For members of GRUNICO, the Italian-American service organization chapter that welcomes members from Mahwah, Columbus Day is much more than a day off from work. It is a chance to showcase members’ Italian and American heritages.

In honor of the holiday, County Executive Kathleen Donovan and the Baord of Chosen Freeholders this week recognized GRUNICO, and Bergen’s 15 other local chapters of the service organization UNICO, for their contributions to the community. GRUNICO members were at the county’s second-ever Italian flag raising ceremony at the administrative center in Hackensack Wednesday. 

“Kathy Donovan recognizing us for doing something good in this community – that was a really big deal for us,” GRUNICO President Louis LaVigna. 

“We really want people to start recognizing all of the positive contributions Italian Americans have made,” Ralph Contini, a UNICO leader and the National Columbus Day Chairman, said. “That’s why being honored by the county was very important to us.” 

UNICO, which stands for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, and Opportunity, has over 700 members in Bergen County. The honorees said Bergen’s flag-raising ceremony will be a great start to this month’s celebrations. 

This Columbus Day, members of GRUNICO will be marching in NYC’s parade. Sunday, the group will march in North Jersey’s parade, which steps off at 12 p.m. from Main Street in Hackensack. 

“All of this is a great way for us to kick off Italian-American Heritage Month,” Contini said. 

For the 65-plus members of the Greater Ramsey UNICO, these opportunities to join together with other chapters of the national organization is very important. 

“Even though we are a small, local nonprofit, this is an opportunity to see that we really are a part of something greater,” LaVigna said.

Get more information about GRUNICO's service projects here.