The New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission

Important News/Press Releases

6. Italian American Community News

October 29, 2005: “2nd New Jersey Congress of Italian Organizations”
As requested by resolution of the 1st NJ Congress of Italian American Organizations, the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission proudly hosted its 2nd NJ Congress of Italian American Organizations at Rutgers University. Entitled the “New Jersey’s Italian Americans – Serving Each Other”, the convention brought together members of the 400 Italian American organizations in New Jersey to discuss, coordinate and exchange ideas regarding the promotion of the Italian Heritage. The convention offered participants to network with other organizations, schools and institutions and meet prominent decision-makers of the Italian American community. Executive Director Roger Marinzoli commented on the importance of this annual convention. “The Congress allows participants to make their voice be heard and to take part in panels and break-out discussions with the overall goal of promoting our Italian heritage. The recommendations that are generated at this Congress help to set the agenda for the Commission over the next year.”

At the Congress this year, sessions included the development of Italian American political and business networks, the support of Italian language and cultural programs and the enhancement of commercial and educational exchanges with Italy. In addition, the program consisted of a keynote address by Assemblyman Paul DiGaetano along with remarks from Mr. Ralph Contini of UNICO and Angelo Bianchi from the Order of the Sons of Italy in America. The Congress also featured an exhibition room where Italian organizations and businesses throughout the State displayed their promotional materials. Following the day’s activities, the Bloomfield Mandolin orchestra provided musical entertainment for all participants.

October 12, 2005: “Anti-Italianism History Film Debut”
Seton Hall University hosted the first public screening of the short film “Anti-Italianism: Discrimination and Defamation in the History of Italian Americans” directed and produced by Dr. William Connell and Paul Budline for the Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute. This film is a 30-minute documentary filmed in December 2004 at an international conference organized by the Alberto Italian Studies Institute of Seton Hall University. The film, featuring Joe Piscopo and many others, presents incisive discussions of a history of discrimination that included lynching and racial bigotry, as well as the social and psychological effects of present-day stereotyping in the media. The film is a major step forward in creating greater awareness and understanding of how Italians have been perceived in the U.S. historically and of the obstacles they have overcome. The New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation financially supported the production of this film, while the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission assisted with the December 2004 conference.

October 2, 2005: “Italian Americans of New Jersey Shown at Ellis Island”
The new documentary film, “A Legacy of Achievement: The Italian Americans of New Jersey” was shown at Ellis Island on Saturday, October 2, 2005. This screening, hosted by the NJN Foundation, followed on the heels of the film’s premiere screening by the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation on September 26, 2005. The film traces the values, virtues and traditions of the Italian Americans of New Jersey and highlights the contributions that Italian Americans have made to New Jersey society.

September 28, 2005: “Governor Proclaims Italian Heritage Month”
To help inaugurate Italian Heritage Month this October, the Government Relations Committee of the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission worked with the Office of Governor Richard Codey to issue a Statewide Proclamation establishing October 2005 as Italian Heritage and Culture Month in the State of New Jersey. Acting Governor Codey declared that New Jersey’s Italian Americans have made “significant contributions to our social, cultural and economic life through their rich heritage” and that “it is appropriate that all New Jerseyans join in honoring Italian Americans for their many outstanding achievements and contributions to our State.” Since this gubernatorial Proclamation is valid only for the 2005 year, the Government Relations Committee has begun to work with the Senate and the Assembly to try to pass a Joint Resolution from the Senate that would permanently establish October as Italian Heritage Month in the State of New Jersey in perpetuity. The Senate passed its version in October 2004 and the Commission encourages the Assembly to consider the Resolution for passage after the legislature convenes again in January 2006.

September 26, 2005: “Italian Americans of New Jersey Premieres”
In anticipation of the documentary debut on NJN, the The New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation, partnering with the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission, hosted the first screening of the new NJN film documentary entitled “A Legacy of Achievement: The Italian Americans in New Jersey”. This film was co-produced by the Foundation and NJN and was directed by Emmy Award-winning Italian American producer Mr. Louis Presti. Highlighting the values, virtues and traditions of New Jersey’s Italian Americans, this film promotes the positive contributions of Italians to New Jersey society. The event attracted over 300 guests from the worlds of business, government, education and the arts. Mr. Joseph Piscopo served as the Master of Ceremonies for the premiere screening and the evening’s honoree was Dr. John Petillo, the President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The film is endorsed by the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission as one of the first steps in combating the negative images of Italian Americans as portrayed in the media through positive media releases.

September 25, 2005: “Commission Presents at Mercer County Italian Festival”
Commissioner Gilda Rorro Baldassari and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli participated in the Mercer County Italian American Festival during the last weekend in September. Working with President John Scarpati, Commissioner Rorro Baldassari organized the Festival’s cultural theater and presented to the community with Mr. Carabelli on Sunday evening. The Festival was again a great success and the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission extends its congratulations to Mr. Scarpati and his volunteers for brining together the New Jersey community to celebrate the Italian Heritage.

August 20, 2005: “Italian Heritage Curriculum Gets High Marks”
The New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission has received a strong endorsement of its Phase I “Universality of Italian Heritage” Curriculum Pilot Project from participating teachers. Preliminary results and comments from 11 school districts in the State of New Jersey indicate that over 90% of surveyed teachers provided favorable responses to the curriculum and 82% would use the materials again this year. An additional 65% stated that they would promote the project to their community. The complete report, accompanied by a report from the Curriculum Committee will be received by the Commission in September and will be made available to the public via the website in October 2005. The Phase I Pilot potentially reached 7,000 schoolchildren throughout the State of New Jersey during its trial in 2004-2005.

July 8, 2005: “Sicilian Delegation Visits New Jersey”
The Mayor of Catania, Dr. Umberto Scapagnini, was honored at a ceremony in West Orange, presided over by Senator Joseph Doria and Representative Bill Pascarell. The event was organized by Buddy Fortunato, owner of the Italian Tribune, and featured a number of government officials from Sicily and the Republic of Italy and representatives of the Italian American community of New Jersey. Commission Chairman Larry Paragano was present to meet with the Mayor, Consul General Bandini and Vice Consul Paolo Toschi. Other Commission representatives included Mr. Frank Gargion, Commissioner Mario Marano and Honorary Vice Consul of Italy, Dr. Gilda Rorro. This ceremony marked the fourth meeting with delegations from Sicily, whose government has expressed great interest in commercial, cultural and educational exchanges with the State of New Jersey.

June 2, 2005: “Sicilian Government Seeks to Work with Commission”
As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen ties with the government of Sicily, members of the International Relations Committee (IRC), chaired by Commissioner Larry Paragano, met with Sicilian delegates from the commercial, cultural and educational fields. The Commission members present discussed future plans with Sicily, including the possible exchanges of teachers and students during the summer sessions. On the commercial front, the Sicilian delegation proved interested in organizing a trade mission from New Jersey to Sicily and discussions were held regarding possible museum exchanges as well. Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor Joseph Fiodaliso and Vice President of the Commerce Commission Celeste Armenti were present. Mr. Buddy Fortunato of the Italian Tribune organized the event.

May 18, 2005: “Business on Italy Conference Held in Whippany”
Co-organized by the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission and the New Jersey World Trade Council, a day-long business conference was held yesterday at The Birchwood Manor in Whippany, (NJ). The theme, entitled Italy: Capitalizing on Commercial Opportunity and a Rich Cultural Heritage, stressed the important component of our ethnic group in the area. It addressed the strategic challenges of doing business with Italy as well as import/export and investment opportunities, and highlighted the historical contributions that Italians and Italian Americans have made to the world of business and finance. Open to the public, the conference provided the whole Metropolitan area and Italian businesses and corporations a forum to learn about the growing commercial opportunities between New Jersey and Italy. The conference featured panel discussions, trade exhibits and speakers that highlighted important import/export, foreign direct investment and portfolio investment opportunities. Speakers from the New Jersey, Federal and Italian governments described mechanisms for establishing corporate trading relations, the procurement of financing, regulations and the business environment. The conference provided an invaluable window into economic opportunity for New Jersey. The major financial sponsors of the conference were Bank of America, Sills Cummis Epstein and Gross, and Ferraro Foods.

April 26, 2005: “Federation of Italian Societies Hosts Regional Meeting”
The Federation of Italian Americans Societies of New Jersey held a regional meeting for Italian American organizations in Northern New Jersey. The event, organized by President Pasquale Meola and Ms. Susan LaMorte, siught to bring together organizations from the area to coordinate their projects and network together. Commissioner William Connell attended the event on behalf of the Commission and showed a trailer of the forthcoming documentary film “The Italian Americans of New Jersey: A Legacy of Achievement”. The Federation hopes to continue to build a network of Italian American organizations in their efforts to promote the Italian Heritage.

April 23, 2005: “Liberation Day Commemoration at Rutgers University”
The Commission organized a dignified program in commemoration of Italian Liberation Day on Saturday, April 23rd at the Nicholas Music Center in New Brunswick. The ceremony, also know as the Festa della Resistenza, commemorates the liberation of Italy by Allied troops in the Second World War.

The event featured a keynote address by Brigadier General Paul S. Izzo who currently serves as the Commanding Officer for the Picatinny Arsenal. His remarks touched on the important contributions of the Italian American soldiers who helped emancipate Italy from the grips of enemy occupation during World War II and who have currently fighting to emancipate the Iraqi and Afghani people from their past oppressive governments. Finally, he provided stories of three Italian Americans who were all recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and highlighted their deep love of the Unites States and their Italian heritage. In addition, former Governor James J. Florio, a Navy veteran, provided a welcoming address while the Vice Consul of Italy in Newark, Paolo Toschi, and the honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Trenton, Dr. Gilda Rorro, offered remarks from the Republic of Italy. The Commission also honored the members of the Italian American Veterans of the United States (New Jersey Department), members of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey and the National Association of Italian Carabinieri. The program also featured a unique blend of operatic, folk and traditional musical performances.

March 1, 2005: “CIAO of Mercer County Hosts Commission Presentation”
The Congress of Italian American Organizations of Mercer County (CIAO) invited the Commission to update the more than 20 representatives on the Commission’s programs and activities. Commissioner Richard Bilotti, who also serves as the President of CIAO, highlighted some of the community outreach programs operated by the Commision over the past years, including the 1st New Jersey Congress of Italian American Organizations – a concept developed by Commissioner Bilotti from the CIAO meetings. Commissioner Gilda Rorro updated the group on the progress of the Curriculum Project and highlighted the fact that both the Princeton and Hamilton School Districts are pilot participants. Commission Advisor Frank Gargione informed the attendees of the forthcoming Italian American Leadership Convocation to be held on March 19 at Camden Community College and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli outlined the various 2005 Commission projects. This meeting was designed to be part of the Commission’s 2005 Community Roadshow Presentations, which brings together Commissioners and local Italian American Organizations. If your organization is interested in inviting the Commission for an evening presentation, please contact Assistant Director Gina Pezzicola at 732-932-0670.

February 19, 2005: “Commission Meets with Association of Italian Educators”
Commissioners Joseph Alessi and Larry Paragano met with representatives of the national Association of Italian American Educators at Rutgers University to assess opportunities for the development of joint programs. The Association operates a variety of educational programs, including Italian Study Abroad programs for university and pre-high school students. As part of the Commission’s outreach program, the Commissioners offered to consider a series of joint proposals to assist the Study Abroad programs, whether in the way of program development or the organization of travel opportunities for New Jersey students interested in the Italian civilization. The Commission has been approached in the past by travel agencies as well as university academic programs to help foster interest and opportunities for study abroad in Italy. In the coming months, the Commission will work with the Association and other organizations to lay plans for international studies opportunities in the coming years.

January 25, 2005: “NJ Business Conference on Italy Announced”
At the New Jersey World Trade Council’s (NJWTC) Diplomatic Reception at the University Club in Manhattan, the Commission announced its partnership with the NJWTC in organizing a NJ Business Conference on Doing Business With Italy on May 17, 2005. NJ Secretary of Commerce Virginia Bauer, who will be a speaker at the conference, discussed the importance of international trade as an economic driver for New Jersey. Chairman of the Commission, Larry Paragano, highlighted the significance of Italy as a trading partner for both New Jersey and the United States. This conference, sponsored by Bank of America, Sills Cummis, Ferraro Foods and the Italian Consulate of New York will serve to educate Tri-State area businesses about the opportunities for trade, foreign direct investment and portfolio investment. The Commission, in line with its mandate to educate the community about Italy, will present ideas for cultural and commercial exchanges between New Jersey and the regions of Italy. For reservations and further information, please contact the Commission’s offices at 732-932-0670.

December 4, 2004: “Italian Discrimination Conference at Seton Hall University”
The Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute at Seton Hall hosted a conference entitled “ REAL STORIES: Discrimination and Defamation in the History of Italian Americans” on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Seton Hall University. The conference, which was co-sponsored by the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission, brought together over 290 prominent Italian American politicians, government officials, actors and entrepreneurs. Consisting of a daylong national conference devoted to the history of discrimination against Italian Americans, the conference documented the unusual aspects of Italian American history and discussed why negative images of this ethnic group have proved remarkably enduring, even as Italians themselves have prospered and assimilated into the American mainstream. Organized by the Joseph M. and Geraldine C. La Motta Chair in Italian Studies at Seton Hall University, the Anti-Bias Committee of UNICO National, and the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Commission, the conference featured five panels comprised of distinguished members from the Italian American community who spoke on topics of the history of Italians in America, the present day situation, defamation in the media, the political response to defamation, and the efforts of Italian American organizations. The conference also included several short films, documentary on the lynching of Italian Americans and an Oscar-winning anti-defamation film starring Frank Sinatra.

October 29, 2004: “Age of Galileo Conference at Rutgers University”
The Italian Studies Committee of Rutgers University, in partnership with the Commission and the NJ Italian American Heritage Foundation, hosted the culmination of a weeklong series of events celebrating and analyzing the life of Galileo. This symposium brought together leading scholars in the fields of art history, comparative literature, and the history and philosophy of science to explore the wide-ranging influence of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) on both the arts and science of his day. The morning session was devoted primarily to Galileo's considerable scientific contributions. The afternoon session focused on Galileo's relation to, and impact on, European art and culture. This one-day symposium marked the ending of a broad celebration of the life and works of Galileo held at Rutgers University during the week of October 25-October 31, 2004. Other events included a lecture on October 27th by Dava Sobel, author of Galileo's Daughter, 1999; a screening of Joseph Losey's acclaimed 1975 film "Bertolt Brecht's Galileo," on October 27th; "Reading the Cosmos: Printed Books in the Age of Galileo," an exhibition of rare, illustrated scientific texts from the seventeenth century from Rutgers Special Collections at the Alexander Library; and a concert, "Opera in the Time of Galileo," performed at the Nicholas Music Center on October 31st.

October 23, 2004: “Renaissance Ball at Columbus Hospital in Newark”
Commissioners and Members of the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation were in attendance at the annual gala held for Columbus Hospital in Newark. The Renaissance Ball, organized by the Columbus Hospital Foundation’s Executive Director, Ms. Dina McGreevey, was a resounding success with hundreds of attendees. Established in 1994, the Columbus Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Columbus Hospital, which was established in 1934 as a hospital where Italian and Italian American physicians could practice and serve their Newark community. Over the years, it has partnered with Columbus to help fund expansion and modernization projects, as well as programs aimed at delivering the highest level of quality healthcare to Newark and its surrounding communities.

October 23, 2004: “1st NJ Congress for Italian American Organizations”
The New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission hosted its first statewide Congress for members of Italian American organizations, politicians, dignitaries, teachers, students on Saturday, October 23rd at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. The event, named the “1st New Jersey Congress of Italian American Organizations,” marked an historical meeting of more than 500 participants throughout the state of New Jersey to network and discuss issues affecting the Italian American community. Participants for this initiative included former Governors Donald DiFrancesco and James Florio, Italian Counsel General Antonio Bandini of New York, former Counsel General Lorenzo Mott of Philadelphia, and Vice Counsel Paolo Toschi of Newark. There were also prominent members of the National Italian American Foundation, the National President of UNICO, the National President of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America, and many other Italian American Organizations in attendance. Additionally, over one hundred teachers, students, and parents were in attendance to discuss topics such as youth programs, scholarships, and educational exchanges concerning the Italian Heritage curriculum and language programs.

The program consisted of a variety of breakout sessions that focused on promoting the Italian and American heritage, combating negative stereotyping, promoting business and cultural exchanges with Italy and the Italian Heritage Curriculum Project. Several resolutions were passed by the assembled participants that included the adoption of the principle of unity, the planning for a 2nd statewide Congress and the endorsement of the formation of an Italian American Political Delegation in Trenton. During the afternoon program, Mr. Michael Immerso, author of Newark’s Little Italy, discussed his book and musical entertainment was provided by the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra and Alex Kariotis, who performed an Italian-English rock opera piece from his off-Broadway musical “Holdin’ On”.

October 13, 2004: “Italian Author Hosts Gathering at Roma Savings Bank”
Vicenza Scarpaci, author of several photographical and written works, hosted a gathering at Roma Savings Bank in Hamilton, New Jersey. The event, which was attended by Commissioner Richard Bilotti and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli, brought together over twenty Italian Americans from various organizations in central New Jersey. Mrs. Scarpaci presented a description of her past works, which detailed the immigration process of Italians in the United States. Specifically, she examined the western immigration to the Pacific Coast and Midwest. In her next release, she is seeking more photographs that focus on the immigration along the East Coast and requested from the attendees any additions for her endeavor.

October 13, 2004: “Sicilian Government Hosts Dinner in Ocean County”
Commissioner Mario Marano and his wife, Ms. Mary Marano, coordinated with the Sicilian Regional Government to host a dinner for leaders of the Italian American community and representatives of the Sicilian government. Demonstrating its growing interest in strengthening ties between the region of Sicily and the state of New Jersey, the Sicilian Government invited over 150 individuals from the Italian American community. The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Larry Paragano, in addition to eight other Commissioners, Advisors and staff, were in attendance to meet the government representatives.

October 11, 2004: “Commissioners Coordinate Columbus Day in Trenton”
Commissioner Gilda Rorro Baldassari, who also serves as the Honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Trenton, coordinated with Commissioner Mario Marano, the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee, Italian American groups, the NAACP and the Latin American community to organize Trenton’s Third Annual Columbus Day Celebration. The program began with a commemorative mass at St. Joachim’s Church, followed by a performance by the Gruppo Folkloristico: Agilla e Trasimeno, from Perugia in Umbria, Italy. The troop then processed to Columbus Park, where a ceremony took place, punctuated by presentations of dignitaries.

The closing of the celebration was a well-attended luncheon of approximately 200 people at Roman Hall. The Commissioners coordinated with the Pastor of St. Joachim’s Church, Rev. Father Jeffrey E. Lee, the Columbus Observance Committee, the Knights of Columbus, and many other organizations to make this event a success.

October 10, 2004: “Commission Attends Umbria Club Annual Dinner”
The Umbria Club of Mercer County, a organization that brings together Italian Americans and Italians originating from the Umbria region of Italy, held its annual dinner on October 10th. Speaking to the 175 people in attendance, Commissioner Gilda Baldassari, who also serves as the Vice Counsel of Italy in Trenton, presented the programs and activities of the Commission. The Commission’s Associate Director, Mr. Anthony Carabelli was named “Toastmaster” for the event and spoke of the need to preserve Italian Heritage for future generations.

September 28, 2004: “Commission Presents at Amici Della Lingua Dinner”
The South Jersey Italian American group, Amici Della Lingua, held its first annual dinner in Mount Holly, NJ. The group, which organizes Italian American events and promotes the Italian Heritage in NJ, gathered over 200 members to plan its programs for the coming year. The Commission’s Assistant Director, Ms. Gina Pezzicola, attended the event and presented the Commission’s activities and discussed ways in which the Commission could assist Amici Della Lingua during the coming year.

September 25, 2004: “Commission Presents at Mercer County Italian Festival”
The Mercer County Italian American Festival held its annual three-day Italian American celebration at Mercer County Park. Representatives of the Commission participated throughout the weekend event. Commissioner Gilda Rorro Baldassari organized a Culture Theater at the Festival where attendees listened to presentations by individuals from the Italian American community. Community Advisor Co-Chairperson Frank Gargione offered attendees a presentation on “Italians and Space”, while Executive Director A. Roger Marinzoli provided participants with information regarding the Commission activities and ways that individuals can become more involved with the organization. In addition, the Commission staff created an informative exhibit table at the Festival containing a sign-up contact sheet for all individuals interested in receiving more information on the Commission’s agendas and programs.

September 18, 2004: “Commission Attends Festa Italiana at PNC Center”
The Festa Italiana held its 32nd annual Festa Italiana at the PNC Art Center on Saturday, August 18th. Executive Director A. Roger Marinzoli and Associate Director Anthony Carabelli attended the all-day event and spoke to participants regarding the Commission programs and agendas. In particular, Mr. Marinzoli and Mr. Carabelli discussed the Commission’s October 23rd Congress at Rutgers University and disseminated information regarding this event. The Commission congratulates Chairperson Phyllis Cedola, the organizers and the attendees for a successful event.

August 23, 2004: “California’s Italian Task Force Moving on Public Policy”
California’s Italian-American Task Force, chaired by Mr. William Cerruti, is in the process of promoting a series of important public policy goals to promote Italian and Italian American Heritage in California. Many of these goals are similar to the objectives and mission of New Jersey’s Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission and Delaware’s Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture: a) Combating media prejudice; b) Including Italian studies in the State Curriculum; c) Promote Italian American Studies in colleges; d) Building bonds among the statewide Italian communities; and d) Increasing Italian language teaching in the schools. The establishment of California’s Task Force also serves as an alternative model for other state legislatures; while the NJ and Delaware Commissions were created pursuant to the passing of a public law, California’s entity was created by resolution. The NJ Commission salutes the efforts of its Californian counter-part, while it looks forward to collaborating on trans-state issues in the future.

August 16, 2004: “Delaware Governor Creates Italian Heritage Commission”
On Monday, August 16, Governor Minner of Delaware signed legislation that formed the new Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture, patterned after the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission. Several Commissioners from New Jersey and Italian Consul General Lorenzo Mott of Philadelphia held discussions with representatives from the Delaware Legislature to assist and support the formation of this new Commission. The New Jersey Commission congratulates Governor Minner and the sponsors of the Delaware Legislature, including Representatives DiPinto, Ennis, LoFink, Ulbrich, Van Sant, George, and Viola and Senators McDowell, Sorenson and Simpson. Please visit www.legis.state.de.us and search for the legislation on the “Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage & Culture” for more information.

July 22, 2004: “Commission & Coccia Institute Sponsor Scuola Fantasia” The Coccia Institute and the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Commission funded the Coccia Institute's 3 week summer Italian language and culture program for children, "Scuola Fantasia," which operated from July 6-22, 2004. The program involved for children ages 6-12 and offered instruction in Italian and Italian American language and culture. The Scuola Fantasia is a center of learning whose purpose is to provide instruction of the Italian language and culture to the children of the community. The program is one in which teachers facilitate learning through discovery and cooperative methods in a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere. Students are guided through a motivational learning experience by state-certified Italian instructors and explore the Italian language and culture through singing, dancing, children's literature, arts and crafts, and other activities.

July 7, 2004: “Foundation Sponsored Scholarships Awarded by ITANJ”
The Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ), a chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI), awarded four summer scholarships to the Universita per Stranieri of Siena with the generous funding the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Foundation. The scholarships were awarded during ITANJ's annual Scholarship Dinner on Sunday, June 13, 2004, at Casa Giuseppe in Iselin. Attendees at the dinner included ITANJ members, proud parents, the scholarship winners and A. Roger Marinzoli, Executive Director of the NJ Italian American Heritage Institute. Three of the winners were all seniors at Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown: Elizabeth Washburn, Caitlin Powell and Geralyn DeFrancisco. Their Italian teacher is LIna Maraschi. The fourth winner, Sarah Sandow, is a junior at Montville High School. Her Italian teacher is Lisa Manfre. In addition to the scholarship, the students were also awarded cash for expenses during their stay in Siena. The intensive Italian language course they will be attending runs August 2-27. Trips to nearby Florence and other cities will complete the adventure.

June 14, 2004: “Commission Presents at Private Italian Celebration”
Representatives of the Commission were invited to address a large gathering at a private Italian American celebration in Chester, NJ. This annual event is sponsored by the Mr. Larry Paragano, and welcomes the summer by celebrating Italian heritage through fellowship, cuisine, songs, entertainment and bocci games. The Commission was invited to describe its educational programs and its activities promoting Italian heritage and was warmly received by the crowd. The Commission hopes to attend similar community gatherings throughout the state, in order to raise its visibility to Italian American organizations, citizens and institutions. If you would like to invite the Commission to an event, please contact the Commission’s offices at 732-932-0670 in New Brunswick, NJ.

June 7, 2004: “Teach the Teachers Days Well-Attended at Montclair State”
The Commission’s collaborative instructional workshops for NJ teachers of the Italian language and culture, named the “Teach the Teachers Days”, was attended by over 100 teachers on June 4th and 5th. This program, co-sponsored by the Coccia Institute and the National Italian American Foundation, consisted of a series of day-long workshops highlighting new materials and methods for teaching the Italian language and the Italian culture in schools. The Chairperson of the Commission’s Higher Education Committee, Dr. Marisa Trubiano, organized this large program in hopes of providing NJ teachers with a forum for promoting Italian language and heritage throughout the school system in NJ.

May 13, 2004: “NJ World Trade Council and Commission Lay Plans”
The Commission and the New Jersey World Trade Council (NJWTC) began developing plans to co-sponsor a conference on “Doing Business With Italy”. These plans were developed in response to the Commission’s May decision to support the formation of a subcommittee focusing on the promotion of increased cultural and commercial exchanges between NJ and Italy. The NJWTC hosts an annual business and trade conference with a different host country every year, with the intention of increasing awareness of the business opportunities with that country. The NJWTC proposed to the Commission that Italy be selected as the next country for its annual conference. The Commission believes that such collaboration with an established institution such as the NJWTC (which has been holding these business and trade conferences for over 30 years) creates important opportunities for the Italian American business community.

May 3, 2004: “Italian Cultural & Commercial Exchange Council Proposed”
The Commission hosted a second meeting of the group of representatives tasked with the development of commercial and cultural programs between New Jersey and Italy. The group agreed to petition the Commission to create a Council similar to the Community Advisory Council in order to develop a report for the Governor on the Commission’s auspices regarding programs of a commercial and cultural nature. Possible programs and events discussed the ICCE Council meeting included the hosting of business conferences, the development of a trade mission to Italy, the exchange of performing artists and museum pieces and the collaboration with the various regional governments of Italy.
April 24, 2004: “Commission Sponsors Italian Liberation Day”
The Italian Statewide Events Planning (ISEP) Committee of the Commission organized the April 24, 2004 Italian Liberation Day Celebration at the Governor’s Mansion. The Committee worked in conjunction with five other co-sponsoring organizations: The Ribera Club, the Sicilian Federation, the Order of the Sons of Italy in America Lodge #2654, UNICO Chapter #10 of Elizabeth and the Coccia Institute. In attendance at this event were Governor James McGreevey, the Italian Consul General of New York (Mr. Antonio Bandini), former Governor James Florio, former Governor Donald Di Francesco and the Vatican Representative to the United Nations, the Archbishop Celestino Migliore. Over 700 people attended this day of remembrance of the bonds between Italy and the United States, which was punctuated by the raising of the Italian flag by a group of Italian Carabinieri. The day featured ceremonial addresses, Italian operatic folksongs and Italian refreshments.

April 21, 2004: “Group Meets to Plan Commercial and Cultural Exchanges”
The Commission hosted a meeting of Italian American representatives requested by Governor James McGreevey to develop plans for the increase of commercial and cultural exchanges between New Jersey and Italy. On the commercial side, projects discussed at this meeting included a Trade Mission by New Jersey business people to Italy, a Roadshow by Italian companies in New Jersey, the development of educational business conferences and the opening of an Office of a New Jersey Trade Representative in Italy. On the cultural side, this group discussed the possibility of museum exchanges, Italian performing arts, Italian sporting events and Italian cuisine.

April 16, 2004: “Commission Sponsors NECTFL Panel Discussion”
The Commission organized a panel discussion for the 3-day Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in New York. The panel was moderated by Dr. Marisa Trubiano of the Higher Education Committee and focused on the development of new trends in the teaching of the Italian language. The panel discussed new initiatives in the Tri-State area, new methodologies and new efforts to increase the learning of Italian in the school systems of NJ.

March 27, 2004: “Commission Hosts Italian Community Convocation”
The Commission hosted the 3rd semi-annual convocation of the Community Advisory Council at the Forsgate Club in Cranbury. In attendance were over 80 representatives of Italian American organizations and the general public, who participated in focus group studies. The focus groups prepared a report for the Commission, which identified key issues important to the promotion of Italian Heritage and the promotion of positive images of Italian Americans.

March 26, 2004: “Commission Co-Sponsors Italian Heritage Day by ITANJ”
The Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ) held its annual “Italian Heritage Day” for students of the Italian language at the Centurion in Clark, NJ. The theme of this year’s activities was “Italian Cuisine in Cinema and Music”, around which students developed writing and performing arts projects. During this 1-day event, students were encouraged to study Italian language and culture and were provided with an opportunity to showcase their talents, while networking with their peers.

February 17, 2004: “Gov. Asks for More Commerce & Cultural Exchanges”
Governor McGreevey invited the Commission and representatives of the Italian American community to meet with him and representatives from the Italian government at the State House. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways that commercial and cultural ties could be strengthened between Italy and New Jersey. The Governor requested that the Commission work together with the Italian American community to develop programs that would foster commercial and cultural exchanges.

February 6, 2004: “Italian Ambassador Meets Commission in Philadelphia”
Representatives of the Commission were invited to attend a luncheon event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, which was hosted by the Italian Consulate of Philadelphia. The Commission members met with the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Sergio Vento, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and delegates of Italian Americans organizations from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. In addition, representatives of the New York Italian Trade Mission were in attendance. The opportunity was used to strengthen ties between the Commission and out-of-state organizations. The Commission also held discussions with government representatives from Delaware and Pennsylvania who were seeking to create Italian Commissions in their respective states.

January 19, 2004: “Italian Studies Program Created at Rutgers University”
The New Jersey Institute for Italian and Italian American Heritage Studies is pleased to announce its on-going collaboration with Rutgers University’s newly created Italian Studies Program. Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary program that encourages undergraduates to study the Italian culture, history, art and language. As part of this program, students are required to serve as interns in an institution related to Italian culture or heritage. This program was created in response to the demand for the study of Italy and is chaired by Dr. Catherine Puglisi. For more information please contact Rutgers University information at 732-932-1766.