[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 18 (Thursday, February 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA--MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2001

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw my colleagues' 
attention to two individuals from New Jersey whose outstanding 
community service has earned them the title of ``Man and Woman of the 
Year'' and the seats of honor at the Order Sons of Italy in America 
dinner February 11 in Hazlet, New Jersey.
  This year's Woman of the Year is Manalapan Mayor Mary Cozzalino, the 
youngest female Italian-American elected official in the State of New 
Jersey. In addition to the many official, civic and volunteer 
contributions she is making to the citizens of Manalapan, she is also 
Police Commissioner, overseeing the security in this still-expanding 
Monmouth County Community.
  This year's Man of the Year is Franco Minervini, a nationally-
renowned sculptor whose highly-acclaimed works of art frequently 
express his Italian-American heritage. Mr. Minervini not only being 
honored for his artistic achievements. As former commissioner of the 
Commission for Social Justice, he is being honored for his hard work on 
fighting and exposing discrimination against Italian Americans.
  Almost all of us who serve in the House are fortunate to have Sons of 
Italy lodges in our district, so it is important that we be 
occasionally reminded of the tremendous services the Sons of Italy 
perform for our community and for health and education of our families. 
During the past 38 years, the Sons of Italy foundation has awarded over 
$25 million in scholarships to Italian-American students. The Sons of 
Italy also provide funding for medical research on genetic diseases, 
homes for orphans, victims of natural disasters, international issues, 
and law enforcement support projects.
  So, I would like to congratulate the Sons of Italy for its many years 
of commitment to helping others and for the selection of Franco 
Minervini and Mary Cozzalino, two individuals who embody the ideals and 
the goals of this fine organization.

                          ____________________