we are grateful to our ladies for organizing the event.

Jaspers October Dinner— reminder, cost for this dinner will be $30 and while guests are welcome, guests will need to pay for their dinner.  Also, only dinners paid in advance online through our website will be collected.  No walk ins the day of the event.

Heritage Committee— I am excited to share that Jody Valet and Gina Spini have been collaborating on a children’s book celebrating Columbus day and what our heritage means.  They will be sharing an early read with us during our meeting this month.

In addition, during our cocktail hour from 6pm to 7pm we have a special guest!  Mr. Dolci from the Gumba’s will be sharing his talents and playing the violin for us during the cocktail hour!

Columbus Park Documentary— Preview and Q&A on Sunday November 9th.  To RSVP for your free admission  https://kclibrary.org/events/kansas-city%E2%80%99s-little-italy-neighborhood-how-north-end-became-columbus-park 

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 directly 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.

A presto,

Michael A. Cucchiara