The Grand Lodge of IL/WI, Order Sons of Italy in America hosted its 13th annual Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence Gala on May 4 at BeauJolie by Victoria in Schiller Park. Chairman and Master of Ceremony Richard R. Della Croce welcomed the honorees and guests and introduced Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli. A beautiful rendition of the American and Italian anthems was sung by Mr. Della Croce. In presenting the awards to eight distinguished Italian American’s, Ms. Marsalli stated, “Our recipients walk among giants in their chosen profession. They lead by example and truly embrace their Italian heritage — …

by Robert Mau This year, the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will celebrate 120 unbroken years of devotion to the Mother of God. Festivities culminate on July 14 with a 9 a.m. Mass in English and Italian at the Shrine, a procession to a noon field Mass and a second procession featuring traditional festa music. A street festival featuring food booths, activities for children and live entertainment will run from July 11 to 14, and a Novena will run from July 6 to 13. Related events include the presentation of the banners at 7 p.m. on July 9 …

The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast Committee is proud to honor Rich Romeo as our 2013 Man of the Year. There are few volunteers who work as hard on behalf of the Committee, and he does so with no expectation of acknowledgment or reward. Rich was born in Chicago, the first of three sons to Anne and Frank Romeo. Raised in the Taylor Street neighborhood, Rich attended St. Charles Borromeo Grammar School and St. Mel High School. During his high school years, he met his future wife, Marcella Caifano, who attended St. Mary’s High School. Rich and Marcella married …

by Mary Shimandle On December 3, 2011, 300 people gathered for an exquisite Italian buffet provided by Piccolo Sogno Restaurant and enjoyed the sonic splendor of an old-fashioned Christmas concert, resonating throughout the acoustical jewel that is the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Church on the West Side of Chicago. Welcomed back for the 11th annual Mary and Christmas was the incomparable William Ferris Chorale, under the direction of Maestro Paul French, in a program of familiar and glorious Christmas favorites. Family and friends delighted in an event of music that celebrated the Italian cultural heritage (Choruses from Gian …

by Margaret Perrotta Count your blessings. How do you count your blessings? Do you count the day-to-day events that make life enjoyable? Do you count the great, happy moments in life that take your breath away? Do you count the life-saving moments that force you to appreciate everything? I am sure you would agree that, somehow, you count all these blessings. Have you ever wondered what to do once you’ve counted them? I admit that until recently, these three, simple words did not provoke much thought. But in the last few months, I can’t help but wonder if society has …

by Joseph F. Locallo Jr. Società SS Crocifisso di Ciminna celebrated its 11th annual dinner dance fundraiser on Oct. 15 … which happened to be Sweetest Day this year! Porretta’s was decked out in pink in honor of the day and also in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s celebration also marked the club’s first presentation of the Padre Delle Grazie Award. This award is special in many different ways. As a religious organization, the society wanted to recognize an individual for communicating the word and works of our Lord. The actual award is in the shape of …

by Richard Caifano During the middle of the 20th century, 20 percent of the Jews located in Italy lost their lives to the Nazi campaign of annihilation; throughout the remainder of Europe, 80 percent of the Jewish population was lost. This remarkable difference came from the ethic of the Italian people, and its importance is being noted throughout the world. It was an undertaking that required the ingenuity and dedication of countless Italians who were under the rule of a regime aligned with the campaign of its Axis partner Germany, whose quest was the destruction of the Jewish race. At …

by Richard Caifano Michael Veselka was raised in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago, where he learned the importance of community and the meaning of integrity. He now owns and operates a successful flooring installation business with his wife of 35 years, Marlene. They reside in Glenview with their sons, Steven and Michael. The rewards of hard work and enterprise he learned from his father early in a pizza restaurant in Chicago helped mold Veselka into the successful businessman he is today. And the sense of community identity he acquired on the streets of Galewood helped to propel him through the …

by Richard Caifano The recently completed 90th annual convention of UNICO National saw Chicago area members rise to prominence in the ranks of the leadership. Glenview resident Michael Veselka was elected as Executive Vice President of UNICO, placing him next in line to assume the office of national president at the UNICO Convention in Ft. Lauderdale that will be held from July 31 to August 4, 2013. Orland Park’s Paul Domico was re-elected to the position of Midwest Regional District Governor. Domico was also elected to serve a three-year term as a Trustee of the UNICO Foundation, the charitable arm …

by Richard Caifano On August 3, 2013, Chicago flooring contractor Michael Veselka was installed as President of UNICO National amid the applause and merriment of delegates and their families in attendance at the 91 convention of the largest Italian-American service organization in the country. Michael and his wife, Marlene, were warmly received as president and first lady in an evening filled with pride and accomplishment for Italian Americans. * New Jersey businessman Joseph Valenzano was the recipient of this year’s Americanism Civis Ilustris Award. * Unico Past National President Joseph Agresti of New Jersey received the Vastola Award for exceptional …