Stephanie Longo of Dunmore was recently recognized by both the Association of Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi and the town of Guardia Lombardi for her work in preserving Italian and Italian American heritage.

Ms. Longo’s grandfather, the late Joseph Anthony Longo, a prominent barber in Dunmore, emigrated to the United States from Guardia Lombardi in 1927. Ms. Longo’s mother, Ann Marie, taught her the traditions of her family, which she used as the basis of her work in Italian American affairs. Ms. Longo is the author of several award-winning books on northeastern Pennsylvania’s Italian American heritage, including “Italians of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” “Dunmore,” and “Italians of Lackawanna County.”

Ms. Longo is currently the producer of the Italian American Podcast and holds several leadership positions in the national Italian American community. She is also working on her doctorate in strategic communications at Regent University.

Based in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., the Association of Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi seeks to preserve the history and traditions of immigrants to the United States from Guardia Lombardi, Avellino Province, Italy. Mayor Francescantonio Siconolfi of Guardia Lombardi issued a special commendation to Ms. Longo during an event held on September 24 in White Plains, N.Y. She also received special recognition from Cav. Mattia Cipriano, Prince of Sinope and native of Guardia Lombardi at the event.

PHOTO ID: From left: Nancy Forgione, president, ladies auxiliary, Association of Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi; Nicholas D’Antona, president, Association of Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi; Ms. Longo; Joseph Petriello, first vice president, Association of Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi; and Cav. Mattia Cipriano, Prince of Sinope.