The Justinian Society of Lawyers swore in its 2015-2016 officers in May. Pictured from left are Cook County Circuit Judge Regina Ann Scannicchio, secretary; Natalie M. Petric, treasurer; Vincent R. Vidmer, third vice president; Michael F. Bonamarte IV, second vice president; Frank A. Sommario, first vice president; and Jessica T. DePinto, president. Retired Judge Gloria Coco presided over the swearing-in ceremony. The officers will be officially installed at the society’s awards dinner on Sept. 16 at the Chicago Palmer House. The Rev. Michael Garanzini, president of Loyola University Chicago, will receive the Society’s Award of Excellence at the …

    The IL/WI Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America held its 46th biennial convention in June. Elected to the Grand Council were Marie Marsalli, president; Frank Schiro, first vice president; Maria Mancini, second vice president; Richard Della Croce, immediate past president; James LasCola, orator; Judith Simoni, recording secretary; John Simoni, financial secretary; Carl Busateri, treasurer; Elia Kress, historian; the Rev. John Belmonte, chaplain; and Margurite Rowley, Christine Della Croce, Joseph Dentice and Anna DeLuca, trustees. Recently elected lodge presidents include Giacomo Mancini, Bert Jacobson, Anthony DiMiele, Joseph Emanuele, Ben Todaro, Leonard DePasquale and Paul Loparco. …

  Chicago was blessed with two Festa della Repubblica celebrations this year, with the first being held on May 31 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. The Pompeii event has the distinction of being the only such celebration in America that involved a parade through the streets of the city. Following a Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, hundreds of participants made their way down Taylor Street for a wreath-laying ceremony at Garibaldi Park, at which World War II veteran Adelco D’ascezo was honored.

  Gina Ann Biasiello received her doctor of physical therapy degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Va., in May. She previously received her bachelor of science degree in biology from Loyola University Chicago and her master of science degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University. She is presently finishing her clinical studies at the Woodbine Facility in Alexandria, Va. The daughter Dr. and Mrs. Michael Biasiello of Arlington Heights, Gina is pictured here with her brothers, Michael Jr. and Dominic.  

The John R. Mott Scholarship Foundation of Washington, D.C., held its annual award ceremony and reception on June 19 at the Principessa Hotel in Campara San Giovanni, Cosenza, Calabria. At the ceremony, 148 academic scholarships were awarded to students from all over the region. The foundation has awarded more than 1,500 scholarships for higher education since 2001 to the young men and women of Calabria. Criteria for the scholarship include academic achievement, financial need and a commitment to using the benefits of their education to make a contribution to the region. (www.mottscholarship.org)  

To help keep local roads safe, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, passed legislation this week expanding the use of alcohol-detecting ignition locks ensuring that DUI offenders cannot get behind the wheel intoxicated again. “Too many innocent lives are put at risk by the reckless decisions of those who choose to drive while intoxicated,” D’Amico said. “I want to make sure that DUI offenders will be monitored and reported to the authorities should they continue to make such dangerous decisions.” D’Amico introduced Senate Bill 627 in the House, which increases the use of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIID) for DUI …

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, recently passed legislation prohibiting counties and municipalities from charging residents for using emergency services related to their disabilities or cases of domestic violence. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes,” DeLuca said. “While crime free housing was designed to make it easier for landlords to terminate leases due to criminal activity, it should not be used as a way for cities and counties to make money in emergency situations.” There are over 100 counties and municipalities across the state that allow “crime free” or “nuisance” property ordinances. Complexes under these ordinances work with …

Samuel J. Cascio, D.D.S., received the Marshall H. Smulson D.D.S. Humanitarian Award at the Ed Kelly 41st annual Giant Awards in June. A U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II, Dr. Cascio earned his D.D.S. degree from Loyola University. He has held leadership positions in the Chicago Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry on the state and local level, the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Loyola School of Dentistry. Dr. Cascio has been honored by St. Mary’s University, Loyola, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Knights of Columbus to …

  How good is your homemade wine? To find out, sign up for the fourth annual Battle of the Vino. Hosted by Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, the event will be staged on Aug. 29 at the grocery chain’s new Carol Stream store, 520 E. North Ave. Home winemakers are invited to vie for a $250 Caputo’s gift card and other prizes; learn new tricks from Caputo’s resident wine experts; and sample wines, cheeses and deli meats as they put their own wine to the test. (630-620-4444, ext. 1034; www.caputomarkets.com)  

  Ballet Légere will hold auditions for its 31st annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Aug. 15 and 16 at Légere Dance Centre in River Forest. Parts are available for girls ages 4-1/2 and up with heights ranging from 45 to 61 inches; boys ages 5 to 12; gymnasts and tumblers; and male and female dancers, both teen and adult, for pointe and non-pointe roles. Callbacks will be held Aug. 22 to 30. Ballet Légere has been performing “The Nutcracker” annually under the direction of Donna Vittorio since 1985. (773-237-1874, www.balletlegere.org)