Courtesy photo
Italian Heritage Celebration at Town Hall
Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO, along with the Scotch Plains Italian Club, hosted a celebration of Italian heritage at their annual Columbus Day ceremony. The event, presided over by UNICO and Italian Club member Tom Donatelli, took place on Saturday, October 14th at Scotch Plains Town Hall and featured a variety of guest speakers.
The Executive Vice President of UNICO National, Anthony Bengivenga, was the first speaker and he shared a story about his recent experience at a White House dinner alongside leaders of other Italian-American organizations. Following Anthony, the President of UNICO National, Ralph Contini, shared memorable stories of Italian heritage initiatives he had been involved in. Speaking after Mr. Contini was Andy MacDonald of the Scotch Plains Knights of Columbus, who explained the history of his organization’s namesake.
Scotch Plains Mayor, Joshua Losardo, spoke about Columbus’ voyage to the Americas and its impact on the course of history: “While we honor Columbus, we pause and acknowledge the profound consequences that voyage had on those who lived in the Americas long before Columbus’ arrival. The encounter between the old world and the new world brought about changes that still affect us today. So, Columbus Day is a celebration of discovery and bravery, and it’s also an opportunity for reflection and learning.”
A heartwarming portion of the celebration occurred when local middle school students, Alina Nizzardo and Domenick Saliola Jr., were announced as winners of the UNICO Italian Heritage Essay Contest. Alina and Domenick both read their essays, which focused on their own families’ history.
Mouthwatering tales of Italian cuisine were shared by UNICO member Joe Schiavo and his mother Helen, who shared memories of making rice balls, ravioli, lasagna, meat, gravy, and desserts with family. Helen and Joe reflected on how Italian food preparation was part of their tradition and culture: “We’d make ravioli early in the morning because by 1 o’clock you sat down and you ate dinner.”
Scotch Plains resident Marcello Nizzardo shared stories of his family’s long-standing tradition of homemade winemaking and provided the audience with an informative breakdown of his award-winning process. Reflecting on his father, Michele, who passed away, “We know in our hearts that our dad would be proud if he were only here to see these medals and accomplishments.”
Native Italian and Scotch Plains resident, Romano Del Roio, captivated the audience with his challenging immigration story and the perseverance required to make Scotch Plains his home: “I’m glad I’m here; I created my family here. I have 3 kids, 8 grandkids, and I love them all, and all this happened because Christopher Columbus had the courage to cross the Atlantic.”
Local floral and landscaping business owner Andrew Ponzio reflected on the memories of his late father, Carmen Ponzio, and made a correlation between Columbus’ voyage and business: “The courage and risks that he took to get on the boat and take a chance and sail across the Atlantic…in business, for me, that means every day I get up I say, all right, I’ll take the job, it’s a challenge. I might not make a dollar, I might make a dollar, but you have to take the chance.”
Concluding the celebration, Father Matthew Gonzalez from St. Bartholomew’s Church shared his sentiments about what Italian culture brings to Scotch Plains, “which is warmth, values, virtues, and faith.”
Following the event, attendees indulged in Italian panini and desserts while they reflected on the momentous occasion.
UNICO is America’s largest Italian-American service organization, and the Scotch Plains Fanwood chapter is celebrating its 50th year. For membership or event information, please visit www.unicospf.org or email spfunico@gmail.com.
