Community

by Margaret Perrotta Count your blessings. How do you count your blessings? Do you count the day-to-day events that make life enjoyable? Do you count the great, happy moments in life that take your breath away? Do you count the life-saving moments that force you to appreciate everything? I am sure you would agree that, somehow, you count all these blessings. Have you ever wondered what to do once you’ve counted them? I admit that until recently, these three, simple words did not provoke much thought. But in the last few months, I can’t help but wonder if society has …

by Joseph F. Locallo Jr. Società SS Crocifisso di Ciminna celebrated its 11th annual dinner dance fundraiser on Oct. 15 … which happened to be Sweetest Day this year! Porretta’s was decked out in pink in honor of the day and also in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s celebration also marked the club’s first presentation of the Padre Delle Grazie Award. This award is special in many different ways. As a religious organization, the society wanted to recognize an individual for communicating the word and works of our Lord. The actual award is in the shape of …

by Richard Caifano During the middle of the 20th century, 20 percent of the Jews located in Italy lost their lives to the Nazi campaign of annihilation; throughout the remainder of Europe, 80 percent of the Jewish population was lost. This remarkable difference came from the ethic of the Italian people, and its importance is being noted throughout the world. It was an undertaking that required the ingenuity and dedication of countless Italians who were under the rule of a regime aligned with the campaign of its Axis partner Germany, whose quest was the destruction of the Jewish race. At …

by Richard Caifano Michael Veselka was raised in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago, where he learned the importance of community and the meaning of integrity. He now owns and operates a successful flooring installation business with his wife of 35 years, Marlene. They reside in Glenview with their sons, Steven and Michael. The rewards of hard work and enterprise he learned from his father early in a pizza restaurant in Chicago helped mold Veselka into the successful businessman he is today. And the sense of community identity he acquired on the streets of Galewood helped to propel him through the …

by Richard Caifano The recently completed 90th annual convention of UNICO National saw Chicago area members rise to prominence in the ranks of the leadership. Glenview resident Michael Veselka was elected as Executive Vice President of UNICO, placing him next in line to assume the office of national president at the UNICO Convention in Ft. Lauderdale that will be held from July 31 to August 4, 2013. Orland Park’s Paul Domico was re-elected to the position of Midwest Regional District Governor. Domico was also elected to serve a three-year term as a Trustee of the UNICO Foundation, the charitable arm …

by Richard Caifano On August 3, 2013, Chicago flooring contractor Michael Veselka was installed as President of UNICO National amid the applause and merriment of delegates and their families in attendance at the 91 convention of the largest Italian-American service organization in the country. Michael and his wife, Marlene, were warmly received as president and first lady in an evening filled with pride and accomplishment for Italian Americans. * New Jersey businessman Joseph Valenzano was the recipient of this year’s Americanism Civis Ilustris Award. * Unico Past National President Joseph Agresti of New Jersey received the Vastola Award for exceptional …

“For 45 years, the Chicago West Suburban Chapter of UNICO has been the consummate host of one of Chicagoland’s most popular charitable golf events. This year’s highly successful event was held at a new venue in Bloomingdale, Ill. Over the years, under the leadership of Jack Cerone, Joe Rovetto, Ed Gesualdo and current co-chairs Mario Veltri and Joe Mollica, Chicago West Suburban UNICO’s outing has been noted for its gastronomic delights from sausage-and-egg breakfast before the shotgun start to a buffet feast consisting of roasted lamb, chicken oreganato, Italian sausage with peppers, sweet corn and a variety of fresh fruits …

With the enthusiastic support of Chicago businessman and UNICO National president Mike Veselka, the Mid-Year Conference of UNICO National was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel on March 28 to 29. They came to Chicago from all parts of our country (obviously not in search of a more temperate climate) to enjoy the down-to-earth spirit of our proud city. Some 175 members arrived from New Jersey to California and from Texas to Pennsylvania to conduct the business of UNICO National, the country’s largest Italian American Service organization. The weekends’ events began with a dinner for early arrivals hosted by Past …

by Richard Caifano For nearly half a century, the Chicago West Suburban Chapter of UNICO National has served as consummate host of one of Chicagoland’s most popular charitable golf events. Over the years, under the leadership of Jack Cerone, Joe Rovetto and most recently Ed Gesualdo, Chicago West Suburban UNICO’s outing has been noted for its gastronomic delights from sausage and egg breakfast before the golfer’s shotgun start to a buffet feast consisting of roasted lamb, chicken oreganato, Italian sausage with peppers, sweet corn on the cob and a variety of fresh fruits (with optional wine). Guided by the versatile …

If the worth of a life is measured in the lives one changes, then Sister Mary Ventura O.P. is pure gold, and an example to all who work with children and young adults in the name of literacy. A teacher for 67 years, Ventura directs the Essential Learning Solutions lab at St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Evergreen Park. She could’ve rested on her laurels long ago, but Ventura still puts in 10-hour work days. She’s worked at the , lab for the past 20 years. Sister Mary has received many awards over her prolific career, but the one she calls …