Società San Giovanni Bosco SS. Crocifisso di Ciminna honored Vito P. Cali as Man of the Year at its dinner dance on March 5 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. A longtime leader of the Chicago-area Italian American community and standout agent for State Farm Insurance, Cali served as the society’s first president. “We’re honoring Vito because of his contributions to our society and because of his accomplishments both professionally and within the community,” says society President Tony Napoli. The son of Filippo and Vita Maria (Campagna) Cali, Vito was born in Ciminna, Sicily, and came to America with his …

  Katherine Amari O’Dell and Joseph F. Locallo III have joined their illustrious fathers as partners at the Law Offices of Amari & Locallo. O’Dell graduated from Queen of All Saints Grade School, Regina Dominican High School, Northern Illinois University and The John Marshall Law School. A former assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for three years, she has served as the senior associate of Amari & Locallo since 2000. Married to Jason E. O’Dell and the mother of Jason Eric O’Dell Jr., she and her family live on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Locallo graduated from Queen of All Saints …

Angelo Castanza Jr. took over as president of the Calabresi in America Organization at CIAO’s annual installation dinner in November. Castanza was brought into the organization in 2001 by the indefatigable Joe Bruno. Once involved, he was hooked. “It is the one place other than my family where I feel I completely belong,” he explains. Castanza has risen through the ranks of CIAO officers over the last several years, and has served on the board of directors, advisory board and golf outing committee. He has played the part of Santa at the organization’s Christmas party since 2003. “I see my …

Anthony Guida took over as president of the Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago in January 2015. A member since 2007 and a director since 2008, Guida was drawn to the organization by what it represents and accomplishes, and the sense of family and charity that the organization fosters. “Our mission is to help Italian Americans succeed in labor and I feel that we do that,” he says. “It’s a great group of people who have a good time when we get together, and we enjoy helping other people like De Paul’s Labor Education Center, City of Hope and …

In recognition of his work to strengthen DUI laws, state Rep. John D’Amico received the Legislator of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization dedicated to saving lives and preventing drunk driving fatalities. “Too many innocent lives across the nation have been taken by the careless decisions of drunk drivers,” D’Amico says. “As a legislator, I want to make sure Illinois enforces measures to help keep our families safe on the road and from having to endure the pain of losing a loved one from reckless driving.” D’Amico partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to …

  The Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America, celebrated its 91st annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 10 at the White Eagle in Niles. Richard R. Della Croce, Columbus Banquet Chair and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, welcomed the guests and introduced the Grand Lodge Officers, honored award recipients and the Columbus Queen representative as they entered the hall. Highlighting the evening were the presentations of the 2015 Humanitarian Award and the Columbus Patriot Award. In addition, the Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation awarded nine scholarships to Italian American students who are continuing their education. Receiving …

On Monday, Nov. 9, U.S. Air Force veteran William “Billy” Castellano gave a riveting power point presentation of his time in the Middle East to a capacity crowd at the Italian American Veterans Museum. Billy told his story of how a boy from Galewood knew he wanted to follow in his family’s tradition of service to the United States military, joining the Air Force as a young man. As a member of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces, he was tasked with safeguarding nuclear weapons, codes and components. Deployed to the Middle East multiple times, he spent a year in …

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 on Jan. 16 at the Loew’s Hotel O’Hare. (708-456-9200) “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,” …

For the 17th consecutive year, the National Italian American Foundation will sponsor its Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian American students enrolled in a college or university to Italy each year. This all-expenses-paid trip will take place in June 2016. The goal of the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program is to strengthen Italian American students’ understanding of their heritage and the contributions Italy has made to the world. “The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery, a cornerstone program at the National Italian American Foundation, helps strengthen the Italian …

Anticipating the aura of Columbus Day became reality on Monday, Oct. 12. It was everything I had envisioned, only more spectacular. The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii was filled to capacity, the altar gorgeous with bouquets of flowers, the music resounding throughout the Mass. Father Fragomeni’s words were stimulating. JCCIA President Frank Cerrone greeted all. Parade Chairman Sal Perricone gave emotional closing comments. The Marist Band brought tears to our eyes, and the Knights of Columbus were impressive as always. At Arrigo Park, the words of Marie Marsalli of the State Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy …