St. Joseph was honored by the American Society of Italian Heritage at "La Festa di San Giuseppe" held at Benedict's Plantation on March 11. In the Middle Ages, a famine devastated Sicily, and prayers to St. Joseph are credited for the gentle rains that brought forth crops. The saint is celebrated on or near his feast day of March 19.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, it was time to "mangiate" to the words of "Buon Appetito." Guests were served an antipasti platter of cheeses, olives and pickled vegetables, along with eggplant sticks with a marinara sauce, Italian salad and bread. Following tradition, all enjoyed a meatless meal of pasta Milanese with fish. A luscious tiramisu crowned the feast.