Community

Legislation spearheaded by State Rep. Anthony DeLuca will hold state agencies and their finances more accountable. The law went into effect on Jan. 1. DeLuca’s Debt Transparency Act requires state agencies to disclose the bills they are holding monthly so that taxpayers will know the true extent of the state’s debt, as well as an estimate of the penalties paid on late bills. “Since 2014, the backlog of unpaid bills has increased to over $15 billion,” DeLuca notes. “When agencies fail to report their past due bills, it results in unnecessary late fees and penalties that hard-working families are responsible …

The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2017 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 600 were in attendance, making it one of the largest dinner dances of the year. Dominic Romanazzi was honored as Man of the Year, and Wayne Bubak was honored as Humanitarian. Past IAET honoree Lou Cairo did a tremendous job as master of ceremonies. As president of Teamsters 330, Dominic represents more than 2,000 members working in virtually every industry including public employee, construction, ready warehouse, beverage, school bus and waste removal. He handles administration and all major negotiations for …

Accountant Lisa Perkins took charge of the Calabresi in American Organization at its annual installation dinner in November. Joining her as 2018 officers are First Vice President Mario Salerno, Second Vice President Angela Morrone Incandela, Third Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Recording Secretary Gia DeCicco, Corresponding Secretary Laura Clementi, Treasurer Frank Salerno, Assistant Treasurer Mary DeSanto, Legal Adviser John Spina and Sergeant-at-Arms Carmine Russo. Directors are Albert Belmonte, Rosemarie Caiafa, Alberto De Cicco, Frank M. Palermo, Fred Pincente, Carmel Ruffolo, Charles Salerno, Rosario Salerno, Pina Stefanelli and Egidio S. Turano. Directors emeritus are Gino Bartucci, Joseph Bruno, Mike Molinaro, Carmine Naccarato, …

Financial planner Jack Cannata stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at its annual installation gala. Joining him as 2018 officers are First Vice President Stuart Caravello, Second Vice President Mark Corrado, Third Vice President Michael Russotto, Secretary John Curry, Treasurer Vic Guerrieri and Sergeant-at-Arms Carmen Forte Jr. One-year directors are John Brescia, Gabe Caporale, Vito Claps, Vito D’Ambrosio and Ross Morizzo. Two-year directors are Mike Campanile, Chris Derks, Gerard Iannuzzelli, Joe Marinacci and Vince Maietta. Charitable Foundation trustees are Anthony Ambrose, Daniel A. Corrado, George DePalma (Chairman), John Ferrentino (Vice Chairman), Carmen P. Forte (Treasurer), …

Four decades after realizing his dream of starting a hall of fame to honor sports heroes, George Randazzo, President and Founder of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, celebrated the organization’s 40th Annual Induction & Awards Gala along with Board Chairman Tony Ferraro, NIASHF directors and loyal supporters this past November in Chicago. Vincent Viola was named 2017 Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the world of sports. He is owner of the Florida Panthers hockey team and co-owner of Always Dreaming, winner of the 2017 Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s prestigious …

For centuries, towns and villages across Italy have marked Good Friday with masses and processions that rival any other on the Catholic calendar. On March 30, this ancient rite will be re-enacted at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish & Shrine in Melrose Park. That evening, 20 patron saint societies bearing statues and banners will fill the Shrine to capacity. A 7 p.m. Mass in Italian will be followed by a dramatic candlelight procession, accompanied by the Sicilian Band of Chicago. (708-344-4140)  

More than five-dozen sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center were treated to a holiday feast at the 12th anniversary Sailors for Christmas in Berwyn. The celebration ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 25 at Skylight Banquets and included brunch, Christmas dinner, music provided by a DJ and a pizza hour. More than a dozen awards were presented. Volunteers were drawn from the ranks of the community as well as Post 1 of the Italian American War Veterans.

With the closing of Monastero’s in November, the Sicilian American Cultural Association needed to find a new home for its monthly meetings. After weighing its options, the venerable organization has settled on Cucina Biagio in Harwood Heights. Open to the public, the meetings often feature presentations on Sicilian and Italian arts, science, music, fashion, sports, cuisine and culture. Past meetings have included wine tastings and classical concerts. The next two meetings are March 14 and April 4. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. For reservations, call Cathy Ciminello at 847-673-4660.

Società SS. Crocifisso & San Giovanni Bosco di Ciminna (Chicago) honored Antonino Napoli as Man of the Year at its dinner dance on March 3 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. A longtime luminary of the Chicago-area Italian-American community, Napoli has been a driving force among local Ciminnesi for decades. “Tony has been a pillar of our community for nearly 60 years,” says society President Frank Faraci. “We’re so proud to be able to shine the spotlight on him.” Napoli accepted the honor with trademark humility. “There are so many people who are worthier than me but they insisted, so …

Southwest suburban businessman Frank Mungo Jr. has been battling blood cancer in his own heartfelt way for a quarter of a century. His Valentine’s Day Dance benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society celebrated its 25th anniversary on Feb. 10 at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook. When Mungo launched the event, blood cancer treatments were just beginning to see positive advancement. “Since the first year of the Valentine’s Day Dance, we have witnessed life-saving advances in blood cancer research while survival rates have soared,” Mungo says. “Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen the five-year survival rate for Chronic Myeloid …