Community News

After an enormously successful move from Berwyn to Niles two years ago, the Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana has much to be proud of as it looks forward to its third year in the near north suburb. “(The city of Niles) has welcomed us with open arms, and they have given us all the cooperation and respect in the world,” says Joe Camarda, president of Congregazione Maria SS. Lauretana di Altavilla Milicia in Chicago. “It has been going beautifully, and we haven’t seen a turnout like we’ve had in a long time.” Camarda also offered his undying gratitude to the …

The Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 2700 presented its 2017 Joseph Caldarone Memorial Scholarship to (from left) Gianna Politano, who plans to major in music education at Illinois State University; Samantha Schwieger, who plans to major in music therapy at Belmont University; Lucas D’Antonio, who plans to major in computer science at Purdue Northwest University; Angelina Loparco, who plans to major in education at Eastern Illinois University; and Jessica Buggy, who plans to major in architecture at Tulane University.

The Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans recently held their 51st annual Scholarship Presentation and Fashion Show at Drury Lane in Oak Brook Terrace. President Rose Mary Ranallo and fashion show chairman Carmella Capriati greeted the 300 guests in attendance and thanked them for their support and generosity, which enables the women’s division to provide scholarships to five outstanding young Italian-American women who are entering college. Annually, the women’s division presents high school seniors who have excelled scholastically with $2,000 scholarships. This year, they were fortunate to provide scholarships to five outstanding young ladies: Christina Marie …

On June 26, over 250 people packed the York Theatre “Classic Cinema” in Elmhurst, Illinois to view the premiere of the Italian-American film “My Country”. The film, which was written and directed by Elmhurst native, Giancarlo Iannotta, depicts the story of two brothers- one American, and one Italian who have never met. Iannotta, who also stars in the film, portrays Luciano “Lucky” De Luca, a young Italian-American who lives with his ailing father, Vincenzo. Vincenzo confides in Lucky about a past indiscretion — a son he fathered while serving in the Italian army and before meeting and marrying Lucky’s mother …

The Grand Lodge of IL/WI, Order Sons of Italy in America, recently elected the following officers: Marie Marsalli, President; Frank Schiro, 1st VP; Maria Mancini, 2nd VP; Richard Della Croce, Immediate Past President; James LasCola, Orator; Anna DeLuca, Recording Secretary; John Simoni, Financial Secretary; Carl Busateri, Treasurer; Elia Kress, Historian; the Rev. John Belmonte, Chaplain; and Margurite Rowley, Christine Della Croce, Joseph Dentice, Judith Simoni, Paul Loparco and Giacomo Mancini, Trustees. Lodge presidents are Giacomo Mancini (Chicago Heights), Bert Jacobson (Americo Vespucci), Anthony DiMile (Southwest), Nicholas DeQuardo (Mazzei), Ben Todaro (Rockford), Paul Loparco (Leone d’Oro) and Mike Cimaglia (IACOB).

Prominent attorney John J. Perconti was the guest of honor when the Justinian Society of Lawyers hosted its annual installation and awards dinner on Oct. 4 at the Palmer House Hilton. The following officers were formally installed at the event: Michael F. Bonamarte (president), Vincent R. Vidmer (first vice president), Natalie M. Petric (second vice president), Judge Regina A. Scannicchio (third vice president), Dion U. Davi (treasurer) and Bruno R. Massaro (secretary.) John J. Perconti — Award of Excellence John J. Perconti is a highly-acclaimed Illinois attorney and co-founder of Levin & Perconti, and a lifelong member of the Justinian …

The Sicilian American Cultural Association presented attorney Umberto S. Davi with its Medal of Merit on Sept. 24 at Monastero’s Banquets in Chicago. Umberto S. Davi The Sicilian American Cultural Association is proud to present attorney Umberto S. Davi with its coveted Medal of Merit. Davi is a founding member of the Sicilian American Cultural Association, a lifetime member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and a past president (1995) of the Justinian Society of Lawyers. He is proud to have served as the first immigrant president (2015-2016) of the 33,000-plus-member Illinois State Bar Association. For the first …

Dr. Corinne Benedetto has been named interim dean of DePaul University’s School for New Learning. Benedetto joined the School for New Learning in 1998, previously serving as associate dean for operations and enrollment management and as associate dean of undergraduate programs. Last academic year, she also served as a member of the Office of the Provost’s SNL & Adult Learning Task Force. “As a task force member, Corinne played a key role in developing pathways to address the ongoing evolution of adult higher education and how DePaul can continue to lead in this competitive field,” DePaul Provost Marten denBoer says. …

The Italian American One Voice Coalition placed “Saturday Night Live,” Executive Producer Lorne Michaels and the SNL writing staff in the One Voice Hall of Shame. The placement followed a blatantly anti-Italian comedy skit on a recent SNL. “The slurs used during this so-called comedy skit have not been heard on network TV in decades and should not be heard ever again on any broadcast medium — or anywhere,” said One Voice president Doctor Manny Alfano. “It baffles me as to how this skit was even included in the show and how Executive Producer Lorne Michaels allowed it to air!” …

It’s been a busy spring for State Rep. John D’Amico. As Fra Noi goes to press, the state representative is sponsoring House Bill 2647, which would require the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs to create several programs to better serve veterans with PTSD and other service-related mental illnesses. He is also sponsoring House Resolution 274, which asserts the Illinois House of Representatives’ opposition to efforts to cut Meals on Wheels, the Congregate Meals Program, and community block grants that provide funding for senior meal programs. He is sponsoring and voted to pass House Bill 2462, which would forbid employers from …