Sicilian Culture: News: Columbus Events' New Focus: Mourning - Opponents Say They Won't Rule Out Protests

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Gibbs School Dumps 'Sopranos' Theme
Subject: Another Small but Significant Victory in a Continuing String. Gibbs School "whacks" "Sopranos" Theme for Teacher Appreciation/Halloween Event
To those of you who are not on the IAOV or La Dolce Vita Mailing List, you may not be aware that Dr. Emanuel Alfano spearheaded a Response to the intent of Katharine Gibbs School of Montclair, New Jersey to have a Teacher Appreciation/Halloween Event with a "Sopranos" theme.
With an outpouring of Emails, and Phone Calls by members of IAOV and La Dolce Vita objecting to the 'Sopranos' theme, Gibbs School reconsidered and sent the following apology.
Congratulations to Manny and Francesca, and your dedicated members.
IAOV and La Dolce Vita, are building a record that soon may not be able to be matched by the I-A Major Organizations.
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Dear Dr. Alfano:
Thank you for taking my call today. As promised this is the revised letter that will be sent to guidance counselors and teachers for October 25, 2001 event.
Mary Jo Greco
College Executive President
Mary Jo Greco
Katharine Gibbs School
33 Plymouth Street
Montclair, NJ 07042-2699
cjohnson@njgibbscollege.net (Johnson, Cheryl)
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October 4, 2001
Dear Educator,
This year our Teacher Appreciation event was to carry a Sopranos Halloween theme. We realize now that this is an inappropriate theme and we regret the decision to promote a show and characters that forward such negative messages. We recognize that our selection was offensive and for that we are sorry.
Instead, this year the Teacher Appreciation event will feature a "One Land, One People" theme that will honor American unity, a subject which has become even more important in the wake of the September 11th tragedy.
For all those in attendance on October 25, 2001, Gibbs College will make a donation to the United Way September 11th Fund.
Because of our commitment to education and our deep roots in the community, we value this opportunity to bring people together to support such a positive message.
If you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (973) 744-2010. Again, we are deeply sorry for any misunderstanding and we look forward to working together in the future.
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Greco
Executive President

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