Local News

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking North American families who are willing to host girls and boys, ages 15 to 18, from Italy and more than 50 other countries. The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance, and are carefully selected based upon academics and personality, according to ASSE Midwest Regional Director Saphia Lesch. ASSE also offers qualified American students the opportunity to spend a school year, semester or summer with a host family in another country. (800-736-1760)

Political consultant Enza Raineri has joined Mercury Public Affairs, a bipartisan Chicago-based public-strategy firm. Raineri brings more than 40 years of experience to Mercury-Illinois in the arenas of government relations, public relations, crisis communications, community outreach and large-scale operations management. She served the Clerk of the Circuit Court for 30 years in operations, press relations and public policy roles. After retiring from Cook County government in 2019, Raineri started her own consulting practice, where she has worked on a variety of campaigns, including for the Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Appellate Court, mayor of Los Angeles, mayor of Chicago and international …

State Rep. Bob Rita was named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Township Officials of Illinois in recognition of his commitment to township government and community service. Rita, who also serves as Calumet Township supervisor, was honored for his leadership in delivering essential services and advocating for policies that strengthen local government and improve residents’ lives. His township initiatives include a variety of programs for older adults, including a seniors-only DMV outpost, a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository that provides free produce twice a month, affordable lunch programs and exercise classes, and free rides for seniors …

The Italian American Political Coalition presented Judge Lisa Marino with its Public Service Leadership Award, Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico with its William Paca Award and Patrick Santoro with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Heritage Celebration on March 6 at The Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. The following bios were provided by the organization. Patrick Santoro Lifetime Achievement Award Patrick L. Santoro is a seasoned public adjuster with an impressive career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in the industry in 1972 and has since become a prominent figure in the field. His dedication and expertise …

More than 300 people gathered in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Oct. 14 to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month. A 1 p.m. ceremony at the Columbus statue in the city’s Central Park featured presentations by Mayor Dave Wood and Elkhart County Judge Chris Spataro, as well as representatives of local clubs from St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Sam Jermano gave a tribute to many of the local Italian Americans who served in the military. Festivities continued with an Italian buffet luncheon at the DeAmicis Club, with food provided by local restaurants. The event was sponsored by the DiLoreto Society, DeAmicis …

On a recent trip to Italy with a group from Esperienza Italia, Chicagoan Tom Bulgrin and his partner, Kerry, traveled a long and winding road to meet Ciuma and Cinzia Del Vecchio for a delightful home-cooked meal in their remote hilltop home. After dinner, Ciuma and his teenage daughter, Adele, performed an intimate concert for the group. The heartfelt musical expression of father and daughter sparked joy, and even a few tears. As a retired band director and professional musician, Tom Bulgrin couldn’t help but notice that the quality of Adele’s violin was no match for her talent. “I was …

Since its inception in 1952, there have been only two three-term presidents of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans: Dominic DiFrisco and JoAnn Serpico. Ron Onesti became the third member of that elite group at the JCCIA’s Christmas party on Dec. 9 at Venuti’s in Addison. Joining Onesti as officers for the next two years will be First Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Second Vice President Pat Capriati, Third Vice President Laura Orrico, Secretary Sam Cannizzaro and Treasurer Mario Cinardi. Phyllis Schoene was appointed executive director and Rose Mary Ranallo and Pasquale Gianni will reprise their roles as presidents of …

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 45th annual gala on Nov. 15 at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village. More than 700 attendees witnessed the induction of NBA star Chris Corchiani, ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio, NFL pioneer Bruno Banducci, wrestling great Lou Albano, baseball pioneer Philomena Gianfrancisco and boxing referee Johnny LoBianco. NBA legend and television personality Mike Fratello received the Mario Andretti Lifetime Achievement Award, Teamster official Joe Martucci was the Sportsman of the Year and Roberto Clemente High School baseball coach Richard Tomoleoni was a regional inductee. Paralympic champion and past NIASHF inductee Linda …

On Nov. 10, Com.It.Es (Comitato degli italiani all’estero) organized a pilgrimage to the town of Cherry, Illinois, on the 115th anniversary of the 1909 mine disaster that took the lives of 250 souls, 73 of whom were Italian immigrants. A group of 28 in the company of Italian Consul General Mario Bartoli traveled by bus to the tiny town 100 miles southwest of Chicago. The pilgrimage included a visit to the mine site, the Cherry Mine Disaster Museum and Library, and the cemetery, where Bartoli laid a wreath at the monument honoring those who had perished. The disaster remains largely unknown within the …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans honored five elected officials at its second annual Government Relations Luncheon on Nov. 19 at the Des Plaines Theatre. The event was spearheaded by JCCIA President Ron Onesti, with Enza Ranieri, a recipient of last year’s awards, chairing the committee. More than 150 organization presidents, elected officials and community leaders came together for the event. “In an environment where elected officials walk on eggshells when it comes to controversial issues such as Columbus Day, it’s crucial that we recognize those who bravely stand up for our community, our traditions and our culture,” Onesti …