Kristin Guglietti/THG For 20 years, the Order Sons of Italy in America Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge #1658 has celebrated Columbus Day. Each year the Sons of Italy honors an Italian American from Hammonton. This year Jack Mazzeo of Mazzeo Studio was honored at the lodge with a proclamation from Congressman Jeff Van Drew on October 14. Mazzeo then gave a presentation titled “A Tribute to the People of Hammonton, NJ” featuring photos of the town throughout the years. Pictured above: Sons of Italy Vice President Charles Sbarra, Treasurer at the New Jersey State Lodge Dave Scardino, Janet Mazzeo and Jack Mazzeo of Mazzeo Studio pose in front of the Christopher Columbus statue.

HAMMONTON—For 20 years, the Order Sons of Italy in America Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge #1658 has celebrated Columbus Day.

Each year the Sons of Italy honors an Italian American from Hammonton. This year Jack Mazzeo of Mazzeo Studio located at 111 S. Egg Harbor Rd. was honored at the Sons of Italy lodge at 427 N. Third St. on October 14.

Mazzeo then gave a presentation titled “A Tribute to the People of Hammonton, NJ” featuring photos of the town throughout the years as well as photos he’s taken during his photography career.

Before the presentation, Father David Rivera gave an invocation.

“We thank you for the Italian Americans who for hundreds of years have built up this country with their gifts, their talents, their many blessings. We thank the Sons of Italy here in Hammonton that continue to support this identity, this ethnicity, this culture this beautiful gift,” Rivera said.

Next, Treasurer at the New Jersey State Lodge Dave Scardino talked about Christopher Columbus.

“He made four trips and opened the new world. These accomplishments were no easy feat, and that is why we hold Christopher Columbus is such high regard,” Scardino said.

After Scardino’s speech, Congressman Jeff Van Drew talked about Columbus Day.

“Columbus Day is a wonderful holiday to celebrate, and it’s something we should be proud of,” Van Drew said.

Van Drew then presented a proclamation and a challenge coin to Jack Mazzeo.

He also invited Mazzeo and his family to come tour the capital.

Lastly, Van Drew said he will be giving a speech about Mazzeo’s accomplishments at the capital and electronically transmit the speech to Mazzeo.

After Van Drew shook hands with Mazzeo, Councilman Thomas Gribbin gave a speech.

“Today we celebrate the proud heritage of Italian Americans whose character and contribution have helped shape our great nation, and so on behalf of mayor Steve DiDonato and town council, it’s my honor to be with you today. This is a Hammonton tradition that I especially love,” Gribbin said.

Gribbin thanked members of the Sons of Italy for keeping the tradition for the past 20 years and the Mazzeo family for their contributions they’ve made to the community for 78 years.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society President Lou Pantalone, Knights of Columbus Pallotti Council 3471 Grand Knight Henry Amendolia, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel and Sons of Italy Vice President Charles Sbarra also gave speeches during the Columbus Day celebration.

After the speeches, Mazzeo gave a presentation featuring several photographs of the town throughout the years.

He showed photos of stores that are no longer in town from the 1950s and there were photos of people in town from when they were young.

As the presentation continued, Mazzeo showed photos he’s taken during his career including family group photos, high school senior portraits, nature photos and Kid Rock performing in Las Vegas photos.

During his career, Mazzeo received a masters degree in photography and he was also named artist of the year in Hammonton.