The New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission

March 30, 2007 – “Showcase Italian: Pedagogical Approaches to Italian Language, Italian Studies and Italian American Studies” -- A symposium presented by the Higher Education Committee of the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission, will focus on innovative teaching techniques and practical tips for launching and enhancing a program in educational institutions. The symposium will be held at the Busch Campus Student Center.

March 10, 2007 – “From Pinocchio to Palladio: Getting Italian Heritage Curriculum into NJ Schools -- A Regional Convocation presented with the Amici Della Lingua Italiana Institute at the Enterprise Center at Burlington County College’s Mount Laurel Campus. The program featured a lecture by Honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Trenton and Commission Vice Chair Dr. Gilda Rorro Baldassari; implementation case studies by teachers who have used the curriculum; and a presentation of a scholarship fund by the Amici Della Lingua Italiana Institute to BCC President Dr. Robert Messina. Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia Hon. Stefano Mistretta conferred the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic recognition of Cavaliere upon founding Commission Executive Director Dr. Robert Freda and Commission Vice Chair Richard Bilotti.

March 8, 2007 – An Italian Hours Rutgers faculty lecture by Dr. Paul Lioy, Professor of Environmental and Community Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Associate of the Rutgers/UMDNJ Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute and Program Advisor of the Commission. Entitled “Bernadino Ramazzini and His Legacy in Occupational and Environmental Medicine,” it was presented by the Rutgers University Italian Studies Program and the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission.

December 21, 2005 – “Certificates Presented to Commissioners”
At the final meeting of the year, outgoing Executive Director Roger Marinzoli and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli presented to all Commissioners in attendance certificates of commendation for their hard work and dedication to the organization’s mission and goals. Chairman Larry Paragano highlighted the development of the Commission during this year and commented on the future of the organization for 2006. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts that his staff and fellow Commissioners have made to ensure the steady growth of this organization

November 16, 2005 – “Training Session Upcoming for Curriculum Roll-Out”
At the November Commission Meeting, the Curriculum Development Chairperson, Dr. Gilda Rorro, addressed the Commissioners on the progress of Phase II of the Curriculum Project. The Project, which has incorporated into its agenda 12 new lesson plans for students of grades K-5, will offer training sessions at the Department of Education building in Trenton. Dr. Rorro mentioned that she has been encouraged by the initial response from school districts and is looking forward to a large turnout in January. She also indicated that its more cost effective to hold larger regional trainings instead of the individual sessions held during the previous academic year. In addition, the Commission welcomed to its staff, Administrative Assistant Nancy Jemas. Ms. Cancro will assist the Commission in the development of the Curriculum Project and perform some the clerical duties associated with the Institute and Commission. In addition, Commissioner and Chairman of the Community Outreach and Relations Committee, Richard Bilotti, provided an overview of the 2nd Congress of Italian American Organizations held at the Rutgers University Student Center on October 29, 2005.

October 19, 2005 – “Dr. Brady Provides Report to Commissioners ”
At the October Commission meeting, the Commission members interviewed candidates for the Assistant Director opening. The candidates answered questions regarding their experiences and how they would assist the Commission in its agenda for 2006. In addition, Curriculum Editor and Coordinator, Dr. Kevin Brady offered a presentation regarding the development of the Phase II lesson plans. He also distributed a Curriculum Report to all members detailing an outside evaluator’s work in analyzing Phase I of this Project. The Report contains comments by teachers in instructing students on the Phase I lesson plans. Based on this analysis, Dr. Brady and the Curriculum Development Committee decided to expand the lesson plans to grades K-5 for this academic year. Executive Director Roger Marinzoli presented to the Commissioners that he will step down at the end of this year and offered a list of tasks and responsibilities that he will finish before his departure. Finally, Commissioner Sal Davino commented on the success of the September 26th Premiere Screening event at The Villa in Mountain Lakes and offered the financials generated from that gathering.

September 21, 2005 – “Strategic Planning Session Held by Commission ”
At the September Commission meeting, the Members of the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission convened to assess the growth plans of the Commission over the next several years. During this session, the Commission approved the general recurring programs and projects for the 2005-2006 fiscal years, including the launch of the Phase II Curriculum Project, the 2nd New Jersey Congress of Italian American Organizations, the Rutgers University academic biennial conference “Mythamorphoses: Collective Myth and Italian Literature”, the publication of the La Fusta Italian Literature Journal, the hosting of the New Jersey Italian American political caucus organizational meeting, and supporting the ITANJ “Italian Heritage Day” student conference. The Commission also called for increased efforts on public relations, community relations and increased resources devoted to making the Commission an information center for New Jersey’s Italian American community. The Commission renewed its commitment to education as its primary purpose, including students and the public. The Commission expressed the desire to continue to bring together the Italian American community and to enhance its capability of fulfilling its educational mandate and mission.

August 17, 2005 – “Commission Conducts End-of-Year-Review”
At the August Commission meeting, the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission assessed its programs and projects over the period 2004-2005. During that time, the Commission held the first-ever New Jersey Congress of Italian American Organizations, hosted two Italian Liberation Day Commemorations in partnership with several Italian American organizations, launched the Phase I “Universality of Italian Heritage Curriculum” to 11 school districts and 7,000 students, collaborated on a number of major academic and professional educator conferences, organized a Commercial and Cultural Conference, reorganized its government website, issued approximately 50 Commendations to community leaders, built its database of constituents and published several products. The consensus of the Commission was that the last two years were very successful as the Commission was able to reach out to North, South and Central Jersey organizations and communities and bring together leaders from the community, government, business, academia and education for a wide variety of projects, programs and products. Next month, the Commission plans to convene a strategy meeting to study the ways to grow the organization over the next several years.

July 20, 2005 – “Upgraded Commission Website Approved”
At the July Commission meeting, the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission Members reviewed the new website materials for the Commission’s website. In addition to a broadening of the News, Events, Community Calendar and Programs sections, the Commission staff added a Curriculum Section and a Reports section. The Curriculum section fulfills the website deployment strategy of the Curriculum Development Committee, which authorized the posting of classroom materials, research and information regarding Italian Heritage for use by teachers and students on the website. The Curriculum section contains descriptions of the Curriculum Project for New Jersey’s school systems and adds information on Italian and Italian American Achievers, biographical profiles of Essential Figures in Italian History, extensive bibliographies and website reviews for research and other materials for the general public. The Commission also endorsed the Premier Screening of the “Italians in New Jersey” September 26th Evening event, called on New Jersey’s Italian Americans to view the documentary film on October 10th at 9pm and October 15th at 3pm and began preparations for the Fall programs and projects.

June 15, 2005 – “Commission Members Added to Board”
At the June Commission meeting, Mr. Paragano discussed the recent decision by the Governor Codey to appoint three new Commissioners – Dr. Nancy Carnevale, Dr. Joseph Seneca and Dominic Tancredi. Dr. Carnevale is a professor of Italian at Montclair State University, Dr. Joseph Seneca is a professor of Economics at Rutgers University and Mr. Tancredi is an Italian teacher at Maplewood High School. In addition, Dr. George Pruitt, President of Thomas Edison State College has replaced Dr. Stuart Cook as an ex-officio member. Mr. Paragano and Mr. Marinzoli will reach out to these individuals and welcome them on the board in the upcoming weeks. Mr. Paragano, Mr. Bilotti, Mrs. Rorro and Ms. Trubiano were reappointed to the Commission Board as well. The Institute staff provided a tentative draft program of the 2nd Annual Italian American Congress. This year the agenda, which will be reviewed in July, seeks to emphasize the promotion of the Italian culture and language through education. The preliminary plan offered over 10 different types of workshops for attendees. Commissioner Bilotti and Advisors Frank Gargione and Dr. Eileen Poiani will meet to discuss the draft program and then schedule a full Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting over the next month.

May 18, 2005 – “Commission Agenda Gaining Political Support”
At the May Commission meeting, Chairman Larry Paragano and Executive Director Roger Marinzoli commented on the interest by political leaders to meet with the Commission. Assemblymen Greenwald and Biondi have asked to organize a State Legislator gathering at the statehouse in September. Through their efforts, the Commission will gather over 20 Senate and Assembly members for an introduction of the Commission projects and programs. In addition, a 2002-2004 Annual Report has been sent to all Senate and Assembly members, as well as key Congressmen. Commissioner Alessi stressed that NJ Legislators must be aware of the approximately 2 million Italian American constituents living in New Jersey. In addition, Commissioner Sal Davino commented on the developments of the Premier Screening scheduled to take place in September of this year at the Villa in Mountain Lakes. The Screening, which is a partnership between New Jersey Network and the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation, will feature a 30-minute documentary entitled the Italians of New Jersey: A Legacy of Achievement and will examine the significant contributions of Italian Americans in our State.

April 20, 2005 – “Curriculum Project Moving Forward”
At the April Commission meeting, Commissioner and Curriculum Development Chairperson Dr. Gilda Rorro discussed the status of the Curriculum project and its infusion into the New Jersey school districts. Specifically, she stated that the committee has established a May 25th date to hold a workshop for Phase II of the curriculum project – lesson plans for K-5 graders. This next Phase, scheduled for launch in September of 2005, will be organized and prepared over the summer months through the assistance of Dr. Kevin Brady. In addition, Commissioner Rorro mentioned that she recently had a meeting with Dr. Lytle, Superintendent of the Trenton Public Schools and she discussed with him the committee’s desire to bring the project to Trenton. The Committee will seek to meet with teachers of Dunn Middle School of Trenton in the next month. Following her presentation, Executive Director Roger Marinzoli stated that Lorenzo Valterza is currently evaluating and revising the Phase 0 lesson plans – first lessons plans ever received by the Commission. It is through his work that the Commission will create lesson aides which students and teachers could access on the Commission’s website.

March 16, 2005 – “Internship Program Up and Running”
At the March Commission meeting, held at the State House, interns of the Commission provided information on their various projects and objectives. Managed by Assistant Director Gina Pezzicola, the interns have provided valuable statistical data that will assist the Commission in its future execution of projects and programs. During the middle of the meeting, Gregg Perry, Director of the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers, offered a slide show presentation of the 2007 exhibition of Italian art at the Rutgers University Zimmerli Museum. After the presentation, Executive Director Marinzoli requested that the Commission consider endorsing this project. The Commission unanimously supported the initiative and members were interested on how the Commission could best serve to promote this 2007 presentation. Chairman Paragano mentioned that the Foundation and Commission will hold a cocktail reception in order to bring some positive attention to the Zimmerli Museum’s current Italian art collections in late May or early June of this year.

February 16, 2005 – “Leadership Conference Seeks South Jersey Participation”
At the February 2005 Commission meeting, held at the State House, Assistant Director Gina Pezzicola updated the Commission on the Community Advisory Council 4th Italian American Leadership Convocation at Camden Community College on March 19, 2005 from 8:30 - 12:00 pm at the Camden County College (Blackwood Campus) in the Wilson Hall Center. The event, which is sponsored by the Commission’s Community Advisory Council and Camden County College, will provide attendees with the opportunity to discuss topics relating to the promotion of the Italian language in New Jersey, further developments of the Curriculum Pilot Project and methods to better educate New Jersey communities about Italian history and culture. Commissioner Bilotti, and Advisors Gargione and Poiani will lead the organizational efforts for the Commission. Given the demand for greater educational and cultural programs on Italian Heritage, this seminar and workshop is intended to develop new ideas and programs. During the meeting, Commissioner Morresi emphasized the importance of a strong public relations campaign and discussed the production of a quarterly newsletter to be distributed to approximately 2,000 citizens in New Jersey.

January 19, 2005 – “Business Conference with Italy Set for May 17th”
At the January 2005 monthly meeting, held at the State House, Commissioner Mauro Checchio will chair a Business and Trade conference on Italy scheduled for May 17th at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey. Initiated as a resolution in July 2004 (R7004-1), the Commission has acquired the financial sponsorship and will work with the New Jersey World Trade Council (NJWTC) to co-sponsor the event. The plans call for 300-600 Conference participants with invitees including the Governor, Italian Ambassador, Italian government officials and the Secretary of Commerce. Chairman Paragano and Executive Director Marinzoli will meet with officials from the NJWTC at an annual reception in New York City. The program will include panel discussions, keynotes and floor exhibitions with the purpose of educating New Jersey businesses about investment opportunities in Italy. The purpose of this educational Conference is to raise visibility of the Commission to the business community. In addition, cable television journalist Jo Shenman conducted interviews of several Commission members. The interviews, which will air in February and March in northern New Jersey and New York, gathered personal reactions regarding the Commission and its initiatives and programs.

December 15, 2004 – “Commission Outreach Campaign Continuing in 2005”
At the December 2004 monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission outlined their tentative calendar of events for 2005. Specifically, Assistant Director Gina Pezzicola set a preliminary list of New Jersey Italian American organizations as possible venues for a 2005 Roadshow project. The project will feature Commission members reaching out to local Italian American organizations. Members will be asked to provide information on Commission programs and projects at organization meetings. In addition, Associate Director Anthony Carabelli is working with local cable television journalist, Jo Shenman, in filming the January 2005 meeting and interviewing Commissioners regarding their goals and initiatives in serving the Commission. Ms. Shenman will air the program during the months of February and March in the viewing areas of Manhattan, Staten Island and North Jersey. Finally, the Commission endorsed a proposal by Community Advisory Council Co-Chairman Frank Gargione to offer a framed Letter of Commendation to Mr. John Scarpati for his hard work as President of the Mercer County Italian American Festival.

November 17, 2004 – “Commission Offers Post-Congress Recap”
At the November 2004 monthly meeting, the Commission reviewed the impact and effectiveness of the October 23rd Congress. Associate Director Anthony Carabelli offered highlights from the Congress including an overview of the members who attended. He stated that there were over 500 Italian American leaders including Italian government officials, elected officials in state, county and local government, 10 high schools delegations, National Presidents of OSIA, UNICO, the Columbia Foundation President, Board Members of NIAF, the Vice President of Italia Oggi and over 20 Rutgers University volunteers. In addition, Executive Director Roger Marinzoli provided information regarding overall expenditures of the event. After some deliberation by the Commission body, the Commission members unanimously agreed that the event produced excellent visibility and public participation and that the Congress should be held on an annual basis. Finally, Assistant Director Gina Pezzicola reviewed the draft 2004 Annual Report with the Commission. The Report, which provides detailed information on the Commission’s projects, programs and initiatives, will be distributed as collateral material for those interested in becoming involved with the Foundation and Commission.

October 20, 2004 – “Commission Sets the Stage for a Successful 2004 Congress”
At the October 2004 monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission discussed the major objectives for the Saturday, October 23rd Congress at Rutgers University. The Commission focused at length on the functions of Congressional participants established by the Community Advisory Council several weeks prior to the event. Executive Director A. Roger Marinzoli and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli elaborated on Saturday’s agenda and emphasized the assistance needed by each Commission member during the day’s activities. The Commission members were assigned as the designated chairpersons for several break-out sessions scheduled at the Congress and they were asked to report the results of their group’s activities during the second half of the Congress. Ms. Gina Pezzicola presented the progress of the internship program for the Commission and assessed volunteer participation for the Congress. During the public portion of the meeting, the Commission received a proposal from Bongiorno Productions, a film company, to financially support a film in development dealing with Italians and Italian Americans involved in the effort to preserve Venice from flooding. The Commission passed resolutions honoring the members of five organizations which collaborated with the Commission on the April 25 Liberation Day Celebration.

September 15, 2004 – “New Italian Vice Consul Introduced to Commission”
At the September monthly meeting, hosted by Commissioner Peter Cocoziello at his offices at Advance Realty in Bedminster, the new Italian Vice Consul of Newark honored the Commission by attending the proceedings. Mr. Paolo Toschi, who just arrived in the United States in August from a tour of duty in Brussels, Belgium, addressed the Commission and offered his assistance in fulfilling the Commission’s many objectives. During the public portion of the meeting, the Commission received a proposal from Ms. Jo Sheman, a cable television program producer and public relations specialist, to produce four video segments on the Commission, which would initially be aired in North Jersey and New York City. During the business sessions, the Commission assessed the new Commission website, viewed the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation website and discussed the progress of the October 23rd NJ Congress plans. The Chairman of the Italian Statewide Events Planning Committee, Mr. Mario Marano, also laid out plans for several possible community events, beginning in 2005. The Commission passed two resolutions: a) the first honored the service of the Curriculum Development Committee, whose 2 years of labor is coming to fruition through the launching of the pilot program this Fall; and b) the second endorsed Ms. Shenman’s proposal to begin taping in September.

August 18, 2004 – “Promotion of Italian Language Council Created”
At the August monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission approved the creation of a subcommittee named the Promotion of the Italian Language Council. This Council, under the auspices of the Higher Education Committee, chaired by Dr. Marisa Trubiano, was created to study the Italian language programs in the State of New Jersey. This Council, which will be comprised of 12 non-Commission members, will help the Commission identify problem areas in NJ, where the demand for the Italian language is high, but there are few teachers or programs available for students, universities and the adult community. During the public portion of the meeting, the Commission received a visit from Assemblyman Louis Greenwald, Chairman of the Assembly’s Budget Committee, who related his personal experiences as an Italian American. During the business sessions, the Commission completed its staff appointments for this fiscal year, endorsed the new effort for a gubernatorial Proclamation of October as Italian Heritage Month, reviewed its public relations and outreach programs and created a new committee called the Achievements Recognition Committee (ARC). This Committee will assess potential recipients of Recognition and Appreciation Awards from the Commission for outstanding service with respect to the Italian American community in New Jersey.

August 18, 2004 – “Anthony Carabelli Appointed as Associate Director”
The Commission appointed Mr. Anthony Carabelli to the newly created position of Associate Director. Mr. Carabelli has a government service background and has worked professionally with Italian American organizations. In his new role, Mr. Carabelli will be assisting the Commission with project development, public relations and educational programs.

July 7, 2004 – “Gina Pezzicola Appointed as Assistant Director”
The Commission promoted Ms. Gina Pezzicola from Executive Secretary to the newly created position of Assistant Director. Ms. Pezzicola served the Commission since July 2003. In her new role, Ms. Pezzicola will be administrating Commission programs, organizing events and serving as the financial manager.

July 7, 2004: – “Roger Marinzoli Appointed as New Executive Director”
The Commission appointed A. Roger Marinzoli as the new Executive Director for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005. Mr. Marinzoli served under Dr. Freda as Acting Executive Director since January 2004. He has a Wall Street background, served in government and has experience with educational programs.

July 7, 2004 – “Commission Passes Budget and Begins New Fiscal Year”
At the July monthly meeting, held at Rutgers University, the Commission distributed petitions to deny the forthcoming movie “A Shark’s Tale” a favorable MPAA rating, due to the poor and stereotypical portrayal of Italian Americans. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and passed a Resolution for the 2004-2005 Budget Authorizations for the Commission and the Institute. In addition, the Commission approved appointments for the positions of Executive Director, Associate Director and Assistant Director. During the public portion of the meeting, the Commission was made aware of Fairleigh Dickenson University’s discussions with the Region of Sicily for creation of Sicilian Cultural Center. The Commission resolved to endorse the New Jersey World Trade Council’s upcoming conference on “Doing Business With Italy”, approved the web publication of additional Italian Heritage curriculum study aids and commended Dr. Robert Freda on his exceptional work and outstanding service as Executive Director.

June 30, 2004 – “Dr. Freda Retires as Executive Director”
Dr. Robert Freda retired as Executive Director of the Commission. Dr. Freda served from 2002 through 2004 and was one of the founders of the Commission. As a result of Dr. Freda’s outstanding service and dedication, the Commission was organized, staffed and structured. Dr. Freda was responsible for developing the Italian Heritage Curriculum Project, implementing higher education programs, organizing community events and collaborating with Italian and Italian American organizations throughout the State of New Jersey. He will retain the title of Executive Director Emeritus and now serves on the Board of Advisors to the Commission.

June 16, 2004 – “Commission Backs Delaware’s New Italian Commission”
At the June monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission applauded Delaware’s passage of legislation that created an Italian American Heritage Commission. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and discussed the need to promote Italian language, in addition to the curriculum on Italian Heritage. During the public portion of the meeting, Italian American Channel founder, Tony Ceglio, petitioned the Commission for its endorsement of Italian American Channel’s efforts to gain distribution access. In addition, Mr. Gianni Toto, a director at Mercer County College, offered to collaborate with the Commission on future programs. The Commission resolved to issue a letter of support to Ocean County College for its new Italian-related course offerings, to retain an Associate Director and to support the Italian American Channel.

May 19, 2004 – “Commission Creates Cultural and Commercial Council”
At the May monthly meeting, held at Rutgers University, the Commission passed a Resolution creating the Italian Cultural and Commercial Exchange (ICCE) Council. The ICCE Council was formed at the request of members of the Italian American community, who have been tasked by Governor McGreevey to work with the Commission in fostering increased cultural and commercial exchanges between New Jersey and Italy. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and discussed the need to promote Italian language in the school system. The Commission reviewed the development of the Casa Italiana at Rutgers University and the upcoming events for the 2nd half of the year. The Commission also considered the expansion of its professional staff, the possibility of orchestrating a rededication ceremony of the Vela di Columbo monument at Liberty State Park and a request to support Rutgers University’s Italian Studies program in Newark.

April 21, 2004 – “Commission Expands Leadership as Activities Expand”
At the April monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission passed amendments to the By-Laws that create two additional officer positions and considered proposals to add two more. At present, a Chairman, Vice Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer lead the Commission. These amendments add two more Vice Chairmen to assist with the management of the Commission’s expanding activities. The Commission also assessed and adopted a series of operating procedures related to the formalization of an internal budget process. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and discussed the Higher Education Committee’s March 26th Italian Heritage Day Student Conference and the April 16th panel discussion at the Northeast Conference on Teaching Foreign Languages. In addition, the Commission also finalized plans for the April 24th Italian Liberation Day Commemoration at the Governor’s Mansion. The Commission also agreed to investigate student petitions to assist in the rescheduling of Italian language classes at Ramapo College.

March 17, 2004 – “Commission Backs Curriculum and Commemorations”
At the March monthly meeting, held at Montclair State University, the Commission reviewed and endorsed the Curriculum Development Committee’s “Universality of Italian Heritage” curriculum guidelines. During the meeting, Dr. Kevin Brady, the appointed editor of the project, and Dr. John Dougherty, a representative from the Department of Education, provided the Commission members with a detailed presentation on the products, the Pilot Program and the significance of teaching heritage in the school system. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and discussed Governor McGreevey’s directive to support commercial and cultural exchange initiatives between New Jersey and Italy. During the public portion of the meeting, Mr. Ralph Contini, a member of the Commission’s Community Advisory Council and an Italian American organization leader, petitioned the Commission to support a perpetual gubernatorial proclamation of October as “Italian Heritage Month”. The Commission resolved to endorse a perpetual proclamation of October as Italian Heritage Month, to consider a ceremony honoring the fallen Italians in Iraq during the April 24th Italian Liberation Day Commemoration at the Governor’s Mansion and to issue a letter to NJ legislators advising the State not to support the production of films portraying Italian Americans in a negative or stereotypical manner.

February 18, 2004 – “Commission Announces Community Convocation”
At the February monthly meeting, held at Rutgers University, the Commission finalized its plans to hold its 3rd semi-annual convocation for the Italian American community on March 27, 2004. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and received an update on the NJ Italian Heritage Foundation’s production of a New Jersey Network documentary on Italian Americans in New Jersey. The Commission also reviewed the status of the Curriculum Project and discussed the need for the State to reinstate its original appropriations to carry out its mandates. The Commission resolved to increase its visibility through the development of relationships with media outlets and the deployment of an enhanced website and passed a Resolution calling for the expedited issuance of a U.S. postal stamp honoring Sgt. John Basilone. The Commission also welcomed the appointment of Mr. Roger Marinzoli, who is to serve as Acting Executive Director, under the direction of Executive Director Dr. Robert Freda.

January 21, 2004 – “Commission Honored By Italian and NJ Governments”
At the January monthly meeting, held at the State House, the Commission was honored by the Italian Consul General Lorenzo Mott from Philadelphia and by Mr. Terry McIntyre of the Office of the NJ Governor. Consul General Mott praised the Commission’s work and announced his efforts to create a similar Commission in Pennsylvania, based on the NJ Commission. Mr. McIntyre, who is leaving his position as Commission liaison, presented the Commission with two Italian flags – the “Giallo Rosso” flag of the City of Rome and the flag of the Vatican City. During the business sessions, the Commission reviewed Committee reports, assessed the progress of various projects and made plans to work with Italian American organizations around the State. The Commission also approved six projects being developed by the Higher Education Committee. During the public portion of the meeting, Mr. Melindo Persi requested that the Commission support a petition initiated by UNICO National to honor Sgt. John Basilone, a highly decorated WWII hero from New Jersey, with a U.S. postal stamp. The Commission resolved to accept an invitation from Montclair State University to host Commission meetings there and to review the video “Prisoners Among Us” for possible use in Commission projects.