1

Mercer CountyMercer CountyMercer County

ItalianItalianItalian---American FestivalAmerican FestivalAmerican Festival

Volume 5 - No. 4 March 2014

Great Events Coming Up!

Come join us!

Girls’ Night Out

See page 6

Italian Language and Culture Lessons

See page 7

Ryan’s Quest Presentation For details, see caption, page 3

Men’s Comedy Night

See page 5

2

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

Cavalier John Scarpati President

As we approach the coming of our 15th Italian-American Fes-tival in Mercer County, it is amazing to see how it has devel-oped into a large undertaking. Bringing the event to Mercer County came from roughly a dozen people sitting around the table at my home in Hamilton. Since those earlier days, many of those individuals have passed on. Most recently, the festival has lost 2 long-time members – Joe DeFelice and George Mirabelli. I owe tribute to these and many others for their contributions to the festival association. We have all experienced the loss of family and friends over the years. I’m reminded of my mother’s words – no matter how much we mourn the passing of our loved ones, we must be strong and continue to move on in life – to help ourselves, our families and our community. We’ve recently gained new leadership in the association. The county is embarking on some new, exciting construction pro-jects – a new amphitheatre and event area. While I’m happy

that the county is going forward with this plan, I feel that the Ital-ian-American Festival Associa-tion had a strong leadership role in developing the vision for this project. Just as the county park commission has their own con-cept, the festival board and I also have our vision of the event area. I look forward to working with the county to make both visions a reality. The question often arises about our annual festival – why do we have to be charged to attend this event? I would gladly answer any questions on where the money goes. I encourage you to attend one of our monthly meet-ings, or call me personally at our Italian-American Heritage Cen-ter (IAHC). We constantly try to keep the costs down for our fes-tival. The costs also cover the IAHC, which is affiliated with many local organizations, and is in contact with many newspapers and magazines connected with our mission. I invite all local organizations to work together to plan year-long activities and projects. The festival is a county-wide event, and I would hope to see the many local mu-nicipalities work with us. This area has many groups which could benefit by working and prospering together. By combin-ing our efforts, we can achieve great things. One of the most rewarding achievements has been with the presentation of scholarships to deserving individuals and or-ganizations for their good works. Through our donations, the festi-val association has received a great deal of publicity for our philanthropy. We have also received positive response from the media. Our festival has been called the larg-

est and best Italian festival in New Jersey. The events and special presentations which we exhibit at the festival are a source of pride for us. This doesn’t happen with just me or the board members. We need many others, whether they are other Mercer County organiza-tions or individual volunteers, to make the festival the spectacular event that it is. This Mercer County area has many people of Italian descent, be it partial Italian or a mix of ethnic backgrounds. Whether you are of Irish-Italian, Polish-Italian, or any other combina-tion, bring that Italian part of your heritage with you and join us in being an integral part of our festival association. We invite you to show your family the pride that you have in your Ital-ian heritage.

Cav. John Scarpati, MCIAFA President

2

Cav. John Scarpati was honored when a portion of Newkirk Ave-nue near Liberty Street in Hamil-ton was renamed Scarpati’s Way. Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede attended the ceremony. MCIAFA offices are located at the same intersection.

3

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

Free Associate Membership & Volunteer FormDate___________________________________

Come join one of the largest and fasting growing Associations in Mercer County! Membership is FREE and you will be put on our mailing list automatically. We just ask that you help promote our heritage andIf you would like to be activve, here are some of the activities you may want to participate in: Please check box/boxes if interested: Office Work Help with On-Site Operations at Festival Join a Committee Help at Monthly Dinners Help at Other Events at MCIAF Center Vendor

50/50 On-site sales Columbus Day Parade Maintenance Help at MCIAF Center

Name:______________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ Occupation:_________________________________City:__________________State:_______Zip:_____________

Telephone: (home)_______________(work)_______________ (cell)_____________E-mail ___________________ FOR FOR MORE INFORMATION, WRITE OR CALL: Cav. John Scarpati, President

Mercer County Italian American Assoc., 2421 Liberty St. Hamilton, N.J. 08629 – phone 609-631-7544. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Italian-American Heritage and Culture Donations are tax deductible and are appreciated.

Website: www.italianamericanfestival.com email: buongiorno2000@optonline.net

If you would like to be active, here are some of the activities you may want to participate in:

3

3

Mercer County Italian-American Festival Association

At recent meetings at the Mercer County Italian American Festival Heritage Building, Cav. John Scarpati presented donations to 2 local organizations. At photo above are pictured, left to right, Kenneth Rhodes, Grand Knight, Council 355, Cav. John Scarpati, MCIAFA President, and Dennis Bush, Member Council 355. The Knights of Columbus were presented with a dona-tion for the work that Council 355 performed in running the Bingo event at our 2013 Festival.

Cover photo: Pictured from left to right, are Dave Schultz, Cav. John Scarpati, MCIAFA President, and Frank Cirillo, First Vice President, MCIAFA. This donation was made to Dave Schultz toward Ryan’s Quest, a foundation to help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dave Schultz and his wife Maria are the parents of son Ryan Schultz, for whom the founda-tion was named.

4

Board Members and Office Assistance: Cav. John Scarpati Sr., President Frank Cirillo, Vice President Daniele S. Carbone, Trustee Ed DiPolvere, Trustee Joe DiPaolo, Trustee Thomas Frascella, Trustee Joe Urbano, Trustee Sally Van Fleet, Trustee and Admin. Asst. Nina VanDeleur, Trustee and Admin. Asst. Treasurer: Danielle S. Carbone Committee Chairs: Accounting/Admin Treasurer: Danielle Scarpati Carbone Admissions: Marilyn Hope, Chair; Bob Hope, Co-Chair Amusement Rides: Frank Cirillo, Chair; Joe Urbano, Co-Chair Artwork: Bill Plank Attorney: Paul Donini Auditors: Pesauro, Levy & Palumbo PA Beer: Christine Scarpati, Chair; James Dabronzo, Co-Chair Bingo: Ken Rhodes, Chair; Dennis Bush, Co-Chair Bocce: Vito DePalo, Chair Building Custodians: Mario Casale, Chair; John Devlin Cleanup and Trash Mgmt: John Scarpati, Jr., Chair; Herman Ramos, Co-Chair Computer Tech: Richard Tuscano Jr. Cultural Court/Market Tent: John Prunetti, Chair; Jeff Prunetti, Co-Chair Cultural Theater: Cav. Gilda R. Baldassari, Chair; Marie Jantos, Cathy DiCostanzo, Co-Chairs Entertainment: Carl Carabelli, Chair; Ann Lennon, Co-Chair; Nina VanDeLeur, Asst. Co-Chair Festival 50/50: Gino Melone, Chair; Marion Bolton, Karen Coate, Co-Chairs; Donna Povia, Rita Capone Festival Layout Plans: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Ted Caruso, Bill Plank, Vic Russo Festival Signs: Ed DiPolvere, Chair; Gus Perilli, Co-Chair; John Devlin, Joe DiPaolo, Lou Dorio, Joe Urbano, Asst. Co-Chairs Fireworks: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Chair Food Vendors: Joe DiPaolo , Chair; Joan Burkholtz, Admin. Asst. Grounds Maintenance - Portable Lighting, Hauling, Restrooms, Cleanup & Trash: John Scarpati Jr., Chair; Herman Ramos, Co-Chair Honorary Festival Consultant: Anthony Massi Information Tent: Sally Van Fleet, Chair; Frieda Santillo, Pat Terlecki, Co-Chairs Mass: Msgr. Innocenzi; Cathy DiCostanzo, Chair; Ben Gioe, Co-Chair; Joe Pica, Asst. Co-Chair Memorabilia: Anthony Chianese, Chair; John Ricco, Co-Chair Merchandising – In-House: TBA

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

Military & Veterans/Special Events: Kathi Adie, Chair; John Adie, Co-Chair Off Site 50/50 Business Sales: Gino Melone, Chair TBA Co-Chair Parking: Wayne DeAngelo, Chair; Joe Povio, Co-Chair Petting Zoo: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Chair Photographers - Festival: Paul Donini, Bill Plank Photographers - In-House: Nina VanDeleur, Bill Plank Pony Rides: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Chair Security: Joe Russo, Chair; John Devlin, Co-Chair: J Zimmer Site Operations: Danielle S. Carbone, Chair; Melissa Scarpati, Co-Chair Sponsorship & Marketing: Barry Chiorello, Chair Tables, Tents & Chairs: Cav. John Scarpati Sr., Chair Waste Mgmt.: John Scarpati, Jr., Chair; Herman Ramos, Co-Chair Website Design: Mike Aregano; Sally Van Fleet, Nina Van DeLeur, Editors Wine: Danielle S. Carbone, Chair; Christine Scarpati, Co-Chair Columbus Day Parade/Ball Committee: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., President; Frank Bruno, Chair; Gino Melone, MC; Pat Colavita, MC Backup; Thomas Frascella, Treasurer, Linda Powner, Office Assistant Newsletter Staff: Cav. John Scarpati, Sr., Managing Editor Helene Plank, Graphic Designer Bill Plank, Copy Editor Sally Van Fleet, Assistant Copy Editor General Contacts: E-mail: buongiorno2000@optonline.net Website: www.italianamericanfestival.com Office Mail: MCIAFA, 2421 Liberty St., Hamilton, NJ 08629 Phone: 609-631-7544; Fax: 609-631-9116

4

Look for

These Events Coming Soon:

Grappa Making

Italian Genealogy

5

MC Italian-American Festival Association presents

Men’s Night Building Fundraiser — Gentlemen Only

March 27, 2014 Doors open at 6:00 pm

Italian-American Heritage Center, 2421 Liberty Street, Hamilton, NJ 08629

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

5

Limited seating; call to reserve tickets at 609-631-7544

$40.00 donation includes: Tuscany table, Italian-style buf-

fet, salads, coffee, tea and dessert

BYOB —- Raffles

Impressions of Pat O’Donnell

Andrew Scarpati, President

Don Ippaletto

6

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

MC Italian-American Festival Association presents

Girls’ Night Out Fundraiser — Ladies Only

Friday, May 2, 2014 7:00 to 10:30 pm

Limited seating; call to reserve tickets at 609-631-7544

Special features: • Psychic • Upper body massage

www.italianamericanfestival.com buongiorno2000@optonline.net Giulia Vallucci, Chair

• 50/50 raffle • Door prizes • Tricky trays

Join us for a fun-filled night of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and much more. It’s that time of year again, with Spring around the corner, and a good occasion for girls to get out and have fun. Come join us for hors d’oeu-vres, desserts, mini massages, tarot card readings, tricky trays and socializing. Location and cost will be announced soon. Please call 609-631-7544 for more information.

7

Italian-American Festival Newsletter March 2014

Introduction to our new Italian Language and Culture Class

7

Join Giulia for this new fun and entertaining course to learn the ins and outs of the Italian culture of “Ieri, Oggi & Domani.” The course will cover aspects of interest such as language, culture, folklore, food and travel. We will be using the text book, “Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way,” (Barron's Edi-tor, Third Edition, by Marcel Danesi) as a reference.

Join us for our new Italian classes!

$100 per person for the 5-week session. Every Wednesday from

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Feb. 26, Mar. 5, Mar.12,

Mar. 19 and Mar. 26 Limited seating, so please call 609-631-7544 for res-ervations. Make checks

payable to MCIAFA. Light refreshments will be

served.

8

Mercer County Italian-American Festival Association

Italian-American Heritage Center 2421 Liberty Street

Hamilton, NJ 08629

Monthly MCIAFA Newsletter Publication

or Current Resident

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Trenton, NJ

Permit No. 312

Upcoming Events - Save these dates!

March 27, 2014 Men’s Comedy Night

May 2, 2014 Girls’ Night Out