ITALIAN TIMES THE
JULY 22-24, 2016
Published by the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916
VOL. 38, NO. 2
www.ICCMilwaukee.com
SECTION B
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Bartolotta Fireworks Company plans a spectacular nightly show for Festa
by Pam Pietravalle If Marco Polo were alive today he would be thrilled to know that Festa Italiana has one of the grandest fireworks extravaganzas produced by the Bartolotta Fireworks Company. After all, from his trip to China, Marco Polo brought back a crate of pyrotechnics to his native Italy where the “fire masters” developed the most spectacular displays. As a result, the Italians developed “shells”, which are explosivefilled canisters that were fired into the air and detonated at maximum height. This discovery became the foundation of modern aerial pyrotechnics. The Italian fire masters also experimented with slower burning explosive mixtures, which became the precursor to a variety of fireworks currently being used. These “shells”, which were developed around 1292 AD, are the basis for the fireworks that are used
today and which will be detonated at Festa Italiana. Festa would not be complete without the brightest, loudest and most beautiful fireworks from Bartolotta Fireworks Company. The Bartolotta family has a long and special history with Festa Italiana. The “birthdays” of Bartolotta Fireworks Company and Festa Italiana coincide – they are both in their 39th year of existence. Going into their fourth generation, Bartolotta Fireworks was founded by the late Sam Bartolotta and currently owned by brothers Jeff and Jim Bartolotta. Every year the Bartolottas bring something new and exciting to the fireworks display at Festa Italiana in keeping with the tradition of Sam Bartolotta, who inspired the company to continue to create what he called “Abbondanza in the sky!”
Futsal, a variation of the game of soccer that is taking America by storm, is in the lineup at the 2016 Festa Italiana. An eight-team tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 23 starting at noon on the sports court adjacent to the T.J.
Bartolotta Stage. This marks the third straight year that Festa has organized a futsal tournament. The 2016 tournament field will include the defending champion, FC Palermo, a Milwaukee team coached by Italian
Times photo by Craig Schoenung
Experience fast-paced futsal tournament at Festa on July 23 Please turn to page 4B
Community Center member Sal Carini. Tournament coordinator Michael Palmisano told The Italian Times that this will be a “5 v. 5” playoff, meaning there will be four players and a goalie on the court
‘La Parata Italiana’ set for the Saturday and Sunday of Festa at 5 p.m.
for each team during each match. In futsal, the field (or surface) is smaller than a regulation soccer field, and the goals are smaller. The rules create an emphasis on improvisation and techniques as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. “All of this makes for Please turn to page 19B
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Festa bocce details page 3B
Kids of all ages will enjoy Festa’s Children’s Stage page 4B
Bartolotta Fireworks – A Festa tradition page 4B ICC calendar
page 5B
Mark Sept. 9 for “Casino Night” at ICC page 6B
Italian classes return in September page 6B Election news
page 7B
Solomon Juneau Club donates its last $325 to ICC page 7B
Courtyard Music Series heating up pages 8B-9B
Sponsor Wednesday opera shows page 9B The Pinocchio mobile, designed and built by Italian Community Center member Cosmo Carini, will be one of the units in “La Parata Italiana” on Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24 at 5 p.m. The panels on each side of
the mobile tell the story of the fairy tale novel “The Adventures of Pinocchio” as written by the Italian author Carlo Collodi. Look for a story on the parade on page 4 of this section. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
UNICO organizations present scholarships and awards page 10B
Italian golf tournament names honoree page 11B
PAGE 2 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Play bocce during your visit to Festa
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Whether you are 9 or 90, in shape or out of shape, an athlete or non-athletic, you can play the
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Vella Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Donato Di Pronio, Pam Pietravalle, Lorraine Sutton, Susan Christiansen, Barbara Collignon, Roberto Ciampi, Paul Salsini, Christina Ziino and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org. Copyright 2016 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
Italian lawn bowling game of bocce and enjoy it. During your visit to Festa Italiana, July 22-24, you can test your playing skills on regulation size courts. Those courts will be set up on the lawn east of the Flags of Festa and south of the Palermo’s Pizza Stage. “As a game that can be played by people of all ages and physical abilities, bocce makes a great family activity or a fun challenge among friends,” said Dan Conley, bocce manager. Best of all, the cost to participate is inexpensive. The price to play remains the same as it has been for the last several years, just $2 per person per 12-point game.
Special Olympics qualifying tournament. While the tourney always proves to be a lot of fun, some of the Special Olympians have a real incentive to win to advance to the state finals. As for the Carmelite Sisters’ fundraising tournament, you are welcome to challenge those habit-wearing nuns. Be aware, however, they are sharp players.
Open bocce courts for Festa attendees’ enjoyment will be available for a good share of the festival hours. On opening day, Friday, July 22, the courts will be open immediately after a Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin tournament (approximately 2 p.m.) until just prior to the 10:30 p.m. fireworks. On Saturday, July 23, most of the courts will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. A couple of the courts are being reserved for a fundraising tournament challenge hosted by the Carmelite Sisters to benefit the Carmelite Home for Boys in Wauwatosa. On Sunday, attendees can play after the 39th annual Festa Italiana bocce tournament ends. (The tournament is usually finished by approximately 6 p.m., leaving the courts open from that time to 9 p.m.)
Just a few notes you might be interested in knowing. The Friday tournament is a State of Wisconsin
Last year, it seemed like they had someone special on their side! Teams must register in advance to play in the Sunday tournament. Please see the registration form on this page. The major sponsor of bocce at Festa this year is American Taxi Company. Also serving as a sponsor is the Pompeii Women’s Club.
Is your team good enough to win the 39th Festa bocce tournament?
Maybe the players on your team will hold the championship trophy in their hands after winning the 39th annual Festa Italiana bocce tournament on Sunday, July 24. Last year, the victors were players on Young Money, a team from the Milwaukee area. Young Money is expected to return to defend its title. To register your team, please use the form adjacent to this caption. The players on Young Money included (from the left) Justin Mudlaff, Zach Martens, Josh Martens and Jared Norgal. This year, American Taxi Company is the primary sponsor of Festa bocce. The Pompeii Women’s Club is also a sponsor. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
–ENTRANCE FEE:
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 3, SECTION B
La Grande Parata della Festa Italiana
Celebrating la famiglia (family), la cultura (culture) and all things Italian, La Grande Parata della Festa Italiana will return on Saturday, July 23 and July 24, starting at 5 p.m. on the north end of the grounds. Featuring characters and representations from The Story of Pinocchio, Topo Gigio, Italian folk dancing groups, flag throwers from Italy, the UW Marching Band, floats, jugglers, a drum line, many, many children and much more, the parade will wind through the grounds to the south end.
Children will toss out candy, balls, beads and other small trinkets to the crowd. It will be colorful, entertaining and fill the air with Italian music. The parade will salute Pinocchio on a mobile filled with children and in costume joined by the Blue Fairy and Topo Gigio, the Italian mouse. The folk dance groups include Tradizione Vivente: the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, I Bei Bambini: Children’s Italian Dance Group, and the Italian Regional & Renaissance Dancers. There will be a Sicilian carretto and stunning
A beautiful decorated Sicilian “carretto” carried a young passenger in “La Parata Italiana” last year. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Bartolotta Fireworks ready to light up the lakefront skies
from page 1B This year will be no exception according to Gina Bartolotta, Jeff’s daughter. She says we will see and hear a fantastic array of glittering “peonies”, “chrysanthemums”, “salutes” which are responsible for the large flashes and noise, “batteries” which zoom straight up from the ground and are all noise, “mines” which are flashes hanging on wire providing low to the ground flashes, “batteries” which fire straight up ground bombs and many others. Gina indicated that all of these fireworks are variations of the original “shell” design from the Italians. As technologies evolved, Bartolotta Fireworks embraced them by applying them to their fireworks displays in both planning and execution. Their shows, particularly the larger shows, require careful planning of each firework and it is all documented. These plans are then choreographed and displayed on a computer. In execution, most shows utilize electronics to set off the fireworks rather than doing it by hand. This is especially beneficial in controlling the timing of launches and increasing safety. The Festa display requires countless hours of planning and execution. Gina said that as soon as Festa Italiana is over, planning begins for the next Festa. There are anywhere from 15 to 20 crew members from Bartolotta Fireworks at Festa Italiana each night. Set up
takes five to six hours to implement and great care is expended during the production to ensure quality and safety for all. Bartolotta Fireworks has grown greatly over the years since Sam started the business in 1977. They now produce over 500 shows a year with some of their largest being Summerfest “Big Bang” Fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations throughout Milwaukee County parks. During this time, they employ over 400 technicians to execute the fireworks displays. Ever concerned about quality and safety, they provide intensive training for their technicians. Fireworks shows are conducted throughout the year including the winter months where they provide fireworks at ski resorts, New Year’s Eve events and Christmas celebrations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Come experience the loudest and most spectacular fireworks of the season at Festa Italiana - 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10:15 pm on Sunday. At Festa, special emphasis is always placed on noise along with the dazzling colors. According to Jeff Bartolotta, “Italians like to ‘feel’ their fireworks along with seeing the colors”. Irrespective of their fireworks extravaganza, Gina Bartolotta said that Festa has a special meaning for her because she and her whole family attend every year and have a great time.
PAGE 4 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
Italian cars carrying the Italian Community Center’s Royalty of Carnevale 2016. Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri, the phenomenal flagthrowing unit from Figline Valdarno, Italy, will astound parade viewers as they twirl and toss their flags, soaring high in the air. “We hope to have many children
in Venetian masks and in costumes,” said Gina Jorgensen, Parade Manager. “We are waiting confirmation from the Madison Area Jugglers, who always entertain the crowd with their expertise and flair. Since it’s the peak of summer, beach balls will be tossed. Prizes and candy will be thrown to be collected by our young parade Please turn to page 19B
Festa’s Children’s Stage offers something for kids of all ages
by Pam Pietravalla The Children’s Stage at Festa Italiana this year is going to be full of fun for kids of all ages. Rick Alswager (a.k.a. Rick Allen) and founder of Rick Allen Magic Productions, is the stage manager. Having participated at Festa Italiana for many years as Bingo The Magical Clown and as the magician in the Rick Allen Magic Show, he was asked to take over as stage manager about four years ago when Michelle Shoplas moved out of the area. It was Michelle’s mother, Grace, a first grade teacher, who started the Children’s Stage at Festa Italiana and continued as such for over 30 years. Michelle took over when her mother retired. Kicking off this year’s entertainment on the Children’s Stage will be I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 22, under the direction of Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis. The Children’s Italian Dance Group is part of Tradizione Vivente - The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, Inc. which has been in existence for over 65 years started with their desire their to keep Italian traditions alive for future generations through music, dance and costume. The Children’s Dance Group consists of over 50 children ranging in age from 2-1/2 to 14 years old who sing and dance and speak beginning Italian. Embracing Italian culture, these children perform authentic Italian folk dancing, wearing the costumes representative of their ancestors. Through these children, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee is ensuring that our Italian traditions are never forgotten. They will be performing every day of Festa Italiana – 4 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Following the Children’s
Italian Dance Group on Friday, at 5:30 p.m. will be a performance from Anita’s Dance Group of the Anita’s Dance Center of Muskego. Anita’s Dance Center has been offering dance classes in Southeastern Wisconsin for ages 3-18 in tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, drama, pointe, poms and ballroom dancing for over 50 years. Having performed around the country, they have garnered national recognition. Among the events where they have performed are the Globetrotters New Year’s Eve show, the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade and Fourth of July parades and shows in New Berlin and Hales Corners. Their performances will be on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. Rounding out Friday entertainment at the Children’s Stage will be Rick Allen with a very exciting magic show at 7 p.m. for Please turn to page 19B
Doug The Jug
Youngsters in I Bei Bambini take a bow after a completing a performance on the Children’s Stage. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Calendar of Events June 28 – September 1, 2016
Tuesday, June 28 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Leroy Airmaster with special guest Junior Brantley, 6:30 p.m. Details on all Courtyard shows in this section. Monday, July 11 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Tom Sorce Band featuring vocalist Anita Stemper, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Rockin’ Johnny with special guest Aki Kumar, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 13 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Milwaukee Area Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Rick D’Amore Band, 6:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Società Santa Rosalia meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, July 18 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with The Bel Airs, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 19 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with the Bryan Lee Band, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 21 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 22 • Festa Italiana VIP Day for persons with disabilities, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Maier Festival Park. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana “Italian Idol” Contest, 8:30 p.m., Piazza Stage. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana Fireworks. presented by Bartolotta Fireworks, 10:30 p.m. Details in Section B. • Festa Italiana, 2 p.m. – midnight, Maier Festival Park.
Saturday, July 23 • Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer, 7:30 a.m., registration, 9:30 a.m., run, 10 a.m., walk, and 11 a.m., post-walk/run activities in the Palermo’s Pizza Stage. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana, 11:30 a.m. – midnight, Maier Festival Park. • Festa Italiana Futsal Tournament, noon. T.J. Bartolotta Sports Court. Details in Section B. • Festa Italiana Cannoli-Eating Contest, 3:30 p.m. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana Parade, 5 p.m. Details in this section. • Festa Italiana “Italian Idol” Contest, 8:30 p.m., Piazza Stage. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana Fireworks. presented by Bartolotta Fireworks, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 • Festa Italiana Mass and procession, 11 a.m., Marcus Amphitheater. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Maier Festival Park. • Festa Italiana Bocce Tournament, 2 p.m. Details in Section B. • Festa Italiana Kids Pizza-Making Contest, 3 and 3:30 p.m. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana Parade, 5 p.m. Details in Section B. • Festa Italiana Chef’s Choice Recipe Contest winners chosen, 6 p.m. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana concert with singing sensation Jackie Evancho, 6 p.m. BMO Harris Pavilion. Special ticket required. Details in both sections. • Festa Italiana “Italian Idol” Contest Finals, 8:30 p.m., Piazza Stage. Details in Section A. • Festa Italiana Fireworks. presented by Bartolotta Fireworks, 10:30 p.m. Monday, July 25 • Courtyard Music Series: Las Vegas show with the Tom Anthony Group, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 26 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Joey Leone, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 28 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 1 • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Suzanne Grzanna Band, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 2 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with John Sieger with Sub Continentals, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 • Courtyard Music Series: Opera with Kay Sparling Theatrical Productions, 6:30 p.m.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Thursday, Aug. 4 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Doo Wah-Wahs, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 8 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Jeff Lebarge Band featuring vocalist Pete Sorce, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Leroy Airmaster with special guest Denny Goyer, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 • Courtyard Music Series: Opera with Mezzo-Soprano Kerry Hart & Friends, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with The Ricochettes, 6:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15 • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Generation Gap, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 16 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Third Coast Collection with special guests Jim Voegli and Perry Weber, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 17 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge general meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Opera with Kay Sparling Theatrical Productions, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Election slate finalized. Details in Section B. • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Tom Anthony Group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Jack Grassel, Jill Jensen and Jeff Sontag, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with the Blues Disciples, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 24 • Courtyard Music Series: Classical with Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 • Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Hat Trick, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Alex Wilson Band, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 31 • Courtyard Music Series: Opera with Tenor Joe Graziano & Friends, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Larry Lynne Band, 6:30 p.m.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall season will get underway the week of Sept. 12 with mixed couples’ leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights and seniors’ leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Registration forms available at the ICC.
• 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 nonmember. • ICC Italian classes. Details about the fall semester will be announced soon.
• 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.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dace group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 5, SECTION B
Casino Night planned as ICC fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 9
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. 9. The third annual Casino Night
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER CASINO NIGHT ENTRY TICKETS ORDER FORM Name(s) _____________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________________ Email address _________________________________________________ Order your entry tickets by Aug. 15, 2016 and receive a $5 discout on your entry tickets. Complete this area if you ordering by Aug. 15: 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. 15, 2016, 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.
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 attendance 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 Monday, Aug. 15, you can save $5. “Last year, Casino Night drew 100 people, and everyone said they had a terrific time and wanted to see us impose the attendance cap. It made it easier for everyone to play the games and enjoy the atmosphere of the event.” 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. 15, are $30 for non-members and $25 for members. After Aug. 15, entry tickets will be $35 for non-members and $30 for members. There is a reservation form, which accompanies this article, 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 dis-
count applies only on entry tickets ordered by Aug. 15. Should tickets still be available, Karen and Bill plan to have them on sale at the general membership meeting on Thursday, Aug. 18.
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 Dickinsons. “Table side service for drink orders will be available in the ballroom.” Sponsorship opportunities In addition, the Membership Committee wants to stress and proPlease turn to page 19B
Italian classes being ICC’s FREE children’s Italian class to begin Sept. 24 offered for adults and teens The fall semester of a free weekWisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009 ly series of Italian classes for chil“Italian Teacher of the Year.” starting Sept. 13 at ICC dren between the ages of 6 and 12 Tarantino Woytal has been leading
will begin Saturday, Sept. 24, 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. 12. 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
the children’s class at the ICC since the early 1980s. Over the years, several hundred youngsters have participated in the free class. To register for the fall semester, please complete the form accompanying this article and mail it to: Children’s Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Since there is no enrollment fee, parents can also register their children in person any time during the semester. For further information, contact the ICC office at 414-223-2180, or Enrica Tarantino Woytal or Pietro Tarantino at 414-481-0170, or via email at enricaw@aol.com.
Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form (For children ages 6-12) at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee
Parent(s) Name ________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________
City ________________________ State _______ Zip __________
Phone No.: ______________ Email_________________________ Children's Names & Ages: _______________________________
______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Send this form to: Children's Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.
PAGE 6 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
This fall, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II class, both starting Tuesday, Sept. 13. Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on Nov. 15. Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The Italian II course will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more
about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said. Enrollment is open to ICC members and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $100 for an ICC member and $110 for a non-member. 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. 13 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.
Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course
Name(s) ___________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________
Phone No. ___________________Email _________________________________
I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling.
Course fee: ICC Member - $100.00; Non-Member - $110.00
Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ICC election slate will be finalized at Aug. 18 general meeting
By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Italian Community Center members who may be eligible and are interested in running for any of the officer positions or any of the four open director-at-large positions are being asked to make their intentions known to the Nominating Committee. A five-member Nominating Committee was selected at the May 19 general meeting. In accordance with the organization’s bylaws, ICC President Giuseppe Vella appointed two of the members – Rosemary DeRubertis and Sal Lo Coco – and named them as co-chairpersons. Members fulfilled their obligation by electing the three other members – Suzanne Wypijewski, Ray Martinez and Christina Ziino. A slate prepared by the Nominating Committee will be presented at the Aug. 18 general meeting, start begins at 6:30 p.m. It 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 general meeting (Aug. 18). 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 potential 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.” 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. 15. 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. 20,
Solomon Juneau Club donates $325 to ICC
The Solomon Juneau Club, a volunteer organization that was initiated in the early 1930s to oversee the 4th of July celebration activities at Solomon Juneau Park on Milwaukee’s East Side, has donated $325 to the Italian Community Center. The club, which, in recent years, was comprised of elderly members, many of Italian descent, has ceased its existence. Club members voted to donate all that was left in its bank account – $325 – to the ICC. In its heyday, Solomon Juneau Club members handed out American flags to schoolchildren
and led them on a march to the park. They also judged bicycles and buggies that were decorated for Independence Day and handed out cups of ice cream with to all the youngsters. “We are very grateful for this donation to the ICC. On behalf of our Board of Directors and our members, I want to acknowledge the long history that the Solomon Juneau Club has in our community and all the great things they accomplished over the years, benefiting thousands of children and celebrating our nation’s independence,” said Giuseppe Vella, ICC President.
Fall bocce season to start week of Sept. 12 at ICC
After a summer break, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center. Get your team together now. The fall bocce season gets underway the week of Sept. 12. Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday or 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. 14 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
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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.
which means ballots need to be postmarked no later than Oct 13. Ballots that are not postmarked or are postmarked after Oct. 13 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. 20) 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 procedures are spelled out in Article V of the ICC By-Laws.
Terms of office The term of officers is one year. The current officers are: President Giuseppe Vella, Vice President Dean Cannestra, Treasurer Sam Purpero, Secretary Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie 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-elec-
tion to said offices without limitations.” Since Vella is completing his second consecutive term, he is not eligible to run for another term. All other officers are eligible to seek reelection. The term for directors-at-large is two years. Current directors who will be completing two years of service are Ted A. Catalano, Joe Campagna, Jr., Karen Dickinson and Anthony M. Zingale. 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-At-Large 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.” All four are eligible to run for a second term, however, it is expected that Campagna will be unable due to recent health issues. Directors Mary Anne CerasoAlioto, Susan DeSanctis Christiansen, Joseph Emanuele and Pietro Tarantino will have one year of service remaining when the 201617 term begins on Nov. 1.
ICC’s 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24
annual Festival di Danza e Cultura Friday, Oct. 21
ICC’s Columbus Day Celebration Dance Saturday, Oct. 8
ICC’s 2nd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 26
ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9
ICC’s Student Culture Day Program Monday, Oct. 17
ICC and International Institute of Wisconsin’s 3rd
ICC’s Installation Dinner Saturday, Nov. 5
ICC’s Membership Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 15 ICC’s New Year’s Eve Party Saturday, Dec. 31
ICC offering photo ID parking pass to members during summer festival season
The Italian Community Center is offering its members a chance to substantially save on parking costs during the summer festival season, June through September. A new photo identification parking pass is available to members for a one-time price of $50. This pass will be valid for all the lakefront festivals, including Festa Italiana, in 2016. To obtain the pass, all a member needs to do is stop in at the front desk at the ICC office between 2 and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, present your membership card and have your picture taken. The $50 payment is due at this time. The photo ID
parking passes will be issued afterwards. Over the course of the summer, members can save significantly on parking fees by having the pass. Summerfest daily parking is normally $20 per vehicle (sometimes $25) and daily parking for the other festivals is normally $10. The privilege to use the ICC issued photo parking is based on lot availability. If the lot is full or in use for another event, you will not be able to enter. This parking pass offer is available to members of the ICC only. It is not open to the general public.
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 7, SECTION B
Enjoy free weeknight music all summer long in the ICC’s Courtyard
Opera/Broadway performers added to lineup on Wednesday nights in August
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Here’s something to do this summer that is fun, entertaining and appropriate for all ages. And – best of all – everyone can attend for free! It’s the Italian Community Center’s Courtyard Music Series. Parking in the ICC’s lot south of the building is also free. The 16th season of the series is offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights in July and August, and – just announced – on all five Wednesday nights during the month of August. The Wednesday night programs will feature opera and Broadway performances. This year, the ICC is pleased to have the Bartolotta Restaurants as the presenting sponsor. As always, some of the best vocalists, musicians and bands are
scheduled to perform. Whether you are a fan of traditional or contemporary jazz, the big band sound, any of the genres of blues, R&B or rock and roll, the ICC has something for you this summer in the Courtyard. The staff of Cafe La Scala is on hand to take food and beverage orders. By the way, the food and drink prices are very reasonable, too. Each night, food and drink service is available from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended as many of the acts draw capacity crowds. Call 414-223-2185 to
reserve a table. All of the shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. They go on rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the shows are brought indoors to the Festa Ballroom, the room next to Cafe La Scala. The 2016 season started Thursday, June 9. If you happen to be reading this story between June 29 and July 10, you will find the series is on hiatus in deference to Summerfest at nearby Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Here is the lineup in July and
August. The entertainers were booked by music producer/versatile guitarist Tom Sorce. • Monday, July 11 – Anita Stemper with the Tom Sorce Band. Jazz vocalist Stemper, a recording artist known for her performances with the trio, OPUS, joins Sorce for an evening of standard and contemporary jazz. • Tuesday, July 12 – Rockin’ Johnny with Aki Kumar. Chicagoland blues featuring guitarist Rockin’ Johnny with powerhouse harp player Aki Kumar will Continued on page 9B
Tom Sorce is once again serving as the music director for the Courtyard Music Series.
Commitment based membership payment options
Presently, there are two payment options available to you should you choose a 2-year membership or a 3-year membership. 1. You may pay each January for the duration of your 3-year or 2-year membership. As an show of good faith, you must sign the statement at the bottom of the new application (that appears on the next page). 2. You may pay for your full 3-year or 2-year membership by the end of the first year – in 4 quarterly payments.** ** If a member pre-pays for a 2-year or 3-year membership, and passes away or moves out of state, the remainder of their membership dues will be donated to the Italian Community Center in the member’s name.
Pro Rated Amount You may have received a bill for a smaller amount of money. This dues payment doesn’t relate to the new dues program, but rather, is a transitional amount that is intended to return everyone to a Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 Membership. You are not being charged an additional amount.
PAGE 8 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
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ICC’s Courtyard Music Series just starting to warm up
from page 8B keep the crowd jumping. • Thursday, July 14 – Rick D’Amore Band. Vocalist Rick D’Amore sings the songs of all of the legends of rock and roll and Top 40s including Elvis, Roy Orbison and Tom Jones and, perhaps, some Sinatra. • Monday, July 18 – The BelAirs. Fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars, with Michael Cherry on drums, the Bel Airs play a danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul-androck-n-roll sound influenced by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Slim Harpo, Howlin’ Wolf and Johnny Cash. • Tuesday, July 19 – Bryan Lee Band. Lee, the blind New Orleans blues legend, brings his super funky New Orleans-style of blues to the Courtyard for a show sure to draw a big crowd. • Thursday, July 21 – Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. Vocalists Kim Marie, Chuck Travis and Tony Clementi bring their all-star cast of musicians to the ICC for the group’s final appearance of the summer. The group opened the 2016 series this past June 9. • Monday, July 25 – Tom Anthony Group – Vocalist Tom Anthony delivers rock and roll, R&B, Top 40 and country backed by a cast of expert musicians including Tom Sorce. Make reservations for this show, as Tom and company always draw a big crowd. • Tuesday, July 26 – Joey Leone. This singer, songwriter and master guitar player from the hills of Vermont brings his blend of rockin’ blues to the ICC’s Courtyard Music Series for the first time. • Thursday, July 28 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy. Hirschi, a former vocalist with the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular, brings his group of young, talented musicians to the courtyard for a show that features rock and roll, R&B, today’s pop music and lots of danceable numbers. • Monday, Aug. 1 – Suzanne Grzanna Band. Sax diva Suzanne Grzanna returns to the courtyard for the first time in many years. From New York, Paris, Japan, Russia, Los Angeles and Chicago, Grzanna has made a prominent worldwide name for herself. She has performed at prestigious halls such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Preservation Hall, Cinegrill, and the Hollywood Bowl. • Tuesday, Aug. 2 –Sub Continentals, The Subcontinentals, John Sieger on guitar and vocals, Mike Sieger on bass and vocals, Kelli Gonzales on vocals and keyboards and John Carr on drums have just come off a very productive year. The release of their debut recording “The Early Years” was met with solidly good reviews. • Wednesday, Aug. 3 – Kay Sparling Theatrical Productions. Expect to hear opera, Neopolitan songs and traditional Broadway featuring international soprano and regional singers. • Thursday, Aug. 4 – The Doo Wah Wahs. Vocalist Chuck Travis and his band play the best of the ‘50s and ‘60s for everyone’s dancing and listening pleasure. • Monday, Aug. 8 – Pete Sorce with the Jeff LeBarge Band. Recognized as one of the “Midwest’s premier big bands.” Peforming at music festivals, dances and concert
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A whacky weather forecast brought the opening night show of the 2016 Courtyard Music Series indoors. The morning forecast, used to determine whether the ICC staff should set up the stage, lighting, chairs and tables indoors or out in the courtyard for that evening’s show, called for heavy rain and wind. The courtyard
series, Sorce and the musicians present a variety of compositions and arrangements from Stan Kenton and Woody Herman to Bobby Darin and Brian Setzer. Sorce has been singing since he was 8 years old. • Tuesday, Aug. 9 – Denny Geyer with Leroy Airmaster. Steve Cohen, leader of the legendary blues outfit Leroy Airmaster, has played his harmonica and guitar with some of the world’s top blues players. Geyer, a Milwaukee native, has been playing rhythm and blues his entire life. • Wednesday, Aug. 10 – Kerry Hart & Friends. Mezzo soprano Hart and her talented friends – all regional professional singers – will perform opera arias and ensembles and Broadway hits. • Thursday, Aug. 11 – The Ricochettes. Formed initially in 1963, The Ricochettes were dubbed “Milwaukee’s Beatles” in 1964 and released a number of singles including “Come in My Love,” which sold over 10,000 copies in the area. Their goal continues to be to give their audience the very best of British Invasion and American rock and roll from the mid 1960s. • Monday, Aug. 15 – Generation Gap. The members of Generation Gap are well known to veteran jazz fans. They include Tom Anderson, the group’s leader and accordionist, drummer Vic DiCristo, saxophonist Wayne (Zim) Zimmermann, guitarist Don Eliot and Chris Peppas on congas. The Generation Gap is influenced by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Earl Bostic, Frank Sinatra, et al. • Tuesday, Aug. 16 – Third Coast Blues Collective. Led by Milwaukee blues harmonica master Jim Liban, Third Coast Blues Collective will be joined by Jim Voegli and Perry Weber for an evening of straight-up blues and R&B. • Wednesday, Aug. 17 – Kay Sparling Theatrical Productions. This evening’s performance of Sparling and her regional singers will include opera arias and ensembles and Italian art songs. • Thursday, Aug. 18 – Tom Anthony Group. See previous description. • Monday, Aug. 22 – Jack Grassel, Jill Jensen and Jeff Sontag. Jack and Jill, the married
was ruled out, and, as happens so often here in Milwaukee, the bad weather never materialized. Nonetheless, a large crowd enjoyed the rock and roll show presented by the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Sponsorship sought for Wednesday night Courtyard Music shows Bill and Rita Jennaro sponsoring first opera night
The Italian Community Conference is welcoming sponsorships for the Wednesday night opera presentations in the Courtyard Music Series shows. Mike Palmisano, chairman of the Italian Conference Center Board, announced that Attorney William Jennaro and his wife, Rita, are sponsoring the first night of opera programs in August. Kay Sparling Theatrical
couple of jazz fame, gives a noholds-barred performance displaying their improvising abilities and telepathic interplay. They will be joined by the funky mixes of Jeff Sontag. • Tuesday, Aug. 23 – Blues Disciples. The Blues Disciples have been bringing their blues to the people of the local clubs in the Milwaukee area and the Midwest region since 1990. The group was founded by “Barefoot” Jimmy Schwarz and Kent “The Colonel” Knapp with the intent of remaining true to the influences of the Chicago electric blues era of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. • Wedneesday, Aug. 24 – Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra. The MMO is the oldest frettedinstrument music organization in the United States, established in 1900. Enjoy Italian folk, popular Italian songs and opera on this evening. • Thursday, Aug. 25 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy. See previous description. • Monday, Aug. 29 – Hat Trick. Led by Mark “Slowhand” Cooper (vocals and guitar), this band will take you back to the beach, covering the big hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s and R&B with flashes of raggae. • Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Alex Wilson Band. Alex Wilson grew up in a family of talented musicians.
Productions will perform that evening, Aug. 3. William Jennaro is a past president of the Italian Community Center. Businesses and/or individuals who may be interested in sponsoring other shows, should contact Palmisano at dcmigroup.com or call the ICC at 414-223-2180. The cost of a Wednesday night show is estimated at $500.
He has played with B.B.King, Big Walter Horton, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Rodgers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Susan Tedeschi, Anson Funderburgh and Sam Meyers, to name a few. The group has won Wisconsin Area Musician Industry awards in the blues and guitar categories. • Wednesday, Aug. 31 – Joe Graziano & Friends. Tenor Graziano will be joined by singers from the Florentine Opera and the area for an evening of opera, Neapolitan songs and Broadway hits.
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Buffoon: One who acts in a silly or ridiculous fashion such as a clown or fool or a ludicrous or bumbling person. It comes from the Italian “buffare” which means to puff out one’s cheeks with a comic gesture representing or echoing the resulting sound as the air is expelled. The sisters at St. Rita’s called this an onomatopoeia( a word formed in imitation of some natural sound and it rhymes with Sister Mary Pia). This evolved to “buffa” or joke or jest and “buffone” or jester, and, eventually our buffoon.
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 9, SECTION B
Continuing a longstanding tradition, UNICO organizations present scholarships and awards
Local scholarship recipients and special guests from UNICO National are seen with Milwaukee UNICO representatives. From the left: Ted Glorioso, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National Foundation President; Michael Vesulka, Past UNICO National President; Rose Anne Fritchie, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National President;
Thomas Mazza, scholarship recipient; Steven Bramel, scholarship recipient; Ann Walko, UNICO National President; Anthony Schultz, scholarship recipient; Vincent Ellarson, scholarship recipient; Carla Pellin, Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO President; and Daniel Pankow, scholarship recipient. The Ladies of UNICO presented the civic organization’s 2016 “Star Award” to Josephine Ninfo (right). The award, which recognizes a member’s service and dedication to principles and goals of the Ladies of UNICO, was presented by Catherine Kelly, chairperson of the Star Award Committee and a past president of the organization. (Photo by Liz Ceraso)
Rose Anne Fritchie (far right), Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National President, greeted dignitaries from UNICO National who were in attendance for the Milwaukee scholarship banquet at the Italian Community Center on May 17. From the
left: Paul Domico, Past UNICO National Midwest District Governor; Michael Vesulka, Past UNICO National President; Ann Walko, UNICO National President; and Anthony Bengivenga, UNICO National Membership & Retention Chairman.
Seen here are Elizabeth Ceraso, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National Fundraising Chairperson, and Bea Ceraso, UNICO National Wisconsin 1 District Governor. The Italian Times thanks Liz Ceraso for the photos.
Ladies of UNICO to participate in ICC’s Holiday Boutique
Ann Walko, UNICO National President, presented Rose Anne Fritchie, Milwaukee Chapter President, with a UNICO National Presidential Citation recognizing the local chapter for its efforts to promote Italian
heritage, its service to the community and its presentation of scholarships to assist students of Italian descent obtain their higher education goals. The Milwaukee Chapter has been in existence since 1931.
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The members of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO are looking forward to participating in the Italian Community Center’s Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ladies of UNICO will have some wonderful gifts at their booth, including crocheted and knit items and more. The funds that they raise will benefit local students of Italian descent who are selected as UNICO scholarship recipients in 2017. If you are looking to join an organization that focuses on community projects and enjoys participating in fundraisers to provide scholarships for students, the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO are the organization to join. Our members invite ladies to come to our next general meeting. The Ladies of UNICO general meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the ICC. – Submitted by Carla Pellin President Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO
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Chicago news anchor Allison Rosati to be honored by the National Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities on Aug. 6
The National Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities (NII) announced that Allison Rosati, the award winning news anchor for NBC 5 in Chicago, will be the honoree at their 59th Annual Golf Tournament to be held August 5-7 at The Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis.
“We are delighted that Allison has accepted our invitation to be honored at this year’s banquet,” said NII President Joseph G.
Alioto. “Her long history of success and achievement in the field of journalism and her charitable work in the Chicagoland community are the perfect representation of the values our organization strives to encourage and support.” “I am proud of my Italian heritage and am humbled and honored to be recognized,” said Rosati. “I am impressed at how NII is making a difference for Italian organizations in our community and around the world. I am looking forward to be a part of this year’s event.” The Tournament raises money for a host of Italian American causes, including scholarships for high school students, as well as supporting charitable organizations includ-
ing but not limited to Boys and Girls Town of Italy, Italian Community Center, Villa Scalabrini, Breast Cancer Research and St. Judes Research Center. The NII has raised over $1 million for various charitable causes and scholarships over the years. The event has grown into a three-day event featuring golf and bocce tournaments, top flight entertainment, and world-class Italian cuisine prepared by Italian and Sicilian chefs. For more information, to register for the weekend or to purchase tickets to the banquet go to www.niigolf.org or contact Regis Welsh at 414-839-1236 or via email at regis@mkemarketingllc.com.
Some 120 people shared in the celebration of the Pompeii Women’s Club’s 19th annual May Crowning on Wednesday, May 25 at the Italian Community Center. The dinner celebration was held in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom. The evening began with a prayer by the club’s Spiritual Director Phyllis Travia, followed by the invocation given by Fr. Timothy Kitzke, Pastor of Three Holy Women Parish, Old St. Mary Catholic Church and Vicar General of Urban Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Following the serving of dinner, Pompeii Women’s Club President Pat Consolazione presented the “Angel of the Year” award to Recording Secretary Janet Corona. This annual award is presented to a member who has shown exemplary service to the club. The crowning procession opened with the entrance of “Angels” Eva and Nicolas Mendoza, the grandchildren of member Clara Balistreri and great-grandchildren of member Mary Pecoraro. Following them were the court members Sr. Ann Catherine, SJA,
Connie Sanfilippo, Carla Sanfelippo, Lucy Sorce and Lena Zingale. They were joined by crown bearer Aggie Collura, statue unveiler Karen Dickinson, and Janet Corona, who placed the crown on the Blessed Virgin statue. Music for the evening was provided by pianist John Puchner and vocalist Maggie Smith. Club Chaplains Fr. Tim Kitzke and Fr. Mike Hammer with Fr. Phil Schumacher and Fr. Mike Michalski, who were our guests, honored and delighted all in atten-
Rosati, who has been with NBC 5 since 1990, joins a long list of accomplished Italian-Americans who have received the award since the Tournament’s beginning in 1958.
Pompeii Women celebrate May Crowning
Participants in the Pompeii Women’s Club’s May Crowning ceremony are seen here. Front and center: “Angels” Nico and Eva Mendoza. Back row, from the left: Karen Dickinson, Aggie Collura, Carla Sanfilippo, Connie
Allison Rosati
dance with their chanting of the “Regina Coeli.” Altar decorations, statue veiling and the crown were prepared by member Peggy Zoet. The closing prayers were led by Phyllis Travia, Fathers Kitzke and Hammer. President Consolazione and club members wish to thank all who attended, including our good friend, Sharon Goodman, who has continued to attend and bring more guests each year. – Submitted by Mary (Mineo) Winard Public Relations Chair
Sanfelippo, “Angel of the Year” Janet Corona, Lucy Sorce, Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahles and Lena Zingale. (Photo provided by Suzanne Wypijewski)
Flying, feathers and flags
by Blaise Di Pronio Peacocks do it by strutting, preening and fanning their fla...oops, I mean feathers. Males do it with cars (preferably Ferraris), tacky jewelry (those gold chains with corni?) and comb overs (you all know who by now). So what’s the real story with our Festa flag throwers and all that swagger, flaunting and tossing
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about? Actually it’s a blend of many traditions, customs and a good portion of old fashioned Italian machismo (mahkeesmo). Back in the Medieval and Renaissance days, flag throwing was used in many ways: It was a way of posturing and flourishing military colors in order to gain attention and incite and work up your soldiers and intimidate your
enemy. It was used in sending signals high up in the air so that the massed armies could see them. It was used in drilling troops as you could signal how to move about (much like a drum major with his staff) and also was used in marches and parades. The colors represented the many contentious factions of the cities, regions and countries or they could
be warnings of danger or boastings of victory or, to say it another way, announce the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat (I hope this wasn’t copyrighted!). Flags among the troops were always a sign of civic pride and always a point of reference during battles – whether on the ground or flying about. Looking up toward the Please turn to page 18B
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by Blaise Di Pronio A good and dear friend recently informed me that he will soon be having a Da Vinci Robotic Surgery. Of course, always being on the lookout for the latest Italianate names and phrases infiltrating the English vernacular, I began to wonder why the surgery was so named and did it have something to do with the famed Italian archetypal Renaissance Man, Leonardo da Vinci? Da Vinci is known for his inventions, paintings, sculptures, architecture, music and on and on.
The Da Vinci mode The medical procedure is formally known as the Da Vinci Surgical System. It is a robotic method of human surgery made by the American company, Intuitive Surgical. It is designed to make very complex surgery easier to perform by using a minimally invasive approach controlled by a surgeon using a console with which the surgical instruments are manipulated. The procedure is called Da Vinci because Leonardo da Vinci’s famous studies of human anatomy led to him designing one of the first
known robots in human history. He sketched a humanoid robot around 1495. It was rediscovered in his notebooks in the 1950s. The drawings showed a kind of mechanical knight who was able to sit and wave its arms and move its jaw. The entire robotic system was operated by a series of pulleys and cables. Today it is referred to as Leonardo’s Robot. This device is also known as the Soldier Robot or as Leonardo’s mechanical knight. Basically, it is a warrior clad in medieval armor that is capable of
Donizetti and Puccini works featured in All’Opera film presentation in August
by Barbara Collignon An All’Opera film presentation of Donizetti’s La Favorita will be shown at the Marcus Theatre in Mequon on Aug. 10. This grand opera, which premiered in 1840, takes place in 1340 in the Kingdom of Castile. It centers around a love triangle involving the King of Castile Alfonso XI, his mistress (“the favorite”) Leonora, and her lover, Fernando. The story unfolds against the background of the Moorish invasions of Spain and power struggles between church and state. Fernando has left his monastery in search of the beautiful Leonora with whom he has fallen madly in love. He is unaware that she is the king’s mistress. When he bravely distinguishes himself in battle and the king asks him what he would like as a reward, he responds he would like to marry the woman who inspired his bravery. The king is astonished to learn Fernando is his rival. He orders Leonora and Fernando to be married in an hour. With mixed feelings of apprehension and delight, Leonora sends her maid to tell Fernando about her past but, Ines is arrested and Fernando learns the truth only after the wedding ceremony. Considering himself dishonored by the King, he breaks his sword and leaves Leonora to return to the monastery and religious life. Later, Leonora arrives in a state of exhaustion and faints before the cross. Fernando, at first, rejects her, but moved by her love and sincerity, he decides to give himself to her again. However, it is too late. Leonora collapses again and dies in his arms. Here is the aria he sings upon learning of her past. La favorita del Re, La favorita del Re.
Spirto gentil, ne’ sogni miei brillasti un dì, ma ti perdei: fuggi dal cor; mentita speme, larve d’amor, larve d’amor, fuggite insieme, larve d’amor.
A te d’accanto del genitore scordava il pianto, la patria, il ciel... donna sleal in tanto amore segnasti il core
d’onta mortal, ahimè!
Gentle spirit, in my dreams you once shown but I lost you: leave my heart, your false promises, ghosts of love flee all together, ghosts of love.
Near you I would forget my father, homeland and heaven... unfaithful woman in so much love you marked my heart with human shame, alas! – Translation by Barbara Collignon Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West, the first “spaghetti western” in opera’s history, will be the featured All’Opera film at the Marcus Theatre on Aug. 24. It’s interesting to note that this opera from 1910 and Madama Butterfly from 1904 were both based on plays by American author David Belasco. The Girl of the Golden West premiered in 1905 and Madame Butterfly was a one-act play that Belasco adapted from a short story of the same name by John Luther Long, written in 1898. The cast of characters includes a gun-toting sheriff, a group of homesick Gold Rush miners, a gang of desperate bandits lead by Ramirez, and Minnie, a girl with a pure heart who works at the saloon. Minnie has fallen in love with Dick Johnson, who is really a bandit named Ramirez. He has come to her cabin to rob her but is unable to do so after seeing her. He then tells her that, when his father died six months ago, he had no choice but to take over his father’s gang to support his family. After seeing Minnie, he no longer wants to be a thief. Or son sei mesi che mio padre morì... Sola ricchezza mia, Per la madre e per fratelli, alla dimane, L’eredità paterna : Una masnada di banditi da strada! L’accettai. Era quello il mio destino! Ma un giorno v’ho incontrata Ho sognato d’andarmene con voi tanto lontano E redimermi tutto in una vita
PAGE 12 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
Di lavoro e d’amore... E il labbro mio mormorò un’ardente preghiera : Oh Dio! Ch’ella non sappia mai la mia vergogna! Il sogno è stato vano! Ahimè! Ora ho finito. My father died just six months ago… The only inheritance for my mother, for my brothers, for the future, the only thing he left us: a gang of road-agents and robbers! I accepted it. . . . That was my fate! But then one day I saw you. I dreamed of taking you with me far, far away, and to redeem myself with a life of honest work and love. And all the while I was uttering a prayer: God, grant that she may never my shame! My prayer was in vain! Alas! Now I’ve finished. Another famous aria from the opera is “Ch’elle mi creda”. Ch’ella mi creda libero e lontano sopra una nuova via di redenzione!… Aspetterà ch’io torni… E passeranno i giorni, E passeranno i giorni, ed io, ed io non tornerò… ed io non tornerò… Minnie, della mia vita mio solo fiore, Minnie, che m’hai voluto tanto bene!… Tanto bene! Ah, tu della mia vita mio solo fior!
Let her believe I’m free and far away On a new path of redemption!… She will wait for my return.... And the days will pass, And the days will pass, and I, and I will not return. and I will not return. Minnie, the only flower of my life, Minnie, who loved me so much!… So much! Ah, you’re the only flower of my life! The miners capture a wounded Ramirez and are ready to hang him for being a thief and a murderer. Ramirez pleads for his life admitting he was a thief but denied he ever murdered anyone. Minnie appeals to the mob making them recall various ways in which she helped them and begs them to allow them both to flee to start a new life together. They are persuaded to set Minnie and Ramirez free.
some human-like movements. The robot has, in fact, been built faithfully following Leonardo’s design and it was found to be fully functional. Imagine that in 1495 when Leonardo is said to have displayed the machine at a celebration hosted by Ludovico Sforza at the court of Milan. So we can now add another accomplishment to a very long and distinguished list which already includes such names as Mona Lisa, Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, etc., etc.
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Animate: To make, design or produce so as to create the illusion of motion, e.g., as in a cartoon. It comes from the Italian “anima” or soul or breath in Latin. Thus, to animate is to fill with breath and endow with life or spirit/soul, but I’m not sure if Mickey Mouse has one.
Are you a wit or a twit? Take the test and find out
by Blaise Di Pronio Questions: 1. Well versed rhymer. 2. Words from the wise. 3. It’s going downhill. 4. They get hit in the winter. 5. Spa spot. 6. Anise’s relative. 7. Florence’s river. 8. The Arno’s “old” bridge. 9. Cry one for me. 10. Venice is full of it. 11. Barely clothed one. 12. Mine is yours. 13. Makes the “mondo” go round. 14. ICC’s grand mall. 15. Festa’s booth store. Look for the answers and scoring on page ??B
For your Wedd ing Reception and Rehearsal Dinner
The Italian Conference Center
located at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee
You'll welcome our attention to detail and the way our staff goes out of its way to meet your every need. Your guests will love the setting, the food, and easy access and parking.
Our wedding specialists will work closely with you to make certain that your day is everything you dreamed it would be. They'll even assist with floral arrangements, music, photography, ordering the wedding cake and other extras. Call David now for available dates and a tour.
(414) 223-2800
www.italianconference.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Sicilian seaside village of Porticello – Part 1
The seaside village of Porticello is a borough of Santa Flavia. It owes its origin and subsequent development to its tuna fishing industry shared with the nearby towns of Solunto and Sant’Elia. It is no coincidence that the site was chosen by its first inhabitants because its stretch of coast was teeming with fish while the interior terrain’s arid conditions and sheer savageness certainly did not favor inland settlements. In the beginning, it was a temporary settlement tied to seasonal migration which began in March with the opening of the fishing traps and ended in September when the fishermen ceased all fishing activities and returned to their places of origin. During fishing season they lived in makeshift shelters comprised of caves dug out from the porous volcanic rock called tufa, in pits called pirrere. By 1500, with the increase of commercial activities in the area, the fishermen settled more permanently at the location. The small fishing village soon began to grow and became an active and hard-
working fishing center. The area, now known as “Pirrera” for its tufa caves, housed generations of fishermen and eventually came to be called “Porticello” after its convenient, natural bay which overlooked the new fishing village. The memory of these first clay pit shelters remains intact to this day and, in fact, Porticellesi are still also called “Pirriroti” Around 1700, associations of fishermen were first formed as kind of mutual aid unions and they also established the first fish collection center resulting in its first wholesale fish market. The original layout of Porticello can be traced to the area overlooking the sea, near the area where the Trizzanò wharf
zone still exists today. The old boat shelters are visible for the boats along with the nets recovered in part by digging into the natural rock. Porticello’s great urban development occurred in the last century when the primary activity of tuna fishing joined forces with its newly founded conservation and exporting industries. The village still keeps its identity as a fishing town and its fishing fleet remains one of the most important in the vicinity of Palermo and the coastal towns nearby. The location and beauty of this stretch of coast, divided into numerous bays, coves and inlets and the clarity of its sea also
allowed the development of tourism/hotel business with the establishment of a variety of dining venues made famous for their offering of the famous local product: “Porticello fish”. – From the website: comune.santaflavia.pa.it
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “MANGIA” (eat) Look for the answers on page 14
WORD SEARCH – ITALIAN AMERICAN ACTORS By Blaise Di Pronio
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Restaurant: A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises. It comes from the Italian “ristorare” or to revive and refresh and, ultimately, restore a person’s strength. And also “restaurare” or restore, recondition, renovate or bring back and reintroduce. All of which are quite different from coming out from a typical gluttonous feeding frenzy at a fast food or buffet joint as you come out replete rather than reconditioned.
U Fistinu feast
Saint Rosalia is known as La Santuzza, or “the little saint,” and most of what is known about her today stems from legend and mystical revelation. However, as the patroness of Palermo in the region of Sicily, she holds a special place of honor for Italians. July 15 is the anniversary of the discovery of her remains in a remote cave where she had lived as a hermit; this discovery coincides with the end of the Plague in Palermo, a miracle which her intercession is believed to have brought about. In July of each year, citizens of Palermo honor their Santuzza with a grand festival. The festivities oftentimes begin in early July, and on the 14th the image of Saint Rosalia is driven by oxen through the streets in a magnificent procession which stops in front of the Cathedral of Palermo. Here the mayor of the city lays flowers at the feet of the saint’s statue to shouts of “Viva Santa Rosalia!” A fireworks display, musical performances, and the eating of babbaluci (garlic and parsley-baked snails) also accompany the celebrations. The event is a great tourist attraction and revelers often number in the hundreds of thousands.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Word Search solved, turn to page 14B
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 13, SECTION B
Largest Italian cities City Population 1. Milan 6,623,798 2. Naples 5,294,546 4,447,881 3. Rome 4. Turin 1,865,284 5. Venice-Padua 1,645,900 6. Florence 1,485,030 7. Bari 1,257,459 8. Palermo 1,183,084 9. Catania 988,240 924,090 10. Brescia 11. Genoa 861,318 12. Messina-Reggio Calabria 828,507 13. Rimini 748,352 692,710 14. Bologna 15. Modena 588,998 16. Verona 583,069 17. Pisa-Livorno 571,559
Words in an Italian word
(as of Jan. 1, 2014) City 18. Pescara 19. Versilia 20. Vicenza 21. Cagliari 22. Taranto 23. Trieste 24. Ancona 25. Perugia
Italy’s five smallest towns
1. The smallest recorded Italian town is Pedesina, with just 34 people. It is in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy. 2. The remote town of Morterone in Lombardy has 35 citizens. 3. Huddled in a valley, the town of Cervatto,
from page 13B 60 words in “MANGIA” 1. magian 2. maaing 3. amain 4. mania 5. gamin 6. amiga 7. ainga 8. agami 9. amnia 10. again 11. manga 12. anima 13. mana 14. agma 15. gain 16. anga 17. mang 18. amin 19. ngai 20. mina 21. mani 22. main 23. aiga 24. ming 25. agin 26. gama 27. naga 28. naam 29. magi 30. amia 31. man 32. ama 33. aia 34. gin 35. ana 36. ami 37. gam 38. gan 39. ani 40. aim 41. ain 42. nim 43. mna 44. nag 45. mig 46. ing 47. maa 48. aga 49. nam 50. mag 51. na 52. mi 53. aa 54. in 55. ag 56. ai 57. am 58. an 59. gi 60. ma
Population 529,070 522,092 480,392 452,816 439,730 409,905 408,358 348,952
Piedmont, has 49 full time residents. 4. Also in Piedmont is the town of Ingria which has 49 residents. 5. The town of Moncenisio, west of Turin in Piedmont, has 50 residents. As of November, 2014 per italymagazine.com.
WORD SEARCH SOLVED – ITALIAN AMERICAN ACTORS from page 13B
Festa del Redentore 2016 in Venice
Residents and visitors to the city of Venice in the northern Veneto region of Italy will celebrate the annual Festa del Redentore this year on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. Like most summertime festivals in Italy, this celebration is a tribute to the unique culture and history of religious devotion in the region. In accordance with tradition, at dusk on July 21, boats filled with thousands of sightseers and festival-goers enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine will begin to populate the famous St. Mark’s Basin in Venice. At 11:30 p.m., a magnificent fireworks display will begin and the skyline of Venice will be illuminated until well past midnight. After the fireworks display, it is tradition for the youth of the city to await dawn on the Lido di Venezia (home of the annual Venice Film Festival). The next day religious ceremonies take place at the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (more commonly called Il Redentore), a beautiful example of early Palladian architecture along the Canale della Giudecca. The church was built in thanksgiving for the end of Venice’s 16thcentury bout of the Plague, an event which the Festa del Redentore is also meant to celebrate. The celebratory weekend ends in a uniquely Venetian way – with a sequence of gondola races.
PAGE 14 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Phil Balistreri, longtime ICC member known for his massive record collection and radio show, dies at the age of 92
Longtime Italian Community Center member Philip Balistreri, Sr., who had a passion for music and record collecting, died May 11 at the age of 92. Balistreri attended Lincoln High School before entering the Army, where he served for three years during World War II. After he returned to civilian life, he worked for Johnson Controls and then Briggs & Stratton before retiring. He was married for 59 years to the late Madeline Storniolo. The couple had six children. Balistreri had no ordinary passion for music of many genres and record collecting. At one time he had more than 25,000 records. His collection included the long-gone shellac records and those singles and long-playing albums produced on polyvinyl chloride discs, commonly referred to as vinyl records. At one time, he had some phonograph cylinders – the predecessors of records – but those are gone. He bought his first phonograph record when he was eight years old. His first purchase? A Columbia disc featuring Paolo Dones singing “Lu Cardidduzzu” (“The Parakeet”). That purchase was not surprising, given the fact that Balistreri grew up in a Third Ward home (at Cass and Clybourn Streets) where Sicilian and Italian recordings were frequently played. His parents, Salvatore – a produce merchant – and Gaetana, had emigrated from Sicily. Near their Third Ward home was a music store operated by Ignatius Castagna, and it was there that Phil Balistreri launched his collecting career. In an interview that appeared in the October 2008 issue of The Italian Times, Balistreri said he remembered the address of Castagna’s store being 419 E. Clybourn. The decision to purchase a recording by Dones as his first was also to be expected, since the baritone was a favorite in the Balistreri home. Many Italian families around the country bought Dones’ recording of “A Luna ‘Mmenzu U Mare” (that’s the Sicilian dialect version; the Italian title would be “C’e La Luna Mezzo Mare), the melody for which many readers will recognize and are likely to start humming when they hear its English title – “The Butcher Boy.” Dones became one of Phil Balistreri’s personal favorite artists. One of the highlights of Balistreri’s life was traveling to Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1945, where he met Dones at his home. That happened while Balistreri was in the
Welcome new ICC members!
The following individuals became members of the Italian Community Center between May 16 and June 10, 2016. Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Mark Germano of Wauwatosa Jackie Vitucci of Shorewood
Roger Leto of Menomonee Falls
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Phil Balistreri
Army and stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland and, on a weekend pass, was visiting a friend who happened to live down the street – literally – from Dones. Another Phil Balistreri favorite was Italian bandmaster Giuseppe Creatore. His 55-piece orchestra recorded many operatic selections and the finest Italian march music of the period. Balistreri came to be a lover of opera and laid claim to having in his collection every recording ever made by Giuseppe Di Stefano. He even had some recordings by Di Stefano that were never released. How did he acquire those? “That’s the kind of thing that happens sometimes when people know you’re a collector,” he told The Italian Times. Speaking of DiStefano, Balistreri treasured his full-size cutouts of the tenor and soprano Maria Callas. Both were in costumes worn for a production of “Cavalleria Rusticana.” In addition to the records, cutouts and other memorabilia, Balistreri had a number of old record players, including Victrolas that were produced by the Victor Talking Machine Company in the early 20th century. Balistreri, while confined to a
September issue deadline
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the September 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Tuesday, Aug. 9. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414223-2189.
Phil Balistreri is seen here in his favorite room where he kept his 25,000plus phonograph records.
wheelchair in his later years, was still an active collector. When he was 80, he discovered five Enrico Caruso albums, which he described as being “in mint condition.” The owner didn’t want them, so he sold them to Balistreri for $1. That’s $1 for all five! The collection included many big band recordings and performances by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. According to Balistreri, his records weren’t formally catalogued, but he spent so much time with them that he could find what he was looking for in short order. In the late 1980s, Milwaukeean Michael G. Corenthal published a book entitled “The Iconography of Recorded Sound 1886-1986” that focused on the development of the record business and record collecting. He interviewed five local collectors. Phil Balistreri was one of the interviewees. In addition to his passion for collecting records, Balistreri told Corenthal about the radio program he hosted on Sunday afternoons on what was then known as WTOS Radio. His one-hour “The Voice of
Sicily,” which featured Sicilian and Italian music, was often built around a theme (e.g., songs by Caruso or other famed singers and composers or holiday programming). The program was on the air from 1963 to 1978. People who have had lunch at Cafe La Scala, the Italian Community Center’s public restaurant, might have seen Balistreri. He was part of a group of retired Italian American men who come for lunch virtually every Wednesday afternoon and sit at a round table near the Chicago Street entrance. Balistreri knew most of the men since his childhood, so he made every effort he could to attend those Wednesday afternoon affairs, even if it meant taking a taxi to the ICC after he was unable to drive. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Salvatore. He is survived by his sons Joseph (Nancy), Jack, Phil, Jr. and Alex (Ursala) Balistreri, his daughter Donna (Rosario) Carini and daughter-in-law, Sandy Balistreri, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.
In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce
In memory of Grace Shoplas Rosemary DeRubertis Jimmy & Linda Spataro Sal & Antonette Lo Coco (memorial to Festa Mass)
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or make a donation, please call 414-223-2808.
The following donations were received between May 16 and June 13, 2016.
In memory of Kathleen DiMaggio Campagna Isidore & Mary Pecoraro Rosemary DeRubertis Pauline A. Cannestra Anna Pitzo
In memory of Lorraine Zingara Rosemary DeRubertis
In memory of Tony and Marie Maida Frank & Nina Galioto Bill & Rita Jennaro
In memory of Vincent S. Azzolina Maria, John and Carmen Azzolina Tony & Joe Fuoti
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 15, SECTION B
La Pagina Italiana Il borgo marinaro di Porticello è una frazione del comune di Santa Flavia.Esso deve la sua origine ed il successivo sviluppo all’attività della pesca del tonno legata alla tonnara di Soltanto e di Sant’Elia. Non è casuale la scelta del sito da parte dei primi abitanti, giacché questo tratto di costa si presentava “ frastagliata a formare caldi anfratti pescosi e spontanei rifugi per gli uomini e le loro attrezzature ed inoltre le scoraggianti condizioni di aridità e selvatichezza durature dell’interno, non favorivano certamente insediamenti nell’entroterra. All’inizio si trattò di un insediamento temporaneo, legato all’immigrazione stagionale che aveva inizio a marzo con l’apertura delle tonnare e si concludeva a settembre allorché i pescatori, cessata ogni attività di pesca, tornavano ai paesi di origine. Durante il periodo della pesca del
Porticello – Parte 1 tonno essi abitavano in alloggi di fortuna, nelle grotte ricavate dalle cave di tufo dette “PIRRERE”. Verso il 1500, con l’incremento della tonnara di Solanto e delle attività commerciali ad essa collegate, i pescatori si stabilirono in via definitiva in questa località ed il piccolo borgo marinaro cominciò ben presto a svilupparsi divenendo un attivo e laborioso centro peschereccio. La località “PIRRERA” che, nelle sue grotte di tufo, aveva ospitato generazioni di pescatori, venne chiamata “ PORTICELLO” per quella comoda ansa naturale su cui si affacciava il nuovo borgo marinaro. Porticello Il ricordo di questi primi alloggi di fortuna ricavati nelle cave di tufo, rimane intatto fino ai nostri giorni ed infatti i Porticellesi vengono tuttora chiamati anche “ PIRRIROTI”. Verso il 1700 furono costituite le prime associazioni di pescatori
dette “Università” con finalità di mutuo soccorso che dettero origine alla distinzione dei gruppi di pescatori in “ Tonnaroti, faranzori, lentaroli, tataronari”. All’università di pescatori si deve anche la costituzione di un primo centro di raccolta del pesce dove venivano svolte le funzioni di un vero e proprio mercato di pesce all’ingrosso. Il nucleo originario dell’impianto di Porticello può essere rintracciato, nell’area prospiciente il mare, in prossimità della zona trizzanò dove ancora oggi sono visibili vecchi ricoveri per le barche e le reti ricavati in parte scavando la roccia naturale. Il grosso sviluppo urbano di Porticello è avvenuto nel secolo scorso quando all’attività primaria del tonno si affiancò quella industriale della conservazione ed esportazione del prodotto; Porticello L’attuale forma del centro abitato di Porticello è quella
di una fascia allungata che si distende parallelamente al mare. Mantiene tuttora la sua prerogativa di borgo marinaro. La sua flotta peschereccia, la più importante del palermitano, ed esercita la pesca costiera locale e ravvicinata. Porticello è al 2° posto in Sicilia, dopo Mazzara del Vallo per il naviglio d’alto mare ed al 1° posto per il naviglio di piccolo cabotaggio, ha un porto peschereccio di 4° classe con quattro cantieri per la costruzione e riparazione dei natanti. La felice posizione geografica, la bellezza di questo tratto di costa, articolato in numerose baie, cale ed insenature e la limpidezza del suo mare hanno consentito anche lo sviluppo delle attività turistiche/alberghiere, con l’istaurasi di una molteplicità di locali gastronomici resi famosi per l’offerta del prodotto locale “pesce di Porticello”. – Dal sito: comune.santaflavia.pa.it.
di Donato Di Pronio Il 2 giugno si festeggia la nascita della Repubblica Italiana avvenuta a seguito del referendum del 2 e 3 giugno 1946, indetto per determinare una nuova forma istituzionale da dare all’Italia. Il referendum, da tanti voluto (soprattutto dai contrari alla Monarchia), diede questi risultati: voti favorevoli alla Repubblica 12.717.923, contrari 10.719.284. Si disse (e molti ne sono ancora convinti) che le predette cifre furono alterate a favore della Repubblica. Per effetti di tali risultati, il regnante Re Umberto II 13 giugno lasciò volontariamente l’Italia e se ne andò in esilio nel Portogallo. Il Presidente in carica del Consiglio dei Ministri Alcide De
Gasperi assunse le funzioni di Capo provvisorio dello Stato Repubblicano, funzioni che il successivo giorno 28 furono affidate dall’Assemblea Costituente ad Enrico De Nicola. Lo stesso De Nicola, dopo l’entrata in vigore della nuova Costituzione della Repubblica, il 1° maggio 1948 fu eletto per primo Presidente della Repubblica Italiana, incarico che espletò sino all’11 maggio 1948, quando gli successe Luigi Einaudi. Così, con Umberto II, ebbe fine il Regno d’Italia proclamato il 17 marzo 1861 con capitale Torino (nel 1865 la capitale fu trasferita a Firenze e soltanto nel 1871 dopo la presa di Roma e la fine dello Stato Pontificio, fu trasferita a Roma). Per raggiungere l’Unità d’Italia c’erano voluti anni di lotte, di
rivoluzioni e di guerre (1a guerra d’Indipendenza nel 1848, 2 a nel 1859, 3 a nel 1866). Infatti allo scoppio della Rivoluzione francese (1789), l’Italia era divisa in: Regno di Sardegna, territori sotto il dominio austriaco (Lombardia, Trentino e Litorale), Repubbliche di Venezia, di Genova e Lucca, Ducati di Parma, di Modena e di Massa e Carrara, Granducato di Toscana, Stato Pontificio, Regno di Napoli, alcuni Statarelli. Ma il sogno degli Italiani di un’Italia libera, unita e indipendente, aveva favorito il sorgere di Società segrete (Carboneria ed altre) e il fiorire di Patrioti: Silvio Pellico, Maroncelli, Confalonieri, Mazzini e la sua Giovane Italia, i Fratelli Bandiera, Nino Bixio, e vari componenti della Famiglia
Savoia (Re Carlo Alberto, Vittorio Emanuele II ecc.), Cavour, Garibaldi, ecc. A titolo di curiosità si aggiunge che non sono pochi gli Italiani che sognano un ritorno alla Monarchia.
di Donato Di Pronio Sull’argomento si legge nella Storia e Leggende di Briganti e Brigandesse di T. Maiorino: “I briganti sono spariti da un pezzo, tutt’al più può essere davvero rimasto nascosto in luoghi impervi qualcuno dei loro favoleggiati tesori. […] C’è chi, dai paesi della bassa montagna, sale sul massiccio alla ricerca di tesori: i forzieri colmi di monete d’oro che si vuole siano nascosti dai ‘briganti della Maiella’ che nel secolo scorso si rifugiarono quassù quando si disfece il regno borbonico, ma quando si diffuse anche un’ondata di diffidenza contro i soldati e gli esattori di balzelli del nuovo regno dei Savoia. I tesori dei briganti fanno parte dei segreti meglio custoditi di queste parti d’Abruzzo, e sentirete raccontare leggende sinistre di grotte in cui è facile penetrare ma i cui accessi si richiudono poi fatalmente alle spalle dei violatori. Se proprio volete sfidare l’incantesimo, verrete esortati a imitare l’esempio della gente del posto, e a munirvi di uno speciale amuleto che qui viene chiamato ‘breve’, e che è fatto di polvere di campana, crini di cavallo e fili di scopa, oltre che di una varietà di erbe di alta quota (ogni
mahàre aveva i suoi segreti). Senza questo talismano, sareste pericolosamente minacciati dalle forze della natura e dai cattivi spiriti che fanno buona guardia contro le intrusioni dei ficcanaso. […] Se è vero che la farina del diavolo è destinata ad andare in crusca, dicono gli abitanti dei paesi circostanti, è meglio salire sulle balze della Maiella senza idea di forzieri ricolmi di ducati e di preziosi gioielli scintillanti”. Ma esistevano veramente questi tesori? E che dire di quel favoloso tesoro ‘confidatomi’ da cumpare ‘Ndonie d’Ngrilli (un suo discendente, sarto, emigrò negli Stati Uniti d’America. Regalò al presidente Eisenhower, dopo la sua elezione, un paio di pantaloni che, ‘ispirandosi’ alla bandiera americana, aveva confezionato con cinquanta pezzi di stoffa di colori differenti) l’anno scorso durante la nottata passata con lui nello stazzo di Calandrèlle per farmi raccontare un po’ di storièlle dei tempi passati? Fu ‘sotterrato’, a suo dire, in contrada Le Nètte della Maielletta e questa sarebbe la ‘via’ e le condizioni da seguire per scovarlo: una notte di 17 marzo, venerdì, luna piena - scava sotto lu paretèlle formato da quei ‘due
massi’ che si mantengono ‘in bilico’ per contrasto - attenzione perché lu paretèlle viene schiarito soltanto per 13 minuti dai raggi lunari che in questa notte penetrano tra di essi - troverai una pietra - segui la direzione della freccia incisa sopra di essa - fa diciassette passi, poi gìrati al lato sinistro e … quel che segue, caro diario, me lo tengo a mente. Se un giorno mi dovesse venire un attacco di febbre dell’oro … e toccasse proprio a me la fortuna di scoprirlo …”. Dopo la soppressione nel 1807 dei Frati Celestini (Ordine religioso fondato da Celestino V, gli Eremi di Santo Spirito e di San Bartolomeo siti in Roccamorice, Abruzzo, gli anfratti ed i pareti circostanti, attirarono cercatori di un favoloso tesoro che i monaci (si sussurrava) avevano nascosto in attesa di tempi migliori. La febbre attaccò anche quegli eremiti-custodi (non sempre, per non dire mai, in odore di santità) che vi si erano insediati con il tacito consenso delle Autorità. Sono tuttora visibili i “sondaggi” di questi speranzosi, ma, ahimè, sfortunati scavatori, sulla statua di San Benedetto da Norcia (erroneamente da qualcuno detta di Sant’Antonio Abate) intagliata nella roccia.
La nascita della Repubblica Italiana
I tesori dei briganti
PAGINA 16 – SEZIONE B – LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2016
Proverbi Italiani
1. (Dialect-Sardinia): Chie faghe trinta non semper faghe trintu. (Literally) Who turns 30, doesn’t always turn 31. (Meaning) One’s luck can run out. 2. (Dialect-Sardinia): Nisciunu est nasciu imparatu. Nobody is born learned or nobody is born knowing it all. 3. (Dialect-Sicily) ‘Nprisenza ri vecchi, parra picca picca e senti assai. In the presence of old people, talk little and listen carefully. 4. (Dialect-Sicily) Quannu u patri duno o figghio rire u patri e rire u fighhiu; quannu fighhiu duna o patri chiangi u patri e chiangi u fighiu. (Literally) When a father gives to his children both the children and the father laugh;when the children give to the father both the children and the father cry. (Meaning) It’s normal and natural for a father to help out his children, but when the children are the ones who need to help out their father, everyone breaks down and cries. 5. (Dialect-Sicily) Nuddu nasci che causi pantaloni ‘ttaccati. (Literally) No one is born with his pants on. (Meaning) No one is born knowing it all or everyone needs to learn the ropes. 6. (Italian) Se vuoi vivere a lungo, pranzo poco e cena ancora di meno. If you want to live long, have a light lunch and even lighter dinner. * * * With thanks to Mary Melfi and italyrevisited.org
THE ITALIAN TIMES
A Favorite Poem: 10 AGOSTO (August)
Indovinelli
1. Qual è l’unico porto che non ha acqua?
by Giovanni Pascoli (1855 - 1912)
San Lorenzo, io lo so perché tanto di stelle per l'aria tranquilla arde e cade, perché si gran pianto nel concavo cielo sfavilla.
St Lawrence, I know why so many stars through the calm air burn and fall, why such great weeping in the concave sky sparkles.
Ora è là, come in croce, che tende quel verme a quel cielo lontano; e il suo nido è nell'ombra, che attende, che pigola sempre più piano.
Now she is there, as on a cross, protending that worm to that distant sky; and her nest is in the shadows, waiting, peeping softer and softer.
A swallow was returning to the roof: they killed her: she fell among thorns; she had an insect in her beak: the dinner of her little swallows.
Ritornava una rondine al tetto: l'uccisero: cadde tra spini: ella aveva nel becco un insetto: la cena de' suoi rondinini.
Also a man was returning to his nest: they killed him: he said: Forgive me; and a scream stayed in the open eyes: he was bringing two dolls as a gift.
Anche un uomo tornava al suo nido: l'uccisero: disse: Perdono; e restò negli aperti occhi un grido: portava due bambole in dono...
Ora là, nella casa romita, lo aspettano, aspettano in vano: egli immobile, attonito, addita le bambole al cielo lontano.
E tu, Cielo, dall'alto dei mondi sereni, infinito, immortale, oh!, d'un pianto di stelle lo innondi quest'atomo opaco del Male! * * * La sera del 10 agosto 1867, festa di San Lorenzo, il padre del poeta, Ruggero Pascoli, fu ucciso con una fucilata mentre tornava a casa dal mercato in un 'biroccio'; portava in dono due bambole per le sue bambine.
Now there, in the lonely home, they're waiting, waiting in vain; he, motionless, astonished, points the dolls to the distant sky.
And you, Heaven, from the heights of serene worlds, infinite, immortal, oh! with tears of stars will you flood this opaque atom of Evil! * * * On the night of the feast of St. Lawrence, on August 10, 1867, the author's father was killed by a gunshot as he was coming home carrying two dolls for his children.
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Nascere con la camicia. Literally: To be born with a shirt on. Meaning: To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth. 2. Attaccare il cappello al chiodo. Literally: Hang one’s hat on a nail. Meaning: To settle down especially in a wealthy marriage).
3. Essere in manica larga. Literally: To be large handed. Meaning: To be lenient, to be generous.
4. Sudare sette camicie. Literally: To sweat seven shirts worth. Meaning: To work really hard, make a big effort.
5. Fare un buco nell’acqua. Literally: To make a hole in the
water. Meaning: To fail in an attempt. 6. Fare castelli in aria. Literally: To build castles in the air. Meaning: Dream idly and vainly.
7. Fare venire la barba. Literally: Making a beard grow. Meaning: To bore to death.
Il famoso Palio di Siena
Di residenti di Siena (Toscana la regione dell’Italia) nonché entusiasta di turisti provenienti da tutto il mondo avrà la possibilità di visualizzare lo storico annuale Palio cavallo di razza mercoledì 2 luglio e Sabato, Agosto 16.
La corsa dei cavalli - diviso in due parti, la prima delle quali si terrà il 2 luglio, l’altro su agosto 16 caratteristiche dei cavalli in rappresentanza di Siena della contrade racing uno all’altro attorno a Piazza del Campo. La corsa dura soltanto circa un minuto e mezzo ma i visitatori provengono da lontano e ampia a testimonianza di questo famoso evento.
La rivalità tra le contrade (quartiere quartieri di Siena) sono profondamente radicate e la vittoria su un avversario è un grande onore per il distretto di successo. Ogni contrada ha i propri colori ed emblema per il suo fantino e cavallo; questo anno di dieci partecipanti sarà composto di sette distretti che sono state escluse in 2015 come pure tre partecipanti che sono stati assegnati i punti come il risultato del sorteggio.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Solo due volte nella storia ha un cavallo mai vinto il Palio di luglio (Palio di Provenzano) e il Palio di agosto (Palio dell’Assunta). Anche se ci sono 17 contrade solo 10 sono rappresentati, a causa di un decreto del 1729 dalla Città del
governatore Violante di Baviera, che sperava di ridurre la quantità di infortuni che sono stati risultanti dalla vivace rituale, in cui i partecipanti e gli astanti simili sono stati conosciuti per essere ferito.
Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business conference, banquet or meeting. Hold it at the
ITALIAN CONFERENCE CENTER LOCATED AT THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The Italian Conference Center offers . . . • First rate conference, convention, banquet & meeting facilities for groups from 4 to 1,400. • Professional planning assistance. • Outstanding food service. • Handicap access & convenient parking. • Easy access to freeway & downtown.
For professional assistance in coordinating your event, call David at (414) 223-2800 or visit www.italianconference.com. Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI Just a block west of Summerfest in the Historic Third Ward.
2. Qual è l’unico numero che ha tante lettere quante le cifre che indica?
3. Indica il nome di un oggetto che si vede sempre, che va e viene costantemente, si muove in continuazione, lasciandoci passare quando è in una posizione e bloccandoci il passo nella posizione contraria. 4.. Si sposta nell’aria ma non è un uccello e vive in acqua ma non è un pesce. Che animale è?
5. Come si può far cadere un uovo da una distanza di un metro senza romperlo? 6. Qual è quello strumento musicale che ha una sola corda?
7. Sicuramente ti ricorderai il nome dei sette piccoli personaggi del racconto di Biancaneve, ma ti ricordi chi era il più alto della casa dei sette nani? Risposte – pagina 18B
E fatti una risata
1. Dal dottore: “Dottore, se mi tocco qui ho male (indicando il fegato). Pure se mi tocco qui ho male (indicando la testa). E anche se mi tocco qui (indicando il gomito).Ecc,ecc. Cosa può essere? Il dottore:”Mi sa che lei ha un dito fratturato!” 2. “Dottore, dottore, vedo doppio!”. “Si distenda sul lettino”. “Su quale dei due?”.
3. Paziente: Dottore ho i denti gialli, cosa posso fare? Dentista: provi con una cravatta marrone.
4. Dottore, dottore... mi scoppia la testa! PRESTO, TUTTI A TERRAAAAA!!!!
5. Ginecologo: “Ma come signora, ancora incinta? Sono otto. Sono troppi. Possibile che con suo marito non prenda delle precauzioni?”. Signora: “Con mio marito si’. Ma con gli altri...” 6. - Oh, mio Dio.... - dice una bella ragazza al dentista. Non so propio se sia peggio farsi togliere un dente o fare un bambino! Il dentista:- Si decida signorina, prima di incominciare devo sapere fino a che punto devo abbassare la poltrona.
Interested in advertising in our next issue? Get all the details by calling (414) 223-2189 or sending by an email to the editor at themman@italiancc.org.
LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2016 – PAGINA 17, SEZIONE B
by Blaise DiPronio The object of the game of bocce is to roll your bocce balls closer to the “pallino” (white “jack”) ball than your opponent. Bocce is usually played with one to four players per team. For bocce teams and leagues at Italian
Risposte
1. L’aeroporto. 2. Tre.
3. La porta. 4. La rana.
5. Lasciandolo cadere e riprendendolo prima che colpisca il suolo. 6. La campana.
The basics of bocce
Community Center and for Festa Italiana tournament, four players per team is the desired number. When one player competes against another player, each rolls four bocce balls per frame (a frame will be defined later). If it is a twoon-two competitions, each player rolls two balls each frame. If four players are competing against four players, each rolls one ball per frame. The game of bocce consists of several frames. A frame starts with tossing the pallino by a team towards the opposite end of the playing court. The frame is complete after the balls have been thrown and points awarded (awarding of points is explained later). Balls are tossed or rolled underhand. A bocce match is generally started by a coin toss. Whoever wins the
Flying, feathers and flags
7. Biancaneve.
from page 11B sky seeking the flying messages was commonplace for the soldiers. If the flag bearers or throwers were overcome, it was imperative to save the flag and continue tossing and waving it accordingly. The tactics of our Festa flag thrower amount to only the esthetic and showmanship aspects of the tradition and thus add to the festive and carnival atmosphere of the lakefront event. You may notice as you duck the falling flags around you that they are never allowed to touch the
ground as the flags were also considered sacred symbols of purity and, as such, they were not allowed to touch the contaminated and soiled ground-much like the consecrated sacramental host was safeguarded from the ground by the paten held by the altar boy during Communion. So be sure to watch and enjoy with pride the young men of Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini for their athleticism, precision, dedication and civic responsibility and take a look back to another era and another time.
coin toss will begin by tossing the pallino into the playing area. The pallino must be thrown past the center line of court and not further than the four foot line. If the pallino lands out of the designated area, the opposing team will throw the pallino into the playing area. Once the pallino is in position, the teams throw their bocce balls. Taking alternative turns, each team throws their balls toward the pallino to get their balls closest to the pallino, to move the pallino closer to their ball or to move the opponent’s ball further away, The team that wins the frame begins the next frame. Usually, the team that wins the coin toss has one of its players roll a bocce ball first, then a player on the opposing team
rolls a bocce ball. A determination on which player on which team rolls his or her next ball is determined by who’s bocce ball is closest to the pallino. Frames are played alternately from one end of the court to the other. In each frame, only one team scores. One point is given for each bocce ball that is closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s bocce ball. The pallino distance marker can be used to determine which balls are closer.
The match continues until 12 points have been scored or until a pre-determined number of points set by players before the game starts.
Are you a wit or twit?
Answers: 1. Poet. 2. Proverb. 3. Skiing. 4. Slopes. 5. Resort. 6. Fennel. 7. Arno. 8. Vecchio- It. for old. 9. River. 10. Water. 11. Stripper. 12. Casa. 13. Amore-It. for love. 14. Galleria. 15. Mercato.
The answers from page 12B
Scoring: 10-15 correct= you’re a wit. 5-9 correct= you’re a twit. 1-4 correct = you’re moribund.
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 14
Researched and written by the late Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian The information presented here was researched and copyrighted as a historical record of the men and women of Italian descent who lived in the City of Milwaukee and served in the United States Military during World War II. The information recorded and documented by this researcher from records kept at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works were copyrighted in 2004 and an original copy has been placed in the repository at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The research was secured from City of Milwaukee Directories 1941, 1942 and 1944-45. No directory was published in 1943. The years 1944 and 1945 were combined into one directory.
Name Mattano, Steven T. Mattila, Jack Mazza, John Mazza, Sam Mazza, Joe Mazza, Nick Mazza, Sal Mazzara, Peter Mazzara, Paul Mazzarello, Sam Mazzarello, Tom Mazzaroli, Robert Megna, Anthony Megna, Vince Megna, Mark Megna, Phil Jr. Melo, Anthony Mendini, Gene Mercurio, Vincent Micale, Rosario Micale, Sam Micelli, Carlo Miconi, Alfred Migliaccio, Louis Milacco, Vince
Branch Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Marines Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army
Address 2465 N. Oakland 3315 N. 21st St. 624 N. Cass 624 N. Cass 1822 N. Marshall 2515 N. 1st St. 2515 N. 1st St. 1542 N. Cass 1604 S. 21st 1531 N. Jackson 1531 N. Jackson 2735 N. Palmer 1859 N. Cambridge 1859 N. Cambridge 1855 N. Cambridge 1808 N. Pulaski 1676 N. Van Buren 924 W. Lloyd 1619 S. 31st St. 1534 N. Cass 2602 W. Legion 930 E. Lyon 2236 N. 5th St. 511 N. 26th St. 201 N. 32nd St.
PAGE 18 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
Name Micheli, Elvio Milella, Phil Minessale, Sam Milella, Joe J. Milella, Pat Millela, Pasquale Millonzi, Larry Millonzi, Sigmund Millunzi, John Millunzi, Paul Milone, Bartolomeo Minessale, Anthony Minessale, Joe Minessale, Joe Minessale, Frank Minessale, Sam Mecurio, Peter Mirenda, Anthony Mirenda, Sam Misia, Angelo Mollica, Sal Mollica, Santo Monfre, Anthony Monfre, Frank Montana, Jim Morano, Nick Morella, Charlie Moresco, Rudy Moresco, Bill Morreolle, Dave Mucci, Mike Mucci, Mike Muccio, Carlo Muccio, Vito Mussomeli, Andy Mussomeli, Sal Mussomeli, Santa
Branch Navy Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army USA USA USA USA Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Marines
Address 2958 N. Palmer 6625 W. St. Paul 324 E. Ogden 2363 N. Booth 935 N. Cass 1526 N. Van Buren 3029 S. Wentworth 3029 S. Wentworth 2154 N. 6th St. 920 E. Locust 1934 N. Buffum 324 E. Ogden 324 E. Ogden 1005 W. Garfield 8503 W. Adler 324 E. Ogden 1619 S. 31st St. 929 E. Pearson 1554 S. 2nd St. 1641 N. Arlington 161 N. Jefferson 720 E. Michigan 1668 N. Franklin 1666 N. Franklin 1536 N. Jefferson 2030 N. Holton 107 E. Green Tree 2777 N. 50th St. 1504 W. Vine 1945 N. 2nd St. 3701 N. Morris Blvd. 530 E. Wright 705 E. Clybourn 705 E. Clybourn 630 N. Van Buren 1504 N. Warren 1504 N. Warren
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Experience fast-paced futsal at Festa
from page 1B fast-paced action,” Palmisano said. “With the bleacher-style seating around the court, everyone can see everything that is going on.” A traveling championship trophy will be awarded to the team that wins the tournament. Medals will be given to the players on the top three teams.
There will be three officials for each match. “This year’s tournament will truly be an international competition as there will be players coming from all over world,” Palmisano said. “The level of play is First Division or higher, so we will have some very exceptional players here.”
FC Palermo is proving it is one tough team to defeat at Festa Italiana. In 2013, the team won the Festa soccer tournament championship. The last two years, it won the Festa futsal title. The team is coached by Salvatore Carini. FC Palermo won the 2015 championship on penalty kicks. The champs are seen here with their trophy. Front row: Dominic Zizzo, Choko Alvarado, Lorenzo Vicini, Tenzin Rampa, Tony Patterson and Matthew Eisold. Back row: Coach Carini, Mario Carini, Alex Rivera, Scott Raymonds, Elliot Dunn and Andrew Wiedebach. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Festa’s Children’s Stage offers something for kids of all ages
from page 4B the whole family. Rick’s performance includes skillful magic tricks like levitation, having light bulbs seemingly penetrate a person’s body, and a re-enactment of one of Houdini’s escape stunts. His performance is full of audience participation, which provides unexpected and hysterical results for everyone. Rick Allen concludes the days’ performances at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Also returning for Festa 2016 is Doug the Jug with his unique juggling performances. Doug’s first performance will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, with and an
additional performance the same day at 5:30 p.m. He will fill the same time slots on Sunday as well. Doug is a talented 20-year veteran juggler who juggles everything from flaming torches, to balls, to scarves and everything in between often adding a touch of magic. He often says he even “juggles children”! His performance is fun for all members of the family. Audience participation is a big part of his act. All performances at The Children’s Stage, conveniently located next to a nice children’s playground, always fill the bleachers with toddlers to adults.
La Grande Parata della Festa Italiana
from page 4B watchers.” She added, “The parade will be colorful, entertaining and will fill the air with Italian music.” Persons who are willing to make
a donation of any amount to help make sure this event is as fabulous as years past are asked to contact Gina Jorgensen via email at gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com or call her at 414-380-0808. Grazie mille!
The Blue Whale that swallowed Pinocchio is an entry in the Festa parade. This Blue Whale was designed by parade manager Gina Jorgensen. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Calling all children
by Gina Jorgensen Festa Parade Manager Not only do we invite all children to march in La Grande Parata della Festa Italiana wearing either an Italian costume or clown costume, but we are presenting new, really fun opportunities for children to participate. Parents, you provide your kids, we provide the masks. We are looking for 20 children to walk the parade wearing feathered Carnevale masks. Festa Italiana is just around the corner, so there is no better time to get ready than now. Search online for a colorful clown costume or an Italian costume. Search the shops.
Have nonna make an Italian costume, her labor of love that will surely result in an amazing costume. Otherwise, allow the Festa parade committee volunteers to feature your children in beautiful Carnevale masks supplied by the Italian Community Center. We want to have as many children as possible march in the parade both days, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Imagine how happy, festive, and touching our parade will be with sweet faces of children throughout. That is our dream. Help us realize it.
by Gina Jorgensen Festa Parade Manager Do you own a beautiful convertible that you would like to show in La Grande Parata della Festa Italiana? We would love to present our Carnevale Royalty, riding in style. We hope to have our Re and Regina, Nonno and Nonna, and
Principe and Principessa sitting on the back of convertibles. We believe this will beautifully showcase our Carnevale Royalty. If you are interested in helping us, please contact Susie Christiansen at 414-217-0174 or me, Gina Jorgensen, at gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com or 414380-0808.
Searching for convertibles for Festa parade
Casino Night set for Friday, Sept. 19
Magician and Festa Children’s Stage Manager Rick Allen is seen here.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
from page 6B mote a great opportunity for both tion regulations. individual and corporate gaming Lastly, consider this article as a table sponsorships. Sponsorship call for any and all donations costs have been established on a whether in money or raffle prizes. sliding scale, making them suitable Money is the preferred option and for the variable donation budgets will be used to purchase prizes. All that each may have. The amounts sponsors and raffle donors will be are $110, $250 and $500. We acknowledged on posters placed in encourage participation in these the ballroom. sponsorships especially if seeking a Any questions? Please contact tax benefit for donations made. The Karen or Bill Dickinson at ICC is a 501.c.3 corporation as diskartcg@sbcglobal.net or call 414defined by the federal tax exemp744-0937.
JULY/AUGUST 2016 – PAGE 19, SECTION B
Festa brings Italy to Milwaukee’s lakefront through its replicas of famous tourist attractions
Several of Italy’s most famous tourist attractions can be seen at Festa Italiana, July 22-24, in replica form. These replicas include the Trevi Fountain, the Rome Coliseum, the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the David statue and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The history of “La Fontana di Trevi” in Rome dates back to the 19 B.C. and is a magnificent example of Baroque art. Its name, Trevi, comes from its location at the junction of three “ways” (tre vie in Italian) of aqueduct system. It is also at the end point of an ancient Roman viaduct. Earlier richly decorated fountains were built at the site, but the present one was begun in 1732 after Pope Clement XII had organized a contest for its builder, won eventually by architect Nicola Salvi who died before its completion. The fountain was finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini with the central niche housing Oceanus (god of water) sculpted by Pietro Bracci. The fountain is not free standing as it has the Poli Palazzo (palace) as its backdrop. The all-familiar coin tossing ritual was actually begun by, as usual, the ancient Romans who threw their coins in the water to seek the help of the gods to protect them on their journey or help them get home safely. The correct tossing method requires a right hand over the left shoulder maneuver. The first coin gets you back to Rome, the second is for seeking love and the third is to get married (the fourth means the fountain cleaner really found a live one). The fountain is emptied every day with an average take of 3000 euros a day which, in today’s exchange rates, is almost $3,000. Now that’s a real treasure “trevi”! The Trevi replica coming to Festa was created by Giovanni Bucci, an internationally known sculptor, artist, fabricator and designer. It is a huge 50-foot creation, which makes it only 15 feet smaller than the original in Rome. Festa Italiana is pleased to have The Bartolotta Restaurant Group as the sponsor of the Trevi Fountain replica.
by Jackie Vitucci Szabo and Frank Vitucci, Jr. in memory of their father, Frank, who loved Festa, Frank Sinatra and being Italian. See the article on the memorial for more information. David statue Festa allows you to travel to the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence to see a replica of Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece, David. Festa’s replica of the statue is 17-feet tall. The replica matches the original 8.5-ton marble statue representing David, the Biblical hero and favored subject in the art of Florence.
drop for photo opportunities, especially at night, when lights bounce off of it. The Coliseum is one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering in the world. Famous
for its ancient gladiatorial shows, epic animal hunts and displays of family power and prestige, the Coliseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater in the world. Completed in 80 AD, the Coliseum is the iconic symbol of imperial Rome – and a Festa landmark.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower A famous Venetian site at Festa is the 43-foot tall replica of the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. ICC member Cosmo Carini was chief designer and builder of the Venetian landmark replica that has appeared each year at Festa since 2008. Carini and his volunteer crew meticulously erect the tower in sections with the help of a crane donated by Giuffre Brothers Cranes of Oak Creek and a professional electrician, who places and secures the lighting for the archangel Gabriel on the top of the tower. The actual bell tower is located in Venice’s Piazza and is a welcoming beacon in Venice’s principal public square, which is the social, religious and political center of the city. This year, the Venetian bell tower at Festa is being sponsored
Leaning Tower of Pisa A new attraction in 2015 was a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa is known worldwide for its unintended tilt. It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The tower’s tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed, and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in recent years.
The Roman Coliseum Festa’s large tarp painted replica of the famous Roman Coliseum wraps itself around the back of the bleacher sides at the T.J. Bartolotta Sports Court. For Festa visitors, it makes an excellent back-
Times photos by Tom Hemman and Joe Spasiano PAGE 20 – SECTION B – JULY/AUGUST 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES