by Joanne Spata When I was a teenager, more years in the past than I choose to admit, I remember visiting the grounds of the Italian Cultural Center. There, on the first Sunday in August, the Cultural Center would host its annual picnic. It was a wonderful day filled with beautiful surroundings, lively music and organized games for all. The day would begin with an outdoor Mass and would sometimes end with a full symphony orchestra playing under the pavilion; followed by the explosion of fireworks under the stars. In between, if you were fortunate, guided tours were given of …

by Joanne Spata To everything; turn, turn, turn. There is a season; turn, turn, turn and a time for every purpose under heaven. So sang the group The Byrds in 1962 in the song written by Pete Seeger and borrowed from Ecclesiastes 3:1. Whether it was written 50 years ago, or over 2,000 years ago; it is still true today. Here at Casa Italia, it is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and that the cooler winds of fall are beginning to blow. I know that for many, summer is a time to relax; to take …

by Joanne Spata Tired of the same old fall festivals? Well, how about transporting yourself back in time as Casa Italia celebrates its seventh annual Fall Festival in grand Italian Renaissance Carnevale style! Come and experience the sounds, sights and aromas of the Italy of olden times while immersing yourself in the beautifully landscaped gardens of Casa Italia and the fun of a 21st century carnival and haunted house. Festivities will run from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Casa Italia. This weekend extravaganza packs non-stop music, …

by Leonard F. Amari As a result of the vision of Anthony J. Fornelli, one of the great men and career leaders and contributors to the improvement of the Italian-American condition in the Chicago area, and other committed folks from our ethnic community, an Italian American Executive Hall of Fame has been established at Casa Italia in Stone Park. At the initial meeting of this committee in 2007, Chairman Fornelli suggested to committee members Don Bono, Dominic Verlotta, Phyllis Muccianti, Jack LaBrasca, Dominic Sergi, Josette Weber and Leonard Amari, that it would be appropriate to have a place at Casa …

by Joanne Spata Autumn was in the air, mingling with the aromas, sights and sounds of Italy, as Casa Italia celebrated its 5th annual Italian Fall Festival. Nestled on the grounds of Casa Italia, the festive weekend of Oct. 15 and 16 featured continuous musical entertainment, cultural events and Italian delicacies as far as the eye could see. No matter what time you arrived, you were treated to the musical strains of Enzo and Liliana Incandela, Marco Margaritelli, Vince Amore or Johnny Maggio, who filled the Casa Italia grounds with the beautiful sounds of Italian melodies. And, of course, there …

by John Rizzo There is no question that the 2011 Li-Puma-Raimondi Awards event was the best ever. This is due in no small part to the impressive star power involved this time around. There are actually two groups of stars that should be cited. Of course there are the young singers, the scholarship winners, whose brilliant artistry provided the evening’s entertainment. But perhaps the most important stars are the people who funded the awards — those who have stepped up to the plate to champion great Italian culture in a tangible way that must be respected. First we hail the …

by Lisa Perkins On a mild Sunday afternoon at the beginning of December, Casa Italia was home of the first-ever Christmas Village hosted jointly by Casa Italia, Calabresi in America Organization, Societa San Francesco di Paola, Casa Puglia and the Italian American Executives of Transportation. According to Tony Turano, President of the Casa Italia, the idea has been discussed for nearly 10 years and he was happy to be a part of its beginning. The purpose of the day was to bring together as many Italian-American organizations as possible to celebrate the spirit of Christmas as well as to celebrate …

by Darrell Marchioretto The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia was the setting for merrymaking Italian-style during the annual Italian Language Program’s Buon Natale Celebration. Held on December 11, 2011, in the Community Center of Casa Italia, nearly 200 supporters of the ICC’s language program came to share in the festivities. Italian Language Coordinator Nella Incandela kicked off the afternoon by thanking all those in attendance, as well as her many Italian language teachers, who had turned out to share the fruits of their labors with the audience. Mrs. Incandela then introduced Fr. August Feccia, who gave the invocation for …

by Joanne Spata Do you like wine, cheese and music? Who doesn’t? Now imagine enjoying some of your favorite things while surrounded by the aroma of Italian specialty foods, continuous entertainment, children’s games and beautiful museums bursting with artifacts of our rich heritage and culture. This is not a dream; it is Casa Italia’s Sixth Annual Fall Festival! Festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7 at Casa Italia; which is located two blocks east of Mannheim, south of North Avenue and north of Lake Street in Stone Park. This weekend extravaganza crams into …

On September 29 and 30, Radio Maria is having a rummage sale where you will find a variety of items — from electronics and ceramics, to dresses, books, CD’s, vintage records, etc. — all to be purchased for an unbeatable price. This will be held at the Festival Center of Casa Italia, entrance on 37th Avenue and Soffel Street, Stone Park. The public is invited to support this worthy cause to keep Radio Maria on the air. Radio Maria is a religious program with news, Mass, the Rosary, prayers, and questions and answers strengthening our journey of faith. If you …