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Peekskill presents inaugural Italian American Heritage honorees at council meeting
Summary
The Peekskill Common Council recognized seven community members in a first-time Italian American Heritage awards ceremony, highlighting longtime local businesses, volunteers and cultural contributions; several recipients offered brief remarks about family, community service and the city's history.
Mayor Vivian McKenzie opened the evening by announcing the city's first Italian American Heritage recognition and presenting proclamations for seven honorees at the Common Council meeting. Deputy Mayor Riley said the ceremony was intended to "honor all people within the city" and described Peekskill as "a city of inclusion, of diversity," tracing local Italian-American ties through businesses and community groups.
The council read brief biographies recognizing each honoree's local ties and service. Joanne Boniello was cited for volunteer work and founding the Peekskill Community Garden; David Carbone was noted as a lifelong resident and administrator of a local Facebook group that documents city events; Doug Ferroni was recognized for longstanding family businesses and for performing in local parades; Sofia Ferroni was praised for her small business and community sponsorships; John Isabella Jr., Rocco Picciano Jr. and Carlo Pedrini were also celebrated for decades of local involvement, volunteerism and work with schools and civic groups.
Several honorees offered short remarks. John Isabella Jr. called the award an honor, recalled family ties to the city and said, "I accept this on behalf of all of them. We all love Peekskill" (acceptance remarks). Deputy Mayor Riley framed the event as "our first ever annual Italian heritage...award ceremony" and urged recognition of the cultural, economic and civic contributions of Italian Americans to Peekskill.
The mayor invited attendees and honorees to a post-ceremony reception downstairs. The recognitions were ceremonial proclamations made on behalf of the common council and did not include any formal policy or funding actions.
