The Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and the Italian Heritage Month Committee held their 36th annual Gala on Thursday, Sept. 27 at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville to honor this year’s dignitaries. This year’s parade honorees are Grand Marshal André DiMino, Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Vito Scarpelli of Nutley, Italian Heritage Award recipient Joseph Palombini and Italian Business Leader of the Year is Michael A. Maffucci.

Nutley Woman and Man of the Year are Sandra “Sam” Carella and Thomas Sposato. Belleville Woman and Man of the Year are Jeanne Lombardi and Anthony Sessa. This year’s Renaissance Man is Anthony Dalbo of Belleville. The Community Excellence Award honoree is Barbara Hirsch of Nutley. Scholarship recipients are Daniel Gizzo of Nutley and Justen Alfieri of Belleville. Gizzo attends Seton Hall Preparatory School and Alfieri goes to Belleville High School.