[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24113]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



TRIBUTE TO LODGE FIGLI DELLA SICILIA NO. 227, COLUMBIAN FEDERATION AND 
                  VITO MANZELLA, 2001 MAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, the Lodge Figli Della Sicilia No. 227 ``Sons 
of Sicily'' is a lodge of the Columbian Federation of Italian-American 
societies, and is one of the largest Italian-American organizations in 
the State of Michigan. Serving the tri-county area of metropolitan 
Detroit, Lodge 227 includes over 250 families whose purpose is to 
promote and preserve the Italian-American heritage through language, 
culture, music, and social events. Each year the Lodge 227 holds its 
annual banquet, honoring distinguished Italian-Americans in the 
community who have shown outstanding support and activism in their 
local community. On Saturday, September 29, as the Lodge Figli Della 
Sicilia celebrated its 65th Annual Banquet, they recognized Vito 
Manzella as their ``2001 Man of the Year''.
  Faithfully committed to the preservation of Italian heritage, the 
Lodge Figli Della Sicilia No. 227 has been a cornerstone of the Italian 
American community since its founding in Detroit on February 10, 1936. 
As a dedicated member of over 30 years, President Salvatore Previti's 
outstanding leadership has motivated families to reach out to 
surrounding communities in friendship and charity. From preparations 
for the Columbus Day Parade and festivities to annual can and clothing 
drives for the Capuchin Food Kitchen during the holidays, the Lodge has 
truly become a part of the Metro Detroit family. The tireless efforts 
of Lodge 227 are outstanding, and will continue to be appreciated for 
years to come.
  The Lodge Figli Della Sicilia's ``2001 Man of the Year'', Vito 
Manzella has demonstrated dedication and commitment to his family, his 
work, and his community for so many years. Born to Salvatore and Rosa 
Manzella in Detroit in 1967, who had just emigrated from Sicily 5 years 
before, Vito grew up in St. Clair Shores as a hard worker for the 
family business, Manzella's Fruit Market, and an athlete and leader in 
his community. Upon the untimely death of his father in 1995, Vito took 
over the store and has since continued the traditions of warmth and 
generosity Manzella's Fruit Market has always brought to the community. 
As a sponsor of churches and charities across Macomb County, Manzella's 
is a drop off site for ``Toys for Tots'', and after the September 11 
tragedies, Vito donated 10 percent of profits from sales on September 
19th, 2001. Vito's hard work and innovative ideas have been the driving 
force in the success of Manzella's, and his generous contributions and 
active involvement as a distinguished business owner and friend to all 
truly makes him this year's ``2001 Man of the Year.''
  I applaud the Lodge Figli Della Sicilia No. 227 Columbian Federation 
and Vito Manzella for their leadership, commitment, and service, and I 
urge my colleagues to join me in saluting them for their exemplary 
years of leadership and service.

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