by JoAnn Serpico I just arrived home from a beautiful luncheon hosted by the Sicilian American Cultural Association. Judge Orlando and Rosemary Ragano were honored for all of their contributions to that organization and to the entire Italian-American community. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Donna Amari, wife of Leonard Amari, president of John Marshall Law School. Donna told me that, while she was shopping recently at Macy’s in Oakbrook, she met a lady who was talking about making Sicilian cookies, and Donna, of course, shares that interest. I reminded Donna about the Joint Civic Committee annual Cookie …

The historical ballroom of the Medinah Country Club recently hosted the bi-annual luncheon and presentation of the Impresa Award. The event, which took place on August 18, is sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. About 150 guests, many among the communities most notable, were present to honor and recognize the accomplishments of eight extraordinary women from the Chicago area. The Impresa Award project was initiated in 1983 and continues to preserve and record for history the lives and accomplishments of Italian-American women. Honored at this year’s event were Channel 9 anchor Dina Bair; …

by Jo Ann Serpico the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans extends a warm invitation to the entire community to attend our annual gala. This year, we honor past president Antonio Romanucci with our Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award and Joseph Gagliardo with our Robert G. Cimo Peacemaker Award. This glittering event will begin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza in Chicago. Donations are $150 per person. To make your reservations, call 708-450-9050. Antonio Romanucci The immediate past president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, Antonio Romanucci is a founding partner, …

by JoAnn Serpico Oh what a night! The South Ballroom of the Donald Stephens Center was the setting for the 50th annual Man of the Year Gala. Chairpersons Christine Cerami and Joe Rosa planned a most extraordinary evening for all. As the guests arrived, the pianist from the Ray Sassetti Orchestra was playing selections from Broadway musicals in the large foyer. Socializing and enjoyment of cocktails and a vast assortment of hot appetizers continued from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The ballroom, bright with yellow and white roses, added to the ambiance of the event. The Italian and American anthems were …

by Jo Ann Serpico Each year, the theme of the Columbus Day Parade denotes strength and pride. This year, “2013: The Year of Italian Culture in the United States,” is no exception. This is a dynamic theme for a dynamic day. The Istituto Italiano di Cultura has planned various events throughout the year to promote the rich culture and traditions of Italy, and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is proud to play a part. Making our annual celebration of our heritage great will be Parade Chairman Tony Durpetti, a past Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian of the Year Award …

With the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Queen Pageant serving as the kickoff for the Columbus Day festivities, we are well on our way to our magnificent celebration. This year our jubilation is two-fold. Our annual tribute honoring Columbus and the greatest voyage of all times plus we join the country of our ancestors extolling the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy. This year’s parade theme is “One Hundred and Fifty Years of the Unification of Italy and the Unification of Our Community Honoring Alessandro Motta, Consul General of Italy.” Our president, Antonio Romanucci, announced in June 2011 …

I love history. The history I enjoy the most is about our Italian community. April brings the Scholarship Fashion Show sponsored each year by the JCCIA Women’s Division. The fashion show began with a tea on May 26, 1966, at the Chateau Royale, owned by Mrs. Serafina Ferrara, a businesswoman who also owned Ferrara Pastries. She was a benefactor so generous that she was dubbed “The Angel of Taylor Street.” In this column I would like to salute the women who 46 years ago dedicated their time and financial resources to promote the welfare and education of young Italian women. …

The beauty of our heritage was on full display as the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier was transformed into our beloved Italy on Feb. 17. Through the efforts of the Institute of Italian Culture and the JCCIA, la bell’Italia was well represented at Neighborhoods of the World, which will take place each Sunday through April 7 and feature a different ethnic group each week. The JCCIA answered the call to lead the way and organize the first Sunday in the series, without hesitation motivating all to participate in this display of our traditions and culture. Silvio Marchetti did an outstanding …

Columbus Day 2011 was one of those magical times when every well-calculated plan happened just as designed. God blessed us with perfect weather for spectators to come and enjoy our most awesome parade. Mass at Pompeii as always was most inspiring. Fr. Fragomeni announced Fr. John Belmonte would be delivering the much anticipated Columbus Day homily. Fr. Belmonte certainly was an excellent choice. The thundering drums of the Marist Band are always the highlight of the recessional. This 120-strong marching unit led us out of church to Arrigo Park. The wreath-laying ceremony is by far as well attended as the …

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. …