[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 20, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S5455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PACENTRO, ITALY, REUNION 2000

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on July 2, 2000, a very special 
event will take place in Sterling Heights, Michigan: the first reunion 
of United States citizens who trace their roots back to the town of 
Pacentro, Italy. Over 800 people will attend the event, some of them 
with ancestors who immigrated to the United States over 150 years ago. 
In addition, the Mayor of Pacentro himself, Mr. Fernando Caparso, will 
be attending the event. I rise today to welcome Mr. Caparso to the 
State of Michigan.
  Pacentro is a small town located east of Rome. It sits in the Abruzzo 
region in the province of L'Aquila. Born in medieval times, the town is 
famous for its three castle towers, the oldest of which was built by 
Count Boarmondo and dates back to the thirteenth century. Another dates 
from the fifteenth century, and is recognized as the loveliest castle 
in the region. More recently, Pacentro has gained fame as the 
birthplace of the rock star Madonna's grandparents.
  Mr. Caparso was born there on February 12, 1951, to Antonio and 
Rosina Fabiilli. He was one of five children; three sisters remain in 
Pacentro and the oldest sister resides in Washington, Michigan.
  After completing high school in Pacentro, Mr. Caparso graduated from 
Liceo Classico Ocidio in Sulmona, Italy. He followed his studies there 
at La Sapienza University in Rome, where he received a doctorate 
degree. Finally, he attended Gabriele d'Annunzio University in Chieti, 
where he specialized in sports medicine. Mr. Caparso is presently 
caring for three towns in the Abruzzo region: Secinaro, Gagliano Aterno 
and Castel Di Ieri.
  The sport of soccer has also played a very large role in Mr. 
Caparso's life. While completing his studies, he always played for an 
amateur team in the Peligna Valley Region. And, when his playing days 
were behind him, he became a referee. Mr. Caparso has refereed women's 
major league games throughout Italy, and is currently the President of 
the Sulmona Referee Administration.
  Mr. Caparso was elected Mayor of Pacentro in 1999. Having decided 
that the city needed a better administration, an administration which 
tended to the needs of all its citizens, he further decided to do 
something about it. Mr. Caparso was elected Mayor along with a list of 
conservative councilmen.
  Mr. President, I am sure that the Pacentro, Italy, Reunion 2000 will 
be a wonderful success. I know that a great number of individuals have 
put their hearts and souls into this reunion, and I applaud their many 
efforts. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I welcome Mr. 
Fernando Caparso, Mayor of Pacentro, Italy, to the State of 
Michigan.

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