Public Employee Press

DC 37 celebrates
Italian Heritage

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

In the 2009 movie musical "Nine," multi-platinum mega-star Fergie croons that we should all "Be Italian."

More than 350 union members from dozens of locals and their families were invited to "Be Italian" once again at the 15th annual DC 37 Italian Heritage Committee Dinner-Dance Oct. 16 at Russo's on the Bay in Queens.

"It is truly an honor to be part of this event that we all look forward to each year," said Committee Chair Michael DeMarco as he welcomed one and all to the festivities.

DeMarco, who is president of New York City Traffic Employees Local 1455, thanked the hardworking members of the committee for making the event possible. The committee is co-chaired by Dept. of Environmental Protection Supervisory Employees Local 1322 President Fred Ricci.

"Thank you for bringing us together as a family," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. She spoke of the long and proud history of Italian-American workers, activists and leaders in the U.S. labor movement and DC 37 itself. Roberts pointed to the founding patriarchs of many Blue Collar Division and other locals that are still going strong as examples of the indomitable unionism that has kept DC 37 strong through the years.

With speeches finished, it was time to break bread, pour some vino, and populate the dance floor. Guests joined together for the Tarantella - a traditional dance that gathers participants in a big circle, first moving clockwise, then changing direction each time the music speeds up. The dance is a staple at Italian weddings, and the music is iconic and has been heard on television and in movies like "The Godfather."

As Sicilian songbird Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" brought a warm-hearted close to the affair, members, families and guests were left with full bellies, high spirits and the kind of joy that can only come from being Italian.