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BOROUGH PRESIDENT HONORS ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CELEBRATION AT BOROUGH HALL

Borough President Marty Markowitz honored Italian Heritage month today with an authentic Italian celebration at Borough Hall.

The Borough President recognized a number of Italian Americans for their invaluable contributions to the betterment of the borough. The honorees included Nina Di Gregorio and the Italian Opera Company, Gift of Life Vice President Aldo G. Frustaci – Gift of Life provides life saving surgeries for children across the globe and Kings Auto Group Owner Salvatore Trantino, who started out as an auto mechanic at the age of 16 and now owns one of the largest auto dealerships in Brooklyn.

“The Italian-American community is one of Brooklyn’s largest ethnic groups, and it has had an incredible cultural impact on our borough,” said the Borough President. “Neighborhoods like Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Greenpoint, Carroll Gardens and Coney Island make Brooklyn home to the largest Italian-American community in America. Italian Brooklynites have been leaders in everything from business, government and science to innovators in the world of music and art. Of course, I cannot forget mentioning that Italian cuisine has become a staple of every Brooklynite’s diet.”

There was also a delegation from Italy headed by the Hon. Luigi Fedele, President of the Regional Council of Calabria.

Other special guests included Italian Council General George Radicati, Dr. Angelo Gimondo, Chairman of Italian Heritage Culture Committee of New York, Inc. and Mico LiCastro, Italian Heritage Culture Committee of New York, Inc. Board Member.

There was also a special performance by the Italian Opera Company and Italian Calabrese dancers will perform the traditional Tarantella.

Merica! Merica! – a photo history of Calabrian Immigration to the U.S.A. – will be on display at Borough Hall starting from today through October 31st.

Special thanks to Joe Chirico in collaboration with the Regional Council of Calabria, Don Leone, New York Regional Manager, Brown Forman / Bolla Wine.

The reception was graciously underwritten by the Hon. Luigi Fedele, President of the Regional Council of Calabria.