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) Staten Island councilmember Frank Morano wants to use his new role leading the City Council’s Italian Caucus to help preserve Italian-American heritage. Frank Morano, a Republican representing the South Shore, said that heritage included the annual celebration of Columbus Day, a tradition he intends to defend after members of the Italian Caucus elected him and Councilmember Joann Ariola, a Queens Republican, as co-chairs of their body.
The full article can be read here: https://www.wetheitalians.com/news/staten-island-official-vows-columbus-day-defense-as-italian-caucus-co-chair

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4) As we approach graduation season a lot of students will be moving on to institutions of higher education. Whether it be high school or college, consider gifting them these books:

The Golden Milestone by Esposito:
This highly acclaimed and comprehensive book offers readers over 2,500 years of Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. The book's 22 chapters cover every subject: art, architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics, medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more.        Amazon: https://a.co/d/048lSMc1

Columbus The Hero by Rafael
A factual examination of Christopher Columbus’s legacy dispelling revisionist claims and restoring his heroic status. Arm your loved ones with knowledge, before others disarm them with their ignorance.      Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bt0MCZS

 

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5) 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.  This year the award goes to Emanuela Marricco from St John’s Preparatory School.

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6) 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.
 

7)  “Cries From The Cotton Field” is a movie on Amazon Prime that speaks of Italians who were unscrupulously recruited to work the cotton fields in the American South after the Civil War and their resilient journey of hope, hardship, and faith. Click here to access the movie: https://www.amazon.com/Cries-Cotton-Field-Larry-Foley/dp/B0DKVPMD99

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