The Sayville Chamber of Commerce held a Salute to Italy weekend long event on Main Street and The Common Ground on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.

The event started with the first of three Appreciation Awards at 7 p.m. on Friday. Awards were given to Michael Quartararo, who played an important liaison role in connecting Good Samaritan Hospital and the Sayville Community in a joint venture to obtain a Suffolk Community College Satellite Campus in Sayville.

Also honored were Dr. Rosemary Jones, Sayville school Superintendent since July 2003 and James Cassara,  a member of the Sayville Kiwanis and treasurer of the Reflective Gardens at the Common Ground in Rotary Park.

Other honorees included Tony Gamboli, Daniel Capurso, Sayville High School Valedictorian, Amanda Asaro, Mary Lou Centeri, President of Sayville Library Board and Marianne Fulfaro, VP of The Common Ground.

From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jerry Costanzo Quintet held an American Crooners Concert on Main Street. On Saturday on the sidewalks of Main Street visitors were entertained by LI Guitar and Mandolin Quartet, Italian Travel Expo, US Poker Champion, James Caparussio, The Sons of Italy, Suffolk County Community College's Italian Club, Airport Playhouse's Debbie D'Amore Sings, Dowling College International Programs, Book Signing by Frank Pellegrino of Rao's and Poetic Pizza Man.

The Appreciation Awards at 3 p.m. on Saturday included Gary Verticcho, Vice Commander of American Legion, Smith Wever Post 651, Frank Ciulla, Commander of American Legion, Smith Wever Post 651, Dominic Demasi President of the Guy Lombardo Lodge, Richard De Clemente, Second Vice President of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce and James Caporuscio, winner of 2005 United States Poker Championship.

The Sayville Inn held Olive Oil Tasting at 5:00 p.m. and Commedia del Arte performed a play in Italian at 6 p.m. at The Common Ground. Also, at the Common Ground Gabriella Wines offered wine tasting from 6 till 8 p.m.

The third of the Appreciation Awards was held at 7:15 at the Common Ground and certificates were given to 11 honorees. The recipients were: Rob Verdone, Jim Morgo, Bob Spiotto, Ginny Fields, the NYS Assemblywoman, John Robilotta, Lenny La Pinta, Dr. Fred Gardaphe, Dr. James Brucia, Luisa Potenza of Italia Mia, 1370WALK,  Marie Levy, mother of Steve Levy, the Suffolk County Executive and Tony Esposito.

The weekend event was brought to an end with an Italian Aria by the South Shore's own Erin West and Under the Tuscan Sunset with Micheal Castaldo, Tenor. Under the Tuscan Sunset event was sponsored by Legislator Bill Lindsay.