Designating the week of Monday, October 1, 2007 through Monday, October 8, 2007 as "Christopher Columbus Week" in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Lisa Scottoline as the Grand Marshal of the 2007 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.

WHEREAS, Five hundred and fifteen years ago, a courageous Italian visionary set out on what would become one of the most momentous journeys in the annals of history. Christopher Columbus and the maps he charted to the “New World” were guiding lights to every ship that came to America; and

WHEREAS,

The annual Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957, and has since become one of the city’s premier ethnic celebrations. On October 7, 2007, the Philadelphia Columbus Day Committee will host the annual parade. In addition to the active participation of the Delaware Valley’s Italian American community, the Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade tradition includes the world famous Philadelphia Mummers string bands, outstanding high school and elementary school marching bands, and many other marching groups representing the various ethnic traditions of our great city. The parade seeks to foster a spirit of multi-culturalism and respect for people of all ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Marshal for the 2007 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade is the bestselling author, Lisa Scottoline. Numerous Italian American organizations, colleges and universities, and book associations alike have recognized her achievements; in addition to winning the Edgar Award, mystery writers' highest honor, Ms. Scottoline has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from West Chester University and an Alumni Certificate of Merit by the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is currently serving as a board member of the Mystery Writers of America, the National Italian American Foundation and Pennsylvania for Modern Courts.

WHEREAS, In addition to the annual parade, Columbus Day festivities include a gala dinner and an Italian Festival showcasing the culture and cuisine of the people of Italy. The annual Italian festival takes place at Marconi Plaza the day of the parade and includes food, dance, and music from the many diverse regions of Italy; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby designate the week of October 1, 2007 through October 8, 2007 as "Christopher Columbus Week" and honor Lisa Scottoline as the Grand Marshal of the 2007 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the Grand Marshal of the Parade, Lisa Scottoline and the Philadelphia Columbus Day Committee as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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