Generally Speaking: Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade on October 7

Brooklyn will commemorate the 525th anniversary of Italian navigator Christopher Columbus’ first voyage, which resulted in the discovery of the New World, in 1492. The 36th annual festive parade will also herald and celebrate the Italian heritage of thousands of Brooklynites.

Four grand marshals will lead the march along Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard (aka 18th Avenue) from 60th to 84th Street, kicking off at noon on Saturday, October 7. The honored marshals will include NYPD Deputy Inspector Anthony Sanseverino, commander of the 62nd Precinct; New York City Councilmember and Democratic District Leader Mark Treyger; Nick Pesce, general manager of the LaBella Supermarket; and Frances Novella LoCurcio, principal of Public School 209.

Attorney Carlo Scissura, president of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, will once again serve as the parade emcee. The federation is chaired by G. Jack Spatola; the executive director is Nancy Sottile.

A parade fundraiser is being held on Sunday, October 1, at noon, at Sirico’s catering hall, 8023 13th Avenue. Tickets are $75 apiece. For reservations, call 718-259-2828.

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Doreen Garson holds the distinction of being the first female ever to head a volunteer fire department in Brooklyn. Yes, Kings County still has a volunteer group of firefighters in Gerritsen Beach dating back to 1925, when its fire department was formed.

Former Chief Garson was the guest speaker at the September meeting of the Society of Old Brooklynites at Borough Hall where she discussed the history of the department and the key role it played during Superstorm Sandy.

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A celebratory mass and retirement reception was held for Ann Blumetti Strafaci at St. Patrick’s Church and school auditorium. Strafaci was honored for 45 years of service to the parish, with the past three decades as the church’s director of development.

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