ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com DECEMBER 2015 • VOL. 37 NO. 6
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Japanese performance calligraphy Viva, among the diverse acts in ICC’s Carnevale! Ball set for Feb. 6 Festival di Danza e Cultura
Raise your glass and join in a toast to the Italian Community Center’s social event of the year, Il Grande Carnevale, on Saturday, Feb. 6. A night of pomp and circumstance with servings of fine food, dancing and general frivolity awaits all those who vociferously shout “Viva, Carnevale!” As the chosen theme for the 37th annual gala – “Viva, Carnevale!” – allows those who choose to come in costume or mask to let their imaginations run wild. If you know the history of Carnevale – not only ours, but those that have been held in Italy since medieval times – Carnevale is your last opportunity to celebrate before the start of the solemn Lenten season on Ash Wednesday. Please turn to page 7
Bylaws amendments proposed
Performance calligraphy by Tsuji Fuhga of Chiba, Japan was one of the featured acts in the third annual Festival di Danza e Cultura program at the Italian Community Center on Monday, Oct. 26. Fuhga is a performing calligrapher and a master instructor of calligraphy. Performance calligraphy requires strength, stamina and training. A huge brush is used to write characters on large sheets of paper to the rhythm of music. In Japan, the finished work sells for $1,500.
Festival di Danza e Cultura was organized by Gina Jorgensen and the ICC Culture Committee as a celebration of Italian Heritage Month in October, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Sister State partnership between Wisconsin and the Prefecture of Chiba, Japan and a prelude to the Holiday Folk Fair International. More photos from the performing groups appear inside this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Holiday Boutique is a big success on all fronts as fundraiser
Two amendments have been proposed to the Italian Community Center Bylaws by the Bylaws Committee. The first proposal calls for replacing Article IV, Section 10 with a reworded amendment. The current Article IV, Section 10 states: Any member of the Board of Directors absent without excuse from two consecutive Board meetings shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board. Please turn to page 7
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Young-At-Heart wins bocce championship
page 3
President Giuseppe Vella’s message
page 6
Come to ICC’s holiday parties pages 4-5 OSIA report, Pompeii Women’s scholars
page 8
Record-setting donations for dinner for poor pages 10-11 Pagine Italiane
pagine 16-17
Italian Christmas features
Crossword puzzle
From securing of the vendors, the planning and promoting, room layout and participating as a vendor, Bill and Karen Dickinson worked every angle to ensure that the ICC’s Holiday Boutique was a big success. The fundraiser, held in the Festa Ballroom on Nov, 7, attracted a large turnout, a lot of sales for vendors,
outstanding business for Cafe La Scala and a lot of positive comments. This was the first-ever holiday boutique hosted by the ICC. Karen Dickinson served as general chair of the event. Look for a story and more photos inside this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Who was Enrico Tonti?
Italy’s Top 10 all-time
Pro basketball in Italy
page 18
page 19 page 20 page 20 page 21
BUON NATALE A TUTTI!
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
Young-At-Heart, wildcard team, wins ICC’s fall bocce championship
It was quite a night for YoungAt-Heart, runner-up in the Tuesday afternoon seniors bocce league. After a hard-fought opening round match, Young-At-Heart shifted into high gear and cruised to the fall season championship. This was the team’s first-ever championship in the 25 years of bocce leagues at the Italian Community Center. Young-At-Heart, runner-up in the Tuesday afternoon seniors league with a 17-7 regular season record, battled point-for-point with Celtic Clan, runner-up in the Thursday afternoon seniors league in its quarterfinal match, eventually pulling out a 12-10 win. In the semi-finals, Young-AtHeart rolled to a 12-6 over the Pallino Magnets (19-5), the first place team from Tuesday afternoon seniors. With the momentum, Young-At-Heart notched a relatively easy 12-7 victory over Porticello (17-7), the first place team from the Monday night league, to win the championship. The Young-At-Heart players are: Captain Craig Lieber, Gaetano Canzoneri, Ferrari Romando and Bill Jennaro. Each player received a $15 gift certificate for Cafe La Scala and bragging rights until a new champ is crowned. The players on runner-up Porticello, captained by Tony Lococo, were given $5 La Scala gift certificates. “We had some good shots and a couple of breaks,” Lieber said. “When I came to the ICC Monday night, I forever expected we would be playing in the championship game and winning it. It felt good.” Lieber is not only captain of his team but coordinator of the Tuesday afternoon seniors league. “It was fun to see the Tuesday seniors take the championship match, even though it was against a team from Monday night,” said Dan Conley, the head coordinator
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180
of ICC bocce leagues and Monday night league coordinator. Porticello made it to the title match by scoring earlier victories over the Wednesday night league champ Club Garibaldi (22-2) and Trizzano (19-5), the Wednesday night league runner-up. Pallino Stallions defeated Como Si Chiama (18-6), the Thursday afternoon seniors champ to advance to the quarterfinal. Trizzano notched a victory over Amici’s (16-8), Monday night runner-up, to go on to the quarterfinals. Quarterfinal matches Pallino Magnets – 12 Como Si Chiama – 7 Young-At-Heart – 12 Celtic Clan – 10 Porticello – 12 Club Garibaldi – 7
Meet the fall 2015 ICC bocce champs. From the left: Gaetano Canzoneri, Ferrari Armando, Bill Jennaro and captain Craig Lieber. (Times photo by Jim Schultz)
Amici’s – 10 Trizzano – 12
Semifinal matches Pallino Magnets – 6 Young-At-Heart – 12 Porticello – 12 Trizzano – 9
Championship match Young-At-Heart – 12 Porticello – 7
Deadline set for January issue of The Italian Times
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the January 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Wednesday, Dec. 9. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-2232189.
Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Vella Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio, Barbara Collignon, Susie Christiansen, Angelo Castronovo and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman
For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org. Copyright 2015 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.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 3
Hollywood inspired theme planned for ICC’s Christmas party on Dec. 17 Rolling out the red carpet for members and non-member guests
By Susie Christiansen Christmas Party Chair Walk the red carpet to the premier event of the holiday season – the Italian Community Center Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 17. All members and non-member guests are invited to start the holiday season with a Hollywood inspired celebration starting at 6 p.m. The event will include a delicious sit down dinner, wonderful entertainment, and a “red carpet” photo opportunity, all for the price of $20 per member and $35 per non-member.
Dinner Dinner will begin with an Italian salad comprised of fresh greens topped with Italian meats and cheeses. Guests will then enjoy an entrée of tender Sicilian steak, side of pasta, fresh sautéed vegetables, and Italian bread, with Italian
cookies and creamy gelato for dessert.
Dancing Providing the entertainment for the evening will be premier deejay service, Music on the Move Plus. Always professional in both appearance and attitude, Music on the Move Plus deejays ensure that the evening is full of fun, dancing, music and fun activities. Whether it’s swing, polka, disco, the rockand-roll of the ‘50s and ‘60s, or today’s best music, these deejays can provide it. What better way to celebrate the holidays than to dance the night away. Come jitterbug, cha cha, rock-and roll and electric slide your way into the holidays. Bake sale Imagine the vast array of freshbaked cakes, cookies, cupcakes and pastries. The quality of this
ICC General Membership Christmas Party Reservation Form
Name(s) ____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________________
Phone No. ________________ Email _____________________________
Number of ICC members attending ________ x $20.00 = $_____________
Number of non-members attending ________ x $35.00 + $_____________ Make check or money order payable to: Italian Community Center. Send this form and your payment to: ICC, Attn.: Membership Christmas Dinner & Dance. 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Reservation deadline: Thursday, December 10, 2015..
absolutely stunning bake sale is second to none. You won’t want to miss this. If you are interested in donating baked goods, please see Rosemary DeRubertis or Joanne Czubek. You can also call Constance Jones at the ICC – 414-223-2180 or send an email to her at cjones@italianconference.com. When you package your baked goods, feel free to add ribbons and bows and pretty cellophane so that we can present your delicious bakery attractively. We want them to sell! (See separate story.)
Red carpet photo area And last but not least, be the superstar that you are and have your photograph taken by the paparazzi in front of the ICC Red Carpet Backdrop. You can do so with the Hollywood-inspired photo props, or you can have your picture just the way you dressed for the event. We will then create a 2015 ICC Members Christmas Party photo book, and you will be gifted
with a print for yourself. Have your family picture taken. Take a picture with your “famous” friends. The sky is the limit.
Reservation details Advance reservations are required. The cost for this fantastic evening is $20 per member and $35 per non-member. Please use the form accompanying this story to make your reservation. Checks are payable to the Italian Community Center. You may also call 414-2232180 and make your payment with a credit card. Please note: the reservation deadline is coming up quickly. It’s Thursday, Dec. 10. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a half-hour cocktail reception. The dinner and dance are replacing the regular general membership dinner and meeting. However, after dinner and before the entertainment begins, there will be a brief business meeting. Let’s get together and celebrate our friendship and our love for the Italian culture. Buon Natale a tutti!
Calling all holiday bakers
ICC looking for volunteers to donate baked goods for Dec. 17 Christmas party fundraiser
The Italian Community Center’s Members’ Christmas Party is all set for Thursday, Dec. 17. As in the past, one of the big attractions of the evening is the fabulous bake sale featuring all the delicious holiday baked goods donated by ICC members. Bake Sale Coordinators Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis are asking members to “bring out the pots and pans, nonna’s favorite recipes and your baking skills” to help make this year’s holiday bake sale truly successful. “Anything goes – cakes, cookies, candy, whatever your favorite holiday treats might be – we welcome your donation,” Czubek said. If you are unable to bake, bring something from your bake shop.
Baked items can be dropped off at the ICC office the day before or the morning of the party. “If you are unable to package your items, we will do that for you,” Czubek said. “We will also do the pricing.” “If you prefer to bring your items the night of the party, please have them packaged nicely so they are ready to be priced and sold,” DeRubertis noted. Everyone who is interested in donating to this fund-raising event is asked to call Czubek at 414-529-0183 so the committee can get a handle on what to expect. “Please come and join us for a night of fun, friendship, holiday cheer and delicious holiday treats. Hope to see you there,” the coordinators added.
Madeline Mary (Storniolo) Balistreri
on the 12th anniversary of her passing Born: November 30, 1925 Married to Philip Balistreri on November 22, 1944. Passed away on November 7, 2003. Beloved wife and mother. Beloved daughter of the late Joseph & Francesca Storniolo. Beloved mother of the late Salvatore. Beloved sister of the late Joseph, Jr. (Ruth), the late Rose, the late Mary, Tony (Peggy) and Dorothy (Lionel) LoCroix.
We will always love you! Joseph, Donna, Jack, Philip, Jr., Alex and Philip Balistreri, Sr. Sadly missed. Rest in Peace!
PAGE 4 – DECEMBER 2015
Interested in a good advertising buy? Purchase an ad in our January 2016 issue and get half off on your ad in our February 2016 issue. This offer is good for new advertisers only. For details, contact us at 414-223-2189 or send an email to Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org,
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Don’t wait to make your New Year’s Eve party plans at the ICC Lots of food, fun and dancing to Doo-Wop Daddies
A spectacular New Year’s Eve party is planned at the Italian Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. It will include plenty of delicious food, party favors and dancing to the sounds of the legendary Doo-Wop Daddies. Business Manager Laurie Bisesi said, “The Doo-Wop Daddies have always drawn large crowds every time we’ve booked them. So, I want to encourage everyone to make their reservations early.” The cost for the evening is $80 per person. Reservations are required and can be made either by calling 414-223-2180 and using a credit card or by completing the form accompanying this story. Flyers with reservations are also available at the ICC. Be sure to make your check payable to the Italian Conference Center and submit it along with the reservation form to: ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. If you wish to be seated with specific people, please list those persons on a separate sheet of paper. Don’t forget to include your own name. Tables of 10 are available. The ICC will not allow walk-ins the night of the event. At 7 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy a variety of the Italian Conference Center’s famous hot and cold hors d’oeuvres in the galleria. There will be a cash bar. An hour later, guests will be called into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous dinner. It will begin with an Italian salad with Romaine lettuce topped with mozzarella cheese, salami, pro-
sciutto, tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts and pepperoncini. The main course will feature a combination entrée – center cut beef tenderloin with wild mushroom Bordelaise sauce and jumbo shrimp scampi – served over angel hair pasta, steamed vegetable medley, Italian bread, and coffee, tea or milk. For dessert, guests will be served tiramisu (ladyfinger cookies, soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur, layered with mascarpone, dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings). Following a midnight champagne toast welcoming the New Year, a buffet station will be made available. The buffet will feature assorted cold cuts, cheese and relish trays, fresh rolls, pasta salad and assorted cookies. The Doo-Wop Daddies will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Based in Milwaukee, the DooWop Daddies capture the demanding vocal styles of doo-wop music with unsurpassed excellence. That’s only the beginning – the group doesn’t merely recreate this classic genre, but has redefined it and made it their own 21st century doo-wop. The group’s live shows attain that ideal unity of masterful performance and entertainment. Combining elements of vintage and cutting edge musical technologies, the Doo-Wop Daddies produce an exciting theatrical show that remains faithful to the doo-wop style. The Doo-Wop Daddies last performed at the ICC before a capacity crowd on Sept. 3.
For the 14th consecutive year, the Italian Community Center will host a post-Christmas party for the youngest children and grandchildren of ICC members that celebrates the legend of La Befana. The gift-bearing witch of Italian folklore will greet and present gifts to youngsters on Saturday, Jan. 9 at a party that begins with a noon lunch in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom. “Since the mission of the ICC is to promote Italian culture, we
think it’s important that our children and grandchildren learn about La Befana,” said Liz Ceraso, chairperson of the Avanti Committee, which is organizing the event. Having the party after the busy Christmas season has also proven quite popular with the parents and grandparents, added Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchie and Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, Avanti Committee members, who are co-chairing the children’s party.
The one and only Doo-Wop Daddies
ICC New Year's Eve Party Reservation Form Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
Name(s) _________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ______ Zip _____________
Phone ___________________ Email __________________________________
Please list the names of persons in your party on a separate sheet of paper. Tables of 10 are available. Singles and couples: If you wish to be seated at a table with specific persons, please list their names on a separate sheet of paper.
Total number of people attending _________ x $80.00 = $
Please make your check/money order payable to: Italian Conference Center, and mail to: ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. All payments are non-refundable and must accompany this reservation form.
La Befana is coming to the ICC, bearing gifts and goodwill for children on Saturday, Jan. 9 Party details Children are encouraged to wear socks that day because, after they eat lunch, the children will be asked to take off their shoes and leave them behind a curtain. ICC officials have heard that Befana has expressed an interest in leaving special treats in the children’s shoes. The lunch will feature a buffet with food to please both the children and the adults in attendance.
The menu will include barbecue beef sandwiches, chicken nuggets, french fried potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fruit, chocolate or white milk for the kids and coffee for adults. For dessert, everyone will be able to make their own ice cream sundae. The cost to attend will be – $20 per adult and $15 for child. Prepaid reservations are required by Please turn to page 6
CHILDREN'S LA BEFANA PARTY & LUNCH RESERVATION FORM
NAMES OF BOYS ATTENDING __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________
AGE ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
NAMES OF GIRLS ATTENDING __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________
AGE ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Names of male adult members attending: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Names of female adult members attending: ___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
La Befana
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Cost: $20.00 per adult, $15.00 per child. Total Amount Enclosed: $ . Make your check payable to: Italian Community Center. Mail this form with your payment to: Italian Community Center, Attn.: La Befana party, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Reservation form with payment due Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. No walk-ins permitted.
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 5
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President
There are many reasons for Italian Community Center members to rejoice as we enter this holiday season. As a result of the actions that your Board of Directors has taken in the last year, the ICC is stronger, physically as an organization and financially as an institution. We have experienced success in our efforts to be an inclusive organization. We want to let people know that everyone is welcome, and some of our Italian organizations and societies have accepted our invitation. We will continue to be diligent in our efforts in 2016. As we link more of the societies and organizations in our community together
with what we have in common with our heritage and culture, the ICC becomes a stronger organization. Our goals in 2016 include increasing our membership, having more people involved in our programs and activities, getting younger people actively involved and increasing volunteerism at the ICC and Festa Italiana. As I stated in my last message, your Board has taken significant steps to improve the financial stability of the organization. We will continue to do so in the new year. We are being diligent in our efforts to acquire information and develop strategies that will allow us to make the best decisions for the
development of our property. I encourage you to attend our Board meetings and general meetings, participate in our fundraisers, cultural and social activities, follow on our website – us www.iccmilwaukee.com, sign-up for our email blasts and read The Italian Times. Most importantly, I ask that you renew your membership for 2016 and recruit others to join. Events that you might want to attend in the upcoming weeks include the Members Christmas party (Thursday, Dec. 17), the New Year’s Eve party (Thursday, Dec. 31), our children’s party with La Befana (Saturday, Jan. 9), and Il
Grande Carnevale (Saturday, Feb. 5). – Giuseppe Vella ICC President
from page 5 Tuesday, Jan. 5. Please use the form accompanying this article to make your reservations. Please include on the form the names and ages of each child so that gifts appropriate for each age group are given out. Walk-ins on the day of the event will not be permitted. Anna Pitzo, a longtime ICC member, is making the arrangements for Befana’s visit.
was born, the Three Wise Men (I re magi) stopped at Befana’s hut for directions on their way to Bethlehem and, in the conversation, asked her to join them. Befana said no, she was too busy.
place where Jesus was born. Since then, each year at this time, Befana continues her search for the Christ Child and leaves gifts along the way for good children and pieces of charcoal for bad ones. Here’s an amazing fact about
Befana’s visits to the ICC’s annual party: Not once in the past 13 years has Befana left charcoal in the shoes or gift bags of any of the children attending. Could that possibly mean that all the children had been good?
When it became dark, Befana noticed a great star illuminating the sky just as the Wise Men had told her earlier in the day. She then realized that perhaps she should have gone with them. So, she gathered some toys that had belonged to her own baby, who had died as an infant, and boarded her magic broom to find the kings and the stable where the Christ Child lay. The legend states that, regretfully, Befana was unable to locate either the Three Wise Men or the
Mark your calendars now. The Italian Community Center’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” will be Sunday, Apr. 17. Chairperson Ann Romano recently announced the date. “A Taste of Italy,” at which attendees can enjoy entrée items, sandwiches, salads, dessert and beverages, at extreme low prices, is an essential fund raising activity for the nonprofit organization. It has always been a success, said Romano, who chaired the activity 20 of the 21 years it has been
La Befana is coming to the ICC, bearing gifts and goodwill for children on Saturday, Jan. 9
La Befana: The Yuletide Witch In Italy, there still remains a tradition involving the beneficent witch named Befana. On the night of the Feast of Epiphany (the 12th and final day of the Christmas holiday observance), Befana leaves presents in children’s stockings, hung upon a hearth or a stairway railing (a tradition quite similar to the American Santa Claus story). Legend has it that, when Christ
Later, a shepherd asked her to join him in paying respects to the Baby Jesus. Again, Befana declined.
Taste of Italy is Sunday, Apr. 17
held. She announced that Anthony Zingale has agreed to return as volunteer food ticket chair and that Marie and Jim Schwindt are returning to be charge of the raffle held in conjunction with “A Taste of Italy.” The entire building will again be used for this Italian food extravaganza. Look for much more information on “A Taste of Italy” in upcoming issues of The Italian Times.
Calendar of Events
December 1, 2015 – January 1, 2016
Tuesday, Dec. 1 • Ladies of UNICO Christmas party, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 2 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 • Abruzzese Society Members’s dinner, 6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 7 • Solomon Juneau Social Club meeting and luncheon, 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 10 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 14 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 • Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America general membership meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17 • Italian Community Center Membership Christmas dinner and dance, 6 p.m. Details in this issue. Thursday, Dec. 24 • Christmas Eve. Italian Community Center will be closed.
PAGE 6 – DECEMBER 2015
Friday, Dec. 25 • Buon Natale! Merry Christmas! Italian Community Center will be closed in celebration of the holiday.
Thursday, Dec. 31 • Italian Community Center’s New Year’s Eve party, 7 p.m. Details in this issue.
Friday, Jan. 1 • Felice Anno Nuovo! Happy New Year! Italian Community Center will be closed in celebration of the holiday. Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. Winter bocce leagues will get underway the week of Jan. 4, 2016 with mixed leagues on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights and seniors leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Team registration forms are available for league captains and at the ICC.
• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. Look for information on the spring semester class for children, ages 6 to 12, in an upcoming issue. • ICC Italian classes for teens and adults. Look for information on the spring semester classes in an upcoming issue.
• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers welcome. For details, visit www.tradizionevivente.com.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Viva, Carnevale!
ICC invites you to celebrate its social event of the year – Il Grande Carnevale – on Saturday, Feb. 6
from page 1 To make sure that ICC’s Carnevale is something spectacular, General Chairpersons Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis and their committee of volunteers have begun preparations to bring all of the pomp and pageantry to make ours a night to remember. The Italian Conference Center will take care of the fine food. There will be dancing to the sounds of the renowned Bill Sargent Big Band. Plans are in the making for special entertainment, fireworks, a raffle and much more. Look for many more details in the next issue of The Italian Times. Czubek and DeRubertis urge all who attend to come in costume or mask. Prizes will be awarded for the best in various categories. There will be free valet parking provided for the convenience of all attendees. Royalty announced A key ingredient to Il Grande Carnevale is the selection and honoring of the Royal Court. Czubek and DeRubertis are pleased to announce the 2016 Royalty. • Re e Regina (King and Queen) – Sal and Maria Purpora. • Nonno e Nonna (Grandfather and Grandmother) – Ray and Carol Martinez.
• Il Principe e La Principessa (Prince and Princess) – Thomas Blaubach and Claire Elliott. • Il Piccolo Principe e La Piccola Principessa (Junior Prince and Junior Princess) – Charlie Bartolone and Isabella Vella. • Il Gran Maresciallo (Grand Marshal) – John Alioto. • Il Vescovo (Bishop) – Frank D’Amato. Sal and Maria Purpora, as you might know, are the owners of Papa Luigi Pizza Restaurant and S&P Equipment in Cudahy. The longtime members have been great supporters of the ICC and Festa Italiana. They operate the Papa Luigi’s food booth at Festa. Ray and Carol Martinez are longtime members and dedicated volunteers for the ICC and Festa. Thomas Blaubach is the the son of Ryan and Francis Lo Coco Blaubach and the grandson of 2010 Nonno and Nonna Sal and Antonette Lo Coco. Claire Elliott is the daughter of John and Rosanne D’Amato Elliott and the granddaughter of Frank and the late Catherine D’Amato, who were Carnevale’s Re and Regina in 1997. Charlie Bartolone is the son of longtime members Christopher and Lisa Bartolone. Charlie’s father was Carnevale’s Il Principe in
Bylaws amendments proposed
from page 1 The Bylaws Committee is asking members whether they would like to replace this amendment with a two-part amendment. This is the proposed twopart amendment to Article IV, Section 10: a). Any member of the Board of Directors absent, with or without excuse, from more than three (3) Board meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board. b). Any member of the Board of Directors absent, with or without excuse, from more than four (4) general membership meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board. The committee provided this rationale for the amendment: Members of the Board of Directors, officers and directors, are elected
by the members to conduct the business of the Italian Community Center. Multiple absences reduce the effectiveness of the position of the absentee.
The second proposal would create a new amendment to the bylaws – Article IV, Section 20. This is the proposed Article IV, Section 20: Each director shall serve as a member of a standing committee of the Italian Community Center. The committee provided the following rationale for the amendment: This amendment ensures that the Executive Board has an ongoing knowledge of the activities of each standing committee of the ICC.
The membership will vote on the proposed amendments at the general meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21.
Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business convention. Hold it at the
Italian Conference Center
The Italian Conference Center offers . . .
• More than 22,000 sq. ft. of convention space. • Professional planning & catering services • Handicap access. • Ample, free parking. • 7 day a week availability. • Easy access to freeway and downtown.
To coordinate your convention plans, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or visit www.ItalianConference.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Carnevale 2016 Reservation Form
Name(s) ____________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email: ______________________________
Please list the names of persons in your party on a separate sheet of paper. Tables of 10 are available. Number of ICC members attending: ______ x $55.00 = $ Number of non-members attending: ______ x $60.00 = $ Total amount of your check or money order: $
Please make your check or money order payable to: Italian Community Center. Send payment and this form with the list of those in your party to: Carnevale, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Reservation deadline: Jan. 31, 2016.
If you cannot attend Carnevale 2016, please consider making a donation to support this event. My/Our donation is : $_________________.
2000. Isabella Vella is the daughter of Giuseppe and Rhiana Vella. Giuseppe is, of course, the president of the ICC. He and Rhiana were Carnevale’s Re and Regina in 2010. Il Gran Maresciallo John Alioto is no stranger to Carnevale Royalty as he and his wife, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, were the Re e Regina in 2013. Frank D’Amato will be acting in the role of Il Vescovo for the sixth
consecutive year.
Prices set The general admission price for this magnificent night has been set at $60 per person. However, if you are a member of the ICC, the cost is $55. Pre-paid reservations are required and can be made by filling out the form accompanying this article or by calling the ICC at 414223-2180 and paying with a credit card.
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The staff of Cafe La Scala invites you to stop in for lunch or dinner.
Arancini • Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips • Panzanella • Italian Beef Sandwich • Reuben • Sicilian Chicken Sandwich • Chicken Basil Panini • Sicilian Steak Sandwich • Mushroom Swiss Burger • Pasta alla Norma • Chicken & Spinach Alfredo • Sicilian Steak Dinner • La Scala Pizza • Alfredo Pizza • Prosciutto Pizza and much more!
WEEKDAY LUNCH BUFFET 7 JUST $8.95/PERSON! Monday 7 Mexican • Tuesday 7 Pasta • Wednesday 7 Southern BBQ; Thursday 7 Italian; Friday 7 Fish Fry
Italian Conference Center at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee A block west of Summerfest
Cafe La Scala 631 E. Chicago St. • 414-223-2185 LaScalaMilwaukee.com Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm Dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5-9pm, Fri., 4:30-10pm, Sat., 5-10pm
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 7
OSIA Mazzei Lodge inducts 8 new members
The Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) inducted eight new members at its general membership meeting at the Italian Community Center on Oct. 21. The following were inducted and welcomed into OSIA: Matthew Maijala, Kimberly Ann Buonauro, Debra Buonauro McGovern, Mary Jo Capone, Peggy Zahlman, Dineo Black, Marianne St. Marie Fleming and Joseph Vitale.
OSIA Mazzei Lodge President Joseph Emanuele explained the principles of the Order and conducted the formal swearing in of the new members, who were presented with the organization’s official pin signifying liberty, equality and fraternity. OSIA is the oldest and largest Italian American organization in the country. “It was a special evening for the organization to have many new members reinforce that they are
OSIA Filippo Mazzei Lodge President Joe Emanuele (fifth from left) welcomed new members. From the left: Marianne St. Marie Fleming, Peggy Zahlman, Mary Jo Capone, Debra Buonauro McGovern, Emanuele,
genuine Italian Americans who are continuing forward with the traditions of their Italian heritage,” Emanuele said. Following the ceremony, Dineo Black, one of the youngest new in the Mazzei Lodge, spoke about his recent trip to Dayton, Ohio, where he visited another OSIA lodge. Black, who is currently a University of Wisconsin student, said he was particularly impressed by the hospitality which he received by
the members of the Ohio lodge. He spoke enthusiastically about his visit and returned with a message of immense support from Ohio to Wisconsin, embracing the Filippo Mazzei Lodge as brothers and sisters of one large family. “As always, the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge encourages and extends an invitation to all Italian Americans to consider being part of this prestigious national organization,” Emanuele said.
Kimberly Ann Buonauro, Joseph Vitale, Dineo Black and Matthew Maijala. For more information on the lodge, visit: www.sonsofitalymilwaukee,org. (Photo provided by OSIA Filippo Mazzei Lodge)
Pompeii Women’s Club presents scholarship awards
New OSIA Mazzei Lodge member Dineo Black spoke about his visit to an OSIA Lodge in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo provided by OSIA Filippo Mazzei Lodge)
Have something to sell that might interest readers of The
Italian Times? Consider placing an ad in our next issue. For details, call 414-223-2189 or email themman@italiancc.org. PAGE 8 – DECEMBER 2015
The Pompeii Women’s Club presented several scholarship awards, totaling $3,000 to various schools and a nonprofit’s scholarship fund at its Sept. 30 meeting. Front row: Crystal Role, Alverno College; Armina Mathew-Hinton, Messmer High School; Angela Hammer, Alverno College; Emma Kuss, Catholic East Grade School; and Tom Zolecki, who accepted the
award for SALS Place, the Christopher Zolecki Memorial Fund. Back row: Pompeii Women’s Club Awards Committee member Lucy Sorce and Carla San Felippo, chair. A full story on this awards event appears in our October 2015 issue of The Italian Times. (Photo provided by Pompeii Women’s Club)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
L’Angolo del Poeta
By Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi
Your native language is always your treasure, whether it be the language of your literature, your kitchen or the streets you walk. Italy has and continues to use regional dialects with pride, and many poets choose to write in dialect. In his biographical notes about Eduardo De Filippo, Jeff Mathews describes him as “the best-known and most popular Italian dialect playwright in the world.” He adds this very interesting note: “I am using ‘dialect’ in the linguistically precise sense of “variation of a standard language” with no sense of ‘dialect’ being less than or in any way inferior to the standard, regardless of what sociological perceptions may be. That is, “Oh, that’s just a dialect” is, linguistically speaking, nonsense.” Readers should bear in mind that “dialects” can become “languages” (Catalonian) and “languages” can become “dialects” (Neapolitan) through political processes and that the choice of “national language” is usually the result of such processes.” Eduardo De Filippo (May 24, 1900 – October 31, 1984), Italian actor, playwright, screenwriter, author and poet, is best known for his Neapolitan works Filumena Marturano and Napoli Milionaria. When asked to contribute to a translation series to be entitled Scrittori tradotti da scrittori [Authors translated by Authors], he decided to translate Shakespeare‘s The Tempest into Neapolitan, and it was published in 1982. It was a natural choice for him; the Neapolitan dialect was also perfect for The Tempest because the plot of The Tempest takes place on an imaginary island in the Mediterranean, and the “King of Naples” and “Prince of Naples” are characters in this story of a shipwreck and an island. De Filippo himself had this to say about language: “I believe that theatrical language must adapt itself to drama. There’s comedy, drama, tragedy, farce, the grotesque, satire. One can use numerous languages that belong to the spoken language, to colloquial language. Literary language is another thing; I think, for me, it has always been a prison for theatre. We have to adapt language to the subject, to the composition, to the milieu we are treating. There’s not just one language for theatre, without counting that it is also a personal language.” The same is true for poetry. The following poem, “Io vulesse truvà pace,” talks about seeking peace and fits in with this discussion of language and The Tempest. There are many islands off the coast of Italy where one could find solitude and peace. Roberto Ciampi offers these Italian and English translations of De Filippo’s poem originally writ-
Barbara Collignon
Roberto Ciampi
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ten in Neapolitan. Here you see the title and first verse in dialect and then the translation into Italian and English. Io vulesse truvà pace Io vulesse truvà pace; ma na pace senza morte. Una, mmiez’a tanti porte, s’arapesse pè campà!
Io vorrei trovare pace Eduardo De Filippo Io vorrei trovare pace: ma una pace senza morte. Una, in mezzo a tante porte, che si aprisse per vivere! Se si aprisse una mattina, una mattina di primavera, Please turn to page 22
Commitment-based membership payment options
Presently, there are two payment options available to you should you choose a 2-year membership or a 3-year membership. 1. You may pay each January for the duration of your 3-year or 2year membership. As an show of good faith, you must sign the statement at the bottom of the new application (that appears on the next page). 2. You may pay for your full 3-year or 2-year membership by the end of the first year – in 4 quarterly payments.** ** If a member pre-pays for a 2-
year or 3-year membership, and passes away or moves out of state, the remainder of their membership dues will be donated to the Italian Community Center in the member’s name. Pro Rated Amount You may have received a bill for a smaller amount of money. This dues payment doesn’t relate to the new dues program, but rather, is a transitional amount that is intended to return everyone to a Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 Membership. You are not being charged an additional amount.
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 9
Ted Glorioso, Sons of Sicily and Santa Rosalia Society each donate $500 towards ICC dinner for poor
Generosity for families and individuals in need this holiday season was exemplified by the many persons and organizations who donated to the Italian Community Center’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate. The dinner was held on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Open Door Cafe, the meal site of St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee. Tony Lupo, chairman and chief fundraiser, said that nearly $4,300 was collected, making it a record year. He said the largest donations came from two organizations – Figli di Sicilia (the Sons of Sicily) and La Società di Santa Rosalia di Santo Stefano Quisquina (Santa Rosalia Society) and two individuals – Salvatore “Ted” Glorioso and Jane Gertler. (See separate story on the Gertler donation.) In the top left photo, Lupo (center) is presented a check by Riccardo Cossentino and JoAnn Stern, president and vice president, respectively, of the Santa Rosalia Society. In the lower left photo, Felice Glorioso makes the Sons of Sicily $500 donation to Lupo. In the lower right photo, Ted Glorioso, a longtime annual donor to the dinner, is seen making his $500 contribution to the event. (Times photos by Tom Hemman and Jim Schultz)
Mark these dates on your calendar
ICC Members’ Christmas Dinner and Dance Thursday, Dec. 17 6 p.m., Social, 6:30 p.m., Dinner
ICC New Year’s Eve Party Thursday, Dec. 31 7 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
ICC’s 37th annual “Il Grande Carnevale” Saturday, Feb. 6 5:11 p.m. – 12:11 a.m.
PAGE 10 – DECEMBER 2015
ICC’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy Sunday, Apr. 17 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
ICC’s 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24 Summerfest Grounds
ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9
Jane Gertler continues support for dinner with $500 donation
For many years now, Jane Gertler has been one of the individuals whom the Italian Community Center can depend upon to make a significant monetary donation for the Thanksgiving dinner for the poor and homeless. She came through again this year, providing a $500 donation, said Anthony Lupo, chairperson. She made her donation in memory of her husband, Dr. Coleman Gertler and Sadie P. Machi. “Mrs. Gertler has been a terrif-
ic supporter of our annual dinner for the less fortunate and always does so in the names of her late husband and Sadie Machi,” Lupo said. “On behalf of all of our volunteers and the ICC, I wish to thank Mrs. Gertler for her steadfast support. I’m sure she feels the same way that all of us feel, that this dinner is something important for our community’s less fortunate. For many of them, this is the only full Thanksgiving dinner they have a chance to enjoy.”
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Donors for Thanksgiving dinner for less fortunate thanked for making this year’s contributions a record-breaker
On behalf of the Italian Community Center, general chairman Anthony Lupo extended a “heartfelt thank you” to all who donated product, money or time and talent to the 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate. The dinner was served on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Open Door Cafe, a meal site on the campus of St. John’s Cathedral in Milwaukee. “Your input – be it product, monetary or onsite volunteering – made the serving of a Thanksgiving feast to the less fortunate a wonderful success,” Lupo said. “In all, a record of nearly $4,300 was raised for this year’s dinner, which represented an increase of more than $1,000 from 2014.”
He noted that every donation was greatly appreciated. “From the smallest to the largest donations, every one helped us to provide a dinner that about 250 of the less fortunate in our community might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy.” The dinner was prepared, packaged and delivered to the meal site by the Italian Conference Center staff as a significant contribution toward the event. A list of the other donors appears here. • Jane Gertler, in memory of Dr. Coleman Gertler and Sadie P. Machi • Figli di Sicilia (Sons of Sicily) • Società Santa Rosalia di Santa Stefano Quisquina (Santa Rosalia
Society) • Ted Glorioso • John Pellman • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO • Pompeii Men’s Club • Gordon and Bernice Boucher • Pompeii Women’s Club • Salvatore Purpero • J.F. Casamento • Papa Luigi’s Pizza • Joseph and Jean D’Amato • Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto • Susan Christiansen • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National • Thomas Balistreri • David Richards • Rose Purpero Spang • Jacqueline Maggiore • Ray and Carole Martinez • Mary G. Winard
The Italian Community Center Culture Committee collaborated with the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society in giving members and the community an opportunity to research their
Italian (and non-Italian) heritage on Nov. 7. Experts from the two genealogical organizations assisted people with resources that are available online and with personal tips on how to develop and follow through
on other family history resources. Numerous ICC members and non-members stopped in gathered significant knowledge to start or to
• George and Agatha Collura • Michael Balistreri • Regina and George Manning • Jeannie and Dave Doern • Barbara and Anthony Lupo • Lena and Anthony Zingale • Anna Rose San Felippo • Joseph and Ann Zambito • Società Maria Santissima • Joseph Maro • Joseph Lembo • Robert Trotalli • Brian Kangas • Joe Panella • Anna Pitzo • Chuck Lazzaro • Isidore and Mary Pecoraro • Tom and Pat Consolazione • Sally Rondinelli • Faye Ann Kessler • Judy Lemminger
Genealogy experts help the curious with methods for finding their family roots
continue their genealogical research. Culture Committee Chair Gina Jorgensen called the event “a huge success.”
Times photos by Tom Hemman
John Jorgensen (right) of the Italian Family History Club helped Steve Scalzo with his family research.
Linda Lehnerd of the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society assisted Joe Campagna, a past president of the ICC, with his family history questions.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Many of the people who came to the ICC’s genealogical event on Nov. 7 had specific questions for the experts. Tana Salvaggio (left) sought help with her questions from Theresa Facchini of the Italian Family History Club.
George Koleas, a longtime member of both the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society, helped this group of ladies with their family research. Readers of The Italian Times know that Koleas writes stories on how to research your Italian family history. The Italian Family History Club welcomes people to its meetings, which are held at the ICC four times a year. The 2016 meeting dates are: Saturdays, Jan. 16, Apr. 23, Sept. 24 and Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Koleas after 7 p.m. at 262-251-7216.
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 11
Seven ethnic group perform at ICC’s third annual Festival di Danza e Cultura
Ina Onilu Drum and Dance Ensemble, a traditional West African drum and dance group based in Milwaukee, opened the program with two upbeat numbers – “Lucky Serenade – A Drum Overture” and “Tiriba,” a dance that is traditionally performed by mothers and daughters to celebrate the becoming of womanhood.
Above: Gina Jorgensen (left), ICC Culture Committee Chair and chief organizer of Festival di Danza e Cultura, is seen here performing with Tradizione Vivente.
Times photos by Tom Hemman Left: The youngest dancers in the program were the members of I Bei Bambini: Children’s Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. Under the direction of Susie DeSanctis Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis, the group performed “Tarantella Napoletana,” a taranella associated with Naples and the Campania region of Italy.
Nezumi, a traditional shinobue Japanese flute ensemble, is seen performing here. The group is from Mobara, a city in the Chiba Perfecture of Japan. The name, Nezumi, means silvery, pure, clear sound. The shinobue is made with a hallow bamboo with eight holes cut into it. Air is blown into the instrument, and it emits a very high-pitched sound.
PAGE 12 – DECEMBER 2015
Tatra Slovak Dancers of Milwaukee performed to numbers – “Myjava” and “Hore Zamutovom” – during the first half of the program. The group is comprised of Slovak and non-Slovak people from the Milwaukee area who love to celebrate the culture, folk dance and music of Slovakia.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
At the conclusion of the program, representatives of every ethnic group that performed in the Festival di Danza e Cultura was brought up and around the stage for a group shot with Al Durtka, president and chief executive officer of the International Institute of Wisconsin, and his wife, Sharon. Every group gave at least two performances resulting in anextremely diverse presentation for the enjoyment of the audience.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 13
First ever Holiday Boutique is a big success
Saturday, Nov. 7 proved to be the perfect day to hold the Italian Community Center’s first ever Holiday Boutique, a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. Shoppers, eager to find unique holiday gifts, kept business brisk from the opening to the end of the event, which was held in the Festa Ballroom. Vendors offered a wide variety of handcrafted merchandise and homemade treats, making it possible for shoppers to find desirable and one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether a person wanted to spend a lot of money or a little, they could find something. Many of the shoppers and vendors also enjoyed lunch in the nextdoor Cafe La Scala. The restaurant, which normally ends lunch service at 2 p.m., stayed open right into dinner service, 5 to 10 p.m. “Bill and I want to send out our sincere thanks to all who volunteered and also to those who attended the Holiday Boutique,” said Karen Dickinson, general chairperson. “We received nothing but rave reviews from the vendors as well as the customers on the venue, the layout, the planning, the lunches they had at La Scala, and how everyone was so nice and friendly,” Bill Dickinson added, “On balance, it was a screaming success not only for the arts and craftsmen but for the ICC. We want to thank the participants. The range of expression and creativity was marvelous and exciting.. The Dickinsons wanted to acknowledge their committee. “We would like to call attention to the efforts of our committee members who believed enough in the boutique concept to work at it for almost a whole year,” they said. Their committee included: Wayne and Sheila Vivi Kitzerow, Susie Christiansen, Ann Zambito, Eddie and Stephanie Ciano and Fran Tollefson. They also thanked the people who volunteered to help at the event including ICC members Carol and Ray Martinez, Barb and Tony Lupo, Tony Zingale, Christina Ziino, Sandy Mazza and Rosemary DeRubertis. Karen Dickinson said she attended many local and distance craft fairs and boutiques in order to find professional artists and artisans to sell their goods at the ICC. “It took a lot of talking to convince of some of the vendors that they should participate in a first-ever holiday boutique. Some of them traveled from significant distances to participate.” Overall, the vendors were pleased with the sales, the setting, atmosphere and the accommodating volunteers and ICC staff, she said. Several of the vendors wrote words of thanks after the event. Here are some of their comments. * * * Thank you again for a beautiful event in a great location. It was very well planned out. The breakfast was thoughtful of you and the turnout was great. Already looking forward to the next one. – Ruchita, Block Painted Fabric * * * Just a short note to say thank you for having us, and getting so much prep work done! Amazing! Very much looking forward to another show with you! – Betty Scopp and Leigh Peterson Repurposed Objects * * *
PAGE 14 – DECEMBER 2015
Dear Bill and Karen, .... I enjoyed it a great deal and did fairly well for a first time out. The fair was well coordinated and easy to set up. I can imagine it is hard to market these events and thought the word got out well and the crowd was good.... Thank you for including me. It was a blast. – Julia Taylor Watercolor Painting * * * Thank you, Karen!! I had a wonderful time being there, and loved interacting with all the friendly folks both working the event and in attendance. Well done! – Jennifer Grundy Gourmet Jelly * * * Karen Dickinson said she also received letters from people who attended the boutique, offering their impressions. One appears below. * * * If you missed the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, you missed a wonderful opportunity to meet great crafters and unusual creations. From hand-turned wood products, handmade purses, pottery created using flowers from the garden,(with the clay having been rolled out “with grandmother’s rolling pin”), artist prints of Wisconsin landscapes, gorgeous jewelry, canned goods, pies, candy and so much more, all at prices that made me want to shop and shop and shop. The scene for this spectacular event was the Italian Community Center. I’d never been there before, so was delighted to step into a beautifully carpeted room with lighting so fine that every detail of every craft was visible. I was told that some of the wonderful fragrances wafting through the room came from the restaurant. Friends raved about the quality and flavors offered. Unfortunately, time didn’t allow me to check it out. I truly look forward to the Boutique next year! Knowing the organizers, I know it truly will be worthwhile. – Helen Draney
Times photos by Tom Hemman
ICC member Lynn Sobye sold chocolate candies.
JoAnn Ferguson looked at clothing, designed and made by Ursula McCarthy, the owner of Ursula’s Wearables & Art Accessories, Mukwonago, Wis.
Six year-old Teagan Ivy joined her mom attending the ICC’s Holiday Boutique. Here, Teagan is at the PhotoWord Art booth. Working in the booth are the owner Trina Kallian Frost and Timothy Hass.
Julia Bongert, La Piccola Principessa of Il Grande Carnevale 2015, helped out her nonna, Fran Tollefson (right) and Christina Ziino, at the silent auction booth. Carnevale is the ICC’s pre-Lenten costume and mask ball.
ICC member Marie Schwindt made a purchase from John Hechel, owner of Round Barn Woodcrafts, Plymouth, Wis.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Jon Reddin of Jon Reddin Photography assisted a guest at his booth. Members of Tradizione Vivente sold Italian cookies and cupcakes. From the left: Jessie Beatrici, Sam Alioto, Giana Songstad, Avery Butler and Susie Christiansen (seated).
A variety of framed holiday designs were available at the Repurposed Objects booth staffed by Betty Scopp, Barb Pye and Leigh Peterson. Evelynn Mubasa of Evelynn Mubasa Clothing staffed her booth at the northwest corner of the Festa Ballroom.
ICC members Sandy Mazza and Rosemary DeRubertis collected the $2 admission charged for the Holiday Boutique.
The Holiday Boutique offered a package booth where people could have gifts that they purchased held until they completed all of their shopping. One of the volunteers staffing the booth was ICC member Barbara Lupo.
Thanks for your donations to ICC building fund
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or contributed to the building fund. To obtain information on how to make a donation, please call 414-223-2808. The following donations were received between October 8 and November 9, 2015.
In honor of Attorney Peter Balistreri being named the “Italian American of the Year” by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers. Jimmy and Linda Spataro
In memory of Peter Machi, Sr. Sal Mussomeli and family Ron & Joanne Czubek Jane Gertler Sally Rondinelli
THE ITALIAN TIMES
John & Susan Jose Ann Romano John Coffaro Tom Davis and family Tom & Rose Zingale George & Aggie Collura Bill & Rita Jennaro Tony & Barb Lupo George & Judy Menos Jimmy & Linda Spataro Mr. & Mrs. John A. Sanfilippo Anna Pitzo Joseph & Rose Purpero Spang Rosemary Pulito Carole F. Librizzi & Frederick C. Mayer Joseph Dentice Patricia L. Winkler Anthony & Wendy Machi Michael & Deborah Ann Parker Peter & Jessica Machi
John & Ethel Wu Phillip & Gerry Accetta Purpero Rose M. Cook Patricia A. Nielson Debbie Caston Salvatore & Jen Agnello William & Rita Jennaro Gino A. Dentice Carl J. & Janis M. Muccio
In memory of Charles Gazzana Anna Pitzo
The following individuals made donations for the dinners served to the dancers who performed at the ICC’s Festival di Danza e Cultura. Tom Balistreri Tony and Barbara Lupo Joe Jannazzo, Jr. Ted Catalano
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 15
La Pagina Italiana
Notizie da Senatore Turano
Il seguente articolo è estratto da un comunicato ricevuto dal senatore: L’anno che è appena iniziato sarà pieno di grandi novità per il nostro Paese. La riforma del Senato prosegue il suo iter legislativo. L’ultima parola spetterà ai cittadini italiani, che dovranno pronunciarsi su questa importante riforma in autunno. Purtroppo, anche quest’anno, la Legge di Stabilità porta notizie poco felici per gli italiani all’estero. Sono presenti, infatti, tagli ai capitoli di spesa sui quali, insieme ai colleghi del collegio estero, stiamo lavorando per evitarli e per far sì che quei fondi anziché diminuire possano aumentare. Per evitare i tagli, stiamo lavorando in modo compatto e preciso attraverso proposte emendative che hanno l’obiettivo principale di ripristinare i fondi a favore dei Comites e del Comitato Generale degli Italiani all’Estero. Allo stesso modo, per noi è molto importante aumentare la disponibilità delle risorse per la promozione della lingua e cultura italiana all’estero, per il sostegno degli enti gestori di corsi di lingua e cultura italiana all’estero, degli Istituti italiani di cultura e della stampa italiana all’estero. In questo contesto, stiamo lavorando per apportare le dovute modifiche e riforme dei Comites e del CGIE. Non possiamo permetterci di arrivare — ancora una volta — con l’acqua alla gola alle elezioni di questi importanti organismi di rappresentanza.
Senatore Renato Turano
Lo scorso anno abbiamo assistito a molteplici errori ed una pessima comunicazione a vari livelli, che non hanno permesso, a mio parere, un corretto svolgimento delle elezioni dei Comites. Per questo abbiamo lavorato ad un documento condiviso che possa migliorare il dialogo con i cittadini italiani all’estero e facilitare l’esercizio del diritto di voto. A questo proposito, è stato già accolto e approvato in Commissione un ordine del giorno che impegna il governo a presentare al Parlamento entro il 30 giugno 2016 una riforma organica della rappresentanza.
Tu scendi dalle stelle – The most traditional Italian Christmas song
“Tu scendi dalle stelle” is definitely the most traditional Italian Christmas song. If you had an Italian grandma, you know this song: she sang it for you when you were a child! This is the first Christmas song that Italian children learn and sing at Christmas time.
Tu scendi dalle stelle, O Re del Cielo, e vieni in una grotta, al freddo al gelo. O Bambino mio Divino Io ti vedo qui a tremar, O Dio Beato Ahi, quanto ti costò l’avermi amato! A te, che sei del mondo il Creatore, mancano panni e fuoco; O mio Signore! Caro eletto Pargoletto,
Quanto questa povertà più mi innamora! Giacché ti fece amor povero ancora!
From starry skies descending, Thou comest, glorious King, A manger low Thy bed, In winter’s icy sting; O my dearest Child most holy, Shudd’ring, trembling in the cold! Great God, Thou lovest me! What suff’ring Thou didst bear, That I near Thee might be! Thou art the world’s Creator, God’s own and true Word, Yet here no robe, no fire For Thee, Divine Lord. Dearest, fairest, sweetest Infant, Dire this state of poverty. The more I care for Thee, Since Thou, o Love Divine, Will’st now so poor to be.
Indovinelli
1. Grazie al cielo ho un lavoro! Chi sono?
2. Dove si trova ieri dopo domani e domani prima di oggi? 3. Unisco due persone ma ne tocco una soltanto. Chi sono?
4. Tutti riescono ad aprirmi, ma nessuno a richiudermi. Chi sono?
PAGINA 16 – DICEMBER 2015
5. Tutti mi prendono per il collo, ma non sono né una gallina né una bottiglia, cosa sono?
6. Cos’è quella cosa che quando è in casa e piove, si bagna ugualmente?
7. Senza testa sono più alto, con la testa sono più basso. Chi sono? Risposte - pagina 17
Club Italiano all’Universita’ di Marquette Italian Club at Marquette University
Di Natalie Ragusin All’universita’ di Marquette, il Club Italiano è stato fondato nel 2003 per coinvolgere gli studenti nella cultura Italiana. Questo divertente club permette agli studenti di partecipare a conoscere la cultura Italiana attraverso la cena, serate di cinema , tornei di bocce e una festa celebrazione annuale di San Giuseppe . Eventi passati e film comprendono il film italiano Bianco e Nero. Studenti di lingua straniera sono incoraggiati ad unirsi al club Italiano per rafforzare ulteriormente il loro apprendimento dell’ Italiano. Il club non richiede alcuna origine Italiana. Il club è aperto a commenti e idee divertenti dei membri.
Marquette University’s Italian Club was founded in 2003 to engage students in Italian culture. This fun club allows students to participate in learning about Italian culture through dinner, movie nights, bocce ball tournaments and an annual St. Joseph’s feast celebration. Past events and movies include the Italian film Black and White. Foreign language students are encouraged to join the Italian club to further strengthen their Italian learning. The club does not require any Italian descent to be included. The club is open to feedback and fun ideas from members. Editor’s note: Natalie Ragusin is an award-winning journalism student at Marquette University.
La storia del presepio
Di Donato Di Pronio San Francesco di Assisi, nato nel 1182 e morto nel 1226, da tempo pensava di rappresentare in una maniera mai usata sino ad allora la nascita di Gesù, in modo che si potesse vedere con i propri occhi i disagi in cui si trovò quando nacque. Per fare le cose per bene e con il consenso della Chiesa, si recò da Papa Onorio III e gli espose il suo progetto. Ottenuta l’autorizzazione, di ritorno da Roma, ai primi giorni del mese di Dicembre del 1223 andò a trovare un suo amico, il nobile ed onorato Cavaliere Giovanni Velita, e dopo avergli esposto il suo intendimento, lo pregò di trovare nel bosco una grotta e di sistemarvi dentro una mangiatoia e di riempirla di paglia e fieno. Giovanni trovò la grotta a circa due chilometri di un paesino del Lazio, Greccio, situato a 705 metri s. m., e preparò quanto gli aveva raccomandato il Santo. La sera del successivo 24 Dicembre, Giovanni portò nella grotta un bue ed in asinello e li legò alla mangiatoia e un Sacerdote celebrò, sopra un altarino sistemato davanti ad essa, la Santa Messa alla presenza dei fedeli accorsi numerosi dai casolari sparsi nella zona. Torce e lumi alluminavano la
grotta e tutta la valle. Francesco, che era Diacono, cantò il Vangelo e poi parlò ai presenti di Gesù. Al termine della predica, si inginocchiò davanti alla mangiatoia e Giovanni lo vide stringere tra le braccia il bellissimo Bambino che, dodici secoli prima, aveva vagito sopra un pugno di paglia in una grotta di Betlemme. Il racconto di quanto era accaduto si diffuse rapidamente, tant’è che negli anni successivi i Frati cominciarono a ricordare la nascita di Gesù nelle chiese, preparando la scena con figure di legno. Fu così che la raffigurazione, diffusasi con il nome Presepio (dal latino praesepium che significa mangiatoia, greppia), si diffuse e divenne molto popolare dalla seconda metà del 1400. * * * Editor’s note: Donato is a member of the ICC living in the Adriatic resort city of Francavilla al Mare in the Abruzzi region of Italy. He is a working Latin scholar and historical researcher and he has written several books on these topics some of which were presented in person to the ICC several years ago. This past summer, he celebrated his 90th birthday with several Milwaukee area family and ICC members who visited him in Italy.
Villa Terrazza Villa Terrace
Di Natalie Ragusin Questo Museo di Arti Decorative è stato progettato in stile rinascimentale Italiano. Originariamente di proprietà di residenti A.O. Smith , Lloyd Smith e la sua famiglia , la villa è stata progettata da David Adler nel 1923. Il museo dispone di arti decorative dal 15 al 18 ° secolo. Le mostre temporanee offrono capolavori in ferro battuto da Cyril Conik e un bellissimo giardino di fronte al lago Michigan. La villa ospita eventi , matrimoni e occasioni desiderati. Lo scopo è quello di stimolare la comunità di Milwaukee con influenze di stile
Italiano.
* * * This Decorative Arts Museum is designed in an Italian Renaissance style. Originally owned by residents A.O. Smith, Lloyd Smith and his family, the villa was designed by David Adler in 1923. The museum features decorative art from the 15th to 18th century. The changing exhibitions offer wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Conik and a beautiful garden across from Lake Michigan. The villa hosts events, weddings and desired occasions. The villa purpose is to stimulate the Milwaukee community and tie in Italian influences.
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La geometria della Fede di Giuseppe Mazzone Giuseppe Mazzone’s geometry of faith
Di Natalie Ragusin Architetto Italiano, Giuseppe Mazzone, ha progettato la sua dissertazione modellando la SainteAnne-la-Royale. Il suo bel lavoro si
basava su questa chiesa parigina 17° secolo. Questa chiesa è stata realizzata solo dopo che è stato parzialmente distrutta. L’architetto ha ricostruito la chiesa disegnando,
Favorite arias Lauretta’s aria from Gianni Schicchi
O mio babbino caro, mi piace è bello, bello; beautiful; vo’andare in Porta Rossa a comperar l’anello! Sì, sì, ci voglio andare! e se l’amassi indarno, andrei sul Ponte Vecchio,
O Mio Babbino Caro My dear daddy, I like him, he’s beautiful,
I want to go to Porta Rossa and buy the ring! Yes, yes, I want to go! And if my love is in vain, I would go upon Ponte Vecchio (an old Bridge in Florence), only to jump in the Arno ma per buttarmi in Arno! (the river in Florence) Mi struggo e mi tormento! I long for him and torment myself O Dio, vorrei morir! O God, I’d like to die! Father, have pity, have pity! Babbo, pietà, pietà! – Translated by Giuseppe Cusmano (gcusman@tin.it). Courtesy of ariadatabase.com
Giochi Olimpici 2016
L’Italia e’ prevista di essere una delle nazioni fra i primi premiati con medaglie di vinta durante l’Olimpiadi del 2016 a Rio de Janeiro, Brasile. L’Italia ha partecipato in tutte le partite Olimpiade Moderno dal 1908. L’unico anno di eccezione fu nel 1944 quando la nazione era nel centro di combatto. Gli atleti Italiano hanno vinto 549 medaglie nell’ Olimpiadi d’Estate e 114 nell’ Olimpiadi d’Inverno. Questa somma di 663 medaglie la rende sesta nel mondo delle nazioni piu’ vittoriose nella storia di queste gare mondiale. L’Italia ha finito quinta 11 volte nel conto di medaglie nelle gare
d’estate(1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1980 e 1984) e 2 volte nell’Olimpiadi Invernale (1968 e 1994). L’Italia ha finito nei top 10 nelle gare d’estate 21 volte compreso le ultime quattro nel 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. Nelle Gare d’Inverno, l’Italia ha finito nei top 10 13 volte, l’ultima essendo nel 2006. La nostra nazione e’ stata ospita per le Partite Olimpiadi 3 volte: L’Olimpiadi d’Inverno nel 1956 a Cortina d’Ampezzo, l’Olimpiadi d’Estate a Roma nel 1960 e a 2006, l’Olimpiadi d’Inverno a Torino. Auguriamo buona fortuna a i nostri eroi nelle partite di 2016.
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Amici per la pelle Best buddies
2. Rimanere a bocca aperta To be dumbfounded
3. Dove vuoi arrivare? What are you getting at? 4. Una boccata d’aria A breath of fresh air
5. Per farla breve To make a long story short
6. Essere solo come un cane To be completely alone (like a dog)
generato dal computer e un 3D stampato modello. Il modello è bianco e molto intricato, dettagliato.. La forma è delicata come appare. I visitatori possono vedere il modello nel Museo Haggerty di Arte all’Universita’ di Marquette. Ad accompagnare il modello, i visitatori possono vedere un video che spiega la storia e la cultura della Chiesa, originariamente progettato da Guarino Guarini. * * * Italian architect, Giuseppe Mazzone, designed his dissertation by modeling the Sainte-Anne-la-
Royale. His beautiful work was based on this 17th century Parisian church. This church was only realized after it was partially destroyed. The architect reconstructed the church by drawing, computer generated and a 3D printed model. The model is intricate, white and very detailed. The form is as delicate as it appears. Visitors can view the model at the Marquette University Haggerty Museum of Art. Accompanying the model, visitors can see a video explaining the history and culture of the church, originally designed by Guarino Guarini.
Gwen Renée Stefani (nata a Fullerton, California, 3 ottobre 1969) è una cantautrice e stilista statunitense. Nota come membro dei No Doubt, gruppo del quale fa parte fin dal 1987, ha avuto una parentesi discografica di successo come solista negli anni duemila, periodo durante il quale ha pubblicato due album. Nata e cresciuta a Fullerton, insieme alla madre IrlandeseScozzese, Patti Flynn e al padre Dennis, dirigente della Yamaha, di origini Italiane. I suoi genitori erano appassionati di musica folk e Gwen ha iniziato ad approcciarsi ad artisti come Bob Dylan e Emmylou Harris. È la seconda di quattro figli: ha una sorella più giovane, Jill, un fratello minore, Todd, ed un fratello maggiore, Eric. Le radici Italiane della Stefani furono seminate nelle montagne della Campania. I nonni paterni erano Vincenzo Stefani, figlio di Antonio Stefani e Elvira Olivieri, e Margaret Di Paola, figlia di Francesco Di Paola e Libera Marino. Il detto bisnonno, Francesco Di Paola, era un
contadino nato nel 1885 a Colle Sannita(Benevento). Francesco e Libera poi sono emigrati a Warren, Michigan. Gwen e il cantante di musica “country”, Blake Shelton, sono giudici celebri nel programma popolare a NBC, “The Voice” (La Voce). Adesso si sentono certi rumori che i due sono diventati una ‘coppia’ verso la fine di Ottobre siccome sono stati visti insieme nei festeggiamenti Hollywoodiane. Auguriamo buona fortuna e continuo successo alla bella e talentuosa Italo-Americana.
Le radici Italiane di Gwen Stefani
Risposte
1. Un meteorologo. 2. Sul dizionario!
3. La fede nunziale. 4. L’uovo.
5. Una cravatta!
6. La squadra di calcio. 7. Il cuscino!
Cafe La Scala menu word search
7. Accada quel che accada Come what may 8. Agitare le acque To rock the boat
Barzellette
1. Il professore chiede all’alunno interrogato: - Cos’è l’H2-SO4? - Hmmm... io... io... ce l’ho sulla punta della lingua... - E allora sputalo imbecille che è acido solforico! 2. Padre: Come ti permetti di dire alla maestra che è stupida? Chiedile subito scusa! Figlio: Scusa signorina, mi dispiace molto che lei sia stupida.
3. Maestra: Denni, hai un dito nel naso! Studente: Lo so, signorina, è il mio .
4. La piccola Aprile ritorna dal suo primo giorno di scuola. La mamma le chiede: “Ti è piaciuto andare a scuola, Aprile?”. La bambina risponde piangendo: “ Non mi è piaciuto per niente.
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Non so leggere. Non so scrivere. E l’insegnante non vuole nemmeno che parli!”
5. Il piccolo Gianni è sempre in ritardo a scuola, una mattina è di nuovo in ritardo e l’insegnate ghi chiede: “Gianni, che scusa hai oggi?”. “Vede, signore - risponde il ragazzino, - stavo sognando una partita di calcio e ci sono stati i tempi supplementari, così ho dovuto vederla finire!”
6. Pierino torna dalla scuola e dice a papà. - Papà, devi essere orgoglioso di me. Oggi sono stato l’unico della classe a saper rispondere ad una domanda che ci ha fatto la maestra. - Bravo figlio mio! E quale era la domanda? - Chi ha rotta la finestra
Word search answers - page 21 DICEMBRE 2015 – PAGINA 17
A look at the history of nativity scenes
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223 at Greccio, Italy, in an attempt to place the emphasis of Christmas upon the worship of Christ rather than upon secular materialism and gift giving. The nativity scene created by St. Francis is described by St. Bonaventure in his Life of Saint Francis of Assisi written around 1260. Staged in a cave near Greccio, St. Francis’ nativity scene was a living one with humans and animals cast in the Biblical
roles.Pope Honorius III gave his blessing to the exhibit. Such pantomimes became hugely popular and spread throughout Christendom. Within 100 years, every church in Italy was expected to have a nativity scene at Christmastime. Eventually, statues replaced human and animal participants and static scenes grew to elaborate affairs with richly robed figurines placed in intricate landscape settings. Charles III, King of the Two Sicilies, collected such elaborate
scenes and his enthusiasm encouraged others to do the same. The scene’s popularity inspired much imitation in Catholic countries and in the early modern period sculpted cribs were set up in Catholic churches and homes, often exported from Italy. These elaborate scenes reached their artistic apogee in the Kingdom of Naples in the 16th to 18th centuries, but also Genoa had an important tradition in the same period, notably those of Anton Maria Maragliano. By the end of the 19th century nativity
By Blaise Di Pronio Did you know that there really is no Santa Claus? In Italy, at least. But there is a kind of relative who surfaces during the holiday season and he is known as Babbo Natale (literally, Pops or Daddy Christmas) or better known here elsewhere as Father and Christmas. Babbo Natale is of recent fame in Italy even though the Father Christmas figure had been celebrated throughout Europe. He was probably inspired and brought into prominence in Italy during World War II by the American soldiers who were dressing up as Santa Claus. His notoriety has grown steadily since then as Italians love to emulate everything American. Prior to Big Daddy’s appearance, the purveyor of gifts and presents in Italy was and, in most celebrations, still is La Befana (a nod to the ICC’s own La Befana, Anna Pitzo, here). She is not very saintly looking, notwithstanding the holy season. In fact, she is more witch-like in that she is raggedly dressed, rides a broom and is covered in soot (like Santa, she’s in and out of chimneys). La Befana delivers her goodies on the eve of the Epiphany (January 6), corresponding with the same time the Three Wise Men arrived with their gifts at Baby Jesus’ side. Traditionally, the good kids received presents (usually candy and cookies) and the naughty children got coal. The rest of Europe has a rich Christmas tradition but mostly with a Father Christmas type and not Italy’s Befana. He’s known as Pere Noel in France, SinterKlaas in the Netherlands and, of course, Father Christmas in England. But, in contrast, La Befana is very unique to Italy but Babbo Natale is
gaining fast as its children discover the benefits of having two gift givers instead of just one. And while we’re at it, what about good, old Saint Nick, the figure who inspired and was eventually transformed into our Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth century bishop who lived in the Lycia region (today’s southern Turkey) of the Roman Empire. He dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate. He was known for his kindness and generosity espe-
cially toward needy children. He died in 343 AD and was buried in Myra. As his post-mortem popularity grew, his remains were moved to Bari, Italy as Islamic armies were taking over Turkey thus impeding the ability of Christian pilgrims to visit his tomb. In 1087, he was reburied and enshrined in Bari’s magnificent Basilica di San Nicola which to this day is visited by thousands of faithful and tourists. It could be said that the old saint, known for his generosity, is still giving.
scenes became popular beyond Catholic settings and many versions of various sizes and in various materials such as terracotta, paper, wood, wax and ivory were marketed, often with a backdrop setting in the stable. * * * Courtesy of wikipedia.org and ICC member Donato Di Pronio.
Christmas Italian style or Befana versus Santa
Gwen Stefani’s Italian roots
While the dating relationship of superstar pop singer Gwen Stefani and superstar country singer Blake Shelton has been confirmed, what has always been certain is Stefani’s Italian heritage. Stefani is half Italian. Born in Fullerton, California on October 3, 1969, Gwen is the daughter of Dennis and Patti (Flynn) Stefani. Her father is of full Italian descent. Her mother has Irish, English, Scottish, Norwegian and German ancestry. Gwen’s paternal grandparents Continued on page 19
PAGE 18 – DECEMBER 2015
Italian Times Crossword Puzzle No. 6 solved By B. Di Pronio
Crossword Puzzle No. 6:
Answers with explanations and comments
Across 3. Prince – How to rule Italian style. Must read for Obama. 4. Cassock – The traditional priest’s black, full length garment. 9. Atrium – Latin for roofless. 10. Cello – AKA violoncello. Upright stringed instrument. 12. London – Founded by the Romans in 115 AD. 13. Sambuca – Anise flavored liqueur drink served with coffee beans. 14. Celebrant – Performer of the Festa Catholic Mass rite. 16. Verdi – Milwaukee’s famous and long standing soccer team 17. Karol – It speaks for itself. 18. Penance – So many repetitive prayers, so little time. 19. Shot- Has nothing to do with a broken arm. 21. Black – Favored by the Fascisti and Milwaukee Police. 22. Florence – Founder of modern nursing and really born there. 25. Convent – Where the real sisters live. 27. Vespa – Scooter named for the look-alike wasp vespa in italian). 28. Diablo – ‘Devil’ in Spanish and early Lamborghini exotic auto.
Down 1. Ewe – Female sheep and a ram’s consort. 2. Francis – Connie. Sang the hit: ‘Where the Boys Are’. 5. Spumante – By law, it cannot be called champagne. 6. Scalia – Antonin. Supreme Court Justice when in session. 7. Latin – What did you expect, Polish? 8. Ciao – As in ‘chow’ mein. 11. Fireworks – Our famous noise makers and window breakers. 12. Louvre – Paris museum known for Italian art. 13. Sardines – That salty, stinky treat. 15. Topolino – The diminutive of ‘topo’(Italian for mouse). 20. Habit – Those good habits are now gone. 23. Chicago – The gusty, by-thelake street we’re on. 24. Inferno – That’s why ‘infernal’ means hellish heat. 26. Naples – Now it signifies old, dirty and decrepit or Detroit-like.
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Gwen Stefani’s Italian roots
Italian Times Crossword Puzzle No. 7 By B. Di Pronio
from page 18 were Vincenzo James Stefani, the son of Antonio Stefani and Elvira Olivieri, and Margaret Delores Di Paola, the daughter of Francesco “Frank” Di Paola and Libera Antonia Marino. Gwen’s greatgrandfather, Francesco, a peasant, was born in 1885 in Colle Sannita, Province of Benevento, Campania, Italy, to Rocco Di Paola and Maria (last name uncertain). Gwen’s great-grandmother’s parents were Giorgio Marino and Maria (last name uncertain). Francesco and Libera Di Paolo emigrated from Italy to Warren, Michigan. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are two of the celebrity coaches on the popular NBC program “The Voice.” The media began circulating reports of the couple dating in late October when they were seen together, including at Hollywood Halloween parties. Stefani is the co-founder of the alternative rock band No Doubt, which has had several Top 40 hits since the mid 1990s. She has had a successful solo career and has been recognized for her songwriting skills. She is also a fashion designer and actress.
Gwen Stefani
Top 10 Italian songs of all time
1). Lucio Dalla – Caruso 2). Adriano Celentano – Azzurro 3). Umberto Tozzi - Ti Amo 4). Emilio Pericoli - Al di la 5). Jula de Palma – Tua 6). Gigliola Cinquetti Non ho L’Eta 7). Claudio Villa - O Sole Mio 8). Claudio Baglioni Questo piccolo grande amore 9). Vasco Rossi – Albachiara 10). Giuseppe Verdi La Forza del Destino
For all of you who disagree (and we are sure there will be a lot of you), here’s another 35 songs that could have made the list so let’s make that the Top 45 Italian Songs of All Time, OK? If you still disagree, email us your list. 11). Domenico Modugno Nel blu dipinto di blu 12). Andrea Bocelli Con te Partiro 13). Marcella Bella – Please turn to page 20
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DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 19
Enrico Tonti, an important figure in middle American history
No doubt you know of Cristoforo Colombo (Christopher Columbus). Recalling your history lessons, you should remember the names of these Italian-born explorers, too: Giovanni Caboto (Cabot) and his son, Sebastiano, Giovanni da Verrazzano and, of course, Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the American continents were named. But, what do you know of another Italianborn explorer whose name is Enrico Tonti? Enrico was the first born of Lorenzo Tonti’s 19 children in the Italian coastal town of Gaeta near Naples. While his exact birth date is unknown, it is believed to have been between 1647 and 1650. As governor of Gaeta, Lorenzo Tonti supported the Neapolitan revolt against the Spanish viceroy. Following the rebels’ defeat, Lorenzo was forced to seek political asylum in France. Enrico was educated in France and his family became a member of the aristocracy. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the French army, during the reign of Louis XIV, climbing to the rank of lieutenant. He would go on to join French explorers, becoming the second in command to the famous Renè-Robert Cavelier,
Top 10 Italian songs of all time
from page 19 Montagne Verdi 14). Vasco Rossi - Vita spericolata 15). Uomini Soli - Pooh 16). Lucio Dalla - 4 Marzo 1943 17). Lucio Battisti - Emozioni 18). Umberto Tozzi - Gloria 19). Claudio Baglioni Strada facendo 20). Ennio Morricone Gabriel’s Oboe 21). Casabella - Che cos’e l’amore 22). Andrea Bocelli Canto della Terra 23). Carmen Consoli - L’eccezione 24). Giorgia Fumanti - Ave Maria 25). Domenico Modugno - Volare 26). Lara Fabian - Caruso 27). Elisa Ligabue Gli ostacoli del cuore 28). Guido Renzi - Tanto Cara 29). Cláudio Baglioni Fratello sole sorella luna 30). Claudio Villa Ti Voglio Tanto Bene 31). Lucio Battisti La canzone del sole 32). Pino Donaggio Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te 33). Sergio Endrigo Canzone Per Te 34). Nico Fidenco Legata a un granello di sabbia 35). Peppino Di Capri Champagne 36). I Santo Califórnia Dolce Amore Mio 37). I Santo Califórnia - Tornero 38). Umberto Tozzi & Raf Gente Di Mare 39). Mina - Se Telefonando 40). Raf - L’infinito 41). Laura Pausini - La Solitudine 42). Marcella Bella Montagne Verdi 43). Eduardo De Crescenzo Ancora 44). Eros Ramazzotti Una Storia Importante 45). Ivana Spagna – E Che Mai Sarà – Courtesy of toptenreviews.com
PAGE 20 – DECEMBER 2015
Sieur de La Salle, in establishing settlements and fur trading posts in the interior of the North American continent in territories known as New France and Louisiana. Tonti played a leading role in the earliest incursions by French explorers, soldiers and settlers into regions of the Great Lakes, the Mississippi Valley, the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama and even Texas. Tonti is first believed to have arrived in North America with La Salle in 1678. Tonti headed a group of explorers who were the first Europeans to reach Niagara Falls that year. He helped to establish a permanent settlement in the area, Fort Conti, the first European fort on the Great Lakes. LaSalle, Tonti and crew built the Griffon, the first ship to sail on the Great Lakes. On Aug. 7, 1679, the ship was launched on what is known today as Lake Erie. Local natives watched in awe as the ship sailed north onto Lake Huron and then veering south onto Lake Michigan. The Griffon reached Green Bay on Sept. 18, 1679. In Green Bay, the crew loaded a precious cargo of furs, and set forth on its return trip to Quebec then France. With La Salle, Tonti is credited as discoverer of the mouth of the Mississippi River, reaching the Gulf of Mexico from the Great Lakes. The journey began in Lake Ontario on Christmas Eve 1681, and arrived at the mouth of the river in the Gulf of Mexico on Apr.
9, 1682. They were the first Europeans to sail down the entire length of the Mississippi River and, in doing so, proving that the Gulf of Mexico could be reached from Quebec by inland waterways. Tonti’s important role in the exploration of the interior of North America is evidenced by the appearance of his signature next to that of La Salle on the document proclaiming France’s sovereignty over the newly discovered Louisiana territory. After LaSalle’s departure to France, Tonti explored the vast territories of the Mississippi Valley and the river’s tributaries, the Missouri, the Ohio, the Arkansas and the Red rivers. Tonti’s records show he and his crew befriended Native Americans including Quapaw, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Illinois, among others. Tonti built forts and trading posts in the Mississippi Valley and into Ontario. He participated in the founding of the city of Mobile, Alabama. His explorations stretched as far as present-day Texas. He is considered as one of the fathers of the present-day states of Illinois, Arkansas and Louisiana. After LaSalle was murdered in 1687, Tonti became the leader of French exploration in North America. Tonti is credited with being as a skilled diplomat who organized local native tribes into a 20,000 alliance, which kept open the travel and trade routes. In 1698, he guid-
ed a group of missionaries from Quebec to the village of Tamaroas, near the present-day St. Louis, Missouri, where the first Christian mass was celebrated. Tonti remained an important figure for the French through the battles over territory in North America with the Spanish and English. After receiving news that the French were re-establishing a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi, Tonti settled in the colony near what now is Biloxi, Mississippi in January 1970. He was chosen as ambassador to the Choctaw and Chicksaw tribes by the colony’s administrator. In August 1704, Tonti contracted yellow fever and died at Old Mobile, north of the present day Mobile, Alabama.
Florence Noel goes on through Jan. 4
The city of Florence, Italy, hosts a very popular annual holiday celebration known as “Florence Noel.” This family-friendly Christmas fair, which started the weekend of Nov. 8-9, goes on through Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 4. During Florence Noel, exhibitors decorate their stands as creatively as possible inside the Stazione Leopolda. Games, interactive activities and interesting reconstructions of the North Pole and the house of “Babbo Natale” (Father Christmas or Santa Claus) create a fun and magical atmosphere.
Comparing Christmas traditions in Italy and America ITALIA
1. Low key advertising. 2. Children write endearing letters to their parents placed under father's plate and read on Christmas Eve. 3. Manger/Nativity scene without Baby Jesus(He shows up on Xmas day) and without Wise Men(they show up on January 6). 4. Ceppo- A pyramid shaped wooden frame with tiers of shelves decorated with fruit, candy, candles and pine cones and a Manger scene, 5. Fasting and a limited meatless menu on Christmas Eve while waiting for Baby Jesus. 6. Costumed bagpipers and flute players roam the streets playing Christmas songs. 7. Dec. 6, St. Nicholas feast day celebrated featuring eating of fave beans. 8. Dec. 8, feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated. 9. Dec. 13 feast of St Lucy celebrated.
by Blaise Di Pronio
10. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve featuring dinner with limited menu and midnight Mass. 11. Dec. 25 Baby Jesus placed in the manger. Huge family dinner but limited presents opening. 12. Dec. 26 feast of St. Stephen celebrated and Jesus' birth announced and Wise Men show up in perimeter of Nativity scene on their way to Baby Jesus, 13. Dec. 31 Feast of St. Sylvester. Time for panettone and champagne. 14. Jan. 6, Day of Ephinany. Wise Men reach Baby Jesus manger. Children get gifts from the Befana.
AMERICA
1. Crass commercialism. 2. Children write Santa Claus begging for stuff. 3. Gawdy, overdone decorations in and outside the house. Blinking lights. 4. Plastic Christmas tree with lots of blinking lights. 5. Eat what you want, when you want, no need to wait.
6. Non stop silly secular holiday songs on all radio channels.
7. No such celebration. Too busy shopping. 8. Still shopping.
9. So that's how Lucille Ball got her name. Out shopping. 10. Eat something, last minute shopping and then eat some more. 11. Eat some more between opening presents and breaking new toys.
12. Returning of presents and buying gift wrapping. St. Stephen who? 13. Get drunk and watch a ball drop.
14. Day of Infamy? Wasn't that Pearl Harbor Day. Hope there's a game on TV. Stores announce profits or losses.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Professional basketball has a long tradition in Italy
While on this side of the globe, 30 professional teams have begun the 2015-16 National Basketball Association season. On the other side of the globe, 16 clubs are doing the same in Lega Basket Serie A, Italy’s pro basketball league. Lega Basket Serie A was organized in 1920 and has gone on continuously, except during the years 1943, 1944 and 1945 when it was suspended due to the Second World War. Serie A constitutes the first and highest-tier of the Italian league pyramid, above the second division, Serie A2, from which teams in Serie A can promote or demote players. Lega Basket itself is regulated by FIP, Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro, the governing body of basketball in Italy. These are the clubs participating in Serie A this season and the municipalities and regions of Italy they represent: • Acqua Vitasnella Cantù, Cantù (Lombardia). • Banco di Sardegna Sassari, Sassari (Sardegna). • Betaland Capo d’Orlando, Capo d’Orlando (Messina). • Consultinvest Pesaro, Pesaro (Le Marche). • Dolomiti Energia Trentino, Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). • EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, Milan (Lombardia). • Enel Brindisi, Brindisi (Puglia). • Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Tuscany). • Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna). • Manital Torino, Turin
(Piedmont). • Obiettivo Lavoro Bologna, Bologna (Emilia-Romagna). • Openjobmetis Varese, Varese (Lombardia). • Pasta Reggia Caserta, Caserta (Campania). • Sidigas Avellino, Avellino (Campania). • Umana Reyer Venezia, Mestre (Veneto) • Vanoli Cremona, Cremona (Lombardia). As you might have gathered, the clubs are sponsored by wealthy businesses or professional organizations. Players on the Serie A clubs come from all over the world. Some of this season’s top players are guards Scottie Reynolds, MarQuez Haynes and David Logan, who were born in the United States, power forward Mouhammad Faye, a Senegal native, small forward Simas Jasaitis from Lithuania, and center Riccardo Cervi, a native Italian. Logan and Hayes play for Banco di Sardegna Sassari. Faye is with Openjobmetis Varese. Reynolds is on the Enel Brindisi team. Jasaitis is a member of the Betaland Capo d’Orlando team and Cervi plays for Sidigas Avellino. The biggest arena is in Milan, the Mediolanum Forum, with a seating capacity of 12,331. The smallest arena is the PalaBigi in Reggio Emilia with 3,500 seats. Since the inception of Serie A, 20 different teams have won the championship. Olimpia Milano won 26 titles. Mens Sana Siena won a record seven consecutive championships between 2007 and 2013.
The first championship was won by SEF Costanza Milano. The 2015-16 regular season began on Oct. 4 and will end Apr. 30. The playoffs will start in early May with the champion crowned between June 13 and June 16, depending on the length of the finals series.
After the 2007-08 season, the league was reduced from 18 to 16 clubs after financial irregularities were discovered on the Basket Napoli and Orlandina Basket teams. Last season’s championship was won by Banco di Sardegna Sassari, which defeated Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia in seven games.
La Scala menu word search answers
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 7
Researched and written by the late Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian The information presented here was researched and copyrighted as a historical record of the men and women of Italian descent who lived in the City of Milwaukee and served in the United States Military during World War II. The information recorded and documented by this researcher from records kept at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works were copyrighted in 2004 and an original copy has been placed in the repository at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The research was secured from City of Milwaukee Directories 1941, 1942 and 1944-45. No directory was published in 1943. The years 1944 and 1945 were combined into one directory.
Name D’Amico, Joe D’Amico, Joe P. D’Amico, Peter D’Amico, Santo D’Amico, Steven D’Arezzo, Joe DeBattista, Elmer DeBona, Harold DeBona, Warren DeBrozzo, Angelo Decesari, Enzo Decesari, Joe Dalchele, Egidio DeFendi, Frank DeGaetano, Joe DalBalso, Mike Delise, Domenic DeLorenzo, Frank DeLuca, Tudy DeMilio, Mike DeMore, Robert DeMotto, John DeMotto, Mike DeMotto, Jim
Branch Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Navy Army Navy Army Army Army Navy
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Address 124 E. Reservoir 2608 S. 34th St. 2608 S. 34th St. 1132 E. Kane Pl. 1132 E. Kane Pl. 2256 S. 26th St. 2907 W. Cherry 3261 N. Maryland 2329B N. 29th St. 924 E. Lyon 2463 S. Superior 2463 S. Superior 1617 N. Van Buren 4018 S. Burrell 1557 N. Warren 528 N. 19th St. 512 E. North Ave. 555 W. Rock Pl. 221 E. Lloyd 1566 N. Warren 721 E. Michigan 1438 S. 5th St. 1438 S. 5th St. 428 E. Layton
DeNicola, Frank Dentice, Jack Dentice, Joe Dentice, Mario Dentice, Salvatore Dentici, Jack Dentici, Tom DePetro, Louis DePietro, Frank DeQuardo, Alfred DeRosia, Gerald DiCesare, John DiChiario, Ben Diciaula, Domenic Diciaula, John A. Diciaula, Vito D. Dighera, Domenic Dighera, Jean DiGiacomo, Carl DiMaggio, Jerome Diorio, Alfred Diliberti, Sal DiPiazza, Mike Ditello, Frank Distefano, Frank DiVita, Renato Dobogai, Joe Domicilli, Frank Domino, Carl Donzilli, John Dondere, Ken Doria, Carl J. Doria, Carl Dovi, Joe Dovi, Steve Dragotta, Dominic Dragotta, Joe
Army Army Army Army Marines Army Army Army Army Navy Marines Army Army Navy Army Army Army WAVE Marines Army Army Navy Army Army Navy Army Navy Army Army Army Marines Army Army Navy Navy Navy Navy
425 E. Buffalo 3210 W. Cameron 628 E. Detroit 1434 N. Jackson 2513 N. 9th St. 1611 N. Jackson 1685 N. Cass 1327 W.Orchard 322 N. Jefferson 6625A W. St. Paul 2201 N. 25th St. 2122 N. Buffalo 1531 N. Jackson 749 S. 34th St. 1570 S. 36th St. 749 S. 34th St. 742 E. Homer 742 E. Homer 244 S. 92nd St. 529 E. Detroit 3043 N. 12th St. 3418 W. Scott 822 N. 22nd St. 3453 S. Ellen 437 N. Jackson 2008 W. Orchard 543 N. 9th St. 1454 N. Franklin 408 W, Manitoba 1411 E. Russell 1640 N. Jackson 1640 N. Marshall 1542 N. Van Buren 1638 S. 40th St. 2519 N. Holton 244 N. Jefferson 244 N. Jefferson
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 21
Tony Machi celebrates 94th birthday with longtime friends
L’Angolo del Poeta from page 9 e arrivasse fino a sera senza dire: “chiudete là”
Senza più sentire la gente Che ti dice: “io faccio…io dico” Senza sentire l’amico che viene a darti consigli
Senza sentire la famiglia che ti dice: “ Ma cosa hai combinato?” Senza più scendere a patto con la coscienza e la dignità Senza leggere il giornale… la notizia impressionante che è un problema grave per tutti e tu non puoi farci nulla… Senza sentire il dottore che spiega la malattia la ricetta in farmacia… l’onorario che devi pagare…
On most Wednesday afternoons, a group of longtime friends meet at the table in the northeast corner of Cafe La Scala to have lunch and talk about just about everything. On this particular Wednesday, Nov. 11, they held a surprise birthday party for one of their most respected friends, Tony Machi, who turned 94 on Nov. 4. In case there’s a chance you don’t know him, Tony is the one sitting behind the chocolate éclair birthday cake. Tony, of course, was the first president
of the Italian Community Center, 1978-1980, and the first general chairman of Festa Italiana during the same years. It was through Tony’s persistent efforts and good friendship with the late Milwaukee County Executive William F. O’Donnell that the ICC was able to acquire the former county-owned “Coachyards” property in 1985 where the current ICC now stands. He has been actively involved in the ICC and Festa since the beginning. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Friends join Sam Purpero for his 80th birthday celebration
Senza sentire questo cuore che ti parla di Concettina, di Rita, Brigida, Nannina… Questa sì….quell’altra no….
Perché insomma, se vuoi la pace e non sentire più niente, devi sperare solamente che viene a ‘prenderti’ la morte? Io vorrei trovare pace ma una pace senza morte. Una, in mezzo a tante porte, che si aprisse per vivere! Se si aprisse una mattina, una mattina di primavera, e arrivasse fino a sera senza dire: “ chiudete là” – E. De Filippo
I wish I could find some peace I wish I could find some peace, but a deathless one. A gate, among many, open to life!
May it be opened on a spring morning and be left so until the evening, without anyone saying: “Close it!” Without hearing people say to you: “I do… I say” anymore. Without listening to your friend coming to give you advice. Without hearing your family ask you: “What did you do?” Without coming to grips with your conscience and your dignity anymore.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, longtime friends met at Cafe La Scala to celebrate the 80th birthday of Sam Purpero, a past president, former general chairman of Festa Italiana and the current treasurer of the Italian Community Center. Purpero is also well known for his support in many various ways for the ICC, Festa and numerous Italian organizations and functions. He has
been involved in the ICC and Festa since the inception of both in the late 1970s and has served on the ICC Board in every position except secretary and sergeantat-arms for all but two years and a couple of months when he choose not to serve. Purpero is seated to the left of Tony Lupo, the only man standing. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Welcome new Italian Community Center members! The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between October 8 through November 10, 2015. Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Tad Hellmann & Dawn Wabiszewski and children Charles and Franklin of Milwaukee Suzanne Wypijewski Milwaukee Michael Glabere Milwaukee
Carmela Paladino Oak Creek
PAGE 22 – DECEMBER 2015
San Nicola Feast Day celebrated across Italy on Dec. 6
San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) is the patron saint of Bari (Puglia), Italy. On Dec. 6, Bari residents hold a ritual called “Rito delle nubili” in San Nicola’s honor. The same tradition is observed that day in Sassari (Sardinia). In Trieste (Friuli-VeneziaGiulia), San Nicola is celebrated with gifts given to children on the morning of Dec. 6 and with a fair called “Fiera di San Nicola.” In many cities and towns in Abruzzo, people celebrate this day with traditional loaves of bread and “taralli” (firm, round biscuits), often eaten with wine.
Without reading the newspaper… the shocking news that is a serious problem for everyone and there’s no avoiding it… Without listening to your doctor explain the disease, the prescription at the pharmacy… paying what’s due… Without listening to this heart talk to you about Concettina, Rita, Brigida, Nannina… This one is good… The other one is not…
So why hope for death to come and take you, if the only thing you want is just some peace, and to not hurt anymore? I wish I could find some peace, but a deathless one. A gate, among many, open to life!
May it be opened on a spring morning and be left so until the evening, without anyone saying: “Close it!” – Translations into Italian and English by Roberto Ciampi
THE ITALIAN TIMES
More performance photos from the ICC-hosted Festival di Danza e Cultura
Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, closed out the program with performances of “San Rocco” and “Ballu di Matricula.” The first number was given to Tradizione Vivente by Ru Maccature, a performing group in Caprinone (Molise region), Italy. The number celebrates the protector from all illnesses, Saint Rocco, a French noble, who gave his fortune to the poor and sick; he, too, contracted the plague. “Ballu di Matricula” hails from the southern area of Italy where poor pensioners danced in appreciation for the services they received from the church. The original members of Tradizione Vivente started dancing in 1945.
Times photos by Tom Hemman
While colder temperatures are on the way, Hui Hula ‘O Ka Maile, a Polynesian dance group from the Milwaukee area, provided thoughts of warm weather of Hawaiian and other southern Pacific locales. One of their numbers was entitled “Strolling on the Beach at Waikiki.”
Right: Lykkeringen Norwegian Dancers of Milwaukee are shown here. The group, which was formed in the 1970s, performed two dances. “Sandsvaeril” and “Krossdans.” The name Lykkeringen means “happy circle.”
Below: The Garlic Mustard Pickers performed traditional acoustical music from the historic Gaelicspeaking countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the islands, and the Celtic diaspora – Cape Breton, United States and Australia during the dinner hour. They also played with the Japanese performing artists during the program. The Garlic Mustard Pickers have been performing since 2003.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Feast Day of Immaculate Conception is a national holiday in Italy
December 8th – the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception – is a national holiday in Italy. Across the country, there are celebrations and special masses held by churches. Many towns and cities mark the holiday with music, parades and feasts. Throughout the region of Abruzzo, people celebrate this day with bonfires and by singing traditional songs. In Rome, there is an annual papal procession near the Spanish Steps. The Pope pays homage to the Virgin Mary with a procession led by the Order of the Knights of Malta to Piazza Mignanelli at the Colonna del’Immacolata in the southeastern section of the square.
The 40-foot ancient column was discovered in 1777 under a monastery and was erected in this location in 1856. A statue of Mary was placed at the summit of the column. After the Pope speaks and prayers are said, a choir sings and one lucky fireman gets to place a wreath of flowers at the top of the column on the statue of Mary, usually on her extended arm. The Holy Father blesses a basket of roses that is placed at the base of the column, and the Mayor of Rome and other civic department heads follow suit. In the evening, there is a concert at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli on Capitoline Hill.
DECEMBER 2015 – PAGE 23
PAGE 24 – DECEMBER 2015
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