More than 100 Italian Americans spent the afternoon of Sept. 29 dancing at America Lodge No. 2245’s 49th annual scholarship Dinner Dance. The Lodge aims to preserve Italian culture and history. Every year, it grants several local students a college scholarship award, as well as five local students with an Italian Language Award.

This year, Lodge members also honored Bruno Caracciolo, president of the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce. He is in the director of the Franklin Funeral Home and has been in the funeral business for 30 years. Additionally, Caracciolo is involved in the Sons of Italy, the Mount Carmel Mutual Aid Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Franklin Square Lions Club, the Franklin Square Kiwanis Club and was a longtime coach of the Franklin Square Raiders Soccer Club.