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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored five New Yorkers from the Italian community for their accomplishments during his 2003 Italian Heritage and Cultural Celebration on October 20, 2003.

"There is no New York without Italian New York," Thompson said in addressing the guests assembled in City Hall's Council Chambers. "The history of this city, and the history of the Italian American community here, are deeply entwined."

Thompson added about the evening's event: "We honor the efforts of the many Italian Americans who helped New York become a world class city. We pay tribute to the memory of the Italian New Yorkers who literally built this town. And we honor a special group of men and women who are continuing the tradition of achievement, community, and leadership today."

The distinguished honorees were: John F. Calvelli, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Wildlife Conservation Society; Barbara Gigante, Owner/ Director, Celebration for Kids Learning Center; Hon. Angela M. Mazzarelli, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, New York State Supreme Court; Richard Nicotra, Owner and Co-chair, The Nicotra Group LLC; and Marianne Teta, Director of External Affairs, Brooklyn & Staten Island, Verizon, and President, Bay Ridge Business and Professional Women, Inc.

Thompson also made a special presentation to Dr. Angelo Gimondo, President and Chair of Italian Heritage and Culture Month, and Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, Vice President for Institutional Development, Queens College, and Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute.

Giuseppe and Daniela Taormina of Staten Island performed at the event.

Please contact Gavinn Boyce at the Press Office at (212) 669-2639 for digital photographs.

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