Columbus Day was observed on October 12th of this week.   We celebrate this day to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World.  The day recognizes the achievements of a great Renaissance explorer and to celebrate Italian American Heritage. It has been an observed holiday since President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed it in 1934.

This past week the Progressive Women's Association (PWA) of Harrison County observed Italian Heritage Month by presenting an event which included a luncheon and the induction of ten women into the Women of Distinction Honor Roll.  Before a sell-out audience, Susan Abbruzzino, Sister Anne Francis, Joan Smith, Louise Martin, Tressa Minard Wolfe, Betty Larosa, Folly Basile, Romona Rose, Pam Krall and Diane Urchak were honored as Italian Americans, for their contributions and achievements in Harrison County.  Each honoree was presented with a plaque and Vice Mayor Jim Malfregeot presented them a lapel pin from the City. 

 

Assisting with the presentation was Kathy Titus, CVB Director who was a sponsor of the presentation.  Davis Funeral Home was a sponsor of the event. Harrison County Commissioner Ron Watson presented a Proclamation to Lexie Mayfield, Vice President of the PWA proclaiming October Italian American Culture month in Harrison County.  James Mazzei led the group in the pledge and Janice McMurdo led the  singing of God Bless America. Father Anderson gave the blessing.  Dinner music was presented by DeeDee Collett of Vintage Theatre. Dinner was prepared by Mark Dinaldo. 

 

The next induction into the Women of Distinction Honor Roll will be in February when the PWA will present a luncheon to observe Black Culture Month.

Keynote speaker for the event was Secretary of State Natalie Tennent who shared her Italian heritage with the group. Fall flowers decorated the ball room and were supplied by JoEllen Crowley of Home Finders Plus.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane just take the time to think about all those individuals who took the time to send birthday wishes to you.  I celebrated number 76 this past week and had several celebrations hosted by my wonderful children, but nothing could match the satisfaction I got from reading all the Facebook wishes I received.    There were those who are my closest friends from childhood, then there were those who I  have shared my professional life with and those who I do community work with.  Then there were all those kids who were friends with my kids and who frequented my house after school activities.  Then there were all those who are friends with my children and the list goes on an on.  First  I want to thank all of you and to let you know just how much these wishes meant to me.  I have not deleted them and I go back and read them over and over. 

Just a little update on my current condition. I am still taking chemo every three weeks and will start radiation next week.  This will involve five treatments a week for six weeks and I will continue to take chemo for a year.    Sometimes I am a big baby and complain but I am trying to be strong, especially for my husband, Dave, who is adjusting to this bald headed woman he is living with, who seems to have gotten stuck on the couch.  The biggest excitement in my life is waiting for the mail to read all those wonderful cards I get daily.  I am saving every one of them which will be added to my collection of cards that I have received over the last 55 years.

 

Talk about a "woman"….you cannot imagine how pleased I was when Nancy Davisson and Alexis Scot came to visit me. I want to thank Ruby, Stephanie, Ruth and Nancy for the flowers they send me and to  Melda and Jim for the lovely fall mums. I love all the the little pink items I get and especially the pink bouquet presented to me by Kathy Titus.  I came home last night after a little drive and  on my porch was the beautiful big pink bow.  Thanks to whoever put it there. 

 

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please remember to schedule your mammogram, it can be a lifesaver.  Life can be short friends so live each day to its fullest and most of all remember those who love you. To be loved you must also love.

Take care and until next week Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."