ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com FEBRUARY 2016 • VOL. 37 NO. 8
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Dance the night away with the Doo-Wop Daddies on Feb. 13
Get on your dancing shoes and enjoy the greatest rock and roll hits of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s with the legendary Doo-Wop Daddies at the Italian Community Center’s Winter Rock and Roll Blast on Saturday, Feb. 13. Doors to the Pompeii Grand Ballroom will open at 6 p.m. with the Doo-Wop Daddies taking the stage from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Admission prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available now at the ICC front office. You can also order them by calling 414-223-2180 and using a credit card or by filling out the form accompanying this article and sending it with your payment to ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Event
flyers with ticket order forms are also available at the ICC. Your advance tickets will be available at a will call window the evening of the show. This event, which is expected to attract a full house, is a fundraiser for the nonprofit ICC. An optional Italian dinner buffet will be available in the ballroom starting at 6 p.m. The price will be $12.95 per person. Those purchasing the buffet will be issued a wristband. There will be full bar service available all night. Another dining option on the evening of the show is ICC’s Cafe La Scala, which will be open starting at 5 p.m. The Doo-Wop Daddies, who last Please turn to page 5
PASTE ADDRESS LABEL HERE.
La Befana meets, greets and gives gifts to the children at ICC party
The legend of La Befana was celebrated for the 14th consecutive year at the Italian Community Center at a luncheon event for children (really, children of all ages). La Befana, the Epiphany Eve gift-bearing witch of Italian folklore, journeyed to the ICC on Saturday, Jan. 9. Each child had a chance to meet and even give a big hug to La Befana. In turn, she presented them with gifts and candy which she brought with her from Italy. Here, a youngster named Francesca is shown hugging La Befana. The kids also got to decorate their own Christmas cookie and kids of all ages had a chance to make their own ice cream sundaes with a variety of delicious toppings. Several more photos and a report from the party can be found on pages 10 and 11. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Carnevale awaits all those who want to celebrate The Doo-Wop Daddies. (Photo provided by Mike Sturino)
Evening of Italian tradition, merrymaking set for Feb. 6
By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Cast aside your burdens for one spectacular night as the Italian Community Center celebrates its 37th annual Il Grande Carnevale on Saturday, Feb. 6. Show your creative side by wearing a costume or mask. Dance the night away. Be treated to a fabulous double-entrée dinner and a tantalizing sweet table. Be a witness to the tradition and pageantry that includes a coronation of royalty, a gleeful parade of those in costume and mask, spectacular fireworks and a few surprises that are sure to add to the excitement of the evening. Organizers hope that all of the
pomp and circumstance will make you shout “Viva Il Carnevale!” In fact, “Viva Il Carnevale” (“Long Live Carnevale”) is the theme for the Italian Community Center’s 37th annual Il Grande Carnevale. Saluting the traditions of the past and the hope of the future, Carnevale will bring together generations of families and friends for a celebration that no one should want to miss. The fun begins at 5:11 p.m. in the galleria with a cocktail reception (cash bar). The Italian Conference Center’s renowned hors d’oeuvres will be served. Guests will be called into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom at 6:11 p.m. for the start of the program
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and dinner. The dinner will feature a combination entrée of chicken Roma and a petite filet mignon. There will be bottles of wine at each table to enjoy with the meal. The table wine is courtesy of Sal and Marie Purpora (who the ICC has bestowed the honor of royalty as you will read in this article). After dinner comes the program that co-chairs Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis say will be “a combination of exciting entertainment, colorful pageantry and tradition.” Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, and I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Please turn to page 6
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
President’s message
Come to St. Joseph’s Day luncheon Bring your children to Festa di Pasqua Interested in ICC’s Italian classes?
Defining Carnevale Italy’s No. 1 hits
page 2 page 3 page 4 page 4
page 7
page 8
Italian organizations doing good deeds in the community page 12 Crossword puzzle
page 13
Members news
page 19
Sezione Italiane pagine 16-17 Mike Piazza elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame
page 20
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President
I hope everyone has recuperated from the holiday season and can now find the time to help the Italian Community Center prosper and grow in the new year. The first thing you can do is to renew your membership. Renewing a membership is a sign that you truly support the ICC and believe in what the organization represents. You can attend our upcoming functions such as the 37th annual Il Grande Carnevale on Saturday, Feb. 6, the Winter Rock and Roll Blast on Saturday, Feb. 13, the 24th annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon on Friday, Mar. 18 and the 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 17. Carnevale, the Rock and Roll Blast and Taste of Italy are fundraisers for our organization. Carnevale, the St. Joseph’s Day luncheon and “A Taste of Italy” celebrate our heritage.
You can help out as a volunteer at the St. Joseph’s Day luncheon and “A Taste of Italy.” Those of you who have the financial ability, please consider supporting Carnevale, the St. Joseph’s Day luncheon and “A Taste of Italy” with a cash donation. I want to acknowledge Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis and their committee for all the hard work they are putting into Carnevale. I know Mary Winard, St. Joseph’s Day luncheon chair, and Ann Romano, Taste of Italy chair, are working tirelessly to make their events successful. Your attendance, volunteerism and financial support can help to make it happen. Before you know it, Festa Italiana will be here. The dates are Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24. I’m sure some of you are
wondering why Festa isn’t taking place during its usual third weekend in July. Here’s the answer: Summerfest 2016 runs through Sunday, July 10 and there is always a week-and-a-half period between the end of Summerfest and the start of Festa. That is the case again this year. Had Festa continued to have been a four-day event, the festival would have opened on the third Thursday. Since the decision was made to reduce Festa to a three-day event, we had not run into the situation of a fourth Friday opening. That is until now.. I can tell you that planning for our 39th annual Festa is well underway. Stay tuned for all the details.
Upcoming 2016 ICC events – Giuseppe Vella ICC President
ICC’s 37th annual “Il Grande Carnevale” Saturday, Feb. 6 5:11 p.m. – 12:11 a.m. Details and reservation form in this issue.
ICC’s Winter Rock and Roll Blast Featuring the Doo-Wop Daddies Saturday, Feb. 13 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. show. Optional buffet starting at 6 p.m. Details and reservation form in this issue. ICC’s 24th annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 18 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Details and reservation form in this issue. ICC’s Children’s Easter party Saturday, Mar. 19 Noon – 2 p.m. Details and reservation form in
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this issue.
ICC’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” Sunday, Apr. 17 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Details in this issue.
ICC’s 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24 Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds)
ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9 ICC’s 2nd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 19
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 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 Di Pronio, Angela Castronovo, Donato Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, Roberto Ciampi, 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 2016 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
Celebrate St. Joseph’s Day at ICC luncheon on Friday, Mar. 18
In keeping with its long-standing recognition of the Feast Day of St. Joseph, the Italian Community Center is proud to announce its annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon, which, this year, will be held on Friday, Mar. 18 at noon. Both ICC members and nonmembers are invited to attend. The costs are set at $17 per member and $20 per non-member. Reservations, required by Monday, Mar. 14, can be made by filling out the form below and sending in a check or money order to the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. They also can be made by calling the ICC at 414-223-2180 and making your payment with a credit card. Flyers for the event, with a reservation form, can also be completed to make reservations. Program details “Our celebration – the 24th annual – will serve as a joyous preview to the actual observance of St. Joseph’s Day, which is Mar. 19,”
said chairperson Mary (Mineo) Winard. ICC Chaplain Fr. Tim Kitzke, Pastor of Three Holy Women Parish and other east side and downtown Milwaukee churches, will be present for the invocation, perform the blessing of the beautifully decorated altar as well as all of the attendees and the bread and fruit bags that each person will receive at the close of the luncheon. ICC President Giuseppe Vella will welcome attendees and act as master of ceremonies. As in past years, pianist John Puchner is volunteering to play Italian songs and music appropriate for the occasion during the serving of the lunch. The St. Joseph’s Day tradition includes a meatless meal. Winard reports that the ICC menu for the observance will include pasta con sarde e finocchio (pasta with sardines and fennel), eggplant artichokes, tossed salad with grapefruit, Italian bread and coffee, tea or milk. There will be a special
dessert. “We hope to see all of you who have been so faithful in attending our past St. Joseph’s Day celebrations at this year’s luncheon,” Winard said. “We look forward to seeing you with many more firsttime guests.”
St. Joseph’s Day tradition St. Joseph’s Day is marked with celebrations across Italy. The lateICC Historian Mario A. Carini said Sicilian immigrants, who followed the observance in their hometowns, brought the tradition with them when they settled in Milwaukee starting in the late 1880s. The subject has also been written about by Professor/Cavaliere Philip J. DiNovo, president of the American Italian Heritage Association of Albany, N.Y. In an article on the organization’s website (www.aiha-albany.org), DiNovo wrote: “In the Middle Ages, according to tradition, there was a severe drought that destroyed most vegetation and left many people in western Sicily dying of starvation. People began to pray to St. Joseph asking him to ask the Lord for rain. They promised if the rains came that they would honor St. Joseph for his intercession and perpetually honor him on March 19. “At the stroke of midnight, the Lord sent the rain; it was on this
day the prayers were heard. The people had water, the vegetation turned green, and there were fish for the fishermen. The St. Joseph altars are based on this traditional legend, which has been handed down from one generation to the next.” Please turn to page 5
The ICC presents the St. Josephʼs Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 18 • Reservation Form
Name(s): ___________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ State: ________________
2663 N. Holton St., Milwaukee
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Zip: ____________________ Phone: ____________________________
Number of ICC members attending: ___ @ $17.00 per person = $
Number of non-members attending: ___ @ $20.00 per person = $
Pre-paid reservations must be received by Monday, Mar. 14th.
Tables of 10 available. Please list the people at your table:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Weʼre attending and wish to make an additional donation to the event. Besides my payment for reservations, Iʼm sending a $ contribution.
We are unable to attend, but wish to contribute $ tradition in the high standard of the past.
to continue this
Checks payable to: St. Josephʼs Luncheon. (One check preferable for all at same table.) MAIL TO: Italian Community Center, Attn.: St. Josephʼs Day Luncheon, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 3
Festa di Pasqua, an Easter carnival for children, scheduled for Mar. 19 at ICC
By Rose Anne Fritchie Plans are in motion for a funfilled children’s Easter party at the Italian Community Center on Saturday, Mar. 19, beginning at noon. The Avanti Committee is happy and excited to host this year’s party, the theme for which will be Festa di Pasqua, or Easter Carnival. We can assure all who attend that it will be an entertaining, “crazy good” time. The atmosphere will be that of a carnival or county fair and will be tons of fun for everyone. As the children arrive, they will be given tokens to be used for the carnival games and the Ice Cream & Popcorn Shoppe. At noon, all guests are invited to enjoy a delicious, buffet-style lunch consisting of mini hamburgers, mini corndogs, penne pasta, platters of healthy munchies like carrots, pickles, celery and fresh fruit. There will be chocolate or white milk for the youngsters and coffee for adults. And for dessert, we hope the carnival-goers stop at the Ice Cream & Popcorn Shoppe for an ice cream sundae and a sweet treat. After lunch, the games begin! The ballroom will be filled with the sights and sounds of a festival, with carnival games such as the Quarter Toss, Ring Toss, Bowling Balls Push, Lollipop Pulls, Topple the Cans, Bean Bag Toss, and this year, because of the generosity of an anonymous ICC
ICC Childrenʼs Easter Party & Lunch Reservation Form
Names of boys attending
Saturday, March 19 • Noon to 2:00 p.m. age
Names of girls attending
age
Name(s) of adult ICC members attending: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Number of children attending: Number of adults attending: Total amount enclosed: $
x $15.00 per member
=$
_ x $20.00 per person = $
Make your check payable to: Italian Community Center. Mail this form with your payment to: ICC, Attn.: Easter Party, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Deadline: Mar. 16, 2016. Member, SO MUCH MORE. The children will also have an additional chance to win special prizes by participating in the guessing jars contest. Street artists will be painting faces, and balloon hats will be created for anyone interested in wearing a special Easter hat. During the festivities, we anticipate a visit from the Easter Bunny who will greet all of the children
and lead them in a parade through the carnival. The children are welcome to wear their new hats and fill the room with the joyous noise of their musical instruments. The parade will end at the stage where the Easter Bunny will have treats for all youngsters to take home. The costs are set at $15 per child (ages 11 and under) and $20 per adult. To ensure that all chil-
dren receive their special treats, only advance reservations will be accepted. All pre-paid reservations must be received by Wednesday, Mar. 16. Attendance at this event is limited to ICC members, their children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren. Please use the form accompanying this article to make your reservations.
This spring, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II class, both starting Tuesday, Mar. 8. Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on May 10. Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. The Italian II course will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said. Enrollment is open to ICC mem-
bers and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $100 for an ICC member and $110 for a non-member. The fee does not include the course textbook.
Spring semester of Free children’s Italian classes for teens Italian classes to begin Mar. 19 at ICC and adults start Mar. 8
The spring semester of a free weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Mar. 19, at the Italian Community Center. The class, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m., will continue for eight weeks, with the final session on May 7. The course is intended to provide children with an introduction to the Italian language and the culture of Italy. Besides learning some basic words and the Italian alphabet, the children also make drawings for holidays and special occasions and receive a snack during each Saturday session. The instructor is Enrica Tarantino Woytal, who also leads the ICC’s Italian classes for teens and adults. She was honored by WisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009
“Italian Teacher of the Year.” Tarantino Woytal has been leading the children’s class at the ICC since the early 1980s. Over the years, several hundred youngsters have participated in the free class.
To register for the spring semester, please complete the form accompanying this article and mail it to: Children’s Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Since there is no enrollment fee, parents can also register their children in person any time during the semester.
For further information, contact the ICC office at 414/223-2180, or Enrica Tarantino Woytal or Pietro Tarantino at 414/481-0170, or via email at enricaw@aol.com.
Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form
To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Mar. 8 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached. People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment. Tarantino Woytal began teaching children’s Italian classes at the ICC more than 35 years ago. She has been offering classes for adults and teens for more than 30 years.
Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course
(For children ages 6-12) at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee
Name(s) ___________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________
Parent(s) Name _________________________________________
City ________________________ State _______ Zip ___________
Phone No.: ______________ Email__________________________
Children's Names & Ages: ________________________________
_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Send this form to: Children's Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.
PAGE 4 – FEBRUARY 2016
Address ___________________________________________________________
Phone No. ___________________Email _________________________________ I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling.
Course fee: ICC Member - $100.00; Non-Member - $110.00
Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Thanks for your donations to ICC
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or contributed. To obtain information on how to make a donation, please call 414223-2808. The following donations were received between December 10,
2015 and January 8, 2016.
In memory of Peter Frank Sorce By his parents Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce and his sister Christine Sorce James and Marie Schwindt In memory of Peter Machi, Sr. Sam Purpero
Taste of Italy details announced
Celebrate your love of Italian food at the Italian Community Center’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Like past years, both admission and parking will be free. All food items – except calamari – will be available for one ticket. You can purchase a single ticket for $1.50 or a book of seven tickets for $10. Calamari will require two tickets. Our Taste of Italy is an affordable family event that won’t break the bank and you can enjoy an abundance of delicious Italian food and desserts. This is only possible through the donations of food and money from our soci-
eties, members and vendors. “A Taste of Italy” is also the only event where all stands are operated by volunteers from our societies and members of the ICC. In February, I will be a sending out a letter to all of the societies, past presidents, vendors and individuals asking them to generously support our 21st annual Taste of Italy. I’m pleased to report that Ted Glorioso has donated a beautiful lady’s diamond cocktail ring for our Taste of Italy raffle. With the help of our supporters and volunteers, we can make our Taste of Italy a big success. – Ann Romano Chairperson
Make plans to attend St. Joseph’s Day luncheon on Friday, Mar. 18 at ICC
from page 3 Today in Italy, St. Joseph’s Day eaten on St. Joseph’s Day. Zeppole is also known as Father’s Day. The are deep-fried dough balls that are day, which used to be a national usually topped with powdered holiday, is traditionally celebrated sugar and may be filled with cuswith bonfires and sometimes pagtard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry eants with scenes from the life of cream or a butter and honey mixSt. Joseph. Children give gifts to ture. In Rome, Naples and the their fathers on San Giuseppe Day. region of Sicily, these little pastries Zeppole (or zeppoli in southern are sold on many streets and are Italian dialects) are traditionally sometimes given as gifts.
Anna Rose Tarantino Sanfelippo Otto & Marilyn Wolter Scott & Michelle Cichacki Sonny & Melody Gensler In memory of Sarah Carrao Carmen Schlotthauer
In memory of Ted Catalano, Sr. Sam Purpero Margaret M. Carini
Craig & Karen Lampe
In memory of Russ Enea Sonny & Melody Gensler
Donations to the Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate (previously unreported in The Italian Times). Sal and Antonette Lo Coco
Doo-Wop Daddies to play for Feb. 13 Winter Rock and Roll Blast from page 1
performed at the ICC on New Year’s Eve, include Mike Sturino, Mike Welch, Ryan Clark, Ben Barnes and Mike Sorensen. 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. Visit the group’s website: www.doo-wopdaddies.com. Joe Campagna, Jr, a past president of the ICC and current board member, said the Feb. 13 show will serve as an early kick-off to the organization’s Courtyard Music Series, which starts in June. There will be no Cabin Fever or Spring Fever Music Series this year.
Winter Rock and Roll Blast Advance Ticket Order Form
Name(s) ________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________
Phone _________________ Email Address ____________________ Number of people: _____ x $15.00 per person = $______________
Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Send your payment with this form to: ICC, A$n: Feb. 13 show, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For ques#ons, call 414-223-2180. Advance #cket orders must be received by Feb. 10 or purchased at the ICC office by Feb. 12.
Calendar of Events January 26 – February 24, 2016
Tuesday, Jan. 26 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 6 • Italian Community Center hosts Il Grande Carnevale, 5:11 p.m. Details in this issue. • Abruzzese Galileo Galilei Society dinner, 6 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 8 • Italian Community Center Finance & Personnel Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9 • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13 • Rock and Roll Winter Blast with Doo-Wop Daddies, 7 p.m. Details in this issue.
Wednesday, Feb. 17 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
• Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 23 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. Winter bocce leagues are underway with mixed leagues on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights and seniors leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. The championship playoffs will be Monday, Mar. 7.
• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. Spring semester starts on Saturday, Mar. 19 and continues for 8 consecutive Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Details in this issue.
• ICC Italian classes for teens and adults. Spring semester starts on Tuesday, Mar. 8 and continues on Tuesday nights through May 10. Italian I at 5:30 p.m. and Italian II at 7:30 p.m. Details in this 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!
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 5
Viva Il Carnevale – Saturday, Feb. 13
from page 1 Dance Group, will perform. Highlighting the evening’s program will be the coronation of royalty. The worthy recipients of these honors will be: • Sal and Maria Purpora as Re and Regina (King and Queen) • Ray and Carol Martinez as Nonno and Nonna (Grandfather and Grandmother) • Thomas Blaubach and Claire Elliott as Principe and Principessa (Prince and Princess) • Charlie Bartolone and Isabella Vella as Piccolo Principe and Piccola Principessa (Junior Prince and Junior Princess) • John Alioto as Il Gran Maresciallo (The Grand Marshal) • Frank D’Amato as Il Vescovo (The Bishop). Articles on each of member of the royalty appear in the January issue. Ready to fill the dance floor with music for all ages will be Bill Sargent’s Big Band. Sargent’s band has long been known as “the tightest, most solid ensemble of expert musicians Milwaukee may ever see.” The program will return with the parade, led by Il Gran Maresciallo John Alioto and the
royalty. The parade will allow everyone who comes adorned in costume and/or mask to march before a panel of judges, who will select the best in various categories. Winners will receive an array of prizes. As the judges complete their scoring, Alioto will lead everyone out of the ballroom into the loggia (or for those who want to brave the cold, outdoors) for the spectacular Bartolotta Fireworks show, staged across Chicago Street in a parking lot. After the show, everyone will be invited to a scrumptious sweet table in the galleria. Providing the tantalizing variety of Italian treats will be La Piccola Principessa Isabella Vella, her family and Peter Sciortino Bakery. The band resumes for everyone’s pleasure as people return to the ballroom. The only other stoppage of the music will come for the awarding of costume and mask prizes and the drawing of winners for the Carnevale raffle. There will be four cash prizes awarded: $500 for 1st prize, $300 for 2nd prize, $100 for 3rd prize and $100 for 4th prize. Raffle ticket prices will be $2 each or seven for $10. As usual, the general public is
Deadline set for March issue of The Italian Times
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the March 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Tuesday, Feb. 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 414-223-2189.
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 : $_________________.
invited to join ICC members in attendance. While the general public can revel in the festivities for $60 per person, an ICC member can partake for just $55. Reservations are required by Jan. 31. Your reservations can be made by using the form accompanying this article, in person at the ICC front office during regular business hours or by calling 414-223-2180 and having your credit card handy. You may also pick up a Carnevale flyer with a reservation form at various locations throughout the ICC. There will be assigned seating. Check in at the reservation table during the social hour to get your table assignment. For the third straight year, the
Carnevale Committee is pleased to announce that free valet parking will be available that evening, The drop off point is under the canopy at the south entrance to the building, which makes it a short walk to the registration table, the coat check room and the galleria where the festivities begin. Whether you are attending Carnevale or not, you can participate by buying tickets in the raffle or making a tax-deductible donation to the ICC. Donations to help cover the cost of this event can be made the same way as reservations by using the form accompanying the article, in person at the ICC, by filling out the flyer found in the building or by calling 414-223-2180 and using your credit card.
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 9
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 Figarino, Joe Figarino, Tom Fimiano, John Fimiano, John B. Fiori, Eugene Fiorina, Charles Flessate, Clarence Fontanazza, JOe Formo, Peter Fortino, Anthony Fortunato, Joe Fortunato, Joe A. Fote, Frank Foti, Santo M. Foti, Steven Foti, Steven Fraggazo, Rocco Fragale, Ross Frana, Louis Francisco, Jim, Jr. Franco, Erwin Fregapane, Basilio Fricano, Charlie Frinzi, Romeo
PAGE 6 – FEBRUARY 2016
Branch Army Navy Navy Navy Army Coast Guard Marines Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Navy
Address 1436 N. Milwaukee 1436 N. Milwaukee 131 W. Mineral 814 W. Bruce 1429 W. Highland 2307 S. Logan 1852 N. 11th St. 2168 N. 58th St. 835 S. 16th St. 1662 N. Jackson 1530A N. Cass 1678 N. Marshall 532 E. Detroit 430 N. 31st St. 1526 N. Van Buren 2429 S. Wentworth 1025 E. Hamilton 1754 N. Humboldt 2615 N. Cramer 3065 N. 6th St. 610 N. 53rd St. 3136 N. Humboldt 175 N. Jefferson 626 E. Detroit
Frinzi, Tom Frinzi, Tom Fucile, Primo D, Fuggisco, Salvatore Fuggisco, Rosa Gacicia, Sal Gagliano, Anthony Gagliano, Bernard Gagliano, Santo Gagliano, Steve Gagliano, Victor Gagliano, Nick Gaido, Domenic Galante, Fred Galati, Joe Galipo, Frank Gallo, Vince Ganiere, Carl C. Ganiere, Robert Ganiere, Carl G. Ganiere, Paul Ganiere, Humbert Ganoni, Vida Garofani, Americo Gasperetti, Charlie Gasperetti, Herman Gasperetti, Elmer Gazzana, Anthony Gazzana, Anthony Gendusa, Joe Gendusa, Paul Gentilli, Mat Georgi, Richard Geraci, Gaspin Geraci, Mike Geracie, Frank, J. Geracie, Peter
Army Army Army Navy Maritime Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army Coast Guard Army Army Army Coast Guard Navy Army
1429 N. Broadway 1910 E. Newton 2444 S. Delaware 2543 S. 7th St. 2543 S. 7th St. 3079 N. Bartlett 2658 N. 5th St. 320 N. Jefferson 2449B N. 3rd St. 432 S. 91st St. 2650 N. 5th St. 4137 N. Murray 3067 N. 2nd St. 705 S. 25th St. 3223A W. Madison 804 N. Pearson 2022 N. 2nd St. 3018 N. 48th St. 3018 N. 48th St. 2208 W. Vliet 2208 W. Vliet 4853 N. 52nd St. 4586 N. 48th St. 2627 S.Fulton 1143 N. Jackson 2135 M. 1st St. 1835 N. 14th St. 2129 N. Holton 3217 N. 33rd St. 2114 N. 54th St. 2114 N. 54th St. 2200 W. Middlemass 2000 N. 9th St. 244 S. 92nd St. 1105A W. Vliet 1534 N. Marshall 1534 N. Marshall
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Ciao carne! Defining Carnevale
By Blaise Di Pronio Let’s begin with the word: Carnevale/Carnival. In Latin/Italian, carne means “meat” (as the chili-con carne aficionados know) and vale/levare means to “remove or eliminate”. So how can there be a real carnival (with all its foods, fun and frolics) without any meat even though I note that the ICC’s Carnevale’s menu features meat galore with its cold cuts, steak and chicken. What gives? Where’s the meat, as they say? In actuality, the Carnevale feast itself, albeit its name, does not forbid meat. The feast is the last celebration before the start of the Christian meatless period of Lent, and Lent is the approximately sixweek period before Easter. So the name is kind of a reminder of your last chance to enjoy some of that tasty sustenance (amongst other things) before you’re cut off.
Lent is a very solemn Christian religious period that begins on Ash (of “dust-to-dust” fame) Wednesday and runs for 40 days (in commemoration and reminder of Christ’s 40 days spent in the desert fasting and enduring temptations by the devil). It is a time of prayer, repentance, penance and self denial (usually of things that give enjoyment and pleasure such as the luxuries of meat, drink and merrymaking), except for that last Tuesday before that forlorn Wednesday. That Tuesday is, of course, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras in French (and Martedi Grasso in Italian). It is the epitome of carnivals and celebrated worldwide, most notoriously in Rio di Janeiro and New Orleans. In Italy, the celebrations are not limited to a one-day event but, rather, there is a full season of carnivals comprised of different events, at different times and at
Discovering and exploring Ustica
Ustica is a small island off the north coast of Sicily, reached by ferries from Palermo. The tip of an ancient, extinct volcano, its black rocky slopes and plateaus are now covered in green vegetation and spring flowers. Its coast features rocks and grottoes. It is about six miles across and situated 32 miles north of Capo Gallo, Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Roughly 1,300 people live in the comune (municipality) of the same name. The island has been populated at least since about 1500 B.C. (by the Phoenicians back then). In ancient Greece, the island was named Osteodes (ossuary or boneyard) in memory of the thousands of Carthaginian mutineers left there to die of hunger in the 4th century B.C. The Romans renamed the island Ustica, Latin for burnt, for its black rocks. The island is also known locally as the “black pearl.” In the 6th century, a Benedictine community settled on the island, but was soon forced to move because of ongoing wars between Europeans and Arabs. Attempts to colonize the island in the Middle Ages failed because of raids by Barbary pirates. In the mid-18th century, the island was settled by approximately 90 people from the island of Lipari, an island also located north of Sicily, but east of Ustica. They brought with them the patron saint of Lipari, Bartholomew the Apostle, who became the patron saint of Ustica as well. Because Ustica is a small island with limited resources (it is characterized by reduced sources of water and vegetation is consequently scarce), several waves of emigration have left Ustica. In the mid to late 19th century and early 20th century, as the population of the island grew too large, hundreds of Ustican families immigrated to the United States. Enough had arrived by the 1860s that, in the American Civil War, a regiment of Italians, including many Usticesi, fought for the Confederacy. Many of these families settled in New Orleans and surrounding areas, where there are today approximately 30,000 residents whose ties remain strong to Ustica. A smaller number of fami-
THE ITALIAN TIMES
lies settled in San Jose and San Francisco (many settled in the fertile Santa Clara Valley, whose mild Mediterranean climate was reminiscent of Ustica), in New York and in Massachusetts. At the turn of the 12th century many Usticesi also went to North Africa in search of land and employment. Please turn to page 13
different places. Events include parades, processions, costume balls, exhibitions, singing, dancing and fireworks, all culminating on our portly Tuesday and its farewell to meat and all that is fun. However, in the interim, it is said in Italy that: “A Carnevale, ogni scherzo vale” or “anything goes” during Carnevale time. The most famous Carnevale in Italy is the Carnival in Venice where its most prominent feature is the wearing of elaborate masks. These masks themselves have a rich and colorful history (and may necessitate their own article in the future) such as those based on the characters of the Commedia dell’Arte or the comic street theater developed in Italy during the 15th century. For example, there is the Colombina (it covers the eyes, nose and upper cheeks), the Medico della Peste (the Plague Doctor, featuring
a long beak and originally worn to prevent the spread of disease) and the Arlecchino (half mask with an ape-like nose and devil’s bump/horn on the forehead) and many, many more. Throughout the years, the ICC’s Carnevale has hit on many themes in its celebrations, and in this 2016’s version, it is the carnival itself that is being honored or “Viva” – “Long Live” – Il Carnevale! Lastly, a friendly reminder to this year’s King of Carnevale, Sal Purpora, that in Italy the Carnevales feature bonfires where a doll representing King Carnevale is ceremoniously consumed (burned, that is) to symbolically signal the death of Carnevale, thus making way to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of dour times. So Sal, you might want to watch out when they summon you to the fireworks.
Reclaiming our pot
By Blaise Di Pronio All children worldwide love the piñata. The Hispanic name is very misleading as the custom of the Pignatta (Italian for “clay pot” and pronounced with the “nyo” sound as in ca-nyo-n) originated in Italy during the Renaissance when a clay pot would be filled with edible goodies and sweets and suspended over a piazza and then hit with a stick in order to release its contents to the waiting
children and to also signify the start of the Carnevale season. In honor of the Colombina (Little Dove) character (whose mask is mentioned in the accompanying article), in Venice there is the tradition of the White Dove Pignatta at which time a large white dove pignatta is suspended above a huge crowd at Piazza San Marco and subsequently broken to signal the beginning of Carnevale time.
Last name search: More of Milwaukee’s Italians By Blaise Di Pronio
Answers on page 9
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 7
Spotlight on Cultural Arts
Top singers ready to Italy’s No. 1 hits in 2015 compete at 2016 San Remo Music Festival
Here is the list of songs that were number-one hits in Italy in 2015, according to FIMI, the Italian Singles and Albums Charts. These singles appear in the order that they first reached number one.
By Blaise Di Pronio What do singers Modugno, Bocelli, Pizzi, Celentano, Pausini, Ramazzotti, Il Volo and countless others have in common? It’s a no-brainer for those who follow Italian song. They all participated and won at the San Remo Music Festival.
San Remo (Sanremo) is a small city of about 57,000 residents on the Mediterranean coast of northwest Italy’s Riviera Zone. Its mild climate and seacoast location make it a popular tourist attraction. As you can imagine, World War II had a major impact on its economy. In the 1950s, the idea of an annual music festival took hold in order to revitalize San Remo’s economy and reputation as a tourist destination and the rest is . . . well, you know.
The song festival has undergone many changes in formats, categories and rules but, in essence, it has been a source of competition between established artists (Campioni) and newcomers (Nuove Proposte). It went from limited radio broadcasts to television, and today’s worldwide webcasts.
The 2016 version of the festival will take place at the Teatro Ariston beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 9 and ending on the 13th. The participants will be divided into two sections:the Campioni/Champions (comprised of 20 artists) and the Nuove Proposte/New Nominees (8 artists). The winner of the Campioni section will also earn the right to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.
You might enjoy looking at and comparing the list of Campioni winners (appearing below) in the first years of the festival and the latest winners. Year 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960
Song Artist(s) “Grazie dei fiori” Nilla Pizzi “Vola colomba” Nilla Pizzi “Viale d’autunno” Carla Boni & Flo Sandon’s “Tutte le mamme” Giorgio Consolini & Gino Latilla “Buongiorno tristezza” Claudio Villa & Tullio Pane “Aprite le finestre” Franca Raimondi “Corde della mia chitarra” Claudio Villa & Nunzio Gallo “Nel blu dipinto di blu” Domenico Modugno & Johnny Dorelli “Piove (Ciao, ciao bambina)” Domenico Modugno & Johnny Dorelli “Romantica” Tony Dallara & Renato Rascei
And now last 10 years: 2006 "Vorrei avere il becco" 2007 “Ti regalerò una rosa” 2008 “Colpo di fulmine” 2009 “La forza mia” 2010 “Per tutte le volte che...” 2011 “Chiamami ancora amore” 2012 “Non è l’inferno” 2013 “L’essenziale” 2014 “Controvento” 2015 “Grande amore”
Povia Simone Cristicchi Giò Di Tonno & Lola Ponce Marco Carta Valerio Scanu Roberto Vecchioni Emma Marco Mengoni Arisa Il Volo
Here are the names of the 2016 participants who were announced Dec. 13 by the Italian television celebrity and the longtime emcee of the festival, Carlo Conti.
Campioni section: Artist(s) Deborah Iurato e Giovanni Caccamo Noemi Alessio Bernabei Enrico Ruggeri Arisa Rocco Hunt Dear Jack Stadio Lorenzo Fragola Annalisa Irene Fornaciari Neffa Zero Assoluto Dolcenera Clementino Patty Pravo Valerio Scanu Morgan e Bluvertigo Francesca Michielin Elio e le Storie Tese
Nuove Proposte Section: Cecile Chiara Dello Iacovo Ermal Meta Francesco Gabbani Irama Michael Leonardi Mahmood Miele
PAGE 8 – FEBRUARY 2016
Song “Via da qui” “La borsa di una donna” “Noi siamo infinito” “Il primo amore non si scorda mai” “Guardando il cielo” “Wake Up” “Mezzo respiro” “Un giorno mi dirai” “Infinite volte” “Il diluvio universale” “Blu” “Sogni e nostalgia” “Di me e di te” “Ora o mai più” “Quando sono lontano” “Cieli immensi” “Finalmente piove” “Semplicemente” “Nessun grado di separazione” “Vincere l’odio” “N.E.G.R.A.” “Introverso” “Odio le favole” “Amen” “Cosa resterà” “Rinascerai” “Dimentica” “Mentre ti parlo”
• “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. • “Grande Amore” by Il Volo. • “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding. • “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. • “El Mismo Sol” by Alvaro Soler. • “El Perdon” by Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias. • “Roma-Bangkok” by Baby K featuring Giusy Ferreri. • “Ti ho Volunto Bene Veramente” by Marco Mengoni. • “Hello” by Adele. • “Runaway” by Urban Strangers. Adele’s “Hello” was the number one hit of the year.
These are the albums that climbed to number one in the last year according to FIMI. • “TZN – The Best of Tiziano Ferro” by Tiziano Ferro. • “Parole in cincolo” by Marco Mengoni. • “Il Bello D’essere Brutti” by J-Ax. • “Sanremo grande amore” by Il Volo. • “Lorenzo 2015 CC” by Jovanotti. • “Rebel Heart” by Madonna. • “9” by Negrita. • “1995” by Lorenzo Fragola. • “Gira del Mondo” by Ligabue. • “Miracolo!” by Clementino. • “Beyond” by Mario Biondi. • “Perfetto” by Eros Ramazzotti. • “Out” by Kolors. • “Vero” by Gue Pequeno. • “Lorenzo 2015 CC” by Jovanotti. • “Endkadenz Vol. 2” by Verdena. • “The Book of Souls” by Iron Maiden. • “Doppelganger” by Madman. • “Rattle That Lock” by David Gilmour. • “La Rivoluzione sta Arrivando” by Negramaro. • “L’amore Si Muove” by Il Volo. • “Pop-Hoolista” by Fedez. • “20:05” by Benji & Fede. • “Sounds Good Feels Good” by 5 Seconds of Summer. • “De Gregori Canta Bob Dylan – Amore e Furto by Francesco De Gregori. • “Simili” by Laura Pausini. • “Made in the A.M.” by One Direction. • “25” by Adele. • “Passione maledetta” by Modà. • “Le cose che non ho” by Marco Mengoni.
Favorite arias: Nessun Dorma
From: Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot
Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma! Tu pure, o, Principessa, nella tua fredda stanza, guardi le stelle che tremano d’amore e di speranza. Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me, il nome mio nessun saprà! No!, No! sulla tua bocca lo dirò quando la luce splenderà! Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio che ti fa mia! (Il nome suo nessun saprà!... e noi dovrem, ahime, morir!) Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! Tramontate, stelle! All’alba vincerò! vincerò! vincerò!
Translation: Nobody shall sleep! Nobody shall sleep! Even you, oh Princess, in your cold room, watch the stars, that tremble with love and with hope. But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know... No! No! On your mouth I will tell it when the light shines. And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!... (No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.) Vanish, o night! Fade, you stars! Fade, you stars! At dawn, I will win! I will win! I will win!
Have something to sell? Let the readers of The Italian Times know about it by placing an ad in our next ad. For information on ad sizes and costs, call 414-223-2189 or send an email to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org. Discounts available to ICC members and who advertising in three or more issues in a one-year period.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
L’Angolo del Poeta
By Barbara Collignon and Robert Ciampi
Did you know that during the Renaissance, Florence celebrated Carnevale twice a year – once before Lent and again for Calendimaggio, on May first – marking the beginning of spring? Once a theme and text for a carnevale song had been established, local guilds, artists, poets, musicians and composers were all involved in festivities planned around it. They built floats employing costume makers, singers, composers and musicians. Part of the idea was to market the services of the guilds. Only some 300 carnevale songs (canti carnascialeschi) have survived since it was primarily an oral tradition; about 70 have survived with music. Many songs owe their survival to the fact that the texts were sung to the melodies of laude. The songs were of two kinds: courtly songs that featured mythological characters and the more carnal songs featuring the various guilds (bakers, perfume makers, pastry makers). These had a social and political function and were full of double entendre. Patrick Macey, a scholar involved in reconstructing these songs from manuscripts, referred to them as the “sex education” of the time. The young guildsmen sang directly to the ladies listening from their balconies or windows, boasted about their potency and gave instructions to young women. The young men singing were wearing masks so their identities were secure and thus they could sing whatever they wanted to. Lorenzo di Medici (1445- 1492), also known as Lorenzo Il Magnifico, wrote several including the one fea-
tured below. Lorenzo is referred to as a “Maecenas”. Maecenas Goius (70 BC – 8 BC) was a patron of Horace and Virgil, a Roman diplomat. Now his name is synonymous with being a generous patron of literature or art. Lorenzo invented a new way of celebrating carnival. Under his reign, the celebration became more intense and elaborate with the court taking an active part and his songs were sung by courtiers. The fall of the Medici affected Carnevale songs, many of which disappeared while some of the better known melodies survived with newly adapted sacred or penitential texts. You will see the various references to mythology in this song: Bacchus, Ariadne, Midas, Silenus (mentor to Bacchus) and satyrs and nymphs. It’s the well-known theme of carpe diem, enjoy life now for youth passes and no one knows what’s in store for us tomorrow. Certainly, poetic license has been employed in the translation.
Quant’è bella giovinezza or Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna di Lorenzo di Medici Quant’è bella giovinezza che si fugge tuttavia! Chi vuol esser lieto, sia: Di doman non c’è certezza. Quest’è Bacco e Arianna, belli, e l’un dell’altro ardenti: perché ‘l tempo fugge e ‘nganna, sempre insieme stan contenti. Questi ninfe e altre genti sono allegre tuttavia. [Ritornello] Questi lieti satiretti delle ninfe innamorati per caverne e per boschetti
Opera Topics By Angelo Castronovo
The Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast season started Dec. 5 with the perennial favorite, La Boheme by Puccini. It was followed by Verdi’s Rigoletto and Rossini’s La Donna del Lago and Barber of Seville. Puccini’s Manon Lescaut was also happily back along with his Turandot – both with their lush and dramatic music including the arias “Donna Non Vidi Mai” and, of course, “Nessun Dorma”. (Lyrics for “Nessun Dorma” in English and Italian appear on page 9.) Bizet’s wonderfully melodious The Pearl Fishers was broadcasted in January. The Pearl Fishers was an earlier work by Bizet, then in his 20s, long before his magnificent and classic Carmen. I’m not exaggerating when I say “wonderfully melodious” regarding Pearl Fishers because it contains so much beautiful music, particularly the great duet for tenor and baritone: “Au fond du Temple Sant”. This magnificent duet has been performed by so many great singers, past and present, including Enrico Caruso, Pasquale Amato, Beniamino Gigli, Jussi Bjoring and Robert Merrill, to name just a few. Don’t miss this stunning work, which also includes a romanza aria for tenor, duets between tenor and soprano, a gorgeous lead in by soprano and baritone followed by a stunning choral piece and, finally, the closing trio, reprising the earlier tenor-baritone theme. Returning to Rossini, we take
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note of this prolific and creative composer’s output of some 36 operatic works which include L’Italiana in Algeri, La Cenerentola and his Otello. His masterwork was said to be William Tell. He was not the only prolific opera composer as Verdi wrote more than 20 operas, including two masterpieces late in life: Otello and Falstaff. Donizetti penned more than 60 works including Don Pasquale, Lucia, L’Elisir d’Amore and Anna Bolena. Not to be outdone was Pacini who produced more than 70 works and Scarlatti who wrote a staggering 115 operas. And there was also Paisiello with 83 operas including his version of Barber of Seville. On a completely different topic, we turn to the habits of some prominent singers of the past. Most led rather temperate lives, not venturing out in bad weather and retiring to bed early in the evening, some as early as 8 p.m. Among them was soprano Lillian Nordica. There were some exceptions such as tenor Jean de Reszke and his brother, basso Edouard, both of whom had a facility for imitating people and animals. Edouard even astounded and amused collagues and friends with his ability to imitate the cello throughout its entire range. * * * Quotable quote: “In a dream, I saw a city invincible.” – Walt Whitman.
han lor posto cento aguati: Ora da Bacco riscaldati, ballan, saltan tuttavia.
[Ritornello] Queste ninfe hanno anco caro da loro essere ingannate; non puon far a Amor riparo se non genti rozze e ‘ngrate: Ora insieme mescolate suonan, cantan tuttavia. [Ritornello]
Questa soma che vien dreto sopra l’asino, è Sileno: Cosi vecchio e ebbro e lieto, già di carne e d’anni pieno; se non può star ritto, almeno ride e gode tuttavia. [Ritornello] Mida vien doppo costoro: Ciò che tocca, ora diventa. E che giova aver tesoro, s’altri poi non si contenta? Che dolcezza vuoi che senta chi ha sete tuttavia? [Ritornello]
Ciascun apra ben gli orecchi: Di doman nessun si paschi; oggi siam giovani e vecchi lieti ognun, femmine e maschi; ogni tristo pensier caschi; facciam festa tuttavia. [Ritornello]
Donne e giovanetti amanti, viva Bacco e viva Amore! Ciascun suoni, balli e canti! Arda di dolcezza il core! Non fatica, non dolore! Quel c’ha esser, convien sia. Chi vuol esser lieto, sia: Di doman non c’e certezza.
[Refrain]
These happy satyrs with nymphs enamored through caverns and woods have set them a hundred snares: Now warmed by drink of Bacchus, they continuously dance and leap. [Refrain]
These nymphs are happy despite being caught by trickery; one can’t escape Love— only the ungrateful and coarse: Now together they mingle playing and singing still. [Refrain]
This fellow following behind seated on donkey back is Silenus: So old and drunk and happy is he, full of wine and meat and years; If he’s too drunk to stand, at least he’s still laughing and joyful. [Refrain]
Midas comes after the others: whatever he touches, turns to gold. What joy is there in having treasure if it doesn’t make you happy? What sweetness is there for he who cannot quench his thirst? [Refrain]
Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne Translation by Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi
Let us all open well our eyes: No one can graze on tomorrow’s pastures; today we are young and old, each one happy, girls and boys; let’s banish every sad thought; let’s make merry forever.
Here are Bacchus and Ariadne, beautiful, burning for each other: though time is fleeting and illusive, they remain happy together still.
Ladies and young lovers, long live Bacchus and long live Love! Let us play, dance and sing! May your hearts burn with sweetness! Never tiring, never grieving! Whatever will be, will be.
How beautiful is youth always fleeing. Refrain: Who would be happy, may he be so: of tomorrow, nothing’s certain.
These nymphs and other people are always happy.
[Refrain]
Who would be happy, let him be so: Of tomorrow, nothing is certain.
Last name search answers: More of Milwaukee’s Italians
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 9
La Befana extends holiday joy to children at ICC annual event
While all that might be left of the recent Christmas celebration for most people are the much larger credit card bills that are now coming due, true Italians know that the joyous part of the holiday season doesn’t end until La Befana makes her annual visit. After delivering gifts to the good children and stockings filled with charcoal to the naughty ones in Italy on Epiphany Eve (Jan. 5), La Befana scurried on her magical red broom to Milwaukee to come to the Italian Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 9. The good-hearted Italian folklore witch still had plenty of nice gifts and good cheer left to deliver to the youngsters who attended the ICC’s 14th annual party. The party, arranged by the ICC’s Avanti Committee, included a kids-tested-mother-approved buffet luncheon and opportunities for the young and old to make their
own ice cream sundaes. Children had chances to creatively decorate Christmas cookies. Many of them displayed outstanding artistic talent! Liz Ceraso and Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie called upon pianist John Puchner to play fun, singalong holiday music and for Anna Pitzo to work out the travel arrangements for La Befana’s trip to Milwaukee. Anna is the only one at the ICC who has a direct line to La Befana. Before La Befana’s arrival, children were asked to put their shoes behind a curtain. Volunteers would later fill their shoes with candy that the legendary Italian witch brought with her. As the youngsters joined Puchner in singing “La Befana is Coming to Town,” the grand old witch made her appearance. She proceeded to tell the children her story of how she initially failed to
recognize the importance of the birth of Jesus, and after realizing her mistake, she could not find her way to Bethlehem where the Christ Child was born. To this day, she pledges to make up for her erroneous ways by delivering gifts to children on Epiphany Eve. After completing her story, La Befana greeted and hugged all the
children. Many parents and grandparents took pictures as their children/grandchildren met La Befana. The children were then directed to the room where the good witch had dropped off their gifts. The end proved to be a fun and heart warming way to end the holiday season. Times photos by Tom Hemman
La Befana greeted each child.
Everyone – young and old – had a chance to make an ice cream sundae.
Every child was given a chance to decorate a Christmas cookie.
PAGE 10 – FEBRUARY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Times photos by Tom Hemman
Children worked on decorating their Christmas cookies. Parents and grandparents were able to offer assistance if needed. Every child was given a nice toy by La Befana. She also had candy for the children. The candy was put in their shoes by volunteers while La Befana spoke to the children. La Befana puts candy in the stockings of young children in Italy.
Children listened attentively as La Befana told her fabled story.
Volunteers joined La Befana for this picture. Left to right: Sam Alioto (kneeling), Francesca Alioto, John Puchner, Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto and Avery Butler. Missing is Liz Ceraso, Avanti Committee chair, and John Alioto, who were unavailable for the photo.
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Children joined pianist John Puchner in a holiday sing-a-long.
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 11
Italian Society and Club News
WisItalia presents $1,000 Fr. Domenic Roscioli speaks about career and work in donations to area schools community at OSIA meeting that teach Italian
Three area schools that offer an Italian curriculum were presented $1,000 checks by WisItalia, the nonprofit organization that promotes the teaching of Italian and the culture of Italy in Wisconsin schools. The presentations were made to Milwaukee’s Victory K-8 School, Kenosha St. Joseph Academy and Racine Bradford High School at WisItalia’s meeting on Jan. 2 at O’Sullivan’s Public House. Accepting the donations on behalf of Victory School were Principal Janine Cano Graber and Italian teacher Enrica Fracchina. Alessio Giudice, an Italian teacher, was presented the check for St. Joseph Academy. Representing Bradford High School for the presentation was Italian teacher Monica Valenti. Others appearing here include WisItalia President Al Rolandi, Tony Bruno and Frank Alfano from Madison’s Italian Workmen’s Club, WisItalia Vice President Carla Guidice and Professor Sandra Pucci. (Photo provided by WisItalia)
The Order of Sons of Italy, Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge #2763, welcomed Father Domenic J. Roscioli as their guest speaker at its December general membership meeting on Dec. 16. Fr. Roscioli captivated both members and guests with an interesting and animated talk about his childhood growing up as an Italian Catholic living in the Kenosha area. He also spoke of his life as a priest and how his battle with cancer affected him and his duties for years until he miraculously went into remission. Many of us remember his uplifting homily at the Festa Italiana Mass, which was very inspirational. Fr. Roscioli spoke on how he met Paul Newman and was given the opportunity to be a part of Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang” camp for children afflicted with cancer. After volunteering at the camp, Fr. Roscioli, with the help of Paul Newman, formed a charity to provide a retreat for young adults with cancer. The program, “Next Step”, is funded by the numerous products he makes for purchase such as “Duck Doo”, which is a fertilizer, various cooking seasonings, pancake and waffle mixes and, most recently, “Holy Spirit” wine. Fr. Roscioli’s benevolence and his enlightening speech were appreciated by all in attendance. The Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge would like to thank Father Roscioli for joining them at the Italian Community Center and for sharing his stories.
He was a delightful addition to the OSIA meeting!
Sal Purpora, longtime owner of Papa Luigi’s, is a member of the ICC and the Pompeii Men’s Club. He is also a member of the Pompeii Men’s Club Board of Directors.
Sal and his wife, Maria, will be honored as the Re and Regina (King and Queen) of the ICC’s Il Grande Carnevale on Saturday, Feb. 6.
Fr. Domenic Roscioli delivered the homily at the Festa Italiana 2015 Mass. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Papa Luigi’s hosts benefit dinner; Pompeii Men help out
Papa Luigi’s sponsored two fivecourse dinners that raised $4,100 for St. Joan Antida High School. The dinners were won by Ann McCormick and Ramesh Kapur of Kapur & Associates at an auction held at the high school. The dinners were served to the auction winners on Nov. 18 and
PAGE 12 – FEBRUARY 2016
Dec. 7 at Papa Luigi’s, 3475 E. Layton Ave., Cudahy. Both dinners received help from members of the Pompeii Men’s Club, who worked as servers. Father Tim Kitzke, chaplain of the Italian Community Center and the Pompeii Men’s Club, attended the dinner on Dec. 7.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian Times Crossword Puzzle No. 9 By Blaise Di Pronio
Discovering and exploring Ustica from page 7
During the Fascist years and until the 1950s, Ustica was used as an island prison. Mussolini banished thousands of political opponents to Ustica, often as many as 1,500 at a time. In the early 1940s, Yugoslav war prisoners were crammed onto the island, and many of them died from malnutrition and tuberculosis. In the 1950s, they were followed by suspected Mafia hoodlums expelled from Sicily. The waters around the island are a marine reserve, famously clear and very popular in the summer with divers and swimmers. In July and August, many Italians and Sicilians come for their summer holidays with aims to relax, socialize, sunbathe and swim. Some come here specifically to dive, and there are several groups which organize diving trips. As such, Ustica is particularly known for scuba diving, with a number of diving schools established on the island. Recreational divers are attracted by the relatively deep dives, which are a feature of the island’s volcanic geology. Popular locations include an underwater archaeological trail. Like other Italian islands, Ustica is surrounded by shipwrecks and their contents: Roman amphorae (vases and jugs), anchors and so on and, of course, plenty of marine life. Boat trips circle the island and its caves, and you can also take a landbound tour on the island’s little orange bus. Coastal footpaths and the bus service circle the island, so it is also unusually accessible for exploration. The bus service runs clockwise and anti-clockwise services around the island, one approximately every hour in April but varying through the year. The full round trip only takes about half an hour and is a great (and cheap) way to see Ustica in its entirety. You’ll pass long rectangular small holdings which are still cultivated, vineyards, olive trees and maybe even the odd horned cow or laden mule used as a beast of burden. We know that every year many of our ICC members travel to Sicily, and they might now want to take a little side trip to Ustica and discover and explore its many offerings and adventures. Buon viaggio! * * * Researched by Bill Dickinson through wikipedia.org and italyheaven.co.uk
Feeding finale
Solved crossword puzzle will appear in our March 2016 issue.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 13
Crossword Puzzle No. 8: Answers with explanations and comments
by Blaise Di Pronio Across 2. Latin – Was Spoken at the Roman Forum-in Rome. 5. Elephant – The best keys come from their teeth. 8. Heart – May it never skip a beat. 10. Damore – Rick. His band is now the oldie but goodie. 11. Libretto – The diminutive of ‘libro’ or book. 13. Vikings – Discovered America and not football. 15. Equator – It’s latitude is 0 degrees, not the air. 17. Organ – Mostly replaced by guitars nowdays. 18. Bisesi – Laurie. ICC’s Business Manager. 19. Dues – Without them, extinction. 21. Lambeau – How do you say sheep in French? 22. Gelato – a.ka. ice cream. 23. Placido – Domingo. Spanish tenor but Italian songs. 27. Boxing – With kudos to
Graziano, not Stallone. 28. Masons – Their lodge was ICC’s second home. Down 1. Member – You need to pay to play. 2. La Scala – ICC’s restaurant and Milan’s opera house. 3. Opera – After the fat lady sings. 4. Stiletto – Thin, long knife and/or
shoe heel. 6. Garlic – Of bad breath fame. 7. Galileo – Galilei. He found what goes around. 9. Pizza – Nothing like franchise food, thank heavens! 12. Italian – My gosh, did you expect Polish? 14. Sicilia – Just about everybody at ICC is rooted there. 16. Reuben – a.k.a. as torpedo or its
launching submarine. 18. Box – He springs loose when wound up. 20. Roots – The wrong kind of genealogy. 24. Doowop – Daddies. Name droppers. 25. Wine – Does anyone remember cellars? 26. Camel – They come in ones or twos?
Italian Times Crossword Puzzle No. 8 solved By Blaise Di Pronio
Expo Elettronica set for Feb. 13-14 in Carrara, Italy
Expo Elettronica will be held the weekend of Feb. 13-14 at the CarraraFire Exhibition Centre in Carrara (Tuscany), Italy. This event showcases the latest in audio/visual equipment, music equipment and software, televisions, electronic accessories, desktop computers, monitors, home appliances, air conditioners, air purifiers, household steamers, coffee makers and much more. Nearly all of Italy’s major electronics and electrical goods manufacturers are expected to participate in the expo.
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www.italianconference.com PAGE 14 – FEBRUARY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Italian population in Milwaukee in 1910
Reprinted from “The Italians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin general survey” by G. La Piana I915 (Copyright free) According to the U. S. census for the year 1910, the Italian population of Milwaukee numbered at that time 4,685, of which 3,554 were born in Italy and 1,131 were born in America. The increase of the colony has been constant in these last five years, therefore, including the large floating element of single men, the present population of the colony can be estimated at about 9,000. The majority of the Italians live in the Third Ward, in the district enclosed by Michigan Street, Broadway, the river and the lake. Most of them originally came from
Sicily. Some of them (nearly all Sicilians), have recently moved northward, to the point where Milwaukee, Jefferson, Jackson and Van Buren Streets open into North Water Street, bordering the river. Another little settlement is on the South Side, in Bay View, composed principally of Italians from Central and Southern Italy. Many others are scattered through the city, and most of them are from Tuscany or from other northern provinces of the Italian Kingdom. The first of the settlement came over about 20 years ago, the nucleus being a group of Sicilians from the province of Palermo, who came here from the colony of Chicago, and settled among the Irish in the Third Ward. Little by little, the Italians took the place of the Irish who left this part of the district,
which is now almost entirely Italian. Among the Sicilians there are three distinct groups; the first, which is oldest and largest, is formed by natives of the Province of Palermo, the greater part from the villages towns scattered along the coast from Palermo to Termini, as Porticello, Santa Flavia, Sant’Elia, Aspra, Bagheria and so on. A second group comparatively large, comes from the Province of Messina, especially from the towns and villages along the coast from Tusa to Milazzo; as Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sant’Agata di Militello, Naso, (Capo d’Orlando, and Milazzo. A third group is composed of natives from the Province of Trapani and from the little island
of Marettimo. There are a few from the Province of Girgenti, and a very small number from the Province of Siracusa. The Italians from the provinces of Southern and Central Italy, came chiefly from the Puglia (Provinces of Bari, Foggia) Abbruzzi, (Prov. Chieti and Aquila), and Campania (Prov. Naples, Salerno and Avelline). The group of Tuscans came almost entirely from the country between Florence and Pisa. According to their places of origin, the Italian population of Milwaukee would be divided as follows: • Sicilians – 65 percent. • From South Italy – 20 percent. • From Central and North Italy – 15 percent.
Agrigento, Sicily still reflects its early Greek influence
Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily’s southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 B.C. by a group of colonists from Gela, who themselves were the immediate descendants of Greeks from Rhodes and Crete. The area was inhabited much earlier than the Akragas settlement. A female skull (that of the “girl of Mandrascava”) found near Cannatello is estimated to be a half a million years old. A Mesolithic village at Point Bianca, farther down the coast toward Montechiaro Castle, dates from 6000 B.C. The Sicanians may have descended from that civilization. Akragas was renamed Agrigentum by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Arabs, only to be christened Agrigento in 1927. The province still reflects the influences of its early inhabitants. Greatly enlarged by Berbers beginning in the 9th century, the medieval city of Agrigento, and the capital of the province bearing the same name, has a certain charm. High in the historical center of the city, the Romanesque Gothic cathedral, built during the 14th century, still displays some of its medieval character, as does the 13th-century Church of San Nicola (St Nicholas). Unfortunately, the Saracen fortress believed to have stood at Agrigento has not stood the test of time. The Greek temples, theatres and ruins, and even the archaeological museums, are located outside the city proper. Akragas, named for the nearby river, flourished under Phalaris (570-554 B.C.), and developed further under Theron (488-471 B.C.), whose troops participated in the Battle of Himera in 480 B.C., defeating the Carthaginians. Agrigento was destroyed several times during the Punic Wars, suffering particularly extensive damage during a siege by Roman forces in 261 B.C., but always rebuilt. The Greek poet Pindar (518-438 B.C.) described Akragas as “the most beautiful city of the mortals.” Akragas’ most famous citizen was the philosopher and scientist Empedocles (490-430 B.C.). In the Valley of the Temples are the ruins of numerous temples but
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The almond blossom festival held in February is a spectacular event full of folklore. The ruins of a Roman villa are located at an archeological site a few kilometers up the coast from Porto Empedocle. Though Porto Empedocle itself is today little more than a typical small shipping town, there is a nice beach nearby. The birthplace of Luigi Pirandello (1867-1937), a Nobel prize-winning author, is located in the tiny hamlet of Caos, where his house is a museum. The best times to visit Agrigento are during the spring or autumn when the fields are green and the wildflowers are blossoming.
The Temple of Juno
also necropoli, houses, streets and everything else one would expect to find in an ancient city. There is a small amphitheatre, as well as several auditoria, and a fine archeological museum. Unfortunately, most of the temples at Agrigento are in ruins, with pieces strewn about, and several appear to have never even been completed. Part of the Temple of Hera (Juno), built around 450 B.C., is still intact. Its style has been compared to that of the temples at Paestum, near Salerno. The Temple of Concord (named retroactively), built around 440 B.C., is in far better condition, and at night the illuminated temple is a sight to behold. A number of telamons (large segmented stone columns in the form of human figures) have been preserved. Ancient Agrigento’s importance declined under the Byzantines and Saracens, who encouraged settlement of the medieval city (presentday Agrigento) several kilometers from the Valley of the Temples. The Normans, however, recognized its importance. Under Norman rule, beautiful churches were constructed in and around the city. The ancient city’s architectural character seems more Greek than
Roman. What’s missing are the thin, reddish bricks so typical of Roman sites like those in Solunto and Taormina. Despite its location virtually in the shadow of a modern city, the Valley of the Temples is surrounded by olive groves and almond orchards that render its ambience altogether natural, though a number of illegally-built houses mar the landscape.
Agrigento festival The 70th annual celebration of “Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Festival of the Almond Blossom) is held Feb. 1-15 in Agrigento. The event is combined with an international folklore festival and features music, singing, parades, puppet shows and open-air performances. Traditional Sicilian sweets made with almonds and almond paste are sold. Balconies are decorated with flowers and people often wear colorful costumes. The finale includes a Sicilian cart parade and fireworks.
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FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 15
La Pagina Italiana Le origini del Carnevale
Di Donato Di Pronio La Quaresima (da quadragesimus, il quarantesimo giorno prima di Pasqua), nella liturgia della Chiesa Cattolica è un periodo penitenziale di quaranta giorni in preparazione alla Pasqua; inizia il Mercoledì delle Ceneri e si prolunga per sei settimane. Le celebrazioni religiose che si tengono in detto giorno sono caratterizzate
dall’imposizione, da parte del Sacerdote, sulla fronte dei fedeli di un pizzico della cenere ricavata dalla bruciatura dei rami d’ulivo e delle palme benedetti durante le funzioni della Domenica delle Palme dell’anno precedente pronunciando il monito: memento, homo, quia pulvis es et in polverem revertèris (ricordati, uomo, che polvere sei e polvere ritornerai).
Ricordi di Carnevale
di Donato Di Pronio Permettetemi di ricordare un carnevale di tanti anni fa quando ero un ragazzetto. Un gruppo di buontemponi prepararono un pupazzo riempito di paglia che chiamarono ‘Re Carnevale’; sistematolo a cavallo di un asinello, lo portarono in giro per il paesino. A mezzanotte fu bruciato in piazza tra schiamazzi, risate, balli e canti. A questo punto spuntò una signora goffamente vestita e porse al capo compagnia un pitale colmo di maccheroni. Il quale capo li fece fuori arrangiandosi con le sole mani, mentre una graziosa donzella gli porgeva un barattolo colmo di vino. Le risate e gli strilli svegliarono … anche le stelle! Nelle prime ore della serata, avevo partecipato ad un giuoco, tipico di questo periodo, riservato ai piccoli: ‘l’Uovo Appeso’. Un uovo lesso, privo del guscio, ben fissato con filo cucirino, veniva “appeso” alla cappa del camino. A lato gli si faceva penzolare, minaccioso, un carboncino rovente conficcato ad un ago mantenuto anch’esso da filo. A turno si
tentava di afferrare l’invitante uovo con la sola bocca cercando di non scottarsi, il che era quasi impossibile perché gli astanti soffiavano sul carboncino facendolo dondolare intorno alla “preda”. Già dopo i primi assalti, i “contendenti” erano tutti rossi in viso per l’eccitazione e per il calore che il focolaio irradiava addosso. Felici e rumorosi. Le nonne, vigilanti (il fuoco era pur sempre un pericolo), se la godevano come spensierate bambine. Nelle serate precedenti avevo partecipato a quest’altro passatempo: un soldo era stato poggiato sul fondo rigirato di una grossa padella. Se volevi far tua quella monetina, dovevi spingerla con la punta del naso sino a farla cadere. Operazione, questa, quasi impossibile: la monetina era come incollata sullo strato di appiccicosa fuliggine che si deposita nel corso degli anni intorno alla padella. Poveri nasini, e povera nonna che poi ebbe un bel da fare per … sgrassarci nasi e gote.
Indovinelli
1. Anche se non serve a nulla ed è anzi fastidioso, senza questa cosa l’automobile non si muove, che cos’è?
2. Posso essere fatto, scoperto o frutto. Cosa sono?
3. Qual è l’uccello che vola più in alto della montagna più alta? 4. Puoi tagliarmi la testa con il coltello, ma piangerai per me, quando sarò morta. Chi sono?
5. Ho le radici al di sopra del tronco, cresco in inverno e muoio in estate. Che cosa sono?
6. Se mi spezzi continuerò a funzionare, ma se mi prendi resterò per sempre con te. Chi sono?
7. Sono più leggero del materiale di cui sono fatto e potete vedere solo la mia parte superiore, che cosa sono? Risposte – pagina 17
Proverbi in Rima compilati da Donato Di Pronio
In tempi felici non mancan mai amici.
Chi ha male al dito, sempre lo mira; – chi ha mal marito sempre sospira. Anche l’uomo più giusto e buono - ha bisogno di qualche perdono. Donna che resiste all’oro – vale più di un gran tesoro. Chi non è mai contento con le mani stringe il vento. Bere acqua di mattina – è una buona medicina.
Vedova ricca, con un occhio piange e con l’altro ammicca. Mogli e mariti - carezzze e liti.
Quando gli uccelli volano basso – se non hai l’ombrello allunga il passo.
A confessore, medico e avvocato – non tenere il vero celato.
Donna e fuoco – giocaci poco.
La concordia tra molti fratelli – val più che fortezze e castelli. Il tribunale non piace – a chi vuole stare in pace.
PAGINA 16 – FEBBRAIO 2016
Il Carnevale non ha ricorrenza fissa essendo collegato con la Pasqua, festa mobile che può cadere dal 22 Marzo al 25 Aprile. La parola ‘carnevale’ viene derivata dalla locuzione carne-levare, togliere, riferito al giorno di mercoledì, inizio della Quaresima, in cui si levava, si “sospendeva” il consumo della carne; le prime testimonianze sull’uso di questa parola si trovano in scritti della fine del 1200. Le manifestazioni carnevalesche traggono origine da festeggiamenti molto antichi in onore di varie divinità, tra i quali quelli dell’antica Roma in onore del dio Saturno (detti Saturnalia, Saturnali)che si svolgevano tra il 17 e il 23 Dicembre in coincidenza con il solstizio d’inverno che cade il 21 Dicembre. Le feste avevano per lo più carattere licenzioso e orgiastico e durante il loro svolgimento erano permesse violazioni di divieti, concesse molte libertà anche agli schiavi: lo schiavo era promosso padrone, il padrone serviva lo schiavo, ecc.. Saturno (dal latino sèrere, seminare) è nella mitologia Romana il dio che, spodestato dal figlio Giove, dopo aver girovagato approdò in Italia e si fermò nel Lazio. Era considerato protettore
dell’agricoltura e del civile benessere. I festeggiamenti carnevaleschi nel corso dei secoli si sono estesi in tutto il mondo e vengono promossi anche da Enti turistici, da Comuni, Associazioni, ecc., con la partecipazione di piccoli e grandi vestiti nel modo il più stravagante possibile e, spesso, poco serio; sfilate di carri allegorici, cortei folcloristici, balli e divertimenti in allegra e spensierata compagnia: sono giorni di spasso e di baldorie; le maschere la fanno da padrone (attenti al detto: di carnevale ogni scherzo vale). Famosi sono i Carnevali di Viareggio, di Venezia, di Francavilla al Mare, Centro Italiano di Milwaukee, ecc. ecc.
Festa della Madonna del Lume 2015
di Maria Concetta Sanfilippo La festa di Porticello quest’anno è caduta il 4 ottobre (prima domenica del mese) e come ogni anno, è stata molto sentita dai porticellesi specialmente dai pescatori. L’aspetto religioso ha la priorità su tutto: messe solenni, discesa del quadro dall’altare, processione e salita del quadro. Momento emozionante è la discesa del quadro che avviene il lunedi alle ore 15.00; il quadro di Maria scivola di mano in mano fino ad arrivare nella Vara per essere portata in processione che dura da 5 a 6 ore. La gente accorre da quasi tutta la Sicila e per l’occasione ogni anno arrivano tanti porticellesi emigrati in America, soprattutto da Milwaukee. La Madonna viene trasportata per le vie del paese dai pescatori che fanno a gara per mettersi sotto la vara. La profonda devozione per Maria raggiunge il culmine nei momenti di preghiera e soprattutto al grido “ma ch’è beddu stu anciluni, viva a Maronna ru Lumi viva” e tutti si accalcano verso la vara per toccare il quadro , molti fanno tutta la processione a piedi scalzi per grazie ottenute da Maria. E’ usanza che la domenica successiva (ottavo giorno) la vara venga portata in processione via mare fino a raggiungere la piccola cappella di Capo Zafferano mentre contemporaneamente un’altra processione raggiunge lo stesso posto via terra. Nel momento in cui le due processioni arrivano davanti alla cappellina, vengono sparati, via mare, i giochi d’artificio. E’ spettacolare vedere avanzare
quasi tutte le barche del porto in processione verso capo zafferano mentre seguono l’imbarcazione in cui si trova il quadro di Maria SS.Del Lume. Al rientro la vara viene riportata in chiesa e il quadro viene rimesso sull’altare passando attraverso le mani tese dei fedeli. L’aspetto festaiolo ha pure la sua importanza; il paese si riempie di gente, per assistere agli spettacolari giochi d’artificio. E’ stata particolarmente bella l’illuminazione del paese e del piano stenditore e non mancano mai i tirrunari e i caliari. E’ caratteristico il gioco dell’antenna che consiste nel fare percorrere ,ai partecipanti, un lungo remo reso scivoloso dal sapone e disposto parallelamente all’acqua del mare e riuscire a raggiungere l’altra estremità senza scivolare. Anticamente c’era il gioco delle pignatelle: delle pentole di creta contenenti qualsiasi cosa (topi, soldi, acqua gelata, noci, mandorle e altre cose schifose) venivano appese a delle corde e i partecipanti dovevano batterle con un Bastone accettando qualunque cosa gli cadesse addosso.Quest’anno la festa è andata bene, speriamo ancora meglio l’anno prossimo. * * * Editor’s note: Ms. Sanfilippo is a resident of the “little port” town of Porticello (Sicily), the birthplace of many of our immigrant members, quite a few of whom are related to her. Maria Concetta’s maiden last name is D’Amato. We hope to receive future articles from her regarding the goings on in the old town. Grazie a lei.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Cosa c’è? What’s the matter?
2. Vale la pena. It’s worth the trouble.
3. A tavola! Time to eat! Supper’s ready! (Lit.- To the table).
Citazioni citabile
I briganti ti chiedono: o la borsa o la vita; le mogli pretendono tutte e due. (S. Butler, scrittore Inglese, 1835-1902). * * * Tre cose ci sono al mondo, diceva il saggio Socrate, che cacciano l’uomo e lo fanno uscire di casa: il fuoco, il fumo e una cattiva moglie. (F. Folengo, poeta Italiano, 1491-1544). * * * Fare il marito è un lavoro a tempo pieno. (A. Bennet, scrittore Inglese, 1867-1931). * * * Così sono le donne: prima di sposarlo, vogliono che il marito sia un genio. Quando l’hanno sposato, che sia un babbeo.(A: Campanile, scrittore Italiano, 1900-77).
4. Sono sazio. I’m full.
5. Adesso scoppio. I’m so full. (Lit.-That I’m now going to explode).
6. Abbuffarsi. To pig out. (Lit.- To stuff one’s self).
7. Essere sciupato. To have gotten skinnier (Lit.- To be wasting away). 8. Sto a dieta. I’m on a diet.
9. E’ una buona forchetta. He’s a hearty eater.(Lit.- He’s a great fork).
10. Mi fa venire l’acquolina in bocca. It makes my mouth water.
Risposte
1. Il rumore. 2. Uno scherzo! 3. Tutti gli uccelli, dato che le montagne non volano. 4. La cipolla. 5. Un ghiacciolo. 6. Il cuore. 7. Un iceberg.
A message from Principal Janine Graber:
Enroll in Victory K8 Milwaukee Italian Immersion School for 2016-2017
If you would like your child or grandchild to learn Italian in a full immersion setting, sign up for Victory K8 Milwaukee Italian Immersion School. Starting Jan. 30, 2016 enrollment opens for the 2016-2017 school year. We are accepting applications for incoming all day K4/K5 and First Grade students. Your child must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2016. We are a public school,
with free city wide transportation and no tuition. Schedule a tour and discover a strong expanding Italian Immersion program,
Please contact me, Principal Janine Cano Graber, at 414-3046705 or send an email to graberjf @ milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Secure your seat. Enroll today!
– Janine Graber Victory K8 Principal
Report from Milwaukee’s Victory K-8 Italian Immersion School
Felice Anno Nuovo to all The Italian Times readers from all the students at Victory Italian Immersion School. This month’s report is a short one. In mid December, Victory School organized a PBIS (Positive Behavior Incentive System) bowling field trip, and Maestra Annette Robertson’s class attended with great enthusiasm. Although many of students had never bowled before, they were able to lift the lightest bowling balls and utilize the finger holes. The lanes had side rails so that the balls stayed in the lane and most students scored well. At Centers (organized play time), students enjoy constructing castles and other imaginative structures. On Jan.6, La Befana (Lily Befana) visited Victory School. She brought
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treats for all of the Italian students, The K4 students were excited to meet her as they had heard so many stories about her life and positive impact on the children in Italy. Victory K8 is pleased to announce that next fall, there will be two K4 Italian Immersion classes, K5 Immersion class and first grade immersion class. There will be partial Italian immersions in second through fifth grade and a daily Italian class for the sixth through eighth graders.
There will be reports from K5 through 5th Grade in the next issue of The Italian Times. Stay tuned and Happy New Year. – Submitted by Annette Robertson K4 Italian Immersion teacher
Barzellette
1. Come si chiama il frate con le gambe storte? Fra Parentesi. 2. “Dottore dottore non mi crede nessuno.” Ed il dottore: “Sta scherzando??”
3. Io a lui: “Tua moglie mi ha raccontato una barzelletta così divertente che per poco non cadevo dal letto.” 4. Se ti fischia un orecchio e’ male, ma se ti applaude e’ peggio. 5. “Perche’ i pesci hanno le spine?” “Perche’ nel mare c’e’ la corrente”.
6. Mio fratello e sua moglie hanno vissuto felici per 20 anni. Poi si sono incontrati! 7. Al ristorante: “Cameriere, mi dia del maiale”. “Porco!”. 8. Un amico incontra Lazzaro per la strada. “ Ma come Lazzaro? Non eri morto?” “Lascia perdere, sono vivo per miracolo!”
9. La moglie al marito: “Sai, e’ un po’ di tempo che mi frulla un’idea per la testa”. Il marito: “Non ti preoccupare, vedrai che presto o tardi morira’ di solitudine”.
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
Italian Conference Center at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee A block west of Summerfest
Interested in advertising in The Italian Times? Get the scoop on ad sizes and costs by calling 414-223-2189 or send an email to themman@italiancc.org.
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 FOR JUST $8.95/PERSON!
Monday 7 Mexican • Tuesday 7 Pasta • Wednesday 7 Southern BBQ; Thursday 7 Italian; Friday 7 Fish Fry
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 FEBBRAIO 2016 – PAGINA 17
PAGE 18 – FEBRUARY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Tony Busalacchi celebrating 25th anniversary with international fraternal organization
What does Anthony S. Busalacchi have in common with Garibaldi, Mazzini, Ernest Borgnine, Fiorello LaGuardia and Puccini? Yes, they are all Italian, but they were also Freemasons. This year, Tony is celebrating his silver anniversary as a Master Mason, Shriner, 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite. He and his wife, Pat, are life members of the Order of Eastern Star. He is especially proud to be a member of a fraternity whose American roots go back to George Washington, Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin. Tony has been Master of the Silver Spring Lodge #337 (now the George Washington 1776 Lodge) and president of its Trustees and its Foundation. He was also on the board of the Scottish Rite Center for Dyslexia and is an honorary member of the Port Washington Lodge. Tony has been a guest speaker at numerous Masonic functions, including making several presentations for the Aurora Lodge, the only Germanspeaking Lodge in Wisconsin. He has also served as the State Representative to the George Washington Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. For the last several years he has been the Deputy Director of Masonic Services at the Clement Zablocki V.A. Hospital. On most Thursday mornings, you will find him at the east entrance of the hospital greeting patients, staff and visitors. Often you can hear, “It must be Thursday. Tony is here.” In his world travels, he has met brother Freemasons who are usually
recognizable by their Masonic ring or lapel pin. The square and compasses symbol refers to the origin of the fraternity in the days of the medieval stone masons. Tony was weaned on opera; his sister Josephine was an opera singer. With this background it is only natural that one of his favorite musical compositions is the opera “The Magic Flute,” written by another Freemason, Mozart, who also wrote numerous pieces for Masonic ceremonies. Tony said he believes that the two most significant aspects of Masonry are the camaraderie with fellow members, but more significantly, its philanthropy, notably the Shriners Childrens’ Hospitals.
93rd birthdays of Joe Mangiamele and Joe Panella celebrated
During a lunchtime gathering at Cafe La Scala on Jan. 6, the 93rd birthdays of Joe Panella, a past president of the Italian Community Center, and Joe Mangiamele, a former professor and director of university planning and development
at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, were celebrated. The two Joes are part of a group of elderly Italian men who get together every Wednesday afternoon for lunch at the restaurant. Joe Panella is in the middle of the five
Commitment 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 2-year 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
THE ITALIAN TIMES
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.
men who are seated. Joe Mangiamele is fourth from the left among the men standing. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Tony Busalacchi
Notify ICC of change of address
Any member of the Italian Community Center who has a change of address is asked to notify the ICC promptly so that mailings from the Center are sent to the correct address. Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulk rates to mail The Italian Times, the United States Postal Service is entitled to charge a fee (57¢) for each newspaper that is returned to the ICC and deemed undeliverable due to an incorrect address. Even if you are temporarily away from your permanent residence and are not receiving mail at that address, you need to notify the ICC of your temporary address so that your newspaper can be delivered to that address and so that the ICC is not charged 57¢ for each failed attempt to deliver the publication to your permanent residence. Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not forwarded to a new address, which means those members who neglect to inform the ICC of their change of address will not receive the newspaper. Please send change of address information to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 or email Constance Jones at cjones@italianconference.com or call her at 414/223-2808.
Welcome new Italian Community Center members! The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between December 9, 2015 through January 11, 2016. Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Jennifer Grudy of Milwaukee, WI Gary Lisiecki of Greenfield, WI
Aaron Lucente of Milwaukee, WI Daniel Branski of Grafton, WI
Donna Kurth of Greendale, WI
Maureen Phelps of Franklin, WI
Bonnie Borowski of Franklin, WI
FEBRUARY 2016 – PAGE 19
Mike Piazza elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame
By Lawrence Baldassaro On July 24, Mike Piazza will become the 13th Italian American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He will go into the Cooperstown shrine alongside former outfielder, Ken Griffey, Jr., the only other candidate selected in January by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Acknowledged as the greatest offensive catcher in baseball history, in his 16-year career (19922007), mainly with the Dodgers and Mets, Piazza hit 427 home runs (including a record 396 as a catcher), had a lifetime average of .308, drove in 1,335 runs (fourth all-time among catchers) and was a 12-time All-Star, ten times the starting catcher. Michael Joseph Piazza was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 4, 1968. His grandfather, Rosario, had emigrated from Sciacca, Sicily, and his grandmother Elisabetta’s family was from Naples. “My grandfather took a lot of criticism for marrying a ‘foreigner,’” Piazza told me with a smile. If there were an award for the athlete most unlikely to rise from obscurity to stardom, Piazza would win hands down. In the 1988 amateur draft, he was not chosen until the 62nd round. Even though he was the MVP in both his high school and American Legion leagues, scouts ignored him, as they did after two lackluster years of college ball. Finally, thanks to a request by manager Tommy Lasorda, a friend of Piazza’s father, the Dodgers drafted him, after 1,389 other players had been selected. Piazza himself may not have pursued the dream had it not been for his father. “My dad bought me a batting cage and pitching machine when I was 11. Times when I didn’t want to practice, he kind of forced me to go out there. He knew that I
had talent and, looking back now, I have to thank him for being very stern and making me practice. Even if I had never made it in baseball, it taught me responsibility and discipline.” Piazza initially struggled in the minors but persevered. By 1992, he had become the Dodgers’ Minor League Player of the Year. The next year, the 24-year-old catcher made the first of 10 consecutive AllStar appearances and was the unanimous choice as National League Rookie of the Year. At 6’ 3” and 200 pounds, the right-handed-hitting catcher generated great bat speed that enabled him to launch prodigious home runs. But he was also one of those rare sluggers who hit for average. His best overall offensive performance came in 1997, when, in addition to hitting 40 home runs and driving in 124 runs, he had a career-high average of .362, the highest in Los Angeles Dodgers history. It was assumed that Piazza, a Dodgers legend after five outstanding seasons, would be wearing Dodgers blue for his entire career. But in 1998, the team suddenly traded him to the Florida Marlins following a contract dispute. A week later, the cash-strapped Marlins traded him to the New York Mets, who, at the end of the 1998 season, gave the one-time draft afterthought a franchise record seven-year deal worth $91 million. On Sept. 21, 2001, in the first professional sporting event in New York after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Piazza hit an eighthinning, two-run game-winning homer against the Atlanta Braves. It was a cathartic moment for not only the 41,235 fans in attendance but for the entire city. (Piazza donated his $68,000 game check to the post 9/11 relief efforts.) When
Shea Stadium closed for good in September 2008, fans voted Piazza’s home run the second most memorable moment in the stadium’s history. Asked what he learned in overcoming the early doubts about his ability to play the game, Piazza said, “I just want to relay to people that you don’t have to be the most highly regarded athlete, or highly regarded student. You might have to work twice as hard as the next guy, but I find pleasure in that because the work keeps you grounded and makes you more able to deal with anything that comes your way.” Piazza is aware of his place in baseball history but seems humbled by it. “Being of Italian descent and knowing how people, especially other Italian Americans, respond to that, is very flattering,” he said. “Obviously, there are a lot of predecessors who have a great tradition and have contributed a lot to baseball. “With what Joe DiMaggio stood for, it’s almost impossible to measure up to that as far as talent and legacy. I think Italian Americans are ever searching for the next Joe DiMaggio. I can only say I’m very much inspired by DiMaggio, and if people put me in that category, it’s very flattering.” For all his accomplishments, not to mention his on-field swagger, in person Mike Piazza was anything but arrogant. I had the chance to speak with him on several occasions as I researched my book, Beyond DiMaggio, and he was unfailingly courteous, articulate and surprisingly humble. Perhaps what most impressed me was his attachment to his ethnic heritage, unusual among younger athletes. At the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, which brought together teams representing 16 different countries, Piazza was the
Mike Piazza (right) is seen here with Ken Griffey, Jr., the two players selected for the 2016 induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Milwaukee Brewers)
PAGE 20 – FEBRUARY 2016
Mike Piazza will enter Baseball’s Hall of Fame on July 24. Here is a photo of him batting when he played for the New York Mets. Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Milwaukee Brewers.
marquee player on the Italian national team (which included both Italian American major and minor leaguers as well as five players from the Italian professional league.) Serving as the interpreter for Team Italy, I noticed that Piazza treated the Italian players on the team, who obviously idolized him, as if they were his peers. His total commitment to the team made it clear that he was there because of an awareness of, and loyalty to, his Italian American heritage. He was playing for the pride of representing the country where his ancestors were born. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” he told me at the time. “It’s important to reconnect with your roots.” In 2002, Piazza made his first trip to Italy, where, as part of Major League Baseball’s effort to internationalize the game, he conducted clinics for young Italian players. “I went to Rome for a few days, and that whet my appetite to go back,” he said. “I’ve been back several times since. I’ve always looked for a bridge between the Italians who stayed and the people who migrated here. We grew up in the United States, and we love this country, but we’re very proud of our ancestry, the fact that Italy is a country of historical tradition. That’s what I find fascinating.” Piazza and his wife, Alicia, live in Miami Beach with their two daughters, Nicoletta and Paulina. He continues to work with the Italian national team, traveling to Italy annually to serve as a consultant and hitting coach. It has also been reported that he has expressed interest in purchasing the Italian soccer club Parma. * * * Editor’s note: All quotations are from personal interviews with Mike Piazza. Segments of this article are excerpted from Beyond DiMaggio. Lawrence Baldassaro, Professor Emeritus of Italian at UWMilwaukee, is the author of Beyond DiMaggio: Italian Americans in Baseball (U. of Nebraska Press, 2011).
THE ITALIAN TIMES