ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com FEBRUARY 2017 • VOL. 38, NO. 8
NON-PROFIT PRESORT US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI Permit No. 5716
Become a member of the Italian Community Center and you will receive home delivery of this publication. Your address label will placed here.
– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –
Tradition, pageantry and merrymaking will blend for the perfect ‘hat trick’ as the ICC celebrates its 38th Carnevale on Feb. 25
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Carnevale has been extravagantly celebrated in Venice since 1268. While the Venetian Carnevale is, no doubt, the most famous in Italy, other cities have gotten into the act, too. Most notable are the festivities that place in the Italian cities of Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Gambettola, Satriano and Acireale. In some instances, the celebration lasts one day, while some go on for a month or more. Regardless of the duration of the festivity, each Italian Carnevale is focused on a celebration of tradition (local, religious and/or historical), colorful pageantry and lots of merrymaking. The committee that is organizing the Italian Community Center’s 38th annual “Il Grande Carnevale” on Saturday, Feb. 25 is planning to draw upon each of these elements to create a fun-filled and memorable experience for all. Everyone reading this article is invited to attend this one-of-a-kind event, starting at 5:11 p.m. with a cocktail reception (cash bar). The committee suggests that you come with a costume, a mask or a hat. After all, isn’t that what Carnevale is all about? In Italy, everyone wears a costume or a mask when celebrating Carnevale. Many fun-loving people adorn themselves with a specially decorated hat to complete their costume. Now, combine that element of
the festivities with a sumptuous dinner, danceable music for all ages, a coronation of a Royal Court, a parade featuring the royalty and everyone in costumes, masks or hats, booming Bartolotta fireworks, a tantalizing sweet table and the awarding of prizes for the best costume, mask and hat. What do you have? Your answer should be a truly remarkable evening. In fact, in the end, you might want to say: “Hats off to Il Grande Carnevale.” Incidentally, “Hats Off to Il Grande Carnevale” is this year’s theme. Get into the spirit of Carnevale, bring along a costume, a mask, a hat, or any combination of the three to wear. It will unquestionably add to the spectacle and intent of the event. Even if you’re not one who likes to dress up like that, Carnevale – the ICC’s social event of the year – is worth experiencing. Come for the celebration of Italian tradition, the camaraderie, sightseeing, dancing, food and fireworks.
Royalty No Carnevale would be complete without the coronation of a Royal Court. The committee, chaired by Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis, has selected these individuals to comprise the 2017 Royalty: • Tim and Margie (Purpero) Kezman as Il Re e La Regina (The King and the Queen). • Peter and Janice Carini as Il
By Bill Dickinson
Societies, clubs and La Befana comes bearing organizations that utilize gifts for children at ICC the ICC invited to special meeting on Feb. 9 Please turn to page 5
La Befana, the Epiphany witch of Italian folklore, made her annual trek to the Italian Community Center to meet and greet the children and grandchildren of members on Jan. 7 She came bearing gifts for all the good children. If she had gotten word that any of the children had been naughty, she would have brought along stockings filled with coal for them. That, however, would not be the case, as the Avanti Committee, which organized the event, reported to La Befana that all of the children had been good. In the left photo, La Befana is seen with Gianna. In the right, Monica shows us the gift she received. Look for a story and more photos on page 8. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Italian Community Center President Dean Cannestra and the Board of Directors are inviting and welcoming all societies, clubs and social/religious organizations that frequent and/or utilize the ICC for their meetings, gatherings and functions to join them at a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to renew our friendships or make new ones. It will also serve as a reminder that we are one ItalianAmerican community and the ICC belongs to all of us. The continued participation of the societies and groups with the Center is very important and vital to its future. It is understandable that because of the changes being made with the business end of the ICC, everyone is concerned about how they affect the members and the societies. At the meeting, all concerns and questions pertaining to the continued future use of ICC facilities by all will be addressed and discussed.
Therefore, it is urged and requested that representatives of all groups attend the meeting in order to participate in the decision making process. Your input is very important and needed. So we hope to see you there. – Submitted by Director Blaise Di Pronio on behalf of the ICC Board
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
President’s message page 2 Taste of Italy update page 2 St. Joseph’s Day luncheon set for Mar. 17 page 3 Meet the Royalty pages 6 & 7 La Befana visits page 8 OSIA invites guests to Fr. Rosciolo-Dino Black book presentation page 9 Glorioso’s announces plan for former market page 9 Tony Crivello playing Coach Al McGuire page 11
A message from Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center President
As this new year begins, so does a new era at our Community Center. The partnership with the Bartolotta group will be an exciting experience for our organization. The combination of their management team and the experience of many of our Conference Center employees has provided a relatively smooth transition. We can look forward to some culinary changes in the catering department and an introduction of a new menu in the restaurant. A redecoration of the banquet areas, bathrooms and hallways will begin in the summer. The sales department has been busy working to maintain our longtime clients and actively booking many new events. The financial future for our organi-
zation is bright. The main focus right now will be on members and societies as we adjust to this new relationship. It is our mission and that of Bartolotta to ensure that we maintain the privileges of membership and the pride of ownership of the Community Center. To help to ensure the success of our organization this year, I’m asking all of our members to renew their membership. Show your support and belief in the good our ICC is doing. If you know people who might be interested in becoming members, ask them to join. We want to see our membership grow and include more young people to help us guarantee our future. You can also attend our upcom-
by Ann Romano Taste of Italy Chair Celebrate your love of Italian food at the Italian Community Center’s 22nd annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. As it has been since the very beginning, both admission and parking will be free. All food items – except for 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 continues to be an affordable family event that won’t require you to break the bank to enjoy an abundance of delicious Italian hot and cold food as well as desserts. This is only possible through the donations of food and money from our societies, members and vendors. “A Taste of Italy” is also the only event where all stands are operated by volunteers from the ICC membership and the members of the various Italian societies.
By the end of January, all of the societies, organizations and clubs, past presidents of the ICC, vendors and individuals should have received a letter asking them to generously support this 22nd annual Taste of Italy. I am happy to report that some donations have already been made. Entree items, sandwiches, soup and salads will be available in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom and desserts will be sold in the Festa Ballroom. We are working diligently on prizes for a raffle and will announce them next month. Raffle tickets will be $2 each or seven for $10. Ann Zambito and Bill and Karen Dickinson are in charge of the raffle this year. I can tell you that we will have a beautiful jewelry prize, compliments of Ted Glorioso and Glorioso’s Gold Imports & Diamond Center. Tony Zingale is returning as the chair of volunteer food tickets. All volunteers will receive a book of tickets, good for various food items and beverages, in exchange for their service. With the help of our supporters and volunteers, we can make our Continued on page 3
Chair Ann Romano gives update on the Sunday, Apr. 2 Taste of Italy
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon and Donato Di Pronio Staff Photographers. . . . . . Joe Spasiano, Tim Townsend 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.
PAGE 2 – FEBRUARY 2017
ing functions such as the 38th annual Il Grande Carnevale on Saturday, Feb. 25, the 25th annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon on Friday, Mar. 17 and the 22nd annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 2. Carnevale and the St. Joseph’s Day luncheon celebrate our heritage. “A Taste of Italy” is an important fundraiser for our organization. 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 that Mary Winard, St. Joseph’s Day luncheon chair, and
Italian • French • Spanish • Language Lessons For Adults and Children
109 Storck Street, Slinger, Wisconsin • 735 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin olsentartufo@yahoo.it
262.707.2811
Harder Funeral Home
Correcting errors and an omission in our last issue
In the caption with the two photos submitted by Aggie (Balistreri) Collura, a couple of errors were made in our reporting. In the part of the caption relating to the photo on the right side of page 10, starting on the left is Jolie Marthalter, then Alissa Elert, who is holding her baby daughter, Avery. Next to Alissa is Aggie Collura, then Marge Creedon. Aggie and her late husband, John, were the Regina (Queen) and Re (King) of Carnevale in 1986, not 1996. Our apologies to Aggie and her family for those mistakes.
In an oversight, an ad placed by ICC member Wendy Olsen for her Slinger Academy of Language & Arts (S.A.L.A.) did not appear in the issue. The ad can be found in this issue and will appear in our March issue as well. Our apologies to Wendy for this omission.
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 for our 40th annual Festa are Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23. Stay tuned for all the details. – Dean Cannestra ICC President
JAMES T. GUARDALABENE 18700 W. Capitol Drive
“Three generations of my family serving yours.” www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350
Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002.
• AN ASSOCIATE OF THE HARDER FUNERAL HOME SINCE 2010. • Personally providing the services you have come to expect at the Harder Funeral Home or your church or cemetery chapel. • Funeral pre-planning and Title 19 expertise. • Longtime member of the Italian Community Center. • Not associated with Schmidt & Bartelt – Guardalabene & Amato
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ICC to carry on quarter century tradition, its St. Joseph’s Day Celebration Luncheon Members and public invited to event on Friday, Mar. 17 at noon
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor In keeping with its tradition of celebrating the Feast Day of St. Joseph, the Italian Community Center is proud to announce its 25th annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon, on Friday, Mar. 17 at noon. Both ICC members and nonmembers are invited to attend. The cost had not been settled upon as this edition went to press. Readers can be certain that the cost will be established before the publication of our March 2017 issue, which will be available Thursday, Feb. 23. We can, however, tell you that everyone planning to attend must make a reservation by Thursday, Mar. 9. “Our luncheon – the 25th annual – will serve as a joyous preview to the actual observance of St. Joseph’s Day, which is Mar. 19 and is celebrated in many Catholic churches in Italy, the United States and other countries,” said chairper-
Here’s the March 2017 issue deadline
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the March 2017 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Thursday, 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 414223-2189.
son Mary (Mineo) Winard. Father Mike Hammer, the Milwaukee Archdiocese Director of AIDS Ministry, will be present for the invocation, the blessing of the St. Joseph’s altar, the attendees, and bags filled with fresh fruit and baked round bread that each attendee will receive at the close of the luncheon. ICC President Dean Cannestra will welcome attendees and act as
Apr. 2 Taste of Italy taking shape from page 2
22nd Taste of Italy another big success. Let your family members and friends know that Sunday, Apr. 2 is the date for “A Taste of Italy.” Look for more information on “A Taste of Italy” in the March issue of The Italian Times, including the complete menu and full raffle details.
ICC’s 38th annual Il Grande Carnevale Saturday, Feb. 25
ICC’s 24th annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 17 ICC’s 22nd annual “A Taste of Italy” Sunday, Apr. 2
ICC participates in Gallery Night & Day Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21 ICC’s 3rd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 25
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. Part of the tradition of St. Joseph’s Day is the serving of a meatless meal. The meal will be prepared and served for the first time by the Bartolotta Catering staff. 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.” Winard added that donations, both small and large, are welcome to help offset the various costs associated with the event, such as altar decorations, flowers and the program.
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 DiNovo (www.aiha-albany.org), 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.” Today in Italy, St. Joseph’s Day is also known as Father’s Day. The day, which used to be a national holiday, is traditionally celebrated with bonfires and sometimes pageants with scenes from the life of St. Joseph. Children give gifts to their fathers on San Giuseppe Day. Zeppole (or zeppoli in southern Italian dialects) are traditionally eaten on St. Joseph’s Day. Zeppole are deep-fried dough balls that are usually topped with powdered sugar and may be filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry cream or a butter and honey mixture. In Rome, Naples and the region of Sicily, these little pastries are sold on many streets and are sometimes given as gifts.
Olive and Bruschetta Festival held in Umbrian town
The Umbrian town of Spello celebrates the Olive and Bruschetta Festival on the third Sunday of February. Farmers parade on decorated tractors and the festival includes music, dancing and an abundance of regional food.
ICC participates in Gallery Night & Day Friday, Apr. 21 and Saturday, Apr. 22
40th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23
ICC’s 4th annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 8
Have something to sell to the readers of The Italian Times? Let them know
about with an ad in our
next issue. Get all of the details by calling
(414) 223-2189 or
by sending an email to
themman@italiancc.org.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 3
Calendar of Events January 28 – February 25, 2017
Saturday, Jan. 28 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 6 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. Meeting with societies, clubs and organizations that utilize ICC at 7:30 p.m. Details in this issue. Tuesday, Feb. 14 • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 15 • Filippo Mazzei Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Details in this issue.
Thursday, Feb. 16 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Reservations required by Monday, Feb. 13. Call for reservations by Monday, Feb. 13. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 10 a.m. • Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale, 5:11 p.m. Details in this issue.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The winter season continues through the week of Mar. 6 with the championship playoffs the night of Monday, Mar. 13.
• ICC Italian classes. The 10-week spring semester will begin Tuesday, Mar. 14. Look for details in this issue.
• ICC free Children’s Italian class. The eight-week spring semester will begin Saturday, Mar. 18. Look for details in this issue.
• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. Breaks are taken during the holidays.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Breaks are taken during the holidays. Ballate con noi! Dance with us! • Hula hoop dance class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member and $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.
Italian classes being offered for adults and teens starting Mar. 7 at ICC
This spring, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II conversational class, both starting Tuesday, Mar. 7. Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on May 9. 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 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The Italian II course will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:15 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
Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course
Name(s) _________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone No. __________________Email _________________________________ I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling.
Course fee: 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.
Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said. Enrollment is open to ICC members and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $100 for an ICC member and $110 for a nonmember. The fee does not include the course textbook.
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. 7 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.
2663 N. Holton St., Milwaukee
Scarvaci Florists & Gift Shoppe Your Wedding and Holiday Floral & Gift Headquarters
Balloons • Stuffed Animals • Personal Service Citywide, Suburban & County Delivery
Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover
PLEASE ORDER EARLY TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY!
Ann Vollmer-Goralski
414/562-3214
If no answer, please leave message.
FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES
Most of us plan for the possible . . . few of us prepare for the inevitable. Take time to talk to family and friends about the things that matter to you and the memories you would like to share ... Your Lifestory.
Let us help you get the conversation started. Making plans for your final wishes now will help you get on with life. Two locations 2486 S. KINNICKINNIC AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53207 1901 N. FARWELL AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53211
414-276-5122
SuminskiFuneralHome.com
PAGE 4 – FEBRUARY 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Celebrate the ICC’s social event of the year, Il Grande Carnevale on Saturday, Feb. 25 from page 1
Nonno e La Nonna (The Royal Grandparents). • Adam Hamdan as Il Principe (The Prince). • Krystyna Hintz as La Principessa (The Princess). • Joey Vella as Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince). • Lacey Schober as La Piccola Principessa (The Little Princess). • Giuseppe Vella as Il Gran
Maresciallo (The Grand Marshal). A separate article on the members of royalty follows this story.
Honor the Royalty with ad in the program book Everyone can honor the royalty with the purchase of congratulatory advertising in the Carnevale program book. Send your message of congratulations or best wishes to the writer of this article, Tom Hemman, who will prepare your ad for
Here is an example of how people celebrate Carnevale in Venice, Italy.
Sciortino Bakery was a major donor to Thanksgiving dinner for poor
In the list of donors to the Italian Community Center’s dinner for the poor that appears in our January 2017 issue, one major donor was forgotten, according to Tony Lupo, dinner general chairman. `That donor was Peter Sciortino
Bakery (The Vella family). The bakery donated bread and cookies for the dinner, which was held Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Open Door Cafe meal site at St. John’s Cathedral. Lupo wishes to apologize for the oversight.
Free children’s Italian class starts Mar. 11 at ICC
The spring semester of a free weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Mar.18, 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 Apr. 29. 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 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 fall 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
(For children ages 6-12) at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee
the book. He can be reached at themman@italiancc.org. The ad prices are $100 for a full page, $50 for a half page and $25 for a quarter page.
Reception and scrumptiuous dinner As mentioned previously, the fun begins at 5:11 p.m. with the cocktail reception in the galleria. A selection of appetizers will be served. Upon your entrance, check in at the reservation desk to pick up your table number for dinner seating. If you will be wearing a costume, mask or hat during the festivities, please register at a designated desk to receive a number to display during the parade. A soon-to-be-announced judging panel will use the numbers to identify the prize winners. Dinner will be served at 6:11 p.m. in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom. The dinner, featuring a special Carnevale Chicken Florentine. It will be prepared and served for the first time in history of the event by the Bartolotta Catering staff.
Performances, parade and fireworks The committee has informed The Italian Times that Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee and I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, will perform during the evening. Guests who like to dance will have plenty of opportunities to get out on the dance floor. A deejay from Music on the Move Plus will be playing dance music appropriate for all age groups. At 10:11 p.m., Il Gran Maresciallo Vella will gather the Royalty and everyone in costume, mask and hat for the parade. The parade will end in the loggia where everyone will have an opportunity to view the Bartolotta
Fireworks Company’s pyrotechnics show, ignited from a parking lot across the street.
Sweet table, awarding of prizes After the fireworks, indulge your sweet tooth at a spectacular sweet table. Around 11:11 p.m., the winners of prizes for the best costume, best mask and best hat will be announced.
Raffle During the course of the evening, guests will be able to purchase tickets for chances to win many enticing raffle prizes. The names of the prize winners will be posted toward the end of the evening. Please note: This year, raffle tickets will not be mailed to the membership. Tickets will only be available for purchase the night of the event.
Pre-paid reservations The cost to attend this fun-filled night is $55 for ICC members and $60 for non-members. Reservations are a necessity by Friday, Feb. 17 in order to attend. To make your reservations, call the ICC office at 414-223-2180 and have your credit card ready, or stop in at the office during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or complete the form accompanying this article and send it in with your payment. Carnevale flyers are available in the galleria at the ICC. The flyers have a reservation form which can be used as well.
Information and
photos of all of the
Royalty appears on page 6.
Carnevale 2017 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: Feb. 17, 2017.
If you cannot attend Carnevale 2017, please consider making a donation to support this event. My/Our donation is : $_________________.
Parent(s) Name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
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.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 5
Meet the Carnevale Royalty
Il Re e La Regina The King and The Queen Tim and Margie Kezman
Tim and Margie (Purpero) Kezman will be Il Re e La Regina (The King and The Queen) of Il Grande Carnevale. The couple will be married for 30 years this year. They have been proud members of the Italian Community Center for just as long. Tim and Margie have raised two children, both newly married, their son, Steven (his wife Krista), and their daughter, Jennifer (new husband Dan) Mares. Both couples are excited to raise their families as members of the ICC. As the owners of Calypso Lemonade, the Kezman/Purpero families have proudly been the presenting sponsor of Festa Italiana since 2010. In addition to their sponsorship, as a volunteer, Tim
has been responsible for hiring and organizing the Festa entertainment since 2013. Along with their support of the ICC, the Kezmans have been proud supporters of the MakeA-Wish Foundation, the MACC Fund and Children’s Hospital. While the organization matures, Tim and Margie are excited to be part of the next generation – a generation entrusted with keeping alive the vision of those who have come before us – while attempting to ensure long term stability for generations to come. Tim and Margie said they want to thank the Carnevale Committee. They added that they are “truly honored” to have been chosen as the 2017 Carnevale Re and Regina.
Marge and Tim Kezman
Il Principe The Prince Adam Hamdan
Adam Hamdan graduated from Franklin High School where he played varsity volleyball for the Franklin Sabers and was a member of the track team and the prep band. He also played club ball with Southport Volleyball Club in Kenosha and the Racine Juniors Volleyball Club. For the last two summers, Adam volunteered for the YMCA’s Miracle League. He was buddy for special-needs kids playing softball. He is currently attending MATC and will start a carpenter’s apprenticeship in June. Adam is the son of Tina Conley and Abel Hamdan. His grandparents are Christine and Dan Conley. His great grandmother is Pauline Cannestra. Adam has participated at Festa since he was a young child helping his grandfather, Dan Conley, with bocce and doing whatever tasks he was asked to do. For the past two years, he has assisted with the Festa set up. His sister, Jenna, dances with Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. His younger sisters, Maya and Amira, perform with I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian
PAGE 6 – FEBRUARY 2017
Dance Group. Adam is a seasoned Carnevale veteran. He was the Piccolo Principe in 2008 and seldom misses a Carnevale. He is looking forward to his reign as Principe and celebrating the occasion with family and friends.
Adam Hamdan
Il Nonno e La Nonna The Royal Grandparents Peter and Jan Carini
Peter and Jan Carini want to thank the Carnevale Committee for the honor of being Il Nonno e La Nonna (The Grandfather and The Grandmother) of the 38th annual Il Grande Carnevale. Peter came to this country from Porticello, Sicily in April 1966 with his family at the age of 14. He went on to attend school at St. Rita’s Grade School and the Milwaukee Area Technical College until he quit to work. Jan graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1969. She has lived in the Milwaukee area her whole life. The couple met in 1970, married in 1973, and went on to have three children, Gregg, Lisa and P.J. They
have a daughter-in-law, Denise, and three grandchildren, Dominic, Austin and, as of this publication, Sebastian.
The Carinis opened Carini’s La Conca d’Oro restaurant in 1996. They have been involved with Festa Italiana since its inception, first with the Verdi Sport Club and then with their restaurant.
Peter is a member of Società Maschile Maria S.S. Del Lume, the patron saint of Porticello, Sicily. He is also a member of the Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America. He is being honored by the OSIA Illinois/Wisconsin Chapter this spring with the Da Vinci Award of Excellence.
La Principessa The Princess Krystyna Hintz Peter and Jan Carini
Krystyna Hintz, 20, a member of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, will be La Principessa (The Princess) of Il Grande Carnevale. She was nominated for this position on the Royal Court by Rosa Loeffelholz, a member and secretary of Tradizione Vivente. The following narrative was written by Loeffelholz as a nomination for Hintz. Krystyna is the daughter of Sandy and Dan Hintz and sister to Julia and Anthony. Her grandparents are Mary Crazzolara (and the late Frank Crazzolara) and Sandie (Lupo) Hintz (and the late Richard Hintz). Her Italian heritage on her mother’s side comes from Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna), Italy, and on her dad’s side from the Italian region of Sicily. Krystyna’s Italian beliefs, values and traditions of her family culture are reflected through the person she has become today. Krystyna graduated from New Berlin Eisenhower High School in 2014 where she was a member of the dance team. She is currently enrolled in the radiology program at Waukesha County Technical College. She is the coach of the Eisenhower Middle School Poms Dance
Team. She has led her team with enthusiasm and hard work to be place them in their division. In addition, she has been a dance instructor at Anita’s Dance Studio for the past five years. Krystyna is a role model for her dance students. She motivates them in a positive way and inspires them to believe in Continued on page 7
Krystyna Hintz
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Il Piccolo Principe The Little Prince Joey Vella
Joey Vella is the son of Luigi and Ann Vella. He is 8 years old and is in the third grade at Tonawanda Elementary School in the Elmbrook School District. This year, Joey’s class elected him into the student senate and he was appointed secretary. Joey is known for his outgoing personality. He is energetic and athletic. He loves to joke around, play with his brothers and friends, and enjoys all sports, especially soccer, baseball and football. Joey plays on the academy team for the Brookfield Soccer Association in fall, winter and spring. During the summer, Joey plays baseball and attends many soccer camps. He is looking forward to being Il Piccolo Principe of Il Grande Carnevale 2017.
Joey Vella
Il Gran Maresciallo The Grand Marshal Giuseppe Vella
Giuseppe Vella has emerged as one of the young leaders in Milwaukee’s Italian American community. He was first elected to the office of President of the Italian Community Center in the fall of 2014. At the time, he was 38 years old, making him the youngest individual to ever win the office. He was re-elected without opposition for the 2015-2016 term. Now serving as the Immediate Past President of the ICC and Chairman of the Italian Conference Center Board, Giuseppe seemed like a perfect choice to lead the 2017 celebration of Il Grande Carnevale. He said he was honored to accept the Carnevale Committee’s offer to serve as Il Gran Maresciallo. Giuseppe has plenty of familiarity with having an active role in Carnevale. He and his wife, Rhiana, served as Il Re e La Regina (The King and the Queen) for Carnevale 2010. The couple’s children have also participated: Salvatore as Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince) in 2012, Maria as La Piccola Principessa (The Little Princess) in 2014 and Isabella as La Piccola Principessa in 2016. Prior to serving as ICC President, Giuseppe served a term as vice president and two years as director-at-large. He was born in Milwaukee to Sicilian immigrants, Salvatore and Maria Vella. At the age of 11, Giuseppe began working at the family business, Peter Sciortino Bakery on Brady Street on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side. Eight years later, he and his siblings, Maria and Luigi, took over the operations of the bakery. The bakery has a well-established reputation for fine quality and service both locally and nationally. The bakery has been a food vendor at Festa Italiana and other local festivals and events. Through the bakery, Giuseppe
Principessa Krystyna Hintz
from page 6 themselves. Krystyna is a remarkable young woman. Her skills, dedication, passion, enthusiasm and good nature will make her an excellent Principessa.
and his family have contributed to or assisted many charitable and nonprofit organizations and fundraising events. He is a longtime member of La Società Maschile Maria S.S. Del Lume, a religious society which traces its roots to Porticello, Sicily, the hometown of his parents. He served three terms as the society’s president. Last May, Giuseppe was honored by the Order Sons of Italy in America – Illinois/Wisconsin Lodge with its Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence. This is an award given to recognize Italian Americans in a variety of fields who have become a source of pride and inspiration to the Italian community.
My name is Lacey Marie Schober. I am 8-1/2 years old. I am a third grade student at Maple Grove Elementary School in Greenfield. My great-grandmother is Ann Romano. Many members and ICC staff know me because of my greatgrandmother’s volunteering at the Center. I am with her at the ICC events as many times as possible. I love to dance and sing and I am very excited to be La Piccola Principessa of Carnevale 2017. My great-grandparents, Nick and Ann Romano, were the Re and Regina in 1984. My mother, Valerie Romano, was La Piccola Principessa in 1998 and La Principessa in 2006. I am the third generation of the Romano family to be chosen by the ICC for the Royalty of Il Grande Carnevale. It’s a great honor.
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or make a donation, please call 414-223-2808. The following donations were received between Dec. 8, 2016 and Jan. 10, 2017. In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce
Lacey Schober
Joseph and Cynthia Purpero Nancy Omadahl Margaret Maslowski Dean and Deborah Koenig Vincent Lo Duca Rita Flock Janis and Carl Muccio
In memory of Bessie Busalacchi Anthony T. Machi Joseph and Marie Gazzana Rose Purpero-Spang Rita Flock
In memory of James Fazio Jimmy and Linda Spataro
In memory of Phillip J. Purpero Vincenzo and Vivian Balistreri John Alioto and Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto Peter and Judy Spera Andrea Goetzinger Thomas Dragan and Janice Antonicci John Masil, DDS, and Shari Lord John Cefalu Ray and Carol Martinez Amelia Zielinski Carmello Sanfelippo Diane Buck Jo Ann De Nomi Helen De Nomi Mary Rose (Emanuele) Vicini Timothy and Margaret Kezman Leonard and Donna Palmeri Jeanne and Carlo Fricano Nicholas Fricano
In memory of Joseph A. Magestro Paul and Rose Iannelli George and Judy Menos Jimmy and Linda Spataro Dorothy Glorioso Gerry Accetta Purpero Robert M. Pleva Anthony T. Machi Julian Wesley Angela F. Gierach Paul and Almira Guardalabene Coryann St. Marie-Carls Betty Puccio
are followed by their meaning, more or less. See if you recognize any. Amato: Loved. Amoroso: Lovey, dovey. Agnello: Lamb. Angelino: Little angel. Ballato: Danced. Barbato: Bearded. Barbera: Barber’s wife. Bevilacqua: Water drinker. Bonaccorso: Good emergency aid. Bonanno: Happy new year. Bonavita: Good life. Buonpensiero: Good thought. Buttafuoco:- Fire thrower. Calderone: Large cooking pot.
Cantalupi: Singing wolves. Capito: Understood. Capone: Boss of bosses. Carini: Nice and charming ones. Caravita: Dear life. Casanova: New house. Chiaverotti: Broken keys. Chiaramonte: Clear mountain. Cicirello: Little garbanzo bean. Cimino: Spice dealer. Cinquemani: Five hands. Codino: Little tail. Collova: With eggs. Crescimagna: Grow and eat. Corti: Short ones.
In memory of Carmen Schlotthauer Ann Romano Joseph and Christina Ziino Frank and Nina Galioto John Sanfilippo Bill and Rita Jennaro Betty Puccio
Cosa c’è in un nome? What’s in a name?
Giuseppe Vella
by Blaise Di Pronio Italians are well known for all things unique and fascinating. Right? So why not extend that trait to their surnames. Some Italian last names did not emigrate well to the U.S. as evidenced by the many struggles with their pronunciation. But what about their meaning and significance? Well, let’s look at some examples. Most of the names below were found in our late historian Mario Carini’s many lists, which have been previously published in this newspaper. The last names
THE ITALIAN TIMES
La Piccola Principessa The Little Princess Lacey Schober
Please turn to page 19
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 7
From Italy to the ICC: La Befana makes her annual trek to give gifts and candy and tell her story
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor For the 15th straight year, La Befana, the Epiphany witch of Italian folklore, came to the Italian Community Center to give gifts and candy to good children and tell her story. Her visit, coordinated by the Avanti Committee, took place this past Jan. 7. Before La Befana arrived, the Avanti Committee arranged for a parent-approved kid-friendly, luncheon buffet. After lunch, children were able to decorate their own Christmas cookies and everyone – young and old – had a chance to make an ice cream sundae. Volunteer pianist John Puchner played holiday music and welcomed the children to join him in a sing-along. Children were also asked to place their shoes behind a curtain. Volunteers would later fill their shoes with candy that the fabled Italian witch brought with her. As the children sang “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 as told to her by the Magi as they passed by her home. After realizing her mistake, she tried to follow the Three Kings, but lost her way and could not get to Bethlehem where the Christ Child was born. To this day she pledges to make up for her erroneous ways by delivering gifts to good children on Epiphany Eve. For those children who are naughty, she leaves stockings filled with coal. Liz Ceraso, chairperson of the Avanti Committee, reported to La Befana that she need not bring any stockings filled with coal for the children at the ICC as the word was that they all had been good! After finishing her story, La Befana greeted and hugged all the children. 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 Avanti Committee wishes to thank Anna Pitzo for her special connection to La Befana.
As the children listened intently, La Befana told the story of her ill-fated attempt to see the Baby Jesus and
Bella, Rocco and Nathan displayed the cookies they decorated.
Here is the committee that organized the party with La Befana. Kneeling next to La Befana is Sam Alioto. Standing, l-r: Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, John Alioto, Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie, pianist John Puchner, and Elizabeth Ceraso.
PAGE 8 – FEBRUARY 2017
how it inspired her to decide to give gifts to all good children on Epiphany Eve.
Monica and Rachel put the toppings on their ice cream sundaes. Times photos by Tom Hemman
La Befana greets one of the youngest guests at the party.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Fr. Roscioli and Dino Black to make a presentation about their book at OSIA’s Feb. 15 meeting at ICC
The Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge has invited Father Domenic Jose Roscioli and artist Dino Black to make a presentation about their book, Guns & Ice Cream, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. The book was inspired by the late actor/philanthropist Paul Newman’s “The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp,” that was started in Ashford, CT. Since 1988, many funfilled experiences have happened at the camp for thousands of children.
It is a residential summer camp and year round center serving children and their families with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions.
Several more camps have been developed around the world, continuing the mission to provide an environment where campers are safe, respected and loved.
After the presentations, there will be a book signing. The public is invited to join OSIA members for the event.
Glorioso’s moving forward with renovation plans for original Brady Street store
Glorioso’s Italian Market is moving forward with plans to develop the original Brady Street location into a multi-use space where people can come together to celebrate Italian food, beverage and culture. Interior demolition of the store has already began. The original location, at 1020 E. Brady St., will be under construction through the first half of 2017. The renovations will include space for hands-on cooking classes. demonstrations, expanded kitchens for increased catering and food production, and an event space to support the numerous food and
beverage opportunities. The design of the interior space and renovation of the exterior façade is being created by Mehmert Store Services of Pewaukee and Stack Design Group of Milwaukee. Glorioso’s General Manager Michael Glorioso said, “Mehmert Store Services did a great job in designing Glorioso’s Italian Market, and we want to be sure that we capture the same old school charm and ambiance in the new project. We are also excited to have Stack Design Group involved, given their expertise in restoring historically significant buildings.”
Vice President Joe Emanuele has contacted The Italian Times on behalf of some Italian families that have found several photographs displaying individuals who might be relatives of Italian Community Center members. These discoveries include portraits and wedding photos.
Possible relatives might be from the following families: Lococo, Ingrilli, Brunetto and Sardina. If any one is interested in viewing the pictures to see if they are related to the people depicted, they should contact Emanuele or The Italian Times. Two of the photos appear here.
Help identify the persons in these and other photos
Have something to sell to the readers of The Italian Times? Let them know about with an ad in our next issue. Get all of the details by calling (414) 223-2189 or by sending an email to themman@italiancc.org.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Father Domenic Roscioli
Dino Black
After attending his favorite Milwaukee festival – Festa Italiana – and celebrating his 95th birthday this past summer, it seemed Tony Fera decided it was time to dance his way to heaven to be with his cherished wife, Mildred “Millie.” That’s how Tony’s daughter, Nancy Grintjes, described his passing when she called The Italian Times. Anthony C. Fera, a former member of the Italian Community Center, died Wednesday, Dec. 21 with his family by his side. His health went into decline after coming to Festa and celebrating his 95th birthday this past July, Nancy said. Although he was confined to a wheelchair and could no longer dance, Tony still had to come to Festa to enjoy the music, the camaraderie of his paesans and puffs on a good cigar. For the past decade or so, Tony either came to Festa with a dance partner or would strike a conversation with a female in attendance using his great sense of humor and personality to convince her to dance with him. It didn’t matter if she was young or old, he just wanted a partner to dance to the great Italian music that was played. Tony also attended many of the shows that were part of the ICC’s Courtyard Music Series the past 16 summers. When a band was scheduled to play that he liked, Tony was in attendance with a dance partner
and asking women to dance. Tony was born on July 27, 1921 and was raised in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward. He attended the “Little Pink Church,” Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church with his mother, Josephine (Cannestra) Clementi. He and his wife, Millie (nee Aasterud), were married in the Pompeii Church and renewed their marriage vows on their 25th anniversary in one of the last services held at the church before its demolition in 1967. For many years, Tony worked as a crane operator for Wehr Steel Company. Tony learned all of his dance moves at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Nancy told The Italian Times. For several years, he volunteered to bring joy through dancing with residents at the Home for the Blind. He would go there on weekends and holidays to dance with the residents, she added. Tony was the father of Nancy (Ted) Grintjes, Dianne “Dollie” (Gary) Schliepp, Richard (Sandra) Fera, and the late Thomas Fera. He was the grandfather of Paula (John), Neil (Anne), Tammy (Rob), Anthony, Tim, Chad (Michele), Kim, Jamie (Michelle), Lee (Stacie), Patrick, Paul (Stephanie) and Pam. He is still survived by 17 greatgrandchildren, four great-greatgrandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Tony Fera loved Festa, dancing and a good cigar
Here is Tony Fera sitting on his motorized scooter flanked on each side by his daughters Nancy Grintjes and Dianne Scliepp, his granddaughter Tammy Bresette and his great-granddaughter Josie Koutnik in a picture taken at Festa 2014. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 9
Where’s the beef?
Help needed to solve mystery in Capo D’Orlando, Sicily
by Blaise Di Pronio Recently, I was contacted by a certain Giuseppe Ingrilli from Capo d’Orlando, Sicily, regarding the disappearance of the statue of the Madonna of Capo d’Orlando. The little statue went missing in December 1925, and Mr. Ingrilli and others have been searching for it for a very long time, but to no avail. In their search, it was discovered that, back in the 1920s, there was ongoing correspondence between immigrants from Capo d’Orlando (of whom there were quite a few) who had settled in Milwaukee and the statue’s home church back in Sicily.
The letters pertained to solicitation and payment of donations and contributions for the maintenance of the statue. The problem with the ongoing search is the fact that there are no known photos or images of the statue, which would help immensely in locating it. Therefore, if any of our readers who have ancestral ties to Capo d’Orlando and the pertinent church might have any photos or images of the statue (from weddings, baptisms, etc.), it is asked that they contact me at bdipronio@wi.rr.com in order that we might connect you with the searchers.
Siamo stati contattati da un certo Giuseppe Ingrilli di Capo d’Orlando, Sicilia per quanto riguarda la scomparsa della statua della Madonna di Capo d’Orlando. La piccola statua e’ scomparsa a Dicembre, 1925 e il signor Ingrilli e altri sono stati alla ricerca di essa per un lungo tempo ma senza alcun risultato.
dei nostri lettori hanno legami ancestrali a Capo d’Orlando e la chiesa pertinente che potrebbero avere qualsiasi foto o immagini della statua (da matrimoni, battesimi, ecc.), si chiede che ci contattano in modo che si collegarsi con i potrebbero ricercatori. Vi ringraziamo in anticipo per qualsiasi aiuto che potete fornire.
Serve aiuto per risolvere un mistero a Capo D’Orlando, Sicilia
Nella loro ricerca, si è scoperto che, nel 1920, vi era in corso la corrispondenza tra gli immigrati provenienti da Capo d’Orlando (di cui ci sono stati un bel po’) che si erano stabiliti a Milwaukee e la chiesa domestica della statua in Sicilia. Le lettere riguardavano sollecitazione e pagamento di donazioni e contributi per il mantenimento della statua. Il problema con la continua ricerca è il fatto che non ci sono foto o immagini della statua-che aiuterebbe immensamente a localizzarla. Pertanto, se qualcuno
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “Madre”? (Mother)? Answers on page ??
Benvenuti! Welcome, new ICC members
The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between December 8, 2016 and January 10, 2017. Benvenuti (Welcome!) Nick De Quardo of Brookfield Nancy Balcer of Milwaukee
Franklin and Bonnie Forsberg of Milwaukee
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Fraternity – Body of men associated by common interest. It comes from the Italian fratello or brother and the Italian fraterno or close and inseparable, like brothers (our fraternal).
PAGE 10 – FEBRUARY 2017
South Africa 14m And here are the top six countries producing tanned leather: China, Italy, India, Brazil, Korea and USSR. In effect then, the cattle producing countries ship to other countries for processing. And this is where Italy comes in. Leather is made by subjecting the hide of an animal to a lengthy treatment process. People have been working with leather since pre-historic times, and Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries. Florence is particularly famous for its leather and, in Milan, Italy’s capital of fashion, Italian leather is used almost exclusively by the high fashion houses. Italian brands tend to dominate the fashion world, so Italian leather has come to be closely associated with quality, fashion and good taste. So the secret is not the origin of the hide, but what is done to refine it. And here is where Italian tanneries come into play. You can smell fine leather like a good wine. The aromas come from the natural vegetable tannins that are used in Italy’s old ways of tanning. Vegetable tanning is a process which uses all natural vegetable and plant extracts to turn hides into leather. This so-tanned Please turn to page 12
by Blaise Di Pronio Italian leather is known worldwide as the very best. In the fashion industry. In furniture. In automobiles. It is the epitome of quality. It is treasured. It is sought after. It is costly and it is abundant. So, the obvious question becomes: Where are all the cows? In my many travels up and down our beloved peninsula, I have never seen a cow. Not a one! Plenty of sheep, lambs and goats. Lots of dogs and cats. But where were the cows? The fact is that if all the Italian leather really came from Italy, you would not be able to move about for all the cows. Why, the Trevi and all other fountains would be an oasis for cattle, and not tourists. In reality, animal hides and skins are bought and traded worldwide, and no one can say where most leather comes from. Here are the latest numbers, in millions, on the cattle population: India 282m 187m Brazil China 139m USA 96m Europe 87m Argentina 51m 29m Australia Mexico 26m Russian Fed. 18m
ICC Membership Dues – 2017 Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
Four (4) Festa Italiana Tickets – Maximum of Eight (8) Per Family Voting Privelegs (21 & Older) Postal Service Delivery of The Italian Times Member Discounts on Social Events, Classes & Bocce Leagues Members Rooms Cultural, Educational & Social Activities Forever Friendships Stronger Bonds Between Your Family & Your Culture
Age 20 and under Individual
Annual Dues
Gratis – $0.00
Ages 21 – 65
Individual
Annual Dues
$50 per year
Members, age 20 and under, receive two (2) free Festa Italiana tickets. No voting rights. At age 18, a member may vote, but must purchase a membership to do so.
Couple/Family
$100 per year
Individual
Ages 85 & Older
Individual
Annual Dues
Ages 66 – 84
Annual Dues
Couple/Family
$75 per year
$50 per year
Couple/Family
$30 per year
$50 per year
Effective: January 1, 2017. All Memberships Valid Through December 31, 2017. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM Names & Birthdates of Each Adult: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address, City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ No. of Members under 21: _____ No. of Members 21-65: ______ No. of Members 66-84: ______ No. of Members 85 & Older: _____ Payment Amount: _______________ Method: Cash Check Credit Card – Card Type MC Visa Discover Other
Card No. :______________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
___________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
____________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
Mail this form to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The ICC respects your privacy and does not sell or distribute personal information such as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. This membership registration form can also be emailed to cpalmer@italianconference.com. For further information, call (414) 223-2180.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
All Things Italian
Opera insights: La Traviata
by Barbara Collignon The much beloved and perhaps the most famous opera ever, La Traviata or The Fallen Woman, was composed by Verdi with libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. It was performed for the first time in March of 1853 in Venice. In 1852, Verdi attended the play on which the opera was based, La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils, in Paris and was moved to create this beautiful opera. Such a scandalous subject could not be set in the 1850’s so it was reset in the 17th century during the time of Richelieu. Violetta never dreamed she could truly be loved by someone but after hearing Alfred’s declarations of love and devotion, she decided to give love a chance, and they vowed to be faithful to each other. She was moved by the fact that, while she was ill, he came to visit every day, even though he was unable to see her. It is obvious to the audience that she has tuberculosis, the scourge of the 18th and 19th century. Tuberculosis, once dubbed the White Plague, mal de vivir and mal du siècle, was seen as a “romantic disease.” According to Wikipedia, suffering from tuberculosis was thought to bestow heightened sensitivity upon the sufferer. The disease began to represent spiritual purity and temporal wealth, leading many young, upper-class women to purposefully pale their skin to achieve the consumptive appearance! British poet Lord Byron wrote, “I should like to die from consumption,” helping to popularize the disease as the disease of artists. It is interesting to note that in France, at least five novels were published expressing the ideals of tuberculosis: Dumas’s La Dame aux camélias and Murger’s Scènes de la vie de Bohème, among them. These plays by Dumas and Murger, in turn, inspired operatic depictions of consumption in Verdi’s La traviata and Puccini’s La bohème. Strangely enough, the redemptive-spiritual perspective of the disease has remained popular. The 2001 film Moulin Rouge was based in part on La traviata and the musical adaptations of Les Misérables. In Act I, Violetta holds a camellia and at one point offers it to Alfredo, telling him to return when it withers…tomorrow. She, like the camellia, like most flowers, is shortlived and withering. In Act II, Alfredo’s father comes to the summer country home where she is staying and enjoying a reprieve from her illness. He persuades her to leave Alfredo. She returns to Paris and takes up with the baron. It is always interesting to analyze names and their symbolism. The name Violetta is, of course, related to the woodland flower, the violet. That is related to the color violet, the color of bruises, but also to the word violence and one definition of the word means “injury done to that which is worthy of respect.” Alfredo’s treatment of Violetta in Act II is most insulting. He throws the money he has won from his rival the Baron in Violetta’s face, paying her for her past “services.” He is ignorant of the sacrifice she has made in leaving him so that his sister’s reputation would be unsullied by his affair with a courtesan. In Act III, Violetta is dying. Alfredo’s father, feeling remorse, has
told his son of Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo arrives and their reunion fills her with a final euphoria, Feeling energetic and filled with joy, she sings her last aria and then, dramatically, succumbs to death. The music of La Traviata is captivating and moving. What joy is expressed in Libiamo! Inherent in the lyrics is the idea of living for the moment, experiencing love and pleasure because life is fleeting.
Libiamo, ne’ lieti calici che la bellezza infiora, e la fuggevol ora s’inebrii a voluttà. Libiamo ne’ dolci fremiti che suscita l’amore, poiché quell’occhio al core (indicando Violetta) onnipotente va. Libiamo amore, amor fra i calici più caldi baci avrà.
Drink from the joyful glass, resplendent with beauty, drink to the spirit of pleasure which enchants the fleeting moment. Drink to the thrilling sweetness brought to us by love, for these fair eyes, irresistibly, (indicating Violetta) pierce us to the heart. Drink - for wine will warm the kisses of love.
Violetta’s aria in the first act reiterates this theme.
È strano! È strano! In core scolpiti ho quegli accenti! Saria per me sventura un serio amore? Che risolvi, o turbata anima mia? Null’uomo ancora t’accendeva O gioia ch’io non conobbi, esser amata amando! E sdegnarla poss’io per l’aride follie del viver mio? Ah, fors’è lui che l’anima solinga ne’ tumulti godea sovente pingere de’ suoi colori occulti! Lui che modesto e vigile all’egre soglie ascese, e nuova febbre accese, destandomi all’amor. A quell’amor ch’è palpito dell’universo intero, misterioso, altero, croce e delizia al cor! Follie! follie! Delirio vano è questo! Povera donna, sola, abbandonata in questo popoloso deserto che appellano Parigi. Che spero or più? Che far degg’io? Gioire, di voluttà ne’ vortici perir. Gioir, gioir! Sempre libera degg’io folleggiare di gioia in gioia, vo’ che scorra il viver mio pei sentieri del piacer. Nasca il giorno, o il giorno muoia, sempre lieta ne’ ritrovi, a diletti sempre nuovi dee volare il mio pensier.
How strange! How strange! His words are burned upon my heart! Would a real love be a tragedy for me? What decision are you taking, oh my soul? No man has ever made me fall in love. What joy, such as I have never known loving, being loved! And can I scorn it for the arid nonsense of my present life? Ah, perhaps he is the one whom my soul,
THE ITALIAN TIMES
lonely in the tumult, loved to imagine in secrecy! Watchful though I never knew it, he came here while I lay sick, awakening a new fever, the fever of love, of love which is the very breath of the universe itself. Mysterious and noble, both cross and ecstasy of the heart. Folly! All is folly! This is mad delirium! A poor woman, alone, lost in this crowded desert which is known to men as Paris. What can I hope for? What should I do? Revel in the whirlpool of earthly pleasures. Revel in joy! Ah! Forever free, I must pass madly from joy to joy. My life’s course shall be forever in the paths of pleasure. Whether it be dawn or dusk, I must always live. Ah! Gaily in the world’s gay places, ever seeking newer joys.
Another favorite aria is sung by Alfredo’s father as he tries to convince Violetta that her affair with Alfredo is threatening the future marriage and happiness of his daughter.
che lieti ne rendeva. Deh, non mutate in triboli le rose dell’amor. A’ prieghi miei resistere no, no non voglia il vostro cor.
God blessed me with a daughter, like an angel in her purity; if Alfredo refuses to return to the bosom of his family, the young man in love and beloved in turn, who was soon to marry my daughter, would reject this bond on which our happiness depends. Ah, do not be the cause of love’s roses changing into thorns. Do not let your heart refuse what I so fervently ask of you. No! No!
Violetta’s final aria is reminiscent of her first, when she sings “È strano!”. È strano! Cessarono gli spasimi del dolore. In me rinasce - m’agita insolito vigor! Ah! ma io ritorno a viver! Oh gioia!
How strange! The spasms of pain have ceased: A strange vigour has brought me to life! Ah! I shall live Oh, joy!
Pura siccome un angelo Iddio mi diè una figlia; se Alfredo nega riedere in seno alla famiglia, l’amato e amante giovine cui sposa andar dovea, or si ricusa al vincolo
La Traviata will be the featured Met Opera in HD for Saturday, Mar. 11 at 11:55 and Wednesday, Mar. 15 at 6:30 at the Mequon Marcus Theater.
Broadway veteran Anthony “Tony” Crivello has returned to his hometown to take on the role of legendary Marquette University basketball coach Al McGuire in a production by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater now through Mar. 19. “McGuire” is a one-act play written by the coach’s former TV broadcasting partner Dick Enberg. Both worked college basketballs games on TV for many years. Crivello is the son of the late Vincent “Hank” and Josephine (Mussomeli) Crivello. Josephine, a longtime member of the ICC, died
this past Nov. 30 at the age of 95. Tony Crivello is known for his role in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” for which he won a Tony Award, and his long-running portrayal of the title actor in “Phantom of the Opera.” He performed at Festa Italiana in 2011. He got an opportunity to witness the charismatic McGuire close-up when he was a member of the Marquette University cheerleading squad in the mid 1970s. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater will present “McGuire” in the Stackner Theater, 108 E. Wells St. For tickets, visit milwaukeerep.com or call 414-224-9490.
Anthony Crivello playing Al McGuire in Milwaukee Rep production
Anthony Crivello is playing the legendary Marquette Universitgy basketball coach Al McGuire in a one-act play, written by McGuire’s former broadcasting partner, Dick Enberg, in a production by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 11
Da Vinci, the restless mind
by Bill Dickinson When I was in junior high and high school, I found myself interested in a lot of totally different things, few of which were being addressed in my classes. For instance, I had made myself a full set of leather embossing stamps. At the same time I had acquired a pet alligator and I experimented with totally scratch built rockets in the basement of my parents house that also hosted a well-used machine shop. I tell you this to help define a phrase used by a friend of the time. He called me a “Renaissance Man,” though, at the time, I had no idea what that meant. Later on in college, the phrase arose again. This time, it was associated with Leonardo da Vinci. Suddenly its meaning became clear to me. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), we find on History.com, “Was a painter, architect, inventor, and student of all things scientific. His natural genius crossed so many disciplines that he epitomized the term “Renaissance Man.” Today, he remains best known for his art, including two paintings that remain among the world’s most famous and admired, Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Art, da Vinci believed, was indisputably connected with science and nature. Largely self-educated, he filled dozens of secret notebooks with inventions, observations and theories about pursuits from aeronautics to anatomy.” In the end of the 1400s, painters didn’t use what we, today, call “oil paints.” Leonardo broke with custom and painted the Mona Lisa with oils. He was familiar with other painting media as evidenced by his Lord’s Supper in refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy. What is the difference between oil paints and the others you ask? The Lord’s Supper generally, but incorrectly, referred to as “fresco” was the choice of Michelangelo and virtually all of the artists of the day. Fresco can be done in two ways. First, pigments are mixed with water and plaster and applied to the wall with brush and trowel. The second way is to use water based pigments and apply them to wet plaster.
Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of “The Last Supper” as it appears in the refectory of the Convent
Leonardo, the “Renaissance Man” that he was, was dissatisfied with both of these traditional fresco methods and invented his own means of expression for the Lord’s Supper. On the dry plaster wall, he applied oil based white lead paint. After the white layer was properly dried, he finished by painting the subjects with water-based tempera. Tempera can be made in several ways including mixing pigments with some sort of glue or common egg white. We can be assured that Leonardo experimented thoroughly because much of his Lord’s Supper work stands there today 600 years later. Some things about Leonardo you might be interested in knowing: 1. Because of his genius, he was not well thought of by his peers and associates. 2. In his younger years, because of living near Florence, he was known as “Il Florentino” (The Florentine). 3. His uncle, who had a particular appreciation for nature, helped raise him and probably broadened his interests. 4. Leonardo, having only the most basic education, was apprenticed at around age 15 to the noted sculptor and painter Andrea del
Where’s the beef?
from page 10 leather does not get chemically cany, in particular, tanneries do dyed as natural ways of coloring not work this way. It is more simi(such as tree bark, tannin or other lar to the Silicon Valley of leather. natural sources) are used. Veg- The small town where the leather etable tanned leather lasts much is tanned is home to several comlonger than chrome-metal (a panies, each specialized in a speprocess that uses toxic chemicals cific part of the tanning process. that are cheaper to produce) tanned Every small company competes to leather thus adding to its value. be the one that takes care of its speAnother reason why vegetable cialization. Skins move from spetanned leather is more expensive cialist to specialist, receiving the than chrome-metal tanned leather best possible treatment there is for is that it takes a longer time to every part of the process. This exmake since the natural chemicals plains why Italian leather is still are not as effective as the heavy the best. metals. And such a longer process Most leather today is taken from combined with longer lasting re- cows because of their size, availsults means a more expensive prod- ability and exceptional quality of uct. leather. However, depending on the The tanneries we see outside use, leather is also commonly taken Italy take care of the whole tanning from pigs, sheep, deer, horses, and process. The tanning process con- kangaroos. Additionally, some of sists of many smaller steps that are the more exotic leathers come from usually performed in one single fa- alligators, ostriches, elephants, cility. A crude cowhide with meat snakes, frogs, and stingrays. So and hair comes in. Out comes a nice there’s no need to worry about the tanned leather piece ready to be dearth of cows in Italy after all. turned into a bag, a shoe or a chair. Here’s a quick summary of why If the tannery is weak in any of the Italian leather is the very best: smaller processes, the end product It is made to last. It is unique. It will suffer. is classic fashion. It is easy to mainIn Italy, in general, and in Tus- tain. And quality, quality, quality!
PAGE 12 – FEBRUARY 2017
of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan (Lombardy), Italy.
Da Vinci gathered information on the human body and wrote notes about his findings.
Verrocchio of Florence. Through Verrocchio, Leonardo’s artistic connections grew. 5. Leonardo had 17 half siblings. 6. Leonardo was a “grave robber.” As such, it was not to recover jewelry or other plunder. Rather, it was the only means he could use to gather information about the human skeleton, muscles, brain, and digestive and reproductive systems. However, because his notes and drawings weren’t published in
the 1500s, da Vinci’s notebooks had little influence on scientific advancement in the Renaissance period. 7. Leonardo left behind few finished pieces of art. It is not clear if this was because of aversion to routine commitment or distractions created by his very broad interests. Some of his lack of completion rests in the turbulent political affairs of the day, but it is clear that he posed a very restless mind.
1. The Italian peninsula is home to two microstates, San Marino and Vatican City. 2. The average Italian consumes half a pound of bread a day. 3. The name of the electrical measurement Volt comes from Alessandro Volta, who invented the first battery in 1779. 4. The average Italian makes $26,700 a year. However, those in the more prosperous north make almost $40,000. 5. The Italian woman has an average of 1.27 children. 6. Italy’s unemployment rate is around 12.4%, but it is as high as 21.7% in the more impoverished south. The youth unemployment rate is even worse: 46% for those between 15 and 24 years old (data 2015). 7. The piano hails from Italy. 8. Italy’s contributions to science
include the barometer, the electric battery, nitroglycerin, and wireless telegraphy. 9. Enrico Fermi, inventor of the nuclear reactor, was an Italian. 10. Even though the number of tourists increased between 2010 and 2013, Italy dropped from 4th to the 5th position in the ranking of the most visited countries in the world.
Who knew? Chi lo sapeva?
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Facilitate – Render less difficult. It comes from the Italian facile or easy which in turn comes from fare (to make or do), thus to make easier. We also get farewell (do well) from fare.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Learning to drive all over again
by Blaise Di Pronio You have seen them in the movies, television and posters. You have even seen them at Festa. They have no motor. They have no oars. All you see is this long pole pointing to the sky. What are they and how do you drive them? They are one of Italy’s best known icons and symbols: the gondolas – those flat bottomed boats used in Venice’s canals. The gondola is similar to a canoe but a bit narrower. As such, it is well suited to fit the tight spaces it has to navigate. Its iconic features include the ornamental high points at each end, at both the stem or
bow (front) and the stern (back). The front prow is known as the ferro (iron), which serves to prevent damage if it collides with other boats and also as a counterweight for the gondolier at the other end. The ferro adds great ornamental features and value. It is usually topped and adorned by six prongs, which represent the six administrative districts of Venice. A gondola sometimes also has a small cabin (called a felze) for protecting passengers from the weather and peeping toms since it has windows with louvered shutters. These, by the way, are the original Venetian blinds.
For centuries, the gondola was the main means of transportation in Venice but, in modern times, it is mainly used for taking tourists on rides for fixed fees (just like our Festa gondolas). A gondola is propelled by a gondoliere (gondolier), who stands at or near the stern (back) facing the bow (front). The pole/oar (remo) sits in a forcola (a beautifully carved wooden rest). Rowing is comprised of a forward stroke followed by a compensating backward stroke. In effect, a gondola is propelled by a type of oaring and not poling or punting (pushing against a river bed with a pole). The remo and forcola are designed to allow these major maneuvers: slow or fast-forward rowing, slowing down, rowing backwards and stopping. The port (left) side of a gondola is longer than the starboard (right) side (facing forward). This asymmetry causes the gondola to resist its tendency to wanting to
turn left when doing the forward stroke described above. Today, there are just over 400 gondolas in service. A potential gondolier would need a license from the guild (union), training, apprenticeship and an exam testing the candidate’s knowledge of Venetian history and landmarks and knowledge of some other languages as it is a tourist driven profession. Should you ever get to Venice, believe it or not, you can try your hand at Venetian rowing of a gondola. Yes, a first hand experience of a rich tradition and heritage. The lesson consists of learning how to row a prua (at the prow), at the front part but without moving and then actually moving into a quiet and less traveled canal and then into an open lagoon where you can row a poppa (at the stern) just like a real gondolier. You can be sure that this isn’t exactly fishing “Up North.”
For several years now, Festa Italiana has offered its guests opportunities to taken a Venetian style gondola ride. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Word Search: Italian words infiltrated in the English language by Blaise Di Pronio
A gondola ride in Venice, Italy.
Bagheria, Sicily – Part 1
Word Search resolved – Page 15
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The town of Bagheria is located in the metropolitan area of Palermo, between the two enchanting gulfs of Palermo and Termini Imerese. It is about 15 kilometers (9.32 1 miles) east of Palermo and 85 meters (about 279 feet) above the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is surrounded by the mountains Alfano, Giancaldo, Consuono and the beautiful marina of Aspra, which extends into the Conca d’Oro between Mongerbino and the mountain of Capo Zafferano. The Phoenicians, noted adventurers and conquerors and always in search of new lands, were attracted by the beauty of the Trinacria. They landed at the foot of Mongerbino at Capo Zafferano and ascended the mountain up to its highest point and, once they saw the superb panoramic beauty and fertility of the surrounding land, they decided to stay and so they established the city of Solunto. The Greek name of Solunto, according to myth, as reported by Hecataeus, derives from that of a famous robber, Solus, who was killed by Heracles. Bagheria, itself, was founded in
the 17th century by the Branciforte Princes of Butera. Since it used to be, together with the hills of Palermo, a holiday resort area of the Palermo aristocracy, it became famous for the villas built by them during the 18th century. Famous travelers such as Wolfgang Goethe and Karl Friedrich Schinkel visited Bagheria during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1658, Giuseppe Branciforte, Earl of Raccuja, following a stinging political disappointment for his failure to be appointed by the Spanish government as viceroy of Palermo, decided to retire in Bagheria, where he built Villa Butera, which would become his permanent home. In 1769, Salvatore Branciforte, prince of Butera and nephew of the Earl of Raccuja, developed the first urban scheme of Bagheria. He first built a great palace next to the medieval castle. Then, to join the Palazzo Butera with the new Palermo-Messina road, he built a large main courseway called “Butera Way” and then another road up to the “pillars” that marked his property. Finally, he Please turn to page 15
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 13
The Leaning Tower of Niles . . . What?
by Blaise Di Pronio Is there an icon symbolizing Italy better known or more ubiquitous than that tilting tower in Pisa? Probably not. But did you know that there is an exact, half-size replica of it just a few miles south of our state’s border in Illinois in the Village of Niles? Back in 1934, an eccentric industrialist by the name of Robert Ilg commissioned the replica as part of a recreational park for his employees at 6300 West Touhy Avenue (15 minutes northeast of O’Hare International Airport). It was built exactly 600 years after the Leaning Tower of Pisa was completed. Its original function was to serve as a water storage tower for nearby recreational pools, but the tower also paid homage to Pisaborn astronomer, Galileo Galilei. There is an inscription on a plaque at the tower’s base which says that it is “dedicated to all who contribute and strive to make this Earth and its unlimited resources, materially and scientifically a better place for mankind.” The Niles tower is roughly halfsized: 94 feet vs. the authentic’s 177 feet, and it leans about 7 feet, 4 inches off plumb (vs. Pisa’s 15 foot tilt). The Leaning Tower of Niles became a symbol of the city and, in 1991, Niles established a sister city pact with Pisa, Italy, at which time
dignitaries from Pisa came to Niles to celebrate the agreement. The tower was renovated in the 1990s and it is again due for further renovation. The piazza (plaza)
Since the start of the new year, the staff has been working hard on strengthening the full immersion program while maintaining as much Italian in the higher grades as possible. Here are a few examples of projects that signal the growth of the program. First is the expansion of the
school library. There are new Italian books being added to the library every single day. These are resources for teachers and books for the students to check out for their personal use. It is wonderful to see the abundance of materials that are available to our students and staff. Second is the progress that has been made in the area of assess-
where it is situated features four fountains and a 30-foot pool. It is used as an al-fresco (open air) summertime music series site. So if you cannot make it to Pisa
in the near future, why not take a leisurely ride to Niles and take part in some make believe. It will be well worth the ride and a lot cheaper.
Report from the Milwaukee Italian Immersion School at Victory K8
The Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois, is half of the size of the original Lean Tower in Pisa, Italy.
ments. The Italian teachers have been updating assessments so students’ growth is monitored more accurately and can be used to help guide future instruction. A final highlight for the new year is the school’s new YouTube channel. To access student-friendly videos and songs search: “Milwaukee Ital-
ian Immersion School” or visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHVfnqLiuBNT-bRyk_0-uqQ. Enrollment is open for the 20172018 school year from Saturday, Jan. 28-Saturday, Feb. 18 for incoming K4, K5 and Grade 1 students. We would like to take this opportunity to have you come to Continued on page 15
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 20
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 Tonoli,Charlie Tonoli, Glenn Tonoli, Jim G. Torcivia, Joe A. Torcivia, Peter R. Torre, Peter J. Torti, Louise Torti, Basil Tralongo, Ben Tralongo, Sam Trentadue, Anthony Trentadue, Len J. Trevisan, Americo Trevisan, Primo Tribolini, Anthony Tribori, Ted Trinitapoli, Albert
Branch Marines Marines Navy Army Army Navy Navy Army Army Coast Guard Army Army Army Army Army Army Army
PAGE 14 – FEBRUARY 2017
Address 314 E. Ogden 320 E. Ogden 314 E. Ogden 400 E. Lyon 400 E. Lyon 1802 N. Pulaski 1532 W. Capitol 1532 W. Capitol 1677 N. Astor 1677 N. Astor 5131 W. Wells 1339 N. Cass 2954 N. Fredrick 432 N. 26th St. 2626 W. Lloyd 1917 S. 30th St. 908 E. Kewaunee
Name Tripi, Nick Triscari, Nick C. Troiano, Phil Jr. Taramelli, Frank Turano, Stephen Turdo, Rose Tutino, Frank Tutino, Henry Vaccaro, Joe MD Vaiana, Anthony Valente, Tom Valenti, Amadeo Valenti, Joe Valenti, Sal Valenti, Joe Valenti, Sal Valentinelli, Bruno Valerio, Joe Valerio, Robert Vallone, John Vallone, Joe G. Vallone, Peter A. Varro, Carl Varro, Joe Jr. Vasarella, Liberto Vento, Frank C. Vento, Ignatius Vento, Joe Vento, Sal Vento, Steve Venturini, Serio
Branch Marines Army Army Army Army Wave Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA Navy Coast Guard Army Army Army Army
Address 707 E. Pleasant 1621 N. Van Buren 839 N. 1st St. 1007 N. 12th St. 1020 W. Winnebago 221 N. Jefferson 1430A W. Mitchell 1430A W. Mitchell 2739 N. Farwell 1149 E. Kane 707 E. Clybourn 2217 N. 7th St. 637 W. Garfield 637 W. Garfield 708 W. North Av. 2217 N. 7th St. 2004A N. 14th St. 1951 S. 10th St. 5665 N. 40th St 524 E. Buffalo 524 E. Buffalo 524 E. Buffalo 2211A W. Walnut 2211A W. Walnut 2635 N. 8th St. 1734 N. Warren 817 E. Pearson 817 E. Pearson 2869 N. Buffum 2869 N. Buffum 1942A S. 6th St.
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Report from the Milwaukee Italian Immersion School at Victory K8
from page 14 Victory K8 and Milwaukee Italian Immersion for a tour and see our unique free educational offerings. We are the only school that offers an Italian Immersion program in the United States of America. Victory K8 and Milwaukee Italian
Immersion is located on the far south side of Milwaukee in a safe residential neighborhood. Free bussing is provided for residents of the City of Milwaukee and open enrollment students are also welcome! If you would like to learn more
about instruction in Italian for your child scheduled to start K4, K5 and Grade 1 this fall, please call 414304-6700 or email Principal Janine Cano Graber at graberjf@milwaukee.k12.wi.us to learn more about
Bagheria, Sicily – Part 1
from page 13 systemized the city center with the building of the Madrice Church that served as backdrop to the “Stradonello” (the “Little Road” and the current Corso Umberto I). Subsequently, in 1797, Michele Ercole Branciforte, son of Salvatore Branciforte, built the original “Cer-
tosa” in the pine forest behind the castle. It was a neoclassical pavilion that featured a bizarre costume museum with wax figures of Carthusian monks, which were carved out by Ferretti, who also gave them faces of some famous personalities of the time. Today, nothing remains of the Certosa ex-
by Blaise Di Pronio Sorority – A society or body of women united for some purpose.
It comes from the Italian sorella or sister and sorellanza or sisterhood.
And now, a word from Italy
Top 10 last names in Italy
cept for part of the perimeter walls between the cypresses, and they are now dusty and shrunken. After the construction of the castle of Branciforte, urban and suburban expansion of Bagheria took off with the construction of almost all the
this exciting opportunity for your child and your family!
– Submitted by Annette Robertson Grade 2 Teacher
sumptuous villas, castles and palaces of the noble lords of Sicily. Bagheria, thus, became the privileged place for the holidays of the Palermo aristocracy. – From the City of Bagheria FB Page
Word Search: Italian words infiltrated in the English language – Resolved –
I 10 cognomi Italiani più diffusi in Italia 1.Rossi 2.Russo 3.Ferrari 4.Esposito 5.Bianchi
6.Romano 7.Colombo 8.Ricci 9.Marino 10.Greco
Europe’s oldest music festival, the Festival della Canzone Italiana di Sanremo, brings the whole of Italy to a standstill each February as it offers up the latest batch of vocal talent wanting to follow up in the footsteps of the now famous Italian singers Andrea Bocelli,
Giorgia Mietta, Laura Pausini and Eros Ramazzotti. This year, the 67th San Remo Music Festival is set for Feb. 7-11 at the Teatro Ariston. San Remo is a coastal city in the Liguria region of northern Italy Known for its strong focus on original compositions as well as singing prowess of the contestants, the San Remo festival has been a way for up-and-coming artists to flex their vocal cords alongside established stars. The winner of the campioni (champions) category will be eligible to represent Italy as its Eurovision 2017 representative at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine, May 9-13. The festival is organized and broadcast by RAI. The show will be hosted for the third straight year by Italian TV personality Carlo Conti, who also is the artistic director of the competition. The 2016 winner in the campi-
67th San Remo Music Festival set for Feb. 7-11
Words in an Italian word
from page 12 48 words in “Madre”. 1. dream 2. armed 3. madre 4. derma 5. mare 6. dame 7. dare 8. read 9. mead 10. eard 11. ream 12. derm 13. dram 14. rade 15. ared 16. made 17. dear 18. mard 19. dam 20. mar 21. ame 22. ard 23. era 24. are 25. arm 26. red 27. erm 28. rad 29. med 30. mad 31. rem 32. mae 33. dae 34. ram 35. ear 36. me 37. de 38. re 39. ea 40. ed 41. ad 42. ae 43. em 44. am 45. er 46. ar 47. ma 48. da.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Please turn to page 16
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 15
La Pagina Italiana
Bagheria, Sicilia – Parte 1
Storia di Bagheria Fondata nel XVII secolo dalla famiglia Branciforte Principi di Butera, si trova sulla costa 15 km ad est di Palermo. Luogo di villeggiatura dell’aristocrazia palermitana (insieme ai Colli di Palermo) divenne celebre per le ville costruite durante il XVIII secolo. Famosi viaggiatori come Wolfgang Goethe e Karl Friedrich Schinkel visitarono Bagheria durante il XVIII e XIX secolo. I Fenici, avventurieri e conquistatori, sempre in cerca di nuove terre, attratti dalle bellezze della Trinacria, approdarono ai piedi del Mongerbino al Capo Zafferano; ascesero il monte fino al punto più alto e qui, ammirata la superba bellezza panoramica e la fertilità della terra circostante, decisero di fermarsi per fondare la città di Solunto. Il nome greco di Solunto, secondo il mito di fondazione, riportato da Ecateo, deriverebbe da quello di un brigante, Solus, ucciso da Eracle. Il nome fenicio conosciuto dalle monete (Kfra = Kafara), significa “villaggio”, mentre lo steso nome greco (Solus, corrispondente al latino Soluntum) potrebbe essere d’origine fenicia, e significherebbe “roccia”, con un caratteristico riferimento alla natura del sito. La più antica notizia su Solunto ci è trasmessa da Tucidide (VI, 2, 6), secondo il quale il luogo sarebbe stato occupato dai Fenici (insieme a Mozia e Palermo) al momento della
prima colonizzazione greca. La città è stata localizzata con certezza sul monte Catalfano ma lo scavo non ha finora trovato nulla d’anteriore al IV secolo a.C. Si era quindi supposto che il centro più antico fossa da identificare con la vicina località di Pizzo Cannita, da dove due sarcofagi provengono antropoidi punici (ora al Museo Archeologico Regionale di Palermo), ma la recente scoperta di
tombe del VI secolo ai piedi del monte Catalfano ha riaperto la questione: la Solunto più antica va cioè localizzata nella stessa zona di quella più tarda, anche se ne ignoriamo il sito preciso (forse ai piedi del monte, e in vicinanza del mare, come ci aspetteremmo per un emporio fenicio, o piuttosto nella zona non scavata a monte del teatro, dove va localizzata l’acropoli).
legno magistralmente intagliato. Il movimento della gondola consiste in una remata in avanti compensata da una remata all’indietro. In effetti la gondola viene sospinta da una remata e non da movimenti generati da aste o bastoni spinti sul letto di un fiume. Il remo e la forcola vengono disegnati appositamente per permettere queste manovre: una remata lenta o veloce in avanti, un rallentamento, una remata all’indietro e una fermata. Guardando in avanti, il lato sinistro della gondola è più lungo del lato destro. Questa asimmetria consente alla gondola di contrastare la sua tendenza a girare a sinistra quando viene effettuata la remata in avanti sopra descritta. Al giorno d’oggi ci sono poco più di 400 gondole operative. Gli aspiranti gondolieri devono ottenere una licenza
dall’associazione, seguire un corso di formazione, fare un apprendistato e superare un esame comprendente nozioni di storia veneziana, storia dell’arte e di qualche lingua straniera poiché si tratta di una professione orientata al turismo. Se doveste trovarvi a Venezia, che ci crediate o no, è possibile sperimentare in prima persona la remata in gondola. Proprio così, un’esperienza diretta di un’eredità di lunga tradizione. La lezione consiste nell’apprendere come si rema a prua, dal lato anteriore, ma senza muoversi e poi muovendosi realmente in un canale calmo e poco trafficato, infine nella laguna aperta dove è possibile remare a poppa proprio come un vero gondoliere. Potete immaginare che non è esattamente andando a pesca Sul Nord. – Tradotto dall’Inglese da Laura Duronio
Imparare a guidare daccapo
di Blaise Di Pronio Le avete viste nei film, in televisione, sui poster. Le avete viste alla Festa. Non hanno motore. Non hanno remi veri e propri. Tutto ciò che si vede è quella lunga asta che punta verso il cielo. Che cosa sono e come si guidano? Sono una delle icone e dei simboli italiani più famosi: le gondole, imbarcazioni a fondo piatto utilizzate nei canali della città di Venezia. La gondola è di forma simile a quella di una canoa, ma è un po’ più stretta. Questa forma le permette di inserirsi negli spazi angusti nei quali deve navigare. Le sue caratteristiche emblematiche includono le estremità ornamentali presenti sia a poppa che a prua. Quella a prua è conosciuta col nome di “ferro” e ha lo scopo di prevenire i danni causati da collisioni con altre imbarcazioni nonché di fornire un contrappeso al gondoliere che occupa l’altra estremità. Il “ferro” garantisce un notevole valore a livello decorativo. In cima ad esso, solitamente, sono posti sei spuntoni che rappresentano i sei distretti amministrativi di Venezia. Talvolta la gondola presenta anche una piccola cabina denominata “felze” che protegge i passeggeri dalle intemperie e dai guardoni grazie a delle finestre con persiane oscuranti, le moderne “veneziane”. Per molti secoli la gondola è stata il mezzo di trasporto principale a Venezia, ma in tempi moderni viene utilizzata soprattutto per portare i turisti in giro secondo tariffe stabilite (proprio come le gondole della Festa). La gondola è manovrata da un gondoliere posizionato in piedi vicino alla poppa rivolto verso la prua. Il remo è inserito in una “forcola”, un supporto ricavato da
PAGE 16 – FEBBRAIO 2017
La città di Bagheria sorge nella ridente valle della metropoli palermitana, tra i due incantevoli golfi di Palermo e Termini Imerese. Dista circa 15 chilometri da Palermo e si trova a 85 metri sul livello del mar Tirreno. E’ circondata dai monti Alfano, Giancaldo, Consuono e dalla splendida marina di Aspra che si estende nella Conca d’Oro tra il Mongerbino e il monte di Capo Zafferano. Completano il pittoresco paesaggio la Montagnola di Serradifalco (alta 165 metri) e la collinetta di Valguarnera (135 metri) che si elevano nella parte alta dell’abitato, tra la folta vegetazione degli agrumeti, odorosi di zagare, e le nobiliari ville secentesche e del ‘700. Nel 1658 Giuseppe Branciforti, conte di Raccuja, in seguito ad una cocente delusione politica per la mancata nomina da parte del governo spagnolo, quale vicerè di Palermo, decide di ritirarsi a Bagheria, dove costruisce Villa Butera che diventerà la sua dimora definitiva. Ha origine così la città di Bagheria che conduce in campagna oltre ad un personaggio così importante anche lo spostamento di una piccola corte che trae sostentamento dalle ricchezze del Branciforti. Nel 1769 Salvatore Branciforti, principe di Butera, nipote del conte di Raccuja, realizza il primo schema urbanistico di Bagheria. Egli costruì prima un grande edificio addossato al castello medievale; per congiungere il Palazzo Butera con la nuova via Palermo-Messina, fece tracciare poi il grande corso principale denominato “corso Butera”; ortagonalmente a questo tracciò un altro largo corso fino ai “pilastri” che delimitavano i suoi possedimenti. Sistemò infine il centro urbano con l’edificazione della Chiesa Madrice che fa da fondale allo “Stradonello” (l’attuale corso Umberto I). Successivamente, nel 1797, Ercole Michele Branciforti, figlio di Salvatore Branciforti, fece costruire nella pineta retrostante il castello, l’originale “certosa”, un padiglione neoclassico che raccoglieva un bizzarro museo del costume con figure in cera di monaci certosini, eseguiti dal Ferretti, alle quali diedero anche volto alcuni celebri personaggi del tempo. Della certosa Continuato su pagina 17
THE ITALIAN TIMES
L’angolo delle curiosità
Le Guardie Svizzere
di Donato Di Pronio Le Guardie che prestano servizio nel Vaticano vengono reclutate sin dalla loro istituzione unicamente tra cittadini svizzeri. Alle Guardie è particolarmente affidata la persona del Papa. Un tempo i soldati elvetici erano ritenuti invincibili. Lo storico latino Tacito, vissuto tra il I e il II secolo dopo Cristo, parlando degli Helvetii; affermò che sono “un popolo di guerrieri, famoso per il valore dei suoi soldati”. (Papa Giulio II li insignì del titolo di “difensori della libertà della Chiesa”). Il Corpo delle Guardie, composto da un centinaio abbondante di uomini, fu ufficialmente istituito il 22 gennaio 1506 dal precitato Papa Giulio II (1445-1513; Pontefice dal 1503 al 1513). In principio le Guardie non furono impiegate soltanto come scorta personale del Papa ma parteciparono a numerose battaglie, prima fra tutte quella avvenuta il 6 maggio 1527 durante il cosiddetto Sacco di Roma. La città fu presa d’assalto e orribilmente saccheggiata da parte dei lanzichenecchi arruolati nell’esercito di Carlo V (1500-1558) imperatore e re di spagna. Con il loro sacrificio, le Guardie permisero a Papa Clemente VII (1523-1534) di avere salva la vita (il Papa, si rifugiò a Castel Sant’Angelo attraverso un corridoio segreto costruito tra il Vaticano e questa fortezza durante il Pontificato di Alessandro VI, 1492-1503). (I lanzichenecchi erano milizie mercenarie tedesche
Bagheria, Sicilia –Parte 1 da pagina 18
non esiste più nulla, solo parte delle mura perimetrali tra cipressi ormai polverosi e rinsecchiti. Dopo la costruzione del castello dei Branciforti, l’espansione urbana e suburbana di Bagheria ebbe un grande sviluppo con l’edificazione di quasi tutte le sontuose ville, i castelli ed i palazzi dei nobili signori della Sicilia. Bagheria diventò così il luogo privilegiato delle villeggiature dell aristocrazia palermitana. – From Comune di Bagheria FB Page
costituite nel sec. XV: si mettevano al servizio di chi li pagava meglio! Vennero largamente impiegati negli eserciti europei sino all’inizio del secolo 17°). Dopo la strenua fedeltà dimostrata in questa circostanza, la Guardia Svizzera divenne una vera e propria istituzione del Papato. L’attuale divisa (erroneamente attribuita ad un disegno di Michelangelo -1475-1564-, il grandissimo scultore, pittore, architetto, poeta, giustamente annoverato fra i creatori più profondi e più geniali che abbiamo mai operato nel campo artistico) è stata disegnata all’inizio del secolo XX da un comandante delle Guardie, ispirandosi alle divise storiche e all’opera di Raffaello.
Le Guardie Svizzere, circa 1757
1. Capita a Fagiolo Lit.: It Happens at the Bean. Meaning: It happens at exactly the right moment, as with poor people of the past, when beans were the only thing they had to eat. As in: it happens just when we need it
(the bean-food) most. * * * 2. Essere al Verde. Lit.: To Be At the Point of Green. Meaning: To be broke or out of money to the point where all you see is the green felt at gaming table
of a casino.
di Donato Di Pronio Zanzara, Mosquito, per i Latini: Culex, ecc. cambia il nome, ma non la sua pessima furbizia. Prima o poi, in barba ad ogni nostra difesa, siamo vittime di un Culex Pipiens, un culìcide della famiglia di insetti nematorici alla quale appartiene la comunissima e fastidiosissima zanzara, specie dal corpo delicato, dai grandi occhi, dall’apparato boccale sporgente all’innanzi come una lunga tromba diritta di cui le femmine si servono per pungere uomini e animali per succhiarne il sangue. Quando ci attacca, ci inietta con la cannuccia dell’apparato boccale, un calmante che dura i quattro minuti che impiega per gonfiarsi del nostro sangue. Si sente dire che queste accanite e furbissime “guerriere” prediligano particolarmente le persone che emanano odor di birra! Provare per credere? No! No! Ma non disdegnano le altre: infatti sembra che siano attratte dal calore, dal
gruppo sanguigno O, dal sudore, dall’anidride carbonica prodotta con la respirazione, dai calori scuri, dal rosso. Ma anche loro hanno “nemici” che le attaccano senza pietà: pipistrelli, lucertole, uccelli, rane, libellule e rane. All’esercito degli oltre 3.500 ditteri costituenti la predetta
famiglia a cui appartiene la zanzara, si è aggiunta in Italia dal 1990 la specie Aedes Albopictus, la cosiddetta zanzara tigre, particolarmente aggressiva di giorno e nelle ore del mattino e del tramonto. Ho sentito dire che la Zanzara potrebbe essere l’uccello statale di Wisconsin. Per davvero?
Italian idioms and expressions
* * * 3. Vai a Quel Paese. Lit.: Go to that country/town. Meaning: Get lost. * * * Continuato su pagina 18
L’angolo delle curiosità
La Zanzara
Cosa c’è in un nome? What’s in a name? from page 7
D’Amico: Of a friend. D’Amore: Of love. Del Vecchio: Of the old one. Dentice: Snapper fish. Esposito: Abandoned child. Farina: Flour. Fiumefreddo: Cold river. Fucili: Rifles. Fumagalli: Smoke the roosters. Gagliardi: The very strong. Gallina: A hen. Galluzzo: Little rooster. Guardalabene: Take good care of her. Glorioso: Illustrious and glorious. La Gatta: The cat. La Macchia:- The stain. Lupo: Wolf. Maglio: Power hammer. Malatesta: Headache. Mancini: Left handed ones. Mangiamele: Apple eater. Mazza: Sledgehammer.
Le Guardie Svizzere 2017
Mezzanotte: Midnight. Miele: Honey. Pagliasotti: With straw underneath. Passante: Pedestrian. Pecora: Sheep. Pecoraro: Shepherd. Piscitello: Little fish. Pizzo: Blackmail hush money Quattrocchi: Four eyes. Riccobono: Good and rich. Saggio: Wise. Santangelo: Holy angel. Scarpelllini: Very little shoes. Seidita: Six fingers. Stancampiano: Tired and slow. Tagliaferro: Iron splitter. Taglialavoro: Work cutter. Tagliavia: Roadcutter, shortcut. Tamburino: Little tambourine. Ventimiglia: Twenty miles. Zappaterreno: Earth digger. Zingara: Gypsy.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
I 30 nomi più comuni in Italia Top 30 most common names in Italy
Questo elenco e’ stato compilato dai 1000 nomi più comuni in Italia. Compiled from the most common 1000 names in Italy. Nome Name 1. Marco 2. Andrea 3. Giuseppe 4. Antonio 5. Luca 6. Alessandro 7. Anna 8. Giovanni 9. Roberto 10. Stefano 11. Maria 12. Sara
Frequenza Frequency 1.700548% 1.485796% 1.397721% 1.317783% 1.162115% 1.150601% 0.868635% 0.856105% 0.850994% 0.835629% 0.794678% 0.744326%
13. Paolo 14. Laura 15. Michele 16. Fabio 17. Davide 18. Valentina 19. Matteo 20. Salvatore 21. Massimo 22. Daniele 23. Giulia 24. Simone 25. Antonella 26. Chiara 27. Luigi 28. Silvia 29. Mario 30. Daniela
0.742264% 0.700823% 0.698775% 0.697017% 0.675183% 0.667683% 0.664715% 0.642415% 0.623994% 0.619201% 0.600684% 0.593985% 0.581106% 0.575668% 0.573212% 0.572982% 0.571981% 0.560526%
From: www.name-statistics.org
Proverbi Italiani
1. Al vecchio non manca mai da raccontare. The old are never without stories to tell.
2. Dai sessanta in su, non si contan più. After you hit 60, you stop counting.
3. Il peso degli anni è il più grave a portare. The weight of years is the heaviest load.
4. Quanto più l’uccello è vecchio, tanto più malvolentieri lascia le penne. The older a bird is the more reluctant it is to leave the nest, i.e. the old don’t want to die. 5. Dopo la cinquantina - un
malanno ogni mattina. After 50, there’s a new ailment every morning.
6. Più vale un padre che cento pedagoghi. A father is worth a hundred teachers.
7. Chi non ascolta il padre in giovinezza, dovrà pentirsene nella vecchiezza. Who doesn’t listen to their father in their youth, will regret it in old age.
8. Non v’a miglior specchio d’amico vecchio perchè ci dice la verità. There isn’t a better mirror than an old friend who tells you the truth.
FEBBRAIO 2017 – PAGE 17
The Italian Times welcomes your input
The Italian Times is extending an invitation to our readers to submit articles and/or suggestions for news stories for future publication in our printed and online edition. The Newspaper Committee and Editor Tom Hemman have developed a series of guidelines to revamp the publication’s editorial presentation with a concerted effort being made to make it more current, relevant and reader friendly. We welcome interested individuals to submit articles and/or suggestions for news stories to Times Editor Tom Hemman at his email address: themman@italiancc.org. You may also contact Newspaper Committee Chair Blaise DiPronio at 262-376-0019. Articles can be submitted in English or Italian. The following criteria has been established for news articles:
1). Must be relevant, newsworthy, pertaining to and of interest to the Italian American community. 2). Can be current, developing, historical or anecdotal. 3). Must be of original content and authorship. 4). If not original, copyright and authorship permission must be granted in writing and proper credit must be given. 5). Cannot be of a political nature or content. 6). Cannot jeopardize the Italian Community Center’s bulk mail status. Guidelines are established in United States Postal Service Publication 417. 7). Cannot promote products or services better suited to paid advertising. 8). Must be limited to 300 words or less. Any article exceeding the 300-word limit will be rejected un-
less the writer is granted a pre-determined waiver based on merit. A writer can appeal the word limit to the editor and the Newspaper Committee. The final decision is that of the editor and the committee. 8). Must be electronically submitted (i.e., email) as a Word document to themman@italiancc.org. 9). Articles submitted in Italian should also include an accurate paraphrased English translation. 10). Every submission is subject to editorial review, editing, deadline restrictions and space availability in the newspaper. 11). We reserve the right to reject an article for publication in the newspaper and on the ICC website. Over the next few months, we plan on giving you a partial list of potential subjects for articles. The list begins this month. 1). Tutorials on how to play
Saint Biagio Day, on Feb. 3, is a minor celebration all over Italy. Saint Biagio (Blaise) is the saint of the throat. It is tradition to eat leftover panettone with a glass of wine
to bless your throat. In some places, Saint Biagio Day is celebrated with parades, music, a special mass or bonfires. In Mug-
nano di Napoli (Campania region), there is a huge fireworks display as it is the home of one of the biggest pyrotechnics companies in Italy.
Saint Biagio Day celebrated in Italy Italian idioms and expressions da pagina 17
4. Fari i Salti Mortali. Lit.: Make Mortal Jumps. Meaning: Bend over backwards for someone. * * * 5. Tra il Dire e il Fare c’è di Mezzo il Mare. Lit.: There is a Sea Between Saying and Doing. Meaning: There’s a big difference between saying and doing it. * * * 6. Un Cane in Chiesa. Lit.: A Dog in Church. Meaning: About as welcome as a dog in church, i.e., an unwelcome guest in the house.
Unmarried people celebrate St. Faustino’s Day in Italy
Saint Faustino’s Day, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, commemorates the saint adopted by single people in Italy. If you see a sign for a St. Faustino Day party, it is most likely an event for singles.
St. Faustino is also the patron saint of Brescia, a city in the Lombardy region of Italy. There, a large festival is held on Feb. 15. Highlights include live music, vendors of all sorts, lots of food and a huge fireworks display at night.
Agrigento, a city on the south coast of Sicily, will host the 72nd annual celebration of “Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Almond Blossom Festival) from Monday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 12.
formances. 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.
Agrigento, Sicily celebrates 72nd Almond Blossom Fair
The fair is combined with an international folklore festival and features music, singing, parades, puppet shows and open-air per-
E fatt’na risata!
Quando la mamma vi dice: “Torna presto” e “Vai piano” ci avete mai pensato? Vi sta chiedendo due cose esattamente opposte.
In una grande sala da ballo, tutti si divertono eccetto l’unica signorina che non è ancora stata invitata da nessuno. Ad un tratto le si avvicina un bellissimo ragazzo e il suo cuore comincia a battere forte: “scusi signorina, lei balla?” e lei: “certamente” e si alza dalla sedia e lui sedendosi sulla sedia lasciata libera: “meno male..ero così stanco”.
Una donna va in farmacia: “mi può dare il veleno più potente che ha” ed il farmacista: “a cosa le serve?” e la donna: “a uccidere mio marito” il farmacista: “non posso” e la donna caccia una foto che ritrae suo marito e la moglie del farmacista a letto e a quel punto il farmacista: “se me lo diceva che aveva la ricetta glielo davo subito”. Una bionda incontra una ragazza e gli dice: - “Saraaa! Ma quanti cambiamenti!”
PAGE 18 – FEBRUARY 2017
- “Già! Prima avevi i capelli lunghi e adesso gli hai corti!” - “Sì, prima non portavi gli occhiali e adesso li porti” - “Sì, prima eri bruna e adesso sei rossa!” - “Sì, prima eri magra e adesso sei grassa!” - “Sì, Prima eri alta adesso sei bassa!” - L’altra: “Ma io non sono Sara!” - “Wooow! Allora hai cambiato anche nome!”
Una signora chiede ad un’amica: - “Dimmi, carissima,secondo te, quando sarò morta...che cosa diranno di me? “Ah, secondo me diranno...dove la seppelliamo?
La donna a 20 anni è come l’Africa: semi esplorata...a 30 è come l’america: tutta esplorata...dai 40 ai 50 è come l’europa: tutta sfasciata....dai 60 in su è come la siberia: tutti sanno dov’è ma nessuno ci vuole andare.
Due amiche si incontrano: “da dove vieni?” e l’amica risponde: “dall’istituto di bellezza” e l’altra: “trovato chiuso?”
bocce, scopa, briscola and tombola and their rules and regulations. 2). Recipe box with recipes from Italy, hand-me-downs, member specialties, local Italian restaurants and bakeries. 3). Reviews of Italian connected movies, music, books, art, displays, exhibitions and so on. 4). Sports clubs’ news for soccer, bicycling, skiing, etc. 5). Auto and motorcycle club news featuring Italian vehicles. 6). Italian clubs in the many schools teaching Italian, reporting their activities and fun things. 7). Awards, promotions and accolades given to members. 8). Upcoming events, entertainment, dinners, dances and other activities. 9). Profiles on donors, members and volunteers. 10). Births, weddings, graduations and obituaries.
February weather across Italy
While January tends to be colder overall than February, the two months are fairly interchangeable weather-wise. The northern part of Italy and other mountainous regions are often snow-covered, and rain usually dominates the forecast in other areas. Still, February is when some parts of Italy, especially southern regions, are beginning to shake off the winter cold. Here’s the average temperature range in the northern, central and southern parts of Italy: • Northern Italy: 25º-45º Fahrenheit. • Central Italy: 40º-55º Fahrenheit. • Southern Italy (including Sicily): 50º-60º Fahrenheit.
Notice To ICC Members
Please Be Advised That With The Takeover Of The Restaurant, Catering and Banquet Services By The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Members Of The Italian Community Center Are Not Permitted To Bring Food and Beverages Into The Building For Their Events.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Request from ICC for cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses mail blast or a cell phone text blast to ICC members and as many nonmembers as possible. Right now, committee chairs and event planners here don’t always know what advertising options are available to them and how to reach out to you. Without spending a ton of money, we just aren’t sure how to let the people out there know about upcoming events at the ICC. ICC members can be placed on an e-mail list and a cell phone list when they sign up for or renew their membership. Our application includes a place for your e-mail address and cell phone number. Our membership contact list is extremely private, and we will con-
By Susie Christiansen Social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as e-mail and cell phone texting, are currently the most common methods of communicating for people. Using those avenues, we have developed a way to reach out to our membership to inform you about upcoming events organized by the Italian Community Center, such as Il Grande Carnevale, A Taste of Italy and Festa Italiana. We can even email you a copy of The Italian Times. When the ICC hosts wine tastings, musical events and cooking classes, it would be helpful to everyone involved to be able to send an e-
tinue to keep it that way. We do not distribute our address, phone or e-mail lists to anyone. Rest assured your contact information will be retained by the ICC and only the ICC, and you will only be sent messages on a limited basis. We simply want to inform you. We want to tell you about the fantastic events, activities and ethnic experiences that the Italian
Community Center has to offer. These are the other options available for submitting your cell phone number and e-mail address: 1. Our website: www.iccmilwaukee.com – use the Contact Us Form (the last tab on the site). 2. By e-mail: susie@iccmilwaukee.com. 3. Call Constance Palmer at the ICC – 414-223-2808.
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 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 for each failed attempt to deliver the publication to your permanent residence. Hence, costs can add up quickly. “We’ve had a number of members who have gone to Florida or another warm weather location for the winter and these people did not supply us with their temporary change of address; hence their newspaper was returned to the ICC with the service fee due for each newspaper,” Editor Tom Hemman said. 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 Palmer at cpalmer@italianconference.com or call her at 414/223-2808.
Members: Please notify ICC of a change of address; noncompliance is costly
Hats Off to Il Grande Carnevale Celebrate Carnevale, the Italian Community Center’s premier social event, with a costume, mask or hat!
Saturday, February 25, 2017 Pompeii Grand Ballroom 5:11 p.m. – Reception (cash bar) 6:11 p.m. – Dinner, program and dancing Delicious Dinner
Coronation of Royalty Costume, Mask and Hat Parade with Prizes awarded for the very best Dance Music for all ages Special Italian entertainment Raffle Prizes Fabulous Bartolotta Fireworks
Cost: $55.00/ICC Member $60.00/General Public Pre-Paid Reservations required by February 17, 2017 Carnevale 2017 Reservation Form
Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________
Phone No.: __________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________ Please list the names of persons in your party on the back of this flyer. Tables of 10 are available. Number of ICC members attending: _______ x $55.00 = $
Number of non-members attending: _______ x $60.00 = $
_____
____
Total amount: $ 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: February 17, 2017. If you cannot attend Carnevale 2017, please consider making a donation to support this event. My/Our donation is : $_________________. Your support is greatly appreciated. Molte grazie! Many thanks!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Saint Agatha feast day celebrated in Catania, Sicily
One of the largest religious festivals in the world takes place the first weekend of February in the Sicilian city of Catania when it honors its patron saint, Sant’Agata. Some estimate that up to a million people line the streets to honor this martyred young woman with Sicilian roots. The Festa di Sant’Agata, this year, starts with a Mass at dawn on Saturday, Feb. 4, after which a statue of Saint Agatha holding her relics is placed on a 40,000 pound silver fercolo (carriage) which is pulled up Monte Sangiuliano by 5,000 men. The religious procession, said to be the second largest in the world, is repeated the next day. The festival features plenty of local delicacies; music and a huge fireworks show at the end.
FEBRUARY 2017 – PAGE 19
Curiosity corner: The Swiss Guards
by Donato Di Pronio The guards who serve in the Vatican are recruited from an organization that is comprised exclusively of Swiss nationals and thus their name. The Swiss Guards are especially entrusted to protect the person of the Pope. At one time, Swiss soldiers were deemed invincible. The Latin historian Tacitus, who lived between the first and second century after Christ, speaking of the Helvetii, stated that they are “a nation of
warriors, famous for the value of its soldiers.” (Pope Julius II awarded them the title of “defenders of the freedom of the Church.”) The Guard Corps, consisting of 100 or so men, was officially established on January 22, 1506 by the aforementioned Pope Julius II (b. 1445- d. 1513 and Pope from 1503 to 1513). In the beginning, the guards were not only used as personal escorts of the Pope but they also participated in many battles, most notably the one that occurred
The conclave of Pius V, with the Swiss Guard, protecting the entrance.
ICC Members: Planning to attend the dinner before the General Meeting on Thursday, February 16th?
on May 6, 1527 during the so-called Sack of Rome. Rome was stormed and horribly sacked by mercenaries enlisted in the army of Charles V (1500-1558), Emperor and King of Spain. With their sacrifices, the guards saved the life of Pope Clement VII (15231534). The Pope took refuge in Castel Sant’Angelo through a secret corridor built between the Vatican and this fortress during the pontificate of Alexander VI (1492-1503). The mercenaries were German mercenary troops, who were put in the service of those who paid them best, i.e., to the highest bidder! They were widely used in European armies until the beginning of the
17th century. After showing their fierce loyalty, as seen in this specific fight, the Swiss Guard went on to become an institution of the papacy. The current uniform has been incorrectly attributed to a drawing by Michelangelo (1475-1564), the great sculptor, painter, architect, poet, rightly regarded as one of the most brilliant and profound creators who have ever worked in the field of art. It was designed in the beginning of the 20th century by a commander of the Guards and was inspired by the historical uniforms and works of Raphael. English version by Blaise Di Pronio.
The bannner of the Pontifical Swiss Guard of Pope Francis under the command of Christoph Graf (2015 – present).
San Remo Music Festival
from page 15 oni category was Stadio with its song, “Un giorno mi dirai.” Last
year’s winner in the newcomers’ section was Francesco Gabbani with his song “Amen.”
If so, you are kindly asked to make a reservation on or before Monday, February 13th. Call 414-223-2180. Your reservation will help the culinary staff of Bartolotta Catering prepare sufficient food for the buffet.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Catering PAGE 20 – FEBRUARY 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES