ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com SEPTEMBER 2018 • VOL. 40, NO. 3
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Each year, Festa Italiana invites First Communicants to participate in the Festa Mass. Several young girls and boys accepted the invitation this year. Among them were (front, l – r): Catherine Calarco and Sabrina (Lo Coco) Ruiz. In back is Sabrina’s older sister, Sofia (left) and Anna Maria Vicini, who is the Festa volunteer who is in charge of the Holy Communicants during the Mass. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
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A message from Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center President
Well, what can I say? I wish I had the same kind of great news to report about this year’s Festa Italiana as I did last year. However, two days of mostly rain and a mediocre Sunday don’t spell success. Unfortunately that is the risk we take in having an outdoor summer festival geared for family enjoyment. I know that, with your support, we will survive and work harder to tackle the challenges we encounter in the future. The most difficult part for me was to see the disappointment in the faces of you, our dedicated volunteers. You work so hard for Festa year in and year out and deserve a much better outcome. Hopefully, the worst is behind us now and we can move forward and attain the kinds of success we
deserve for our efforts. We can take pride in the fact that we did our best to demonstrate to the community-at-large our pride in our culture and heritage, as the bylaws of our organization require us to do. I do have some exciting news to report. Professor Joe Mangiamele, through his Mangiamele Arts Foundation, is putting up a large abstract sculpture that will be erected on the west side of our property in early September. Named “New Beginning,” the more than two-story tall sculpture is dedicated to the immigrants who came to our country. The sculpture will add significantly to the artistic quality of our property and, for that matter, the Historic Third Ward and the City of Milwaukee. Please turn to page 2
Joe Emanuele will become the next ICC President
Officer nominees are unopposed, but eight in the running for four open directors’ seats
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Through the efforts of the Nominating Committee and the members who attended the Aug. 16 general meeting, a slate of officers and directors has been chosen for the Italian Community Center election. All five candidates for officer positions are unopposed. Eight indi-
viduals are running for the four open director-at-large seats. Current Vice President Joseph Emanuele will become the next president of the organization. Emanuele was an officer with the Milwaukee Police Department from 1992 to 2017 when he retired. His last promotions with MPD were as a Forensic Investigator (2002-06) and an Identification Systems Spe-
cialist (2006-2017). He is completing his second term as ICC Vice President and previously served one year as a director-at-large. He is also a past president of the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America. Emanuele will be replacing Dean Cannestra, who is completing his second straight term as presi-
Abstract sculpture, dedicated to immigrants, to be erected on ICC property by the Mangiamele Arts Foundation
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor In September, an abstract sculpture, more than two stories high, will be erected on the west side of the Italian Community Center property off of Jackson Street, just south of Chicago Street. Built by the Mangiamele Arts Foundation, the stainless steel artwork has been named “New Beginning.” It is dedicated to immigrants of all nationalities and races who came to America. The sculpture was designed by Joseph Mangiamele, Ph.D., a longtime ICC member. He is the founder and president of the nonprofit Mangiamele Arts Foundation and a Professor Emeritus of the School of Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Erection of the abstract work follows in line with Mangiamele’s mission and the reason for his establishment of the foundation. “My mission in general is to make Milwaukee an art center. And in so doing, help organize the art activities of the Metropolitan area so as to strengthen art as a force in Milwaukee,” he said. Several years ago, Mangiamele built a 22-inch prototype of the abstract structure that will be put up at the ICC property. He has displayed the prototype on numerous occasions at the ICC. Since he initially proposed the sculpture, he has received approval from the Historic Third Ward Association to erect the work. The ICC Board and Mangiamele Arts Foundation have Please turn to page 19
dent. The ICC Bylaws limit a president to serving no more than two Please turn to page 18
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Young Money wins Festa Bocce Tournament page 2
A toast to the late Dan Conley
page 2
Meet the Italian Idol winners
page 2
Cannoli-Eating Contest: Close to the finish page 3
Mass & Procession
pages 4 & 5
Reviews of some of the Festa acts
page 7
FC Palermo still reigning Festa Futsal champion page 6 Italian Senator Alderisi visits Festa page 10 Italian flagthrowers and classic cars
page 11
VIP Day activities
page 13
Authors praised, genealogy researchers help many page 12 Kids Pizza-Making Contest winners
page 14
Italian Heritage Exhibit page 15
Remembering Sam Purpero
page 17
ICC membership is on the rise
page 20
Live Courtyard Music series coming to an end page 19
Big Night for Sept. 14 ICC Movie Night Professor Joe Mangiamele
page 20
Fall bocce leagues and Italian classes to begin page 21
Young Money wins 41st Festa bocce tournament championship
A toast to the late Dan Conley, longtime bocce manager
In one of the most exciting, nail-biting and longest championship matches in the recent history of the Festa Italiana Bocce Tournament, Young Money defeated a team named Jesus Is Lord, 12-9, to capture the title. Both teams advanced to the championship round by rolling past three other opponents. This marked the third time that Young Money has won the Festa bocce tournament title. The team received a $250 cash prize and each player a trophy. They are (l – r): Zach Martens, Dominic Mudloff, Trevor Norgal and Josh Martens. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
A message from Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center President
from page 1 The Mangiamele Arts Foundation, which is loaning the sculpture to the ICC, will be in charge of its care and maintenance. Another piece of good news is the number of new members who have joined the ICC so far this year. Since the beginning of the
year, our membership has increased 11.2%. That is tremendous news. I want to thank the Membership Committee for reaching out to the community to encourage people to join. Let’s hope this continues for a long time! – Dean Cannestra ICC President
When you operate a food booth at Festa, it doesn’t matter if you are the Italian Community Center President and Festa Italiana General Chairman, you have to work in the booth. That’s what ICC President/Festa General Chairman Dean Cannestra and his wife, Mary, were doing when this photo was taken on July 21 inside the Divino Wine & Dine booth. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
PAGE 2 – SEPTEMBER 2018
The 41st Festa Italiana bocce tournament was halted for a few moments for a memorial toast to Dan Conley, who died this past Jan. 4 at the age of 69. Dan was the longtime manager of Festa bocce and the tournament itself and someone whom many players and friends respected and admired. Tracy (Conley) Balistreri (with microphone in hand) gave the toast to her father. Looking on proudly in the black dress is Tracy’s mother, Chris Conley. She and Dan were married for 44 years. At the end of her comments, Tracy asked everyone to raise a cup of Dan’s favorite beer, Miller Lite, to complete the toast. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
2018 Italian Idol winners
Here are the 2018 Italian Idol winners. In the center is the grand champion singer, who simply goes by the name “Rai.” She sung the Toni Braxton classic, “Unbreak My Heart” and the panel of judges awarded the Milwaukee resident the top prize of $500 cash. On the left is second prizewinner Samantha Hoppe of Pewaukee who sang Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” and took home a $300 cash prize. Third prize, $200 cash, was awarded to Sue Koch (right) of Milwaukee who sang Robbie Williams’ “Angel.” The champion round was held July 22 and featured the top four singers from the preliminary rounds on July 20 and July 21. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
A bite to the finish: 2018 Cannoli-Eating Contest
The annual Festa Italiana cannoli-eating contest, held on the Cucina Showcase stage, turned into a two-person race between the 2017 Champ Evan Jacob Garcia and Bert Chang. It was a back and forth battle between the two contestants. At the end of four minutes, Marie Andaloro-Lieber declared the contest ended and contestants had to put down any portions of the cannoli they were holding. Garcia was declared the cannoli-eating champion finishing seven full-size cannoli. It was determined that Chang was a close second, finishing
just one bite away from finishing his seventh cannoli. Lieber, to Bert’s dismay, declared him as the second place finisher because the rules, which she recited at the start of the contest, state that the contestant must completely finish a cannoli before it can be counted. Garcia, 26, of Grand Rapids, Mich., walked away with a $100 cash prize by consuming seven full cannoli, which was two fewer than he consumed last year. The cannoli for the contest were once again provided by Peter Sciortino Bakery.
Cucina Showcase Manager and Cannoli-Eating Contest Host Marie Lieber presented the 2018 version of the contest T-shirt to Evan Jacob Garcia of Grand Rapids, Mich., who repeated as champion of the event. He consumed seven full-size cannoli, edging out Bert Chang by one bite. In winning the title in 2017, Garcia downed nine cannoli. In addition to the T-shirt, he received $100 cash.
A lot of eyes were on Evan Jacob Garcia (wearing the king’s crown) as he devoured cannoli.
Bert Chang (left) and another unidentified contestant were hard at work downing cannoli as an excited judge behind them kept count of their consumption. Dozens of freshly made cannoli were just about ready to be taken from inside the Peter Sciortino Bakery booth to the cannoli-eating contest when this picture was taken. An entourage of Roman guards dutifully carry the cannoli from the booth to the Cucina Showcase where the contest is held. Those guards are seen here
with the Sciortino Bakery crew. Sciortino Bakery is owned and operated by the Vella family and is the sponsor of the contest.
These are the Festa 50/50-Plus raffle winners
Since you were probably not one of the three winners in the 2018 Festa 50/50-Plus raffle, you might be wondering who did win? Here are the names, hometowns and prizes of the winners: • 1st Prize: $2,887.50 cash (equaling half of the ticket sales) to Peggy McCarthy of Lockport, IL. • 2nd Prize: $500 cash to Melissa Bennetts of New Berlin. • 3rd Prize: $100 cash to Marilyn Stuckey of Milwaukee.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
All Times photos by Paul Inzeo
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, Barbara Collignon, Laura Duronio and Donato Di Pronio For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iccmilwaukee.com. Copyright 2018 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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.
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 3
Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler offers reflections on the Festa Mass
“We are an immigrant Church.” – A quote from Very Rev. Timothy L. Kitzke V.G. as he started the introductory remarks before the Festa Mass. The homily was delivered by the Mass Presider, Rev. John Baumgardner, who celebrated the first anniversary of his ordination that day (July 22). During this Mass, we reflect on three moments of time. First, where did we come from? We come to this Festa from all over the world, many from Italy, specifically, immigrants from Sicily. Most of us live in the Milwaukee area, or some from areas in and around Chicago. In the Gospel of Mark 6, read at the Mass, Jesus tells his Apostles to come away and rest awhile. Many of us came to the Mass because we were tired and we needed a rest and we find this rest in Jesus. Second, Jesus looks at us. How does He see us? “Before I made you, I knew you and loved you.” When Jesus looked over the crowds, he was always moved by compassion. We were all so beautifully made! We gave thanks for this moment of love by Jesus. Third, the crowds had a choice. We can become disciples of Christ or turn back to our normal life. When we find Jesus, we have an opportunity to fall in love with God one more time. This love will deeply affect all our lives, what we read, whom we love, how we serve others,
every aspect of our lives. In conclusion, we got away for awhile from our busy life and Jesus looked at us with pity and compas-
The Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee wishes to express its gratitude to the priests and deacons who participated in the Festa Mass and Procession celebrated on Sunday, July 22. We celebrated with Fr. John Baumgardner. Many of the religious have faithfully accepted the committee’s invitation year after year to assist at mass, the annual liturgical celebration described by the late Dominic Frinzi, past president of the Italian Community Center, as the “crown jewel of Festa Italiana.” In appreciation for their presence and assistance, we are publishing their names. Please pray for them that they may continue to dedicate themselves to the People of God they have been called to serve. Thank you for all you do!
Basilica of St. Josaphat; John Champagne of St. Benedict, Milwaukee, Carlos Cornejo of St. Anthony, Milwaukee; Thomas Filipiak of St. Bruno, Dousman; Walt Henry of Immaculate Heart of Mary, West Allis; Michael Monteleone, Chicago; and Tom Hunt, St. John’s Cathedral, Milwaukee.
sion. Now, will we be willing to fall in love with Jesus again? The choice is up to us. – Submitted by
Fr. John Baumgardner (with chalice of wine and host) prepared the Festa Mass attendees for the celebration of Holy Communion. Fr. John was the Principal Cele-
Many thanks to all the religious participants from the Festa Mass & Procession Committee
Priests Our Principal Celebrant Fr. John Baumgardner; The Very Reverend Timothy Kitzke, Rev. Edward Griesemer, Priests of the Sacred Heart, Franklin, Fr. Fred Brenk, S.J., Arrupe House Jesuit Community; Fr. Ed Zemlik, SCJ, Sacred Heart Monestery; Fr. Leandro Blanco, Formation House of St. Camillus; Fr. Mike Michalski, retired; Fr. Glenn Powers, Director of Pastoral Formation; Fr. Domenic Roscioli, retired; Fr. Pedro Tramontin, St. Camillus; Fr. Naveen, St. Camillus; Fr. JoJo, St. Camillus; and Fr. Joe Haas. Deacons Deacon of the Mass, Nicholas Baumgardner, brother of Fr. John Baumgardner; William Banach the
PAGE 4 – SEPTEMBER 2018
Servers Tony Crivello and Salvatore and Maria Vella.
Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler Celebrating 60 years of service to the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida
brant of the Mass. At this side (left) is his brother, Deacon Nicholas Baumgardner, who will soon become a priest. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
The Festa Marching Band is shown here in the Festa’s procession on Sunday, July 22. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
Hunger Task Force representatives collected nonperishable food items outside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater before the Festa Italiana Mass on July 22. Each year, Festa joins other ethnic festi-
vals and Summerfest in the “Fests Feed Milwaukee” campaign to collect food for distribution by the Hunger Task Force. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa Mass & Procession Committee thanks sponsors and donors
The Festa Italiana Mass & Procession Committee wishes to thank this year’s sponsors – Harder Funeral Home, James T. Guardalabene, Associate, and Catholic Financial Life. Both have been longtime supporters of Festa Italiana. In addition to the sponsorships, there were many other donations from societies, families and individuals for the religious celebration on Sunday, July 22. The total of these other donations came to $4,516. “Everyone on our committee appreciates and values the tremendous support of our sponsors and our donors,” said Sister Mary Louise Balistreri and Sal Lo Coco, committee co-chairs. “Their in-
volvement helped us to carry out the Mass and procession, which are the essence of our Italian festival. The committee chairs wish to express their gratitude to the following for their donations that helped to defray the costs associated with the Mass. • Santa Rosalia Di S.S.Q. • Pompeii Men’s Club • Pompeii Women’s Club • Three Holy Women Parish • Joe & Ann Zambito • Joe & Santa D’Amato • Joe & Christina Ziino • Gordon & Bernice Boucher • Ryan & Fran Blaubach • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO • John Tarantino
• John & Jean DiMotto • Frank & Maria Zingale • Rose Purpero Spang • Patti Bennetts • Joseph Lembo • Mary G. Winard • Anthony & Barbara Lupo • Allan Salzstein & Josephine Crosario • Patrick & Theresa Ciofani • Società Maschile Maria S.S. Del Lume • Thomas & Barbara Balistreri • Holy Crucifix • Donations collected at the Pompeii Church Exhibit during
Festa. These donations were made in memory of the named individual or persons. • Anthony T. Machi, in memory of Sadie Machi • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Sam Purpero • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Angelo Leto • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Salvatore Galioto • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Vita Carini Please turn to page 6
Festa Mass & Procession co-managers Sister Mary Louise Balistreri and Sal Lo Coco are seen here with Father John Baumgardner, who served as Principal Celebrant of the 2018 Festa Mass. This picture was taken at a reception after the completion of the religious activities. The young priest, who was ordained on July 22, 2017, is now part of the pastoral team for Milwaukee’s East Side Parishes under the auspices of the Very Rev. Tim Kitzke. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
The Pompeii Men’s Club showed its ongoing support for the Festa Italiana Mass with a donation made to Mass & Procession Committee CoChair Sal Lo Coco shortly after the start of this year’s festival. The donation was presented by Joe Palmisano, a past president of the club and a current member of the Pompeii Men’s Club Board. A list of all of the Mass donors appears in this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Members of the M.S.S. Addolorata Society di Sant’Elia marched proudly with their vada and banner in the religious procession after the Festa
Mass. The Addolorata Society is a regular participant in the procession (Times photo by John Ferraro)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 5
FC Palermo repeats as Festa Futsal champion for fifth straight time
They did it, again! FC Palermo captured its fifth consecutive Festa Italiana Futsal championship. FC Palermo defeated Calderas SC in sudden death penalty kicks. Both teams scored several times in the sudden death period, before Palermo’s goalie was able to deflect a kick by Calderas SC and Palermo scored the winning goal. No other team has won the Festa futsal championship. FC Palermo is coached by Italian Community Center member Sal Carini and sponsored by Papa Luigi’s. Eight teams competed in the tournament which featured incredible feats of athleticism. Several players on the eight teams that participated had professional experience on both the national and international level, Futsal Manager Mike Palmisano said. Before Festa initiated a futsal tournament five years ago, Palermo won a Festa soccer championship. Coach Carini (far left in white shorts) is seen here with his players. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Committee thanks donors to Festa Mass
The championship game in Festa’s 2018 Futsal Tournament came down to sudden death penalty kicks to determine the winner. Here, a player from Calderas SC attempts to score on a penalty kick as the goalie
for FC Palermo defends the goal. After several kicks – some for goals, some for not – by both teams, Palermo scored a decisive goal and won the title. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
from page 5 • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Megan Daly • Lucretia Lo Coco, in memory of Vincent Lo Coco • Lucretia Lo Coco, in memory of Domenic & Marion Carini • Raymond & Carol Martinez, in memory of Joseph & Sarah Martinez • Sal & Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Joseph & Maria Lo Coco • Tindaro Caputo and Family, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Caputo • Robert Bartelt, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Bartelt • Joseph & Jan Leto, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Leto and Vince Leto, Jr.
Harder Funeral Home
JAMES T. GUARDALABENE 18700 W. Capitol Drive
“Three generations of my family serving yours.” www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350
Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002. PAGE 6 – SEPTEMBER 2018
• AN ASSOCIATE OF THE HARDER FUNERAL HOME SINCE 2010. • Personally providing the services you have come to expect at the Harder Funeral Home or your church or cemetery chapel. • Funeral pre-planning and Title 19 expertise. • Longtime member of the Italian Community Center. • Not associated with Schmidt & Bartelt – Guardalabene & Amato
Meet “Camp Costabile.” Joe and Christine Costabile of Channahon,
Interested in advertising in our next issue? Get all of the details by calling 414-223-2189 or sending an email to Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.
Illinois decided to bring several of their nieces and nephews from Novi, Michigan, and Long Grove and Channahon, Ilinois to Festa Italiana in Milwaukee on July 21. Calling themselves “Camp Costabile,” each wore a gray t-shirt with a representation of the Italian flag on it. Joe Costabile (holding one child and another on his shoulders) has been coming to Festa for 31 years. In spite of the rain that day, they reported that they had a fun Festa experience and will to back next year. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Reviews of four of the Festa acts
Èvero featuring R. Stuart Mitchell
Opera fans were treated to an extraordinary performance by young lyric tenor R. Stuart Mitchell and soprano Erica Breitbarth, pianist Susan Johnson and violinist Jonathan Landis. The group’s name “Èvero” was coined by Mitchell from È vero (It’s true). Their performance at Festa was the first time they had performed together. They opened with Libiamo from “La Bohème” by Verdi, an aria so famous that most Italians know it by heart. A brief explanation of each song was offered by the performers to enhance audience appreciation. Breitbarth sang La Zingara, a song composed by Verdi. Mitchell followed with the spirited aria Questa o’ Quella that the Duke of Mantua sang in “Rigoletto,” also by Verdi. In this song the duke boasted that to him all women are the same. “This one or that one.” (I know I said, “take ‘em or leave ‘em” in the concert, but this phrase is more true to the meaning.) With piano and violin accompaniment, Breitbarth sweetly sang a piece from Gluck’s “Prince of Troy”: O del mio dolce ardor. It was during the 1991 concert of the Three Tenors performed in Rome that Mitchell fell in love with a song composed by Vincenzo de Crescenzo and sung by Pavarotti: Rondino al nido or “Swallow’s Return.” Mitchell rendered it with the tender emotion such a love song to nature would warrant. In honor of the twin brother he lost at age 18, violinist Jonathan Landis played the moving Adagio in E minor by Julius Conus. Breitbarth followed with O mio babbino caro from “Gianni Schicchi.” Susan Johnson then introduced “Gabriel’s Oboe,” a haunting piece of music from the movie, “The Mission.” The melody was so popular that lyrics were written for it. Accompanying herself at the piano, Susan Johnson, with her lovely warm voice, sang Ennio Morricone’s Nella Fantasia. Before singing this famous and moving aria, Stuart explained the story behind Nessun Dorma from “Turandot”, adding that Prince Calaf is a metaphor for unconditional love, for love personified. Love melts the coldest cruelest heart.
by Barbara Collignon
Mitchell and Breitbarth sang a new age duet from “The Mirror” called Nei tuoi occhi. Landis performed an amazing rendition of “Amazing Grace.” These four very talented young performers closed with “The Prayer” by Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster. All four artists have impressive credentials. Breitbarth, a teacher at Reagan High School in Milwaukee, was named a finalist for a Grammy Music Educator Award. Johnson has 20 years of experience in worship/sacred, pops, and classical music and is a sought-after artist for various events. She was a worship music director/planner at Elmbrook Church for over 10 years and currently is music director at Cornerstone Church in Delafield. Landis studied at the Wisconsin Conservatory and the string Academy of Wisconsin. He earned a degree in music performance at UW-Milwaukee. Mitchell has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony and several other symphonic and artistic organizations. * * *
Rat Pack Reprise
Fans of the Rat Pack had a rollicking time as Joe Scalissi, Jack D’Amico and Kenny Jones (paying tribute respectively to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.) sang and joked with the crowd.
Martin/Scalissi mispronounced “chord” with a “ch” as in “church,” drawing a response by music director Brian Whitty. Scalissi then joked that if “chord” is pronounced with a “K” sound, he was going to offer “kocolates” to his girlfriend. Posing with a drink in his hand, Scalissi offered a toast, “Here’s to our wives and sweethearts. May they never meet.” He then crooned a favorite standard of Martin’s repertoire, “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime.” This was Martin’s theme song on the television variety show he hosted from 1965-1974. According to Scalissi “That’s Amore” is “The Italian National Anthem.” Scalissi quipped, “Italians were the first to come here. Then came the FBI, forever bothering Italians.”
With typical Martin swagger, Scalissi sang, “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” This favorite was composed in 1960 by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Sammy Cahn
The “cool” days of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra playing at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas were brought back to life at Festa Italiana with the performances of the Rat Pack Reprise. The trio featured (l – r:) Joe Scalissi as Dean Martin, David Haynes as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Jack D’Amico as Frank Sinatra. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Sicilian Tenors. (Times photo by Dominic Cheski)
for the movie, “Oceans Eleven/” It’s considered the quintessential Rat Pack film. Martin/Scalissi invited the audience to sing along to “Volare.” However, when the crowd did chime in with particular gusto on the “Oh, Oh, Oh’s.” he jokingly admonished, “Only the good lookin’ people should sing along. Some of you shouldn’t be singing.” Next on stage was Jack D’Amico paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, “Old Blue Eyes.” He belted out Sinatra’s signature tune, an old Cole Porter favorite, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” In 1936, this song from the movie “Born to Dance” won the Academy Award for Best Song of the Year. D’Amico sang three other standard Sinatra songs: “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “My Way” and “New York, New York.” Kenny Jones belted out “That Old Black Magic” with gusto and followed with three songs made popular by Sammy Davis, Jr.: “The Candy Man,” “What Kind of Fool Am I” and “Mr. BoJangles.” The Rat Pack Reprise concluded its tribute with “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “Mack The Knife.” It didn’t matter that benches were damp and the air misty. The audience doubled every day until Sunday, when the sun finally decided to shine. A much larger crowd welcomed the Pack as warmly as they welcomed the sun. * * *
The Sicilian Tenors
Vito di Salvo and his combo band of 18 musicians introduced The Sicilian Tenors to strains of music from “The Godfather,” Neapolitan favorites and both opera and pop songs. Then Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale and Vincent Ricciardi sang their hearts out for the Festa audiences. “The best audiences are in Milwaukee,” quipped one of them. “You said the same thing in Florida,” countered another. “Just because we’re Sicilian, people assume we’re in the Mafia. We are not in the Mafia. We work for the Mafia. There’s a difference.” To the delight of the spectators, they sang “That’s Amore.” At one point, instead of singing “Back in ol’ Napoli,” they sang “Back in ol’ ‘Milwaukee,” that’s amore”. For those fans of Neapolitan songs, they gave a beautiful rendition of “Cor’ ‘ngrato” (“Ungrateful Heart”), also known as “Catari” (short for Catarina). The song dates back to 1911 and is attributed to emigrant American composer Salvatore Cardillo with lyrics by Riccardo Cordiferro. Caruso sang it for his fans and interestingly enough, Wikipedia says it is the only wellknown standard Neapolitan song to have been written in America. In English, the words are “Ungrateful Heart, you have stolen my life! It’s all over and I don’t think about it anymore!” The Sicilian Tenors also sang, “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera,” Broadway’s longest running show, by famed composer Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Another favorite from the Neapolitan repertoire was “Funiculi, Funicula.” This song was composed in 1880 by Luigi Denza with lyrics by Peppino Turco. Imagine, this: It sold a million copies in the same year! It was actually composed to be a commercial for tourists encouraging them to take ride on the funicular up the steep incline of Mt. Vesuvius. Many of you may remember that it was the theme song for a radio program in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Many artists have recorded it, even Annette Funicello in her album entitled “Italiannette.” One of the tenors asked, “Remember Caruso? Ah, you’re too young to remember Caruso. You senior citizens are “recycled teenagers.” Then, they sang “O Sole Mio.” “O Sole Mio” won second prize in a competition in Naples in 1898. No one could foretell its future success. An appreciative audience sang along at times. Tony Martin sang lyrics in English (“There’s No Tomorrow”) and Elvis Presley heard it and liked it so much that he sang it with new lyrics in “It’s Now or Never.” Neither song is a translation of “O Sole Mio.” The tenors followed this favorite with “Ritorna a me.” A stirring rendition of “God Bless America” was presented as a salute to veterans. Then the tenors sang the familiar aria “Nessun Dorma” from the opera Turandot. Vito di Salvo entered his composition for a tarantella in a contest. He won and it was featured in the movie with Julia Roberts called, “Eat, Pray, Love.” It’s called the “Tarantella Americana.” “Sammy’s been married a long time….33 years,” shared one of the tenors “What’s the secret? Never go to bed angry. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 33 years.” He added, “We studied with Luigi Vecchia. Old school teacher. If you said you couldn’t hit that high note, he’d hit you and then you could sing it.” The tenors explained, “When you talk about Festa Italiana you are talking about nostalgia. There are three ways to know if you are Italian. Number 1: You have an Aunt Mary. Number 2: There’s a statue of the Madonna in your garden. Number 3: “Somebody in your family is not talking to somebody else in the family” because of some offence long ago. It’s because of passione.” The Sicilian Tenors delivered their song list with passione to an appreciative Festa audience. * * *
Tre Bella
JoAnn Robertuzzi, Lorraine Ferro and Rosie de Sanctis make up Tre Bella, a trio composed indeed of three very talented beauties who, while having their own style, did remind one sometimes of the Andrew Sisters, especially when they sang “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” With synchronized dancing and gestures, Tre Bella gave an enerPlease turn to page 8
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 7
Great musicians put their heart and soul into every performance. Here is George Busateri doing exactly that during one of the shows with his band. Spider George & The Web performed nightly at Festa Italiana 2018. It should be noted that Busateri served as this year’s Festa Music Director. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
Anthony Crivello, a multiple-talented singer and TV/film actor who has won numerous theater awards including a Tony, returned to his hometown, Milwaukee, to perform at Festa Italiana. Many of Crivello’s relatives – a good share of them who are members of the Italian Community Center – proudly came to see Anthony sing. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Rick D’Amore, who once held the record for most consecutive years performing at Festa Italiana, returned after a 23-year absence in the lineup to sing at the 2018 festival with his band that included two of his sons. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
Known primarily for his tough guy roles in films and TV, Louis Vanaria showed Festa audiences that he can sing with the best of the Italian crooners who have made their mark. This Festa marked his first appearance at the festival. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
Tenor Aaron Caruso was joined by two talented sopranos – Graziana Lazzaro (left) and Agne – for shows at Festa Italiana. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
Persons who attended Festa’s opening day ceremony heard Tre Bella sing the U.S. National Anthem (seen here). The Sicilian Tenors with Cory Pesaturo and Graziana Lazzaro performed Italy’s National Anthem. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Four Festa acts reviewed
Accordion virtuoso Cory Pesaturo is seen here performing with 16 yearold vocalist Agne. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
getic, animated performance despite the damp weather. They pleased the crowd with their rendition of Neapolitan favorites “Funiculi, Funicula” and “Torna a Sorento.” They sang “Happy,” “Let’s Twist Again” and the song from “Boy on a Dolphin,” the movie with Sophia Loren from 1957.
PAGE 8 – SEPTEMBER 2018
from page 7
Adding a feminist twist to their song list, they sang songs related to love and marriage including one made popular by Meghan Trainor, “Dear Future Husband.” Some of the lyrics are: “Here’s a few things you’ll need to know if you wanna be my one and only all my life.” They also sang “Chapel of Love”
and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” The latter song dates to the early ‘60’s and was popularized by The Dixie Cups and The Shirelles, respectively. Later in the program, dancing and singing like Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski in the 2008 version of Mama Mia, the
movie, Tre Bella gave a delightful rendition of Abba’s “Dancing Queen”. With spirits undampened by occasional sprinkles and wet benches, the Festa audience welcomed Tre Bella with enthusiasm and unbridled enthusiasm. Tre Bella’s performance was truly a delight to watch and hear!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
FLEMT, an Italian rock band that started out in Senigallia, a town in the Ancona province of the Marche region of Italy, performed nightly at Festa Italiana. (Times photo by Tom Hemman
Tom Sorce, a legendary guitarist and music producer in Milwaukee, performed with jazz vocalist Sandra Mandella, a Milwaukee native who had a long career as a performing and recording artist. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
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Here are the Sicilian Serenaders Ted and Tom Pappalardo and Peter Balistrieri, performing for Festa guests as they entered from the Mid Gate. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
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In the pulsating hearts of our Italian roots Italian Senator Francesca Alderisi visits Festa
by Francesca Alderisi Italian Senator It all started from an email exchange. Before I was elected, I knew the former President of the Italian Community Center (ICC), Michael Palmisano, who told me about your Festa Italiana. I promised him I would take part in it, elected or not.
I did want to be near you in this event to confirm my closeness also to those Italian communities distant from the main centers, scarcely told and witnesses of an old generation of emigrants. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and other similar poles are not the only cities telling about the passage of Italians in past and present times. Italian emigrations left and leave traces of our country anywhere in the world. There are many pulsating hearts beating even far from major centers. Also decentralized communities host unstoppable strengths which proudly claim their Italian origins and, therefore, deserve attention.
In Milwaukee, in the heart of the United States, I could admire how you jealously safeguard values and traditions of our Italy thanks to the commitment of three generations of Italian Americans. With respect to this, your Italian Community Center is a driving and powerful engine which has fostered this energy for decades. It was an honor to meet some of its members, among them was the first President
of the ICC, Mr. Anthony T. Machi. All of you showed a great passion that keeps alive the roots of our Country. As Pietro Tarantino, a longtime member of the ICC, said, “Events like Festa Italiana celebrate Italy, our sentiments, our memories and what is inside our heart: the Italian spirit.” Moreover, in this “not very large but made of great people community” – as some of you described it – it was surprising to see that some of the main characters passing down and defending our roots speak only a bit of Italian and never lived in Italy. You spend your energy to find Italy wherever you can, every occasion that is before you, big or small. You dig inside you with excitement in order to investigate your history and origins. It is hard to me to delete from my mind the stories of those of you who left, on the other side of the world, to reach Sicily, Calabria and other regions to seek the necessary documentation for obtaining the Italian passport. The contagious enthusiasm of Michael Palmisano – and several others like him – is a perfect example. There are no distances that can stop such impetus. The scarce knowledge of the language is not a hurdle. You, new generations of Italian descendents, are entrusted with the hard task and the responsibility to safeguard our heritage outside the Italian borders. In my first meeting as Senator with the Italian American Commu-
Senator Alderisi with Pietro Tarantino, who operated a food booth, Pietro’s Pizza.
In this picture, Italian Senator Francesca Alderisi is seen with Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani. She has her arm over Anthony T. Machi, the first president and the first general chairman of Festa Italiana (1978-80). Mike
PAGE 10 – SEPTEMBER 2018
nity, I purposely visited this place away from the spotlight, because “small community” does not mean “less important” when dealing with Italians abroad. In fact, here in Milwaukee, I found your irremovable Italian
roots. Therefore, it is essential to be close to communities even during events like Festa Italiana, where one can go to the very core of the Italian emigration. These are not mere festivals, indeed. They are precious chests of our origins.
Italian Senator Francesca Alderisi is seen here with Mike Palmisano, a past president of the Italian Community Center. Palmisano wrote the initial letter inviting the senator to this year’s Festa and coordinated her stay in Milwaukee.
Here, Senator Alderisi is seen with Anthony T. Machi, the first president of the ICC (1978-80) and the first general chairman of Festa Italiana.
Photos provided by Senator Alderisi’s office
Palmisano, also a past president of the ICC and former Festa chairman, can be seen standing first on the left. Palmisano wrote a letter to Sen. Alderisi inviting her to come to Festa. Alderisi was elected as the Italian Senator representing
Italian residents with dual citizenship living in North and Central America. She replaced Renato Turano, who did not seek re-election. Alderisi is a former Italian TV news anchor.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani from Sermoneta, Italy makes debut at Festa
Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani gave an unscheduled performance in an open area just east of the Mid Gate on Sunday, July 22. The troupe came to Festa for the first time from Sermoneta, a town in the Lazio region of Italy.
Even with high wind gusts during its performance, the flag throwers showed that they were quite skillful in tossing and hurling their colorful flags that highlight the folklore of an 1571 battle won by Onorato IV, Caetani, the Duke of
Sermoneta and Captain of the Pontification troops over the Turkish Muslims and the transition to peace afterward. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Carnevale Royalty ride in style in Festa Parade
Being Il Re e La Regina (the King and Queen) of the Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale, its famous pre-Lenten masked ball, has its benefits. Among them is driving, waving and tossing candy to spectators in Festa Italiana’s Grand Parade. Here, Re Edward Ciano and his wife, Regina Stephanie, are seen riding in a vintage Cadillac, owned by ICC member Dave Doern.
Ryan Lieber and Miro Mazza Mueller, the Prince and Princess of Carnevale rode in style in a vintage Ford Mustang, also owned by Dave Doern, who is driving the vehicle.
Times photos by Tom Hemman
John Alioto, the Grand Marshall of the 2018 Carnevale, waved to the crowd from an Italian made Alfa Romeo, courtesy of Reina International Auto of Brookfield. Driving the vehicle is Filippo Reina.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
While not in a motorized vehicle, the Junior Princess Maya Hamdan and Junior Princess Izayah Angeles traversed the parade routine in a beautifully Sicilian carretto (cart) that was donated to the ICC.
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 11
Three very special authors I met at Festa, including one whose book has brought back fond memories for many local residents
by Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler Paul Salsini is an award-winning author of an epic narrative spanning each decade from World War II to the 1990s. His “A Tuscan Series” will deeply touch people affected by war, poverty and immigration. You can find out more about his outstanding novels at his webpage: www.ATuscanSeries.com or by contacting him at psalsini@execpc.com Art Cola has written a series of novels on immigration. So much can be applied to the experiences of immigrants today. You can learn more about his books at arthurcola@yahoo.com or arthurcolabooks.com Silvana Bastianutti Kukuljan touched my heart personally in a very deep and intimate way. In her book My War My Peace, she writes about three of my own Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida who were instrumental in helping her and her family adjust to life in the United States. I want to share a little about each of these three Sisters because they have probably touched your lives also. In fact, many guests of Festa have asked or talked about these sisters at various times when I have been at Festa! Sister Mary Paul Maiorana was an outstanding and deeply respected teacher at St. Rita Grade School in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. She not only was a teacher but had a deep interest and very compassionate spirit of caring for all the families of her students. She was
Author Paul Salsini with his display at the Artisans & Authors Exhibit. (Times photo by Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler)
Here is author Arthur Cola (standing, far right) with his wife Donna (seated, far left), their daughter, Jana Smith and their grandson, Riley. (Times photo by Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler)
Author Silvana Bastianutti Kukuljan with Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler.
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Here is a picture of Sr. Mary Crucifix standing on the right in the front row in a photo that was taken at Festa Italiana (year unrecorded).
deeply committed to embracing immigrant children and families. I had the privilege of being with Sister Mary Paul when she died very peacefully shortly after midnight on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1968 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. The Lord called her home at the age of 49 on the day dedicated to mothers. Her gift of motherhood to so many children and families will always be remembered. May 12, 2018, was the 50th anniversary of Sister Mary Paul’s death. Sister Alfreda Scurti also taught at St. Rita School. In 1954, she started as the first principal of St. Joan Antida High School, where she served as principal until 1964. Not only did she found the high school and was the principal, she also was the French teacher, managed a homeroom, recruited students and helped to clean classrooms when the school day was over. Today, her many and varied duties would be done by four or five employees. She was the first St. Joan Antida Sister I met when I started at St. Joan’s 60 years ago this year. She was my French and homeroom teacher besides being principal. Sister Alfreda returned to Italy in 1964 and died in Rome, April 11, 1966. Her dedicated spirit of sacrifice and service will be remembered forever. Sister Alfreda died at the age of 61. Sister Mary Crucifix taught at St. Rita’s and later at St. Joan Antida High School. Like so many of the first St. Joan Antida Sisters, she seemed to be all things to all people. Her gentle and kind spirit will be remembered forever. We are where we are today thanks to the Sisters deep prayer life, commitment to religious life and service to people in need by these first beautiful servants of God. I’m sure, if these three sisters were still living today, they would be described as awesome, amazing, beautiful, exceptional, great, trusted, humble servants, etc! I owe a world of gratitude to Silvana for remembering and honoring my sisters in her book. To purchase the book of her life story both in Italy and here in the USA, and to learn more about the early years of my sisters serving the needs of our Italian immigrants, you can go to silvanabkz@gmail.com Editor’s note: Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler, Sister of Charity of St. Joan Antida, was a volunteer photographer, who offered to write about her Festa experiences. She is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida.
Couple thanks Festa for Special Olympics bocce tournament
Festa Italiana Directors: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the wonderful time at Festa 2018. My son is playing bocce for his first year with Special Olympics Wauwatosa and we had such a wonderful time. Everything was just perfect, the games, the lunch, the rides. We had a great stay, thanks to you. – Mary and Ryan Gannon
THE ITALIAN TIMES
If you are doing genealogical research on your family, you might have stopped by to see these volunteers from the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society. From the left: Jamie Aukskalnis, George Koleas and Sue Alioto, who was helping Brenda Fairchild of Hubertus, WI when this picture was taken. Koleas, who heads the Italian Family History Club, said his volunteers helped more people than ever discover their roots. The Italian Family History Club meets four times a year at the Italian Community Center. Look for an article from Koleas in this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
If you were looking to buy some calia and semenza, an Italian teddy bear or some religious pictures, you might have made your purchase with this Festa volunteer. He is Joe Sorrenti, who came to volunteer from Las Vegas, NV. He is the brother of ICC member Fran Tollefson. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Special Olympics athletes play bocce on a soggy Saturday at Festa
Although the newly laid sod was wet soggy and a bit slippery as the result of the rain of the past 24-hour period, the Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin’s bocce tournament went on as scheduled at Festa Italiana on July 21. Several teams from West Allis, Milwaukee,
Wauwatosa and the North Shore area competed in the tournament, which is held annually at Festa. Some of the players just returned from Washington where they participated in the USA games. Many of the players, coaches and Festa volunteers are seen in this photo. Special
A central part of Festa Italiana’s 38-year history of hosting VIP Day for persons with disabilities has been to provide a couple of pieces of fresh fruit to these special guests. The tradition continued at the 41st annual Festa. The fruit was donated by a local wholesale fruit vendor who wishes to remain anonymous. The volunteers who handed out the free fruit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., July 21 were (l – r): Bob Jennaro, Mary Demlow, Nardo Carini, Rosalie Boos and Jerry Epstein, all longtime VIP Day helpers. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Olympics was founded 50 years old by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert F and Ted Kennedy. The first Special Olympics games were held in Chicago. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Here are Nancy Agnello (left) and Elizabeth Zizzo, who were providing information to Festa-goers about the Italian Immersion program at Milwaukee’s Victory School. A full Italian immersion program will be available this fall for students from grade K-4 through third grade. Although Elizabeth is a teacher at Victory and Nancy is not, they have something in common (or should we say “someone” in common). That would be Paul Iannelli, a past president of the Italian Community Center and longtime volunteer executive director of Festa Italiana. He convinced the Summerfest Board to allow Festa the use of its grounds to stage the first Festa in 1978. The Summerfest grounds have been the location of the festival since then. Paul is Nancy’s father and Elizabeth’s grandfather. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 13
Meet the Kids’ Pizza-Making Contest winners
Festa Italiana hosted its annual Kids Pizza-Making Contest on July 22. Children competed in two categories – 5 to 9 year old kids and 10 to 17 year old kids – to make the best looking pizza. The winner in the 5-9 year old category was Maddie Frego, 9, of Glenview, IL, who is seen on the left. She won a commemorative first-place pizza-making contest T-shirt and her picture in this issue of The Italian Times. The winner in the 1017 year old category was A.J. Franceschetti, 12, of Waukesha, who is seen on the right with Cucina Showcase Manager Marie Lieber. He won the same prizes as Maddie. All of the contestants got a pizza-making contest T-shirt and could take home the pizzas they made. (Times photos by Tom Hemman and Naomi Berkowicz)
101-year old celebrates her heritage at Festa
While he’s not a chef by profession, C.J. Lieber demonstrated his cooking skills as the opening act at Festa’s Cucina Showcase. C.J. made his pasta fresca with chicken recipe. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Festa guests were invited to salute the 41st Festa Italiana after samples of Brachetto wine, courtesy of Corvina Wine, were passed out during an opening day event at the Cucina Showcase. Joe LaSusa, who co-owns Corvina with his brother, Frank, is seen here passing out samples. There were also two different kinds of birthday cake to enjoy during this event. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
PAGE 14 – SEPTEMBER 2018
Possibly the senior-most guest to attend the 41st Festa Italiana was Rose D’Amato of Greendale. Rose, who turned 101 on May 30, came to Festa on July 21 with her daughter, Sandy. Rose was born in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward and was one of seven children born to Sicilian immigrants Santa and Nicolo D’Amato. She credits her longevity to healthy eating. Her daughter said she mostly enjoys a vegetarian diet. Rose is in the process of writing a book about her life. She has already written chapters about each of her parents and siblings, going to the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church and about how everything in the old Third Ward centered around the church, which served the Italian immigrant community from 1905 to 1967. Her daughter says Rose has yet to write a chapter about herself. Rose said she truly enjoyed seeing all the photos, religious artifacts and memorabilia from the old Third Ward during her stay at Festa. (Times photo by Christina Ziino)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa’s Italian Heritage Exhibit brings back fond memories for many
With or without the purchase of a votive candle, Festa guests could sign a booklet expressing their prayer intentions to the Three Holy Women ministry. The volunteers staffing this area in the Italian Heritage Exhibit at the time this photo was taken were (l – r): Marion (Catania) Yoder, Jackie Blend-Bussert and Pat Krahn. (Times photo by Tom Hemman) Diane Strozyk pointed to a photo in the Italian Heritage Exhibit showing her as a young girl with her family. The photo is of the Thomas D’Acquisto family in 1946 – Diane’s parents Thomas and Aldona and their children Joe and Diane. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
A Festa guest viewed some of the religious artifacts on display inside the Italian Heritage Exhibit in the photo above. The photo on the right is a wider view of the panels of Italian heritage photos that were on display. (Times photos by Tom Hemman and John Ferraro)
Inclement weather curtails the availability of Festa’s popular gondola rides
With the brisk wind and rapidly moving waves, gondolier Tony Emmiti worked hard to provide a relaxing ride across the Summerfest lagoon for his riders. The inclement weather played a factor in limiting the number of gondola rides available to guests at this year’s Festa. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Here are gondoliers Mario Emmiti (left) and John Dereszyn. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 15
You might have enjoyed a scoop or two of gelato served by this group that includes Joe Reina, Marilena Reina, Dominic Pitti (all three in the center) and the members of the Wisconsin Hitmen Dance Team. They worked in the Gelateria Italiana booth on the south end of the Festa grounds. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
While Festa Italiana is only a three-day event, for the food vendors, there is a lot of work that goes into it before the festival (and the clean-up of booths and removal of supplies after it ends). Here, Fabio Woytal, and his mother, Enrica Tarantino Woytal, are seen cleaning up and breaking up the calamari (squid) they would sell to Festa attendees. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
MPD officer and his partner on duty at Festa for guests to meet
Ever wonder what it’s like working in a food booth at Festa? Working in Papa Luigi’s booth is pretty crazy, but fun crazy, the workers told our photographer. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Sal Purpora (driver) gave fellow pizza man, Pietro Tarantino, a ride in his “Papa Luigi mobile” before the official opening of the 41st Festa Italiana on July 20. Both operated food booths at Festa. In everyday life, Purpora and his family own and operate Papa Luigi’s Pizza on Layton Ave. in Cudahy and Meyer’s Retaurant, Bar and Banquet Hall in Greenfield. The Tarantino family owns and operates a pizza business on Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View bearing Pietro’s namesake, Pietro’s Pizza. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
PAGE 16 – SEPTEMBER 2018
Helping to make the City of Milwaukee a safer place to live is 7-1/2 year old Rocky, the highly trained German Shepherd. Rocky is seen here with his partner Officer Shawn Burger. The two were on hand to meet Festa Italiana guests on July 22. The MPD K9 Foundation was also there to collect donations to help cover the costs associated with the training and day-to-day care of the police dogs. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Past ICC President Sam Purpero remembered at Festa
A billboard at the Venetian bell tower location at Festa Italiana paid tribute to the late Sam Purpero, a past president of the Italian Community Center and the organization’s longtime treasurer. Purpero was an instrumental figure in nearly every aspect of the ICC and Festa from the inception of both in 1978 up to his passing last Oct. 11 at the age of 81. Sam and his family were unquestionably the largest donors to the ICC and Festa in the history of both. The final paragraph on the billboard read: “The grace with which he navigated life and his quiet generosity are deeply missed by his friends at the ICC and his dear family.” For many years, Sam was the president and chief executive officer of C.W. Purpero, Inc., an Oak Creek-based excavating, construction and earthwork company. The company, a perennial supporter of Festa Italiana, sponsored the 43-foot tall Venetian bell tower this year. Four of Sam and the lateLucille’s children are seen here standing alongside the billboard. From the left: Mary Nordstrom, Christina Purpero, Susan Oszuscik and Phillip Purpero. Phillip is now the president of C.W. Purpero, Inc. (Photo provided by the Purpero family)
I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, is seen here performing for proud parents, grandparents and guests at the Children’s Stage. The group is under the direction of Ash-
ley DeSanctis and Susie DeSanctis Chistiansen. An annual participant in Festa, performed all three days of Festa. I Bei Bambini rehearses and learns how to perform Italian folk dances
If you like getting spun around at a high speed, maybe you boarded the Round-Up, one of the free carnival rides at Festa Italiana this year. The Round-Up is dubbed the “world’s most exciting ride.” All of the carnival rides were provided by Lake Enterprises of Eagle, Wis. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
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on Monday nights at the Italian Community Center at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit this website: tradizionevivente.com. (Times photo by Sister Ann Catherine Veiersthahler)
Michelle’s Magical Poodles demonstrated their skills on the Children’s Stage on July 21 and 22. (Times photo by Dominic Cheski)
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 17
ICC election: Officer nominees unopposed, eight running for director-at-large seats
from page 1 consecutive terms. Cannestra will, however, continue to be a member of the ICC Board in the non-elective position of Immediate Past President. Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie will succeed Emanuele as Vice President. She has served the last year as a director-at-large. She is the current Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National President. All of the other officer candidates are incumbents: Ted Catalano as treasurer, Susan DeSanctis Christiansen as secretary and Joanne Sanfilippo Czubek as sergeant-at-arms. The term for each officer position is one year. As for the director-at-large seats, the committee nominated these individuals: Christopher Bartolone, Ed Ciano, Marie Andaloro Lieber and Tony Lupo Members offered these additional nominations: Christine Catalano, Pietro Tarantino, Anthony Zingale and Sophia Michalovitz. The top four vote getters will win two-year terms. It should be noted that the Nominating Committee included Rosemary DeRubertis and Salvatore Lo Coco as co-chairpersons, and Suzanne Wypijewski, Joseph Zambito and Christina Ziino as members. Cannestra appointed the co-chairs and members who attended the June general meeting elected the others. (See Article V, Section 3 of the bylaws). Look for full coverage of the election, including statements from each of the contested candidates in the October issue of The Italian Times, which will be available no later than Monday, Sept. 24.
As the unopposed nominee, Joe Emanuele will become the next president of the ICC. According to the organization’s bylaws, he will officially succeed Dean Cannestra on Nov. 1. Emanuele has served as vice president the last two years.
Qualified voters will receive an election ballot in the mail. According to Article III, Section 1 of the bylaws, a qualified voter is anyone who has been a member a minimum of 60 days prior to the last date that a postmarked and returned election ballot is received. For the upcoming election, the Nominating Committee will mail a ballot to each person who has been a member since this past Aug. 13. The Nominating Committee is
given the authority to verify the eligibility of all the candidates and to conduct a drawing to arrange the order of placement of the candidates’ names on the ballot. (See Article V, Section 8.) Article V, Section 9 stipulates that the ballots must be sent to voters within eight days of the September general meeting. The date of the general meeting is Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The envelope with the ballot (or ballots, in the case of couples) will also include a return envelope addressed to the ICC. Voters must use the return envelope to submit their ballots. Complete voting instructions will come in the mailing. The mailing of those ballots is the last official duty of the Nominating Committee. Only those ballots in the return envelopes that are postmarked on or before Thursday, Oct. 11 will be eligible to be opened and counted. Ballots received with envelopes
postmarked after Oct. 11 will be saved but not counted. The timetable for returning ballots is spelled out in Article V, Section 9. Section 10.a. of Article V states that the current ICC President must appoint tellers – a chairperson and members – who will meet prior to the October general meeting “to confirm the validity of all returned ballots.” Section 10.b. explains when the tellers open and count the ballots. It states” “The tellers shall meet on the day of the October general membership meeting (which is Oct. 18 this year) and open all valid ballot envelopes received. The tellers shall tally all ballots and shall report the election results to the membership prior to adjournment of the October general membership meeting.” Those officers and directors who are elected officially assume their duties on Nov. 1, according to the ICC Bylaws.
Membership ‘Happy Hour’ event for members and friends set for Wednesday, Sept. 19
The Italian Community Center Membership Committee invites all members and their friends to come to a “Happy Hour” event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Divino Wine & Dine, 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee.
“This will be a good chance for members and their friends to get together in a social setting outside the ICC,” said Mary Anne CerasoAlioto, Membership Committee
Chair. Wednesdays at Divino are halfprice beer nights. Guests can enjoy appetizers and small plate options from the “Happy Hour” menu. Drink specials will be extended to 7 p.m. The Divino staff suggests checking out the specialty cocktail menu. A 10% discount will be added for any full-size entrée orders.
Calendar of Events
Please turn to page 20
August 30 – September 27, 2018
Thursday, Aug. 30 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Piano Brew, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 3 • Labor Day. The offices of the Italian Community Center, Festa Italiana and The Italian Times will be closed. Wednesday, Sept. 5 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 6 • Live Music in the Courtyard with The Squeezettes, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 10 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 11 • Abruzzese Galileo-Galilei Society meeting and spuntino, 2 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Robin Pluer & The R&B Coquettes, 6:30 p.m. • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 13 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 14 • Italian Community Center Movie Night featuring “Big Night,” 7 p.m. Details in this issue.
Tuesday, Sept. 18 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Jim Liban’s Blues Combo, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 19 • ICC Membership Committee’s Members’ Happy Hour at Divino Wine & Dine, 5 – 7 p.m. Details in this issue. • Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge 2763/Order Sons of Italy in America Board meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 20 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center general membership meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Hungry Williams, 6:30 p.m.
PAGE 18 – SEPTEMBER 2018
Friday, Sept. 21 • Abruzzese Galileo-Galilei Society social, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 25 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 26 • Pompeii Women’s Club general membership meeting, 6 p.m., social, 6:30 p.m., dinner. Scholarship night. Thursday, Sept. 27 • Live Music in the Courtyard with FBI & The Untouchable Horns, 6:30 p.m. Final concert in 2018 series.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall bocce season will begin the week of Sept. 10. Team registration forms are available at the ICC or online at www.iccmilwaukee.com. The championship playoffs will take place on Monday, Nov. 12.
• ICC Italian classes. The fall semester of weekly Italian classes for teens and adults will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11 with Italian I (Beginners) at 5:30 p.m. and Italian II at 7:30 p.m. Look for details in this 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.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Mangiamele Arts Foundation to erect large abstract sculpture on west end of ICC property
from page 1 worked out an agreement whereby the ICC allows the foundation to erect the structure on its property while the foundation maintains ownership and is responsible for its maintenance. The sculpture itself will be bolted onto a concrete base that will be six feet deep and approximately six square feet. There will be a steel plate on top of the base. Made of resilient stainless steel, the sculpture will be resistant to wind and elements of the weather and will require little maintenance. Mangiamele said the sculpture will be put together in two sections and aimed toward the northwest for better viewing. It will be lighted from the bottom with upward trajectory. By mid-August, about twothirds of the sculpture had been completed by a metalwork fabricator at Mangiamele’s warehouse. “We’re planning to put it together on-site starting the first week of September,” Mangiamele said. “It’s a matter of laying the base, welding and polishing.” He expects it will take five to seven days to assemble.
Long interest in art One of Mangiamele’s earliest memories is of a grade-school art teacher telling him that he was “good at design.” He said the development of his design interests led him toward architecture and urban design, and, eventually into sculpturing. When he served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, he was drawn to the architecture and the outdoor character of the great European cities. After the war, he worked as a city planner. Cornell University awarded him a scholarship to work on his Ph.D. Through the efforts of an author and professor at the University of London (England) and with the assistance of two Fulbright Scholarships, Mangiamele went on to earn his doctorate from the London School of Economics and Political Science. For several years, he worked as what the British called a Town Planning Architect for the London County Planning office. His positions there were as both a planner and designer in constructing new towns around London. This became the base of
Joe Mangiamele working in his warehouse. This photo was taken from his foundation’s website: mangiameleartsfoundation.org. (Photo courtesy of Dino Black)
his Ph.D. dissertation. While in London, Mangiamele was recruited by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to teach urban planning and design. During his first years at UWM, he was appointed the Director of University Planning and Development. In that role, the university acquired property surrounding the institution, built some new modern urban-design buildings and developed a 20year plan. He chaired the committee for selecting the first dean of the School of Architecture in 1963. He then taught city planning and urban design at UWM until 2001. During his time at UWM, Mangiamele became a city planning consultant to a number of surrounding smaller communities and was also associated with and employed by several architectural firms. His experience in consulting led to furthering his interest in urban scale, an important element of urban design. Later on, this interest led him to his sculpturing as a means of bringing urban scale to cities, urban scale poised at about 30 feet or at three-stories in height. Now, for more than a decade, Mangiamele has been designing primarily six-to-eight inch prototypes of what eventually should become stainless steel 30 ft. high sculptures to be located at appropriate settings in cities, parks and other public places. “Perhaps my mission is not only to place large-sized steel structures into public places but also to encourage private firms to use engaging sculptures to identify their businesses and to include them in their surrounding landscapes,” Mangiamele said. “My most personal of missions is to make a significant contribution to the art movement and in making this city, ‘the art city of the world’.” To that end, he set up the Mangiamele Arts Foundation that is encouraging young adults through scholarships to pursue design curriculum. For more information on the Mangiamele Art Foundation, visit: www.mangiameleartsfoundation.org.
Here is the 22-inch prototype of the sculpture that was designed by Joe Mangiamale for the large abstract that will be erected on the west side of the ICC property in early September.
Two honors this year This past May, Mangiamele was recognized with a Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence for Edu-
cation by the Illinois and Wisconsin Grand Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. The organization has been recognizing outstanding Italian Americans from both states for 17 years. In an article published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2006, Mangiamele humorously remarked that he strove to achieve his many accomplishments “because my undergraduate philosophy professor advised me to get into something practical because he didn’t think I could make a living as a philosopher.” This past February, Man-
giamele was honored as the ICC’s Il Nonno (Royal Grandfather) at its pre-Lenten mask and costume gala, Il Grande Carnevale. “The Professor,” as many affectionately call him, prides himself as being one of the original members of Cafe La Scala’s “Round Table.” This is the group of elderly gentlemen who have meet for lunch at the ICC restaurant nearly every Wednesday for the past 37 years to share their camaraderie and to share their wisdom on how to solve the world’s problems. He was married to his late beloved wife Ebbie for 60 years.
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor There are nine opportunities left to see some of Wisconsin’s favorite bands perform in concert in the “Live Music in the Courtyard” series at the Italian Community Center. Presented by Milwaukee Brewing Company, the series is offered to the public with free admission and free parking. The Cafè 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 the remaining nights. The shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and go on rain or shine. When inclement weather occurs, the music is
brought indoors. Here’s a look at the concerts remaining in the 2018 series. • 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. • Thursday, Sept. 6 – The Squeezettes. The repertoire for this four-time Wisconsin Area Music Industry award-winning group includes traditional polka and waltzes, blended with pop hits from the 1950s through the 1980s, along with a variety of other danceable numbers. The group is Please turn to page 21
THE ITALIAN TIMES
2018 ‘Live Music in the Courtyard’ series heads into home stretch
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 19
ICC membership on the rise
Since February, memberships in the Italian Community Center have increased by 11.2%, according to figures released July 31. In February, the total membership stood at 873. By the end of July, the mark had risen to 984. Membership Committee Chair Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto credited the increase to a concerted effort by the committee and other ICC members to invite and actively encourage people to join. She added that the committee’s
presence at various events (such as the Italian Film Festival at UWMilwaukee, several events of various Italian societies and organizations, the ICC’s “A Taste of Italy” and Festa Italiana this past July) helped to bring in new members. The age bracket of 20 year-old and under members experienced the largest percentage increase, 38.5% (51 members in February to 83 on July 31). Most importantly, Ceraso-Alioto
noted was the increase in members in the 21 to 65 year-old bracket, where memberships rose 18.3% (236 members in February to 289 members on July 31). Ceraso-Alioto pointed out that this age bracket represents the future of the ICC. The age bracket of 66-84 year olds saw an increase of about 4.5% (429 members in February to 449 on July 31). The senior-most bracket of members 85 and older also increased from 157 members to 163
members. A Membership Committee recommendation to make the duration of every membership a full year was approved by the ICC Board at its June 14 meeting. Previously, all memberships were renewable on Jan. 1. Now, if an individual joins at any time during the year, the membership will be valid through an entire 12-month period. Look for a story on new reasons for become a member and the new membership structure in the next issue.
Here’s another chance for members and persons who may be interested in becoming members of the Italian Community Center to get together for a fun and inexpensive night. The ICC Membership Committee has arranged for a free showing of the 1996 comedy-drama, Big Night, on Friday, Sept. 14 and everyone is invited to attend. The film, starring Stanley Tucci, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini and Tony Shalhoub, will be shown in the ICC’s beautiful courtyard if the weather permits. If
not, the film will be shown in the bocce court room. Attendees are welcome to come early for dinner at Cafe La Scala or come at 7 p.m. when the Membership Committee will begin the evening’s festivities. Besides the showing of the film, committee members will be on hand to speak to non-members about the ICC and the benefits of becoming a member and to take guests on guided tours of the building. There will be trivia contests before the start of the film in which
those getting the correct answer will get a bag of popcorn to enjoy during the show. There will be a concession stand open all night to purchase food and beverages. If the film is shown outdoors, it will start at dusk. The committee is hoping for a large turnout as was experienced on Aug. 17 when the film Moonstruck was shown. The committee is planning to screen films with family friendly themes for free on the second Friday of each month. The Aug. 17 showing of Moonstruck drew about 55 people, said Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, chairperson of the Membership Committee. “That’s a pretty good turnout when you consider that Irish Fest was going on at the Summerfest grounds and Zoo A La Cart was happening at the Milwaukee County Zoo. It was a good start for us,” she added.
afloat, Secondo asks Pascal for a loan. Pascal demurs, repeating a past offer for the brothers to work for him. This, Secondo refuses to do. He and his brother want their own restaurant. In a seemingly generous gesture, Pascal insists that he will persuade popular Italian American singer Louis Prima to dine at Paradise when in town, assuming the celebrity jazz singer’s patronage will revitalize the brothers’ business. Primo and Secondo plunge themselves into preparation for the “big night,” spending their entire savings on food and inviting people (including a newspaper reporter) to join them in a magnificent feast centered around a timballo, a complicated baked pasta dish. Primo pours his heart into every dish, lavishing care and great expertise on the cooking. As they wait for Primo and his entourage to arrive, the diners indulge in the exquisite food and partake in a fabulous celebration. Hours pass, however, and it becomes apparent that the famous singer is not coming. Phyllis catches Secondo and Gabriella kissing and runs off to the beach. At Gabriella’s insistence, Pascal admits that he never called Louis Prima, thus ending the party. Secondo follows Phyllis to the beach where they have a final quarrel. Primo and Secondo have a fiery, heart-wrenching argument, chafing at their mutual differences. In the wee hours of the morning, Pascal admits to Secondo that he set up the brothers for failure; not as revenge for Secondo’s affair with Gabriella but because the brothers would have no choice but to return to Italy or work for Pascal. Secondo denies him, saying they will never work for him. As dawn breaks, Secondo silently cooks an omelette. When done, he divides it among three plates, giving one to Cristiano, their waiter, and eating one himself. Primo hesitantly enters, and Secondo hands him the last plate. They eat without speaking, and lay their arms across one another’s shoulders.
Join your friends at the ICC for a free showing of the comedy-drama, Big Night, on Friday, Sept. 14
Welcome new Italian Community Center members!
The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between June 8 and August 13, 2018. Benvenuti (Welcome!) Linda Zizzo of Mukwonago, WI
Sandra Walworth of Milwaukee, WI Maureen Sorensen of Racine, WI
Dennis & Deborah Conta of Milwaukee, WI
Giuliano Garcia-Paulis (Jr. Membership) of Greenfield, WI Abigail Janchan (Jr. Membership) of New Berlin, WI Majorie A. Bell of North Muskegon, MI
Cassandra Mazza (Jr. Membership) of Milwaukee, WI John & Mia D’Amato of Oak Creek, WI
Haley Megna (Jr. Membership) of West Allis, WI Joe & Jill DiGiorgio and children Jacob, Joey and Lucia of Milwaukee, WI
Christina Levis and daughter Cassandra Mazza of Milwaukee, WI Gabrielle Nardecchia (Jr. Membership) of Westlake Village, CA Christopher Nardecchia of Milwaukee, WI
Conrad & Rose Ann Theriault of Oconomowoc, WI Tracy Hem of Oak, Creek, WI
Kathleen Thomas of Menomonee Falls, WI Leo Crivello of Milwaukee, WI
Hannah Kathrein (Jr. Membership) of Milwaukee, WI Mary Gross of Milwaukee, WI
Jeton Rusidorski of Oak Creek, WI Steven Tucci of Milwaukee, WI
Rosemarie Zaffiro-Moser of Milwaukee, WI Maria Parmentier of New York, NY Emily Fuger of Milwaukee, WI
Nick Walrath (Jr. Membership) of Brookfield, WI Gary & Julie Seidlitz of Milwaukee, WI James Picciurro of Milwaukee, WI
Gabriella C. Booth of Wauwatosa, WI Alfred Arroyo of New Berlin, WI
John & Michelle Hess and children Jacob and Sierra of Milwaukee
PAGE 20 – SEPTEMBER 2018
About Big Night Big Night was directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci and produced by David Kirkpatrick and Jonathan Filley for the Samuel Goldwyn Company. The film was met with positive reviews and grossed $1.4 million worldwide. It was nominated for the “Grand Jury Prize” at the Sundance Film Festival and the “Grand Special Prize” at the Deauville Film Festival. Scott and Tucci won the New York Film Critics Circle Award and the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best New Director. Tucci and Joseph Tropiano won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. The film is set on the New Jersey Shore in the 1950s. Two Italian immigrant brothers from Abruzzo own and operate a restaurant called “Paradise.” One brother, Primo, is a brilliant, perfectionist chef who chafes under their few customers’ expectations of “Americanized” Italian food. Their uncle’s offer for them to return to Rome to help with his restaurant is growing in appeal to Primo. The younger brother, Secondo, is the restaurant manager, a man enamored of the possibilities presented by their new endeavor and life in America. Despite Secondo’s efforts and Primo’s magnificent food, their restaurant is failing. Secondo’s struggles as a businessman render him unable to commit to his girlfriend Phyllis, and he has recently been sleeping with Gabriella, the wife of a competitor. Her husband’s eponymous restaurant, “Pascal’s,” has succeeded despite (or perhaps due to) the mediocre, uninspired food served there. Desperate to keep Paradise
Members’ ‘Happy Hour’ event set for Sept. 19
from page 18 “This get-together is also an opportunity to promote area businesses run by members of the ICC,” said Ceraso-Alioto. “We thank our ICC President Dean Cannestra and his family for offering us a chance to hold this kind of event. We hope to see you there.”
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
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 June 8 and Sept. 13, 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 Arthur Maniaci Anthony T. Machi Gino A. Dentice Jimmy & Linda Spataro In memory of Rosario Busalacchi Anthony T. Machi Rita & Bill Jennaro Gino A. Dentice
In memory of Thomas D. Bellanti anthony T. Machi In memory of Caroline Jennaro Anthony T. Machi Jimmy & Linda Spataro Rita & Bill Jennaro Vida Carini
Fall bocce season to start week of Sept. 10
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. 12 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 nonmember 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 (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night) and Jeannie Prindiville (Thursday afternoon). People can also contact Bocce Coordinator John Alioto at pasta31@aol.com.
Last chances to see acts in ‘Live Music in the Courtyard’ series
from page 19 fronted by ex-burlesque chanteuse- stylists, and many of his original turned old-school torch singer, songs have been recorded by naChanel Le Meaux, who is joined by tional blues artists like Johnny Pamela (“Big Surprise”) Scesniak Winter and Lonnie Brooks. and Linda (“Tiny Bubbles”) Mueller • Thursday, Sept. 20 – Hunplaying Baldoni accordions, Mike gry Williams Band. The Hungry Chaltry on “free range” tube and Williams Band is a MilwaukeeMike (“Animal”) Eells on vocals and based group playing swinging R&B percussions. from the late 1950s and 1960s with • Tuesday, Sept. 11 – Robin a big dose of New Orleans rock and Pluer & The R&B Coquettes. roll. Look for everything from the Pluer is considered one of the best legends like Fats Domino, Little R&B and jazz vocalists in the area. Richard and Irma Thomas to other She has been performing locally for New Orleans notables. more than three decades and once • Tuesday, Sept. 25 – Revwas part of the R&B Cadets with erend Raven & The Chain Paul Cebar. This will mark the Smokin’ Altar Boys. Making its group’s fourth and final appearance third appearance in the Courtyard in the 2018 Live Music in the this summer, Reverend Raven & Courtyard series. The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys play • Tuesday, Sept. 18 – Jim Chicago-style blues good enough to Liban’s Blues Combo. Featuring win 10 Wisconsin Area Music InMilwaukee’s reigning harmonica dustry (WAMI) awards for Best player, Jim Liban, the combo plays Blues Band. The band received a the blues with feeling and a style 2007 Grammy nomination for Best that has kept its fans coming back Blues Compilation. The group alshow after show. Liban was known ways draws a full house when playthroughout the Midwest in the ing in the courtyard. 1970s as the leader of Short Stuff, • Thursday, Sept. 27 – FBI & the innovative Milwaukee-based The Untouchable Horns. Closing ensemble that pioneered the blues out the 2018 series will be FBI & and rock sound later identified with The Untouchable Horns. The Apbands like the Fabulous Thunder- pleton-based group plays the best birds and Stevie Ray Vaughan & of funk, R&B and pop. The group’s Double Trouble. Over the years, influences include Chicago, Blues Liban has achieved an interna- Brothers, Huey Lewis & The News, tional cult status as one of the fore- Journey, Stevie Wonder, Tower of most post-war blues harmonica Power and Earth, Wind and Fire.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Sonny & Melody Gensler Frank Jennaro
In memory of Janet Ann Becker Anthony T. Machi
Gerry Accetta Purpero Salvatore Fricano, MD
In memory of Franca Orlando Elizabeth Orlando Carl & Karen Rinaldi
Weekly adult Italian classes return to ICC on Tuesday, Sept. 11
This fall, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II conversational class, both starting Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on Nov. 13.
Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.
The Italian II course will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said.
Enrollment is open to ICC members and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $125 per person. The fee does not include the course textbook. The book is entitled “Italian is Fun” by Amsco Publishing. To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Sept. 11 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached. People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment with a check or credit card. Tarantino Woytal began teaching Italian classes at the ICC more than 35 years ago.
Registration form for Fall 2018 Semester of Italian I course & Italian II courses
Name(s) _________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone No. __________________Email _________________________________
I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling. Course fee: $125.00 per person.
Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.
Just the facts please
Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world. The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana). Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or hilly. The Italian wolf is Italy’s unofficial national animal and plays a large role in the legend of the founding of Rome. Parmesan cheese originated in the area around Parma, Italy. Italians also created many other cheeses including gorgonzola, mozzarella, provolone and ricotta. No one knows when the pizza was invented, but the people of Naples made it popular. No other country in Europe has as many volcanoes as Italy. This is because the Italian peninsula stands on a fault line. Three major volcanoes (Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius) have erupted in the last 100 years. Vatican City is the only nation in the world that can lock its own gates at night. It has its own phone company, radio, T.V. stations, money and stamps. It even has its own army, the historic Swiss Guard. San Marino is the world’s oldest republic (A.D. 301), has fewer than 30,000 citizens and holds the
world’s oldest continuous constitution. Its citizens are called the Sammarinese. The University of Rome is one of the world’s oldest universities and was founded by the Catholic Church in A.D. 1303. It is often called La Sapienza (“knowledge”). The University of Rome is also Europe’s largest university with 150,000 students. In 2007, a dog named Rocco discovered a truffle in Tuscany that weighed 3.3 pounds. It sold at auction for $333,000 (USD), a world record for a truffle.
And now a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Opportunity: A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. A favorable or suitable occasion or time. Comes from the Latin phrase ‘ob portum veniens’ or “coming toward a port” in reference to the wind. Thus, from ob “in front of, toward” and portus “harbor”, i.e., a favorable wind bringing you to port safe and sound.
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 21
Justice arrives late but not too late
The defendant in the case was not innocent. He clearly had been found guilty of criminal misconduct brought on, in part, by addiction to opiates. Because of the overall circumstances, the District Attorney’s
office recommended no jail time but only one to two years of probation. But, to the dismay and shock to all, the judge ordered 48 years in prison! Efforts to set aside the sentence went all the way to the Supreme Court to no avail. Jennaro did not represent the man at the time of the court proceedings but when he became involved in the case, the man had been in prison 18 years and appeals were no longer an option. Newly discovered information had to be found in order to have a shot at reparations. Jennaro dug deep and he was stunned at what he discovered. He discovered that, at the time of sentencing, the trial judge was a member of the same church and same men’s group (from the church) as the victim’s family, a blatant and obvious conflict of interest which should have caused the judge to recuse (disqualify) him-
self. If this had been known at the appeal stage, it would have been a basis for appellate relief. Based on the newly discovered circumstances, a hearing was held in front of the then felony division presiding judge. Jennaro and his client were accompanied by his client’s 20 year-old son and his son’s mother. The boy had grown up without a father because the judge had seen fit to neglect his sworn duty to be fair and honest. The son told the Court that he was soon due to graduate from college and his only wish was to have his father next to him in a suit of clothes, not the orange prison suit he had on. Amidst a tear or two, the new judge reduced the sentence to TIME SERVED. Justice had arrived! The next day, the man was released. His son was waiting for him. Memorable indeed!
Attorney Bill Jennaro
1). Jet lag relief pills – The trip to Italy can be a long and exhausting one with a big change from your local time zone. Natural jet lag pills work well and they don’t have any negative side effects.
2). Passport pouch – You’ll be taking your passport to Italy, so it’s a good idea to bring a holder to keep it and other valuables safe and organized. When you’re in crowded places, like attractions and train or
by Blaise Di Pronio Regardless of what you may have heard, the colors of the Italian flag (green, white, red) do not symbolize those staples of Italian cooking: basil, mozzarella and tomatoes. There’s more to the flag than that. The flag of Italy is referred to as Il Tricolore (The Tricolor). It features three equally sized vertical rectangles starting with green at the hoist/pole side and continues with the white and red. The first version of the tricolore was used in 1797 by the Cisalpine Republic (a sister republic of France in Northern Italy that lasted from 1797 to 1802 when Milan was made its capital by Napoleon. The colors chosen by the republic were red and white, which were the colors of the recently conquered flag of Milan, and green, which was the color of the uniform of the Milanese civic guard. The Legione Lombarda had carried banners of red and white (from the flag of Milan). The same colors were later
adopted in the banners of the Legione Italiana, which was formed by soldiers coming from Emilia and Romagna. As usual, Italian politics were confusing even back then and the flag was no exception. Some have attributed particular values to the colors and a common interpretation is that the green represents the country’s plains and the hills (I guess I was close here with basil), white, the snow-capped Alps and red for blood spilt in the Wars of Italian Independence and Unification. Another, but more religious, interpretation is that the green represents hope, the white represents faith and the red represents charity. This is in reference to the three theological virtues. On Apr. 25, 1945, known as Festa della Liberazione, the government of Benito Mussolini and its Fascism fell. The Italian tricolor was adopted in its current form on Jan. 1,1948, with the declaration of the republican constitution and the end of the reign of the House of Savoy.
bus stations, it’s an especially good idea to avoid carrying valuables in your pockets. 3). Travel adapter for Italy – Standard U.S. electronic cords do not fit into Italian outlets, so in order to keep your phone and other electronics charged you’ll need a power adapter specifically designed for Italian outlets. 4). Gorgeous outfit (Women’s and men’s) – Italy’s nightlife scene can be a wonderful experience. Whether you’re going to restaurants or bars you will want a very stylish outfit. Even if you’ll mostly be casual on your Italy trip, you will want to have at least one killer outfit that you feel good in. 5). Virtual private network (VPN) – Italy has been known to censor parts of the internet. This
means that certain websites that you might want to visit won’t be accessible unless you have a good VPN. If you go on anyone’s WiFi network while traveling such as at a restaurant, hotel or airport etc. you’re potentially putting all your important information at risk of being hijacked. But with a VPN you are protecting your passwords, credit cards and identity with just one click. Plus, it works on all devices and it’s really inexpensive! 6). Lipstick-sized USB charger – While in Italy you’ll likely be away from a power source for extended periods of time. This little external USB power bank solves the problem. It means that you can charge your phone, camera, iPad or any USB device while you’re out and Please turn to page 28
by Blaise Di Pronio We all know Bill Jennaro, past Italian Community Center President, former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge, who is in private practice now. His legal career is nearing 50 years thus causing the Milwaukee Bar Association (MBA) to ask him about his most memorable case. In fact, he told them that there was one and he agreed to share the story with the MBA and us. By chance, the case did not involve opposing sides per se. Rather, it involved a presiding judge who forgot his judicial ethics and integrity.
What to pack on your trip to Italy?
True colors of the Republic of Italy
Word Search:
Italian Movie Directors by Blaise Di Pronio
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in the word "SOPRANO"? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________ Answers on page 24
PAGE 22 – SEPTEMBER 2018
To find Word Search solved, turn to page 25
THE ITALIAN TIMES
by Barbara Collignon “Mefistofele”, an opera by composer and librettist Arrigo Boico, wondrously beautiful as it is, is not performed nearly often enough. It’s Boico’s answer to Gounod’s “Faust,” a version of the Faustian legend that Boico deemed a superficial and frivolous treatment of a profound subject. The Metropolitan Opera of New York will be presenting it in November of this year. Boico’s opera is the Faustian bargain told from the devil’s point of view. As an NPR reporter summarized it, “The devil gets his due.” Pun well-intended. The legend of Dr. Faust originated with Dr. Johann Georg Faust, an eccentric German scholar in the 1500’s. The story turns up in 1604 in a play by Christopher Mar-
Opera insights
lowe. Goethe wrote his classic drama on the subject and Gounod’s opera familiarized the public with the story. Enrico Caruso performed in Gounod’s version. Boico’s “Mefistofele” debuted in 1868 at La Scala but it was not well received. After significant revisions were made, the opera was performed in Bologna in 1875 and deemed a success. Faust’s role change from baritone to tenor and the addition of the duet, “Lontano, Lontano,” were among the changes Boico made. “L’altra notte in fondo al mare” is not an unfamiliar aria sung by Margherita. She lies chained in a prison cell, accused of drowning her own baby and of poisoning her mother. Mefistofele leads Faust to Margherita’s cell, then leaves the
Bill Dickinson honored for his ’28 Ford truck
Italian Community Center member Bill Dickinson participated with his 1928 Model A Ford Roadster pickup truck in the Milwaukee County Concours d’Elegance, a benefit classic automobile show, at Veterans Park on Aug. 5 and came away with an award of excellence. His truck was awarded a yellow ribbon winner in the Antique Group and was given a “Representation of Excellence Award” by a six-judge panel. Dickinson said that it was quite an honor because of the prestige and significance of
the show. It is considered an event of true national importance. Dickinson has previously displayed this vehicle at Festa Italiana when he drove it in the Festa parade. The event was a benefit for the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Meta House. Dickinson reported that there are many vehicles that were exemplary examples of collectors’ passions to conserve important automobiles. He said winning the award was “quite a thrill.”
Here’s Bill Dickinson and his award-winning 1928 Ford Pick-Up truck.
Michael Riege attending Air Force Academy
Michael Riege, the son of Italian Community Center members Robert and Kathy Riege of Hartland, is now a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. He is a June 2018 graduate of Arrowhead High School. Besides passing all the stringent requirements to gain acceptance to the Air Force Academy, Michael has made the academy’s football team as an outside linebacker. The Air Force Academy Falcons play in Division 1 of the NCAA. He played football at Arrowhead. Michael reported to his squadron on June 28 for rigorous training that prepares him both physically and academically for a future leadership role serving his country. He is part Italian on his mother’s side. – Submitted by Mary Winard
THE ITALIAN TIMES
two alone together. In a moving duet, they sing“Lontano, Lontano.” Here are the lyrics and translations. Translation by yours truly. Margherita L’altra notte in fondo al mare Il mio bimbo hanno gittato, Or per farmi delirare dicon ch’io L’abbia affogato. L’aria è fredda, Il carcer fosco, E la mesta anima mia Come il passero del bosco Vola, vola, vola via. Ah! Pietà di me! In letargico sopore E’ mia madre addormentata, E per colmo dell’orrore dicon ch’io L’abbia attoscata. L’aria è fredda, Il carcer fosco, ecc.
The other night they threw my baby into the depths of the sea. Now to drive me insane they say that it is I who drowned him. The air is cold, The jail cell is gloomy, And would that my sad soul Like the sparrow of the forest Fly, fly, fly away. Ah! Have mercy on me! In lethargic sleep lies my mother asleep, And to my full horror, they tell me He has met her.
The air is cold, The jail cell gloomy
Margherita, Faust Lontano, lontano, lontano, Sui flutti d’un ampio oceano, Fra i roridi effluvi del mar, Fra l’alghe, fra i fiori, Fra le palme, Il porto dell’intime calme, L’azzurra isoletta m’appar. M’appare sul cielo sereno Ricinta d’un arcobaleno Specchiante il sorriso del sol. La fuga dei liberi amanti speranti, Migranti, raggianti, Dirige a quell’isola il volo, La fuga dei liberi amanti, ecc. Lontano, lontano, lontano.
Far, far, far away, On the waves of a wide ocean, Among the dewy currents of the sea, Among the algae, among the flowers, Among the palms, The port of intimate calm, The blue island appears to me. It appears on the clear sky Encircled by a rainbow Mirroring the smile of the sun. The escape of free hopeful lovers, Migrating, beaming, directing that flight to the island, The flight of free lovers, etc.
12th annual MITO SettembreMusica set for Milan and Turin Please turn to page 24
The northern Italian cities of Milan and Turin will host the 12th annual MITO SettembreMusica, a series of classical music concerts from Saturday, Sept. 1 and through Sunday, Sept. 30. SettembreMusica features 125 concerts at affordable prices. Some of the performances offer free admission. Each concert is themebased with introductory commentary for each performance. Many of the programs also feature open singing events, resulting in audience involvement. This year’s theme is “Dance.” In introducing the theme, Nicola Campogrande, SettembreMusica Artist Director, said “Since Medieval times, there has been no age that has not known the pleasures of composing, performing and listening to music in one way or another
inspired by dance.” He added that the 2018 festival “explores the various kinds and levels of relationships between the art two art forms. Among this year’s performances are complete ballets and sublimations of dance in concert forms; Renaissance and Baroque dances, and their reinventions by living composers; concerts dedicated to specific dances (such as the waltz and the tango) and explorations of construction techniques (the syncope and the perpetual mobile).” MITO 2018 is dedicating a whole day to performances of choral groups from Italy and abroad. The performances will be held in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and Turin’s Piazza Castello. For more information, visit http://mitosettembremusica.it.
The village of Patti in the Messina province of Sicily celebrates La Festa della Madonna del Mare (The Madonna of the Sea) each year on the second Sunday in September. In 2018, the festival will be on Sept. 9. The ceremonial part of the festi-
val begins with a golden Madonna statue being carried to the sea in a procession. Then she is put on an illuminated boat to lead a boat procession. Afterward, attendees enjoy music, dancing, food and wine.
Luminara di Santa Croce (Illuminations of the Holy Cross) is a beautiful procession in Lucca (Tuscany region), Italy, on Sept. 13. The city is illuminated with thousands of candles at night as the procession goes through Lucca’s historic center. This famous Tuscan festival is a devotional procession in which the Volto Santo or Holy Face, a wooden
crucifix, is carried along the streets of the old town center from the Church of San Frediano to the Cathedral of San Martino, illuminated by thousands of small candles. Workmen spend all of the previous day putting the candles in place so that the entire centre of Lucca is beautifully illuminated on the evening of the feast.
Sicilian town celebrates the Madonna of the Sea in September
Lucca, Italy holds ‘Luminara di Santa Croce’ on Sept. 13
Michael Riege
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 23
Pompeii Men invite all to VIP fundraiser
The Pompeii Men’s Club is inviting the public to attend its 27th annual Joseph P. Camiti VIP Dinner and Fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Alioto’s Restaurant, 3041 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa.
Activities begin with a cocktail reception – cash bar with appetizers – at 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by dinner (Sicilian steak with angel hair pasta) at 6 p.m. After dinner, the fun begins.
Pompeii Men’s Club installs Chuck Lazzaro as President
Chuck Lazzaro was installed as the 24th president of the Pompeii Men’s Club on July 29. Lazzaro, a longtime Italian Community Center member and Festa Italiana volunteer, replaces Tony Baudo who served as president from 2014 to 2018. The officers installed were John Sanfilippo as Vice President, Domenic Foti as Treasurer and Greg Catalano as Secretary. The new board members are Pete Greco, Paul Lamarre, Sal Purpora, Dave Doern, Joe Palmisano, Mike Cardo and Ed Ciano as Sergeant of Arms. Baudo will remain as a member of the Board of Directors. For more information on the Pompeii Men’s Club, follow them on Facebook or check out their web site at www.pompeiimensclub.com.
Pictured from left to right: Judge John DiMotto, immediate past president Tony Baudo, and newlyinstalled president Chuck Lazzaro. Judge DiMotto officiated the swearing in of Lazzaro. (Photo provided by Pompeii Men’s Club)
“Happy Birthday” were the words of the night as members of
the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO gathered for their June 19 meeting
One lucky winner will cash in on the $1,000 grand prize. There will be many other cash prizes in the raffle.
The cost has been set at $60 per person. Reservations must be made by Friday, Sept. 21. For tickets or to make a donation to this fundraiser, contact chairman John Sanfilippo at 414-282-2667 or Domenic Foti at 262-375-2100 or Tony Zingale at 414-444-4689. “Your support goes a long way toward helping our various charities and our high school scholarship fund,” said Pompeii Men’s Club
The Pompeii Men’s Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 1968, is dedicated to improving the community through charitable work. The club has been a supporter of many events and activities in the Italian community including the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana and many more organizations such as the MACC Fund, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Sojourner Truth House and Special Olympics.
Contemporary best selling books in Italy – Combined fiction and nonfiction
1. L’arte di essere fragili (The Art of Being Fragile) by Alessandro D’Avenia 2. La casa dei Krull (A Sense of Guilt) by Georges Simenon 3. Qualcosa Something by Chiara Gamberale 4. Animali fantastici e dove trovarli (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) by J.K. Rowling 5. Intrigo italiano (Italian Intrigue) by Carlo Lucarelli
UNICO Ladies celebrate birthdays Photos provided by the Ladies of UNICO
Here are four of the Ladies of UNICO senior-most members. From the left: Mary Castrovinci, Rose Emanuele, Angela Fransee and Nancy Schlotthauer.
at the Italian Community Center. When adding the ages of all the members and guests in attendance, they celebrated 1,240 birthday years. It was a casual party where members and friends had an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. Many of the members have been part of our organization for 30 to 50 years or more and have always been committed to the UNICO motto “Service Above Self.” The party featured balloons, birthday cake, birthday candles and gifts for everyone. The seniormost members received flowers as they left for home. The UNICO Ladies invite guests to join them for their September meeting, which will be on Tuesday, Sept. 18 starting at 6 p.m. This will be a dinner meeting. For more information, call 414-476-0461. – Submitted by Sophia Michalovitz Vice President Ladies of UNICO
The members of the Ladies of UNICO celebrated birthdays at their June 19 general meeting.
PAGE 24 – SEPTEMBER 2018
President Chuck Lazzaro. “This is a great event to which you can bring your sons and grandsons.”
6. Torto marcio (Dead Wrong) by Alessandro Robecchi Source: publishersweekly.com
Opera insights from page 23
Far, far, far away.
Thanks to modern technology, you can listen to various renditions of this music on YouTube. You can hear it sung by several famous prima donnas such as Maria Callas, Monserrat Caballé, Renata Tebaldi, Anna Netrebko and choose your favorite. You can even watch the entire opera.
Words in an Italian word from page 22
The answer: 117 words in “SOPRANO.”
1. pronaos 2. soprano 3. aprons 4. napoos 5. parson 6. pornos 7. sanpro 8. apron 9. arson 10. aspro 11. napoo 12. noops 13. poons 14. porno 15. porns 16. praos 17. proas 18. proso 19. psora 20. roans 21. roons 22. roops 23. roosa 24. sapor 25. snoop 26. sonar 27. sopor 28. sopra 29. spoon 30. spoor 31. apos 32. apso 33. naos 34. naps 35. noop 36. oars 37. onos 38. oons 39. oops 40. osar 41. pans 42. pars 43. poas 44. pons 45. poon 46. poor 47. poos 48. porn 49. prao 50. proa 51. proo 52. pros 53. raps 54. rasp 55. roan 56. roon 57. roop 58. roos 59. snap 60. snar 61. soap 62. soar 63. soon 64. soop 65. sora 66. sorn 67. span 68. spar 69. ans 70. apo 71. ars 72. asp 73. nap 74. nas 75. noo 76. nor 77. nos 78. oar 79. ono 80. ons 81. oon 82. oop 83. oor 84. oos 85. ops 86. ora 87. ors 88. pan 89. par 90. pas 91. poa 92. poo 93. pos 94. pro 95. ran 96. rap 97. ras 98. roo 99. san 100. sap 101. sar 102. son 103. sop 104. spa 105. an 106. ar 107. as 108. na 109. no 110. on 111. oo 112. op 113. or 114. os 115. pa 116. po 117. so.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Pompeii Women’s Club report on May dinner meeting
Other than volunteering for various activities at Festa Italiana this summer, members of the Pompeii Women’s Club have enjoyed time away from our regular meetings and activities. The club last met for a dinner meeting on May 20 at the Italian Community Center. Since it took place in the bocce court room, the club opted for a picnic-type meeting with a menu that featured fried chicken and barbecue pork and oldfashioned potato salad, all of which was served family style. After dinner, new member Amy Domagalski was introduced. President Suzanne Wypijewski adminis-
tered the oath of office to Maria D’Amato as Sergeant-At-Arms. The evening’s entertainment included various fun games coordinated by Suzanne, Maria and Lena Zingale. Prizes were awarded. President Suzanne also brought in a monitor to display the club’s brand-new Facebook page. The page includes pictures from many of our past activities. The club’s next dinner meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 26.
Photos provided by the Pompeii Women’s Club
– Submitted by Mary Winard P.R. Chairman Pompeii Women’s Club
Pompeii Women’s Club Sergeant-At-Arms Maria D’Amato was sworn into office by President Suzanne Wypijewski.
Word Search:
From the left: Maria D’Amato, Ann Skoczynski (Maria’s mom) and Valentina Sturdevant.
From the left: Jane Palmisano, Pat Consolazione and Lucy Sorce.
Italian Movie Directors SOLVED From page 25
Here’s the gift table. Everyone received a gift while playing bingo.
And now a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Manifesto: A public declaration of principles, policies or intentions, especially of political nature. Derived from the Italian word manifesto or clearly reveal-
ed/plainly apprehensible, i.e., clear, apparent or evident. From the Latin manifestus meaning “caught (festus) by hand (mani),” i.e., caught in the act.
A police officer pulled over a lawyer who had failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The lawyer argued his case to the officer saying that the intent and spirit of the law was simply that the maneuver be safe and not cause any accident. The clever lawyer concluded that, since he hadn’t caused an accident, thus his actions complied with the law. The officer disagreed and so he informed the lawyer he would issue him a ticket. The still seemingly confident legal eagle retorted, “I will accept that ticket if you can explain the legal difference between stopping and slowing down to a crawl, officer.” “Sure,” said the officer, “please
step out of the car.” The lawyer stepped out of his car and the officer withdrew his police baton and hit the lawyer repeatedly with it. “Now,” said the officer, “do you want me to stop or just slow down.” – Retold by, er...attorney B. Di Pronio
Stop in the name of law
THE ITALIAN TIMES
And now a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Barber: One whose business is to cut hair and to shave or trim beards. Comes from the Italian barba or beard and barbiere or barber.
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 25
La Pagina Italiana
Nei cuori pulsanti delle nostre radici italiane
da Senatore Francesca Alderisi Tutto è nato da una conoscenza prima telematica e poi telefonica. Prima che fossi eletta, ho conosciuto l’ex Presidente dell’Italian Community Center (ICC), Michael Palmisano, che mi aveva parlato della vostra Festa Italiana. Gli avevo promesso che avrei partecipato, eletta o meno.
Ho voluto esservi accanto, in occasione di questo appuntamento, per confermare la mia vicinanza anche a quelle comunità italiane distanti dai grandi centri, meno raccontate e testimoni di una vecchia generazione di emigranti. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco e altre simili città non sono gli unici poli che raccontano il passaggio di italiani in epoche passate e presenti. L’emigrazione italiana ha lasciato e lascia tracce del nostro Paese in ogni parte del mondo. Ci sono molti cuori pulsanti che battono anche lontano dalle grandi città. Le comunità più decentrate ospitano una forza inarrestabile che rivendica con orgoglio le proprie origini italiane e, quindi, merita attenzione.
Sematore Francesca Alderisi e Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani (Foto di Tom Hemman)
A Milwaukee, nel cuore degli Stati Uniti, ho potuto ammirare come i valori e le tradizioni della nostra Italia vengano gelosamente custoditi grazie all’impegno di tre generazioni di italoamericani. A tal proposito, l’ICC rappresenta un motore importante e propulsivo che da decenni alimenta questa energia. E’ stato pertanto un onore incontrare alcuni dei suoi esponenti, tra cui il primo presidente dell’ICC, Anthony T. Machi. Tutti voi mi avete mostrato una grande passione che mantiene vive le radici del nostro Paese. Come Pietro Tarantino, membro di
lunga data dell’ICC: “Eventi come questi celebrano l’Italia, i nostri sentimenti, i nostri ricordi e quello che sta nel cuore: l’italianità“. Inoltre, in questa “comunità italiana non grande, ma di grandi” - così mi è stata descritta - è stato sorprendente vedere come alcuni degli attori principali che tramandano e difendono le nostre radici parlino solo un po’ di italiano e non abbiano mai vissuto in Italia. Voi prodigate le vostre energie per scovare l’Italia ovunque possiate, in ogni occasione che vi si presenti davanti, piccola o grande che sia. Scavate dentro di voi con
entusiasmo per cercare le vostre origini. E’ per me difficile cancellare dalla mente le storie di quelli tra di voi che sono partiti, dalla parte opposta del mondo, per raggiungere la Sicilia, la Calabria e altre regioni d’Italia alla ricerca dei documenti necessari per ottenere il passaporto italiano. L’entusiasmo contagioso di Michael Palmisano - e come lui molti altri - è un esempio calzante. Non esiste distanza che possa arrestare tale impeto. La scarsa conoscenza della lingua non rappresenta un ostacolo. Voi, nuove generazioni di discendenti italiani,
A spingere il visitatore verso la parte più occidentale della Sicilia sono le moltissime combinazioni della storia che formano un paesaggio incantevole, con infiniti punti di vista. Sulla punta estrema dell’isola c’è Marsala con i suoi colori giallotufo, azzurromare, rossotramonto, biancosale, verdevigneto. Dalle origini fenicie con influenze greche, romane, arabe, normanne, sveve, angioine, spagnole - Marsala è ricca di bellezze artistiche e di contenuti unici, irripetibili. Forte del suo carattere archeologico e ambientale, Marsala conserva testimonianze disseminate in un luogo geograficamente speciale, dove la natura si esprime nei suoi molteplici caratteri. Il patrimonio artistico che il territorio propone è ampio: chiese, grotte e santuari; ipogei, terme e strade sommerse; statue, anfore e relitti di navi; necropoli e luoghi di culto. Dalla Laguna dello Stagnone e fino al centro storico si estende un’immensa area antica - in parte recuperata, ma molta ancora sommersa - che convive con il moderno complesso urbano.
Terra leggendaria nel cuore del Mediterraneo, Marsala sorge su Capo Boeo. Da un lato la protegge Erice, dall’altro l’abbracciano Segesta e Selinunte; guarda alle vicine isole Egadi (20 minuti di navigazione, collegamenti quotidiani) e verso l’Africa (le coste tunisine sono ad appena 80 miglia). Ha nel mare una delle sue principali risorse economiche e turistiche, mentre l’agricoltura, con i suoi ottomila ettari di vigneti, alimenta l’industria del vino: oltre un milione di ettolitri l’anno di bianchi, rossi e liquorosi, tra i quali il nobile marsala. Se scorriamo brevemente la storia della Sicilia, è facile rilevare l’importanza di Marsala che affonda le radici nel IV secolo a.C. Dal mare giungono i Fenici per insediarsi nell’isola di Mozia, la perla archeologica dello Stagnone, che i Cartaginesi non riescono a difendere dall’assedio e dalla distruzione di Dionisio il Vecchio, tiranno di Siracusa. È il 397 a.C. e i pochi sopravvissuti si spostano sul vicino promontorio di Capo Boeo, dove fondano Lilybeo. Sotto la dominazione romana, poi, fiorisce il commercio e si sviluppano gli affari;
mentre con l’arrivo dei pirati arabi - VIII secolo - la città si ribattezza col nome di Marsa Allah (Porto di Dio), secondo altri Marsa Alì, da cui l’attuale nome. Nel 1773, la storia di Marsala cammina di pari passo con quella dell’omonimo vino grazie agli Inglesi: prima John Woodhouse, poi Ingham e Whitaker, scoprono e valorizzano la più antica Doc d’Italia. Dieci anni dopo, i Florio saranno i primi italiani a commercializzare il marsala. Con lo sbarco di Giuseppe Garibaldi - 11 maggio 1860 - questa Città inizia a scrivere una delle più belle pagine del Risorgimento che, un anno dopo, culminerà nell’Italia unita e repubblicana. Oggi Marsala conserva ancora il suo carattere archeologico, marinaro, garibaldino. È città del vino, di fiori, sale, fragole e ceramica. Qui, colori, sapori e profumi di Sicilia si incontrano in un territorio che, tra stradine del centro storico e borgate dell’entroterra, continua a coltivare la tipica ospitalità mediterranea. Il valore dell’accoglienza è nel dna dei marsalesi. – dal comune.marsala.tp.it
Marsala: città unica, infiniti punti di vista
PAGE 26 – SETTEMBRE 2018
avete il difficile compito e la grande responsabilità di conservare la nostra eredità culturale al di fuori dei confini italiani. Per il mio primo incontro da senatrice con la collettività italoamericana, volutamente ho visitato questo luogo lontano dalle luci dei riflettori, perché quando si parla di italiani all’estero “piccola comunità“ non vuol dire “meno importante”. Infatti, proprio qui a Milwaukee, ho trovato insradicabili radici italiane. E’ quindi essenziale essere vicini alle comunità anche durante eventi come la vostra Festa, dove è possibile immergersi nel profondo dell’emigrazione italiana. Queste non sono delle semplici feste: sono dei preziosi scrigni delle nostre origini.
Lista di best seller singoli – Oltre 100 milioni di copie
Libro -Autore/i-Lingua originale – Prima pubblicazione-Vendite (approssimative) A Tale of Two Cities (Racconto di due città) – Charles Dickens – inglese –1859 – 200 milioni. The Lord of the Rings (Il Signore degli Anelli) – J. R. R. Tolkien – inglese –1954 – 150 milioni. Le Petit Prince (Il piccolo principe) – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – francese –1943 –140 milioni. And Then There Were None (Dieci piccoli indiani) – Agatha Christie –inglese –1939 –100 milioni. Dream of the Red Chamber (Il sogno della camera rossa) – Cao Xueqin –cinese1754-1791 – 100 milioni. The Hobbit (Lo Hobbit) – J.R.R. Tolkien – inglese –1937 – 100 milioni.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Il Piccolo Caporale
**
di Blaise Di Pronio Il vostro articolista, nella sua incessante ricerca indirizzata a chiarire alcuni aspetti storici senza voler riscrivere la storia stessa, ha deciso per questa edizione di approfondire la figura del famoso statista e generale francese che dominò gli anni delle guerre rivoluzionarie francesi. Con il nome italianizzato di Napoleone Bonaparte non vi è alcun dubbio che fosse italiano. E infatti lo era. Nacque nel 1769 ad Ajaccio
(Corsica), appena 15 mesi dopo che la Francia aveva acquistato l’isola dalla città-stato italiana di Genova. I suoi predecessori discendevano da una famiglia di nobili di origine toscana che si era spostata in Corsica dalla Liguria nel sedicesimo secolo. I suoi genitori si chiamavano Carlo Buonaparte e Maria Letizia Ramolini ed erano nati ad Ajaccio quando era ancora sotto il controllo di Genova. Di conseguenza erano italiani così come lo sarebbe stato il loro futuro
Basta! That’s enough! * * * A fagiolo. Literally: At a bean, Equivalent: “To the letter” or “to a T.” * * * Non fai scumbari. Literally: Don’t embarrass yourself or me. It also can mean feeling disheveled or sloppy. * * * Boh! Untranslatable Italian slang word. It means “I don’t know.”
It also conveys a particular disinterest in the conversation as in “I don’t know and don’t really care.” * * * Cogliere in castagna. Literally) To pick a chestnut. Meaning: To catch someone redhanded usually while doing something bad. * * * Figurati! Literally: Comes from figurare or be present or to appear. Meaning; Don’t worry about it or it’s nothing. Equivalent: “Can you imagine that!”
Italian everyday expressions
La Perticara
di Donato Di Pronio L’antenata dell’aratro(plow in eng.) Capita di leggere che l’aratro è tra le invenzioni del Medioevo. L’affermazione non pare esatta. L’uomo, sin dall’origine, s’accorse che la base dell’alimentazione era nella terra; s’accorse pure che per renderla produttiva occorreva lavorarla. Allo scopo ideò e costruì un attrezzo atto a smuovere il terreno per prepararlo per le semini: affilò un grosso e robusto tronco di albero; ne bruciacchiò la punta per renderla più resistente e con esso smuoveva la terra. (Da sempre “montanari e contadini, scarpe grosse e cervelli fini”!). Questo metodo per smuovere il terreno doveva essere tanto diffuso se (stando al racconto fantasioso di un antesignano della pornografia) persino una Ninfa (nella mitologia classica, nome di divinità minori femminili, venerate dai Greci come geni benigni ai mortali, abitatrici delle fonti, dei fiumi, delle foreste, ecc.) invaghitasi di un giovanissimo inesperto ed ingenuo pastorello, per addestrarlo all’amplesso gli suggerì di imitare i movimenti del predetto tronco nel penetrare il terreno. L’attrezzo, tutto in legno, inizialmente venne manovrato dallo stesso uomo: uno o più davanti per tirarlo e uno dietro
per guidarlo: operazione estremamente faticosa che, un giorno, gli egoisti (homo homini lupus, l’uomo è un lupo per l’uomo !) la faranno ricadere sugli schiavi, sui bisognosi, sugli indifesi. Nel corso dei secoli, dal tronco si passò alla perticara (da pertica, stanga, lungo tronco d’albero) alla quale furono innestati il vomere (l’organo principale dell’aratro) ed altri elementi. Ad essa furono aggiogati, dopo il loro addomesticamento, muli, buoi, ecc. Ancora oggi, percorrendo sentieri di paesini collinari capita di vedere un assolato agricoltore che per dissodare piccoli appezzamenti di terra, aggioga all’aratro una coppia di buoi. Ma la povera gente dovette (e, in molte zone del mondo lo deve tuttora) seguitare a procacciarsi un pezzo di pane dissodando manualmente la terra. Passeranno millenni prima che il vomere e gli altri componenti lignei dell’aratro venissero sostituiti con elementi di ferro; infatti l’uso di questo prezioso metallo cominciò molto tardi, dopo quello del rame, dello stagno e del bronzo. In Egitto fece la comparsa tra il 1550 e il 1200 a.C. Nella Bibbia il nome del ferro lo si trova nei Libri di Mosè, il liberatore del popolo d’Israele dalla schiavitù egiziana, nato in Egitto verso il XIII a. C.
Mattino di Settembre
di Diego Valeri Quel dì eravamo soli nel bosco, Io e tu, mia cara figlia, e andavamo tra chiaro e fosco, pieno il cuore di meraviglia.
Scoprivi sotto le foglie i lamponi rosa, le fragole rosse e verdi, ti trascinavi su l’erba carponi, lanciando dei piccoli gridi acerbi.
Io contemplavo ai miei piedi un fiore giallo smagliante, una pigna bruna; pensavo senza rimpianto o dolore alla mia povera fortuna. Poi, rilevati gli occhi, scorgevo
tra i pini radi le cime lontane, aeree cose di cielo nel cielo, dolci come le speranze vane.
Poi pensavo che bisogna morire, e trasalivo d’improvviso ai tuoi strilli; vedevo la tua testa bionda apparire da dietro una macchia di mirtilli... Era un mattino di settembre, in un bosco. O forse è stato un sogno anche quello... E s’era vero, anch’esso ora è morto. Ma se fu un sogno, fu un sogno pur bello.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
figlio al quale fu dato il nome di battesimo di Napoleone Buonaparte. All’età di 27 anni Napoleone modificò il proprio nome in Napoléon Bonaparte, rendendolo più francofono in occasione dell’arruolamento nell’esercito francese. Legalmente parlando, è probabile che Napoleone fosse francese, ma allo stesso tempo apparteneva ad una stirpe italiana, cosicché ci si potrebbe domandare verso quale paese mostrasse più devozione. Di seguito alcuni elementi da considerare: * I suoi genitori erano di cultura corsa (quindi italiana), e in seguito al cambio di proprietà dell’isola, passata alla Francia, mostrarono risentimento verso il nuovo paese, un atteggiamento assunto da gran parte dei cittadini corsi. * Napoleone significa “Leone di Napoli” (la città italiana). * Quando scoppiò la Rivoluzione Francese Napoleone combatté per la Corsica e non per la Francia, arrivando persino a guidare le truppe contro un battaglione dell’esercito francese. * Era un opportunista che si schierava con l’uno o l’altro paese in base alla convenienza. Era francese quando era opportuno essere francesi ed era corso quando i benefici del definirsi corsi erano maggiori. * Per tutta la vita mantenne una pronuncia con un forte accento italiano. * Napoleone si vantava delle sue origini italiane. Era solito dire “Appartengo alla razza dei fondatori di imperi”. * Una sua citazione recita “Sono più italiano o toscano, piuttosto che corso”. * La casa natale della famiglia di Bonaparte si trova a San Miniato in Toscana, dove esiste anche una piazza Buonaparte e altri elementi a testimoniare l’origine della famiglia. * Era un grande ammiratore del
Napoleone Buonaparte
generale e imperatore romano Cesare, al punto da arrivare ad emularlo. * Prendendo esempio dai Romani, utilizzò per le sue truppe l’aquila come simbolo di battaglia. Tutto sommato possiamo definirlo franco-italiano, visto che si ritrovò ad amare la Francia e combattere in suo favore. Tuttavia non dimenticò mai la sua discendenza italiana, anzi ne fu sempre orgoglioso. **Il Piccolo Caporale: questo soprannome fu attribuito affettuosamente a Napoleone da alcuni vecchi soldati in seguito alla battaglia di Lodi del 1796. Il suo coraggio li aveva colpiti così tanto che decisero di nominarlo loro caporale per merito. Lo stesso soprannome si riferiva anche alla bassa statura e al valore che caratterizzavano la figura di Bonaparte.
– Tradotto dal Inglese da Laura Duronio
Detti popolari… Popular sayings
Dialect – Molise: Ru pesce ruasse ze magne ru pescerille. The big fish eat the little fish. * * * Dialect – Molise: Remore de tazze e senza cafe. Literally: Noise of cups, but no coffee! Equivalent: The bark is worse than the bite. * * * Dialect – Molise: Sci come un cane de l’urteiane, n’ze magne a’cepolle ma manche a’fa magna. Literally: Like a dog that doesn’t eat onions but won’t let others eat them either. Meaning: Said of someone who is not only lazy, but manages to impede others from working hard as well. * * * Dialect – Molise: Leccature de sicchje ne ‘ngrassene cane. Literally: Licking the bucket will not make the dog get fat. Meaning: Don’t expect anything from empty promises. * * * Dialect – Molise: Le vine buone se venne senza frasca. Literally: Good wine can be sold without branches. Meaning: Good products sell themselves — they don’t need any fancy advertising. * * * Dialect – Molise: Pe canosce nu cresc-teine te c’eda magnie ‘ziem-
bra nu tumbere de seale. Literally: To know a person you have to eat together 50 kilos of salt. Meaning: It takes a lifetime to consume 50 kilos of salt, so too it takes a lifetime to get to know someone really well. * * * Dialect – Molise: Nell’ uorte di periente ze cogliene i melune. Literally: In your relatives’ gardens you pick melons Meaning: Without sarcasm — One can help oneself to one’s relatives’ food. (One doesn’t have to be asked). With sarcasm: One takes advantage of one’s relatives’ generosity. – From italyrevisited.org.
E fatt'na risata
Due giovani, marito e moglie, scendono le scale per portare a spasso il loro piccolino. Lui tiene il figliolo per i piedi, con la testina in giù, facendogliela sbattere ritmicamente su ogni gradino. Lei sbraita: "ma che fai, cretino, così il bimbo perde il berrettino!" E il marito imperturbabile: "no che non lo perde, gliel'ho fissato con un chiodino!" Continua a pagina 28
SETTEMBRE 2018 – PAGE 27
Spending time at Grandma’s house
by Gloria Manna Barnes ICC Member In the 1930s, I spent my growing up years in grandma’s house. Most of my friends went to their grandma’s house in the country. I went to grandma’s house in the big city of Chicago. I loved it. Grandma’s house was on W. Congress St., one of a succession of brownstones, brick buildings all connected, once elegant, still carefully cared for by people with moderate or less than moderate incomes. They were two- and threestory buildings, housing two- and three-generations of a family. When I was back home in Milwaukee, I would dream I was in the brownstone exploring the many rooms. The entrance door was an oversized carved wood door, never locked, that took you into a small entry hall with another glass-paned door into the main hall with beautiful parquet floors and a stairway to the second floor bedrooms and one bathroom with tub and toilet (one bathroom for grandpa and grandma and 12 children). The stair banister was my entertainment – a wonderful slide available to me any time I wanted it. A chamber pot under grandma’s bed was duplicated under the beds in the other bedrooms. The two large bedrooms had marble vanities with mirrors where one could refresh oneself in the morning. At the time, a “sponge bath” was typical. You would stand next to the sink and wash your body a bit at a time. I would venture into the basement, with dirt floor and BATS, light with water heater and take a real bath in the tub. There were no closets in the bedrooms. An adjoining hall to the four bedrooms held several large armoires holding clothing. Just to ring in the first floor main hall was a large arched entry with velvet drapes into the formal sitting room with comfortable chairs where I read the Sunday paper and the comics – my favorites Brenda Staff and Dick Tracy. The next large arched entry on the right was the formal dining room with a piano on which Uncle Danny taught himself to play. He was quite good at it. I don’t remem-
ber ever eating in that room. At the end of the hall was the informal dining room with a very large table, a coat rack, glassdoored cabinets with eating and cooking equipment, a sewing machine, and a wood-fired space heater, practically placed below a wrought-iron opening into a second-floor bedroom providing heat for that room. My uncles would come home from work, hang their coats on the rack, settle down with the newspaper and wait for dinner being prepared in the work kitchen by grandma and Aunts Therese and Mary, using an ancient wood-burning stove with burners lit with matches. Delicious food came out of that kitchen with a one-sided work sink, a worktable and an ice box. The parlor and formal dining room had elegant stone fireplaces. Hanging above the parlor’s fireplace was a large, oval-framed professional photo of Uncle Ted. He was sooooooo handsome. The parlor was where my dad had “dates” with my mom. The whole family would gather in the parlor (my mom was not allowed to sit next to my dad). They would socialize and at the end of the “date” Uncle Ted and my dad would leave to join their friends for wine and cards. Neighbors were often on their front porches or on the sidewalks socializing. I was out there one day with my friends Wilma, Yvonne and Rosalie. Yvonne punched me (girls occasionally fought with each other) and Wilma told her to stop. “We don’t fight with Gloria.” Yvonne’s nickname was “chicken legs” and her cotton stockings were always slipping down and wrinkling. Garbage collection was simple. You took your bag of garbage to the alley and dropped it on the ground. At some time in the future, the garbage was collected. (The rats were very chubby.) One day, the entertainment was Joe, standing on a running board of an automobile, which drove up and down Congress Street. The neighbors were standing shouting, “Joe is out of jail.” They were quite happy about it. One day, I brought my two-cent paper cup of lemonade (chipped ice
I Pastori
di Gabriele D’ Annunzio Settembre, andiamo. E’ tempo di migrare. Ora in terra d’Abruzzi i miei pastori lascian gli stazzi e vanno verso il mare: scendono all’Adriatico selvaggio che verde è come i pascoli dei monti. Han bevuto profondamente ai fonti alpestri, che sapor d’acqua natía rimanga ne’ cuori esuli a conforto, che lungo illuda la lor sete in via. Rinnovato hanno verga
d’avellano. E vanno pel tratturo antico al piano, quasi per un erbal fiume silente, su le vestigia degli antichi padri. O voce di colui che primamente conosce il tremolar della marina! Ora lungh’esso il litoral cammina la greggia. Senza mutamento è l’aria. il sole imbionda sì la viva lana che quasi dalla sabbia non divaria. Isciacquío, calpestío, dolci romori. Ah perché non son io cò miei pastori?
E fatt'na risata
continua da pagina 27 Un bambino decide di fare una esclama: “ma non voglio i soldi, rapina ed entra in una pasticceria, voglio i dolci.” appena entrato tira fuori la sua * * * pistola. Una bambina e suo padre sono a giocattolo e puntandola verso il teatro e la bambina dice: cassiere esclama: “dammi tutto o ti “Papà, papà guarda com’è ammazzo, metti tutto dentro questo vergognoso quel tipo lì...sta sacco.” dormendo!” E il cassiere comincia a riempire Ed il papà: “e tu mi svegli per il sacco di soldi e il bambino dirmi questo?”
PAGE 28 – SEPTEMBER 2018
with lemonade) and watched the men playing craps on the sidewalk. The police arrived (it was illegal), the players grabbed some money from the pot, gave it to the police, who left and the men continued playing. Sleeping at night was four-in-abed for me – grandma, Aunt Mary, Aunt Theresa and me (two with our heads at the headboard and two with our heads at the foot of the bed. It worked. On hot summer nights, we put a blanket and pillow on the back porch roof and slept outside. It was nice and cool and the faint sounds of the elevated a couple of blocks away lulled me to sleep. My friendship with Wilma, Yvonne and Rosalie gave me the right to drop in anytime – no doorbell, no knocking. I just walked in and joined in what they were doing. There were aunts, uncles, cousins, dads and mothers living there. I was invited to join them if they were eating. On one occasion, they were serving sparrows. They had a cage outside to catch the birds and they would cook and eat them. Not too
gourmet. I felt safe there. I would walk to the movies about seven or eight blocks away and walk alone at night. The worst thing that happened to me on the way home one night was a rat running across the sidewalk that ran over my foot. I was engulfed by Italian love – hugs and kisses from my relatives. Precious. Nothing can match it. * * * Editor’s note: Gloria Mannes Barnes is a longtime Italian Community Center member who now lives in Auburn, Alabama. When she lived in Milwaukee, her mother, Filomena (Pistilli) Manna, was elected president of the Abruzzese Society and her father, John, was a member of the John D’Amore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. He was from Castel Nuova Della Damia in the Puglia region of Italy. Gloria worked with the late Bob Ruggieri at adjacent desks in the communications department of Schlitz Brewing Company. They remained friends until his death on Sept. 17, 2012.
Packing for Italy
from page 22 about. And it’s literally the size of lying on restaurants for it, especially if you’re going to Rome. It is lipstick. 7). Pashmina shawl wrap – recommended that travelers bring Many travelers have been turned their own water bottles with a filaway from religious sites or more ter, to ensure that your water is conservative attractions due to safe to drink. Tap water throughbeing improperly or immodestly out Italy is seldom drinkable, so a dressed, and a simple lightweight bottle with a filter to refill your shawl can help prevent that. This water anywhere is a great idea. 12). Lightweight day pack – item is easy to pack, lightweight, comfortable, and fashionable, and With so many wondrous sites to excan help you avoid being turned plore, you’ll certainly be doing some away from such sites. As an added day trips in Italy. A small backpack bonus, a shawl like this can give is the ideal sized bag for a successyou an easy extra layer to ward off ful day trip and it’s very affordable an evening chill, cover your eyes too. 13). Comfortable, attractive flats while napping on a train, or quickly dress up a simple outfit if you de- – Italy is a place of fashion, especide to go to a nicer restaurant and cially in the cities and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Wearing feel under-dressed. 8). Packing cubes – It’s hard to sneakers is a sure giveaway that simultaneously pack light and en- you’re a tourist, so opt for somesure that you have everything you thing like flats that are more fashneed for a destination like Italy. ionable but still comfortable. 14). Windproof travel umbrella – Packing cubes from Shacke Pak make that task immeasurably eas- This may seem obvious but it’s ier, and provide travelers with an worth mentioning: it rains quite a excellent way of compartmentaliz- bit in many parts of Italy. The cliing their travel items while still mate in most regions is Mediterkeeping them accessible, and they ranean or subtropical, and the ensure that you’ll be packing to the rainy season typically lasts from right dimensions of your suitcase or September through April, though summer rains are not uncommon. bag. 15). Mosquito repellent bracelets 9). Italian phrasebook and dictionary – Italians love their collo- – Mosquitoes can be the bane of quial phrases and idioms, and Italy’s otherwise lovely summers. they’re generally pretty welcoming Places like Florence, Tuscany and to friendly and respectful tourists. Milan are often swarming with the This means you’ll likely hear a lot little blood suckers! Wristbands are of local Italian phrases, and you a very effective way to avoid getting don’t want to be caught off-guard bitten and they last many hours. when someone uses a less-common You may also want to bring some local saying. Phrasebooks are extra spray on repellent as well in specifically formatted to be useful case it’s really bad where you are. 16). Travel toilet paper – Italy is for travelers, with chapters of helpful everyday phrases and a transla- not an unclean place in general, but tourists are often surprised to find tion dictionary. 10). Travel insurance for Italy – that bathrooms are not quite as Travel insurance is essential for well-equipped as they are at home. Italy travel. Just like you can’t Travel toilet paper is an experidrive a car without car insurance or enced-traveler’s best friend and can have a home without home insur- really save you if you are staying in ance, you shouldn’t travel overseas hotels, traveling by train or bus, or without travel insurance. You cer- backpacking often. 17). Solid shampoo – On your tainly don’t want to have to foot the bill for any stolen items, and get- flight to Italy and on shorter local ting home in case of a health issue flights, you’ll have to measure your is much easier to swallow when in- liquids carefully. So having a bar or two of solid shampoo is convenient surance is paying for it. 11). Filtered water bottle – This way to cut down your liquids and it item is absolutely crucial if you minimizes the chance of a mess want to avoid spending tons of throughout your suitcase too. – Courtesy of asherfergusson.com extra money on bottled water or re-
THE ITALIAN TIMES
THE ITALIAN TIMES
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 29
Saluto ai nostri volontari Times photos by Tom Hemman, except when indicated in the caption.
There are many detailed jobs that need to be done by volunteers before the opening of Festa Italiana. Here, Guglielmo Graziano and Bruno Giacomantonio, longtime volunteers, are seen stapling wood panels to banners that were used for hanging photos in the Italian Heritage Exhibit.
Somebody had to do it! Carole Casamento (on step ladder) and Sophia Michalovitz volunteered to clean the dirty windows on the outside of the Italian Heritage Exhibit before the opening of Festa.
Here is ICC President-Elect Joe Emanuele and his daughter, Jessica, hanging a string of lights and Italian flags on the overhang of one of the bars.
After being the manager (or co-manager) of the Festa Patrol for 37 years, Ralph Busalacchi (seated right on golf cart) is turning over the keys to Joe Jannazzo (left). Ralph announced earlier this year that this year would be his last as manager. Joe offered to step forward to take the position. During this year’s Festa, Ralph tutored Joe on the duties of the manager. Both Ralph and Joe serve on the Italian Community Center Board as directors-at-large. (Times photo by Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler)
Patricia D’Acquisto Friedrich of the Festa Patrol is seen here wheedling the sword of Roman guard Joe Noto
PAGE 30 – SEPTEMBER 2018
Bob Conigliaro, Chris Conigliaro and Tony Olivo were staffing the wheelchair rental booth adjacent to the Mid Gate when this picture was taken.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
These volunteers were staffing an Italian wine bar. From the left: Lu Lo Coco, Ann Zambito, Goffredo Alferi, Judge Laura Crivello, Antonette Lo Coco, Sal Lo Coco and Joe Ziino. ICC Treasurer and Festa Equipment Set-Up Manager Ted Catalano (second on left) is seen here with volunteers who staffed one of the beer booths under the operation of the Order Sons of Italy in America. From the left: Michael Mariani, Catalano, Nick DeQuardo, Gerald Pfeifer, Danielle Bezanson and Korey Coburn. DeQuardo is the president of the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge #2763 of the Order Sons of Italy in America and served as Festa Beer Manager.
These two young ladies were ready to give Festa attendees a sales pitch on the benefits of becoming a member of the Italian Community Center. Taylor Stocks and Hannah Kathrein were the volunteers staffing the ICC Membership Booth under the pavilion at the Cucina Showcase when this photo was taken.
Here’s a sight you don’t see often at Festa Italiana – nearly all volunteers from the Festa Patrol together in the same location at the same time. Patrol Manager Ralph Busalacchi, who retired after this Festa, asked for this group picture. Volunteers on the Festa Patrol serve as first responders to a variety of situations on
THE ITALIAN TIMES
From the left: Haley Megna, Maria Salvo and Vincenza Salvo-Berry. The three volunteers worked in a raffle ticket booth at Festa. (Photo provided by Liz Ceraso)
Times photos by Tom Hemman, except when indicated in the caption.
the festival grounds, ranging from security and first aid to lost children. They strive to keep order along parade and procession routes and work to ensure that Festa’s guests experience a pleasant and safe family event.
Peter Tocco volunteered to run the stand at the Cucina Showcase where free samples of Nutella were offered to guests.
SEPTEMBER 2018 – PAGE 31
Festa Italiana 2018 highlights
Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, is shown here performing Laccio d’Amore. This traditional folk dance is often performed at weddings. It is believed that the
success and longevity of the marriage being celebrated is dependent upon the successful intertwining and unwinding of the ribbons, the music, the speed and difficulty increasing as
the dance goes on. “Quite a lot of pressure is put on the dancers to perform well,” said Susie Christiansen, a longtime member of the group. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
ICC Membership Dues Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
Four (4) Festa Italiana Tickets – Maximum of Eight (8) Per Family Voting Privelegs (21 & Older) Postal Service Delivery of The Italian Times Member Discounts on Social Events, Classes & Bocce Leagues Members Rooms Cultural, Educational & Social Activities Forever Friendships Stronger Bonds Between Your Family & Your Culture
Age 20 and under
Annual Dues
Individual
A member of Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani is seen here doing the Tarantella with a member of the Festa Regional Dancers. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Gratis – $0.00
Ages 21 – 65
Individual
Annual Dues
$50 per year
Members, age 20 and under, receive two (2) free Festa Italiana tickets. No voting rights. At age 18, a member may vote, but must purchase a membership to do so.
Couple/Family
$100 per year
Individual
Ages 85 & Older
Individual
Annual Dues
Ages 66 – 84
Annual Dues
Couple/Family
$75 per year
$50 per year
Couple/Family
$30 per year
$50 per year
All memberships are effective for a full year period. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM Names & Birthdates of Each Adult: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address, City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ A tradition continued at Festa Italiana 2018 as Tony Machi, 96, took the stage to sing one of his favorite Sinatra songs before the competition began each evening in the Italian Idol Contest. For years now, Machi, the first president of the ICC and first general chairman of Festa, has been the opening act, showing the crowd that a good crooner of Sinatra classics never grows old. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
PAGE 32 – SEPTEMBER 2018
No. of Members under 21: _____ No. of Members 21-65: ______ No. of Members 66-84: ______ No. of Members 85 & Older: _____ Payment Amount: _______________ Method: Cash Check Credit Card – Card Type MC Visa Discover Other
Card No. :______________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
___________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
____________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
Mail this form to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The ICC respects your privacy and does not sell or distribute personal information such as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. This membership registration form can also be emailed to cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com. For further information, call (414) 223-2180.
THE ITALIAN TIMES