Community News

by Richard Caifano During the middle of the 20th century, 20 percent of the Jews located in Italy lost their lives to the Nazi campaign of annihilation; throughout the remainder of Europe, 80 percent of the Jewish population was lost. This remarkable difference came from the ethic of the Italian people, and its importance is being noted throughout the world. It was an undertaking that required the ingenuity and dedication of countless Italians who were under the rule of a regime aligned with the campaign of its Axis partner Germany, whose quest was the destruction of the Jewish race. At …

by Richard Caifano Michael Veselka was raised in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago, where he learned the importance of community and the meaning of integrity. He now owns and operates a successful flooring installation business with his wife of 35 years, Marlene. They reside in Glenview with their sons, Steven and Michael. The rewards of hard work and enterprise he learned from his father early in a pizza restaurant in Chicago helped mold Veselka into the successful businessman he is today. And the sense of community identity he acquired on the streets of Galewood helped to propel him through the …

by Richard Caifano The recently completed 90th annual convention of UNICO National saw Chicago area members rise to prominence in the ranks of the leadership. Glenview resident Michael Veselka was elected as Executive Vice President of UNICO, placing him next in line to assume the office of national president at the UNICO Convention in Ft. Lauderdale that will be held from July 31 to August 4, 2013. Orland Park’s Paul Domico was re-elected to the position of Midwest Regional District Governor. Domico was also elected to serve a three-year term as a Trustee of the UNICO Foundation, the charitable arm …

by Richard Caifano On August 3, 2013, Chicago flooring contractor Michael Veselka was installed as President of UNICO National amid the applause and merriment of delegates and their families in attendance at the 91 convention of the largest Italian-American service organization in the country. Michael and his wife, Marlene, were warmly received as president and first lady in an evening filled with pride and accomplishment for Italian Americans. * New Jersey businessman Joseph Valenzano was the recipient of this year’s Americanism Civis Ilustris Award. * Unico Past National President Joseph Agresti of New Jersey received the Vastola Award for exceptional …

“For 45 years, the Chicago West Suburban Chapter of UNICO has been the consummate host of one of Chicagoland’s most popular charitable golf events. This year’s highly successful event was held at a new venue in Bloomingdale, Ill. Over the years, under the leadership of Jack Cerone, Joe Rovetto, Ed Gesualdo and current co-chairs Mario Veltri and Joe Mollica, Chicago West Suburban UNICO’s outing has been noted for its gastronomic delights from sausage-and-egg breakfast before the shotgun start to a buffet feast consisting of roasted lamb, chicken oreganato, Italian sausage with peppers, sweet corn and a variety of fresh fruits …

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 …