SHAMOKIN - The annual Chiavaroli family reunion was held July 30, at the Original Italian Pizza restaurant banquet hall, which was appropriately decorated in red, white and green. The Italian flag displayed was donated by Michael Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia, who obtained it when he was serving in the military in Italy.
The program began with welcome remarks by Bob Koshinskie, of Cranford, N.J. He noted that this year, there were two cousins who are both National Honor Society graduates, Laudari Chapter. They are Emily Witt, daughter of David and Michele Witt, and Samantha Ramp, daughter of Susan Ramp. In addition, Samantha wrote an essay on her Italian heritage, which won an award from the Sons of Italy Association. The essay was read aloud for all to enjoy.
Koshinskie noted some family members present have attended every reunion since its inception and introduced those appearing for the first time. He thanked members who brought their homemade Italian cookies and desserts.
The birth of a new baby, Ava Catherine Koch, born Oct. 1, 2009, was announced. Her grandparents, Carol and Gerry O'Donnnell, of Harrisburg, were present.
Congratulations were extended to all couples who are married 50 years or more. They included Mary and Thomas Chiavaroli, Frank and Cass Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia, Jim and Marylou Chiavaroli, Pay and Annella Chiavaroli, of Shamokin, Louise and Brient Wiest, of Trevorton and Carol and Gerry O'Donnell, of Harrisburg.
He then acknowledged the oldest family member present, Arthur Chiavaroli, 89. The youngest member present was from New Jersey, Judea Robert, 10 months old. The parents are Damien and Sarah, and grandparents are Elayne and Robert Chiavaroli. The family that traveled the farthest distance were Bud Woll, his wife Cindy, and daughter Erin, who came from California.
The introduction to the Elite Eighty Club was presented by Dan Chiavaroli, of Nazareth. He announced the names of current members who are 80 years old and older, and introduced one new member, Sante Chiavaroli, who still lives in the home of his ancestors in Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzi, Italy. Because he was not present, a 60-inch-long scroll was passed around for everyone to sign and send messages to Sante. The scroll will be hand-delivered by Stefano Chiavaroli on an upcoming visit to Italy.
The honor roll was read by Gayle Chiavaroli, of Nazareth. This includes names of all members of the Chiavaroli family who have served in the military, from World War I to the present day. Captain Sturdevant, who just returned from Afghanistan, was promoted to major and is now attending the Foreign Language School in Monterrey, Calif.
There was a moment of silence for Giovanni Chiavaroli, who passed away on June 29 in Italy. He was 96.
Genealogy charts of all the Chiavaroli families were displayed by Mike and Ginny Koshinskie, of Philadelphia, with many photos.
Following a traditional Italian dinner, there was a sing-a-long of both Italian and American songs. Music was provided by Joe Koshinskie, of Mechanicsburg, and Bobby Chiavaroli, of Somerset, N.J.
All present were reminded that the next reunion date is the last Saturday in July 2012. The family history goes back many years ago when two Chiavaroli brothers and two sisters from Loreto, Aprutino, Abruzzi, Italy, came through Ellis Island and settled in Shamokin. Many of their descendants still live in Shamokin.
The reunion is coordinated by by Ann Chiavaroli Koshinskie, of Coal Township.