The Italian-American community is celebrating its heritage this month with a special designation. Members of Noi Italiani D'Oggi (NIDO), the Italian Center and the Ladies Auxiliary joined local dignitaries and members of the Italian-American community Oct. 1 for a celebration of October as Italian Heritage Month, designated by County Executive Marc Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison.

The program began with an opening prayer and special prayers for the earthquake victims of Amatrice, Italy, by the Rev. Anthony Mizzi-Gili of Holy Trinity Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome remark by Ernest Bruno, president of the Italian Center, according to a written release. Rosemarie Calista, president of NIDO, spoke about "Two Luigis," her father Luigi Biasi and Luigi DelBianco, the chief carver of Mount Rushmore; and Toni Ann Perry, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, talked about the importance of Columbus Day in America.

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Source: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/