September 23, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Celebrate Waldwick Day • September 27, 2009 Club to march in New York’s Columbus Day Parade In November 2007, four individuals with roots in Italy met at the Waldwick Ambulance Corps Building to discuss the establishment of an organization 9-23-09 Ester/Janine that would celebrate and promote ItalWaldwickDayBanner ian culture. Those four people, including 6 x .75 current Club President Frank Palladino, became the first members of the Italian American Social Club of Waldwick. Now 150 members strong, this organization has been invited to participate in the Columbus Day Parade that will be held Monday, Oct. 12 in New York City. Club member Adele Badalamenti took the initiative and found an online application for prospective parade participants. The club then assembled historical data about the organization, which includes roots in the Marconi Italian American Club of Waldwick, which was active from the 1930s through the early 1960s. Then they waited. Last week, the club received word that they would be welcome to participate in the Columbus Day celebration, and the preparations switched into high gear. Janine Mistretta, a graphic artist at Villadom TIMES, designed the club logo, which includes the organization’s name and two hearts, one in the colors of the American flag that states “our country,” and the other in the colors of the Italian flag, that states, “our heritage.” Club members will sport the logo which has been emblazoned on navy blue sweatshirts. The uniform includes red scarves and berets, and will be completed by jeans and comfortable walking shoes for the trek along Fifth Avenue from 47th Street to 79th Street. “A lot of people apply and do not get accepted,” Janine said, noting that the club’s upcoming participation is considered an honor. Janine commented on the enthusiastic work the club members have put into the parade effort. She said the club’s seamstresses lent a hand to make the scarves, and another handy person is making a rod for the club’s banner. “Maybe a few dozen will march,” added club member Andrea Mistretta (Janine’s sister). Andrea noted that, in addition to the eight-foot banner, club members will also wave Italian and American flags. “The deep well of Waldwick’s own Italian American population and its three-decade history of the Madonna Dell’Assunta Festas and Italian American Marching Band sponsored by The Marconi Social Aid Club, allowed our newly established club to grow to 150 members in only two years,” Andrea added. “Our goal -- to maintain and pass our Italian culture to our children and grandchildren -- is made simple when shared among our newfound extended family.” She added, “Spectacular Saint Joseph’s celebrations and Ferragosto Picnics are both in their second years. These events are made extraordinary as the members home-make everything as a group, from Calabrese-style sausage and peppers, to pasta cooked in cauldrons outdoors with homemade sauce. Homemade sopressata, pickled eggplants, and handmade mozzarella demos are enjoyed by our youth -- all to the sounds of Italian music.” Club activities include bocce tournaments with children, lectures at The Italian American Museum in New York, winery trips, a “La Befana” Christmas celebration for children, Italian music concerts for the whole community, and Limoncello and Arancine making workshops. The club previously marched in the popular San Rocco procession in Fort Lee, and in the Waldwick Memorial Day parade. “A founder of our group was awarded for distinguished service by the ambassador of Italy to the United States, Ferdinando Salleo, for dedicated service to the Italian American community,” Andrea reported, adding, “The club’s president, (Frank) Palladino, attributes its resounding success to its members’ passion to plant seeds for next generation to reap the rich bounty of Italian heritage.” Those who cannot attend New York’s Columbus Day Parade in person may view the celebration as it is broadcast on national television, or may find footage of the event on the Internet. Waldwick Chamber of Commerce Sunday, September 27 12-4 pm – Borough Park (Raindate: Sunday, October 4) Waldwick Day www.waldwickchamberofcommerce.com Event Information Available At: 6th Annual ��������� ��������������� ����������� �� � ����������������������������������� ��������� ����������������������� ������ � �� ��� �������� � ������� ��������������� � � ������� �� ������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� EVENT SPONSORS: Superdome Sports 9-23-09 mike/janine Angelikis3x3(9-23-09) 3x3 Platinum Gold Silver Coldwell Banker/Barthold Atlantic Stewardship Bank Excel Orthopedic Empire Today Rehabilitation Ethos Fitness and Spa Home Hardware Flowers By Joan Ikaika HSBC Bank Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Waldwick Pharmacy Plaza Jewelers The Village Grille W. Patrick Quast For Information, Call Kim Post, Chamber Secretary at 201-693-6734