"WE ARE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS"
CSJ Updates
April 2026
1) As mentioned in our December newsletter, the CSJ has received push back from NYC Libraries when we asked them to place CSJ positive image brochures, pamphlets, and bookmarks during Italian Heritage Month. These displays during the month of October are meant to educate the public on the positive contributions Italian-Americans have made to the building our country. After several communications between National CSJ President John Fratta and Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library, and Councilman Carr we finally received some positive feedback. Mr.Marx has agreed to allow our materials in the libraries this October. These libraries cover, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Marx also gave us a contact for the library system in Brooklyn and Queens and we will be communicating with them as well about this matter.
2) REMINDER: “Discovering The Truth” - The Louis J. Gallo, Jr. Memorial Columbus Award. This award is open to students in grades 11-12 and who are children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or siblings of lodge members in good standing. The student must select one of the many anti-Columbus myths/falsehoods being repeated today and prove it wrong using reputable sources. The prizes for this award are 1st Place: $800, 2nd Place $500, 3rd place $300, and 4th $200. Full details can be obtained here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z-0bYujtFaE1WLQiylY_PnzjPpZB8-_vuExYaWi62vw/edit?usp=drive_link
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3) UPDATE: To recognize students excelling in Italian language courses, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America/New York State Commission for Social Justice established “La Bella Lingua Awards” - one annual $500 monetary award, per OSDIA/NYS district. This Award is funded by the OSDIA NYS Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. We have received the applications from high schools with an Italian language program and will be selecting our winner in April.
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4) The CSJ Annual Luncheon fundraiser will take place on June 14th at Russo's on the Bay. The cost is $125/person and the honorees will be NYS Past President Biagio Isgro, National CSJ President John Fratta, and the immediate past Chairperson of the Italian Welfare League Joan Prezioso. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Eleanor Jobbagy at ejobbagy@optonline.net.
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