Community

  The Scholarship Committee of UNICO National recently announced its 2016 awards. Among the more than two-dozen grants bestowed were scholarships for nursing, literature, science, fine arts, Italian studies, engineering and study abroad. “While we assist talented students to realize their aspirations, we encourage our recipients to become exceptional, contributing members of society,” committee Chair Joan Tidona explains. “As our program continues to expand, it is clear that UNICO National recognizes education as an essential investment in the future.” The complete list of scholarships follows. Major Don S. Gentile Memorial Scholarship Henry Francis Taibi Sponsored by Orange/West Orange, New Jersey Chapter …

    Prominent attorney Antonio M. Romanucci and esteemed television reporter Vince Gerasole shared the spotlight when the Justinian Society of Lawyers hosted its annual installation and awards dinner on Sept. 15 at the Palmer House Hilton. The following officers were formally installed at the event: Frank A. Sommario (president), Michael F. Bonamarte (first vice president), Vincent R. Vidmer (second vice president), Natalie M. Petric (third vice president), Judge Regina A. Scannicchio (treasurer) and Dion U. Davi (secretary).   Antonio M. Romanucci — Award of Excellence Antonio M. Romanucci is a principal and partner in the Chicago-based law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, …

  State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently hosted his second annual veterans appreciation picnic. The purpose of the picnic is to express gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces and have protected and preserved our freedoms. “Veterans made sacrifices for our safety and freedom that we must not take for granted,” DeLuca says. “They deserve our thanks every day.” Among the 80 guests in attendance was Lisa Aprati (pictured), chief of staff to Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez.  

  A fundraising campaign has been launched to address structural problems at the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center in Park Ridge. The property at 255-257 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge includes a mid-19th century house and former blacksmith shop that served as the longtime headquarters of renowned artist Alfonso Iannelli. The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge acquired the complex in 2011 and has established a museum, library and workroom where the works of Iannelli and other local artists are available for the public to view and study. Recently discovered structural flaws to the main studio areas will require modern bracing …

  The “Da Vinci Machines Exhibition: The Titans Experience” will be on display on Level 3 of Water Tower Place through the end of the year. The exhibit displays hand-crafted models built based on da Vinci’s 500-year-old designs, bringing to life the creations of this renowned scientist, inventor and artist. Many of da Vinci’s digitally re-mastered paintings will also be on display. Inventions on display include a bicycle, spring-powered car, hang glider and the “air screw,” a precursor to the helicopter. And for the first time ever, the secrets behind da Vinci’s legendary robotic lion are revealed. The models are …

  Fifteen distinguished professional Italian Americans were honored with a Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence at the 15th Annual Reception and Ceremony on May 1, 2016, at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. The event was hosted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, the Hon. Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, introduced Richard R. Della Croce, who gave a wonderful performance as he sang both the American and Italian national anthems. Mayor Calderone introduced Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli, who welcomed the honorees and guests. In the …

  The Italian Consulate General in Chicago marked the 70th anniversary of the Festa della Repubblica in grand fashion on June 4. Held for the first time at Casa Italia, the celebration featured an audience filled with community leaders, a host of dignitaries from Illinois and Italy, and delicious food served by some of the Chicago area’s finest purveyors. The event marked the first public appearance of newly installed Consul General Giuseppe Finocchiaro, who spoke on behalf of recently appointed Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio, who was unable to attend due to a flight cancellation. On hand was a delegation from …

  Comitato Tricolore Italiani nel Mondo has been organizing Festa della Repubblica at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii since 2008. We did it to bring the entire community together, similar to Columbus Day, which is a celebration that every Italian American should support. Unlike Columbus Day, which is a celebration of our contributions to America, Festa della Repubblica celebrates Italy in all its modern glory. As Italian Americans, it’s important that we gather as a community to celebrate our ancestral home. As many of you know, the Italian Consulate also holds a Festa della Repubblica, and we fully …

More than 400 members, honorees and guests gathered on April 16 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison for CIACO’s annual Honor and Hope Gala. This year’s gala honored Humanitarian of the Year John McCallion. In addition, 20 scholarships were awarded to college-bound students who qualified based on financial need and academic achievement. The event also featured the granting of financial awards to five area residents dealing with various disabilities: ALS battler Denise Swallow; veterans Matthew Berrafato, Anthony Chobanov and Colton Zumach, all of whom were injured in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; and Major James Pradke, whose young son lost …

The Italian American War Veterans Joseph J. Gentile Post 2 sponsored an Italian luncheon on April 9 for 26 residents of the Hines VA Hospital Blind Center. A team of 15 volunteers and five high school students hosted the event, distributing colorful fedoras and decorating the party room with festive wall banners and tablecloths. A sumptuous buffet catered by Paul’s Pizza of Westchester was served. Mike Oliveri and Arthur Strout performed live music in a style reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. Festivities closed with delicious handcrafted cannoli and homemade Italian watermelon ice. Bellissimo! ITAM Post 2 was chartered in 1981 with …