welcome to the 17th annual mercer county italian … news sept 2016...welcome to the 17th annual...

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Volume 6 - No. 3 September 2016

Fri., Sept. 23, 2016: 3 - 11 pm

Sat., Sept. 24, 2016: noon - 11 pm

Sun., Sept. 25, 2016: noon - 9:30 pm

Welcome to the 17th Annual Mercer County Italian-American Festival!

Presented by

Photo courtesy of Jenni Romano

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Italian-American Festival Newsletter September 2016

Cavalier John Scarpati President

Welcome, everyone, to the 17th annual Mercer County Ital-ian-American Festival! I am very proud of all our volunteers, chairs and members who con-tinue to make our festival big-ger and better each year. We have always supported all our veterans from all branches of our armed forces. Last year’s festival highlighted war hero Louis Zamperini and Private First Class Michael Scarpati. These two individuals were honored by 3-dimensional ex-hibits as well as many other

military artifacts and memorabil-ia. This year we are featuring a monument specifically dedicated to all World War II veterans The statue will be unveiled at the festi-val, and a permanent location will be chosen for its display. The speed at which our festival has grown over recent years has created a need to expand our pro-grams. This success has led to the introduction of a newly-established membership with an array of benefits. Some of the ad-vantages of this new membership include: a discount on all associa-tion-sponsored events; eligibility for consideration of a $500 schol-arship for a graduating child or grandchild, college-bound, high school student of a member in good standing; and a 10% dis-count on all festival association merchandise, and more. (See page 3 for membership information.) Interest in our exciting festival has grown through the support of local media coverage including radio stations 101.5 and 94.5. Word is spreading quickly that our festival is “the best of Mid-Jersey.” Our association believes in sharing this success, and we have increased our number of scholarship awards and other

charitable contributions. (See page 11) I always wanted to introduce the game of bocce to young high-school-aged students who may not have the opportunity to participate in other athletics. This competi-tive game is also a unique feature of our culture. We are now setting up a program of constructing boc-ce courts at various high schools. I’m excited to announce that Notre Dame High School will be the site for the launch of this pilot program. The festival will be do-nating all construction materials and manpower to build the court and make this a reality. Our festival can get even greater with the addition of new faces, ideas and enthusiasm. That is why I stress getting involved, becom-ing a member and supporting us as we promote and enhance the heritage and culture of Italian Americans. Enjoy your Italian-American Festival! Bring your family and friends, and celebrate our Italian heritage and culture.

Cav. John Scarpati, MCIAFA President

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Honoring our veterans of the armed forces, Cav. John Scarpati ( photo at left) prepares the Wor ld War II monument which will be unveiled at this year’s festival. The military diorama, shown at right, was last year’s addi-tion and featured Private First Class Michael Scarpati.

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Are you interested in exploring Italian-American heritage?

If you answer “yes,” we invite you to join the largest-growing organization as an associate member. The Mercer County Italian-American Festival Association was offi-cially formed in the year 2000. Seeing the end of the only existing festival of Mercer County, The Feast of Lights in the Chambersburg section of Trenton, Cav. John Scarpati had a vision to continue the festival tradition in Mercer County. For the past 16 years the Annual Mercer County Italian-American Festival has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the State of New Jersey. In addition to the annual event, the association has dedicated itself to contrib-uting to many local charities, in addition to the promotion on an ongoing basis of Italian heritage and culture, continuing the honor of Christopher Columbus with an annual ball and Italian flag-raising ceremony, and most important in-vesting in our children’s education by giving college scholarships throughout Mercer County schools. Here are some of the benefits you will receive with your associate member-ship: Quarterly full-color newsletter, detailing events of the festival association

and other Italian-American local news. One dollar off your daily admission to the annual festival. Discount on all festival association-sponsored events. 10% discount on all festival association merchandise. Annual membership card sent to you each year once your annual dues are

paid. The ability to attend our monthly association meetings. Eligibility for consideration of a $500 scholarship for a graduating child

or grandchild, college-bound, high school student of a member in good standing.

Membership in our association is on an annual basis from January 1st to De-cember 31st of each calendar year for a donation of $30.00 per member. To join simply fill out the membership form below and mail to: MCIAFA, 2421 Liberty St., Hamilton, NJ 08629 with your 2017 dues payment payable to MCIAFA.

Name: _______________________________ Phone: ___________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ____ Zip: ____________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________

You must be 18 or older to join membership.

Cut and return bottom portion with payment.

Official Festival Beer

Ritchie and Page Distributors

Italian Voice

http://www.italiantribune.com/

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Board Members and Office Assistance: Cav. John Scarpati Sr., President Barry Chiorello, Asst. Coord. to the President Mike Rossetti, 2nd Vice President and Office Mgr. Frank Cirillo, Vice President Danielle Scarpati, Trustee Ed DiPolvere, Trustee Joe DiPaolo, Trustee Thomas Frascella, Trustee Gino Melone, Trustee Joe Urbano, Trustee Sally Van Fleet, Trustee and Admin. Asst. Nina VanDeleur, Trustee and Admin. Asst. Treasurer: Danielle Scarpati

Committee Chairs: Accounting/Admin. Treasurer: Danielle Scarpati Admissions: Mar ilyn Hope, Chair ; Bob Hope, Co-Chair Amusement Rides: Frank Cir illo, Chair ; Joe Urbano, Co-Chair Artwork: Bill Plank Attorneys: Thomas Frascella, Paul Donini Auditors: Pesauro, Levy & Palumbo PA Beer/Wine: Chr istine Scarpati, Chair Bingo: Ken Rhodes, Chair ; Dennis Bush, Co-Chair Bocce: Jonah Pascucci, Chair ; Joe Passalacqua, Co-Chair Building Maintenance: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr ., Chair ; John Devlin, Lou Dorio Computer Tech: Richard Tuscano J r . Cultural Programs: Cav. Gilda R. Baldassar i, Chair ; Marie Jantos, Cathy DiCostanzo, Co-Chairs Entertainment: Car l Carabelli, Chair ; Ann Lennon, Co-Chair; Nina VanDeLeur, Asst. Co-Chair; Al Hutchins, MC Facebook: Barry Chiorello Festival 50/50: Gino Melone, Chair ; Mar ion Bolton, Karen Coate, Co-Chairs; Rita Capone, Mgr. Festival Layout Plans: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr ., Ted Caruso, Bill Plank, Vic Russo Festival Photographers: Paul Donini, Bill Plank Festival Signs: Ed DiPolvere, Advisor Fireworks: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr ., Chair Food Vendors: Joe DiPaolo, Chair ; Joan Burkholtz, Admin. Asst. Grounds Maintenance - Portable Lighting, Hauling, Restrooms, Cleanup,Trash & Waste Mgmt.: John Scarpati Jr., Chair; Herman Ramos, Co-Chair Honorary Festival Consultant: Anthony Massi Information Tent: Sally Van Fleet, Chair ; Fr ieda Santillo, Co-Chair Market Tent/Pavilion: Lauren Auletta, Chair Mass: Msgr . Innocenzi; Cathy DiCostanzo, Chair ; Joe Pica, Ben Gioe, Co-Chairs Membership: Gino Melone, Chair Memorabilia: Rocco Riccio, Chair ; Genise Riccio, Co-Chair Merchandising – Sally Van Fleet, Chair Military & Veterans/Special Events: Kathi Adie, Chair ; John Adie, Co-Chair Military Medal of Honor: Dennis Bush, Chair Off Site 50/50 Business Sales: Gino Melone, Chair Parking: Wayne DeAngelo, Chair ; Joe Povio, Co-Chair Petting Zoo: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr ., Chair Photographers - In-House: Nina VanDeleur , Bill Plank, Barry Chiorello Pony Rides: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr ., Chair Puppet Show: Carl Carabelli, Chair

Security: Joe Russo, Chair ; John Devlin, Co-Chair: Jeff Zimmer, Lou Dorio Site Operations: Danielle Scarpati, Chair ; Melissa Scarpati, Co-Chair Sponsorship & Marketing: Barry Chiorello, Chair Tables, Tents & Chairs: Cav. John Scarpati Sr ., Chair Website Design: Mike Aregano; Sally Van Fleet, Nina VanDeleur, Barry Chiorello, Editors

Columbus Day Parade/Ball Committee: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., President; Frank Bruno, Chair; Gino Melone, MC; Pat Colavita, MC Backup; Thomas Frascella, Treasurer, Pat Bruno, Office Assistant

Newsletter Staff: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Managing Editor Helene Plank, Graphic Designer Bill Plank, Copy Editor Sally Van Fleet, Assistant Copy Editor Printed by Hermitage Press, Inc., Trenton, NJ

General Contacts: E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.italianamericanfestival.com Office Mail: MCIAFA, 2421 Liberty St., Hamilton, NJ 08629 Phone: 609-631-7544; Fax: 609-631-9116

Super 50/50

The Super 50/50 drawing for the 2015 festival yielded over $37,000, with the winner receiving over $18,000! With the support of all festival members and associates, the festival hopes to surpass last year’s amount, but we need your help. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO SELL 50/50 TICKETS AT THE FESTIVAL. To be par t of this effor t, please contact: Marion Bolton: (609) 396-2944 Special thanks to New Jersey State Assembly-man Wayne DeAngelo, the sponsor of our 50/50 tickets.

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Outdoor Food and Novelty Piazza Main Festival Grounds

Buzzetta’s Festival Foods - Hightstown, NJ Sausage, peppers, onions, Philly cheesesteak, hot dogs, ham-burgers, chicken fingers, Italian hot dogs, pork roll Buzz Mobile Kitchen Catering - Hightstown, NJ Sausage/peppers/onions, cheesesteak, chicken fingers/fries, mozzarella sticks, chicken parm, meatball parm, burgers, hotdogs, corndogs, lemonade, iced tea, soda, water Carnival Catering LLC - Millstone, NJ Chicken fingers, meatball/chicken/shrimp parm hoagies, fried shrimp, fried calamari, fried ravioli, Italian fries, lemonade, water, soda, Gatorade Carnival Concessions - Belleville, NJ Zeppoles, funnel cakes, fried oreos Chip Stix - Ocean, NJ Chip Stix potatoes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, coffee, cappuc-cino, espresso

Crespella’s - Hamilton, NJ Crepes Cure’s BBQ and Catering - Toms River, NJ BBQ beef, pulled pork, bacon-wrapped chicken kabobs, torna-do potato, bacon sliders DeLorenzo’s Pizza on the Go - Allentown, NJ 10” tomato pies, tomato and mozzarella kabob, canolis, wate, Sprite, Coke, birch beer Festival Foods - Stockton, NJ Roasted corn, corn in a cup, lemonade - souvenir cup

G&L Gyro - Bethpage, NY Gyro, chicken pita, shish kebob, spinach pie, French fries Gaetano’s - Red Bank, NJ Pizza, pasta station, zeppoles, mac ‘n cheese, chicken fingers parm, French fries, coconut shrimp, lemonade Italian People’s Bakery - Trenton, NJ Cannoli, sfogiatelli, pasticiotti, donuts/ring cupcakes, eclairs, cake slices, puff pastries, pignolia and regular cookies, coffee, soda, water

J&J Specialties - Hightstown, NJ Vodka rigatoni, eggplant parm, Italian hotdog, sausage/pepper/onion, cheesesteak, porkroll with cheese, lemonade, iced tea, soda, water Knockout Concessions - Lakewood, NJ Funnel cake, fried Oreos, fresh lemonade Kona Ice - Hamilton, NJ Shaved ice, pre-packaged ice cream, flavored lemonade, water Lemon Squeezers’ Beverage - Pasadena, MD Lemonade, limeade, orangeade, strawberry lemonade, iced coffee and frozen coffee, half-and-half, fruit smoothies Maddalena’s Cheesecakes - Ringoes, NJ Cheesecake-on-a-stick, cheesecake cookies, apple crumb ala mode, cheesecake cannoli on a stick, limeade, iced coffee, coffee, tea, water Mamma Rosa’s - Hamilton, NJ Tomato pie slices, mussels, eggplant, veal and peppers, meatballs, soup or Jersey tomatoes, bracciole, coke, water, soda Mangia Mangia Catering - New Egypt, NJ Deep-fried zucchini sticks, chicken meatball parm sandwich, grilled chicken caprese sandwich, chicken sarpariello, panzerottis (Italian potato croquettes), bow-tie pasta with broccoli, kids’ menu: mozza-rella sticks, chicken fingers, pasta bowl, French fries, plus soda, wa-ter, Gatorade Mannino’s Cannoli Express - Williamstown, NJ Cannoli - made to order, drinks including water Nottingham Italian Program - Hamilton, NJ Gelato, cannolis, Baci chocolate, Pinocchio t-shirts MCIAFA’s Pinocchio’s Restaurant - Hamilton, NJ Meatballs, sausage, peppers and onion sandwiches, and Scarpy dogs

For more vendors, please see page 10

Photo Courtesy of Barry Chiorello

Photo Courtesy of Barry Chiorello

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Italian-American Festival Newsletter

Rich Scannella

Kim Jenkins

Dave DeLuca

Michael Amante, this year’s headliner, will per-form on Saturday, Sept. 24. Michael is an accom-plished Italian tenor and Broadway show star.

Vivaci Dancers Greater Kensington String Band

Tramps Like Us

Enrico Capuano & T-Rock

Uncle Floyd

Holly Faris

Boheme Opera/Joseph Pucciatti

Lights Out

John Pizzi & Andy

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September 2016

Friday, 9/23/2016

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Don Felice Trio Investors Bank Stage

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Penny & The Puppettes Puppet Theater

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Jimmy Alleva/Songs from the Old Neighborhood Cabaret Stage

7:00:PM - 8:00 PM T-Rock Italian Folk Group from Italy Investors Bank Stage

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM John Pizzi, Ventriloquist Cabaret Stage


8:30 PM - 10:00 PM Tramps Like Us (Springsteen Tribute) Investors Bank Stage

9:30 PM - 10:30 PM Dave DeLuca Singing Sinatra Cabaret Stage

Saturday, 9/24/16

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Greater Kensington String Band Investors Bank Stage

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Pizza Toss Contest Cabaret Stage

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Vivaci Italian Dance Group Investors Bank Stage


3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Syncopation Dance Group Cabaret Stage

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM T-Rock Italian Folk Group from Italy Investors Bank Stage


4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Uncle Floyd Vivino Comedienne Cabaret Stage

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Natalie Pinto with International Orchestra Investors Bank Stage

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Rich Scannella Band Cabaret Stage


6:15 PM - 7:30 PM Lights Out Group - Memory Lane - Hit Songs of the Decades Investors Bank Stage

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Martin & Lewis Comedy Show Cabaret Stage

8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Michael Amante, Tenor/Broadway Show Star Investors Bank Stage


9:45 PM - 10:00 PM Fireworks Festival Grounds

10:00 PM - 10:30 PM Recorded Music Investors Bank Stage

10:00 PM - 11:00 PM Kim Jenkins - Strictly 60's Music Cabaret Stage

Sunday, 9/25/2016

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Catholic Mass - Procession of the Madonna Investors Bank Stage

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Statue Dedication Investors Bank Stage


2:15 PM - 3:00 PM Abbott & Costello Cabaret Stage

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Vincent & Emily - Classical Duet Investors Bank Stage

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Holly Faris, Impersonator Cabaret Stage

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Boheme Opera, NJ Investors Bank Stage


5:00 PM - 5:45 PM Abbott & Costello Cabaret Stage

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Classic 45's Oldies Investors Bank Stage

6:00:PM - 6:45 PM Penny & The Puppettes Puppet Theater

6:15 PM - 7:15 PM No Way Out - Rock Group Cabaret Stage

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Masterpiece Orchestra and Singer Investors Bank Stage

Entertainment Schedule

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Cultural Programs (located in the Ice Skating Rink)

Date/time Topics and Presenters

Friday, Sept. 23 1-4:30 pm New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) Overview and Documentaries Cav. Dr. Gilda Rorro Baldassari: Consular Correspondent for Italy Nicholas Schaefer: Manager, NJIAHC 7-8 pm John Gowdy: “Flying Colors” Innovative Live Art Performance

Saturday, Sept. 24 1:30-2:30 pm Italian “Slave” Children. Learn about a little-explored chapter of Italian-American history

pertaining to the exploitation of children in the USA in the 20th century. Thomas Frascella, Esq. 3-3:30 pm Meet the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission Robert DiBiase, Chair, NJIHC Umberto Mucci: Author and Editor of international Internet Magazine, “We the Italians” 4-4:45 pm “Brief Encounters: The memoirs of an Italian Grandfather”

A nostalgic, humorous reading from a recently published work Michael Riccards, Ph.D. 5-6 pm Making Homemade Ricotta the Easy Way Maria Verzilli 7-8 pm Pizza Toss: The Jersey City Pizza Bosses The Testa Family

Sunday, Sept. 25 2-3 pm Italian “Slave” Children. Learn about a little-explored chapter of

Italian-American history pertaining to the exploitation of children in the USA in the 20th century.

Jersey City Pizza Bosses

Ricotta Cheese

N.J. Italian Heritage Commission

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Italian Heritage Pavilion (located in the Ice Skating Center Ice Rink)

Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo - Hamilton, NJ 14th Legislative District outreach table with information on State programs and benefits. Ella’s Crafts - Browns Mills, NJ Soft sculpture, children’s fabric books, sachet scarves Gemstone Jewelry - Yardville, NJ Jewelry, Italian chains, Italian goldstone jewelry, Murano glass jewelry, Italian cameos Giftique International - Suffern, NY One of a kind semi-precious stones from around the work are set mostly in sterling silver pendants and earrings. Ad-justable sterling silver chains are also available. Gordon Carlon - Jackson, NJ Veterans hats, veterans license frames, licensed Wounded Warrior Shirts, and complete bullshit about what I did while I was in the Navy. Home Base Sports Collectibles - Bordentown, NJ Sports photos and memorabilia, team apparel, including many players of Italian-American descent L&B Crafts - Hillsborough, NJ Doll furniture, bird houses, bird feeders, planters Mercer County Clerk’s Office - Trenton, NJ Promotional materials such as vote by mail brochures, pass-port applications, voter registrations, notary applications. Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office - Trenton, NJ Distributing information about the Prosecutor’s Office Mercer County Superintendent of Elections -Trenton, NJ Promotion of voter registration Mercer County Surrogate - Trenton, NJ Materials referencing the subject matter provided by the Surrogate’s Office Order, Sons of Italy, NJ Grand Lodge - Hammonton, NJ Medal of Honor Plank Art Designs - Lawrenceville, NJ Original artwork, related gift items, hand-knit, crocheted and jewelry items San Felese Lodge - Hamilton, NJ Lodge artifacts and memorabilia Selections - Allentown, NJ Team key chains, team beanies, team desk clocks, team travel mugs, sterling silver Celtic rings and pendants, crys-tal necklaces, vintage necklaces, woolen ear warmers

State of NJ - Unclaimed Property - Trenton, NJ State agency providing a free public service to do individu-al name searches on our databases. Free promotional items and brochures Umbrella House - Robbinsville, NJ Umbrellas of all types

Italian Market Tent Andiamo Enterprises - Hamilton, NJ Suncatchers, night lights, Italian novelties, fashion jewelry, sterling silver cell phone cases Demca Demonstration - Swiftwater, PA Ceramic food grating plates and bowls handmade and hand painted in Spain Dolci & Clemente - Robbinsville, NJ Italian foods Flashcopter - Jackson, NJ Flashcopter novelty toy, just launch it in the sky anywhere. Frank’s Cigars - Hamilton, NJ Premium cigars - hand-rolled

Gene Swider - Lafayette Hill, PA Recycled bottles made into plates and accessories Home Style Candle - Cherry Hill, NJ Hand-poured candles and novelty pies Lawrenceville Family Chiropractic - Lawrenceville, NJ Promoting health and wellness throughout the community. Complimentary nerve assessments. Lightbridge Academy, Lawrenceville - Lawrenceville, NJ Italian flag tattoos, raffles and giveaways Lu Café – Nutley, NJ Italian jerseys, jackets, souvenirs Maryann Mosko - Lebanon, NJ Religious articles, rosaries, angel pins, statues, prayer cards Pacha Mama - Saugerties, NY Native American art and crafts, musical instruments, sweaters, bracelets, Alaskan jewelry Scentocopia - Robbinsville, NJ Honey products, honey straws, handmade hats and scarves, evil eye items, Italian items and assorted jewelry items Team 85 Fitness & Wellness - Bordentown, NJ Fitness and wellness

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Special Event

(hot dogs with potatoes and onions), soda and water One Sweet Place - Hopewell, NJ Biscotti, ricotta cheese cookies, Italian wedding cookies, cookie containers, quick breads, pies, Italian sweet rolls, coffee Passarelli’s - Jackson, NJ Rib-eye steak sandwiches, Italian sausage sandwiches, Italian hotdogs, fresh-cut potatoes, fresh-squeezed lemonade Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes - Robbinsville, NJ Funnel cakes, fried Oreos, cold drinks Pete’s Steakhouse - Hamilton, NJ Sausage/pepper/onions, steak sandwiches, roast pork, chicken cacciatore, Jersey tomato salad, French fries, Italian hotdogs, soda Pineapple King Smoothies - Trenton, NJ Pineapply smoothies, fruit cups Poppin Don’s LLC - Yardville, NJ Fried ravioli, fried cheesecake, kettle korn, zeppoles, Italian cof-fees, lemonade, water Rita’s Water Ice - Bordentown, NJ Kids’ water, regular water ice, custard - one size, gelati - one size Scala’s Bakery - North Brunswick, NJ Cannoli, chocolate cannoli, sfogiatelli, Italian pastires, chocolate claws, tiramisu, cookies Soda City - Spotswood, NJ Sodas, mugs, mug clips, unlimited refills Station One Seafood - Atlantic Highlands, NJ Seafood

Thank You Many thanks go out to the area restaurants and businesses that were crucial in making our 2016 MCIAFA Festival Kick-Off a success. This event was created to give honor and show appre-ciation to the core group of individuals who make the festival a reality every year through their hard work and dedication. Thank you to all the following: Adam’s Party Rental; Buzzetta’s Foods; Case’s Pork Roll; Chiarello’s Deli & Ca-tering; Dutch’s Meats; Fred & Pete’s Deli & Catering; Italian People’s Bakery; Boheme Opera of New Jersey; La Galleria; On Demand; Risoldi’s Market & Catering; Ritchie & Page; and Rosa Spera. Thanks to all for your continued support!

Any food vendors and cultural court vendors not listed can be found on our website.

Outdoor Food Vendors (continued from page 5)

John Gowdy is originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he retired as captain from the Atlantic City Fire Department having served 27 years. John is now living in Castelfranco, a quiet little town in Northeast Italy, very close to Ven-ice in the Veneto Region of Italy. “Flying Col-ors” is a unique performance in which the artist paints large portraits of famous people on a spin-ning canvas to music, each painting being real-ized in the time it takes 2 songs to play, or about 7 minutes! The resulting paintings will be auc-tioned off at a later date to support Boys’ and Girls’ Towns of Italy.

Speed Painter John Gowdy,

Performs “Flying

Colors” Show

Union Barbecue - Ringoes, NJ Smoked prichetta, beef brisket, pork ribs, soda, water Wild Bill’s Soda - Bernardsville, NJ Stainless steel mugs, 7 flavors of old-fashioned style soda, root beer, diet root beer, vanilla, birch beer, sasparilla, orange, black cherry free refills with mug purchase Zinna’s Mobile Bistro/Zinna’s Eatz - Cranbury, NJ Fries, cheese fries, roasted red pepper and mozzarella arancini, cheesesteak sliders, roasted rib eye, 50/50 burger Chicken bruchetta,

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Scholarships to Local Italian Organizations

At recent meetings, scholarships were awarded to local organizations promoting students of Italian descent. Cav. John Scarpati, President of the MercerCounty Italian-American Festival Association presented John Prunetti and Antho-ny Massina of the West Trenton Italian-American Club, with a check for their scholar-ship foundation. This year’s recipient is Jenna Capuano, who graduated from Ewing High School as valedictorian, and will be attending the St. Joseph University. Pictured from left to right, are John Prunetti, Cav. John Scarpati, Jenna Capuano, and Anthony Massina.

This year’s MCIAFA scholarship recipients are: Carleigh Belardo and Cameron Cardinale from Steiner t High School; Giovanna Paccillo from Nottingham High School; Taylor Skwara, Concetta Scordato and Victoria Bezek from Hamilton High School West; Valerie Perna from Robbinsville High School; and Sierra Hnatiuk and Nicole Csorgo from Notre Dame High School.

Valerie Perna

Sierra Hnatiuk

Cameron Cardinale

Nicole Csorgo

Giovanna Paccillo

Concetta Scordato

Taylor Skwara

Carleigh Belardo

Victoria Bezek

Pictured from left to right are Italian-American Hall of Fame President Carl Carabelli and MCIAFA President Cav. John Scarpati.

San Felese Society members, are Treasurer Rose Stia, Secretary Frank Bruno, and President Tom Frascella, with MCIAFA President Cav. John Scarpati.

With Cav. John Scarpati at center, are Amici Della Lingua Italiana officials — Joe Paglione, founder at left, and Gregory Candelieri, Vice President at right.

Pictured at center, Cav. John Scarpati, flanked by Princeton Pettoranello Foundation President Ellie Pinelli, at left, and Trustee Ted Tamasi, at right.

Several local organizations were awarded scholarships by the Mercer County Italian-American Festival Associations. These are just a few of those organizations.

Pictured, left to right, are: Laura Francolino, Italian Club Moderator; Cav. John Scarpati; Frank Bruno, Chairman, Columbus Day Gala; Nicole Walter, Scholarship recipient. Nicole was honored at Robbinsville High School for her participation in the school’s Italian Club.

From left, Elisa Coccia, President of the Coccia Foundation, Elda Coccia, Founder of the Coccia Foundation, and Cav. John Scarpati, MCIAFA President.

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Mercer County Italian-American Festival Association Italian-American Heritage Center

2421 Liberty Street Hamilton, NJ 08629

Quarterly MCIAFA Newsletter Publication

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Trenton, NJ

Permit No. 312

2016 Columbus Gala Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016

Honoring

The Honorable Angelo Onofri Mercer County Prosecutor

and

Mr. Eugene Forconi Proprietor of Forconi Foods

Cedar Gardens 661 Route 33

Hamilton, NJ 08619

$75.00 per person

5 pm cocktail hour Dinner immediately following

Food will be provided by N.J. Weddings and Events

Limited seating available

Black tie optional

For more information, call Frank Bruno at 609-588-9546

e-mail: [email protected]

You are invited to attend the annual

Italian Flag Raising Ceremony Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 at 12:00 noon

at Hamilton Township Municipal Building 2090 Greenwood Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08609

Following the ceremony, a short reception will follow at the MCIAFA Heritage Center,

2421 Liberty St., Hamilton, NJ 08629

welcome to the 17th annual mercer county italian … news sept 2016...welcome to the 17th annual...

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