Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Village of Lynbrook recognized October as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, celebrating the lasting impact of Italian-Americans on the community and the nation.
Mayor Alan Beach read the village proclamation during a recent board meeting, highlighting the importance of honoring Italian-American contributions to Lynbrook’s cultural and civic life.
“It is hereby known that the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook hereby proclaims the month of October as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month in the Lynbrook community,” the proclamation read. “It is our privilege to commemorate this observance… to recognize the many Italian-Americans who have contributed greatly to the progress of our community, our country, and to reflect on the unique cultural heritage that helped to turn the dream of a distant land into the reality of America.”
Following the reading, Beach thanked attendees and added with a smile, “Thank you for keeping Christopher Columbus around.”
Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Per Sempre Lodge No. 2344, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, was President Robert Baccari, who spoke about the lodge’s 50-year history and its charitable and cultural work throughout the village.
“We have 174 members,” Baccari said. “We are a co-ed lodge… we help charitable organizations — autism, Alzheimer’s, Cooley’s anemia — which is one of our biggest endeavors. We also help out the village.”
Baccari noted the lodge’s ongoing community support, from donating food and clothing for outreach programs to providing new Halloween costumes for local children through the Lynbrook Public Library.
Reflecting on Italian-American influence, Baccari highlighted familiar cultural contributions — from the invention of the ice cream cone and the Big Mac to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, originally erected by Italian-American workers.
“Without an Italian-American, you would not be looking at that huge Christmas tree every year,” he said.
Baccari and lodge members presented Mayor Beach with a commemorative Michelangelo poster, honoring the famed Italian Renaissance artist.
“Michelangelo was a sculptor, painter, and architect,” Baccari said, describing his awe at seeing the restored Sistine Chapel in person. “It was so breathtaking to me that I actually saw these images I studied for a good part of my life… they actually come alive when you see them.”
Beach accepted the poster on behalf of the village, thanking the lodge for its continued partnership and commitment to community service.
