Essex County marks Italian Heritage Month, honors four community leaders

The Essex County Board of Commissioners opened its 2024 Italian Heritage Month celebration on Oct. 16 with a program honoring four local figures for their civic and cultural contributions. "My name is Carlos Pomeras and I have the pleasure of serving as the president of the Essex County Board of Commissioners this year," the board president said as he welcomed honorees and a livestream audience.

The event recognized Assemblyman Michael Venezia, Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti, Madeline ("Lainie") Hicks of Maplewood and the Granada family of Bella Italia restaurant in Orange. Commissioners read formal commendations and presented certificates, including congressional certificates from Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s office.

Why it mattered: Commissioners framed the ceremony as both a celebration of Italian American history in the county and a community-recognition event. The program also acknowledged this year’s Nutley–Belleville Columbus Day Parade honorees and the volunteers who run it.

Assemblyman Michael Venezia accepted his award and reflected on his local roots and public service. "I'm a 3rd generation Bloomfield resident," Venezia said, noting his work as a former mayor and his new role in the state Assembly representing the 34th District.

Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti received a citation highlighting a career that began at the Essex County Police Academy and advanced through patrol and detective assignments to his current post as chief. Conforti thanked his department and deputy chief Will Young and noted the role of community partnerships in policing.

Madeline Hicks, introduced for her work as an employment and labor attorney, thanked the board and described the honor through the lens of identity. "As a proud black Italian American woman I just thank you for seeing that and recognizing it," she said, emphasizing family and mentorship in her remarks.

The Granada family — Sal Sr., Sal Jr. and their relatives of Bella Italia in Orange — were honored for more than 40 years of restaurant service and community support, including charitable catering and food drives. Multiple local officials and community members praised the restaurant’s role as a social hub and supporter of first responders and union activities.

The program included musical performances and a reading of the poem "The Bread We Ate," offered as a reflection on immigrant experience and family traditions. Commissioners closed the evening with photographs, a meal for attendees in the hallway and a final prayer led by Reverend Father Joseph Ferrero.

No formal votes or board actions were taken during the ceremony; the program functioned as a recognition event. The board noted the parade committee’s work and the approximate parade operating budget, and it encouraged continued community support for cultural events.

Next steps: The commissioners planned group photographs and an after‑party at Bella Italia in Orange; there was no follow-up action recorded on the board’s formal agenda.