Hawthorn Woods Mayor Honored with “Leadership Award” by International Organization

Village of Hawthorn Woods Mayor, Joseph Mancino, was recently invited to and attended the 2014 Sapori di Sicilia conference and gala hosted by the Confederation of Sicilians in North America (CSNA) and Regional Association of Sicilian Americans (ARSA). To his own surprise, Mayor Mancino was presented the “Leadership Award” in recognition of his immigrant status, heritage, and successful leadership abilities. Vincenzo Puccio Arcobelli, on behalf of the CNSA President Jerry Puccio and members, presented Mayor Mancino with this honorable award. Mario Joseph Weber was also recognized at this conference with the “Man of the Year” award.

Over 700 representatives of various organizations attended the conference and gala held in early April. This conference and gala, held in early April, was attended by over 700 representatives of various organizations. Attendees traveled from California, Canada, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ontario, and Windsor, Canada to attend. The “Taste of Sicily” evening was celebrated with traditional food, music and dancing. The CSNA is an international organization that carries forward the mission to unite Sicilians in North America to achieve common goals and to promote the Sicilian culture. The ARSA is an Italian regional organization that strives to enrich and strengthen cultural ties between the United States, Italy, and Sicily; and to preserve Italian and Sicilian traditions, values, culture and language through educational, economic, social and cultural programs.

Mayor Mancino remarked to the large gathering, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award that recognizes both my Sicilian heritage and my opportunity to serve with excellence the Hawthorn Woods community.” Mayor Mancino has been a Hawthorn Woods resident for 18 years, and was elected Mayor from the community in 2009. Chief Operating Officer Pamela Newton commented, “Hawthorn Woods is proud to have in its top elected office a Mayor who is recognized internationally and honored locally for bringing his passion of service and leadership to his hometown.” Mayor Mancino serves without compensation and is active in local, state, and national government organizations.