The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans presented its Dante and Mazzei awards on May 29 at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago. Chicago Tribune Editorial Page Editor R. Bruce Dold received the Dante Award. The honor is bestowed each year on a member of the media who lives up to Dante Alighieri’s call to be no timid friend to truth. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk received the Mazzei Award. Named after the Revolutionary War patriot who inspired the phrase “all men are created equal,” the award is presented to a person who shows extraordinary skills in the world of public …

The National Italian American Foundation Board of Directors has voted to create a special one-time NIAF Emanuele and Emilia Inglese Memorial Grant of $100,000 to support the “Save the Saint” restoration project by the International Patrons of Duomo di Milano. The funds will go toward the restoration of the spire dedicated to St. Frances Cabrini, America’s first saint. The Cabrini spire is one of 135 available for restoration through the “Save the Saint” project. International Patrons of Duomo di Milano is a New York-based charitable organization established in 2014 to support the conservation, restoration and protection of the cathedral. www.duomopatrons.org. …

Anthony B. Ferraro has been elected president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Ferraro is the founder and managing member at the Law Offices of Anthony B. Ferraro. He received his bachelor of commerce in accountancy from DePaul University and his master of science in taxation. After receiving his CPA designation in 1978, he enrolled in law school, earning his juris doctor in 1983 from De Paul University. A VA accredited attorney, Ferraro is a past president of the Justinian Society of Lawyers and a past member of the AARP panel of participating attorneys. He is …

  Frankie’s Deli has had a lot to celebrate lately. The venerable Italian food emporium marked its 50th anniversary with a five-day culinary extravaganza in late November that culminated in a visit from Italian Senator Renato Turano. “My family has been doing business with Turano Baking Co. for half a century and it was important for us to make them a part of our celebration,” says Frank Conforti Jr., son of company founders Frank Sr. and Connie. “We were truly honored that Senator Turano flew all the way in from Italy to join us!” As icing on the birthday cake, …

    Dr. James Discipio graduated from Loyola Dental School in 1984 and received a graduate degree in oral biology in 1985. But his “career” in dentistry began long before the 1980s. The son of a dentist, he grew up in the practice his father, Dr. Joseph Discipio, opened in 1954, right down the block from where the two men practice together now. J.V. Discipio & Associates Ltd reopened at the current location, 6737 Stanley Ave. in Berwyn, in 1956, and they have been there ever since. “What I find most rewarding about my profession is the ability to help …

If the rollicking boogie king and swingin’ clown prince Louis Prima was a tough act to follow in his lifetime, imagine what it must be like to bring the musician back to life on stage in a way that pleases and amazes listeners. That’s exactly the challenge Anthony Crivello has tackled with “Louis & Keely: ‘Live’ at the Sahara,” which closed at the Royal George Theater on May 17. Presented by Hershey Felder, the production traces how Prima took unknown teenager Keely Smith and shaped her into a sassy stage foil via a two-week gig on the floor of the …

Northfield CPA John L. Ferrentino stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. Joining Ferrentino as 2015 officers are First Vice President Jonathan L. Zivojnovic, Second Vice President Anthony L. Ambrose, Third Vice President Jack P. Cannata, Secretary Stuart J. Caravello, Treasurer Vincent A. Maietta and Sergeant-at-Arms Mark M. Corrado. The two-year members of the board of directors are Frank Binetti, Michael D. Russotto, John F. Curry, Daniel A. Corrado and. Frank J. Lucchese. The one-year directors are Ross A. Morizzo, John L. Ambrogi, Victor M. Guerrieri, Christopher M. Dirks and …

Casa Italia has launched a fundraising paver project that promises to place it on a secure financial footing for years to come. The pavers will line the walkway between the Italian Cultural Center and Nonna Graziella in a pair of two-foot-wide paths that will eventually be lined with landscaping and benches. With plenty of parking on the either end of the walkway, the project will be readily accessible to the public, and at a maximum distance of only two feet, each paver will be easily located and viewed. The cost is $150 for a 4-inch-by-8-inch paver and $300 for an …

Richard and Debra Kopacz of Countryside are pleased to announce the wedding of their daughter Kelly to Giuliano Cerami. Giuliano is the son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Cerami of Chicago. The bride is employed as an administrative assistant at a law firm in Chicago. A passionate artist, she is spearheading the creation of an Art League at Casa Italia in Stone Park. The groom is working as a head receiver for a grocery chain. The two were wed this May at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange.  

  The Italian American Political Coalition honored a trio of titans at its March 20 Heritage Celebration at Diplomat West Banquets in Elmhurst. Retired Judge Bruno Tassone received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Executive Director JoAnn Serpico earned the William Paca Award and the Public Service Award was given to Hawthorn Woods Mayor Joe Mancino. The annual event honors Italian Americans who are active in the political and governmental arenas. Pictured (from left) are IAPC Rules Chairman Rich Pellegrino, IAPC President and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Serpico, Mancino and Tassone.