Young men and women from all over the nation converged on Weehawken and Hoboken last weekend to participate in the National Italian American Foundation’s seventh annual Youth Retreat, which was headquartered at Sheraton Suites in Weehawken. But the participants were also treated to a tour of the many different Italian-based spots in Hoboken, especially the birthplace of Frank Sinatra and the St. Ann’s Feast. The participants, who hailed from points west like Kansas, Oregon and California were escorted around town by a true Italian native of Jersey City named Patrick O’Boyle. Say what? Shouldn’t a guy with a name like that be worried about green men on March 17 rather than Italians at a convention? “You have no idea how much abuse I get,” said O’Boyle, whose Italian mother has the maiden name of DiPaula. “I hear it over and over again. Frankly, I’m getting a little tired of it.” The 25-year-old O’Boyle, currently living in North Arlington and a student at Seton Hall Law School, has been a member of the NIAF for quite some time and has participated in other Youth Retreats in the past. O’Boyle suggested to the organizers that they consider holding the convention in New Jersey this year, which they finally agreed to. Once the retreat was planned for Weehawken, O’Boyle felt like a proud host, preparing to escort the visitors through all the spots of Italian-American heritage in the area. “Hoboken really shined,” O’Boyle said. “I was really proud that we had the retreat here. I’ve been to Italian neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Baltimore, but there wasn’t anything like this. People hear Hoboken and they think of all the negative stereotypes, but I know the visitors were very impressed and shocked. They didn’t realize how much it had to offer. In fact, I was surprised that they were so surprised.” O’Boyle said one of the highlights of the weekend was the trip to the St. Ann’s Feast. “I don’t think any of them ever went to a true feast before,” O’Boyle said. “They thought it was going to be a simple street fair.” The weekend was also highlighted by a luncheon speech from Jersey City native and former U.S. Congressman Frank Guarini, who is a chairman of the NIAF. There was also a presentation on Sunday about Hoboken’s favorite native son, “Old Blue Eyes,” involving Sinatra historian Ed Shirak and Secaucus tailor and boxing trainer Al Certo, who knew Sinatra growing up in Hoboken. “You look for people with Sinatra connections and honestly, there aren’t many left,” O’Boyle said. “Al Certo was phenomenal. He had such a feeling for Hoboken and made them all understand what it was like to grow up in Hoboken. He told stories that they used to swim to New York from Weehawken. He really gave everyone an idea what it was like to grow up in an Italian community before World War II.” Added O’Boyle, “He gave an idea of the atmosphere, how Sinatra became who he was, from the neighborhood. And Ed Shirak provided all the historical perspective. It was excellent.” The group also traveled to Ellis Island, went to Manhattan to see an Off-Broadway show written by an Italian-American playwright, and they sampled a lot of Italian food – which is customary for anyone visiting Hudson County. “For most of them, Pizza Hut is as Italian as it gets,” O’Boyle laughed. “They were astounded by the food.” “I knew it would turn out well,” O’Boyle added. “I really had a sense of pride, like I was showing off my home. I think Frank Guarini felt the same way. We felt proud that we were able to host.” So, did the visitors have a good time? Fuggedaboudit!
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