News

There is strength in numbers, the adage goes, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Casa Italia in Stone Park, where numerous organizations will join forces to stage the Casa’s annual Christmas Village. The complimentary open house is slated for Dec. 6. The following organizations have signed on to participate at the time of publication: the Associazione Regionale Siciliana in America, Calabresi in America Organization, Associazione Regionale Pugliesi in America/San Nicola, Chicago West Suburban UNICO, Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization, Columbian Club of Chicago, Italian American Executives of Transportation, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, Società San Francesco di …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society will honor Dr. Russell S. Pollina as Arcolian of the Year at its annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 15 at Saranello’s in Wheeling. Donations will be distributed to schools, churches, needy families and various Italian organizations at the event, as well as scholarships to third- and fourth-year dental students of Italian lineage. Dr. Russ is a board-certified pediatric dentist with offices in Mount Prospect and Barrington. A graduate of Loyola University undergraduate and dental school, he was born in a little mountainside town in Sicily to Rosario and Serafina Pollina. He came to America when …

Fr. Tony Pizzo, OSA, is making his way back to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Shrine in Melrose Park on Dec. 1. Pizzo, the past prior provincial of the Midwest Augustinians, will celebrate the beginning of Advent with a 6 p.m. Mass, followed by dinner and reflection. A seminary classmate of Pope Leo XIV, and a chaplain and celebrant of many Italian society masses, Fr. Pizzo is a well-respected motivational speaker and spiritual leader. The event will be hosted by the parish’s Altar and Rosary Society. The donation is $25. Call 708-344-4140 to make your reservation.

After three years in the McLaughlin Theater at St. Ignatius College Prep, Our Lady of Pompeii’s popular Mary and Christmas concert will hold forth, once again, at the recently transformed Shrine in Chicago. In another triumphant return, Maestro Paul French will wield the baton as conductor, leading the Shrine chorale and orchestra in a program of Yuletide favorites and classics on Dec. 5. The performance will begin at 7:45 p.m., preceded by a dinner at 6 p.m. and a champagne and pastry reception afterward. Complimentary valet parking will be available. Tickets are $175. (312-421-3757 or ourladyofpompeii.org)

The Italian American One Voice Coalition (IAOVC) has condemned Hulu’s new reality series “The Mob” for its demeaning and hurtful portrayal of Italians and Italian Americans through the tired mobster and mafioso stereotype. The series is packed with mob references, threats of violence, and casual talk of “wacking” people. By filming in Italy, The Mob ties that stereotype to the Italian people and the Italian homeland, as if being Italian and being a mobster were the same thing. IAOVC demands that Hulu answer for it. “This is not entertainment. It is ethnic stereotyping, packaged and sold for ratings,” stated Andre …

Illinois Municipal League Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole presented State Rep. Anthony DeLuca with the Community Champion Award during “A Statehouse Briefing with Legislators” at the 2026 IML Conference 2026. The award recognizes a legislator whose public service has strengthened Illinois communities through leadership and a strong commitment to local government. DeLuca has worked closely with municipalities and local leaders to address community needs and support initiatives that benefit residents across the 80th District and throughout Illinois, Cole said.

The Amici Club of Naperville will transition from a formal organization to an events-based social club effective January 2027. As a result, the club will no longer have board members, dues, general meetings or a website. Additionally, its long-standing scholarship program came to an end following the final award presented in May of this year. “The ongoing events committee invites the local Italian-American community to join us for numerous events planned throughout 2027,” outgoing president Armando Serafini says. “We look forward to continuing to celebrate and enjoy our rich Italian culture and heritage together.” (630-745-1085, aserafini55@gmail.com.)

  Alex Pinotti Masterson was one of several recipients of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Women in Business Awards. Held in March in conjunction with National Women’s History Month, the awards celebrated the talents, contributions and leadership of women in the far southwest suburb. The owner of the Candle Vault, Pinotti Masterson won the award in the Family Business category. Located at 114 Kansas St. in downtown Frankfort, Candle Vault offers a personalized candle-making experience, premade seasonal candles and custom candles created for organizations and special events.

Judge Diann Marsalek has transitioned from her role as supervising judge of the Traffic Section of Cook County court system to supervising judge of the Housing and Eviction Section. The move was announced by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II. Marsalek has served the Circuit Court of Cook County for the past 15 years. In her role as supervising judge of the Traffic Section, she led one of the highest-volume dockets in the system. “Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional administrative leadership, ensuring the efficient operation of the Traffic Section while maintaining the highest standards of judicial professionalism and public …

Romanucci & Blandin senior partner Frank A. Sommario has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year for Workers’ Compensation Law-Claimants in Chicago. Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year designation is presented to one individual in each practice area and geographic region and is based on peer-review evaluations. A past president and the current comptroller of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, Sommario was recently inducted as a fellow by the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. He is a past president of the Justinian Society of Lawyers and immediate past president and current board chairman of the National Italian …