The Mazzini Verdi Club honored Paul Ciminello as Man of the Year and Maria Banducci as Woman of the Year at its President’s Ball on Dec. 1. The event took place at the club’s facilities in Franklin Park. (708-366-8435) The organization submitted the following profiles: Maria Banducci Maria Banducci is loved and admired by all those who come into contact with her. Charming and kind, she is devoted to her family and always takes care of husband, Luigi, and their son and daughter-in law, Simone and Grisell. As a wife and mother, she is the best any woman can be. …

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presented its 2018 Mother Cabrini Award to Rocco and Rosanna DeFrenza on Nov. 11. The award is bestowed each year upon a couple who represents the Italian values of community, family and faith. The organization submitted the following profiles: Rocco and Rosanna DeFrenza Rocco was born in Valenzano, Bari. He is the co-owner with business partners Savino and Laura D’Argento of four RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurants located in Harwood Heights, Elk Grove Village, Carol Stream and Orland Park. Rocco’s business has long supported Easter Seals in honor of his godson, Enzo D’Argento, who was diagnosed …

The Comboni Missionaries honored Frank Salerno at its annual dinner dance on Nov. 24 at Alta Villa Banquets. (708-354-1999) Proceeds from the event will benefit Water With Blessings. The organization submitted the following articles: Frank Salerno On July 4, 1940, twin boys were born in Marano Principato, Calabria, to Raffaele and Annunziata Salerno. One of those twins was Francesco Salerno. When he was 13, he traveled to America with his father in the hopes of making a better life for their family. His mother and two brothers stayed behind in Italy. After the pair arrived in Chicago, Francesco lived for …

Hairstyling legend Mario Tricoci rolled up his sleeves and snipped away on Sept. 17 at the grand opening of his new salon at Misericordia Home in Chicago. The salon is available at no charge to the 600-plus children and adults who live at Misericordia, a residential treatment center that serves people with mild to profound developmental disabilities. “Many of Misericordia’s residents are physically challenged, and a trip to a salon can be difficult,” Tricoci explained. The salon will be staffed by volunteer stylists and assistants from the Tricoci University of Beauty Culture.

An epoch has come to an end with the retirement of Josephine Petitti as executive director of the Midwest District of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. “It’s been a long and wonderful run, and it’s been an honor to serve,” says Petitti, who has more get-up-and-go at 90 than most folks do at half her age. A driving force for the local ISDA and the Italo-American National Union before it, Petitti joined the IANU Bianco Lodge half a century ago, taking charge of its annual St. Joseph Table and helping to transform it into a thriving annual event. …

After spending the last 15 years in corporate dining, Mark Triggiano is returning to his roots as the new chef at Casa Italia. “I learned so much from working in the corporate world, but garlic and red sauce are in my DNA, so this is like coming home for me,” says Triggiano, who served as both unit and chef manager for Motorola and Compass North America. It should come as no surprise that his grandmother was a formative influence. While his fellow students at St. Cyprian elementary school in River Grove were muddling through sloppy Joes in the school lunchroom, …

You wouldn’t know by its name, but House of Cakes in Park Ridge has deep Italian roots. Owned and operated by Gerardo and Marie Nigro since 1987, the tiny storefront is a cornucopia of cannoli, pizza, focaccia, sfogliatelle, cuccidati and more, as well as wedding cakes and a host of American pastries and baked goods. Tortes, coffee cakes, donuts, cookies, strudels and breads fill their shelves to capacity, and all of their butter cookies are made with real butter. Seasonal favorites include pumpkin, apple and cherry pie as well as pumpkin and apple slices. By far their most popular items …

Always on the lookout for unique Italian offerings, La Mozzarella has unearthed a cheese with a proud Pugliese pedigree. Hailing from the far southern region and dating back to the 14th century, the company’s caciocavallo is aged in caves for at least six months, emerging with a thin, light-brown rind and an interior the color of straw. Hard, compact and perfect for grating, it has an earthy flavor and a buttery, stony and slightly picante aftertaste. Natural, smoked and di grotta versions are available wholesale. (lamozzarella.com)

Never one to rest on its laurels, Volpi Foods has added Heritage Prosciutto to its already extensive list of artisan salumi and cured meats. The company is partnering with family farms throughout Missouri and Illinois to humanely raise and harvest high-quality heritage-breed pork. The product is aged for more than 18 months under the watchful eye of Volpi’s master salumiere, yielding a rustic flavor with a nutty finish that’s sure to stand out on any holiday charcuterie. Heritage Prosciutto is available for both wholesale and retail customers. (volpifoods.com)

Pan American Bank & Trust has been selected by American Banker as one of the Best Banks To Work For in 2018 nationwide. “Being selected is a tribute to the strength of our culture, including our commitment to each other, our clients and our communities,” says Pan American President and CEO Frank Cerrone. “We are truly grateful for this honor and will continue to be one of the best banks working for you!” Launched in 2013 by American Banker and Best Companies Group, the Best Banks to Work For program, identifies, recognizes and honors U.S. banks for outstanding employee satisfaction. …