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Legislators and honorees pose with framed proclamations during an Italian Heritage celebration in the legislative chamber.

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Board Celebrates Italian American Heritage Month

The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Italian American Heritage Month on Monday evening with a ceremony honoring West Harrison business owner Dave Franze and former State Senator Nick Spano of Yonkers.

Franze, whose parents emigrated from Calabria, founded West Harrison Fitness Center in 1979 and has organized Harrison’s free summer concert series for two decades. Spano, whose grandfather emigrated from Bari, represented Westchester in Albany for nearly three decades, first in the State Assembly and then in the State Senate.

Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown), who convened the ceremony, said, “Italian Americans have helped build Westchester for generations. Their spirit of family, hard work, and community is woven into every corner of our county. This year’s honorees show what that legacy looks like in action: pride in where you come from, turned into service for the people around you. That is a tradition worth celebrating, this month and every month.”

Legislator Jenn Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison) said, “Dave Franze represents the best of our Italian American community—a proud son of Italian immigrants, he has spent decades giving his time, energy, and heart to bringing people together in West Harrison and beyond. Dave’s lifelong commitment to family, small business, and community embodies the values and traditions of his heritage as he continuously and proudly remains true to his roots.”

Minority Whip James Nolan (R–Yonkers, Eastchester, Bronxville) said, “Nick Spano has dedicated decades of his life to serving the people of Yonkers and Westchester County. Throughout his career, he has remained proud of his Italian American roots and has helped keep the traditions, values, and heritage of our community visible for future generations. Nick understands that being Italian American is about more than where our families came from—it is about family, faith, hard work, service, and giving back to the community that gave us so much. I am proud to recognize Nick for his lifetime of public service and for his continued commitment to Yonkers and its Italian American community.”

The meeting replay will be posted here when available.