ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.ICCMilwaukee.com
JULY/AUGUST 2017 • VOL. 39, NO. 2 SECTION B
July 21-23, 2017
Become a member of the Italian Community Center and you will receive home delivery of this publication. Your address label will placed here.
Bartolotta, Milwaukee Brewing Company hosting Courtyard music series at Italian Community Center this summer
Bartolotta Catering at the Italian Community Center, joined by Milwaukee Brewing Company, is presenting live music in the Courtyard this summer. The series started June 12. After a hiatus during Summerfest at nearby Henry W. Maier Festival Park, the ICC courtyard series resumes in July 10 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. These free admission shows begin at 6:30 p.m. The Bartolotta staff will be on hand to sell food and beverage starting at 5 p.m.
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The shows will go on rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the music will be brought indoors. The acts performing on Monday nights are jazz vocalists and musicians. Tuesday nights are dedicated to the blues. On Wednesday nights, a variety of acts perform. Thursday is good time rock-and-roll night. After Wednesday, Sept. 6, the series is condensed to Tuesday and Thursday evenings only. Here’s the lineup starting the week of July 10.
Baby grand piano donated to the ICC
Nina Cosentino has donated her late sister Janet’s baby grand piano to the Italian Community Center. Janet died in 2013. Nina decided to part with the piano as her final wish and made the donation in memory of her sister. The two sisters were very close.
Nina and Janet were the daughters of Frank and Gloria Cosentino. “On behalf of the ICC, I wish to thank Nina Cosentino for this wonderful gesture,” said ICC President Dean Cannestra. “It is greatly appreciated.”
• Monday, July 10 – Frank De Miles and Friends. • Tuesday, July 11 – Tweed Funk. • Wednesday, July 12 – Kay Sparling Theatrical Production (Opera and show tunes) • Thursday, July 13 – Groove Therapy.
• Monday, July 17 – Jazz vocalist Anita Stemper with the Tom Sorce Band. • Tuesday, July 18 – Cajun Strangers. • Wednesday, July 19 – Swing Chevron (Gypsy Swing Quartet) • Thursday, July 20 – The Please turn to page 5B
Volunteers needed to set up and take down Festa grounds
Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana celebrates the music, culture, food and spirit of Italy, as well as our community, family and good friends. We do our best to create a festive atmosphere and fond memories and to keep the ethnic cultures alive in Milwaukee – for us, specifically, the Italian culture. The number of volunteers needed to set up the festival and take it down afterwards is extensive. If it were not for the hard work of our volunteers, Festa Italiana would not be possible! We are looking for set-up and tear down volunteers. We would like each volunteer to work four to five-hour shifts starting Saturday, July 15
through Thursday, July 20. Individuals can volunteer for more than one day, if they choose, or everyday. Volunteers should be in good physical condition. They will assist with Festa’s set-up and/or tear down, which includes everything from placing tents, tables and chairs, hanging lights and decorations, to helping with stage and entertainment prep. Volunteers are especially needed to tear down the festival during the two days following Festa. Those dates are July 24-25. We encourage volunteers to sign up in advance through the ICC so that we can plan accordingly. Please turn to page 3B
Casino Night planned as ICC fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 8
Here are the Cosentino sisters, Janet (left) and Nina.
The piano is expected to be kept in the galleria after the completion of the remodeling project this summer. This photo was taken before the work began. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
If you’ve never been in a casino, the Italian Community Center is giving you a chance to get a taste of what it’s like to win big, while keeping the risk small, and all in a casino-like environment. Alternately, if you’ve experienced gambling fever and played in casinos, this is an opportunity to sharpen and practice your skills for not a whole lot of money. The ICC Membership Committee is very excited to sponsor and offer an enjoyable night of make believe gambling on Friday, Sept. 8. The fourth annual Casino Night event will give all attendees the opportunity to use “fun” chips to play a variety of Vegas style games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Hold’Em Poker.
Reservations only for this fundraiser The evening is a fundraiser for the ICC and is open to the general public and, of course ICC members, their families and friends. “Please note that we are limiting atten-
dance to the first 150 people who make reservations to attend,” said Membership Committee Chairs Bill and Karen Dickinson. Reservations are recommended and, if made and paid for by Friday, Aug. 18, you can save $5. Here are the specifics so you can start making your plans: The Casino Night will be held in the Festa Ballroom. It will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Entry tickets, if ordered by Aug. 18, are $30 for non-members and $25 for members. After Aug. 18, entry tickets will be $35 for non-members and $30 for members. There is a reservation form in this issue of The Italian Times which can be used to send in paid reservations by mail, or you can call the ICC office at 414-223-2180 and pay with a credit card. Tickets will also be available to buy in person at the ICC office. Remember, the $5 discount applies only on entry tickets ordered by Aug. 18. Should tickets still be available, Please turn to page 4B
Liguria genealogy to be displayed at Festa Italiana’s Regional Exhibit
by George Koleas This year’s Regional Exhibit at Festa Italiana features a presentation on genealogy in the region of Liguria and in other parts of Italy presented by Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22, the Italian Community Center’s Italian Family History Club. We will be joined by members of the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society, MCGS, who joined us at last year’s Festa. MCGS also participates in other ethnic festivals. In partnering with them, our group is known as the Italian Area Interest Group. At this year’s Festa Italiana, along with the MCGS, we will help you to trova i tuoi antenati (find your ancestors). Using resources available online and private databases, we will help you learn how to find information about your family. If you want to start researching your Italian family and would like us to try to help you, we need information from you about your family. Please fill in these two online forms the best as you can with information you know and bring it with you. One is a family group sheet, which is available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/famgrec.pdf and the other is an ancestral chart, which is available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/anchart.pdf . If you want to view the source material about Liguria genealogy from our display, all but the family trees, family pictures, genealogical records and maps can be found at the websites listed in this article. Records of births, marriages and deaths can be found at the Diocese and in individual Catholic churches. A list of Catholic Diocese (Diocesi) in Liguria can be found at: http://www.chiesacattolica.it/chiesa_cattolica_italiana/regioni__diocesi_e_parrocchie/00007907_Diocesi_e_Parrocchie.html# These Diocesi include: Albenga – Imperia: Via Episcopio, 5, 17031 Albenga (SV), Tel. 0182 57931, Fax. 0182 51440 E-mail: segreteriagenerale@diocesidialbengaimperia.it; cancelliere@diocesidialbengaimperia.it Chiavari: Piazza Nostra Signora dell’Orto, 7 16043 Chiavari (GE), Tel. 0185 59051, Fax. 0185 324173 • E-mail: curia@chiavari.chiesacattolica.it Genova (Genoa): Piazza Matteotti, 4, 16123 Genova (GE), Tel. 010 27001, Fax. 010 2700220, E-mail: cancelleria@diocesi.genova.it La Spezia - Sarzana – Brugnato: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 64, 19121 La Spezia (SP), Tel. 0187 734424, Fax. 0187 732187 • E-mail: amministrativocuriasp@gmail.com Savona – Noli: Piazza Vescovado, 13/r, 17100 Savona (SV), Tel. 019 8389601, Fax. 019 8389642 • E-mail: segreteria.curia@diocesisavona.it Tortona: Piazza Duomo, 12, 15057 Tortona (AL), Tel. 0131 816611, Fax. 0131 816607, E-mail: diocesi@diocesitortona.it Ventimiglia - San Remo: Via Carlo Pisacane, 2, 18038 San Remo (IM), Tel. 0184 505757, Fax. 0184 505753 • E-mail: curia@ventimiglia.chiesacattolica.it Not all family history records are at the Diocese or the church. Records of births, marriages and deaths can also be recorded in archives. The archives with family history information in Liguria are found at: http://www.daddezio.com/genealogy/italian/records/REGI-LIG.html and https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Liguria,_Italy_Genealogy These archives include: Archivio di Stato della Imperia: viale G. Matteotti 105, 18100 Imperia, Tel.: 0183 650491, Fax: 0183 666035 email: as-im@beniculturali.it, email certificata: mbac-asim@mailcert.beniculturali.it Archivio di Stato di Genova: Piazza S. Maria in Via Lata, 7, Piazza San Leonardo, 2 (Ingresso disabili), Via Santa Chiara, 28R (Ingresso manifestazioni), 16128 Genova, Tel: + 39 010537561 (centralino), Tel: + 39 0105375664 (accettazione sala studio), Fax: + 39 0105375636, E-Mail : as-ge@beniculturali.it Archivio di Stato della Spezia: E-mail: biagio.ramezzano@beniculturali.it, via Galvani 21 - località Valdellora – I-19124 La Spezia, Tel. +39 0187 506360 - Fax +39 0187 563592, E-mail: as-sp@beniculturali.it Archivio di Stato di Savona: Via Valletta San Cristoforo, 15 R – 17100 SAVONA, tel. e fax 019 8335227 posta elettronica as-sv@beniculturali.it, posta elettronica certificata: mbac-as-sv@mailcert.beniculturali.it Sezione di Archivio di stato di San Remo: http://www.asimperia.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/152/sezione-di-sanremo Sezione di Archivio di stato di Ventimiglia: Telefono e fax: 0184 34249 • E-mail: as-im.ventimiglia@beniculturali.it A mailing list is a way for people with a common interest to share information and ideas about a particular topic by e-mail. ITA-LIGURIA is a mailing list for anyone with a genealogical interest in the Liguria Region of Italy. To subscribe send “subscribe“ to ita-liguria-lrequest@rootsweb.com (mail mode) or ita-liguria-d-request@rootsweb.com (digest mode). http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~jfuller/gen_mail_countryita.html#ITA-LIGURIA. For a list of all available Italian mailing lists, go to: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~jfuller/gen_mail_country-ita.html To lean more about Italian Genealogy, go https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Italy. You will be taken to a page with many topics. The Mormon Church, the parent of this website, has been working in cooperation with Italian archives and is in the process of digitizing the considerable store of records that it has microfilmed throughout Italy. For more information about this collaboration, go to: http://www.antenati.san.beniculturali.it/en; https://familysearch.org/italian-ancestors/ or https://www.lds.org/church/news/familysearch-unites-with-italian-
PAGE 2 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
archive-organization-to-digitize-civil-registration-records?lang=eng&_r=1 To learn more about researching your Italian family, we welcome you to visit our website at http://www.orgsites.com/wi/point22/. You will find our meeting dates, our last meeting minutes, and the list of surnames our members are researching. Taking advantage of many of the resources listed in this article requires you to have access to a computer and an internet connection. We recognize that many people do not have this. While you can use a computer and get internet access at many public libraries, we understand that many people have no interest in doing this, but are interested in researching their family history. Computers facilitate this research, but you can research your family without a computer. Like many of us, I started researching my family this way. We hope that you can come to our display and talk to us about researching your family. If you cannot visit us at Festa Italiana, we invite you to come to one of our meetings. There is no cost or obligation. At our meetings, we discuss new developments in researching our family history; members report on the progress they are making in their research; members describe the obstacles preventing them from finding the information they need and other members offer suggestions on how to overcome those obstacles. When we have new visitors and members, we answer their questions and get them on the right path to discovering more about their families. If you or your families are from the Milwaukee area, you may even meet a new cousin. You are welcome to attend our next meeting on Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon. Please mark you calendar for the last meeting of 2017 on Saturday, Nov. 4. Please feel free to bring guests. Whether you are just starting or have been researching your family for many years, anyone with an interest in Italian family history is welcome. Many of our members are also researching families from other nationalities. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me, George Koleas, by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling (262) 251-7216 after 7 p.m.
It seems like more people are searching for their family roots than ever before. Evidence of that was shown in the Italian genealogy section of the Italian region exhibit at Festa Italiana in 2016. Members of both the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society were on hand to help people interested in doing research. These groups will be able to help people attending this year’s Festa, which starts Friday, July 21 and concludes Sunday, July 23. The exhibit will be part of the Liguria Regional Tent. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Deadline for September 2017 issue
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the September 2017 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Wednesdag, Aug. 9.. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-2232189. This issue will have full coverage of virtually everything that occurred at Festa Italiana. Please note that past and current issues are available on the Italian Community Center website: iccmilwaukee.com.
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 and Columnists Blaise Di Pronio, Elizabeth Zizzo, Annette Robertson, Paul Salsini, Pam Pietravelle. Barbara Collignon and Donato Di Pronio Staff Photographers. . . . . Tom Hemman, Paul Inzeo, John Ferraro and Tim Townsend For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iiccmilwaukee.com. Copyright 2017 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Volunteers needed to set up and tear down Festa grounds from page 1B
Students who must earn community service or volunteer hours will receive credit for Community Service/Volunteer Hours. The Italian Community Center, the host of Festa Italiana – Milwaukee, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are happy to sign off on Volunteer Hour Forms for their school, church or organization. Each volunteer will receive two
admission tickets to Festa Italiana, July 21-23. “We can assure that each volunteer will receive the huge sense of satisfaction that comes from contributing to the success of our Italian festival and to the continuation of the ethnic festivals in Milwaukee,” said Dean Cannestra, Festa General Co-Chair and ICC President.
Members approve bylaws revision
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Members who attended the May 18 general meeting approved a revision to the Italian Community Center’s Bylaws and Constitution covering excused and unexcused absences of any member of the Board of Directors during a term of office. The revision was approved on a 52-4 vote. The Bylaws Committee, which recommended approval, cited a need for “more lenience” for a board
member who might have excused absences. The former Article IV, Section 10 stated: Any member of the Board of Directors absent, with or without an excuse, from more than three (3) Board meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board. Through the use of three subsections, the revised bylaw now states: Article IV, Section 10.a.: Any Please turn to page 5B
Calendar of Events July 2 – August 31, 2017
Sunday, July 2 • Abruzzese Society picnic, 11 a.m. Valley View Park, New Berlin.
Monday, July 10 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Frank DeMiles and Friends, 6:30 p.m. Details on the full series in this issue.
Tuesday, Aug. 1 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Andrew Koenig & Benny Rickun, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Tweed Funk, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 7 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Generation Gap, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 13 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 10 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Pete D’Amore, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 12 • Società Santa Rosalia general meeting, 7 p.m.
Monday, July 17 • Live Music in the Courtyard featuring vocalist Anita Stemper with the Tom Sorce Band, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Cajun Strangers, 6:30 p.m Wednesday, July 19 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday. July 20 • Live Music in the Courtyard with the Oldest But Goodies Spectacular, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 21 • 40th annual Festa Italiana opens to the public, 3 p.m. – midnight. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana opening day ceremony, 6 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:30 p.m. Details in this issue.
Saturday, July 22 • Vince Lombardi Walk/Run for a Cure for Cancer, 7:30 a.m., registration. Details in this issue. • 37th annual VIP Day program at Festa Italiana, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Details in this issue. • 40th annual Festa Italiana opens to the public, 11:30 a.m. – midnight. • Festa Italiana Futsal Tournament, noon. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Cannoli-Eating Contest, 1:45 p.m. – Contestants’ names drawn. 2:15 p.m. – Contest begins. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana Kids Pizza-Making Contest, 4:15 p.m. – Contestants’ names drawn. 4:30 p.m. – Kids, 11-17, participate. 4:45 p.m. – Kids, 59, participate. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana parade, 5:30 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:30 p.m. Details in this issue. Sunday, July 23 • Festa Italiana Mass and Procession, 10 a.m. – South admission gate opens. 11 a.m. – Mass at Marcus Amphitheater with Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Haines as Principal Celebrant. Procession to follow. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana 40th annual Bocce Tournament, 2 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana parade, 5:30 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana memorial salute to Dick Contino, 6 p.m. Details in this issue. • Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m. Details in this issue. Monday, July 24 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Jack & Jill Jazz, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 25 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 27 • Live Music in the Courtyard with The Rick D’Amore Band, 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 31 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Suzanne Grzanna Band, 6:30 p.m.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Tuesday, Aug. 8 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Robin Pluer, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 14 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Joe Zarcone Band, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 15 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with Robert Allen Band and Benny Rickun, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 • Filippo Mazzei Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 17 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Reservations required by Aug. 14. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with The Doo Wah Wahs, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 21 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Swing Explosion and Pete Sorce, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 • Live Music in the Courtyard with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 24 • Live Music in the Courtyard with the Tom Anthony Band, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25 • Abruzzese Society social, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 28 • Live Music in the Courtyard with The Bel Airs, 6:30 p.m. Final Monday night show. Tuesday, Aug. 29 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Live Music in the Courtyard with the Jim Liban Band, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 31 • Live Music in the Courtyard with the Larry Lynne Band, 6:30 p.m.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall season will begin the week of Sept. 11. Team registrations are available at the ICC. Details in this issue
• ICC Italian classes. The fall semester will begin Tuesday, Sept. 12. Details in this issue. Details in this issue.
• ICC free Children’s Italian class. The fall semester will begin Saturday, Sept. 23. 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, $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 3 SECTION B
Nominating Committee chosen to prepare slate for ICC election
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The official business of choosing a Nominating Committee for the upcoming Italian Community Center election of officers and directors was conducted at the May 18 general meeting.
In accordance with the organization’s bylaws, the president gets to select two of the five members and the chairperson(s). The three other members are nominated and elected at the May general meeting. President Dean Cannestra announced his choices of Rosemary DeRubertis and Salvatore Lo Coco as the co-chairpersons. Members in attendance selected Christina
Ziino, Suzanne Wypijewski and Joseph Zambito. A slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee will be presented at the general meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The slate will be finalized with any further nominations that night. If someone decides at the last minute to run for a position, the ICC Bylaws (Article V, Section 7) allow further nominations to be made from the floor the night of the August general meeting.
Candidate qualifications According to Article V, Section 1 of the ICC By-Laws: “To be eligible as an officer or board member of the Italian Community Center, a po-
Casino Night planned as ICC fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 8
from page 1B Karen and Bill plan to have them insons. “Table side service for drink on sale at the general membership orders will be available in the ballmeeting on Thursday, Aug. 17. room.” Here’s what you’ll get With your paid entry fee, you will receive two raffle tickets worth $100 each. You give these raffle tickets to a table dealer in exchange for playing chips that you use for gambling. Afterwards, you turn in your winning chips for raffle tickets. The more chips you win, the more opportunities you have at winning prizes. Additional $100 tickets will be available for purchase throughout the night at 7 for $5, 16 for $10, and 24 for $15. Complete and easy instructions will be provided all evening. The gambling tables will be provided by Music on the Move along with professional dealers who, if necessary, will explain the rules of play for the individual games. They are trained to be patient and friendly, and they will make sure that it will be an evening of fun for all. “We encourage all guests to come to the ICC early and have dinner at Cafe La Scala prior to hitting the gaming tables,” said the Dick-
Sponsorship opportunities In addition, the Membership Committee wants to stress and promote a great opportunity for both individual and corporate gaming table sponsorships. Sponsorship costs have been established on a sliding scale, making them suitable for the variable donation budgets that each may have. The amounts are $110, $250 and $500. We encourage participation in these sponsorships especially if seeking a tax benefit for donations made. The ICC is a 501.c.3 corporation as defined by the federal tax exemption regulations. Lastly, consider this article as a call for any and all donations whether in money or raffle prizes. Money is the preferred option and will be used to purchase prizes. All sponsors and raffle donors will be acknowledged on posters placed in the ballroom. Any questions? Please contact Karen or Bill Dickinson at diskartcg@sbcglobal.net or call 414744-0937.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER CASINO NIGHT ENTRY TICKETS ORDER FORM Name(s) ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________ Email address ______________________________________________ Order your entry tickets by Aug. 18, 2017 and receive a $5 discout on your entry tickets. Complete this area if you ordering by Aug. 18: ICC Members: No. of entry tickets ______ x $25.00/person = $________ Non-Members: No of entry tickets ______ x $30.00/person = $________ If ordering entry tickets after Aug. 18, 2017, complete this area: ICC Members: No. of entry tickets _____ x $30.00/person = $_________ Non-Members: No of entry tickets _____ x $35.00/person = $_________ Mail this form with your full payment to: Italian Community Center, c/o Casino Night, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.
PAGE 4 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
tential candidate: “a. Must be a member in good standing; “b. Must have been a member of the Italian Community Center for at least 12 months prior to his/her nomination; “c. Must have served on at least one Italian Community Center or Festa Italiana committee within the past year or attended at least 50% of the regularly-scheduled general membership meetings in the preceding year as confirmed by the record.” A member in good standing is defined in Article III, Section 1 as any person who has been a member for at least 60 days or longer. For the upcoming election, anyone wanting to run must have been a member since this past June 19. Once the committee presents its proposed slate at the general meeting, any additional nominations can and will be taken from the floor. The next responsibility of the Nominating Committee is stipulated in Article V, Section 1.d., which states, “Nominations for an officer or board member to be made from the floor will be validated by the Nominating Committee prior to placing the names on the ballot.”
After verifying the eligibility of the candidates, the committee will conduct a drawing to determine placement of names on the election ballot. The committee will go on to oversee the mailing of ballots to all members in good standing. The mailing must take place within eight days of the September general meeting. That meeting date is Thursday, Sept. 21. To guarantee that the ballot of every eligible voting member is counted, the return envelope with the enclosed ballot (or, in the case of couples, ballots) must be postmarked no later than the Thursday preceding the October general meeting. The October general meeting is Thursday, Oct. 19, which means ballots need to be postmarked no later than Oct 12. Ballots that have no official postmark or are postmarked after Oct. 12 will not be opened or counted.
Tellers, whose chair and members will be appointed by the ICC President, will meet prior to the October general meeting to confirm the validity of all returned ballots. These same individuals will meet the day of the October general meeting (Oct. 19) to open all valid ballot envelopes and tally the votes. The committee will report the results to the membership before the general meeting is adjourned. Newly elected officers and directors will officially begin their service on Tuesday, Nov. 1. All nomination and election pro-
Donors left out of memorial listing
Due to an error that likely occurred when data was transferred from an old computer to a new computer, memorial listings for Peter Frank Sorce were omitted from the June 2017 issue of The Italian Times. The memorials, which are a continuing throughout 2017 for Peter, are from his parents, Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce, and his sister, Christine Sorce. Our apologies to the Sorce family for the omission.
cedures are spelled out in Article V of the bylaws.
Terms of office The term of officers is one year. The current officers are: President Dean Cannestra, Vice President Joseph Emanuele, Treasurer Sam Purpero, Secretary Susan (DeSanctis) Christiansen and Sergeant-atArms Joanne (Sanfilippo) Czubek. Under the term limit stipulation set forth in Article IV, Section 8.c., “A President shall be allowed to succeed himself/herself for one term and one term only. All other officers shall be eligible for re-election to said offices without limitaSince Cannestra is tions.” completing his first term office, he is eligible to run for a second term. All other officers are eligible to seek re-election. The length of a term for a director-at-large is two years. Current directors who will be completing their service are Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, Karen Dickinson, Joseph Jannazzo and Pietro Tarantino. The term limit stipulation for directors-at-large is set forth in Article V, Section 8.b., which states, “The term of office for Directors-AtLarge shall be two years, with four Directors elected each year. No Director-At-Large may serve more than two consecutive terms (four consecutive years). After two such consecutive terms, he/she must either run for a higher office or remain on a hiatus from the Board of Directors as a Director-At-Large for at least a one-year period prior to running for Director-At-Large again.” Among the four directors completing service, Tarantino is the only one who has completed two consecutive terms. Ceraso-Alioto was first elected in the fall of the 2015 election. Jannazzo and Dickinson were appointed to the board last fall to fill two unexpired one-year terms. Article IV, Section 9.b. stipulates how vacancies are filled. In last year’s election, Jannazzo and Dickinson received the highest number of votes after the first four directors who won two-year terms, making them eligible to fill those one-year vacancies. Directors Ted Catalano, Blaise Di Pronio, Tony Lupo and Tony Zingale will have one year of service remaining when the 2017-18 term begins on Nov. 1.
Festa Patrol looking for volunteers
Ralph Busalacchi, manager of the Festa Patrol, is seeking volunteers to serve on his crew during Festa Italiana, July 2224. Volunteers on the Festa Patrol serve as first responders to a variety of situations on the festival grounds, ranging from security and first aid to lost children. They strive to keep order along parade and procession routes and work to ensure that Festa’s guests experience a pleasant and safe family event. Those interested in volunteering should contact Busalacchi at 414-534-6455 or email him at abodanza1@sbcglobal.net.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ICC’s bocce championship won by Club Garibaldi team
Using its veteran savvy from numerous past appearances in the Italian Community Center’s championship playoffs, the Club Garibaldi team won the spring title, defeating three opponents, on May 22. Club Garibaldi, the first-place team from the Wednesday night league, played perhaps its best game of the tournament in the championship game, beating Amici’s, 12-5. Amici’s had been Monday night’s first place team. To mske it to the title match, Club Garibaldi notched a quarterfinal victory over the Happy Rollers,
12-8, and won its semifinal game over Little Sicily, 12-9. The Club Garibaldi team included Jim Lehmann, Gary Lisiecki, Russ Serano, John Lehmann and Frank Filak as its alternate. Filak would have filled in if one of the four starters had not been available to play. The team was already without one of its players, Al Zdrojewski. Each player received a Bartolotta Restaurants gift card. Amici’s advanced to the finals by winning its opening match over Felici Amici, 12-4 and beat Porticello, 12-3 in the semifinal round. Play-
After a break over the summer, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center in September. Get your team together now. The fall bocce season gets underway the week of Sept. 11. Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Teams in the mixed couples’ leagues compete on Monday and Wednesday nights. The regular season lasts eight weeks. The fall season champion playoffs will take place Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a fall league, here are a few things you need to know. There are two sets of player registration fees. The lower fee is
for players who are members of the ICC. That fee is $30 per person per league season. The non-member registration fee is $40 per person per league season. Each team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as the team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams. That way every team can compete each week. Team registration forms are available by calling the ICC office at 414-223-2180 or by picking one up at the ICC. The form can also be emailed to you. League coordinators are: Troy Halverson (Monday night), Craig Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night) and Loretta O’Boyle (Thursday afternoon).
from page 1B Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. • Monday, July 24 – Jack & Jill Jazz. • Tuesday, July 25 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. • Wednesday, July 26 – Jordan Kroger. (Contemporary Bluegrass) • Thursday, July 27 – The Rick D’Amore Band. • Monday, July 31 – Suzanne Grzanna Band. • Tuesday, Aug. 1 – Andrew Koenig with Benny Rickun. • Wednesday, Aug. 2 – Hot Head Caravan. (Gypsy/Hot Jazz/Swing) • Thursday, Aug. 3 – Groove Therapy. • Monday, Aug. 7 – Generation Gap. • Tuesday, Aug. 8 – Robin Pluer. • Wednesday, Aug. 9 – Jordan Kroeger. • Thursday, Aug. 10 – Pete D’Amato (acoustic guitar loop show) • Monday, Aug. 14 – Joe Zarcone Band. • Tuesday, Aug. 15 – Robert Allen Band with Tom Sobel. • Wednesday, Aug. 16 – Caley Conway. (Folk) • Thursday, Aug. 17 – Doo Wah Wahs. • Monday, Aug. 21 – Swing Explosion with vocalist Pete Sorce. • Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar
Boys. • Wednesday, Aug. 23 – Hot Head Caravan. • Thursday, Aug. 24 – Tom Anthony Group. • Monday, Aug. 28 – The BelAirs. • Tuesday, Aug. 29 – Jim Liban Band. • Wednesday, Aug. 30 – Caley Conway. • Thursday, Aug. 31 – Larry Lynne Band. • Tuesday, Sept. 5 – Alex Wilson Band. • Wednesday, Sept. 6 – Jill Bruss & Company. (Vivace Opera) • Thursday, Sept. 7 – The Ricochettes. • Tuesday, Sept. 12 – Lil Davy Maxx. • Thursday, Sept. 14 – Groove Therapy. • Tuesday, Sept. 19 – The Blues Disciples. • Thursday, Sept. 21 – Tom Anthony Group. • Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Leroy Airmaster with Lil Maddie. • Thursday, Sept. 28 – The Classics. For more information on the series, please visit bartolottas.com/events. Editor’s note: In response to the people who have contacted The Italian Times, we were unable to obtain an official courtyard music schedule from Bartolotta Catering prior to publication of our June issue.
ing for Amici’s were Gaetano Canzoneri, Armondo Ferrari, Alfonso Marchiacchio and Gerimmo Di Pietrantonio. The Happy Rollers finished in second place in the Tuesday afternoon league. Little Sicily was the second place team from the Wednesday night league. Felici Amici entered the tournament as the first-place team from Tuesday
afternoon and Porticello was the Monday night’s second-place. Little Sicily won its opener in the tournament, 12-6, over Paesani, the first-place team from the Thursday afternoon league. Porticello scored an opening round win, 12-0, over Thursday afternoon’s second place team. – Submitted by Troy Halverson Bocce Coordinator
Fall bocce season to start week of Sept. 11
Bartolotta invites you to enjoy live music in the ICC courtyard all summerlong
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Meet the ICC’s spring bocce season champs. From the left: Jim Lehmann, Frank Filak (alternate), Gary Lisiecki, Russ Serano and Jim Lehmann. Not shown: Al Zdrojewski (alternate). (Photo provided by Troy Halverson)
Members approve bylaws revision
from page 3B member of the Board of Directors member of the Board of Directors absent, without prior excuse or no- absent, after prior excuse or notice tice, from more than three (3) Board from more than four (4) Board meetings in a term year of office meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned may forfeit his/her office/position from the Board. on the Board at the sole and excluArticle, IV, Section 10.b.: Any sive discretion of the Board of Dimember of the Board of Directors rectors if it determines that such absent, after prior excuse or note, member cannot carry out his/her from more than three (3) consecu- assigned duties and responsibilities tive Board meetings during his/her as stated in Article IV, Section 17 of term may forfeit his/her office/po- these Bylaws. sition on the Board at the sole and Bylaws Committee Chairman exclusive discretion of the Board of and ICC Vice President Joe Directors if it determines that such Emanuele said committee memmember cannot carry out his/her bers believed that the former bylaw assigned duties and responsibilities was too harsh and did not take into as stated in Article IV, Section 17 of consideration different situations these Bylaws. and scenarios which could result in Article IV, Section 10.c.: Any absences from meetings.
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization.
To obtain information on how to make a pledge or a donation, please call 414-223-2808.
The following donations were received between Apr. 10 and May 9, 2017. In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christine Sorce
In memory of Peter Macaluso Pompeii Men’s Club Gino A. Dentice Jimmy and Linda Spataro In memory of Joseph Panella John Maniaci John and Maria Carini Dennis Librizzi
Lori Hansen Frank and Janice Bohacek Tony and Barbara Lupo Nick and Laura Panelta John Bevington Michael R. and Amy L. Lovell Peggy Weaver Roger J. Leto George and Aggie Collura
In memory of Pasquale (Patsy) Iannelli Jimmy & Linda Spataro Ted A. Catalano George & Aggie Collura In memory of Margarita Balistreri Her loving son, Isadore T. Balistreri (posthumously), of San Diego, Calif. In memory of Susan Kain Tony A. Machi, Sr. Dr. Anthony T. Machi Dr. Grace L. Machi Ted Machi Please turn to page 6B
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 5 SECTION B
Weekly Italian classes for teens and adults return to ICC on Sept. 12
This fall, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II conversational class, both starting Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on Nov. 14. Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being
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. 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@iccmilwaukee.com or call her at 414223-2808.
Members: Please notify ICC of a change of address
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
from page 5B In memory of Doris (DiPiazza), In memory of Nina Galioto Harold, Bill and Marc Vienci Tony A. Machi, Sr. Bob and Michele Marak In memory of Carmen Castrovinci Schlotthauer In memory of Ted J. Catalano Ted A. Catalano Tony A. Machi, Sr. In memory of Mario A. Carini Ted A. Catalano
In memory of Bess Busalacchi Ted A. Catalano In memory of Phil Purpero Ted A. Catalano
In memory of Vincent S. Azzolina Maria Azzolina John Azzolina Carmen Azzolina Tony Foti Joe Foti
ICC Members: Planning to attend the dinner before the General Meeting on Thursday, August 17th? If so, you are kindly asked to make a reservation on or before Monday, August 14th. 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 6 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.
The Italian II course will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said. Enrollment is open to ICC members and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $125 per person. The fee does not include the course textbook.
To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Sept. 12 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached.
People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment with a check or credit card. Tarantino Woytal began teaching children’s Italian classes at the ICC more than 35 years ago. She has been offering classes for adults and teens for more than 30 years.
Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course
Name(s) _________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone No. __________________Email _________________________________
I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling. Course fee: $125.00 per person.
Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.
Children’s Italian class to begin Sept. 23 at ICC
The fall semester of a weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Sept. 23, 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 Nov. 11. The course fee has been set at $50 per child. To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Sept. 23 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached. People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment with a check or credit card. The course is intended to provide children with an introduction
to the Italian language and the culture of Italy. Besides learning some basic words and the Italian alphabet, the children also make drawings for holidays and special occasions and receive a snack during each Saturday session. The instructor is Enrica Tarantino Woytal, who also leads the ICC’s Italian classes for teens and adults. She was honored by WisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009 “Italian Teacher of the Year.” Tarantino Woytal has been leading the children’s class at the ICC since the early 1980s. Over the years, several hundred youngsters have participated in the class. 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
Parent(s) Name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________________ City ______________________ State _______ Zip ___________ Phone No.: _____________ Email_________________________
Number of children: ____ @ $50.00 per child = $_____________ 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
Meet a Top Ten Father
by Blaise Di Pronio In the March 2017 issue of The Italian Times, we highlighted the top ten jobs that only exist in Italy such as gondoliers (in Venice) and Swiss Guards (at the Vatican). One such job mentioned was that of a Latinist (Latin translator). The article caught the attention and interest of past Italian Community Center President and Judge Bill Jennaro. It brought back to mind his good friend, Father Reginald Foster, who was and is such a Latinist and thus a member of said Top 10 roster. This led to your writer’s introduction to Father Foster at a recent luncheon with him at the ICC hosted by Bill Jennaro. This article is a brief introduction to this very interesting and unique person. Reginald (Reginaldo to his many Italian friends) Foster is originally from Milwaukee, the son of a local plumber. He attended St. Francis Seminary where he began his studies of Latin. He entered the Carmelite Order and, at some point in the 1960s, he ended up in Rome,
where his Latin studies continued and eventually led to his joining the Vatican‘s Latin Letters section as a
Harrison W. Hessel, the 2011 Principe (Prince) of the Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale, has graduated from the Creighton University Heider College of Business in Omaha, Neb. Harrison is the son of Angela (Piano) and Mark Hessel and the grandson of Joannie an Henry Piano. The Pianos are founding members of the ICC and Henry is a past president of the organization and a noted Milwaukee attorney. Harrison graduated Cum Laude in his field of financial analysis with the additional recognition of membership in the National Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma. He was also the recipient of the Anna Tyler Waite Leadership Scholars Certificate, awarded to students who participate in the Creighton
University Scholars Program and complete a series of extracurricular activities exploring the philosophies and actions of leaders to develop values and skills needed to lead effectively in a socially responsible environment. The new graduate was one of select students who attended a luncheon with Warren Buffett, the famous American business magnate, investor and philanthropist. Harrison has indicated that he is looking forward to utilizing Buffett’s advice and counsel as he embarks in his career in finance. He will begin working in July with the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm FTI, He will be specializing in corporate debt restructuring in the firm’s Denver, Colorado office.
Here is the group that attended lunch with Father Reginald Foster, the longtime Latinist for the Popes. From the left: Attorney Bill Jennaro, Executive Pro-
Harrison Hessel graduates from Creighton University with high honors
10th annual Cass Street reunion softball game set for July 16
A softball game, initiated by Felice Glorioso and the Sons of Sicily in 2008 as an attempt to get old friends and classmates together for a reunion one Sunday each summer, will reach a milestone on Sunday, July 16. The 10th annual Cass Street Reunion Softball Game will be played July 16 at 1 p.m. on the Cass Street School playground. Glorioso said that, between the players and the spectators last year, 119 were in attendance. He expects that mark to be eclipsed this year. The players, themselves, ranged in age from 32 to 76 years old. He added that this is really a reunion event for all of the people who attended any of the East Side schools – Cass Street, St. Rita, St. John’s the Evangelist, Lincoln High School, etc. – and it serves as a benefit for a worthy cause. After the game (about 3 p.m.), people are invited to go to Pitch’s on Humboldt for a meal. The cost is $15 per person. From each $15 collected, the
sale of reunion t-shirts and whatever attendees pitch in, a decision is made on where to donate the proceeds. Last year, the money went to the Thanksgiving Day feast organized by Italian Community Center volunteers and held prior to the holiday at the Open Door Cafe at St. John’s Cathedral. The cafe is a meal site for the less fortunate. Glorioso added that people who grew up in the Cass Street area in the 1960s and ‘70s have strong bonds and played in a lot of pickup softball games over the years at Cass Street Elementary. The reunion game has provided an opportunity to renew friendships and have fun one more time. Over the years, people have come from as far away as New Jersey and Florida for the game. Those who are planning to stick around after the meal for the festivities at Pitch’s should contact Glorioso, manager at Glorioso’s Italian Market, so he can get a head count for the attendance.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ducer Dino Black, Father Foster, Attorney Blaise DiPronio and Attorney Bob Ott. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Latinist when the then chief Latinist took ill. He never looked back. In essence, his job was to translate virtually all communications from the Popes (he worked under the auspices of four of them), Cardinals, et al, into Latin as required by Church Law. In the 1970s, he began teaching Latin, mostly to seminarians at the Gregorian University in Rome. It was at this time that little eccentricities began surfacing in Father Foster’s personality eventually leading to his maverick reputation. Father Reginaldo shed his Carmelite habit and donned his soon to be signature polyester blue work suit comprised of blue denims ordered through Sears Catalogs.
These were plumbers’ outfits replacing priestly garb. His Latin classes were far from the norm of rote memorization and learning of the many variations of nouns, verbs, tenses and so on. Instead there was immediate immersion into the language on day one and then swimming backwards into the grammar and declensions. It worked! Latin made easy. (Tell that to my Jesuits at Marquette High.) His methods earned Foster notoriety and respect among students and other Latinists and inspired scores of emulations. Father Foster’s reputation as an independent-minded person with unorthodox ways and leanings Please turn to page 11B
Gino Dentice’s grandson earns scholastic honor
Nathan Fischer, the grandson of Italian Community Center member Gino Dentice, has gained admission to the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Nathan is a sixth grader at Washington Caldwell School in Tichigan, Wis. To acquire admission to the NJHS, Nathan has had to maintain a grade point average of 3.5 and show a history of leadership and high character. He also took first place in the Southern Lakes Regional Math Meet for all sixth graders. He fin-
ished ahead of 31 other students on the individual tests that included written tests and mental math timed tests. He helped his fifth/sixth grade team finish in fourth place for the team tests.
He was also selected to represent his school in the Southern Lakes Network Academic Bowl in the area of math. While he did not place individually, his school took third place overall. Nathan is the son of Jodi Ann and Scott Fischer.
Nathan Fischer is seen here with his proud grandfather Gino Dentice.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 7 SECTION B
UNICO organizations present nine scholarships and honor Judge Derek Mosley and Prudence Camuy
Nine local students of Italian descent were the recipients of $1,000 scholarships presented by the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO. These presentations were made at the annual Scholarship & Awards Dinner held at the Italian Community Center on May 16. The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National also recognized Judge Derek Mosley as its “Citizen of the Year” and the Ladies of UNICO honored Prudence Camuy as its “Star Award” winner. Both of these citations were reported upon in the May 2017 issue of this newspaper. The scholarship recipients, who have not been previously reported, are listed here with the name of the school each attends and the name of the scholarship presented. • Tony Joshua Pearson, Hartford Union High School. Recipient of the Lucille Purpero Memorial Award. Tony is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin – Washington County followed by Grand Canyon University to major in Christian Studies/Youth Pastorship • William Samolyk, Jr., Whitnall High School. Recipient of the Carmelo and Antonina Cusma Award. William plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in History. • Aubrey Gierahn, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Recipient of the Gaetanina Balistreri Italian Studies Award. Aubrey is majoring in Italian and seeking a minor in Economics. • Melissa Christine Merkel, South Milwaukee High School. Recipient of the Ladies of UNICO Award. Melissa plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and major in Physical Therapy.
UNICO Ladies learn about women’s world trade organization
Members and guests who attended the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting on Tuesday, June 20 learned about a women’s world trade organization for women with design skills called Trades of Hope. Trades of Hope was started to give women, many living in poverty, the opportunity for a better life. According to the organization’s website, tradesofhope.com, “Each woman has a story, and with Trades of Hope’s help, their story has changed from pain and struggle to a story of hope. We work with the artisans themselves and organizations that are helping women in difficult circumstances. Some women have been rescued from sex slavery, Others are raising handicapped children alone. Some are in war torn countries and others have HIV/AIDS and leprosy. These women have never had the chance we’ve had, yet they are just like us in so many ways. They love their families and hope and dream of a better life for them.” Trades of Hope helps by marketing their products through the home party model, so women with Please turn to page ??B
• Gina Marie Mauro, Whitnall High School. Recipient of the Anita Mazza Award. Gina plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in Physical Therapy. • Paige Rain Palmisano, St. Joan Antida High School. Recipient of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO Award. Paige plans to attend Mount Mary University and major in Psychology. • Maxwell D. Alfredson, Indian Trail High School & Academy. Recipient of the Tony and Sadie Machi Award. Maxwell plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and major in Economics. • Michael Haase, William Horlick High School. Recipient of the Sam J. Balistreri Memorial Award. Michael plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in Business for Finance. • Marguerite Manning, Cedarburg High School. Recipient of the Theodore Mazza Award. Marguerite plans to attend Vanderbilt University and major in Human and Organizational Development.
Municipal Court Judge Derek Mosley (second from left) was the recipient of the 2017 UNICO Citizen of the Year Award. The presentation was made to Mosley by the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National on May 16 at the annual UNICO Scholarship & Awards Dinner at the Italian Community Center. Shown here with Judge Mosley are (from the left): Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchie, President, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National, Sophia Michalovitz, Vice President, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Clare Fiorenza, who is also Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National Secretary. A story on Judge Mosley and the Citizen of the Year Award was published in the May 2017 issue of The Italian Times. (Photo by Elizabeth Ceraso)
Many of the 2017 UNICO scholarship recipients are shown here with representatives of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO. From the left: Tony Joshua Pearson, Melissa Christine Merkel, Maxwell D. Alfredson, Mar-
guerite Manning, Michael Hasse, Gina Marie Mauro, William Samolyk and Milwaukee Chapter UNICO President Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchie. Not pictured Paige Rain Palmisano and Aubrey Gierahn. (Photo by Elizabeth Ceraso)
The members of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO honored one of their own on May 16 for her selfless service and dedication to the organization and the community. They presented Prudence Camuy with the Ladies of UNICO 2017 Star Award at the UNICO Scholarship & Awards Dinner. Camuy (seated third from the left) is surrounded by several supporting
members. Seated (l-r): Mary Castrovinci, Nancy Oberleitner, Camuy and her mother, Catherine Kelly. Standing: Maria LoRicco, Sophia Michalovitz, Rosalia Ferrante, Carla Pellin, Margaret Balistreri, Rosalinda Schaapveld and Edith Brown. A story on Camuy and the Star Award appeared in the May 2017 issue of The Italian Times. (Photo by Elizabeth Ceraso)
PAGE 8 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Pompeii Women host May Crowning event, honor member Patti Bennetts as ‘Angel of the Year’
The Pompeii Women’s Club annual May Crowning event, held at the Italian Community Center on May 31, was a huge success with more than 100 people in attendance. Club members were honored to have Fathers Tim Kitzke, Mike Hammer and Mike Michalski as guests. The altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, our Blessed Mother, was beautifully decorated by Peggy Zoet. Wonderful piano music before dinner and for the procession was
performed by Janet Corona. Prior to the procession, President Pat Consolazione announced that club member and treasurer Patti Bennetts had been named the 2016 “Angel of the Year” and, as such, would be placing the floral crown on the statue of Mary. The honor is given to a member for exemplary service to the club. The honoree is presented with a gold angel medal. Bennetts is the third member of her family to receive the “Angel of the Year” award. Her
grandmother, Margaret Colla, was recognized in 1996. Patti’s mother, Florence Janczak was honored in 1990. This is the first time in the history of the Pompeii Women’s Club that three generations from the same family have received the “Angel of the Year” award. The procession was led by “Little Angel” Isabella D’Amato, the granddaughter of Anna D’Amico Skoczynski. Following were Sister Ann Catherine, SJA, Karen Dickinson, Rosalie Giano and Suzanne Wypijewski, Next in line were Patti Bennetts, Aggie Collura and the statue unveiler Lucy Sorce. Patti placed the crown on Mary as the “Crowning” song was played. President Pat called on Fathers Kitzke, Hammer and Michalski for the chanting of Salve Regina, which has become a special addition to the
May Crowning. Table floral arrangements were given as door prizes to some of the lucky attendees at the close of the evening. On June 28, the Pompeii Women’s Club is holding its annual installation of its new officers and board members. The dinner meeting will be held at Alioto’s Restaurant in Wauwatosa. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jean DiMotto will officiate the installation of the officers and board members. For more information of this event and the club, in general, contact me, Mary Winard at 414-4538484. – Submitted by Mary Winard Public Relations Chair
Here is Pompeii Women’s Club President Pat Consolazione (right) presenting the “Angel of the Year” award to Patti Bennetts. This marked the first time in the club’s history that three generations from the same family have won the award. Patti’s grandmother, Margaret Colla, was honored as the “Angel of the Year” in 1986. Patti’s mother, Florence Janczak, received the award in 1990. Patti is also the youngest charter member of the club to receive the award. She noted in her acceptance speech that it was her uncle, Larry Colla, who mentioned the idea to ladies attending a Pompeii Men’s Club picnic that they should form the Pompeii Women’s Club. The award is given in recognition of exemplary service to the club. (Photo provided by Patti Bennetts)
The Pompeii Women’s Club “Little Angel” for the club’s 2017 May Crowning ceremony was Isabella D’Amato (second on left). Isabella said, “This was the best night of my life.” Seen with Isabella (l-r) are her mother, Maria D’Amato, Aurora Gonzalez and Cindy Barron-D’Amato.
Here is the Pompeii Women’s Club 2017 May Crowning Court. From the left: the club’s new President Suzanne Wypijewski, Karen Dickinson, “Little Angel” Isabella D’Amato, the club’s “Angel of the Year” Patti Ben-
netts, Aggie Collura, Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahles, Rosalie Giano and Janet Corona. All photos, except where mentioned in the caption, were provided by Suzanne Wypijewski)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 9 SECTION B
Tales of an Italian Summer Camp
Benvenuto a Lago del Bosco
by Eric Dregni For my first day of camp, at six years old, my mom hugged me goodbye, but I refused to get on that damn bus. No way. My arms and legs splayed out and grabbed the frame of the door as she nudged me forward. She won and I cried all the way to camp. By the end of the day, no ferocious beasts had eaten me up. I was transformed. I knew camp was for me. Decades later, I run the Italian Concordia Language Village, Lago del Bosco, and dozens of kids pile off the buses terrified about where they’ve been sent. Not only that, they are in culture shock since all the signs are in Italian and the staff repeat: “Ciao! Benvenuto! Come ti chiami?” Fortunately, Luca the cook has prepared tagliatelle alla bolognese and tiramisù for dinner and everything is OK for the moment. The kids assume a new name – sometimes a new personality—and many have spending money for the first time in their lives. Here, though, everything is in euros. At the “border,” kids go through customs and show their passports we’ve printed up. Cell phones are kept safely out of reach to allow them to interact with their cabinmates with as much Italian as possible. We even have a different time zone. By the third day, the kids have nostalgia di casa. In other words, the initial thrill is gone and homesickness has set in. Kids write heart-wrenching letters home begging to leave this terrible place. On homesickness day, the evening program is always a reenactment of the Roman senators assassination of Julius Caesar –with Cleopatra, always a male counselor with tippy high heels, an itchy black wig, and a ridiculous falsetto. The kids laugh at the cathartic bloodletting and miss mom a little less. A few days
later when the parents receive the sad, sad letter, the child barely remembers writing it – and is usually embarrassed when reminded of the flood of emotion. Slowly, the kids learn that some of the Italian staff are also in culture shock. About a third of the staff are native Italians who come over on J-1 visas just to teach Italian. Realizing that the Italians are just as confused about American culture as the kids are about Italian culture, we share stories. Like Sergio from Piemonte who wanted to fit in with the Americans, so he arrived wearing a bright Hawaiian T-shirt and all the cowboy gear he could find. At a saddle shop, he bought cowboy boots, a bolo tie, and Western shirts with rhinestones and little horsey patterns. “Whoa! Those are some fancy duds,” a real cowboy from Okla-
PAGE 10 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
homa exclaimed when he saw Sergio. “Are you here to ride horses?” “Actually, I have never been on a horse,” Sergio replied unaware of the irony. “I do like to eat them, though.” The campers help these Italians understand American culture for a true cultural exchange. Paola from Brescia has her first glimpse of the U.S. in Bemidji, Minnesota and sees the giant statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. “Ah, this is America!” she exclaims, somehow comforted that we seem to worship odd-colored oxen. The kids explain that there’s perhaps a bit more to see in the U.S.: New York, Chicago, California… The campers feel empowered when they tell the native Italian staff that they don’t need to worry about bears, wolves, and cougars, but that poison ivy and mosquitoes are far more bothersome. Still, we have to stop Alpina from Bergamo when she chases after a skunk to snap a photo. Soon, the Italians’ pride rubs off on the kids. Sergio teaches them about Leonardo da Vinci and can’t resist shouting at the staff of the French language camp, “Thieves! Give us back the Mona Lisa!” I attempt to calm him by explaining that the Italians stole the Val d’Aosta region from France and many people there still speak French. “Yes,” he replies, “but they are much happier now that they are part of Italy.” The French bring up hot-headed soccer player Marco Materazzi who insulted the sister of French player, Zinedine Zidane, which allowed the Italians to win the World Cup. To avoid an international incident, I advise our staff and kids to please
be on their best behavior around the French and leave the World Cup behind for now. One of the staff rebuts, “You want us to ignore soccer? How do you think we can do that?” The French are given a break when the Italian staff discover that the German camp has a pizza oven. Matteo from Rome is perplexed, “Why do they have a pizza oven? Pizza isn’t German.” To fuel the fire, one of the campers says that the German camp serves Nutella every morning and claims it’s a German chocolate spread. “Ignorance!” Sergio exclaims. “Of course we Italians are happy to share our food with the world, but we all know that Nutella, a very Italian name, was dreamed up by a genius from my region: Piemonte!” The Italian campers now understand their newfound identity and they want to stand up for Lago del Bosco. They decide the best way to show Italian pride is through winning the mini World Cup played at International Day between the different language camps. Bonifacio, the team coach for the Italian camp, tries to keep the practices light-hearted and fun with a constantly beaming smile. The campers, on the other hand, just want to win. The young goalie is so determined that he demands his mother ship him an express package with his goalie gloves so a wet ball wouldn’t slip through his fingers and cause a humiliating defeat. The Italian team wins the quarter finals and is ready for the final play-off game. The referee announces that the finale will be a “friendship match” and anyone can Continued on page 11B
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Paint your wagon, Italian style
by Blaise Di Pronio Everyone is familiar with the American alphabet and its 26 letters. The Italian alphabet, like the American, is also based on the one which originated in the 7th century B.C. in Italy but it has changed continually over the last 2,500 years and does not use all of the 26 letters. The Italian base alphabet consists of 21 letters: five vowels (A, E, I, O U) and 16 consonants. The letters J, K, W, X and Y are not part of the proper alphabet and are used only for loanwords (e.g. “jeans,” “weekend,” etc.’) and foreign names (with very few exceptions, such as in the native names Jesolo, Bettino Craxi and Juventus, all of which are derived from regional languages). Nowadays, English words seem to be slowly infiltrating everyday Italian- much to the irritation of your writer, and to the damage of the mother tongue. As noted, one of the missing letters is the “J”. The J sound is produced in Italian by the combination of G and the I or E and sounding as in giant and gentleman. So, years ago, when I saw the name Jennaro on a produce truck, I naturally assumed it had a non-Italian/Ameri-
can owner, otherwise it would have been spelled “GEnnaro”. (*See aside below on the name Gennaro). At some point, I realized it must have been of Italian origin as all of the Commission Row produce businesses seemed to be owned by Ital-
Father Foster, Latinist to the Pope
from page 7B went beyond translating and teaching. He became an outspoken critic of certain aspects of the Catholic Church and his caustic remarks raised more than a few ecclesiastical eyebrows. Commenting on the Church’s vaunted art treasures and priceless basilicas, he famously said: “Good Lord, people, what do we need all this for? Jesus was born in a barn!” The Latinist’s nonconformist ways even caught the attention of Hollywood and he appeared as a featured character in comedian Bill Maher’s movie, Religulous. The film was a documentary-style mocking of all religions, but Father Foster turned out to be Maher’s foil
in that he took the impetus out of his criticisms by essentially being in concert with him. Needless to say, this did not endear our friend Reginaldo in the marble halls of the Vatican. After almost 50 years in Rome, health reasons brought Father Reginald Foster back to Milwaukee, where he recovered enough to go back to his love of translating and teaching Latin. He is as vocal and opinionated as ever. He still dresses like a plumber. He argues like an Italian and in any language you like. It was a pleasure to meet him and we hope to see more of him at the ICC and, maybe, we can even convince him to give us a couple of lessons in the mother tongue.
Welcome new Italian Community Center members!
The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between May 9 and June 12, 2017. Benvenuto (Welcome!) Angelina Roscioli of Franklin
Fr. Domenic J. Roscioli of Franklin Dino Black of Milwaukee
Ladies of UNICO report on meeting activities
from page 8B design skills can put food on their Pellin is attempting to help the artable, a roof over their head, get tisans in hosting the “home party” medical care and an education for events like the one presented at the their children. meeting. Carla Pellin, Ladies of UNICO The next UNICO Ladies general President, served as the represen- meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 tative of Trades of Hope at the p.m. at the Italian Community meeting. The unique crafters of Center. Guests are welcome. For Trades of Hope participants include more information, contact Sophia jewelry, leather goods and fabrics. Michalovitz at 414-476-0461.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ian immigrants and/or their children and the name Jennaro was well recognized in the Italian community and its ICC. At a recent lunch with who else but Attorney Bill Jennaro, the name mystery was solved. The story began with his grandfather Mauro Gennaro and his son, Bill’s uncle, Anton. They were, of course, in the produce and fruit business. They started with a horse and wagon, soon followed by a truck, and initially worked out of a garage in the back of their house in the lower East Side of Milwaukee. Not to be outdone by their German counterparts who monopolized the early Commission Row, they too wanted their name on the wagon and truck. Unfortunately, when they wrote it out for the sign
painter, their cursive of the G looked like a J to the painter. Repainting was an expensive option back then and maybe the incorrect version was a little easier on the pronunciation and, as they say, the rest is Milwaukee history and the stuff of Urban Legends.
*ASIDE: Gennaro I of Benevento was the Bishop of Benevento (21 miles from Naples) and was a martyr and saint of the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.
He is the patron saint of Naples, where the faithful gather three times a year in the Naples Cathedral to witness the liquefaction of what is claimed to be a sample of his blood kept in a sealed glass ampoule.
What’s my line?
by Blaise Di Pronio At a recent Italian Community Center event, our Bill Jennaro recounted a story of a recent fascinating discovery he made while visiting the Vatican Museums in Rome on a private tour given to him and his wife, Rita, by their good friend Father Reginald Foster. Fr. Foster is a Latin scholar and Latin translator for the popes. He is recently retired to Milwaukee. At some point during the museum visit, Bill spotted what appeared to be an elevated sandbox display containing solidified sand similar to a molding in bas-relief
depicting a hand drawn kind of map sketched in the sand. It purported to be a very old and coarsecarved sand map of the Atlantic Ocean with a vertical line etched in Please turn to page 12B
from page 10B participate since the day isn’t long enough to have a complete tournament. This way we can all be winners. “Friendship?” asks the Italian goalie with his fancy gloves. “What do they mean? Friendship? What the hell is that? We want to win the world cup!” He sulks, but the Italian coach, Bonifacio, laughs heartily and encourages them all to have a good time. The next day is the last one. On the first day, the kids cried when they arrived. Now they are crying that they have to leave. The bus arrives and the campers are in no rush to get on board. Arrivederci! Ci vediamo l’estate prossima! They realize they’re speaking Italian. All that immersion has sunk in and they sing “Bella Ciao” all the way home. Each year is a pleasure for me to
see these bambini come back, improve their Italian, and eventually go to Italy. Many have lived all over il bel paese thanks to the network of friends they’ve made at camp. Many return as counselors and have become characters in my new book on the Italian language village: You’re Sending Me Where? Dispatches from Summer Camp. After 10 years of directing Lago del Bosco, I hope many more kids risk the homesickness to learn Italian and discover a new world. Editor’s note: Eric Dregni is associate professor of English at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn. He is the author of many books, including You’re Sending Me Where? Dispatches from Summer Camp. During the same, he is dean of Lago del Bosco, the Italian Concordia Language Village. His new book is available on Amazon.com.
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “Padrino”(Godfather). Answers on page 13B
Benvenuto a Lago del Bosco
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 11 SECTION B
The guardians of our little galaxy
by Blaise Di Pronio You may or may not believe in guardian angels but, in my case, I had one – actually, more than one – I had four. They were real and they had names: Mary Birchman, Mary Paul, Mary Michael and Mary Pia. Those names should sound familiar to quite a few of you as they were all Sisters of Charity of St Joan Antida and, in the early Sixties, teaching at Saint Rita’s Grade School in the Lower East Side of Milwaukee. They were my teachers after I arrived here from Italy starting with the fifth grade and Sister Birchman. Then, in the sixth, seventh and eighth with Sisters Paul, Michael and Pia, respectively. They were more than teachers to us, especially the recent immigrants who spoke no English, had little resources and found themselves pretty helpless in foreign shores. They took us all under their proverbial wings literally, with those flowing habits, (*see aside below) and headgear air stabilizers. They made sure we ate, were clothed and stayed healthy. They were extensions of our mothers and we were their adopted children. They were there in good times and, thank God, in bad ones. They reprimanded, scolded and wielded
rulers, but they loved and cared for us. Their middle names really were Charity. Sister Birchman was the youngest and most spirited and lenient. Sister Paul was a powerhouse. Nothing stood in her way. She had more connections than the mayor and knew everybody and could cut through any obstacle. Sister Michael was the most serious and she commanded discipline as we seventh graders were growing in age and unruliness. It should be noted that some of us were older than the usual seventh graders as we were placed in lower grades due to the language barrier and some of the boys were already sprouting mustaches and some of the girls were also, err..... developing. Lastly, Sister Pia was our Principal and everyone’s little mother – all 4 feet 10 inches of her. Small in stature, but giant in heart and care. Since her class was always the graduating one, she made sure we were all set and situated well for the foreboding high school years ahead of us, from entrance and placement exams to part time jobs to help finance a Catholic education. Her concern and care continued even after we left Saint Rita’s. She made sure we stuck it through. The nuns could not partake in the
sin of pride, but their beaming faces revealed all when congratulating us at the end of high school, college and yes, even law school. And then, a few years ago but well beyond my 1962 graduation from St. Rita’s, I was at Rome’s airport waiting for a flight when I noticed a tiny Sister of Charity in a unique, but to me familiar, habit. I approached with a little trepidation thinking she can’t be one of “ours”. But to my amazement, it was Sister Mary Pia! What were the odds? We hugged and kissed and laughed, with all of my 5 ft. 3 inches towering over her, and yes, we probably teared up a little. I thanked her again for all she and her sisters had done for me and my family in those
lean and uncertain times. We reminisced about my American Dream and how she was so proud of her big-shot lawyer. And then one last hug. I never saw her again. When I last saw a Sister of Charity, she was wearing a blue, knee-high dress and sporting a hair-do. I sighed and thought of my little Mary Pia shrouded in black and white. *Aside: “Habit” is the name given to the distinctive clothing or dress worn by Catholic nuns. It does not derive from the “habit” of always wearing the same clothing. It comes from the Italian word abito which means gown for women and suit for men.
from page 11B its middle with some land masses shown on opposite sides of the line. To the left of the line was what was then considered the recently discovered (by Columbus and others) New World and to the right were the Western European and African coasts. Of course, that piqued the Jennaros’ interest and Father Foster filled them in accordingly and the tale worked its way to the ICC
and to your writer. So let us discover what this sand map was all about. As you may recall, in 1492, Columbus discovered the New World under the sponsorship of Spain, and to which Spain then made “claim”. Obviously, this did not please the King of Portugal, and so he began making threatening overtures against Spain feeling that Spain was thus infringing on Portugal’s claims to pre-1492 discoveries, e.g., the Canary Islands to the West of North Africa and other areas. Since Spain could not match the military power that Portugal held in the Atlantic, they opted for a diplomatic way out. So, being good Catholic countries, they went to the Pope for help and intervention. The then-sitting Pope was Alexander the VI (born in Valencia, Spain and named Rodrigo de Borja, but later italianized to Borgia). In his best Solomon-like judgment, the Pope came up with a quick solution but he first sought the help of Amerigo Vespucci, the noted Italian cartographer and name lender to the Americas. In the presence of emissaries from Spain and Portugal, the Pope had Vespucci draw a rough hewn map in the sand as described above and then Alexander VI drew his destined to become famous Demarcation Line in the sand. He effectively divided the Atlantic Ocean in two with all lands west/left of the line going to Spain and to the east/right of the line going to Portugal. This took place in 1493 so not much was known as to what was left of the line. As we now know, this turned out to be a great deal for Spain even though some adjustments were made to the Demarcation Line subsequent to 1493 but still leaving Portugal very short-changed. Imagine the impact of that line in a sandbox splitting the Hemispheres. Totally unthinkable today. That was the power of the Papacy, Rome and the Church. Since then, many real and many imaginary lines have been drawn in many sands but none will ever match what took place a few centuries ago between a bunch of good old Medival boys and a box full of sand.
What’s my line?
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
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$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
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Individual
Annual Dues
Ages 66 – 84
Annual Dues
Couple/Family
$75 per year
$50 per year
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$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: _______________________________________________________________
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Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________
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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
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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.
PAGE 12 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio GuardianSomeone who guards, watches over, or protects. It comes from the Italian guardare or to look or stare at. So a guardian effectively watches over someone or something they are in turn protecting or safeguarding.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Our famous son’s father
by Blaise Di Pronio His first name was Wladziu and his middle name Valentino (for his mother’s favorite film star) and his nickname was “Mr. Showmanship.” He was called Walter at home and Lee by his friends. At one time, he was the highest paid entertainer in the world and when he died, he left an estate worth over $110 million. He was born in lowly West Allis and died in glamorous Palm Springs. Have you figured it out? Of course you have, but you know him mononymously (single name) as Liberace...Wladziu just didn’t cut it. Liberace’s story is well known, but what do we know about his immediate family and its Italian connection? As mentioned, he was born in West Allis in 1919 to a Polish mother, Frances Zuchowski, who was born in Menasha, and an Italian immigrant father, Salvatore (Sam) Liberace. Sam came from Formia, found in the Lazio Region of Italy and located halfway between Rome and Naples. Formia is
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Manual- Performed by a person using physical as contrasted with mental effort and usually done by, used by or operated with the hands. It comes from the Italian mano or hand. It gave rise to the expression: mano a mano which literally translates to hand to hand but means: on equal footing, neither of two participants having any distinct advantage and also a head-on face-to-face conflict or direct competition such as a duel.
Words in an Italian word The answers
from page 11B 138 words in “Padrino” 1. poniard 2. padroni 3. ordain 4. pardon 5. inroad 6. porina 7. piano 8. podia 9. adorn 10. poind 11. apron 12. radon 13. prion 14. pardi 15. ranid 16. dinar 17. danio 18. padri 19. nidor 20. proin 21. andro 22. aroid 23. nadir 24. orpin 25. noria 26. drain 27. rapid 28. radio 29. road 30. drop 31. pirn 32. nodi 33. prod 34. rand 35. dona 36. airn 37. roin 38. nori 39. nard 40. rani 41. rain 42. prao 43. pian 44. rind 45. roan 46. dari 47. pion 48. dorp 49. riad 50. noir 51. darn 52. dopa 53. pond 54. inro 55. apod 56. pard 57. paid 58. padi 59. naoi 60. pand 61. porn 62. drip 63. orad 64. arid 65. pina 66. dino 67. nipa 68. pain 69. drap 70. pair 71. raid 72. prad 73. iron 74. proa 75. ora 76. nor 77. ion 78. dan 79. ord 80. pad 81. apo 82. poa 83. dap 84. pin 85. pro 86. don 87. pod 88. dop 89. ard 90. aid 91. pir 92. dor 93. nid 94. ria 95. poi 96. and 97. pan 98. rid 99. ado 100. par 101. ani 102. ain 103. air 104. rad 105. nod 106. nip 107. rin 108. oar 109. rod 110. rip 111. rai 112. pia 113. din 114. nap 115. oda 116. dip 117. ran 118. rap 119. id 120. na 121. di 122. do 123. ad 124. in 125. io 126. od 127. ai 128. no 129. pa 130. oi 131. an 132. on 133. ar 134. op 135. pi 136. or 137. da 138. po.
mostly known as being the site of the burial tomb of one of ancient Rome’s greatest orators and prose stylists, the also mononymously named Cicero. Sam Liberace worked, at times, as a factory laborer in West Allis, but he also played the French horn in bands and movie theaters. He also performed with the John Philip Sousa Band and the Milwaukee Philharmonic Orchestra. Frances was an accomplished pianist, but she also ran a grocery store. As you might imagine, the studying and playing of music was greatly encouraged in the Liberace household. Sam had his soon to be famous son playing the piano, by ear, by the age of four. Daughter Angie also played the piano and son
George learned to play the violin. At first, Sam did not favor that Walter, although an obvious prodigy, choose a musical career but when noted musicians began to acknowledge his son’s talents he relented. Problems and tensions still arose as Sam was devoted to classics and Walter was favoring popular melodies and making the rounds in speakeasies and movie theaters under the name of “Walter Busterkeys.” Unfortunately, relations between father and son were to remain strained and further worsened when Sam and Frances eventually divorced. Sam Liberace was to remain in his famous son’s background, but he did make the news in 1955 when Frances (by now his former wife,
who had remarried to a man named Casadonte in 1943 and who died in 1945) petitioned a court in Los Angeles to resume the name Liberace. At the time, she was living in Hollywood with her son. Sam retained a lawyer to fight the petition claiming that she was merely capitalizing on their son’s name. She claimed that she was just trying to avoid confusion. She died a Liberace in 1980 in Las Vegas. Sam’s son’s flamboyance always retained an Italian flavor through his fashion and musical tastes and let’s not forget his bedroom’s $50,000 imitation Sistine Chapel ceiling with his smiling face in the center and surrounded by cherubs. Somewhere, Michelangelo must have been smiling, too.
by Pam Pietravalle The glory of la belle epoque of San Remo may be fading, but it still shines brightly amongst the beautiful towns dotting the Italian Riviera. Most travelers envision the resort areas of Portofino, Rapallo, Genoa or Cinque Terre when
considering the Italian Riviera and often overlook one of the nicest cities in the region of Liguria. Situated on the azure Mediterranean Sea and known as the City of Flowers and the City of Italian Music, the beauty of San Remo should not be missed.
The late 1800s saw many foreigners from England, Germany and Russia converge on San Remo to enjoy the temperate weather and beautiful scenery. Several British poets and writers made San Remo their home, as well as Please turn to page 16B
The school year has ended and there are many positive, schoolwide events to share with the Italian community. The end of every school year is full of activities, field trips, and celebrations. The staff at Victory K8 and Milwaukee Italian Immersion school is proud of all the accomplishments that were made this year. The students on the Victory soccer teams, coached by Alex Kaftan, recently completed their season. The families and staff enjoy gathering on Saturday mornings in order to cheer on the players. The matches are always exciting, but the highlight of the year was when Victory Gold played against Victory Blue. Girls in grades 3-5 were given the opportunity to participate in a running program called “Girls on
The Run.” The group of girls that participated spent the season preparing to run a 5K. In addition to being able to run a 5K, the girls also learn valuable life skills. The 5K run was held at Bayshore Mall and the team of coaches and all the girls’ families and supporters were extremely proud of their determination. The spring concert was a huge success! Michael Saindon, music teacher, conducted a spectacular show. Families were delighted to hear their children singing in Italian and English. Students continually impress the adults with their language abilities. It is great to see students build their skills as they move through the program. Traditionally, the Italian program celebrates the end of the school year with a picnic. This year,
it will be held on the last day of school. Families and staff have an opportunity to mingle and interact in a fun and relaxing environment. It is truly an event that everyone looks forward to – a great way to celebrate the end of the year!
San Remo, Italy – Home to Russian aristocracy, British literati and Italian musicians
Milwaukee Italian Immersion School report from the Victory K8 staff
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Thank you to all the dedicated community members that take the time to read about the events at Victory and support the children in Milwaukee Public Schools! Enjoy the summer! There are still openings for the 2017-2018 academic year. Please contact Elizabeth Zizzo at zizzoe@milwaukee.k12.wi.us if you are interested in enrolling a student in the Italian program in the four-year old kindergarten through the 5th grade Italian immersion program.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 13 SECTION B
La Pagina Italiana
Racconti sull’Alfa Romeo
di Blaise di Pronio I nostri cari lettori avranno notato la recente ondata di campagne pubblicitarie e pubbliche relazioni realizzate dall’azienda italiana Alfa Romeo Autos che annuncia il suo tanto sperato ritorno trionfante negli Stati Uniti d’America. E la vettura che rappresenta al meglio il marchio è la “Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio” – piuttosto impronunciabile come nome italiano di automobile, non credete? Proviamo a risalire alla sua origine. Sappiamo che il nome dell’azienda è Alfa Romeo e conosciamo universalmente la fama del Romeo shakespeariano. Perciò a chi altro potrebbe essere affiancato se non al nome di Giulietta? Ripensandoci però, la traduzione italiana di Juliet è proprio “Giulietta”; cosa c’entra “Giulia”? Quando la Alfa introdusse per la prima volta sul mercato la sua serie di motori di cilindrata 1900 cc (cc sta per centrimetri cubici: più alto è il numero, più potente è l’automobile) un giornalista italiano fece notare impeccabilmente che si continuavano a vedere numerosi Romeo sulle strade italiane, ma nessuna Giulietta. Voleva forse insinuare che le automobili erano
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
troppo mascoline o troppo scure? (Chi si aspetterebbe tuttavia uno scenario diverso in Italia?) Così, quando la Alfa introdusse un sistema di distribuzione più piccolo detto DOHC (comunemente detto bialbero e sviluppato per la velocità), chiamò la vettura “Giulietta”, diminutivo di “Giulia”
L’angolo delle curiosità Bottoni e maniche
di Donato Di Pronio Capita di sentire espressioni insolite come la stanza dei bottoni, è un altro paio di maniche. La prima la coniò nel 1962 un Deputo del Parlamento Italiano paragonando le stanze nelle quali si riuniscono i governanti per legiferare, alla sala di una centrale industriale, di una nave, ecc., dove sono sistemati pulsanticomando, simili a bottoni. E fu subito usata dai giornalisti per indicare i luoghi dove si riunisce il Potere Politico per legiferare e governare. La seconda, un altro paio di maniche, dovrebbe derivare dal fatto che anticamente la manica era un elemento a sé stante, indipendente dalle altri parti del vestito; un ornamento che si cambiava anche più volte al giorno a seconda della propria fantasia. Erano confezionate con stoffe preziose ed originali, differenti dalla stoffa con cui era confezionato il vestito, bellamente guarnite e sfrangiate, spesso lunghe sino a terra. Detta espressione viene usata nel discorso con il significato di è tutta un’altra cosa. Esempio: Renzo, il poverino, non sapeva scrivere, e neppure leggere nel senso esteso della parola. La verità era che lo stampato lo leggeva, mettendoci il suo tempo, ma lo scritto a mano era un altro paio di maniche (cfr. A. Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi). La manica era uno dei regali che i fidanzati facevano alla propria promessa sposa. Si racconta che nel 1297, una manica molto preziosa fu rubata a Iolanda (o Violante) d’Aragona, moglie di Roberto d’Angiò, re di Napoli dal 1309 al 1343, mentre era intenta ad assistere ad uno spettacolo. Il bottone, questo piccolo dischetto munito di fori, semplice o lavorato, fatto di diversi
materiali (oro, argento, corno, osso, madreperla, legno, metallo, materia plastica, ecc.) ha una storia antica, molto antica, addirittura gli storici dicono che era già conosciuto nell’Età del Rame. Bottoni sono stati rinvenuti nella Valle dell’Indo, uno dei tre grandi fiumi dell’India Settentrionale (circa 2800-2600 a. C.), in Cina (circa 2000-1500 a. C.), in altre località ed in epoche diverse.
In Europa il bottone si diffuse durante il Medioevo come oggetto ornamentale e decorativo dei mantelli e degli abiti dei Sovrani, dei potenti e dei ricchi. Papa Clemente VII (1478/1534) se li faceva fabbricare dal grande orafo, scultore e scrittore Benvenuto Cellini (1500-71). Questo artista tra i più importanti del Manierismo, nei suoi scritti parla di un bottone che aveva fatto a papa Clemente, al quale egli allacciava il piviale. Questo bottone era di grandezza quanto una mano aperta; ed era tondo, nel quale era figurato un Dio Padre, che dava la benedizione. Il bottone iniziò ad assolvere il suo utilissimo compito soltanto in tempi a noi vicini. Nel 1670 in Inghilterra apparvero sulle camine maschili bottoni in oro e argento.
Dopo il crollo dell’Impero di Napoleone (1769/1821), scomparve lentamente il bottone artistico e iniziò l’èra del comune bottone favorita, soprattutto, dall’avvento della Rivoluzione industriale (1850 ca.) la quale diede l’avvio alla fabbricazione di oggetti e utensili in larga scala e con materiale non costoso. (In anni a noi vicini, il bottone ha nuovamente attirato l’attenzione della moda ed anche di grandi stilisti, come Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Armani, Valentino, ecc.)
PAGE 14 SEZIONE B – LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2017
(come John/Johnny in inglese). Qualche tempo dopo però l’azienda ampliò la cilindrata del motore per raggiungere 1600 cc e abbandonò contestualmente il nome “Giulietta” sostituendolo con “Giulia”, una parola dalla sonorità più massiccia. Spostandoci alla seconda parte del nome, che relazione c’è con “quadrifoglio”? Si tratta di tutt’altra storia, come si suol dire. Il logo del quadrifoglio rappresenta da molto tempo il simbolo dell’eredità della Alfa Romeo nel campo delle automobili da corsa. Consiste in un quadrifoglio verde le cui foglie sono inserite in un triangolo bianco. Il simbolo risale al 1923, quando il pilota di Alfa, Ugo Sivocci, perse la vita mentre testava una nuova vettura da corsa. La storia di Sivocci era sempre stata caratterizzata da eventi sfortunati tanto da arrivare sempre secondo. Nel tentativo di sbarazzarsi della sua apparente sfortuna, decise di dipingere un quadrato bianco (da cui la parola “quadri” che indica i quattro angoli della figura) al centro della griglia della sua auto con un quadrifoglio
verde inserito all’interno. La fortuna fu dalla sua parte! Arrivò primo nella famosa gara “Targa Florio” e così nacque il simbolo del quadrifoglio. Ancora un’ultima nota sul logo. L’auto che Sivocci guidava quando rimase coinvolto nell’incidente di cui sopra non aveva il quadrifoglio, un dettaglio che tende quasi a rimarcare le doti di portafortuna dello stesso. Fu così che questo logo divenne il simbolo della Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo con una piccola modifica: dalla forma quadrata si passò a quella triangolare odierna e l’angolo mancante divenne emblema ed onorificenza del pilota Ugo Sivocci, il cui numero di gara 17 non fu mai più assegnato alle automobili da corsa italiane. La nuova Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio del 2017 ha superato nei test recenti le potenti MercedesAMG C63S, BMW M3 e Cadillac ATS lasciando letteralmente sbalorditi i piloti durante le gare, per così dire, faccia a faccia. Brum, brum! – Tradatto d’all Inglese da Laura Duronio
di Donato Di Pronio Il gran parlare in questi giorni dell’annunzio del Presidente Trump dell’imposizione di pesanti tributi su merci e prodotti esteri esportati negli Stati Uniti, ha richiamato alla memoria i dazi e le dogane dei tempi antichi. Nel corso dei secoli, dazi ed imposte hanno colpito le merci al passaggio da una frontiera statale o anche semplicemente amministrativa, la circolazione di beni da uno Stato ad un altro, da un Comune ad un altro, l’introduzione dei beni nelle botteghe di vendita al minuto, ecc. Un’imposta di consumo sui beni si pagò al loro passaggio per la cinta daziaria (i Comuni, in genere, erano chiusi dentro una cinta muraria). Il dazio, in breve, è un nome usato per indicare varie forme di contribuzione, di imposte dirette o indirette, di tasse e aggregati, che si sono andati appesantendo di secolo in secolo cambiando spesso nome o forme di imposizione ma rimanendo sempre un frugamento nelle tasche della gente. Ricordate i dazieri, gli incaricati per la riscossione di diversi tributi? Segugi capaci di scoprire gli
evasori, compresi quei tre quattro amici che durante la stagione primaverile acquistavano segretamente dai pastori un agnello o un capretto per sacrificarli in una spassosa serata carnevalesca.
Il Dazio
Persino tra i discepoli di Gesù ce ne fu uno che aveva fatto il Daziere. Infatti nei Vangeli si racconta che Gesù Cristo, andando predicando per la Galilea, chiamò al suo seguito dei pescatori e che andando via da Cafarnao (dove aveva operato dei miracoli, tra i quali quello di un paralitico steso su di un letto, al quale disse ‘prendi i tuo letto e vai a casa tua’ ed egli si alzò, guarito, e andò a casa sua) vide un pubblicano seduto al Banco delle imposte, chiamato Matteo, e gli disse ‘Seguimi’. (Le tasse erano riscosse sulle mercanzie che entravano in città o ne uscivano).
Nell’antica Roma, la riscossione delle tasse e delle imposte era affidata a organizzazioni private i cui subalterni non di rado erano persone corrotte e nessuno poteva esserlo di più, agli occhi dei Giudei, dei pubblicani, esattori al servizio degli invasori romani.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Giro d’Italia Tocco 2017 la Mielletta
di Donato Di Pronio La durissima nona tappa (14 maggio) del Giro ciclistico d’Italia, partita da Montenero di Bisaccia (Molise) si è conclusa in Abruzzo e precisamente nella località denominata Tettone sita ai piedi del BLOCKHAUS (facente parte sulla Maielletta, m. 2142 s.l.m., la montagna dei briganti) raggiunta dal versante Roccamorice, caratteristico e antico paesino d’Abruzzo. (Il Giro è stato vinto dall’olandese Tom Dumoulin; terzo il siciliano Vincenzo Nibali). Il termine Blockhaus, che in lingua tedesca significa casa di pietre, è riconducibile ai fortini militari fatti costruire nelle montagne del Meridione d’Italia durante la dominazione asburgica per combattere i fuorilegge. Nella zona del Blockhaus sono visibili i ruderi di un fortino militare edificato dall’Esercito Italiano nel 1863/64 (forse sugli avanzi di un fortilizio borbonico) per contrastare
e combattere il brigantaggio che imperversò nel Mezzogiorno d’Italia dal 1860 al 11870 (subito dopo la sua annessione allo Stato unitario). Sui monti della Maielletta sono diverse le tracce lasciate dai briganti: nomi, date, simboli, scritte di storie di angoscia, di sconforto, di gioia e di esultanza incise su lastroni rocciosi. Ecco una scritta su un lastrone roccioso noto come la Tavola dei Briganti: LEGGETE LA MIA MEMORIA - PER I CARI LETTORI - NEL 1820 NACQUE VITTORIO EMANUELE II RE D’ITALIA - PRIMO IL (18)60 ERA IL REGNO DEI FIORI - ORA E’ IL REGNO DELLA MISERIA. I briganti, oltre a contare, non di rado, purtroppo sull’appoggio e sull’omertà di parenti e conoscenti, fidavano soprattutto nei contadini e nei pastori: tra di loro, che avevano tutto l’interesse a non essere molestati, si era instaurato una specie di armistizio. Questi
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Battere sul tempo. (Literally) Beat over the time. Bruciare sul tempo. (Literally) Burn over the time. (Our eguivalent)) Beat to the punch, beat to the draw or get the jump on someone. 2. Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo. (Literally) Who has time should not wait for time. (Our equivalent) Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
3. Dare tempo al tempo. (Literally) Give time to time, (Our equivalent) Let time run its course. 4. Fare il bello ed il cattivo tempo.
(Literally) Make both good and bad weather. (Our equivalent) Set the terms, set the agenda.
5. Il tempo è galantuomo. (Literally) Time is a gentleman. (Our equivalent) Things work out over time or time is on your side. 6. Ritagli di tempo. (Literally) Cutouts of time. (Our equivalent) Spare time.
7. Lasciare il tempo che trova. (Literally) Leave the weather that you find. (Our equivalent) More effort than it’s worth or leave things be.
delinquenti per procurarsi denaro, alimenti, armi, ecc., commettevano furti, sequestri di persone ed estorsioni, ruberie e soprusi, incendi di case e pagliai, con preferenza, però, a danno di benestanti e degli “spioni”. Per costringere i “restii” ad aprire le loro dispense e i loro salvadanai, li sottoponevano ad ogni genere di maltrattamenti e di bestiali torture inventate dalla loro selvaggia fantasia, tra i quali c’era anche quello di far gocciolare sulle parti posteriori di questi sfortunati, legati su di una tavola in modo che
L’usignuolo Nel bosco, ov’è più folto, seggo smarrito e solo e gorgheggiare ascolto tra i rami un usignuolo.
Non alito fugace vola tra pianra e pianta: lo scuro bosco tace e l’usignuolo canta. Canta con tanto ardore, e tanto rapimento, che liquefar mi sento per tenerezza il cuore.
Arturo Graf (1848-1913), poeta e scrittore
E fatt’na risata!
Due amiche: “Senti, ma tu quando fai l’amore ci parli con tuo marito?” e l’altra: “Ma, solo se mi telefona!”.
Una vecchietta chiede ad un passante: “Scusi dove si prende l’autobus per andare al cimitero?” e il passante risponde: “In faccia cara signora”. Dio promise alla donna che avrebbe trovato l’uomo giusto in ogni angolo della terra... poi la fece rotonda... Un’amica dice all’altra:
Detti popolari – Popular sayings
1. Ll’abito non fa il monaco. (Literally) The habit doesn’t make the monk. (Meaning) You can’t judge a book by its cover.
2. E meglio l’uovo oggi di una gallina domani. (Literally) It’s better to have the egg today than the chicken tomorrow. (Equivalent) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 3. Camminare sulle uova. (Literally) Walking on eggs. (Meaning) Better be careful of what you say or you might offend
someone who is overly sensitive.
4. Pan di sudore, miglior sapore. (Literally) Bread that comes out of sweat, tastes better. (Meaning) If you have to work hard for your bread, it tastes better than if you don’t. 5. Pane al pane, vino al vino. (Literally) Bread to bread, wine to wine. (Equivalent) To call a spade a spade. 6. A mangiar questa minestra o saltar questa finestra. (Literally) Either eat this soup
or jump out this window. (Equivalent) Take it or leave it and/or stuck between a rock and a hard place. 7. La fame muta le fave in mandorle. (Literally) Hunger changes fava beans into almonds. (Meaning) When you’re hungry, you don’t care about the taste of the food you’re eating, everything tastes good and/or If you’re poor anything will taste good. (Equivalent) Hunger is the best spice.
Pagella da Victory
L’anno scolastico sta per finire e tanti eventi positivi hanno coinvolto il gruppo italiano nella scuola Victory.Per tutte le scuole, gli ultimi giorni sono molto intensi con gite scolastiche, conclusione di progetti e feste divertenti. Tutti gli insegnanti della Victory K8 & Milwaukee Italian Immersion school sono orgogliosi e contenti per il lavoro svolto durante l’anno. Gli studenti della squadra di calcio allenati da Mr.Kaftan hanno concluso brillantemente la stagione. Le famiglie e il gruppo insegnanti hanno accompagnato e sostenuto gli alunni alle partite del sabato mattina, con gioia e allegria.
Le ragazze dal terzo al quinto grado hanno avuto la possibilita’ di partecipare alla gara di corsa “Girls on The Run”. La squadra si e’ allenata tutto l’anno per il percorso di 5Km. La preparazione ha coinvolto non solo la resistenza alla corsa, ma hanno imparato anche come ci si deve comportare per condurre una vita piu’ salutare. Il concerto di primavera e’ stato un grande successo! Il maestro di musica Mr. Saindon ha realizzato uno spettacolo incredibile! Le famiglie hanno ascoltato i loro bambini cantare in italiano e inglese. Gli alunni hanno sorpreso i loro genitori per quanto erano bravi nella pronuncia italiana. E’
THE ITALIAN TIMES
stessero immobili e bocconi, gocce di strutto colanti da un grosso pezzo di lardo avvolto con carta accesa infilato in uno spiedo. Diversi fuorilegge più che “veri” briganti furono briganti, si potrebbe dire, di tono minore: comuni malfattori spesso datisi alla macchia per sfuggire all’arresto per irrilevanti infrazioni, risse, piccoli furti, taglio abusivo di legna nel bosco comunale (che poi vendevano per una somma appena sufficiente all’acquisto di un chilo di pane). Il loro brigantaggio era frutto della miseria.
meraviglioso vedere come migliorano e come cresce il programma. Come da tradizione, il programma di italiano festeggia la fine della scuola con un picnic. Quest’anno e’ stato organizzato l’ultimo giorno di scuola. Le famiglie e gli insegnanti avranno l’opportunita’ di incontrarsi e parlarsi in un’atmosfera rilassata e divertente. E’davvero un evento molto atteso e una bella opportunita’ di festeggiare la conclusione dell’anno! Ringraziamo tutti coloro che dedicano tempo alla lettura delle attivita’ della scuola Victory e sostengono i bambini in MPS! Buona estate!
- “Sai mio marito è un angelo!” - “Fortunata, il mio è ancora vivo!”
Due donne parlano: - “Secondo te questo vestito è troppo scollato?” - “No, ti si vedono solo i peli sul petto!” - “Ma io non ho peli sul petto” - “Ah...allora si, è troppo scollato” Un carabiniere dice ad una ragazza: “perchè non hai la cintura?” e la ragazza: “perchè ho i pantaloni della tuta!”
Perchè una bionda apre uno yogurt in un negozio? Perchè sopra lo yogurt c’è scritto “aprire qui”!!! Una bella signora al suo amante: - “Ci sono 2 posti dove mi piacerebbe essere baciata!” - “Dove?” - “Acapulco e Miami”. Tra amiche: - morirei per le tue scarpe - se vuoi te le presto - morirei per i tuoi gioielli - se vuoi te li presto - morirei per la tua moto - se vuoi te la presto - morirei per il tuo ragazzo - allora muori!!
A Napoli, un signore entra nell’androne di uno stabile e fa:“Portinaia” Ad uno dei piani superiori appare una donna e fa al signore: - “Che volete?” - “Devo parlare al ragionier Carmelo Liguori” - “Ci sono due ragionieri con quel nome” - “Quello con gli occhiali” - “Hanno tutti e due gli occhiali” - “Quello alto” - “Sono tutti e due alti” Il signore perde la pazienza e fa: - “Quello cornuto” - “Ah, volete dire mio marito. Carmeloooo!”
LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2017 – PAGE 15 SEZIONE B
San Remo offers much more than beautiful beaches and musical festivals
from page 13B the Russian aristocracy. The tsarina, Maria Alexandrovna, who often hosted Leo Tolstoy, went to San Remo to recuperate from tuberculosis and stayed and inspired a community of Russians to settle there. Alexandrovna, in appreciation for the hospitality, donated the palm trees that run along the promenade (which is now called Corso Imperatrice in her honor). The beautiful Russian Orthodox Church, fashioned after the architecture of St. Petersburg, Russia was built for the growing Russian community. In honor of the British, the Corso degli Inglesi winds through the hillside and along the sea, filled with villas built from 1874 through 1904. During that time, more than 200 villas were built, many of which are still standing, some as tourist sites while others are government offices. Sir Thomas Hanbury bought the Palazzo Orengo property in the 1860s and over the years restored the gardens to a horticultural paradise, which can be toured. There are other villas to visit including Villa Nobel, where Alfred Nobel spent the last five years of his life overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Many illustrious foreign visitors and inhabitants are buried in the Foce Cemetery in San Remo. The city itself is bursting with color. Everywhere you look are spectacular flowers - from the lampposts, along all the promenades, roundabouts, medians and adorning the beautiful villas and buildings throughout the city. Descending from the autostrada into town, there are hills and plains full of flowers and plants growing on stepped hillside terrain and within long hothouses. The Ligurian Riviera is the European flower capital with San Remo hosting the largest flower market with a total area of 120,000 meters. It is a testament to the creativity and tenacity of the local horticulturists that they were able to transform the harsh and rugged hillside land into the current fertile and fruitful soil. The enormity of this industry is evidenced by its 600 million euros a year and 27,000 jobs. San Remo’s population of 57,000 increases astronomically during the last week of February when the San Remo Music Festival holds court at the Ariston Theatre. Founded in 1951, it is so popular in Italy that it is called Il Festivale, meaning the only one. In the main pedestrian mall in the city, Via Matteotti, leading up to the Ariston Theatre, are bronze placards inlaid in the pavement with all the Italian singers who won awards at the San Remo Music Festival. It is very impressive and a great tribute to the talented musicians who compete and perform every year. Throughout the city, in various piazzas, can be seen greenery in the shape of musical instruments, as well as music related statues. The city of San Remo has so much to offer to the visitor. If you like history, you are surrounded by remnants of the Roman Empire with small ruins around town. Climb the cobblestone path up into the old town called La Pigna, (pine cone) which dates back to 1000 AD. You will encounter medieval gates, 18th century frescoes, and homes of former nobles like Count Sapia Rossi. On the top of the city, you will find a beautiful sanctuary, the Madonna della Costa, built in the 17th century, which hosts many
Casino San Remo
Via Matteotti
weddings. The church was partially funded by a San Remo sailor in thanksgiving for sparing his life during a shipwreck. Throughout San Remo there are many beautiful churches including the little chapel dedicated to the Madonna Nera, La Chiesa di San Francesco, next to the Casino and the Concattedrale di San Siro, the oldest church dating back to the 12th century. If you like sports, there is always something to do. Of course, there is swimming, sunning and boating along the vast coastline, as well as, an indoor saltwater swimming pool. Additionally, there are large tennis and equestrian centers. Walking and biking are very popular and wonderful as there is a wide, traffic-free bicycle and pedestrian promenade along the coast that runs 34 kilometers from San Remo all the way to Imperia, the provincial capital. This beautiful path, converted from old railroad lines, provides the opportunity to walk or ride from the palm lined San Remo coastline through beautiful seaside towns where you can stop for coffee, ice cream or lunch, or just take in the breathtaking views of the sea. Renting a bicycle is easy at the Nolobici adjacent to the old train station, where you may choose a standard bike or electric bike for as little as 10 euro per half a day. Cycling aficionados can also enjoy La Classicissima, the longest professional one day bicycle race in modern cycling. The race route is between San Remo and Milan, a distance of 298 kilometers and is held the third Saturday of March. A favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike is shopping. San Remo is a very elegant town, full of beautiful shops from haute couture like Max Mara and Luisa Spagnoli to the moderate COIN department store. Books, sundries, shoes, cosmetics, and jewelry are all there and more. The two main streets full of shops are Via Matteotti and Via Roma but do not miss the little narrow cross streets where you will find boutiques, as wells as, bars and restaurants. Not to be forgotten are the open air market days on Tuesday and Saturday. People come from as far away as Nice, France to get great value for their euro at the market where you can find beautiful leather goods, clothes, shoes and kitchenware in addition to food. Via Matteotti is full of cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants where you can rest your tired bones while snacking, dining or just people watching. Running parallel to Via Matteotti is a narrow street, Via Palazzo, which is full of delicatessens, bakeries and pastry shops. One such deli always has a huge line about noontime with patrons waiting to purchase roasted chicken, rabbit or beef and French fries! Not necessarily known for good bread in this region, a great
PAGE 16 SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2017
bakery popped up recently in Piazza Columbo next door to McDonald’s called Panificio de Mattei. The large variety of bread in the style of Puglia and Campania makes it extremely popular as experienced by the long lines before lunch. Their pizza is delizioso! Since the city is so walkable, it is easy to jaunt from one end of the city to the other quickly, making sightseeing and shopping a pleasure. Even the train station is in town and accessible by foot or taxi. Further if you are loaded down with shopping bags or worn out you can always take a taxi cab for under 10 euro. Like most Italian towns, there is a daily rhythm of hustle and bustle when townspeople are out grocery shopping for their “pranzo” (lunch) or doing errands, then tranquility sets in as the shops close from between 12:30 and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. when people migrate to their homes or restaurants for lunch and “riposo” (rest times). Then, the city comes alive again with shoppers and friends gathering at the cafes for an afternoon appertif or coffee until 7 or 7:30 p.m. when once again the shops close and crowds disperse for “cena” (dinner) at home or a restaurant. Since San Remo attracts tourists, there are some shops that have continuous hours, but for the most part, it is very quiet during the rest period with some of the cafes staying open. Late afternoons are very lively with students, friends and family gathering to chat about their day, politics, food and the state of the economy. This is a good time for window and serious shopping. San Remo is an affluent town as substantiated by the elegance of the town and its inhabitants. It is recognized in the citizens’ attire in these outings in the city by people dressing up when they go into town with suits, dresses and jackets. Further, unlike many Italian towns, you see couples together rather than groups of men and women separated having coffee with their friends and relatives. Although some of these people are visiting tourists from Nice, Menton, Monaco and surrounding towns, most are local Sanremesi. There are many excellent restaurants in San Remo, some with Michelin stars. Throughout the city and along the beach the scent of culinary delights permeate the air. A favorite restaurant of mine is Mare Blu, which is on a side street off Via Matteotti, Via Carli. You will not miss their sign on the corner. They offer typical Ligurian fare such as Pesto alla Genovese, scrumptious fresh fish dishes and even pizza, if you so desire. The other fun entertainment not to be missed is the elegant Casino, one of only four in Italy. The building itself is impressive. Very popular with everyone is the big room on
Russian Orthodox Church
the lower level which is full of slot machines. Upstairs are the table games including poker and poker tournaments and a bar serving beverages and sandwiches. On the top floor is a very upscale restaurant with beautiful views and delicious food. Although it is quite different than the casinos in Las Vegas, it is an interesting experience. If one desires an even classier casino experience, Monaco would be the place to go which is only 45 minutes or less away. It is the playground of the rich and famous, and offers not only a gambling experience if you want that, but also a fun way to pass the time for the people watching. To me, San Remo has it all – sun, sea, lots to see and do and easy access to the rest of Italy and Europe. The city is diverse with many retirees but a burgeoning population of young families. One of the best parts is that it is located only 10 minutes from the autostrada A10, making it very drivable even if you are not so inclined. Believe me, it took me two years to get up the courage to drive in Italy where the most talented drivers dot the highways. That is, I have never seen a driver smoke a cigarette, talk on the phone, gesticulate and hold a baby while managing to shatter every traffic law at break neck speed to arrive at the next cafe! Be careful! It offers easy access to points west to France, Monaco, Spain, Portugal or East to Genoa, Venice, and then north to Milan, Lake Como and Switzerland and south to Pisa, Florence or anywhere you want to go; all means of transportation are available. Nice, France has the closest airport but depending from where you are coming, you can fly into Genoa or Milan and take the train. Train and bus travel make it easy to visit beautiful little towns to the east and west of San Remo. For those who want to live in Italy or especially retire there, I would highly recommend San Remo. At the very least a side trip from Cinque Terre or Genoa is in order.
THE ITALIAN TIMES