Carl Liture — who sold newspapers at the Century of Progress world’s fair in 1933-34 and witnessed the landing on Lake Michigan of Italo Balbo’s historic transatlantic flight — turned 100 on Dec. 26, 2025. The eldest of two sons born to Giuseppe and Giuseppina (Varvaro) Liturri, Carl grew up in the Italian enclave known as The Patch on the Near Northwest Side of Chicago. (The spelling of his last name was changed when he registered for school and the staffer wrote it the way it was pronounced rather than asking him for the spelling.) Carl worked a series of …

It’s taken a long time to get here, but you are now reading the 205th Petals from Roseland column that I’ve written! I took over writing this column from Mario Avignone when Fra Noi was still a tabloid-sized newspaper. That was when you were able to read all the publication’s content in print. But when the switch was made to a more manageable magazine format, the community columns appeared in whole on Fra Noi’s website, with teaser articles and e-blast links driving traffic to the online version. The transition ended up being a blessing in disguise. With the full-length version …

After six whirlwind months of construction, the first floor of the Community Center at Casa Italia has been transformed as part of an ongoing rinascimento at the venerable institution. The Community Center has always been a great venue for special events, with a modern lobby and restrooms, the Chandelier Room accommodating up to 140 guests, and the building’s former gymnasium being available for larger crowds. But the gymnasium was only accessible via flights of stairs, and food had to be prepared off-site and brought in, preventing the facility from reaching its full potential. All that has changed, thanks to a …

From a barrio of Buenos Aires to the top of the web development world, Norb Svanascini has been propelled by a simple but potent belief.  If ever there was proof of the power of positive thinking — and hard work — it’s Norb Svanascini. Born in a barrio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and raised since the age of 11 in Bloomington, Indiana, he went on to launch one of the nation’s marquee website-development companies. A philosophy major at Indiana University, Svanascini left during his junior year because he felt he could learn more in the real world than in a classroom. …

Lisa Turano and her parents, Patricia and Renato, figured prominently in Nazareth Academy’s 125th anniversary celebration June 6-7.  Lisa received one of the 2025 Four Pillar awards, and all three were acknowledged among the “125 Faces of Nazareth” in celebration of the La Grange Park high school 125th anniversary. “There is simply no missing the ‘Naz Spirit’ that Lisa Turano embodies,” promotional material for the event points out. “She lives the model of giving time, treasure and talent, always with her unique passion and zeal no matter where she goes or what she is doing. Lisa represents the best of …

The statue of Christopher Columbus that for decades graced Arrigo Park is heading back to the neighborhood it once called home after spending nearly five years in storage. After a protracted legal battle, the Chicago Park District has finally released the statue into the care of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The cherished icon will be installed as the centerpiece of a new museum on Taylor Street dedicated to the Italian immigrants of Chicago. “This resolution is a huge victory for our community, and to all those who believe in free speech and artistic expression,” JCCIA President Ron …

If you’re just now finding out about the agreement to bring the Christopher Columbus statue back to the Near West Side, you might be disappointed to learn that it’s headed for a museum on Taylor Street rather than its pedestal in Arrigo Park. (For more, click here.) But those of us who watched the process unfold at the monthly meetings of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans can tell you just how triumphant the final accord truly is. As many of you know, the JCCIA is a congress of 50-plus local organizations tasked with acting on behalf of the …

State Rep. Bob Rita was named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Township Officials of Illinois in recognition of his commitment to township government and community service. Rita, who also serves as Calumet Township supervisor, was honored for his leadership in delivering essential services and advocating for policies that strengthen local government and improve residents’ lives. His township initiatives include a variety of programs for older adults, including a seniors-only DMV outpost, a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository that provides free produce twice a month, affordable lunch programs and exercise classes, and free rides for seniors …

Never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference, especially if that person has the vision, drive and reach of Pat Capriati. In a matter of months, Capriati was able to conjure an American-Italian Sister Cities relationship out of thin air, bringing together good people on both sides of the Atlantic who otherwise never would have met. It all started while Capriati was browsing through his Facebook feed. “A post by the Roselle Sister Cities Association Italian Committee caught my eye,” he explains. “I was aware of the committee but I didn’t know their counterpart in Italy so …

“Many hands make light work,” the Old Testament tells us, and that time-honored proverb is as true today as it was when the Jewish people rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls 2,500 years ago. For proof of that, you need look no further than Casa Italia during the holiday season. As many of you know, the village of Stone Park bought the property on which the Casa stands from the Missionaries of St. Charles in the waning months of 2024. Opinions may differ, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a win-win-win situation. The Scalabrinians have been well compensated and the village has …