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The following individuals were honored at the annual Columbus Day Heritage Gala for all they have done for the Columbus Day celebration and for the Italian American Community:

Mayor Carl Amento of Hamden has consistently aided the Columbus Day Committee in a variety of capacities including the Honorary Chairman of the 2005 festivities in the Town of Hamden.

Frank Gentilesco, Art DiSorbo, and Roberta DeLucia of East Haven have been instrumental in providing for and organizing the 2004 festivities in East Haven.  These individuals were of vital importance towards the success of the 2004 festivities in East Haven.

Theresa Argento will receive the highest award for all her efforts over many years as a member in various capacities of the Columbus Day Committee.  She is involved in many Italian-American organizations in the New Haven area and continues to be a vibrant leader in most Italian-American activities.

2005 COLUMBUS DAY PARADE WINNERS

DRUM & BUGLE AND FIFE & DRUM CORPS:
1. CT. ALUMNI SENIOR DRUM & BUGLE CORPS. SOMERS, CT.
2. LANDCRAFT FIFE & DRUM CORPS. EAST HAVEN, CT

FRATERNAL GROUPS:
1. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 10477
2. HAMDEN ELKS

FLOATS:
1. TEAM SPIRIT
2. MARCHEGEGIANA SOCIETY

ITALIAN-AMERICAN SOCIETIES
1. NOTRE DAME ITALIAN CLUB
2. UNITAS CLUB

DRILL TEAMS:
1. HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM
2. SOUL-O-ETTES DRILL TEAM

SCHOOL BANDS:
1. EAST HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL BAND
2. EAST GRANBY CRUSADERS MARCHING BAND

STUDENT MARCHING UNITS:
1. BETSY ROSS ARTS MAGNET TALK WITH JUDGE
2. HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

POLICE:
1. HAMDEN POLICE DEPT
2. NORTH HAVEN POLICE

FIRE:
1. HAMDEN FIRE DEPT
2. NORTH HAVEN FIRE DEPT