ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com JUNE 2017 • VOL. 39, NO. 1
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Diverse entertainment lineup announced for 40th Festa, July 21-23
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Festa Italiana officials have turned to a time-tested formula for creating the entertainment lineup for the 40th annual festival, July 21-23. That formula entails mixing a little bit of this with a little bit of that to produce a wide-ranging lineup that gives everyone attending something that they really
want to see with some unexpected surprises. Since you are reading The Italian Times, we’re going to assume that many of you come to Festa to see the Italian entertainment. This year’s lineup has plenty of Italian. How about Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, who took season 11 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” by storm? Maybe you prefer the
plethora of Italian American musical tributes of Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms? Two crowd-pleasers in last year’s lineup are being bought back. They are The Sicilian Tenors (Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale) and the Milwaukee jewel, The Florentine Opera. For a pleasant surprise, come and see these newcomers: a trio named Tre Principesse (Three Princesses) and a Neapolitan vocalist, Anna Calemme. Coming back for obvious reasons will be the electrifying Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, the flag-throwing troupe from the communities in and around Florence (Tuscany), Italy. Maybe you come for the groups that you rocked out to in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Festa has hometown favorites the BoDeans in the 2017 lineup on its opening night (July 21), and, the Gin Blossoms, a band that generated several Top 40 hits in the 1990s, on tap for Saturday night (July 22). Sal Valentinetti won’t be the only alumnus of an NBC-TV com-
Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Haines to be Principal Celebrant of Festa Mass BoDeans
Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Haines
Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, has accepted the offer of the Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee to preside over the Festa Mass on Sunday, July 23 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Haines was born Oct 6, 1958. He attended Holy Apostles Parish and Grade School, New Berlin, and graduated from New Berlin West High School in 1977. He began his college studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, before transferring and graduating from Marquette University in 1981 with a degree in theology. Haines attended Saint Francis de Sales Seminary for graduate theological studies from 1981-1985, earning a Masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1985, by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. After ordination, Bishop Haines was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Nicholas, Milwaukee. In 1987, he was given additional responsibilities as Associate Pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, Milwaukee. In 1991, he was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Eugene Parish, Fox Point. Five years later, he was appointed Pastor of St. Frances
Cabrini Parish, West Bend. In 2002, he was granted temporary leave to study canon law at Catholic University. However, he returned within the year to become Temporary Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Whitewater. In 2003, he returned as Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, West Bend, and was given additional responsibility as Assisting Priest of Immaculate Conception/St. Mary’s, West Bend in 2004. Seven years later, he was appointed Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. Haines was named Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Pope Francis on Jan. 25, 2017. Additionally, Bishop Haines was three times elected moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and currently is a member of the College of Consultors. He also served on the Archdiocesan Synod Preparatory Commission and the Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Commission. He is respected by fellow clergy and parishioners alike for his pastoral and leadership skills. Born in Milwaukee to Jim and Maureen (“Mo”) Haines, Bishop Haines has three siblings, John (Mary), Rick (Donna) and Anne (Sean) Haines Carroll.
Sal Valentinetti
petition show at Festa. Performing also will be singer/songwriter Nicholas David, a finalist in the 2012 season of “The Voice.” You might be shockingly surprised to hear the all-girl group the Violin Femmes, led by rock violinist and arranger Nina DiGregorio. The group is accompanied by the Bella Electric Strings. Another one of the new rockers Please turn to page 6
Anna Calemme
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Sign up to play in 40th Festa bocce tournament page 2
President’s message
page 3
Kids Pizza-Making Contest moved to July 22 page 3
Festa Mass Committee seeks your help and donations page 4 Volunteers needed
Members get your free Festa tickets
page 5
page 5
Remember Dick Contino page 8 Suzanne Wypijewski to be new Pompeii Women’s Club President page 10
Italian Film Fest report page 12
Festa’s 40th annual bocce tournament set for July 23
Since the late Joe Puccio’s team, the Old Timers, won the first Festa Italiana bocce tournament in 1978, the Sunday afternoon event has been a staple in the festival lineup. The 40th annual tournament will take place Sunday, July 23 starting at 2 p.m. The tournament coordinator Troy Halverson has put out a call for teams to register to play. The entrance fee is $50 per four-player team. This is a single elimination tournament with a consolation round. You can use the form appearing here or on the Festa website, festaitaliana.com to register. The teams that finish in first through third place will receive cash prizes. The first place team will win $500. The second team will get $300 and the third place finisher will receive $200. All players will receive complimentary admission to Festa the day of the event. Admission tickets will be mailed to the team captains upon receipt of “pre-paid” registration form by July 15. Anyone with questions can contact Halverson at 262-512-1469 (evenings) or via email at workingway2hard@yahoo.com. Last year, the tournament champion was Picture US Rollin’, who defeated Bowl R Us, 12-6, in the title match. Picture US Rollin’ will be playing this year to defend its championship, Halverson confirmed. The team’s players are Andy Satraitus, Marcos Satraitus, J.R. Satraitus and Jason Mickelson.
FESTA ITALIANA 2017 BOCCE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM 40th Annual Tournament – Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. • Entrance Fee: $50 per four player team. • Single Elimination with Consolation Round. • First Place – $500, Second Prize: $300, Third Prize: $200.
TEAM NAME: ______________________________________________________________ TEAM SPONSOR: __________________________________________________________ TEAM CAPTAIN: ___________________________________________________________
ONLY ONE CHECK PER TEAM, PLEASE! MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER AND MAIL TO TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR, 5504 W. ELMHURST DR., MEQUON, WI 53092. ANY QUESTIONS, CALL TROY (EVENINGS) @ 262-512-1469 (CELL) OR EMAIL TO workingway2hard@yahoo.com. FEE INCLUDES COMPLIMENTARY SUNDAY FESTA ADMISSION TICKETS, WHICH WILL BE MAILED TO THE TEAM CAPTAIN UPON RECEIPT OF TEAM “PRE-PAID” REGISTRATION AND COMPLETION OF THIS FORM BY JULY 15. TOURNAMENT IS PLAYED RAIN OR SHINE.
Italian Times seeks writers to help with Festa issue stories
Tom Hemman, editor of The Italian Times, is looking for individuals to help write some of the articles that will appear in the July/August 2017 Festa Italiana edition. Persons with solid writing skills and/or a basic understanding of the newspaper reporting principles should contact Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or call 414-223-2189. These are voluntary positions which offer individuals opportunities to get the stories they write
Last chance for Festa’s ‘$7 for 7 Days’ online ticket deal
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Festa Italiana organizers are offering one more chance for you to get in on the “$7 for 7 Days Spring Fever ticket deal”. The online only ticket deal offers you a chance to buy $7 admission tickets over a seven-day period. If you missed the earlier opportunities in April and May, don’t fret. The final “$7 for 7 Days” offer starts June 19 and ends June 25. promotion is available online at http://festaitaliana.com. Click on the “Ticket” tab to make your purchase. “We encourage all ICC members to take advantage of the $7 for 7 Days Ticket Deal. It’s a great way to get your tickets early at an affordable price,” said Dean Cannestra, ICC President. Regular advance tickets are $10. During Festa, July 21-23, ticket prices will be $13. Children, 12 and under, are admitted free all three days when accompanied by an adult.
published with their byline, which may be valuable when they seek future employment in journalism, public relations, marketing or general writing fields. “We can also assure writers that they will receive tickets for Festa Italiana, July 21-23, on the Summerfest grounds,” Hemman said.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon and Donato Di Pronio Staff Photographers. . . . . . Joe Spasiano, Tim Townsend and Tom Hemman For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org. Copyright 2016 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
A message from Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center President
By the time you read this, our 40th annual Festa Italiana will be less than two months away. The dates again are Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 on the Summerfest grounds. For months now, we have been working diligently to make our 40th Festa extra special on all fronts. Our goals have been to present a truly entertaining, culturally accurate and financial sound Festa. Assuming Madre Natura cooperates – start praying now – our goals can be realized. I hope all of you are willing to pitch in through volunteering, attending and promoting the festival. Make sure you let your extended family members and friends know what is going on at this year’s Festa and how they can get in for free or reduced costs. Remember, all of you are an important part of our public relations team! For the most part, all of the pieces are for a spectacular Festa are in place.
The entertainment lineup is set. After reading about the entertainers in this issue, go to our website, FestaItaliana.com and watch some of the videos of the acts we have in this year’s lineup. I think you will be impressed!
We’re bringing back the Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, the electrifying flagthrowing troupe from Figline Valdarno in the Florence province of Tuscany, Italy. Our free carnival rides are back. The gondolas will be available for people who want to enjoy the Venetian experience. The schedule of activities for the Cucina Showcase is nearly complete. We have Rossella Rago, host of the web show, “Cooking with Nonna” returning to Festa. This
time, she will be accompanied by her Nonna Romana, who taught her how to cook. We will have our grand parade on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. Returning, as well, are the cannolieating contest, the children’s pizzamaking contest, Italian Idol, the marketplace, the Children’s Stage and play zone, nightly fireworks, and our 40th annual Festa Bocce Tournament, which has special meaning for my family and me. The first tournament – as some of you might recall – was won by the Old Timers, a team captained by my maternal nonno, Joseph Puccio.
Most importantly, we are continuing to preserve the integrity of the Italian festa with the celebration of our Mass and procession on Sunday, July 23. We are pleased to have Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, as the Principal Celebrant of the Mass. The Mass will take place in the 23,000-seat American Family Insurance Amphitheater (the former Marcus Amphitheater).
Imagine if we have a full house and everyone attending the Mass chooses to stay to enjoy Festa. That would get us off to a great start on the afternoon of our closing day.
On the cultural side, we’re bringing back the replica of the Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain, created by sculptor Giovanni Bucci; a heavy replica on canvas of the Roman Colisseum; the 43-foot tall replica of the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, designed and built by our own Cosmo Carini; a statue replicating Michelangelo’s David; and a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Our regional exhibit will be saluting the northern Italian region of Liguria. We’ll have the Italian
Family History Club there to help you explore your ancestry. Acclaimed Italian films and travelogues will be playing everyday in the cinema tent, which will recognize all aspects of Italo and ItaloAmerican cinema. Italian artists will be showcasing their works. Persons interested in volunteering should contact the Festa office at 414-223-2808 orsend an email to Constance Palmer cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com. I know that many of the areas of Festa could use some volunteer help. One area, in particular, that always needs some extra bodies is the grounds set-up and takedown crew. We’re looking for able-bodied people, who can do some physical labor, during the week of Festa (July 17-20) and Monday, July 24. – Dean Cannestra
ICC President
Kids Pizza-Making contest moved to Saturday event
Festa Italiana invites all children in the age groups of 5 to 10 and 11 to 17 to participate in the seventh annual “Kids Pizza Making Contest.” The contest is a fun way for children to create fresh, made-from-scratch pizzas in front of a live crowd at the Cucina Showcase. The Italian Times has learned from Cucina Showcase Manager Marie Lieber that the contest is being moved from Sunday, July 23 to Saturday, July 22 to accommodate a Sunday performance by the Florentine Opera. This move means that two of Festa’s most fun contests – the Cannoli-Eating Contest and the Kids Pizza-Making Contest – will be held back-to-back on Saturday. The kids event is sponsored, for
the second consecutive year, by Divino Wine & Dine, the Italian restaurant at 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Make sure your children are signed up before 4 p.m. to participate in the contest on Sunday. At 4:15 p.m., the names of the participants in both age categories will be drawn. Participants must be present when his/her name is called. Those in the 11-17 age category will compete first at 4:30 p.m., followed by the children, 5-9 years, at 5:15 p.m. A distinguished panel of judges will choose a winner in both of the age brackets. Each participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The winner will receive a 1st place winner shirt. Please turn to page 12
Calendar of Events May 30 – July 19, 2017
Editor’s note: All events are at the Italian Community Center except where indicated. Tuesday, May 30 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 31 • Pompeii Women’s Club May Crowning and dinner, 6 p.m. Details in this issue. Monday, June 5 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 2 • Abruzzese Society picnic, 11 a.m. Valley View Park, New Berlin.
Monday, July 10 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12 • Società Santa Rosalia general meeting, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 13 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday. June 7 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 19 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13 • Abruzzese Society meeting and spuntino, 2 p.m. • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
• ICC Italian classes. Look for an announcement on the fall semester of classes in our upcoming issues.
Thursday, June 8 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 15 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Reservations required by Monday, June 12. Please call 414-223-2180. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, June 16 • Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 28 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6 p.m. Alioto’s Restaurant.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall season will begin the week of Sept. 11. Team registrations are available at the ICC.
• ICC free Children’s Italian class. Look for an announcement on the fall semester of classes in our upcoming issues.
• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. Breaks are taken during the holidays.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Breaks are taken during the holidays. Ballate con noi! Dance with us! • Hula hoop dance class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member, $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 3
Festa to collect Voices needed for the nonperishable food items Festa Mass Choir for Hunger Task Force during Sunday Mass
Festa Italiana officials urge people coming to the festival on July 23 to bring along a minimum of three nonperishable food items for donation to the Hunger Task Force.
This year, Festa is again joining forces with Summerfest and all of the members of the United Ethnic Festivals to collect a grand total of 160,000 pounds of food over the course of the summer. The campaign is called “The Fests Feed Milwaukee.” Last year’s campaign resulted in the collection of 158,673 pounds of donated food.
At Festa, the Hunger Task Force will collect nonperishable foods near the entrance to the Marcus Amphitheater, just outside the South Gate and in the roadway near the amphitheater forecourt. This will allow people attending the Sunday Mass or just wanting to attend Festa easy access to the Hunger Task Force trucks where volunteers will be on hand to accept every donation.
Last year, more than 6,000 pounds was collected for the Hunger Task Force before the Festa Mass, according to Sal Lo Coco, Festa Mass Co-Chair. “We want to encourage all of our ICC members and all of our Festa volunteers to join the public in making these nonperishable food donations and help us to achieve our goal,” Lo Coco said. “We are asking attendees to bring at least three nonperishable food items to help us surpass last year’s total.” Fests Feed Milwaukee The “Fests Feed Milwaukee” campaign has been in existence each summer since 2014. “When people come together, like the United Ethnic Festivals and Summerfest have done to support this campaign, it makes a pos-
itive statement about our city. It is great for the Hunger Task Force and for the hungry people we serve,” said Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of the Hunger Task Force. The Hunger Task Force’s aim is to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.
Call put out for Festa Mass ushers
Ted Catalano, Mass and Procession Committee member and ushers manager, has issued a call for at least 15 new ushers to step up and volunteer for this year’s Festa Italiana Mass on Sunday, July 23. To be an usher, you must be at least 16 years old. The only other requirement is that you attend a brief instructional meeting at the Italian Community Center on Monday, July 17 at 7 p.m. At that time, information on the duties of an usher during the Mass and the procession, which follows the Mass, will be discussed. Catalano requests that new ushers sign up with him early and then follow through on their commitment. To volunteer as an usher or for more information, call Catalano at 414-305-9769. At least 55 ushers are needed every year for the Mass, which has drawn up to 15,000 people. Catalano said he has about 40 dedicated ushers who show up automatically each year.
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The Festa Italiana Mass Choir invites singers to join their voices for this year’s choir, which will provide the music for the Mass on Sunday, July 23 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. The choir will rehearse at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 5400 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee. Rehearsales will last two hours and music will be provided. Some hymns will be sung in Italian and Latin, but no previous knowledge of either language is necessary as language coaching is provided. The mixed choir is open to all voice parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. No auditions are necessary. However, previous experience is recommended. Maestro Michael Kamenski re-
quests the singers participate in at least four rehearsals including a mandatory dress rehearsal. Rehearsal dates are as follows: Thursday, July 13 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 15 at 9 a.m., Monday, July 17 at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 at 11 a.m. and a dress rehearsal Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. The choir welcomes back members of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra and is pleased to add members of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir. To register to sing with the Festa Choir, please contact director Michael Kamenski by email at mkamenski@saintsebs.org. Please use “Festa Choir” in the subject line. You may also call him at 414453-1928.
Donations sought for Festa Mass
The Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee is seeking donations to offset the cost of the celebration of our Mass and procession on Sunday, July 23. “We’re extremely grateful and appreciative of all the support we have received from the sponsors of the Mass and procession over the last several years,” said committee co-chairs Sister Marie Louise Balestrieri and Sal Lo Coco. “It is a very costly undertaking to convert the American Family Insurance Amphitheater from a concert venue into a place of worship.” “For the last several years, a number of people have stepped forward with individual donations to help defray those costs, and we hope that people will be similarly moved this year,” the co-chairs said. Every year, the overnight transformation of the Amphitheater is accomplished successfully by the Mass Committee, as evi-
denced by comments received on a regular basis from people – including visiting clergy – who attend the Mass for the first time. The Mass and the traditional procession that follows have, since the beginning, been an essential component of Festa Italiana. Festa itself is an outgrowth of the street festivals held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church to honor patron saints. Persons interested in making donations for the Mass and procession are advised to send checks made out to the Italian Community Center with “Festa Mass” written on the memo line. Mail those checks to the ICC at 631 E. Chicago St.,. Milwaukee 532025916. Donations by credit card can be made by calling Constance Palmer at 414-223-2808. Persons with questions are invited to call Lo Coco at 414-9619823 or 262-617-8727.
Festa Mass Committee invites ordained religious, lay members to participate
The Festa Italiana Mass Committee is well underway with Mass preparations for this year’s 40th annual Festa Mass on Sunday July 23 at 11 a.m. This year also marks the 50th anniversary since the destruction of Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward. Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey R. Haines will be the Principal Celebrant. We invite you to help us in
this wonderful tradition. We invite all priests, deacons, brothers and eucharistic ministers to participate in one of Milwaukee’s favorite festival Masses. Feel free to pass this message on to parishioners. Please contact Therese Ciofani at 414-303-9772 or e-mail her at rezmel@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in participating in or attending the 2017 Festa Mass.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
Help fight cancer at Festa by participating in the Lombardi Walk/Run on July 22
Join Aurora Cancer Care and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to help tackle cancer by participating in the “Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer” at Festa Italiana on Saturday, Juy 22. Gather your family and friends and help tackle cancer in Wisconsin and the Midwest. All money raised will support local Aurora Cancer Care programs and is eligible for a 50% match from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The race starts outside the north gate of the Festa grounds. Registration To register, go to the Festa website – festaitaliana.com – click on the “Activities” section, then the “Vince Lombardi Walk/Run” tab or go to #TackleCancer on Twitter.
Costs Early registration is now available through Thursday, June 22. Early registration costs are: $30 per runner and $25 per adult walker. After June 22, the costs are: $35 per runner and $30 per adult walker. For children, ages 3-12, the 3K (5.1mile) walk is $15. There is no regis-
Participants in the 2016 Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer.
tration fee for children under the age of 3. Runners and walkers receive free admission into Festa Italiana with a wristband, which will be issued to all participants. Guest
passes will be $5 and will be available for purchase from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Act now and get a discount code for Festa-goers. Enter the discount code VLCF17 when entering online to receive $10 off your registration. Fundraising prizes are available at varying levels. Visit www.LombardiWalk.org for more information. Parking will be available in the Italian Community Center lot for $5 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for all walkers and runners.
Here is the walk/run schedule. 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens. All participants must stop at the registration tent to obtain a wristband. 9:00 a.m. – 5K run begins followed by start of walk. 11:00 a.m. – Post walk/run festivities at the Cucina Showcase Stage on the Festa grounds. 11:30 a.m. – 5K run awards and 50/50 raffle and awards. 12:00 p.m. – All walk/run festival festivities conclude. Enjoy Festa.
As a benefit of membership in the Italian Community Center, each member is entitled to four free Festa Italiana tickets, which are good for admission to the festival any one of the three days. Those with a family membership are entitled to eight free tickets. There are two ways for members to obtain these member-only tickets. Those members who wish to pick up their tickets in person can stop in at the ICC office reception desk weekdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Be sure to bring your current membership card with you. You will be asked to present the card. Those members who cannot pick up their tickets in person can order them through the mail. You must include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Ticket requests that do not have the return enve-
lope will not be processed. Mail orders must be received by Monday, July 3 to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery to your residence. The 40th annual Festa is Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 on the Summerfest grounds. Anyone with questions can call 414-223-2180.
ICC members: Get your free Festa tickets
Former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Santana Dotson (center) is seen here with three of the 2016 Lombardi walk/run participants.
Seeking photographers for 2017 Festa
Tom Hemman, editor of The Italian Times, is looking for individuals to take pictures at Festa Italiana, Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23. You must have your own camera and feel secure with taking photographs in differing lighting conditions. You can be assured that some of your photos will appear in the September issue of The Italian Times or on the Festa Italiana website, http://festaitaliana.com. These are voluntary positions. Hemman will supply interested individuals with free admission and free parking. Each photographer will be given a badge to wear to ensure the access needed to get the pictures they desire. Interested individuals should contact Hemman at his email address: themman@iccmilwaukee.com or call 414-223-2189.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa Patrol looking for volunteers
Ralph Busalacchi, manager of the Festa Patrol, is seeking volunteers to serve on his crew during Festa Italiana, July 22-24. Volunteers on the Festa Patrol serve as first responders to a variety of situations on the festival grounds, ranging from security and first aid to lost children. They strive to keep order along parade and procession routes and work to ensure that Festa’s guests experience a pleasant and safe family event. Those interested in volunteering should contact Busalacchi at 414-534-6455 or email him at abodanza1@sbcglobal.net.
Changes in hours and VIP Day for the 40th annual Festa
The 40th annual Festa Italiana will open its three-day run at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 21 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds). In the past several years, the festival had opened at 11:30 a.m. The decision to alter the starting time was based on the average attendance and the economic realities of an earlier opening period. Public admission hours for Festa Italiana 2017 are: • Friday, July 21: 3 p.m. to midnight. • Saturday, July 22: 11:30 a.m. to midnight. • Sunday, July 23: 11:30 a.m. to midnight. As a result of the later starting time on Festa’s opening day, the 35th annual VIP Day for persons with disabilities has been moved from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Each VIP Day guest and a caregiver will be able to attend Festa for free on Saturday, July 22, starting at 11 a.m., a half-hour before the grounds officially open to the public. Look for more information on VIP Day in a separate story on page 7.
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 5
Lots of great acts coming to Festa
from page 1 worth catching at Festa is Dog ‘N’ Butterfly, the Ultimate Heart Tribute Band, fronted by vocalist Lizann Warren, whose portrayal of Ann Wilson is both eerie and unparallel. Attention all Wisconsin Badgers fans: Members of the UW Marching Band will return to perform a fifth quarter performance for Festagoers on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23. We know there are many of you who come for the returning favorites. Included in this group are The Russo Brothers (Nick and Dominic and their all-star cast of musicians), vocalist Tony Spavone, Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz, Tradizione Vivente: The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, I Bei Bambini: The Children’s Italian Dance Group, The Italian Regional Dancers and the Sicilian Serenaders.
Headliners and newcomers Since this isn’t the Festa issue (that one comes out next month), we’re keeping this article condensed to tidbits on the headliners and the newcomers. Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti is most known for belting out the classic Frank Sinatra hit “My Way,” which not only earned him a standing ovation on “America’s Got Talent,” but the coveted “Golden Buzzer” from judge Heidi Klum. Among the show’s 2016 finalists, Valentinetti is the 21-year Italian American crooner who is cited for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality and heart of gold. Get ready for a literal feast of Italian American musical tributes from the swing sounds of Louie Prima, the smooth vocals of Dean Martin, the harmonies of the Jersey Boys to today’s Italian rock when witnessing the performance of Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms. They promise to keep young and older Festa fans dancing in real Italian style. The Sicilian Tenors – Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale – bring together three marvelous tenor voices, performing their own interpretation of the world’s best music in a recital format. The Sicilian Tenors will “wow” Festa audiences with a romantic journey from Hollywood to Broadway to Italy. That combine the
Nicholas David
The Violin Femmes (shown here) feauring the Bella Electric Strings
music with light-hearted comedy, making it a concert for all ages to enjoy. Festa officials are excited to welcome for the first time a newlyformed trio of young aspiring opera vocalists called Tre Principesse. The trio includes Tatiana Marie, an 18-year-old soprano, Anastasia Lee, a 20-year old contralto, and Agnes G., a 15-year-old soprano. Each has
Lizann Warner and Desha Dunnehoe of Dog ‘N’ Butterfly
PAGE 6 – JUNE 2017
The Gin Blossoms
won acclaim in contests nationally and abroad. Anna Calemme, a native of Italy, performs Neapolitan songs and is referred to as “The Elegant Voice of Naples.” The glamorous singer is known for her warm and harmonious vocals and can reign it in to the most initiate of sounds: simple, melancholic and romantic. Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini was established 52 years ago and has been demonstrating the spectacle of Italian flag throwing to audiences in America for the last decade. This will mark its third consecutive appearance at Festa Italiana. The group regularly competes in Italy and through Europe. Formed in Waukesha in 1983, the Bo Deans continue to be one of the best live acts in the business. The band is known for delivering amazing, high-energy performances. Chart-topping songs like “Fadeaway,” “Only Love” and “Dreams” won them Rolling Stone’s readers’ poll for Best New American Band in 1987. The band has released several albums which embody multiple songs played heavily on the radio, in TV shows and movies, and defined a sound that a generation embraced (such as “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” “If It Makes You,” “Closer To Free,” “Stay,” “American” and “All the World”). With all its loyal fans, you can bet a lot of people will be singing and jamming out to the band. Another group that will have you singing along to their hits are the Gin Blossoms. Hailing from Tempe, Ariz., the group’s fusion of
pop, melodic rock, folk and country elements made them an MTV playlist favorite and a ‘90’s mainstay. Their hits included” “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” “Until I Fall Away,” “Mrs. Rita,” and “Til I Hear It From You.” In February 2017, the Gin Blossoms went back into the studio to record a new album that is expected to be released this summer. Fans will get a taste of the new release at Festa on Saturday night, July 22. Violin Femmes featuring the Bella Electric Strings will rock Festa attendees with their blistering solos and unique arrangements, not to mention their beauty and charm. The girls have performed with some of the biggest names in the business, from Beyoncé to Shakira to Andrea Bocelli and appeared on season 1 of “America’s Got Talent.” Bella Electric Strings was recently featured in a David Foster and Friends concert alongside the legendary songwriter and producer. Performing the music of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Queen, Prince, The Eagles, ELO and more, Violin Femmes takes the Bella Strings to a whole new level in live entertainment. Created in 2003, Dog ‘N’ Butterfly is a five-piece band of accomplished musicians dedicated to making an authentic portrayal of the music of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, the Canadian classic rock band which had hits from the early 1970s through the late 1990s. As Heart fans know, “Dog and Butterfly was the name of one of the group’s most successful albums. Lizann Warner, who has capContinued on page 7
THE ITALIAN TIMES
from page 6 tured the vocals and stage presence of Heart’s lead vocalist Ann Wilson, is joined by Desha Dunnahoe, who like Nancy Wilson, is a multi-instrumentalist, gifted composer and orchestrator. There is good reason
why Dog ‘N’ Butterfly is called the “Ultimate Heart Tribute Band.” Look for complete information on all of the entertainment coming to Festa Italiana in our July/August 2017 issue, which will be available June 28.
Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms
Festa moves VIP Day for persons with disabilities to Saturday
As a result of the later starting time on Festa’s opening day, the 35th annual VIP Day for persons with disabilities has been moved from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Each VIP Day guest and a caregiver will be able to attend Festa for free on Saturday, July 22, starting at 11 a.m., a half-hour before the grounds officially open to the public. Advance VIP Day tickets will soon be available at the Festa office at the Italian Community Center during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The last day that they will be available is Thursday, July 13. VIP tickets can also be ordered by mail. Be sure to include the name of the VIP and one guest, phone number, the type of disability and indicate if you may require any special needs for the disability. With your request, include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope so
your tickets can be processed on a timely basis. Proper postage is required. Send the request to: VIP Day c/o Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 532025916. The cut-off date for mail orders is Friday, July 7. A ticket order form accompanies this article. For group VIP ticket orders, please email Constance Palmer at cpalmer@italianconference.com or you may call her at 414-223-2808. She will make the arrangements for group ticket orders. During the VIP Day hours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., food vendors will have special offers on two food items. Each will be available for half price, courtesy of Festa Italiana. Each VIP will also be eligible to pick up free fresh fruit at the Catalano Fruit stand in the Miller Lite Area. A Milwaukee area fruit wholesaler, who wishes to remain anonymous, is donating the fruit.
VIP Day ticket order form
Name of VIP guest: _________________________________________ (If more than one, please list on a separate sheet of paper)
Type of Disability: __________________________________________ Name of Caregiver: ________________________________________
Mailing address: ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone No.: _______________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________
The Sicilian Tenors
Are there any special needs that Festa Italiana needs to know about?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ All VIP Day ticket orders must be received by Friday, July 7 to ensure timely processing. Make sure to include a self-addressed envelope with significant postage for the tickets that will be sent to you. For any questions, contact Constance Palmer at 414-223-2808 or email her at cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com,
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
Tre Principesse
Deadline for 2017 Festa issue of The Italian Times
All advertising copy, news stories, feature articles and photos for publication in the July/August Festa Italiana 2017 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Sunday, June 10.
All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-2232189.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or a donation, please call 414-223-2808. The following donations were received between Apr. 10 and May 9, 2017. In memory of Joseph Panella Tony Machi, Sr. Dr. Anthony T. Machi Dr. Grace L. Machi Ted Machi George & Judy Menos David & Jeannie Doern Gerry Accetta Purpero Jean Sunby Joe & Virginia Besasie Joseph & Barbara Dentice Pompeii Men’s Club
John & Antoinette Sanfilippo Rose Purpero Spang Gino A. Dentice Jimmy & Linda Spataro Salvatore Mussomeli and family Paul & Rose Iannelli Larry & Joan Balistreri In memory of Anthony Gazzana Pompeii Men’s Club
In memory of Anthony D’Amato Frank & Nina Galioto
In memory of Pasquale “Patsy” Iannelli Bill & Rita Jennaro Salvatore Mussomeli and family Tony Machi, Sr. Anna Pitzo Larry & Joan Balistreri In memory of John Spor Tony Machi, Sr.
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 7
Dick Contino, famed accordionist and longtime Festa favorite, dies at 87
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Dick Contino, the legendary, hip swiveling accordionist, who performed 34 times in the 39 years of Festa Italiana in Milwaukee, died Apr. 19 at the age of 87 in his hometown of Fresno, Calif. “I knew, from the first time I booked him in 1978, that he would draw large crowds for every one of his shows,” said Anthony T. Machi, the general chairman of the first three Festas. “Dick was a charismatic kind of guy, the ultimate performer, who was liked by both the men and the women. The people knew they were going to see one hack of a show when Dick stepped on to the stage. That’s why we had him play sets in the afternoon and the evening.” Longtime Festa Italiana fans are likely to recall the time (in the year of 2001, if memory serves) when a heavy rain closed down all the entertainment stages, except one, the U.S. Cellular Stage. That was where Contino continued to perform. He refused to quit playing as long as his poncho-clad fans sat there and cheered him on. Contino’s show outlasted the rain! Even more impressive and inspirational was the final set at each of his shows in which he played patriotic songs that had everyone on their feet. Who can forget Dick performing with his son, Pete, on drums or accompanying him on accordion, and his daughter, Deidre, performing vocals at Festa during the 1980s? Eventually, all three had their own gigs at Festa. The only years that Contino did not play at Festa were 1982 (the year his wife/actress Leigh Snowden died), 2013 (when he had hip surgery) and the past three years. Contino had achieved stardom
long before his first Festa appearance. Born Jan. 17, 1930 in Fresno, Contino exhibited great virtuosity on the accordion early on. He got his first big break on Dec. 7, 1947, when he played “Lady of Spain” (his signature piece) and won first place in the Horace Heidt/Philip Morris talent show in Fresno, which was broadcast on national radio. Contino also won first place in subsequent competitions in Los Angeles, Omaha, Des Moines, Youngstown, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and New York City. He won first place in the final round on Dec. 12, 1948 in Washington, D.C. Contino toured with the Horace Heidt Orchestra and was billed as the “world’s greatest accordion player.” He went on to form his own
by Blaise Di Pronio Did you ever wonder why June was and still is the most popular month to marry, followed by August, July, May and September? The Roman goddess Juno was the protector of women in all aspects of life but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno’s month was considered most auspicious in terms of success and prosperity. And did you know that a wedding band or ring is not called that in Italy? It is known as “La Fede,” which translates to “the faith or trust.” It is so called since it is symbolic of and connotes the bonds of loyalty, fidelity and devotion. The Italian fede is almost always made of yellow gold and its circular form symbolizes the union being entered into. The nuptial ring is worn on the left ring finger, a.k.a. the “annular”
finger. (Annular comes from the Italian ‘anello’ or ring) as it was believed that a small artery passes through that finger and it continues on up the arm and then goes directly to the heart. From a more scientific standpoint, the ring finger is the first to form on the fetus and it is also the weakest. The left hand is used much less than the right. Thus, the ring on it will interfere less with daily manual activities. The Italian nuptial fede is also known by the name “vera.” Vera normally translates to “real” or “true” but not in this context. The nuptial vera comes from the Russian word “vera” which also means “faith.” The interchange of fede and vera in Italy stems from an old Russian Christian legend about the martyr Saint Sofia, who was killed while she was praying at the graves Please turn to page 11
Here is the late Dick Contino in one of his late performances at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee in 2014. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Best wishes to June weddings
band and had marginal success as a recording artist. His song “Yours” peaked at #22 on the U.S. pop charts and his single “Pledge My Love” just missed the Top 40. He, however, became a major performing star on tours and in engagements in Las Vegas beginning at the city’s first casino, El Rancho, to having a regular gig at the Tropicana Lounge from 1975 to 2015, except for a four-year stint in which he helped to raise his children while his wife. Leigh, dealt with the cancer which eventually took her life. The Contino family lived in Las Vegas for many years. He appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show an estimated four dozen times. Contino suffered one major setback in his career and that was after he was drafted during the Korean War. He fled from a pre-induction barracks at Fort Ord, due to extreme and unpublicized phobias and neuroses. He was labeled a “draft dodger” and jailed for several months before serving in the U.S. Air Force and being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and receiving a Presidential Pardon. The resultant scandal dealt Contino’s
career a serious blow, but he continued performing, including acting in a few movies in the 1950s and 1960s. Contino’s acting became known to a new generation in 1991, when “Daddy-O,” a low-budget 1958 movie in which he played the starring role, became the centerpiece of an episode of the third season of Mystery Science Theater 3000. He also was featured in the 1959 film “Girls Town,” along with singer Paul Anka and the group The Platters, “The Beat Generation” also in 1959 and “The Big Night” in 1960. Contino continued to perform regularly throughout the United States. His repertoire was eclectic, ranging from Italian songs such as “Come Back to Sorrento” and “Arrivederci Roma” to standards like “Lady of Spain” and “Swinging on a Star.” He performed at numerous Italian festivals across the country with the members of his worldwide “Dick Contino Fan Club” following him everywhere he played. Author James Ellroy used the musician’s life as the basis for his 1994 novella, Dick Contino’s Blues. “My dad loved being on stage and was a physical performer,” his son, Pete, told The Fresno Bee. “He was just an animal, man, and that was part of his charm and one of the reasons he was so successful.” Added daughter, Deidre, “My dad touched people’s lives with his music. They would be in awe. And I just loved that.” Both said their father never let stardom go to his head. Deidre recalled her father performing at a neighborhood party until 4 a.m. when she was a young girl. He was well liked and a proud father, she said. Health complications curtailed his performing career in 2015. That year, he moved from Las Vegas back to Fresno, Dick is survived by his second wife, Judy, his children, Deidre, Peter and Merri Scaife, two grandchildren, and his brothers Pete and Victor. Private services were held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Fresno. A public celebration of his life is planned in Las Vegas in June.
Order your advance admission tickets now
By ordering advance tickets, you can save $3 per ticket. These tickets can be purchased online at http://festaitaliana.com and at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, for $10
through Thursday, July 20. Advance tickets can also be ordered by using the form appearing with this article. Please note: The deadline for ordering mail order tickets is Friday, July 7.
ORDER YOUR MONEY-SAVING ADVANCE TICKETS TO FESTA ITALIANA 2017
Name(s) ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________
Phone _______________ Email ________________________________ I/we want to order _____ advance tickets @ $10.00 each.
Total amount enclosed: $______________________________________
Payment by check, money order and credit card accepted.
Credit Card No. _____________________________________________
Credit Card Expiration Date ____________________________________
PAGE 8 – JUNE 2017
Mail this form with your payment to Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Checks or money orders are payable to Festa Italiana. Your advance tickets will be mailed to you. Requests for advance tickets must be received no later than July 8, 2017.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Here’s to you!
by Blaise Di Pronio Just what is the connection between a piece of bread, a glass of wine and the practice of offering a toast? The early Greeks began the practice of saluting to another’s health for very practical reasons (i.e., to make sure they weren’t drinking poisoned wine). Spiking wine with poison was a common and easy way to rid one of social issues such as the elimination of competition, enemies and unruly spouses. So, to show that a host was your well-intentioned friend, lover, partner, etc., he would pour himself a glass of wine from one pitcher and then take the first drink (to verify it wasn’t poisoned) and then raise the glass and ask his then reassured amici to do likewise and join him in drinking (from the same pitcher, of course). The ancient Romans followed suit with the Greeks as they also favored flavoring drinks with poison when “socially” necessary. But it was the Romans who invented the term and practice of “toasting”. The Romans would drop a piece of toasted or burnt bread directly into the wine for a variety of reasons. The wine vintages weren’t always tasty and the choices of what to drink weren’t many. So, the burnt bread would improve and temper the bad wines. The charcoal (a la whiskey making?) in the bread would filter and reduce the wine’s acidity/vinegary elements. The bread would also absorb the sedi-
ment and so make the wine healthier. Thus, a toast to one’s health! The word “toast” comes from the Italian ‘tostare’ or to roast or parch. Eventually, the word toast began to refer to the act of drinking itself and its combined salutation to someone’s health and well-being. The practice continued without relent and led to the now common practice of toasting to anyone or anything. When its recipients became a common subject of such acclamations, they became “the toast of the town”. Allow me then to offer a heartfelt toast to the ICC’s lifeblood – its members and volunteers. May they continue to participate, help and support our common goals and aspirations! Ah, Salute! Now pour me some wine. Oh, yeah, hold those burnt offerings!
Welcome new Italian Community Center members!
The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between April 10 and May 9, 2017. Benvenuto (Welcome!) Greg Bieniewski of Cudahy, WI Frank V. Crivello of Beloit, WI
Barbara Ann & William Ollenburg of Milwaukee, WI Anthony Jazinski of Milwaukee, WI
Scott Piepenburg & Rosalie Giano of Cedarburg, WI
James, Salvatore, Nichael and Ava Tarantino of Waukesha, WI Carl & Rose Fendrick of Milwaukee, WI
Chairperson Ann Romano reports on Taste of Italy’s bottom line
The 2017 “A Taste of Italy” held at the Italian Community Center on Sunday, Apr. 2 was a success. We had a big crowd, but not as huge as former years. You could walk in and find a table to sit down. The change in the attendance
led to a drop in revenue in food and beverage ticket sales. The kitchen staff, which is run by Bartolotta Catering, does not buy from the same vendor, U.S. Foods, as when it was run by the ICC, so the free perks weren’t
there. When you run a fundraiser, big or small, and make profit, it is a success. We made a profit of $12,000. – Ann Romano Chairperson
ICC Membership Dues – 2017 Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
Four (4) Festa Italiana Tickets – Maximum of Eight (8) Per Family Voting Privelegs (21 & Older) Postal Service Delivery of The Italian Times Member Discounts on Social Events, Classes & Bocce Leagues Members Rooms Cultural, Educational & Social Activities Forever Friendships Stronger Bonds Between Your Family & Your Culture
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Pacific- Tending to diminish or put an end to conflict. It comes from the Italian “pace” or peace and calm and “fare” or to do. The Pacific Ocean was so named when the explorer Magellan sailed into it and found it calmer than the stormy Atlantic.
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “CULTURA” (culture)? Answers on page 13
Make sure your business stands out with an ad in next issue, our Festa Italiana preview issue. Get the details on costs and sizes by calling 414-223-2189 or send an email to themman @iccmilwaukee.com.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Age 20 and under Individual
Annual Dues
Individual
Couple/Family
Annual Dues
Gratis – $0.00
Individual
Couple/Family
$100 per year
Annual Dues
Ages 85 & Older
Annual Dues
Members, age 20 and under, receive two (2) free Festa Italiana tickets. No voting rights. At age 18, a member may vote, but must purchase a membership to do so.
Ages 66 – 84
Ages 21 – 65
$50 per year $75 per year
Individual
Couple/Family
$50 per year
$30 per year
$50 per year
Effective: January 1, 2017. All Memberships Valid Through December 31, 2017. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM Names & Birthdates of Each Adult: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address, City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ No. of Members under 21: _____ No. of Members 21-65: ______ No. of Members 66-84: ______ No. of Members 85 & Older: _____ Payment Amount: _______________ Method: Cash Check Credit Card – Card Type MC Visa Discover Other
Card No. :______________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
___________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
____________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
Mail this form to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The ICC respects your privacy and does not sell or distribute personal information such as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. This membership registration form can also be emailed to cpalmer@italianconference.com. For further information, call (414) 223-2180.
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 9
Italian Society and Club News
Pompeii Women appoint Suzanne Wypijewski as new Club President
The members of the Pompeii Women’s club will welcome Suzanne Wypijewski as their new president on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 pm at Alioto’s Restaurant, 3041 N. Mayfair Rd. in Wauwatosa. Wypijewski will succeed Pat Consolazione who has held the presidency since 2013. Wypijewski has been employed at US Bank for 35 years and has been a member of the Pompeii’s Women Club since 2007. Throughout that time Wypijewski has held the position of Historian from 2007 to 2009 and was appointed as Sergeant at Arms from 2009 to present. Wypijewski has also volunteered her time helping at the Pompeii’s Men’s Club Good Friday fish fry for several years and has been an ac-
tive volunteer for the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana in numerous capacities. In 2011, Wypijewski received the Pompeii Women’s Clubs’ prestigious award and title of “Angel of the Year.” “I look forward to the future and am honored to serve as the new president of The Pompeii Women’s Club. My main objective is to recruit new members and to get our younger generation involved in the organization,” Wypijewski said. The clubs’ new officers are Vice President Karen Dickinson, Treasurer Patti Bennetts, Recording Secretary Janet Corona and Corresponding Secretary Rosalie Giano. The new members of the Board of Directors will be Jeannie Doern, AnnaRose SanFelippo, Mary Winard, Carla SanFelippo,
Agatha Collura and Agnes BovaUlezelski. The Pompeii Women’s Club was established in November of 1978, when a group of women assembled in a meeting room at Glorioso’s market on Brady Street. They formed a club which was represented by women who would work together to make active contributions to the community by providing funds and services to worthy charitable organizations. “I would like to see our charity work increase in the coming years,” says Wypijewski. “We are a small group of ladies who enjoy serving our community in any way we can with gracious donations offered to several charities in the Greater Milwaukee Area.” Wypijewski added that she has
OSIA Filippo Mazzei Lodge installs new officers
Photo on the left: Nick DeQuardo was sworn in as the new president of the Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge #2763, on Apr. 19 at a ceremony at the Italian Community Center. DeQuardo was administered the oath of office by his predecessor, Joe Emanuele, who held the presidency for four years (two two-year terms). Photo below: The newly-elected officers of OSIA/Filippo Mazzei Lodge were sworn in by Joe Emanuele in one of his last duties as the outgoing president. Standing alongside the podium are the new officers (from the left): Vince Vitale (Master of Ceremonies), Vincenza Vitale (Mistress of Ceremonies), Ralph Busalacchi (Trustee), Cassie Busalacchi (Orator), Sebastian Busalacchi (Vice President), Rick Bonanno (Herald), and Joe Santoro (Treasurer). (Photos provided by Townsend, OSIA member)
Tim
Suzanne Wypijewski
always felt that the words of Mother Teresa have been an inspiration to her in being an integral part of the community. “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”.
Wypijewski and the Pompeii Women want to thank the past president Pat Consolazione and past Vice President Lucy Sorce for their many years of dedicated service to the club. The Pompeii Women’s Club meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6 pm at the Italian Community Center. Family, friends and guests are always welcome.
Play golf with OSIA
Join the members of the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge #2763 of the Order Sons of Italy in America for the “Screamin’ Sicilian Golf Classic” on Sunday, June 11 at The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva. The golf package includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner for $120. There are also opportunities for non-golfers and children to come and enjoy the day. The non-golfer package is $35 and the package for children, 12 and younger, is $20. Pre-paid registrations are accepted for the outing through Saturday, June 3. Contact Nick DeQuardo at 262-599-3908 or Joseph Emanuele at 414-7504295. The schedule of activities for the outing is as follows: • 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Registration at Pro Shop and lunch. • Noon-12:30 p.m. – Shotgun start – scramble format. • 5 p.m. – Dinner and awarding of raffle prizes.
And now, a word from Italy
PAGE 10 – JUNE 2017
by Blaise Di Pronio Furious- Marked by extreme anger and violent energy. It comes from the Italian “furia” or rage, wrath or anger. It is also the root for fury and ferocious.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Pompeii Women’s Club report
Nominations of the new officers for the next term was the top item on the agenda for the Pompeii Women’s Club’s general meeting on Apr. 26 at the Italian Community Center. As there were no nominations from the floor, President Pat Consolazione announced that the
slate that was nominated stands as accepted. It includes: Suzanne Wypijewski as President, Karen Dickinson as Vice President, Patti Bennetts as Treasurer, Janet Corona as Recording Secretary and Rosalie Giano Corresponding Secretary. The new
Italy’s top 10 exports
The following export product groups represent the highest dollar value in Italian global shipments during 2016. Also shown is the percentage share each export category represents in terms of overall exports from Italy. 1. Machinery including computers: US$92.4 billion (20% of total exports) 2. Vehicles: $39.4 billion (8.5%) 3. Electrical machinery, equipment: $27.7 billion (6%) 4. Pharmaceuticals: $21.2 billion (4.6%) 5. Plastics, plastic articles: $19 billion (4.1%)
6. Articles of iron or steel: $16.2 billion (3.5%) 7. Furniture, bedding, lighting, signs, prefab buildings: $13 billion (2.8%) 8. Mineral fuels including oil: $12.6 billion (2.7%) 9. Clothing, accessories (not knit or crochet): $12.1 billion (2.6%) 10. Optical, technical, medical apparatus: $11.8 billion (2.6%) Pharmaceuticals were the fastestgrowing among the top 10 export categories, up 42.7% in value for the seven-year period starting in 2009. Source: worldstopexports.com
Best wishes to June weddings
from page 8 of her martyred daughters named Holy Vera in Eastern Europe beFaith, Hope and Charity. As the came diffused in Western Europe concept and tenet of Holy Faith and, of course, Italy. Thus, “fede” grew in Europe, its counterpart of and “vera’ became interchangeable.
members of the Board of Directors will be Jeannie Doern, AnnaRose SanFelippo, Mary Winard, Carla SanFelippo, Agatha Collura and Agnes Bova-Ulezelski. The installation dinner has been scheduled for June 28 at Alioto’s on Mayfair Road. Administering the oath of office will be Judge Jean DiMotto, an honorary club member.
May Crowning Consolazione also announced that the club’s “Angel of the Year” Award will be presented to longtime member Patti Bennetts at the club’s May Crowning dinner at the Italian Community Center on Wednesday, May 31. This award is presented to a member who has shown exemplary service to the club and as such will have the honor of placing the crown on the Blessed Virgin statue at the May Crowning dinner. Fathers Tim Kitzke and Mike Hammer will be on-hand for the May Crowning ceremony and dinner.
This event is open to non-members. If interested in attending, send a check for $25 per person to Pat Consolazione, 18501 Follett Dr., Brookfield, WI 53045. Checks are payable to the Pompeii Women’s Club. Anyone with questions can call Consolazione at 262786-3984.
Sr. Ann Catherine recognized Our Pompeii Women’s Club is very proud to announce that member Sister Ann Catherine Vierstahler, SCSJA, has been recognized as one of the recipients of the prestigious “Only Jesus” Award. The award was presented on May 21 at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish. This is the 32nd year of the presentations of this award. It recognizes the clergy and most worthy lay minister of the year. Congratulations to Sr. Ann Catherine. – Respectfully submitted Mary Winard Public Relations Chair
Word Search – A visit to Sicily
Elise Ceraso Fritchie displays her works during April Gallery Night & Day
As a longtime participant in the Historic Third Ward’s Gallery Night & Day program, the Italian Community Center has taken pride in showcasing the works of its artistic members. The April Gallery Night & Day was no exception. Elise Ceraso Fritchie displayed her paintings over the weekend of Apr. 21-22. Elise is a lifelong member of the ICC. Gallery Night and Day is a quarterly program in its 29th year. Elise, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, has a variety of influences from Bernini to pop culture and tattoos. Many of her works have personal meaning to her, sometimes relating to her past. Some of her new lighter subjects were displayed over the weekend. In the photo below, Greg Bennett of Mequon is seen looking over Elise’s works. (Times photos by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Word Search solved, please turn to page 13
Italy’s ‘Festa della Repubblica’ is June 2
The Festa della Repubblica is celebrated in Italy each year on June 2. It commemorates the institutional referendum of 1946 when the Italian population was called upon to decide what form of government – monarchy or republic – to give to the country after World War II and the fall of Fascism. After 85 years of monarchy, with 12,717,923 votes for and 10,719,284 votes against, Italy became a republic, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled. It became illegal for any male member of the family to set
foot on Italian soil. Monarchists argued that the vote was miscounted. These allegations were never proven.
This is one of the most important Italian public holidays which, like July 4 in the United States, celebrates the birth of the modern nation. A grand military parade is held in central Rome. Many cities mark the holiday with parades and fireworks. Many businesses and venues, even major attractions, are closed in observance of this day.
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 11
Italian film sponsored by ICC draws record crowd at UWM Festival
The Italian Film Festival, sponsored by the Italian Community Center, attracted a record crowd at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Union Cinema April 2830. La Pazza Gioia (Like Crazy) was shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, and the audience filled virtually every seat in the 325-seat theater. “In the 11 years that we’ve been running the festival, I’ve never seen the theater so packed,” said Paul Salsini, chair of the committee that screens the films and runs the festival. “And the audience really seemed to appreciate the film.” The film tells the touching story of two women who escape from a mental institution and take off on a eventful road trip in search of a little happiness in the world of the sane. It has been compared to the popular American film Thelma and Louise. Right after the Italian Community Center decided to sponsor the film, it was the big winner in Italy’s David di Donatello Awards, the equivalent of the Hollywood Oscars.
It won prizes for best film, best director (Paolo Virzi), best actress (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi), best production design (Tonino Zera) and hair (Daniela Tartari). “We are very grateful to the ICC for its continued support of the film festival and are especially pleased that the film it sponsored this year
was not only recognized with awards, but also was so well received by our audience,” Salsini said. Eight films, ranging from comedies to dramas to a documentary, were shown this year. All were well attended. The Milwaukee event is one of
12 Italian Film Festivals in the country, bringing new and acclaimed movies to American audiences. The films are in Italian with English subtitles. All are free but depend on sponsorships. Plans are already being made for the 2018 film festival.
by Dino Black The film “La Pazza Gioia”(“Like Crazy”) was truly a film to watch. The plot is strong from start to finish. The film had a lot of excitement, drama, humor, and sadness. The actors and actresses do phenomenal work. The movie has so much irony and nostalgia within. The film does an incredible job keeping the viewers engaged. Scene after scene, something important happens. The film does an incredible job developing the characters. By the end of the film, so many
emotions can be felt and understood. The creativity, energy, and direction are truly visible. My favorite character is Beatrice. She was a true companion, a soul mate and a friend. She gives life to the film. Her character is very brilliant. Without her the film would have been very depressing. The other main character in the film, Donatella, is a very dynamic character whose role is very important. She brings joy and sadness to the film. Together, Beatrice and Donatella show viewers the true
meaning of love, hope, happiness, and joy.
The tragic opera Semiramide, like Tancredi, is another of Rossini’s operas based on plays by French author Voltaire. With libretto by Rossi, it was composed in true classical style with two acts and an overture. The overture, written in true symphonic style, is on a par with the overture from Guillaume Tell (William Tell) and is considered his best. It is not really known if Semiramide was a true historical character in Baby-
lonian history or simply legend. Rossini returned to this classical genre in order to create a role for Isabella Colbran, a soprano who was first his mistress, then his wife. The opera was first performed in 1823 and was his final opera, the last in the great Baroque tradition. Colbran sang several leading roles in various operas from 1815 to 1822, but she did not sing this one. As usual, the plot is very involved but StageAgent.com offers this concise synopsis: “With the help of Assur, Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, has killed her husband King Nino. Thus, there is now a power struggle to see who will become the next King of Babylon. To the chagrin of Assur, Arsace is chosen by Semiramide to be her husband. After it is discovered that Arsace is, in fact, King Nino’s son and her son, Assur ends up murdering Semiramide and Arsace officially rises to the
throne.” The opera was rarely performed in the late 1800’s but experienced a revival in the 1900’s. Joan Sutherland sang it at La Scala in 1962. Between 1962 and 1990, 70 opera houses, including The Met, staged the work in one or more seasons. Famous diva Adelina Patti chose this aria for her farewell performance in 1882 in Cincinnati. One of the most famous arias from the opera is “Bel raggio lusinghier”. Semiramide expresses her great joy that her general Arsace has returned to her side. She is in love with him, although she does not realize that he is actually her son. Sutherland, Maria Callas, Anna Moffo and several other bel canto divas have sung this challenging aria. (Incidentally, Arsace is actually a trouser role once sung by Marilyn Horne. ) Bel raggio lusinghier di speme, e di piacer alfin per me brillò! Arsace ritornò,si, a me verrà, quest’alma che finor gemè, tremò, languì
oh! come respirò! ogni mio duol sparì, dal cor, dal mio pensier, si dilegnò il terror!
Review of La Pazza Gioia * * *
Editor’s Note: The film being reviewed was shown Apr. 29 at the Italian Film Festival held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It was sponsored by the Italian Community Center. Dino Black is a student at the university where he is enrolled in their Italian Language Studies program. We thank him for this review. His Italian version of the same can be found in the Italian pages in this issue.
Opera insights by Barbara Collignon
Kids Pizza contest moved to July 22
from page 3 The 2016 winners were Bella Lombardo of Rockford, Mich., in the 5-9 year-old bracket, and Nitse Avila of South Haven, Mich., in the 10-17 year-old bracket.
The Grand Parade of Festa Italiana looking for child participants and donors to help cover costs
by Gina Jorgensen ICC Culture Committee Chair Beginning on the north end of the grounds, Festa Italiana’s enchanting parade will wind its way through the festival grounds on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at 5 p.m. Led by Pinocchio, Geppetto, the Blue Fairy and Topo Gigio, the beloved parade celebrates the music, culture and spirit of Italy. Plus, there will be many surprises along the way.
Calling all children Not only do we invite children to march in the parade wearing either an Italian costume or a clown costume, but we are also offering a fun opportunity for children to participate this year. Parents, you provide the children, we will provide the masks. We are looking for children to walk in the
PAGE 12 – JUNE 2017
parade wearing feathered Carnevale masks, which will be supplied by the Italian Community Center. Contact information appears below.
Donations If you have the ability to donate to the parade to help cover the costs of rental equipment, candy and trinkets for the children, please contact me, Gina Jorgensen – gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com or 414-380-0808 – or see the parade wish list: http://a.co/30jFHuy. Thank you to Laurie Bisesi, Rose Spang, Matthew Kiefer and Arlene and John Jorgensen for your donations. If you are interested in participating in the 2017 Festa parade in any capacity, please contact me at the email address or phone number above.
Dolce pensiero, di quell’istante, a te sorride l’amante cor, si, come più caro, dopo il tormento, è il bel momento di pace, e amor, è il bel momento di gioja, e amor.
A beautiful ray of hope and of delight has finally shone for me. Arsace has returned. Yes, he will come to me. My soul, which moaned, worried, languished, oh! how it now breathes! My suffering has vanished. Fear has disappeared from my heart and my mind. Sweet thought, of that moment, the loving heart smiles on you; yes, more dear, after the torment, is the beautiful moment of peace, and love and the beautiful moment of joy and love.
– Translation by Roberto Ciampi and Barbara Collignon
Children’s Stage lineup set for Festa
A variety of acts will be performing on the Children’s Stage, presented by Catholic Financial Life, at Festa Italiana. The acts include I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, Anita’s Dance Group, illusionists Rick and Bruce present “Magic Marvels”, Doug the Jug and master ventriloquist Dale Brown and friends. I Bei Bambini, Anita’s Dance Group and illusionists Rick and
Bruce will be in the lineup each of the three days of Festa (Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23).
Doug the Jug is scheduled for two Saturday-only shows and master ventriloquist Dale Brown and Friends will have two shows on Sunday. Look for more information on the Children’s Stage entertainment in the July/August issue of The Italian Times.
Get the word out about your business with an ad in our most popular issue of the year – the July/August Festa Italiana issue. To obtain information on ad sizes and costs, please contact Tom Hemman at 414-223-2189 or send him an email at themman@iccmilwaukee.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Milwaukee Italian Immersion School report from the Victory K8 staff
Victory K8, the Milwaukee Italian Immersion School, is hosting a one-week Italian Immersion Summer Camp. This camp will immerse students in the Italian language while engaging in activities like cooking and singing. Any student in grades K5 through 5th grade is welcome to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to expose a child to an immersion learning experience; no previous language experience is necessary. Camp will be held the week of June 26-30 from 8 a.m.noon. For more information about enrolling, please call Elizabeth Zizzo at 414-304-6700. K4 students have been focused on learning Italian letter sounds. Many of them have mastered this already. Students have also been preparing for the school’s spring concert. They will perform a song and dance routine for families at the end of May. Students in Ms. Sabrina Lupoli’s class have been reading books to learn more about the changes that occur during spring. They have
Words in an Italian word
from page 9 How many words can you make with the letters in “CULTURA” (culture)? 45 words in ‘CULTURA’ 1. curtal 2. clart 3. curat 4. ultra 5. claut 6. talc 7. clat 8. carl 9. cart 10. cult 11. latu 12. curl 13. ratu 14. caul 15. curt 16. luau 17. ruc 18. rat 19. uta 20. arc 21. cru 22. alt 23. act 24. lar 25. alu 26. car 27. lat 28. cat 29. rut 30. tar 31. utu 32. tau 33. art 34. lur 35. cur 36. ulu 37. cut 38. lac 39. ur 40. ut 41. ta 42. al 43. la 44. ar 45. at.
been learning new vocabulary and comparing spring to other seasons. In math, students have been learning to subtract. The whole class has been working diligently to create their own book, “At School with the Penguins.” Students wrote and illustrated the entire book. When the published book arrived, they were overjoyed! The first graders have been busy working on their STEM projects. Students in Ms. Angela Bozano’s class studied the beaks of birds and built models of their habitats. Ms.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Fracchia’s students designed chairs that were able to support themselves. In reading students are analyzing fables and poetry. During math they are learning to tell time in Italian. Our students, Macy and Jumana, shared their parachute project at the district STEM fair.
Great job! Both classes are wrapping up activities for the end of the year, and the teachers are proud of their progress. Maestra Annette Robertson’s students are studying recycling, energy conservation and going green and learning Italian vocabulary words and discourse around these subjects. During the remainder of May students are studying careers that they would like to learn about and possibly achieve such as: il veterinario, il dottore, l’infermiara, la dentista, la polizia, la cuoca, la scientista, il postino e la maestra. Students are going to see the play “Junie B. Jones” at First Stage, Todd Wehr Theater at the end of May. They are also studying numbers in Italian, counting from one to 1,000! Ms. Cathy Laurenzi’s class had the pleasure of working with the GE coaches this month. The coaches worked on a close read (thoughtful, critical analysis) of a book about astronaut Sally Ride. The students were impressed with her accomplishments and wrote about what they had learned. Maestra Rita Szopinski’s 4th and 5th grade students built and launched rockets for their STEM fair projects this month. They did research on NASA, space exploration, and what forces can affect how successful a rocket is. They designed both their launching mechanism and rocket, and were able to test their rockets. The longest flight time recorded was 3.67 seconds and was built by the following team members: Kaylie Deluna, Markireya Mcdade, and David (Alex) Ayala. The students had fun while learning about space travel, design, and the engineering process.
Word Search – A visit to Sicily – solved from page 11
JUNE 2017 – PAGE 13
La Pagina Italiana
I tratturi, ovvero, le antenate delle autostrade
di Donato Di Pronio TRATTURO: “Larga pista con fondo naturale segnata dalle greggi nel loro periodico spostarsi: il termine è particolarmente usato per le piste che univano l’Appennino abruzzese alle pianure della Puglia e della Calabria. […] In Sicilia i tratturi vengono detti trazzere, le antiche strade usate, come i tratturi pugliesi, per la transumanza dei greggi”. (Vocabolario Treccani). Nell’antichità, anteriormente all’apertura di strade, i tratturi accolsero anche traffici commerciali.
I Tratturi (dal latino tractus, participio passato di tràhere, ‘tirare, trascinare’), cioè i percorsi battuti dalle greggi e dagli armenti che, con il passare dei secoli diventeranno un fenomeno controllato dall’uomo e dallo Stato, sono nati con la pastorizia: pastori e animali istintivamente andavano alla ricerca di pascoli verdi, abbondanti, durante l’estate, nelle alture e durante l’inverno nelle pianure, seguendo percorsi erbosi e agevoli, non importa se più lunghi. Da alcuni anni, la transumanza, questo complesso delle migrazioni stagionali con cui gli animali vengono spostati dalla pianura alla
montagna e viceversa, viene effettuato su strade ordinarie con appositi autocarri. Con il passare dei secoli e con l’incremento della pastorizia, lungo i tratturi sorsero ricoveri e spedali (non erano, certo, cliniche con tanto di medici e di infermieri e medicine ed igiene non vi erano di casa!), centri per rifornimenti commerciali alimentari, luoghi di avvicendamento di pastori e di incontro con loro familiari, chiese, paesi e città.
Un giorno mi trovavo nel pianoro alle falde della Maielletta (Abruzzo) detto Tettone, quando arrivarono sei camion carichi di mandrie di pecore, le quali, fatte scendere, dopo attimi di sbandamento, tutte di corsa si diressero verso un vicino abbeveratoio, alimentato da una grande fontana piantata in mezzo al predetto verdissimo pianoro.
Un canuto pastore, sceso dal primo di detti automezzi, corse anche lui verso la fonte: si dissetò, poi, allargando le braccia e respirando a pieni polmoni l’aria fresca e pura della incipiente primavera, toltosi dalla testa un cappellaccio, lucido per il grasso appiccicatovisi per l‘annoso uso, canticchiò: Laudato sì, mi’ Signore,
Critica del film La Pazza Gioia
di Dino Black Il film La Pazza Gioia era veramente un film da guardare. La trama è forte dall’inizio alla fine. Il film aveva un sacco di eccitazione, dramma, umorismo e tristezza. Gli attori e le attrici hanno fatto un lavoro fenomenale. Il film aveva tanta ironia e nostalgia dentro. Il film fa un lavoro incredibile mantenendo gli spettatori impegnati. Scena dopo la scena, succede qualcosa di importante. Sento che il film fa un lavoro incredibile per sviluppare i personaggi. Alla fine del film, tante emozioni possono essere sentite e capite.
La creatività, l’energia e la direzione erano veramente visibili. Il mio personaggio preferito era Beatrice, era una vera compagnia, un anima gemella e un amico. Ha dato vita al film. Il suo personaggio era molto brillante, senza di lei il film sarebbe stato molto deprimente. L’altro personaggio principale del film Donatella era un personaggio molto dinamico. Il suo ruolo è stato molto importante, ha portato gioia e tristezza al film. Insieme Beatrice e Donatella, mostrano agli spettatori il vero significato dell’amore, della speranza, della felicità e della gioia.
1. Chi la vuole cotta e chi la vuole cruda. (Literally) Some want it cooked and some want it raw. (Equivalent) Different strokes for different folks.
4. I frutti proibiti sono i piu dolci. (Literally) Forbidden fruit is the sweetest. (Meaning) Illicit affairs generate the greatest pleasure.
Detti popolari – Popular sayings
2. Quando la pera e matura, casca da se. (Literally) When the pear is matured, it will fall by itself. (Equivalent) All things happen in their own good time.
3. Una cassetta di mele e arance. (Literally) A case of apples and oranges. (Meaning) It doesn’t make sense to compare two situations to make a point, as the two situations are completely different from each other. i.e., Comparing apples and oranges.
PAGE 14 – GIUGNO 2017
5. Amicizie e maccheroni, sono meglio caldi. Friendships and macaroni are best when served warm.
6. Chi dorme non piglia pesci. (Literally) He who sleeps doesn’t catch any fish. (Equivalent) The early bird catches the worm.
7. Non si fanno frittate senza rompere le uova. (Literally) You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. (Meaning) You have to take action, if you want to bring about change.
per sora Acqua, la quale è molto utile et humile et pretiosa et casta, per sora nostra matre Terrra, la quale ne sustenta et governa, et produce diversi fructi con coloriti fiori et herba. (Dal CANTICO DELLE CREATURE di San Francesco d’Assisi). Mi avvicinai e dopo i convenevoli, vista la mia sorpresa, il maturo pastore, mi disse: < Non ti meravigliare. Durante i lunghi anni vissuti alla guida di greggi, ho letto tanti ma tanti libri. Ho riletto quelli che più mi appassionavano ed imparato a memoria poesie e brani di prosa. Se vuoi ti recito quei versi del Vate pescarese sulla transumanza. Veramente il nostro grandissimo Gabriele in questa poesia parla soltanto della discesa delle greggi dalle alture in pianura>. Questo incontro è uno dei ricordi più belli della mia gioventù! I PASTORI Settembre, andiamo. È tempo di migrare. / Ora in terra d’Abruzzi i miei pastori Lascian gli stazzi e vanno verso il mare: / scendono all’Adriatico selvaggio che verde è come i pascoli dei monti. / Han bevuto profondamente ai fonti alpestri, che
sapor d’acqua natia / rimanga ne’ cuori esuli a conforto, che lungo illuda la lor sete in via. / Rinnovato hanno verga d’avellano. E vanno pel tratturo antico al piano, / quasi per un erbal fiume silente, su le vestigia degli antichi padri. / O voce di colui che primamente conosce il tremolar della marina! / Ora lungh’esso il litoral cammina la greggia. Senza mutamento è l’aria. / Il sole imbionda sì la viva lana che quasi dalla sabbia non divaria. / Isciacquio , calpestio, dolci rumori. Ah perché non son io co’ miei pastori? (Gabriele D’Annunzio, 18631938. Poeta, scrittore, combattente, politico – Soprannominato il Vate) Gli stazzi (iacci, giazzi) citati nell’ode si riferiscono a spazi all’aperto dove durante la notte viene riunito e custodito il bestiame; possono essere provvisori (delimitati da reti di corde movibili), o permanenti (recintati da muriccioli di pietra a secco). Spesso a fianco del recinto venivano innalzate pajare: rudimentali ripari a pietra a secco, a pianta circolare, tronco-conica, vagamente somiglianti ai tholos; serviva da ricovero per i pastori e da ripostiglio per la custodia di oggetti.
Pagella da Victory
Victory K8 & Milwaukee Italian Immersion School organizza una settimana di Summer Camp in italiano. Durante questa settimana gli studenti saranno impegnati in diverse attivita’in cucina e canzoni e tutto in lingua italiana. Potra’ partecipare qualsiasi studente Dal K5 al 5 grado. Essere esposti ad una differente esperienza linguistica e’ una splendida opportunita’ per i bambini. Non e’ necessario avere una conoscenza della lingua italiana. Il Camp si terra’ dal 26 al 30 giugno, dalle ore 8:00 alle 12:00, e’ gratuito. Per ulteriori informazioni sull’iscrizione, si prega di contattare Ms. Zizzo al numero 414-304-6700. Gli studenti del K4 stanno continuando ad imparare i suoni e le lettere in italiano, molti di loro sono gia’ molto bravi. Si stanno anche preparando al concerto di primavera che si terra’ alla fine del mese. Canteranno e danzeranno . Gli alunni della maestra Sabrina Lupoli del K5, hanno letto libri e imparato il vocabolario sulla primavera e sui cambiamenti che avvengono con le quattro stagioni. In matematica hanno iniziato lo studio della sottrazione. La classe si è dedicata con molto impegno ed entusiasmo alla realizzazione di un libro “A scuola con i pinguini”. Il libro è stato scritto e illustrato da ogni alunno. I bambini del 1st grade sono stati impegnati nel progetto STEM. Gli studenti della classe della maestra Bozano hanno studiato il becco degli uccelli e hanno costruito i differenti habitat,mentre gli studenti della Maestra Fracchia hanno costruito una sedia che potesse reggerli. In antologia sono impegnati ad
analizzare le fiabe e le poesie e in matematica stanno imparando a leggere e a dire l’ora in italiano. Macy e Jumana hanno partecipato alla fiera STEM del distretto con il progetto del paracadute, brave bambine! Le due classi stanno concludendo le attivita’ di fine anno e le maestre sono orgogliose dei loro progressi! Gli student della maestra Roberson stanno studiando cosa significa riciclare e produrre “energia pulita”. Durante il mese di maggio studieranno le professioni che vorranno fare da grandi come: il veterinario, il dottore, l’infermiera, la dentista, il poliziotto, la cuoca, la scienziata, il postino e la maestra. La classe andra’ a vedere a fine maggio al Todd Wehr Theater lo spettacolo intitolato “Juni B Jones at First Stage”. Gli studenti stanno studiando I numeri in italiano e ora contano da zero a mille! La classe di Ms. Laurenzi questo mese ha avuto il piacere di lavorare con le insegnanti di GE. Hanno approfondito attraverso l’analisi del testo, la vita di Sally Ride. Gli studenti sono rimasti molto impressionati dalla sua storia e da quello che ha fatto. La maestra Szopinski e gli studenti del 4 e 5 grado questo mese hanno costruito un razzo per il progetto STEM. Per capire come costruirlo hanno cercato informazioni sulla storia dello spazio e alla NASA. Hanno costruito il meccanismo e hanno testato il funzionamento.. Il tempo di volo piu’ lungo e’ stato di 3.67 secondi ed e’ stato costruito dal gruppo Kaylie Deluna, Markireya Mcdade, and David (Alex) Ayala. Questo argomento ha interessato molto gli studenti che si ono dedicati al progetto con entusiasmo.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Chi altro soccomberà all’amore?
di Blaise Di Pronio Nel nostro penultimo numero abbiamo parlato di Dante, poeta italiano del tardo Medioevo e della sua Beatrice. Dante non fu l’unico a vivere un’esperienza di amore non corrisposto. Infatti anche un altro
famoso poeta italiano del 1300 subì il vano incantesimo del desiderio irrealizzabile. Lei era Laura de Noves, moglie del Conte Ugo de Sade (antenato del famigerato Marchese de Sade). Lui era Francesco Petrarca, 1304-1374.
1. Chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta. Literally: He who sows wind will harvest a storm. Meaning: As you sow so shall you reap, You reap what you sow. You made your bed now lie in it. What goes around comes around
Empty talk.
Italian idioms and expressions Soffia al vento – Blowin’ in the wind
2. Combattere contro i mulini a vento. Literally: Fighting or tilting against windmills. Meaning: Fight a losing battle. Beat a dead horse.
3. Parole al vento. Literally: Words in the wind. Meaning: Empty words. Hot air.
4. Qual buon vento? Literally: Which good wind? Meaning: To what do I owe the pleasure of? e.g.,Seeing you.
5. Urlare al vento. Shout at the wind, i.e., shout off the rooftops. 6. Vento in poppa! Literally: Wind in the rear. Meaning: May the wind always be at your back. 7. Giro di vento. Literally: Turn of wind. Meaning: The times, they are a changing.
Angolo delle curiosità di Donato Di Pronio
LA PITTIMA
(Persona uggiosa, fastidiosa, che annoia il prossimo con le sue insistenze e con le sue lamentele). Sino a tempi non tanto lontani, in un paesino ai piedi della Maiella (montagna Madre delle Genti d’Abruzzo) esercitò la sua attività un consigliere comunale delegato alla estinzione delle liti sorte per il recupero di piccoli crediti, il Decurione. Quando il “faccia a faccia” tra creditore e debitore “si chiudeva ambiguamente”, il Decurione faceva scendere in piazza i due litiganti e lui si affacciava dalla “sua tribuna”, un balcone, ad altezza d’uomo, e “senza profferir verbo”, porgeva al presunto debitore lu tòmmele (coppa, tomolo, antica misura di capacità per aridi). Costui “acchiappava” l’annosobisunto-infamante “arnese” e poggiatolo per terra, vi poggiava, alla presenza del creditore e di
curiosi sfaccendati, il suo didietro, denudato (!); poi, ricompostosi, lo riconsegnava al porgitore: il che equivaleva ad un secco “NULLA DEBBO”! A questo punto il “signor giudice” pronunciava la formula “Giustizia è fatta!”: pertanto “l’imputato” non doveva essere più “molestato” dal creditore e dalla petulante pìttima che lo stesso creditore gli aveva “appiccicato” alle calcagna con il compito specifico di sollecitare con parole e con suppliche (ed anche, quando non visto, con insolenze e minacce) il pagamento del suo debito. Ma l’imputato “così” assolto, il più delle volte, si “guadagnava” la poco onorifica qualifica di un faccede-bronze-e-de-nega-dèbbete-chedà-di-c…a-lu-tòmmole (individuo che nega i suoi debiti e che infila, senza ritegno e pudore, il suo c… nel tòmmele).
Lui: “Io guardo nei tuoi occhi e leggo che mi ami.” Lei: “Tu sei un’analfabeta”.
200 euro.” E allora il signore gli chiese perché quello della femmina costa così poco E il medico gli rispose: “Perché quello delle femmine è quello più usato!”
E fatt’na risata
Lui: “Barbara, quando la smetterai di essere gelosa?”. Lei: “Quando la smetterai di chiamarmi Valeria.”
Signora agitata telefona ai pompieri: “Venite presto! la mia casa sta bruciando!” E i pompieri: “Va bene, arriviamo, ma ci dica come fare per arrivare a casa sua.” E la signora: “Eh? usate quel camioncino rosso, no?”
Una signora entra in un negozio e chiede alla commessa: “Quanto costa quella camicia rossa?” E la commessa: “1000 euro!” E la signora: “E senza maniche?” E la commessa: “Ma signora perchè senza maniche?” E la signora: “Ehh tanto nel sentire il prezzo mi sono cadute le braccia.” Un signore va da un medico e chiede: “Quanto costa un cervello nuovo?” E il medico risponde: “Il cervello di un maschio costa 10.000 euro, invece quello di una femmina costa
C’è un uomo sul tram e davanti a lui c’è una donna, l’uomo sta per svenire dalla puzza di sudore e chiede alla donna che deodorante usasse, lei risponde: “Biancaneve e i sette nani” E l’uomo risponde: “Non è che dentro la boccetta c’è un nano morto?”
Si ritiene che Petrarca sia stato il fondatore dell’Umanesimo, un movimento culturale che promuoveva un’intensa attività filologica su tutte le questioni umane considerate prioritarie rispetto a quelle divine, intendendo con questo che gli uomini avrebbero dovuto occuparsi dei propri simili. Gli è stato anche attribuito il merito di aver dato l’avvio al Rinascimento del 14esimo secolo. La prima vocazione di Petrarca fu il sacerdozio, abbandonato poco dopo. In seguito, il 6 aprile 1327 avvenne il primo incontro con Laura, in chiesa; il resto è storia poetica. Laura era considerata irraggiungibile, ma la passione e il desiderio che la sua immagine evocò nella mente del poeta emersero in centinaia di poesie e canti a tema amoroso, molti dei quali riuniti ne Il Canzoniere. La passione duratura che Laura risvegliò in Petrarca raggiunse un tale livello di intensità da spingere il poeta ad inventare un nuovo genere di poesia chiamato “cathexis”, un processo secondo cui
si concentrava l’energia mentale su una determinata persona, quasi fosse una fissazione del desiderio. In effetti Petrarca sviluppò una relazione su carta (può definirsi storia d’amore?) e tutto il suo affetto, la sua devozione e le sue emozioni furono trascritti solo a parole, ma non divennero mai azioni. Alla fine Laura lasciò la parola al potere dei suoi versi. Qui di seguito alcuni esempi di versi tratti dal sonetto n. 227 che vi risulterà allo stesso tempo straziante e carico di una passione impetuosa: tu stai nelli occhi ond’amorose vespe mi pungon sí, che ’nfin qua il sento et ploro, et vacillando cerco il mio thesoro, come animal che spesso adombre e ’ncespe: ch’or me ’l par ritrovar, et or m’accorgo ch’i’ ne son lunge, or mi sollievo or caggio, ch’or quel ch’i’ bramo, or quel ch’è vero scorgo.
Alfa Romeo tales
by Blaise Di Pronio Our dear readers may have noticed the recent public relations and advertising onslaught by Italy’s Alfa Romeo Autos heralding its hoped-for triumphant return to the United States. And their company’s top of the line badge carrier is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Now that’s an Italian car name mouthful, don’t you think? Well, let’s trace it back a little. We know the company name is Alfa Romeo and we all know about Romeo’s Shakespearean fame. So, who better to mate him with other than Juliet? But wait, Juliet in Italian is Giulietta, so what’s with Giulia? When Alfa first introduced its 1900cc (cubic centimeter displacement-bigger number, more power) engine series, an Italian journalist famously noted that he kept seeing a lot of Romeos but no Giulettas on Italian roads. He was, of course, insinuating that the cars were too masculine or too swarthy maybe? (What would you expect in Italy?) So when Alfa introduced the smaller DOHC (Dual OverHead Camshaft, for speed, naturally), they called it Giulietta, the diminutive of Giulia (e.g., John/Johnny – get it?). But some time later, Alfa enlarged the engine displacement to 1600cc, so they dropped Giulietta for the heftier sounding Giulia. How about Quadrifoglio then? Now that’s another tale, as they
say. The Quadrifoglio logo has long been the symbol of Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage. It consists of a green cloverleaf with four leaves inside a white triangle. The symbol harks back to 1923’s Alfa’s driver, Ugo Sivocci, who was killed that year while testing a new racing car. Sivocci had a history of bad luck and he seemed to always come in second. To try and get rid of his apparent misfortunes, he painted a white square (thus quadri or four for the four corners) with a green four leaf “clover” (or foglio) inside of it right in the center of his car’s grille. It worked! He finished first in the famous Targa Florio and thus, the quadrifoglio was born. Here is one last footnote on the logo. As if to prove its lucky powers, when Sivocci was killed in the accident mentioned above, the car he was driving did not have a quadrifoglio on it. So, the logo became a symbol of Alfa Romeo Racing – except it went from being a square to today’s triangle, with the missing corner in honor of Ugo Sivocci whose number 17 was never again assigned to Italian racing cars. The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio recently outperfomed the powerful MercedesAMG C63S, BMW M3 and Cadillac ATS in face-to-face, so to say, tests leaving the drivers, in their words, “in awe.” Zoom, zoom.
Una signora parla della figlia: “pensa, più cresce più mi assomiglia!” e l’amica perfida: “Davvero?..Poverina.” La moglie: “Caro, mi sono iscritta alla protezione animali!” Il marito: “Come protettrice o protetta?”
Due amiche stanno preparando l’insalata ed una ad un certo punto si taglia le dita che cadono nell’insalata; l’altra amica le dice: “Ti sei tagliata le dita!” E lei le risponde: “Non ti preoccupare è l’insalata con-dita!”
THE ITALIAN TIMES
GIUGNO 2017 – PAGE 15
Where did Michelangelo buy his stone?
by Bill Dickinson Today we have all sorts of tools to get a job done. Electric saws, drills, air compressors, air powered hammers and chisels. But, in Cristoforo Colombo’s day these things didn’t exist. So the question is, how did Michelangelo acquire the huge rocks he needed for his sculptures? At this point it is important to revisit Michelangelo’s well-known, sculptural philosophy. He believed that the figures and themes he wanted to portray were trapped somewhere inside the rock he was considering. With this in mind, it became his job to remove excess material and set the objects of his inspiration free. This is quite the opposite of other sculptures. Typically, a sketch is produced that expresses the theme and figures. Then, a stone is selected that would allow the creation, and removal of unnecessary material is begun. We know that Michelangelo sometimes went to Carrara to personally pick out the proper stone to fulfill his inspiration. By his time, stone cutting had been a perfected skill for about 3,000 years. The Pre-Christian Egyptians were master stone workers, and their work stands yet today as immense blocks fitted together to form the pyramids. By the time of Michelangelo, iron had been developed to the point of being truly useful as tools. The illustration below shows the processes that are believed to have provided stone for
Michelangelo, but it is highly doubtful straight lines were to be found in his harvested stone. It is more likely that Michelangelo worked with “chunks” of stone. And that would certainly support his design philosophy too because the “chunks” would provide for arms, legs and body parts. The sketch attempts to show Roman stone workers as they labor. It is believed that to separate the “chunks” for sculpture they would have hammered iron wedges into natural rock fractures or cracks. In some cases, it is believed, the quarrymen had to chip “U” shaped depressions into the rock to accept the wedges. You see several of these depressions on the right side of the sketch. Once this “prep work” was done, the wedges would be driven into the recesses in earnest. Starting at one end of a crack, each wedge would be struck with a hammer once.
When all the wedges were stricken in succession, the process would begin again until the rock “chunk” broke loose. Having done stone sculpture myself, with a hammer and chisel, I can say that it is not easy, and it is not accomplished quickly. In the 14001500’s with no power tools to chip or grind away excess stone, anything accomplished by the single craftsman exhibited a labor of love and dedication. So, what is marble all about and from where does it come? Marble started its existence during the Carboniferous Period, that would be about 350 million years ago. The process begins in warm, tropical, shallow seas. Marine organisms with high calcium carbonate shells, skeletons and corals die, sinking to the bottom in accumulating layers upon layers of mud. Eventually with time and extensive pressure this sea floor becomes
limestone. Limestone is what we here in Milwaukee call Lannon stone. Through eons, heat and the pressure of moving continents, limestone is transformed into marble through a process called metamorphosis. Curiously the deposits at Carrara are not at sea level. Marble deposits near the city are in the mountains around the 5,000foot elevation. This is reflective of Italy’s tumultuous geological past. Above Carrara, the mountains show evidence of at least 650 quarry sites, about half of them are currently abandoned or worked out. Nonetheless, the Carrara quarries have produced more marble than any other place on earth. Marble is not an exceptionally hard stone, as is granite for instance. The hardness of stone is measured by a standard called the “Mohs Scale“ and, by this standard, marble is only 3 to 5 in hardness while Granite is 7. Fingernails are about 2.5. Michelangelo’s marble was white to grayish blue with a few dark streaks (“foliation” ) characteristic of Carrara’s. But worldwide, it is known to present many colors. Marble color Location Pure white Greece, USA, Russia, India, Germany, Romania Green Ireland, Sweden Blue / Black USA, Spain Pink / Rose USA, Romania White / Blue-Gray Italy Brown England Gray England Red Romania Yellow Italy
There are 19 different types of marble in the world classified by color. The colors vary from white through black and include blue, pink, yellow and green. The finest pure white Carrara marble is referred to as Statuario, but by the end of the 20th century, the known deposits of Statuario near Carrara were played out. According to https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrara_marble, there are additional classifications of Italian marble. “Bianco Carrara classified in C and CD variations as well as Bianco Venatino and Stauarietto are by far the most common types with more expensive exotic variations such as Calacatta Gold, Calacatta Borghini, Arabescato Cervaiole and Arabescato Vagli quarried throughout the Carrara area.”
Members: Please notify ICC of address change; noncompliance is costly
Any member of the Italian Community Center who has a change of address is asked to notify the ICC promptly so that mailings from the Center are sent to the correct address. Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulk rates to mail The Italian Times, the United States Postal Service is entitled to charge a fee for each newspaper that is returned to the ICC and deemed undeliverable due to an incorrect address. Even if you are temporarily away from your permanent residence and are not receiving mail at that address, you need to notify the ICC of your temporary address so that your newspaper can be delivered to that address and so that the ICC is not charged 57¢ for each failed attempt to deliver the publication to your permanent residence. “We’ve had a number of members who have gone to Florida or another warm weather location for the winter and these people did not supply us with their temporary change of address; hence their newspaper was returned to the ICC with the service fee due for each newspaper,” Editor Tom Hemman said. Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not forwarded to a new address, which means those members who neglect to inform the ICC of their change of address will not receive the newspaper. Please send change of address information to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 or send an email to: Constance Palmer at cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com or call her at 414/223-2808.
PAGE 16 – JUNE 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES