Community News

With the enthusiastic support of Chicago businessman and UNICO National president Mike Veselka, the Mid-Year Conference of UNICO National was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel on March 28 to 29. They came to Chicago from all parts of our country (obviously not in search of a more temperate climate) to enjoy the down-to-earth spirit of our proud city. Some 175 members arrived from New Jersey to California and from Texas to Pennsylvania to conduct the business of UNICO National, the country’s largest Italian American Service organization. The weekends’ events began with a dinner for early arrivals hosted by Past …

by Richard Caifano For nearly half a century, the Chicago West Suburban Chapter of UNICO National has served as consummate host of one of Chicagoland’s most popular charitable golf events. Over the years, under the leadership of Jack Cerone, Joe Rovetto and most recently Ed Gesualdo, Chicago West Suburban UNICO’s outing has been noted for its gastronomic delights from sausage and egg breakfast before the golfer’s shotgun start to a buffet feast consisting of roasted lamb, chicken oreganato, Italian sausage with peppers, sweet corn on the cob and a variety of fresh fruits (with optional wine). Guided by the versatile …

by Joanne Spata I can’t believe that this is only my second month as chairperson of Casa Italia. Having been a part of the Italian Cultural Center for more than 30 years, as well as being involved with Casa Italia since its inception, it seems like I have been a fixture here at the Casa forever. Together, these experiences have made my first two months as chairperson feel like a blending of old home week and an exciting new adventure, all at the same time. I am deeply humbled by the fact that I am following in the footsteps of …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society will honor Dr. Salvatore Storniolo as Arcolian of the Year at their annual Christmas party at the Park Ridge Country Club on Dec. 11. For details, call Dr. Benjamin LoGiudice at 847-945-6700. Dr. Storniolo grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago, and has been practicing dentistry in Norridge since 1991. He currently lives in Arlington Heights with his wife, Angie, and their three boys. A dedicated community activist, Dr. Storniolo is a past recipient of Cub Master of the Year from the Arlington Heights Cub Scout Pack 129, a contractual staff dentist at DuPage …

It’s hard to believe the Bel Canto Foundation has been promoting Italian operatic repertoire while serving as a springboard for future stars for four glorious decades. On March 7, 1974, the Monastero family, owners of Monastero’s Ristorante in Chicago, sponsored a contest evening for voice students from Northwestern University. The singers were required to learn Italian operatic arias and romantic songs, and the contest, which followed a gourmet Italian dinner, featured a prize of $1,000 furnished by the Monastero family. Ardis Krainik, the late director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, was the judge. That first evening was a great …

On June 15, 2013, 300 members and guests of the Amaseno Lodge No. 3 of Chicago Heights gathered to celebrate 100 years. To commemorate this historic event, the club hosted a dinner dance, complete with authentic fare from the region of Lazio, at the Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor. Included in the celebratory program was a proclamation presented by the club’s vice president, Luciano Panici Jr., on behalf David D. Gonzalez, mayor of the city of Chicago Heights, naming June 15, 2013, as a day set aside to honor the 100th anniversary of the club’s founding in Chicago Heights. The …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society will honor Dr. Salvatore Storniolo as Arcolian of the Year at their annual Christmas party at the Park Ridge Country Club on Dec. 11. For details, call Dr. Benjamin LoGiudice at 847-945-6700. Dr. Storniolo grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago, and has been practicing dentistry in Norridge since 1991. He currently lives in Arlington Heights with his wife, Angie, and their three boys. A dedicated community activist, Dr. Storniolo is a past recipient of Cub Master of the Year from the Arlington Heights Cub Scout Pack 129, a contractual staff dentist at DuPage …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society celebrated their installation of new officers at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame on April 24. It was a wonderful evening that included tours the extraordinary facility on Taylor Street in Chicago’s Little Italy. Representatives from New Radiance and GlaxoSmithKlein co-sponsored the meeting and spoke about their products. Dinner was catered by Biagio’s Ristorante. Dr. Lou Imburgia graciously installed the new officers. The 2012-2013 Arcolian Dental Arts Society officers are: Dr. Benjamin LoGiudice, President Dr. Russ Pollina, President Elect Dr. Joseph Favia, Vice-President Dr. Frank Maggio, Treasurer Dr. Russ Spinazze, Secretary

On December 13, 2011, the Arcolian Dental Arts Society celebrated their 80th anniversary during their Annual Christmas Dinner at the Park Ridge Country Club. Honored as the Arcolian of the Year was Italian-American scholar, author and historian Dr. Dominic Candeloro. The curator of the Roselli Library at the Italian Cultural Center, Dr. Candeloro has authored and edited several books, his latest effort being “Reconstructing Italians in Chicago.” In addition to the award presented to Dr. Candeloro, two Arcolian Dental Arts Society Scholarships in the amount $1000 were given to fourth-year dental students Anthony LaPorte of the University of Illinois at …

by Phil Tennerelli On November 5, 2011, the Italian American Police Association of Illinois held its 48th annual awards dinner. This gala event attended by over 500 people was held at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The evening began with the Illinois State Police Honor Guard posting of the colors followed by an invocation by the Rev. Gino Dalpiaz. The opening speech was given by IAPA President Tony Langone, after which our Master of Ceremonies, the Hon. Sam Amirante, took over. After a spectacular dinner the following awards were proudly handed out. POs David G Hickey, Joseph Bigane, Juan Perez …