Mitterando Picnic # 46

Welcome to the Mitterando family web site. Read an overview of who we are and where we came from. View photo slide shows of past picnics and don't forget to visit our Father of the Year photo gallery and new Mitts In the News section. You can even check the 'picnic weather' as the day draws closer. 

We are adding more material, so check back with us often. We are working towards a special web site for a very special family. Email feedback and/or suggestions to Irene or Dale.

Irene and Dale

46th Annual Mitterando Reunion

The 46th Annual Mitterando Reunion was held on Saturday June 17, 2023. The weather forecast seemed to change daily. The day before the reunion, the meteorologists revised the outlook to only a slight chance of rain and mainly on the east end of Long Island. Several days prior to the reunion, Kimberly Coco Gonzalez worked feverishly to put together the "Mitterando Newsletter" in spite of many late entries. Cheryl Hydo printed copies and Rose collated and stapled them. Olivia Pelliccia, Victoria Pelliccia and Judy Cervone put their artistic talents into making family signs to post along the park route.

Tony Pelliccia was the first to arrive and by 7:30 AM Charlie Hydo and Zachary Hydo joined Tony at our picnic spot rearranging tables and unpacking and decorating. Judy, Kimberly, Jeff Gonzalez and brother Jonathan met at the park entrance at 7:50 AM to hang the signs. Cheryl and Rose arrived at 8:10 AM, we all pitched in and the tablecloths were on and banner up in record time. Charlie got the grill going for the traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs. Dale Ingenito arrived at 8:45 AM, just in time to make the sandwiches. 48 sandwiches were made and all were devoured. It was 65 degrees at that time, breezy and partly cloudy. Zachary made many trips back and forth from the parking lot to the picnic spot to assist family and friends carry their goods.

Quickly, footballs, basketballs and softballs were tossed and golf balls were hit. At noon, it started to drizzle, tents went up, bodies piled under and heavy rain stayed for only 20 minutes. Sun came out and it was a pleasant 72 degrees. Jodee Cervone and Carm Mitterando put on an umbrella dance under cover from the dripping trees. Some of the kids kicked a soccer ball around as some adults played volleyball. Our reunion would not be complete without a softball game. Each team had 15 fielders (young and older, small and big, male and female). There were no balls and strikes and no outs; each team batted around with many others only batting. The softball games are always a highlight with lots of cheering spectators. The kids took turns wacking a toy and candy filled pinata supplied by Christina McHenry. Vincent Van Lowe (Vinnie Sticks) and Michael Cervone entertained the crowd with beats on bongo drums. "Mitterando Newsletter" were distributed and most seemed to be focused and enjoying it.

Ronnie Cervone was the master of ceremony with Tom Davison saying a prayer in the absence of Bobby Mitterando. Lily and Laina Meklenburg, Sofie Van Lowe and Annabelle and Stella Davison led the group in reciting "The Pledge of Allegiance". Carolann Cervone Elias put on choreographed dance numbers in memory of Louie Mitterando and Laurie Monteforte. The first was to the song "Louie Louie" The dancers were Billy Mitterando, Richie Mitterando, Nicole Cervone, Christina McHenry, Tyler Vingara, Gregory and Sofie Van Lowe. Everyone was invited to join the dancers to the music "We Are Family". The third was to the tune of "Mama Mia". The words were modified for a tribute to Laurie Monteforte. Lily and Laina Meklenburg and Christopher Neff joined the dancers.

97 names were entered in our registration book thanks to Jodee who went around to make sure all were accounted for. At 5 PM thunder rolled in and heavy rain shortly followed. Some gathered up belongings and ran to their cars, while others squeezed under the tents. It was apparent that the rain would win and those remaining splashed down the flooded hill to their cars. Some headed home, others took up Hydo’s invitation to their home. In spite of the rain, it turned out to be one of the best reunions.

Recipes Needed

Do you have a favorite recipe that Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa used to make? How about Aunt Molly, Aunt Dolly or recipes that have become your family's favorites? We have had some great cooks and terrific food in our family, and still do. Please share them with us and keep them for the generations to follow.

 

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