Community News

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presented Clara and Francesco Cascella with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 5. The award is bestowed each year upon a couple that represents the Italian values of community, family and faith. Francesco was born in Mola di Bari and spent two years in the Italian Navy before coming to America. He worked at Illinois Gear and Mola Construction before his retirement and has been an active member of the Società Maria SS. Addolorata di Mola di Bari. He is proud to currently serve as the president of the men’s division of the society. …

The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 hosted its sixth annual dinner dance on Oct. 8 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event raised funds to benefit Maria Vouga and her family, and honored Rocco and Rosanna DeFrenza. Maria Vougas Maria is a loving wife to Eric Vougas and the proud mother of four children, Stefanie, Eric, Shannon and Breanna. In 2012, Maria was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis), an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. This causes inflammation, scar tissue and lesions in the brain and spinal column, making it difficult for …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is proud to announce that Sergio Giangrande will serve as the Chairman of the 2017 Columbus Day Parade. Young, energetic, skilled and committed to his heritage, Sergio is the perfect person for the position. The son of Vito and Rosalia (Zummo) Giangrande, Sergio was born in Chicago but moved with his parents to Italy when he was 3 months old. The family returned back to America when Sergio was 8, settling in Schiller Park. A master baker, Sergio’s dad also worked in construction and his mother worked as a seamstress while they raised …

The Italian American Police Association honored Rich Onesti, Jack Miuccio and Kevin Graham on Nov. 4 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Rich Onesti, Man of the Year As the technical wizard behind the scenes for Onesti Entertainment Corporation, Rich Onesti has brought joy to countless concert and festivalgoers while generously donating his time and talents to a variety of causes. Rich was born on Taylor Street in Chicago’s Little Italy on May 18, 1968, to Alberto and Gabriella Onesti. He has fond memories of growing up in his parents’ home with his siblings, Ron and Vickie. He began working …

The Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago honored gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy as Man of the Year on Oct. 14 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. “Chris is an extremely successful businessman with a heart as big as the state of Illinois,” says IALC President Anthony Guida. “We’re so proud to present this year’s Man of the Year Award to him.” Kennedy and his wife, Sheila, run Top Box Foods, a hunger-relief non-profit they founded to deliver high-quality, healthy, affordable foods to underserved neighborhoods. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the …

Dominic (Nay) Mautone celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 23. He was born in 1917 in Chicago to Raphael and Antoinette (Trotta) Mautone, and baptized at Guardian Angel Church. His Mom and Dad owned a building on Forker Street and the family lived upstairs. On the ground floor was the Ralph Mautone Grocery Store, where his mother and father worked. In addition to Italian, his mother spoke Yiddish to accommodate the Jewish customers. After selling the store, Ralphael and Antoinette bought a building at 912 S. Ashland Boulevard between Taylor and Polk streets. Dominic was one of eight siblings. In order …

Robert Urbinati President, Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization How long have you been a member? I have been a member for approximately 13 years. Why did you join? CIACO was having a membership drive and I was invited by a current member and personal friend to attend the meeting. I remember there being a lot of people I already knew at the meeting. Due to the number of friends and acquaintances that were already members, I felt comfortable and decided to join. They’re very enthusiastic about celebrating their Italian American heritage and giving back to the community. What do you …

Italian-American women commanded the spotlight when the JCCIA Women’s Division staged its Impresa Awards Gala on Oct. 1 at the Medinah Country Club. The event will honor the following outstanding individuals: Lissa Druss Christman, public affairs specialist and award-winning journalist; Andrea Collaro, senior director, Walgreens Boots Alliance; Emilia DeMenco, president and CEO, Women’s Development Center; Jessica D’Onofrio, general assignment reporter, ABC 7; Catherine DeOrio, host, “Check Please,” WTTW; Felicia Ferrone, award-winning industrial and furniture designer; Jomarie Fredericks, deputy general counsel, Rotary International; Toni Ginnetti, groundbreaking Chicago sportswriter; Gloria Nardini, scholar, educator and author; Dr. Louise Sclafani, director, Optometric Services, University …

Associazione Regionale Siciliana in America staged Sapori di Sicilia at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Altavilla Banquets in Addison. The event featured an extensive array of Sicilian appetizers followed by a sumptuous dinner, music and dancing. This year, ARSA honored the Sicilian Band of Chicago for its decades-long commitment to celebrating Italy’s musical traditions in America. A staple at patron feast celebrations across the Chicago area and around the country, the ensemble plays everything from centuries-old folk melodies to stirring symphonic and operatic numbers to more modern Italian and American tunes. “One of our main objectives is to maintain …

  The Order Sons of Italy in America’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin honored Chef Bruno Abate as Humanitarian of the Year and State Rep. Anthony DeLuca as Columbus Patriot at their 93rd annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 7 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Chef Bruno Abate Born in Naples and raised in Milan, Chef Abate has a passion for food and fashion that was inspired at an early age by his parents. His mother was an accomplished chef and his father was a tailor. Abate opened his first company in Milan selling fish and caviar to high-end …