Bella Italia Mia Celebrates Italian Heritage & Culture

Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1807- 2007, is called the "Hero of the Two Worlds" in a tribute to his military expeditions in South America and Europe. In 1850 he immigrated to New York, worked and lived on Staten Island and at the outbreak of the Civil War volunteered his services to President Abraham Lincoln and was invited to serve as a major general in the Union Army.

For more information, call 212-988-4850 or go to www.italyculturemonth.org.

Many Italian American recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor are listed with the New York State Commission for Social Justice, Grand Lodge of new York, Order of the Sons of Italy in America. To find our more about this prestigious American honor, call 516.785.4623.

And for some more current things to do Bella Italia Mia will be holding their 10th annual celebration of Italian heritage and pizza party on Saturday, November 24, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Christ the King H.S., 68- 02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village. Members $20, non-members $30, ages 11 to 18 $10.

Pizza will be made available by Tony Modica of La Bella Vita; musical stylings of Antonio & Alba, Eleanor Bologna and Michael Castaldo, dance along with Fernando Caruso and celebrate a mock wedding. The event is sponsored by state Senator Serphin Maltese and Anne Paolucci.

Upcoming Bella Italia Mia Events: Nov. 25 "The Theater of Marcellus In Rome" Nov. 29 Dino Rosi Christmas Concert Dec. 1 Italian Legion of Merit Dinner Dance, Colony Club Dec. 6 "Kings of Christmas" Dec. 9 La Festa di Natale all' Italiana Christmas Party Dec. 10 Cristina Fontanelli, Kaufman Theater Dec. 16 Jeanette Vecchioni in Concert, Carnegie Hall Dec. 17 L'Esperienza Christmas Concert Dec. 19 Mario Lanza Lodge Meeting Dec. 23 Tracing Italian American Immigrant History

Memberships are available at $20 per year, corporate sponsors $50 per year. Donations are eligible for IRS tax exemption. For more information, call 718-426- 1240.