Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are groups of employees who join together in their workplace, based on a common characteristic like ethnicity, gender, age, religious affiliation, etc. Also referred to as fraternal or affinity organizations, ERGs provide support for their members and work to enhance career development and professional networking in the workplace. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion works closely with many of these groups, and maintains a list of UCS-ERGs on the ODI website.

Meet the NYS Courts Columbia Society

By Captain Charles Hollon, Department of Public Safety

“Essere buono come il pane (as good as bread!)"

In the Italian culture, it’s a saying that speaks to someone who is generous and kind. The quote equates the basic goodness of bread to a heart that is selfless.

The NYS Courts Columbia Society was formed in the Fall of 2019 with the goal “to promote and preserve our Italian American heritage, culture, and traditions as well as promote charity and goodwill.”

Court Officer Michael Primiano, the current President of the Society, recalls joining the group at that time. “I thought it would be a good idea to get involved and help people out.”

Nearly four years later, he is the President of the group that includes 175 active members from around the state. It is open to all active and retired personnel of the New York State Court System, and according to Primiano, “We are always welcoming new people.”

And now, about that bread. Primiano is proud to point out some of the charitable endeavors that the group has taken on:

Every Spring on the Staten Island “South Beach Boardwalk,” a Bocce tournament is held. Bocce is a non-contact game formulated in Italy that was brought to the United States as immigration of Italian Americans began in the 1920s. To gain entry to this family-friendly tournament (which includes refreshments), the Society charges a fee, with the proceeds going towards a scholarship that is awarded to children of Society members who are going to college.

Officers of the Columbia Society at the Bocce Tournament (L-R): Sgt. Antonio Scirica (Vice President), Stefano Connena (2nd Vice President), CO Steven Volpe (Recording Secretary), CO Michael Bisceglie (Membership Chair), and CO Michael Primiano (President).

“It’s fun putting together the tournament and gathering some sponsorships,” said Primiano. “And Columbia Society Vice President Sergeant Antonio Scirica is a great help with this event.”

Each September, the Society proudly participates in the San Gennaro festival in Manhattan’s Little Italy, and in October, they march in the Columbus Day Parade.

Marching in the San Gennaro Festival, 2022.

The Columbia Society also sponsors a toy drive, with donated items going to the “Humble Heroes of FDNY,” a nonprofit group that provides toys to children in need. “Sergeant Carmella Lubrano is a major help with this effort,” said Primiano. The collected toys – donated by Society members and UCS employees – are given to children around the holidays and throughout the year. “To be able to help children who are sick or less fortunate than others is a great feeling,” says Primiano with a smile.

Oh, and well…more about that bread. A founding member of the Society (Vincent Antignani) came up with a theme-night called the “Sauce-Off.” Society members make their best tomato sauce (not “gravy”) and compete against others on whose is the best. The event was held at a local eatery on Staten Island (the Sauce-Off winner was Court Officer Brian Donlon of Kings Supreme Criminal Court!) and featured raffles and other items for sale, with the proceeds going to several charities.

In the spirit of “Integrita, Carita, Fraternita” (Integrity, Charity, Fraternity), the Columbia Society welcomes all court personnel to attend their events or to join as members. For more information about the Columbia Society go to: www.nyscolumbia.org

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