The West Haven Columbus Day Committee will honor its “prima italiana” at the city’s 19th annual Columbus Day Celebration. Grace Iannucci Hendricks, the granddaughter of immigrant grandparents from the Campania capital of Naples, Italy, will receive the committee’s Italian-American of the Year award Oct. 6 at City Hall.

Accompanied by Italian music, members of the West Haven Italian-American Civic Association will escort Iannucci Hendricks to the steps of City Hall at 11:30 a.m. for her special recognition. The award is given annually to an Italian resident, or couple, who epitomizes service in the city’s robust Italian-American community. (To sign up for West Haven breaking news alerts and more, click here.)