Casa Italia devotde its fall film series to the works of acclaimed Italian film director Vanna Paoli. A co-writer of the Oscar-winning “Cinema Paradiso,” Paoli went on to direct nine films of her own. (See profile below.) Now living in the northern suburbs of Chicago, was on hand to offer insights into the creation of all four of the films in the series. A profile appears below. The films in the series were as follows. Friday, October 20 – “Cinema Paradiso” Young Salvatore Di Vita discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the local movie house …

The Cegliesi Italo American Association honored a groundbreaking scientist at its 43rd annual dinner dance on Oct. 15 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Dr. Guy Dimonte was born in Ceglie del Campo, Puglia, in 1948. His family immigrated to Venezuela soon afterward, subsequently moving to America and eventually settling in California. A product of the University of California system, Dr. Dimonte has spent his entire professional career in the Golden State, where he has dedicated himself to basic physics research. With the ultimate goal of harnessing thermonuclear plasmas, he spent his early career working on experiments designed to produce …

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presented Clara and Francesco Cascella with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 5. The award is bestowed each year upon a couple that represents the Italian values of community, family and faith. Francesco was born in Mola di Bari and spent two years in the Italian Navy before coming to America. He worked at Illinois Gear and Mola Construction before his retirement and has been an active member of the Società Maria SS. Addolorata di Mola di Bari. He is proud to currently serve as the president of the men’s division of the society. …

The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 hosted its sixth annual dinner dance on Oct. 8 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event raised funds to benefit Maria Vouga and her family, and honored Rocco and Rosanna DeFrenza. Maria Vougas Maria is a loving wife to Eric Vougas and the proud mother of four children, Stefanie, Eric, Shannon and Breanna. In 2012, Maria was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis), an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. This causes inflammation, scar tissue and lesions in the brain and spinal column, making it difficult for …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is proud to announce that Sergio Giangrande will serve as the Chairman of the 2017 Columbus Day Parade. Young, energetic, skilled and committed to his heritage, Sergio is the perfect person for the position. The son of Vito and Rosalia (Zummo) Giangrande, Sergio was born in Chicago but moved with his parents to Italy when he was 3 months old. The family returned back to America when Sergio was 8, settling in Schiller Park. A master baker, Sergio’s dad also worked in construction and his mother worked as a seamstress while they raised …

The Italian American Police Association honored Rich Onesti, Jack Miuccio and Kevin Graham on Nov. 4 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Rich Onesti, Man of the Year As the technical wizard behind the scenes for Onesti Entertainment Corporation, Rich Onesti has brought joy to countless concert and festivalgoers while generously donating his time and talents to a variety of causes. Rich was born on Taylor Street in Chicago’s Little Italy on May 18, 1968, to Alberto and Gabriella Onesti. He has fond memories of growing up in his parents’ home with his siblings, Ron and Vickie. He began working …

The Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago honored gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy as Man of the Year on Oct. 14 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. “Chris is an extremely successful businessman with a heart as big as the state of Illinois,” says IALC President Anthony Guida. “We’re so proud to present this year’s Man of the Year Award to him.” Kennedy and his wife, Sheila, run Top Box Foods, a hunger-relief non-profit they founded to deliver high-quality, healthy, affordable foods to underserved neighborhoods. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the …

Dominic (Nay) Mautone celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 23. He was born in 1917 in Chicago to Raphael and Antoinette (Trotta) Mautone, and baptized at Guardian Angel Church. His Mom and Dad owned a building on Forker Street and the family lived upstairs. On the ground floor was the Ralph Mautone Grocery Store, where his mother and father worked. In addition to Italian, his mother spoke Yiddish to accommodate the Jewish customers. After selling the store, Ralphael and Antoinette bought a building at 912 S. Ashland Boulevard between Taylor and Polk streets. Dominic was one of eight siblings. In order …

One the most popular Italian singers made a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at Casa Italia in Stone Park, courtesy of Ron Onesti and Onesti Entertainment. Over the course of a stellar half-century career, Peppino di Capri has released nearly 250 recordings and appeared at the Festival of Sanremo more than any other singer. (See profile below.) In October, he embarked on a 50th anniversary tour that included a stop on Oct. 18 at the Festival Center on the Casa Campus. The show was originally scheduled for the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, but Onesti wanted to bring di Capri closer to his …

Robert Urbinati President, Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization How long have you been a member? I have been a member for approximately 13 years. Why did you join? CIACO was having a membership drive and I was invited by a current member and personal friend to attend the meeting. I remember there being a lot of people I already knew at the meeting. Due to the number of friends and acquaintances that were already members, I felt comfortable and decided to join. They’re very enthusiastic about celebrating their Italian American heritage and giving back to the community. What do you …