On Saturday, the Columbus Piave Club delivered one of its most memorable Christmas Festas to date — an evening overflowing with community, tradition, incredible food, and the spirit of the holiday season.
Held at the historic Valley Dale Ballroom, the celebration featured a spectacular live performance by the Rick Brunetto Big Band, whose timeless sound kept the dance floor full all night long.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner from Columbus’ own Pastaria, a beloved North Market favorite known for fresh, homemade Italian dishes. From the first bite to the last song, every moment of the night felt like a celebration of who we are as a community.
Honoring Excellence in Our Italian American Community
Each year, the Festa gives us the opportunity to recognize members whose dedication strengthens the Piave Club and supports Italian American culture in Central Ohio. This year’s honorees were:
Heart of the Community Award: Larry Pishitelli
Distinguished Service Award: Deb Roberts
Certificate of Appreciation: Bruce Van Dorpe
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Jennifer Marinello
The David F. Ross Lifetime Achievement Award: Albert “Al” Yannon
The highlight of the evening — and undeniably one of the most emotional moments — was the presentation of the club’s most meaningful award: the David F. Ross Lifetime Achievement Award.
Created in 2024 at our inaugural Christmas Festa, this award recognizes extraordinary dedication, service, and love for both the Columbus Piave Club and the local Italian American community. Named in memory of Past Club President David F. Ross, it embodies friendship, leadership, kindness, and commitment.
This year’s recipient could not have been more deserving.
A Legacy of Seven Decades
“Gabby, will you please escort your grandfather up here?”
With those words, the crowd rose to welcome Albert Yannon, who has been a proud member of the Piave Club since the 1950s — more than seven decades. At 94 years old, Al remains one of our most active members, attending happy hours, meetings, and events with a dedication that inspires us all.
And as if that weren’t remarkable enough, Al and his wife Sandy celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary the night before the Festa. A love story and a legacy wrapped into one.
Al knows this club inside and out — every milestone, every story, every challenge we’ve overcome. His guidance has shaped generations of members and officers. More than one board meeting has included the questions:
“What would Al Yannon do?”
“Has anyone asked Al that yet?”
Followed by the most confident phrase of all:
“I’m sure Al Yannon knows.”
Because he always does.
When Al’s family and friends were told about this honor, the reaction was unanimous:
“We’ll be there.”
And they showed up in force — his wife, his children, his granddaughters, his great-grandson, and close friends stood proudly as the crowd honored their patriarch.
Al also received special Certificates of Recognition from:
• Mayor Andrew Ginther
• State Representative Crystal Lett
• State Senator Beth Liston and Senate President Robert McColley
Making sure Al would be there? Let’s just say it took some teamwork. Al moves on his own time, in his own way… with Sandy’s approval. Many texts, emails, and group conspiracies went into this moment — and it was worth every second.
One of those co-conspirators, his granddaughter Gabby, even shared heartfelt remarks on behalf of the family.
The room was full of applause, pride, and even a few happy tears.
A Celebration of Tradition, Friendship & the Future
This year’s Festa reminded us why the Piave Club — founded in 1919 — continues to thrive. It brought together generations of members, filled the ballroom with laughter and music, and honored the people who make our organization strong.
