Council Member Paul Vallone Hosts Columbus Day Celebration of Italian Heritage

Council Member Paul Vallone hosted the Columbus Day Celebration of Italian Heritage with Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Vincent Gentile at City Hall Wednesday night. Nearly three hundred friends, families, guests and dignitaries joined in a celebration that filled City Hall’s Council Chambers.

Vallone was proud to present proclamations to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens as well as Professor Joseph V. Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum. Both honorees are distinguished figures of the Italian American community, devoting their efforts to educating the American public about Italian heritage. The audience was privileged to hear renditions of the National Anthems of the United States and Italy by renowned tenor Teo Ricciardella as well as a touching performance of “God Bless America” by the Council Member’s daughter, Catena. Guests were also treated to an original dancing performance from Whitetone’s very own Landrum School of Dance.

“The Columbus Day Celebration of Italian Heritage at City Hall was a true testament of what the Italian American community is all about – family, faith, pride in our country and always celebrating our heritage. It was truly an amazing night for all, and I am blessed by the great turnout from my family, friends and guests. I am also grateful for the support from my co-sponsors, our Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Vincent Gentile,” said Council Member Vallone.