State Rep. John D’Amico will continue to chair the House Committee on Transportation: Vehicles and Safety during the 100th General Assembly, while serving on a number of other issues critical to the state of Illinois. “As chairman of the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety committee, I will continue to focus on working with the Secretary of State’s Office to streamline and modernize services that keep motorists in Illinois safe,” D’Amico says. “I will also prioritize securing funding to improve our state’s infrastructure, which not only keeps motorists safe, but will create much-needed jobs for our community.”

Dr. Joe Baldassano was named Arcolian of the Year at the Arcolian Dental Arts Society’s annual Christmas party at the Park Ridge Country Club. The award was presented by Arcolian President Dr. Russ Spinazze and past President Dr. Michael Biasiello. An active Arcolian member for over 28 years, Baldassano has served on the board and in every executive post, including president, and has been active with the Chicago Dental Society as well. He currently serves as president of the Northwest Suburban Branch. “This award was very personal and meaningful to me because my father, son and other family members have …

Chicago attorney Patrick Salvi has been selected by his peers from among 96,000 lawyers in Illinois to the Illinois Super Lawyers Top 10 List for 2017. This is the fourth year in a row that he has received the honor. He was recently selected by Best Lawyers as the 2017 Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in the Chicago area. And in 2016, he was named to three of Leading Lawyers Magazine’s top 10 lists, including Top 10 Leading Lawyers in Illinois in All Areas of Law. Salvi is a founder of and managing partner at …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Louis Scaramuzzo as Humanitarian of the Year on April 29 at Medinah Shrine Center in Addison.  A top performer in the luxury automobile market for three decades, Lou pours his heart and soul into every aspect of his life. With paternal grandparents Louis and Immaculata Scaramuzzo hailing from Caserta near Naples, and maternal grandparents Carmelo and Rosina Termine emigrating from Marsala in Sicily, Lou’s Italian roots run deep. The oldest Peter and Mary Scaramuzzo for children, Lou was born in Chicago and raised in Oak Lawn. “My parents grew up on Taylor Street …

Gabe Caporale of Caporale Realty Group in Elmwood Park recently earned the status of Realtor Emeritus from the National Association of Realtor. The distinction is bestowed upon Realtors who have maintained membership in national, state and local realty associations for four decades or more. A 45-year veteran of the industry, Caporale grew up on Taylor Street in Chicago and moved with his family to Elmwood Park in 1963. He graduated from St. Mel High School and attended Triton College for two years, completing his undergraduate career with a degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University in 1971. Seeking work in …

  For the seventh consecutive year, Navy Pier will proudly host Neighborhoods of the World, a free seven-week series that celebrates the rich tapestry of Chicago’s diverse communities. (navypier.com/neighborhoods-world) Under the auspices of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the culture, food and crafts of Italy will be showcased on March 5 in the Crystal Gardens. The JCCIA is looking for volunteers who will don the traditional costumes of Italy and lend a hand at the event. For details, call 708-450-9050.

  The Italo American National Union Foundation has published a cookbook titled “Let’s Eat: From Our Kitchen to Yours,” featuring 466 recipes provided by IANU members as well as family and friends. To purchase a copy, make out a check or money order to the IANU Foundation for $18 a copy (shipping and handling included) and mail it to IANU Foundation c/o Josephine Petitti; 2250 W. Golf Road, Suite 203; Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. (847-885-2074)

  The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2016 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 500 were in attendance, making it was once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The IAET honored Sam Cicinelli as Man of the Year. Sam is the leader of the largest mechanics’ union in the country. An IAET member, he is the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Automobile Mechanics’ Union Local 701, representing more than 6,400 active members and more than 4,200 retired members. He is extremely proud …

  Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. “It’s an honor and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many great past presidents,” Ambrose says. A member since 2010, Ambrose joined “to promote our great Italian heritage and be associated with a club that believes in giving back to the community.” In addition to working his way up the ladder of succession as an officer, Ambrose has served as either chairman or co-chairman of the club’s golf outing for the last five …

The Italian American Political Coalition honored Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert Thomas on March 9 at Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. Thomas was elected a judge of the Circuit Court of DuPage County in 1988, serving as acting chief judge from 1989 to 1994. He was elected to the Appellate Court, Second District, in 1994 and was sworn in as an Illinois Supreme Court justice for the Second District in 2000, serving as chief justice from 2005 to 2008. Robert R. Thomas was born on Aug. 7, 1952, in Rochester, N.Y. He received his bachelor of arts in government from …