Carlucci Hosts 5th Annual Sons of Italy’s Meatball Cook-Off

ORANGETOWN, NY — Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) hosted his 5th annual Meatball Cook-Off and Italian American Dinner at the Rockland Sons of Italy Lodge 2176 in Blauvelt, New York on Monday.

More than 70 people attended the dinner, which was held prior to the cook-off. Then, 11 brave chefs entered the cook-off for a chance to earn meatball bragging rights. The esteemed panel of judges who did the taste-testing honors included Senator David Carlucci, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco, Tappan Zee High School Italian Teacher Patricia Castelli, Former President of the Lodge Greg DeCola, previous cook-off winner Rosalie Siciliano, Sandie Guzzino, Joann Alfonso, and Cathy Lloyd.

“It’s always great to work with the Sons of Italy and celebrate Italian-American food and culture,” Carlucci said. “Food brings people together, and a little healthy competition makes it fun.”

“This is the Senator's Italian outreach dinner and contest. As an Italian American what better way to reach the public then feeding them spaghetti and meatballs,” said Sons of Italy President Gerald Verdicchio.

The meatballs were judged on several criteria including flavor, aroma, size, shape and texture.

The top three finishers were presented with a trophy from Senator Carlucci. They included Gloria Sokolovic, Carol Coiro, and Debbie Verdicchio respectively.

Senator Carlucci also recognized Clarkstown High School North senior, Logan Meda who won Carlucci’s Italian-American Scholarship contest.

Meda received a $3,500 college scholarship for his academic success and essay on preventing gun violence.

The Rockland Lodge 2176 of the Order of The Sons of Italy in America was established in 1966 with the goal of enhancing the image of people of Italian descent and has grown into one of the most active organizations in the area.