The Cultural Italian American Organization's sixth annual Christopher Columbus recognition dinner will honor former Auburn Mayor Melina Carnicelli. The dinner will take place Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Springside Inn, 6141 W. Lake Road, Fleming. It'll begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and continue with an array of Italian dishes, dessert and limoncello. The program will be hosted by anchor Christie Casciano of WSYR.
 
Carnicelli will be honored for her service as a member of Auburn City Council and mayor from 2000 to 2003. A former public school teacher and administrator, Carnicelli also co-created the annual Room Full of Sisters celebration in Auburn, volunteered with several community organizations and events, and led the development of the Women's March in Seneca Falls that began in January 2017.