When the Melrose Park School put out a call for speakers on Columbus Day, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans sprang into action. Their efforts yielded longtime activists Don Fiore and Lilia Juarez, who tag-teamed a pair of scintillating presentations to the entire student body on Oct. 12. The school has an enrollment of 900 students from grades kindergarten to eighth grade and it was a daunting for both Lilia and Don to realize they were about to speak to so many children. Principal Cristina Romo greeted the pair with a hearty “Viva Italia!” as they entered the gymnasium. …

We are so thankful for another great year and another great day. God blessed us with dry, clear weather for our annual display of pride in our heritage. It’s teamwork, obviously, that results in a perfectly executed parade. At the helm was Vincent Naccarato. It’s easy to see how Vincent, a successful businessman, reached the pinnacle of achievement. He required weekly meetings with weekly reports and updates on all aspects of the parade — front, line, bands, floats, marchers, convertibles — and his special weekly reference to a category we call “miscellaneous.” We thank you Vincent! It took hundreds of …

As we bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012, I would like to take this opportunity to enlighten all the visitors to Fra Noi’s enhanced website about who we are and what we do at the JCCIA. Our early leaders — Joseph Barbera, Anthony Paterno, Vincent E. Ferrara, Frank Annunzio, Joseph DeSerto and Anthony Sorrentino — had a dream of uniting the community, and as we enter our 60th year of continuous service, we remember and honor them. Mission Statement The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian-American heritage and providing a …

This year’s Camminata Del Biscotto attracted over 100 people, including first-time attendees who shared their family recipes for Italian cookies. Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico and Event Chairperson Enza Raineri welcomed attendees and thanked everyone for continuing this long tradition of Italian cookie baking. “This event helps ensure that future generations continue to pass on this wonderful tradition and share the beautiful art of making Italian Christmas cookies,” Serpico said. “Each year, we see families coming with their children, who bake and share. That’s what makes this event so special. It’s family oriented and a great afternoon of great food …

As the New Year rings in, it also brings in new officers for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. New energy brings new ideas, and Frank Cerrone, as the newly installed president of the Joint Civic Committee, will certainly inspire us all to new heights. As Vice Chairman, President and co-CEO, Mr. Cerrone’s incredible combination of experience, knowledge, vision and passion for banking has resulted in a significant role in the incredible success story of Pan American Bank. As a first generation Italian-American, Mr. Cerrone credits his Italian heritage and his parents for showing him the meaning of determination. …

1952 to 2012 … 60 years … a testament to JCCIA’S longevity and involvement in the Italian-American community. In 1952, there was the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. There was no Casa Italia, Italian Cultural Center, Calabresi in America or San Francisco di Paola celebration. The Italian Chamber of Commerce had a very small office on LaSalle Street. The Italo American National Union and the Order Sons of Italy were flourishing with Italian Americans belonging to various “lodges” of both groups. Villa Scalabrini was our Italian Home for the Aged. Our Lady of Pompeii was still an integral part …

by Rose Mary Ranallo The Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian American hosted its 44th scholarship dinner and fashion show on April 25. Titled “Puttin on the Ritz,” the event was held at the Drury Lane Oak Brook. Chairman Carmela Capriati and her committee truly put on a show with glitz and glamour. The room was filled with feathers, top hats and shimmering candles. Everyone waited in rapt anticipation for the raffle drawing, which featured more than two-dozen baskets valued at over $100 each, plus a Grand Prize of $5,000. Twenty-one boutique vendors showcased their purses, jewelry …

Each year, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans proudly selects a person who exemplifies the virtues of caring, humility and good will that were the hallmark of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin tenure in Chicago. Because of all of his qualities, then and now, our president, Antonio M. Romanucci, has chosen State Representative Angelo “Skip” Saviano to be the recipient of the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award. Angelo “Skip” Saviano is one elected official who has never forgotten his roots. He proudly has attended every Columbus Day Mass and Wreath Laying ceremony since he has been in office. He serves as …

Few events in the community can match the pageantry of the annual Columbus Day Queen Contest. The queen will be the star of the Italian community for a year’s reign. She will represent all of us with her grace and beauty throughout the Chicago area at special events. The pageant is sponsored annually by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. It is a special day for the community. It is held on Sunday so all of the family can share in the event. The date of this year’s event is July 22. The venue for this year’s pageant is …

Our president, Antonio Romanucci, has chosen a new venue for the Queen Pageant: The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. How exciting to be in the heart of Little Italy for our legendary contest to select the young lady who will reign over the Columbus Day Parade. It is as though it’s given a new jolt to our traditional judging. Chairman Jim Glimco and Choreographer Marilyn Fredericks are busy making all the arrangements. Family and friends of our beautiful bevy will fill the ballroom of this most interesting building. What a great setting to be amid all of the …