Family Brunch Meeting

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Brunch began at 12:00 as usual and after the juggler/entertainer, the family meeting began.  Meeting attendance was a little skimpy and we might have to go to every other year for future family meetings. However, those who participated gave excellent reports … as follows.  

Starting with the oldest, Aunt Josephine Carelli reported that she has the same beautiful family – 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.  Carl Carelli (#1 son) talked about their big news for last year which was the marriage of daughter, Sonya, to Steve Pelna.  The family welcomed Steve even though he is not FBI (full-blooded Italian).  Carla, looking beautiful as ever, has one more year of college and then out to the real world.   

Robert Carelli (#2 son) said he and wife, Diana, are involved with their various collections, primary of which is sports memorabilia.  They have been busy traveling to shows and conferences and also have spent time this past year on home improvement projects.

Rita LoMonaco announced she is looking for someone to keep her company a few nights a week (in response to Vince’s question – no sex involved).  Marie said son, Scott, is marrying Heather Fogle (attended brunch last year) and Marie is planning the shower for January.

As the oldest male, Vincent reported next.  Tina’s family couldn’t be here this year and have had quite a year with illness – they just buried Dennis Peel’s father yesterday.  Trevor (Vince’s grandson) piped up that his Pop is a terrific poker player.  Nice to know the real scoop even though you have to coax it out of the kids.

Tami Sbarra said Jackson is working today so couldn’t attend, nor could Kira who had basketball.  Tami spoke for all of us when she said she is glad her Dad is at the brunch this year.  Vincent had a difficult year on the health front but is now back on the mend – looked fabulous in his pink sweater.

 Timmy Aglialoro said Donna has way too much time on her hands and is working on a wide array of home improvement projects.  In an editorial note, their new home in Hammonton is beautiful.  Timmy is now a vintner and had his first grape harvest this past fall.  Holly Aglialoro came to pick.

Cassie Ricci is STILL not in her new house due to difficulties with her contractors, sons Nick and Michael.  The family booed the contractors and Cass’s Granddaughter Katie leaped to their defense, announcing that now that she and Julia are home from college, work will progress much faster.  There were bets placed and all I can say is that if Cassie gets into her home before mid-year, someone will make a lot of money.  Katie continued that she/Julia are attending University of  Scranton on full academic scholarships,  Angela turns 17 in February, Dad has a new job, and Mom is working at boro hall – which means we all have an “in” with the cops. 

 Michele Maher was there sans husband, Mike, who was home being Scrooge – he can be reached at Ebeneezer.com.  The very year we needed him to help us hook up the family website, www.aglialoro.com, he is whereabouts unknown. Michelle and Mike are going to New Orleans for New Years.  She is still with Custom Awards and Mike is working as a benefits broker.

Bart Aglialoro continues to live in Collingswood residence with 97 women.  They had a birthday party yesterday for everyone over 90 year old and there were 18 attendees!  Bart says if they were only 89, it would be fine, but 90 is going too far.

John said he is not playing much poker this year –  traveling a lot and working hard –  companies are doing fine. John said Mark and family living in Kennett Square near Longwood Gardens – Vincent piped up that the Henderson home is the largest he has ever seen, to which Mark responded that there are rooms he has never been in yet (in an editorial note, home is very large, but not that large).  

Holly reported she is still doing retail merchandising, is a companion to the elderly, and involved with animal rescue. 

Liesl moved 5 blocks from Birchall Drive to a 100-year old house on West End (Haddonfield) and she/family are currently tenants at 182 Tavistock while some renovations are being done.  Jordan turning in to a real handyman – marriage still intact.

Justin’s business, Sports Events International, is doing well.  He informed us that wife, Valerie, just turned 30 and they are expecting their second child in March.  Gracie is 2, knows her alphabet and walks up stairs.

Pete Corelli’s news was a wedding last year in which he and Joan got an Italian daughter-in-law.  Business is good.

Beverly Scheer had a year of fighting breast cancer – but is winning and feeling good.  Two grandchildren keep her active, Katie and Jack.

Joel Bethany and Chis Ochman finally got married!  After 27 years living together, they decided it might work and tied the knot on St. Patrick’s Day – John was best man, supplied the wine, and the joie de vivre.  In an editorial note, only Joel could make me look up how to spell a word used in the family meeting!  Joel retired and claims he is just as lazy as he remembered.  

Bob Hilbronner is substitute teaching, having retired as podiatrist. Naomi said they have been doing a lot of traveling including the great trip to St. Martin ’s with Ann/Vince and Joan/John.

Bill/Angela Lohmann full-time residents of Avalon with winters in Florida .  They are going to Pittsburgh for Christmas to see son, Doug, and their grandchildren, including 8-year old triplets.  Daughter Annie will be there with her two as well.

 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned until next year.

 
Joan Carter (Aglialoro)

Scribe

P.S.  Only the Carelli family gathered themselves together for the annual picture.  For those who want updated pictures … make sure you get everyone rounded up following the 2007 meeting.