Baltimore City Council met with Italian American Civic Club (IACC) October 2 by the invitation of IACC President, Joe Di Pasquale, and Dr. Marc DeSimone, Chairman of the Board of Governors. Under discussion was the concerns of Baltimore's Italian-American community pertaining to the recent vandalism perpetrated against the Columbus Obelisk on Harford Road, the oldest monument commemorating Christopher Columbus in the U.S. and in the world.

The City is in the process of repairing damages since they own it. A committee has been formed that follows and protects the three Baltimore Columbus statutes, especially the one in Columbus Piazza in Little Italy.

"We showed that our community is strong and united," said Dr. Nicolino Applauso, "as representatives of other Italian-American associations also were present." Dr. DeSimone shared with public officials the founding documents of the Italian-American Civic Club of Maryland, established in 1943 by the Honorable Thomas D’Alesandro Jr. Mayor Pugh expressed her admiration and support for the Italian-American community. For anyone also concerned with statue protection, contact Dr. DeSimone.