The Progressive Women’s Association will host a luncheon on Friday, October 23, at noon to honor the Italian American Women of Distinction. This annual event takes place during October in recognition of national Italian Culture Month.
The luncheon honors women who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the community, with a focus on the meaningful impact of their efforts.
The Luncheon will be held at the Progressive Women’s Uptown Event Center, 305 Washington Avenue. If you would like to attend this event and help us honor these women, please be sure and RSVP by calling 304-624-6881. Plates will be $15. Thank you for your support.
Diane Aloi
Diane Louise Alasky Aloi, grew up in a small town in Farmington, WV among many immigrants from Italy, Russia, France and Poland. She found it very interesting and educational to grow up around all the different nationalities.
She was born November 15,1951 to Pete and Violet Sherry Alasky and her husband, Donald’s parents were Sam and Frances Manchin Aloi. They were married June 24,1972 and were grateful to have two sons, Donald, Jr (Teresa) and Julius (Amber) and five grandchildren.
After graduating from Farmington High School and Fairmont State College, she married into an Italian family and experienced firsthand their traditional ways of cooking and celebrating. The Alasky and Aloi families were friends and had already shared their cultures together and it made it so easy to blend in.
She has dedicated her life to family, God, church, and community. Having worked at her family’s business since 1969, she plans to retire soon. In the beginning, she was the cleaning girl and worked her way up to Corporate Secretary. Her father instilled in her to learn all the trades of the business before she could run it.
At her church, St. Peter the Apostle in Farmington, she presently serves on the Finance Council, serve as music minister, the organist for 57 years, the ladies’ altar group, was on the Parish Council, and taught CCD. She has always been active in 4-H as a member and counselor. She enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, traveling, as well as playing different musical instruments.
Learning the Italian way of cooking was very special to her. She was eager to learn the recipes for meatballs, spaghetti sauce, fritti, Easter bread, homemade bread, wedding soup, and canning the peppers and sauce. Mostly she was taught by her husband’s grandmothers. They made it fun! Everything was from memory, no recipe cards! She had to write down the instructions very quickly.
She and her husband would go to all kinds of the Knights of Columbus dances every year and to the Italian Festival in Clarksburg. The tarantella was their favorite at the festival. They were members of the Festival Mass choir, Diane still is.
Diane has organized many fundraisers including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, WVU Children’s Hospital and Moms in Need.
The past couple of years she has had the privilege to travel to Italy and Sicily to experience her husband’s roots. Mama Kay and Papa Manchin were from San Giovanni in Fiore and Nunna Grace Aloi (Hervatine) was from Librizzi. Sicily. She learned so much history there,
and she was so happy to meet some of the Aloi family. The food was incredible as well as the beautiful scenery and people.
Having the privilege of raising her granddaughter has been a gift. Watching her excel in her faith, teaching, music, education, leadership and community service is most rewarding. Franchesca, Regina Maria XLVI of the West Virginia Italian Festival, has brought a lot of joy, love and pride to the family. She is a perfect example of why it is always a “great day to be an Italian.” Her grandsons Andrew, Jared, and Julian will carry on the Aloi name and she is so proud of the young men they are becoming, and Logan, the oldest, will soon be wed.
During the past five years, she lost her father, mother, sister and most recently, her husband of 54 years. These have been the most challenging times of her life. but Franchesca, her sons, family and friends have been very consoling during the unimaginable grief.
She plans to write a book soon. This has been a goal of hers for several years.
Diane says, “if you marry an Italian, you automatically become an Italian”.
Franchesca Rose Aloi
Franchesca Rose Aloi, 25, of Farmington, West Virginia, has been recognized by the Clarksburg Progressive Women’s Association as an Italian Woman of Distinction. A dedicated educator, vocalist, recording artist, and community leader, Aloi has spent her life celebrating her Italian ancestry and serving her community.
Aloi serves as Regina Maria XLVI (46th Queen) of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, an institution she has participated in for 18 years. As Queen, she made approximately 50 appearances across the state to promote Italian American heritage and encourage cultural preservation. In October 2026, she represented the festival at the annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City, participating in a nationally televised interview and attending a prestigious gala honoring Italian American leadership.
Her reign was marked by community outreach and public service, including organizing a charitable toy drive for WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, supporting local fundraisers, and leading educational programs on Italian American history at the public library in Fairmont.
Professionally, Aloi is a sixth-grade homeroom teacher and middle school social studies educator at Fairmont Catholic Grade School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Leadership from Point Park University, and is currently pursuing her principal certification and licensure. She integrates cultural heritage and history into her classroom instruction.
An accomplished singer-songwriter, Aloi has released two albums and an EP of original music. She has performed as a showcase vocalist for the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival for seven years and has served as a cantor and soloist for over a decade.
Deeply committed to her faith and community, Aloi is a parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Farmington, where she serves as Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council, cantor, and youth leader. She is also a longtime member and volunteer with 4-H.
Valerie Sue Bailey
Valerie Sue Bailey was born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the daughter of Ben and Sue Guido.
A graduate of West Virginia University, she earned a degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Dance before moving to New York City, where she lived and danced professionally for more than seven years. During her time in New York, Valerie founded Tinkered Dance, a project-based professional adult dance company dedicated to movement storytelling and creating art that feels accessible, relatable, and meaningful to audiences. After marrying her college sweetheart, Thomas Bailey, the country roads brought them back to West Virginia.
Today, Valerie and Thomas call Morgantown home. Valerie serves as a Project Manager for West Virginia University’s Talent and Culture team and continues to share her passion for creativity through Tinkered Dance, often connecting with audiences through social media and digital storytelling. Of all the roles she holds, however, her favorite is being Mom. Valerie and Thomas are the proud parents of 5-year-old Lottie and 2-year-old Teddy, and they are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their third child, a baby girl due in March 2027.
Angela Renzelli DeMarco
Angela is blessed and happily married to Lou DeMarco. She is the proud mother of three wonderful children: Adam and Zach Miller and Kelsey (Austin) Spaur. She has two bonus sons, Brad (Emily) Miller and Bub (Rachel) DeMarco. Her family continues to grow, as she has also inherited three grandchildren and she has one grandchild on the way.
Her family means everything to her, and she cherishes the love and memories they continue to create together. Angela is the proud daughter of the late Lavaughn and Junior Renzelli. Her paternal grandparents were the late Maria and Gulio Renzelli, who were Italian immigrants that came to America from Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. Her parents and grandparents remain an important part of who she is today.
She has two siblings Bub (Tammy) Renzelli and Kris (Duke) Gladden as well as several nieces and nephews and cousins, who she adores. She has always treasured the traditions, values and customs passed down through her family. She especially enjoys keeping those traditions alive through Italian cooking and family recipes, including homemade sauce and meatballs, pasta, Italian cookies, pieta pita, and many special foods that bring everyone together. Faith has also been a central part of Angela’s life. She began practicing her Catholic faith at St. Francis Borgia Church in Anmoore and continues today at All Saints Church in Bridgeport. For approximately 30 years, she has volunteered in many different capacities.
She currently works part time as the church secretary, along side her sister Kris. A position her mom Lavaughn held for 21 years. This role allows her to continue to serve a parish that has been such a meaningful part of her life. Angela feels blessed by the life she has been given and by the people who fill it with love. Her greatest hope is that the legacy of her family, Italian Heritage and faith will continue to grow through future generations.
Kris Gladden
With a heart and passion for helping others, Kris dedicates her free time to volunteering and serving her community.
A resident of Bridgeport, Kris has been married to Duke Gladden for 41 years. Together, they have one son, Michael (Sarah) and three grandsons, Julian, Oliver and Leo who are among her greatest sources of pride and joy. She is the daughter of the late Julio and Lavaughn Renzelli and takes great pride in her Italian heritage, which comes from her paternal grandparents, Maria and Giulio Renzelli
For the past 18 years, Kris has served as the business manager at All Saints Church, where she also serves on the Finance Council. Her commitment to service extends beyond her church, as she has been a member of the Women’s Moose Fraternity since 2008.
Kris has achieved many accomplishments throughout her life. At the age of 12, she became the first girl to play on a sanctioned boys’ Little League baseball team in Northern West Virginia. Her athletic achievements continued throughout high school. In 1979, she was featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Face in the Crowd “after scoring 2,052 points during her basketball career at Notre Dame. She was also recognized as an All-American and All-State athlete.
Outside of her community commitments, Kris enjoys gardening, canning, cooking, and collecting Christmas Ornaments. She is especially proud of preserving her Italian heritage through cherished family traditions, including Sunday pasta and meatballs, baking Italian cookies, and celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Christmas.
Above all, Kris treasures the traditions that connect her family across generations. Her greatest hope is that her family will continue to honor, cherish, and preserve these traditions for many years to come.
Jamie Jo McDonald
Jamie, born October 6, 1982, to Tom and Maria (Lucente) Bailey of Clarksburg. Her Italian heritage come from her maternal grandparents Joe and Velma (Lopez) Lucente and great grandparents who immigrated from San Giovanni In Foire, Italy. Jamie’s love of her Italian heritage came at the age of 2, when she first danced with the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Dancers, under the direction of Romona Rose. Jamie danced and sang with the group until she was 14. She also served as a princess on the minor and senior court. She received the Mary Lou “Weege” Vargo scholarship. Jamie has driven in the parade, helped in the merch tent, helped in the festival office and gave birth to the 2026 Festival Poster Contest Winner Bailey Rose McDonald. Jamie graduated from Robert C. Byrd high school and later West Virginia University and Fairmont State University with a Masters in Elementary Education, Masters in Reading and Early Childhood Specializations. Jamie is in her 20th year of teaching and currently is teaching 1st grade at Simpson Elementary. Over the course of her career, she has held numerous positions such as Title One Specialist, 4th grade teacher, Kindergarten teacher, 2nd grade teacher and Academic Support Specialist. Jamie is also on the academic and sports Boosters at Bridgeport High School. Both of her children attended Simpson, and her mother also teaches right down the hall from her. She is Vice President of the Faculty Senate and a member of the school’s LSIC ( Local School Improvement Council). Jamie is a member of the Bridgeport Women’s Juniors Club, where she was secretary for 2 years and currently co-sponsor of the Juniorettes. This organization means a great deal to Jamie because this group volunteers its time and donations toward the students and local organizations in our community. One way they are about to help and give back to the students of the community is by providing food for the “backpack program” at Simpson and BMS- where the Juniors provide food bags every weekend and holiday breaks for the families that need them. Jamie is also part of the Juniors annual Gala planning committee. Jamie and her family attend All Saints Catholic Church where Jamie has volunteered for the summer bible school program. Jamie also volunteers with the Derek Hostenpiller 5K. Jamie and her husband Randen were married in 2009 and have two amazing children, Joseph 15, who attends Bridgeport high school and Bailey Rose, 11 attends Bridgeport Middle School. They currently reside in Bridgeport. Jamie feels great pride to be able to pass down the Italian traditions she learned from her grandparents to her children.
Barb Navarini-Higgins
My name is Barb Navarini-Higgins. I’m the daughter of Mary and Reno Navarini. I’m a proud WVU alumna, lifelong WVU fan, wife, mom, volunteer, and athlete. Upon graduating from Notre Dame High School, I went on to West Virginia University. I earned my undergraduate degree in Finance and my MBA from WVU. I worked for more than 25 years in banking and finance, before retiring to care for my dad. I was his caregiver for 15 years, until he passed away in 2021. Caring for my dad was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life and taught me so much about love, patience, compassion, and resilience. Family has always been at the heart of my life. I’ve been married for 38 years to my husband Shane. and am blessed with two sons, Alex, 35, and Jacob, 22. We live in Charleston WV, but I still own my parents home in Clarksburg and I’m up here often. My Italian heritage has also shaped who I am, teaching me the importance of family, tradition, hard work, and community. My WVU athletic story began when I joined the Crew team as a freshman in 1980 and served as both a rower and coxswain. Those early days were such a special part of my college experience, and I’m incredibly proud of how far WVU rowing has come. I began running to raise money for children battling cancer, inspired by a young boy named Jack Rollins, who lost his battle with neuroblastoma 10 years ago. Jack became my reason to run, and his memory continues to inspire me. I’ve also been fortunate to have served for eight years on the WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital Advisory Council, helping raise money to build the new children’s hospital, and I continue to volunteer for them. It was also an honor to serve as an Honor Flight guardian in October 2022 accompanying veterans to Washington DC. When I look back on my life, I feel truly blessed. I’m grateful for my family, my WVU family, the people I’ve met along the way, and the opportunities I’ve had to give back. I’m especially honored to be nominated alongside so many remarkable women who inspire me.
Laura Vigilanco
Laura Lee Lobuts Viglianco, recipient of the 2026 Italian Heritage Legacy Award, was born in Fairmont, West Virginia. She is the daughter of Peter Lobuts and Margaret Vecchiarelli Lobuts, both first-generation Italian Americans. Her father’s family came from San Giovanni in Fiore in Calabria, while her mother’s family came from Sulmona in Abruzzo. Laura grew up with her sister, Flora Jo Lobuts Oliverio, and her brother, Joseph Lobuts.
A 1954 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, Laura was salutatorian and senior class president. She also participated in Girls State, the Homecoming Court, Choraliers, and the National Honor Society. She continued her education at Fairmont State College, graduating in 1958 with a degree in primary and secondary education. During college, she was a member and past president of Gamma Chi Chi Sorority, a Student Council representative, a member of the Home Economics Club, and TBI Sweetheart Queen. Laura later taught full time and worked as a substitute teacher for many years in Marion County.
In 1957, Laura married Julius M. Viglianco, the son of Matt and Theresa Viglianco of Bagnolo Piemonte, Italy. Together, Laura and Julius had two sons, Steven and Richard. Steven is married to Kerry. Laura’s family has since grown to include three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Julius passed away in 1991.
Laura also helped operate North Pole Ice & Storage Co. of Fairmont, Inc. until the business closed in 1996. Throughout her life, she has remained deeply involved in her community, her church, and numerous civic and service organizations.
Her many activities have included the Jayceettes, Fairmont Garden Club, Red Hat Club, and Three Rivers Coal Festival Queen’s Coronation Committee. She taught Sunday school at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairmont and served as a member and past president of both Gamma Chi Chi Sorority and the Fairmont State College Alumni Association. Her dedication to Fairmont State was recognized when she received the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award.
Laura also served on the Mountaineer Area Boy Scouts Board and was past chairman of the WVIHF Dance Committee for Marion County. She has been a member and past officer of the Fairmont Elks and a member and past president of St. Theresa’s Society.
A devout Catholic, Laura is currently a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Morgantown. Her service to the Catholic community has included leadership roles with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, where she served as president, state vice president, and district deputy. She also served as president of St. Peter’s Altar and Rosary Society.
Laura is a member of the Mountaineer Athletic Club and the Mountaineer Touchdown Club. She has also served as a member and officer of the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge No. 914 in Morgantown, continuing her lifelong commitment to celebrating and preserving her Italian heritage.
Through her dedication to education, faith, family, community service, and Italian traditions, Laura has built a remarkable legacy. Her lifetime of service and leadership makes her a deserving recipient of the 2026 Italian Heritage Legacy Award.
Delaney Wells
Telling the stories and events of the people of West Virginia has been an honor for Delaney Wells.
She is a television reporter for the Nexstar Corporation based in Charleston at WOWK-TV. But long before she was behind the microphone, Delaney had a knack for promoting West Virginia and the arts. She worked on the promotions team for Charleston’s minor league baseball team and has performed on the main stage of the Clay Center for the Arts as part of the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Of course, we know her as Regina Maria the 44 th – the queen of the 2023 West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. It was there where we learned about her true love for her Italian heritage and her willingness to share it beyond the streets of Clarksburg. She walked with pride representing the festival through the halls of the West Virginia State Capitol, danced in the streets of Huntington, and lead a procession through the village of San Giovanni in Fiore. During this most recent Italian Festival, she had the honor of dancing with the professional dance group Allegro. Delaney’s pride in her Italian traditions and heritage runs deep, from San Giovanni to North View. Her maternal great grandparents, Joe and Catherine DeLuca Brunetti, were the first people married at Saint James Catholic in North View. This Italian Woman of Distinction says her fond Italian memories were formed in the home of her late maternal grandparents, John and Rose
Mary “Wizzie” Brunetti Tennant where she helped her mother and Nonnie make pita piatas, sing Italian songs, and learn about her family history. Delaney has continued her commitment of promoting West Virginia by competing in the Miss West Virginia Organization. Through that organization, she is an advocate and educator for heart health throughout West Virginia using her Community Service Initiative of Scarred but Stronger. It’s a program in which Delaney tells her story of having open heart surgery at a week old and growing up with a scar on her chest. She educates the state on how to live heart-healthy lives – using tools such as the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8”. Delaney is passionate about the stories of those impacted by heart disease. She believes all heart survivors should know they are never alone, and by sharing her story, she is a voice that tells survivors their scars are what make them strong. Delaney is the daughter of Erik Wells and Natalie Tennant. She graduated with a broadcast Journalism degree from the University of Kentucky and is now pursuing her master’s degree from West Virginia University.
