by Joanne Spata The sights, sounds and scents of Christmas were in the air as Casa Italia welcomed over 1,200 people to its annual Christmas Village. What better way to celebrate the holiday than through a show of unity, as eight of Chicago land’s most prestigious organizations joined together to sponsor this most joyous of events. The aroma of roasting chestnuts wafted together with the snap, crackle, pop, of fresh dough frying in the unseasonably warm December air. As the strains of jolly Christmas music were heard, they were enlivened by the clippity clop of a dual horse drawn sleigh …

by Joanne Spata The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia is proud to announce its 2013 Man of the Year will be Dominic Stramaglia. “An entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist, Dominic embodies the true spirit of the Italian Cultural Center,” says event Chairwoman Amy Lemar. “Coming to America as a boy, he brought with him all the best attributes Italy has to offer: his love of family, his keen intellect and his determined spirit.” Dominic Stramaglia was born in Bari, Italy, in 1946. The Stramaglia family traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on the Andrea Doria in 1954, landing at Ellis …

Joanne Spata has been a familiar face in the Italian-American community for the past 30 years, having donated thousands of hours to community service. She has assisted with the planning and execution of dozens of special events benefiting her community. Sharing her insight of the Italian American Community, Joanne wrote a column in the Fra Noi Newspaper for many years, focusing on its highlights and upcoming events. Beginning in April 2013 she will write a monthly on-line column for Fra Noi focusing on Casa Italia. As the first woman elected President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, after …

by Joanne Spata What a perfect match: Dominic Stramaglia and the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia. They have so much in common! They are both dedicated to their cultural heritage and the support of all that is good, noteworthy and educational. They are very intelligent, creative and entertaining. And they are each priceless treasures to everyone who is fortunate enough to be involved with them. No wonder the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia selected Dominic Stramaglia as its 2013 Man of the Year. To celebrate this occasion, more than 700 people gathered on Feb. 16 for an incredible …

by Leonard A. Amari As a result of the vision of Anthony J. Fornelli and his dedicated committee, the Italian American Executive Hall of Fame was established at Casa Italia in Stone Park in 2008. The roll of honorees to date reads like a veritable Who’s Who, including Patrick Arbor, Salvatore Balsamo, “Bud” Cataldo, Jerry Colangelo, Paul Davies, Nella Ferraro, Anthony Fornelli, Amadeo Giannini, Lee Iacocca, Steve Lombardo, Gildo Mazzolin, Phyllis Muccianti, Richard Parrillo Sr., Phil Stefani and Mariano Turano. Induction ceremonies take place in the Chandelier Room of Casa Italia, where portraits of the honorees permanently adorn the walls. …

by Joanne Spata The evening started with the elegant sound of a string quartet, but ended with a bang at the 42nd annual Man of the Year dinner dance hosted by the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia. Our honoree was Dominic Sergi, a longtime Casa board member and founding partner and CEO of REX Electric & Technologies. I have said it before and I will say it again: Exciting things happen when Dominic Sergi is involved. Dominic is a major force in the betterment of our community. His leadership, dedication and determination are legendary. I am truly grateful to …

Casa Italia’s 2012 Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp will run Monday through Friday from June 18 to July 13. (The camp will be closed on July 4.) For four weeks this summer, children ages 4 to 13 can immerse themselves in the wonders of Italian language and culture through a wide range of enjoyable and educational activities on Casa Italia’s beautiful grounds. Our morning program will focus on teaching your children the Italian language through songs, games, storytelling, movies and skits. During the afternoon, children can choose from a variety of activities, including soccer, bocce, dancing, cooking, diet & …

A half-dozen cinematic standouts will garner their local premieres at Casa Italia in Stone Park at the 2012 Italian Film Festival USA of Chicago. Movies will be shown in Italian with English subtitles in the Chandelier Room of the Community Center at the Casa. Parking is available behind the Italian Cultural Center and at the corner of Division and 37th. The festival runs from April 20 to May 25. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the screening starting at 7:30. Admission is free. The schedule is as follows: April 20 “Noi credevamo” (We Believed) (A 2010 drama directed …

by Joanne Spata The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia surely lived up to its name as nearly 500 of it supporters and friends gathered to celebrate its 41st annual Person of the Year Dinner Dance. The theme “Preserving Italian Heritage and Sharing Italian Culture” permeated the enchanted evening, which took place on Feb. 18 at Alta Villa. From the moment the gala began, there was a new, yet elegant energy in the air, created by Dinner Dance Chairperson Kimberly Palmisano. Through her heartfelt sharing of her time and talent, she made the evening truly special. Through her efforts and …

by Lionel Bottari When budding young actors and actresses look for inspiration in that mother of all improvised comedy, Commedia dell’Arte, it is inevitable that they will come upon the name and works of Maestro Antonio Fava. In giving this author of “The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell’Arte” (Northwestern University Press), master artisan of the leather half-mask, and teacher of traditional improvised theater it’s hospitality, Casa Italia joined the ranks of world-class cultural institutions that invites Italian artists to work and stay as artists in residence. The Maestro was invited to come as an artist in residence by the …