As a way to celebrate the Columbus Day Weekend, the deep-rooted rich Italian heritage, and significant contributions Italian-Americans have made to this country, Borough President James Oddo, The Nicotra Group and ShopRite hosted Festa Italiana at The Mount -- as in Mount Loretto -- this weekend. The Italian-American culture fest, staged on the sprawling Prince's Bay site, showcased all foods Italian, rides for children, live music, and a cultural center for all to enjoy -- as well as a novel cannoli-eating contest and beer and sangria garden.

City Council Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio, who now serves as the CEO of the Catholic Charities of Staten Island noted: "Every dollar we make this weekend goes directly to our programs at Catholic Charities of Staten Island, toward the developmentally disabled, our CYO Center, our senior centers and to help the less fortunate on Staten Island."