The Italian American Political Coalition hailed three community leaders at its Heritage Celebration on Feb. 25 at Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Emeritus Dominic DiFrisco received the Founders Award, River Grove Mayor Marilynn Taccio May received the Public Service Award, and Italian American Human Relations Foundation founder Louis Rago received the William Paca Award. Pictured (From left) are IAPC President and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, May, DiFrisco, Rago, and IAPC Rules Chairman Rich Pellegrino.

Catherine De Orio, host of WTTW’s “Check Please!”, was among 13 women in the culinary arts honored at the Women’s History Month Celebration hosted by Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that there are more women managers and owners in the restaurant industry than in virtually any other profession, Brown noted, but only 21.5 percent of chefs or head cooks are women. “We’re proud to commemorate the progress women are making in the culinary arts at our awards program,” Brown said.

Continuing his efforts to provide relief to residents affected by O’Hare airplane noise, State Rep. John D’Amico is sponsoring legislation to create a new tax credit for homeowners who soundproof their homes. “Airplane noise from O’Hare has a negative impact on many families in our community,” D’Amico said. “I am committed to finding creative new ways to reduce the impact of the noise and ensure that our neighborhoods are quiet places to raise our families. This legislation is just one way we are working to provide some relief to O’Hare-area residents.” D’Amico previously sponsored legislation to keep O’Hare’s diagonal runways …

The Justinian Society of Lawyers donated $4,000 each to Bear Necessities and Pro Bono Network at its 14th annual Children’s Endowment Fund dinner. Created by the Justinians during the presidency of Antonio M. Romanucci to assist disabled and disadvantaged children, the fund has made donations to causes such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Illinois Eye Institute, and Ronald McDonald House. A principal and partner of Romanucci & Blandin, Romanucci serves as president of the CEF. Serving as treasurer is Frank A. Sommario, a fellow partner at Romanucci & Blandin and president-elect of the Justinians. “This year the Justinian Society was extremely proud …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans presented ABC7 Vice President and News Director Jennifer Graves with its prestigious Dante Award at its annual media luncheon. The honor is bestowed each year on a member of the media who lives up to Dante Alighieri’s call to be no timid friend to truth. A member of the ABC7 team since 1992 and its news director since 2001, Graves has earned numerous journalism awards. She has been a major contributor to the station’s cutting-edge technological advances, including the recent installation of ABC7’s state-of-the art news set; an all-digital newsroom; high-definition news; and …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored John McCallion as Humanitarian of the Year at its annual Honor and Hope Gala on April 16 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. More than a dozen scholarships were presented at the event, along with donations to a wounded veteran and other worthy causes. McCallion grew up in Cicero, graduating from Morton East High School, Northern Illinois University and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. A financial adviser for Ameriprise for the last 30 years, he currently serves as the company’s managing director. He and his wife, Rosanne, have two …

Elmwood Park real estate broker Jonathan Zivojnovic stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. “I have served as president and chairperson for many other groups, and I must say that this is a role I have been looking forward to for many years,” Zivojnovic says. A member since 2008, Zivojnovic joined for the networking opportunity and quickly discovered that the club represented so much more. “The brotherhood and camaraderie among the members is like nothing else, and they do wonderful charity work,” he explains. In addition to working his way …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society gave generously to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry at its holiday party at the Park Ridge Country Club on Dec. 1. Society President Dr. Frank Maggio and President-Elect Dr. Russell Spinazze (pictured, left and right) presented Dean Clark Stanford with a $2,000 donation to the college’s Group Practice Clinic Renovation Fund. The gift will help introduce new technology into the Group Practice Clinics. “We supported the school not only because we realize it needs financial help at this time, but more importantly, because the future of the profession is being created …

State Rep. John C. D’Amico is backing legislation to create an elected board for the Chicago Public Schools, and he is leading a petition drive urging politicians to take immediate action. House Bill 4268 would create a board of 13 elected positions from four different regions. The bill would ensure accessibility by requiring that 50 percent of the meetings be held after business hours, giving working parents an opportunity to attend. Currently, the Chicago Board of Education consists of seven appointed members. D’Amico will be sending out petitions throughout his district demanding that the General Assembly pass this legislation.

    The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2015 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 22, 2015. Despite the snow, more than 600 were in attendance, making it once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The IAET honored Ron Onesti, president of Onesti Entertainment, as Man of the Year. A titan in the Italian American community and entertainment industry, Ron generously donates his time and talents locally while entertaining audiences across the country. Lou “Sonny” Nicotera was honored as Humanitarian of the Year. Sonny is one of the finest gentlemen you will …