Cleveland City Councilman Matt Zone welcomed the crowd to the 10th annual Italian Heritage Month celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. He spoke about the history of the event that he started with Cleveland Mayor and Italian-American Frank G. Jackson.
 Cleveland City Councilman Matt ZoneFather James Mayer, Pastor of St Rocco Church in Cleveland, led the opening prayer.
Father James Mayer, Pastor of St Rocco Church
Teenager Giovanni Castiglione sang the Italian National Anthem. 
Giovanni Castiglione Opera singer Andrea Anelli sang the United States National Anthem. 
Andrea Anelli Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson was called out of town and could not attend the 10th annual Italian Heritage event in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall but he did record a brief video of welcome for the attendees and spoke about the Italian American community in Cleveland.
Cleveland Police Department Deputy Chief Ed Tomba spoke at the 10th annual Italian Heritage Month celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. Chief Tomba is a past recipient of an Italian Heritage honor. 
Deputy Chief Ed Tomba ***
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Rose Zitiello served as Chair of the event.
Rose Zitiello
She thanked the sponsors and then introduced the Honorees. The Public Service Award went to Judge Kenneth Rocco. Judge Kenneth Rocco Matt Zone, Judge Kenneth Rocco and Chief Ed Tomba
Andrea Anelli Matt Zone, Andrea Anelli and Chief Ed Tomba
The Small Business Award went to Vince Bertonaschi.
Vince Bertonaschi Matt Zone, Vince Bertonaschi and Chief Ed Tomba
The Culture Award went to Pamela Dorazio Dean.
 Pamela Dorazio Dean
Matt Zone, Pamela Dorazio Dean and Chief Ed Tomba
The Individual Award went to Angela C. Spitalieri.
 Angela Spitalieri Matt Zone, Angela C. Spitalieri and Chief Ed Tomba
After the Awards, Honorary Italian Consul Serena Scaiola spoke.
Consul Serena Scaiola
After closing remarks from Councilman Matt Zone and a closing prayer from Father Mayer, dinner was served.
Enjoy these other images from the Italian American Heritage Month kickoff event.
Consul Serena Scaiola and Rose Zitiello
Fr. Mayer and Angie Spitalieri
Christopher Columbus and Giovanni Castiglione
Solon Italian American Club members
Lots of great food - thanks Chef!
Councilman Matt Zone and Giovanni Castiglione
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