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The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Stone Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe and …

The Flowers of Italy Club will honor a longstanding pillar of the community as their 2015 Man of the Year. Sonny Nicotera will take center stage when the venerable Melrose Park-based organization celebrates its 54th annual dinner dance on March 28 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Born in Cicero, Nicotera moved with his family to Melrose Park as a teen to the house that he still calls home. He was a manager of the Dining Car Services for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad until his retirement 12 years ago. A longtime member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel …

State Rep. John D’Amico is highlighting a new law that went into effect aimed at easing the burden on drivers stopped for minor traffic offenses. “We need smart laws that hold drivers accountable, but also ones that recognize common-sense realities,” D’Amico said. “This legislation prevents motorists from being unnecessarily burdened while maintaining the safety of our roadways.” Senate Bill 2583 allows drivers to retain their licenses after being cited for minor traffic violations, including speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, driving without insurance, improper lane change and disobeying a traffic control device. By reinstating the ‘Sign and Drive’ law in Illinois, …

Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. When the Stevenson High Patriots squared off against the Glenbard West Hilltoppers in late November, four grandnephews of DuPage County businessman Jerry Marchese took part in the match. Marchese’s nephew, John, contributed three sons to the competition, with elder brother Jimmy suiting up as strong side linebacker and twin brothers Michael and Henry serving as wide receivers and on special teams. On the Glenbard West side of the ball was Matteo DiMarco, son of Marchese’s daughter Jacqui. The Patriots went on to win the Illinois class 8A state championship in a thrilling, down …

The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Melrose Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe …

By day, Frank De Vincentis works as a financial advisor. But De Vincentis also has a hobby — and a passion — he hopes to share with others through charity: opera singing. De Vincentis credits his High School best friend for his love for opera and introducing him to the Golden Age of singing. De Vincentis recalls performing from a young age in musical theatre and was later introduced to his best friend’s father and vocal coach: Carl Lawrenz. “I owe a lot of my love of classical musical to Carl.” states De Vincentis, who graduated from DePaul University in …

When Joy Loverde was just 14 years old, she volunteered to help out at a nursing home on Thanksgiving morning. Coming as she did from a loving Italian family, she was shocked by what she saw. “I couldn’t understand why seven people were sitting in the dark with no one around them, when I was going home to a large, wonderful Italian fest,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Something is terribly wrong here. How could this happen?’” Many years later, Loverde would keep that moment in mind and heart when she wrote “The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Questions to …

by Rich Caifano Over the past 46 years, the Chicago West Suburban Chapter of UNICO has been the consummate host of one of the area’s most popular charitable golf events. One of the most successful in the chapter’s history was held at Bloomingdale Golf Club on August 18, 2014. It’s a history that has seen the tournament hosted by members Jack Cerone, Joe Rovetto, Ed Gesualdo and current co-chairs Mario Veltri, Joe Mollica, Donato Ancona and Paul Domico. Chicago West Suburban UNICO’s outing is famous for its gastronomic delights from a sausage-and-egg breakfast before the golfer’s shotgun start to a …

The 20-year-old entity, the Sicilian American Cultural Association (SACA), announces its 2015-2016 officers, elected at its regular meeting of its Board of Directors on August 14, 2014. Succeeding the wonderful year prominent family law attorney Samuel Cannizzaro had as president, beginning in January 2015, is long time member and director, Katherine (Amari) O’Dell. Other officers include Ro Pagano, 1st V.P. and retired Circuit Court judge, Gloria Coco, 2nd V.P. Continuing on as treasurer is Dino Porto, founding member, and as secretary, Martha Monastero. All were elected by unanimous vote. O’Dell, the new president, will assume her responsibilities after the first …