get the 2012 complete program of events - Italy Culture Month

I TALIAN 

HERITAGE & CULTURE MONTH 

MESE DELLA CULTURA ITALIANA 

AMERIGO 

TO AMERICA 

Amerigo Vespucci - 1454-1512 

The Legacy of Italians in the Americas 

OCTOBER 2012 NEW YORK 

www.italyculturemonth.org 

info@italyculturemonth.org • 212.642.2027

Contents 

A Message from the President/Chairperson 3 

Mission Statement 5 

Italian Heritage and Culture Month History 7 

Members of the Board 14 

Acknowledgments 16 

Benefactors and Supporters 18 

Leonardo da Vinci Award Recipients 21 

Official Proclamation from the Governor of 25 

the State of New York 

Official Proclamation from the 27 

Comptroller of the State of New York 

Official Legislative Resolution 29 

New York State Senate and Assembly 

Official Letter from the 33 

Mayor of New York City 

Official Commendation from the 35 

Comptroller of the City of New York 

Official Proclamation from the 36 

Council of the City of New York 

Official Proclamations from the 39 

Borough Presidents of the City of New York 

Official Events and 49 

Proclamation Ceremonies 

Borough Contact Persons 52 

Calendar of Events 55

Participating Schools 132 

Elementary through Secondary 

Participating Colleges and Universities 134 

Italian and Italian American Institutions 135 

in New York 

Italian Language Resources 140 

Related References 142 

Puzzle 148 

Special United States Senate Resolution 152 

Bookmark 160 

2

A Message from the 

President/Chairperson 

October 2012 

Dear Friends: 

Welcome to the 36 th annual celebration of Italian 

Heritage and Culture Month. This year the Board 

of Directors of the Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee, New York, Inc. has selected as its theme: 

“The Legacy of Italians in the Americas” A Tribute 

to Amerigo Vespucci: 1454 – 1512. 

We join with Italians world-wide to celebrate the 

500 th Anniversary of the life of Amerigo Vespucci 

1452 – 1512, a man whose discoveries of new 

lands and sense of entrepreneurship led to America 

being named in his honor. We are confident that the 

various organizations which historicallly recognize 

Italian Americans during the month of October will 

especially think about this important contributor to 

exploration and discovery. 

At this time, I thank all who have suggested and 

prepared the final work towards the various posters, 

bookmarks, pamphlets, and solicitation of programs 

for the booklet of activities for October 2012, all 

of which can be found as well on our web site. Our 

publications are provided through the generosity of 

benefactors, among which are the Columbus Citizens 

Foundation, the Office of the Consulate General of 

Italy in New York and many other individuals and 

contributors. 

During these challenging economic times, I am most 

appreciative of the response of those individuals 

who generously contributed to the development of 

our materials as well, to the overwhelming largesse 

by our sponsors whose ads are included within. For 

without their financial support, we might not have 

3

een able to produce such a comprehensive view of 

all the many activities for Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month, 2012. 

You are enthusiastically and wholeheartedly invited 

to join us in this celebration to partake of, and 

participate in, as many activities listed in the calendar 

of events as you are able. With all of us, the members 

of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc., a Board second to none in its enthusiasm 

and grace of life as “Italophiles”– I encourage you to 

celebrate our rich heritage! 

Grazie a tutti e buon proseguimento! 

Joseph Sciame 

Uff. Joseph Sciame 

President/Chairperson 

Mese della Cultura Italiana 

Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc. 

Mother Italy Statue, Hunter College, CUNY 

The Board of Directors of the Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee of New York, Inc., with Michael Massimino, 

Ph.D., Astronaut, on Columbus Day weekend 2011 during 

the awarding of the 2009 Da Vinci Award by the IHCC- 

NY, Inc. 

4

ITALIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE 

COMMITTEE OF NEW YORK, INC. 

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee, New York, Inc. (IHCC-NY, Inc.) is to: 

• Heighten public awareness of Italian heritage 

and culture; 

• Coordinate sponsorship of programs that 

celebrate Italian heritage and culture; 

• Sponsor annually the Italian Heritage and 

Culture Month activities; 

• Promote the study of Italian language and 

culture among all ethnic groups; 

• Engender pride in Italian Americans 

regarding their own heritage; and 

• Encourage positive portrayals of Italian 

Americans in the media and with the general 

public. 

Vision Statement 

The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc. will conduct, sponsor and/or participate in 

activities throughout the year, with special emphasis 

on the celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month. 

The vision of the IHCC-NY, Inc. is to be a dynamic 

organization in the Italian American community 

that will collaborate on and foster an appreciation 

of Italian and Italian American contributions to the 

world. 

5

The IHCC-NY, Inc. will: 

• Solicit funds to carry out its mission and 

fulfill its vision; 

• Network with Italian and Italian American 

resources to gain active individual and group 

participation; 

• Assist in promoting Italian heritage, culture, 

and language; and 

• Provide quality materials to educational, 

cultural groups and other entities. 

Programs 

The IHCC-NY, Inc. will encourage and/or sponsor 

programs at schools, colleges, civic entities, ethnic 

and other organizations so as to promote Italian 

heritage, culture and language; and foster positive 

recognition for the contributions of Italians and 

Americans of Italian descent to our society. 

Adopted 7-14-09 

The IHCC-NY, Inc. welcomed an International 

Exhibit honoring Amerigo Vespucci, inaugurating 

the 2012 theme for Italian and Heritage and 

Culture Month, held at a Symposium February 

2012 at St. John’s University, Manhattan 

Campus. 

6

A Brief History of Italian Heritage and Culture Month 

Sponsored by the Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee – NY, Inc. (IHCC-NY, Inc.) 

New York’s Italian Heritage and Culture Month will 

be celebrating its thirty-sixth anniversary this year, 

2012. The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of 

New York, Inc. (IHCC-NY, Inc.) has provided more 

than three and one half decades of special events, 

concerts, exhibits, lectures, and proclamations to 

celebrate and to better inform New York, the largest 

Italian city outside Italy, and other geographic areas 

throughout the United States and the world, of the 

important legacy of Italian and Italian American culture. 

It is important to recognize from a historical 

perspective that in the spring of 1976, NYC Mayor 

Abraham Beame, proclaimed the first “Italian 

Culture Week,” from May 17 to 23. The idea for 

such progress was proposed to Dr. Leo Bernardo, 

Director of the Bureau of Foreign Languages, who 

was easily persuaded of the value and importance 

of this project. Dr. Bernardo appointed Dr. Angelo 

Gimondo as citywide coordinator, resulting in the first 

celebration of Italian Culture Week under the auspices 

of the Bureau of Foreign Languages of the Board of 

Education of the City of New York. Nine years later, 

in 1985, the festivities moved to October, to coincide 

with various Columbus Day celebrations. By then, 

a week had become too short to encompass the 

range of programs so the week was transformed to 

“Italian Heritage and Culture Month.” As the years 

passed, the Governor of the State of New York 

and the President of the United States joined in 

acknowledging this significant annual celebration in 

issuing proclamations in recognition of the heritage 

and culture of Italians and Italian Americans. 

This pioneering monthlong celebration was 

conceptualized by Dr. Gimondo, then President 

of the Italian Bilingual Educators Association 

and Superintendent of School District 30 in the 

Borough of Queens, NYC. Dr. Gimondo, honored 

by the Italian Government on several occasions 

7

including that of Gran. Uff. in the Order of the Star 

of Solidarity, was the head of the corps of volunteers 

who annually coordinated the celebration of Italian 

heritage and culture in the five boroughs of New 

York. Dr. Gimondo located like-minded enthusiasm 

in Rosamaria Riccio Pietanza, then President of the 

Italian Teachers Association of New York. Together 

they gathered numbers of educators and administrators 

with an interest in language and culture, many of 

whom continue to be presently involved with the 

IHCC-NY, Inc. 

Soon, after inception, the idea to dedicate each year’s 

event to a specific theme or personality representative 

of the history and culture of Italy and Italian Americans 

was conceived. Dr. Gimondo retired as founder and 

president of the IHCC-NY, Inc. in December 2006, 

after 30 years of outstanding leadership and leaving an 

important legacy that continues today. He presently 

serves on the Board as a prime collaborator and advisor. 

Commencing in January 2007, Cav. Uff. Joseph 

Sciame, Vice-President for Community Relations at 

St. John’s University, past president of the national 

Order Sons of Italy in America, and an IHCC-NY, 

Inc. Board member for three decades, was elected 

President/Chair of the Board of Directors. Under his 

leadership the Board of Directors of the IHCC-NY, Inc. 

continues to be composed of eminent representatives 

of New York’s Italian and Italian American 

community. Each year the Board of Directors selects 

a new theme and then proceeds to create a theme 

poster and publish a Calendar of Events. The role 

of the Board of Directors continues to promote, 

coordinate, and manage the monthlong celebration. 

The themes are herein included for review and 

historical importance, and represent many individuals, 

concepts and events that have memorialized 

the Italian and Italian American movement. 

In addition to its efforts to promote heritage and 

culture, as well as the annual Da Vinci Award 

ceremonies conferred upon distinguished Italian 

and Italian American personages, the IHCC-NY, 

8

Inc. has sponsored a concert in Washington Square 

Park in honor of the 100 year birth of Giuseppe 

Garibaldi; organized a special anniversary gathering 

on the occasion of the 200th birthday of Antonio 

Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone; mounted 

an international art exhibit from Palermo, Sicily by 

Rosa Ponte Fucarino; partnered with the Institute of 

Classical Architecture and Classical America in the 

500th Anniversary Celebration of Andrea Palladio; 

supported the efforts of the Italian and Italian 

American community in advancing the cause of the 

Advanced Placement exam in Italian at high schools 

in the USA; saluted the lifetime achievements of the 

late Rocco Caporale, Ph.D., former Board Member; 

hosted a special tribute to international playwright 

Dott. Cav. Mario Fratti for his recognition of the 

play and movie Nine; and participated in annual flag 

raising ceremonies at Bowling Green, the site of the 

arrival of the first Italian to the New York shores. 

Commencing in 2010, the October flag raising has 

been held at the “Mother Italy” statue at Hunter 

College, NYC, followed by a traditional luncheon 

to celebrate Italian Heritage and Culture Month with 

the IHCC’s Board of Directors. Most recently, the 

IHCC-NY, Inc. can be credited with advocating and 

successfully being a leader in the quest to obtain an 

official U.S. Congressional Resolution for the 150 th 

Anniversary of the Unification of Italy. In February 

2012 the IHCC-NY welcomed an international 

exhibit honoring Amerigo Vespucci inaugurating the 

2012 theme for Italian Heritage and Culture Month. 

The IHCC-NY, Inc.’s role in concert with the Office 

of the Consulate General, now led by Minister 

Natalia Quintavalle, as well as with the American 

Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) and the 

Italian American Committee on Education (IACE), 

has been strengthened over the years to work in 

more collaborative ways so as to achieve common 

goals in education, heritage, culture, language, 

diplomatic respect and a better understanding of 

the Italianità that is so very important to the legacy 

bequeathed to Italian Americans by their families. 

In fact, for many years the Consul Generals of Italy 

9

have each fully supported the efforts of IHCC- 

NY for which we are most grateful, as well as the 

Director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura di New York, 

now under the leadership of Dott. Riccardo Viale. 

Today, owing to the work of the IHCC-NY, Inc., a 

multitude of programs and events are organized 

by cultural associations, community centers, 

libraries, schools, and university departments of 

Italian in the Greater New York metropolitan area 

to proudly celebrate October’s Italian Heritage 

and Culture Month. Moreover, other states such 

as Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode 

Island, Washington D.C., Wisconsin, and several 

others, have worked to follow the lead of the 

IHCC-NY, Inc. and enhanced their activities in 

their respective states for the month of October. 

For the year 2012, the Board of Directors, joining 

with the theme in Italy, determined that it be 

appropriate in its role to recognize Italian and Italian 

Americans, by celebrating the 500 th Anniversary of 

the life of Amerigo Vespucci 1454-1512, a man whose 

discoveries of new lands, sense of entrepreneurship 

and enthusiasm led to America being named after him 

in subsequent years. 

In the spirit of Vespucci, 2012’s IHCC’s theme is 

“The Legacy of Italians in the Americas,” and to that 

end, all discoveries by Italians and Italian Americans 

can be saluted and hailed in special ways. Indeed, the 

legacy lives on! 

Below is a chronological listing representing the array 

of themes employed throughout the last three and one 

half decades to celebrate Italian heritage: 

Theme Posters 

2011 150 th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy 

2010 Maria Montessori: An Internationally 

Renowned Educator and Physician 

10

2009 Galileo Galilei: Father of Modern 

Astronomy 

Giuseppe Petrosino: Italian American 

Crime Fighter 1860-1909 

2008 Andrea Palladio: Architect for the Ages 

1508-1580 

Antonio Meucci: The True Inventor of the 

Telephone 1808-2008 

2007 Giuseppe Garibaldi: Eroe dei Due Mondi/ 

Hero of Two Worlds 1807-2007 

2006 Celebrating the Italian Genius: The 

Leonardo DaVinci Legacy 

2005 Giuseppe Mazzini: The Political Idealist of 

the Italian Struggle for Independence 

2004 Amerigo Vespucci 

2003 Focus on Italian Opera 

2002 Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the United 

States Capitol 

2001 Giuseppe Verdi: A Tribute to Italy’s 

Patriotic Composer 

2000 Italy in the Year 2000: Italian Heritage 

and Cultural Roots at the Threshold of the 

New Millennium 

1999 The Italians of New York: Five Centuries of 

Struggle and Achievement 

1998 New York City at 100: Italian Americans 

Commemorate the Immigrant Experience 

(Patria e famiglia) 

1997 The Voyages of Giovanni Cabotto: 

500 th Anniversary 

1996 Italy and its Regions (L’Italia delle Regioni) 

11

1995 Guglielmo Marconi: Centennial of the 

Radio 

1994 Italian Americans in Law: From Beccaria 

to Scalia 

1993 The Legacy of Italy’s Artistic and Cultural 

Contributions to the World 

1992 Cristoforo Colombo 500 th Anniversary: 

The Legacy Lives On 

1991 Italian Americans: The Legacy of 

Cristoforo Colombo 

1990 William Paca: Signer of the Declaration of 

Independence, Jurist, 3 times Governor of 

the State of Maryland 

1989 Italians Reaching Out: Antonio Meucci, 

Inventor of the Telephone 

Mother Cabrini, Missionary of the 

Immigrants 

1988 Lorenzo Da Ponte/Academia 

1987 Year of the U.S. Constitution: 

Mazzei and the Italian Contribution 

1986 Year of Lady Liberty 

1985 Building America 

1984 Year of the Etruscans 

1983 Italian Culture Week 


1981 Italian Festival of the Arts 


12


1978 Italian Week, Board of Education 

of New York 



L to R: Minister Natalia Quintavalle, IHCC-NY, Inc., 

Board Members Claudia Massimo Berns and Barbara 

Gerard, Ed.D., 2010 DaVinci Awardee Gr. Uff. Matilda 

Raffa Cuomo and Uff. Joseph Sciame who presented the 

coveted annual IHCC-NY, Inc. Award to the former NYS 

First Lady for her lifetime Italian heritage and cultural 

contributions. 

13

Members of the Board 

Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc. 

Founding Chairman 

Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo, Ph.D. 

Honorary Chairpersons 

Minister Natalia Quintavalle 

Consul General of Italy 

Dott. Riccardo Viale 

Director, Italian Cultural Institute of New York 

Comm. Frank Fusaro 

President, Columbus Citizens Foundation 

Cav. di Gr. Cr. Hon. Dominic R. Massaro 

Justice, NYS Supreme Court 

Cav. Joseph V. Scelsa, Ed.D. 

President, Italian American Museum 

Cav. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D. 

Dean, John D. Calandra Italian American 

Institute, Queens College/CUNY 

Baronessa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò 

Trustee, New York University 

Officers 

President and Chairman 


Vice President 

Maria C. Marinello, Esq. 

Treasurer 

John Mustaro, P.E. 

Secretary 

Uff. Maria Fosco 

Committee Chairs 

Co-Chairs, Public Relations 

Nancy J. Indelicato 

Cav. Dott. Berardo Paradiso 

Chair, Marketing 

John Battista De Santis 

Chair, Membership 

William Russo 

14

Co-Chairs, Special Projects 

Cav. Giuliana Ridolfi Cardillo 

Barbara Gerard, Ed.D. 

Chair, Programming 

Cav. Joan Marchi Migliori 

Legal Advisor 

Josephine Belli, Esq. 

Board of Directors 

Uff. George Altomare 

Claudia Massimo Berns 

Frances Bologna 

Louis Calvelli 

Rosa Casiello O’Day 

Hon. Jack Como 

Rosanna Coscia 

Joseph DiPietro 

Cav. Prof. Mario Fratti 

Uff. Mico Delianova Licastro 

Lucrezia Lindia 

Vincent Lipari 

Dennis Loiacono 

Cav. Josephine A. Maietta 

Guy Palumbo 

Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D. 

Board of Advisors 

Stephen R. Aiello, Ph.D. 

Stefano Albertini, Ph.D. 

Cav. Anthony Brusco 

Cav. Anthony Ciappina 

Gaetano Cipolla, Ph.D. 

Frances Fusco 

Angelo Merenda 

Joseph Mongitore 

Cav. Paul Patanè, Ph.D. 

Wanda Radetti 

Cav. Frances M. Rello 

Cav. Angelo Siciliano 

Hon. G. Jack Spatola 

Administrative Staff 

Dott.ssa Antonella De Gennaro 

15

Acknowledgments 

We wish to express our deep gratitude to: 

Minister Natalia Quintavalle, Consul General of 

Italy to New York, for her generous, collaborative 

support regarding the work of the IHCC-NY, Inc.; 

Dott. Riccardo Viale, Director of the Italian Cultural 

Institute of New York, and Cav. Dott. Berardo 

Paradiso, President of IACE, for their hospitality 

and use of Institute for meetings and conducting our 

administrative operations; 

Cav. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D., Dean and 

Professor of the John D. Calandra Italian American 

Institute, Queens College of The City University 

of New York and IHCC-NY, Inc. Honorary Board 

Member, and his staff for their technical assistance 

and use of the Institute’s facilities in the preparation 

of the calendar of events, specifically: Cav. Joan 

Marchi Migliori, Dr. Maria grace LaRusso, Carmine 

Pizzirusso, Marianna Prestigiacomo, Lisa Cicchetti, 

Olga Pappas, Rosaria Musco and Siân Gibby. 

John Battista De Santis, Vice President of Webb 

Communications, Inc. and IHCC-NY, Inc. Board 

Member, for generously donating the art work 

and design of the theme, and graphic services 

for the various publications and website www. 

italyculturemonth.org; 

Nancy Indelicato, Board Member IHCC-NY, Inc., 

for developing a brochure, bookmark, and word 

puzzle; assembling the respective bibliography and 

assisting with media relations for this year’s theme; 

Uff. George Altomare, UFT and IHCC-NY, Inc. 

Board Member, for facilitating the distribution of 

posters and bookmarks to the New York City Public 

Schools; 

16

Lucrezia Lindia, IHCC-NY, Inc. Board Member, for 

her work on the annual Essay Contest; 

Barbara Gerard, Ed.D., and Maria Marinello, Esq. 

for their ongoing contributions in coordinating 

various luncheons in conjunction with the “Mother 

Italy” Flag raising ceremonies; 

And, Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo, Ph.D., IHCC-NY, 

Inc. Founding Chairman, for his ongoing guidance 

and encouragement since 1976 to the present; and 

Uff. Joseph Sciame, current President/Chair, for his 

willingness to lead this important cultural activity 

on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Italian 

Heritage and Culture Committee-NY, Inc. 

Westchester County, Montfort Academy, Founder, Richard 

Greco, and Gr. Uff. Stefano Acunto flank Edward 

Cardinal Egan and Uff. Joseph Sciame with respective 

awards in the name of St. Louis de Montfort and St. 

Thomas More. 

17

2012 Benefactors and Supporters 

We wish to express our deep gratitude to the 

benefactors and supporters of the Italian Heritage 

and Culture Committee of New York, Inc., who 

either personally, or in-kind or through their 

respective personal and professional associations 

have assisted: 

Primary Benefactors 

Columbus Citizens Foundation 

Comm. Frank Fusaro, President 

The John D.Calandra Italian American Institute, 

Queens College/CUNY 

Cav. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D. 

Minister Natalia Quintavalle 

Consul General of Italy in New York 

Dott. Riccardo Viale, Director 

Italian Cultural Institute of New York 

John Battista De Santis, Vice President 

Webb Communications, Inc. Graphic Artist 

Italian Language of Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) 

Cav. Vincenzo Marra, President and Founder 

St. John’s University 

Uff. Joseph Sciame, Vice President for 

Community Relations 

Grand Patrons 

Cav. Vivian Cardia for Associazione Liguri Nel 

Mondo 

Italian Cultural Center, St. John’s University 

Uff. Joseph Sciame, Chairman 

NYS OSIA, Grand Lodge Foundation 

Thomas Lupo, President 

F. J. Sciame Construction Company, Inc. 

Frank Sciame, CEO/Chairman 

Patron Angels 

Cellini Lodge # 2206, OSIA 

Luigi Squillante, President 

Gruppo Fooding/The N Beverage Group 

Sandy Auriti, Ph.D., VP Sales/Brand Development 

18

Napoli Bern LLP 

Paul J. Napoli and Marc J. Bern, Senior Partners 

Sponsors 

Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere 

Gina Biancardi, Founder & President and 

Louis Calvelli, Executive Director 

Coccia Foundation 

Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr. 

Olga R. DeFilippis 

Hon. Anthony Gazzara 

Italian American Museum 

Cav. Joseph V. Scelsa, Ed.D., Founder and 

President 

Maria C. Marinello, Esq. 

John Mustaro, President, United Pugliesi Federation 

National Organization of Italian American Women 

Betty Santangelo, Esq., Chair 

Wanda S. Radetti 

www.visitcroatia.com - Tasteful Croatian Journeys 


Maria and Cav. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D. 

Westchester Italian Cultural Center 

David A. Pope, Director and George Albano, 

Chairman of the Board 

Contributors 

Joseph Agresti, Past President UNICO National, NJ 

District IV 

Hon. Tony Avella 

Hon. Jack Como 

Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo 

Dr. Barbara Gerard 

Il Club Italiano of Westchester Community College, 

Prof. Carlo Sclafani, Faculty Advisor 

Anthony Leone 

Lucrezia G. and Francesco M. Lindia 

Cav. Josephine Maietta 

Cav. Joan Marchi Migliori 

Robert Patterson, Director, Music at Saint Alban’s 

Carmine Pisacreta, Mr. Carmine International Hair 

Forum, Inc. 

Carol Per Lee Plumb 

Patricia Leuzzi Polak 

19


William V. Sotirovich, USA Space Program & 

Return to the Moon Committee 

Nicholas A. Spilotro 

Hon. Peter F. Vallone, former Speaker, NYC Council 

Friends 

Margaret M. Alessi 


Nicolina R. Astorina 

Frances Borsellino 

Rosa Casiello O’Day 

Angelo Corrao 

John D’Angelo 

Faith J. Felix 

Jean M. Vallone Gagliardo 

Virginia M. Giovinco 

Uff. Aldo Mancusi, Enrico Caruso Museum of 

America 

Georgianna T. McGuire 

Boosters 

Doris Felix 

Regina Preziosi DeRise 

In Kind 

Giovanna Auriemma, 

Co-hosts Francesca & Antonio Pisano 

Souvenir D’Italia www.wrhu.org 

Radio Hofstra 88.7FM, Sat. 10:00 am 

Tony Pasquale, Ciao Tony, 

Radio ICN www.incradio 

Mon & Fri, 1:30 to 2:30 pm 

and Sat. 10 to 11:30AM 

Silvana Romania, 

Radio ICN, Contest Festival of Songs, USA 

20

Leonardo da Vinci Award Recipients 

The Leonardo da Vinci Award is the highest 

recognition given to a distinguished individual who 

has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the 

Italian American community by the Italian Heritage 

and Culture Committee of New York, Inc. 

Prior Recipients to 2012: 

Guilio Terzi di Sant’Agata Terzi 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy 

Gr. Uff. Matilda Raffa Cuomo 

Founder of Mentoring USA 

Michael Massimino, Ph.D. 

Astronaut 

Comm. Louis Tallarini, President 


Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo, Ph.D. 

Founder and President 

IHCC-NY, Inc., 1976-2006 

Baronessa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò 

Board of Trustees 

New York University 

Robert B. Cattell 

Past Chairman and CEO 

KeySpan Corporation 

Comm. Senator John J. Marchi 

New York State Senate 

Michael Capasso 

General Director 

DiCapo Opera Theatre 

A. Bartlett Giamatti, Ph.D. 

President 

Yale University 

21

Dr. Edward J. Mortola 

President Emeritus 

Pace University 

Professor Robert R. Alfano 

Director, The City University of New York Center 

for Advanced Technology 

Cav. Anthony Brusco 

Senior Vice President 

Applied Graphics Technology 

Cav. Professor Mario Fratti 

Tony Award winning Playwright of Nine 

JOSEPH TUSIANI 

2012 Leonardo da Vinci Award Recipient 

The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc. is pleased to have selected Joseph Tusiani, 

Professor Emeritus, Herbert H. Lehman College, The 

City University of New York, as the Leonardo da 

Vinci Award recipient for 2012. This award is IHCC- 

NY, Inc.’s highest recognition given to an individual 

who has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the 

Italian American community. Tusiani is considered 

one of Italy’s and America’s premier poets—and 

we feel fortunate to celebrate his gifts to the literary 

world. 

Tusiani earned his doctoral degree in Letters from the 

University of Naples in 1947 at the age of twentythree. 

Soon after, he emigrated from his native town 

San Marco in the Gargano Mountains of Apulia, to 

live in the Bronx, where he initiated his career in 

Italian Studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent 

in nearby Riverdale. Later, he was invited to join 

22

the faculty at Lehman College in the Department 

of Languages and Literature, where he established 

himself teaching courses and writing poetry in 

Italian. His subsequent encounters with American 

poets and writers facilitated his engagement in Italian 

American cultural circles, where he was encouraged 

to write poetry in English. His poem, “The Return,” 

documents his homecoming in 1954 and earned him 

the prestigious Greenwood Prize, bestowed by the 

Poetry Society of England that same year. In 1963, he 

was selected among the thirty best-known American 

poets of the time to participate in the “Poetry in 

Crystal” project, and was invited by then President 

John F. Kennedy to record his poetry for the Archives 

of the Library of Congress. 

Tusiani continued to write and publish his poetry in 

American and European publications. It is significant 

to note that he also began to employ the Latin language 

in his poetic activity, which has earned him the title: 

greatest living neo-Latin poet world-wide. He is the 

author of seven volumes of poetry in the Gargano 

dialect and is the translator of numerous books 

and academic publications. What is defining about 

Tusiani’s illustrious career has been, and continues 

to be, his remarkable and unusual ability to inspire 

readers and audiences in English, Italian, Gargano 

dialect and Latin on both sides of the ocean. His work 

has been the subject of many doctoral dissertations 

at several Italian Universities. Tusiani has published 

two novels, one in English and one in Italian, and the 

list of his translations are too numerous to cite here. 

In 2007, he was presented with the Keys to the City 

of Florence for his achievements in bringing Italian 

literature to American readers. His English and Italian 

poems have been published in a special volume titled 

Collected Poems 1983-2004 (Publisher, M. Congedo; 

2004). 

Tusiani’s following poem illuminates the universal 

search for ethnic identity: 

23

ETHNICITY 

O new awareness of my ancient light, 

What’s then so new about this earth of mine? 

Though everything you seem to redefine. 

‘Tis but a tale of night excluding night 

So I discover what in me was bright 

Long before brightness was allowed to shine, 

Able at last to trace and underline 

Letter and spirit of my simple right. 

Now, only now the truth I understand- 

That, born as mortal as a bird or bat, 

Man ever longs for some immortal land 

Brother, you came from Erin, I from Rome, 

And others started hence—but what of that? 

Today migration and tomorrow home. 

Joseph Tusiani, Professor Emeritus, 

Herbert H. Lehman College, The City 

Univeristy of New York. 

24

Whereas, the Empire State’s greatest asset is its 

mosaic of cultures, each of which contributes to 

our strength, enrichment, and diversity; New York is 

home to many individuals of Italian ancestry, and we 

are honored to join with them in celebrating Italian 

Heritage Month; and 

Whereas, we recognize the many Italians whose 

intellectual and creative energies have enriched all 

of humanity and, today, history is testimony to the 

significant contributions Italians have made to our 

state, our nation, and the entire world; and 

Whereas, New York’s large and active community of 

Italian Americans is proud of its culture, heritage, and 

history of contributions to the world; and 

Whereas, this year’s observance of Italian Heritage 

Month celebrates the quincentenary of the death of 

Amerigo Vespucci, pioneering explorer; the life and 

legacy of Amerigo Vespucci reflects the creativity and 

ingenuity of many Italians who navigated uncharted 

waters and discovered new lands; and 

Whereas, Vespucci, a financier, cartographer, 

navigator, and explorer, fueled his pioneering spirit 

and lifelong passion for discovery through travels that 

sparked public interest and enthusiasm for exploration, 

and it is fitting that this year’s celebration of Italian 

Heritage and Culture Month revolves around the theme 

of “discovery”; and 

25

Whereas, our nation is sustained and prospers as 

a country of immigrants, and Italian Americans hold 

highest respect for their ancestors, ever appreciative 

of the pioneering spirit and courage exemplified by 

countless brave Italian men and women throughout 

history; and 

Whereas, all New Yorkers join with individuals of 

Italian heritage across America to mark this special 

observance and celebration of cultural pride; 

Now, Therefore, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of 

the State of New York, do hereby proclaim October 2012 

as 

ItalIan HerItage and 

in the Empire State. 

Culture MontH 

Secretary to the Governor 

G i v e n under 

my hand and the Privy 

Seal of the State at the 

Capitol in the City of 

Albany this twentyfirst 

day of August in 

the year two thousand 

twelve. 

26 

Governor

OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER 

STATE OF NEW YORK 

PROCLAMATION 

WHEREAS, the Italian Heritage & Culture 

Committee of New York, Inc. is honoring the 

achievements of Amerigo Vespucci on the occasion 

of the 500 th anniversary of his death, as well as the 

larger legacy of Italian discovery and creativity in the 

Americas, for the 36 th annual celebration of Italian 

Heritage and Culture Month; and 

WHEREAS, a financier, cartographer, navigator 

and explorer, Florentine native Amerigo Vespucci 

participated in historic voyages of discovery to the 

West, helped establish that the newly encountered 

lands were part of a continent which extended 

much further south than previously recognized, and 

ultimately gave his name to both continents of the 

New World; and 

WHEREAS, since the 15 th century, Italians and 

Italian Americans have advanced the tradition of 

Amerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, John 

Cabot, Giovanni da Verrazzano and others, making 

discoveries and creative contributions in every field 

of human endeavor and helping the societies of the 

Americas flourish; now let it be 

27

PROCLAIMED, that State Comptroller Thomas P. 

DiNapoli does hereby applaud the pioneering spirit 

of Amerigo Vespucci and all the men and women who 

followed in his path; and be it further 

PROCLAIMED, that throughout this month of 

October, two thousand twelve, Comptroller DiNapoli 

does join with the Italian Heritage & Culture 

Committee of New York, Inc. and the people of New 

York in celebrating the Italian legacy in the Americas, 

and remembering the courage, determination, 

ingenuity and thirst for knowledge that helped build 

our country. 

28 

Thomas P. DiNapoli 

State Comptroller

State of New York 

Legislative Resolution 

Senate No. 5460 

BY: Senator Griffo 

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

to proclaim October 2012 as Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month in the State of New York 

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body 

to pay tribute to those whose true purpose and worthy 

accomplishment foster a spirit of community as they 

promote and recognize the goals and ideals of the rich 

cultural heritage of the Italian community; and 

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to 

memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim 

October 2012 as Italian Heritage and Culture Month in 

the State of New York, the theme of which is this year 

“Amerigo to America; The Legacy of Italians in the 

Americas,” marking the 500th Anniversary of the death of 

Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America derives its name; 

and 

WHEREAS, The quincentenary of the death of Amerigo 

Vespucci is an occasion to commemorate not only the 

explorations of Amerigo Vespucci in Mundus Novus, the 

New World, but also to celebrate the ongoing discoveries, 

creativity and ingenuity of Italians in the New World; and 

29 

Assembly No. 1625 

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

WHEREAS, Vespucci, born and raised in Florence, 

Italy was an Italian financier, cartographer, navigator 

and explorer; working for the Medici family, he was 

sent to Seville, Spain to further the Medici’s business 

interests; he was involved in securing provisions for 

one of Columbus’voyages and, subsequently, under 

the auspices of the King of Spain and then the King of 

Portugal, Vespucci, himself participated as an observer and 

navigator in, possibly, four voyages to the West in search 

of a route to the Indies; and 

WHEREAS, Unlike Columbus, he was the first to 

recognize that the land they had reached was part of a new 

continent; and 

WHEREAS, In 1509, the cartographer Waldseemuller 

named that land America, having been familiar with the 

Vespucci Letters depicting the geography, people and 

culture of that new, separate land; and 

WHEREAS, Vespucci’s pioneering, courageous spirit 

has continued in the legacy of Italian Americans whose 

creativity was part of the founding doctrines of the 

United States; the expansion, building and beautifying of 

America; and the scientific and technological discoveries 

and space explorations of modern times; and 

WHEREAS, Italian Americans are involved in every 

field of endeavor just as their counterparts in South 

America have contributed to the development of Brazil, 

Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela; and 

WHEREAS, This year’s Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month celebration began in February with a special 

Vespucci conference at St. John’s University, Manhattan 

campus featuring a distinguished Florentine panel and 

traveling exhibit; and, on October 5, 2012, Joseph 

Sciame, President and Chairman of the Italian Heritage 

and Culture Committee of New York, Inc. will officiate 

at the Committee’s annual noon Columbus weekend flag 

30

aising ceremony at the Mother Italy statue at Hunter 

College, kicking off the observation of Italian Heritage and 

Culture Month and many October events, lectures, panels, 

receptions and proclamations will feature the Vespucci 

theme of “discovery”; and 

WHEREAS, The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 

1976; Dr. Angelo Gimondo, its Founding Chairman, has 

played a leadership role since the beginning; its Board of 

Directors is composed of prominent representatives of New 

York’s Italian-American community, and Joseph Sciame 

continues to ably serve as its President and Chairman; and 

WHEREAS, The celebration of Italian Heritage and 

Culture, which began as a weeklong event, has grown to a 

monthlong celebration of special events and programs 

organized and hosted by cultural associations, community 

centers, libraries, schools and universities 

during the month of October; and 

WHEREAS, Each October is dedicated to a specific 

theme or personality representative of the history and 

culture of Italy and Italian-Americana; October 2012 

marks the 36th Anniversary of Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month; and 

WHEREAS, Italian-American cultural events and 

programs venerating Italian history, culture, and the many 

significant contributions of Italians, Italian-Americans, and 

Italian culture to America will take 

place throughout New York State during this special month 

for people of all cultures to enjoy; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its 

deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

to proclaim October 2012 as Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month in the State of New York; and be it further 

31

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably 

engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. 

Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and Joseph 

Sciame, President and Chairman of the Italian Heritage and 

Culture Committee of New York, Inc. 

ADOPTED IN SENATE ON By order of the Senate 

June 19, 2012 

Francis W. Patience, Secretary 

ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY ON By order of the Assembly 

June 21, 2012 

Laurence R. Kretzler, Clerk 

32

Dear Friends: 

The CiTy of Newyork 

offiCe of The Mayor 

New york, N.y. 1007 

33 

October 2012 

It is a great pleasure to join the Italian Heritage 

& Culture Committee of New York, Inc. in 

celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture Month 

2012. 

From Arthur Avenue to Bensonhurst, our 

residents of Italian descent have made a tremendous 

impact on New York culture, and it is impossible 

to imagine our City without the contributions of 

the more than 600,000 Italian-Americans who call 

it home. This month is a wonderful opportunity 

to recognize the hard work and perseverance of 

Italian New Yorkers, and celebrate their many 

accomplishments in a variety of fields, from politics 

and law, to music and sports. Throughout October, 

New Yorkers of all backgrounds will be able to 

experience the sights and sounds of Italian culture 

by participating in a series of festivals, parades, 

lectures and other events. This year also marks the 

quincentenary of the death of the Italian explorer 

Amerigo Vespucci, the man who gave our country 

its name, and we are proud to commemorate not

only his legacy, but also the legacy of all Italian- 

Americans who have made our City what it is today. 

On behalf of the City of New York, please 

accept best wishes for a terrific month and continued 

success. 

Sincerely, 

Michael R. Bloomberg 

Mayor 

34

PRESENTED TO 

ITALIAN HERITAGE AND 

CULTURE COMMITTEE 

OF NEW YORK, INC. 

For its dedication to celebrating the contributions of 

Italians and Italian Americans in this country; for helping 

raise awareness of Italian heritage and culture; for three 

decades of outstanding events during the annual Italian 

Heritage and Culture month; and for its tremendous 

contributions to the City of New York. 

35 

John C. Liu 

Comptroller 

October 1, 2012

The Council of the City of New York is proud to 

honor the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc. in celebration of its 36th Annual Italian Heritage 

and Culture Month; and 

WHEREAS: For thirty-six years, the Italian Heritage 

and Cultural Committee of New York, Inc. (IHCC-NY, Inc.) 

has provided special events, concerts, exhibits, lectures, 

and proclamations to celebrate and to better inform New 

York City—the largest Italian city outside Italy—and 

other geographic areas throughout the United States and 

the world, of the important legacy of Italian and Italian 

American culture; and 

WHEREAS: The IHCC-NY, Inc. also sponsors the 

annual Italian Heritage and Culture Month activities, 

promotes the study of Italian language and culture among 

all ethnic groups, engenders pride in Italian-Americans 

about their own rich history, and encourages positive 

portrayals of Italians and Americans of Italian descent in 

the media and with the general public; and 

WHEREAS: The theme of this year’s Italian Heritage 

and Culture Month—“Amerigo to America: The Legacy 

of Italians in America”—celebrates the quincentenary 

of the death of Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America 

derives its name. This occasion commemorates not only 

the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci in Mundus Novus 

but also celebrates the ongoing discoveries, creativity and 

ingenuity of Italians in the New World; and 

36

WHEREAS: The story of the Italian people is an 

essential part of the narrative of the United States. The 

values of Italian community—love of family, a strong work 

ethic, and a great respect for heritage—are American 

values. Just as Italians and Italian-Americans have 

strengthened the fabric of our own nation as a place of 

unity and progress, we stand together to recognize this 

important milestone and reflect not only upon Italy’s rich 

heritage, but its great future as well; now, therefore 

BE IT KNOWN: That the Council of the City of New 

York—including the undersigned members of its Italian- 

American Caucus—is proud to honor 

The Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee of New York, Inc. 

for fostering a greater awareness and appreciation for the 

extraordinary roles that 

Italians and Italian-Americans have played in shaping 

New York City and the world. 

Signed this 1st day of October in the year Two Thousand 

Twelve. 

37 

CHRISTINE C. QUINN 

Speaker 

For the Entire Council

Members of the Italian American Caucus 

City Council of New York 

JAMES F. GENNARO 

Council Member, 24th District 

Queens 

VINCENT J. GENTILE 

Council Member, 43rd District 

Brooklyn 

DANIEL R. GARODNICK 


Manhattan 

JAMES VACCA 


Bronx 

PETER F. VALLONE Jr. 

Council Member, 22nd District 

Queens 

ERIC ULRICH 

Council Member, 32nd District 

Queens 

DOMENIC M. RECCHIA, Jr. 


Brooklyn 

JAMES S. ODDO 

Minority Leader, 50th District 

Staten Island 

VINCENT M. IGNIZIO 

Council Member, 51st District 

Staten Island 

38

Whereas: The Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month has been celebrated for more than a quarter 

century with special events, exhibits, lectures and 

proclamations to commemorate Italy’s history and 

culture; and 

Whereas: The 36 th Italian American Heritage 

and Culture Month is being celebrated city-wide 

in honor of Amerigo Vespucci, from whom 

America derives its name. This year’s theme is 

“Amerigo to America: The Legacy of Italians in 

the Americas” ; and 

Whereas: I extend my gratitude and appreciation to 

the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc. and its dedicated members for keeping 

alive the legacy of the Italian culture. 

Now, therefore, I, Ruben Diaz Jr., President of 

the Borough of The Bronx, pay tribute to our Italian- 

American community and the cultural, political, and 

39

scientific contributions Italian-Americans have made 

to our great borough, city and country. I do hereby 

proclaim October 2012 as 

“Italian-American Heritage and 

Culture Month” 

40 

Ruben Diaz Jr.

Whereas, in recognition of Italian-American 

Heritage and Culture Month, and with Brooklyn 

being home to everyone from everywhere and 

boasting the largest population of Italian-Americans 

if we include our southwestern suburb of Staten 

Island, it is most fitting that we Brooklynites take 

note of the important cultural, political, educational, 

and social aspects of Italian heritage and culture, 

from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, to Galileo, the 

father of modern astronomy, to Maria Montessori, 

the innovative educator, and all those in between and 

after who have greatly enriched the quality of life in 

our borough, our nation, and the world; and 

Whereas, Brooklyn joins in the New York Citywide 

celebration of the 36th annual Italian 

Heritage and Culture Month—whose theme this year 

is “Amerigo to America: The Legacy of Italians in the 

Americas,” marking the quincentenary of the death 

of Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America derives 

its name—as we gather to pay tribute to the vibrant 

Italian heritage that is reflected throughout our great 

borough, from its unsurpassed Italian cuisine to 

all areas of public service, and to recognize those 

distinguished citizens of Italian descent who have 

made outstanding contributions to the betterment of 

our borough, state, and nation; and 

W hereas, on behalf of all Brooklynites, I salute 

and commend President and Chairman Cav. 

Uff. Joseph Sciame and the members and supporters 

of the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of 

41

New York, which has provided more than 35 years 

of special events, concerts, exhibits, lectures, and 

proclamations to celebrate and to better inform New 

York, the largest Italian city outside of Italy, and other 

geographic areas throughout the United States and the 

world, of the important legacy of Italian and Italian- 

American culture, and I thank all those present for 

helping to make Brooklyn a better place to live, work, 

and raise a family; 

Now, therefore, I, Marty Markowitz, President of 

the Borough of Brooklyn, 

do hereby proclaim the month of October, 2012 

Italian Heritage and Culture Month 

n witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 

I and caused the seal of the Borough of Brooklyn 

to be affixed this 15th day of June, 2012. 

______________________________ 

President of the Borough of Brooklyn 

42

WHEREAS, We are proud to commemorate those 

cultures that preserve the diversity of our City and foster 

the multifaceted identity that has so enriched our civic 

identity; and 

WHEREAS, New York State is home to more Italian 

Americans than any other state in the union, and the proud 

influence of Italian culture on our city is one that we hold 

in great regard; and 

WHEREAS, Italian Heritage and Culture Celebration 

Month affords us an opportunity each year to reflect on 

the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the 

culture of New York, and this year is particularly special as 

we commemorate Amerigo Vespucci; and 

WHEREAS, New York is made strong by an appreciation 

for and celebration of our many cultural influences, and we 

are grateful to the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc. for all of their work putting together this 

year’s events and programs; 

43

NOW, therefore, I, Scott M. Stringer, hereby declare this 

October 2012 “Italian Heritage & Culture Celebration 

Month” in the Borough of Manhattan. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto 

set my hand and caused the seal of 

the Borough of Manhattan to be 

affixed. 

44 

Scott M. Stringer 

President, Borough 

of Manhattan

Whereas, this year’s Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month celebrates the quincentenary of the death of 

Amerigo Vespucci from whom America derives its 

name; and 

Whereas, this magnificent milestone will mark not 

only the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci, but also 

celebrate the ongoing discoveries, creativity and 

ingenuity of Italians in the New World; and 

Whereas, more than 26 million Americans of Italian 

decent live in the U.S., including Queens County 

which is said to have the largest number of Italian 

Americans living outside of Italy; and 

Whereas, the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc., Queens, has organized events, 

concerts, exhibits and lectures celebrating Italian 

culture for more than 36 years. 

45

Now, therefore, I, Helen M. Marshall, President of 

the Borough of Queens in the City of New York, do 

hereby proclaim the month of October, 2012 as 

In Queens 


CULTURE MONTH 

Done at Queens Borough Hall, Kew Gardens, in the 

City of New York, on this first day of October in the 

year two thousand and twelve. 

Helen M. Marshall 

President of the Borough of Queens 

46

Whereas: Staten Island is home to more Italian- 

Americans than any other County in the United States of 

America; and 

Whereas: To celebrate the myriad contributions 

Italian-Americans have made to the social, cultural, and 

economic well-being of our City, State, and Nation, 

the Borough President’s Office created Staten Island’s 

Columbus Day Parade in 1991, which has become a 

favorite October tradition for all those who are Italian- 

American, or just Italian at heart; and 

Whereas: Each year, the Board of Directors of the 

Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York, 

Inc., selects a theme, this year “Amerigo to America; The 

Legacy of Italians in the Americas”; and 

Whereas: Staten Islanders of all ethnic backgrounds 

applaud Italian-American New Yorkers for their 

commitment to sharing the wonders of Italian culture 

with us, for their status as model citizens and for their 

remarkable record of service to our City, 

47

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES P. MOLINARO 

President of the Borough of Staten Island, by virtue 

of thepower and authority vested in me by the laws of 

the City and State of New York, do hereby proclaim the 

month of October 2012 as 


CULTURE MONTH 

in the Borough of Staten Island. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my 

hand and affixed the seal of the Borough of Staten Island 

this 1 st day of October in the year of Our Lord, 

Two Thousand Twelve 

48 

James P. Molinaro

Brooklyn 

2012 Official Events and 

Proclamation Ceremonies 

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s 

Italian Heritage and Culture Month Proclamation 

Ceremony 

October 4 6:30 pm 

The Honorable Marty Markowitz will host a proclamation 

ceremony in honor of Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month. Sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Marty 

Markowitz. 

Brooklyn Borough Hall 

209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn 

Admission: invitation only 

Contact: Camille Socci (718) 802-4047 

csocci@brooklynbp.ny.gov 

Bronx 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz’s Italian 

American Heritage and Culture Month Celebration 


The Honorable Ruben Diaz invites you to the official 

Bronx celebration of Italian American Heritage and the 

contributions of Amerigo Vespucci to America. Sponsored 

by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. 

Admission: free; space is limited; RSVP is required 

Contact: Sonia Malave-Negron (718) 590-3989 

smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov 

Manhattan 

New York City Comptroller’s Salute to Italian 

Heritage and Culture Month 

October 16 5:30 – 7:30 pm 

New York City Comptroller Honorable John C. Liu will 

hold a commemorative ceremony for Italian Heritage and 

Culture Month. 

Surrogate’s Courthouse 

31 Chambers Street, Manhattan 

Admission: free; open to the public 

Contact: (212) 669-4315 

eventsrsvp@comptroller.nyc.gov 

49

New York State Comptroller’s Salute to Italian 


Date/Time: TBA 

Contact: Uff. Joseph Sciame (718) 990-1941) 

sciamej@stjohns.edu 

Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer’s 

Proclamation Celebration and Reception for Italian 


Date to be announced 

The Honorable Scott M. Stringer celebrates Amerigo to 

America: The Legacy of Italians in the Americas honoring 

distinguished Italian and Italian Americans for their 

contributions to Italian heritage, culture and New York 

City. Sponsored by Manhattan Borough President, Scott 

M. Stringer, in collaboration with the Italian Heritage and 

Culture Committee of New York, Inc. 

Location TBA 


Contact: Maggi Peyton (212) 669-2728 mpeyton@ 

manhattanbp.org or Nancy Indelicato (212) 662-8264 

naindel@hotmail.com 

Queens 

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall’s Italian 

Heritage and Culture Ceremony 


An annual tribute to the year’s theme to celebrate 

“The Legacy of Italians in the Americas: A Tribute to 

Amerigo Vespucci: 1454 – 1512.” The Honorable Helen 

Marshall presents awards to distinguished individuals 

in the Borough of Queens. Tenor Christopher Macchio 

to perform at ceremony. Sponsored by the Office of the 

Borough President and coordinated by the Italian Heritage 

and Culture Month Committee of Queens. 

St. John’s University Marillac Terrace 

8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, New York 

Contact: Uff. Joseph Sciame (718) 990-1941 or (718) 

990-5892 

sciamej@stjohns.edu 

50

Staten Island 

Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro’s 

Italian Heritage and Culture Month Ceremony 

September 30 12:00 pm 

The Honorable James Molinaro hosts a ceremony 

celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture Month honoring 

distinguished Staten Island residents. Sponsored by Staten 

Island Borough President James Molinaro. 

New Dorp High School 

465 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island 

Admission: (by invitation only) 

Contact: Joanne Nuzzo (718) 816-2133 

Fax: (718) 816-2376 

jnuzzo@statenislandus.com 

Annual Staten Island Columbus Day Parade 


The Grand Marshal will lead annual parade with Borough 

President James P. Molinaro and community residents. 

Sponsored by Staten Island Borough President James 

Molinaro. 

Beginning at New Dorp High School, New Dorp Lane 

and Mill Road, Staten Island 


Contact: Joanne Nuzzo (718) 816-2133 

jnuzzo@statenislandusa.com 

Westchester County Proclamation Ceremony in Honor 

of Italian Heritage and Culture Month 


Commemorating “The Legacy of Italians in the 

Americas; A Tribute to Amerigo Vespucci: 1454 – 1512,” 

with special recognition of outstanding students and 

teachers of Italian language in Westchester. Business 

attire. Sponsored by the Westchester County Board 

of Legislators, Chairperson Kenneth W. Jenkins, and 

Westchester Coalition of Italian American Organizations. 

800 Michaelian Office Building 

Eighth Floor Legislative Chambers and Rotunda 

148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY 

Contact: (914) 606-6790 (RSVP by October 8, 2012) 

51

Borough Contact Persons 

Posters, Bookmarks and Calendar of Events may be 

acquired by contacting the following persons: 

Bronx 

Frances Fusco 

Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, Belmont Branch of 

the New York Public Library 

610 East 186 th Street, Bronx, NY 10458 

(718) 933-6410 

Patricia Filomena 

UFT Bronx Borough Office 

2500 Halsey Street 

Bronx, NY 10461 

(718) 379-6200 

Brooklyn 

Anthony Sclafani 

UFT Brooklyn Borough Office 

335 Adams Street 

Brooklyn, NY 11201 

(718) 852-4900 

Manhattan 

James Morgan 

Istituto Italiano di Cultura 

686 Park Avenue 

New York, NY 10021 

(212) 879-4242 

Olga Pappas 

John D. Calandra Italian American Institute 

25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th floor 


(212) 642-2094 

Nancy J. Indelicato 

310 West 106 th Street 


(212) 662-8264 

52


UFT Headquarters 

52 Broadway, 12 th Floor 


(212) 598-7771 

Queens 


Vice President for Community Relations 

St. John’s University, Administration Building 

Newman Hall, Room 155 

8000 Utopia Parkway 

Queens, NY 11439 

(718) 990-1486/1941 

Mary Vaccaro 

UFT Queens Borough Office 

97-77 Queens Boulevard, 5 th Floor 

Rego Park, NY 11374 

(718) 275-4400 

Angie Markham 

Federation of the Italian American Organizations of 

Queens, Inc. 

29-21 21 st Avenue 

Astoria, NY 11105 

(718) 204-2444 

Staten Island 

Michela Traetto 

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 

420 Tompkins Avenue 

Staten Island, NY 10305 

(718) 442-1608 

Emil Pietro Monaco 

UFT Staten Island Borough Office 

4456 Amboy Road 


(718) 605-1400 

53

Long Island 

Cav. Josephine A. Maietta 

AIAE, AATI-LI, IACE, NIAF, IHCC-NY, Inc. 

Robbins Lane Elementary School 

157 Robbins Lane 

Syosset, NY 11791 

(516) 364-5804 

Westchester 

David A. Pope 

Director 


Generoso Pope Place 

Tuckahoe, NY 10707 

(914) 771-8700 

New Jersey 


Director 

Coccia Institute for the 

Italian Experience in America 

One Normal Avenue 

Dickson Hall, Suite 171 

Montclair, NJ 07043 

(973) 655-4038 

54

Calendar of Events 

Presentation: Study Abroad in Italy 

TBA 12:45 – 2:15 pm 

Baruch College students are invited to learn about a 

range of exciting opportunities to visit and study in Italy. 

Returning students will share their experiences; the 

application process and available financial aide will also 

be discussed. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored 

by the Italian American Association and the John D. 

Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/ 

CUNY. 

Baruch College 

55 Lexington Avenue, Room VC-10-170, Manhattan 

Admission: free 

Contact: Dr. Nancy Ziehler (646) 312-2164 

fax: (646) 312-2156 

nancy.ziehler@baruch.cuny.edu 

Exhibit: “Strangers in a Strange Land: A History of 

Italian-Language American Imprints 1890-1945” 

September 4 through November 3 

(Monday – Saturday) 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 

This exhibition presents 150 items, including books, 

pamphlets, newspapers, broadsheets, posters and 

chromolithographs reflecting a once thriving Italian 

language book publishing industry in the U.S. Works 

by Bernardino Ciambelli, Riccardo Cordiferro, Arturo 

Giovannitti, Carlo Tresca and Luigi Galleani that explore 

poetry, political philosophy, and history will be on 

display. Sponsored by The Grolier Club. 

The Grolier Club 

47 East 60 th Street, Manhattan 


Contact: James Periconi (212) 889-1989 

jpericoni@periconi.com 

Book Presentation: 

Bella Fortuna by Rosanna Chiofalo 


In her enchanting debut novel, Bella Fortuna, Rosanna 

Chiofalo evokes the extraordinary beauty of Venice, the 

charm of a close-knit New York neighborhood, and the 

joys of friendship, family, and surprising second chances. 

Book signing reception will follow. Sponsored by 

55

Westchester Italian Cultural Center. 

One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe, NY 

Admission: free. Donations are welcome. 

Registration is required. 

Contact: Patrizia Calce (914) 771-8700 Ext. 109 

pcalce@wiccny.org 

Book Presentation: Lampedusa: cronache dall’isola che 

non c’è by Laura Bastianetto e Tommaso della Longa 


A year ago Italy as a whole became aware of Lampedusa 

because of the landings of thousands of people from the 

coasts of North Africa. During those days we heard of 

emergencies, invasions, and the anger of the locals. We 

also heard the myriad Italian political views on the issue 

of an island that, for all practical issues, is ignored by 

most for a good 300 days a year. But Lampedusa has for 

years been the destination of ships coming from Africa 

and the islanders still find themselves having to cope with 

difficult situations caused by the abandonment of the state 

that comes only after the cameras are gone. For many 

immigrants Lampedusa is one of the doors to Europe; for 

others it has been the end of the dream, the encounter with 

reality and with death. Lampedusa: cronache dall’isola 

che non c’è (Ensemble, 2011) chronicles fifteen stories of 

the thousands who have reached the island’s shores. Laura 

Bastianetto and Tommaso della Longa will be present, 

accompanied by Stefano Vaccara, Executive Editor 

America Oggi / Oggi7, and Anthony Julian Tamburri, 

Dean, Calandra Institute. Sponsored by the John D. 

Calandra Italian American Institute, 

Queens College/CUNY. 

25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th Floor, (between 5 th & 6 th 

Avenues), Manhattan 


Contact: (212) 642-2094. 

Please note that seating is limited. 

www.qc.edu/calandra 

Film Screening: Umberto E 


Directed by Anton Evangelista (2010) 

Anton Evangelista is a New York City-based filmmaker. 

After graduation, he found a niche as a storyboard artist 

for advertising agencies, while landing acting roles in a 

variety of renowned films. He also worked as an Italian 

translator for Martin Scorsese and Dante Ferretti on The 

56

Age of Innocence. His first short film, Beyond Reason 

(1995), went on to play at many international film 

festivals, as did his film Intervention (2002), an awardwinning, 

character-driven love story, taking place in 1968. 

Umberto E is the epic story of Umberto Evangelista, a 

dynamic and charming ninety-year-old Italian immigrant 

living in New York City. The movie depicts his real life 

Cinderella tale, in which he chooses love and forgiveness 

as his weapons of revenge (45 minutes). Q & A with 

director Anton Evangelista will follow. Sponsored by 



Admission: Members $10, Non-Members $20. Must 

register in advance and prepay. 



Book Reading and Roundtable Discussion: 

The Godfather Effect 


Author Tom Santopietro will read from his book The 

Godfather Effect an “amusing fusion of memoir and 

cultural critique, focusing on the family saga none of 

us could refuse.” Guided by questions from the panel, 

Santopietro examines the global influence of Francis 

Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy which ultimately 

awakened his Italian roots. Roundtable panel participants 

include: Aileen Sirey, Ph.D., NOIAW Founder and Chair 

Emeritus; Honorable Ralph J. Lamberti, former Borough 

President Staten Island; Michael J. Fressola, Arts Editor, 

Staten Island Advance; Joan Marchi Migliori, NOIAW 

member and Director for Community and International 

Programs, John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, 

Queens College/CUNY. Refreshments and book signing 

immediately follow the program. Seating is limited. 

Sponsored by National Organization of Italian American 

Women. 

The Richmond County Yacht Club 

142 Mansion Avenue, Staten Island 

Admission: NOIAW Members: $25; Non members: $30 

Register in advance at noiaw@noiaw.org 

Contact: (212) 642-2003 

Film Screening: Benvenuti al Sud 


Benvenuti al Sud (Welcome to the South), is an Italian 

adaption of French comedy film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis 

57

directed by Luca Miniero. The manager of a postal service 

in northern Italy, near Milan, is banished for two years in 

southern Italy, in Castellabate, a town near Naples. What 

the self-pitying northern hero finds is at odds with his 

prejudices. The people of the hilltop town of Castellabate 

are admittedly incomprehensible, but they are friendly, 

honest and live in a place of heart-stopping natural beauty. 

In Italian, no English subtitles (102 minutes). Sponsored 

by Westchester Italian Cultural Center. 


Admission: Members free, Non-Members $10. 




La Cucina Italiana: Cooking Classes & 

Demonstrations. Formaggio: All About Italian Cheese 


From Asiago to Gorgonzola, Italian cuisine is famous for 

its variety of cheeses. Most Italian cheeses are versatile 

enough that they can be both savored raw or enjoyed 

cooked. Explore Italy’s cheeses and learn how to prepare 

delicious dishes. A mozzarella making demonstration and 

tasting is presented by “Joe Mozzarella.” Sponsored by 

The Iron Tomatoes in White Plains 







Lecture: “The Impact of the Economic Crisis on the 

Euro and the Economic Union: The Role of Italy” 


Join Minister Natalia Quintavalle, Consul General of 

Italy to New York, for a provocative and informative 

presentation regarding Italy and the European economy. 

Sponsored by the Center for Italian Studies at Stony 

Brook University. 

Stony Brook University’s Harriman Hall, Room 137 


Contact: Jo Fusco (631) 632-7444; fax: (631) 632-7421 

jfusco@italianstudies.org 

58

Lecture: “Il Cammino di Padre Pio” 


Join us for the opening of the exhibit,“ Il Cammino di 

Padre Pio,” and to welcome Professor Carlo Sclafani, 

Chair, Arts and Culture Center. Sclafani will present 

on the beloved saint and his life. Opening reception to 

follow. Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural Center. 






Feast of San Gennaro 

September 13 – 23 

Thursday – Sunday 8:00 pm 

Micheal Castaldo award winning Italian classical 

crossover tenor returns to the Feast of San Gennaro. See 

website for further details www.michealcastaldo.com. The 

feast is located along Mulberry and Mott Streets, between 

Canal and Houston Streets. Sponsored by Figli di San 

Gennaro, Inc. 


Contact: Micheal Castaldo (212) 947-7271 

majesticcastlemusic@yahoo.com 

Exhibit: “Il Cammino di Padre Pio” 

September 14 - November 15, 2012 

Exhibit Hours: Tuesday, Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; 

Wednesday, Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Saturday 

10:00 am to 12:00 pm, hours subject to change. 

For the first time ever, this extensive collection of 

historical photographs will be on display to pay homage 

to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, recognizing the 125th 

anniversary of his birth and the 10th anniversary of his 

canonization. The exhibit documents the life of Padre 

Pio through the photographs of Elia Stelluto. As a young 

boy, Stelluto served as an altar boy and then became 

Padre Pio’s personal photographer. His photographs 

immortalized the various moments of Padre Pio’s daily 

life, from the encounters with spiritual children and the 

personalities who went to visit, to the moments of joy 

and happiness. Stelluto was particularly able to capture 

his unique expression during the afternoon liturgies and 

the Eucharistic celebrations. In addition to Stelluto’s 

photos, the display will include relics as well as a statue 

59

of Padre Pio, donated by the province of Benevento to 

the Federazione delle Associazioni della Campania USA. 

This exhibit was made possible by the collaboration of the 

Federazione Associazione della Campania USA. 

October 19th and 20 th : National Centre for Padre Pio 

from Barto, Pennsylvania will participate in the exhibit, 

displaying relics that have never been seen outside of its 

walls. On display from 12:00pm- 8:30pm on Friday and 

from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. 

Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 

Federazione Associazione della Campania USA 


Admission: Suggested donation: adults $12, children 18 

years of age and under and seniors $6. 



Play: Blood Type: Ragu 

September 14 &15 8:00 pm 


Critically-acclaimed one-man play Blood Type: Ragu, 

written and performed by Frank Ingrasciotta. 

Veteran’s Memorial Hall at the Snug Harbor Cultural 

Center and Botanical Gardens 

1000 Richmond Terrace 

Staten Island 

Admission: $30; Students, Seniors, Members, Groups 

$25 

To order tickets and for further information contact: 

Larry Anderson (718) 425-3517 

landerson@snug-harbor.org or 

visit: www.snug-harbor.org/performing-arts/ 

Genealogy: Italian Genealogy Fair 


Whether you are just starting or have been searching for 

years, this fair will provide an opportunity to advance 

your skills with the help of our experts who will be 

on staff to answer all of your genealogical questions. 

Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural Center. 


Admission: Members free, Non-Members $10. Must 




60

Family Program: Piccoli Cuochi: Farfalle 


Making pasta dough by hand and then turning it into a 

unique shape is easy, fun and rewarding! Our young chefs 

will make pasta from scratch and learn how to make a 

quick sauce to enjoy with freshly made farfalle. Presented 

by Cathy Blanco. Adult participation must accompany 

child. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by a 

parent. Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural Center. 






In Her Own Hand: 

Operas Composed by Women 1625 - 1913 

September 15 2:00 – 4:00 pm 

Dr. April Lynn James broke new ground with her 2003 

Harvard exhibit, “In Her Own Hand: Operas Composed 

by Women 1625 – 1913.” This lecture recreates the 

exhibit for audiences. Through live and/or recorded 

music, readings from letters and diaries, pictures, and 

other materials audiences follow the development of 

opera from 17 th century Italian courts to the public opera 

houses of 19 th century Paris. The journey centers on the 

re-discovery of little known scores by women composers, 

including: Francesca Caccini, Antonia Bembo, Louise 

Bertin, Gabrielle Ferrari, and Maria Antonia, Electress of 

Saxony. James describes the challenges of researching and 

reconstructing narratives of these women – particularly 

if the only record that remains of a female composer is 

her work. She also discusses challenges she has faced 

as a producer and performer in bringing these works 

back before the public. Sponsored by Italian American 

Women’s Center, Inc. 

Woman’s Club of Great Neck 

94 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 

Admission: free: Members; $5 Non-members 

Contact: Vincenza Russo (646) 515-2744 

iawcnyc@yahoo.com 

Roundtable and Photo Exhibition: 

“Tribute to the late Judge Giovanni Falcone” 

September 17 – 19 6:00 pm 

The Italian Cultural Institute will host an exceptional 

collection of photographs by Letizia Battaglia, a 

61

enowned Italian photo-journalist who, with her 

acclaimed work, has contributed to narrate the struggle 

against the Mafia in her native Sicily. The roundtable 

panel will include Italian and American magistrates who 

are actively involved in international collaboration against 

criminality. For more information please visit: www. 

iicnewyork.esteri.it 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute – NY 

686 Park Avenue, Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 879-4242 

Film Screening: Padre Pio 

September 19 11:15 am 

This film depicts the amazing story of the life of the 

famous monk St. Padre Pio, beloved saint, who died in 

1968. Sponsored by Westchester Community College 

Italian Club. 

Westchester Community College 

75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 


Contact: Prof. Franco Maddalena (914) 606-6790; fax: 

(914) 606-5665 

frank.maddalena@sunywcc.edu 

Jonathan Galassi reads from Left-handed: Poems 

(Knopf, 2012) 


Left-handed, a new book of poems by Jonathan Galassi, 

chronicles in three sections the painful yet liberating 

transformation the poet underwent when he discovered, 

as a married, middle-aged man, that he was gay. In the 

first part, he grapples with growing older and its attendant 

regrets; the second section concerns an unrequited 

love for a younger man; and the final third is devoted 

to describing a new life and love. Together the poems 

narrate, in language both elegant and emotionally 

revealing, his thoughtful journey to the wisdom of desire. 

Galassi, in addition to being a poet, is the president of 

Farrar, Straus and Giroux as well as the translator of 

Eugenio Montale’s and Giacomo Leopardi’s poetry. 

“Galassi’s verses can be pithy and playful, and it’s a joy to 

watch the flame light so blue and so high for love in these 

poems.” —Interview magazine. 

Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian American 

Institute, Queens College/CUNY. 

25 West 43 

62 

rd Street, 17th floor (between 5th & 6th Avenues), 

Manhattan


RSVP by calling (212) 642-2094. Please note that seating 

is limited and we cannot reserve seats. 

For further information see our Web site at www.qc.edu/ 

calandra 

Lecture: “Life and Worship of Saints: Francis of Assisi 

and Padre Pio” 


This lecture will focus on St. Francis, the Franciscan 

Order, and the Capuchins. This historical overview of the 

Franciscan order and its founding father, St. Francis, will 

serve as background to the Franciscan Capuchin Order of 

San Pio. Presented in English by Professor-in-Residence 

Antonio Rutigliano, New York University. Sponsored by 







San Padre Pio Festival Opening Ceremony 


Mass at 6:00 pm at the Church of the Assumption 

followed by a traditional procession from the church to 

Depot Square. At the dismissal of the parade, a group 

from Agrigento, Sicily will entertain with singing and 

dancing. Additional Italian entertainment to follow until 

11:00 pm. Food vendors and Italian memorabilia will be 

available. Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural 

Center. 

Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY located at the Generoso 

Pope Foundation Building. 

Contact: Lucrezia Lindia (914) 793-6130 Ext. 4285 

lglindia@hotmail.com 

Art Exhibit: “Discovery” 

September 21 to October 30 

The Italian American Visual Artist’s Network (IAVANET) 

will showcase the work of painters, sculptors, 

photographers, designers, and graphic artists who carry 

on the great tradition and legacy of Italian excellence in 

the visual arts here in America. The work of IAVANET 

artists encompasses a full range of expression from pure 

63

abstraction to representation. Some artists make explicit 

reference to Italian and Italian-American themes from 

family life to religiosity to pop culture. The exhibit will 

open during the Motori and Festa d’Italia weekend. For 

exhibition hours please visit: www.casa-belvedere.org. 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa 

Belvedere. 

79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island 


Contact: Francesco Fadda (718) 273-7660; fax: (718) 

273-0020 

info@casa-belvedere.org 

Motori d’Italia and Festa d’Italia – 

Italian Car Show and Feast 

September 21 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

September 22 11:00 am – 9:00 pm 


Casa Belvedere’s third annual “Motori D’Italia” car 

and motorbike show and the second annual “Festa” 

have joined together to create a spectacular fun-filled 

experience for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to 

an incredible showcase of some of the most recognized 

new and classic Italian performance and luxury autos 

and motorbikes including: Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, Fiats, 

Lamborghinis, Lancias, Maseratis, Vespas and Ducatis, 

the weekend festivities will also include art exhibits, 

continuous music, Italian food, pastries, culinary 

demonstrations and samplings by Master Chefs. Games, 

rides and arts and crafts for children, and special wine 

tastings sponsored by some Italy’s finest vintners for the 

adults. Ticket holders earn a chance to win a trip to Italy, 

courtesy of Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours. Sponsored by 

the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere. 


Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8 

Children under 12 free 

Contact: Francesco Fadda (718) 273-7660 

fax: (718) 273-0020 


Concert: Dall’Italia con Amore (From Italy with Love) 

September 22 

Concert in celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture 

Month. Featuring performances by Christopher Macchio, 

Marissa Famiglietti, Uncle Floyd Vivino. Sponsored by 

the Grand Lodge of New York, OSIA. 

64

Monroe Theatre, Hofstra University 

Uniondale, NY 

Admission: $35; $32 OSIA Members; $30 Groups of 

20+, $50 VIP seating and reception 

Contact: Carolyn Reres (516) 785-4623 

San Padre Pio Festival 

September 22 5:00 - 11:00 pm 

Wonderful entertainment provided by the Generoso Pope 

Foundation. 

Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY located at the Generoso 

Pope Foundation Building. 



Concorso d’Eleganza VII/Annual Celebration of 

Italian Vehicle Excellence and Beauty 


A display of “art forms on wheels” as a means of 

illustrating one form of Italian culture. Various Italian car 

and motorcycle groups will be represented. Owners of 

Italian vehicles interested in participating in this display, 

please contact Center for Italian Studies, Stony Brook 

University 631-632-7444 or email jfusco@italianstudies. 

org. Robert Cess, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, will 

be celebrated at the Homecoming Event for initiating this 

show on campus. Display vehicles will rally on campus 

on the lawn adjacent to the Graduate Physics Building and 

directly across from the Sports Complex off St. John’s 

Toll Drive. (Due to unforeseen construction developments 

on campus the campus site for the show may have to be 

changed. Please consult the Center’s web page: www. 

stonybrook.edu/italianstudies where any updated and last 

minute changes will be posted.) Sponsored by Center for 

Italian Studies at Stony Brook University. 




San Padre Pio Festival Closing Ceremony 

September 23 12:00 pm -11:00 pm 

Closing procession will be at 7:30 pm from Depot Square 

to the Church of the Assumption, Tuckahoe, NY. 



65

23 rd Annual Italian Heritage and Music Festival 

September 23 1:00 and 4:00 pm 

Classical Italian songs by award winning tenor and song 

writer Micheal Castaldo. Sponsored by DelGrosso Foods. 

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park 

4352 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. Tipton, PA 



summerfun@delgrossos.com 

The Life and Times of Enrico Caruso 


The story of Enrico Caruso and his family documented 

through artifacts and film. Sponsored by the Enrico 

Caruso Museum of America. 

1942 East 19 th Street, Brooklyn 

Admission: open to the public 

Contact: Uff. Aldo Mancusi (718) 368-3993 

amancusi@enricocarusomuseum.com 

Film Screening: Painting Rules (2012), 30 min. 

Marylou and Jerome Bongiorno, dir. 

The Poetry Deal: A Film with Diane di Prima 

(2011), 27 min. 

Melanie La Rosa, dir. 

September 24 

These two films present Italian-American artists and 

focus in particular on their relationships with their 

creative works. Painting Rules provides an engaging 

look at the philosophy and technique of process painter 

Jerry Carniglia. Filmed at the famed MacDowell Colony 

while he and the directors were fellows, the documentary 

shows Carniglia at work and captures the abstract artist’s 

creative method and inspiration—the influence of 

nature, the importance of being sensitive to the integrity 

of materials, and the need to exercise restraint while 

assessing a painting’s internal dynamics. 

The Poetry Deal: A Film with Diane di Prima is an 

impressionistic documentary about poet, prose writer, 

playwright, teacher, and political activist Diane di Prima. 

She became best known as an important poet of the Beat 

movement who broke gender and class boundaries in 

publishing her writing. In 2009, the city of San Francisco 

proclaimed her its Poet Laureate. Now in her seventies, 

di Prima reveals herself in the film as fierce, funny, and 

philosophical. Much of her story is told through her 

66

ecorded readings, including one of the unpublished 

poem “The Poetry Deal,” which reflects on di Prima’s 

relationship with her art. Post-screening discussion with 

the directors led by Fred Gardaphé, Queens College, 

CUNY. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute, Queens College/CUNY. 

25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th floor (between 5 th & 6 th Avenues), 

Manhattan 



is limited. 


calandra 

Lecture: “Literature and Cinema from Adaptation to 

Re-creation — Coping with the Complexity of Human 

Recollection” 


Professor Carlo Testa, University of British Columbia, 

will examine issues related to Italian American themes. 

Sponsored by Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook 

University. 





Lecture and Film Screening: Dagli Appennini alle Ande 


Introductory Lecture by Prof. Jacqueline Reich (Stony 

Brook University) and film screening of Dagli Apennini 

alle Ande (dir. Umberto Paradisi, 1916). Film adapted 

from Edmondo De Amicis’1986 classic book Cuore 

(Heart). Live musical accompaniment: Chris Opperman 

(Cali School of Music, MSU) and Marco Cappelli 

Captions in English: Prof. Marisa Trubiano (Italian 

Program, MSU) and Prof. Raul Galoppe (Spanish 

Program, MSU). Using Paradisi’s 1916 silent film as 

a point of departure, Reich will provide an overview 

of the Italian cinematic production focusing on Italian 

emigration in the early 20 th century while paying special 

attention to the transatlantic voyage and arrival in the 

new land. Whereas the exploration of the Americas is 

often linked to a canonical set of historical navigators and 

their discoveries from late1400’s on, this lecture sheds 

light on the lesser known cultural explorations of seas, 

67

lands and people that emigrants engaged in as a part of 

their adventure overseas. Sponsored and organized by the 

Inserra Chair in Italian American Studies (Department of 

Spanish and Italian) in collaboration with the Cali School 

of Music and MSU, Co-sponsored by the Coccia Institute 

for the Italian Experience in America at MSU. Film 

provided by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna, Italy. 

Montclair State University 

Cali School of Music, Leshowitz Hall 

Contact: Dr. Teresa Fiore at inserra@montclair.edu 

www.monteclair.edu/inserra 

The Art of Wine Making 


Melissa Prospero, owner of Prospero Winery in 

Pleasantville, will take an in-depth look at the art of 

making wine at home. She will discuss techniques, 

supplies, products, and equipment needed for making 

“world-class wine in your own home.” Prospero Winery 

is a supplier of winemaking equipment, supplies, and 

grapes to both amateur and professional wine producers, 

nationwide. A tasting of locally produced wines will 

accompany the workshop. Sponsored by Westchester 

Italian Cultural Center. 






Mercer County Italian American Festival 

September 27 – 30 Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 

pm; Friday 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm; Saturday 12:00 

noon – 11:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm 

Festival features authentic Italian and Italian American 

music; a Food Piazza including some of the region’s best 

Italian restaurants; wine and beer gardens; amusement 

rides; children’s activities; bocce; fireworks on Saturday; 

Italian Market Tent with traditional Italian products; 

Heritage Pavilion with art and memorabilia; and Cultural 

Theater with cultural presentations. Sponsored by 

Mercer County Park 

1678 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 

Admission: $3; Children 12 and under - free 

Contact: Barry Chiorello (609) 695-5007 

68

Concert: The Sounds of Things 


Musical and visual performance by one of the most 

appreciated Italian duos formed by Tiziana Scandaletti, 

soprano, and Riccardo Piacentini, piano. The program 

will include compositions by: J. Cage, E. Morricone, 

C. Berberian, A. Gentile and R. Piacentini. Images and 

videos will provide a visual background to the music. For 

more information please visit: www.iicnewyork.esteri.it 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute – NY 


Contact: (212) 879-4242 

Scholarship Dinner Dance 

September 28 Cocktails 6:30 pm; Dinner 7:30 pm 

Sponsored by the Order Sons of Italy in America, 

Garibaldi Lodge #2583; Eastchester Italian-American 

Citizens Club; and the Generoso Pope Foundation. 

Fountain Head 

New Rochelle, NY 



Symposium: Finding Joseph Tusiani: 

The Poet of Two Lands 

September 29 10:00 am — 5:00 pm 

This symposium takes its name from the documentary 

on Joseph Tusiani made in 2011 by Sabrina Digregorio, 

Finding Joseph Tusiani: The Poet of Two Lands. A 

major voice in American and Italian letters, Tusiani has 

dedicated his professional life to the creation, promotion, 

and promulgation of Italian Studies in the United States. 

An award-winning poet, he writes in four different 

languages and has published his work worldwide. There 

will be a morning of talks on Tusiani’s work. After lunch, 

Digregorio’s Finding Joseph Tusiani will be screened 

and a round table discussion will follow. Speakers to 

include: Luigi Bonaffini, Paolo Giordano, Maria C. 

Pastore Passaro, John T. Kirby, and Sabrina Digregorio. 

Moderated by Fred L. Gardaphé and Anthony Julian 

Tamburri, Calandra Institute. A buffet lunch will be 

served. Co-sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute, Queens College/CUNY and the Italian 

Heritage and Cultural Committee–NY, Inc. 

Hunter College, Lang Auditorium, North Building 

68 

69 

th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues, 

Manhattan


Contact: (212) 642-2094. Be prepared to show a photo ID 

to the College’s security. 


Padre Pio: His Life and Mission: Spiritual 

Presentation with Mario Bruschi 


Mario Bruschi was just twenty-three when he had his 

confession with Padre Pio in 1957. Since then, Mario has 

personally started twenty-five Padre Pio prayer groups. 

He is responsible for starting Padre Pio prayer groups 

in Sri Lanka and was influential in the construction of 

the Church Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Athurugiriya, Sri 

Lanka. Mario has also given Padre Pio presentations 

at the federal prison in Otisville, New York, showing 

the documentary film on Padre Pio in both English and 

Spanish. He regularly visits Catholic schools, sharing 

the story of Padre Pio with children in elementary school 

and junior high school. Mario continues to lead the all 

night prayer vigils on the first Friday of each month at the 

Church of Our Lady of Peace in New York City. Bruschi 

will speak about his personal encounter with Padre Pio 

and how the saint has been influential in saving the 

lives of people all over the world. The presentation will 

include a display of the glove of Padre Pio, a rarely seen 

relic worn by the Saint throughout his life. Sponsored by 







Il Leone di San Marco Awards Luncheon 

September 30 

The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of the Bronx 

and Westchester will celebrate the performing arts by 

recognizing actor Tony Danza for his contributions to film 

and television. Sponsored by Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee of the Bronx and Westchester. 

The Davenport Club 

New Rochelle 

Admission: TBA 

italianheritageandculture@gmail.com 

70

St. John’s University Welcome Reception 


Micheal Castaldo, award winning Italian classicalcrossover 

tenor, will perform classical Italian songs 

accompanied by video landscapes of Italy. Special guests 

include the Hyblart Dance Company from Ragusa, Sicily. 

Sponsored by St. John’s University, Italian Cultural 

Center. 

Little Theater, Marillac Terrace, Queens Campus 

800 Utopia Parkway, Queens 

Admission: $15 advance tickets; $20 at the door 

Contact: Prof. Joan D’Andrea (718) 990-7541 

dandreaj@stjohns.edu 

Italy Sings on Broadway 

September 30 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm 

Original songs will be performed by singers from the US 

and Italy. A jury will select the best original song. Daniela 

Celella and Sal Palmeri from ICN Radio will host. 

Sponsored by Italian Artists Associates. 

Sofia Club Cache 

221 West 46 th Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Sal Palmeri (718) 457-5472 

salpa123@hotmail.com 

Celebrate Italian Culture with Sal Palmeri, ICN Radio 

Month of October (Monday, Thursday, Friday) 

11:00 am 

Listen to “Buon Giorno Italia” with Sal Palmeri for the 

best contemporary Italian music. 


Contact: Sal Palmeri (718) 457-5472 

salpa123@hotmail.com 

Con Daniela ICN Radio 

Month of October (Mondays) 2:30 pm 

Listen as Daniela Celella, host of the popular Italian 

Radio Show “Con Daniela” interviews several Italian and 

Italian American community leaders. 


Contact: Daniela Celella (516) 849-4710 

condanielaicn@yahoo.com 

71

Art Exhibit: “La Bella Italia” 

October 1 – 31 Library hours 

An exhibit exploring the theme of “La Bella Italia” 

(beautiful Italy) created by members of the South Shore 

Artist’s League of Staten Island. Sponsored by Italian 

Cultural Center of St. John’s University. 

Loretto Memorial Library, Staten Island Campus of St. 

John’s University 



Contact: Dr. Mark Meng (718) 390-4458 

mengm@stjohns.edu 

Exhibit: “The Legacy of Italians in the Americas: 

A Tribute to Amerigo Vespucci” 

October and November 

Artifacts, memorabilia, posters, paintings that explore 

and document this year’s theme. Special presentation on 

Thursday, October 11 th at the American Italian Heritage 

Association and Museum. Sponsored by American Italian 

Heritage Association Museum. 

1227 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 

Admission: Regular admission to the museum. 

Contact: Cav. Prof. Philip J. DiNovo (518) 435-1979 

info@americanitalianmuseum.org 

Learning Italian through the Theater 

October to June, 2013 Dates: TBA 6:30 pm 

Series of 60-minute dialogues conducted in Italian and 

taken from contemporary and traditional theatrical 

performances for a pleasant and funny practice of the 

language. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute. 


Admission: free; open to the public; Registration 

required. 

Contact: Prof. Ornella Fiore @ theatre.iicny@gmail.com 

Italian American Club Informational Meeting 


The Italian American Club at Queens College has a long 

and vibrant history. Learn more about the club, their 

proposed activities for the semester and plans with other 

college’s Italian American Clubs. Sponsored by John D. 

Calandra Italian American Institute. 

Location: Student Union LL2, Queens College/CUNY 

72


Contact: Joseph Grosso (718) 997-5769 

jgrosso@qc.cuny.edu 

Film Presentation: Io sono Tony Scott, ovvero come 

l’Italia fece fuori il più grande clarinettista del jazz (I 

am Tony Scott. The story of How Italy Got Rid of the 

Greatest Jazz Clarinetist) 

October 1 6:00 – 9:00 pm 

Tony Scott (Anthony Joseph Sciacca, June 17, 1921 

— March 28, 2007) was a jazz clarinetist known 

for an interest in folk music around the world. Born 

in Morristown, New Jersey Scott attended Juilliard 

School from 1940 to 1942. In the 1950s he worked 

with Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. He also had a 

young Bill Evans as a side-man. In the late 1950s, he 

won the Down Beat critics poll for clarinetist in 1955, 

1957, 1958, and 1959. He settled in Italy in the 1980s, 

working with Italian jazz musicians such as Franco 

D’Andrea and Romano Mussolini. In later years he began 

showing an interest in Electronica and in 2002 his Hare 

Krishna was remixed by King Britt as a contribution 

to Verve Remixed. In 2010, Italian director Franco 

Maresco released his documentary about the life of Tony 

Scott, Io sono Tony Scott, ovvero come l’Italia fece fuori 

il più grande clarinettista del jazz. Discussion to follow: 

Antonio Monda, NYU and Anthony Julian Tamburri, 

Calandra Institute, moderated by Letizia Airos, i-Italy. 

org (IADP). Sponsored by the Department of Modern 

Languages, BMCC/CUNY; the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute, Queens College/CUNY; the Italian/ 

American Digital Project (IADP); ANFE (Associazione 

Nazionale di Famiglie Emigrati). 

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) 

Theater 2 




is limited. 

Film Screening: Mal’occhio: (The Evil Eye) 


This playful documentary follows the journey of young 

woman of Italian origins as she seeks to uncover the truth 

about the origin and power of the evil eye. The journey 

takes her around the world, from her mother’s kitchen 

in Montreal to a small Italian village from where her 

73

family originated. Agata De Santis creates a charming and 

humorous portrait of the enduring strength of this cultural 

belief. In English (52 minutes). Question and Answer with 

De Santis will follow. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 

Cultural Center. 


Admission: Members free, Non-Members $10. 




Screening of Documentary: Mal’Occhio (The Evil Eye) 


Italo-Canadian filmmaker and writer Agata De Santis will 

present her recent documentary Mal’Occhio (The Evil 

Eye); a film that sets out to uncover the world of the evil 

eye – where one can become physically ill by another’s 

envious glances, where the only remedy is a phone 

call to the old woman down the street, and prevention 

involves wearing strange-looking amulets. De Santis 

is the founding president of Redhead Productions, and 

in addition to Mal’Occhio, produced two short films – 

The Grandfather Paradox and The Ecstasy Note which 

have both completed successful and award-winning film 

festival runs. Wine, cheese and light fare will be served. 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa 

Belvedere. 


Admission: $20 suggested donation; open to the public 


273-0020 


Film Screening: Our Contribution: 

The Italians in America 

October 3 11:15 am 

A captivating and enthralling examination of the 

contributions that Italians have made to American culture 

and society. Sponsored by Westchester Community 

College Italian Club. 





(914) 606-5665 


74

Studying Italian Language and Culture in Italy 


Queens College and the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute hosts a variety of programs in Italy. 

Learn more about the short-term, semester and year-long 

programs. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 


Location: TBA 




Lecture: “Famiglia Arrives” 


It’s 1912 and the Arcadia has landed in Manhattan 

carrying four immigrant Italians. David Mercaldo, Ph.D., 

will examine their lifetime of friendship and survival in 

the new host society. Sponsored by Order Sons of Italy in 

America, Loggia Glen Cove #1016. 

69 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 


Contact: Kathy Grande (516) 676-7436 

fax (516) 676-7436 

aigrande@yahoo.com 

Study Abroad in Italy Information Session 


Learn about the College of Staten Island Study Abroad 

programs with partner institutions located in Florence, 

Rome, Tuscany and Venice. Sponsored by the Center of 

International Service. 

College of Staten Island/CUNY 

2800 Victory Blvd. 

Building 2A-206 

Staten Island 


Contact: Christopher Tingue (718) 982-2120 

fax (718) 982-2108 or christopher.tingue@csi.cuny.edu 

Film Screening: Columbus Day Legacy (2011), 27 min. 

Bennie Klain, dir. 


Columbus Day Legacy explores the conflict between the 

two communities that have the closest connection to the 

eponymous federal holiday: Italian Americans and Native 

Americans. Filmed in Denver, where Columbus Day was 

75

first observed, the movie is a testimony to the director 

Bennie Klain’s efforts to give equal airing to the holiday’s 

different interpretations. Spokespeople from the American 

Indian Movement believe that the holiday’s focus on the 

fifteenth-century navigator is misguided and that it fails to 

recognize the subsequent genocide of Native Americans. 

Representatives of the local Italian-American community, 

however, maintain the holiday is a fitting recognition of 

the achievements of an immigrant group and the pride 

of its descendants. Post-screening roundtable discussion 

with: Nancy Carnevale, Montclair State University; 

Bennie Klain, director; Circe Sturm, University of 

Texas at Austin; and Robert Viscusi, Brooklyn College, 

moderated by Anthony Julian Tamburri, Calandra 

Institute. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 



Manhattan 





calandra 

Book Reading: L’America non esiste 

by Antonio Mondo 


Please note that programming is subject to change. Check 

www.casaitaliananyu.org for updated information. All 

events are free and open to the public. Seating is on a 

first-come-first-serve basis. Sponsored by Casa Italiana 

Zerilli-Marimò, New York University. 

24 West 12 th Street (between 5 th and 6 th Avenues), 

Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Lecture: “You Say Good-Bye, and Then I Say Hello!” 


Ever wonder why pound is abbreviated lb.? How pupil 

can mean both student and that black circular aperture 

in the center of your iris? Why love is synonymous 

with zero in tennis? What lentils have to do with proper 

eyesight? Pick up right where we left off and continue 

the etymological investigation of everyday words with an 

extraordinary history. Presented in English by Professor 

Giuseppe Spedaliere. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 



76





Celebrating Italian Culture: From Amerigo to 

America 

October 4 and October 9 

Sponsored by Borough of Manhattan Community 

College/ CUNY 


Contact: Dr. Maria Enrico 

menrico@bmcc.cuny.edu 

Dramatic Presentation: Brooklyn by Mario Fratti 

October 4 – 21 Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:45 

pm; Sunday 3:00 pm 

A new play exploring Italian adventures and how 

individuals respond to life, love and the human condition. 

Sponsored by Italian Theater New York. 

Theater of the New City 

155 First Avenue, at 10 th Street, Manhattan 

Admission: $10 

Contact: Mario Fratti (212) 582-6697 

mariofratti@aol.com 

Raising the Italian and American Flags in Honor of 

“The Legacy of Italians in the Americas: A Tribute to 

Amerigo Vespucci: 1454 – 1512” 


Uff. Joseph Sciame, President, Italian Heritage and 

Culture Committee of New York, Inc. will officiate 

at the ceremony, which will honor John Mustaro, 

P.E., Treasurer, IHCC-NY, Inc. and President, United 

Pugliesi Federation, for his contributions to the Italian 

American community. Ceremony will take place at the 

statue “Mother Italy” by Giuseppe Massari. Attending 

dignitaries will include Minister Natalia Quintavalle. 

Sponsored by the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc.; John D. Calandra Italian American 

Institute; and Hunter College/CUNY. 

Mother of Italy Sculpture located at Poses Park 

East 68 

77 

th Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenues, 

Manhattan 

Contact: Joan Migliori (212) 642-2094 

joan.migliori@qc.cuny.edu

Symposium: “Italiani e Italianità oltreconfine” 


This panel will look at the current situation of Italian 

emigration in all of its many facets, from a historical 

perspective of more than one hundred years ago to the 

more current events. With regard to today’s situation, 

the sword is double-edged; not only should we look 

at the legacy of what these one-hundred-plus years 

have wrought, but we must now look to Italy also as 

a place of arrival. Panelists include: Salvo Iavarone 

(Presidente Asmef); Maria Addeo (Asmef); Severino 

Nappi (Assessore Lavoro e Politiche dell’Emigrazione, 

Regione Campania); Antonio Giordano (Board Member, 

NIAF, National Italian American Foundation); Anna 

Camaiti Hostert (Rome-Chicago); Fred L. Gardaphé, 

Distinguished Professor of Italian American Studies 

(Calandra Institute & Queens College); Joseph Sciorra 

(Calandra Institute & Queens College). Moderated by 

Anthony Julian Tamburri, Dean, Calandra Institute. Cosponsored 

by Asmef (http://www.asmef.it) and the John 

D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/ 

CUNY. 




Contact: (212) 642-2094. Please note that seating is 

limited. 


Tenth Annual Savoy History Lecture and Dinner: 

“Luigi Amedeo Di Savoia Aosta: An Explorer’s Life” 


An illustrated lecture presented by Comm. Marco Grassi 

with the collaboration of Dott. Fabio Ruberti. Reception 

and dinner to follow. Sponsored by the American 

Foundation of Savoy Orders. 

The Knickerbocker Club 

2 East 62 nd Street, Manhattan 

Contact: Marco Grassi, President (212) 972-1100 Ext. 

245; fax: (212) 983-5271 

amsavoy@aol.com 

Exhibit: I Coralli by Giulio Einaudi 

October 5 – 31 6:00 pm 

On the occasion of the 100 th anniversary of Giulio 

Einaudi’s birth, an exhibition and roundtable exploring 

78

I Coralli, an important and significant series published 

by Einaudi from 1947 to 1996 featuring world famous 

writers including: Pavese, Hemingway, Sartre and 

Calvino. For more information please visit: www. 

iicnewyork.esteri.it Sponsored by the Italian Cultural 

Institute – NY. 


Contact: (212) 879-4242 

Annual Queens Columbus Day Parade 


Parade route commences on Steinway Street and ends on 

Astoria Blvd. and Cav. Vincent Iannece Street, named 

in honor of the co-founder and motivating force in 

reinstating this parade. Sponsored by Federation of Italian 

American Organizations of Queens, Inc. 

Assemble at Kaufman Studios 

34-12 36 th Street, Astoria, NY 


Contact: Angie Markham (718) 204-2444 

fiao@juno.com 

68 th Annual Columbus Celebration Gala 


Black tie gala dinner. Sponsored by Columbus Citizens 

Foundation. 

Waldorf=Astoria 


Admission: $1,000; $10,000 per table 

Contact: (212) 249-9923; fax: (212) 737-4413 

ccf@columbuscitizens.org 

Brunch and Concert of Italian Arias by Aaron Caruso 

October 7 11:30 am Brunch; 3:30 pm Concert 

Brunch followed by a concert of Italian arias by Aaron 

Caruso. Sponsored by Church of St. Alban’s and Fr. 

Vincent R. Capodanno Lodge #212, Order Sons of Italy in 

America. Brunch hosted at: 

Old Bermuda Inn $75 

301 Veterans Road W. Staten Island 

Concert at: St. Alban’s Episcopal Church $25 

76 St. Alban’s Place W. Staten Island 

Admission: open to the public (reservations only) 

Contact: Colette Grillo (718) 966-2322 or Robert 

Patterson (718) 984-7756 

colette25@verizon.net 

79

Music and Comedy Show: “Italian Style” 


Enjoy a musical program featuring musician and 

comedian Floyd Vivino (Uncle Floyd) and international 

singing sensation Don Felice. Sponsored by Westchester 

Community College Italian Club. 



Admission: $20; $10 WCC credit students 

Contact: Prof. Franco Maddalena (914) 606-6790 

fax: (914) 606-5665 


Columbus Day Mass 


His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop 

of New York Celebrant and Homilist will celebrate a 

bi-lingual mass in Italian and English. Sponsored by 

Italian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York in 

cooperation with Columbus Citizens Foundation. 

Cathedral of St. Patrick 

50 th Street and 5 th Avenue, Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 249-9923; fax: (212) 737-4413 

ccf@columbuscitizens.org 

Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America 

Columbus Day Breakfast 

October 8 9:30 am to Noon 

Annual breakfast. Please call for further information. 

Sponsored by Lt. Joseph Petrosino Association. 

Roosevelt Hotel 

45 East 45 th Street, at Madison Avenue, Manhattan 


Contact: James Lisa (718) 592-2196 

jcl@queenstimes.com 

68 

80 

th Annual Columbus Day Parade 

October 8 12:00 – 3:00 pm 

Leading the parade along Fifth Avenue from 47th Street, 

in Manhattan, will be Grand Marshal Mario Gabelli, 

Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 

Gamco Investors. Sponsored by Columbus Citizens 

Foundation. 


Contact: (212) 249-9923; fax: (212) 737-4413 

ccf@columbuscitizens.org

Columbus Day Parade 


Join the Queens College Italian Club as members march 

in the Columbus Day Parade. Students from all CUNY 

campuses are encouraged to join us. Sponsored by John 

D. Calandra Italian American Institute/Queens College 

Italian American Club. 

Fifth Avenue at 43 rd Street (exact location for line-up to be 

determined) Manhattan. 




Teatro Italiano (with songs) È Lunga La Strada 

October 8, 9, 10 7:45 pm 

Presentation of scenes from Italian plays accompanied 

by musical selections from Savona, Jannacci, Gaber, 

Vysotsky and others. Sponsored by Italian Theater New 

York. 

Theater of the New City 

155 First Avenue, at 10 th Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Mario Fratti (212) 582-6697 

mariofratti@aol.com 

Italian American Museum Tenth Annual Golf Classic 

October 9 12 Noon Shotgun (kick-off) 

Proceeds benefit the Italian American Museum Capital 

Fund. Participants automatically entered to win FIAT 

500. Amenities include: lunch/brunch, deluxe cocktail 

buffet reception. For more information including 

online registration and directions to club visit: www. 

iamgolfclassic.org. Sponsored by Italian American 

Museum. 

Glen Oaks Club 

175 Post Road, Old Westbury, NY 

Contact: James Santagada (212) 965-9000 

La Cucina Italiana: Cooking Classes and 

Demonstration; “Sapori d’Autunno” 


The jewels of the Italian forest, rich chestnuts, fresh 

walnuts, and earthy mushrooms, usher in the season’s 

chilly nights and inspire this collection of warming 

autumn recipes. From pasta alle delizie d’autunno 

81

to polenta con sugo di salsiccia e vitello, concluding 

with a dessert ai frutti di bosco. Presented by Rosanna 

DiMichele. Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural 

Center. 






Lecture: “Luigi del Bianco: Chief Carver” 


Luigi del Bianco emigrated from Italy in 1920 and 

settled in Port Chester where he raised his family. In 

1933, he became the chief carver at Mount Rushmore, 

an accomplishment that has gone largely unnoticed for 

the past 70 years. Sponsored by Westchester Community 






fax: (914) 606-5665 


È Lunga la Strada by Mario Fratti 


New production by the renown playwright Cav. Mario 

Fratti. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute. 




Journey to Italy with Micheal Castaldo 


Micheal Castaldo award winning classical-crossover 

tenor will perform classical Italian songs accompanied 

with video landscapes of Italy. Special guests include 

the Hyblart Dance Company, from Ragusa, Sicily. 

Choreographer Saveria Tumino. For more information: 

www.michealcastaldo.com 

The Grand Oak Villa 

550 Sylvian Lake Road, Oakville, CT 


majesticcastlemusic@yahoo.com 

82

A Salute to Amerigo Vespucci 

October 11 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

Under the patronage of Ambassador Sebastiano Fulci 

and sponsored by The Conference of Presidents of Major 

Italian American Organizations; and the Italian Heritage 

and Culture Committee of New York, Inc., this event 

honors the memory of Amerigo Vespucci with an exhibit 

from Fiorentini nel Mondo. Unveiling of a unique art 

piece by renown sculptor Greg Wyatt will take place at: 

Organization of American States 

17th Street and Constitution Ave., N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 

Contact: Uff. Joseph Sciame (718) 990-1486 

Exhibit Opening: “Contaminate NY” 




listed events are free and open to the public. Seating is on 

a first-come-first-serve basis. Sponsored by Casa Italiana 



Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Journey to Abruzzo Oggi 


Abruzzo is the unspoiled heart of the Italian peninsula. 

Located on the Adriatic coast of Italy, its capital is 

L’Aquila. Abruzzo is a picturesque region where 

cascading mountains give way to beautiful beaches. With 

its many parks and historical castles, Abruzzo is a true 

hidden treasure. A delegation of representatives from 

the region will address relevant topics from economy to 

tourism. Luigi Monteferrante will read from his book, 

Stiletto Heels & A Pork Pie Hat and Other Related 

Poems. Tasting of regional cuisine and products will 







83

Lecture: “A Tribute to Amerigo Vespucci” 


Historical narrative of Vespucci followed by the legacy 

and contributions of Italians to America. Sponsored by 

Cellini Lodge #2206, Order Sons of Italy in America, 

New Hyde Park. 

Marcus Christ Hall 

Jericho Turnpike and New Hyde Park Road, 

New Hyde Park 


Contact: Jean Gagliardo (516) 935-5084 

jeangog@verizon.net 

Pinocchio by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory 

October 11 and 12 Time: TBA 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute. 




Teaching Italian Symposium/Workshops: Meeting 

V-Culture at the Core of Unit Planning 

October 12 8:30 am – 3:30 pm 

Professional development symposium and workshops 

for teachers of Italian. Annual signature event of Coccia 

Institute and Italian faculty at Montclair State University; 

Presenter-facilitators: Prof.ssa Flavia Laviosa (Wellesley 

College), Prof.ssa Anna DeFina (Georgetown University), 

Prof.ssa Luciana Fellin (Duke University) and Prof.ssa 

Enza Antenos-Conforti (Montclair State University). 

Sponsored by Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience 

in America and Department of Spanish and Italian at 

Montclair State University. 

Admission: $50 Registration fee for teachers of Italian 

(K-college) 

Contact: Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D. (973) 655-4038 

rem@mail.montclair.edu 

Film Screening: The Life of Giuseppe Verdi 


This film highlights the life and music of Giuseppe Verdi. 

Sponsored by Westchester Community College Italian 

Club. 



84



fax: (914) 606-5665 


Concert: A Taste of Italy through Italian Music! 


Moreno Fruzzetti, has been awarded the honor of 

“Ambassador of Italian Music to America.” He is known 

for his powerful tenor sound, captivating stage presence 

and a variety of operatic arias, pop music and American 

classics. Seating is limited. Advance reservation is 

required, please call 631-632-7444 to be issued an 

advance/reservation ticket. Sponsored by the Center for 

Italian Studies at Stony Brook University in collaboration 

with Sachem Public Library. 

Sachem Public Library 

150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, Long Island 




Mediterranean Voices 


Open rehearsal of new theatrical event, inspired by 

Giovanni Verga’s novel I Malavoglia. Conceived by 

Nicola Iervasi and Kevin Albert, featuring ethno-pop 

music group Quartaumentata from Italy. Sponsored by 

Mare Nostrum Elements. 

The Wave Center 

53-14 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, Queens, NY 


Contact: Nicola Iervasi (646-528-4797 

nicola@mnelements.org 

Celebration of 95 th Anniversary of the 

Apparition at Fatima 


Micheal Castaldo will sing at a special celebration Mass. 

Full concert to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall 

(across the street). Special guests include the Hyblart 

Dance Company from Ragusa, Sicily. Choreographer: 

Saveria Tumino. Sponsored by L’Esperienza Magazine, 

Benedetto Scannella. 

The Church of St. Joseph 

85

45 Church Street, Ronkonkoma, NY 

Contact: Benedetto Scannella (631) 585-1431 

benscan@optonline.net 

Italian American Writers Association Literary 

Readings 

October 13 5:45 – 7:45 pm 

The Italian American Writers Association is the only 

forum within our community that has consistently given 

voice to numerous writers – famous and emerging – 

hosting literary events including a more than 20-year-old 

series held at the Cornelia St. Café in Greenwich Village. 

Readings begin with an Open Mic followed by two 

featured authors. This month’s features will be: Emelise 

Aleandri, Ph.D., Artistic Director of Frizzi & Lazzi – 

the Olde Time Italian-American Music and Theatre 

Company that specializes in turn-of-the-century Italian 

entertainment and the author of 14 volumes on the history 

of the Italian-American immigrant theatre (1746-1899); 

Michael Palma’s award-winning work includes nearly a 

dozen translations and a fully rhymed version of Dante’s 

Inferno published by W.W. Norton in 2002, his original 

poetry includes two chapbooks, The Egg Shape and 

Antibodies, and a full-length collection, A Fortune in Gold 

as well as an Internet chapbook, The Ghost of Congress 

Street: Selected Poems, on the New Formalist Press Web 

site. IAWA’s three rules are: Read Each Other, Write or 

be Written, and Buy Our Books. Since 1991, IAWA has 

given voice to writers through its Open Reading series 

at Cornelia St. Café every month. For membership 

information visit: www.iawa.net. Sponsored by IAWA. 

Cornelia St. Café 

29 Cornelia Street, Manhattan 

Admission: $8; open to the public 

Contact: Prof. R. Viscusi, M. Lisella/G. Fagiani (718) 

777-1178 

mljourneys@aol.com 

Arts and Music: L’Autodafè del Camminante – The 

Life and Times of Arturo Giovannitti 


The story of Arturo Giovannitti, a young immigrant from 

Molise, wrongly accused of inciting class hatred which 

led to the murder of a young textile worker, killed by 

the clashes with security forces during the great strike 

in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912 will be examined. 

86

During the process Giovannitti decides to represent 

himself, in English, from the slanderous accusation. His 

extraordinary self-defense pronounced in perfect English, 

made history as a hymn of civil and racial integration. 

Extracts of The Walker, the poem that Arturo wrote 

in prison while awaiting trial and considered one the 

most authoritative expressions of American poetry, will 

be presented. A reception with the artists will follow. 

Sponsored by the Cultural Association of the Molise 

Region. 







Queens College Homecoming - Key Note Address 


As the creative force behind one of the country’s most 

respected Italian restaurant Felidia, Lidia Bastianich 

has contributed significantly to America’s burgeoning 

appreciation of Italian cuisine over the past two decades 

through her cookbooks and television series. 

Queens College Student Union 

65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354 

Admission: Members Only 

Contact: David D’Amato (718) 997-3661 or Joann 

Acquista 718-997-5864 

Bayonne Columbus Day Parade 


Grand Marshall Madeline LoRe will lead the 33rd 

annual Bayonne Columbus Day Parade, celebration 

honoring Italian culture. Honorees include: Miss 

Bayonne Columbus, Raine Cuseglio; (runner-up - 

Rebecca Hosmer); Italian American Man of the Year, 

Roy Finistrella; Italian American Educator of the Year, 

Salvatore Iannaci; Italian American Veteran, Anthony 

Cestari; and young Christopher Columbus, Vincent 

Bello. Sponsored by Bayonne Columbus Day Parade 

Committee. 

Bayonne, New Jersey 

Parade commences at 5th Street and Broadway 


Contact: James Sucato (201) 838-0419 

jsucato@aol.com 

87

Lecture: “A Child al Confino” by Eric Lamet 

October 14 5:00 – 9:00 pm 

Includes dinner. Sponsored by St. John’s University. 

Bent Hall 277 A & B 


Contact: Prof. Joan M. D’Andrea (718) 990-7541 


Lecture: “The Legacy of the Italian American 

Experience” 

October 15 

The role and contributions of Italian Americans in the 

fields of Art and Film will be explored. A discussion 

regarding contemporary Italian Americans will also be 

examined. Sponsored by Center for Italian American 

Studies, Nassau Community College, IASA (Long Island 

Chapter, OSIA, UNICO Smithtown). 

Nassau Community College 

CCB Building 

1 Education Drive, Garden City, NY 

Contact: Salvatore J. LaGumina, Ph.D. (516) 572-7422 

sallagumina@yahoo.com 

Italian Culture Class 

First Class October 15 

Surveying Italy’s history, art, music, culture and people, 

the ten week course, taught by a number of presenters 

working individually and collaboratively, will introduce 

a wide variety of topics allowing one to experience the 

exuberance and diversity of Italy and its influence on 

Americans of Italian heritage. For program details please 

visit www.casa-belvedere.org. Sponsored by the Italian 

Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere. 


Fee: $225; open to the public 


fax: (718) 273-0020 


Book Presentation: A Child al Confino: The True Story 

of a Jewish Boy and His Mother in Mussolini’s Italy by 

Eric Lamet 


An unforgettable personal account of Holocaust survival 

told from a child’s perspective. Eric Lamet was only 

seven years old when the Nazis invaded Vienna, and 

88

changed his life and the lives of all European Jews 

forever. Five days after Hitler began his march, Eric and 

his parents fled for their lives. His father went back to his 

native Poland and never returned. He and his mother hid 

in Italy, on the run from place to place, venturing deeper 

and deeper into the mountains to avoid capture. Reception 

with the author will follow. Sponsored by The United 

Pugliesi Federation. 






Settimana della Lingua Italiana (Week of Italian 

Language) 

October 15 – 25 

Several special programs will be offered at the Italian 

Cultural Institute (Manhattan) to celebrate students and 

Italian language studies. 

October 15 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Opening event to celebrate Italian Language Students’ 

Day with student participants from: Scuola d’Italia G. 

Marconi, United Nations International School, NYC; 

Queens College (CUNY); Iona College, New Rochelle; 

and IACE. Students will demonstrate their language skills 

in a series of dramatic and artistic performances. 


Book Reading: Twentieth-Century Italian Poetry will 

examine Italian poetry with a special focus on women 

poets. 


Lecture entitled “Creativity and Economic Growth” will 

be presented by Prof. Giovanni Santagata, University of 

Turin, Italy. 


Theatre Presentation: Francis, the Holy Jester – Italian 

actor Mario Pirovano who has worked and collaborated 

with Dario Fo will perform the American premiere 

of the Nobel prize recipient’s masterpiece Francis of 

Assisi, in its first English translation. The great saint 

will be portrayed through the creativity, humor, wit, 

and ingenuity that are the trademark of Fo’s works. For 

more information please visit: www.iicnewyork.esteri.it 

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute, NY. 


Contact: Gisella Ingraffia gisella.ingraffia@esteri.it 

89

Film: 18 IUS Soli 

October 16 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

Documentarian Fred Kuwornu’s 18 IUS Soli recounts 

the experience of young adults born and raised in Italy 

but with origins from other parts of the world–Asia, 

South America, Africa–and living in different areas of 

Italy. They are born in Italy and children of immigrants: 

they study there, they speak Italian and most have never 

been to their parents’country of origin. Yet they are not 

recognized as Italian citizens like everyone else. To obtain 

Italian citizenship, they must wait until the age of 18 and 

undergo a long and complicated bureaucratic process, 

which does not always end with a positive outcome 

for the applicant, resulting in serious and unavoidable 

problems of social isolation and identity. Fred Kuwornu 

will discuss his film after the screening. Sponsored by 

the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens 

College/CUNY. 





limited. 


The Marco Polo Festival History Colloquium 

October 16 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

The inaugural Marco Polo Festival History Colloquium 

hosted by the Museum of Chinese in America kicks 

off the festival celebrations. This dialogue between 

distinguished scholars and the general public explores 

topics concerning the area’s rich Chinese and Italian 

immigrant history and culture. Featuring John Kuo 

Wei Tchen, Associate Professor of Social and Cultural 

Analysis & Asian Pacific American Studies at New 

York University; Jerome Krase, Emeritus and Murray 

Koppelman Professor, Brooklyn College, City University 

of New York; Kerri Culhane, architectural historian 

and author of the Chinatown & Little Italy Historic 

District National Register of Historic Places nomination, 

2010. Reception to follow. Sponsored by Two Bridges 

Neighborhood Council Inc. 

275 Cherry Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Elisa Espiritu (212) 566-2729 

elisa@twobridges.org 

90

Documentary Festival: Snapshots of Italy 

October 16 – 19 6:00 pm 







Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Lecture: “Those Retro Sienese Painters” 


This lecture will examine the Sienese School of painting 

that flourished in Siena, Italy between the 13 th and 15 th 

centuries, being inclined towards the decorative beauty 

and elegant grace of late Gothic art. Sponsored by 

Westchester Community College Italian Club. 





(914) 606-5665 


Film Screening: Umberto E by Anton Evangelista 


A true lover of words, history and “patria,” Umberto E is 

the tender story of ninety-year old Umberto Evangelista’s 

own vivid recollections of his life as an eternal immigrant, 

both in Italy and in the United States. A story of personal 

triumph, choosing love and forgiveness as his weapons 

of “revenge.” Post-screening discussion with filmmaker. 

Sponsored by the Department of Romance Languages, 

Hunter College and the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute, Queens College/CUNY 

Hunter College/West Building/Room B126 

East 68 th Street and Lexington Avenue 


Contact: Dr. Maria grace La Russo (212) 642-2094 

Lecture: “La Dinastia dei Medici” 


Special presentation by Francesco Lindia, Ph.D. will 

examine the Medici dynasty in Italy. 

Eastchester Public Library 

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Concert: Better World 


The Italian Opera Company will perform Broadway 

favorites and popular opera arias. Free refreshments. 

Sponsored by the Italian Opera Company and John 

LaCorte, Ph.D., Italian Historical Society. 

The Community Center 

1835 75 th Street, Brooklyn 

Admission: free; at will donation 

Contact: Nina Di Gregorio (718) 232-8162 or 

(917) 400-8366 

Book Reading: The Mandolin of Gold 


Author Michael Tedesco will read excerpts from his book 

The Mandolin of Gold. Discussion and Q&A to follow. 

Sponsored by Order Sons of Italy in America, Lt. Joseph 

Petrosino Lodge #285. 

113 Baxter Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Ernest Magliato (347) 992-0637 

wyanoka9173@aol.com 

The Silk Road Ambassador Awards Gala Dance 

October 18 6:30 – 9:00 pm 

Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, Inc. hosts the 

annual Silk Road Ambassador Awards Gala Dinner at 

SPQR Restaurant on Mulberry Street. Each year, nearly 

200 guests enjoy an evening of outstanding cultural 

performances and cuisine while honoring two outstanding 

education, cultural and business leaders from the Asian- 

American and Italian-American communities. Sponsored 

by Two Bridges Neighborhood Council Inc. 

S.P.Q.R. Restaurant 

133 Mulberry Street, Manhattan 

Admission: Tickets Required. Information to purchase 

tickets, please contact: 

Elisa Espiritu (212) 566-2729 


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Lecture: “Living the Life, The World of the Italian 

Artist” Richard Laurenzi of IAVANET 


Join Richard Laurenzi founder of the Italian American 

Visual Artists’ Network (IAVANET) for a discussion 

with several artists of IAVANET. The group’s collective 

credentials include museum and gallery exhibitions, 

private collections, art education, and extensive work 

in the world of art and design. The work of IAVANET 

artists encompasses a full range of expression from pure 

abstraction to representation. Several artists make explicit 

reference to Italian and Italian-American themes from 

family life to religiosity to pop culture. Wine, cheese 

and light fare will be served. Sponsored by the Italian 





fax: (718) 273-0020 


Film Screening: Calabria: The Jewish Connection 


Film screening and presentation documenting the unique 

history and culture on the “toe” of the Italian Peninsula. 

Presented by Calabrian born, award-winning producer/ 

songwriter and artist Micheal Castaldo. Sponsored by 

Italian American Museum. 

155 Mulberry Street, Manhattan, 

Admission: free; open to the public. 

Contact: Cav. Joseph V. Scelsa, Ed.D. (212) 965-9000 

fax: (347) 810-1028 

info@italianamericanmuseum.org 

Una Notte in Italia (A Night in Italy) with Special 

Guest, Cristina Fontanelli 


Gala dinner in celebration of Italian heritage and 

culture with a special performance by award winning 

international soprano and PBS Host, Cristina Fontanelli. 

Sponsored by the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee 

of New York, Inc. and the National Arts Club. 

15 Gramercy Park, Manhattan 

Admission: $85 per person; open to the public. 

Contact: John Eramo (212) 475-3424 

info@cristina.fontanelli.com 

93

Societa Amerigo Vespucci 3 rd Annual Wine Tasting 

and Gift Auction 

October 19 7:00 – 10 pm 

The Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) of Long Branch, 

NJ will be hosting its 3 rd annual Wine Tasting and Gift 

Auction Gala. Price of admission will include a selection 

of wine, samplings of Italian fine food and valet parking. 

All proceeds go to the AVS. Sponsored by Amerigo 

Vespucci Society, Long Branch, NJ. 

The Deal Golf & Country Club 

Deal, NJ 


Contact: Roberto Ferragina (732) 963-7779 

robferragina@aol.com 

Padre Pio in America 

Friday, October 19 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm 

Saturday, October 20 11:00 am and 2:00 pm 

The National Centre for Padre Pio, Inc. will join for a 

presentation on the life of Padre Pio, his connection to the 

Calandra family and how the Centre developed. Their 

presentation will include a display of relics, many of 

which have never before left the Centre, located in Barto, 

Pennsylvania. This rare presentation will be given four 

times during Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 

20. Relics will be on display from 12:00 pm- 8:30 pm on 

Friday and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. 







Mulberry & Mott Street Marco Polo Pageant 

October 20 11:00 am – 2:00 pm 

Procession starts in front of the Chinese Consolidated 

Benevolent Association, 62 Mott Street, Manhattan. 

Procession route runs down Mott to Bayard, up Mulberry 

to Grand, and down Mott to Hester Street. Performances 

take place on the Hester Street Stage between Mott & 

Mulberry. Sponsored by Two Bridges Neighborhood 

Council Inc. 

275 Cherry Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Elisa Espiritu (212) 566-2729 


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Italian American Comedy from the 

Immigrant to the Present 

October 20 2:00 – 4:00 pm 

Dr. Salvatore Primeggia will discuss Italian American 

comedy, from its roots in the Commedia Dell’Arte 

and southern Italian poverty, through its progression 

in transplanted American generations. The lecture 

follows the development of Italian American humor as it 

responds to and mirrors the status of the Italian American 

community, from the immigrant era to the present. Skits, 

jokes, songs, and parodies from comedians representing 

various eras and styles trace a legacy that ranges from 

immigrant coffee houses to the ethnic stage, to radio 

and records, and to television and film. Then and now, 

comedy helps Italian Americans to laugh along with the 

comedians who remind them of their unique cultural 

characteristics and who offer a humorous look at both 

sides of the ethnic divide. Sponsored by Italian American 

Women’s Center, Inc. 

Woman’s Club of Great Neck 

94 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 

Admission: free: Members; $5 Non-members 

Contact: Vincenza Russo (646) 515-2744 

iawcnyc@yahoo.com 

Musical Performance: 

A Neapolitan Tribute to Mario Lanza 


Musical remembrance of the great Italian-American tenor, 

Mario Lanza. Aaron Caruso, the tenor who was chosen 

to portray Lanza in a forthcoming Broadway musical, 

soprano Melanie Goerlitz, and Met Opera baritone Ross 

Benoliel sing Neapolitan songs, operatic arias, duets and 

Lanza’s magic movie melodies. Reception with the artists 

to follow. 

Shubert Theater 

249 College Avenue, New Haven, CT 

Admission: $25 - $40; open to the public 

Contact: Box Office (203) 624-1825 

www/shubert.com or www.aaroncaruso.com 

Italian American Comedy: 

From the Immigrant Era to the Present 


This presentation by Salvatore Primeggia, Ph.D., will 

focus on southern Italian American comedy, from its 

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oots in the Commedia Dell’Arte and southern Italian 

poverty, through its progression in transplanted American 

generations. Sponsored by the Order Sons of Italy in 

America, Loggia Glen Cove #1016, with the support of 

the New York Council for the Humanities. 

Glen Cove Public Library 

4 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 


Contact: Kathy Grande (516) 676-7436 

fax (516) 676-7436 

aigrande@yahoo.com 

Lecture: “Terza Domenica – Amerigo Vespucci” 


Professor Louis R. Leonini will mark the quincentenary 

of the anniversary of Amerigo Vespucci’s death with a 

lecture that will provide an overview of his contributions 

to American history, along with other great Italian 

Renaissance explorers, namely: Cristoforo Colombo, 

Giovanni Caboto and Giovanni Da Verrazzano. Leonini 

will also document the many Italian and Italian Americans 

who helped shape the “American Story” with their 

numerous contributions in almost every field of human 

progress and development. Sponsored by Garibaldi- 

Meucci Museum, OSIA. 

420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island 

Admission: $10 Non-Members; $5 Members 

Contact: Michela Traetto (718) 442-1608 

fax: (718) 442-8635 

mtraetto@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org 

Lecture: “Vespucci: The Italian Navigator and 

the Naming of America” 


Prof. Peter Carravetta, Alfonse D’Amato Chair in Italian 

and Italian American Studies at Stony Brook University, 

will examine the meaning and significance of Vespucci to 

America. Followed by Q&A session. Sponsored Center 

for Italian Studies at Sony Brook University. 

Stony Brook University’s Frank Melville Memorial 

Library, Room E4340 


Contact: Jo Fusco (631) 632-7444 

fax: (631) 632-7421 


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The Italian Opera Company Presents Cavalleria 

Rusticana by P. Mascagni 


With orchestral accompaniment, full chorus and scenery. 

Free refreshments served. Sponsored by the Italian Opera 

Company and a Better World Society. 

The Church of St. Francis Cabrini 

Father Guy Sbardone 

16 th Avenue, 86 th Street, Brooklyn 


Contact: Nina Di Gregorio (718) 232-8162 or 

(917) 400-8366 

Bocce Day at Queens College 


Join us to learn to play the game of Bocce developed into 

its present form from its origins in Italy. Considered one 

of the oldest sports with a common ancestry from the 

ancient games played in the Roman Empire. Sponsored 

by Queens College Italian Club and John D. Calandra 

Italian American Institute. 

Queens College (meet at the Quadrangle) 

65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, NY 




Coffee and Conversation: Lehman College Italian and 

Italian American Faculty and Staff 


An invitation for Lehman colleagues to meet and 

explore the possibility of developing an Italian American 

Faculty and Staff Association on campus. Attendees 

will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to the 

Italian experience in America; dialogue about academic 

matters relevant to Italian and Italian American Studies; 

and propose special events for the Lehman College 

community-at-large. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra 

Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY. 

Lehman College 

Davis Hall Room 111, Bronx 

Admission: free 

Contact: Dr. Maria grace La Russo (212) 642-2094 

mlarusso@qc.cuny.edu 

97

Celebrating the Life and Work of Dino Buzzati 


The multi-talented artist (writer, painter, cartoonist, 

journalist) will be remembered on the 40 th anniversary 

of his death. To celebrate his art, writings, and painting, 

KIT-Kairos Italy Theater, the Italian theatre company in 

NY, presents a journey into his theatre production and 

beyond. Bilingual reading of excerpts of his opera will 

be followed by the screening of the film The Tartar Step, 

based on his recent novel. Sponsored by: Kairos Italy 

Theater; Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, Italian Cultural 

Institute, Consolato Generale D’Italia, and Associazione 

Internazionale Dino Buzzati. 

Casa Italian Zerilli-Marimò 

24 West 12 th Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Laura Caparrotti (212) 254-4025 

info@kitheater.com 

Theater Performance: Homage to Dino Buzzati 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Film Screening 


Film on Italian contributions to America with slide 

presentation. Discussion and Q&A session with Louis 

Miele, Ph.D. 

Café Europa 

188 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 


Contact: Filomena (914) 665-9226 

Theatrical Presentation: The Little Flower – The Life 

of Fiorello H. La Guardia 

October 23 - 26 8:00 pm; October 27 3:00 and 8:00 

pm; October 28 4:00 pm; 

October 29 - 30 8:00 pm; November 1 2:00 pm; 

November 2 8:00 pm 

A special limited engagement featuring Tony Lo Bianco 

as the powerful and dynamic Mayor Fiorello H. La 

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Guardia. The Little Flower is an educational, inspirational 

and at times comedic one-man show set in the office of La 

Guardia, during his last day as three-term Mayor of New 

York in 1945. The social issues La Guardia encountered 

parallel those we are currently facing. 

Dicapo Opera Theatre 

184 East 76 th Street (between 3 rd and Lexington Avenues), 

Manhattan 

Admission: Buy tickets through www.smarttix.com; 

group sales available 

Contact: (212) 868-4444 

For more information visit: www.tonylobianco.com 

Film Screening: Sicily: Land of Beauty and Culture 


This film explores the beauty and splendor of Sicily, its 

rich history and unique architectural aspects of the island. 


Club. 





fax: (914) 606-5665 


Annual Italian Heritage Month Luncheon 


Keynote speaker Dr. Louis Leonini will share his 

knowledge and expertise as a historian to address the 

topic of “The Legacy of Italians in the Americas – A 

Tribute to Amerigo Vespucci: 1454-1512.” 

Dr. Leonini is an alumnus of St. John’s University, 

Queens Campus, and is a member of the faculty as an 

adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education. 

Sponsored by St. John’s University-Staten Island Italian 

Cultural Center & Multicultural Affairs. 

Kelleher Center-Kiernan Suite 

300 Howard Avenue 


Contact: Theresa Cantarella (718) 390-4350 

cantaret@stjohns.edu 

99

Lecture: “The Great Contributions of Italian 

Discoverers to American History” 


Professor Louis R. Leonini will mark the quincentenary 

of the anniversary of Amerigo Vespucci’s death with a 

lecture that will give an overview of his contribution 

to American history, along with the other great Italian 

Renaissance explorers, namely: Cristoforo Colombo, 

Giovanni Caboto, and Giovanni da Verrazano. Leonini 

will take a tour of the many Italian, and Italian Americans, 

who through the years, have helped shape the “American 

Story” with their numerous contributions in almost every 

field of human progress and development. Wine, cheese 

and light fare will be served. Sponsored by the Italian 





fax: (718) 273-0020 


Italian Speakers Series 


Columbus Lodge #2143, OSIA, heritage and culture 

chairman Steven Labriola will speak on the topic 

of Italian origin and ancestry. Sponsored by OSIA, 

Columbus Lodge #2143. 

2143 Boundary Avenue, South Farmingdale, NY 


Contact: Keith Wilson (516) 633-1435 

fax: (516) 624-6396 

kwilson@optonline.net 

Symposium entitled: “On a Different Shore. Defining 

‘Italian’: Italian Identity in the Third Millennium” 

Day One: October 24 5:00 – 7:30 pm 

Students, faculty, and interested individuals are invited 

to join the Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance 

(ILICA) in a constructive dialogue with four Italian 

authors and four Italian American authors to discuss 

the changing nature of Italian and Italian American 

culture in contemporary society. Pino Aprile renowned 

writer and author of last year’s best seller, Terroni, 

and Lorenzo Del Boca, author of Polentoni, journalist 

and essayist, and president of the National Order of 

Journalists will be among the panel participants. Also 

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included: Fred Gardaphé, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, 

English and Italian American Studies, Queens College/ 

CUNY; Robert Viscusi, Ph.D., Director, Wolfe Institute, 

Brooklyn College/CUNY; Donna Chirico, Ph.D., 

Professor, Psychology, York College/CUNY and author 

Louisa Ermelino, Director, Publishers Weekly Review. 

Discussion will be followed by a reception. Sponsored by 

the Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) and 


College/CUNY. 

Queens College 

Aaron Copland School of Music/Coral Room 

65-21 Main Street, Flushing, NY 

Admission: free; open to the public, seating is limited. 

Contact: (718) 392-2020 

ilicait@aol.com 

Symposium entitled: “On a Different Shore. Defining 

‘Italian’: Italian Identity in the Third Millennium” 

Day Two: October 25 5:00 – 8:00 pm 

The Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) 

will host a constructive dialogue in New York City with 

a distinguished panel of authors from Italy and America 

to discuss the changing transformations of Italian and 

Italian American culture. Pino Aprile renowned writer 

and author of last year’s best seller, Terroni, as well 

as Lorenzo Del Boca, author of Polentoni, journalist 

and essayist, and president of the National Order of 

Journalists will join Fred Gardaphé, Ph.D., Distinguished 

Professor, English and Italian American Studies, Queens 

College/CUNY; Robert Viscusi, Ph.D., Director, Wolfe 

Institute, Brooklyn College/CUNY; Donna Chirico, Ph.D., 

Professor, Psychology, York College/CUNY and author 

Louisa Ermelino, Director, Publishers Weekly Review. 

Discussion will be followed by a reception. Sponsored 

by the Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY; and the John 

D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/ 

CUNY. 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice 

524 West 59 th Street (between 10 th and 11 th Avenues) 

Room: TBA 

Manhattan 

Admission: free; open to the public, seating is limited. 

Contact: Janet Rubel@JRubel@JJay.cuny.edu 

ilicait@aol.com 

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Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) 8th 

Annual Gala: On a Different Shore 

October 26 6:3 0 pm 

ILICA’s two days of symposia in the New York area, 

will culminate with a Gala Dinner and Cultural Event 

at Chelsea Piers. Featuring spectacular water views 

of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan, the 

Lighthouse is a wonderful venue for celebrating another 

successful year of ILICA initiatives. A Gala Dinner will 

be prepared by ILICA’s in-house Chef from Italy and will 

feature specialties of modern Italian cooking. This year’s 

honorees will include: Uff. Joseph Sciame, Chairman 

of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New 

York, Inc.; Louisa Ermelino, Director, Publishers Weekly 

Review; and Nicola Cecchi, Vice President of the Toscani 

nel Mondo (Tuscans Abroad) and President of the Italian 

Cuban Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by ILICA. 

The Lighthouse, Pier Sixty One 

Chelsea Piers 

23rd St. at the Hudson River, Manhattan 

Admission: Ticket required $250; students $80 

Contact: ilicait@aol.com 

Lecture: “Leonard Covello: The Italian American 

Child, the School and the Community” 


Dr. Gerald Meyer, Professor of History, Hostos 

Community College (CUNY) and Visiting Professor at 

Queens College, will share his work on Leonard Covello 

(1887-1982) immigrant and educator, who was the first 

Italian to be named a high school principal in New York. 

Sponsored by The Italian Cultural Center of St. John’s 

University and the Office of Student Life, Division 

of Multicultural Affairs and Leadership, St. John’s 

University, Staten Island Campus 

Kiernan Suite, The Kelleher Center 



Contact: Theresa Cantarella (718) 390-4350 

cantaret@stjohns.edu 

Book Reading: Michelangelo and the 

Economy of Revision 


Reading by Prof. William John Kennedy, Cornell 

University, who will discuss his forthcoming book and 

the relationship between Renaissance aesthetics and 

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economics. Sponsored by Center for Italian Studies at 

Stony Brook University. 





Theater Performance: Francis, the Holy Jester 


By Dario Fo, with Mario Pirovano. Please note that 

programming is subject to change. Check www. 

casaitaliananyu.org for updated information. All listed 





Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Lecture: “Life and Miracles of St. Anthony of Padua, 

St. Claire, and St. Catherine of Siena” 


This lecture will discuss some of the most famous saints 

in the context of history time and place. Presented in 

English by Professor-in-Residence Antonio Rutigliano of 

New York University. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 







Cultural Fair & Membership Drive 


The accomplishments of Italians in America will be 

explored. Short film regarding Amerigo Vespucci 

and Italian explorers will be presented. Spaghetti and 

meatballs will be served. Sponsored by Order Sons of 

Italy in America, Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211. 

2075 Deer Park Avenue, Dee Park, NY 


Contact: Bob Savino (631) 422-6934 

fax: (631) 586-5429 

dynsus@aol.com 

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Cinema, Cultura e Dolci 


Short film on Italian contributions to America followed by 

a ten minute video and slide presentation by Louis Miele, 

Ph.D. 

Caboto and Colombo Club 

46 Purdy Street, Harrison, NY 


Contact: Joseph Albanese (917) 417-0469 

Lecture: “In Difesa del Territorio: 

One Woman’s Fight Against Big Oil in Italy” 


Dr. Maria Rita D’Orsogna will present on the impact 

of oil drilling in Italy. Called the “Erin Brockovich of 

Italy,” Dr. D’Orsogna’s efforts have prevented drilling 

in the Abruzzo region. Hear her story as she details her 

fight against Big Oil in her native Italy and how she used 

social media to educate the Italian public and encourage 

civic participation in important environmental decisions. 







Italian Welfare League’s Annual Autumn 

in New York Luncheon 

October 27 

The Italian Welfare League celebrates its 92 nd Anniversary 

of providing assistance to the Italian American 

community. Over the last nine decades, this charitable 

organization has helped Italian immigrants’ medically 

ill children. Honorees: Thomas Sculco, M.D., Surgeonin-Chief, 

Hospital for Special Surgery; Joanne Minieri, 

Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and 

Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning 

for Suffolk County. Proceeds from the event go to the 

League’s “I Nostri Bambini” Program, which assists 

Italian American medically fragile children. Please call 

(212) 861-8480 or email: iwlinc@msn.com to support this 

worthy cause. Sponsored by the Italian Welfare League. 

The Metropolitan Club 

1 East 60th Street, New York 

Contact: Linda R. Carlozzi (212) 545-4040; Italian 

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Welfare League (212) 861-8480; fax: (212) 972-3213 

carlozziL@jacksonlewis.com 

iwlinc@msn.com 

Genealogy: Organizing Your Research 


Researchers often have difficulty organizing their 

documents, keeping track of what they have, what they 

are still looking for, as well as the best ways to file their 

precious finds. Genealogy expert Toni McKeen will offer 

suggestions on how to sort information and will provide 

helpful charts to help you record your results. Sponsored 



Admission: Members free, Non-Members $10. Must 




Cinema – Cultura – Rinfreschi 


Short video on Italian contributions to America followed 

by a second video, How to Prevent Dementia. Dr. Louis 

Miele will facilitate discussion. Free refreshments 

and information on Italian pensions, citizenship, etc. 

Sponsored by Italian Assistance Center. 

4 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle, NY 


Contact: Paola La Carbonare (914) 355-4955 

Calabria Day USA 


The Second Annual Calabria Day, organized by the nonprofit 

organization “Io Resto in Calabria,” is dedicated to 

documenting positive stories about the Calabresi in the 

United States. Similar event is taking place concurrently 

in Calabria. There will be performances, screenings and a 

streaming session with Calabria Day in Italy. Sponsored 

by the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, 

Queens College/CUNY, Kairos Italy Theater, Calabrisella 

Films, Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere, 

Mare Nostrum Elements. 

Lang Auditorium, North Building, Hunter College 

East 68 

105 

th Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan 



imagekit@gmail.com

Family Program. Piccoli Cuochi: 

Best Homemade Pizza 


Children and parents will spend an enjoyable afternoon 

creating their own pizza dough. They will work together 

and use various toppings to prepare white pizza, cheese 

pizza, vegetable pizza and/or sausage pizza. The class will 

conclude with I piccoli cuochi chefs will enjoy their pizza 

creations! Presented by Cathy Blanco. Adult participation 

must be with a child. Children under age 5 must be 

accompanied by a parent. Sponsored by Westchester 

Italian Cultural Center. 






Halloween Party 

October 27 7:00 – midnight 

Join us for a night of fun, costumes, prizes and food. 

Sponsored by Order Sons of Italy in America, Lt. Joseph 

Petrosino Lodge #285. 

113 Baxter Street, Manhattan 


Contact: Ernest Magliato (347) 992-0637 

wyanoka9173@aol.com 

Magnanini Winery and Music 

October 28 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 

Wine tasting dinner, with special live performance of 

accordion music by Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca 

(1:00 – 5:00 pm). Sponsored by Westchester Community 


Admission: $85; $65 WCC credit students 


fax: (914) 606-5665 


All Orders Mass 


Procession of various orders of Knighthoods proceeds 

a mass to be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Patrick. 

Sponsored by the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, 

Inc. 

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Cathedral of St. Patrick 

50 th Street and 5 th Avenue, Manhattan 

Contact: Marco Grassi, President (212) 972-1100 Ext. 

245; fax: (212) 983-5271, 

amsavoy@aol.com 

Celebration of Italian Music and 

Italian American Culture 

October 28 2:00 – 4:00 pm 

Performance of Italian music as well as readings 

regarding Italian American literature and culture. 

Participants include: Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D., 

Dean, John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, 

Queens College/CUNY; Paolo Giordano, Ph.D., 

Professor, University of Central Florida; Gil Fagiani, 

Italian American Writers Association; all of whom grew 

up in Stamford, Connecticut. Sponsored by Ferguson 

Library (Stamford, Connecticut). 

96 Broad Street, Stamford, Connecticut 


Contact: Carolyn Karwoski (203) 351-8220 

fax (203) 357-9098 

ckarowski@fergusonlibrary.org 

Presentation: Study Italian Language and 

Culture in Perugia, Italy 


Queens College and the John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute offer a special program to study Italian 

language and culture in Perugia, Italy. These low-cost 

4-week or 8-week programs provide students with the 

opportunity to earn 6 or 12 credits in Italian, in one of 

the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy. Sponsored 

by John D. Calandra Italian American Institute/ Queens 

College and the Italian American Club, Queens College/ 

CUNY. 

Queens College 

Flushing, NY 




Vineyards of Italy: Vini Velenosi, Ascoli Piceno 

October 29 6:30pm 

Angela Velenosi, young and talented producer, with her 

husband Ercole are the owners of Vini Velenosi, a family 

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winery in the province of Ascoli Piceno that bears their 

name. The winery includes more than 100 hectares of 

vineyards in the hills surrounding the Valley of the River 

Tronto and they boast production of over one million 

bottles of wine. They are planted with many varieties 

of grapes, such as: Trebbiano, Pecorino, Passerina, 

Verdicchio, Malvasia, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Muller 

Thurgau, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet 

Sauvignon, Schiraz and Petit Verdot. Their latest creation 

is a wine of sour cherries, named Querciantica. Learn 

about the history, the soil, the tradition of this established 

Italian vineyard and taste some of the most exclusive 

wines accompanied by paired appetizers. Sponsored by 







Dramatic Presentation: No Escape 

October 29 – November 18 

Tuesdays to Sundays 8:00 pm (call to confirm 

performance schedule) 

This year marks the 40 th anniversary of the death of one 

of the most important personalities of the past century in 

Italy, Dino Buzzati. To celebrate his art, writing, painting 

and genius, Kairos Italy Theater (KIT), the Italian theatre 

company in New York, presents a retrospective of his 

work. Four monologues - the only one dedicated to 

women — will be staged according to the Double Theatre 

Experience: the English version followed by its original 

in Italian, acted by different actresses. Three weeks, four 

monologues, eight actresses, a double monologue for each 

night. Sponsored by Kairos Italy Theater, Casa Italiana 

Zerilli-Marimò, Italian Cultural Institute, Consulate 

General of Italy in New York, Associazione Internazionale 

Dino Buzzati. 

Cherry Lane Theater 

38 Commerce Street 



info@kitheater.com 

108

Panel Discussion: Caring for Your Loved One: 

Planning Strategies and Elder Care Options for the 

Italian American Family 


In light of population aging and high disability rates 

among the elderly, many Italian American families 

face decisions concerning hospitalization and care 

arrangements for elderly, disabled relatives. Often 

times, adult children become deeply involved in the 

daily lives of their chronically ill or medically fragile 

parents. How do Italian American families meet the 

needs of their elderly? Are there particular cultural 

expectations concerning custodial care functions? In 

the face of changes in homecare legislation, Medicaid 

funding, and the continuing pressure to do more with 

less, creative thinking is even more important for family 

caregivers. Panel members include: Alec Pruchnicki, 

M.D., Geriatric Physician, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital; 

Anne B. Pagano, M.S.W./A.C.S.W., Social Worker and 

Adjunct Professor at the Fordham University School of 

Social Services; and Salvatore M. Di Costanzo, Esq., 

McMillan, Constabile, Maker and Perrone, LLP.; each 

of whom provide services to Italian American families 

regarding hospitalization and home care options. 

Strategies to support primary family caregivers as well 

as formal (hired) caregivers will be discussed and the 

need for financial planning. Medicaid and Community 

Needs Trusts in the homecare delivery system will also 

be examined. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 


24 West 43 rd Street, 17 th floor (between 5 th and 6 th 



Contact: Dr. Maria grace La Russo 


is limited. 

Film Screening: Pompeii and the Roman Villa 


Documentary explores art and culture near the Bay 

of Naples before Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. 


Club. 




109


fax: (914) 606-5665 


Education Workshop: “Show Everyone Love: 

Anti-Bullying” 

November 1 3:30 – 8:30 pm 

Book presentation with author Sabrino Panfilo and teacher 

Belinda Mendez-Azzollini, Founder and Executive 

Director of Just be Me! explores the serious issues 

associated with peer bullying. Interventions for prevention 

will be discussed for use with young children and 

adolescents. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation 

at Casa Belvedere. 




fax: (718) 273-0020 


Exhibit Opening: “Scialoja” 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Lecture: “Religio Romana” 


An overview of Roman Religion from the Mater Magna 

including Jupiter to Jesus and la Madonna. Join in this 

journey of enlightenment and rebirth as it explores the 

religious nature of ancient Romans and its incorporation 

into modern Christianity. Presented in English by 

Professor Giuseppe Spedaliere. 

Must register in advance and prepay. Sponsored by 







110

Made by Italians: The Social and Economic Impact of 

Italian Immigration to the United States, 1882-2012 

November 2 9:30 am – 5:00 pm 

November 3 10: am – 4:00 pm, 

Reception at 4:00 pm 

Two day conference addresses the paucity of research 

regarding the contributions of several generations of 

Italians who lived and worked in the USA- as well as 

successive generations of Italian Americans to career 

sectors of America society: business, industry, banking, 

international commerce. All has served to “brand” the 

Italian presence in the United States. Sponsored by 

The Alfonse M. D’Amato Chair in Italian and Italian 

American Studies and Tutto Italia, LLC. 

University of Stony Brook 

100 Nicolls Road - Wang Center 


Contact: Prof. Peter Carravetta (631) 632-6214 or 

Prof. Sabbia Auriti (917) 592-7617 

pcarravetta@notes.cc.cunysb.edu; nysabbia@aol.com 

Concert: TENET performs Monteverdi’s 

“Madrigals of Love and War” 

November 3 TBA 

TENET is one of New York’s preeminent vocal 

ensembles. Under artistic director, Jolle Greenleaf, 

TENET has won acclaim for its innovative programming, 

virtuosic singing and command of repertoire that spans 

the middle ages to the present. Sponsored by The Italian 

Academy. 

1161 Amsterdam Avenue 

Manhattan 


Contact: Rick Whitaker (212) 854-1623, fax: (212) 854- 

8479 

Aj211@columbia.edu 

Film Screening: Padre Pio: Miracle Man 


This movie captures the Capuchin friar’s intense faith 

and devotion, deep spiritual concern for others, as well as 

his great compassion for the sick and suffering. It reveals 

the amazing details and events in Padre Pio’s life as a 

boy and throughout his 50 years as a friar, dramatizing 

the frequent attacks of the devil on him, as well as the 

persecution he suffered at the hands of people, including 

111

those in the church. Directed by Carlo Carlei. In Italian 

with English subtitles (214 minutes). Sponsored by 







Film Screening: Il Mostro 


A hilarious comedy starring Roberto Benigni as a man 

who is mistaken by police profilers as a serial killer! 


Club. 





fax: (914) 606-5665 


Gala Italian Pride 


Gala dinner dance to salute local community leaders in 

the fields of public service and media/communications. 

Sponsored by Società Stella Mattutina – Morning Star. 

Green Tree 

Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 


Contact: Luigi Miele, Ph.D. (914) 636-6670 

drmiele@aol.com 

Lecture: “Italian-American Foodways and the 

Making of Modern New York” 


Rocco Marinaccio, Professor, Manhattan College, 

will discuss the foodways associated with New York’s 

Italian immigrants in the early twentieth century. His 

focus is on the ways a developing Italian-American 

cuisine was incorporated into broader public discussions 

of moral, intellectual, and physical health within the 

immigrant population. He will also consider both a 

range of institutional actions—such as the New York 

City pushcart-reform legislation and various public 

112

health and dietary initiatives—and representations of 

Italian immigrant cuisine in various media. Ultimately, 

mainstream responses to this cuisine comprised a program 

of “culinary reform,” designed to police and to assimilate 

the immigrant, fashioning both the citizenry and the urban 

landscape according to emergent conceptions of “modern” 

New York. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra Italian 



Manhattan 



is limited. 


calandra 

Trip to the Met: Turandot by Giacomo Puccini 


Turandot is one of the famous operas by Giacomo Puccini 

that describes the story of Prince Calaf who falls in 

love with the Princess Turandot. To obtain permission 

to marry her, a suitor must solve three riddles, any 

false answer results in death. Calaf passes the test – but 

Turandot still hesitates to marry him. Sponsored by 

Westchester Community College Italian Club. 

Admission: $115; $100 WCC credit students; open to the 

public 


fax: (914) 606-5665 


Lecture: “The Politics of Verdi” 

November 7 11:15 am 

This lecture will explore Verdi’s politics, personal 

convictions and the social themes that can be easily 

recognized in his music. Sponsored by Westchester 

Community College Italian Club. 





fax: (914) 606-5665 


113

Book Presentation: The Italians of New York by 

Maurizio Molinari 


This book offers an overview of various generations of 

Italians in the Big Apple, weaving together numerous 

stories that highlight different epochs and different 

backgrounds. From the “Introduction”: “If you want to 

learn something about Italian creativity, come to New 

York. Here, you will find the pride of flying the Italian 

colors at the Fifth Avenue Columbus Day Parade, the 

American patriotism of those who perished at Ground 

Zero, the courage of firefighters and marines on the 

frontline of the war against terrorism, the babbel of 

dialects at the Arthur Avenue market, … political passion 

in the battles of Mario Cuomo and Rudy Giuliani, creative 

imagination in the works of Gaetano Pesce, Renzo Piano 

e Matteo Pericoli, and provocation in the attire of Lady 

Gaga….” 

Panelists will include: Peter Carravetta, Alfonse D’Amato 

Chair of Italian & Italian American Studies, SUNY 

Stony Brook; Fred Gardaphé, Distinguished Professor of 

English and Italian American Studies, Queens College, 

CUNY; moderated by Anthony Julian Tamburri, Dean, 

Calandra Institute. Sponsored by the John D. Calandra 

Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY. 

25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th floor (between 5 th and 6 th 




is limited. 


Lecture: “Dante” 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Screening of Documentary Umberto E with Filmmaker 

Anton Evangelista 


A real-life Cinderella tale, Umberto E is an epic story 

of Umberto Evangelista, a dynamic and charming then 

114

ninety-year old Italian immigrant living in New York City. 

The film leads the audience along his path of personal 

triumph over childhood abandonment, harsh treatment 

in orphanages and a rejecting stepmother. In spite of all 

his adversities, Umberto chose love and forgiveness as 

his weapons of revenge; which lead to finding the love 

of his life, his wife Luisa, and the new life they create 

with their children in coming to America. Filmmaker 

Anton Evangelista will introduce the film and conduct a 

post screening Q&A. Wine, cheese and light fare will be 

served. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at 

Casa Belvedere. 




fax: (718) 273-0020 


Special Presentation: Dear Pat Cooper 

by Michael Caputo 

November 7 6:30pm 

Michael Caputo is the son of legendary comedian Pat 

Cooper. In this program, Caputo describes what it was 

like to be the son of the comedian and the impact it had 

on his life. Dear Pat Cooper “is a letter to my father,” 

says author Michael Caputo. “It tells the story of the 

son and the family that gave the comedian four decades 

of material.” A reception with the author will follow. 

Sponsored by The United Pugliesi Federation. 






34 th Annual Multiple Sclerosis Dinner of 

Champions Benefit 

November 8 

VIP Cocktail Reception and 

Silent Auction 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Dinner/Awards and Live Auction 7:00 – 9:30 pm. 

Special appearance by Micheal Castaldo singing classical 

Italian songs. www.michealcastaldo.com Sponsored by 

National MS Society. 

Hyatt Regency 

Old Greenwich, CT 

115


Contact: Meg-Anne Staubley (860) 913-2550 

meganne.staubley@nmss.org 

Symposium: “Pugliesi Around The World” 


This panel will discuss the situation of Pugliesi in 

the world. Participants will include: Hon. Francesco 

Schittulli, Presidente della Provincia di Bari e Presidente 

della Lega Nazionale Tumori Italiana; Hon. Laura 

Albanese, Sotto Segretario del Ministro del Lavoro 

dello Stato dell’Ontario, Canada; S. E. Arcivescovo 

Mons. Nicola Girasoli, Nunzio Apostolico in Trinidad e 

Tobago, Saint Vincent e Grenadines, Antigua e Barbuda, 

Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, 

Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname 

e Delegato Apostolico nelle Antille; Fred Gardaphé, 

Distinguished Professor of English and Italian American 

Studies, Queens College, CUNY. Moderated by Luciano 

Lamonarca, Puglia Center of America, and Anthony 

Julian Tamburri, Calandra Institute. Co-sponsored by the 

Puglia Center of America and the John D. Calandra Italian 






limited. 


Film Festival Event: N.I.C.E. 

(New Italian Cinema Events) 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

116

Reading and Book Signing 

Bordighera Poetry Prize - Sonia Raiziss-Giop 

Charitable Foundation 


Book presentation of the 2011 winner, John Ortenzio 

Bargowski Driving West on the Pulaski Skyway (2012), 

translated into Italian by Ambra Meda as Guidare Verso 

Ovest sulla Skyway Pulaski. Also present will be the 

2012 winner. The Bordighera Poetry Prize is generously 

sponsored by the Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable 

Foundation. Reading, reception, and book signing. 

Co-sponsored by Bordighera Press, Sonia Raiziss-Giop 

Charitable Foundation, and the John D. Calandra Italian 


Contact: (212) 642-2094; 



Admission: free; open to the public. Please note that 

seating is limited. 


Annual Gala 


Annual gala to honor individuals and families in the 

Italian community. Sponsored by Center for Italian 

American Culture. 

The Villa 

90 Route 45 East, Mountain Lakes, NJ 


Contact: Rosanna Imbriano (973) 571-1995 

fax: (973) 571-0199 

info@ciiac.org 

Ninth Annual New Italian Film Festival 

November 9 7:00 – 11:00 pm 

November 10 2:00 – 8:00 pm 

Screening of five recently produced Italian films (English 

sub-titles) with introductory remarks and Q&A sessions 

conducted by Professor Gioacchino Balducci, Festival 

Director. Details will be made available as program is 

formulated. For updated information consult the Center 

for Italian Studies web site: www.stonybrook.edu/ 

italianstudies or call 631-632-7444. Sponsored by the 

Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University and 

the Department of European Languages, Literatures, and 

Cultures. 

117

Stony Brook University’s Wang Center Theatre 




Lecture: “How Italian Food Conquered the World” by 

John Mariani, Food Critic and Chef 

November 10 Noon - 3:00 pm 

John Mariani, food critic and chef, will discuss his most 

recent book. Includes lunch. Sponsored by St. John’s 

University. 

Bent Hall 277 A & B 




Lecture: “Sicilian Saints and Their Food” 

by Fabrizia Lanza 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Book Reading: The Italians of New York, 

A History of Great Achievements 


Join Maurizio Molinari, author and journalist of La 

Stampa, and Prof. Vincenzo Pascale, Rutgers University 

for an examination of Italian American history. Sponsored 

by Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University. 

Center for Italian Studies Meeting Room in Melville 

Library, Room E4340 




Film Screening: The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus 


The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus are the first official 

cemetery of the Christian community of Rome. This 

118

unique video leads the visitor to discover the evocative 

traces of Christianity during the first century A.D. and 

documents sacred space which is rarely available to the 

public. Sponsored by Westchester Community College 

Italian Club. 





fax: (914) 606-5665 


Book Reading: Shot Down Over Italy by John Lanza 


The book tells the untold, true story of how Italian 

partisans saved American airmen who had been shot down 

by hiding them from the Nazis. Little was known about 

the experiences of each crew member after the plane 

was shot down, even by their families. However, upon 

learning that until his uncle and another crew member 

survived the war thanks to the courage of his pilot and 

two Italian partisans, John Lanza began to uncover their 

story, kept secret since World War II. Sponsored by 



Admission: free; donations are welcome. Registration is 

required. 



Paul LaRosa reads from Leaving Story Avenue: My 

Journey from the Projects to the Front Page 

(Park Slope Publishing, 2012) 


In Leaving Story Avenue, Paul LaRosa details his life 

journey from childhood in a Bronx housing project to 

working at the New York Daily News during the turbulent 

1970s and early 1980s. Subsequently, he moved on to 

television production, most notably with the CBS News 

magazine “48 Hours,” where he worked for almost 20 

years. The memoir is a newsman’s lively account of a 

now-legendary period in New York journalistic history, 

a time that included the Son of Sam homicides, the 1977 

blackout and ensuing looting, and the city’s near plunge 

into bankruptcy. “[LaRosa] sprinkles wisdom about New 

York, the pull of peers and family, the ambition and pride 

119

that propels a working class kid to succeed.” 

—Ken Auletta, The New Yorker. Sponsored by John D. 

Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/ 

CUNY 


Manhattan 




For further information see our Web site at 


Film Screening: Pane Amaro (Bitter Bread): The 

Italian American Journey from Despised Immigrants 

to Honored Citizens 


Often referred to as the first comprehensive depiction on 

film of the Italian immigrant experience in the United 

States, this 2009, feature-length, English language 

documentary, tracks the social, economic and political 

transformation of Italians from immigrant victims 

of violence and prejudice to prominent members of 

American society. The story is told by weaving together 

comments by noted American scholars with personal 

accounts from members of the community and through 

the use of a treasure trove of historical photographs and 

footage. Filmmakers Gianfranco Norelli and Suma Kurien 

will be on hand to introduce the film and conduct a post 

screening Q. & A. Wine, cheese and light fare will be 

served. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at 





273-0020 


Padre Pio Through the Eyes of Father Pio Mandato, 

FMHSJ 


Both Padre Pio and Father Pio Mandato came from the 

small town of Pietrelcina. Father Pio Mandato received 

his First Holy Communion from Padre Pio before coming 

to the U.S.A. He grew up in New Jersey and entered the 

Capuchin Seminary at the age of 17, where he received 

his Franciscan formation and later his priestly formation. 

120

Father Pio will also read from the book “Padre Pio: 

Encounters with a Spiritual Daughter from Pietrelcina” 

written by his mother, Graziella DeNunzio Mandato, 

who was a spiritual daughter of Padre Pio. In the book 

Graziella shares her memories of the Saint. The reader 

comes away with an intimate understanding of how 

closely Saint Pio was tied to the lives of ordinary men and 

women and the spiritual love they shared for each other. 



Admission: Members $10; Non Members $20. Must 




Lecture: In Search of a Santa: Chiara del Sacramento 


This lecture will enter the heart of mysticism by analyzing 

the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, 

and Maria Raffaella DeVito Francesco. Presented in 

English by Professor-in-Residence Antonio Rutigliano, 

New York University. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 







Genealogy: Acquiring Italian Records 


This lecture will take researchers through four possible 

methods for locating foreign documents, how to read 

them, translation tips, and how to determine what the 

documents really tell us. Presented by Toni McKeen. 



Admission: Members free; Non Members $10. Must 




121

Book Presentation: Incontri cinematografici e culturali 

tra due mondi edited by Antonio Carlo Vitti 


The book’s title recalls a distance and, at the same time, 

the desire and power to overcome it. There was a time in 

the early twentieth century when our immigrants travelled 

between “two worlds,” in search of a better life. What 

Italy produces in the general realm of art and philosophy, 

film perhaps attracts greater attention, not only because 

of a high artistic level of Italy’s directors and actors, but 

also because film often figures as an eloquent and more 

direct mirror of a society, its customs, and its challenges. 

As such, it exerts a strong power of attraction for the 

viewer and is easy for those who want to know more in 

depth. The essays gathered in this volume represent a 

stunning panorama of Italian cinema from Neorealism to 

the latest productions, a sort of manual in the round with 

a depth of analysis and completeness. The editor, Antonio 

Carlo Vitti, will be present, in conversation with Anthony 

Julian Tamburri, Dean, Calandra Institute. Sponsored by 


College/CUNY. 




Contact: (212) 642-2094 


Discussion with Richard Vetere, Playwright, 

Director and Actor 

November 27 11:00 am in Frank Melville Memorial 

Library, E4340 (Prof. Carravetta’s HUI 338 class); 

and 3:00 pm in Frank Melville Memorial Library: 

Special Collections and University Archives, Room 

E2320 

Join Richard Vetere who will share his career experiences 

as an Italian American writer and actor in front of the 

camera and as director behind the scenes. Sponsored by 

the Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University 

in collaboration with the D’Amato Chair in Italian and 

Italian American Studies. 




122

Film Screening: Saint Rita 


Famous as the patron of hopeless situations, St. Rita 

of Cascia is immortalized in this deeply moving film, 

taking place in Italy in the 14th century. St. Rita was 

a brave, loyal woman who married a knight, helping 

him overcome his dark past and convert to faith. She 

happily bore him two children, but later in life endured 

immense pain as she lost everything. She found peace 

and new hope through the generosity of a nearby convent 

of sisters. With their help she developed a deep union 

with Christ that greatly inspired all who neared her. 

Saint Rita is a powerful story that combines high drama 

and tragedy with profound forgiveness and strong faith. 

Italian with English subtitles (200 minutes). Sponsored by 



Admission: Members free; Non Members $10. 




La Cucina Italiana: Cooking Classes and 

Demonstrations 


Sal Cucullo of the 808 Bistro will reveal the secrets of the 

“witches” cuisine, incorporating Strega Liqueur into each 

recipe. With dishes such as Linguine con Strega, Veal 

Streginbocca, and Torta della Strega, you are sure to fall 

under the spell of this comforting cuisine. Sponsored by 







Film Screening: Yonkers Joe 


Directed by Robert Celestino (2008) 

Robert Celestino in an American film producer, 

screenwriter, editor and award-winning film director. 

He is best known for his films, Mr. Vincent and Yonkers 

Joe. Mr. Vincent premiered at the 1997 Sundance Film 

Festival. The film then made its mark at festivals around 

the world. It won the Critics’ Award for best film at the 

123

Schermi di Amore Film Festival in Italy and the Best 

Dramatic Feature Award at the Long Island Film Festival. 

In 2008, Celestino wrote and directed Yonkers Joe, 

starring Chazz Palminteri and Christine Lahti. An ode to 

old time gamblers, now outdated in an age of powerful 

upscale casinos, the film tells the story of a dice hustler 

whose determination to make one last grab for a big 

score in Vegas is complicated by the reappearance of his 

estranged, mentally challenged son into his life. Yonkers 

Joe premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival (102 

minutes). Mr. Celestino currently resides in Yonkers, New 

York with his wife and son. Q&A with director Robert 

Celestino will follow. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 







Lecture: “The Life and Time of Mother Cabrini” 

December 1 10:00 am 

Toni McKeen will discuss Mother Cabrini’s life from a 

genealogical perspective. McKeen will examine how the 

time in which she lived influenced her work. Sponsored 







Award-Winning Singer/PBS Host Cristina Fontanelli 

9 th Annual “Christmas in Italy” 

December 1 3:00 pm 

A holiday vocal journey through Italy’s best-loved folk 

song, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics with piano, 

mandolins, guitar and accordion accompaniment, plus 

student/bambini choir. 

Peter J. Sharp Theater at Symphony Space 

2537 Broadway at 95 th Street, Manhattan 

Admission: $42; $47; $57 (group discounts available); 

open to the public 

Contact: 212-772-4448 

info@cristinafontanelli.com 

124

Saluti dall’Italia: A Literary and Musical Journey 

December 1 6:00 – 9:00 pm 

Ferdinando Molteni, narrator, vocalist, guitarist, and 

Elena Buttiero, pianist. Musical pieces and readings of 

text from Italian writers. Alternate Italian piano music 

(Mascagni, Leoncavallo, etc.) selections from Italian 

singers and songwriters: Modugno, Tenco, Paoli, De 

Andrè and poems from Tomasi di Lampedusa, Pitigrilli, 

Marotta, Pavese and others. Includes dinner. Sponsored 

by St. John’s University, Italian Cultural Center. 

Little Theater 




The Neapolitan Solidarity Crèche – 

“Il Presepio della Solidarietà” 

December 2 to January 6, 2013 

Second Annual exhibit of The Neapolitan Solidary Crèche 

– “Il Presepio Della Solidarietà,” a gift of friendship and 

solidarity from the Naples, Italy Chamber of Commerce 

to the New York City Fire Department in honor of the 

victims of 9/11 and the brave Firefighters, Police and 

EMS workers that made the ultimate sacrifice. This 

handcrafted work of art was created by master artisans 

of the Campania Region in Italy and is consistent with 

techniques that date back to the seventeenth century. It 

occupies an area of approximately fifty-four square feet 

and is comprised of 120 pieces, including 83 figurines and 

28 animals, etc. The majestic set is the work of Master 

Giovanni Sinno, and the figures were modeled by master 

artisans Alfredo Molli, Ulderigo Pinfildi and Giovanni 

Sinno. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Foundation at 





fax: (718) 273-0020 


Lecture: Exhibit Opening “La Storia di Natale” 

December 3 

Professor Giuseppe Spedaliere presents “La Storia di 

Natale” on the occasion of the opening of Presepio 

Napoletano. The growth and evolution of this holy day 

will be traced from the earliest Christian times to modern 

125

day. Join in commemorating those religious and culinary 

traditions which define this darkest and coldest of seasons 

as one of the warmest, most endearing moments of the 

Italian holiday calendar. 

Must register in advance and prepay. Sponsored by 







Exhibit: Presepio Napoletano 

December 4 to January 15, 2013 

Exhibit Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am 

to 4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hours 

subject to change. 

Nativity scenes are very popular in Italy and are generally 

found in every household during the holiday season. The 

nativity originated in Italy in the 13 th century when St. 

Francis of Assisi asked Giovanni Vellita from the Village 

of Greccio to create a manger scene. During the 17 th and 

18 th centuries, the nativity was turned into an art form in 

Naples and included representation of daily life in Naples 

at that time. Today many artisans are dedicated to the 

craft of creating handmade figures for presepi. Presepio 

Napoletano represents our rich cultural and spiritual 

traditions. It portrays a bustling village located at the 

base of Mount Vesuvius. The landscape is handcrafted 

in wood, cork and paper mache. The figures are made of 

terra cotta, hemp and wire many of which stand more than 

a foot tall. Sponsored by the Westchester Italian Cultural 

Center. 


Admission: Suggested donation: adults $12; children 18 

years of age and under and seniors $6 

Contact: Patrizia Calce (914) 771-8700, Ext. 109 


Lecture: The Art of Making Do in Naples, 

by Jason Pine 


Anthropologist Jason Pine, Purchase College, SUNY will 

present his research on neomelodica, a musical form from 

Naples that combines traditional songs with contemporary 

stories of love, betrayal, loss, and violence. Neapolitans’ 

126

artistic and economic ambitions are sometimes forced to 

contend with local crime forces, notably the Camorra. 

Exploiting the vulnerability of impoverished would-be 

performers, crime bosses frequently serve as managers 

and performance impresarios, ultimately ensnaring young 

singers with money and drugs to control not only their 

work but their lives. In his book The Art of Making Do 

in Naples (University of Minnesota Press, 2012), Pine 

recounts how his ethnographic work also depended on 

the careful handling, and sometimes even the aid, of these 

forbidding figures as he became partially caught up in a 

web of shadowy and complex relationships that create and 

foment this music. Sponsored by John D. Calandra Italian 

American Institute, Queens College/CUNY 


Manhattan 





calandra. 

Concert: Underworld Productions Opera Company 


Artists in Residence concert and gala. Please note 

that programming is subject to change. Check www. 

casaitaliananyu.org for updated information. All listed 





Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Film Screening: 5,000 Miles From Home 


Directed by Jim Di Stasio and Mark McCutcheon (2009) 

5,000 Miles From Home tells the riveting tale of a 

generation of Italian kids from the streets of Chicago who 

proudly answered the call to serve their country during 

World War II. Fra Noi, the Italian American newspaper 

in the Chicago Area, played a pivotal role in the creation 

of the film. Many of the veterans interviewed for the 

documentary were initially the subjects of War Stories, 

a feature of Fra Noi. One of the driving forces behind 

the project was Jim Di Stasio, who interned at the paper 

127

throughout college. From the start, Di Stasio and his 

fellow producer/director, Mark McCutcheon, made the 

decision to waive all compensation, devoting every penny 

raised to the project itself. Their devotion to the film 

is evident throughout the final product, a documentary 

that is both rich in history and deeply personal. As a 

filmmaker, Di Stasio has produced and directed several 

music videos, local commercials and corporate videos. 

5,000 Miles From Home marks his feature film debut. 

(65 minutes). Q & A with Music Director, JoAnne 

Robertozzi, will follow. Sponsored by Westchester Italian 







Family Program: Buon Natale: Presepio Workshop 

December 8 10:30 am - 12:00 pm 

Create your unique nativity set to take home to enjoy for 

the holidays. Listen to Italian Christmas songs, smell the 

aroma of the freshly baked pizzelle and start your own 

family tradition to cherish for years to come. A holiday 

reception will conclude the program. A program for all 

ages! Adult participation must be with a child. Sponsored 







Film Screening: La vita è meravigliosa 


It’s a Wonderful Life is an American Christmas film 

produced and directed by Frank Capra. An angel helps a 

frustrated businessman by showing him what life would 

have been like if he never existed. In Italian, no English 

subtitles (103 minutes). Sponsored by Westchester Italian 



Admission: Members free; Non Members $10. 




128

Concert Performance: Ninnarò 


Traditional Sicilian music. Please note that programming 

is subject to change. Check www.casaitalianananyu.org 

for updated information. All listed events are free and 

open to the public. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve 

basis. Sponsored by Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, New 

York University. 


Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

The Spirits and Liquors of Italy: 

Distilleria CAFFO’s 100 Years of Influence 


Laura Cavallo of Caffo Beverages examines the 

traditions, history and culture of Italy’s most famous 

liquors and spirits. The presentation will include a brief 

history of Distilleria CAFFO’s 100 year influence. A 

tastings of Caffo’s different liquors and spirits will follow 

the presentation. 



Admission: Members $35; Non Members $45 Must 




Round Table: Pasolini 








Manhattan 

Contact: (212) 998-8739 

Music Program: “Cosí Faran Tutti” 

December 13, 14 & 15 TBA 

World premiere of a new Italian opera by composer 

Jonathan Dawe. Dawe, the youngest composer to be 

commissioned by James Leone for the Boston Symphony 

Orchestra has composed a new dramatic musical program 

is conceived as a prequel to Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte.” 

129

Sponsored by The Italian Academy at Columbia 

University. 

1161 Amsterdam Avenue 

Manhattan 


Contact: Rick Whitaker (212) 854-1623 

fax (212) 854-8479 

aj211@columbia.edu 

Family Program: Piccoli Cuochi 


It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy Italian taralli. 

These sweet, versatile treats are a welcome guest on 

any table during the holiday season. Join us and start a 

taralli tradition of your own! Presented by Cathy Blanco. 

Adult participation must be with a child. Children under 

age 5 must be accompanied by a parent. Sponsored by 



Admission: Members $20; Non Members $30 Must 




Arts & Music: Live Nativity Musical 


This live Nativity show, performed by the talented 

artists of TiPiace Italian American Presentations, Inc., 

is complete with costumes, holiday music and Italian 

Christmas songs to be enjoyed by the entire family. 

TiPiace Italian American Presentations, Inc, is a nonprofit 

organization comprised of a group of award winning 

Italian American talents such as: Tre Bella, Allison Scola, 

Jenn Palumbo, Dimitri Minucci, Deb Longino, Anthony 

Tolve and other talented Italian American entertainers. 

The group is dedicated to serving and educating the 

community and uses their talents to share Italy’s rich and 

beautiful culture. Holiday reception with the artists will 







130

La Cucina Italiana: Cooking Classes & 

Demonstrations. Il Pranzo della Vigilia 


Gerbasi Restaurant is the newest addition to Arthur 

Avenue, offering a modern twist on traditional Italian 

cuisine with its unique dishes. Owner Maurizio Gerbasi 

will teach you how to revitalize your own recipes with 

this Christmas Eve menu that includes dishes such as: 

Black Tagliolini with Cuttlefish Ragu, and Baccala’ alla 

Calabrese. Sponsored by Westchester Italian Cultural 

Center. 






131

Participating Schools 

Elementary through Secondary 

ITA-AATI Programs in Westchester 

The Italian Teachers’ Association of Westchester will 

celebrate Italian Heritage and Culture Month by offering 

a series of cultural activities. Dates and programs will be 

announced. 

Contact: Lucrezia Lindia (914) 793-6130 ext. 4285 

LGLindia@hotmail.com 


Folklore Group from Agrigento, Sicily 

A special music and dance program performed by I Figli 

del Sole folkloric group will perform for students, faculty 

and staff. Sponsored by the Italian Club of Eastchester 

High School and the Order Sons of Italy in America, 

Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge #2583. 

Eastchester School Auditorium 

580 White Plains Rd, Eastchester NY 


Contact: Lucrezia Lindia (914) 793-6130 ext. 4285 

LGLindia@hotmail.com 


Throughout the school year, and particularly in the month 

of October, students will be engaged in an integrated 

instructional program examining Immigrant Studies 

and the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans 

to civilization. Upper grades will focus on Amerigo 

Vespucci and other explorers who impacted the founding 

and development of the Americas. 

P.S. 42, Benjamin Altman School 

71 Hester Street, Manhattan 

Contact: Rosa Casiello O’Day, Principal (212) 226-8410 

rcasiel@schools.nyc.gov 

Amerigo Vespucci & Other Discoveries 

The Legacy of Italians in America 

October 1 - 12 

Second, third and fourth graders will engage in research 

about famous Italian Americans who made contributions 

to the Arts, Science, Technology, Music and other 

disciplines. Students will present their findings to their 

132

classmates. 


157 Robbins Lane, Syosset 

(516) 364-5804 

Admission: for students only 

Contact: Cav. Josephine A. Maietta 

jmaiettaaiae@aol.com 

The Life of Amerigo Vespucci 


Second, third and fourth graders will learn about the 

life of Amerigo Vespucci and his accomplishments and 

develop a project to display in the library. 



(516) 364-5804 




Cristoforo Colombo and Amerigo Vespucci Visit 

Robbins Lane School 

October 5 

Colombo and Amerigo will greet the students as they 

arrive to school. 



(516) 364-5804 




Lecture on Italian Explorers: Colombo, Vespucci, 

Caboto and Verrazzano 


Fourth graders will research and give oral presentations 

on an explorer of their choice. 




(516) 364-5804 



133

Participating Colleges and Universities 

(Activities listed in Calendar of Events) 

Baruch College/CUNY 

Borough of Manhattan Community College/CUNY 

Brooklyn College/CUNY 

College of Staten Island/CUNY 

Columbia University 

Hofstra University 

Hunter College/CUNY 

John Jay College/CUNY 

Lehman College/CUNY 

Montclair State University 

Nassau Community College 

New York University 

Rutgers University 

St. John’s University 

Stony Brook/SUNY 


Westchester Community College/SUNY 

York College/CUNY 

134

Italian and Italian American Institutions 

in New York 

Manhattan 

Consulate General of Italy in New York 



(212) 439-8600 info.newyork@esteri.it 

www.consnewyork.esteri.it 

Istituto Italiano di Cultura 



(212) 879-4242 segr@italcultny.org 

www.iicnewyork.org 

Italian Trade Commission 

33 East 67 th Street 


(212) 848-0300 newyork@newyork.ice.it 

www.italtrade.com 

Italy-America Chamber of Commerce 

730 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600 


(212) 459-0044 info@italchamber.org 

www.italchamber.org 

Italian Government Tourist Board 

630 Fifth Avenue 


(212) 245-5618 

www.italiantourism.com 

Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, New York 

University 

24 West 12 th Street 


(212) 998-8739 casa.italiana@nyu.edu 

www.casaitaliananyu.org 

135




(212) 249-9923 ccf@columbuscitizens.org 

www.columbuscitizensfd.org 

Italian American Committee on Education 

686 Park Avenue, LL 


Tel: (212) 772-8755 info@iacelanguage.org 

www.iacelanguage.org 

Italian American Museum 

155 Mulberry Street 


(212) 965-9000 info@italianamericanmuseum.org 

www.ItalianAmericanMuseum.org 

Italian Welfare League 



(212) 861-8480 

www.ItalianwelfareLeague.org 

i-Italy (Italian/American Digital Project) 

25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th floor 


(212) 642-2094 editors@i-italy.org 

www.i-italy.org 

John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, 


25 West 43 rd Street, 17 th Floor 


(212) 642-2094 calandra@qc.edu 


National Organization of Italian American 

Women (NOIAW) 

25 West 43 rd Street, 10 th Floor 


Tel: (212) 642-2003 noiaw@noiaw.org 

www.noiaw.org 

136

The Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in 

America at Columbia University 

Casa Italiana, 1161 Amsterdam Avenue 


(212) 854-2306 itacademy@columbia.edu 

www.italianacademy.columbia.edu 

Bronx 

Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, Belmont Branch 

of the New York Public Library 


Bronx, NY 10458 

(718) 933-6410 

www.arthuravenuebronx.com/enrico_fermi.htm 

Brooklyn 

Enrico Caruso Museum of America 



(718) 368-3993 CarusoMuseumNY@aol.com 

www.EnricoCarusoMuseum.com 

Federation of Italian-American Organizations of 

Brooklyn, Ltd. (FIAO) 

7403 18 th Avenue 


(718) 259-2828 info@fiaobrooklyn.org 

www.fiaobrooklyn.org 

Queens 

Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) 

27-28 Thompson Avenue, Suite 441 

Long Island City, NY 11101 

(718) 392-2020 Fax: (718) 392-2020 

ilica@aol.com 

www.ilica.org 

137

Federation of Italian American Organization of 

Queens, Inc. (FIAO) 

29-21 21 Ave. 

Astoria, NY 11105 

(718) 204-2444 fiao@juno.com 

www.italianfederation.com 

Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, Inc. 

101-42 99 th Street 

Ozone Park, NY 11416 

(718) 641-3469 hbcolumbusday@gmail.com 

www.howardbeachcolumbusday.com 

Staten Island 

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 

Order Sons of Italy in America 

420 Tompkins Avenue 


(718) 442-1608 Fax: 718) 442-8635 

info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org 

www.GaribaldiMeucciMuseum.org 

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa 

Belvedere 



(718) 273-7660 Fax: (718) 273-0020 


www.casa-belvedere.org 

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical 

Gardens 

1000 Richmond Terrace 


(718) 448 2500 Fax: (718) 815-0198 

info@snug-harbor.org 

www.snug-harbor.org 

138

Nassau 

Grand Lodge of New York, Order Sons of Italy in 

America 

2101 Bellmore Avenue 

Bellmore, NY 11710 

(516) 785-4623 Fax: 785-6742 

www.nysosia.org 

1 Bellmare AvenueNN(+1) 718 815 

mail: 

Westchester 


Generoso Pope Place 

Tuckahoe, NY 10707 

(914) 771-8700 Fax: (914) 771-5900 

info@wiccny.org 

www.wiccny.org 

New Jersey 

Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in 

America 

One Normal Avenue 

Dickson Hall, Suite 171 

Montclair, NJ 07043 

(973) 655-4038 Fax: (973-655-4050 

www.chss.montclair.edu/cocciainstitute 

139

Italian Language Resources 

An array of learning opportunities are available 

to foster Italian language acquisition for toddlers, 

children, teens and adults. The following 

organizations are offering classes from basic to 

advanced level skills: 

Casa Belvedere, 

The Italian Cultural Foundation, Inc. 

79 Howard Avenue, Grymes Hill, NY 10301 

(718) 273-7660, Fax: (718) 273-0020 


www.casa-belvedere.org 

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Order Sons of Italy 

in America 

420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 

(718) 442-1608, Fax: 718) 442-8635 

info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org 

www.GaribaldiMeucciMuseum.org 

Italian American Committee on Education 

(IACE) 

686 Park Ave LL New York, NY 10021 

(212) 772-8755, Fax: (212) 772-8756 

info@iacelanguage.org 

www.iacelanguage.org 

Westchester Community College/SUNY 

Italian for Children 


Contact: Prof. Franco Maddalena 

(914) 606-6790, Fax: (914) 606-5665 



Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 

(914) 771-8700, Fax: (914) 771-5900 

info@wiccny.org 

www.wiccny.org 

140

Andrea Barbaria, former Consul of Italy in New Jersey, 

Uff. Joseph Sciame, Board Member IHCC-NY, 

Inc., Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D., and Consul General 

Natalia Quintavalle. 

141 

IHCC-NY, Inc. 

Board Member, 

Dean Anthony 

Julian Tamburri, 

Ph.D., Dean, 

John D. Calandra 

Italian American 

Institute, Queens 

College CUNY, 

was honored at 

the Commission 

for Social Justice- 

B’nai B’rith 

Award Breakfast for promoting better relations 

through education. Co-sponsored by the New York 

Grand Lodge Commission for Social Justice of the 

Order Sons of Italy in America and The Metro North 

Region of B’nai B’rith International, celebrating 31 

years of solidarity between the two groups, June, 

2012.

Related References: Amerigo to America: 


Travel back in time to the Old World, then discover 

Mundus Novus, the New World, guided by Amerigo 

Vespucci, the astrolabe, and those who contributed 

to the documentation of the naming and the story of 

America through literary and visual arts. 

Books 

Arciniegas, German, Amerigo and the New World. 

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1955. 

Arciniegas, German, and DeOnis, Harriet (transl.), 

Why America? 500 Years of a Name: The Life 

and Times of Amerigo Vespucci. Bogota: Villegas 

Editores, 2002. 

Boorstin, D. J., The Discoverers: A History of Man’s 

Search to Know his World and Himself. New York: 

Random House, 1983. 

Canovai, Stanislao, Viaggi D’Amerigo Vespucci: 

Con La Vita, L’elogio E La Dissertazione 

Giustificativa Di Questo Celebre Navigatore (Latin 

or Italian Edition). South Carolina: Nabu Press, 

2010, 2012 (reproduction of 1817 book). 

Cesati, Franco, Medici: Story of a European 

Dynasty. Italy: Mandragora Srl, 2006. 

Crane, Nicholas, Mercator: The Man Who Mapped 

the Planet. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 2002. 

Evans, James, The History and Practice of Ancient 

Astronomy. New York: Oxford University Press, 

1996. 

Fernandez-Armesto, Felipe, Amerigo: The Man Who 

Gave His Name to America. New York: Random 

House, 2006. 

Formisano, Luciano, and Jacobson, David (transl.), 

Letters from a New World: Amerigo Vespucci’s 

Discovery of America. Venice: Marsilio Editori, spa, 

1992. 

142

Hessler, John W., The Naming of America: 

Martin Waldseemuller’s 1507 World Map and the 

Cosmographiae Introductio. London: D. Giles, Ltd., 

2008. 

Hunter, Douglas, The Race to the New World: 

Christopher Columbus, John Cabot and a Lost 

History of Discovery. New York: Palgrave, 2011. 

Kanas, Nick, Star Maps: History, Artistry, and 

Cartography. Chichester: Praxis Publishing, Ltd., 

2009. 

Lester, Toby, The Fourth Part of the World: The 

Race to the Ends of the Earth, and a Epic Story of 

the Map That Gave America Its Name. New York: 

Free Press, 2009. 

Markham, Clements R., The Letters of Amerigo 

Vespucci and Other Documents Illustrative of his 

Career. New York: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2012. 

Morrison, James E., The Astrolabe, Delaware: Janus, 

1997. 

Plum, J. H., The Italian Renaissance. New York: 

Mariner Books, 2001. 

Pohl, Frederick, Amerigo Vespucci: Pilot Major. 

New York: Columbia University Press, 1944. 

Schwartz, Seymour, Putting “America” on the Map: 

The Story of the Most Important Graphic Document 

in the History of the United States. Amherst, New 

York: Prometheus Books, 2007. 

Waldseemuller, Martin Franz Wieser (Ritter 

von); Edward Burk (trans.), The Cosmographiae 

Introductio of Martin Waldseemuller in facsimile, 

followed by the Four Voyages of Amerigo Vespucci. 

United States: Catholic Historical Society, 1908. 

Wilford, John Noble, The Mapmakers. New York: 

Vintage, 2001. 

Winsor, Justin, Narrative and Critical History of 

America (V.2). Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1886. 

143

Legacy of Italians in America: 

Colello, Joseph V., Outlines of Greatness. 

Twickenham: Athens Press, 2002. 

Iorizzo, Luciano J. and Mondello, Salvatore, The 

Italian Americans: Third Edition. Amherst, NY: 

Cambria Press, 2006. 

La Gumina, Salvatore J.; Cavaioli, Frank J.; 

Primeggia, Salvatore; and Varacalli, Joseph A., The 

Italian American Experience: An Encyclopedia. 

London: Routledge, 1999. 

Mangione, Jerre and Ben Morreale, La Storia: Five 

Centuries of the Italian American Experience. New 

York: Harper Collins, 1993. 

Morreale, Ben; Carola, Robert; and Carola, 

Leslie Caron, Italian Americans: The Immigrant 

Experience. New York: Harper Perennial, 1993. 

Scarpaci, Vincenza, The Journey of the Italians in 

America. Pelican Publishing Co.: La., 2008. 

Websites 

www. Geography.about.com/Vespucci 

www. historymedren.about.com 

Amerigo Vespucci, Account of His First Voyage 

1497 (Letter to Pier Soderini, Gonfalonier of the 

Republic of Florence), Internet Modern History 

Sourcebook-Fordham University. www.fordham. 

edu 

EBook, Amerigo Vespucci, Ober, Frederick A. 

www.history.com 

1507 Waldseemuller Map, US Library of Congress, 

World Digital Library 

Amerigo Vespucci Documents and Related Materials 

144

www.loc.gov 

Florence Government Official Site – 500 TH 

Anniversary of Death of Amerigo Vespucci 

www.Vespucci2012.com 

Università degli Studi di Firenze (Includes 

Vespucci’s Mundus Novus and Lettera al Soderini) 

www.eprints.unifi.it 

Vespucci Letters 

www.mth.umd.edu 

Vespucci Reprints, Texts and Studies 

www.archive.org 

Video 

Italians in America - Our Contribution. Dir. Robert 

Loggia. White Star. 2004. 

Pane Amaro/Bitter Bread: The Italian-American 

Journey. Dir. Gianfranco Norelli. Eurus Productions, 

Inc. 2009. 

Pride & Passion: The Italians in America. Dir. 

Marino Amoruso, Myra Weinstein. 2004. 

Art 

Simonetta Vespucci, married to Amerigo Vespucci’s 

distant cousin Marco, was considered to be the 

“muse” of Sandro Botticelli in the following 

paintings: 

Botticelli, Sandro, Simonetta Vespucci, aka 

Portrait of a Young Woman, 1480-85. Städelsches 

Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt, Germany. 

Botticelli, Sandro, Primavera, c. 1482. Galleria degli 

Uffizi, Florence, Italy. 

Botticelli, Sandro, The Birth of Venus, c. 1485. 

Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. 

Botticelli, Sandro, Three Temptations of Christ 

1481-82. Cappella Sistina, Vatican, Italy. 

145

Amerigo Vespucci 

Botticelli, Sandro, Portrait of a Young Man, 

(Amerigo Vespucci), 1470-1480. Previously in the 

collection of Count Avogli Trotti, Rome, Italy. 

Ghirlandaio, Domenico, Madonna della 

Misericordia, c.1472. Vespucci Chapel, Chiesa di 

Ognissanti, Florence, Italy. 

IHCC-NY, Inc., President/Chair Uff. Joseph Sciame 

receives Lifetime Membership Award from National 

Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 

July 2012 for his leadership and role as a National Chair, 

and in recognition for his 45 years contributions to higher 

education and the Italian American community. 

146

2012 Mother’s Day Weekend, honoring Minister Natalia 

Quintavalle, Consul General of Italy to New York, at the 

Mother Italy Statue, Hunter College, CUNY, at which 

time the responsibility for the annual ceremonies at the 

statue were conveyed to the IHCC-NY, Inc. 

The Board of Directors of the Italian Heritage and Culture 

Committee of New York, Inc., with Minister Natalia 

Quintavalle. 

147

AMERIGO TO AMERICA: 

THE LEGACY OF THE ITALIANS IN THE 

AMERICAS 

Amerigo Vespucci. AMERICA. Two names 

linked together, forever. 

Complete the following word puzzle by 

searching for word answers (up, down, 

across, diagonal or backwards) to 

voyage with Vespucci to the naming of 

America and beyond. 

W E E I E L S G Z E Y M X F E O A 

S A K X I L I P B Y U C L L B N M 

I L L Z P A I A A N J A O O R N E 

J C A D N L L T D I G R E R M O R 

V R C N S O O U N U N T L E R S I 

B E I U R E S R T A U O L N O S C 

P N S T L N E R E F C G I C Y A A 

I B S P O O O M O R A R V E A P O 

O A N V U P A U U Z O A E T M J R 

M Z U Z Y C R P X L J P S M T B E 

I S R O T A C R E M L H U H O X Z 

S O D E R I N I R B N E G L L Y T 

E G A Y O V D R I H T R R H I P C 

I T N O T I D M E D I C I G P X R 

V P W S U K E C O L U M B U S L U 

Q R O N I K F V R X U P F W L I X 

F I V E H U N D R E D T H A V B S 

WORD CLUES: 

1. Where in Italy Born 

2. First Career 

3. For Whom Worked 

4. Second Profession 

5. Where Lived 

6. Outfitted Whose Ships 

7. Number of Voyages 

8. For Whom Sailed First 

9. For Whom Sailed Second 

10. Where Landed 

148

11. Map Maker 

12. Mariner’s Instrument 

13. Constellation Mapped 

14. During What When Realized a New World (2 words) 

15. Letter to Medici (Latin) (2 words) 

16. Letter to Which Italian Statesman 

17. Spanish Position Held (2 words) 

18. Who Named America 

19. Latin, Feminine Form of Amerigo 

20. Placed America on 2 Continents 

21. Which Anniversary, 2012 (2 words) 

22. First Italian in America 

23. Fields in Which Italians Excel 

24. Priest Explorer of California 

25. Explorer with LaSalle 

26. Famous Italian Am. Banker 

27. Founder of 70 Companies 

28. It.Am. Female Astronaut 

29. Name of Naval Training Vessel 

30. Year First Named America, 15_7 

149

Solution 

W + E + E L S G + E + M + F + O A 

+ A + X I L I P B + U C L L + N M 

I + L Z P A I A A N + A + O + N E 

+ C A D N L L T D I G R E R + O R 

V R C N S O O U N U N T L E R S I 

B E I U R E S R T A + O L N O S C 

+ N S T L N E R E F C G I C Y A A 

I + S P O O O M O R + R V E A P O 

+ A + V U P A U U + O A E + M + R 

+ + U + + C R P + L + P S M T + E 

+ S R O T A C R E M L H U + O + Z 

S O D E R I N I + + + E + L L + + 

E G A Y O V D R I H T R R + I + C 

I T N O T I D M E D I C I + P + R 

+ + + + + + + C O L U M B U S L U 

+ + O N I K + + + + + + + + L + X 

F I V E H U N D R E D T H A + + + 

ANSWERS: (Over,Down,Direction) 

1. FLORENCE (14,1,S) 

2. MERCANTILE (14,10,NW) 

3. MEDICI (8,14,E) 

4. EXPLORER (3,1,SE) 

5. SEVILLE (13,10,N) 

6. COLUMBUS (8,15,E) 

7. FOUR (10,7,SW) 

8. SPAIN (7,1,SE) 

9. PORTUGAL (6,9,NE) 

10. BRAZIL (1,6,NE) 

11. CARTOGRAPHER (12,2,S) 

12. ASTROLABE (2,9,NE) 

13. CRUX (17,13,S) 

14. THIRD VOYAGE (11,13,W) 

15. MUNDUS NOVUS (12,1,SW) 

16. SODERINI (1,12, E) 

17. PILOT MAYOR (15,14, N) 

18. WALDSEEMULLER (1,1,SE) 

150 

N 

W E 

S

19. AMERICA (17,1, S) 

20. MERCATOR (10,11,W) 

21. FIVE HUNDREDTH (1,17,E) 

22. LUPO (14,12,NW) 

23. ALL (14,17,NE) 

24. KINO (6,16,W) 

25. DITONTI (7,14,W) 

26. GIANNINI (8,1,SW) 

27. PAOLUCCI (8,10,NW) 

28. PASSONNO (16,8,N) 

29. VESPUCCI (1, 5, SE) 

30. ZERO (16,8,N) 

151

DAV12149 S.L.C. 

112 TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. ______________ 

Commemorating the 150 th anniversary of Italian 

Unification and the beginning of warm and abiding 

relations between the people of the United States and 

Italy. 

__________________________ 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

_______________ 

Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. BARRASSO, Mrs. 

GILLIBRAND, Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. 

LUGAR) submitted the following resolution; which was 

referred to the Committee on 

_________________ 

___________________________ 

RESOLUTION 

Commemorating the 150 th anniversary of Italian Unification 

and the beginning of warm and abiding relations between 

the people of the United States and Italy. 

Whereas it has been 150 years since March 17, 1861, 

when the parliament of a united Italy proclaimed Victor 

Emanuel II their king; 

Whereas the story of the Italian Risorgimento, in particular 

Giuseppe Garibaldi’s heroic adventures, have inspired 

generations of Americans; 

Whereas, between 1880 to 1920, an estimated 4,000,000 

Italian immigrants arrived in the United States to settle and 

help build our Nation; 

Whereas today there are almost 18,000,000 Americans 

of Italian ancestry whose contributions to our society are 

diverse and profound; 

Whereas Italy has been a loyal NATO ally and a major 

strategic partner for over 60 years; 

152

Whereas Italian-Americans have made enormous 

contributions to the United States; and 

Whereas Italy remains a steadfast partner in the defense 

of a shared vision of fundamental human rights and the 

preservation of democratic ideals: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate – 

2 (1) recognizes the 150 th anniversary of the 

3 foundation of the modern state of Italy; 

4 (2) celebrates the ties of kinship and shared 

5 democratic values that unite the two countries 

6 across the Atlantic; 

7 (3) honors the service and sacrifice of Italy’s 

8 soldiers, sailors, and airmen alongside United States 

9 forces most recently in Iraq, Afghanistan, and 

10 Libya; and 

11 (4) reaffirms the friendship between the Government 

12 and people of the United Sates and the 

13 Governments and people of Italy. 

153

• 1501 May 14 Third voyage, from Lisbon, under the auspices 

of the King of Portugal, led by Portuguese explorer, 

Goncalo Coelho. Maps the stars Alpha and Beta Centauri, as 

well as the constellation Crux, the Southern Cross. Realizes 

that this land mass is Mundus Novus, the New World, not 

Asia. 

• 1502 Returns from third voyage to Lisbon, Portugal, and 

publishes Mundus Novus, a Latin translation of a letter sent 

from Lisbon to Lorenzo de’ Medici about the third voyage. 

• 1503 Fourth voyage (which is disputed), Vespucci discovers 

Bahia and the Island of South Georgia. 

• 1504 Returns to Lisbon and publishes Lettera al Soderini, a 

letter in Italian addressed to Piero Soderini, Florentine statesman, 

about the four voyages made by Vespucci. 

• 1505 Becomes citizen of Spain and marries Maria Cerezo. 

• 1506 Columbus dies still believing that he had reached 

Asia. 

• 1507 First time the Latin word “America” is used to represent 

the New World on a map, printed on the image of the future 

South America, by renowned German map maker Martin 

Waldseemuller. 

• 1508 Becomes Spain’s Piloto Mayor, Chief Pilot. 

• 1512 February 22 Dies of malaria in Seville, Spain. 

• 1538 Mercator, renowned cartographer, clearly depicts 

America on both the North and South Hemispheres of the 

New World. 

LEGACY OF ITALIANS IN THE AMERICAS TIMELINE: 

1600’s, 1700’s Exploration and Colonization of America with 

noteworthy accomplishments by Italian navigators, explorers, 

missionaries, traders and settlers, followed by contributions 

to the Founding Fathers and to America into the 1800’s. 

Late 1800’s, early 1900’s Massive Waves of Immigrants 

from Italy seeking better life and freedom arrive in North 

America but also in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela 

and Peru where they were known as “birds of passage,” voyaging 

back and forth between their work in the Americas and 

their families in Italy. 

Some prominent Italians come to America to improve on their 

landmark discoveries in technology, such as Marconi’s wireless. 

Late 1800’s, 1900’s Expansion in Business and Science by 

Italians in America and Italian Americans. 

To Present Great Accomplishments of the Italian creative, 

entrepreneurial, inventive, courageous spirit evident in all 

fields of endeavor. 

Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of New York, Inc. 

For more than thirty six years the IHCC has organized 

events, concerts, exhibits and lectures, celebrating Italian 

culture. Each year a theme representative of the history and 

culture of Italy and Italian Americans is highlighted. 

The IHCC promotes Italian culture by focusing on schools 

and taking a leadership role in promoting Italy and its cultural 

contributions. 

© 2012 Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York, Inc. 

All Rights Reserved • 7/12 

www.italyculturemonth.org 

Italian Heritage & Culture Month Bookmark 

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Italian Heritage & Culture Month Bookmark 

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ITALIAN HERITAGE & CULTURE 

COMMITTEE OF NEW YORK, INC. 

AMERIGO TO 

AMERICA 

Amerigo Vespucci 

1454-1512 

The Legacy of Italians 

in the Americas 

Amerigo Vespucci 1454-1512 


Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian financier, navigator, explorer 

and cartographer. Vespucci was the first to realize 

that the land to which he had voyaged westward was a 

separate land, Mundus Novus, a New World. 

• 1454 March 9 Amerigo Vespucci born in Florence, Italy. 

• 1483 Appointed as a steward at the commercial House 

of Medici. 

• 1491 Sent to Seville, Spain, representing the business 

interests of the Medici family and becomes interested in 

cartography and exploration. 

• 1495-1496 As executor of the estate of Giannotto 

Berardi, an Italian merchant, Vespucci fulfills Berardi’s 

outstanding contract with the King of Spain by providing 

twelve vessels for the Indies. Vespucci continues as a 

provision contractor for Indies expeditions and secures 

beef supplies for at least one, possibly two, of Columbus’s 

voyages. 

• 1497 May 10 First voyage, under auspices of King Ferdinand 

of Spain, guided by the mariner’s astrolabe, arrives 

at South American coast, but thought it was Asia. 

• 1498 October 15 Vespucci returns to Spain. 

• 1499 May 16 Second voyage departs from Cape Verde, 

accompanied by Fleet Commander, Alonzo de Ojeda, 

reaching Guyana and discovering St. Augustine and the 

Amazon River. 

• 1500 September Vespucci returns from his second 

voyage and reports to Medici family.

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