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Co-Founder Severino Verna To Be Honored At Columbus Day Parade Philadelphia City Council President Anna C. Verna and Pete Ciarrocchi, president of the 1492 Society, Inc. are proud to announce the 2010 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade will be held this Sunday, Oct. 10. The Columbus Day Parade tradition will honor Cavalier Severino Verna who co- founded the Parade in Philadelphia in 1957. Verna was the late husband of President Verna. Also honored will be the contributions and the culture of Philadelphia’s Italian American Community. In announcing this year’s parade, President Verna stated, “I am delighted to continue with this wonderful tradition and I am pleased that the community has come together to make this year’s
parade a reality.” Philadelphia business leader Pete Ciarrocchi, who previously led the Columbus Day Committee of Philadelphia and was instrumental in forming and incorporating the 1492 Society, Inc. earlier this year, said, “Last year it was an embarrassment when the parade was cancelled. I was determined that the Columbus Day Parade would happen this year and in future years.” The 1492 Society, Inc.
was founded last March by a group of concerned community, civic and fraternal leaders to ensure the celebration of Christopher Columbus in Philadelphia for generations to come. The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade is South Philadelphia native and legendary personality Jerry Blavat. Entering his fifth decade in the entertainment industry, Jerry Blavat long ago transcended the medium of radio. Describing Jerry
as a “radio DJ” is like describing Abraham Lincoln as a politician from Illinois. He’s a true cultural icon in Philadelphia. In addition to the active participation of the Italian and Italian American organizations, the Columbus Day parade highlights Mummers string bands and brigades, outstanding high school and elementary school marching bands, and many other
organizations representing the various ethnic traditions of our great city. This year, the 1492 Society, Inc. is proud to host the Marine Forces Reserve Band from New Orleans, La. The parade will kick off at Broad & Morris Streets in South Philadelphia at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised live by WPVI-Channel 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. An Italian festival will be held at Marconi Plaza
featuring food, dance and music from the diverse regions of Italy from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The presenting sponsors of the 2010 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade are the 1492 Society, Inc., the Honorable Anna C. Verna, P. Agnes Builders, Defense Realty, Chickie’s & Pete’s, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Order Sons of Italy in America and the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union.
The Public Record • Oct. 7, 2010
Saluting Philadelphia’s Italian American Community
Proud To Be An Italian American. State Senator
Tina Tartaglione
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Salutes
1601 Bridge St Phila., PA 19124 215-533-0440
Norris Square 127 W. Susquehanna Ave Phila., PA 19122 215-291-4653
City Council President
ANNA C. VERNA 215-686-3412
www.phillyrecord.com
The 518th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus Discovering America Proudly Serving 2nd Senatorial District