News

The mission of the Sister Cities movement reflects the belief in the power of personal connections. Since its inception in 1956, the goal of Sister Cities International has been “peace through citizen diplomacy.” As members of Sister Cities International and five time “Best Overall Program” winner, the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation has embraced this mission. Through cultural, educational and business exchanges and programs to provide humanitarian relief, the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation has connected people in our community with people in our sister cities: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Modena, Italy; and Yerucham, Israel. The results have transformed lives and …

The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America will host its fourth annual Carnevale di Venezia from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Empress Banquets in Addison. Dubbed “Tesori Nascosti” (“Hidden Treasures”), this year’s celebration will feature antipasto and dessert buffets, family-style spaghettata, acrobats and costumed performers, and dancing to DJ Alex. Businesswoman Elizabeth Battaglia and Schaumburg community leader Peter Justen will be honored. Tickets are $85 and sponsorships are available. Reservations are required by Jan. 22. (president.sadia@gmail.com)

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas welcomed a delegation from Sicily to her office on Oct. 10. The entourage was in town to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month as representatives of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans’ Parade Region of Honor. Pappas and other elected officials took part in the JCCIA’s Oct. 10 flag-raising ceremony in Daley Plaza. At a reception at her office afterward, she presented certificates of excellence to Palermo Vice Mayor Giampiero Cannella, the delegation, and civic and religious leaders from Italy and the Chicago area. “More than 600,000 Italian Americans in Chicagoland have helped make Cook …

On Oct. 18, the Casa Italia Library unveiled a new website aimed at preserving family histories for posterity. Designed by library volunteer Olivia Greco, the portal allows visitors to submit stories about themselves and their family members. “This project is a wonderful way to get anyone involved,” Greco says. “If you want to tell your family’s story, but feel like writing is not your strong point, this is a perfect opportunity. It’s a fast and easy way to save our stories before they’re gone forever.” For more, click here.

The Chicago-area Italian American community and its supporters pulled out all the stops in October, with celebrations taking place across the metropolitan area and throughout the month. As always, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans led the way, starting with an Oct. 10 flag-raising ceremony in Daley Plaza, followed by a reception at the office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Next came a glittering Presidents’ Ball on Oct. 12 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Club presidents joined forces with elected officials from every level of government to officially welcome delegations from Sicily and Italy to the festivities, with …

Frank Conforti Jr. — along with the three generations of the Conforti family who have run Frankie’s Deli for more than half a century — were the guests of honor at Casa Italia’s 54th annual gala. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Carlisle in Lombard. Joining Frank Jr. in the spotlight were his parents, Frank Sr. and Connie, and his son Mario, who have played key roles in making Frankie’s one of the most popular Italian food emporiums in the western suburbs, along with his wife, Linda, their son Frankie and son-in-law, Dominick Carmignani, who …

“Union Proud” was the theme of the Italian American Executives of Transportation’s 2025 awards dinner on Nov. 15 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. The IAET honored labor leaders Michael DiGrazia, Anthony Guida and Michael Macellaio at the event, and present John Ferrentino with its Humanitarian of the Year Award. The following profiles were provided by the IAET: Michael DiGrazia Michael DiGrazia began his career working alongside his brothers in the logistics and warehousing industry, where he learned every aspect of transportation and distribution. As Michael often says, “There’s nothing made I can’t drive.” He proudly maintains a Commercial Driver’s License …

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presents Gino and Tatiana Rago with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 16. The following profile was provided by the organization: Gino and Tatiana Rago Gino Rago was born in Chicago in 1965 to immigrant parents from Mola di Bari, Italy. Growing up, he lived briefly in Italy and spent many summers living with and visiting his grandparents. He would help his grandfather Leonardo work his farm, and watch his mom and grandmother bake cookies and prepare traditional meals. When Gino began first grade in Chicago, he only spoke Italian, at times joining other bilingual …

On Aug. 10, Società San Francesco di Paola hosted its 44th annual Festa Della Famiglia in Onore di San Francesco di Paola at Casa Italia in Stone Park, bringing people together to celebrate faith, family and the Calabresi American community spirit. Festivities began with a prayerful procession featuring the statue of San Francesco di Paola, escorted by the Knights of Columbus and accompanied by many faithful followers. A solemn and inspiring Mass, celebrated by the Rev. James Presta, welcomed more than 1,000 attendees. The liturgy was filled with notes of caritas (charity), tradition, storytelling and laughter, reminding all that through …

The warm smell of garlic was in the air, olive oil flowed through the street, the sounds of Sinatra were on the lips of tens of thousands, and the 2025 edition of the Taylor Street Little Italy Festa is now in the record books. So many folks with roots in Chicago’s original Little Italy came back to the old neighborhood to celebrate all things Italian and Italian American. Five stages of entertainment included The Bronx Wanderers from Las Vegas; Tricia Danieli from Miami; Vanessa Racci from New York City; Eros—The Tenor from Cinque Terre; America’s Tenor Christopher Macchio; Mario Bosco …