[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  80TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNICO WATERBURY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Unico Waterbury on its 80th anniversary this Sunday, October 20, 2002. 
The Waterbury chapter of Unico National has truly lived up to its motto 
of ``Service Above Self.'' Through their charitable efforts the members 
of Unico have made Waterbury a better community in which to live. For 
those not familiar with the organization, it was founded in 1922 by a 
group of fifteen men of Italian heritage, united in their commitment to 
civic service.
  The founding Waterbury Unico chapter became the progenitor of more 
than 150 chapters of Unico in communities nation-wide.
  Let me take a moment to recount a few of its many accomplishments. In 
its early years Unico organized regular social activities for Italian 
students pursuing higher education. At these dance receptions, awards 
and scholarships were awarded to young achievers in the community. Soon 
this model of civic participation spread to other cities, enabling a 
national convention to be held in New York in 1930.
  During World War II, Unico Waterbury achieved the distinction of 
selling more war bonds in one day than any other local club during a 
month's competition ($75,000). In 1977, the club began aiding the 
Salvation Army to raise funds for its annual Christmas programs. This 
proud tradition continues to this day.
  Today, Unico Waterbury is well served under the leadership of its 
first Services Committee woman President, Dr. Joane D'Angelo. 
Membership stands at 95 strong and Armed Services growing. Its 
fundraising prowess was recently demonstrated by raising $3,985 for 
Unico National's ``Campaign Unity'' to aid those affected by the 
September 11 attacks. The chapter continues to excel in public service 
by providing sizeable scholarships to students in the Waterbury 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I conclude by expressing my personal appreciation for 
the spirit of civic service so notably demonstrated by Unico Waterbury. 
On behalf of the citizens of the United States, I thank the members of 
Unico Waterbury for their tradition of service and look forward to 
their many civic accomplishments to come in the years ahead.

                          ____________________