Community News

A new law introduced by state Rep. , D-Chicago, will expand the use of alcohol-detecting ignition locks ensuring that repeat DUI offenders cannot get behind the wheel intoxicated again. “When reckless drivers make the selfish decision to drive intoxicated and endanger lives on the road, we need to make sure the appropriate measures are in place to prevent driving drunk again,” D’Amico said. “By monitoring the alcohol intake of offenders trying to drive, we can help keep our roads safe.” In 2013, 32 percent of Illinois’ total crash fatalities were alcohol-related crashes. In response to this alarming figure, D’Amico partnered …

  The Italian American community, in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and Casa Italia, has raised $500,000 for a planned Italian American Studies program at Loyola. The centerpiece will be the hiring of an endowed professor within Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences to research, preserve and promote the Italian American experience, history and culture. “The Italian American Studies program will educate students about fundamental cultural differences. They will gain an appreciation for the ways Italian Americans have enriched life in this great country,” according to Dr. Arthur Lurigio, senior associate dean for faculty in the College of Arts and …

A new law sponsored by state Rep. John C. D’Amico, D-Chicago, will help long-term Illinois residents with clean driving records in the state avoid an onerous process of getting an Illinois drivers’ license after their driving privileges have been suspended in another state. “Illinois drivers whose licenses have been revoked in another state are facing weeks and even months going between another state and Illinois before they can legally drive to work or pick up their children,” D’Amico said. “Allowing drivers who have clean driving histories and a long-term residency to reinstate their driver’s license in Illinois is simply relieving …

Corporate leader Lisa Emerson and Loyola administrator Rev. Michael J. Garanzini shared the spotlight when the Justinian Society of Lawyers hosted its annual installation and awards dinner on Sept. 16 at the Palmer House Hilton. (708-338-0760) The following officers were formally installed at the event: Jessica DePinto (president), Frank A. Sommario (first vice president), Michael Bonamarte (second vice president), Vincent Vidmer (third vice president), Natalie M. Petric (treasurer) and Judge Regina A. Scannicchio (secretary). Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. Award of Excellence The Reverend Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., was the 23rd President of Loyola University Chicago from June 2001 until June …

The Sicilian American Cultural Association will present Gloria Coco with its Medal of merit on Sept. 27 at Monastero’s Banquets in Chicago. Tickets for the event are $40 for adults (cash bar) and $18 for children 2 to 12 years of age. Entertainment will be provided by past winners of the Bel Canto Foundation Opera Contest. (773-588–2515) The Sicilian American Cultural Association is proud to present jurist and thespian Gloria G. Coco with its coveted Medal of Merit. A retired Supervising Judge of the Domestic Violence Section of the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Judge …

The Friends of Radio Maria and the Poor will raise funds for both causes at their third annual Family Night on Sept. 25 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. A Catholic radio program broadcast around the world in several different languages, Radio Maria is spearheaded locally in Italian by the Rev. August Feccia. Fr. Feccia recently expanded his efforts to include raising funds to assist the impoverished local ethnic communities. Friends of Radio Maria and the Poor sponsors a raffle and a pilgrimage annually in addition to the banquet. The Sept. 25 event will feature a live auction and entertainment by Loris …

Fifteen worthy Italian American’s were honored with a da Vinci Award of Excellence at the 14th Annual Gala on May 3 at BeauJolie by Victoria in Schiller Park. The event is hosted annually by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America. Chairman and Master of Ceremony Richard R. Della Croce welcomed the honorees and guests and introduced Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli. Beautiful renditions of the American and Italian national anthems was sung by Della Croce. In the spirit of da Vinci, the order recognized the outstanding accomplishments of honorees in their various paths …

A group from the Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch of the Italian Catholic Federation went on a pilgrimage to Europe that took in the Fatima Shrine in Portugal and the Lourdes Shrine in France. In attendance were Anna Tamburello, Nancy Anello, Yolanda Treni, Luisa Bertagna, Josephine Bax, Sylvia Lacorte, Sarah Gullo, Dina Santucci, Maria Giannini, Florina Dilollo, Maria Carmella Giannini, Yolanda Izzi, Silvia Izzi-Neri, Gerarda Rio, Vittoria Spada, Pasqua and Sebastiano Bellisario, Vito Marinelli, Margherita Negron, and Vito and Petronilla Ranieri.

The Italian American Veterans Museum in Stone Park has welcomed another hero into its ranks. Family and friends of the late Leon E. Roggi brought in photos and documents to be scanned and archived at the museum. Marine Pfc. Roggi earned a Silver Star during the battle to take the Marianas Islands during World War II. The first to take the high ground along the objective ridge, he captured a hostile machine-gun nest, directing fire against the enemy while severely wounded. “Leon never looked for recognition, but I felt it was important to honor his memory,” his wife Marina explained.

On behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero bestowed the prestigious Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana upon Joseph V. Del Raso, chairman of the National Italian American Foundation and Frank Giordano, member of the Foundation’s board of directors. At the Ambassador’s residence, Del Raso received the Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica for fostering greater relationships and partnerships between Italy and the United States. Giordano received the Cavaliere Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana for his tireless work within Philadelphia’s Italian-American community and his leadership with the Italian language initiative in that city.