Vince Morreale (from left), Carmen Forte, Gabe Caporale and John Ferrentino presented Sr. Rosemary Connelly of Misericordia Heart of Mercy with a check from the Columbian Club Charitable Foundation for $30,000. The donation represents the proceeds from the second annual brunch that the foundation hosted for the benefit of Misericordia. The event raised crucial funds to support the more than 700 residents with developmental disabilities. The Columbian Club has pledged to continue this event annually, as promised to those in attendance by incoming president Tony Ambrose.  

    In “da Vinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience,” the curator of the da Vinci exhibit running through Christmas at Water Tower Place will take audiences on a journey through the Italian Renaissance as seen through the eyes these monumental geniuses. By comparing and contrasting their lives and accomplishments, Mark Rodgers relates them to today’s world while helping audience members discover their inner da Vinci and Michelangelo. The multi-media event features movies, videos, 3-D animations and images of their inventions, machines, sketches, codices, paintings and sculptures. For additional information and tickets, visit www.discoverdavinci.com.

  by Nancy Donohoe My dad, Leno Santacaterina, turned 90 in June. His life has been pretty full so far – married for 66 years to my mom, five children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, with another on the way. He was born in Turin, Italy, and came to the US – to Chicago – when he was a child. Just as his family arrived, the Depression hit. He grew up speaking Italian and English, and watched as his parents developed their careers while they still managing to reach out to the many friends and relatives who arrived from …

The Order Sons of Italy in America’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin honored State Rep. John D’Amico as Humanitarian of the Year and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Renato (Ron) Bacci as Columbus Patriot at their 92nd annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 8 at the Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. (708-403-7822) John D’Amico was born June 12, 1962. As a lifelong resident of Chicago’s northwest side, he graduated from St. Edward Catholic Elementary School, Weber High School, and he attended Northeastern Illinois University. John currently resides in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood with his wife, Christine, and three children, whom are now in …

The Cegliesi Italo American Association will honor two men of the cloth at their 42nd annual dinner dance on Oct. 16 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Both are priests of the Oblate Fathers of St. Joseph and both are natives of Ceglie del Campo, the town in Bari to which the organization traces its roots. (708-278-8004) The Rev. Michael Piscopo is Superior General of the Order and the Rev. Joseph Sibiliano is the Rector of the Order’s Seminary in Pittston, Penn. Fr. Joseph has celebrated the Mass at our dinner dance virtually since its inception, and we have also …

The Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago will honor Archbishop Blase Joseph Cupich with its Man of the Year Award at the organization’s 2016 gala on Oct. 22 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. “Archbishop Cupich is a man of deep humility and faith,” says IALC President Tony Guida. “It’s a true privilege to be able to celebrate his life and accomplishments.” Blase Joseph Cupich was born on March 19, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Blase and Mary (Mayhan) Cupich. He is one of nine children, with five sisters and three brothers. Archbishop Cupich was ordained to the priesthood …

  The Casa Italia film series continues to roll along, with films scheduled through November. “One Year Later” will be screened on Friday, Sept. 30. The film represents the feature-length debut of local director Lucia Mauro, who thoroughly engaged the Casa film series audience with her presentation of her award-winning short “In My Brother’s Shoes” in July. This uplifting narrative film – shot in Chicago, and in Milan, Turin and Aosta, Italy in Fall 2015 — tells the story of an American woman who takes a cathartic trip to the Italian Alps one year after completing cancer treatment. Looking ahead, …

  The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 will host its fifth annual dinner dance on Oct. 30 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (847-341-1847) The event will raise funds for the residential treatment program sponsored by Lydia and honor Mel Gonzales, the organization’s program developer and volunteer/mentor coordinator. LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Program provides a structured, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents with serious behavioral issues, many of whom have been traumatized by abuse or neglect. The program provides healing while teaching its residents practical life skills. Gonzales has been with the program since 1991, …

  The Scholarship Committee of UNICO National recently announced its 2016 awards. Among the more than two-dozen grants bestowed were scholarships for nursing, literature, science, fine arts, Italian studies, engineering and study abroad. “While we assist talented students to realize their aspirations, we encourage our recipients to become exceptional, contributing members of society,” committee Chair Joan Tidona explains. “As our program continues to expand, it is clear that UNICO National recognizes education as an essential investment in the future.” The complete list of scholarships follows. Major Don S. Gentile Memorial Scholarship Henry Francis Taibi Sponsored by Orange/West Orange, New Jersey Chapter …

Michael Segreti, president of REX Electric and Technologies, announced several promotions on the management team. Mike Bosco has moved into the position of executive vice president of sales/business development. Bosco has been with Rex for 23 years, the majority of that time being spent in senior management roles overseeing operations. Mike Ahern will be moving onto the global sales team along with Will Sutila, and Jim Jaskolski has been promoted to vice president of operations for the Electrical Interior Division. Rex Electric & Technologies is a leading electrical and technology contractor. Family owned and operated since 1919, it was founded …