Community

Each March, dozens of Italian families, organizations, parishes and businesses across the Chicago area open their doors and their hearts to the less fortunate by setting up St. Joseph’s Tables. At press time, information was available only on the events in this listing. To be listed next year, call 708-338-0690 or email info@franoi.com. MARCH 1 WILLIAM CHURCH (Chicago) | 4 p.m. Mass followed by a traditional meatless St. Joseph’s Table | Adults, $25; children 7-14, $8; 6 and under, free | Tickets must be bought in advance | Sponsored by the San Rocco di Potenza Society to benefit the Feast …

The Italian American Political Coalition will present Judge Lisa Marino with its Public Service Leadership Award, Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico with its William Paca Award and Patrick Santoro with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Heritage Celebration on March 6 at The Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. To make reservations, call 708-369-2500. The following were provided by the IAPC. Patrick Santoro Lifetime Achievement Award Patrick L. Santoro is a seasoned public adjuster with an impressive career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in the industry in 1972 and has since become a prominent figure in the …

The JCCIA Women’s Division will host its annual Festa della Donna at 6:30 p.m. on March 11 at Cucina Biagio in Harwood Heights. A social half-hour at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by dinner at 7. The cost is $45 with a cash bar. Co-chaired by Women’s Division President Rose Mary Ranallo and Lisa Ryan, this year’s theme is “30 Under 30: Moving Forward Together.” The event will showcase young professional women who display leadership, mentorship or otherwise inspire others. Photos and profiles of the honorees will be posted daily on the division’s Facebook page. For more information or to RSVP, email womensdivision@jccia.com. …

More than 300 people gathered in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Oct. 14 to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month. A 1 p.m. ceremony at the Columbus statue in the city’s Central Park featured presentations by Mayor Dave Wood and Elkhart County Judge Chris Spataro, as well as representatives of local clubs from St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Sam Jermano gave a tribute to many of the local Italian Americans who served in the military. Festivities continued with an Italian buffet luncheon at the DeAmicis Club, with food provided by local restaurants. The event was sponsored by the DiLoreto Society, DeAmicis …

On a recent trip to Italy with a group from Esperienza Italia, Chicagoan Tom Bulgrin and his partner, Kerry, traveled a long and winding road to meet Ciuma and Cinzia Del Vecchio for a delightful home-cooked meal in their remote hilltop home. After dinner, Ciuma and his teenage daughter, Adele, performed an intimate concert for the group. The heartfelt musical expression of father and daughter sparked joy, and even a few tears. As a retired band director and professional musician, Tom Bulgrin couldn’t help but notice that the quality of Adele’s violin was no match for her talent. “I was …

Since its inception in 1952, there have been only two three-term presidents of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans: Dominic DiFrisco and JoAnn Serpico. Ron Onesti became the third member of that elite group at the JCCIA’s Christmas party on Dec. 9 at Venuti’s in Addison. Joining Onesti as officers for the next two years will be First Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Second Vice President Pat Capriati, Third Vice President Laura Orrico, Secretary Sam Cannizzaro and Treasurer Mario Cinardi. Phyllis Schoene was appointed executive director and Rose Mary Ranallo and Pasquale Gianni will reprise their roles as presidents of …

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 45th annual gala on Nov. 15 at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village. More than 700 attendees witnessed the induction of NBA star Chris Corchiani, ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio, NFL pioneer Bruno Banducci, wrestling great Lou Albano, baseball pioneer Philomena Gianfrancisco and boxing referee Johnny LoBianco. NBA legend and television personality Mike Fratello received the Mario Andretti Lifetime Achievement Award, Teamster official Joe Martucci was the Sportsman of the Year and Roberto Clemente High School baseball coach Richard Tomoleoni was a regional inductee. Paralympic champion and past NIASHF inductee Linda …

On Nov. 10, Com.It.Es (Comitato degli italiani all’estero) organized a pilgrimage to the town of Cherry, Illinois, on the 115th anniversary of the 1909 mine disaster that took the lives of 250 souls, 73 of whom were Italian immigrants. A group of 28 in the company of Italian Consul General Mario Bartoli traveled by bus to the tiny town 100 miles southwest of Chicago. The pilgrimage included a visit to the mine site, the Cherry Mine Disaster Museum and Library, and the cemetery, where Bartoli laid a wreath at the monument honoring those who had perished. The disaster remains largely unknown within the …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans honored five elected officials at its second annual Government Relations Luncheon on Nov. 19 at the Des Plaines Theatre. The event was spearheaded by JCCIA President Ron Onesti, with Enza Ranieri, a recipient of last year’s awards, chairing the committee. More than 150 organization presidents, elected officials and community leaders came together for the event. “In an environment where elected officials walk on eggshells when it comes to controversial issues such as Columbus Day, it’s crucial that we recognize those who bravely stand up for our community, our traditions and our culture,” Onesti …

“Bellissima!” That’s the word that best describes the day the “Pilgrim Virgin” statue of Our Lady of Fatima visited Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish & Shrine in October.  The statue, identical to the original in Portugal, has been traveling the globe since 1947, spreading a message of peace and hope. Our Lady of Mount Carmel was one of a dozen or so churches in the Chicago area selected to host the Blessed Mother for the day. She arrived the morning of Oct. 11, and by 10 a.m. she was ready to greet the line of people waiting to venerate …