Since October is Italian Heritage Month, what better way to celebrate all things Italian than to eat, drink and be merry — and celebrate all the good works performed by members of The Italian-American Women of Staten Island (IAWSI)? 

The organization commemorated its annual “Pranzo” Luncheon at the Crystal Room in South Beach and saw newly elected president, Valerie Pepe, deliver a heartwarming welcome to members — both old and new — before encouraging them to share and enjoy in an afternoon of camaraderie, Italian culture, fine food and superb music.