Senator Mike Nozzolio to Participate in Local Italian American Organization Events

Senator Mike Nozzolio will be the featured speaker at three Italian-American organization events over the upcoming Columbus Day weekend.

On Saturday evening, the Sons of Italy in Geneva will hold their annual dinner dance. The Italian Civic League of Rochester will be gathering for their 74th annual luncheon, and the newly formed Cultural Italian American Organization of Cayuga County will be hosting their first recognition dinner on Columbus Day. Senator Nozzolio will be recognizing several individuals at each event for their efforts to preserve the rich traditions, culture, and heritage of Italian Americans.

Senator Nozzolio’s father, Albert Francis Nozzolio, was born in Sparanise, Italy, a small town around 60 miles east of Naples in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. “My grandparents and my father left their homeland to build a better life for their family by immigrating to America. They were dedicated and hard-working in their pursuit of the American dream, and were honored to earn becoming naturalized American citizens. I am proud to join with all on this Columbus Day weekend to celebrate our Italian-American heritage and values,” said Senator Nozzolio.

Each October, the Geneva Sons of Italy hosts a month long celebration of Italian Heritage. This year, at the annual dinner dance on Saturday, October 11, the Culture and Heritage Committee will honor Tony Cannuli for his contributions to the community. Senator Nozzolio will be presenting Tony with a special New York State Senate resolution commemorating Tony for these contributions.

The Italian Civic League of Rochester was founded in 1932, and serves as a forum for the Italian organizations in Rochester to share ideas, communicate on issues affecting all organizations. Member organizations include small social clubs, institutions of learning, organizations that focus on culture and community, and more. This year’s event will honor John DiMarco, Sr for Lifetime Achievement; Jerry Pelegrino, Outstanding Citizen; Frank Coriddi, Recognition as Past President; and the Italian American Community Center will receive the Italian Civic League Award.

The Cultural Italian American Organization of Cayuga County is a newly formed organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the Italian-American heritage and culture. The organization will honor Jack Bisgrove, Jerry Bisgrove and Matteo Bartolotta for their time, effort and support of the Cayuga County community.

“I look forward to attending the Columbus Day events and recognizing these outstanding individuals for promoting and preserving our rich Italian-American heritage.” said Senator Nozzolio.

Senator Nozzolio will also be attending the annual St. Anthony’s Festival in Seneca Falls, which was previously held on Labor Day weekend, but was postponed this year to take place over Columbus Day Weekend. Earlier this week, Senator Nozzolio presented Michael Scaglione with a New York State Senate Resolution to commemorate Michael being the recipient of the 2014 Father Beatini Award . Mike Rossetti, was awarded the 2014 Pedulla Award.