Tony Danza

www.amiciorgit.net

Winter 2007 /2008

JOURNAL Danza as Max in The Producers, Las Vegas

Giuliani visits Illinois NIAF Anniversary Gala NIAHSF 30 Anniversary Lasorda Wine Lineup Frinzi “Italian Cavalier“ Sambuca Association Sister Cities Delegation

Exclusive Interview with

TONY

DANZA

National Italian Restaurant Guide $2.50 US Winter 2007

How Professional Boxer Turned Actor CHICAGOLAND’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS Amici Journal Editorial................................................................................1 Soaring Eagle...............................................................................................1 Tony Danza in the Producers................................................................. ...2,3 Rudolph Giuliani..........................................................................................4 Maria PappasPraises NIASHF......................................................................4 Senator Renato “Ron“ Turano.................................................................... 5 Reverend Michael J. Garanzini..................................................................6,7 NIASHF 30th Anniversary .......................................................................8,9 Lasorda’s Italian Passion............................................................................10 Joe Bisceglia.............................................................................................. 12 To Autism With Love Dinner Dance............. ............................................13 Bagheria: The Villas’ Town....................................................................... 14 Five Centuries of Italian-American History...............................................15 Tony Lupo Proud to be Italian.......................................................................

16 Amici Journal Campania Tour................................................................... 17 Region in Italy. Puglia...........................................................................18,19 Dominic Frinzi...........................................................................................20 Chicago’s Little Italy Taylor Street............................................................21 Chicago’s Little Italy An Honest Days Work............................................ 22 NIAF 32 Anniversary Gala........................................................................24 Lake Nemi Province of Rome.....................................................................25 Twin Romulus Mythic Figure....................................................................25 Restaurant Guide........................................................................................26 Restaurant Radio Chicago..........................................................................27 Romanucci & Blandin State Law Protects Injured....................................29 The Rewards of Writing it Down - Gold Stars.......................................30,31 Giada De Laurentiis....................................................................................32 The 3 Olives Restaurant Review................................................................34 Learn Italian in a puzzle form................................................................... 36 The Doctor A.Hawatmen Legacy...............................................................37 An Italian Christmas...................................................................................38 Sister Cities Delegation Comes to USA........................................................

40,41 Condottiere............................................................................................42,43 Sambuca Association of Sicily...............................................................44,45 Opera. Il Barbiere di Siviglia.....................................................................46 Luciano Pavorotti.......................................................................................47 Sports. “Torch “ Helps Light the Way for Blackhawks............................. 48 Don’t miss. Events.....................................................................................49 Poet’s corner...............................................................................................50

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Copyright © 2004 AMICI JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 595, River Grove, IL 60171 www.amiciorgit.net Founders Terry N. Geraci; Andrew Guzaldo; Salvatore Terranova; Joseph C. Nugara, Sr. Publishers Terry N. Geraci & Salvatore Terranova Executive Editor Andrew Guzaldo Creative Designer Tetiana Vagizova Publishing Consultant & Production Director Joseph C. Nugara, Sr. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without written permission of Publisher. All information contained herein is deemed reliable and is submitted subject to errors, omissions, and to change of price or terms without notice.

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AMICI JOURNAL EDITORIAL Wishes You A Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

Benvenuti, we at Amici journal would like to thank all of those who continue to support our journal. In this issue we present to you another Proud Italian American, Mr. Tony Danza. Born Antonio Ladanza in Brooklyn, New York. He never dreamed of an acting career or for that matter changing his name to Tony Danza. Mr. Danza’s story is the result of his “American Dream”. He is an example of making the most of opportunities while exhibiting your greatest talents.

For many of our Italian ancestors, the Statue of Liberty was a symbol of that “American Dream”. It still stands strong as it did when it welcomed immigrants under her care, long ago. Ellis Island is where many docked and came to first lay foot on the country they would soon call theirs. Just as Mr. Danza, the Statue of Liberty calls New York its home.

Today, when you think New York you can’t but think of America’s Mayor, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In this issue, we had the great pleasure and honor in bringing to you a conversation with the former Mayor and current presidential candidate. Imagine that, the possibility of the first Italian American President of the United States.

This could mark the culmination of the Italian immigration to America that began many generations ago. As early as the 1800’s, Italians have made contributions to America. Some contributions were small such as introducing their techniques of wine making and agricultural methods. Some were bigger, let’s not forget Amerigo Vespuci who America is named after. In modern times, the spirit of these contributions is what Amici Journal seeks to showcase.

With this in mind, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) shares our mission. Therefore, we will share with you our coverage of the NIAF Awards Gala recently held here in Chicago. Among the honored attendees who embodied this “American Dream” were of course the honorable Mayor Giuliani and the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nacy Pelosi.

Our publication aims to be called principled but not ideological, nor partisan.

Any content in our publication having to do with political leaders is simply a showcase of exceptional people who make up our society and therefore not a direct endorsement by our publication. With this goal in mind, the content our publication showcases individuals from all facets of life who show a consistent focus on personal integrity, ethical behavior in business and in all aspects of life.

One of these aspects of life is the contribution of Italian Americans in sports.

Amici Journal welcomes you all to celebrate the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame’s (NIASHF) 30th Anniversary Gala coming this November 3rd along with honored attendee Famed Manager Tommy Lasorda.

We will also share with you the success of first Autism Dinner Dance for Amici d’Italia, a great cause and a perfect reason to bring many of you “great people”, our readers together. Amici Journal is also proud to finally honor Mr. Dominic Frinzi, the “Milwaukee Italian Cavalier”, by sharing his story and all of his great work associated with Milwaukee’s “Festa Italiana.”

As we all know, America is the land of opportunity. The Italian American story is an example of this. Some have made the opportunities more than just possibilities.

They have worked from the lowest in the totem pole and through their hard work moved upwards to become a success. Success is measured in many ways. For some, it is the exceptional achievements that make them stand out above all. For others the success is direct measure of their own growth, both financially and socially. For all, the “American Dream” lives. Many come to America in search of their “American Dream”.

For most of us, they constructed the foundation, which will allow us “their children” to live lives beyond their dreams or that of their parents.

Please send all correspondence to Amici Journal Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 595, River Grove, IL 60171 or email us at amiitalia@sbcglobal.net.

Look for AMICI JOURNAL in your local stores or order direct at 773-836-1595 to arrange for your own subscription.

Sincerely Andrew Guzaldo Editor Amici Journal THIS EDITION IS DEDICATED TO CHRISTOPHER GUZALDO

A CHILD’S IDEA, NO LONGER JUST A DREAM

I

It is possible that the idea to build Soaring Eagle Academy began as the sparkle in the eye of a little girl with Autism, who longed to show the world just how smart she could be.

t was in the eyes of her then 3 year old daughter, Dominique, that Academy co-founder Deanna Jaconetti Tyrpak, first saw the tremendous promise of D.I.R.® as an approach that could help children with Autism, reach developmental levels believed to be beyond their grasp. On the first day of homeschooling her daughter, Tyrpak saw her child’s eyes shine especially bright when she solved her first math problem. “Dominique so smart, so smart”, Tyrpak heard her daughter announce with delight. For Tyrpak, Dominique’s triumph was bittersweet. For years, Tyrpak struggled to convince educators in traditional school settings, that the repetitive tasks routinely assigned her daughter, not only misjudged her child’s potential by leaps and bounds, but stoked Dominique’s frustration and anxiety. Convinced that her daughter could soar much higher, Tyrpak created a home school environment for her daughter that harnesses Dominique’s natural enthusiasm for learning, and incorporates D.I.R.® principles of supporting her emotional development while engaging her in dynamic, meaningful learning experiences.

Much has happened since that day in 2004, when the idea of Soaring Eagle Academy entered the mind’s eye of a busy mother perched at a dining room table cluttered with homework. Today, Tyrpak and Soaring Eagle Academy can boast a number of accomplishments that have paved the way for the school to become the Midwest’s first educational institution to utilize the highly effective D.I.R.® Method. A devoted Board of Directors is “on board” and professional services for planning, fund raising and site selection have been secured.

The effort to open Soaring Eagle Academy is building momentum and will require $425,000 in seed funds to realize the founders’ exciting vision for the school.

Please visit the website www.soaringeagleacademy.org for ways to help and consider making a secure online donation or mailing a donation to: Soaring Eagle Academy, PO Box 63, Riverside, IL 60546. Your support is greatly appreciated! Your efforts will ensure a bright educational future for individuals with Autism and their families.

““ M O R E T O C O M E O F A M I C I J O U R N A L I N 2 0 0 8 ””

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 1

Tony ony Danza Danza

By John Rizzo

LEAD ROLE IN THE MEL BROOKS MUSICAL “THE PRODUCERS”

“I’m not going to tell that story again,” said Tony Danza, the irritation in his tone unmistakable. “I was working out in a gym, an agent saw me and got me on TV. Everybody asks me about that. It’s not about my soul.”

When politely requested to expound on his “soul,” he responded, “I leave that up to the writers!” Danza was of course referring to how he segued into show business from boxing. We can assume that every single interviewer has asked him about that and we can understand that it must be indeed tiresome to rehearse this issue ad nauseum. But it is also understandable why people keep inquiring about his professional metamorphosis.

As a youngster, Antonio Ladanza never dreamed of an acting career. The New Yorker from Brooklyn instead envisioned himself the next Rocky Graziano. Changing his name to “Dangerous” Tony Danza, he entered the New York Golden Gloves in 1975. Shortly afterwards, on Aug. 13, 1976, he started his professional boxing career. Fighting as a middleweight, Danza became a crowd favorite for his walk-in slugging style. He compiled a record of 9-3 with nine knockout victories, seven in the first round. It was during a gym workout that he was discovered for the part of “Tony Banta” on the TV show, “Taxi” (1978). Danza still had hopes of being a world champion and scored knockouts in 1978 and 1979 but unable to secure a title shot, retired from boxing to dedicate himself totally to his acting career. Where he quite obviously has made a success in this which is now his passion.

If before he became a famous TV star Danza had been anything but a boxer – a doctor, lawyer, garbage man, interior decorator or any other kind of an athlete – it is likely that there would be little interest in his preshowbiz activities. Boxing, however, has a certain mystique that evokes a universal fascination with the sport itself and those who participate in it. Virtually the object of boxing intrigues everyone, which is to inflict as much physical pain as possible on your opponent until he can take no more and either quits or is rendered unconscious. And it takes a singular kind of fearless, intensely disciplined, athletically gifted and super-aggressive person who deeply desires to prevail, and one who also willingly accepts the possibility of being publicly humiliated and having his own brains beat out. Naturally, the entire experience is magnified on the professional level.

Boxing as a spectator sport goes back to the Pythian and Olympic games of ancient Greece, as does wrestling, a related form of hand-tohand combat, in which Tony Danza also excelled as a young man. There were fewer rules in the Classical era and it was very common for the loser of a match to also lose his life, but to the winner went untold glory and the highest esteem of his countrymen. The sport and the unique kind of personality it takes to compete in this way has routinely stirred the imagination of prominent artists, most recently in celebrated films like Champion (1949) with Kirk Douglas, Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) with Paul Newman and Raging Bull (1980) with Robert De Niro.

Another fine movie, Golden Boy (1939) with William Holden, explored the internal conflict at work in a man who was not only a tough boxer, but a talented violinist as well. At the same time the drama contrasted the types of emotional impact on the audience derived from a violent and gory boxing exhibition and a brilliantly performed concert.

2 AMICI / Winter 2007/2008

Clearly, although exciting to watch, a brutal display of fisticuffs does not usually appeal to the better angels of our nature, whereas many kinds of musical and dramatic performances can be spiritually uplifting. But the main theme of writer Clifford Odets was that there was not room enough in one personality for both boxer and artist and ultimately one or the other would have to go. This is what happened with Tony Danza.

When Tony Danza quit the ring for good, he was on the way to becoming another luminary in a legendary line of Italian-America pugilists including Jake La Motta, Rocky Graziano, Carmen Basilio and Rocky Marciano. Even after he had fulfilled a one-in-a-million show business dream by landing a regular role on the hit TV sitcom Taxi, he was still boxing professionally and toying with the idea of going after the World Middleweight title. Before things got too serious, however, Tony decided to retire from boxing because, as he put it, “I was worried about my nose.”

One can only wonder what would have happened to Danza’s acting career if his handsome and photogenic facial features had become grotesquely rearranged. This would be of no concern to a one-dimensional person, focused single-mindedly on boxing, but for the multifaceted Tony Danza, it was at this point that the artist in him had won out over the prizefighter.

Yet it is tempting to conclude that the entire boxing-wrestling experience was a kind of proving ground for the stormy world of show business.

“I always liked competition,” says Tony, and can you think of any more competitive spheres of activity than boxing or show business?

The combatant and the artist coexisted in the soul of Tony Danza from early on. While he participated in varsity wrestling at his Long Island high school, he also performed in the student production of South Pacific.

“I was always musical,” he claims, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to be both wrestler and singing actor. It was the same phenomenon

at the University of Dubuque, from which he received a wrestling scholarship. As Tony modestly explains, however, this award was of the “if-may” variety, “If you made the team, they may give you some money.” It was while he attended the University as a history major and “sung in the chorus” that he began competing in amateur boxing.

After graduation, at the age of 23, Danza continued his amateur boxing, slugging it out for two years in the Golden Gloves, before becoming a professional middleweight. It was about two years into his prizefighting career when the incident happened that Tony doesn’t want to talk about.

Apparently, while working out at a New York gym, an agent spotted Danza and convinced him to seek a career in TV. Tony’s initial foray into television was not successful, starring in an ill-fated pilot for a series that never was called Fast Lane Blues. A year later, however, Danza hit pay dirt, cast as the affable Tony Banta in the unforgettable Taxi series, which had an enviable 5-year run. Hardly missing a beat, in 1984 Tony scored a starring role in Who’s the Boss?, an extremely popular sitcom that ran until 1992!

After thirteen years of sitcoms, Danza’s acting ability and versatility began bearing fruit in other ways. He appeared in the film remake of Angels in the Outfield in 1994 and starred in the one-season TV series Hudson Street in 1995. His most substantial dramatic role was as “Juror Number 7” in the widely acclaimed made-for-TV movie, 12 Angry Men. George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon, who starred as the major antagonists, led the cast. Besides Danza, the superb supporting cast included Hume Cronyn and James Gandolfini. This was possibly the most personally satisfying experience in Tony’s show business career. As he recalls, “The director, Bill Friedkin, who directed The French Connection, called and asked me if I wanted to be in the movie. I told him yes, and I wanted to be Juror Number 7, the guy with the baseball tickets.” That’s exactly the role he got and his work in this film made a good and lasting impression on his fellow cast members. “I was really thrilled when I was watching Jack Lemmon doing a Larry King interview on TV and he mentioned me by name.”

Perhaps the most legitimate test of acting ability is stage acting, in front of a live audience, and Tony Danza also excels in this form of entertainment. In the late ’90s he starred on Broadway in two of the greatest plays of the century, Eugene O’Neill’s The Iceman Cometh and Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. Tony has no preference between acting in movies, TV or on the live stage. “Each one has its own unique [perk],” he claims. Right now Danza is appearing live at the Paris, Las Vegas as Max Bialystock in a production of The Producers, which is booked until Christmas, 2007. If you’re looking for a Zero Mostel copycat interpretation, forget about it. Tony will tell you, “I play him like an Italian!”

Tony Danza is an Italian-American with a capital “I”. Born in Brooklyn, with a second-generation Napoletan’ father, Tony’s mother is actually from Sicily. “I get over to Sicily every now and then,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of family there, at least 60 cousins.

It’s incredible, but there’s one first cousin that looks exactly like my mother!” Producers and directors have exploited Danza’s obvious Italian idiosyncrasies, especially his looks and his accent, with great results for all concerned. Who better could have played a Tony Banta (Taxi) or a Tony Micelli (Who’s the Boss?)? Interestingly, Danza has never been called on to play notable mafia or gangster-type characters like so many of his Italian-American colleagues. Although Tony would “have some compunction” about taking such roles, he is not over-critical of Italian-American actors that do. “You got to cut them some slack.” After all, “That’s what’s out there,” he points out, referring to the high demand for such portrayals.

Just like a pug picking himself off the mat, Tony Danza has shown that he can take a punch in life as well as in the ring. While skiing in Utah in 1993, he broke his back, and had to have his spine reinforced with pins and screws. A couple of months later his California house was totally destroyed by an earthquake. “I had a run of bad luck there for a while,” Tony muses. Neither disaster, however, had him down for the count. In less than a year he was back to work.

Not an overly political individual, nor a real supporter of any candidate in the next presidential election, Tony does find Rudy Giuliani’s straightforwardness refreshing. “On TV the other day, there was this woman with a baby in her arms, and she asked Giuliani what he would do to make sure that she and her baby would have health care if he were elected President. He told her, ‘I don’t know what I’d do to make sure that you and your child have health care.’ Now that was honest. I think we need to have more truth tellers like that.”

Tony Danza has a direct connection with Chicago. “The second season of my talk show (The Tony Danza Show, 2004-2006) was produced in Chicago. This was really the most important time of the show. The people of Chicago were real strong for me,” he remembers. It was at this time that he got thoroughly acquainted with his favorite restaurant, the Rosebud on Taylor Street. “I did everything there – I cooked, I waited tables and washed the dishes.” Wouldn’t it have been a neat surprise to go out for dinner and be served by Tony Danza?”

Today, most folks, especially the kids, only know Tony Danza from his sitcom reruns or show business appearances. It might, however, be a very cool thing to take the family down to the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame. Here, among all the many inspirational exhibits, you can find Tony’s boxing gloves and robe from his prizefighting days on display. It’s also worth mentioning that this shrine of celebrated Italian-Americans, as a tribute to Tony Danza’s conspicuous contributions to society, established a scholarship in his name.

Photographs from The Producers playing at Paris Hotel

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 3

Giuliani at Maggiano’s Downtown Chicago

By John Rizzo “How about victory in Iraq,” trumpeted Rudy Giuliani, “instead of giving our enemies timetables of when we’re going to retreat.” In response there were raucous shouts of acclaim from the 200 or so in the rather small private room at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chicago on the evening of October 4th – at the end of another hectic campaign day. Giuliani wasn’t exactly preaching to the choir, although his audience was 100 percent behind him – it was more like a halftime pep talk to a revved up football team from the head coach. And, strangely enough, it is kind of like halftime in the great game that is the American presidential election, even though the voting is still a year away.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani This decisive battle Giuliani is fighting actually goes back to the year 2000 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because of that, he had to walk away from the campaign for the open New York Senate seat against Hillary Clinton, the current Democratic frontrunner. Although there’s still a primary election to be won, Giuliani’s rhetoric is squarely planted directly on the likely Democrat nominee. The crowd clearly agreed with Giuliani that “ giving a $5,000 bond to every child born in this country” and “government-run socialized medicine” are not good ideas.

It was obvious why Giuliani has garnered the widespread support he enjoys. The man, in person at least, does not come across as a typical pontificating, bombastic politician.

He’s more like just a regular guy. He explains his positions in simple phrases and is not shy about injecting some humor along the way. On the $5,000 per child vote-buying scheme, for example, he asks “And whose money is that? Will the bond your money buys have a picture of her on it? Maybe it will be retroactive. Who knows?”

Of course, an election that may result in making an Italian the most powerful man in the world for the first time, since the Roman Emperors, is definitely a serious accomplishment. Given Giuliani’s personal charisma and achievements (anyone who experienced New York City before and after Rudy knows about that winning combination), he is probably the only Republican who can defeat the media-backed Democrats in a general election. So he took great pains to carefully, but briefly, explain his philosophy of government and leadership. “This country is great because the people are greater than the government. If you have lower taxes, ordinary people have more money that they can spend far more wisely than the government. Which is better – to give a child $5,000 when it’s born, as if money falls off a tree, or to give that child a good work ethic that will be a valuable strength for its entire life?”

On the defense of our nation, which Giuliani believes, is the first and most important purpose of government, he is unequivocal. “You need a President that will not hesitate to use military force to fight the Islamic Jihadists that are trying to kill us.” He is also very straightforward in his attitude about Iran. “If I’m elected, Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. We’ll use force if necessary to make sure they don’t. At the last Democrat debate, the frontrunner was plainly asked about this, she said something like, ‘We’ll have discussions and use diplomacy,’ she still hasn’t answered the question.”

Going to the hearts of Republicans in Illinois and elsewhere, Giuliani promised, “The day after the convention, we’ll be campaigning for real in New York, Illinois and California.

We can really make them red states. The way it’s been in the past, Republicans have just conceded these states to the Democrats. Many of you [in Illinois] have never experienced a presidential campaign. If I’m the Republican nominee you will have one.” DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Burkett had touched on this subject earlier as he spoke while everyone was waiting for Giuliani to show up. (Delays are inevitable during a frenetic campaign, when a candidate makes a number of appearances every day, often in a number of different states.

This day, for instance, Giuliani also spoke in St. Louis.) Burkett is optimistic that Giuliani’s popularity, combined with negative reaction to some of Governor Blagojavich’s recent antics, could pave the way for a GOP takeover “of the House, at least.”

And just what kind of track record does Giuliani have on keeping his political promises? “When I was Mayor of New York, I couldn’t keep them all” he admitted “but I got most of them.” His accomplishments were indeed impressive, if falling short of all his goals.

These included, “Making New York the safest big city in the country, making government smaller and cutting taxes.” On a national level, if his presidency could really make us safer, make the Federal government smaller and cut our taxes, that right there would be worth electing this engaging Italian American Rudy Giuliani.

4 AMICI / Winter 2007/2008

OFFICE OF THE COOK COUNTY TREASURER MARIA PAPPAS

118 North Clark Street, Room 218, Chicago, IL 60602

Pappas praises ITALIAN AMERICAN SPORTS HALL FAME

Photo caption: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents letter honoring the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame for its 30th anniversary. Accepting in Pappas’ office are George Randazzo (left), founder and chair of the Hall, and Richard Policastro, program director. Pappas said the Sports Hall of Fame shows the richness of Italian culture and contributions to the United States. __

Pappas congratulates TONY NAPOLI FOR 33 YEARS ON ITALIAN RADIO

Photo caption: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents letter honoring Tony Napoli for celebrating his 33rd year of radio broadcasting to the Italian community of Chicagoland. “The Tony Napoli Radio Show” is heard on WEEF, 1430 AM. At left is Napoli’s wife Rosaria. In visit in the Treasurer’s office, Pappas said Napoli’s broadcasts unite and strengthen Italian culture.

SENATOR SENATOR

RENATO “Ron” TURANO

By John Rizzo

T

urano represents a huge area covering the entire northern part of the Western Hemisphere, from Alaska to Panama.

How could anyone conduct an effective political campaign in so vast an area? “We set up a network of individuals,” Ron explained, “and we made personal appearances in the areas most heavily populated by Italians, like New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal.”

In the areas that are home to fewer Italians, like Alaska and Panama, local Turano supporters and members of the established network did the actual campaigning.

Targeted voters were not only Italian citizens living abroad, but also foreign nationals holding dual citizenship. What this means is that American citizens, born and raised in the USA, can now hold both U.S. and Italian citizenship, thus making them eligible to vote in Italian elections (as well as enjoying all the other rights that citizenship entails). Permission by the American government to hold dual citizenship is a relatively new policy. As Turano remembers, “It used to be that when you became an American citizen you had to renounce all other loyalties.”

If you wish to learn how to obtain dual citizenship, Ron advises, “Start with the consulates.”

You can also begin the process by filling out an online form like the one on the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Web site (www. niaf.org/citizenship/index.asp).

Ron Turano’s official term lasts for five years, but if the center-left political coalition his party belongs to loses power, he might not last that long as a senator. As a matter of fact, the odds are against it. Since the end of World War II, the Italian political scene has been a whirling revolving door. More than 50 (count ’em 50!) governments have come and gone since then.

The only government to last a full term was that of Silvio Burlesconi, who led the center-right regime before the current administration. Indeed, Turano’s political career almost came to an abrupt end this last February when, after less than 290 days, Prime Minister Romano Prodi was forced to resign after losing an important vote

“There are 56 million people living in Italy,” says Ron Turano, President of the famous Turano Baking Co., “but there are approximately 64 million first-, second- and third-generation Italians who live outside of Italy throughout the world.” But the feeling of kinship felt by the residents of Italy for the expatriates that make up this unique diaspora is very strong. Thus it was decided during the last government to add a number of seats to the bicameral Italian parliament to represent Italians and people of Italian heritage who have emigrated from Italy. In the 2006 elections there were 12 deputies and six senators elected to represent the interests of Italians living abroad.

One of the elected senators is Ron Turano. involving his opposition to certain aspects of the American-Italian alliance. Fortunately for Turano, neither major coalition supported conducting general elections at that time and Prodi formed a government once more, after signaling his willingness to adopt a far more “centrist” attitude. And the center of the political spectrum is exactly where Ron Turano sees himself. “Most people are in the center,” Ron observes, “and I can serve the most interests by representing the center.”

Why put up with the volatility and uncertainty of Italian politics? Back in 1861, when Italy became an independent and unified country, Giuseppe Verdi served as one of the original deputies, and later as a senator. He hated every minute of the experience. But it is in Ron Turano’s nature to serve, as evidenced by his membership in so many Italian-American organizations. A member of NIAF, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA), Italian American Chamber of Commerce IACC) and the Columbian Club of Chicago, perhaps he holds the most affection for the Casa Italia.

Ron believes that by attracting as many Italian American organizations as possible to Casa facilities, a unity of sorts can be forged in the community, both to wield more political power and to champion the cause of folks staying in touch with their cultural heritage.

“With the passing of time,” Ron Turano reflects, “people lose their various connections with their roots. It’s natural.” Beaming as he feels his vision, he ticks off the features the Casa will boast – “A Cultural Center, a Library, a Museum, a Chapel, a Banquet Hall and an education program that teaches Italian classes.”

Casa facilities should also accommodate “business meetings and religious events.” At the very least, all that one might need to become better acquainted with Italian culture would be centered in the Casa. Some individuals might even be enticed by just the very existence of a place like the Casa. (And who knows? An event like the next election for president being won by an Italian American could be a catalyst in bringing

people back to the fountainhead in droves!)

The Casa is already furnishing everything that Ron mentions, in no small part due to his efforts (he is the Casa’s founder and a board member). And Turano is excited about the Casa’s activities and progress, “There’s already an office building there,” he notes, “The JCCIA is there, the Chamber has an office there, the Columbians have their office there.” And a regular event at the Casa is an impressive draw. “We get 10,000 people for the Feast of San Francesco di Paola. They come there from all over the country,” Ron adds. Based on his success in business, if Ron Turano is bullish on the Casa, there’s a good chance that it will be everything he wants it to be.

Ron Turano’s family came to Chicago from Cosenza, Calabria in 1949, settling on the West Side of Chicago. He attended St. Mel High School and has his undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, an MBA from University of Chicago and an honorary Doctorate from Wisconsin University. He has led the Turano Baking Company (which started as a small bakery at Addison and Laramie in 1962) for some time now. He has overseen the establishment of several new baking facilities that enable the company to operate on a national scale. But Chicago Italians are most familiar with his fresh baked products that are in so many restaurants and grocery chains. (I can’t even conceive of having an Italian sausage sandwich on anything but a Turano roll!)

One of the main reasons why Ron is a Senator is because he never lost connections with the Old Country. An active member in numerous Italian American Chambers of Commerce, he has dedicated much of his career to enhancing the flow of business between Italy and America.

He has also been a major force in establishing cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“The Student-Faculty exchange programs between Wisconsin University and the University of Calabria have been fantastic,” Turano proclaims “and officials from Wisconsin are going to enlist three more colleges in southern Italy.”

A measure of Ron Turano’s influence and an example of his desire to help keep the juices running between America and Italy can be seen in his recent efforts to maximize American Airlines US-Italy service. “American Airlines had been running nonstop flights from Chicago to Rome during April to October,” he explains “so I told American that I would help them work out slotting issues at O’Hare if they could keep the non-stop flights running all year. Now there are four flights each week from Chicago and three from New York.” Now that’s impressive! If Ron Turano can get things done like that at O’Hare, he might even be able to survive Italian politics!

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 5

REVEREND

MICHAEL J. GARANZINI

PRESIDENT OF LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

By Kathy Catrambone

T

he Rev. Michael J. Garanzini laughs when he says he is the product of a mixed marriage. His mother’s family is from Sicily; his father’s family is from northern Italy. That was an uncommon union in the 1940s. The first-generation Italian-Americans were childhood sweethearts from the Hill, St. Louis’ celebrated Italian neighborhood. “They were not allowed to marry until after the war,” Father Garanzini said about his parents. “After the war everything changed. My father’s generation came back from the war and everything was different. We were thoroughly integrated – not integrated into American society yet, but integrated between northern and southern Italians.”

But as all Italians of that period, Father Garanzini’s parents and grandparents wanted the children to assimilate into American culture, to fit in. And speaking Italian was not the way to do it. “We grew up with my father’s side speaking the northern dialect (of Marcallo, provincia di Milano) and my mother’s side speaking the southern dialect (of Casteltermini, provincia di Agrigento). And we didn’t speak any.”

Father learned Italian when he went to Italy to study. But he would never trade his childhood experiences for others.

“Everything about the neighborhood was Italian,” Father recalled. “All of our activities were connected to the church or the family.

“Kids were totally loved. It was a totally protective, totally supportive environment,” he said. But all this love did have a downside. “Anything you did would get back to your parents.”

His father worked in a restaurant in the neighborhood. “We grew up in the restaurant, and half of my family still works in restaurants,” said Father Garanzini, the oldest of five siblings. A brother lives on the Hill in the house of their parents, which had been the house of their grandparents before that.

The culture of the Hill played a major role in Father’s decision to become a priest. The parish church was the center of the neighborhood, and that is where he met Father Polizzi, a dynamo of a diocesan priest, who became a role model for him.

“Father Polizzi was a real organizer, a real promoter of youth organizations,” Father said. “He had jobs and projects for us all the time. As I got older, and went through high school and the university, I wanted to do something in the academic world, so I joined the Jesuits.”

6 AMICI / Winter 2007/2008

Father Garanzini with John Felice, the founding Rome Center director

Today, Father Garanzini is president of Loyola University Chicago, a post he has held since June 2001. Loyola, a private university founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, is the largest Jesuit institutions of higher education in the United States.

He is a seasoned university administrator, tenured professor, author, and scholar, who has worked most of his career in higher education.

Active in community service, Father Garanzini is known for his work on behalf of children and families. He is a frequent speaker and has published many books and articles on issues such as child and family therapy, moral development and Catholic education. Father carries the values he learned in his family life into his professional life.

“When you are in change of something like a company or a university, you have a sense that it has to be something like a family,” Father said. “Family is a place where you are respected and you always have a place at the table but if you do something wrong, people are going to tell you. If you understand what real family is like – you can argue, you can fight but you can’t walk out on each other – then you understand

how to run a good university and a good business.”

He encourages Italian-Americans to continue the values of their ancestors.

“I think the thing that keeps Italian-Americans connected to their roots is family,” Father said. “I’m sure people say this all the time, but there isn’t any substitute for family for giving a young person a sense of self confidence and self esteem and giving a real sense of not just direction, but obligation.

“We have an obligation to pass on values. We have to do something for the community. We have an obligation to let other people share in what we have benefited by.”

Because of this philosophy, Father is troubled by the current controversy over immigration in this country.

“It disturbs me when I hear people say they don’t want more immigrants to come to this country,” he said. “I know we have to manage it, but if that attitude existed in the 1920s, I would not be here.” All today’s Italian-Americans would not be here.

“I think we have to remember that,” he said.

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Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 7

NIASHF 30th ANNIVERSARY

By John Rizzo

GALA WEEKEND

T

hey say that Joe DiMaggio could clearly see the stitches on a horsehide ball hurtling at him with lightning speed from sixty feet, six inches away. They also say he could actually see his bat making contact with the ball as he whipped his wrists of steel into the swing.

And who can argue with this, seeing that Joltin’ Tommy Lasorda celebrating Joe holds that his 80th birthday incredible record of hitting safely in 56 straight games, a mark that sports pundits and prognosticators predict will never be equaled? Yes, Joe DiMaggio definitely had a very keen eye all right. Maybe his eyesight was so good that even his statue on the 1400 block of the north side of TaylorStreet has some magical power of vision.

If that life-size bronze Joe DiMaggio really could see, there was a sight on the crisp morning of November 3, 2007 directly across the street that would have made his heart start beating with joy. For in front of the stately iron-gray building that houses the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) was a specially-assembled stage graced with the presence of some of the greatest Italian American sports heroes of all time. It was the occasion of the annual ceremony to induct new members into this institution of honor. The glittering assemblage of Italian American stars, inductees, honorees and other Hall-of-Famers represented the entire spectrum of professional sports – boxing, baseball, football, basketball, hockey, auto racing, bowling, even Roller Derby. Also in his rightful Place of Honor was Hall founder, George Randazzo, without whose vision, indefatigable effort and uncompromising dedication, none of this, not even the statue or the “Piazza DiMaggio,” would exist.

Before the ceremony, the celebrities mingled, swapped stories and commented on the Hall and the state of sports today. “George Randazzo had a dream,” proclaimed Jerry Colangelo, cofounder of the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks. “I saw this dream grow from a storefront in Elmwood Park to a kind of rundown place that nobody went to in the suburbs to the super tourist attraction it is today. It’s just a marvelous way to preserve our heritage.

We had some help from Mayor Daley and the state but it was George who was the real force that got us where we are today.” Demonstrating how business and civic forces are such powerful ingredients in a city’s sports 8 AMICI / Winter 2007/2008

life. Colangelo made the special trip to Chicago •Dick Vermeil – Coach of UCLA in its 1975 Rose Bowl victory and the Super Bowl with his good buddy, Joe Gambino, owner of XXXIV Champion St. Louis Rams and Gateway Chevrolet in Avondale Arizona. Joe NFL Coach of the Year in 1979 and 1999. is originally an East Coast Italian who helped The NIASHF 2007 Athlete of the Year is transform Phoenix from a dreary little cowtown into a super-prosperous, modern metropolis.

Marco Andretti – 2006 Indy Rookie of the Year Also attending as a presenter, was Hall and, at 19, the youngest driver to win a major member and legendary Chicago Blackhawk open wheel race. goalie, Tony Esposito. The recently deceased The ceremony was emceed by popular ChiBill Wirtz may not have been the most beloved cago sports commentator Chet Coppeck, who sports figure to many Chicagoans, but to Tony, often had to stretch for superlatives, not only “He was the loyalest man I ever knew.” As for for the inductees, but for the presenters and all professional ice hockey today, Tony-O thinks the other Italian American greats who shared that the frequent exhibitions of fisticuffs in vir- the dais. These included Angelo Dundee, Tomtually every game don’t add much to the sport. my Lasorda, Yogi Berra, Jerry Colangelo, Tony “It’s almost like they pick out two guys to go Esposito, Mike Fratello, Carmen Salvino, Vince at it, like it’s planned.”

Papale and Tony Lo Bianco. Given the nippy The NIASHF 2007 Inductees are not all weather, it is to Coppeck’s, the presenters’ and men. Representing the fair sex are Jean Cione the inductees’ credit that the ceremony kept of the old Rockford Peaches baseball team moving right along. There was a nice break in (immortalized in the 1992 flick A League of the action for a good laugh by all, however, Their Own), Mary Lou Palermo, who competed in the first Roller Derby World Series in 1949, and Robin Romeo – sixtime WIBC AllAmerican and winner of 16 professional titles, including the 1989 Women’s U.S. Open and the 1989 Bowler of the Year Award. Penny Marshall, a baseball Back Row: Yogi Berra, John Conti, Gary Hall, Chet Coppock, Tony historian and sports Tony DeMarco, Carmen Salvino. Front Row: Jerry Colangelo, memorabilia collec- Esposito, Richard Parrillo, Seargeant Antonio Giuliano (singing), George Randazzo, Dave Ferraro. tor par excellence is another lady inductee. Women’s college bas- when the always witty Joe Garagiola wiseketball is also in the spotlight with the induction cracked, “Just remember that Phil Rizzuto and of UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who was ac- Yogi Berra have the all time record for selling tually born in Italy and came to the U.S. when the same bowling alley in New Jersey four times he was eight. and got it back each time!”

The remaining all-stars inducted this year are: As neat as this ceremony was, it was not a •Dave Ferraro – 1992 Bowler of the Year, typical annual induction event but was just part •Mike Scioscia – two-time All-Star catcher and of the NIASHF 30th Anniversary Gala Weekend manager of the 2002 World Series Champion Anaheim Angels, •Tom Barrasso – Two-time Stanley Cup Pittsburgh Penguins goalie, •Johnny Musso – Chicago Bears running back and two-time College Football All-American at Alabama, •Fred Couples (whose original family name is Coppola) – Winner of 15 PGA Tour events, including the 1992 Masters and 1994 World Cup, and a member of five Ryder Cup Teams and four President’s Cup Tommy Lasorda and his wife, Jo Teams and

produced by Ron Onesti, which also included Tommy Lasorda’s 80th Birthday Party on the evening of Friday, November 2 and a black-tie banquet at the Hilton Towers Saturday night. It was a time to reflect on the colossal achievements of Italian Americans in the realm of sport and the ultimate fulfillment of George Randazzo’s dream in establishing a permanent shrine for honoring those individuals and their achievements.

Just a casual walkaround and a cursory glance at the exhibits on the main floor of NIASHF is enough to send any visitor who has followed sports since childhood into paroxysms of the sweetest and dreamiest nostalgia tingles imaginable. The attendance of so many legendary luminaries sauntering around, as the Lasorda wine began to flow just before the tribute to the Elder Spokesman of Italian American athletes, only accentuated the surreal atmosphere of the gala weekend kickoff. Is that really Yogi Berra there?

What did he remember about the Edgewater Beach Hotel, the epitome of swank in the ‘50s? (All the other Major League teams stayed at more mundane downtown inns, but the Yankees stayed at the Edgewater Beach!)

“It wasn’t bad,” said the three-time MVP. “You had to go quite a ways to get to [Comiskey Park]. But it wasn’t bad at all. And there was a pretty good Italian restaurant right around there,” he recalled, referring to the old Villa Girgenti. And over there – isn’t that NIASHF Exterior Tommy Lasorda? How does it feel to be a Champion of the World? All of a sudden there’s a faraway look in his eye as he muses, “The spring training, all the practice – but when you win the championship – it’s unbelievable.

You just can’t believe it.”

The Saturday evening Gala at the Vince Papale walks into the Hilton Towers, was a perfect windup ballroom at the gala to the weekend festivities. In the long grand foyer, amply supplied with several bars and a mini-stage, there was plenty of socializing and storytelling going down. Bowling great Carmen Salvino, known for the incredible velocity on his rolls, claimed that his secret was, “in the high backswing. It’s just centrifugal force. Don Carter, who hardly had any backswing, didn’t have much speed. He was just really accurate.” He also had a good story about cigar-chomping Johnny King, one of the other great bowlers of Salvino’s day. Johnny said he should have been born earlier, that he should have been a riverboat gambler.

“On the road he used to beat us all the time in gin rummy. But then we caught him cheating – a couple of times!”

Dick Vermiel, who had been appropriately presented by famous walk-on Eagle receiver Vince Papale, explained why, with a name like Vermiel, he could become a member of an Italian American organization like the IASHF.

The Jersey Boys

Angelo Dundee with his hand on George Randazzo’s shoulder. Gary Hall in the background

“My grandfather’s name was Garibaldi Iacchieri and he came from Lucca. I grew up on his vineyard in California.” Right after this, Tommy Lasorda became the center of attraction once more, when he was summoned to the stage. There he was serenaded by the Jersey Boys,who sang a specially prepared arrangement of “Happy Birthday” in the inimitable falsetto-laced style of ‘50s rock sensation, another great Italian American, Frankie Valli. Then it was time for the banquet in the Hilton’s venerable, ornate Grand Ballroom. As the celebrants took their seats the sense of awe generated by this auspicious gathering was intensified by four giant wall hangings.

These were depictions of the Monsters of the Monsters – Rocky Marciano, Joe DiMaggio, Mario Andretti and Vince Lombardi. These men personified the triumph of the spirit over pain, exhaustion, fear and injury that all real champions must achieve, and none have done it better or more convincingly than the members of the IASHF. The feeling of pride swelled even more when some dignitaries were introduced who had not been at the morning ceremony. These included Jerry Reinsdorf, Tony LaRussa, Doug Buffone and Mike Lucci. It’s back to normal now at the shrine on Taylor Street. Tourists and locals come and go, no doubt stirred and impressed by what they see inside and what dreams are spun and memories rekindled. And meanwhile, across the street, the Yankee Clipper keeps his silent vigil. Until the next induction ceremony. And then, if you look real, real close, you can see just a glimmer of a smile on the heroic face as the next crop of Italian American idols take their well deserved place in the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Photos by Scott Romer: www.scottromerphoto.com. (317) 255-6233

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LASORDA’S

ITALIAN PASSION

By Andrew Guzaldo, courtesy of In Buona Salute Magazine

At the age of 80, Tommy Lasorda is preserving his legacy by fulfilling dreams away from the crowded stadiums of Major League Baseball. Now the tranquil hills of Tuscano, Veneto, Abruzzo e Sicilia serve as his new field of dreams, and his passion for America’s game gives way to his passion for Italian wines... . A very unique, limited edition Signature Series Collector’s item will open for around $250 per bottle, and will be distributed direct to the consumer through private channels only.

W

hen Sabatino Lasorda came to America at the turn of the century from Tollo, Abruzzo, he brought with him his Italian sense of family values, culture, and, of course, his wine press. Sabatino began working in the quarries of eastern Pennsylvania, mining stone to build America during the industrial revolution. Through the sweat, he dreamed of a family and a better life for them all. His dream soon came true, and Sabatino married and fathered five boys, including Thomas Charles, born September 22, 1927. While continuing his work in the quarries, Sabatino Lasorda ran his household with the same values he brought from Italy – pride, ethics, and respect. All the while, he continued to make wine at home with the old wooden press he carried with him through the immigration to America. Sabatino’s wine on the table became an iconic link to the homeland for the family.

Tommy Lasorda soon found his career path into Major League Baseball. With over 50 years as a Dodger, a Hall of Fame Inductee, and numerous corporate sponsorships, Tommy’s achievements on the field are well documented, and his dream of baseball is fulfilled.

This is the story of his second dream, and it takes place on a very different field – one of rolling hills lined with vineyards under the hot Italian sun. Tuscany, Veneto, Abruzzo and Sicily – regions of his father’s homeland, and some of the finest grapes in the world. “The key words are family and Italian,” said Bill Goldberg. “When the Lasorda family met the Torelli family, there was an instant connection.” Bill is Lasorda’s representative, and he is referring to Casa Torelli, the exclusive importer of Lasorda Wines. The families went to great lengths [with Lasorda] to find the best wines Italy has to offer, and ensure the quality of each and every bottle.

The first to reach America are eight varietals in two collections. The Gold Medal Collection contains a premium Chianti Classico, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and a beautiful Chardonnay di Sicilia. Vintages range from 2005 to 2006 for the initial offer. Tommy’s Championship Series starts with a Chianti, a Sangiovese di Toscana, and a Pinot Grigio Del Veneto. It also contains Lasorda’s personal favorites, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, from the region where his own roots grew a hundred years previous.

“These wines will stand up to any other wine in their class,” Tommy states with confidence. The tradition of wine has never left the Lasorda table. The boyhood icon of Sabatino’s vino has transgressed into a passion for Tommy. Through the strong family connection with Casa Torelli and the winemakers in Italy, Lasorda is prepared to follow it up with the launch of this new line of wines this fall and bring the whole experience full circle back to America again.

Lasorda wines come from Veneto, Tuscany, Abruzzo and Sicily. Lasorda’s father was from Tollo, in the Abruzzo region. It’s important to note that Tommy Lasorda is no Sommelier. He’ll agree to that.

He does, however, know what tastes good, and he has assembled an all-star lineup of experts to ensure a win with the Lasorda label.

Tommy Lasorda is very proud of his father, his Italian heritage, and the traditions of both – including wine making. So much so, that he wants it to be part of his legacy. Lasorda varietals have already received medals at the Los Angeles International wine competition, taking a Gold Medal for the Chianti Classico DOCG and a Bronze Medal for the Chardonnay di Sicilia DOC. Tommy doesn’t want his wine to be in a collection, though. He wants it to be enjoyed. He wants it to be shared at the table, over crusty Italian www.lasordawine.com bread and conversation between family and friends.

He wants you to think of his father, Sabatino, when you enjoy his wines... after all, Tommy certainly does.

10 AMICI Winter 2007/2008

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JOE

BISCEGLIA DRIVEN BY FAMILY VALUES

A

Joseph G. Bisceglia considers himself extremely fortunate and not just because of his success as a partner at one of Chicago’s largest law firms.

native of Chicago’s southwest side, Bisceglia – whose paternal grandparents emigrated from the Calabria province of Italy ─ grew up in a loving family that, while of modest means, stressed the importance of hard work, the value of an Italian heritage, the importance of honesty, and the gift of friendship and family.

Those values shaped the man he is today.

Despite 16-hour days devoted to his law practice, bar-related duties and philanthropic endeavors, he remains close to his 89-year old, still active mother, and is close to his three adult daughters, two of whom are married. He is engaged to Patti White, a legal secretary who is extremely supportive of his many activities and enjoys sharing them with him.

He stays in touch with friends whom he met at St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and DePaul College of Law. He graduated with honors from all three schools and placed first scholastically in his law school class in 1973.

Bisceglia, 58, has spent his entire career at one of Chicago’s oldest and most respected law firms, Jenner & Block. A partner in the firm’s litigation department, he chairs its Construction Law Practice group. He takes a very hands-on approach to everything he does, especially the practice of law. “I’m a perfectionist in my profession, or I try to be,” he says. “I’m tenacious about keeping an eye on things.”

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Joe Bisceglia and the women in his life….his mother, Clara Bisceglia (front), and (from left) fiancée Patricia White, niece and godchild Jamie Maita, and daughters Kelly Bisceglia, Sarah Zimmerman and Joéll Zahr.

In June 2007, he was installed for a one-year term as president of the state’s largest bar association, the 35,000-member Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), and he has developed an aggressive agenda that reflects his boyhood values. He has charged two bar-related committees with developing a program geared to students that emphasizes educating the next generation about the justice system and increasing diversity in the legal profession.

“We’re seeing a generation that doesn’t know enough about our laws, lawyers, our system of justice and the importance of an independent judiciary,” says Bisceglia. “My hope is that, by the end of my term as president, we’ll have a permanent program in place that will bridge this gap in student education.”

Bisceglia also plans to continue an effort established by the ISBA in recent years that will increase diversity in the profession and bar association. “I grew up in a diverse neighborhood in a culture that didn’t always respect those of Italian heritage or other backgrounds,” he says.

“I learned that it’s important to be inclusive, to recognize that there is much to learn from those of other cultures. Increasing diversity in the profession is critically important and the right thing to do.”

In addition to his long-time involvement in the ISBA, Bisceglia is a member of numerous other bar associations, including the Justinian Society of Lawyers for whom he served as president

in 1992-93. For years, he has been extremely active in charitable endeavors, most notably as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

He has authored numerous articles for legal publications, such as the Real Estate Finance Journal and is a frequent presenter at law-related and real estate-related seminars.

But it’s not all work for Joe Bisceglia. A look around his corner office on the 40th floor of the IBM building, and you may think, inaccurately, that he is an avid sailor. Intricate scale models of ships sit on top of bookshelves, and there is a treasured painting of Christopher Columbus’s three ships sailing into the Americas. In truth, he took sailing lessons with his brother Frank ten years ago, but he lost interest after one season.

Sailing just wasn’t relaxing, he says.

A pastime that has stuck throughout his life is music. A guitarist and vocalist since childhood, he occasionally performs “semi-professionally” at clubs and private events. His i-Pod is loaded with a broad range of music from pop to blues and jazz. He wakes up in the morning listening to music, and tunes occasionally waft out of his computer at the office.

Bisceglia doesn’t believe he’ll slow down anytime soon. Being an “over-achiever” is far too ingrained in his psyche.

“I’ve always believed in the saying that, ‘An idle mind can be the devil’s playground,’” he says.

“It’s still a pleasure coming to work everyday where I have a chance to grow and do what I love.”

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Amici d’ Italia 1st Annual “ o Autism With Love ” Dinner Dance

T

By Andrew Guzaldo

On October 19, 2007 Amici d’ Italia had their first annual Dinner Dance. It was held at the BeauJolie Banquet hall in Schiller Park, with very little time to prepare this event the Amici Committee worked furiously to make it a success. The events Master of Ceremonies was famed radio announcer Scott Mckay.

Although there was expected a larger crowd then received it was still a very substantial amount of supporters that arrived. Amici d Italia thanks each and everyone for their support and understanding of this tragic infliction.

With the speech of Mr. Tim Muri President of Easter Seals and Deanna Jaconetti that is working to open their school for Autistic children the Soaring Eagle Academy.

With poignant speeches from all it can give one a better understanding of what Autism is. It afflicts 1 out of every 150 children; imagine what a percentile of devastation that is for the children and the families involved. However they are strong, bound and determined to beat the odds. And after hearing their speeches the feeling and emotion was evident amongst those that attended.

Also amongst many others was the CEO of Easter Seals Mr. Bill Nolan, also a man dedicated with many years with Easter Seals, and at the forefront of the issues at hand. While the Committee worked hard there was many that donated gifts, and their time for the event to be a success. With a number of silent, auction items, to bring up the monetary donations, for Autism Research.

Just before we were served with a most delicious dinner from the BeauJolie we were all honored to have had a DVD sent to the hall by Mr. Joe Mantegna actor and spokesperson for Easter Seals Foundation. He had received an award from AMICI for all his dedicated work and donations in the fight against Autism. Speaking from the movie set he apologized that he was not in Chicago with everyone due to the fact he was in the middle of filming he thanked everyone for their support.

With that we thank you Mr. Mantegna for all you have done for this most Noble cause. Also the entertainment was very enjoyable with the talented and well known band of Bob Perna and his orchestra, joined by a most delightful female vocalist Bree Gordon. This all made a very unforgettable evening for all and a very busy Dance Floor.

We all look forward to future events with the Autism Foundation and wish the best to Easter Seals and Soaring Eagle Academy in their determination. And lets not forget the Amici d Italia (A.D.I.A.) the board of directors and the committee that was formed for this event and future events to come. And a special thanks to JoAnn from the 3 olives Ristorante and the Amici Event Committee for all those little surprises raffles etc that kept everyone curious of the outcome.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 13

Bagheria: The Villas’ Town

As seen on WTTW11 and NBC5

By Andrew Guzaldo Bagheria is a town of approximately 56,000 inhabitants in the neighbourhood of Palermo in Sicily, Italy.

In 1658 Guiseppe Branciforti, Prince of Butera. a former Viceroy of Sicily retired there and built a large villa, in the early 18th century several other aristocratic Sicilian families built villas here to retire to from Palermo. In 1769 one of the Prince’s descendents redesigned the former village into a well planned Baroque town, it immediately became a fashionable resort, and many villas in the popular Sicilian Baroque style were built. Most of these have now fallen into ruin, but one such villa, the “Villa Palagonia”, reknowned for its complex external staircase, curved facades, and marbled interiors remains in tact.

Designed by Tomasso Napoli, it is today open to the public.

This territory has an ancient history. The first Recently the Mayor vestiges take us back to of Bagheria, Mr. Biagio proto history times and Sciortino, visited Chicago are on the Monte Porcara where, among other enga- and at Pizzo Cannita, as gements, he participated in well as Phoenician and the Columbus day Parade later Hellenistic-Roman Solunto, and on over the V.P.ComitesQLuigi Sciortino, Richard and he was received by the aqueduct bridge over the Consul General of Italy, Daley, sindaco Bagheria Biagio Eleuterio in late Gothic Sciortino, Assessore Gianluca Battista Dr.Alessandro Motta. style to the Solanto Then he had the pleCaputo asure of meeting with the Bagheria community of Chicago at barony. From the latter the premises of COMITES [Comitato degli Italiani all`estero] there was born the town of baroque villas, the 7432 W.Belmont Ave. where swan song of the Palermo he was welcomed by Presiaristocracy. dent Angelo Liberati and V. The history of P. Luigi Sciortino, native the cultural heritage of Bagheria, and received goes hand in hand with the Comites law and the that of the agrarian BYLAWS and Registration of St.Joseph of Bagheria Gianluca Battista Caputo, Console landscape: the forest, sugar cane, vineyards, Generale Dr.Alessandro Motta, Club, founded in 1903. tomatoes and lemons.

Biagio Sciortino, Luigi Sciortino The encounter was also The recent history, enriched by the reading of poems, in the bagherese dialect, by in the century we have the author, Mr.Lillino Fiorenza. just left behind us, is the A couple days later he was also interviewed by Angelo vine and wine history of Liberati for his syndicated Italian radio program. the Alliata family, that of the big families linked to tomato processing (Dragotta, Verdone) and lastly the history of the citrus fruit industry. It is also a story of intellectuals and artists: F.Scaduto, G.Cirrincione, I.Buttitta, R.Guttuso, F.Scianna, G.Tornatore, and D.Maraini.

Today Bagheria is a town of service industries, with a population of just over 50.000. It is witnessing the decline of its lemon growing, food and agriculture tradition, and is trying to find its way into a future that cannot only be made up of building.

People in the town are beginning to realize that the time has come to re-qualify what exists.

This town is rediscovering that artistic and cultural identity that sees its imprinting in the building of villas and the work of the priest Castronovo, and aims at rediscovering a space in the higher educational system in the metropolitan sphere.

Bagheria is reviving the traditional welcome at the trattorias where the “caravans” sought refreshment after loading wagons with lemons, and is broadening its accommodation.

It is preparing to receive all those who choose to spend a rich and stimulating Holiday there!

Solunto 14 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD

• More Chicago Italian Stories 18 mins. of additional interview footage • In The Spotlight 17 mins. of exclusive footage with narrator Joe Mantegna • Little Italies of Chicago A pictorial history of Chicago’s Italian neighborhoods • And They Wrote About Chicago Chicago’s Italian American writers • History Makers Famous and unsung figures in Chicago history • How They Saw Us, How We See Ourselves Italian Americans and the media • Resource Guide • Bibliography • English and Italian Subtitles

to order go to www.modiomedia.com or call toll-free (800) 600-9999

Illinois Humanities Council The companion DVD is made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, The National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly

Richard Capozola’s

1921 Teresa DeFrancisci (1898 - 1990), poses as “Miss Liberty” for her sculptor husband, Anthony. Thus, is born the famous Peace Dollar of which 270-million silver coins are circulated from 19211935. The Philadelphia mint sends Anthony DeFrancisci 50 of the first dollars. The artist promptly gives the Peace Dollars, valued today at $150,000, to his admiring friends.

Theresa was born in Italy and came to America as a child of Naples in 1903.

When the boat with her and many other Italian immigrants steamed into New York Harbor, five-year-old Theresa posed on deck imitating the First Lady of America and pretended to hold aloft the torch of liberty. When in 1921 she again found herself posing as Miss Liberty, this time for the Peace Dollar, it seemed “the realization of her fondest childhood dream.”

1934 Cesare Sabelli (1896 - 1984), daring pioneer of aviation, becomes the first Italian-American to fly the Atlantic non-stop on his way to Rome. Sabelli is forced down in Ireland when gasoline fails to flow from the second fuel tank of Bellanca’s monoplane, The Leonardo.

Irish inspectors indicate sabotage and write in the pilot’s log: “The fuel cock was tampered with.”

Sabelli, born in Montepulciano, Italy, first took to the open skies when only 13. Five years later he was flying over the battlefields of Europe, where he survived dozens of dangerous missions including several encounters with the famous Red Baron’s squadron. Cesare was awarded 12 decora-

tions including the French Croix de Guerre and the British Silver Medal for bravery in the field.

In 1920 he emigrated to America. In 1928, now and American citizen, while his first attempt to fly nonstop from New York to Rome, the plane lost 3 cylinders and was forced to turn back. His second attempt was in 1934 with co-pilot George Pond. The Leonardo plane landed on the Irish coast after a nightmare flight across Atlantic, when the world was ready to give them up for lost in the stormy, fog-shrouded Atlantic. The first Italian-American to fly the Atlantic did on May 7, 1984, just one week short of the 50th anniversary of his historic flight.

1937 Enrico Fermi (1901-1954), world renowned physicist, accepts his Nobel Prize in Stockholm. After that he scientist decides to leave Italy and live in the United States, where he already traveled five times before.

Enrico Fermi had been the first to split the atom and proposed the possibility of an anatomic “chain reaction.” He joined several other renowned scientists at the University of Chicago, where top secret atomic research was conducted. To mark the shared accomplishment, there is a bronze plaque at the University of Chicago stating: “On December 2, 1942 man achieved here the first self-sustaining chain reaction and thereby initiated the controlled release of nuclear energy.

On March 19, 1946 Enrico Fermi received the highest civilian award from America - the Congressional Medal of Merit. In early 1945 the Atomic Energy Commission awarded Fermi its very first prize. Enrico Fermi, the great scientist, died several weeks later on November 28, 1954.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 15

TONY LUPO Very Proud To Be ITALIAN

By John Rizzo

W

hat about my family?” interjected Tony Lupo, concerned that “the most important thing, that means everything to me, the center of my life” might not get the emphasis it deserved in any story about him. “There’s my wife, Stephanie, my son Anthony, who just got married and is on his honeymoon in Costa Rica, and my daughter and son-in-law Domenica and Michael Ianotti and their twin sons.” Tony Lupo, you see, personifies the reputation of old-school Italian Americans who put family first, one of the admirable characteristics of at least the perception many have of this ethnic group. Not all who have vowels at the end of their names, however, really care for the institution of the family to that extent. But when it comes to caring about family, Tony Lupo is the real thing.

“I am most proud of receiving the Mother Cabrini Award from the Italian-Catholic Federation,” Lupo declares. And who could doubt this about the co-founder of Cumberland Chapels, the stately funeral parlor in Norridge.

After all, a couple of years ago, “I was made an honorary member of Boys Town of Italy, Inc.” a saintly enterprise that “was modeled completely after Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in Nebraska.” The Italian version of this fabled home for boys without families was also begun by an Irish priest, Father John Patrick CarollAbbing. The Italian Boys Town was the logical culmination of Monsignor Caroll-Abbing’s work with poor World War II refugees on the outskirts of Rome in 1944, even while the area was a war zone under German occupation.

At the end of the war the first Italian Boys Town was established in Civitavecchia. Today there are Italian Boys Town locations all over Italy, in cities including Lucca, Pozzuoli and Palermo. These much-needed sanctuaries, that provide a family for those who lack a family, have flourished and multiplied only because of the efforts of those who care deeply about the family. People like our own Tony Lupo.

Tony is a third-generation Italian-American whose father emigrated from the Basilicato and whose mother’s people are from Campagna. He attended Ridgewood High School in Norridge.

16 AMICI Winter 2007/2008

and went to pre-med school at Lewis College.

“My dad wanted me to be a doctor,” Lupo says “One day, by accident, I was talking to another student who told me about the mortuary business. I never realized that there was this whole field that I never knew about before.”

It took a while before Tony decided on the mortuary business as a career, “I stayed in premed school for another two-and-a-half years,” before settling on being an undertaker. He made his choice partly because of that idealism that most young folks have but never act on. “I saw the business as a way to help people in need and still make money.” In light of his work for Boys Town of Italy and other charities, his words ring clearly true.

Being a very sensible, if idealistic young man, Tony determined to learn all aspects of the business before starting off on his own. For 13 years he worked for the well-established Salerno company, acquainting himself with all the intricacies and nuances of this very sensitive activity. Then, in 1984, with partners Alex and Michael Carbonara and Peter and Louis Martino, Tony Lupo began the construction of the impressive facility on Lawrence Avenue.

Cumberland Chapels opened in 1985 and has been serving the community ever since.

It is a very delicate affair for the proprietors, catering to those who have just lost a loved one and are stricken with grief, while at the same time making enough money to support their own families. It is the genuine sentiment of wanting

to help folks get through hard times that makes a funeral parlor like Tony Lupo’s successful. “We don’t hustle or push incidentals on people,” he assures. “We don’t really sell. We leave it to people to make their own choices,” as to how substantial funeral arrangements become. This simple, dignified formula has worked for 22 years.

“I’ve been involved with the Italian American community for over 40 years,” claims Tony Lupo. “I’ve been active in a number of organizations, especially the Italo- American National Union and UNICO.” (He is also a very strong participant in the Kids Fight Cancer organization.) Being a realist, Tony knows there are obstacles facing the Italian American community of Chicago in its efforts to become a united force. “I truly believe in what Casa Italia is trying to do,” he avows. Over the past several decades, Lupo, like many of us, can’t help but notice that (as has been the case for so long in Italy itself) the Chicago community is somewhat “fragmented,” with such a plethora of organizations and individual egos. Perhaps if more of Chicago’s Italian Americans of Tony Lupo’s stature could see this, there would be real progress towards the kind of solidarity and the resulting benefits achieved by our cousins in Milwaukee.

Nevertheless, Tony Lupo proclaims, “I’m very proud to be Italian. That’s why I visit there every two years or so.” Having traveled extensively in Italy, Tony has yet to sojourn in the beautiful northern Lake Country. “That’s where my wife wants to visit next.” Being a man who puts his family first, who would be surprised in running into the Lupos on the banks of Lake Como in the near future? By the way, for anyone traveling to Rome or the vicinity, Tony would be the perfect person to ask about visiting Boys Town of Italy, a place that should be on the itinerary of all family-minded Italian American travelers.

You can get in touch with Tony Lupo at Cumberland Chapels; 8300 Lawrence Ave.; Norridge, IL 60706; 708-456-8300.

NAPLES ~ ERCOLANO ~ VESUVIO ~ ISCHIA SALERNO ~ CASERTA ~ POSITANO AMALFI ~ RAVELLO ~ PAESTUM

Journal- CAMPANIATOUR Amici$1,669

March 12-20, 2008 A wonderful trip for an Economical Price!

9 Days - Departing from Chicago, O’Hare with Alitalia Airlines

!

For Information and Reservations, Contact

Unitours, Inc. – 3010 Westchester Avenue – Purchase, NY 10577 Tel: 773-836-1595 – Fax: 773-622-2766 - E-mail: amiitalia@sbcglobal.net Day 1 - DEPART - This evening we depart Chicago for our overnight flight to Naples via best connections. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Day 2 - NAPLES - Arrive Naples airport you will be met and assisted by your tour director. Transfer by private motor coach to Grand Hotel Salerno located in the city center, your holiday residence for one week. Check-in, room assignment. Welcome drink and rest of the afternoon at leisure. Welcome Dinner & Overnight. Day 3 – ERCOLANO/VESUVIO - 9.00 a.m. Departure for Ercolano.

Ercolano was buried in ashes by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Guided visit to the archaeological excavations. In the first afternoon continue to Mount Vesuvius up to 3000 feet, world famous for the 79 AD eruptions that buried both Ercolano and Pompeii. Walk to the volcano’s summit. Return to the hotel for dinner & overnight. Day 4 - ISCHIA - 08:30 a.m. Departure for Ischia. We proceed to the port of Naples were we board our ferry to the fabulous island of Ischia. Panoramic tour of Ischia Porto and visit the quaint village. Free time for lunch or shopping. In the afternoon continue the visit to the “tropical” thermal complex.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 5 - SALERNO - Today we visit our host city of Salerno, which will include the Cathedral, the historical center of town and the Corso. Rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Day 6 - CASERTA/CASERTA VECCHIA/NAPLES - 8.30 am Departure for Caserta where we will visit the Royal Palace; It was designed and mostly built by the Dutch architect Ludwig Van Wittel, who received the Italian onomatopoeic name of Vanvitelli. King Charles, who wanted to build a new Royal Palace, a “residence” fit for a Bourbon King and his Court, called him to Naples. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 7 - POSITANO/AMALFI/ RAVELLO - 9.00 a.m. Departure from our hotel. Our last stop will be breathtaking Positano. Continue to Amalfi.

Our sightseeing will include the cathedral and the charming web of small streets around it. In the afternoon we proceed to Ravello. Ravello is situated about 5 km from Amalfi up on a hill, overlooking the coast from Maiori to Amalfi. Ravello was founded in the VI century A.D after Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 – PAESTUM/AGRlTURlSMO - 9.15 a.m. Departure for Paestum [a UNESCO World Heritage site] , the ancient Poseidonia was founded by the Greeks at the end of the 7th century B.C. Visit the ancient temples dating back to the 6th century B.C. and to the Archaeological Museum of Paestum with its rich collection of Greek art and antiquities. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 9 - USA - This morning we transfer to the Naples airport for our flight back to Chicago via best connections.

TOTAL TOUR PRICE: The tour price is based on airfare, land rate and rate of exchange in effect at the time of arrangements. Plus tax and fuel surcharge. All rates are subject to change without prior notice. Should the rates go up or down prior to departure, an adjustment will be made. The tour is subject to a minimum number of participants. Should fewer than 25 participate, we will offer alternate dates. ACCOMMODATIONS: Specially selected hotel based on twin occupancy with private bath. A single room supplement will be charged where requested and available. If you do not have a roommate and Unitours, Inc. is unable to arrange one, you will be billed for the single room supplement. All singles are subject to availability. MEALS: Breakfast and Table D’ Hote dinners are provided daily except where noted in the itinerary. An extra charge will be made when coffee, tea or other beverages are not included in the menu of the day with the dinner meal. DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS: A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure reservations, which sum will be applied to the price of the tour. Reservations made within 60 days of departure must include full payment. Any balance is to be paid in full no later than 60 days before departure of tour. Final payments received at Unitours after 30 days before departure must include a $25 per person late payment fee. (This does not apply for new reservations made after 30 days of departure.) $100 fee applies for cancelation once deposit has been processed.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 17

PUGLIA THE MARVELOUS REGION IN ITALY

T

he region of Apulia (Puglia in Italian) is a region in southeastern Italy, its southern portion known as Salento forms the heel of the Italian “boot”. It is bordering the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast. The region covers 7,469 square miles, and its population is about 4 million.

Apulia is divided into six provinces: Bari, Barletta-AndriaTrani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce and Taranto.

Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, is the second economic centre of southern Italy and is well known as a port and university city with strong traditions based on its Saint Nicholas who, as the patron of foreigners, created a sense of open-mindedness amongst its residents towards those from overseas which persists to this day. Bari is known throughout Italy for its strong, often crude, spoken dialect, particularly in the Old Town and for its culinary traditions, in particular Orecchiette with Cime di rape - Little ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops. The most holy spot in the city, the Basilicata di San Nicola was built in the 12th century to house the remains of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for jolly ol’ St. Nick, otherwise known as Santa Claus. Sailors from Bari stole the bones from Myra, in what is now Turkey, and they are reputed to still retain their mysterious healing powers. Another interesting sight in Bari is the Petruzzelli Theatre. Fire-bombed in the early 1990s, the theatre had been one of the grandest opera houses in Italy after La Scala in Milan and the San Carlo Theatre in Naples. Host to many famous opera and ballet greats throughout the last century, the theatre is going through an restructuring project. Although seemingly slow, the theatre should re-open its doors before 2010.

Another port is that of Brindisi where a 65-foot marble column close to the harbor marks the finish of the Appian Way. Elsewhere along the coast lie numerous fishing villages, resorts and the marine grotto of Polignano.Agricultural products, from this region, are appreciated worldwide. The color and contour of the landscape transitions from dense areas of olive trees in the northern section to grapevine fields prevalent in the southern section. Wine lovers will be delighted to find some outstanding DOC Apulian wines: whites from San Severo, Ostuni and the rare and highly-prized “Verdeca” of Gravina and reds from Castel del Monte, San Severo and Squinzano, besides others.

The exquisite Mediterranean cooking offered here relies on regional extra virgin oil (unlike any found elsewhere in Italy), hard wheat pastas, fresh vegetables, an abundant supply of fresh fish, and grilled meats. The wood of native olive and oak trees, used in grilling, imparts a unique aroma and ultimately marvelous taste to traditional Apulian cuisine.Festivals practically year-round provide an opportunity to experience the carefree, celebratory nature of the people living in this area. In contrast relaxation is an important part of the lifestlye.

18 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

D

OMINIC FRINZI,

FOSTERING THE ITALIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

By Kathy Catrambone

B

Dominic Frinzi “The Italian

ulldozers could not crush the spirit of Milwaukee’s ItalianAmericans. Under the guise of urban renewal and with the power of imminent domain, city officials displaced an Italian neighborhood for a highway 40 years ago. But where the parish church once stood, an Italian center flourishes today.

One reason the Italian Community Center is so vibrant: Dominic H. Frinzi, a prominent attorney and fervent supporter of his heritage.

Frinzi has been involved in the center since its beginnings, and has held leadership positions since 1993.

He recently was nominated to serve again as president, a post he has held seven times. He also has served seven times as general chairman of Festa Italiana, the center’s well-known summer celebration and the country’s largest Italian-American festival.

Frinzi is a first-generation Italian-American, the son of Sicilian immigrants. His father was from a small town between Palermo and Messina in the Messia province and his mother came from the Palermo area. Frinzi recalls how education was important to his parents, because they knew with an education their children would succeed.

“My parents had seven kids, and everyone went to college,” Frinzi said, the oldest of his siblings. “I have three sons; two are lawyers and one is a businessman. And I have five grandchildren who all went to college.”

Frinzi, now 86, has fulfilled his parents’ dreams for him and is a role model for younger generations of Italian-Americans because of his devotion to fostering the Italian way of life.

“It is important to perpetuate the heritage and culture of our fathers and grandparents and other people who came to this country seeking a better place to live and to raise their children,” he said. “It is important to impart their culture to each generation as we move along. If we don’t, our heritage will fall by the wayside. We have a rich culture and we have to keep it going.”

Frinzi advises Italian-Americans to treat their heritage like a plant.

“Water it and give it the vitamins that it needs to thrive so that our children and their children have a better understanding of what we Italian Americans are all about.”

20 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Frinzi is active in the Italian-American community in Milwaukee and throughout the county. He is a liaison between Milwaukee’s Italian community and the Italian consul general in Chicago, and has been appointed Cavaliere All’Ordina del Merito della Republica Italiana – Knight of the Order of Merit – by the Republic of Italy.

As a member of the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, he met with President Bush in the Oval Office on Italian Independence Day, June 2, 2006. During their visit, the society representatives gave the President a Medal of Honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of their organization. The medal also was presented to Italian President Carlo Ciampi last year.

He has been president of the National Italian-American Bar the past two years and, in 1960, was president of UNICO National.

In August 2002, Frinzi received the Vision for Milwaukee award by the Milwaukee Ethnic Council. Last year, Milwaukee’s daily magazine (onmilwaukee.com), included him in its list of 100 Milwaukeeans you need to know. Milwaukee is a better place because of Frinzi’s involvement in many projects, most notably, the Italian Community Center.

“The center is a substitute for the church that was lost to urban renewal,” he said. “We started having Festa on the Summerfest grounds 30 years ago, but prior to that, most of the Italians in the city lived in the downtown area in the third ward, and every month in the summer we had a different religious festival starting in June. We’d block off the streets and put up food stands, but not as enterprising and well laid out as the Summerfest grounds are today.”

The Festa has attracted an impressive list of American and Italian dignitaries and entertainers, and Frinzi recalled that the first President Bush visited the Festa and cooked sausage.

“The advantage of the Festa is that we put our culture before the public and they get a better understanding of us beyond our food. It helps to overcome the stereotypes of Italians and show others the depth of our culture.”

One integral aspect of Italian culture – opera – is close to Frinzi’s heart. He inherited his father’s collection of 78 rpm records, added to it, and now burns his extensive collection onto CDs and DVDs. He teaches an opera appreciation class at the Italian Community Center and shares his knowledge and collection of opera music and memorabilia with the public at the opera tent at Festa. His inventory of scrapbooks, autographed photos of opera stars and posters fill a 60-foot-by-90-foot tent.

When he is not fostering his heritage, Frinzi spends his free time on another passion – harness horse racing. He is president of the Harness Horsemen International, an organization representing 35,000 horsemen in the United States and Canada. He now owns six horses that he races in the East, and has been owner or part owner of many others in the past.

Festa 2008 is not far from his mind. The regional culture, art and food of Campagna will be featured.

“Festa helps to educate the youth of Milwaukee,” he said. “That is the future of Festa and the perpetuation of the heritage and history of Italo Americans. You got to get the youth. ”

Chicago’s Little Italy IN AMERICA NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOL

F

ollowing World War I, Taylor Street was the place where Italian bands and clubs thrived, and Italian was spoken on the streets.

Residents remember just hanging out at Mario’s Snack Shop on Taylor Street near Aberdeen Street. Sheridan Park, with its swimming pool and baseball diamond, was a favorite haunt. The Garden Theater on Taylor Street and Racine Avenue showed Saturday serials.

Italian Americans love secular celebrations. One of the first was the Hull House commemoration of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s birthday (born 1807), and another was the 100th anniversary of Italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini’s 1805 birth, an attempt to cement belief in a united Italy. A heroic bust was presented and became “the chief ornament in the front hall of Hull House.” Settlement houses were crucial to immigrants; their field trips gave children introductions to museums, the American countryside, and libraries. (Although Jane Addams spelled the settlement Hull-House, the National Register of Historic Places nomenclature of no hyphen is used today.) The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, an organization working for Italian interests since 1952, sponsors the city’s annual Columbus Day parade, honoring the discovery of the New World by an Italian hero.

The schools were the most powerful assimilators. Children and adults learned American traditions and English. Included in the curriculum were patriotic songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, and respect for the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. School also equaled “all your friends,” said one resident, while high school “equaled the world.”

In the 1920s, few children went beyond eighth grade. By the 1950s, high school was the norm, and in the 1970s, college attendance was at the national average. The parochial school system also played an important role. Enrollment grew quickly during the first half of the 20th century. Our Lady of Pompeii School, established in 1912 by the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Conception, had 500 children enrolled by 1920.

In this image, grade two of Our Lady of Pompeii School, probably in 1946, smiles for the camera. The teachers who began teaching in the school when it was opened in 1912 were of the order of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Conception.

The end of World War II created a spontaneous celebration that moved onto Vernon Park Place and May Street. Neighbors celebrating brought food, homemade wine, smiles, and American flags. Pictured are members of the Russo, DiCara, DeLaurentis, Davino, and DeRosa families, among others.

(Photos excerpted from Taylor Street: Chicago’s Little Italy, courtesy of Arcadia Publishing.)

CAFE FILIPPO

Espresso ~ Gelati ~ Cappuccino

GRAND OPENING 2749 N.Harlem, Chicago, IL, 60634 773-836-7223

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 21

Neighborhood boys flocked to meet middleweight boxing champion Rocky Graziano, who came to visit 923 South Bishop Street in 1947. The two proud boys on each side of the smiling fighter are Chuck

AN HONEST DAYS WORK

W

PRIDE IN A JOB WELL DONE

Giuseppe Catrambone is behind the wheel of one of the trucks from his cartage firm, Giuseppe Catrambone and Company. The company evolved into Joseph Catrambone and Sons Cartage The company specialized in grocery, express, moving, and cold deliveries. The image below shows an invoice used from 1910 to 1919.

hile most immigrants were contadini (peasants or farmers) in Italy, in Chicago they became urban workers. Initially Genoese immigrants excelled as saloon keepers, fruit vendors, and confectioners. Others created and sold plaster images or were cabinetmakers. Immigrants were manual laborers, building and maintaining public and private works. Most Italians were on the bottom of the economic ladder until after World War I. Yet the Italian American unemployment rate has consistently been lower than the national average.

Pride in work abounded, and men who earned an honest day’s pay happily sent it to Italy for relatives and for women to marry, or started families with local women. The Italian family became an economic entity, with every member expected to help. Older children cooked, cleaned, gardened, and looked after younger siblings with help from aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmothers.

Before 1900, immigrants found work through the labor agent, or padrone, system. In 1916, 50 percent of Italians in Chicago were laborers working construction crews in the mines or railroads.

Others were tradesmen baker’s tailors or shoemakers, while some opened small businesses or mom-and-pop groceries or were barbers, produce purveyors, or haulers.

A goodly number of Italians went into the manufacturing world growing around them, in the garment, furniture, or printing industries. Italians were among the founders of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. In 1910, a Òfiery young Sicilian woman set off a strike against Chicago clothing manufacturersÓ and at least one-quarter of the 40,000 strikers were Italian. To protect themselves and their families, more than 200 Italian mutual benefit associations were formed in Chicago. Italians recognized the value of collective community action to effectively deal with problems of the poor in an urban society.

The transformation from mass migration to contemporary times began in the 1920s. By 1967, Italy ranked first among nations sending immigrants to the United States, professionals and highly Italian immigrants from the neighborhood provided a willing trained technicians, especially in the fields of medicine, engineering, workforce for major transportation projects such as railroads going and religion. In 2000, 66 percent of Italian Americans were working west. Here a crew works on Chicago’s streetcar system, around the in white-collar occupations, while 34 percent were blue-collar employees, including farmers, police officers, and firefighters.

Reprinted with permission from Taylor Street Chicago’s Little Italy, by Kathy Catrambone and Ellen Shubart.

Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

22 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Mori Milk Co. YOUR YOUR MILKMAN MILKMAN Milk and cookies left for Santa

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

3600 N. River Road Franklin Park, IL 60131 www.morimilk.com (847) 671-3326

www.spaccanapolipizzeria.com If you want to go to Italy, but just can’t get away right now for whatever reason, go to Spacca Napoli. After a couple of hours there you’ll feel like you’ve just been to Napoli for a really great dining adventure!

SPACCA NAPOLI PIZZERIA

1769 W. SUNNYSIDE CHICAGO, IL 60640

773-878-2420

Open Wednesday through Sunday Lunch: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm; Wed. - Sat. Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Wed. - Thurs.

5:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Fri. - Sat. 12:00 Noon - 9:00 pm; Sun. Closed Monday and Tuesday Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 23

QGIULIANI AND PELOSI BRING 3,000 TO THEIR FEET AT NIAF GALA ** Honorees Scorsese and Pompeo stir crowd to embrace Heritage**

R

udolph W. Giuliani, presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor, and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, received standing ovations from the 3,000 guests attending the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) 32nd Anniversary Awards Gala on Saturday October 13, 2007 at the Hilton Washington & Towers.

Giuliani and Pelosi each received NIAF Special Achievement Awards in Public Service at the black-tie gala. Louis Freeh, former director of the FBI, and Governor of Arizona Janet Napolitano presented the awards respectively.

Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, who gave an emotional tribute to Jack Valenti, a NIAF founding member and former head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), received the Jack Valenti Award from Mary Margaret Valenti, wife of the late movie industry icon. With the award, Scorsese launched the Jack Valenti Institute, which will fund Hollywood internships for young Italian Americans interested in pursuing careers in film.

NIAF guest, NIAF guest, Senator to the Italian Republic Renato Turano, Speaker Pelosi, Deputy foreign Minister of Italy Franco Danieli, Italian Ambassador to the United States Giovanni Castellaneta with his wife Lila

Ellen Pompeo, star of the ABC drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” came to the podium to receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment. Holding the award high above her head, she exclaimed, “This is for everyone who has sacrificed and left their country to follow one’s dream,” in reference to the sacrifices made by her grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Gesualdo, Italy.

The award was presented to her by Vincent Viola, a NIAF vice chairman.

Other NIAF 2007 gala awards recipients also included: CEO of AARP William D. Novelli, whose NIAF Special Achievement Award in Public Advocacy was presented

by NIAF Board Member Patricia de Stacy Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Connie Stevens, actress, singer, and entrepreneur, who received a NIAF. 24 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Special Achievement Award for Humanitarian Services by Joseph R. Cerrell, a NIAF vice chairman During the evening, NIAF Vice Chairman Jerry Colangelo introduced a NIAF video tribute to Luciano Pavarotti, with remarks by legendary actress Gina Lollobrigida. Former NIAF Board Members Ambassador Peter Secchia and Lee Rizzuto each pledged $1 million toward a $3 million goal to endow the NIAF Voyage of Discovery Program, which would enable young Italian Americans to see Italy for the first time.

At the gala, NIAF Chairman Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli introduced one of Italy’s highest ranking officials, Franco Danieli, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister. Other notables in attendance included Italy’s Ambassador to the United States H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, U.S. Ambassador to Italy Ronald P. Spogli, Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Jr. and Antonin Scalia, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Gen. Peter Pace, recently retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President of Georgetown University John J. DeGioia, and Franco Nuschese, president of Georgetown Entertainment Group.

The evening included performances

by Vittorio Grigolo, an opera tenor who trained under Pavarotti, and Italian-Australian singing sensation Alfio. Celebrities at the gala and weekend activities included actress Susan Lucci, singers Deana Martin, Neil Sedaka, Jerry Vale and Dion, baseball legend Yogi Berra, actor Tony Lo Bianco and former NFL player Vince Ferragamo. CNBC Anchor Maria Bartiromo was this year’s the master of ceremonies.

This year NIAF awarded more than $1.15 million in scholarships and cultural grants to students across the U.S. and Italy.

Recognizing the younger generation, NIAF organized its 11th annual youth gala, which attracted more than 300 young Americans of Italian descent from 20 states. While the youth gala participants were finishing their dinner, Scorsese and Pompeo made an appearance to greet the young crowd. Afterwards, the young adults, along with many gala attendees, enjoyed a post-gala dessert reception.

Earlier on Friday at a noon luncheon, Mrs. Laura Bush gave the keynote address and received the Foundation’s Special Achievement Award in Literacy in recognition of her efforts to help America’s youth.

The First Lady spoke about the many ways that Italian Americans have enriched communities across the nation and the love of learning shared by Italians and Americans.

Martin Scorsese, Ellen Pompeo, Rudy Giuliani, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Connie Stevens, William Novelli

Ciongoli presented the award to Mrs. Bush.

The weekend also featured Friday evening’s “Salute to the Martini” with a performance by rock and roll legend Neil Sedaka, a panel covering the topic of “The 2008 Presidential Election: Is there an ItalianAmerican Vote?,” with panelists Michael Barone, senior writer for the U.S. News and World Report and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute; Robert Novak, nationally syndicated columnist and Fox News commentator; and Bill Schneider, CNN senior political analyst. Other events included NIAF’s celebrity auction and luncheon in addition to the Foundation’s Council 2000/Youth Networking Breakfast with guest speakers former Super Bowl NFL coach Dick Vermeil and former NFL player Vince Papale. The breakfast included a presentation of the fifth annual NIAF Teacher of the Year Award to Peter LoJacono, a teacher of Italian language and culture at Hutchinson Central Technical High School in Buffalo, N.Y. NIAF guests also enjoyed Piazza d’Italia, a two-day best of Italy exhibition, featuring Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini, luxury sport vehicles, wine tastings, a cooking demonstration, and a Book Pavilion with works

by Italian-American authors.

Italy’s Region of Liguria was this year’s sponsoring region from Italy. Proceeds from the weekend events will benefit NIAF’s scholarship and education programs. NIAF President Salvatore J. Zizza thanked the guests for attending this year’s event and to mark October 17-18, 2008 for NIAF’s 33rd Anniversary Convention Weekend. The gala closed with a chorus of “God Bless America.”

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans.

Visit www.niaf.org.

NEMI

PROVINCE OF ROME

LAKE NEMI

By Andrew Guzaldo

Nemi is a town and comune in the province of Rome (central Italy), on the Alban Hills overlooking Lake Nemi. It is 6 km (4 mi) NW of Velletri and about 30 km (18 mi) southeast of Rome.

The town’s name derives from the Latin nemus Aricinum, or “grove of Ariccia”: the latter is a small town a quarter of the way around the lake. In antiquity the area had no town, but the grove was the site of one of the most famous of Roman cults and temples: that of Diana Nemorensis, a study of which served as the seed for Sir James Frazer’s seminal work on the anthropology of religion.

Caligula built several very large and costly luxury barges for use on the lake. One ship was a shrine dedicated to ceremonies for the Egyptian

Isis cult or the cult of Diana Nemorensis, designed to be towed, and the other was a pleasure boat with buildings on it. After Caligula’s overthrow, the boats were scuttled.

The ships were rediscovered during the Renaissance, when architect Leon Battista Alberti is reported to have attempted to raise the ships by roping them to buoyant barrels. While ingenious, this method proved unsuccessful, because of extensive rotting.

The boats were finally salvaged from 1929 to 1932 under orders of Mussolini. This was just one of many attempts to relate himself to the Roman Emperors of the past. The ships were exposed by lowering the lake level using underground canals that were dug by the ancient Romans. The excavation was led by Guido Ucelli and was reported in Le Nave di Nemi by Guido Ucelli (Rome, 1950). They were destroyed by fire on 31 May 1944, it is disputed whether this was done by defeated German forces retreating from Italy at the end of World War II or accidentally by squatters taking refuge in the museum building. Surviving remnants from the excavations as well as replicas are now displayed in the Museo Nazionale Romano at the Palazzo Massimo in Rome. The ship hulls survive today at Museo delle Navi Romane, Nemi.

TWIN ROMULUS THE MYTHIC FIGURE

By Andrew Guzaldo

A

rchaeologist Andrea Carandini claims he has evidence for a flesh-and-blood Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. Many of his colleagues dispute his interpretation, believing Romulus to be a mythic figure. Who’s right?

For more than 2,000 years, historians have made a living poking holes in this legend, pointing out that there are inconsistent versions of the story and that parts of it are simply impossible. But over the past two decades, Italian archaeologist Andrea Carandini has uncovered startling evidence in the heart of the Roman Forum that seems to confirm parts of the myth. A professor at the University of Rome, Carandini is one of the deans of contemporary Italian archaeology. His discoveries include a wall (possibly the sacred boundary of legend) and a “royal palace” that he has connected to Rome’s earliest years. Based on this evidence he argues that Romulus was a real historical figure. His defense of Rome’s mythic origins, which has earned him the admiration of the Roman public but the disapproval of many of his colleagues, represents a sharp break with two millennia of scholarship.

April 21, 753 B.C.—After being raised by a she-wolf along the banks of the Tiber River, the orphan twins Romulus and Remus decide to found a city. They consult the augurs to see which of them will be king, and the answer comes back: “Romulus.” So he marks out a sacred boundary on the Palatine Hill and orders his men to dig a ditch and build a wall around it. Remus, in a fit of jealousy and rage, jumps over the wall. For this Palatine Hills sacrilegious transgression, Romulus kills his brother and goes on to fulfill the prophecy by becoming the first king of Rome.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 25

2008 national italian restaurant guide Email us for info on

Stars Restaurant Review Rating!

CHICAGO AND SUBURBS, IL

BOSTON, MA

NEW YORK, NY

3 Olives Restaurant / Twist Lounge 8318 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge, IL 60706 Phone: (708) 452-1545

Bacco Ristorante & Bar 107 Salem St. Boston, MA 02113 Phone: (617) 624-0454

Borgo Antico Italian Restaurant 22 E. 13th St. New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212) 807-1313

Amalfi Ristorante 298 Glen Ellyn Rd. Bloomingdale, IL 630-893-9222

Fiorella’s 187 North St. Newton, MA 02460 Phone: (617) 969-9990

Carmine’s 2450 Broadway New York, NY 10024 Phone: (212) 362-2200

Caponies Trattoria 3350 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: (773) 804-9024

Ristorante Villa Francesca 150 Richmond St. Boston, MA 02109 Phone: (617) 367-2948

Carmine’s Rhode Island - NEW! 100 Twin Rivers Rd. Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: (401) 475-8600

Capri Ristorante Italiano, Inc. 1238 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: (630) 778-7373

Sorento’s Italian Gourmet 86 Peterborough St. Boston, Ma, 02215 Phone: (617) 424-7070

Massimo al Ponte Vecchio 206 Thompson St. New York, NY 10012 Phone: (212) 228-7701

Custom House 500 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: (312) 523-0200

MILWAUKEE, WI

Gioacchino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 5201 St. Charles Rd. Bellwood, IL 60104 Phone: (708) 544-0380 La Piazza 410 Circle Ave., Forest Park, IL Phone: (708) 366-4010 www.piazzacafe.com Osteria via Stato 620 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60610 Phone: (312) 642-8450

Alioto’s 3041 N. Mayfair Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53222 Phone: (414) 476-6900 Buca di Beppo 1233 N. Van Buren St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: (414) 224-8672 Carini’s La Conca D’oro 3468 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 Phone: (414) 963-9623

NAPLES, FL

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 Phone: (773) 878-2420

Amador’s Bistro Italiano 3367 Bayshore Dr. Naples, FL 34112 Phone: (239) 775-7666

Venuti’s Ristorante & Banquets 2251 W. Lake St. Addison, IL 60101 Phone: (630) 376-1500

Bellagio of Naples 492 Bayfront Pl. Naples, FL 34102 Phone: (239) 430-7020

Via Carducci 1419 W. Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614 773-665-1981

Trattoria Milano Italian 336 9TH St. N Naples, FL 34102 Phone: (239) 643-2030

Vince’s Italian Restaurant 4747 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: (708) 867-7770

PHILADELPHIA, PA Dante & Luigi’s 762 S. 10th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Phone: (215) 922-9501 Dolce` 241 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: (215) 238-9983 Mama Yolanda’s Italian Restaurant 746 S. 8TH St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Phone: (215) 592-0195 Mio Sogno Italian Restaurant 2650 S. 15TH St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 Phone: (215) 467-3317

Puccini & Pinetti 129 Ellis St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 392-5500 Ristorante Umbria 198 2nd St. San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: (415) 546-6985

ST. LOUIS, MO Favazza’s 5201 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 Phone: (314) 772-4454 John Mineo’s Italian 13490 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131 Phone: (314) 434-5244 Modesto Tapas Bar & Restaurant 5257 Shaw Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 772-8272 Tony’s Restaurant 410 Market St. St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: (314) 231-7007 Concetta’s Italian Restaurant 600 S. 5th St. St. Charles, MO 63301 Phone: (636) 946-2468 Ricardo’s Italian Cafe 1931 Park Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: (314) 421-4833

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 10923 Olive Blvd.

Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Phone: (314) 872-3241

Kuleto’s 221 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 397-7720

The Old Spaghetti Factory 727 N. First St. St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: (314) 621-0276

Mescolanza 2221 Clement St. San Francisco, CA 94121 Phone: (415) 668-2221

CONTACT US FOR RATES TO BE LISTED IN OUR NATIONAL RESTAURANT GUIDE Summer 2008 /AMICI 37

The answer to a tough economy for both Restaurants and Diners… is, in a word… consistency

By Tom Reboletti…

Its all over the news...it was a big part of the President’s State of the Union speech...the economy is operating far below many of our expectations...so many of the independent restaurant operators, as well as the small business owners of the numerous businesses out there, are being pressured into doing things, or making changes that will reduce costs, increase profits and just be able to Survive during these lean times.

I can tell you as a Consultant to many restaurant owners over the years and those non-restaurant owners, this is the time for you to review your operations, discover the areas of your business that you feel you can reduce the costs, make changes that will not decrease your customer base but have a positive effect on your place. This is not the time to cut labor and deliver service to your customers that does not meet their expectations, it is time however to review labor schedules and adjust employee hours to meet the demands of the business. During slow times reduce hours, but maintain the necessary employee hours for those peak periods that your business dictates. If you do not have a solid Food Cost Control Program in place, now is the time to do so, it is necessary to perform weekly inventories, review recipes, make sure that the proper portions are being served.

If you can honestly say that you have both effective Labor and Food Cost control programs in place then good for you. So now you can address other areas of your operation that in fact could allow you the opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits. Some the areas you should consider: Utility Costs, is there a chance to be placed on a monthly Budget...contact the suppliers of these services and see what’s available; this is good time to obtain quotes on your specific insurance needs, the same would apply to laundry services, hood cleaning services, processing fees on your credit card sales, and the list goes...but remember if you are able to get better prices, reduce fees or whatever...every time this happens you have just reduced some of your operating costs and increase the possibility of profit... however if you do not have the two key controls in place...start there first, these will have the greatest positive effect on your operation, and lastly do not sacrifice Quality for price...your customers are use to the best, don’t disappoint them for the sake of reducing costs...Consistency in your operation is one key objective that must be achieved day in and day out.

Dane Neal…

Ok, so what does that mean for all the diners out there (including me) that go to restaurants…whether it’s lunch as a break from the work day, or a nice night out with friends or even the center piece of an important dinner and special occasion with family. Our budgets are tight too, and as some of us may make the decision to eat out less, the times when we do still need to be satisfying, affordable…and consistent.

Like Tom said…”consistency in your operation is one key objective that must be achieved day in and day out.”…and although he is speaking to the restaurants owners and operators… consistency is really what the we as diners are looking for as well. Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes it means “consistently GREAT” that we are expecting, but that is because it’s what we have come to expect from previous visits, or maybe it’s what we have been told by commercials…or by word of mouth by a trusted friend.

Some places we eat at we are looking for different things, but consistency is always at the core…consistent value, when we are looking for good portions and good prices, consistently FAST, when we know we are tight on time, and sometimes consistent excellence from those restaurant known for exceptional food, service and atmosphere.

Just as restaurants want to be able to anticipate and control inventory and even customer base, diners want to know what to expect each and every time we walk through the door, whether it’s at McDonald’s or Charlie Trotters…and with the great restaurant scene in Chicagoland there are plenty of places to choose from, with every price point and type of food from around the world…which makes Chicago “consistently” the best restaurant scene in the nation…so get out there and enjoy! and until next time from Restaurant Radio Chicago…we’ll save you a table!

34 AMICI / Spring 2008

Amici Journal and Amici d’ Italia invite you to visit their website of Italian-American interests

www.amiciorgit.net

Traveling - Entertainment - News - Sports - History

NATIONAL RESTAURANT GUIDE ADVERTISEMENT AMICI JOURNAL NOW OFFERS A RESTAURANT GUIDE FOR YOUR RESTAURANT BUSINESS. SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONVENIENT FORM AND SEND BACK TO US WITH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR A LOW $60.00 YEARLY FEE(INCLUDES WEBSITE WITH ADDED $15.00) TO BE IN OUR NATIONAL RESTAURANT GUIDE. $150.00- RADIO ADVERTISE & RESTAURANT REVIEW IN AMICI JOURNAL

Restaurant Name: Address: City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone: Web site: For information call 773-836-1595 or e-mail at amiitalia@sbcglobal.net / Web site: www.amiciorgit.net Make all checks and money orders payable to Amici Journal Publications P.O. Box 595 / River Grove, Illinois 60171

Venuti’s Ristorante and Banquets Warm Setting and Fine

2251 W. Lake St. Addison, IL 60101 Phone: 630-376-1500 Fax: 630-376-1503

Lavish Accommodation for

Italian Cuisine

Up to 1000 Guests

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Three opulent Bridal Suites

Or on the

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Monday - Saturday

Dramatic marble

11:00am - 11:00pm

Double Staircase

Sunday 12:00am - 9:00pm

www.venutisbanquets.com www.venutisristorante.com events@venutisbanquets.com

And Giant Dance Floor

State Law

Protects Those Injured on Job

By Antonio M. Romanucci

T

housands of workers in Illinois are injured on the job each year. If it should happen to you, state law mandates that you receive benefits covering the cost of medical treatment and lost time from work, no matter who was at fault.

The medical coverage begins from the moment you have your work-related injury.

Your employer is responsible for providing benefits, paying them directly to you or through an insurance company that administers the program. Absolutely no part of the workers’ compensation insurance premium or benefits can be charged to you.

Should you sustain an injury on the job, immediately report the accident to your employer or supervisor and a union steward, if there is one. Before leaving the scene, try to gather the names and addresses of any witnesses, obtain photos and secure evidence. A detailed description of the accident, including all injuries and complaints, should be given to the doctor or hospital that treats the injury.

Sometimes, an injury may not be obvious.

Therefore, the law allows employees up to 45 days to notify their employer about an occurrence.

For an occupational disease or repetitive trauma claim, a person must give notice as soon as he or she becomes aware of the condition, but there are important limitation dates to be aware of so it is strongly recommended you consult with an attorney.

Benefits not only cover emergency medical services, but when necessary, physical, mental or vocational rehabilitation. The injured person is also eligible to receive weekly payments until returning to work. If the injury or disease results in permanent disability, other benefits may be available. Should the injury or disease result in death, certain family members may be entitled to benefits.

Our law firm offers general information concerning the rights of injured workers in a free, 12-page booklet called “The Injured Employee’s Guide to Recovery Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.” Among issues it addresses are how disability is determined, who is entitled to survivors’ benefits, and how workers’ compensation claims are handled.

A copy of the booklet can be obtained by writing to Romanucci & Blandin, 33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60602, or by calling (312) 458-1000 or sending an e-mail request to info@rblaw.net.

Antonio M. Romanucci is a partner in the Chicago law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC. He can be reached at amr@rblaw.net.

Romanucci & Blandin Serving justice and restoring lives, one client at a time.

Experienced and skilled representation in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death and workers’ compensation claims. Ranked in the top 100 lawyers in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Network and SuperLawyers. Voted by their peers as one of the top eight aviation lawyers. More than three dozen recoveries for clients in excess of $1 million. Tony Romanucci and Stephan Blandin are passionate advocates for victims both inside and outside of the courtroom. They have taken a leadership position at the national and local levels through legislative action and volunteer commitments on the boards of organizations that help the severely injured.

Everything you need - and want - in a personal injury law firm ROMANUCCI & BLANDIN, LLC - 33 NORTH LASALLE STREET - 20TH FLOOR - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602

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Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 29

Tom Berger, son of Col. Harvey A. Berger, KIA My plane was on its final leg, when the pilot told me to look quickly through the plastic bubble in the cockpit roof that a navigator would normally use to shoot stars. Something was not right. Tony’s plane, off our right wing, was on a collision course with another C-47 from the 435th TCG that was landing from the other direction. They hit head on.

All the personnel on both crews were lost in the explosion.

My flight log for that mission shows five hours and five minutes, with two landings, one in Belgium, the other at Cottesmore. I made it home safely, at least physically. In a letter, dated November 27, I wrote to my fiancée: “We are having a squadron anniversary [two years overseas] dance this evening and I won’t be in shape later

THE REWARDS OF WRITING IT DOWN

Gold Stars

By Mike Ingrisano

W

hen people visit the World War II Memorial in Washington,

D.C., they learn that the central “Freedom Wall” covered with 4,000 gold stars represents the number of U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen who were killed in the war. Each of the stars represents 100 casualties.

When I visit the Memorial periodically, and I look at the wall of gold stars, I see the faces of my fallen comrades with whom I served in World War II. Their names are perpetually memorialized in Appendix II “Roll of Honor” in my history, Valor Without Arms, A History of the 316th Troop Carrier Group, 1942-1945.

Of all those honored comrades, two exemplify my continuing thesis of the rewards of writing it down: Staff Sergeant Anthony G. Cimmino, Jr., and Colonel Harvey A. Berger, our Group Commander. These two were really very different from each other. “Tony” and I had a good deal in common. An Italian of recent immigrant stock, coming from the northeast U.S., he was single as I was. In the same Squadron and sharing the same rank and job classification, we shared billets, off duty hours, and even our war time kennel of pet dogs. Col. Berger was far removed from our enlisted men’s day to day duties. But the personal manner of his command touched all of us during our most stressful year of combat and other military missions.

Staff Sergeant Anthony G. Cimmino, Jr.: On November 25, 1944, the 316th Troop Carrier Group War Diary recorded that all aircraft delivering cargo to Belgium returned to its base in Cottesmore, England, after picking up loads for the next day’s mission. (My flight log for the 25th shows that we made three landings and were in the air for 6 hours and 20 minutes.) The diary continued: “On the return trip from the continent the weather was excellent until they hit the shore of UK when the ceiling closed down to 100 feet and ¼ mile visibility.”

The next day, a Sunday, the Group took off for Belgium again, to deliver the next cargo to Liege. The weather at our destination was comparable to that which we had flown through the previous day on our return to Cottesmore. At our destination, the landing field was a single grass trip, and the control tower was a jerry-rigged structure with a platform for the controller. He was giving landing instructions to a mass of aircraft which were on the same supply mission but coming from many different directions.

30 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

in the evening [to write another letter]. I have decided to get plastered. It has been a month since I touched a drop but I have good reason to blow my top…”

Over 50 years later I met Addie Cimmino Cito, Tony’s niece.

Through the Internet, she located and told her story to a Dutch police officer whose avocation is Troop Carrier history in WWII. When he sent out an e-mail with her search request, I knew who her uncle was before I read the name.

I subsequently learned that she was four years old when her uncle was killed, and she recalled that prior to his death, he had sent her a 9th Air Force shoulder patch, and a much loved teddy bear. She knew little about Tony’s military career.

As so often happens, his SSgt. Tony Cimmino, KIA parents were not vocal about his service, and consequently she knew little of the circumstances of his death.

As soon as our schedules permitted I met with Addie and her sister, Janet. They showed me a letter that Tony had written. This was part of the small heritage of information which he had left behind, since he was not a prolific letter writer. To help this family to have closure on the tragic death, I was able, through my research on our unit’s history, to put together a 15-page history of Tony’s military career. I was also able to supply her with photos of Tony with our pet dogs which he loved.

In September 2004, Addie and her sister joined us in Washington where the 316th held its biennial reunion. To honor Tony and all the 316th sons and brothers killed in WWII, we asked her to be one of the “honor guards” as we placed a wreath at the National WWII Memorial on the Atlantic side of this beautiful structure.

Tony, still resting in Henri Chapelle, an American cemetery in Belgium, will always be a young man to me. He never got a chance to grow old.

Colonel Harvey A. Berger: On May 24, 1944, the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing Commander, General H. L. Clark, introduced then Lt. Col. Harvey A. Berger, as the new commander of the 316th TCG. He succeeded Lt. Col. Burton Fleet who had been killed on May 12 in a mid-air collision during “Operation Eagle”—the dress rehearsal for “Operation Neptune,” the paradrop into Normandy and the D-Day invasion of France.

While a member of the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing Headquarters staff, Colonel Berger had participated in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. On June 7, 1944, he flew on a supply mission into Normandy with the 45th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 316th TCG. On April 3, 1945, Col. Berger decided to fly a routine mission into Germany because he wanted to see from the air Cologne, the city where his mother had been born. His flight plan was to fly over Cologne, and then to head for Giessen where he was to deliver 114 five gallon cans of gasoline. After he passed Cologne, he was flying on a course that was supposed to be clear of Germans. There was one isolated pocket right under their route, however, and the Colonel’s plane took a 20mm burst in the gas tanks between the wings. A B-24 bomber was shot down over this same area that same day.

The C-47 instantly caught fire, mostly in the cabin area. With great skill and courage he took the plane down landing it gear up in a pasture. He commanded the crew and a passenger to all get out of the plane quickly. He even physically pulled the co-pilot out of his seat and pushed him toward the rear exit door. He got the plane down so quickly that everyone, except Colonel Berger, was able to exit the fuselage door to safety.

As his crew tried to reach him, which was impossible because the cockpit had turned into an inferno, they could still see him silhouetted through the flames, but there was no movement. He was already dead.

The ironic tragedy was that one month later, on May 8, 1945, VE Day (Victory in Europe), the 316th, having served for thirty months overseas, was on its way home to the United States. But it went home without our beloved commander.

“On a Saturday morning in mid-summer 2004, I received an e-mail from one Karlo Berger who found that I had written a history of the 316th.

He wondered if it “mentioned” his grandfather, “Skip” Berger. That, of course, was our Colonel Harvey A. Berger. “Mentioned?” The namesake for our “Berger Bouncers” football team?

Our commander, who was memorialized with a plaque, hanging to this day at the local hospital as a result of donations in his name following his death?

After many exchanges, not only with Karlo, but also with his father Tom, who teaches English at St. Lawrence College in New York, they fall of 2004. The Bergers, Karlo, Tom, and Jakob (Tom’s other son) finally met Colonel Berger’s military family: the fellow officers and the enlisted airmen he commanded.

They listened to recollected stories and flipped The honor guard laying the wreath through photo alat the WWII Memorial bums.

They laughed at our tall tales and heard of our admiration for their father and grandfather. And Tom was also a member of our wreath laying honor guard: in memory of the husbands and fathers who did not return from the war.

At the formal banquet, Tom asked if he might say a few words to the gathering. As he spoke, his voice adopted a Shakespearean quality as he recited from Shakespeare’s Henry V, Act IV, Scene 3: after the Battle of Agincourt on Saint Crispian’s Day, when the King speaks of “we happy few, we band of brothers.” Tom ended this soliloquy while looking about the room, gathering all of us in, veterans, spouses and second generation families (many now with tears in our eyes): “…And we are all that Band of Brothers.”

Tom Berger was four years old when his Dad died.

All that his Mother told him about his Dad’s misfortune was to be brave. In retrospect, Tom asked: “How does a four year old know how to be brave?”

The rewards of writing it down are not monetary. No, the real rewards are that memories, words, a history gathered together can reach out to others who are looking for those facts, memories and words of love and comradeship. A niece, a son, a grandson can “find” a story or two in a history that includes their lost and heroic loved ones. Fine rewards!

A mici d’ italia italian american association The purpose and eligibility of Amici d’ Italia (Friends of Italy) is dedicated to the promotion of the Italian American heritage.

JOIN US! So we can make a difference WE CAN ALL GIVE TOGETHER TO OUR ITALIAN COMMUNITY, AND PUT OUR IDEAS TO WORK! “A Country is not a mere territory; the particular territory is only its foundation.

The Country is the idea which rises upon that foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of fellowship which binds together all the sons of that territory.”

Quote: Giuseppe Mazzini

Yearly Membership Only $50.00!

Additional Family Members $25.00!

To join the Amici d’ Italia Association and for more information visit the website

www.amiciorgit.net or call

773-836-1595 amici d’ italia association, p.o. box 595, river grove, il 60171

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 31

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

By Andrew Guzaldo

G

iada De Laurentiis’s passion for food began with her roots. Her passion for food was sparked as a child as she learned to prepare recipes for her frequent family gatherings. Giada grew up in the kitchen, with her Grandfather, Mother and Aunts.

Her grandfather’s family owned a pasta factory in Naples and they at that time would have to do their sales going door to door in search of prospective buyers for their pasta.

So the love of foods obviously has been passed down from generations and is a passionate family tradition, which now is where her passion for food began. But not just passion for food but the very apparent way she prepares the food.

Born in Rome, Giada grew up in a large Italian family where the culture of food was a staple in and of itself. As the granddaughter of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, she learned to prepare many of the family’s recipes as well as other Italian specialties.

Giada’s passion for cooking flourished through professional training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she specialized in both cuisine and pastry. Later, she moved to Los Angeles, where her experience included positions at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Fine Dining Room and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Beverly Hills. Giada is a private chef and caterer, as well as founder of GDL Catering in Los Angeles. In addition to Everyday Italian, as the host of Behind the Bash, Giada takes viewers behind the scenes of six-figure weddings, high-roller Vegas soirees and Hollywood movie premieres to see what goes into creating the world’s most spectacular parties. Giada’s recent book called “Every Day Pasta” is available. It is a book you most definitely would want in your Kitchen.

Pizzettes with Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese, and Prosciutto Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis, Show: Everyday Italian, Episode: The Art of Antipasti Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 large onions, sliced (about 4 cups) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence 1 teaspoon sugar 1 ball purchased pizza dough (about 12 to 16 ounces) 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup) 2 to 3 ounces prosciutto (about 5 large slices), cut into 2 by 2-inch pieces Parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish Special equipment: 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter Directions: In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the onions, salt, pepper, herbs de Provence, and sugar. Stir to combine. Continue cooking over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and dark golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Roll out the pizza dough into a 1/4-inch-thick round. Using the cookie cutter, cut out 24 dough circles. Arrange the circles on a large heavy baking sheet. Place a small spoonful of the caramelized onions on each dough circle. Top with a small amount of goat cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

While still hot, top each pizzette with a piece of prosciutto. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with sprigs of parsley or rosemary. Serve immediately.

32 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Amici Journal congratulates GIOACCHINO’S TO THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY!

5201 ST. CHARLES RD., BELLWOOD, IL

Phone: 708-544-0380 Fax: 708-544-3362

Closed Mondays; Tues - Thurs 10:30 am - 12 Mid; Fri & Sat 10:30 am - 2 am; Sun 11 am - 11 pm YOUR HOSTS: JACK, NELLA & BIANCA

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For Our Stuffed, Pan & Thick Pizzas Lasagna, Spaghetti Sauce & Panzarotti By a recent Tribune survey

Food experts from the Chicago Tribune all agreed that the Gioacchino’s Inc, have created a taste that placed them among the best pizza restaurants out of 98 in the Chicago land area. Gioacchino’s Inc, was also selected # 1 in the western suburbs in three categories - thick, pan and stuffed pizza.

ALSO Best Spaghetti & Meatballs

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However, pizza isn’t all that Gioacchino’s Inc. excel in. Among their delicious homemade specialties are lasagna, cheese & meat ravioli, mouth-watering ‘” mostaccioli; also Chicken Vesuvio, Veal Scallopini, Veal a la Marsala,. Veal a la Francaise, Veal Parmigiana, Baked Mostaccioli, Chicken Cacciatore, Fettuccini Alfredo, Perch, French Fried Shrimp, Italian Baccala, Fish Platter and many other Calabrese style dishes, including their own pizza puff.

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THE 3 OLIVES RESTAURANT REVIEW

By John Rizzo “Atsa spicy miet-a-bol!” barked the commercial for Alka Seltzer back in the good old prepolitically correct days. Being a Brioschi man myself, this commercial never motivated me to buy their product, but it always did make me hungry for Italian food – especially spaghetti and meatballs. Too bad the 3 Olives wasn’t around then or I might have went running there every time that commercial came on. That’s because the 3 Olives has some of the tastiest meatballs I’ve ever had!

A

ctually, the 3 Olives, on the east end of the big mall at Lawrence and Cumberland in Norridge, has a lot of great Italian selections, but those meatballs…

It’s sad but true that a lot of Italian restaurants, some of them pretty good, too, offer meatballs only as an afterthought, there are so many other wonderful dishes in demand. But at 3 Olives preparing meatballs is an art form. They’re small, but not too bready or clumpy, and the red sauce is absolute dynamite – the flavors explode so pleasurably. So always get an order of meatballs whenever you go there.

The first thing on the table is a basket of fresh Italian bread and a dish with a colorful assortment of imported olives. Then, right out of the oven come a number of pastry balls with garlic. I don’t know what they call them but they were darn good and they didn’t last long!

So with a little of the superb house Italian wine, we were into a great dinner already. We tried three appetizers, all of them good. The fried calamari had a firm crust, but the squid inside was delightfully tender. When the calamari is that good, it’s a favorable portent of what’s to come. That’s because it shows that the cooks are concentrating on what they’re doing. If it’s cooked just a few seconds too long, you get that “rubbery” effect.

34 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Another appetizer that’s very good is the Baked Clams. They’re small but not crusty, and they have a snappy flavor. Perhaps the most unique item in the excellent 3 Olives fare is the Fried Zucchini, which is a serving of unbattered zucchini slices cut razor thin. I’m not sure exactly how they make them but there’s definitely some garlic and olive oil involved and they are just great!

We tried two different soups – Seafood Gumbo (a special item for that particular evening) and Pasta Fagiole. Both are very hearty and tasty, but very tomatoey, and use farfalle pasta. Our main course consisted of three selections from the regular menu that we shared. The Spaghetti Pomodoro with a side of meatballs (did I mention the meatballs?) was my personal favorite and the one to which I gave the most attention. The pasta was al dente the way I like it and it was obviously prepared with the delicious red sauce so that each delectable strand was well coated. The Risotto Seafood was outstanding. Crammed with truly fresh clams, mussels, calamari and shrimp, the Arborio rice was professionally done, with every kernel firm in texture. A light tomato sauce made the concoction very tasty. From the Meat selections we shared an order of Veal Scaloppine Piccata.

Advertised as “Sautéed with lemon butter sauce and capers, served with spinach and oven roasted potatoes” I think there might have been some wine in there someplace, it was so delicious.

And their potatoes literally melt in your mouth.

Even though, by this time, we were well filled and had a pile of doggie bags to take home, we ploughed ahead into dessert and were very well rewarded for our efforts. We just could not resist trying two of our favorites – the Tortino di Cioccolato (“Flourless Chocolate cake topped with fior di latte ice cream”) and 4 mini Cannoli (“With classic chocolate chip and ricotta filling”). Even with dessert, the portions were generous enough that we had some to carry out and enjoy later.

The 3 Olives is a neat and a fun place to visit. With two large private party rooms, the place is suitable for a celebration of any occasion. As the name implies, they are very proud of their Martinis, and rightly so. My wife says her Cosmopolitan was perfect, and she knows from whence she speaks! Joann Buccini, a delightful lady from the Abruzz’ (where they surely know a little something about Italian cooking), runs the place and has reaped the rewards of an aggressive marketing strategy.

They have a lively bar, an annual golf outing, regular live music and a number of sports and entertainment packages. The décor is modern but the food and excellent service are very traditional. The wine list is not huge but all the main Italian and Californian vintages are well represented and are reasonably priced. Italian wines are imported by Midways’ International Corporation, Chicago, IL, and distributed directly to 3 Olives.

Naturally there’s plenty of free parking.

All in all, the 3 Olives should definitely be up there at the top of your list of homey Italian restaurants. The 3 Olives is also the home of the monthly Amici d’ Italia Association meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. It’s always a day I look forward to. Buon appetito!

The 3 Olives 8313 W. Lawrence, Norridge, Ill. 708-452-1545 / www.the3olives.com

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Custom created one-of-a-kind gourmet specialties BANQUETS • PRIVATE ROOMS • CATERING AVAILABLE Open 7 Days a week: Monday - Thursday 4:00pm-11:00pm Friday & Saturday 4:00pm-12:00pm Sunday 2:00pm-11:00pm

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 35

LEARN ITALIAN IN A PUZZLE FORM WRITE THE ANSWERS DOWN IN ITALIAN

By Andrew Guzaldo

Across

Down

1. Enough 7. Hard 8. Down 10. Lost 12. With 14. Transmitted 16. Counter Sign 17. Six 18. Sense 21. Third 22. Supply 25. Snow 27. Oil 29. Remainder 30. The

2. Surprise 3. We 5. Produce 6. South 7. Hard 11. Explosion 13. Necessary 15. Wife 19. Which 20. Him 23. North 24. Month 26. (with) You

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EMAIL: CIGARSPLUS@YAHOO.COM 36 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Lo-Lo’s

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THE DOCTOR A . HAWATMEH LEGACY Courtesy of IlPensiero

by Andrew Guzaldo Abbiamo visitato recen-tamente il Dottor Abe Hawatmeh nei suo nuovo ufficio al #12345 West Bend Drive, al secondo piano, un ufficio bello elegante e spazioso. Da quanto Salim and Barbara Hawatmeh abbiamo capito questo nuovo complesso offer sul luogo Procedure Urologiche per uomini, donne e bambini. Il Dottor Abe ci recevette con il suo solito ed affabile sorriso dicendo, “Venite, voglio presentarvi mio figlio Salim”. Ci trovammo cosi in presenza di un bel givanotto, alto cordiale e dall’ aspetto intelligente L’orgoglioso papa’ aggiunerse che il Dottor Salim, dopo il tirocino in Urologia presso la rinomata Linica Mayo in Rochester Minnesota, decise di tornare a St. Louis e unirsi alla Compagnia del padre, South County Urological Salim e’ nato in Giordania ha vissuto per due anni in Italia e poi e’ cresciuto in St. Louis ed e’ cittadino Americano. Oltre all’inglese parla I’Italiano,I’Arabo, Il Francese e lo Spagnolo. La lingua Italiana I’ha appresa in famiglia dal padre e dalla madre Rita, nativa di Parma, e I’ha Praticata spesso in Italia presso I Nonni materni. Salim frequento’ la

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Country Day High School, poi la Stanford University ed infine la St. Louis University Medical School . Avebdo poi scelto la Specialita’ di sua “Residency” per cinque anni. Durante la sua breve carriera il Dottor Salim fu autore di numerose Pubblacazioni e articoli di Ricera e ricivette prestigiosi Premi. La comunita’ Italiana puo’ certamente essere orgogliosa di lui. Il Dottor Abe e’ ugualmente orgoglioso della figlia Barbara, anche lei con una billante carriera scolastica e una grande abilita’ di parlare diverse Lingue. Barbara e’ partcularmente attaccata all’Italia, che cerca di visitare ad ogni possibile occasione. Lei ha scelto una duversa carriera e si e’ laureata dalla Washington University Law School. Dopo di che ha ottenuto la prestigiosa borsa di studio Fulbright per studiare all’ Instituto Universitario Europeo a Firenze e ha conseguito un Master in Legge Europea. Ora lavora come Avvocato presso una Compagnia locale. I personaggi come quelli di questa famiglia, con le loro attivita’ reppresentano la punta di diamante nella societa’ in cui viviamo, e fanno onore a tutti gli Italo-Americani. Circa trenta anni fa su questo giornale presentammo il Dorror Abe Hawatemeh alla comunita’ di St. Louis, con l’augurio di buon successo per la sua carriera. Il risultato lo sappiamo tutti. Chi avrebbe imaginato che dopo tanto tempo ci saremmo ritrovati di fronte ai figli, all’inizio delle loro carriere. Ora con lo stesso fervore rinnoviamo a Salim e Barbara gli stessi auguri che facemmo al papa’ trenta anni fa.

o i c c u Tot izzeria P

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WE ALSO DO CATERING Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 37

An Italian Christmas the Festive Time of the Year

A

Courtesy of Jaqueline Miconi “Natale coni tuoi; Pasqua con chi vuoi” Christmas with your family; Easter with whomever you wish!

s the final leaves of autumn’s descent crunch beneath our feet and the crisp breeze of the Northern winds whisp delicate snowflakes from the first snowfall upon our faces, the childhood excitement of this joyous season ignite a feeling of merriment. Memories of family, friends and tradition easily come rushing back. The glorious season of giving and togetherness is clearly upon us. It is a time to prepare for delightful entertaining and heart felt gift giving; a time to prepare traditional holiday fare and create an atmosphere where the comforts of home will be felt by all who enter. A festive time of year that can’t help but spark inner warmth.

This magical season begins immediately as we bid farewell at the close of Thanksgiving dinner and lasts until the very moments when little hands tear into the many gifts under beautifully adorned Christmas trees. This month long celebration allows us to reconnect with friends and loved ones, while sharing the many traditions and customs we come to associate with this festive holiday season. There’s something reassuring about tradition, that invigorates us, and inspirits us year after year to recreate memories that will last a lifetime. And as we open our homes and hearts to loved ones, it is so important to allow the many customs and traditions that we treasure inspire these occasions.

For Italian Americans, the Christmas season is the most beloved time of year. A time to join together, in unison around the family table, and celebrate heritage and customs, that have been passed down for generations. A time for grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to unite, to carry on long standing culinary traditions, share in the laughter and joys of past memories and look forward with anticipation to what the New Year may hold.

And it was in Italy where Christmas is said to have originated in 274 AD. The popular colors of Christmas (red and green), came from the colors of the Italian flag, and it was a Franciscan friar, St. Francis of Assisi, who first introduced the Christmas carol.

He was also the person who created the first ‘presepio’ (nativity scene). St. Francis, who was from Assisi, a small town in Umbria, started the popularity of the nativity in Italy, when in December 1223, he created a life size scene, using actual people and animals, in a stable in the town of Greccio in the valley of Rieti. The usual scene consists of a stable with statues of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the 3 Wise Men and various farm animals. In Italy, each town usually has one in their central piazza, while individual townspeople erect them on their front lawns. So don’t be surprised if you enter an Italian American’s home and see a nativity scene set up.

Celebrate Italian Style is available online at www.allthatsitalian.com

Jackie’s family celebrating the release of her cookbook

38 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Mussels

in Garlic Butter Sauce Mussels cooked this way is ideal when making many dishes - it is quick, easy and extremely flavorful.

And as far as mussels go, I remember heading down to the beach from my grandmother’s home and watching her gingerly pluck bushels of mussels from the rocks, then coming home and sauting them. Now there’s no fresher fish than that....

3-4 pounds mussels 1 1/2 cups cornmeal 1/2 cup olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic (minced) 1 16 ounce can chicken broth 2 1/2 cups white wine 1/4 cup parsley 2 teaspoons salt Fresella or Italian bread Scrub and debeard mussels. Place in a large bowl. Pour cornmeal over the mussels, then add water until mussels are totally submerged. Mix and allow to sit for about 1 hour to allow mussels to expel any sand. Drain and rinse.

In a large deep frying pan, add olive oil and butter and warm on low heat. Add garlic and saute for about 4 minutes. Then add broth and wine.

Increase heat to medium/high and add mussels.

Allow sauce to simmer and cook until all the mussels have opened, about 8 minutes. Discard any that have not opened. Serve immediately with Fresella or Italian bread.

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CALL FOR DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION Nuccio & Rocco Invite You To

Vince’s Italian Restaurant

Holiday Shopping Plaza 4747 N. Harlem Ave., Harwood Heights, IL (708) 867-7770, www.vincesonharlem.com

Serving Pasta, Veal, Steaks, Seafood & Pizza • Distinctive Dining • Cocktail Lounge • Live Entertainment - Fridays and Saturdays • Banquets for all occasions - extensive dining and corporate facilities for up to 100 guests • Delivery and Carry-Out, Catering Service Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week Proud Sponsor of Easter Seals Chicago

Visit our other restaurants at www.RoccoVinos.com

RoccoVino’s

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Reservations on weekends, Party Rooms available

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RoccoVino’s Italian Eatery Counter Service

627 Meacham Rd., Elk Grove, IL

(847) 524-2411

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 39

Sister Cities By: Nancy Colby

Delegation comes to USA

Giovanni Battista Caputo, a firefighter in Termini Imerese, was very Members of Elk Grove Village (EGV) Sister interested in what Fire Chief David City, Termini Imerese, arrived on October 11, L. Miller, had to say about a new for 10 days to work with their counterparts on thermal imaging camera that allows economic, cultural and educational issues. Ten you to see through smoke, find hot EGV Sister City members boarded a bus to spots, locate people and any electriO’Hare to greet our delegates at the airport. We cal issues. anxiously awaited their arrival with our banner, Nancy Carlson, Econom“Beneventi 2007 Italian Delegation.” At least ic Development Director of EGV, two dozen people had the same comment after guided our tour of the Business they read the banner. “They’re coming.” We Park. She pointed out the transforhad to laugh -- our Sister City members were mation and revitalization of the area definitely noticed on the airplane. All 32 mem- with widening the streets to accomLeft to right: Giovanni Batista Caputo, President of the Council of bers of the Italian delegation walked off the modate the large semi-trucks and Bagheria, Giorgio Scarsone, Mayor of Bagheria, Craig Johnson, plane wearing blue polo shirts embroidered with landscaping in the medians to help Mayor of EGV, Gianfranco Muscarella, Village Trustee of Caccamo, Bartolo Vitale, President of the Council of Collesano, Desidero our Sister City logo and white Coppole hats also beautify the park.

Capitano, Mayor of Caccamo, sitting is Giuseppe Campagna, Vice emblazoned with the logo and “I love Sister CitThe delegation also visited Mayor of Trabia. ies.” with the President of the Cook County Board, ings that are more then 100 years old with brand Mayor Craig Johnson and trustees, Commissioner Todd Stroger. They attended and new buildings or turning a depressed shopping Nancy Czarnik, Jim Petri, Sam Lissner, Chris participated in the Cook County Board Meeting center into a profitable shopping district. The Prochno and Pat Feichter officially welcomed where the Commissioner Stroger approved a tour ended with a little vino at Regina’s Italian the delegation to EGV on Friday, October 12.. Resolution and Declaration of Friendship and Restaurant.

Many wonderful gifts were exchanged, includ- Exchange Agreement between the Province of Dr.Ciro and Claing a quilt made by 20 children in Termini Palermo and the County of Cook. Mayor Daley udia Cirrincione hosImerese, illustrating “What Living in Termini welcomed the group and spoke about his love ted a spectacular wiImerese Means to Me”, along with pictures of for Sicily and his respect for Italian Americans ne tasting and dinner EGV’s last trip to Sicily in 2005. An inscription in Chicago. They also visited with the Counsel with food celebrated on the back of the quilt sums it up best, “This General of Italy in Chicago to discuss the busi- from around the quilt is a gift from all of us to our extended fami- ness opportunities available to the delegation in world. What a great lies in EGV. Each block was made with love Cook County and Elk Grove Village. evening of wine, food and represents our community and a part of our- and entertainment, Itasca Mayor, GiGi Graber, guided a walking and trolley tour of the area. thank you for opeFirst was a walk through the Mu- ning your house to nicipal Building and Police Depart- everyone, the evement. The end of the tour was an ning was superb!!

The delegation especially sweet treat, a tour of the Craig Johnson, Mayor of EGV: Willy Wonka factory. The sweet separated into gro- sports a “coppola”, given to smell of candy was overwhelming ups concentrating on him by Agostino Calderone, owner of La Coppola. as the trolley approached the build- the schools, hospital, ing. The tour was a sweet ending to business and government, in an effort to strengthen our cultural exchanges, international our tour of Itasca.

Arlington Heights Mayor, trade and economic development. The business Arlene Mulder, stressed the impor- delegation visited Harris Bank, Pulte Homes, tance of finding ways of creatively Kimball, Gullo International, Corpo Collision marrying old and new to be success- and Fox Valley Motor for exchanges of business ideas and opportunities. ful whether it is at blending build The education group experienced a Claudia Milano and Teresa Pusateri, typical day at Salt Creek School. Students were Termini Imerese Sister City members. working on computers, checking out books, selves. Just like this quilt we are drawing in Art class and playing at recess, to bonded together like a seam… we name a few things. They were able to experience are one.” a 4th grade math class learning “regrouping”.

This year the annual Colum Our Termini Imerese colleagues, Drs. bus Day Parade was celebrated on Fricano, Moreale, Aiello, Montana, Pisciotta Saturday, October 13, which worked and Cipolla visited Alexian Brothers Medical out great since our delegation was Center (ABMC). The tour of the hospital not here on Columbus Day. The pabegan in the Magneto Encephalography rade is a great opportunity for Italian Center. ABMC is the only hospital in Illinois Americans to express pride in their that has a Magneto Encephalography (MEG) heritage and culture. system which is a state of the art imaging The Delegation enjoyed an method for tracking brain activity. The ICU interesting tour of the EGV Fire DeMembers of EGV and Termini Imerese Sister City celebrating was of particular interest to Drs. Aiello and partment training facility.

Pisciotta, who as anesthesiologists manage the Columbus Day. 40 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Intensive Care Unit at their hospital in Termini Imerese.

Drs. Aiello and Piciotta joined Dr. Dugan in the ICU to observe a procedure.

The Gala dinner was the final celebration with our delegates. The theme of the gala was “Il Mondo” (the world), a cultural celebration of native dancing from Africa, China, Japan and Mexico. The vibrations of the taiko drums permeated through the room, and the ornate costumes and energetic dance routines absolutely amazed the crowd. In honor of our Italian visitors the entertainment ended with an incredible tribute to the performances of Luciano Pavarotti. The entertainment was absolutely spectacular.

Many thanks especially to Maria and Giovanni Gullo, chairman and co-founder of EGV Sister City, and

QTermini Imerese Sister City members at the Gala dinner.

QEGV & Termini Imerese Sister City Members Gina and Nat Sclafani, for the countless number of hours expended to pull this whole thing together. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedication and generosity.

Our visitors have enjoyed a whirlwind tour of EGV, Chicago and surrounding areas. Many thanks to all of our members who helped make this exchange an enormous success. This was an incredible amount of work from arranging the daily activities, interpreters, transportation, lodging, food and a magnificent Gala dinner for over 600 people to celebrate our bond of friendship with our Sicilian delegates.

Every trip strengthens the bond of friendship between Termini Imerese and EGV, allowing us to blend the American and Italian heritages of these two cities. Our extended family members have touched our hearts and lives in many ways. Saying good-bye at the airport was very emotional and sad for everyone. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Until we reunite again in Sicily, memories of our friends remain in our hearts…

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Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 41

CONDOTTIERE MEDIEVAL WARRIORS OF THE 13TH CENTURY Condottiere 1330-1500 Infamous medieval mercenaries by David Murphy

T

he term condottiere literally translates as ‘contractor’ and derives from the condotta or contract that defined the agreement between mercenaries and the Italian state or princedom that employed them. It is now generally used to describe the leaders of bands of condottieri, or contractors, but technically speaking any mercenary who signed a condotta, or was included in the terms of a condotta, can be referred to as a condottiere.

While several mercenaries were later credited with the title, according to the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani the ‘father of all condottieri’ was Roger di Flor, who was born in Brindisi in the mid-13th century. He initially enlisted in the service of the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II, before serving with the Knights Templar.

Around 1302 he travelled to Constantinople with his ‘Catalan Grand Company’ and signed a condotta to serve the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II. Like so many condottieri that followed him, he was soon more powerful than his employer and embarked on a campaign of self-enrichment. In 1306, in a fatal lapse of caution, he allowed himself to be lured to a supposedly friendly meeting with his employers, where he was assassinated along with his escort. In many ways it could be argued that this ‘proto-condottiere’ set the tone for the men who followed in this profession; not only in his methods but also in his relations with his employer.

The true condottieri system had its genesis in the 13th century as increasing numbers of foreign troops crossed the Alps into the Italian peninsula in search of employment. By the early 1300s, there were numerous mercenaries in Italy and these consisted of Germans, French, Catalans and Swiss, among others. They were led by accomplished knights such as Werner of Ürslingen (d. 1354). Native Italian condottieri such as Castruccio Castracane (1281–1328) were extremely rare among this first generation of condottieri.

Filippo Scolari, otherwise known Following the Treaty of Brétingy in 1360, which ended the first phase of the Hundred Years War, a large as ‘Pippo Santo’, a native of number of unemployed soldiers travelled to Italy to seek employment in the armies of the city states. These men Florence and a condottiere who now included significant numbers of English and they often banded together in free companies. Under an elected exported his talents and served Sigismund of Hungary. He is captain they then offered themselves for hire. depicted in a mural by Andrea These mercenary units included the White Company, the Black Company, the Company of the Flowers, the del Castagno in the Villa Company of the Star and several companies of St George. While foreigners were in the majority in these early Carducci, Florence. condottieri companies, from the 1370s an increasing number of Italians began to serve as condottieri, and they in (Author’s photograph) turn came to dominate the condottieri system. The later condottieri of the 15th century contained in their ranks a large number of men from the poorer regions of Italy.

In essence the condottieri system was defined by the elaborateness of the legal contracts that controlled these mercenary arrangements. The sophistication of these mercenary contracts led to the evolution of a military system that was unique to medieval Italy. One could over-simply and define ‘condottiere’ as a mercenary who fought for pay, but the condottieri system was an extremely nuanced one. The condottiere was an absolute military professional who served his employer without any considerations of nationality, ideology or wider political allegiances. In the businesslike atmosphere of medieval Italy, it is perhaps not surprising that the contracts that governed the employment of condottieri were intricate and legalistic. The terms of these contracts can be seen as being mutually binding and beneficial but, as the condottieri held the balance of military power, one could argue that these contracts were biased in favour of the mercenaries.

By the 15th century, the terms of such contracts had achieved a certain level of uniformity. For an agreed sum, the condottiere agreed to serve his employer for a fixed period. An advance was usually paid and further payments came in instalments. The contracts included insurance clauses and compensation for A mid-15th-century memorial medal of Niccolò Piccinino (d. 1444), serious injury or loss of limb. In 1446, for example, a condottiere in the Venetian service named Ferrando da the son of a Perugian butcher, who Spagna was offered a pension of 6 lire a month having lost his right arm in battle. He preferred to take a lump became a leading condottiere. sum of 40 ducats and remain in service. It was often stipulated that the condottieri were to be allowed to buy He was succeeded by his two sons, their food at preferable rates when not on campaign. Contracts also covered the issue of captured plunder Jacopo and Francesco Piccinino, while on campaign; the condottiere was allowed to keep all plunder taken in enemy territory and also all who both grew up to be condottieri.

(Private collection) arms, armour and equipment captured from defeated troops.

Additionally, there were sometimes special clauses that offered bonus rewards or rights of citizenship to condottieri who exhibited bravery in battle. Finally, many condotte included a final payment, in return for which the condottiere agreed not to work for his employer’s competitors for a certain period after the expiration of his contract. In any business terms, this arrangement can only be seen as a good deal. What then did the condottiere supply in return? Firstly he was required to provide a certain number of fully equipped men, usually a mixture of cavalry, dismounted men-at-arms and archers or crossbowmen. This force had to be kept well trained and equipped and had to be ready to be deployed by the employing state at a moment’s notice. In doing this, the condottiere fulfilled his primary function. If he was successful on campaign, any captured castles and estates reverted to the employer and the condottiere could keep portable property only. The condottiere was also obliged to keep his men in good order while on friendly soil and was to stop looting and violence towards civilians.

42 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Paolo Uccello’s famous painted equestrian monument to Sir John Hawkwood (d. 1394) in the Duomo in Florence. Completed in 1436, many years after Hawkwood’s death, it depicts the renowned and feared English condottiere and Hundred Years War veteran in later 15th-century costume and armour. Hawkwood is also shown with a somewhat cadaverous appearance. (Author’s photograph)

Within condottieri armies, the basic unit of organization was the ‘lance’. While there were variations within different condottieri companies and bands, a lance usually consisted of a mounted knight, a squire, a page and two archers or men-at-arms. Each lance therefore consisted of five men, and the condottiere would contract to provide a certain number of lances to serve his employer. As the condottieri system developed, the number of lances controlled by the more powerful condottieri increased in number. In 1441, the band of the condottiere Micheletto Attendolo consisted of 561 lances or over 2,800 men.

The rates of pay of individual condottieri varied greatly throughout this period. Taking the Papal army as an example, in 1371 Pope Gregory XI was paying 18 florins per lance per month. This had been reduced to 15 florins by 1404 and, as the market flooded with potential condottieri, by 1430 the rate had slumped to just 9 florins per lance. Initially it was the practice to pay the leader of the condottieri company, on the understanding that he would then pay his men on a monthly basis. This system was open to abuse as the considerable sums passed over to condottieri captains represented a huge temptation.

For example, in January 1364, the famous English condottiere Sir John Hawkwood was given 150,000 florins by Pisan state officials to cover six months’ wages for his men. While Hawkwood had a reputation for dealing fairly with his men, other condottieri were less scrupulous and withheld their men’s pay for their own use. It therefore became more popular to pay each condottiere a fixed sum each month, and by the 15th century this process was often overseen by state officials or collaterali.

The collaterali ultimately became extremely important figures in the condottieri system as it was up to them to defend the state’s interest and see that the terms of each contract were filled. It would appear that initially they were appointed on a temporary basis to oversee each individual contract. By the 15th century, powerful condottieri such as the Viscontis and Sforzas, who eventually became successive rulers of the state of Milan in their own right, employed permanent collaterali to oversee the daily administration of their mercenary armies. The collaterali were responsible for the supply of food and weapons as well as the payment of wages. They also organized inspections and musters to ensure that their employer was receiving the number of troops that he was paying for. In 1468, one collaterale inspecting condottieri in Papal service found that one

cavalry unit was 13 horses short of its contracted strength of 200, while an infantry company was short by 12 men. On discovering deficiencies in men, horses or equipment, the collaterali could then levy fines on behalf of their employers. As a consequence, the collaterali became increasingly important.

By the late 15th century, powerful condottieri employed permanent collaterali to oversee the daily Muzio Attendolo Sforza, the son of an impoverished farmer administration of their mercenary who became a condottiere and armies, and by the latter part of the founded the Sforza dynasty, from century these men were responsible Luini’s fresco in Castle Sforza in for recruiting, discipline and even Milan. (Author’s photograph) obtaining intelligence about military movements.

Despite this high level of control, the condottieri system was open to abuse. Some states gained a reputation for being tardy in the matter of payment and this often provoked threats of desertion or defection by condottieri. In terms of actual sums paid, Florence gave the best rates, while both Milan and Venice gave poor rates of pay. In general, however, the system worked well and was constantly developing throughout this period. While the condottieri company had begun as more or less the property of its captain, by the end of the 15th century, states were recruiting soldiers directly. Although the armies might be commanded by officers who were condottieri, these changes in recruitment policy predicted the rise of professional standing armies.

This excerpt was provided courtesy of Osprey Publishing. For a complete list of Osprey’s military history books visit www.ospreypublishing.com, call 866620-6941 or write Osprey Direct, c/o Random House Distribution Center , 400 Hahn Rd , Westminster , MD 21157.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 43

GENERATION AFTER GENERATION FOLLOWING OUR HERITAGE, IN SAMBUCA DI SICILIA, AND OUR PATRONESS, MARY OF THE LISTENING HEART

I

nitially, The House of the Child Orphanage in Sambuca was one of the forces that pulled the Sambuca Club together. This was the orphanage in Sambuca started by Dr.& Mrs. Nicholas Maggio of Newark, New Jersey. It was dedicated to the memory of his parents Giorgio and Margherita Maggio (both natives of Sambuca). The Maggio’s had relatives in Chicago and the families would get together and send money to the orphanage – they called themselves the Sambuca Club. Today, the orphanage is a home for the aged.

As the club grew, the focus was expanded to include the religious foundation of its members. Maria SS. dell‘ Udienza, patron of Sambuca of Sicily (Agrigento), was the inspiration behind the creation of the St. Mary of Sambuca Society. The marble statue of the Blessed Virgin of the Listening Heart attributed to A. Gaggini, by the will of the people, was transferred from the tower of Cellaro to Sambuca, during the plague of 1575. In 1847, Pope Pius IX declared Mary of the Listening Heart the Patroness of Sambuca. He gave Mass & Office proper of the Feast in the year 1906, just about the same time that the greatest amount of immigrants from Sambuca began arriving in the US. Sambuca di Sicilia is located in Sicily, in the Agrigento Province, on a hill west of Lake Arancio. The town was referred to as Sambuca Zabut, after the Arab hamlet of “Rahl Zabut”, until 1923 when the name changed to Sambuca di Sicilia. The main street today, Corso Umberto I, is home to the beautiful Chiesa del Carmine).

The Society has been in existence in the form of a club or society for over 100 years. This particular club was conceived in Chicago, Illinois and the earliest record of a meeting hall show the location as Hobbie and Larabee. The Sicilians from the town of Sambuca gathered to offer support to the town of Sambuca, offer support to each other, and to celebrate their heritage and the Blessed Mother. They participated in the various religious fests of the neighborhood on Oak Street sponsored by all the different Italian organizations, including the one main Sicilian Fest – Maria SS. Lauretana. The fest included a religious procession, mass, and the flight of the angels hoisted well above the crowd at St. Philip Benizi Church on Cambridge and Oak Street. This was a major fund raising event and today that same fest is held in Berwyn, Illinois and Sicilian families come from all over to participate in the Fest.

As the years went on, and the society grew, they began reaching out to other groups that needed help; they created fund-raisers to pull in dollars to donate to charities. Some of the Charities that have benefited from the generosity of the St. Mary of Sambuca Club are: The Little Brothers of the Poor, Order Sons of Italy, Sister of St. Joseph, St. Mary’s of Providence Care Center for Retarded Children. The thriving club held the First Annual Dinner Dance on May 12, 1962 in the Grand Ballroom at the Sherman Hotel. They followed up with lavish dinner dances at the Martinique on 95th Street and Tivoli Gardens on Belmont. These dinner dances were another way of raising funds to support the various charities. Today, the club focuses on supporting the following charities: Ronald McDonald House, Misericordia, Fra Noi, National Multiple Sclerosis, Shriners Children Hospital. The club supports these charities through various fund-raisers including dinner dances, Holiday parties and “Bring a Dish”. The early club members continued to celebrate the traditions of their hometown.

To this day, the club celebrates St. Joseph’s Day with a grand St. Joseph’s Day Table, chaired year after year, by Minnie Nicolosi. (You might recognize that name from the famous Nicolosi Tavern on Cambridge and Oak Street in the original neighborhood where many Sicilians lived). In addition, the club celebrates SS. Maria dell’ Udienza and all saints to coincide with the celebration taking place the third Sunday in May in the town of Sambuca di Sicilia. This celebration in Sambuca begins on Friday and continues through the weekend. It includes several masses and a procession of about 700 members that carry the statue throughout the night on Sunday night. These events along with the Christmas Dinner Dance are the highlights of the year for the members of the club. They are not, by any means, the only events that we celebrate. The club sponsors a picnic in July and a Halloween Party in October.

44 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

The club supports its members in various ways. First, the club supports its members with special outings to plays and trips to the Casino. They also support members in time of need, by reaching out to members to support them in times of loss with the remembrance of the club flag at funerals, and providing assistance for families during problematic episodes in life. Finally, special recognition is granted to individuals who provide outstanding contributions to the club. These individuals can be recognized as the “Man/Woman of the Year”.

Looking at the list of members one can easily see generation after generation of certain families that have participated in the club, in addition to new families who have joined over the years. We look around and see sons, daughters, and grandchildren of Presidents past and present; Current President, Susan Vaughan; Chairman of the Board, Frank Orlando; 1st VP, Jack Amaro; 2nd VP. Jim Monico; 3rd VP, George Walsh; Treasurer, Nancy Valenti; Recording Secretary, Roseanne Monaco; Correspondence Secretary, Phyllis D’Anna; Financial Secretary, Minnie Nicolosi; Sgt of Arms, Jack Amaro.

We see children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of past members.

It is a community that members grew up with, and these members are bound by the memories created by this club over the years. At the most grand existence of the club, the club was over 335 members strong, today the club is looking for those members’s children and grandchildren to come join them to celebrate their heritage. St. Mary’s of Sambuca opened its doors to a variety of individuals of Italian decent, not only Sicilians with heritage from Sambuca but also all those interested in promoting the Italian-American heritage.

Meeting Information: 3rd Wednesday of each month at Biagio Banquets 4242 N. Central Chicago, Illinois

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ENTERTAINMENT

Il barbiere di Siviglia

By John Rizzo

T

he ironic nature of the situation could not possibly have escaped an experienced man of the theater like Gioachino Rossini. Indeed, even the greatest tragic poets would be hard pressed to express dramatic irony in a theatrical plot better than what actually went down with the premiere of Rossini’s greatest opera. The composer had done everything he possibly could to assure that the opening night of the opera we know as Il barbiere di Siviglia would be a happy and memorable evening. And yet, all was for naught, like the sub-title of the opera – L’inutile precauzione (The Useless Precaution)!

Today, no one can fault Rossini for what happened. The circumstances that led to disaster were all beyond his control.

Just being Rossini had its own special brand of trouble at this particular point in the evolution of Italian opera, meaning the way it was composed and how it was performed. The catastrophic political and social revolutions of the late 18th century and the subsequent turbulence of the Napoleonic era had their impact on every aspect of European civilization, including aesthetic taste. The age of the castrato-dominated Neapolitan gracefulness and classicism, that had characterized Italian opera for 200 years, was at an end. Like the Great Pyramids, the nearly 24-year-old Rossini dominated his surroundings, exhibiting a precocious, exuberant genius and a novelty of style that captivated audiences from Venice to Milan to Naples.

But the dinosaurs of the old guard were not yet totally extinct.

Given that Rossini composed his 600-page score (not including an overture, which is now lost), in two weeks or less, it is entirely possible, as some critics theorize, that the composer had been thinking about the Barber subject for some time. According to Rossini, it was a subject that “delighted” him. Taking full advantage of the freedom that allowed him to compose operas outside of Naples in his contract with superImpresario Domenico Barbaja, Rossini traveled to Rome in November 1815. Here he directed a production of his previously composed Il Turco in Italia (1814) and composed a new opera for the Teatro Valle, Torvaldo e Dorliska, with a libretto by one Cesare Sterbini, this writer’s first. (It is important to note that this theater almost exclusively produced opere buffe.) While this new opera was being rehearsed, Rossini negotiated with Duca Sforza-Cesarini, the impresario of the Teatro di Torre Argentina (which traditionally offered opere serie), to compose another new opera, specifically a buffa.

The Duke, it seems, was unable to secure (or to afford) the service of a ballet company for the beginning of the Carnival season. In those days, productions of the old-style opere serie were typically spiced up by ballets that routinely featured shapely and scantily clad ballerinas. If the opera failed to please, the ballet offered a sexy exhibition of female bodies, which would at least please the men in the audience. Without this attraction, the success of a new opera seria was a reach.

Thus the popular Rossini was approached to produce a comic piece. Initially, the Duke sought a libretto from a writer on the Argentina’s payroll, Jacopo Feretti. When this poet’s work was deemed sub-standard, Rossini suggested Sterbini, with whom the composer had just amicably collaborated. With time running short, Sterbini was hired to quickly put together a libretto on the subject of Beaumarchais’ popular play, Le barbier de Séville, ou La précaution inutile (1775).

It is not clear whether the chosen subject was Rossini’s idea, or the brainchild of Sterbini, which instantly “delighted”

46 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

the composer. Either way Rossini knew that there could be trouble ahead. That’s because Neapolitan Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816), still living, a vociferous opponent of the new (Rossini) school of opera, and also a man vehemently jealous of any other composers, had successfully produced Il barbiere di Siviglia, ovvero La precauzione inutile in 1782 in St. Petersburg for Catherine the Great. This relic was still considered a classic by Paisiello’s die-hard admirers. To deflect any possible outrage, Rossini: 1) wrote a polite letter to Paisiello, asking for permission to re-adapt the subject, 2) changed the title of the piece to Almaviva, ossia L’intutile precauzione and 3) attached an “Avvertimento al publico” to the libretto “for the purposes of convincing the public fully of the…respect and veneration…toward the greatly celebrated Paisiello,” held by Rossini. It should be pointed out that the Duke, who unfortunately A scene from The Barber of Seville. Photo by Dan Rest/Lyric Opera

died suddenly before the premiere, also did what he could to assure a triumph by engaging a stellar cast. Geltrude Giorgio-Righetti sang Rosina, Luigi Zamboni created Figaro and the great Manuel Garcia (father of three legendary figures in Romantic opera – Maria Malibran, Pauline Viardot and pedagogue Manuel Garcia) appeared as the first Almaviva. Last, but not least, Rossini contributed a musical masterpiece of a score, which is unsurpassed for sheer genius by any other composer.

The evening of February 20, 1816 was indeed memorable – as one of the most celebrated fiascos in opera history.

The Paisiello curmudgeons showed up to loudly express their sour grapes. The booing and whistling was intensified by a grumpy contingent from the rival Valle theater, upset because the Argentina was staging a buffa opera, which they felt was the exclusive province of their theater. If this were not enough, some weird things just happened in the course of the performance that got almost the entire audience in an uproar. Garcia busted a guitar string, the Don Basilio tripped and fell over a partly opened trap door, causing him to bleed from the nose and, at one point, a spooked cat went running wild on stage. To make matters worse, Rossini appeared downright clownish in a dandy new coat with big brass buttons given him by Barbaja.

Understandably, Rossini did not show up for the second performance. But, without the distractions and the mishaps of opening night, from that point on, Il barbiere di Sivigila (as the opera quickly came to be known), has justly remained one of the most popular operas of all time.

Lyric Opera’s production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia runs from Feb. 16 - Mar. 22. Call 312-332-2244 or visit www.lyricopera.org

Luciano Pavarotti 1935 – 2007

By John Rizzo “Listen to Pavarotti, class,” said Mr. Dodds, master music teacher of Roosevelt University, “hear the concentration and the focus, the perfection in his tone and phrasing. That’s what you strive for in music.” Like many things Mr. Dodds said, I didn’t comprehend this lesson at first. At that time, in the mid-‘70s, I wasn’t paying that much attention to singers anyway. Like most of my fellow students, I was more concerned with instrumental technique. But now I know, not only what my teacher meant, but also that Luciano Pavarotti personified one of the most cherished and elusive and enigmatic qualities of human existence – pure musical talent.

P

avarotti had not been a major force in opera for some time now, ever since he spent more time indulging in that Three Tenors business than singing live dramatic roles. Nevertheless, his death is a very sad occasion for opera lovers because it reminds us again that there are just no more great tenors anymore. Plácido Domingo was a great tenor, but although the 66-year-old artist still sings occasionally, he’d be the first to admit that he doesn’t sing like he used to. Why are there no more great tenors these days? It couldn’t be from lack of incentive. Anyone that could sing like Pavarotti or Domingo could write their own ticket. It’s about as much a mystery as talent itself.

house. It is quite a stirring scene and I heartily recommend seeing this video.

With all of his ability, Pavarotti only performed 25 roles in his career, but they were the very best roles. If you get a recording of him singing Rodolfo, Pinkerton, Cavaradossi, Nemorino, the Duke of Mantua, Manrico, Alfredo, Riccardo, Ernani, Carlo or Radames, you will be very well pleased.

When he approaches a high note you don’t worry about whether he’ll hit it or not like you do with even some of the most celebrated contemporary tenors. His work here was what my teacher, Mr. Dodds, was referring to when he was citing an example of musical perfection. And these wonderful performances make you think about what talent really is. Many singers

There’s really no such thing as a “natural” opera singer because the bel canto style of singing that is employed to produce that characteristic operatic sound is a learned system, hence the term, “trained voice.” No one is, or has ever been, a born bel canto singer. But Pavarotti was about as close to being a “natural” as there is. Born in Modena, and initially aspiring to be a professional football (soccer) goalie, Pavarotti had to spend seven long years learning how to sing, and he grimly remained dedicated despite the usual number of disappointments encountered by all young singers. I have no doubt whatsoever that the incredible talent he possessed would have come to the fore in a matter of time but, like many celebrities in all the performing arts, Fate gave his career a big boost.

After meeting with modest success after his 1961 professional debut in Puccini’s La bohème in Reggio Emilia (Rodolfo, by the way, became one of his signature roles), in 1963 Pavarotti found himself at the Royal Opera House in just the right place at exactly the right time. With the legendary, but aging, Sicilian tenor Giuseppe di Stefano indisposed, Pavarotti stood in for him to sing – what else? – Rodolfo! This London debut was the performance that caught the attention of diva Joan Sutherland and her conductor husband Richard Bonynge. As it turned out, they were looking for a competent tenor (one not too famous) with the physical stature to play a credible leading man to the Amazonian Sutherland in an upcoming tour of mainly Australia. The six-foot-plus Pavarotti filled the bill in the height-in-inches department and he could sing high too, which was perfect for the bel canto operas that Sutherland performed so memorably.

Following the Sutherland tour, Pavarotti burst into international prominence with his American debut in 1965, his La Scala debut in 1966 and his first Metropolitan performance in 1968. Pavarotti was now one of the two greatest tenors in the world. One of his most celebrated performances was in the first Italian opera tour of the People’s Republic of China in the ‘80s. Fortunately the Chinese La bohème production is video recorded and really embodies the essence of what Pavarotti was all about. When the melodic line of “Che gelida manina” ascends to those rarified heights that few tenors can manage, the Chinese audience could not wait until the traditional point to show their appreciation. As Pavarotti effortlessly spins off his high pitches, waves of vocal acclaim rock the opera

have perfect pitch or a brilliant vocal tone but they never make it to the big time. After listening to Pavarotti for countless hours, I am convinced that musical talent is the ability or the natural inclination to concentrate to the point of excluding all other stimuli. Some people have this knack more than others. I can’t think of anyone who had it more than Pavarotti.

As a human being, Pavarotti had perhaps more than his share of weaknesses. It was obvious that he over indulged in food and wine. He was by all accounts an unrepentant womanizer. He was also quite lazy, and this weakness directly affected his career. He never took the time to learn to read music, which is a tribute to his raw talent as well. This is also one of the reasons why he performed as few roles as he did. As an engagement approached, if he had not learned or had not become reacquainted with the music, and he didn’t feel like exerting himself, he would just blow off his commitment to perform. About the only thing I ever found myself in agreement with Ardis Krainik was her banning Pavarotti from future Lyric Opera performances in 1989. This happened only after the tenor had reneged on 25 out of 41 performances over an eight-year period. Two years later Chicagoans got another dose of Pavarotti’s laziness when he cancelled an appearance in a concert version of Tosca at Ravinia at the last minute. Probably the worst incident caused by the tenor’s laziness was when he got caught lip-synching at some kind of London benefit concert.

Despite the negative things about Pavarotti the man, we are certainly going to miss Pavarotti, the great tenor. For many of us, an artist of his genius will never brighten our lives again.

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 47

Sports “Torch” Helps

Light the Way for Blackhawks

By Joe Cosentino

On May 15 of this year, Chicago Blackhawks’ head coach Denis Savard hired John Torchetti and his 11 seasons of experience ­­ – gathered from coaching in five minor league seasons and one in the junior league and five in the National Hockey League. In the NHL, he was an assistant with Tampa Bay, Florida, and Los Angeles; twice serving as interim head coach John Torchetti with Florida and Los Angeles. Torchetti, 43, grew up in Boston, an original six NHL hockey city. Getting a job in the NHL is a great accomplishment, but to be an assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, another of the original six teams, adds to the joy for the son of John and Barbara Torchetti of Boston.

“I grew up knowing (Stan) Mikita, (Bobby) Hull, and (Tony) Esposito,” recalls Torchetti, while unlacing his skates following a practice.

“When I was 24 and playing in the minor leagues, Hull and Mikita use to come to the Bing Crosby Golf Tournament in North Carolina. I got to meet them. It was like a dream come true.”

Boston is a great sports town and the “hub of hockey” since the inception of the Boston Bruins in 1924. Within the New England area, there are several colleges noted for their fierce hockey rivalries. Every February since 1952, Boston hosts the Bean Pot Tournament featuring Northeastern, Harvard, Boston College and Boston University. The Bruins continue to be one of best franchises in the league. The Bruins have won five Stanley Cups during their history, including 1969-70 and 1971-72 when they were led by one of the all time great defensemen Hall of Famer Bobby Orr. Orr was Torchetti’s favorite player as well as everyone else in New England.

“Dad had season tickets for the Bruins,” says Torchetti, “until they traded Bobby to Chicago.”

Additionally, he watched the television with his family “in the kitchen” when the USA Men’s Hockey team led by Boston native Mike Eruzione won the Gold Medal in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. “Even 27 years later it’s something we hold onto,” he says.

Like most working class cities around the country, Boston had pubs on nearly every corner of every neighborhood. During the summer each had its own softball team. Torchetti played shortstop on his dad’s softball team as a youth. It was there he developed his affinity for fundamentals in sports and his desire to be a coach.

“It was pretty much instilled in me when I was a kid,” he says. “Dad believed in fundamentals – step back on an inside pitch, know where to throw the ball on a particular play, and so on. He believed in the basics and the repetition of them every time you played. That’s how I became a coach.”

He attended high school at the New Preparatory School in Cambridge, MA. New Prep was a hockey powerhouse. Several players from the school went on to play with Division I college hockey. Interestingly, Torchetti was considering a career in the military. His goal was to go to West Point; New Prep’s principal was a former Air Force pilot.

Torchetti did well at New Prep on a skating line that included Torchetti, (Tony) Lopilato and (Louis) Finnachiaro. “We had some great meals between our families,” Torchetti recalls.

“A lot of teams recruited me, but I ended up going to the Quebec Junior League,” he says. “I don’t know why.”

Torchetti’s dad, who worked for Bell Traffic in Boston for 35 years, encouraged him to pursue his dream of playing hockey. That eased his decision to pass up a college scholarship and play in the junior league. His dad said, “I’m not going to be upset with you … you’ll always have work with the family.”

It was a good choice. Although he never made it to the NHL, he did log in eight seasons as a left winger in the East Coast League, Atlantic 48 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

Coast League and the American Hockey league. He made seven appearances in the finals and was on four championship teams.

“I’m kind of glad I did it,” he says. “It worked out pretty good for me with the people I met.” Following his playing days, he took a job as assistant coach with the Greensboro Monarchs in the ECHL for the 1993-94 season. The next season, he moved up to the CHL as head coach for the San Antonio Iguanas. He lead the Iguanas to the playoff finals two years in a row before moving up again to a head coaching spot in the IHL with the Fort Wayne Comets.

“John is a great hockey mind,” Savard says. “We think alike which is great.Along with Harpo(assistant coach Mark Hardy) and Ryan(Stewart), we are a young staff, but we are a modern coaching staff. We have lots of enthusiasm.

We pick each other’s brain every day. jkhkj “Torch” has brought some great points to training camp. He’s a great addition to the staff.”

Torchetti (left in black) works with BlackIn 1999-2000, he John hawks’ players during practice at the United Cenreceived his first opportunity to coach in the NHL. He became an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He later moved to the Florida Panthers as an assistant but got a head coaching job as a midseason replacement in 200304. In 2005-06, he was hired again as a midseason replacement as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings for the final 12 games of the season. Unfortunately, he wasn’t retained the following season. In 2006-07, he was hired to coach the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Moncton was coming off a successful season which helped its coach Ted Nolan move up to a head coaching position with the NHL the New York Islanders.

“I came from a good situation in Moncton,” Torchetti says. “I had a couple of years on my contract. We finished fourth overall in the league with 15 rookies on the team.”

With Moncton, Torchetti coached the Wildcats to a 39-25-0-4 record and a third place finish in the QMJHL’s Eastern Division. The Wildcats were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

“He’s honest,” says Savard. “Besides the hockey knowledge he brings, he’s a hard worker and has a passion for the game. He’s here early in the morning like I am.”

“I’m married to hockey,” says the bachelor Torchetti.

Torchetti says a coach has a lot on his plate, with all the new players and especially with the young players. The Blackhawks feature two outstanding rookies, Jonathan Toews, 19, and Patrick Kane, 18. They are first round draft picks from 2006 and 2007, respectively.

“You have to define their roles,” Torchetti says. “Savvy has done a good job. He’s a workaholic. That’s what it’s all about and that’s all I know how to do is work.”

Torchetti’s job with the Blackhawks entails working with the power play. During a game he watches intently from the bench.

“The game never ends,” he says. “After a win you want to see what area you did well and what you did not do well... There’s always something to learn after a loss. You learn something about a team or a particular play every game.”

“One of the reasons I came here is I’m a teacher. I love to teach.

That’s what it’s all about,” he added. His parents always taught him to give 110 percent. “That was told to me when I was two-years-old by my mom and dad,” he says.

Knowing Torchetti, he’ll work towards giving 120 percent.

Events

Don’t miss “A TASTE OF VENETO”

Thursday, November 29, 2007. 7:00 pm Showcasing exquisite foods and wines from the Veneto Region of Italy presenting a 7 course gourmet dinner and wine tasting prepared by Award winning Chef Gabriele Ferron, Master of the Veronese kitchen.

Location: IACS Banquet Center at Partridge Creek Cost:$30.00 each ticket More info: 586-226-1582

WOMEN’S DIVISION ITALIAN HERITAGE BALL AND COTILLION

December 1st, 5:30 pm Location: Hilton Chicago Cost: $125 per person More info: 708-450-9050

CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG WITH CORO ITALINO

December 4th and 18th, 2007 Get in the spirit of Christmas Sing along to your favorite Italian and American Christmas Carols Location: IACS Espresso Café More info: 586 773-4127

I n Italy , Nicola Congiu, plays to huge audiences, screaming and devoted fans, and has built his fame both by touring with his orchestra, and appearing on national TV in many special Musical shows.

Nicola “Niko” Congiu has a three octave vocal range - easily handling current pop, rock and soul, as well as opera and classical music.

He is the composer and lyricist for many of the songs he performs, singing lyrics in both English and Italian. He is a man of many talents, and he will soon be performing across the U.S. in a series of concerts and events.

Contact Information: Kate Hughes/Lianne Wiker Noreen Heron & Associates, Inc. 773-477-7666

ELGIN OPERA GALA EVENT

Saturday, February 9, 6:00-7:00 pm & Sunday, February 10, 1:30–2:30 pm Includes a pre-opera lecture, champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, an opportunity to meet Elgin’s Mayor, Ed Schock, and to mingle with the cast after the performance Location: 326 Wilcox Avenue, Elgin IL 60123 Cost:$40.00 each ticket More info: 847-931-5900 or www.cityofelgin.org

SICILIA IL PAESAGGIO

December 8th, 2007, 4:30 pm Robert Cameriere, Walter Leonardi, Giuseppe Leone, Angelo Pitrone, Sandro Scalia, Ferdinando Scianna Location: Dominican University. 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL, 60305

JOINT CIVIC COMMITTEE OF ITALIAN AMERICANS

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 6:30 pm Annual Christmas Dinner...

Location: Porretta Banquet Hall, 3718 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL Cost: $35 per person More info: 708-450-9050

8122 Grand Avenue River Grove, IL 60171

ELK GROVE VILLAGE ITALIAN SISTER CITIES CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday, December 16, 2007, 11:30 am at lunch Reservation needed by December 1, 2007: Elk Grove Village Italian Sister Cities 1100 Landmeier Road Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Location: Avalon Banquets, 1905 East Higgins at Busse Road, IL Cost: $30 -adult, $10 -children 3-10 years, children under 3 years are free More info: 847-734-9800

MAGDALENA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Saturday nights December 8, 15 & 22, 2007 from 6 – 9 PM

Come and enjoy the great Italian food & the beautiful music performed by the singers of ELGIN OPERA TRAINING ENSEMBLE as well as some of the professional singers of the opera company. Repertoire will include Italian Songs, Famous Opera Excerpts, Show Tunes & Holiday Selections. Concert Pianist & Conductor, Rosemary Schroeder will accompany the singers at the piano.

Location: Café Magdalena.13 Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin More info: 847-742-2270

Joseph Rossi

QUALITY CARS GREAT PRICES

(708) 583-1133 Fax: (708) 583-1103

BRING AD FOR DISCOUNT

rko@sbcglobal.net Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 49

AMICI JOURNAL POET’S CORNER TREASURED ORNAMENTS

MY HERO - HEAVEN’S ANGEL

By Provy Chiappetta

By Maureen Terranova-Haut

Oh what a beautiful Christmas tree wearing ornaments so old, Some wonderful stories about these treasures can be told.

A ceramic ornament with children on a sled.

Glitter on bows so green and red.

Raging storm of tears shattered hopes dreams and fears.

Silence threatens me with this empty feeling inside my heart Sensing to be still letting God do his will.

My mother died leaving her inspiring legacy on earth Regaining eternal life relieving years of strife.

Feeling weak not being able to speak an ache within my soul Needing mama near holding me close, oh so dear.

Unpredictable storms of tears flow readily Knowing I am healing with the sadness I am feeling.

Hope for tomorrow I will gain knowing grief is not in vain.

Pain brings strength God promises this when we are weak He is strong God is never wrong. Trusting the judgment As a loved one leaves even as debilitating as grief can be.

My mother left many gifts which can only be felt with the Heart, faith, hope and love our just the start.

Someday when our time on earth has ended we hopefully will be With our family and friends in heaven broken hearts mended.

Our heavenly angel Patsy has arrived safely home in A magnificent place filled with an abundance of grace.

Hand in hand surely with our heavenly father above Showering her with all his everlasting love…….

Funny snowmen on a branch below.

A Christmas village covered with snow.

Drawings of Santa made by little hands, Hung up carefully with rubber bands.

Garland caressing every branch on the tree.

An angel at the top smiling so happily.

Gingerbread cookies made by family, Look so pretty on the tree.

Candy canes with stripes of red and white.

Rudolph with his nose so bright.

Christmas story books that were stored with care, Unpacked once again for all to share.

Teddy bears, wooden soldiers so tall.

Stockings filled with gifts for all.

Paper snowflakes decorate every window, Admired by neighbors as they come and go.

The drummer boy, the manger scene.

Hundreds of colorful lights on strings.

We now wait with open arms, For the special love and hope that Christmas brings.

Mom you have inspired and loved many, a precious gift.

You will be deeply missed. T’Aimo Maureen Terranova-Haut (9-16-07)

TO CARE WITH LOVE

By Richard C. Costabile

BUTTERFLY

By A. G. You fill ones heart with joy, From your sweet smile, To your laugh and humor.

As I have watched you, I have now learned you to be as a butterfly, Emerging from a Royal cocoon, With each passing day growing more beautiful in every way.

You are a mold of many individuals, You are a never changing pure sweet heart Never straying from those you love, You hold our hearts as well as our dreams.

Be who you are to be and fly where you wish, For you have lifted from that Royal cocoon fly as far as you want.

50 /AMICI Winter 2007/2008

The days of our lives can seem long The hours can drag on by But the love for one another will belong If only we learn to try.

To be loved, indeed, is gold To try, indeed, is the way And to say “hello” would be bold But, brother, that’s how it should be today.

So by trying to show that we care Is the plan of ours to bring The hope that others do not despair For each of us has done “our thing.”

Love could be the answer to a prayer One that we can all come to share Its blessings can never be rare If we all show that we care.

To “Amici” with love, Sincerest wishes, Richard C. Costabile @ An original “Song Poem” (1971) produced in Hollywood, played on Chicagoland Radio in 70’s by “Sisterhood” + Dick Kent etc.

SPEED’S II CITGO, INC.

Quick Mart

Peter Spino

7450 W. GRAND AVENUE ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707 (708) 453-3529 Fax (708) 453-3562

Frankie’s DELI

Since 1964

TRUSZ TRAVEL Since 1964

Yorktown Deli Inc.

773.889.1440

4 Convenience Center Lombard, IL 60148

Frank Conforti Phone: 630-627-7977

Mon - Fri 9:00 - 8:30

Saturday 9:00 - 5:00

Personal Service Cruises & Package Tours

Fax: 630-627-9512

Sunday 11:00 - 4:30 Have A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

• Mexico • Caribbean • Europe • United States • Alaska • Hawaii MAIN OFFICE 6902 W. DIVERSEY CHICAGO, IL 60707

KEN GILLES

Travel Consultant (773) 237-2672, (630) 833-6361 Fax: (773) 237-2647

Winter 2007/2008 /AMICI 51

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 3 olives RESTAURANT........................................................ 11

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ACTION PAWN INC................................................................. inside back cover AMICI D’ ITALIA...................................................................... 31 Amici ITALIAN DELI & FRUIT MARKET........................... ...7 AMICI JOURNAL 9-DAY CAMPANIA TOUR....................... 17 AMICI Journal RESTAURANT GUIDE FORM................ 21 and they came to chicago dvd.............................. arezzo jewelers...............................................

14

back cover

CAR WASH.............................................................................. 51 CAFE FILIPPO........................................................................

21

CAPORALE REALTY, INC....................................................

52

CIGARS PLUS........................................................................

36

CUMBERLAND FUNERAL CHAPLES.................................. 41 DANIEL L. JACONETTI D.D.S............................................... 37 FLOWER FANTASY................................................................ ....9 FRANKIE’S DELI..................................................................... 51

Make an Impression

gioaCchino’s RISTORANTE...........................................

33

IL MERCATO ONLINE GIFT SHOP............... ........................52 JOEL GOULD ATTORNEY AT LAW............

inside back cover

LASORDA WINE LINEUP...................................................... 11 LAMBORGHINI CHICAGO.................................................... 21 LEGION AUTO, INC. ............................................................. 35 LO-LO’S PIZZA & SUB SHOP............................................... 36 MIDWAYS’ INTERNATIONAL CORP.................................... 39 mori milk.............................................................................. 23

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ CREDITS

• Pg4, pg5 -Photograph by John Rizzo • Pg6, pg7 - Photograph by Steve Christensen • Pg12 - Photograph courtesy of Chris Ruys • Pg13 - Photograph by Norm Puccini • Pg 21,22 - Courtesy of Arcadia • Pg25 - Photograph by Keith Jewell • Pg 30,31- Photograph by Rick Latham, Mike Ingrisano, Addie Cimmino Cito • Pg 40,41- Courtesy of Photographer Emil Schiavo • Pg 34, 48 - Photograph by Joe Cosentino • Pg 8,9- Photos by Scott Romer(www.scottromerphoto.com)

P U Z Z L E

RKO AUTO SALES.................................................................. 49 ROBERTO’S PISTORANTE & PIZZERIA.............................. 35 ROMANUCCI & BLANDIN.................................................... 29 SPACCA NAPOLI PIZZERIA.................................................. 21 SPEED’S ii CITGO, INC. ......................................................

51

SUPER LOW FOODS.............................................................

35

TOTUCCIO PIZZERIA...........................................................

37

troy realty........................................................................ 12 TRUSZ TRAVEL....................................................................... 51 VENUTI’S RISTORANTE & BANQUETS...........................

28

VINCE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT.....................................

39

WIRELESS TOYZ............................................. inside back cover VIA ITALIA RISTORANTE-PIZZERIA.................................. 45 VIA MARE FISH MARKET..................................................... 45

S O L U Z I O N E

52 AMICI / Fall 2007

-INSTANT CASH-

ACTION PAWN INC. 10011 GRAND AVE., FRANKLIN PARK, IL 60131

ALWAYS BUYING

JEWELRY * COINS * DIAMONDS * ANTIQUES CAMERAS * TOOLS * COMPACT DISCS * GOLD & SILVER FIGURINES * ELECTRONICS * POCKET & WRIST WATCHES

“WE MAKE LOANS ON ANYTHING OF VALUE” ASK FOR JOE TELEPHONE: 847-288-9088 For Emergency 630-333-8066 HOURS: M-F 8AM TIL MIDNIGHT, SAT 12-5PM, CLOSED SUNDAY

LAW OFFICES

JOEL GOULD & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEY AT LAW

Cell Phones Accessories Rate Plans Pre-paid Payment Center Satellite TV/Radio

Cell Phones Accessories Rate Plans Pre-paid Payment Center Satellite TV/Radio

7500 W. Grand Ave. 7500 W. Grand Ave.Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Elmwood Park, IL 60707

708.452.8600 708.450.8600

Civil Litigation Medical MalPractice DUI Criminal Law

205 W. Randolph Suite 1550 5839 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL

Telephone 773-281-8744 We also speak Polish

3118 N. Harlem Ave.

Chicago, IL 60634

(773)745-1292

www.arezzojewelers.com Designed by Amici Journal