Columns

Despite the fact that I am a full-blooded Italian-American who has been writing since 1982, I can’t help but feel like one of the “new fish” getting off the bus in the movie the Shawshank Redemption. Being invited to write for Fra Noi is almost as ominous as my first moments in freshman P.E. class, trembling in my one-piece gym suit and cowering as our instructor, with totally unnecessary bias, warned the entire class to be afraid of the girls from Melrose Park. For the most part, I am proud to be a lifelong Melrose Parker, having lived among rich …

There are few things we know for certain in this life, with the exception of death and taxes. But I have learned, especially in recent weeks and months, that there is at least one other certainty: when people rally together for a cause and make their voices heard, things will change. Egypt, the Tea Party and elected officials in Wisconsin, for example, all know this to be true. So I take my case to you, the people — Italian Americans and other descendants of hard-working immigrants, residents of the Midwest, Roman Catholics, graduates of Catholic schools, students of history, theology, …

Hi, my name is Tina and I’m an Italian American. And, no, this is not a column about addictions or interventions but, as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned, lifelong resident of Melrose Park, it almost feels like the introduction that has been tightly bottled up within me for several decades just longing to get out — like a genie in an old lamp. Most times, people guess wrong at my nationality, but thanks to this opportunity given to me by Fra Noi, I am validated and excited to be “home,” where the vowel at the end of my name is always …

Here in the northern suburbs of Highwood and Highland Park, there has always been an abundance of talented craftsmen, and their imprint remains on many of the grand homes that line the North Shore. From stonemasons to bricklayers, carpenters and gardeners, these men carry an artistic eye, and are meticulous creators in their fields. But none that I know of has achieved the national notoriety of Aldobrando Piacenza (1888-1976). Aldobrando Piacenza is acclaimed as an American folk artist who inspired both art students and artists alike. In 2007, his replica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception sold at Christie’s …

Among my favorite Italian places is the Highwood Bocce Club. Whether you play bocce or cards, enjoy a glass of wine or a cappuccino, the bocce club is the place to be. For young and wise alike, there is always something going on at 440 Bank Lane in Highwood. The history of the game of bocce as described by the United States Bocce Federation recounts an elaborate evolution of the game since 5600 B.C., when a similar game was played in ancient Egypt with polished stones. Somehow the Ancient Greeks learned to play the game in approximately 800 B.C. It …

At the turn of the previous century, Highwood and Highland Park were very different places than they are today. The streets bustled with a working class that included Swedes, Germans, Irish and an early sprinkling of Italians. The Italian men that came to the Northern suburbs knew there was work other than coal mining, which enabled them to improve their family’s future. As Adria Bernardi states in “Houses with Names,” the first known Italian was a Venetian in Highland Park just after 1900. The Modenesi came shortly thereafter. One by one, calling for their relatives from back home because there …

It’s winter in Chicago. Cold and crisp, the air outside reminds us of the holiday season. And for many Italians that means chestnuts! For centuries, this lowly fruit was the main sustenance of our people and played an important role during December and January’s cold winter months. Since autumn is harvest time for chestnuts, winter always has been the perfect time to enjoy them. There are many ways to prepare these soft and tasty nuts. More like a fruit, they can be roasted, boiled, or dried and ground into a flour, opening up a flurry of culinary possibilities. Chestnuts and …

We call ourselves Modenesi. The Italian side of my family, along with our many friends from the same mountains call ourselves by the name of the province of Modena, which is also the name of the provincial seat. I don’t know many “Modenesi” who are actually familiar with the city of Modena. I know I wasn’t. Recently however, I had the chance to acquaint myself with this beautiful city. My daughter, you see, has just moved to Modena for a new job. We are all very proud of her perseverance in searching for a position in Italy, even if it …

On Sept. 23, Cardinal George is scheduled to celebrate Mass and join in a reception at St. James Church, participating in the 100th anniversary celebration of the parish. Our Catholic community is proud to join in the celebration of the long history of this parish and its faithful members. Recently, Fr. Tom Baldonieri shared some of St. James’ history with the community: “In 1907, Reverend James D. O’Neill, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Highland Park, celebrated Mass for Catholics in the old Highwood City Hall on Waukegan Avenue. Earlier, Catholic settlers attended religious services at Fort Sheridan. But in 1912, …

Just when you thought your paesani were uncommon in their ability to discriminate among themselves, you find out that they are not at all unique among Italians, but acting out a phenomenon peculiar to the entire nation. This trait is so common in fact, there is a name for it: campanilismo. I suppose I first began to notice Italian-on-Italian discrimination as a youngster in Highland Park. It wasn’t the type of discrimination from without that older Italians were accustomed to. The discrimination I noticed related to differences between the families I knew. It was even more prevalent with my parents’ …