Community

The beauty of our heritage was on full display as the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier was transformed into our beloved Italy on Feb. 17. Through the efforts of the Institute of Italian Culture and the JCCIA, la bell’Italia was well represented at Neighborhoods of the World, which will take place each Sunday through April 7 and feature a different ethnic group each week. The JCCIA answered the call to lead the way and organize the first Sunday in the series, without hesitation motivating all to participate in this display of our traditions and culture. Silvio Marchetti did an outstanding …

Columbus Day 2011 was one of those magical times when every well-calculated plan happened just as designed. God blessed us with perfect weather for spectators to come and enjoy our most awesome parade. Mass at Pompeii as always was most inspiring. Fr. Fragomeni announced Fr. John Belmonte would be delivering the much anticipated Columbus Day homily. Fr. Belmonte certainly was an excellent choice. The thundering drums of the Marist Band are always the highlight of the recessional. This 120-strong marching unit led us out of church to Arrigo Park. The wreath-laying ceremony is by far as well attended as the …

When the Melrose Park School put out a call for speakers on Columbus Day, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans sprang into action. Their efforts yielded longtime activists Don Fiore and Lilia Juarez, who tag-teamed a pair of scintillating presentations to the entire student body on Oct. 12. The school has an enrollment of 900 students from grades kindergarten to eighth grade and it was a daunting for both Lilia and Don to realize they were about to speak to so many children. Principal Cristina Romo greeted the pair with a hearty “Viva Italia!” as they entered the gymnasium. …

We are so thankful for another great year and another great day. God blessed us with dry, clear weather for our annual display of pride in our heritage. It’s teamwork, obviously, that results in a perfectly executed parade. At the helm was Vincent Naccarato. It’s easy to see how Vincent, a successful businessman, reached the pinnacle of achievement. He required weekly meetings with weekly reports and updates on all aspects of the parade — front, line, bands, floats, marchers, convertibles — and his special weekly reference to a category we call “miscellaneous.” We thank you Vincent! It took hundreds of …

As we bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012, I would like to take this opportunity to enlighten all the visitors to Fra Noi’s enhanced website about who we are and what we do at the JCCIA. Our early leaders — Joseph Barbera, Anthony Paterno, Vincent E. Ferrara, Frank Annunzio, Joseph DeSerto and Anthony Sorrentino — had a dream of uniting the community, and as we enter our 60th year of continuous service, we remember and honor them. Mission Statement The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian-American heritage and providing a …

This year’s Camminata Del Biscotto attracted over 100 people, including first-time attendees who shared their family recipes for Italian cookies. Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico and Event Chairperson Enza Raineri welcomed attendees and thanked everyone for continuing this long tradition of Italian cookie baking. “This event helps ensure that future generations continue to pass on this wonderful tradition and share the beautiful art of making Italian Christmas cookies,” Serpico said. “Each year, we see families coming with their children, who bake and share. That’s what makes this event so special. It’s family oriented and a great afternoon of great food …

As the New Year rings in, it also brings in new officers for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. New energy brings new ideas, and Frank Cerrone, as the newly installed president of the Joint Civic Committee, will certainly inspire us all to new heights. As Vice Chairman, President and co-CEO, Mr. Cerrone’s incredible combination of experience, knowledge, vision and passion for banking has resulted in a significant role in the incredible success story of Pan American Bank. As a first generation Italian-American, Mr. Cerrone credits his Italian heritage and his parents for showing him the meaning of determination. …

1952 to 2012 … 60 years … a testament to JCCIA’S longevity and involvement in the Italian-American community. In 1952, there was the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. There was no Casa Italia, Italian Cultural Center, Calabresi in America or San Francisco di Paola celebration. The Italian Chamber of Commerce had a very small office on LaSalle Street. The Italo American National Union and the Order Sons of Italy were flourishing with Italian Americans belonging to various “lodges” of both groups. Villa Scalabrini was our Italian Home for the Aged. Our Lady of Pompeii was still an integral part …

by Rose Mary Ranallo The Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian American hosted its 44th scholarship dinner and fashion show on April 25. Titled “Puttin on the Ritz,” the event was held at the Drury Lane Oak Brook. Chairman Carmela Capriati and her committee truly put on a show with glitz and glamour. The room was filled with feathers, top hats and shimmering candles. Everyone waited in rapt anticipation for the raffle drawing, which featured more than two-dozen baskets valued at over $100 each, plus a Grand Prize of $5,000. Twenty-one boutique vendors showcased their purses, jewelry …

Each year, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans proudly selects a person who exemplifies the virtues of caring, humility and good will that were the hallmark of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin tenure in Chicago. Because of all of his qualities, then and now, our president, Antonio M. Romanucci, has chosen State Representative Angelo “Skip” Saviano to be the recipient of the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award. Angelo “Skip” Saviano is one elected official who has never forgotten his roots. He proudly has attended every Columbus Day Mass and Wreath Laying ceremony since he has been in office. He serves as …