Smaller, socially-distant Columbus Day festivities planned on Federal Hill
The historic Columbus Day festival on Federal Hill in Providence is the latest event to fall victim from COVID-19. The large parade and festival is not happening this year, but that's not stopping some businesses from celebrating Italian heritage. "Next year, we expect the Columbus Day festival to be back in full force as it traditionally would, bu...
Shelton holds Columbus Day parade Sunday
The city is sponsoring a Columbus Day parade on Sunday but participation is by invitation only. Because of the pandemic, the Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport Inc. is holding its 112th Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade in a modified form. The celebration of Columbus will take place in five events, including invitation only ca...
Italian American Alliance: The Real Story about the Columbus Statue in Boston; "Mayor broke his word."
The Italian American ALLIANCE is not fooled by Mayor Walsh’s recent actions concerning the Columbus statue, For starters, the Mayor broke his word to the ALLIANCE. In a private ZOOM meeting between Mayor Walsh, and the ALLIANCE -- which took place shortly after the Columbus statue was vandalized --the ALLIANCE gathered residents of the North End...
Flag Raising At Boston City Hall For Italian Heritage Month
The annual flag-raising at Boston City Hall for Italian Heritage Month was a quiet affair this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reading of the State proclamation was made to an empty plaza. Video commentary was instead submitted by Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Mayor Marty Walsh, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Speaker Robert DeLeo, S...
Boston Christopher Columbus statue won’t come back to site — but will remain in North End
The controversial beheaded Christopher Columbus statue won’t return to its previous North End home, Mayor Martin Walsh says — but it, with a head re-attached, will continue to live in the old Italian area. Walsh’s office said Tuesday that the city “will be moving forward with a new Italian American Immigrant statue for the park, and this process wi...
Joseph J. "Joe" Jacaruso
It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph J. Jacaruso announces his peaceful passing Oct. 1, 2020, at the age of 94. Joseph was born in Norwich to Joseph and Jennie (DeVito) Jacaruso; he was one of nine children. He attended Greenville Elementary School and Norwich Free Academy before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He was as...
Newton City Council Debates Renaming Columbus Day To Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Newton residents will discuss changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day at a public hearing on Oct. 8, after the City Council concluded on Sept. 21 that the community should have a chance to weigh in. Ward 6 Councilor-at-Large Victoria Danberg and Ward 2 Councilor Emily Norton first brought this issue to the table in 2019. Motivated by the a...
Waterbury, CT's Dem Mayor Backs Vote to Keep Columbus Statue
As Hartford, New Haven, and other major cities in Connecticut have permitted and even overseen the removal of statues of Christopher Columbus, Waterbury has steadfastly stood by honoring the Italian explorer credited with discovering America. Recently, the 5th largest city in the Nutmeg State has decided to hold a citywide referendum on whether to...
Mayor Sarno declares October Italian Heritage Month in Springfield, MA
The Italian flag now flies over Springfield City Hall in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. Mayor Domenic Sarno along with leaders of the Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts raised the flag over city hall Friday afternoon. Mayor Sarno read a proclamation saluting the accomplishments of Italian-Americans who made Springfield their h...
Obituary: Louis J. Grimaldi Jr.
Louis J. Grimaldi Jr., 89, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. The wonderful life of Louie started on June 11, 1931, in Portland when he was born to the late Louis and Marianna “Maria” (Santora) Grimaldi. Louie grew up in Portland’s Little Italy and attended Portland High School. A few days bef...
Newport Festa Italiana sponsoring essay contest on ‘A Favorite Memory of Growing Up Italian’
Area writers of Italian heritage have a chance to show off as Newport Festa Italiana is sponsoring a new activity this year. An essay contest centering on the theme, “A Favorite Memory of Growing Up Italian,” will jog some memories and spark much discussion. The essays are limited to 500 words. Three prizes will be awarded ($100, $75, and $ 50). O...
Westford voters to weigh Indigenous Peoples Day
Town Meeting will consider whether to support renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous People's Day, a trend gathering momentum and prompting debate nationwide. The Select Board considered the proposal at its Sept. 30 meeting, held virtually due to coronavirus restrictions on municipal gatherings. The board reviewed articles on the draft warrant for spe...