Seneca Falls is calling on its residents to nominate a “good citizen and hero” for the 2023 Antonio Varacalli Day Award. The award recognizes individuals in the community who are admired by their friends and neighbors for their heroic deeds and contributions to society. The award ceremony will take place on April 15th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. on the Bridge Street Bridge, where Antonio Varacalli, an Italian immigrant, saved a woman from drowning in 1917.
The annual event celebrates the life of Varacalli, who sacrificed his own life to save a drowning woman. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recognized his act of bravery posthumously with a bronze medal. The ceremony will feature a procession of police, girl scouts, boy scouts, and drummers to the Bridge Street Bridge. The event will include the reading of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission’s Investigation Report, performances by the Mynderse Academy Chamber Singers, a Hero’s Blessing, the reading of the Antonio Varacalli Day Proclamation, the ringing of the Bells of Bedford Falls, and a flower ceremony.
The theme for this year’s essay contest, which is open to children in grades 3, 4, and 5 at Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s school, is “Who in Your Life Has Influenced You the Most.” Winners of the essay contest will be awarded prizes during the ceremony.
Non-profit organizations are also invited to choose a “Community Angel” from their organization to be honored at the event. This person should have shown to be an invaluable member, going above and beyond in the organization they are a part of. To nominate a citizen for the Antonio Varacalli Award or to honor an individual from an organization, nomination forms can be picked up at Downtown Deli – 53 Fall Street or WomanMade Products – 91 Fall Street, or by visiting therealbedfordfalls.com/antonio-varacalli-day/. All nominations must be received by March 31.
The Antonio Varacalli Day Awards Ceremony is a great way to honor and celebrate the contributions of local heroes in the Seneca Falls community. The town encourages its residents to participate in this event and to nominate individuals who have made a positive impact in the community.
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