The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Remo Turano as Humanitarian of the Year at its Honor & Hope Gala on April 28 at the Medinah Shrine Center in Addison. More than a dozen scholarships were presented at the event, along with donations to a wounded veteran and other worthy causes. A profile of Turano follows: Remo Turano As a boy, Remo Turano helped out in his family’s bakery business. As a young adult, he instilled knowledge as a classroom teacher. As a young husband, he circled back to the family business, branching out into sweets and pastries. He has …

William Blair financial advisor John Salvino was named to the 2018 Top 40 Advisors Under 40 list by On Wall Street magazine. This is the second time Salvino made the list. Salvino, a partner with the firm, joined William Blair in 2002. He serves as chairman of the University of Chicago Booth Alumni Finance Roundtable and is a member of the Salvino Wealth Management Team. John along with his brother, Tom, and father, Al, manage customized investment portfolios for individuals, families, trusts, and foundations. The team has been recognized by Barron’s, Research Magazine, Registered Rep and Institutional Investor.

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society recently made a pair of donations to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Arcolians Dr. Frank Maggio and Dr. Stephen Esposito (pictured, left and right) presented Dean Clark Stanford with a check for $1,000 to support the college’s scholarship funds. The donation was requested by Dr. Maggio, a clinical associate professor at the college and the 2017 Arcolian of the Year. The society also presented a $2,000 scholarship to third-year dental student Andrew Bertagna.

IA Literati 2018 — Casa Italia’s 14th annual celebration of local Italian-American authors — ran from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 12 in the Florentine Room of the Italian Cultural Center in Stone Park. Book sales and signings, raffles, and a meet-and-greet with the authors took place at 9:30 a.m. Authors will read from their works starting at 10 a.m. Several new authors such as Frank Cesario, Anne Marie Cina, Lee Colsant and Steve Decker took part in the event along with veteran literati Arthur Cola, Dr. Bruno Cortis, Kathy DeNicolo, Tony Romano and Adam Sedia. The moderator …

The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2017 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 600 were in attendance, making it one of the largest dinner dances of the year. Dominic Romanazzi was honored as Man of the Year, and Wayne Bubak was honored as Humanitarian. Past IAET honoree Lou Cairo did a tremendous job as master of ceremonies. As president of Teamsters 330, Dominic represents more than 2,000 members working in virtually every industry including public employee, construction, ready warehouse, beverage, school bus and waste removal. He handles administration and all major negotiations for …

Accountant Lisa Perkins took charge of the Calabresi in American Organization at its annual installation dinner in November. Joining her as 2018 officers are First Vice President Mario Salerno, Second Vice President Angela Morrone Incandela, Third Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Recording Secretary Gia DeCicco, Corresponding Secretary Laura Clementi, Treasurer Frank Salerno, Assistant Treasurer Mary DeSanto, Legal Adviser John Spina and Sergeant-at-Arms Carmine Russo. Directors are Albert Belmonte, Rosemarie Caiafa, Alberto De Cicco, Frank M. Palermo, Fred Pincente, Carmel Ruffolo, Charles Salerno, Rosario Salerno, Pina Stefanelli and Egidio S. Turano. Directors emeritus are Gino Bartucci, Joseph Bruno, Mike Molinaro, Carmine Naccarato, …

Financial planner Jack Cannata stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at its annual installation gala. Joining him as 2018 officers are First Vice President Stuart Caravello, Second Vice President Mark Corrado, Third Vice President Michael Russotto, Secretary John Curry, Treasurer Vic Guerrieri and Sergeant-at-Arms Carmen Forte Jr. One-year directors are John Brescia, Gabe Caporale, Vito Claps, Vito D’Ambrosio and Ross Morizzo. Two-year directors are Mike Campanile, Chris Derks, Gerard Iannuzzelli, Joe Marinacci and Vince Maietta. Charitable Foundation trustees are Anthony Ambrose, Daniel A. Corrado, George DePalma (Chairman), John Ferrentino (Vice Chairman), Carmen P. Forte (Treasurer), …

Four decades after realizing his dream of starting a hall of fame to honor sports heroes, George Randazzo, President and Founder of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, celebrated the organization’s 40th Annual Induction & Awards Gala along with Board Chairman Tony Ferraro, NIASHF directors and loyal supporters this past November in Chicago. Vincent Viola was named 2017 Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the world of sports. He is owner of the Florida Panthers hockey team and co-owner of Always Dreaming, winner of the 2017 Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s prestigious …

For centuries, towns and villages across Italy have marked Good Friday with masses and processions that rival any other on the Catholic calendar. On March 30, this ancient rite will be re-enacted at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish & Shrine in Melrose Park. That evening, 20 patron saint societies bearing statues and banners will fill the Shrine to capacity. A 7 p.m. Mass in Italian will be followed by a dramatic candlelight procession, accompanied by the Sicilian Band of Chicago. (708-344-4140)  

More than five-dozen sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center were treated to a holiday feast at the 12th anniversary Sailors for Christmas in Berwyn. The celebration ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 25 at Skylight Banquets and included brunch, Christmas dinner, music provided by a DJ and a pizza hour. More than a dozen awards were presented. Volunteers were drawn from the ranks of the community as well as Post 1 of the Italian American War Veterans.