Community

On May 13, more than 300 elected officials, political lobbyists and community leaders converged on the Bank of Springfield Convention Center for the third annual Italian Caucus Reception in the state’s capital. What began as a quiet dinner prepared by Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano and Bloomingdale Mayor Franco Coladipietro has blossomed into what legislators refer to as the “best party in Springfield.” The event is chaired by State Rep. Anthony Deluca and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti. “When I heard about the event a few years ago, I thought it would be a great …

Caption Locallo and Mirabelli Catherine R. (Caifano) Locallo ascended to the presidency of the Justinian Society of Lawyers at the society’s installation and awards dinner on May 15 at RPM Events Chicago. Enrico J. Mirabelli was presented with the society’s Award of Excellence at the event. Joining Locallo as officers are First Vice President Michael R. Bertucci, Second Vice President Judge Jill Cerone-Marisie, Third Vice President Michael R. Grieco, Treasurer Sarah M. LeRose and Secretary Dominic C. LoVerde. The following profiles were provided by the Justinians. Enrico J. Mirabelli Award of Excellence Enrico J. Mirabelli, an Equity Partner at Beermann …

The American Italian Cultural Society has been faithfully serving the Italian American community of the southwest suburbs from its clubhouse in Crest Hill for nearly 40 years. In February, the AICS embarked on an ambitious renovation project that has culminated in a completely refurbished bar and dining area. “Our goal was to update our club, keeping in mind the culture and traditions in place,” AICS President John Mauzer says. “Our club prayer is, ‘So we may leave the legacy to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.’” The renovation was completed with the input and involvement of the younger generation, Mauzer proudly …

The Justinian Society of Lawyers held its 23rd annual Children’s Endowment Fund grant reception on March 13. Justinian President Brian Monico and Justinian Society Endowment Fund Chairman Frank Sommario presented a total of $15,000 in grants. The March 13 event was held at Luxbar Chicago. Homewood Science Center Executive Director Edie Dobrez, Keshet board member Doug Winkelstein and Chicago District Golf Association Executive Director Robert Markionni were on hand to accept the grants, provide short descriptions of their organizations and explain how the grant money will be used. “The Justinian Society is dedicated to promoting charitable giving as part of …

  UNICO National held its midyear board of directors meeting in Chicago from March 7-9. The centerpiece of the weekend was an awards banquet at the Embassy Suites hotel in Rosemont on March 8, where two Italian Americans were honored for their outstanding contributions to their community and their respective fields. The Guglielmo Marconi Science Award was presented to Dr. Carl D. Marci, a Boston-based physician, scientist, entrepreneur and author. Marci is the chief clinical officer and managing director of mental health and neuroscience at OM1, a venture-backed health-data company that uses artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes. A Special …

The new home of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a beehive of activity, with Phase 1 of construction in the rearview mirror and Phase 2 well underway. Indoor demolition was completed in March on the building, located at 3417 N. Harlem Ave. in Chicago, with a mural on the north wall offering a taste of the pageantry and passion to come. “The Harlem Avenue location will be a multimedia experience focusing not only on athletic achievements, but also on the life lessons that go along with them,” says NIASHF President Ron Onesti. The Hall of Fame …

State Rep. Bob Rita has been honored again as a top legislator in Illinois, this time for his efforts to support the state’s park districts. Rita was named the Illinois Association of Park Districts Outstanding Legislator of the Year at the 2025 IAPD and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Soaring to New Heights Conference in downtown Chicago in late January. Rita sponsored a law last year giving local governments such as park districts and forest preserves the power to control the flying of drones over public spaces. The award was presented by IAPD Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Gillis.  

The Triton College Alumni Association has inducted River Forest chocolatier Madonna Fantetti Slepicka and TV/radio journalist Michele Fiore into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact on their profession, community and beyond. The owner of River Forest Chocolates, Fantetti Slepicka returned to Triton to take culinary classes after earning a Bachelor of Science in business from Eastern Illinois University. A chocolate-making class with chef Uzma Sharif set her on her current career path. “Chef Uzma was a fantastic instructor and was a second-generation chocolatier,” Fantetti Slepicka says. “She sparked my …

Patronato Acli, an agency that provides a variety of services to Italian citizens, has made the leap from the Office Center at Casa Italia in Stone Park to the Italian Cultural Center. The move took place at the beginning of the year, when the Office Center was shuttered after the property was acquired by the village of Stone Park. The office handles pension claims; provides consular, immigration and notary services; offers citizenship consulting; and does translations, apostilles and transcriptions of change-of-status documents like birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates. To make an appointment, call 708-345-0522.  

The Italian American Executives of Transportation held its second annual Augustus Caesar Awards on Feb. 1 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. This year’s event honored nine young professionals who are excelling in their fields and exhibit potential for future success. The honorees were Nicky Amore (financial planning), Alex Corbo (law enforcement), Stephanie Corona (educational services), Rachel Matug (special education), Gianni Morrone (restaurant services), Anthony Palladino (medical marketing), Philip J. Sasso (audiovisual technology/entertainment), Nicole Sisco (food and beverage, planning/aviation) and Valerie Timpone (government services/judicial system). “These awards showcase young talent in our community who have made a significant impact in their …