Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month Cleveland City Hall October 1, 2012
The kickoff event for the 2012 Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month took place in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall on October 1, 2012. The recognition ceremony was sponsored by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee with Rose A. Zitiello serving as Chair.
Cleveland Councilman Matt Zone introduced Sister Dianne Piunno, MA, S.N.D., Pastoral Associate, St Ignatius of Antioch Church who led the opening prayer.
Invocation by Sister Dianne Piunno, S.N.D.
Next Andrea Anelli, Executive Director of Opera per Tutti, sang the Italian and US National Anthems.
Andrea Anelli
Cleveland Councilman Matt Zone then introduced Mayor Frank Jackson.
Mayor Frank Jackson
Next, Rose A. Zitiello introduced the Committee Members and sponsors.
Rose A. Zitiello
Then the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee Awards were presented.
Anthony Gambatese was presented the City Employee award.
Anthony Gambatese with Mayor Jackson and Councilman Zone
Mary Verdi-Fletcher was presented the Arts & Culture award.
Mary Verdi-Fletcher
Sandra Pinalto was presented the Corporate award.
Accepting the award for Sandra Pianalto
Antoinette Didato was presented the Individual award.
Antoinette Didato
Luigi Ruggerio was presented the Entrepreneur/Small Business award.
Luigi Ruggerio
Honorable Judge Deborah J. Nicastro was presented the Public Service award.
Honorable Judge Deborah J. Nicastro
Pamela Dorazio Dean Associate Curator of Italian American History, Western Reserve Historical Society, introduced a commemorative plaque given to the City of Cleveland by the Mayor of Oratino, Italy.
Pamela Dorazio Dean
After the award presentations, honoree Mary Verdi Fletcher, President of Dancing Wheels, and Daniel Isaah Henderson performed the dance "Worlds Apart' choreographed by Catherine Meredith, to the song Caruso sung by Etta Scollo.
Mary Verdi Fletcher and Daniel Isaah Henderson
After the ceremony, delicious Italian food was served.
Angie Spitalieri, Umberto Fedeli and Serena Scaiola
Councilwomen Mamie Mitchell and Dona Brady
Serena Scaiola, Rose Zitiello, Mayor Frank Jackson and Councilwoman Dona Brady
