Bravo!

The legacy of Italian-Americans was honored on Thursday, October 6 at the Celebration of Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, presented by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

The ceremony, presided over by the Honorable Frank Seddio, chairperson of the Kings County Democratic Party, featured a special presentation by Italian sculptor Silvio Amelio, entertainment from Italian singer Alessandro Calemme and dance group Figli Maria S.S. Addolorata, and “flavors of Italy” provided by numerous Italian groceries and restaurants in the area.

The ceremony also honored Italian-American Brooklyn residents who have offered much to the community: Antonio Migliaccio, owner of Italian restaurant Noodle Pudding; Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Elena Solitario, president and founder of Pilo Arts Day Spa; and the School Settlement Association Board of Directors.

Solitario was extremely honored to receive this recognition and was inspired by the friendship and camaraderie she felt among everyone in the room.

“I’ve been honored several times, but this time is special,” she said. “This is directed towards my heritage.” Though she has much love and admiration for America, Solitario says she’s very proud of her Italian roots and supports them in any way she can, by contributing financially to various Italian-American programs, and spreading word about an Italian center being opened by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations.

Institutions like these are important, she says, “not just in keeping Italian-American culture alive, but to make it alive.”