[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CAMPANIA CLUB FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
congratulate the Campania Club of New Haven on its 85th Anniversary. An 
Italian-American organization, the Campania Club has been a tremendous 
asset to the New Haven community since its inception in 1914.
  Founded by a small group of Italian immigrants, members have worked 
to promote strong family values. These values--love for family and 
friends, the importance of giving to others, a commitment to hard work 
are the foundation upon which our community stands. These are the 
values passed on from generation to generation. Though it began as a 
small neighborhood gathering, the Campania Club has grown and developed 
into an integral part of the foundation on which the New Haven Italian-
American community stands. The Italian neighborhood where I grew up was 
a place where people knew each other, and looked out for each other. 
It's great to see that things haven't changed.
  The strength and integrity of the club lies in the character and 
commitment of its members, and the historical list of club members' 
names, past and present, are a true reflection of the quality of the 
Campania Club. Over the years, membership lists have included many 
local officials and personalities including former Mayor William C. 
Celantano, as well as his brother 1967 Man of the Year, Dr. Luca 
Celentano. Local personalities included Packy DeFonzo and Joseph DeGale 
for whom the DeGale Trophy was named. Considering a major award in the 
athletic field, for years the DeGale Trophy was presented to an 
outstanding city athlete. As the organization has grown, Club members 
continue to serve the community by supporting a variety of service 
organizations, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as 
local businesses and sports teams. It is this type of dedication that 
has kept alive the close-knit New Haven Italian community, passing on 
the legacy and traditions to the next generation.
  The Campania Club has strived to promote family values while 
continuing to foster a proud Italian heritage. It is with great pride 
that I stand before you today to honor the Campania Club and its 
members for 85 years of outstanding service to the New Haven community.

                          ____________________