Toronto
Sig. Luigi Gambin, Pres.
Famèe Furlane Toronto
7065 Islington Avenue
Woodbridge, ON L4L 1V9
Tel: (905) 851-1166
Fax: 851-6863
E-Mail: gigi46@sympatico.ca
The Famèe Furlane of Toronto, alongside the Federation, thrives in maintaining and promoting our “furlanitât” in Canada and to this end it was deemed necessary to modify our constitution. According to the revised constitution, the number of the new Board of Directors has been reduced to 11, down from the previous 15. Gratitude and thanks were extended to departing members Peter Pillon, Gianni Ceschia, Matthew Melchoir and Monica Bianchini.
Changes brought on by the implementation of the new constitution necessitated an en masse board resignation. However, reinstated appointments through acclamation reaffi rmed the trust vested in the Board by its membership. While dedication and commitment to a well loved cause are, undoubtedly, shared traits, let us not forget the individuals behind the collaborative efforts of the Board. A quick glance into their bios reveals interesting insights.
President and newly appointed “Cavaliere”, Luigi Gambin, is well known throughout the Friulan community for his many contributions, philanthropic and otherwise. Always fair, and a friend to all, he is the leader who has carried the essence of the Famèe into the 21st century. Under his guidance, our association has undergone tremendous change. Board member since 1992, Luigi was previously Vice-President for 5 years and is now in his third term as President. Mario Bomben, Vice-President Operations, has a mandate to monitor the day- to-day functioning of the Famèe Furlane, ensuring maintenance of equipment, upkeep of the building structure and surrounding property. Furthermore, working in collaboration with Arrigo Rossi, changes to the club, including the newly created Canada Room, Management Offi ce, and renovations to the Friuli Hall have all come under his jurisdiction.
As Secretary, Arrigo Rossi is administrator and keeper of all club records. A name synonymous with the “New f”, Arrigo is passionate about maintaining the Friulan culture at the club, while recognizing the responsibility towards the membership to move forward. Arrigo, along with Mario Bomben and others, was an active member of the construction committee responsible for the erection of Villa Leonardo Gambin, the 168 bed long term care facility recently opened on the Famèe campus.
For Vice-President, Finance and Human Resources, Clara Astolfo, the Famèe board is merely one of the many boards in which this very active individual is involved. Over the years, Clara has lent her talents to fund raising and it is in large part due to her skills that funding for the long-term care facility was carried out so effi ciently. Furthermore, through her networking capabilities, Clara has ensured that our club has become a familiar home to politicians, celebrities and other notables.
Christina Pivetta’s energy and vision is infectious. As Treasurer, Christina has implemented new and higher standards in the Finance Department, introducing a more effi cient and modern “bean counting” system. Christina has spent countless hours reviewing and overhauling the record keeping methods, as well as ensuring that the Famèe’s fi nances are kept well in check. Always the optimist, Christina’s positive “can do” attitude has gained a following and the respect of her peers.
Claudia Pol Bodetto’s engaging personality and smiling face is second nature to our bocce aficionados. As Sports Director, if Claudia isn’t ensuring the smooth operation of the bocce courts, keeping tabs on soccer, lending a helping hand with golf tournaments, or actively participating in the Dolomite Ski Group, she can be found tending bar at the sports complex; fondly referred to as “her home away from home”.
Gino Facca has the auspicious claim of being the most senior member on the board. For years he has been responsible for membership as well as numerous other club related projects, including wine inventory! He is currently spearheading a campaign to attract new membership and has had an active role in the formation of our new Social Group, as well as the annual Family and Friends Golf Tournament.
Angela Bosa-Slokar has been a board member for a number of years. Although busy raising a young family, when not actively involved with fund raising, Angela can be counted on for thorough research and reports on matters of concern. With a keen sense for detail, Angela has lent her time and energy in researching all aspects of the “new and improved” constitution of the Famèe.
Gino Schincariol‘s eagle eyes and “scribing skills” have been a tremendous help with The Forum, the newsletter published quarterly, and his wit and insights have added greatly to the caliber of board meetings. This year Gino has also taken on the roll of liaison with the Federation, reporting on matters of interest, and keeping the board up to date on current events.
Ivana Pontisso oversees various events at the club. It is through the hard work of her committee that Famèe members have the opportunity to participate in the annual picnic, Festa Della Classe, Babbo Natale and members’ dinner, to name a few.
Giovanni Pascotto is the newest family member and is in charge of culture. Historically, at the Famèe, culture is the air we breath and tradition its very soul. It is through the efforts and initiatives of the Culture Committee that Friulan culture continues to be practiced at the Famèe.
A moment’s refl ection will point out that these hardworking individuals, following on the steps of their predecessors, with the help of countless volunteers and the support of their membership, have been instrumental in effecting signifi cant changes at the club during their tenure, while ever nurturing the fl ame of “furlanitât”. Somehow, this fl ame, no matter how long the passage of time, keeps on burning as bright and strong as ever. A Look at the Board of Directors.