Community

by Jennifer Saverino The ‘Tis the Season to be Jazzy Fashion Show was a huge success, with a turnout of more than 675 guests at Drury Lane in Oak Brook on November 4, 2011, to support the Italian American Women’s Organization annual fundraiser. The tremendous support of our wonderful community of members, advertisers and guests once again benefited One Step At A Time, a camp operated by Children’s Oncology Services and dedicated to children facing cancer. The evening fundraising event is a culmination not only of our members’ ideas and talents, but the perseverance of our small group of women …

by Aurora Pensa The Italian Catholic Federation, St. Francis Borgia Branch 392, will present Vince and Anna Raimondi with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 10. A 3 p.m. Mass at St. Francis Borgia Church in Chicago will be followed by a dinner dance at Porretta’s Banquets in Chicago. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children under 12. For details, call Teresa Helfand at 773-763-0507, Aurora Pensa at 773-589-9734, Teresa Romeo at 773-622-6532 or Maria Perna at 708-307-7180. Vince and Anna Raimondi are a couple known for their hard work and dedication to family, church and community. This …

by Aurora Pensa The Italian Catholic Federation was founded in 1924 in San Francisco by a group of Italian immigrants wishing to strengthen the Catholic religion in their community. The ICF has since developed into a nonprofit organization with many branches nationwide, embracing Catholics of all cultures. Its primary mission is to support local parishes and communities, provide financial assistance to various charities, encourage young seminarians with a scholarship fund and promote the preservation of a vibrant Italian heritage. The Italian Catholic Federation of St. Francis Borgia Branch 392 was established about 25 years ago, and is committed to the …

Branch 392 of the Italian Catholic Federation will bestow its Mother Cabrini Award upon Filippo and Benedetta “Bettina” Brascia at its annual dinner dance. The event will take place on Nov. 11, with Mass at St. Francis Borgia Church in Chicago followed by the dinner dance at PorrettaÕs Banquets. (773-589-9734) The beautiful and picturesque Puglia region of southern Italy, known for its friendly people, olive groves, vineyards, beaches, and mouthwatering “cucina paesana”, gave birth to two wonderful individuals, Filippo and Benedetta “Bettina” Brascia. Filippo and Bettina are hard working individuals dedicated to family and community. Filippo Brascia was born in …

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch #439 of Our Lady Mother of the Church will honor Dr. Jeff Cantor at its second annual dinner dance. The event will take place on Oct. 6 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (847-341-1847) Dr. Jeffrey S. Cantor, D.D.S, graduated from Bowdoin College in 1968 and Columbia University School of Dental Medicine in New York City in 1972. He received his specialty training in pediatric dentistry from the George Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, N.Y., in 1974. Dr. Cantor has taught at Case Western Reserve, Loyola, Illinois Masonic, Michael Reese Hospital, and Children’s Memorial Hospital …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans involvement goes beyond the Italian community. Since 1952 the JCCIA has been the go-to organization for those in Chicago in need of representation from the Italian community. We enjoy this position of leadership and respect. With great pride and self-esteem, the JCCIA takes part in an array of events in Chicagoland. Our umbrella, a unified voice, has earned us this distinct role. Thanks to our great scroll of past presidents, each made the JCCIA their priority during their term. Each exemplifies the meaning of a leader whose goal it is to maintain continuity. …

One of the most thrilling and glamorous events in the Chicago-area Italian-American community is the contest to determine who will reign as La Bella Regina of the Columbus Day Parade. Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, this year’s Columbus Day Queen Contest will be held on July 21 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event will be chaired by Jim Glimco and Mauro Glorioso, and choreographed by Marilyn Cusimano Fredericks. The winner of the contest will walk away with $1,000 in cash plus other prizes, in addition to the crown. The queen and her court will …

by JoAnn Serpico “THEY HELPED MAKE AMERICA GREAT!” What an appropriately strong theme for our 2012 parade. This year, each float will salute Americans of Italian descent who have helped make our nation great. Passing in review will be legendary names like Enrico Fermi, Fillipo Mazzei, Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Guglielmo Marconi, Giacomo Beltrami, William Paca, Frances X. Cabrini, Fiorello LaGuardia, Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few. Helping to make our annual celebration of our heritage great will be our Parade Chairman, Vincent Naccarato, the Chairman of Molto Capitol LLC and a true benefactor in both …

by Jo Ann Serpico “Exciting” doesn’t begin to describe the 2013 Columbus Day Queen Pageant that took place on July 21. Enthusiasm radiated from the family members, friends and community leaders who attended, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership.” Dina Bair, our master of ceremonies, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who is currently the anchor for WGN Midday News and the most recent recipient of the JCCIA Dante Award and JCCIA Women’s Division Impresa Award. Dina was also the Columbus Day Queen in 1990. Her energy was so inspiring. She was superb! We are …

by Jo Ann Serpico The long hot days of summer are upon us. Numerous flowers make a picture perfect landscape of beauty and grandeur. I am reveling in the simple joys of the season. I know that as soon as this magic passes, the fall and the glorious shades of autumn will follow. That brings us to Columbus Day, which is for all Italian Americans the most jubilant day of the year. Each year as Oct. 12 approaches, the excitement grows. This year, our day to shine will be Monday, October 14. The older you get, the anticipation of celebration …