Tag Archives: Rockford Italian Sister Cities Alliance

More than a century of close ties binds Rockford, Illinois, and Ferentino, Italy. That bond was made official when they became Sister Cities two decades ago. State, city and county proclamations have recognized this milestone. Mayors Larry Morrissey of Rockford and Piergianni Fiorletta of Ferentino signed the official Sister City documents in May 2006. Nine officials from Ferentino’s city council and the city’s arts and cultural organization traveled to Rockford for the ceremony and a busy week of meetings and festivities. Ferentino is an ancient-yet-modern city of 21,000 people located 45 minutes southeast of Rome. It is rich with Roman …

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)