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Italian American Heritage Month dinner

Keeping ‘the tradition alive’
By Joe LoVerde
New York Teacher

Italian cuisine and culture were on the menu when the UFT Italian American Heritage Committee hosted its annual fall dinner on Oct. 22 at Mario’s Restaurant, a staple for Italian Americans for more than a century on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. More than 50 UFT members from all five boroughs attended. Even the restaurant’s singer of Italian classics happened to be a UFT member: paraprofessional Joe Tribuzio of New World HS in the Bronx. “We’re doing our best to keep the tradition alive,” committee chair Dana Falciglia said, noting the work done in years past by former chairs George Altomare, a union founder, and Patricia Filomena. Everyone who attended left with an Italian heritage T-shirt, a committee pin and a committee sticker ­— not to mention a memorable night of fellowship. “I love getting together with the UFT and celebrating different occasions,” retired school secretary Maryanne Cuttita said. “The evening was wonderful — food, entertainment and friends. I’m looking forward to future adventures.”

Two women in attendance at a UFT Italian Heritage Committee dinner hold up their

Retired secretary Carolina Lombardo (left) and retired paraprofessional Vivian Columbano show off the T-shirts they received at the event.

Erica Berger
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Two women in attendance at a UFT Italian Heritage Committee dinner hold up their

Retired secretary Carolina Lombardo (left) and retired paraprofessional Vivian Columbano show off the T-shirts they received at the event.

Erica Berger
UFT District 9 Representative Aqeel Williams belts out a song at the UFT Italian American Heritage Committee dinner.

UFT District 9 Representative Aqeel Williams belts out a song, delighting attendees.

Erica Berger
Two teachers in attendance at the UFT Italian American Heritage Committee dinner smile for a photo.

Chapter Leader Manjola Prela (left) and Julia Mezo of MS 127 in the Bronx are ready to celebrate.

Erica Berger
Retired school secretaries pass the bread at the UFT Italian American Heritage Committee awards dinner on Oct. 22, 2024.

Retired school secretaries Mary Anne Cuttita (left) and Cathy DeLuca pass the Italian bread.

Erica Berger
Two guests in attendance at the UFT Italian American Heritage Committee awards dinner wave their napkins in the air.

UFT Bronx High Schools District Representative Dario Shore (left) and Health and Safety Representative Corrine Barros join in the napkin twirling that got the celebration started.

Erica Berger