On Saturday, March 21st, The Marine Park Alliance (MPA), in partnership with Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, celebrated exceptional Italian and Italian-American women for Women’s History Month at the Carmine Carro Center.
Colorful green, white and red Italian flags decorated the center at 3300 Fillmore Avenue and were given out to guests, along with “I Love Italia” souvenir bracelets, to set a festive tone. MPA Executive Director Scott Middleton welcomed attendees and introduced emcee and MPA board member Kristy Di Cario.
“This is the celebration of the ‘Ciao Bella’ (Hello Beautiful), and we’re celebrating women with an Italian connection and to Italy,” Di Cario said prior to her presentation about Italian and Italian-American women.
The program included live opera performances by Kayla Viviana and Melanie Spector from The Opera Next Door, (TOND) along with trivia games, prizes and a raffle.
In its 14th year, MPA has celebrated Women’s History Month with a different theme each year. This year’s honorees were chosen via social media nominations of inspiring Italian-American women who are admired and dedicated to community leadership.
Jane Carbonaro Arrabito was recognized by Aidan Cohen as someone who has shaped the Marine Park and the James Madison community through her father’s football scholarships and other works to raise thousands of dollars for alumni.
“Jane represents everything this award stands for: service, compassion, leadership, family and the commitment to lifting others up,” Cohen said.
Josephine Gambino Politi was recognized by Williams who described her as a “pillar in our community.” Politi, a recently retired co-owner of Palermo Bakery on Avenue N, served the community for 50 years, donating cheesecakes and other baked goods to Mill Basin and neighborhood police meetings that she was also an active member of.
“Francesca Milanato is a devoted educator, healer and community leader whose life’s work reflects the strength and spirit of Italian-American community,” Helen Ufrete said. She said that Milanato has dedicated decades to supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of others through her teaching and wellness programs. Her continuing work with active older adults at the Carro Center and years of service in healthcare settings as a patient advocate has enriched many lives.
Danielle Mastrion, a celebrated Brooklyn muralist, was recognized by Middleton. He said that her “vibrant public arts bring color, culture and community pride to neighborhoods and across New York City.” Mastrion’s works include painting the colorful Lenape Park in Marine Park (aka Snake Park), Shirley Chisholm State Park and numerous murals in Coney Island, among others around the world.
Dee Pozzuoli was recognized by Lauren Mason who said that Pozzuoli dedicated 33 years helping older adults through Millennium Development at the Carro Center. She is a devoted member of the Marine Park Community Association and volunteers at her church to give out meals. “Dee has a rare gift. She makes people feel seen, cared for and valued,” Mason said. “She goes above and beyond, not for recognition, but because that’s simply who she is.”
Special recognition was given to the late RoseMarie Carro, a dedicated volunteer and active community member who served on various committees, worked on events and more. She is recognized each year, but especially this year because she was an extraordinary woman of Italian descent. She was married to Carmine Carro, the namesake of the center, and there is a kitchen in the center named after her in her honor.
With overwhelming support from community nominations, the RoseMarie Carro award was presented to her daughter, Maria Carro-D’Alessandro.
“As the founding chair of the Marine Park Alliance, Maria has made a lasting impact on our community through her dedication, leadership and commitment to uplifting others,” Di Cario said. “Her work reflects the very spirit of Women’s History Month, celebrating strength, perseverance and the power of giving back.”
The finale included a brief presentation by Italian-American MPA Teen Leader Chloe Zagami and greetings from TOND founder Sasha Gutierrez who introduced the final opera duet performance. Refreshments were provided by Palermo Bakery, featuring an assortment of pastries, St. Joseph’s Day cakes and coffee.
