Local News

If Italian family traditions begin at home, then so, too, should Italian family business ventures. While Lewis Affetto was only 16, he helped his father, Bernard, with tax work he did out of their residence in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood. “I’d do bookkeeping for family businesses and some simple tax returns,” recalls Lewis Affetto, who’s of Sicilian lineage. “It just came naturally to me. Then I took some accounting classes in high school and did very well, so I decided it was the right way to go.” Boy, was it ever. Today Lewis and his sister Maria Gambino run Bernard A. …

The North American Transportation Employee Relations Association announced the appointment of local attorney Mark Spognardi as its new chairman. Spognardi is a partner at the Chicago branch of the Pautsch, Spognardi, & Baiocchi Legal Group, and has more than 30 years of experience in management-side labor and employment law. “I look forward to leading NATERA forward as we continue with our increased focus on giving superior value to NATERA’s membership. We believe that NATERA will continue to take a leading role in helping our member organizations tackle issues surrounding the changing regulatory landscape and workforce in trucking and transportation, including the critical need …

The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia is proud to honor local legal titan Louis C. Cairo as Man of the Year at its 45th annual dinner dance. The event will take place on April 11 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Louis is a senior partner at the GWC Law Firm: Chicago’s largest personal injury and workers’ compensation firm. Growing up as the son of an Italian immigrant who owned a union construction company in Northern Illinois, Louis acquired considerable experience with and respect for the men and women working in the construction industry. His close family upbringing has …

The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Stone Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe and …

The Flowers of Italy Club will honor a longstanding pillar of the community as their 2015 Man of the Year. Sonny Nicotera will take center stage when the venerable Melrose Park-based organization celebrates its 54th annual dinner dance on March 28 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Born in Cicero, Nicotera moved with his family to Melrose Park as a teen to the house that he still calls home. He was a manager of the Dining Car Services for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad until his retirement 12 years ago. A longtime member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel …

I Ciceroni rang in the New Year at Porretta’s Banquets with plenty of food, music and conversation with a strong Italian flavor. Founded by language instructor Maria DiMarco to honor, maintain, practice and improve the Italian language skills of its members, the club meets the first Wednesday of every month at Nonna Graziella’s at Casa Italia in Stone Park. Speaking primarily in Italian, members enjoy dinner as DiMarco infuses vocabulary, grammar and culture lessons into the conversation. DiMarco also sends out a monthly communication filled with proverbs, poetry, lessons and news. (708-562-7915)

State Rep. John D’Amico is highlighting a new law that went into effect aimed at easing the burden on drivers stopped for minor traffic offenses. “We need smart laws that hold drivers accountable, but also ones that recognize common-sense realities,” D’Amico said. “This legislation prevents motorists from being unnecessarily burdened while maintaining the safety of our roadways.” Senate Bill 2583 allows drivers to retain their licenses after being cited for minor traffic violations, including speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, driving without insurance, improper lane change and disobeying a traffic control device. By reinstating the ‘Sign and Drive’ law in Illinois, …

Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. When the Stevenson High Patriots squared off against the Glenbard West Hilltoppers in late November, four grandnephews of DuPage County businessman Jerry Marchese took part in the match. Marchese’s nephew, John, contributed three sons to the competition, with elder brother Jimmy suiting up as strong side linebacker and twin brothers Michael and Henry serving as wide receivers and on special teams. On the Glenbard West side of the ball was Matteo DiMarco, son of Marchese’s daughter Jacqui. The Patriots went on to win the Illinois class 8A state championship in a thrilling, down …