“Hi, grandpa, can I help you?” an energetic young boy calls out. “Can I help grandpa?” Another anxious young voice asks. The pleas are from the two young children of the fourth generation of the Marco DeStefano family. They’re hoping that their grandpa, Louis Rago, the Columbus Day Parade Marshal, will let them be a part of putting the Columbus Day Parade on paper. Since 1952 this has been a family tradition. Marco and his son-in-law Louis, who joined in 1967, was followed by Louis’ sons, Joseph and Anthony, who have become an active part in the parade preparation. Now, …

by JoAnn Serpico Each year, the queen pageant attracts the most well-rounded, educated and lovely young ladies, and this year of course was no exception. How the judges were able to narrow it down to three finalists is truly amazing, since all were spectacular in appearance, accomplishments and goals. The audience, by secret ballot, determined the queen. What an exciting finale! Ryan Chiaverini was a most gracious emcee. He was accommodating with all who wanted autographs and photos with him. He is a credit to our heritage. In this column I not only inform you of the queen, I also …

This year, as with every year, we have a vivacious and dynamic parade chairman, Vincent A. Naccarato. Under his direction, the wheels for a record-breaking number of units for this year’s parade are in motion. His bio reflects his energy and enterprising persona. He currently serves as the chairman of Molto Capital LLC, a private investment company based in Oakbrook Terrace. Molta Capital and its affiliated entitles invest primarily in private equity and industrial real estate. Prior to Molto Capital, Mr. Naccarato was chairman and CEO of Wilton Industries, a consumer products company that developed and marketed housewares and craft …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans extends a warm invitation to the entire community to attend our annual gala. This year, we honor automobile dealer Al Piemonte with our Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award and Melrose Park Mayor Ronald M. Serpico with our Robert J. Cimo Peacemaker Award. This glittering event will begin at 6 p.m. on June 9 in the Donald E. Stephens South Ballroom of the Rosemont Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Donations are $150 per person, with the Ray Sassetti Orchestra providing the entertainment. To make your reservations, call 708-450-9050. Al Piemonte Our Joseph …

This is the first time the Queen Pageant was presented on a Saturday night and the first time the new queen was selected by ballot by the audience, after the judges tallied the votes of the highest score. Fifteen beautiful young Italian-American ladies between the ages of 18 and 23 competed. One of the contestants is studying for her master’s degree, indicating the high standards of the young women of today. Alta Villa Banquets was the venue for this year’s pageant, upholding their high standards of cuisine and excellent service. The setting was perfect for the pageant with a lovely …

Rose Mary Ranallo, president of the Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, together with co-chairmen Judy Guzaldo and Phyllis Schoene, are proud to announce the recipients of the upcoming Impresa Awards, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the Medinah Country Club. The following women have been nominated to receive this award for outstanding accomplishments in their chosen field. Dina Bair is an award-winning journalist who co-anchors WGN Midday News and reports the “Medical Watch” segments on WGN Midday News and WGN News at Nine. Dina joined WGN-TV as a full-time general …

by Lissa Druss Christman The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is proud to name Chicago Sun-Times editorial page editor Tom McNamee the 2014 recipient of the Dante Award. Each year, the JCCIA Human Relations Committee chooses a member of the local news media who has answered Dante Alighieri’s call to be “no timid friend to truth.” Since 1971, the Dante Award has been bestowed upon more than 40 journalists. And for the first time this year, the JCCIA will present the Mazzei Award, which goes to a person who shows extraordinary skills in the world of public affairs. The …

by Dominic DiFrisco Forty years ago, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans launched the Dante Award. It was an idea that was born from the frustration and anger of our community as we faced a torrent of lies, slander and innuendo. I approached our then president, Tony Fornelli, with a proposal to honor a media person who best exemplified Dante’s credo. Tony enthusiastically approved, and as they say, “the rest is history,” on going and exhilarating. Why Stella Foster? Read her column every Tuesday and Thursday in the Sun- Times. Sure, she tells who ate at Gene and Georgetti, …

by Joseph F. Locallo Jr. The Farace Brothers — Sam, Joe and Anthony Jr. — learned to skate before they learned to walk, or so the saying goes. And though they have all pursued professional careers, their interest in the bare-knuckle sport of hockey has never waned, leading them to a remarkable opportunity this fall. Sam is a supply chain architect for B/E Aerospace, Joe is a national sales manager for Imation Corp., and Anthony Jr. is an attorney for the law firm of Amari and Locallo. But the trio gladly traded suits and laptops for sticks and pads to …

by Robin Iori On September 12, the 2012 installation and awards dinner for the Justinian Society of Chicago honored several highly regarded, dedicated professionals who have given selflessly of their time and talent to the Italian American community here. Held at the Chicago Renaissance Hotel for the first time, Antonio M. Romanucci, of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, served as emcee and chair for the dinner at which Gregg A. Garofalo, managing attorney of Garofalo Law Group, was sworn in as president of the 2012-2013 year. Honorees included Franco A. Coladipietro, a partner with Amari-Locallo and an Illinois State Representative from …