Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to recognize a man who is a leading contributor to the preservation of the Italian community in Burlington, VT. John Varricchione grew up in a former Italian neighborhood adjacent to downtown Burlington. I have my own fond memories of that neighborhood, travelling with my mother--a first generation Italian- American--from Montpelier to Burlington to shop in the small, family- owned, Italian markets there. Only remnants of the neighborhood remain, as most of it was lost to urban renewal in the 1960s. I had the pleasure of joining John and other members of the Vermont Italian Club for the dedication of a historic marker, which serves as a reminder of the wonderful neighborhood in which he grew up, and of the people who lived there. John was instrumental in making the marker possible. We all shared wonderful Italian food after the dedication ceremony. I was honored to be part of such a special event. John never moved far from the old neighborhood. He stayed in Vermont and became an outstanding teacher and coach at Rice Memorial High School--a Catholic school in South Burlington--where he became affectionately known among students as ``Mister V.'' Many Rice graduates consider him a favorite teacher. John's contributions to the Vermont Italian Club, and his efforts to preserve our State's Italian heritage, are many.…”