Italians of the Year announced

  • 2018-09-20
At Norwich's Holiday Inn next month, there will be a banquet to present the Italian of the Year award.

Two individuals are receiving the award this year. Vincent Malerba's family has owned Norwich's Malerba's Farm for three generations. He says he has gone to almost all of the banquets honoring the winners, but did not expect to be chosen for it himself.

John Marino is a retired engineer and avid volunteer in the Preston. He has volunteered for the Wildcat Band for a decade and was once the president. He is also a Preston Historical Society member and is currently pushing for a senior citizen program.

Since 1993, Norwich's Italian Americans have been honored by this award. According to the Italian Cultural and Heritage Committee member, Doug Demicco, Italian Americans who win the award have made a positive impact in the local area, and it is a mixture of their cultural heritage and actions that have bettered the community.

Demicco won the award four years ago, and he commented that his actions that gained him the award were not for the award. He simply wanted to make a difference and do what was right.

With the banquet taking place on October 12, reservations are $38 and are available at Liberty Restaurant Supply on East Main Street. On October 14, taking place at Chelsea Parade, there will be a Columbus Monument ceremony.

Sometimes, awards are certificates. Other times, they are engraved trinkets that reflect what the award is for, and are similar to Corporate Gifts for businesses.

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