Brooklyn Borough President

BOROUGH PRESIDENT CELEBRATES ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN BROOKLYN

Photograph by Amelia D'Entrone
	In photo: left to right - Honorees Frank Naccarato, Ralph La Gamba, John Russo, Borough President Markowitz, Rick Russo, and Linda Caristo

Italian Sculpture unveiled at Borough Hall

Borough President Marty Markowitz celebrated Italian-American Heritage Month in Brooklyn with a special program at Borough Hall. Borough President Markowitz honored a number of Italian Brooklynites for all of their contributions to the betterment of the borough.

The honorees are: Linda Caristo, an active member of the Community Mayors of New York & New Jersey which is dedicated to helping handicapped and disabled children; Ralph La Gamba, the founding member of the Calabria Regional Association; Frank Naccarato, the Chairman of the Board of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn; and Rick and John Russo, the founders of Uncle Louie G’s Gourmet Ices and Ice Cream.

“Italian Brooklynites are part of the backbone of Brooklyn. We are enriched by your family values and community pride. Italian culture is alive and well throughout the borough, and Brooklyn benefits from this every day,” Borough President Markowitz said. “This special occasion is a great way to say thank you to those Brooklynites who selflessly sacrifice themselves for all of Brooklyn. You have made and will continue to make Brooklyn the greatest city in the world.”

A unique sculpture modeled after the Lady of Brooklyn was also unveiled at the event. Noted Italian sculptor Silvio Amelio, who created this work of art, was on hand for the ceremony. La Musa Di Brooklyn will be on permanent display at Borough Hall.

Borough President Markowitz also signed a partnership agreement with Via Appia Nuova in Rome and Willoughby Street and Fulton Mall in Brooklyn to promote cultural and commercial relationships between people living in each world-class city. He signed the document along with Comune di Roma IX Municipio Il Presidente Maurizio Oliva and Metro Tech BID Executive Director Michael Weiss.