On behalf of myself, co-chairperson Fran Nardi and The Rockland County Columbus Association, we would like to thank everyone who came out to show their support at our first Italian Festival in West Haverstraw June 21-22. This festival was put together in a very limited amount of time with the help of our President Sal Greco, Vice President Frank Russo, and our committee, Joe Bertolino, Richard Cefola, Mike Dolan (who couldn't do enough for us), Mary Minerick, Rosemarie Brisolari, Antonio Reda, Carlo Greco and Sal Greco Jr. Except for the inclement weather, which was out of our control, I think we did a good job on our first attempt. Next year will be even better.

Thanks to our financial supporters: the Town of Haverstraw, Village of West Haverstraw, The Rockland County Columbian Lawyers Association, Scaffidi Brothers, MCM Paving & Excavation, A&J Real Estate, Lucrezia Nursery & Gardens, The Linguanti Lodge, and Hood, Hood & Hood. Thanks also to Phil DeGaetano for donating T-shirts and to Hush Electrical Contracting for being there every time we needed help. We are also grateful for help from the town, West Haverstraw, Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services, West Haverstraw Fire Department, Haverstraw Ambulance and EMS, and Haverstraw Police Department. The fireworks show was put on by July 4 Ever Fireworks, and it was magnificent. Also thanks to The Neighborhood Cruisers who brought some of their classic cars, the many vendors who supported us and the patrons. We hope that you'll come back next year and support us once again.

Rosemarie Caramanno

Stony Point

The writer is committee chairperson of the Italian Festival Committee and recording secretary of the Rockland County Columbus Association.