Four years ago, Sostene Codispoti noticed a shortage of community events for the ever­growing Italian population in central Ohio. While Cleveland has nine annual Italian festivals, Columbus only has one. “There are a lot more Italians in the area than there ever were,” says Codispoti, “but we feel that the Italian sprit has somewhat declined . … We want to preserve our heritage, culture and traditions, and get more people in­volved in being Italian.”

Codispoti is president of Columbus’ Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSIA). Founded in 1905, OSIA is the largest and oldest national organization for people of Italian heritage in the country. Codispoti believes it is his responsibility as president of the Columbus branch to exemplify the very best of what it is to be Italian-American.