by Mariana Oliva / Islip Bulletin
The Town of Islip held its Italian Heritage Awards on Oct. 22 at the Islip Town Hall. The ceremony started at 2 p.m. and four members of the Town of Islip were recognized for their dedication to their communities, awarded by Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter.
The first person awarded was John Raimondi of West Islip. Raimondi and his family moved to the United States from Italy in 1974, where he attended West Babylon Senior High School, graduating in 198g. He continued his education at SUNY Farmingdale College.
Raimondi has volunteered to coach the West Islip Little League Baseball and Soccer Club for over a decade. He has also supported local events and charities such as the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and West Islip's SEPTA, an organization for those who are interested in the issues of educating special needs and gifted students.
The second recipient was Frank Giaquinto, who has shown his appreciation and dedication to Islip. Giaquinto was recognized for his dedication to his family, in which his two daughters, Skye and Gianna, serve the community as registered nurses. With his active involvement in local initiatives, Giaquinto has had a lasting impact on his family and the Islip community.
Rich D'Andrea was the third person recognized at the meeting. D'Andrea is actively involved in the community, holding positions at Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association, the Patchogue Family YMCA and the Kenneth F.
Stein Scholarship Foundation. He has supported local families and young adults with scholarship initiatives.
"Rich exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and community spirit, making him a cherished figure in the community, councilman John Lorenzo said.
The final honoree for the Italian Heritage celebration was Frank Salvaggio, who moved to Bay Shore from Sicily, Italy, at the age of 8. Salvaggio is active in the Bay Shore Restaurant Committee and has volunteered time with his community by donating to various organizations and hosting pre-Thanksgiving events for local veterans. He has shown his dedication to Bay Shore and the importance of giving back.
"Congratulations to all the honorees of this year's Italian Heritage Awards, and a sincere thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community." Carpenter said.
