MILFORD COLUMBUS COMMITTEE
MILFORD COLUMBUS COMMITTEE
NEWS & EVENTS
The Milford Columbus Committee
2025 Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 15, 2025
2025 Award Recipients
Italian American of the Year
Mark Valentine
At 61 years old, Mark Valentine continues to build on a legacy he helped create when he and his parents, Michael and Shirley, opened their jewelry store in Milford, CT, in 1987. Before starting the business, he worked for years as a skilled jeweler and diamond setter, gaining the expertise and craftsmanship that would become the foundation of the store’s reputation. Today, he proudly runs the business with his son, Mark Jr. and his wife, Theresa, carrying forward nearly four decades of dedication, quality, and personal service.
Deeply rooted in the Milford community, Mark has always believed in giving back. Through the jewelry store, he supports numerous charities and local causes, reflecting his commitment to the town he loves working in.
Family is at the heart of everything he does. He and Theresa are the proud parents of three children—Mark, Gina, and Lauren—and recently welcomed their first grandson, Dax, who brings great joy to their lives. Weekends often find the family together at the beach, enjoying time by the water.
When he isn’t working or with family, Mark can often be found restoring old cars, a passion that combines his patience, eye for detail, and appreciation for craftsmanship—the same qualities that have guided him throughout his career and community involvement.
Special Achievement
Giuseppe "Joe" Bonsangue
Giuseppe "Joe" Bonsangue, born in Canicatti, Sicily, Italy, in 1943, began his American journey at the age of 14. He migrated to the United States in 1957 with his parents, two sisters, and a brother. He remembers the Statue of Liberty being his first sight of the country upon arriving at Ellis Island. After settling in the US, he graduated from Milford High School in 1962.
Joe's professional life started with a 14-year career as a machinist at Avco Lycoming. However, his true calling led him to entrepreneurship. In 1977, he purchased an established business, Mr. Kold Kuts deli, located in Peck and Post Plaza in Orange, Connecticut. He has owned and operated this quintessential Italian-American deli for 48 years.
Mr. Kold Kuts is known for its daily hot specials and a variety of popular items. The deli is renowned for its delicious meatballs, homemade sausage, and fantastic subs. Joe's dedication and warm personality have earned him a loyal following that spans three generations. To his customers, he is more than just a business owner; he is a friend who treats everyone like family. Beyond his business, Joe is celebrated for his generosity and for helping many families in his community.
Special Recognition
Reverend Ashley Grant
Rev. Ashley Grant serves as Associate Pastor at The First United Church of Christ in Milford. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Grant also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the University of Nevada Reno, trained in Interim Ministry for Asset Mapping, and holds a certificate in Women in Leadership from Cornell University.
Since 2007, much of her ministry in Milford has focused on children and youth—nurturing bodies and spirits, practicing collaborative and creative problem-solving, and encouraging young people to flex their volunteer muscles for the good of their community.
In 2015, the idea for Milford Food 2 Kids took shape. Rev. Grant, along with Michele Steinlauf, launched the program to help address food insecurity among children in the Milford Public Schools. Guided by Jesus’ mandate to feed the hungry, they began by serving 26 children in two elementary schools, purchasing, packing, and delivering food bags each week to provide meals over the weekend.
Thanks to growing community awareness and generosity, the program quickly expanded to include all public elementary schools. By fall 2016, with key support from Milford Bank, the program extended into middle and high schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked closely with schools to ensure that every student in need received support. By May 2025, the program was serving over 250 students weekly across 18 schools.
Milford Food 2 Kids has become a model for how local efforts can meet local needs. Volunteers of all ages gather for joyful packing events, and the team actively shares their model and mentors similar programs in other Connecticut cities.
With the continued support of generous donors and a vision to break the cycle of food insecurity, the program has strengthened partnerships with local schools to meet a range of student needs. They’ve launched a hoodie program to keep kids warm in winter, responded to family crises, supported summer Food 2 Kids sites, and offered scholarships and summer camp opportunities for program participants. The team also collaborates with area food providers to ensure no child goes hungry.
Rev. Grant is profoundly grateful to work alongside Michele Steinlauf and the passionate volunteers at the First UCC Milford site. She serves alongside her husband, Rev. Adam Eckhart, Senior Pastor at First UCC. Together they have four wonderful children—two attending UConn, one at Foran, and one at Harborside. Grant finds joy in serving within the compassionate Milford community.
Scholarship Recipients
Isabella Palisi
Isabella attended Foran High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. She graduated with distinction, amassing over 300 hours of community service. She will attend Northeastern University. She enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
Lucca Venditti
Lucca Venditti graduated from Jonathan Law High School, where he played soccer for all four years. Some of his hobbies include watching soccer and cooking. He has a strong passion for learning and plans to pursue a career in medicine to become a doctor.
Melita Maurati
Melita Maurati, a graduate of Lauralton Hall, will be attending Salve Regina in Newport, RI this fall. She will be studying secondary education and literature. She loves to write, create art, play with her dogs, and spend time with her family and friends She is so honored to receive this scholarship award and is very grateful for it!
Ronnie Mastroni
Ronnie is a graduate of Notre Dame of West Haven where he excelled in sports and academics. His varsity hockey team won the SCC championship and States his junior year. He was a volunteer for Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey for four years. He was a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. He was a Peer Counselor at Notre Dame and received the Perfect Attendance Award for the Class of 2025. He will be attending Providence College in the fall and majoring in Health Sciences. Ronnie is proud and grateful to have been chosen by the committee.
