Community

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 …

Few events in the community can match the pageantry of the annual Columbus Day Queen Contest. The queen will be the star of the Italian community for a year’s reign. She will represent all of us with her grace and beauty throughout the Chicago area at special events. The pageant is sponsored annually by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. It is a special day for the community. It is held on Sunday so all of the family can share in the event. The date of this year’s event is July 22. The venue for this year’s pageant is …

Our president, Antonio Romanucci, has chosen a new venue for the Queen Pageant: The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. How exciting to be in the heart of Little Italy for our legendary contest to select the young lady who will reign over the Columbus Day Parade. It is as though it’s given a new jolt to our traditional judging. Chairman Jim Glimco and Choreographer Marilyn Fredericks are busy making all the arrangements. Family and friends of our beautiful bevy will fill the ballroom of this most interesting building. What a great setting to be amid all of the …

Tempus fugit! Time flies! It’s time for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans first event of the year. President Antonio Romanucci and Chairman Dominic Di Frisco recently named the recipient of our Dante Award. Since 1972 the JCCIA has selected a person from the media who exemplifies Dante’s Credo, “Be No Timid Friend to Truth.” This tradition began when the Human Relations committee, concerned with anti-defamation, felt it necessary to recognize those who foster a positive image of Italian Americans. Every year our award luncheon is filed with past presidents, past officers, past Dante awardees and numerous supporters of …

“Hi, grandpa, can I help you?” an energetic young boy calls out. “Can I help grandpa?” Another anxious young voice asks. The pleas are from the two young children of the fourth generation of the Marco DeStefano family. They’re hoping that their grandpa, Louis Rago, the Columbus Day Parade Marshal, will let them be a part of putting the Columbus Day Parade on paper. Since 1952 this has been a family tradition. Marco and his son-in-law Louis, who joined in 1967, was followed by Louis’ sons, Joseph and Anthony, who have become an active part in the parade preparation. Now, …

by JoAnn Serpico Each year, the queen pageant attracts the most well-rounded, educated and lovely young ladies, and this year of course was no exception. How the judges were able to narrow it down to three finalists is truly amazing, since all were spectacular in appearance, accomplishments and goals. The audience, by secret ballot, determined the queen. What an exciting finale! Ryan Chiaverini was a most gracious emcee. He was accommodating with all who wanted autographs and photos with him. He is a credit to our heritage. In this column I not only inform you of the queen, I also …

This year, as with every year, we have a vivacious and dynamic parade chairman, Vincent A. Naccarato. Under his direction, the wheels for a record-breaking number of units for this year’s parade are in motion. His bio reflects his energy and enterprising persona. He currently serves as the chairman of Molto Capital LLC, a private investment company based in Oakbrook Terrace. Molta Capital and its affiliated entitles invest primarily in private equity and industrial real estate. Prior to Molto Capital, Mr. Naccarato was chairman and CEO of Wilton Industries, a consumer products company that developed and marketed housewares and craft …