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Walking tour, special visitors, flag-raising and much more

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Philly Pops Orchestra President and CEO Frank Giordano holds a copy of Charlie Gracie’s autobiography at Charlie Gracie’s show in Berwyn.

Philly Pops Orchestra President and CEO Frank Giordano holds a copy of Charlie Gracie’s autobiography at Charlie Gracie’s show in Berwyn.

By Barbara Ann Zippi

October is full of activities for Italians to celebrate their culture, heritage and traditions.

Ciao Philadelphia, now in its third year, was created by Consul General Andrea Canepari to celebrate Italian Cultural Month with a wide range of activities.

A free highlight held throughout the month features a park ranger walking tour discussing Italian influences on the city of Philadelphia. Glimpse 18th century Italy and Philadelphia, and learn about how Italian culture has become embedded in American society through trade, art, architecture, science and politics.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 Ariano’s Ristorante Italiano in Media, Pa., hosts a block party to welcome visiting Italian police. Owner Anthony Bellapigna and Media Police invite you to come meet the Italian Federal Police from Ariano Irpino, outside Naples. All proceeds benefit the Delco Hero Scholarship Fund.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Delaware County Veteran Memorial in Newtown Square, Pa., the Fizzano family will participate in the 2nd Sunday Casket Flag Raising Ceremony and fly 11 American Flags of their Italian American family veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

thony Bellapigna of Ariano’s in Media treats Sue Serio of Fox 29 and Linda Houldin of Delaware County Historical Society to gelato fresh from the machine.

thony Bellapigna of Ariano’s in Media treats Sue Serio of Fox 29 and Linda Houldin of Delaware County Historical Society to gelato fresh from the machine.

Pam Mariani, creator of the Phil*Hanna Fund under the umbrella of Delaware County Community College Educational Foundation, will host a charity golf event Oct. 10 at Hershey’s Mill Golf Club, West Chester, Pa. Then scholarship fund for a women in the field of nursing was founded in memory of her mother Philomena and birth mother Hanna, both inflicted with illnesses at a young age. To register contact pammariani52@gmail.com.

Ciao Bella Living Italian Style continues the second Friday night series of Italian classic cinema at Vinyl Record Revival next to the Lansdowne (Pa.) Theater. Before the movie join us for a complimentary limoncello tasting and meet Italian authors, artists and poets. For a schedule call (610) 284-3537.

In Levittown, Pa., on Oct. 30 at 3 p.m., the State Lodge of Pennsylvania, Order Sons of Italy will feature A Tribute to Frank Sinatra with the 18-piece Monday Blues Jazz Orchestra and renowned tenor Greg Farnese at St. Michael the Archangel Church.  For tickets call (800) 838-3006.

Love Mandolins? The Munier Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra and The Mandolin Society of Philadelphia welcome and host, in historic Valley Forge, the 30th annual Classical Mandolin Society of America (CMSA) convention Nov. 2-6, with pre-convention technique classes for mandolin, mandola, mandocello and guitar on Nov. 1. To learn more visit www.classicalmandolinsociety.org or contact Mark Linkins marklinkins64@gmail.com.

For jazz lovers, Anthony Bellapigna continues sharing his Ariano roots when he features his cousin Pasquale Grasso on Nov. 19 for the Media Jazz Fest at Ariano Restaurante Italiano.  Grasso’s extraordinary education and career include studies at the Music Conservatory of Bologna and workshops conducted in Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Holland and Slovenia. In 2012, he moved to New York City and quickly made a name for himself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. Grasso was named a Jazz Ambassador with the U.S. Embassy, touring extensively across Europe, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Lithuania and Ukraine. If you’re in New York, check out his performances in the Flat Iron district, www.PasqualeGrasso.com

At the “Unmasking the Legacy” gala Nov. 2 at the Ballroom at the Ben, Philadelphia celebrates ten local leaders who excel professionally and provide outstanding community service. Congratulations to Italian-American International Realtor Lisa Silveri, selected as one of 10 JerseyMan Magazine and PhillyMan Magazine “Man and Woman of the Year Honorees.”

Until next month, Ciao Bella!

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