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Columbian Lawyers Association honors RoseAnn Branda at annual dinner

June 14, 2016 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn honored outgoing President RoseAnn C. Branda and installed new President Dean Delianites during its annual dinner dance on Friday. Pictured from left: Gregory T. Cerchione, Delianites, Branda and Steve Bamundo. Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
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The Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn held its annual dinner dance, where it honored outgoing President RoseAnn C. Branda and installed its new executive board at El Caribe in Mill Basin on Friday night.

“We are here to celebrate and express our gratitude for a great year under our outgoing president, RoseAnn Branda, and to welcome with enthusiasm and optimism our new president, Dean Delianites,” Steve Bamundo proudly proclaimed. “I knew we were in for a great year from the minute that she was installed, but what I didn’t expect was how she undertook her duties as president with sheer joy, and that was exhibited during every event and obligation that came up.”

In addition to honoring Branda, the Columbian Lawyers held a ceremony to install its next group of officers into their new positions — Dean G. Delianites is now the president, Linda Locascio is the first vice president, Joseph S. Rosato is the second vice president, Susanne Gennusa is the third vice president, Mark A. Longo is the treasurer, Christopher Caputo is the corresponding secretary and Maria Aragona is the recording secretary.

Prior to the installation ceremony, the association’s members presented Branda with a plaque commemorating her past year as president, as well as a past president’s medal that is worn by all of the past presidents during formal events. Chairman of the board Steven Bamundo introduced her and shared a story about how the late Hon. Anthony Cutrona relentlessly recruited Branda to take a more active role within the organization until she eventually gave in.

“[Judge Cutrona] knew that she would be a good president, and this was the type of person this organization was created by and created for — an attorney with Italian descent, with a strong sense of family, who is dedicated to our profession and proud of our great Italian heritage,” Bamundo said.

Bamundo explained that he knew that Branda would have a successful year when last year’s dinner dance — at which Branda was installed as president — had such a high turnout. He then cited the exceptional and well-attended monthly Continuing Legal Education (CLE) meetings, Italian Heritage Night and the Atlantic City CLE as examples of great events that Branda helped to make a success.

“To all of my fellow Columbian brothers and sisters, I leave you with this final thought: If you need me, call me, because there ain’t no mountain high enough,” Branda said.

After Branda took a few minutes to discuss the past year and thank everyone involved in helping out during her presidency, Dino Mastropietro introduced Delianites as the new president. Delianites shared the story of his first Columbian Lawyers meeting at which met Judge Cutrona, who immediately put the young and nervous attorney at ease.

“I’m honored and humbled that I have been chosen to lead this great organization in this upcoming year, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary,” Delianites said. “My two goals for the coming year are to live up to the high standards set by our former presidents and to ensure that the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn remains one of the preeminent specialty bar associations in New York state.”

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