June 2016 for print

JUNE 2016 PUBLISHED BY THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY VOLUME, XXXVI No. 6 43843 Romeo Plank Road - Clinton Township, MI 48038 - Phone (586) 228-3030 ext 15 - FAX (586) 228-1678 - Email iacs@iasconline.com

THE WEEKEND WHEN EVERYONE’S ITALIAN!

FREEDOM HILL

COUNTY PARK

JULY 15-17, 2016 Headlining Acts on the Lucido Family Stage Stage Emcee: Dino Valle

MARK RANDISI

SOUNDS OF SINATRA You’ll swear the voice you hear is the legend himself!

AARON CARUSO This Michigan native is a gifted Sicilian-American Tenor

Please join Salvador Salort-Pons, director of the Detroit Institute of Arts, as he discusses his vision for the museum, explores some of his favorite works of art, and answers your questions about the DIA.

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

in Metro Detroit!

Thursday, June 9th, 2016

ALSO FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES BY...

7 p.m.

Italian American Cultural Center 43843 Romeo Plank Rd, Charter Twp of Clinton, MI 48038

Pino Marelli, The Simone Vitale Band... and many more!

National & Local Entertainment Italian Wines & Beer Family Fun Zone PRESENTING SPONSORS Restaurant Group

Festa Italiana, one of the most popular festivals of the summer season, returns to Freedom Hill County Park, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 15th – 17th.

“La Festa Italiana 2016” -The aura, the food, the arts, the music, the opera, the pasta, the pizza, the espresso, Sambuca, and the finest Italian beer and wine. “Now that’s Italian”.

Dino Valle is Master of Ceremonies and Entertainment Coordinator with Coro Italiano performing. Headlining acts on the Lucido

Family Stage include Mark Randisi (sounds of Sinatra) and Aaron Caruso, Michigan native – gifted Sicilian-American tenor. Local entertainment throughout the weekend includes the Michigan Accordion Society, Cory Pesaturo and Joe Recchia. Also performing live on stage, The Simone Vitale Band with Italian singer Rosella Lo Duca,

Pino Marelli, Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms, The Sicilian Tenors (Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale, Elio Scaccio), Dino Valle Bellini Opera – from Torino, Sherri Grieve; from Ontario, Amy Wallace, Lisa Agazzi, Eva Evola, Gina D’Alessio, Piano, Italian Karaoke; from Firenze, Mirella Maria continued on page 3

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1401 MT CLEMENS MI 48043

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JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

June

Kathy, White Lake

Barbara and Frank, Macomb

Andony and Mariamma, Troy

Alecia, Macomb

Frances, Macomb

Doug, Warren

JUNE 2016

June 1 – Wednesday – IACS Senior Membership meeting – 10:00 a.m. – Italian Cultural Center June 1 – Wednesday – Friuli Venezia Giulia dinner at the Italian Cultural Center (see flyer in newspaper) June 2 – Thursday - The FADM will hold its monthly general membership meeting at the Italian American Cultural Center. General membership meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month unless otherwise stated. Call Enzo Paglia at 586-207-1063 for information or membership.

June 3 – Friday – Regional Dinner featuring Campania featuring guest artist Roberto Polisano from Napoli, at the Italian Cultural Center. For Tickets, call 586-228-3030. (see flyer in newspaper) June 4 – Saturday – 3rd Annual Festa della Repubblica Bocce Tournament at the Italian Cultural Center – 9 a.m.

June 4 – Saturday – A Celebration of the Birth of the Italian Republic, 4:30 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Center; event is free and open to the public – Presenter: John Zaretti, President and co-founder of the Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan June 4 - Saturday - Council of Presidents and Verdi Opera Theatre present a program by John Zaretti A Celebration of the Italian Republic. Free and open to the public. 4:30 PM June 5 – Sunday – Festa della Repubblica Celebration at the Italian Cultural Center, doors open 2 p.m., (see schedule in newspaper)

Italian American Cultural Society

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 8 – Wednesday – Italian American Chamber of Commerce – JUNE 8 (second Wednesday due to scheduling conflict) Eastpointe Manor, 24611 Gratiot, Eastpointe 6:30 p.m. – scholarship night June 9 – Thursday – IACS hosts DIA Director’s Cut – 7 p.m. (see flyer in newspaper)

June 15 – Wednesday - 1:00 PM IACS Book Club will meet. Please contact Ilene Stanko at 586-864-6171 for additional information.

June 15 – Wednesday Representative from the Italian Consulate in Detroit at the Italian Cultural Center, 1:00 p.m.

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June 15 – Wednesday – Columbus Day Committee meeting at the Italian Cultural Center, 6:30 p.m.

June 29 – IACS General Membership Meeting – 6:00 p.m., member’s complimentary dinner.

June 16 – Thursday – Madonna del Campo Meeting at the Italian Cultural Center, 7:00 p.m.

July 10 – Sunday - The FADM will hold their Annual picnic at Lake St. Clair Metropark (formerly Metropolitan Beach).

Members are free, guests are $10. Food will be provided. Details to follow.

Bring a dessert to share.

Call Enzo Paglia at 586207-1063 for details.

June 21 – Tuesday – IACS Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 p.m.

June 26 – Sunday – The Columbus Day Celebration Queen Pageant at Freedom Hill Banquet Hall begins at 12 and concludes at 4.

(See article in newspaper).

Questions, call or email the Pageant Director, Sally Arredondo at 586-2981492 or CDCCqueenpageant@gmail.com

July 15, 16, 17 – Festa Italiana at Freedom Hill County Park (see articles and entertainment flyer in newspaper) August 13 – Saturday – Summer Tea (see flyer in newspaper)

The MADONNA del CAMPO SOCIETY Annual Bus Tour – 2016 MADONNA DI CANNETO TO: MADONNA DI CANNETO in WINDSOR, Ont. CANADA (Ciociaro Club of Windsor) 3745 North Talbot Rd, Tecumseh DATE: Sunday, August 21, 2016 DEPARTURE: FROM MEIJER’S ON 15 MILE & UTICA (approx: 7:30 a.m.)

Mass – 10:00 a.m.

RETURN: Approx. 7:30 -8:00 P.M. AMOUNT: $20.00 per person (turned in by July 30th) If interested, please call Dora Centofanti at 586-992-8964.

Italian American

EDITOR Barbara L. Smith

ITALIAN EDITOR Sandra Tornberg LAYOUT & DESIGN American Speedy Printing DISTRIBUTION Lelio D’Aristotile WRITING STAFF Esther Beaudette Antonio DiGiorgio Barbara Smith Sandra Tornberg Photographer Elio Ripari Sandra Tornberg

We are in need of people to make this trip a success.

586/228-3030 ext 15

Thank you & God Bless

iacs@iacsonline.com www.iacsonline.com Deadline for submitting material is the 10th of the month.

We reserve the right to edit all copy.

IACS Officers and Board of Directors 2016 Honorary Chairperson John Carlo Catenacci President Sandra Tornberg Immediate Past President Giovanni LoIacono Past President Ronald A. DiBartolomeo First Vice-President Mariano Evola Second Vice-President Domenico Ruggirello Third Vice-President Dr. Mike Aiello Fourth Vice-President Giovanni Maniaci Treasurer Enzo Paglia Recording Secretary Clarice Squillace Chaplain Fr. Enzo Addari Special Counsel To the President Hon. Judge Peter Maceroni Board of Directors Anthony Apone Esther Beaudette James V. Bellanca, III Alfonso Chirco Antonio DiGiorgio Mark Garagiola Karen Mack Rosanna Maniaci Pino Marelli Gregory Rogers Ramo A. Salerno Joseph P. Ventimiglia Past Presidents Ronald A. DiBartolomeo Giovanni LoIacono Mario Moceri Frank J. Palazzolo Hon. Anthony Sanfemio Martin Reno Garagiola Leonard D. Mannina Cav. Vincent J. Bruno Cav. John Floreno Hon. Sam Petitto Jack Grifo Comm. Anthony J. Bellanca

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Italian American Cultural Society

IACS SENIORS CHAIRPERSON MESSAGE sponsors: American House - Common Road; Bagnasco Calcaterra Funeral Homes; Costco Warehouse; Dr. Peter Torrice; Il Fornaio Bakery; Java, Java Coffee; Jets Pizza – Schoenherr/15 Mile Road; Meijer’s; Oakmont Parkway; Randazzo Fresh Market; Zerrilli Bakery; Jim Rand, music.

ESTHER BEAUDETTE I hope everyone is well and enjoying the nicer Spring days. It sure feels good to see sunshine and all the Spring beautiful colors. June looks like a busy month with all the activities coming up.

June 1 will be our Senior meeting – followed by a pizza lunch sponsored by Kim Meltzer, Clinton Township City Clerk.

June 5 is Festa della Repubblica, 2 p.m. here at our Cultural Center.

June 14 – Flag Day – Be sure to hang your American flags.

June 19 – We will celebrate Father’s Day. Remember all your fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons and all who serve as fathers.

June 20 – First day of summer – where did spring go?

June 29 – Our semi-annual IACS General Membership meeting, 6 p.m., at the IACS. June 30 – Our trip to Soaring Eagle Casino.

Thank you to everyone who sold tickets, attended, or helped in any way to make our Wine Tasting Party a success.

A special thank you to our

Seniors, please support these WONDERFUL sponsors!

TRIP NEWS: June 30 – Soaring Eagle Casino – Cost, $35; receive $15 on arrival; bus will leave the Center at 8:30 a.m. with a fast-food breakfast stop, cost on your own.

July 27 – Day trip to Purple Rose Theatre with lunch at the Common Grill Restaurant; cost is $70. The play is a comedy, Mornings at Seven, about all the joys and frustrations that every close family knows only too well.

Departure time from the Center will be forthcoming.

August 17 – Our historic Detroit tour of landmarks.

Some of the sites included are Marygrove College; Belle Isle; Holy Family Church, Eastern Market; Joe Louis Arena; Motown Museum; Detroit Library; the DIA, and other places. We will be visiting the Whitney for High Tea and a tour.

Amount of walking will be minimal. A professional guide will be on board our bus. Cost is $69; the bus will leave the Center at 11 a.m.

November 16 – Trip to Pointe Edward Casino in Sarnia, Ontario; I.D. will be needed; cost and time will be available soon.

JUNE 2016

ITALIAN TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE IN THE U.S. Leonardo International, Non-profit Organization for the Promotion of Italian Science & Technology, and the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, presented “Italian Technological Excellence in the U.S.”, an international symposium promoting Italian technological excellence on May 10, 2016 at Wayne State University. Products in the fields of automotive, medical, and industrial from leading Italian companies, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Brembo, Comau, Magneti Marelli and Esaote, were on display.

In the morning, presenters from Comau, Brembo, Magneti Marelli US, Fiat Chrysler, and Michigan State University discussed various automotive topics. The afternoon session featured medical topics discussed by presenters from Esaote Italy, Esoate North America, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and the University of Michigan.

Students were able to participate in a career fair with recruiters from the companies.

Call Esther at (586) 2862597 for reservations or questions.

Our plans for an overnight trip in September or October are still being worked on.

Looking ahead, we will be having our Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday, August 13th; see flyer in this newspaper.

Our annual bake sale will take place in the Fall at the monthly meeting.

Enjoy each day – For each day is a gift!

Esther

Esther and Floyd Beaudette celebrated Mother's Day and the First Holy Communion of their great-grandaughter McKenna Poisson at the IACS. Congratulations McKenna!

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

ITALIAN AWARDS DAY AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY The Wayne State University Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures celebrated the outstanding students in the Italian language program on April 26, 2016.

Dr. Raffaele DeBenedictis opened the program and Consul of Italy in Detroit Maria Luisa Lapresa was on hand to congratulate the students. Department Chair Anne Duggan stopped in to commend the students and faculty members for their accomplushments.

Garret W. Figley Laken Brook Guza Serafina Marie Bellettini Rosemary Joseph Anna Maria Loftus Ruben Ayala Ireland Lee Portalski Joseph Dever Marcella Gatti Charlene Laparl Anthony Damer Jeana Maria Bohlen Matthew Bussiere Steven Dorshkind Madelynn C. Koch Paul Marshall Evan Hansinger

LENA PETICCA RECEIVES OUTSTANDING SENIOR MEMBER AWARD

By Fran Guido

Antonio Mercatante Julie St. Cricq Dit Lompre Jasmine L. Al-Sheikh John Vollmer Paul Wierzbicki Professors Silvia Giorgini-Althoen and Raffaele DeBenedictis presented awards to the following outstanding Italian students in advanced courses: Nour Seblini Jared Hoehing Joshua Simons Natalie Mannino Redon Ipeku Katherine Chuong

Faculty members Irene Marletta, Emanuela Marionni, Silvia Giorgini-Althoen, James Michels, and Elena Past (on behalf of Raffaela Medoro) presented awards to the following outstanding Italian students in the basic and intermediate course sequence:

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Dr. Lapresa awarded scholarships from the Ministero Affari Esteri to Laken Guza, John Vollmer, and Jaime Baker. The Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan presented scholarships to five students who will participate in the Wayne in Abruzzo program this summer: Christopher Chiaravalli, Audrey Rizzo, Ali

Safa, Suzanne McClellan, and Laken Guza.

Professors Elena Past and Raffaele DeBenedictis recognized graduating Masters students Stefania della Porta and George Formicola.

Rodolfo Hernandez-Diaz received the Seros award, and Christopher Candela received the Premio Pucci award.

After the ceremony everyone adjourned to the Italian Heritage Room to enjoy refreshments, conversation and espresso famously brewed by Professor DeBenedictis.

The Italian American Cultural Society congratulates these students for their excellence in the study of the Italian language and culture, and WSU Italian faculty for their dedication to their students.

Lillian “Lena” Peticca received the Outstanding IACS Senior Member Award at the May 4th Senior meeting. She was nominated by Society members and selected by the IACS Senior Board of Directors. Lena has been a very friendly member with a positive attitude for over 25 years.

From 1999-2000, she was the Senior Queen. Lena directed the Italian Melodies for 10 years. Our award winner is gifted and dedicated singer with Coro Italiano and the choir at her church, Our Lady of Hope. She’s al-

ways ready to lend a helping hand and can be counted on to bring homemade bread to our fundraiser-bake sales.

This beautiful lady is filled with a loving Italian American spirit and is the new sing-a-long lady at our monthly meetings.

Lena can always be seen escorted to our meetings and social events by her husband Dominic. They both are a credit and blessing to our organization.

Congratulations! To Lena on this well-deserved honor.

IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Antonia DeAngelis DeAngelis, Antonia. May 12, 2016. Age 92. Beloved wife of the late Antonio.

Loving mother of Gina (Frank) Serraiocco. Cher-

ished grandmother of Steven (Lola), Carlo (Nicole) and Frank, and great-grandmother of Carmela, Liliana, Tony, Julia and Luca. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Tullio Rossi and Loreto Rossi. Visitation Saturday 5-9 p.m., Sunday 2-9 p.m., with Rosary 7:00 p.m. at Chas. Verheyden Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. Funeral Monday at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier, Grosse Pointe Park; In state 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:00 a.m.

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SANDRA TORNBERG On June 2 and 3, 1948, following the fall of Facism and the end of World War II, the Italian people voted on a referendum to choose whether the country would be governed as a monarchy or a republic. 12,717,923 Italians voted in favor of a republic, and 10,719,284 voted for the monarchy, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were sent into exile.

In 1949, June 2 was declared a national holiday and we have celebrated the Festa della Repubblica ever since.

We will be celebrating in grand fashion, with many activities beginning on June 1 with our History of Tirmisù dinner. On Friday

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society June 3, we are proud to host another of our regional dinners featuring the Campania region, with special guest entertainer Roberto Polisano direct from Italy. On Saturday June 4 we will host the Festa della Repubblica Bocce Tournament, and later that afternoon John Zaretti, president of the Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan, will give a talk about the formation of the Italian Republic. And on June 5 we will host our annual Festa della Repubblica celebration.

FESTA ITALIANA 2016 CANNOLI-EATING CONTEST

SUNDAY, JULY 17TH – 2:50 P.M. AT FREEDOM HILL PARK Sponsored by: Fern Hill Golf Club & Il Fornaio Bakery Within a given 6-minute period, competitive eaters will scarf down cannoli at the annual Cannoli-Eating contest. The winner will be determined as Festa Italiana 2016 World Champion and receive a trophy. All contestants will receive a souvenir t-shirt.

Only 12 contestants eligible to compete in the contest so don’t hesitate to contact the IACS office and register your name.

Phone: 586-228-3030; email: barb@iacsonline. com

Dr. Salvador Salort-Pons, Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts, will visit the IACS on June 9. He will be discussing his vision for the DIA, some of his favorite works of art, and answering questions about the DIA. On Wednesday, June 29we will be holding our second General Membership Meeting of 2016. I encourage all of our members to participate. It’s an opportunity to interact with the Board of Directors, find out about the state of the IACS, and enjoy a delicious (free) dinner.

I wish all of the fathers and grandfathers a very Happy Father’s Day!

Festa Italiana – Frank J. Palazzolo Memorial “Judges Judging Meatballs” Contest The Quest For The Ultimate Meatball Saturday, July 16th – Freedom Hill County Park Sponsored By: Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Homes And Summit Plastic Molding, Inc.

On Saturday, July 16th, 1:30 p.m. once again Macomb County Judges will put their taste buds to the test and determine which contestant cooked and brought to the Italian festival the “ultimate” meatballs.

Judging begins 1:30 p.m. and is based on the overall taste of the juicy ground meats; fresh ingredients; exquisite seasonings or sauce. There are two categories, Individual and Restaurant meatballs, and a trophy is awarded to the winner of each category.

So, bring a dozen of your famous meatballs in sauce and let the Judges decide! It is a difficult sampler/eating chore for the judges, but someone has to do it.

To register as a contestant, please call the IACS office (586) 228-3030; email: barb@iacsonline.com; or mail meatball registration form to the Italian American Cultural Society Banquet & Conference Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48038.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Clip Meatball Registration form and mail to Italian American Cultural Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48038)

I Want To Bring A Dozen Of My Famous Meatballs To Festa Italiana Name Phone

Email

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

ADVANTAGES TO BEING AN IACS MEMBER: • Monthly home delivery of the Italian American Cultural Society newspaper; • Free dinner for children under 5 during Nonna Nite with Family, Family & Friends, Patron, Benefactor, or Lifetime membership levels; • Special 10% discount Italian language classes; • Discounted IACS special events over $25; • Special discount off published Menu Prices given to IACS Members for any event over $500 booked at IACS Banquet & Conference Center (Maximum $1,000). For eligibility, minimum 60-day membership in order to receive special benefit; • Special discount for IACS members on advertising in the IACS newspaper; • Special 20% discount on all baked goods including wedding cakes at Il Fornaio Bakery, 13689 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township; • Giuseppe’s International Oil & Vinegars - $1.00 off each bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Aged Balsamic Vinegar (200ml size & up); The Mall at Partridge Creek – 586/263-4200; www.giuseppesoils.com; • Dr. David Guzzardo – Chiropractor – New Patients – A free consultation, free exam, and half off on x-rays – 39725 Garfield, Clinton Twp., 586/286-6616; www.guzzardochiropractic.com; • St. Clair Eye, Charles G. Shermetaro, O.D. – 15% discount on lenses, frames, and non-prescription sunglasses. Not to be used with insurances, other discounts, or on contact lenses. 48873 Hayes Rd. @ 22 Mile – (586) 247-2121; • SC Lawnscape LLC – FREE first lawn cutting with signed year contract. 10% SAVINGS on any landscape purchase of $2,500 or above. REFERRAL PROGRAM, our current, past, or new customers receive discounts or local gift cards with every signed referral.

586/263-0641 – www.sclawnscape.com; • Attorney Armand Velardo – Free consultation and 10% discount on legal services. (Acquisitions; Civil and Commercial Litigation; Corporate Planning; Estate Planning; Family Law; Mergers; Personal Injury; Probate; Real Estate Transactions; Shareholder Disputes; Tax Issues; Arbitrator; Facilitator; and Mediator.)

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IACS Membership - Levels and Benefits Membership in June - Membership begins June 2016 And expires December 2016 Every member strengthens the Italian American Cultural Society to better educate and preserve our traditional Italian culture. Your membership helps to make the IACS more responsive to the Italian American community it serves.

Your membership pays for itself.  One-year subscription to the Italian American newspaper;  Discounted Italian language classes;  Discounted IACS special events over $25.

PLEASE CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP LEVEL:

Senior - $21 Senior Couples - $42 Gioventu’ Couple - $42 - Individual (Under age 60) - $28 Family - $56 – Two adult members and children in same household. Gioventu’ Family - $56 Family & Friends - $84 – Two adult members; all children or grandchildren 18 years and younger, and includes two (2) adult guests of the member at an IACS event at member’s price.

Patron - $175 – Two adult members in same household and all children or grandchildren 18 years and younger; Includes four guests at member’s prices.

Benefactor - $287 – Two adult members in same household and all children or grandchildren 18 years and younger; Includes six guests at member’s price; $100 IACS gift certificate – good towards all IACS special events.

Lifetime - $5,000 – Two adult members in same household and all children or grandchildren 18 years and younger; Includes 10 guests at member’s price; a $100 IACS gift certificate – good towards all IACS special events.

Upon receipt of payment, you may start enjoying the benefits of membership. June 2016 Membership is prorated and good through December 2016. Make checks payable to IACS.

IACS MEMBE RSHIP APPLICATION LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

DATE OF BIRTH

DATE OF BIRTH

SPOUSE’S FIRST NAME

CHILDREN’S NAMES & AGES RESIDING WITH PARENTS

ADDRESS – CITY – STATE – ZIP TELEPHONE NUMBERS: HOME

CELLULAR

EMAIL Date:

Signature of Applicant: Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card #

CID Code

Exp/Date

Call Center: 586 -228-3030 – 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038 OFFICE USE ONLY

Received

Paid By

Renewal Month/Year

Member Years

Group Health Insurance

is CHANGING

Businesses of all sizes are:

Moving to

PRIVATE EXCHANGES Call, Email or Fax for a

15 Minute Personal Discussion TIMPA INSURANCE

39378 Aynesley, Clinton Township, MI 48038

James G. Timpa, LUTCF

Authorized Independent Agent

(586) 904-7142 or Fax (586) 286-7005 timpainsurance@wowway.com

PAGE 8 Festa Italiana continued from page 1

Cavallini San Remo Festival pre-finalist with Souvenir of Italy, and new this year an Italian American Idol contest.

There is fun for the entire family. On Saturday, July 16th, 1:30 p.m. don’t miss the Frank J. Palazzolo Memorial Meatball Contest, sponsored by Bagnasco and Calcaterra Funeral Homes and Summit Plastic Molding Company, Inc. This year we are featuring a new event, the Italian American Idol Contest, on Saturday from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The Beautiful Baby Contest on Sunday, July 17th, at 1:30 p.m. is sponsored by Shelby Foot and Ankle, LLC, and the hilarious Cannoli Eating Contest following on Sunday at 2:50 p.m. is sponsored by Fern Hill Golf Club and Il Fornaio Bakery.

Throughout the weekend, let your kids jump and play in the Family Fun Zone.

Festa Café is sponsored by Villa Bella of Clinton Township and Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons once more sponsoring the Festival Dinner Tent.

On Sunday, July 17th, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins at 11:30 a.m. at the park; celebrant is Fr. Enzo Addari from St. Louis Center. Mass is sponsored by MJC Companies.

Stroll among a variety of your favorite local vendor booths including Andiamo’s, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Picano’s, Randazzo Fresh Market, Il Fornaio Bakery, Stroh’s ice cream, Cinnamon Nuts & More, and displays by Espresso Machine Experts, Bath Planet, Sofia Jewelry, just to name a few.

Free entry to the festival; however, there is a daily $10 parking fee.

Thank you to all our sponsors…

Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace; MJC Companies; Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market; Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Homes; Summit Plastic Molding Company, Inc.; Randazzo Fresh Market; Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons; The Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan; Fern Hill Golf Club; Villa Bella; Il Fornaio Bakery; The Macomb Daily; Shelby Foot & Ankle LLC; Lucido Family, Macomb NOW Magazine.

WELCOME SHELBY FAMILY PHARMACY

Shelby Family Pharmacy opened for business on April 11, 2016. Owner John Ciraulo has been practicing as a pharmacist for twenty-five years and has hospital, home infusion, long-term care, and retail experience.

John offers personalized service that makes this pharmacy unique. He speaks Italian, and translates instructions and directions into Italian for his customers. John also offers delivery service and compounding. Transfer-

ATTORNEY/AVVOCATO Fluent in Italian

586-323-2300

Initial Consultation at no charge Divorce Real Estate Wills/Estates Corporations

• • • •

Civil Litigation Personal Injury OUIL/Traffic Offenses Business Transactions

Silver Pine Complex 43455 Schoenherr, Suite 7 Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313

ring prescriptions to Shelby Family Pharmacy is easy.

John only needs to know where your prescriptions are currently filled, and he takes care of the rest. Prescription insurance plans are accepted.

John was born in Polizzi Generosa, Palermo, and came here when he was two years old. One of seven siblings, he was raised in a home that stressed education. When John graduated from the Wayne State University College of Pharmacy and Health Services in 1990,

his father reminded him “Don’t forget where you came from”.

Shelby Family Pharmacy is located at 48887 Hayes Road. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. John is accessible after hours by cell phone if necessary. The pharmacy phone number is 586-461-2900.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Please note that the COMITES of Detroit, located at 48770 Van Dyke Avenue - Shelby Township, MI 48317-2571 is open to the public as follows: Mondays and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM For any information please call Teria Delorenzo at 586-262-7482 In emergency please call Mr. Domenico Ruggirello, Comites President, at 586-255-8228.

GIORGIO MARCHESE

• • • •

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

PAGE 9

FESTA ITALIANA 2016 – GARA: DEI BAMBINI

Dr. Anthony Giordano / Dr. Ronal

Sunday, July 17th – Baby Contest Prizes for Everyone!

Medical and Surgical Care of the Foot & Ankle fo 586-580-3728

Sponsor Holy Mass Sunday, July 17th

The 14th Annual Beautiful Baby Contest will be held on Sunday, July 17th, at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Lucido Family Stage at Freedom Hill County Park.

Our Beautiful Babies need to be at least 25% Italian and will be judged within four age groups: nine – 18 months; 19 – 24 months; toddlers ages three and

four years; and children five years old.

All babies, toddlers, and children up to age five participating will receive gifts, and one winner from each age group will receive a $75 gift card.

To enter the contest, please submit your baby’s photo, and on the back of the photo, please print his/

her name, birth date, and percentage of Italian and mail to the IACS office, 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48038 no later than Friday, July 8th, or Email – barb@iacsonline. com. Only the first 10 children for each category will

Sponsor of Festa Café

be eligible.

Mom or dad must register their child (children) on July 17th by 1:15 p.m.

For further information, please call the IACS office - 586/228-3030 or www. iacsonline.com.

Sponsor Festa Dinner Tent

Festa Italiana 2016

RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE

DRAWING - SUNDAY, JULY 17TH Grand Prize is $2,000 - Second prize is $1,000 - Third prize is $500 Ticket donation is $10/one ticket or three tickets/$25 – six tickets/$50. You need not be present to win, and all proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the IACS. To receive raffle tickets, please mail bottom portion with payment to: IACS, 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48038 or call the IACS office, 586-228-3030, Ext. 15.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tickets

Total Amount $

 Enclosed is my check payable to Italian American Cultural Society $  Please bill my:  VISA

 MasterCard

Name Phone No.

 Discover

Address

 AMEX

City

State

Zip

Email

Credit Card No.

Code:

Available Fridays in 2016!

Exp. Date

Wedding and Shower Combination Specials

Signature

The IACS is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization and is eligible to receive charitable contributions. If 750 tickets are not sold, the drawing reverts to a single winner 50/50 raffle.

PAGE 10

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE IACS ATTORNEYS J.B.Bieske and Jenifer Alfonsi 19991 Hall Road Macomb Twp., MI 48044 800-331-3530 fax 586-977-8444 www.ssdfighter.com Aiello, Mark Anthony 535 Griswold St #1650 Detroit, MI 48226 313-964-4900 Lucido & Manzella, PC Attorneys & Counselors at Law 39999 Garfield Road Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-228-3900 Marchese, Giorgio 43455 Schoenherr Rd Ste.7 Sterling Heights, MI 48313 586-323-2300 BAKERIES Bommarito Bakery Michigan Italian Bakery, Inc 21830 Greater Mack Ave St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-772-6731 fax 772-6556 Il Fornaio Bakery 13689 23 Mile Road Shelby Twp., MI 48315 586-566-5280 BANQUET HALLS IACS Banquet Center 43843 Romeo Plank Rd Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-421-5155 www.iacsonline.com CEMETERIES Resurrection Cemetery 18201 Clinton River Road Clinton Twp., MI 586-286-9020 www.mtelliott.com DENTIST John A. Dobry, DDS 15870 19 Mile Rd Ste 160 Clinton Twp, MI 48038 586-286-0790 www.dobrydental.com Salvatore S Aragona DDS 37020 Garfield Rd. Suite T-4 Clinton Twp., MI 48036 586-2630-4060 www.aragonadentistry.com

FRUIT MARKET Randazzos Fresh Markets www.randazzofreshmarket. com 36800 Garfield Clinton Township MI 48035 586-293-3500 49800 Hayes Rd Macomb, MI 48044 586-566-8700 13441 13 Mile Rd Warren, MI 48088 586-979-1010 FUNERAL HOMES Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Homes St. Clair Shores & Sterling Heights 586-777-0557 or 586-977-7300 Lee Ellena Funeral Home, Inc. 46530 Romeo Plank Road Macomb Twp., MI 48044 586-412-8999 Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes Road Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-412-3000 Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke Ave Shelby Twp., MI 48316 586-677-4000 HAIR SALONS Pomponi’s Hair Shop 4728 Rochester Road Royal Oak, MI 48073 HPomponis@yahoo.com 248-585-5979 or 588-4464 HOME MAINTENENCE C & M Painting Free Estimates Senior Discount Interior/Exterior Call or Text Mario Evola 586-744-5989 INSURANCE AGENCIES Lucido Insurance Agency 39999 Garfield Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-286-8200 Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health • Financial Planning LANDSCAPING SC Lawnscape, LLC Macomb Twp., MI 586-263-0641

CONDO FOR RENT Cl. Twp. Fox Chase Condo, 3 bdrm 2 ½ Baths, Garage, Air, Deck, Pool Club House, All Appliances, Clean MAINT, WATER & GAS Inc. nr 16&Groesbeck, Chas. Ciara – 248-529-3649

POLISHED CONCRETE Creative Surfaces, Inc 20500 Hall Road Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-226-2950 www.cre8tivesurfaces.com info@cre8tivesurfaces.com PHYSICIANS Skardarasy, MD Charles Si’ Parla Italiano 33464 Schoenherr Ste 160 Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-258-3775 RETIREMENT LIVING Villa Bella of Clinton Township 15894 19 Mile Road Clinton Township, MI 48038 586-412-8190 www.Villa-Bella.net TRAVEL AGENCIES Viaggi Travel Zone 48854 Hayes Macomb, MI 48044 586-566-4000 www.viaggitravelzone.com Volare Travel Inc. 42500 Hayes, Ste 400 Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-263-4500 www.volaretravel.com

Comfortable, spacious visitation rooms with private lounges Private hospitality suites for dinners & funeral lunches Outdoor seating on porches overlooking natural wetlands Dedicated children’s room • Ample parking Competitive pricing • Natural light throughout funeral home

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42500 Hayes, Clinton Twp., MI 48038 (586) 263-4500 www.volaretravel.com

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

RYAN HURLEY, BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT,

$1000 FIRST PRIZE WINNER OF 2016 ITALIAN SONGS AND ARIAS VOCAL COMPETITION

Ryan Hurley, a student from Berkley H.S., is the $1000 First Prize winner of the 22nd annual Italian Songs and Arias Vocal Competition for Michigan High School Students. The competition is organized by the Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan in collaboration with the Italian American Cultural Society of Clinton Township (IACS), which provides the facilities for the Concert of the Finalists, with the Italian American Club of

Livonia Charitable Foundation as the sponsor of the prizes, and with the auspices of the Italian Consulate in Detroit.

Many participants from throughout the state entered the competition by submitting recordings of their singing two Italian art songs or opera arias. Ten finalists were selected from the entries received. The ten students then performed in a live "Concert of the Finalists" held on Sunday, May 1, at the Italian American Cultural Center in Clinton Township, in front of a very enthusiastic audience whose prolonged applause validated the students' talent and passion for singing. Sandra Tornberg, President of the

IACS, Maria Luisa Lapresa, Consul of Italy in Detroit, and John Zaretti, president of the Verdi Opera, who pre-

sented the program, spoke at the start of the program with words of praise for the gifted young singers and for their teachers, parents, and everyone involved in their education.

Each finalist was required to sing from memory, with a piano accompanist, their two chosen music pieces originally submitted to enter the contest. The songs and arias at the concert included works by Bellini, Caccini, Caldara, Carissimi, Donaudy, Durante, Handel, Gluck, Marcello, Mercadante, Monteverdi, Mozart, Rossini, Scarlatti, and Tosti.

The winner, tenor Ryan Hurley, from Berkley H.S., showed outstanding vocal talent and engaging stage presence in his renditions of Stefano Donaudy's beautiful songs "Ah! mai non cessate" and "O del mio amato ben".

The Second Prize of $300 was awarded to soprano Karli Forte, from Interlochen Arts Academy, in Interlochen, and two Third Prizes of $200 each went, respectively, to tenor Tyler Bouque, from Troy H.S., and Jillian Brennan, from Howell H.S. The remaining six finalists, who were considered of equally high merit, received $50 each.

Those students were: Greta Groothuis, Traverse City Central H.S.; Sophie Knight

and Gabriela Martinez, Interlochen Arts Academy; Danielle Maurer, Bad Axe H.S.; Emilia Parks and Anna Roth, Traverse City West, S.H.S.. All the finalists demonstrated a strong level of musical preparation and performance skills, which provided for a very enjoyable concert program for the audience and at the same time a challenging task for the adjudicators.

The distinguished judges for the Concert of the Finalists were: Tenor George Shirley, renowned for his long career of singing leading roles at New York's Metropolitan Opera House and many other major opera theatres of the world, who received a standing ovation at the concert when he was saluted as the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded to him by President Barack Obama, at the White House, in September 2015; mezzo-soprano Barbara Wiltsie, former long-time touring artist with Michigan Opera Theatre, now Associate Professor of Vocal Music at Madonna University in Livonia, and co-director of the Michigan District Committee for the Metropolitan

PAGE 11 Opera National Council Auditions; and soprano-composer-choir director Viviana Garabello, involved in a variety of musical endeavors both as a Music Education Performance Major at Madonna University and at the community level.

This year's Concert of the Finalists was dedicated to Ms. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, founder and Director of Community Programs for Michigan Opera Theatre, who served as one of the three judges for our vocal competition from its very beginning in 1995 and each year thereafter until 2014. Ms. DiChiera, who was present at the Concert of the Finalists, received a prolonged ovation from the audience.

At the end of the concert, the judges met with each of the young singers to provide feedback on their performance and to encourage them to continue developing their vocal talent.

The aim of the competition is to encourage and help develop young students of classical vocal music and to promote appreciation for Italian art songs, operatic music, and the Italian language. John Zaretti, Verdi Opera president, and Maria Capicchioni Harris, president of the IACL Charitable Foundation, thanked the audience, advertisers, and other benefactors for their support. Such support has made possible the awarding of over $60,000 in prizes to many gifted young vocalists, several of whom - such as soprano Caitlin Lynch, tenor Michael Fabiano, and baritone Carlton Ford - are now performing with major opera companies in the USA and abroad, a most rewarding result for our efforts.

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Italian American Cultural Society

THE CONQUEST OF ITALIAN IMMIGRATION AS SEEN THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY This very interesting initiative was conceived and presented by COMITES. The members of the Italian community were invited to submit a photo representing the immigrant experience in a personal manner, capturing a significant moment in their lives or their family history. They also were asked to provide a verbal description explaining the significance of the photo.

Twenty-five submissions were received and displayed at the Italian Cultural Society Banquet and Conference Center on May 12 and 13.

The submissions were from individuals as well as local businesses and organizations.

On Friday evening May 13 guests attended a dinner and were entertained by the lovely and talented singer Cristina Caro. Award-winning photographer Richard Haskin had the difficult task of selecting the two photos that for him best told the story of immigration. “It was very moving to view the photos and read the stories that were submitted.

To think of the distance that people traveled, and of the sacrifices they made. It takes courage to leave the familiar behind and face an uncertain future. They arrived here, unified by their customs and their culture.

They became Americans, and added value to America,” said Richard.

The first photo chosen by Richard was of a young Tony Dannon and his grandfather, submitted by Antonio DiPonio with the permission of Joseph Rechhia, Mr. Dannon’s nephew.

Mr. Dannon was of course a renowned accordion player

and his accordion was present in the photo. The other photo Richard selected was among several submitted

by Holy Family Church and depicted the Moceri Market in Eastern Market.

It was a great event and an opportunity to learn more about our shared history.

Congratulations to Anna Castaldi Roselli, chair of the COMITES Cultural Committee and Domenico Ruggirello, COMITES President. Thank you to Alessandra Cuzzocrea, Enzo Paglia, Teria DeLorenzo and all who helped to make the event a success.

Photographer Richard Haskin

Singer Cristina Caro

Alessandra Cuzzocrea, Anna Castaldi Roselli, Antonio DiPonio

Consul of Italy in Detroit Dr. Maria Luisa Lapresa and COMITES President Domenico Ruggirello

JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

PAGE 13

NORTH END SOBRIETY TEAM FUNDRAISER On Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the home of Lisa and Bob McClain, a who’s who of Macomb County assembled for a great cause that raised over $30,000 for NEST. The North End Sobriety Team (NEST) is a newly formed volunteer organization whose mission is to deliver resources for local families affected by drug and alcohol abuse, addition and drug overdose. NEST supports the Drug/Sobriety Court by providing education, awareness, and funding for non-violent drug and alcohol offenders through counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

L-R: Honorable Carl Marlinga, Vince Manzella, Honorable Joe Toia, Peter Lucido, Sebastian (Sam) Previti, Eric Beretta, Honorable James Biernat, and Honorable Richard Caretti.

The founder is 42nd District Court Judge, Denis R. LeDuc and the Board of Directors are some of the most outstanding citizens Macomb: Anthony Apone,

Ruth Heidebreicht, Vince Manzella, Lisa McClain, Christina Muir-Murphy, Gary Roncelli, and Sherman Rogers.

Board of Directors of NEST – L-R – Anthony Apone, Vince Manzella, Lisa McClain, Gary Roncelli, and Sherman Rogers. Also in the picture is NEST Founder, the Honorable Denis R. LeDuc.

Honored guests included County Executive Mark Hackel, Circuit Court Chief Judge James Biernat Jr., County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, County Trea-

surer Derek Miller, Circuit Court Judge Carl Marlinga, Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano, Circuit Court Judge William Hackle III, and State Representative Peter Lucido.

Fall In Love With...

IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY Adelina D’Aristotile

D'Aristotile, Adelina (nee Pantalone) Age 92 May 14, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Corradino. Loving mother of Rocco (Maria), Rita (the late Roberto) D'Onofrio, Antonio (the late Maria) (Joan), Roberto (Cecilia) and Anna (Bruno) Ciaramellano. Dearest grandmother of 16 and great grandmother of 26. Predeceased by one grandchild Anthony Francis. Also survived by a sister Ines Pantalone in Italy. Visitation Wednesday 3-9pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Pkwy(16 Mile Rd.). Funeral Thursday Instate 9:30am at San Francesco Catholic Church 22870 S. Nunneley Rd. (E. of Gratiot S. of Metro Pkwy(16 Mile Rd.) until time of Mass at 10am.

Entombment Resurrection Cemetery.

586.412.8910

www. Villa-Bella .Net

Clinton Township, Michigan Tours available 7 days a week Sat & Sun by appointment only

PAGE 14

JUNE 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

FINDING YOUR ROOTS, ITALIAN STYLE 6

By Karen Mack Community Marketing Coordinator

Are you ready to search the web, for sites that might find help you find a link to your past ancestors? Here are some sites that might be of value to you. A portion of this information has been taken from Your Passport to European Research by Allison Dolan and the Editors of Family Tree Magazine.

Cyndi’s List www.cyndislist. com/Italy D’addezio” Italian Genealogy Search Tools and Articles www.daddezio.com/italgen. hmtl Genealogia Italiana: www. genealogiaitaliana.it/en ItalianAncestry.com: www. italianancestry.com

consider are: Family Search: www.familysearch.org Italy World Club: www. italyworldclub.com Virtual Italia: www.virtualitalia.com Wikipedia About Italy: www.http:// Italian.about.com/od/italianculture Abruzzo 2000: www.abruzzo2000.com Center for Documentation on Italian Populations and Cultures: www.fga.it Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation: www.ellisisland.org

Italian Genealogical Group: www.italiangen.org

Castle Clinton National Monument: www.castlegardens.org

Italian Genealogy Homepage: www.italgen.com

Before Ellis Island was opened

Italian Genealogy Mailing Lists: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~jfuller/gen_mail_ country-ita.hmtl

National Archives and Records Administration: www. archives.gov

Italian Genealogy Online and All Things Italian: www. angelfire.com/ok3/pearlsofwisdom Italy Genealogy Forum: www.gemforum.genealogy. com/Italy Italy Maps: www.lib.utexas. edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/italy.html Underscore between p and c Italy WorldGen Web: www. italygen.com Joe’s Italian Genealogy Page: www.caropepe.com/italy My Italian Family: www. myitalianfamily.com Professional Italian Genealogy Research: www.italianfamilytree.com Other sites that you might

The World Biographical Index: www.saur.de/wibs-online There are yet more sites and I will list them next month. Remember that not all of these sites are free.

Only you can decide if the expenditure will be worth the results. Perhaps, if you have a friend that you do genealogy with you might consider splitting the cost of the site.

Karen Mack is the Community Liaison for the Mt Elliott Cemetery Association, which manages six cemeteries in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. It serves families of all Christian faith and was founded in 1841. Learn more by visiting www.mtelliott.com.

TO: IACS MEMBERS

Notice of Annual General Membership Meeting & Members Appreciation Night Wednesday, June 29, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Complimentary Dinner Served at The Italian American Cultural Society Banquet & Conference Center 43843 Romeo Plank Road - Clinton Twp., MI 48038 WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Stay up-to-date with the latest news regarding the Italian American Cultural Center by visiting us at www. iacsonline.com or like us on facebook @www.facebook.com/ Italian-American-CulturalSocietyandBanquetCenter

New Contest for 2016!

Festa Italiana - Italian American Idol Singing Contest Saturday, July 16th – Freedom Hill County Park 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

We are looking for four Italian American idols! The four contestant age groups are: Up to 8 years 9 to 12 years 13 to 17 years 18 and over

To enter the contest, please send a clear video, YouTube link or MP3 of either an Italian song or an Italian themed song to the following email address: italianidol2016@gmail.com

Remember, we are trying to promote our Italian culture. Preference will be given to those contestants singing in Italian or an Italian themed song. Songs can be in any category.

Please include your name, age, parent’s name if under 18, phone number, and email address.

We must receive your email and video by July 1, 2016.

If you are selected to participate, you will be contacted by July 8. The contest finals will take place on Saturday, July 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Freedom Hill. A panel of judges will choose one winner from each age group.

Please call the IACS at 586-228-3030 for additional information.

MAY 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

PAGE 15

INFORMATION ON THE 2016 COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION QUEEN PAGEANT for Contestants & Their Parents: The Columbus Day Celebration Queen Pageant has been prevalent in the Italian culture for over the past sixty years.

This is an exceptional opportunity to help young ladies blossom into sophisticated and knowledgeable women.

This pageant will help the contestants form permanent career skills paired with lifelong friendships made with the other participants and staff. This is an enjoyable event for all contestants, sponsors, and spectators. During the event, there will be phenomenal entertainment, food, and most importantly, a celebration of our Italian Heritage.

Additionally, over the past two years the Italian American Chamber of Commerce has generously donated an educational scholarship worth $1,000 to the Queen of the Miss Columbus Day Pageant.

The Columbus Day Celebration Queen Pageant will take place Sunday, June 26, 2016. It will be held at Freedom Hill Banquet Hall. The actual pageant will begin at 12 and conclude at 4.

However, the interview portion of the pageant for the contestants will begin at 10:30 AM. Each participant is required to be at least 25% Italian.

The categories for the pageant will include: personal interview, causal wear, eveningwear, and a talent portion. The talent portion of the program may consist of any skill

you possess from: singing, dance, playing of an instrument, gymnastics, dramatic/comedic prowess, poetry, virtually anything you wish to present.

Contestants’ titles and the age groups for the titles are as follows: • Queen Isabella- 5 to 6 years of age • Little Miss Columbus7 to 11 years of age • Jr. Miss Columbus- 12 to 16 years of age • Miss Columbus Queen 17 to 20 years of age Furthermore, each contestant requires a sponsor. If you do not have a sponsor in mind, we can help provide you with one! The sponsor fee is $300.00. This investment covers all events for each contestant for the entire year. For instance, it will include her meals, sash, incidentals, and payment for the rented charter bus for her trip to Lansing.

This Lansing trip gives the contestants an opportunity to be recognized by the State of Michigan.

They each receive a proclamation from their State Representative for being a member of the Columbus Court. In addition, each club that sponsors a contestant will receive two dinner tickets to the Columbus Day Celebration Banquet that takes place in October.

The Columbus Day Queens and her Court will be partaking in not only this pageant, but

they are invited to make appearances at multiple parades, festivals, and volunteer projects in the community throughout the year. Thus, commitment to this honorable extracurricular is key and obligatory. During such events, the contestants

will be instructed to wear sashes with their provided sponsor’s name written on it, along with the sash displaying the title won during the pageant.

Overall, this is such a fun, momentous, and admirable way of celebrating our Italian heritage,

while developing into a well-rounded individual If you have any questions, please call or e-mail the Pageant Director, Sally Arredondo, at 586-2981492 or CDCCqueenpageant@gmail.com

PAGE 16

MAY 2016

Italian American Cultural Society

THE COUNCIL OF THE PRESIDENTS – IACS in collaboration with the

VERDI OPERA THEATRE OF MICHIGAN IS PROUD TO PRESENT

A CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC Saturday, June 4, 2016 beginning at 4:30 PM – IACS EVENT FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC PRESENTER: John Zaretti President and co-founder of the Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan

The program will explore the events that led to the coming together of a Nation torn apart from the ruins of World War II, and the decision of the people at the time to vote on either continuing with a Monarchy or create a new Republic based on the values of “Equality, Fraternity, and Liberty”. It will also trace the important contribution of music, art, and the people’s inventive spirit in the creation of the Republic.

FESTA DELLA REPUBBLICA PROGRAM: Doors open 2:00 p.m.

Entertainment by IACS Coro Italiano 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Formal Program: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies – Gianmarco Roselli Speakers:

President, IACS – Sandra Tornberg Consul of Italy – Dott. Maria Louisa Lapresa President, Com.IT.ES. – Domenico Ruggirello Special Young Guest – Ms. Giovanna (Gia) Milana Principal Guest Speaker – Dr. Alessandro Vivacqua President, Council of Presidents – Domenico Ruggirello 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Browsing of displays & food tasting 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Dancing and Refreshments

Announcement Patronato ITAL-UIL at the Italian American Cultural Society Banquet & Conference Center Continues on Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon For further information, Please call Ms. Rita Barile 734-421-3460

POP THE CORK

SENIOR WINE TASTING

COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS BOARD MEMBERS Chairman Domenico Ruggirello Vice Chairman Giovanni LoIacono Secretary Gloria Tonelli Treasurer Ottavio Mecca

Trustees Gianvito Arato Maria Cicchini Joe Cilluffo Joseph Fortuna, Jr. Luigi LaMarra Enzo Paglia Celestina Silverio

Angela and Luigi LaMarra enjoying the wine tasting

Connie and Vince Mariani had a great time

MAY 2016

Italian American Cultural Society auction. Radio personality Skeery Jones, of Z100’s Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, led the live auction with two tickets to the Hollywood premier of “Devil in the White City” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and

directed by Martin Scorsese.

A NIAF dinner series with actor Paul Sorvino was also auctioned.

Besides welcoming honorees and guests, NIAF Chairman Joseph V. Del Raso introduced Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello, vicar for development for the Diocese of Brooklyn and administrator of St. Bernard Parish in Mill Basin, who gave the invocation.

SPORTS GREATS, INDUSTRY LEADERS HONORED IN NEW YORK CITY MARIO M. CUOMO AWARD IN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDED AT NIAF GALA SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO LATE JUDGE MARIE GARIBALDI

BY FOUNDATION’S LEADERSHIP

Sport legends Mike Piazza, 12-time MLB All-Star elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame; and Luigi P. “Lou” Carnesecca, legendary coach of St. John’s University’s basketball team and inductee of the Naismith Basket Ball Hall of

Fame, headlined the list of gala honorees with industry executives in business, finance, and real estate at the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) annual New York Gala on April 28.

During the cocktail reception, guests were served

the famous Bellini cocktail under the towering marble columns at the Italian Renaissance-inspired Cipriani 42nd Street. They also viewed the sports memorabilia, fine jewelry and designer women’s purses that were part of the silent

New York Gala Dinner Chairman Gerard S. LaRocca, a member of NIAF’s Board of Directors and the Italian American Leadership Council, and chief administrative officer, Americas, Barclays Capital, thanked the Foundation’s New York committee and the evening’s sponsors for making the NIAF New York Gala into the institution it is today.

La Rocca introduced three women leaders serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors: Linda R. Car-

PAGE 17 lozzi Esq.; Patricia de Stacy Harrison and Anita Bevacqua McBride. Together they spoke about the late Honorable Marie L. Garibaldi, NIAF executive vice president and former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, whose passing in mid-January affected the Italian American community in New York and New Jersey.

“Judge Garibaldi was part of our family, she taught us about life and how to move through it with confidence and a compass,” Harrison said, presenting a posthumous honor to their beloved colleague with a video highlighting her many accomplishments.

“She was a mentor and helped open the door for us,” McBride added.

Carlozzi spoke about a scholarship to honor Judge Garibaldi’s legacy that will be announced during the Foundation’s 41st Anniversary Gala in October. “We lost an exceptional, elegant woman and we mourn her loss,” Carlozzi said.

NIAF also presented the second-annual Mario M. Cuomo Award in Public Service to Joseph R. Guccione, managing director of Freeh Group International Solutions LLC. A video showcasing Cuomo’s legacy as a man of conviction and role model for the Italian American commu-

continued on page 18

PAGE 18

Italian American Cultural Society

financial services and real estate, respectively.

BisignaJULY 15-17, 2016 no, who Friday, July 15 6:00-6:30pm Opening- Anthems - Parade of Clubs - Coro Italiano, Dino Valle had just 6:45-7:30pm Michigan Accordion Society returned Cory Pesaturo & Joe Recchia 7:45-8:30pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms home from 8:45-9:45pm The Sicilian Tenors (Aaron Caruso - Sam Vitale - Elio Scaccio) his ances10:00-11:00pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms tral home Saturday, July 16 12:00pm Opening –Anthems- Coro Italiano, Dino Valle, in Italy the Maria Cicchini/Italian Karaoke 1:30-2:30pm Frank Palazzolo Meatball Contest day before, 2:30-4:00pm Italian American Idol Contest Age Categories: 6-13, 13- 21, 21 & older remarked, 4:00– 5:00pm Simone Vitale, with Italian Singer Rosella Lo Duca “I am 5:15-6:15pm Soft Italian Background Music (wedding held next door) 6:30–7:30pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms honored 8:00-9:00pm Mark Randisi to come 9:15-11:00 pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms back from Sunday, July 17 11:30-12:30pm Holy Mass/Fr. Enzo Addari, Coro Italiano Italy and with Dino Valle & Aaron Caruso, Cantors 12:45pm Opening- Anthems- Coro Italiano - Dino Valle celebrate Aaron Caruso - Maria Cicchini/Italian Karaoke togeth1:30pm Beautiful Baby Contest 2:50pm Cannoli Contest er with 3:00-4:00pm Dino Valle Bellini Opera - From Torino, Sherrie Grieve; From Ontario, Amy Wallace, Lisa Agazzi, Eva Evola, everyone— Gina D’Alessio, Piano 4:15-5:15 pm The Sicilian Tenors (Aaron Caruso-Sam Vitale-Elio Scaccio) God bless 5:30-6:00pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms America, 6:00-7:00pm Pino Marelli 7:15-8:00pm From Firenze, Mirella Maria Cavallini God bless San Remo Festival Pre-Finalist with Souvenir of Italy 8:00-10:00pm Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms Italy, Entertainment schedule subject to change God bless NIAF.” THANK YOU TO OUR ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Vince and Joe’s Summit Plastic Nino Salvaggio When Wujek-Calcaterra Gourmet Market International Marketplace Molding, Inc. Funeral Homes Inserra Macomb NOW Magazine Bagnasco and Calcaterra Fern Hill Golf Club The Macomb Daily Funeral Homes received Villa Bella Shelby Foot & Ankle Italian American Chamber Lucido Familiy of Commerce his award, MJC Companies Randazzo Fresh Market IL Fornaio Bakery he spoke about his SPORT GREATS, and radio host Joe Piscoparents who instilled values continued from page 17 po, kicked off the awards in his everyday life.

He nity was presented to the ceremony with “New York, dedicated his award to his more than 720 guests. The New York, ” a song made father. award recognizes Italian famous by Frank Sinatra.

“Tonight is a special eveAmerican public servants The guests applauded and ning honoring superstars in who are known for their he exclaimed, “Let’s get this sports, business, real estate passion, conviction and party started—give me three and finance,” said Mirandedication to serving the hours and I will tell you te. “The Italian culture we Italian American commuhow great Italians are. ” celebrate tonight was my nity. “My parents instilled Piscopo recognized this childhood.” in me the values of public year’s honorees presenting At the podium, Chris Mulservice to make a difference the Foundation’s Achievelin, head coach of St. John’s and improve communities,” ment Awards to New York Red Storm men’s basketball, Guccione said. “My role industrial leaders Frank presented the NIAF Spemodels, in addition to CuoBisignano, chairman and cial Achievement Award in mo, were Judge Louis Freeh; chief executive officer of Sports to Carnesecca. “This Alphonse D’Amato, and the First Data Corporation; is my Italian father,” Mullin late Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Inserra, Americas said. Carnesecca explained Antonin Scalia.” vice chairman at EY; and that, although he learned After dinner was served, Arthur J. Mirante ll, princia lot as coach, what was this year’s master of cerpal and tri-state president at important he learned from emonies, NIAF Celebrity Avison Young, in business, his father: “never have short Ambassador, entertainer

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

arms, always put your $10 on the bar.”

ESPN host Tony Reali presented Piazza with the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Sports. Reali recounted how he met Piazza in 1993 and described him as powerful, faithful and true. ”I am so grateful and proud to be Italian and want to thank NIAF as an organization for its work,” Piazza said. “Please spread the word about NIAF, we need to continue to grow this organization,” Before the guests dined on Italian specialties, including pan seared sea scallops, thinly sliced prosciutto with fresh mozzarella and baby arugula salad, opera singer Cristina Fontanelli sang the U.S. national anthem and “Inno di Mameli,” Italy’s national anthem. As dinner was served, the Sicilian Tenors, including Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale, serenaded the guests with a selection of songs, including “O Sole Mio” and “Mistero,” a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti.

Joining the honorees and guests were actors Michael Badalucco and Tony LoBianco; former MLB managers Ken Aspromonte and Bobby Valentine, MLB third baseman Bob Aspromonte; and Denver Nuggets Sr. Vice President Pete D’Alessandro. Italian dignitaries included Italy’s Consul General in New York Francesco Genuardi and delegates from the Foundation’s 2016 Region of Honor – Piemonte, Italy. At the podium, NIAF Board member Jeff Capaccio acknowledged Piemonte with a special video showcasing the region’s rich history, art, beauty, industries and people.

MAY 2016 To close the evening’s festivities after a final course of ricotta cheese cake and espresso by Lavazza, NIAF’s President and Chief Operating Officer John M. Viola recognized and thanked the sponsors, honorees and guests for their continued support and commitment to the Foundation. “We Italian Americans are the luckiest people in the world,” said Viola. “God Bless America, Italy and all of us.”

The NIAF New York Spring Gala proceeds support the Foundation’s philanthropic and educational programs.

NIAF thanks this year’s Title Sponsor: First Data and Presenting Sponsors: Bank of America, Columbus Citizens Foundation, and SkyBridge Capital LLC. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the proud heritage of an estimated 25 million Americans of Italian descent, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group.

NIAF's mission is to serve as a resource for the Italian American Community; to preserve the Italian American heritage and culture; to promote and inspire a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans; and to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy. Visit www. niaf.org.

Act Today! Advanced registration now available for specially priced tickets for NIAF’s 41st Anniversary Gala, October 15, 2016, at the Marriott Washington Wardman Park Hotel.

Deadline: July 1, 2016. Visit: www.niaf.org/gala

MAY 2016

April 17, 2016 Maria Marta DiStefano Fara Filiccia David J. Michalik April 18, 2016 Mary Louise Beach James Euclide Joubert Marlene Klaphaak Max Donald Schilling Brian Richard Wlosinski April 19, 2016 Maria Anna Beattie Margot Mina Fischer Angela Serra Rosaria Vultaggio April 21, 2016 Laith Morris Azar Rosel K. Bergmann April 22, 2016 Roger Wilfrid Guilbert Blanche Leona Ignash Vincent Anthony Petricevich Judith Suzanna Thornell Donald Joseph Turchin

Italian American Cultural Society

April 23, 2016 Aaron Richard Inda April 24, 2016 Salvatore D'Angelo Timothy Joseph Gregory Mildred Nadison April 25, 2016 Pierre Alfred Bocquet Harry Kenneth Cole John Michael Hankus Alexander F. Kukawski April 26, 2016 Francesca Biondo Joseph Edward Mathews Joyce Ann Pittman John Gary Warnick April 27, 2016 Agnes Christie Virginia Adams Levy Luigi Ambrose Marinelli Roseann Lillian Zambotti April 28, 2016 Steven Michael Budde John Franklin Lutz Edward Claude McFarland Kathleen Margaret Sorensen

April 29, 2016 George Sam Mackool Jack Dewey Payne Gjyste Pjetri April 30, 2016 Helen Anna Bezanson Donald George Blondeau Thomas Jacob Gmerek Evelyn Irene Hifko Mark Steven Mathews May 1, 2016 Kenneth Robert Delker Alberta Anne Hurford Salvatore LaRocca Anna Marie Moore Micheal Irwin O'Neill Joie Ann Rekowski Ronald Micheal Sielky May 2, 2106 Chester Joseph Balinski Gabriel Zygmund Shall Robert Jerome Sigouin John E. Skutnik May 3, 2016 Francesco Angelo Grillo Jr.

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May 4, 2016 Gustave Arnold Albrecht John Gerard Foy Jr. Jeremiah King Ronald James McCloskey Sheila Ann Murdock Michael Dennis Snyder May 5, 2016 William Edward Bedeski Frances Del Greco Marie Amelia Dimmer Pako Gjolaj Michael Glenn Hardy Ethel Ferguson Mueller Michael Charles Trombley May 6, 2016 Paul Edward Hifko James Leo Serracino Dominic Ryan Swoish May 7, 2016 Gerald James Ruthenberg Josephine M. Stieber May 8, 2016 Gladys J. Cooper Anna DiPirro Daniel Richard Hansen Brandon Leroy Landy Dennis Michael Parent

May 9, 2016 Craig William Hilliker Barbara Ellen Newfer May 10, 2016 Mary Bayo John Scott Guenther Jerome Angelo Maisano Vincenzo I. Manzo Dominic Palazzolo May 11, 2016 Rosemary Ann Ales Delia Capaldi Nicola Rocco Ciani Marie Pompea Gentile David matthew Toler May 12, 2016 Margarete Gross Djuraskovic Elena Giovannina Mastrogiovanni Norman R. Richards Iljko Stefanovski May 13, 2016 Ernistine Anderson Jill Ann Wojewnik May 14, 2016 Adelina D'Aristotile Gordon Johnson Irene Mary Smith

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Italian American Cultural Society

MAY 2016