Tag Archives: JCCIA

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans presented ABC7 Vice President and News Director Jennifer Graves with its prestigious Dante Award at its annual media luncheon. The honor is bestowed each year on a member of the media who lives up to Dante Alighieri’s call to be no timid friend to truth. A member of the ABC7 team since 1992 and its news director since 2001, Graves has earned numerous journalism awards. She has been a major contributor to the station’s cutting-edge technological advances, including the recent installation of ABC7’s state-of-the art news set; an all-digital newsroom; high-definition news; and …

Anticipating the aura of Columbus Day became reality on Monday, Oct. 12. It was everything I had envisioned, only more spectacular. The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii was filled to capacity, the altar gorgeous with bouquets of flowers, the music resounding throughout the Mass. Father Fragomeni’s words were stimulating. JCCIA President Frank Cerrone greeted all. Parade Chairman Sal Perricone gave emotional closing comments. The Marist Band brought tears to our eyes, and the Knights of Columbus were impressive as always. At Arrigo Park, the words of Marie Marsalli of the State Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy …

  Jessica Malpede was crowned Queen of the Columbus Day parade at a glittering pageant on Sept. 20 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. “‘Exciting’ doesn’t begin to describe the 2015 Columbus Day Queen Pageant,” JCCIA Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico says. “Enthusiasm radiated from the family members, friends and community leaders who attended, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership.” Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment chaired the event and served as master of ceremonies, and Marilyn Fredericks handled the choreography. “Ron and Marilyn did a spectacular job of running this year’s pageant,” Serpico says. …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans involvement goes beyond the Italian community. Since 1952 the JCCIA has been the go-to organization for those in Chicago in need of representation from the Italian community. We enjoy this position of leadership and respect. With great pride and self-esteem, the JCCIA takes part in an array of events in Chicagoland. Our umbrella, a unified voice, has earned us this distinct role. Thanks to our great scroll of past presidents, each made the JCCIA their priority during their term. Each exemplifies the meaning of a leader whose goal it is to maintain continuity. …

by Jo Ann Serpico “Exciting” doesn’t begin to describe the 2013 Columbus Day Queen Pageant that took place on July 21. Enthusiasm radiated from the family members, friends and community leaders who attended, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership.” Dina Bair, our master of ceremonies, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who is currently the anchor for WGN Midday News and the most recent recipient of the JCCIA Dante Award and JCCIA Women’s Division Impresa Award. Dina was also the Columbus Day Queen in 1990. Her energy was so inspiring. She was superb! We are …

by JoAnn Serpico “THEY HELPED MAKE AMERICA GREAT!” What an appropriately strong theme for our 2012 parade. This year, each float will salute Americans of Italian descent who have helped make our nation great. Passing in review will be legendary names like Enrico Fermi, Fillipo Mazzei, Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Guglielmo Marconi, Giacomo Beltrami, William Paca, Frances X. Cabrini, Fiorello LaGuardia, Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few. Helping to make our annual celebration of our heritage great will be our Parade Chairman, Vincent Naccarato, the Chairman of Molto Capitol LLC and a true benefactor in both …

One of the most thrilling and glamorous events in the Chicago-area Italian-American community is the contest to determine who will reign as La Bella Regina of the Columbus Day Parade. Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, this year’s Columbus Day Queen Contest will be held on July 21 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event will be chaired by Jim Glimco and Mauro Glorioso, and choreographed by Marilyn Cusimano Fredericks. The winner of the contest will walk away with $1,000 in cash plus other prizes, in addition to the crown. The queen and her court will …

by Jo Ann Serpico The long hot days of summer are upon us. Numerous flowers make a picture perfect landscape of beauty and grandeur. I am reveling in the simple joys of the season. I know that as soon as this magic passes, the fall and the glorious shades of autumn will follow. That brings us to Columbus Day, which is for all Italian Americans the most jubilant day of the year. Each year as Oct. 12 approaches, the excitement grows. This year, our day to shine will be Monday, October 14. The older you get, the anticipation of celebration …

Our new administration brings a wealth of experience to the JCCIA — new growth and new enthusiasm will be infused into all of our future endeavors. Our umbrella organization has always represented the hopes and dreams of our Italian community through a unified voice. At this time, I have the distinct privilege of presenting the 2013-2014 officers and leaders of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. In the previous column, I already introduced you to our new president Frank Cerrone of Pan American Bank. This month I wish to introduce you to: Mauro Glorioso, First Vice President Mauro is …