Local News

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently brought together local religious leaders for a non-denominational, interfaith breakfast at Governor State University. Attendees discussed ways the state can work with local faith communities to improve the quality of life in the southern suburbs. “Faith leaders and places of worship do more than just nourish a person’s soul. They are places that in good and bad times become the focal points of a community,” DeLuca said. “They are at the center of these community occurrences, bring people together and provide additional services to the less fortunate.”

The Rockford Italian Sister Cities Alliance held its annual fundraiser, A Taste of Italy IV, on Nov. 4 at the Venetian Club. Several local restaurateurs provided samples for tasting, including Antonina Laudicina from Napoli’s Pizza in Loves Park (pictured). Other participants included the Venetian Club, Bravo, Cucina DiRosa, DiTullio’s, Franchesco’s, Gerry’s, Roma Bakery and the St. Ambrogio Club, which founded the alliance. Nearly 200 people attended the event. Proceeds support student and professional exchanges between Rockford and Ferentino, with plans underway for an academic exchange from Ferentino to Rockford this year. (ourrisca.org)

The Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin LLC recently welcomed Highland Park-based Baizer Kolar Neiman P.C. to its ranks. BKN specializes in cases of wrongful death, medical malpractice, automobile accidents and traumatic brain injuries. BKN founder Bob Baizer and partners Joe Kolar and David Neiman bring with them a track record that includes a $29.8 million verdict in a birth injury case and a $25 million medical negligence verdict. “We are extremely confident that the team at Baizer Kolar Neiman will be incredible assets for our growing firm,” said R&B Law founding partner Antonio Romanucci. “Each of them brings a unique …

William Blair financial advisor Tom Salvino was named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list and Barron’s Top State Advisors list for 2019. He has been included in the Forbes list since 2018 and the Barron’s list since 2015. Salvino joined William Blair in 1993 and became a partner in 1999. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. in finance from Loyola University Chicago, he is a member of the Salvino Wealth Management Team. John, along with his brother, Tom, and father, Al, manage customized investment portfolios for individuals, families, trusts and foundations. …

The Arcolian Dental Arts Society presented second-year University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry student Jordan Franklin with a $2,500 scholarship at its annual Christmas Party at the Park Ridge Country Club on Dec. 11. Dr. Rosella Spadoni-French, a 1984 Loyola School of Dentistry alumna, conferred the check to Franklin. “I have felt so extremely welcomed by all the members, all of whom readily share their knowledge and support with me whenever they can,” Franklin said. “This scholarship means so much more than the money to me. It means building a closer relationship with an organization that so kindly …

The Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, honored a dozen outstanding individuals from all walks of life at the 18th annual Leonardo da Vinci Awards of Excellence Gala on May 5 at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. “Our recipients walk among giants in their chosen professions,” says Lodge President Marie Marsalli. “They lead by example and truly embrace their Italian heritage.” Fra Noi’s own Pat Capriati, author of the monthly Italian-language profile “L’eta d’oro” and co-host of the bilingual radio program “Domenica Insieme,” received an Award of Excellence in Communications at the event. Also receiving awards …

In the two decades since its founding, the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization has created a remarkable legacy of giving. Each year, the group provides hundreds of needy families with full Thanksgiving meals, presents tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to college-bound students and bestows tens of thousands of dollars more upon veterans in need and other worthy causes. “None of what we do would be possible without the involvement and support of our members,” says CIACO president Bob Urbinati. “That’s why we decided to present our Humanitarian of the Year Award in memory of deceased members at this …

The new president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans hit the ground running at the organization’s annual meeting. Speaking to a packed dining room at Casa Italia’s Banquet Center, Sergio Giangrande announced a dramatic rollback of dues in an effort encourage involvement on the part of both individuals and organizations. Giangrande proposed a tiered structure to replace the $500 dues for organizational members. $100 membership now grants voting rights and inclusion of events in the JCCIA’s e-blasts. $250 membership nets voting rights, inclusion in the e-blast and an ad in the souvenir book for the Columbus Day Parade. …

Dr. Katina Spadoni will ascend to the presidency of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society on April 23 at Gene & Georgetti’s in Chicago. Dr. Spadoni and her sister, Rosella, are founding dentists at South Barrington Dental. She received her bachelor’s of science in biology cum laude in 1984 from Loyola University of Chicago and completed her graduate studies and earned her D.D.S. degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1987. Joining her as Arcolian officers are President-Elect Dr. Chuck DiFranco Jr., Vice President Dr. Paul E. DiFranco, Secretary Dr. Derek Fornelli and Treasurer Dr. Mary Teresa Lima. For details, …

The Italian-American community has reacted with dismay to the University of Notre Dame’s decision to enshroud a series of 12 murals depicting the life of Christopher Columbus. “This is another example of revisionist history and a slap in the face to all Italian Americans,” says Italian American One Voice Coalition spokesperson André DiMino. “I implore the president of Notre Dame to reconsider his decision and not give in to the hysteria of the moment. Italian Americans celebrate Columbus’ achievement of uniting the continents.” “This is not the first time that Christopher Columbus has been under attack,” says NIAF Vice Chair John …