Italian Heritage Month 2017 kickoff October 2, 2017
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
The official opening of a month-long celebration of the Italian-American Community in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio was held on Monday October 2, 2017 in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
Councilman Matt Zone served as MC and welcomed the crowd.
Councilman Matt Zone
Matt Zone introduced Cleveland Bishop Nelson Perez who mentioned that he said some Italian heritage. The Bishop also prayed for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting.
NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
Bishop Nelson Perez
Next, Matt introduced Giovanni Castiglione who sang the national anthem of Italy and Billy Donato who sang the national anthem of the United States.
Giovanni Castiglione
Billy Donato
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson who spoke about the contributions of Italian Americans.
Mayor Frank Jackson
Then, Matt Zone introduced Pamela Dorazio Dean, Chair and Rose Zitiello, Treasurer of the committee who introduced the other committee members and sponsors.
Pamela Dorazio Dean
Rose Zitiello
Honorary Italian Consul Serena Scaiola who told of accomplishments of Italians and of a special photo exhibit of Italy in City Hall.
Honorary Italian Consul Serena Scaiola
Basil Russo, the president of the National Italian Sons and Daughters of America, told why Columbus Day is important.
Basil Russo
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Next came the Awards Ceremony. Committee Chair Pamela Dorazio Dean introduced brothers Aldo and Roberto Campellone who were awarded the Business Award.
Aldo Campellone
Roberto Campellone
Matt Zone, Bishop Perez, Consul Scaiola, Roberto and Aldo Campellone and Mayor Jackson
Julius Ciaccia Jr. was awarded the Public Servant Award.
Julius Ciaccia Jr.
Serena Scaiola, Bishop Perez, Julius Ciaccia Jr., Matt Zone and Mayor Jackson
Lorraine Dodero was awarded the Cultural Arts Award.
Lorraine Dodero
Serena Scaiola, Bishop Perez, Lorraine Dodero, Matt Zone and Mayor Jackson
Gino Latessa was awarded the Individual Award.
Gino Latessa
Bishop Perez, Serena Scaiola, Gino Latessa, Matt Zone and Mayor Jackson
Committee Chair Pamela Dorazio Dean introduced Paula Leonette, the daughter of the late Paul Sciria, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. A portrait of Paul Sciria was brought on stage.
Paula Leonette
Bishop Perez, Serena Scaiola, Paula Leonette, Matt Zone, Rose Zitiello, Mayor Jackson and portrait of Paul Sciria
Billy Donato was awarded the Performing Arts Award.
Billy Donato
Bishop Perez, Serena Scaiola, Billy Donato, Rose Zitiello, Matt Zone and Mayor Jackson
After receiving the Performing Arts Award, Billy Donato performed a few songs. Here are some clips of God Bless the USA, That's Amore, Hang on Sloopy and My Way.
Billy Donato
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a sumptuous Italian buffet and wine.
Enjoy these other images from Italian Heritage Month event at City Hall.
Bishop Nelson Perez and Councilman Matt Zone
Umberto Fedeli and Basil Russo
Councilman Blaine Griffin, Angie Spitalieri and Joe Marinucci
Bishop Nelson Perez and Fr. Don Oleksiak,
the Diocese Moderator of the Curia.
Umberto Fedeli, Angie Spitalieri and Matt Zone
Crowd in the Rotunda for Italian Heritage event
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