July August Festa Italiana – Section B by Italian Community Center

ITALIAN TIMES THE

Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

www.ICCMilwaukee.com

JULY/AUGUST 2018 • VOL. 40, NO. 2 SECTION B

41st annual July 20-22, 2018

Become a member of the Italian Community Center and you will receive home delivery of this publication. Your address label will placed here.

Nominating Committee chosen to prepare slate for ICC election

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The official business of choosing a Nominating Committee for the upcoming Italian Community Center election of officers and directors was conducted at the June 21 general meeting. In accordance with the organization’s bylaws, the president gets to select two of the five members and the chairperson(s). The three other members are nominated and elected at the general meeting. President Dean Cannestra choices were Rosemary DeRubertis and Salvatore Lo Coco, who will serve as the co-chairpersons. Members in attendance selected Christina

Ziino, Joseph Zambito and Suzanne Wypijewski. The committee welcomes suggestions for nominees for the various positions on the ICC Board. A slate of nominees will be prepared by the Nominating Committee for presentation at the general meeting on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. The slate will be finalized with any further nominations that night. If someone decides at the last minute to run for a position, the ICC Bylaws (Article V, Section 7) allow further nominations to be made from the floor the night of the August general meeting. Candidate qualifications According to Article V, Section 1

of the ICC By-Laws: “To be eligible as an officer or board member of the Italian Community Center, a potential candidate: “a. Must be a member in good standing; “b. Must have been a member of the Italian Community Center for at least 12 months prior to his/her nomination; “c. Must have served on at least one Italian Community Center or Festa Italiana committee within the past year or attended at least 50% of the regularly-scheduled general membership meetings in the preceding year as confirmed by the record.” Once the committee presents its

proposed slate at the general meeting, any additional nominations can and will be taken from the floor. The next responsibility of the Nominating Committee is stipulated in Article V, Section 1.d., which states, “Nominations for an officer or board member to be made from the floor will be validated by the Nominating Committee prior to placing the names on the ballot.” After verifying the eligibility of the candidates, the committee will conduct a drawing to determine placement of names on the election ballot. The committee will go on to oversee the mailing of ballots to all members in good standing. The mailing must take place within eight days of the September general meeting. That meeting date is Thursday, Sept. 20. To guarantee that the ballot of every eligible voting member is counted, the return envelope with the enclosed ballot (or, in the case of couples, ballots) must be postmarked no later than the Thursday preceding the October general meeting. The October general meeting is Thursday, Oct. 18, which means ballots need to be postmarked no later than Oct 11. Ballots that have no official postmark or are postmarked after Oct. 11 will not be opened or counted. Tellers, whose chair and members will be appointed by the ICC President, will meet prior to the October general meeting to confirm the validity of all returned ballots. These same individuals will meet the day of the October general meeting (Oct. 18) to open all valid ballot envelopes and tally the votes. The committee will report the results to the membership before the general meeting is adjourned. Newly elected officers and directors will officially begin their service on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Please turn to page 5B

Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?

ICC, other orgranization help Italian exchange student page 2B

Papa Luigi donates kitchenette to ICC

page 2B

Live music in the Courtyard

page 4B

Calendar of events

page 3B

Donations to Festa and Italian Community Center page 5B

UNICO Scholarship & Awards Dinner report and photos pages 6B & 7B

Pompeii Women’s Club May Crowing report and photos page 8B

Andrea Doria report

page 9B

ICC and other Italian groups help cover medical procedure costs for Sardinian exchange student diagnosed with cancer

Some $80,000 in medical costs for chemotherapy treatment needed by an Italian exchange student, who was diagnosed with cancer during his stay in Wisconsin, have been fully covered, thanks to a plethora of donations including those from the Italian Community Center, the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the Pompeii Women’s Club and the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. The exchange student Edoardo Campus, who attended Ozaukee High School, is the son of Claudio and Vittoria Campus of Sardinia, the large Italian island region in the Mediterranean. Edoardo came to the United States in August 2017 and stayed with a family that regularly participates as a host family in the student exchange program. After playing soccer and basketball at Ozaukee High School, Edoardo began having back pain. His host mother took him in to get checked out. Medical tests and ultrasounds revealed it was embryonal carcinoma, a germ cell tumor, a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis. He had cancer surgery in April. The costs for surgery and hospitalization were covered by insurance. After surgery, Edoardo needed two chemotherapy procedures at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin before his body allowed him to return to Italy after the school year ended. The insurance program, in which Edoardo was enrolled, would not cover the chemotherapy costs. Online fundraising campaigns

were established to allow people to donate toward the costs of chemotherapy and to help his parents come here to be with him. The ICC and the local OSIA lodge donated $500 and the Pompeii Women’s Club and local UNICO chapter contributed $100.

The equipment needed to service a kitchenette for the Italian Community Center’s use for members ac-

tivities was generously donated by Sal Purpora of Papa Luigi’s Pizza fame. The sink with countertop and the restaurant-style coffee maker with urns will be completely in operation sometime after Festa Italiana. It will service the needs for bocce leagues and ICC general meetings and other activities at which coffee is served. In the photo below, ICC President Dean Cannestra (right) is seen thanking Purpora for the donation. Purpora,

The Mazzei Lodge presented its donation to Edoardo and his father at an event held at the ICC. “This is what the Center should be doing,” said ICC Vice President Joe Emanuele. “We’re happy that this young man did not have to go back to Italy with the medical costs

he incurred hanging over his head. The fact that the $80,000 was covered through donations shows what our organization and our country is all about. Hopefully, after he gets his final chemotherapy in Italy, he will be cancer-free and can live a fulfilling life.”

‘Papa Luigi,’ Sal Purpora, donates kitchenette to ICC

THE ITALIAN TIMES

631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually

Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Paul Salsini,Barbara Collignon, Pam Pietravalle, Gina Jorgensen, Susie Christiansen, Christina Ziino, Ted Catalano, Laura Duronio and Donato Di Pronio

That’s Edoardo with his head turned towards the camera.

who has owned and operated Papa Luigi’s for more than three decades, became the operator of Meyer’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall last year. He also owns S&P Equipment, which sells restaurant, bar and grocery equipment. Papa Luigi’s, as usual, will be returning July 20-22 to be one of the food vendors at Festa Italiana. “ICC members can thank Sal at Festa,” Cannestra said. The plumbing fixtures at the sink basin will be in-

stalled after Festa Italiana but before the start of the fall bocce season in September. The kitchenette is located in a small enclosed room adjacent to Conference Room #4. Purpora is a longtime ICC member. He and his wife, Maria, were honored as Il Re e La Regina (The King and The Queen) of Il Grande Carnevale, the ICC’s pre_Lenten ball, in 2016 for their dedication to the organization. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.

PAGE 2 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2018

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Social event allows people who might be interested in becoming ICC members to find out more about the organization

The Membership Committee asked Italian Community Center members to invite their friends and acquaintances to the ICC for a social get-together at Cafe La Scala on May 14. Intended as a fun way to get people who may possibly be interested in becoming members to get to know more about the ICC and its programs and activities. A few people who came in as nonmembers decided to join that evening. Others took home membership information. Other events to recruit new members are being planned including a series of Italian movie nights, the first of which is scheduled Friday, Aug. 17. See the page one of this section for details on Movie Night. The evening of the social proved to be a good time for all who attended. Look for a lot more membership news in the September issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Calendar of Events July 4 – August 30, 201

Wednesday, July 4 • Independence Day. The offices of the Italian Community Center, Festa Italiana and The Italian Times will be closed for the holiday.

Monday, July 9 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 10 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Leroy Airmaster & Little Maddie, 6:30 p.m. Details on all Courtyard shows in this section.

Thursday, July 12 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Mic Over Matter, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Robin Pluer & The R&B Coquettes, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 18 • Filippo Mazza Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America meeting, 6:30 p.m. OSIA members who are volunteering for Festa Italiana asked to attend. Thursday, July 19 • Live Music in the Courtyard with the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular, 6:30 p.m. • La Societa Santa Rosalia meeting, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 20 • 41st Festa Italiana opening day, 3 p.m. – midnight. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m. Details in this issue.

Saturday, July 21 • Festa Italiana VIP Day for Disabled Citizens, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Details in this issue. • 41st annual Festa Italiana open to the public, 11:30 p.m. – midnight. • Festa Italiana Futusal Tournament, noon. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Cucina-Eating Contest, 1:30 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Parade, 5 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Sunday, July 22 • Festa Italiana Mass & Procession, 11 a.m. Details in this issue. • 41st Festa Italiana open to the public, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. • Festa Italiana Bocce Tournament, 2 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Kids Pizza-Making Contest for 5-9 year-olds, 2:15 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Kids Pizza-Making Contest for 10-17 year-olds, 2:45 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Italian Idol Contest Finale, 8:15 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Tuesday, July 24 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Jim Liban’s Blues Combo, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Blues Disciples, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 2 • Italian Community Center Membership Committee meeting

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(tentative), 6:30 p.m. Call ICC to verify. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Jayne Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 6 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Joe 2.0, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 14 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Altered Five Blues Band, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 • Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Scholarship award night.

Thursday, Aug. 16 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by Monday, Aug. 13. Call 414-223-2180. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Election slate finalized. Details in this issue. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Trapper Schoepp Trio, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 • Italian Community Center Movie Night, 7 p.m. See flyer in this section.

Tuesday, Aug. 21 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 27 • Live Music in the Courtyard with The Bel-Airs, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 28 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Jim Liban’s Blues Combo, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Piano Brew, 6:30 p.m.

Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall bocce season will begin the week of Sept. 10. Team registrations forms are available at the ICC or online at www.iccmilwaukee.com. • ICC Italian classes. Look for an announcement on the fall semester of classes in the September issue.

• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. Breaks are taken during the holidays and after Festa Italiana through Labor Day.

• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Breaks are taken during the holidays and after Festa Italiana through Labor Day. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!

• Hula hoop dance fitness class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member, $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 3 SECTION B

Live Music in the Courtyard series resumes its run on July 10

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor After a hiatus during the 11-day run of Summerfest at nearby Maier Festival Park, live music returns to the courtyard of the Italian Community Center on Tuesday, July 10 and continues throughout the summer on most Tuesday and Thursday nights and one Monday night. Presented by Milwaukee Brewing Company, the “Live Music in the Courtyard” series is available to the public for free admission. Parking is also free. The Cafe La Scala staff, under the direction of Bartolotta Catering at the ICC, will be on hand to take food and drink orders starting at 5 p.m. each of those nights. The shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and go on rain or shine. When inclement weather occurs, the music is brought indoors. A flyer with the entire 2018 series lineup accompanies this article. The following is information on the artists who will be performing in July and August. • Tuesday, July 10 – Leroy

Deadline for September issue

All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the September 2018 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Thursday, Aug. 9. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-2232189.

Airmaster with Little Maddie. In the 1980s, Leroy Airmaster was the dominant blues band in the vibrant live blues music scene in southeastern Wisconsin. The band performed constantly and released four well-received recordings. They won several WAMI Awards for best blues group. The group re-emerged in 2010 and continues to play its own brand of blues, jazz and rock. Steve Cohen (harmonica), Bill Stone (guitar), Marc Wilson (drums) and Dave Kasik (bass) are the core of the group. • Thursday, July 12 – Mic Over Matter. This is a five-piece cover band that rocks two acoustic guitars, violin, keyboard and cajon drum like you have never heard before. The band was influenced by the Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, CCR, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon and the Talking Heads. • Tuesday, July 17 – Robin Pluer & The R&B Coquettes. Here is a group that plays all over southeastern Wisconsin. Pluer is considered one of the best R&B and jazz vocalists in the area. She has been performing locally for more than three decades and once was part of the R&B Cadets with Paul Cebar. The group will be coming to the ICC after a gig at Summerfest. • Thursday, July 19 – Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. This will mark the only appearance in the 2018 series for Kim Marie and her Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. The good-time rock-and-roll group has been part of the series since it was initiated in 2001 under the direction of the Italian Community Center. A full house is likely for this group, which features several members who played in groups

ICC Members: Planning to attend the dinner before the General Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 16?

If so, you are kindly asked to make a reservation on or before Monday, Aug. 13. Call 414-223-2180. Your reservation will help the culinary staff of Bartolotta Catering prepare sufficient food for the buffet. Thank you for your cooperation!

REMINDER: IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ICC BYLAWS, THERE IS NO GENERAL MEETING IN JULY.

Catering PAGE 4 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2018

that headlined Milwaukee’s rockand-roll scene in the 1960s. • Tuesday, July 24 – Jim Liban’s Blues Combo. Featuring Milwaukee’s reigning harmonica player, Jim Liban, the combo plays the blues with feeling and a style that has kept its fans coming back show after show. Liban was known throughout the Midwest in the 1970s as the leader of Short Stuff, the innovative Milwaukee-based ensemble that pioneered the blues and rock sound later identified with bands like the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. Over the years, Liban has achieved an international cult status as one of the foremost post-war blues harmonica stylists, and many of his original songs have been recorded by national blues artists like Johnny Winter and Lonnie Brooks. • Tuesday, July 31 – Blues Disciples. The Blues Disciples have been bringing their style of blues to the people of Milwaukee and the Midwest since 1990. It was founded by “Barefoot” Jimmy Schwarz, it was their intent to remain true to the influences of the Chicago electric blues era of the 1950s and ‘60s. Influenced initially by the likes of Little Walter and Muddy Waters, and then directly by Wisconsin’s blues greats Jim Liban and Billy Flynn, the Blues Disciples have forged a sound that brought them to the top of Milwaukee’s blues scene. • Thursday, Aug. 2 – Jayne Taylor. Jayne Taylor, a multiaward-winning singer/songwriter/ recording artist has been captivating audiences’ since a young age with her beautiful voice. Her ability to sing different styles of music, such as retro pop and retro country, as well as songs in foreign languages, makes her a voice for the ages. Taylor has sung in numerous major theaters throughout Wisconsin, including the Oshkosh Opera House, Stephanie H. Weil Center in Sheboygan, and the Door County Auditorium. She has also appeared on TV stations such as Fox 6 WakeUp and Today’s TMJ4, and radio stations, AM 920 The Wolf, WMSE, and WCUB 980 AM. She has also sang numerous times at the World’s Largest Music Festival – “Summerfest.” One of her most memorable performances was when she sang the National Anthem to a crowd of 35,000, at Miller Park Stadium. In addition to her musical accolades, Taylor has also hosted and produced her own weekly TV show, “The Jayne Taylor Show.” Her popular show could be viewed as far away as California and England. Her second CD, “Souvenirs”, which is a collection of some favorites in French, Italian, Spanish and English, has received radio airplay throughout the U.S., and has also been played in Europe. She is currently working on her third CD. For more information, visit her website at: jaynetaylormusic.com. • Thursday, Aug. 9 – Joe 2.0. Joe 2.0 is the musical brainchild of violinist Joseph Ketchum and is named after his son, Joe, Jr. The group was formed in Milwaukee in 2011 with the goal of answering the one simple question: “Can a string quartet truly rock?” Joe 2.0 with its electrified instruments, energetic drums and world class vocals of original Cheap Trick frontman Xeno created a totally new pop sound. This is the group’s first ap-

pearance in the courtyard series. • Tuesday, Aug. 14 – Altered Five Blues Band. For 15 years, Altered Five Blues Band has been winning audiences with a swaggering stomp of bruising, barrelhouse grit. According to Downbeat magazine, frontman Jeff Taylor “sings powerfully” and “Jeff Schrodl’s livewire guitar reaches the high bar of mixed invention and fluidity.” Blues Bytes magazine declares the group “the funkiest rhythm section outside of Memphis.” The group recently released its fourth album, “Charmed & Dangerous,” which has earned a groundswell of acclaim. This past January, the band was nominated for a prestigious Blues Music Award in the category of “Best Emerging Artist Album.” • Thursday, Aug. 16 – Trapper Schoepp Trio. This is an American rock band that has its roots in Milwaukee but has garnered national fame. The group’s second album, “Rangers and Valentines,” which was released in 2016 was declared a “mini masterpiece” by Relix magazine and was named one of Billboard’s “Best of the Week.” The band has toured alongside the Wallflowers, Old 97’s, The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum and was part of a nationwide tour with Ha Ha Tonka in 2017. • Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Making its second appearance in the Courtyard this summer, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys play Chicago-style blues good enough to win 10 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards for Best Blues Band. The band received a 2007 Grammy nomination for Best Blues Compilation. The group always draws a full house when playing in the courtyard. • Monday, Aug. 27 – The BelAirs. In the only Monday night show in the series, The Bel-Airs take the courtyard stage. Fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars, with Michael Cherry on drums, The BelAirs play a danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul and rock-and-roll sound influenced by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Slim Harpo, Howlin’ Wolf and Johnny Cash. They have been living on the road and playing clubs from Austin to Boston for more than 30 years. Get there early as this show is sure to draw a full house. • Tuesday, Aug. 28 – Jim Liban Blues Combo. See the earlier information. • Thursday, Aug. 30 – Piano Brew. Some call these guys the “Dueling Pianos.” According to their website: “Piano Brew is a band with two simple goals: We want your event to be memorable and we want everyone to have fun. We know about 700 songs. We play festivals, corporate events, weddings, private parties and just about anything else where live music makes the event memorable. We own tuxedos and we think martini glasses deserve some Sinatra. We own jeans and we think red Solo cups are more comfortable listening to Garth Brooks. We believe that the ‘Beatles or Stones’ debate should be settled on the dance floor. We think it makes perfect sense to play Prince and Queen in the same set. We don’t need guitars to play Johnny Cash or Jimi Hendrix. We think there is music from 1947 to 2018 that is worth dancing to”… For more, visit: pianosmke.com.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Donation presented Thanks for your by UNICO Ladies for donations to the ICC Festa Mass The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or a donation, please call 414-223-2808. Please note: When the ICC is informed of the death of a member, an email blast is being sent out to all members who have signed up to receive these email blasts as part of their membership. The following donations were received between May 8 and June 8, 2018. In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce

In memory of Sam Purpero Ray and Caroline Besasie

In memory of Vetta Carini Virginia Besasie

In memory of Vincent P. Gallo III Jimmy & Linda Spataro

In memory of Judge Frank Thomas Crivello Jimmy & Linda Spataro

In memory of Caroline Jennaro Anthony T. Machi Jimmy & Linda Spataro

In memory of Salvatore Mussomeli Rosalie, Valentina and Salvatore Mussomeli Sturdevant and Marie Mussomeli

In memory of Rosalie Mandella Mussomeli Rosalie, Valentina and Salvatore Mussomeli Sturdevant and Marie Mussomeli

Nominating Committee chosen

Terms of office The term of officers is one year. The current officers are: President Dean Cannestra, Vice President Joseph Emanuele, Treasurer Ted Catalano, Secretary Susan (DeSanctis) Christiansen and Sergeant-at-Arms Joanne (Sanfilippo) Czubek. Under the term limit stipulation set forth in Article IV, Section 8.c., “A President shall be allowed to succeed himself/herself for one term and one term only. All other officers shall be eligible for re-election to said offices without limitations.” Since Cannestra is completing his second consecutive term office, he is ineligible to run for another term. All other officers are eligible to seek re-election. The length of a term for a director-at-large is two years. The term limit stipulation for directors-atlarge is set forth in Article V, Section 8.b., which states, “The term of office for Directors-At-Large shall be two years, with four Directors elected each year. No Director-AtLarge may serve more than two consecutive terms (four consecutive years). After two such consecutive terms, he/she must either run for a

higher office or remain on a hiatus from the Board of Directors as a Director-At-Large for at least a oneyear period prior to running for Director-At-Large again.” Current directors who will be completing their service at the end of the current term are: RoseAnne Ceraso Fritchie, Blaise Di Pronio, Anthony Lupo and Anthony Zingale. In accordance with the amendment states above, all four are eligible to seek re-election if they chose to do so. Zingale was appointed to the ICC Board in August 2015 to fill a vacancy of slightly more than a year to replace Mario A. Carini, who died on July 7, 2015. Zingale was then elected to a two-year term as a director in the 2016 election. Di Pronio and Lupo were also elected in the 2016 election. Ceraso Fritchie, the fifth place finisher among the candidates for director positions in the 2017 election, was appointed to the board to fill the vacancy created by Catalano’s election as treasurer. Article IV, Section 9.b. stipulates how vacancies are filled. Directors Ralph Busalacchi, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, Joseph Jannazzo, Jr. and Raymond Martinez will have one year of service remaining when the 2018-19 term begins on Nov. 1.

After a break over the summer, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center in September. Get your team together now. The fall bocce season gets underway the week of Sept. 10. Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Teams in the mixed couples’ leagues compete on Monday and Wednesday nights. The regular season lasts eight weeks. The fall season champion playoffs will take place Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a fall league, here are a few things you need to know. There are two sets of player registration fees. The lower fee is

for players who are members of the ICC. That fee is $30 per person per league season. The non-member registration fee is $40 per person per league season. Each team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as the team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams. That way every team can compete each week. Team registration forms are available by calling the ICC office at 414/223-2180 or by picking one up at the ICC. The form can also be emailed to you. League coordinators are: Troy Halverson (Monday night), Craig Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night) and Jeannie Prindiville (Thursday afternoon).

from page 1B All nomination and election procedures are spelled out in Article V of the bylaws.

On behalf of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO, Ann Romano presented a $100 donation to Festa Italiana to help offset the costs associated with presentation of the Mass at Festa. The check, presented at the Italian Community Center’s June 21 general meeting, was given to Sal Lo Coco, co-chair of the Festa & Procession Committee. Romano is the chair of the UNICO Ladies’ Community Service Committee. The Festa Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, July 22 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Lo Coco thanked the UNICO Ladies and encouraged other organizations and individuals to support the Mass. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Cafe La Scala Summer Hours Summer Lunch through Sept. 9, 2018 Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm as well as Tuesdays and Thursday Nights During the Summer Concert Series 5pm – 9pm Looking to enjoy Dinner? We would be honored for you to join us at one of our Bartolotta Restaurants. Find our more and make your reservations at Bartolotta.com

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Fall bocce season to start week of Sept. 10

JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 5 SECTION B

UNICO organizations present evening to recognize young scholars and friend of Italian community

A wonderful night to celebrate the accomplishments of our young Italian American scholars and honor a great friend of the community was hosted by Milwaukee Chapter of UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO at its annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner on May 15 at the Italian Community Center. The ceremony was opened by remarks from Milwaukee Chapter President Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie and Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO President Carla Pellin. The 115 people in attendance included students of Italian descent who won scholarships, their proud parents, friends of the students and

Fr. Mike Hammer, UNICO’s 2018 Citizen of the Year. Highlights included the presentation to Fr. Mike Hammer, who was honored for his work on behalf of the Milwaukee Archdiocese’s Aids Ministry and his involvement with the community. His caring manner has made him a much loved member of the community. (The Italian Times carried a story on Fr. Mike Hammer in its May 2018 issue.) We were honored to host Tom Vaughan, President of UNICO National, who traveled here from New Jersey to see the local chapter’s highlight event for the year and to encourage the students to continue

Paul Domico of the Chicago Chapter UNICO with Milwaukee Chapter President Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchie.

All of the scholarship winners, the “Citizen of the Year” honoree and various UNICO representatives are seen here. Front row, l – r: Milwaukee Chapter UNICO President Rose Anne

Here, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO Vice President Sophia Michalovitz (at microphone) and Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO President Carla Pellin are seen with Father Mike Hammer, who received the Milwaukee Chapter’s “Citizen of the Year” award.

their work ethic and community service. The Master of Ceremony for the evening was retired Judge John Di Motto, who related to the guests information about the UNICO organization and its work on the local and national level. He was impressed by the students’ achievements and made us feel we were in goods hands. Three new memorial scholarship awards were presented by the children of the deceased members of our community. These included: • The Bea Ceraso Award, a past president of the UNICO Milwaukee Chapter, presented by daughter Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie, the current Milwaukee Chapter President. • Catherine Kelly Award, a past president of the Ladies of UNICO, presented by daughter Prudence Camuy. • Joseph John Spang P.E. Award, a civil engineer award, presented by daughter Gina Spang, a past president of the Italian Community Center . In total, there were eight high school seniors and the Italian Stud-

Ceraso-Fritchie, Elizabeth Saggio, Sophia Maglio, Margaret Mazza, Thomas Francour. Back row: Award winner Fr. Mike Hammer, Gregory Frijia, Luciano Stephenson, Gino D’A-

PAGE 6 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2018

ies student from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who received $1,000 scholarships to help further their education. The graduating high school recipients were Gino D’Alessio, Thomas Francour, Gregory Frijia, Sofia Maglio, Margaret Mazza, Patrick Mazza, Elizabeth Saggio and Luciano Stephenson. The Italian Studies awardee was Lori Martello. (A story on the scholars was published in the June 2018 issue of The Italian Times.) The UNICO organizations wish to thank: Liz Ceraso, Chocolate bar raffle; Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie, program book; Judy Falsetti, invitations and mailing; Sophia Michalovitz, event chair and Mary Winard, reservations. Special thanks to Fr. Tim Kitzke who gave the invocation and closing prayers and leading us in singing God Bless America as the evening came to an end. – Submitted by Sophia Michalovitz Vice President Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO

lessio, Patrick Mazza, Lori Martello, UNICO National President Tom Vaughan.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

UNICO Scholarship and Awards Dinner

Words in an Italian word by Blaise Di Pronio

How many words can you make with the letters in the word "CINEMA"?

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

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Here are the members of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National with three guests who attended the 82nd Scholarship and Awards Dinner. Front row, l – r: Milwaukee Chapter UNICO President Rose Anne CerasoFritchie, Marilyn Maglio, Mary Winard, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Clare Fiorenza, Elizabeth Ceraso, retired Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John DiMotto. Back row: David Saggio, UNICO National President Tom Vaughan, Tom Falsetti, Mike Veselka of the Chicago Chapter, Paul Domico of the Chicago Chapter. Not pictured, but present: Sophia Michalovitz, Milwaukee Chapter Vice President and Scholarship Chair. All event photos by Liz Ceraso

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_________________________________________________________________ Answers on page 12B

Italian Film Festival again a big success

With one of the films sponsored by the Italian Community Center, the Italian Film Festival: Milwaukee in April was again an outstanding success. A total of 1,219 people enjoyed the films at the Union Cinema at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. That was almost 300 more than the attendance in 2017.

The ICC’s sponsored film, “Friends by Chance,” was an especially popular film. It was the

heartwarming story of the unlikely friendship between a young man and an aging poet. The young man becomes the poet’s walking companion and, following clues, he and his friends take the poet on a trip in search of a treasure. What they find is true treasure hidden in their hearts. “We are most grateful to the Italian Community Center for sponsoring this wonderful film,” said Simonetta Milli Konewko, chair of the local committee that

Rose Anne Fritchie retires as seamstress for Tradizione Vivente

Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, wishes to thank Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie for her tireless work for the group. She made a commitment of more than a decade long to producing dozens and dozens of costumes, doing alterations, and much more for its dancers. “We will always appreciate your craftsmanship and talent,” said Gina Jorgensen, chair of the group’s Costume Committee. “You

are a treasure to us and we will never forget what you have done to make Tradizione Vivente look professional and authentic.” Look for Tradizione Vivente’s new men’s costumes at Festa Italiana after many years and many hours of research for designs and fabrics. Tradizione Vivente will be performing nightly on the court at the Colosseum Stage at 7:30 p.m.

screens and selects the films. “We know our audiences appreciated both the film and the fact that it was locally sponsored.” The Italian Film Festival here is one of 12 in the country and this is

its 12 year. All festivals show new, award-winning films that are in Italian with English subtitles. All are free. Plans are already underway for the 2019 film festival.

Welcome new Italian Community Center members!

The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between May 8 and June 8, 2018. Benvenuti (Welcome!) Brooke Stocks, junior membership, of Cudahy Taylor Stocks, junior membership, of Cudahy Joseph & Linda Bartolotta of Waukesha

Elmer & Cheryl Gasperetti of North Prairie, WI Pete & Jane Parthum of Muskego

Max Cavil, junior membership, of Milwaukee

Elijah Harris, junior membership, of Milwaukee

Christopher Job, junior membership, of Milwaukee

Linda Lee and Anina Lee, junior membership, of Greendale Tracy Balistreri of Milwaukee

Festa Seeking More Volunteers James & Theresa De Nicola of Muskego

Areas where volunteers are needed: • Italian Sausage Grillers & Staff. • Grounds Crew (Set-Up & Take Down). • Gondoliers • Various other booths Rose Anne Fritchie (left) is seen here “passing the baton” to new seamstress Cathy Voss. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)

THE ITALIAN TIMES

If you, your children, grandchildren or friends can volunteer, please call (414) 223-2180 today.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 7 SECTION B

Pompeii Women present May Crowning event to more than 120 people

The Pompeii Women’s Club 21st annual May Crowning and dinner on May 30 at the Italian Community Center proved to be a very enjoyable event for the more than 120 people who attended. After an introductory welcome, Pompeii President Suzanne Wypijewski called upon Club Chaplain Fr. Mike Hammer for the invocation. Dinner was served. Following dinner, Wypijewski introduced Rosalie Giamo, the club’s 2017 “Angel of the Year” recipient. This very deserving member was awarded a special angel pin (medal and chain) and followed through on the special tradition given to past Angel honorees to place the crown of flowers on the statue of our Blessed Mother Mary as part of the May Crowning ceremony and procession. Vice President Karen Dickinson, ceremony/procession coordinator, put some special thoughts into the event, making it especially impressive. Our thanks to Karen. Other members deserving of recognition include Peggy Zoet (decorations of altar and corsages, etc.), Agnes Bova and her sister Mary Ann Bellante (program for the evening which they have done each year), Aggie Collura (for securing the vocalists, the Liz and Greg Flattery family) and all the members who were in the procession (Lucy Sorce, Maria D’Amato, Patti Bennetts, Aggie Collura, Rosalie Giamo, Ashley Guttuso and Karen Dickinson). A special thanks to our young angels, Isabella D’Amato, Maeve and Colin Flattery and Nicolas and Eva Mendoza, the great-grandchildren of member Mary Pecoraro. Thanks also to Maria D’Amato’s daughter, Isabella. Thanks to past president Pat Consolazione for taking the reservations and decorating the mini glass candles with a Blessed Mother medal on a ribbon. President Wypijewski made mention of several special guests who were present, namely ICC President Dean Cannestra, UNICO National Vice President Sophia Michalovitz and Abruzzese Society President Vince Vitale. She also mentioned that Fr. Mike received

Here is the Pompeii Women’s Club May Crowning Court (l – r): Vice President Karen Dickinson, Ashley Guttuso, Maria D’Amato, Rosalie Giamo (2017 Angel

the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National at its scholarship and awards dinner earlier in May. Attendees appreciated Fr. Mike and Fr. Phil’s chanting of the “Regina Coeli.” Thanks to Bartolotta Catering at the ICC for its service. It was a pleasure to see Joanne and Sam Seidita among the guests. They came all the way from Sister Bay. Although a regular attendee Sharon Goodman couldn’t attendee this year, some of her cohorts from St. Roman’s Church were at three tables. Thanks to President Suzanne for stepping in to lend a hand wherever needed and to all those who attended. – Submitted by Mary G. Winard Pompeii Public Relations Representative

of The Year), Patti Bennetts, Aggie Collura, Lucy Sorce, Isabella D’Amato, Eva Mendoza, Nicolas Mendoza, Colin Flattery and Maeve Flattery.

The 2017 Angel of The Year Rosalie Giamo is seen here (middle) with her husband, Scott Piepenburg, along with her sisters, daughter and niece. Left: Pompeii Women’s President Suzanne Wypijewski, Italian Community Center President Dean Cannestra and Pauline Cannestra, who is a longtime member and mother of the ICC President. Photos provided by the Pompeii Women’s Club

Maria D’Amato with her granddaughter Isabella D’Amato.

PAGE 8 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2018

Festa della Madonna Bruna

The Festa della Madonna Bruna, held every July 2 in Matera in the Basilicata region, begins like most provincial Italian summer festivals. There is an elaborate procession with a flower-heaped papier-mâché float bearing the image of the town’s patron saint, the Madonna Bruna, being carried through the streets. The townspeople come out to pay their respects as the Madonna passes and the procession is televised for local residents. This particular festival, however, has an interesting conclusion. The two-hour procession ends in the Piazza Duomo where the statue of the Madonna is removed (for her safety, apparently); then the papier-mache float is borne to the Piazza Vittorio Veneto and ripped to pieces in a violently-erupting street brawl where onlookers fight one another for pieces of the Madonna’s float. Those who are lucky enough to walk away from the scene with a souvenir are believed to have good luck for the rest of the year. One can only hope their luck will protect them in next year’s battle.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Andrea Doria film shown in Chicago’s Italian Cultural Institute

by Blaise Di Pronio In conjunction with and as a follow up to our article in the May 2018 issue regarding the SS Andrea Doria sea disaster of 1956, a screening of the docufilm “Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved?” took place on May 23 at the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago. There were approximately 60 guests in attendance. Producer Pierette Simpson (she was among the survivors of the catastrophe at the age of 9) and film photographer Richard Haskin ap-

peared and spoke about the film. Also in attendance were awardwinning producers from Rome who had shown their film the night before. Filmed in Michigan and Pranzalito, Italy, Pierette’s personal narration is accompanied by interviews with survivors and naval experts, and further supported by archival footage and family and set photographs. The 77-minute film truly touched the hearts of the viewers as they learned how Italian Captain

Here are the producer and director of MAGA Productions Massimo Ferrari and Gaia Capurso. flanking the sides of writer and producer Pierette Domenica Simpson. Photos by Richard Haskin, www.RichardHaskinPhotography.com

Alberta Lai, director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago with Pierette Domenica Simpson.

Word Search:

Milwaukee City of Festivals by Blaise Di Pronio

To find Word Search solved, turn to page 12B

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Calamai was not responsible for the sea collision. In fact, a thorough investigation at the time would have vindicated him. Tears flowed through the crowd when it was revealed that the captain was a broken man – one who did not want to abandon his ship willingly. In reality, the Italians were made to be the scapegoats when they should have been really honored for conducting one of the greatest sea rescues ever. In effect, the film also seeks to correct history. Music by survivor and well-known composer,

Mike Stoller, added to the film content. A question and answer session followed the showing. Three unknown people in the audience shared stories of how they also were connected to the history of the Andrea Doria. Pierette commented that this is a common occurrence during most of her presentations. Appetizers and wine were then served to everyone’s delight as people mingled and shared their positive experiences and reactions to the docufilm.

by Barbara Collignon Did you know there are some 600 canzoni napoletane, Neapolitan art songs? This traditional form of music in Neapolitan dialect dates back to the time of the troubadours. These songs, serenades, love songs, farewell songs and songs about sunny Italy accompanied emigrants from Naples and southern Italy to the United States between 1880 and 1920. They became a formal institution as far back as the 1830s upon the institution of an annual songwriting competition. This was the Festival of Piedigrotta, dedicated to the Madonna of Piedigrotta. The first winner was Te Voglio Bene Assai, based on a poem by Raffaele Sacco and put to music either by Donizetti or by Filippo Campanella, companion and friend of Sacco. The festival contest was abandoned in 1950. Te Voglio Bene Assai was an immediate success and sold 180,000 copies. It has almost become the official anthem of Neapolitan music. No wonder Lucio Dalla chose to use those words in his haunting song Caruso. There is still another song by the same name. Enrico Caruso did much to popularize the songs here in the United States. He often sang them as encores when performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He also was the first to record them. It is because of Caruso that the songs are mostly sung by tenors and every operatic tenor must have some in his repertoire, though some have been sung by women such as Lara Fabian. Mario Lanza recorded 12 Neapolitan songs in 1959. Since then, singers like Sergio Franchi, Andrea Bocelli, Domingo and Pavarotti have recorded them.

There are many English versions of the songs as well. Jeff Matthews, in his blog, Around Naples in English 2004, wrote, “There are three main reasons why one-thousand miles of Italians - from the Alps to Sicily know something about the culture and language of Naples. The first reason is the great playwright Eduardo de Filippo [...] The second reason is [...] Totò. The third reason is Roberto Murolo, the gentle and erudite chronicler of Neapolitan music and the best-known singer in the 20th century of the Neapolitan song.” One has to admire Roberto Murolo’s decision to embrace canzoni napoletane when he could have had a career singing rock and roll. A native Napolitano born in 1919, he became proficient at playing the guitar. From 1939 – 1946, he toured outside of Italy with three friends in the Midas Quartet, which he founded. When he returned to Italy in 1946, Neapolitan songs became the focus of his new solo career. In the ‘60s, he became a true cultural ambassador from Naples to the world after recording 12 LPs of Neapolitan songs called Napolitana: Antologia cronologica della canzone partenopea. Later he published four monographic albums called I grandi delle canzone napolitana. He dedicated it to Neapolitan poets such as Salvatore Di Giacomo, Libero Bovio, E. A. Mario and his own poet father, Ernesto Murolo. On your next visit to Naples, you can visit his home at Via Cimarosa 25, the headquarters of the Roberto Murolo Foundation. Libero Bovio was a NeapoliPlease turn to page 12B

Opera insights

JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 9 SECTION B

La Pagina Italiana

Madre e figlio riuniti nell’arte

di Blaise Di Pronio Esiste al mondo un’opera più iconica della “Pietà” di Michelangelo che possa soppiantare il suo ruolo di scultura per eccellenza? Forse il “David” dello stesso Michelangelo? O “Il Pensatore” di Rodin? Una sola è la risposta possibile a Milwaukee. La “Pietà” è un’opera speciale per la nostra città e in particolare per noi membri dell’ICC. Come tutti sapranno l’Italian Community Center ospita una replica in bronzo di questa famosa e amata scultura. Si tratta di una delle sole tre copie circolanti. Poco dopo che questa fu realizzata nel 1945, il governo italiano proibì la riproduzione a grandezza naturale di opere monumentali. La copia è stata realizzata dalla Fonderia Marinelli di Firenze. Come nota personale voglio suggerire che l’unico modo per comprendere la plasticità delle opere di Michelangelo (l’effetto che egli stesso intendeva rappresentare), ottenuta tramite curve

sinuose e attorcigliate e profili dalla grande complessità, nonostante l’apparente compostezza e immobilità delle stesse viste di fronte, è la fruizione in scala tridimensionale. La vista laterale rimanda a sentimenti e reazioni ben diversi da quelli provati ponendosi di fronte alla scultura. Attualmente non è possibile osservare questa meravigliosa opera se non di fronte e attraverso un vetro, come accade anche al Vaticano. con questa Continuando rassegna delle icone più rappresentative, esiste forse un artista moderno il cui stile sia più singolare e riconoscibile di quello di Pablo Picasso? Potremmo citarne numer-osi, ma nessuno potrà essere paragonabile alla maestria, al potere e all’eloquenza dell’arte figurativa di questo artista spagnolo con origini italiane. Sua madre, Maria Picasso y Lopez, era per un quarto di discendenza italiana, più specificamente genovese, e l’artista scelse di tenere proprio il suo cognome italiano.

L’opera più famosa di Picasso è senza dubbio il suo capolavoro monumentale chiamato “Guernica”, un dipinto polemico contro la guerra, ispirato dal disastro avvenuto nel 1937 in seguito a un attacco nella città spagnola di Guernica. Il 26 aprile 1937, giorno del mercato locale, i cittadini spagnoli di Guernica erano riuniti per svolgere le loro attività abituali quando alcuni aerei tedeschi sorvolarono la zona bombardandola e uccidendo 1600 persone. Gli incendi durarono tre giorni e distrussero la città. Il dipinto monocromatico a larga scala raffigura “il dolore e morte” dei giorni che seguirono. Le sue immagini sono violente e introspettive. Per quale motivo inserire la “Pietà” e la “Guernica” nello stesso articolo? Ricorderete forse che la “Pietà” raffigura una madre in lacrime distrutta dal dolore per il figlio senza vita. La stessa immagine è presente molto chiaramente anche in “Guernica” sebbene sia andato perduto il

riferimento e omaggio che Picasso intendeva fare alla “Pietà” e al suo artista Michelangelo. In “Guernica” le figure della madre e del figlio esanime si trovano sulla parte sinistra dell’enorme tela, appena sotto il toro, come se fossero protette dall’animale, e mostrano il viso girato e rivolto verso il cielo in un gesto di dolore. La lingua appuntita della madre assomiglia alla lama di un coltello e i suoi occhi hanno la forma di lacrime. Tra le braccia tiene il figlio senza vita, i cui occhi non hanno pupille. Questo è un evidente richiamo alla “Pietà” con la figura della Vergine Maria che tiene tra le il figlio esanime, braccia simboleggiando amore e sofferenza materna. L’unica differenza tra le due scene sta nelle sorti del figlio: uno è risorto, mentre l’altro, nonostante lo straziante pianto della madre, non potrà tornare indietro. Che Pietà. – Tradotto dall’inglese da Laura Duronio

Comune di Caramanico Terme

Sinistra: Replica della statua Pietà situata nel’ICC. Sopra: Copia della pittura Guernica.

Il territorio di Caramanico ha rivelato segni di una presenza umana plurimillenaria e lo studio di siti archeologici di grande interesse, luoghi di culto, oggetti, testimonianze funerarie, santuari rurali oggi ancora in parte conservati ci consente di ripercorrerne la storia. Fino alla fine del VI secolo tuttavia líntera area era caratterizzata da diversi, piccoli, nuclei abitati, tra i quali emerse Caramanico. Studiosi e ricercatori hanno tentato di stabilire quando e perché questo si sia verificato, sulla base di ricerche di diversa ispirazione. La più convincente tra le ipotesi finora elaborate fa risalire lórigine di Caramanico allálto medioevo (VII secolo), in piena dominazione longobarda, e sembra trovare conferma nei documenti, nellímpianto urbanistico del nucleo antico ed anche in studi etimologici. Caramanico sarebbe stata fondata dal duca longobardo

Teodolapio, figlio di Faroaldo, a sua volta duca di Spoleto. Era un insediamento militare organizzato secondo uno schema tipico longobardo, che prevedeva láffitto di proprietà da parte del sovrano ai soldati, i quali le utilizzavano per il proprio sostentamento ed in cambio le difendevano da attacchi nemici. Il termine “Caramanico”, la cui origine etimologica è ancora oggi argomento di studi e ricerche, deriverebbe dalla voce longobarda “harimann” (insediamento, distretto). Anche la pianta dellábitato originario riflette la sua origine difensiva: arroccata su un crinale naturalmente difeso dalle valli dei fiumi Orta ed Orfento, con líntero abitato protetto da casemura, torri, porte di accesso e da un castello posto alla sua sommità, la cittadella era inaccessibile. La sua collocazione geografica rivestiva inoltre un importante ruolo strategico rispetto alla vallata dellÓrta. Per coloro che provenivano dalla via Tiburtina-

PAGE 10 SEZIONE B – LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2018

Valeria-Claudia questúltima costituiva infatti una via di accesso a Napoli, che poteva essere agevolmente controllata da Caramanico grazie anche ad un collegamento a vista con i castelli di Tocco - a valle - e di Rocca Caramanico - a monte -. Nei secoli successivi Caramanico seguì lévoluzione del sistema feudale. Appartenne a diverse famiglie; con i dÁquino sviluppò il rapporto più lungo, ma ricordiamo anche i Colonna, i Gonzaga, i Carafa. Rimase sempre compresa entro i confini del Regno di Napoli, fino allÚnità dÍtalia. Nel 1806 fu dichiarata Comune autonomo e, a seguito del Plebiscito (1860), annessa al Regno dÍtalia. Di notevole rilevanza sociale fu in quel periodo il fenomeno del brigantaggio, reazione popolare allÚnità, fomentata dai Borboni e dalla Chiesa, che in Caramanico ebbe un centro propulsore i cui effetti si sarebbero estesi per un decennio a tutta la Majella. Nel

´900 il paese subisce effetti non diversi da quelli del resto dÍtalia per ciò che concerne le due guerre mondiali, mentre avvia lo sviluppo dellíndustria termale, tanto da diventare ufficialmente “Caramanico Terme” nel 1960. La presenza di acque curative nel suo territorio è documentata a partire dal XVI secolo, ma è nell´ ´800 che vengono compiute le prime analisi scientifiche e si evidenzia una prima distinzione tra lácqua solfurea e quella diuretica del “Pisciarello”. Allútilizzo delle due acque per scopo terapeutico si giunge già dai primi del ´900, e dopo una fase di alterne gestioni lo Stabilimento termale e lánnesso Albergo vengono definitivamente ceduti dal Comune ad una Società privata, insieme ai diritti di sfruttamento di ambedue le acque. Da allora la gestione di queste preziose ricchezze naturali non ha subito mutamenti, mentre ad essa si è affiancata una notevole crescita Continua a pagina 13

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Il rito dei serpari di Cocullo – Abruzzo

di Donato Di Pronio Cocullo è un piccolo paese abruzzese di circa 230 abitanti, sito a 897 metri su di una collina circondata da monti nevosi. Sorge sulle rovine di un antico centro abitativo denominato Coculum. (dal latino cucullus: cappuccio, altura e simili). Nell’area in cui sorge Cocullo sono state ritrovate tante statuette bronzee di Ercole (in Grecia chiamato Eracle) il quale, secondo leggende, da bambino soffocò due rettili. Il primo maggio di ogni anno si celebra a Cocullo una singolare e celebre festa in onore di san Domenico, monaco benedettino dell’XI secolo, nato a Foligno (Umbria), fondatore di vari monasteri nell’Italia centrale, tra cui uno a Cocullo, di cui è celeste patrono. Nei giorni precedenti la ricorrenza alcuni abitanti vanno alla caccia di serpi, un genere di innocui cervoni, bisce miti e timide che nel dialetto locale sono dette capitoni. Il giorno della festa verso le undici parte dalla chiesa la processione con la partecipazione dei Cocullesi (molti tornati espressamente da varie parti d’Italia e dall’Estero), di pellegrini e di gruppi di curiosi. Precedono la statua di san Domenico la banda musicale, alcune ragazze vestite in costume tradizionale, devoti con canestri colmi di ciambelle di pasta dolce e di confetti, che vengono poi donati ai portatori della statua.

San Domenico

Alla statua del Santo vengono avvolte le precitate serpi, le quali si attorcigliano da sé intorno alle spalle, al collo e alla testa del simulacro. Al termine del rito i serpenti vengono liberati. Alcuni devoti orgogliosamente tengono i rettili in mano o li attorcigliano intorno al proprio collo. San Domenico è venerato come protettore contro i morsi dei serpenti e di animali velenosi e rabbiosi e contro tanti altri malanni tra i quali il mal di denti (per preservarsi contro questo molestissimo dolore alcuni devoti ripetono ancora antichi e simbolici riti devozionali tra i quali quello di

La scala musicale

di Donato Di Pronio Rinfreschiamo un po’ la memoria, cominciando dal nome delle note. Inizialmente le note erano sei e furono chiamate UT, RE, MI, FA, SOL, LA, corrispondenti alle iniziali dei primi sei versi del seguente inno dedicato a San Giovanni Battista:

Tesoro dell’Estate

Calda estate tutta d’oro, che cos’hai nel tuo tesoro? Pesche, fragole, susine, spighe e spighe senza fine; prati verdi e biondi fieni, lampi, tuoni e arcobaleni; giorni lunghi, notti belle con le lucciole e le stelle. * * *

Luglio

Io sono Luglio che aspetta il villano, che vuol trebbiare e rimettere il grano: porto col sole il vaglio e il forcone, e per spulare, il vento Aquilone. E porto il caldo del Solleone, la zucca al porco, al ghiotto il melone e il grande fuoco che Cirillo mena spengon Sant’Anna e la Maddalena. * * *

Il Mare

Mare di onde, mare di mare Se tu mi culli sto qui ad abitare Mare di cielo, mare di sabbia Se tu mi abbracci mi passa la rabbia Mare di sole, mare di fuoco Se tu mi scaldi sto qui ancora un poco Mare di aria, mare di vento Se tu mi parli sono contento.

UT queant laxis REsonare fibris MIra gestorum FAmuli tuorum, SOLve polluti LAbii reatum, sancte Johannes. (Oh San Giovanni, affinché i tuoi devoti possano cantare con voci libere le meraviglie delle tue gesta, cancella il peccato dal loro labbro impuro). Nel Cinquecento fu aggiunta una settima nota: il SI e nel Seicento il nome della prima nota, UT, fu cambiato in quello di DO. Fu il monaco benedettino Guido d’Arezzo (995 ?-1050) che sostituì all’antico sistema di notazione neumatica (le note erano indicate con dei segni grafici detti neumi) un sistema di notazione che consentisse di leggere a prima vista i canti notati. Per fissare nella mente dei cantori l’intervallo che corre tra i gradi della scala musicale, Guido insegnò a servirsi dell’inno dianzi riportato in cui la prima sillaba di ogni verso corrisponde ai successivi gradi della scala diatonica (da DIATONIA, cioè il passaggio diretto dal suono dall’uno all’altro grado della scala fondamentale). Lo stesso monaco successivamente inventò il modo di rappresentare l’intervallo esatto tra le varie note; inventò, pure, un rigo musicale composto da quattro linee orizzontali: il TETRAGRAMMA (presentemente usato nella notazione dei canti liturgici, il GREGORIANO), annotandovi i segni delle note che assumevano un significato differente a seconda della collazione sulle righe e negli spazi tra riga e riga. Negli anni successivi al tetragramma fu aggiunta un’altra linea dando luogo al PENTAGRAMMA, il rigo di cinque linee utilizzato tuttora nella notazione moderna.

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tirare con i denti la corda di una campanella sospesa nella chiesa!). Si ritiene che il su descritto insolito modo di festeggiare il Santo tragga origine da riti propiziatori pagani di epoca precristiana associati al culto della dea Angizia. Angizia, rappresentava la deificazione di una figlia di Eeta, un re della Colchide, antica regione dell’Asia sulla costa orientale del Mar Nero. Ad essa quale venivano attribuiti poteri curativi in particolare il potere contro il morso dei serpenti che essa uccideva con il solo tocco delle mani. La dea (chiamata anche Dea Bona) fu particolarmente venerata nella Marsica (vasta zona dell’Abruzzo), nella quale è stata rinvenuta una (sua ?) statuetta con un serpente

nella mano sinistra. Angizia avrebbe insegnato ai Marsi l’arte di guarire le ferite dei serpenti e avrebbe attribuito agli stessi la virtù di uccidere quelli pericolosi e li avrebbe, inoltre, resi immuni da qualsiasi veleno. Bella e fantasiosa leggenda! I Marsi furono una delle popolazioni più potenti dell’antico Abruzzo. Abitavano nella precitata Marsica, nella quale c’era un lago, il Fucino. Il suo prosciugamento, già concepito da Giulio Cesare, e perseguito nel corso dei secoli, fu portato a termine soltanto nel 188687. Il terreno emerso è una delle terre italiane più fertili e produttive per le colture intensive di cereali, patate, barbabietole, di viti e di alberi da frutto.

La donna piccola di statura trova il marito, quella alta raccoglie i fichi. Short women find husbands while tall ones pick figs.

hen that goes around and around and can’t find where she laid her eggs. Meaning: You’re running around like a crazy woman and not getting anything done.

Detti popolari: Popular sayings

Dialect-Molise: U defiette da pignate u sa sul u cuocchiare. Literally: The defect of the clay pot is known only by the spoon. Or, only the spoon knows the inside problems of the pot. Meaning: Only the person who has the problems knows what they are. Or, everyone has problems they keep to themselves. Equivalent: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Dialect-Molise: A galline se pele dope morte. Literally: A chicken is plucked after it dies. Equivalent: There’s a time for everything. Or, look before you leap.

Dialect-Molise: Te se cume la galina orba, che la gira, la gira e la trova mai n’due fa l’ov. Literally: You are like a blind

Dialect-Molise: Chi spera a re luotte, sta sembe a pancuotte. Literally: He who plays the lottery ends up eating dry bread which has been re-moistened. Meaning: If you’re playing the lottery, then you will not be eating well as you will have no money to buy fresh food. Dialect-Molise: Pane e cepolla a la casa teja. Literally: At home you have bread and onions. Meaning: At the least, there’s always something to eat at home.

Dialect-Molise: Sciocca fa le pane. Literally: A flake of corn makes bread. Meaning: It’s as likely to happen as a flake of corn turning into a loaf of bread. No way!

Italian everyday expressions

Essere nelle nuvole. Literally: To be in the clouds. Meaning: Someone is distracted or aloof.

Prendere la palla al balzo. Literally: To take the ball at its bounce. Meaning: Someone is taking control of a situation or seizing an opportunity. i.e., Take the bull by the horns.

Caramanico Terme

continua da pagina 10B in termini turistici, economici ed urbanistici. Quasi tutto il nuovo abitato e le principali attività del paese si sono sviluppati intorno alle strutture termali, ma le accresciute esigenze della comunità hanno apportato cambiamenti anche nel centro storico: qui si è assistito purtroppo, in qualche caso, ad interventi che hanno snaturato le caratteristiche dell´abitato di un tempo. – dal sito: comunecaramanicoterme.it

Che palle. Literally: What balls. Meaning: What a pain. Amore a prima vista. Love at first sight.

Una guastafesta. Literally: One who ruins a feast. i.e., A party pooper.

Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi. Literally: To put the carriage in front of the oxen. i.e., Put the cart before the horse.

And now a word from Italy

by Blaise Di Pronio Mezzanine: A partial story between two main floors of a building or the lowest balcony in a theater or the first few rows of that balcony. It is derived from the Italian mezzo or one-half or halfway and mezzano or in-between/average and mezzanino which is the diminutive of mezzano.

LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2018 – PAGE 11 SEZIONE B

Now you see it, now you don’t

by Blaise Di Pronio I want you all to do me a favor. Look at the photo of the Mona Lisa painting accompaning this article. Okay. Got it? Now take a good look at it. Tell me now what you don’t see. Not see it yet?...... Eyebrows. Where are the eyebrows? But first, you should know that Mona Lisa is not her name. The painting’s subject is a Lisa Gherardini, whose wealthy husband, Francesco Del Giocondo, commissioned the work. This explains the less used Italian title for this painting, La Gioconda. The name Mona (short for madonna which is short for mia donna or my lady) Lisa roughly translates to “My Lady Lisa.” Now back to her eyebrows which, for a long time, had been a matter of debate, at least until recently. Some had claimed that the subject’s lack of eyebrows was representative of high-class fashion at the time. Others insisted her missing eyebrows were proof that Mona Lisa was an unfinished masterpiece. Some artists said that eyelashes and eyebrows could be a distracting detail since they have a strong presence in any representation and doing a work without them

shows more emotion in the eyes and face, rather than the focus being on the brow. I agree that Lisa does have a more ethereal look without them and it seems to suit da Vinci’s style of softened outlines or hazy forms (known as sfumato or to evaporate like smoke). In 2007, however, ultra detailed digital scans of the painting revealed da Vinci had painted on eyebrows and bolder eyelashes. Both had simply faded over time or had fallen victim to years of restoration work. So is the position of a French engineer who claimed that he has discovered these revelations. Working with experts at the Louvre, Pascal Cotte studied Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece with an ultra-high-definition camera he invented. Among the hundreds of highly magnified photos he took, he found the evidence of a single brushstroke of a single hair on the brow of the Mona Lisa’s left eye. Cotte thus believes and appears to have solid proof that da Vinci indeed did paint her with eyebrows and lashes. He further felt that the hairlines were so fine that they have either faded away over the centuries or were possibly washed

Please turn to page 9B tan lyricist and dialect poet, one of those responsible for the rejuvenation of Neapolitan dialect in plays, poetry and song at the beginning of the 20th century. A collection of his dialect comedies appeared in 1923 and his collected poems were published in 1928. He is primarily remembered

for his lyrics to some 600 Neapolitan songs set to the music of prominent Neapolitan songwriters of his day. Among his best remembered lyrics are Reginella, ‘O paese d’ ‘o sole and, in 1925, Lacreme napulitane, a song that describes the drama of the immigrant Neapolitan in America. Born in 1883, Bovio died in 1942.

away and obliterated during longago poor restoration attempts in the painting’s 500-year plus life span. So then, I suppose we can sur-

mise that a naked face was not the standard of beauty 500 years ago and, in that sense, not much has changed from today’s looks and trends.

Opera insights

Word Search:

Milwaukee City of Festivals SOLVED From page 9B

Words in an Italian word

from page 9B The answer: 72 words in “CINEMA.” 1. anemic 2. cinema 3. iceman 4. amice 5. amine 6. amnic 7. anime 8. eniac 9. manic 10. minae 11. mince 12. acme 13. acne 14. aine 15. amen 16. amie 17. amin 18. ance 19. cain 20. came 21. cane 22. cine 23. eina 24. emic 25. mace 26. main 27. mane 28. mani 29. mean 30. mein 31. mica 32. mice 33. mien 34. mina 35. mine 36. name 37. nema 38. nice 39. ace 40. aim 41. ain 42. ame 43. ami 44. ane 45. ani 46. cam 47. can 48. ean 49. ice 50. mac 51. mae 52. man 53. men 54. mic 55. mna 56. nae 57. nam 58. nie 59. nim 60. ae 61. ai 62. am 63. an 64. ea 65. em 66. en 67. in 68. ma 69. me 70. mi 71. na 72. ne.

Nuova eletta senatrice nel Nord e Centro America verrà alla Festa

PAGE 12 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2018

Francesca Alderisi, storica popolare conduttrice di Rai Italia, e’ stata eletta al Senato della Repubblica, nella circoscrizione estero (America Settentrionale e Centrale). Nata a Treviso nel 1968 da genitori napoletani e cresciuta a Roma, si diploma al liceo classico Plauto. Dal 1989 inizia la sua partecipazione a vari programmi televisivi, che la portano dall’anno 2000 ad occuparsi in veste di autrice e conduttrice (per otto edizioni e più di mille puntate) di “Sportello Italia” il programma televisivo di servizio di Rai International trasmesso in tutto il mondo. Dal 2015 conduce l’appuntamento quotidiano di Rai Italia “Cara Francesca…” dedicato alle storie di vita degli italiani e discendenti nel mondo. In questi anni ha arricchito la sua esperienza in materia di emigrazione, conoscendo di persona migliaia di connazionali nei cinque continenti durante incontri e

conferenze. Motivata dall’amore per i nostri connazionali e dalle loro storie che rappresentano un immenso patrimonio di valori, tradizioni e cultura del nostro Belpaese, ha voluto documentare attraverso una serie di interviste amatoriali, le esperienze maturate durante i suoi viaggi impegnandosi come lei stessa afferma “nel volere divulgare a quante più persone possibile l’enorme risorsa costituita dagli italiani e discendenti nel mondo, di cui mi piacerebbe si parlasse con più cognizione e frequenza anche in Italia.” A giugno del 2010 viene insignita dell’onorificenza di Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana per il suo impegno a favore delle comunità italiane nel mondo. Nel maggio 2013 è madrina e promotrice del “Giardino Italiani nel Mondo” che si trova a Roma sul Lungotevere Flaminio e rappresenta la prima targa toponomastica d’Italia dedicata ai nostri connazionali all’estero.

THE ITALIAN TIMES