[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE WEST HAVEN ITALIAN-AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION AS THEY 
                    CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of the West Haven 
Italian-American Civic Association as they celebrate a remarkable 
milestone--their 50th Anniversary. As they mark this golden 
anniversary, their many members and their families can be proud of all 
that they have contributed and continue to contribute to our community.
  My hometown of New Haven, Connecticut and its surrounding communities 
have always had a large and very proud Italian-American population. 
Over the years, a number of Italian-American clubs and organizations 
were formed by small groups within different neighborhoods and most 
were dedicated to particular towns or regions in the old country or 
were affiliated with certain Saints or religious societies. It was, is 
still today, a means of preserving and celebrating the traditions and 
culture brought to America from Italy.
  The founders of the West Haven Italian-American Civic Association 
wanted to create a place where all Americans of Italian descent could 
meet and socialize--an organization that was more general in its appeal 
and that encompassed all that the local Italian-American communities 
had to offer. They also wanted to create an organization that would 
allow them to give back to the community and country that had offered 
them so many opportunities and blessings.
  After the official incorporation of both the West Haven Italian-
American Civic Association and its sister organization, the West Haven 
Italian American Auxiliary, member contributions made possible the 
purchase of a plot of land and through the volunteer efforts of the 
membership, the buildings and grounds were renovated and improved. In 
less than a decade, because of increased membership, it became clear 
that they would need additional space for their meetings and social 
gatherings. Once again the generosity and volunteer efforts of the 
club's membership allowed them to build a new meeting hall which is 
still used today.
  The West Haven Italian-American Civic Association has always been 
more than a social organization. One of their founding principles was a 
commitment to give back to the community in which they and their 
families had found the opportunity to prosper. Through the years, local 
schools, service organizations, police, fire, and volunteer 
organizations have all benefited from the generosity of the 
Association's members. Through its Civic and Welfare Fund, more than 
$70,000 has been contributed to various causes. The Association also 
sponsors numerous youth sports teams and offers free use of their hall 
for, among many things, school bingos, sports affairs, and community 
fundraisers. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Association and 
the Auxiliary have not only realized the vision of the founding 
members, but have far exceeded them.
  For their many invaluable contributions, I am proud to stand today to 
pay tribute to the membership--past and present---of the West Haven 
Italian-American Civic Association and Auxiliary as they mark their 
golden anniversary. I have no doubt that they and future generations of 
members will continue to make a difference in the lives of others 
leaving an indelible mark on our community. My very best wishes for 
another 50 years of success!

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