Community

State Rep. John D’Amico will continue to chair the House Committee on Transportation: Vehicles and Safety during the 100th General Assembly, while serving on a number of other issues critical to the state of Illinois. “As chairman of the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety committee, I will continue to focus on working with the Secretary of State’s Office to streamline and modernize services that keep motorists in Illinois safe,” D’Amico says. “I will also prioritize securing funding to improve our state’s infrastructure, which not only keeps motorists safe, but will create much-needed jobs for our community.”

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Louis Scaramuzzo as Humanitarian of the Year on April 29 at Medinah Shrine Center in Addison.  A top performer in the luxury automobile market for three decades, Lou pours his heart and soul into every aspect of his life. With paternal grandparents Louis and Immaculata Scaramuzzo hailing from Caserta near Naples, and maternal grandparents Carmelo and Rosina Termine emigrating from Marsala in Sicily, Lou’s Italian roots run deep. The oldest Peter and Mary Scaramuzzo for children, Lou was born in Chicago and raised in Oak Lawn. “My parents grew up on Taylor Street …

  For the seventh consecutive year, Navy Pier will proudly host Neighborhoods of the World, a free seven-week series that celebrates the rich tapestry of Chicago’s diverse communities. (navypier.com/neighborhoods-world) Under the auspices of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the culture, food and crafts of Italy will be showcased on March 5 in the Crystal Gardens. The JCCIA is looking for volunteers who will don the traditional costumes of Italy and lend a hand at the event. For details, call 708-450-9050.

  The Italo American National Union Foundation has published a cookbook titled “Let’s Eat: From Our Kitchen to Yours,” featuring 466 recipes provided by IANU members as well as family and friends. To purchase a copy, make out a check or money order to the IANU Foundation for $18 a copy (shipping and handling included) and mail it to IANU Foundation c/o Josephine Petitti; 2250 W. Golf Road, Suite 203; Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. (847-885-2074)

  The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2016 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 500 were in attendance, making it was once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The IAET honored Sam Cicinelli as Man of the Year. Sam is the leader of the largest mechanics’ union in the country. An IAET member, he is the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Automobile Mechanics’ Union Local 701, representing more than 6,400 active members and more than 4,200 retired members. He is extremely proud …

  Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. “It’s an honor and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many great past presidents,” Ambrose says. A member since 2010, Ambrose joined “to promote our great Italian heritage and be associated with a club that believes in giving back to the community.” In addition to working his way up the ladder of succession as an officer, Ambrose has served as either chairman or co-chairman of the club’s golf outing for the last five …

The Italian American Political Coalition honored Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert Thomas on March 9 at Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. Thomas was elected a judge of the Circuit Court of DuPage County in 1988, serving as acting chief judge from 1989 to 1994. He was elected to the Appellate Court, Second District, in 1994 and was sworn in as an Illinois Supreme Court justice for the Second District in 2000, serving as chief justice from 2005 to 2008. Robert R. Thomas was born on Aug. 7, 1952, in Rochester, N.Y. He received his bachelor of arts in government from …

  Bravo to Salvatore Sciacca, Executive Director and Founder the Chicago Italian American Professionals (CIAP) for holding a first-of-its-kind and delicious event to celebrate the Sicilian Fig Cookie called cuccidati. The First Annual La Festa dei Cuccidati was the idea of Michael A. Benedetto, a Dupage County attorney, created to recognize individuals who have  preserved the tradition of making Cuccidati as well as highlighting local bakeries that still produce it. All proceeds from the event went to Casa Italia. Cuccidati is a traditional Sicilian Christmas cookie. It is a crumbly, butter pastry dough filled with a rich and sweet filling of …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans has elected Enza Raineri as president. Raineri and her fellow officers were installed by the Hon. Gloria Coco at the JCCIA’s Christmas party in December. Joining Raineri as JCCIA officers are First Vice President Jon Zivojnovic; Second Vice President Mariann Gullo, Third Vice President Ron Onesti, Treasurer Christine Caliendo Cerami, Secretary Arlene Elia and Sergeant-at-Arms John Galluzzi.   Vincenza “Enza” M. Raineri, President Enza Raineri serves as the associate clerk of the Criminal/Juvenile Bureau for the Hon. Dorothy Brown, clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Enza has oversight of the Criminal …

The Sicilian American Cultural Association has elected the Hon. Gloria Coco Esq. as president. Judge Coco and her fellow SACA officers will be sworn in by the Hon. Frank Orlando Esq. at a dinner meeting on Feb. 22 at Monastero’s, 3935 W Devon Ave, Chicago. SACA Chaplain the Rev. Charles N. Faso, OFM, will present a program on the history of Carnevale at the meeting, which will start with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members and guests. Joining Judge Coco as officers will be First Vice President Lauretta Berg, Second Vice President Joseph …