Residents of Westbury and its surrounding communities came out last weekend for the first-annual Italian Heritage Festival of Il Circollo Di Amici. On Saturday, Sept. 21, New York State Governor George Pataki attended the event as a guest speaker.

"It's so important [for] you to continue to keep alive that immigrant experience and that Italian culture and heritage right here in Westbury," Gov. Pataki told those in attendance. "We're so proud of the contributions that Italian-Americans have made to make this state and this country the greatest place in the world to live ..." Pataki also spoke of his Italian heritage. His grandfather was born in Italy.

Il Circollo Di Amici (CDA), which means "Circle of Friends" in Italian, will celebrate its third anniversary this year on Columbus Day. The group currently has approximately 100 members from throughout Nassau County. Antonietta Iuliucci, secretary for CDA and a resident of Westbury, said the festival is a "way to demonstrate and show pride in Italian heritage."

Rather than providing rides and games, last weekend's festival offered an educational perspective into Italian culture. Those in attendance learned the history of the tomato, pasta and wine, and participated in pasta-eating, grape-stomping and pizza-twirling contests. Residents could also view exhibits on Italian-American culture and learn more information about local Italian organizations. Members of the group also dressed in costume, portraying famous Italians in American history.

Vincent Scialli, president of CDA, said, "I hope by presenting a little bit of food and a little bit of music, [everyone] could experience what I was privileged to experience from immigrant parents."

Senators Michael Balboni (R, 7th S.D) and Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R, 8th S.D) recently granted the CDA $20,000 to hold the Italian Heritage Festival and all proceeds raised will go toward establishing headquarters for the organization where they can hold meetings. A goal of CDA, said Iuliucci, is to branch out to other Italian-American communities. In the past three years, CDA has donated proceeds from their events to charitable causes, including cancer research and education.

In addition to Gov. Pataki, several local political officials attended the festival throughout the weekend, including Village of Westbury Mayor Ernest Strada, Deputy Mayor Paul Echausse, Westbury Trustee Alphonse Campbell and Westbury Village Clerk/Treasurer Thomas Savino as well as Senators Balboni, Fuschillo, and Carl Marcellino (R, 5th S.D.), New York State Assemblyman Steven Labriola (R, 12 A.D.) and Assemblywomen Donna Ferrara (R, 15th A.D.) and Maureen O'Connell (R, 17th A.D.), Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello (9th L.D.) and Joseph Mondello, chairman of the Republican Party.

In light of the country's current War on Terrorism, Gov. Pataki said, "We have an obligation to have the promise of the American dream, to have the concept of hope and opportunity in the freest state in the freest country that's ever been, come true for every single child." To the Boys Scouts present, he added, "We're going to make sure the New York and America they live in is the best New York and America that has ever been."

Meetings of the Il Circollo Di Amici are held at 8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Westbury Community Center. Although being Italian is not a requirement to join Il Circollo Di Amici, voting privileges within the group are granted only to members of Italian descent.