Italian American Assoc. to open center Jan. 31

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO) is celebrating the grand opening of its Cultural Center on Route 35 with a free lecture series on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will showcase the facility's Resource Center, meeting rooms, classrooms and banquet facility.

The January lecture will feature West Long Branch resident Phillip Genovese Jr., the author of "The Grandfather Clause." A book signing will follow the presentation.

Future events at the center will include movies, speakers and free services.

"[This year] will mark our 32nd anniversary as an organization that is dedicated to children, families and the fostering of the Italian American heritage and culture," said Cultural Committee Co- Chair Nick Sestito of Interlaken in a press release.

"The association's membership purchased and rebuilt this new Italian Cultural Center, which serves as its headquarters, but more importantly as a resource for all Italian Americans of Monmouth County," Sestito said,

IAATO's Cultural Center adds to the association's ongoing community contributions, including weekly Italian language classes for children, annual academic scholarships, as well as donations to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers, Little Leagues and many others, according to the release.

The association's most notable fundraiser is its five-day Italian Festival that annually attracts over 100,000 people for a taste of traditional foods and wholesome family fun.

"The IAATO was started by a few dedicated members, and over the years, has grown into a membership that is now over 300 strong," IAATO President Mario Delano said in the release. "Due to our growth we have been able to accomplish many of our goals as an association and increase many levels of service to our community.

For more information, call (732) 531- 5768.