The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans involvement goes beyond the Italian community. Since 1952 the JCCIA has been the go-to organization for those in Chicago in need of representation from the Italian community. We enjoy this position of leadership and respect. With great pride and self-esteem, the JCCIA takes part in an array of events in Chicagoland. Our umbrella, a unified voice, has earned us this distinct role. Thanks to our great scroll of past presidents, each made the JCCIA their priority during their term. Each exemplifies the meaning of a leader whose goal it is to maintain continuity. …

One of the most thrilling and glamorous events in the Chicago-area Italian-American community is the contest to determine who will reign as La Bella Regina of the Columbus Day Parade. Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, this year’s Columbus Day Queen Contest will be held on July 21 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event will be chaired by Jim Glimco and Mauro Glorioso, and choreographed by Marilyn Cusimano Fredericks. The winner of the contest will walk away with $1,000 in cash plus other prizes, in addition to the crown. The queen and her court will …

by JoAnn Serpico “THEY HELPED MAKE AMERICA GREAT!” What an appropriately strong theme for our 2012 parade. This year, each float will salute Americans of Italian descent who have helped make our nation great. Passing in review will be legendary names like Enrico Fermi, Fillipo Mazzei, Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Guglielmo Marconi, Giacomo Beltrami, William Paca, Frances X. Cabrini, Fiorello LaGuardia, Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few. Helping to make our annual celebration of our heritage great will be our Parade Chairman, Vincent Naccarato, the Chairman of Molto Capitol LLC and a true benefactor in both …

by Jo Ann Serpico “Exciting” doesn’t begin to describe the 2013 Columbus Day Queen Pageant that took place on July 21. Enthusiasm radiated from the family members, friends and community leaders who attended, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership.” Dina Bair, our master of ceremonies, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who is currently the anchor for WGN Midday News and the most recent recipient of the JCCIA Dante Award and JCCIA Women’s Division Impresa Award. Dina was also the Columbus Day Queen in 1990. Her energy was so inspiring. She was superb! We are …

by Jo Ann Serpico The long hot days of summer are upon us. Numerous flowers make a picture perfect landscape of beauty and grandeur. I am reveling in the simple joys of the season. I know that as soon as this magic passes, the fall and the glorious shades of autumn will follow. That brings us to Columbus Day, which is for all Italian Americans the most jubilant day of the year. Each year as Oct. 12 approaches, the excitement grows. This year, our day to shine will be Monday, October 14. The older you get, the anticipation of celebration …

The Italianettes folk dance troupe was once again invited to perform at the Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest, making our holiday season a spectacular event from beginning to end. The program was sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans under the leadership of President Antonio Romanucci. Antonio and judicial candidate Lisa Marino were able to attend the program at the museum. Antonio’s nieces and Lisa’s son are members of the Italianettes. A most gracious thank you to the Donald Mazzone family for their generous sponsorship of the Italianettes …

Our new administration brings a wealth of experience to the JCCIA — new growth and new enthusiasm will be infused into all of our future endeavors. Our umbrella organization has always represented the hopes and dreams of our Italian community through a unified voice. At this time, I have the distinct privilege of presenting the 2013-2014 officers and leaders of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. In the previous column, I already introduced you to our new president Frank Cerrone of Pan American Bank. This month I wish to introduce you to: Mauro Glorioso, First Vice President Mauro is …

Spring not only brings the flower blossoms, it brings our annual Dante Award luncheon. At this affair, attended by the Chicago’s media elite, we honor one of their own for answering Dante Alighieri’s call to be no timid friend to truth. This year we celebrate the accomplishments of Sun-Times stalwart Stella Foster. The author since Dec. 2, 2003 of “Stella’s Column,” she has enjoyed a long and illustrious career as a writer, broadcaster and long-time assistant to the late Irv Kupcinet, author of “Kup’s Column,” the longest-running nationally syndicated column of its kind. Now with her own column in the …

WGN-TV proudly calls itself “Chicago’s Very Own.” Well, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is just as proud to say that one of WGN’s very own — Dina Bair — will be the recipient of this year’s Dante Award. An Emmy Award-winning journalist, Dina is the anchor for WGN’s “Midday News,” and the medical reporter for the “Medical Watch” segments on WGN’s “Midday News” and “News at Nine.” The JCCIA is equally proud of the fact that Dina is one of OUR very own. In 1990, she stepped onto the runway of our Columbus Day Queen Pageant and walked …

For five years, the JCCIA has sponsored the Camminata Del Biscotto (Italian Cookie Walk). Our annual fair brings together everyone who loves to bake the cookies that have been a tradition in our Italian homes for the holidays. This is a very successful event created by Enza Raineri in an effort to keep the tradition flowing for our children and grandchildren. This in itself has become a new tradition for the Chicagoland Italian Americans. What a beautiful idea, Enza! My 4-year-old granddaughter was one of the 80-plus participants last year. She was so excited about being there that this year …