News

State Rep. Bob Rita has been honored again as a top legislator in Illinois, this time for his efforts to support the state’s park districts. Rita was named the Illinois Association of Park Districts Outstanding Legislator of the Year at the 2025 IAPD and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Soaring to New Heights Conference in downtown Chicago in late January. Rita sponsored a law last year giving local governments such as park districts and forest preserves the power to control the flying of drones over public spaces. The award was presented by IAPD Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Gillis.  

The Triton College Alumni Association has inducted River Forest chocolatier Madonna Fantetti Slepicka and TV/radio journalist Michele Fiore into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact on their profession, community and beyond. The owner of River Forest Chocolates, Fantetti Slepicka returned to Triton to take culinary classes after earning a Bachelor of Science in business from Eastern Illinois University. A chocolate-making class with chef Uzma Sharif set her on her current career path. “Chef Uzma was a fantastic instructor and was a second-generation chocolatier,” Fantetti Slepicka says. “She sparked my …

Patronato Acli, an agency that provides a variety of services to Italian citizens, has made the leap from the Office Center at Casa Italia in Stone Park to the Italian Cultural Center. The move took place at the beginning of the year, when the Office Center was shuttered after the property was acquired by the village of Stone Park. The office handles pension claims; provides consular, immigration and notary services; offers citizenship consulting; and does translations, apostilles and transcriptions of change-of-status documents like birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates. To make an appointment, call 708-345-0522.  

The Italian American Executives of Transportation held its second annual Augustus Caesar Awards on Feb. 1 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. This year’s event honored nine young professionals who are excelling in their fields and exhibit potential for future success. The honorees were Nicky Amore (financial planning), Alex Corbo (law enforcement), Stephanie Corona (educational services), Rachel Matug (special education), Gianni Morrone (restaurant services), Anthony Palladino (medical marketing), Philip J. Sasso (audiovisual technology/entertainment), Nicole Sisco (food and beverage, planning/aviation) and Valerie Timpone (government services/judicial system). “These awards showcase young talent in our community who have made a significant impact in their …

Super Lawyers magazine has named 11 attorneys at Chicago-based Romanucci & Blandin to its 2025 Top 100 Super Lawyers, Illinois Super Lawyers and Illinois Rising Stars. Founding partner Antonio Romanucci ranked No. 3 on the Illinois list and senior partner Frank Sommario was among the Top 100 Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers relies on peer selection and review, third-party research and professional achievement to curate its lists. Candidates are eligible as Rising Stars if they are 40 or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less. Only 5% of attorneys in Illinois earned the Super Lawyer title and …

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 …