Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro recently attended a Federation of Italian-American Societies of WNY meeting to recognize Peter LoJacono and Carmen Palma for their long list of accomplishments to the Italian-American community.

Peter LoJacono is President of the 112-year-old Federation of Italian American Societies of Western New York. Just some of the items on his resume include: teaching the Italian language for over 30 years at Hutchinson Central Technical High School, playing a key role in the annual Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival, and creating a partnership with a city in Italy—enabling students to correspond through writing letters and communicating digitally.

Carmen Palma is the President and CEO of the Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival. In October 2019, he was named the Italian American Man of the Year by the Western New York Italian-American Community. On a day-to-day basis, Palma demonstrates that family is the most important gift we are given in this life.

Legislator Todaro presented proclamations to both LoJacono and Palma highlighting their many achievements.

Legislator Todaro said, “Peter LoJacono and Carmen Palma are staples in the local Italian community and they put everyone around them first. They both are an inspiration, valuable citizens and advocates. Together, and individually, they make Buffalo proud!”