ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com MAY 2016 • VOL. 37, NO. 11
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI Permit No. 5716
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Lots of new acts, some Fans of delicious food familiar ones, in Festa’s conjure up big appetites 2016 entertainment lineup for ‘A Taste of Italy’
Last month, Festa Italiana announced that teen singing sensation Jackie Evancho will perform at the BMO Harris Pavilion on the festival’s closing night, Sunday, July 24. In order to see the concert by Evancho, the 2010 runner-up on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” you will have to purchase a special concert ticket. Look for more information in this issue. This month, Festa officials are pleased to announce the star entertainers whom you will be able to enjoy with simply the purchase of an admission ticket. • Bostyx featuring David Victor formerly of Boston, on Saturday, July 23, at 9 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage. What do you get when you combine all the smash hit music of two great American classic rock artists Boston and Styx into one power-packed show? The answer is Bostyx, a completely unique act that performs the feel-good, highly-polished hit music which dominated radio in the 1970s and 1980s. Bostyx features lead vocalist and guitarist David Victor, formerly of the actual multi-platinum band Boston, and a spectacular lineup of LA’s finest professional musicians. Bostyx re-creates the amazing music of two classic rock icons with a full complement of world-class musicians, reproducing Boston’s soaring guitar harmonies and lightning-fast keyboard runs as well as the lush backing vocals and theatrical style of Styx. Bostyx performs all the best-loved hits including “More Than a Feeling”, “Come Sail Away”, “Lady” and “Foreplay / Long Time” and also delves into deeper album cuts like Styx’s “Crystal Ball” and Boston’s “A Man I’ll Never Be”, a fan-favorite song that Boston has not performed live since the 1980s. Visit Bostyx’s official wWebsite: https://www.bostyx.com. Listen to Bostyx: 2016 Promo Video at this website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkf2mKROaEY&feature=youtu.be Listen to Bostyx’s version of Styx’s “Blue Collar Man” – LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzdav9ZTtRo&feature=youtu.be Also go to David Victor Presents: http://davidvictorpresents.com.
A large crowd of fans of Italian food came to the Italian Community Center on Sunday, Apr. 17 for the 21st annual “A Taste of Italy.” The event, a fundraiser for the organization, offered people a chance to enjoy a wide variety of Italian food (desserts and beverages included) for extremely low costs. As many as seven items could be purchased with $10 worth of tickets. Here, longtime ICC members Lou and Dorothy Calicchio were ready to enjoy many of the food items they purchased in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom, where all of the entrees, sandwiches, panini, salads, pizza and appetizers were available. Dessert booths were set up in the Festa Ballroom. Seating was available throughout the building and in the courtyard. With the exceptional weather, many took advantage of the outdoor seating. Look for many more photos on pages 12-15 and page 24. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
ICC offers photo ID parking pass to members during summer festival season
Bostyx, featuring David Victor formerly of Boston
John Michael Coppola’s A Jersey Voice followed by The Four C Notes: Recreating the Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons on Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Showtimes: 5 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage on Friday and Saturday and 6:30 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage on Sunday. John Michael Coppola is best known for his appearance in Chicago’s Broadway smash hit, Jersey Boys. He has since gone on to create an irresistible concert of everyone’s favorite tunes from Sinatra to Springsteen and everyone in between, including artists such as Dion & The Belmonts, Michael Bublè, The Beatles, The Blues Brothers, Stevie Wonder and Queen, to name a few. Immediately following, the Midwest’s only tribute dedicated recreating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Four C Notes – created by Coppola – will take the stage. Audiences at Festa can sing along with The Four C Notes to “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t’ Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and “Let’s Hang On,” to name a few favorites. Visit the Four C Notes official website: http://thefourcnotes.com/ Please turn to page 22
The Italian Community Center is offering its members a chance to substantially save on parking costs during the summer festival season, June through September. A new photo identification parking pass is available to members for a one-time price of $50. This pass, for parking in the ICC’s lot, will be valid for all the lakefront festivals, including Festa Italiana, in 2016. To obtain the pass, all a member needs to do is stop in at the front desk at the ICC office between 2 and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, present your membership card and have your picture taken. The $50 payment is
due at this time. The photo ID parking passes will be issued afterwards. Over the course of the summer, members can save significantly on parking fees by having the pass. Summerfest daily parking is normally $20 per vehicle (sometimes $25) and daily parking for the other festivals is normally $10. The privilege to use the ICC issued photo parking is based on lot availability. If the lot is full or in use for another event, you will not be able to enter. This parking pass offer is available to members of the ICC only. It is not open to the general public.
Festa news
UNICO’s ‘Citizen of the Year” Deacon Don Borkowski page 10
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Bartolotta Restaurants sponosoring Courtyard Music Series President’s message
page 3
page 4
page 5
Joe Vella, Fr. Domenic Roscioli and Vince Carini to be honored by OSIA pages 7 & 8
UNICO scholarship winners announced page 10 UNICO Ladies’ “Star Award” winner Josephine Ninfo page 11
Sezione Italiana
Our Lady of Pompeii
pagine 16-17 page 19
PAGE 2 – MAY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Order your $10 advance Festa tickets now
Can’t wait for Festa Italiana? Then make your advance admission ticket order now. Festa officials have kept the price for an advance admission ticket for the 2016 festival the same as the last four years – just $10. That’s a $3 saving over the gate admission price. The 39th annual Festa is Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). The easiest way to order advance tickets – good for admission any of the three days – is to go to FestaItaliana.com and purchase them with a credit card. Once on the website, go to the “Ticket” link, follow the instructions and print your order. This online ticket-purchasing opportunity will be available through Thursday, July 21. There are two other ways you can your advance tickets. • Call the ICC at 414-223-2180 and have your credit card ready.
Your tickets will be mailed to you. This offer ends Monday, July 11 to allow staff the time that is necessary to process all of the orders. • You can also use the form that accompanies this article to order your advance admission tickets. Persons using the advance ticket order form must have their envelope postmarked by July 11. Advance tickets will soon be available at the Festa Italiana office at the Italian Community Center during regular business hours (7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday). Advance tickets will be sold at the ICC through July 21. To check on the availability of these tickets, please call 414-223-2808. As always, children 12 and younger are admitted to Festa for free when accompanied by an adult. The festival hours are 11:30 a.m. – midnight, Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday.
Festa Italiana is excited to welcome back The Florentine Opera as they perform each day at Festa, July 22-24. The Florentine Opera is the sixth oldest professional opera company in America. It was founded by John David Anello as the Italian Opera Chorus in 1933 in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward. For its Festa performance, the Florentine will return to its roots by performing acts from two of Italian opera’s greatest masterpieces - Act 4 of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto and Act 3 of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. A cast of some of this country’s leading young opera singers will be led by tenor Rodell Rosel, who, in addition to performing regularly with the Florentine, has essayed featured roles at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, and the
Houston Grand Opera. Rosel made quite a splash performing Italian favorites at last year’s Festa. The cast will be directed by the Florentine’s General Director William Florescu with music direction by the Florentine’s Scott Stewart. Complete with costumes, narrative and intermission, Festa audiences can sit back and enjoy the beautiful performance of The Florentine Opera.
The Florentine Opera returning to Festa Italiana
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
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
Name(s) ____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________________________
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I/we want to order _____ advance tickets @ $10.00 each.
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Mail this form with your payment to Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. 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 11, 2016.
Two more chances to get in on Festa’s ‘$7 for 7 Days’ online ticket deal
Festa Italiana organizers have brought back the “$7 for 7 Days Spring Fever ticket deal” for the third consecutive year. The online only ticket deal offers you a chance to buy $7 admission tickets over a seven-day period. Don’t fret if you missed your first chance in April because the next promotion will run May 1622. After that there will be one more opportunity, June 13-19. The $7 for 7 Days ticket promo-
tion is available online at www.festaitalina.com. Click on the “Ticket” tab to make your purchase. Regular advance tickets are $10. Those, too, can be ordered on the Festa website. “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 Joe Vella.
Festa Committee seeks priests, deacons, brothers, eucharistic ministers and choir members to take part in Mass on July 24
By Therese Ciofani The Festa Italiana Mass Committee is well underway with Mass preparations for this year’s Festa Mass on Sunday, July 24 at 11 a.m. We invite all priests, deacons, brothers, eucharistic ministers and choir members to participate in one of Milwaukee’s favorite
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Vella Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Angela Castronovo, Donato Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, Roberto Ciampi, Maria C. Sanfilippo and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman
ORDER YOUR FESTA ITALIANA ADVANCE TICKETS
festival Masses. Fr. Mike Hammer will be the principal celebrant. We invite you to help us in this wonderful tradition. Please contact Therese Ciofani at 414-303-9772 or e-mail her at rezmel@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in helping with the Festa Mass.
Rodell Rosel
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 414483-1562 or email him at abodanza1@sbcglobal.net.
MAY 2016 – PAGE 3
Pick your dates for coming to the free Courtyard Music Series at the ICC Bartolotta Restaurants serving as sponsor
Whether you are a fan of traditional or contemporary jazz, the big band sound, Delta, Memphis or Chicago-style blues, adult contemporary, rhythm and blues, soul or good time rock and roll, the Italian Community Center has something for you this summer in its Courtyard Music Series. Best of all, every show is offered with no cover charge. Parking is also free. The 17th annual Courtyard Music Series is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights with concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending about 9 p.m.
The first show of the season is on Thursday, June 9. The series is consolidated into two nights – Tuesdays and Thursdays – in September. Every night that Mother Nature cooperates, the shows go on in the ICC’s beautiful and spacious courtyard, which is next to Cafe La Scala. The restaurant will have its staff on hand from 5 p.m. each night to take food and beverage orders either in the indoors or in the courtyard. When Mother Nature delivers rain or cold temperatures, the shows are moved indoors to the
Festa Ballroom, which is on the other side of Cafe La Scala. “We are pleased to have Bartolotta Restaurants joining us in presenting the series this year,” said ICC President Giuseppe Vella. “Bartolotta Restaurants has been a longtime supporter of Festa Italiana, and the Bartolotta family has had a proud history in Milwaukee’s Italian community.” ICC member Tom Sorce, a local music producer and expert guitarist, was instrumental in lining up the acts for the 2016 season. Now, get your electronic device or printed calendars ready to select the dates you want to come to the ICC for the free Courtyard Music Series. Here is the schedule of shows and dates. Monday nights • June 13 – Joe Zarcone Band. • June 20 – Vivo. • June 27 – Chris Mariani Band. • July 11 – Vocalist Anita Stemper with the Tom Sorce Band. • July 18 – The Bel Airs. • July 25 – Tom Anthony Group. • Aug. 1 – Suzanne Grzanna Band. • Aug. 8 – Vocalist Pete Sorce with the Jeff Lebarge Band. • Aug. 15 – Generation Gap. • Aug. 22 – Jack Grassel, Jill Jensen and Jeff Santag. • Aug. 29 – Hat Trick. Tuesday nights • June 14 – Altered Five. • June 21 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. • June 28 – Junior Brantley
with Leroy Airmaster. • July 12 – Rockin’ Johnny with Aki Kumar. • July 19 – Bryan Lee Band. • July 26 – Joey Leone. • Aug. 2 – John Sieger with Sub Continentals. • Aug. 9 – Denny Geyer with Leroy Airmaster. • Aug. 16 – Third Coast Blues Collective with Jim Voegli and Perry Weber. • Aug. 23 – Blues Disciples. • Aug. 30 – Alex Wilson Band. • Sept. 6 – The Mosleys. • Sept. 13 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. • Sept. 20 – Paul Spencer Band. • Sept. 27 – Vocalist Pete Sorce with the Jeff Lebarge Big Band.
Thursday nights • June 9 – Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. • June 16 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy • June 23 – Larry Lynne Band. • July 14 – Rick D’Amore Band. • July 21 – Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. • July 28 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy. • Aug. 4 – Doo Wah Wahs. • Aug. 11 – The Ricochettes. • Aug. 18 – Tom Anthony Group. • Aug. 25 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy. • Sept. 1 – Larry Lynne Band. • Sept. 8 – The Ricochettes. • Sept. 15 – Tom Anthony Group. • Sept, 22 – Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz. • Sept. 29 – Classics. The series will be on hiatus during Summerfest (June 29-July 10) at nearby Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Free parking is available in the lot south of the building. The ICC does not allow people to carry in their own food and beverages. Look for more information on the series in upcoming issues of The Italian Times.
Times editor 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 June 2016 issue or the July/August 2016 Festa Italiana edition. Persons with solid writing skills and/or a basic understanding of the newspaper reporting principles should contact Hemman via email at themman@italiancc.org or call 414223-2189. These are voluntary positions which offer individuals opportunities to get the stories they write 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 22-24, on the Summerfest grounds,” Hemman said.
PAGE 4 – MAY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President Everything seems to be falling into place for our 39th annual Festa Italiana, July 22-24. The entertainment lineup is set. As you can read in this issue, we have attempted to book acts that should please every age group. We are looking for support from our members for the Jackie Evancho concert at the BMO Harris Pavilion on Sunday, July 24. We have arrangements for a $10 discount on the middle range $48 tickets for ICC members. When ordering tickets through Ticketmaster.com, all a member needs to do is enter the code FESTA to receive a $10 discount on each ticket purchased. One of the changes we are making this year is moving the Cucina Showcase to our cultural area on the north end of the grounds. Everything Italian will be in one
area. Every town in Italy has its piazza. This area will be our version of an Italian piazza. The former Cucina Showcase stage will be used for entertainment including our opera performances by the Florentine Opera Company. We can always use volunteers to help with the setting up and take down of the festival grounds. If you are able to do some physical labor, I invite you to contact the Festa office at 414-223-2808.
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or make a donation, please call 414-223-2808. The following donations were received between March 16 and April 11, 2016.
Pompeii Men’s Club
A Taste of Italy By the time you read this message, our 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” will be history. I want to thank our general chairperson Ann Romano, her committee and all the volunteers who worked so hard at making this event a success. Ann, as usual, did a magnificent job
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce
In memory of Paul Mandella Sally Rondinelli
In memory of Attorney Robert Sutton Rita and Bill Jennaro In memory of Catherine Warren Rita and Bill Jennaro Tony Machi
In memory of Michael Sheedy Rita and Bill Jennaro memory of Margarita Balistreri Her loving son, Isadore T. Balistreri (posthumously) of San Diego, Calif. Kandis Chappell and Jack Balistreri
planning this event and worked tirelessly to acquire donations to ensure it was a successful fundraiser for our organization. I want to thank all of the societies, organizations and businesses that donated money and products to the Taste of Italy. Your donations are essential to its success. Mother’s Day brunch A great way to show your mamma or nonna how much you love her, bring is to her to the Italian Community Center’s Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 8. Details on costs and reservations are in this issue.
UNICO scholarship banquet Two of the organizations that have supported the ICC since the beginning are the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO. These organizations are holding their annual scholarship and awards banquet at the ICC on Tuesday, May 17. I want to encourage our members to support these
organizations and attend the banquet. Details are in this issue.
Courtyard Music Series It won’t be long before our Courtyard Music Series will be underway. Once again, we are offering free admission all season long. The series starts Thursday, June 9. I’m pleased to report that Bartolotta Restaurants will be joining the ICC in presenting this year’s series. We are looking forward to a long relationship. – Giuseppe Vella ICC President
Italian Times seeks volunteers to help with delivery of Festa issue
The Italian Times has put out a call for volunteers to assist in the delivery of the July/August Festa Italiana issue to 25 restaurants, bakeries and businesses in the Greater Milwaukee area. “Last year, we had several Italian Community Center members step forward to help with the delivery, and it went very smoothly.” said Editor Tom Hemman. “We’re hoping for the same kind of response this year.”
Volunteers are needed during the last week in June. Working with Hemman, they can choose the locations where they wish to
make the deliveries. “It’s important that The Italian Times gets the word out to the community, especially those who don’t have a computer and internet access, about the upcoming Festa Italiana, July 22-24,” said Blaise DiPronio, Newspaper Committee Chair. “With several volunteers coming forth to help with the delivery of this issue to key locations around the Milwaukee area, we can accomplish that task.” Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Hemman at 414-223-2189 or send him an email at themman@italiancc.org.
Calendar of Events
In memory of Ugo Cataldo Rita and Bill Jennaro
In memory of Donald Brier Rita and Bill Jennaro
April 26 – May 31, 2016
Tuesday, Apr. 26 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 27 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 8 • Italian Community Center’s Mother’s Day Brunch, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reserve seatings taken for each half-hour. Details in this issue. Monday, May 9 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10 • Abruzzese Society meeting and spuntino, 7 p.m. • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 12 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 13 • Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17 • UNICO Scholarship & Awards Dinner, 6 p.m. Details in this issue.
Wednesday, May 18 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 19 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
• Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25 • Pompeii Women’s Club May Crowning, 6 p.m. Details in this issue. Tuesday, May 31 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The spring season goes on through the week of May 9. Multi-league championship playoffs tournament on Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. Spring semester continues on consecutive Saturdays through May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children, 6 – 12 years old, can be enrolled before any class.
• ICC Italian classes for teens and adults. Spring semester continues on Tuesdays through May 17. Italian I at 5:30 p.m. and Italian II at 7:30 p.m. No new registrations accepted.
• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers welcome. For details, visit www.tradizionevivente.com.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
MAY 2016 – PAGE 5
ICC member Gerry Geischer displays her photographic work during Gallery Night & Day program
Photographer Gerry Geischer (seen here) was the artist who was featured at the Italian Community Center, Apr. 15 and 16, when the organization participated in the Gallery Night and Day program, an event organized by the Historical Third Ward and East Towne Association. Geischer, an ICC member, displayed images taken during biking trips in the Swiss Alps. Among her works were images depicting farming life on lofty mountain slopes, age-old cheese processing and fishermen in Burano, Italy. All of her images were taken in natural light and unaltered. The members of the ICC Avanti Committee served as hosts for the weekend. (Times photo by Liz Ceraso)
Adorable Italian Holy Bear is back
The Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana have brought back for only a limited time a favorite stuffed animal for everyone to enjoy, the Italian Holy Bear. The bear, in the Italian flag colors – green, white and red – is adorned with a golden halo and a sewn-in color map design of Italy on the left chest side. A new order will arrive soon.
The bears will be available at the ICC office during regular hours. The cost is $10. If you are out of town, shipping will be calculated based on your location. The ICC office number is 414-223-2180 to check on availability. The bears will also be available at Festa. They make great gifts for all the “Italophiles” in your life.
Make your Mother’s Day dining plans at the ICC
Treat your “mamma” to a special Mother’s Day treat by taking her and the rest of your “famiglia” to the Italian Community Center for an all-you-can-eat brunch. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Brunch prices are $24.95 for adults. For children, under the age of 12, the charge is $14.95 for each child. Pre-paid reservations are required. The ICC is taking reservations on the half-hour starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last reservations taken for the seating at 2 p.m. Please call 414-223-2180 with your credit card handy to reserve your time and table. You can also sign up for the brunch by stopping in at the ICC reception desk on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Business Manager Laurie Bisesi said earliest time slots (between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) generally fill the quickest, “so if you are interested in one of those slots, I suggest that you get your reserva-
Chairperson Mary Winard acknowledges many for a successful St. Joseph’s Day luncheon
Thank you to everyone who attended the Italian Community Center’s St. Joseph’s Day luncheon this past March 18th. Thanks to ICC President Giuseppe “Joe” Vella, Vice President Dean Cannestra and Sergeant-At-Arms Joanne Czubek for attending. I want to thank Joe for welcoming our guests. Joanne deserves a special acknowledgement for the beautiful St. Joseph’s altar she decorated for the event. Others who deserve to be recognized include: Business Manager Laurie Bisesi and her staff, ICC Chaplain Fr. Tim Kitzke for his presence and reminding us of the importance of the day, pianist John Puchner, who volunteered to
play appreciate dinner music during the event, Catering Director David Stachowiak, Receptionist Shamyra Hampton, Italian Times Editor Tom Hemman, my committee of Ann D’Amico Skoczynski and Rosemary Joeck, who bagged the blessed bread and fruit that everyone took home, and, last but not least, La Società di San Giuseppe and its members for their continued support. It is because of all of you who attend every year and the above mentioned persons that this beautiful tribute to St. Joseph has continued through the years. – Mary G. (Mineo) Winard Chairperson St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon
ICC’s Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 8
Due to errant information supplied to The Italian Times, a donation made in memory of Paul Mandella by Sally Rondinelli was listed inaccurately in the April 2016 issue. The information was, in fact reversed as if the donation was being made by Paul Mandella in memory of Sally Rondinelli. We have correctly listed the memorial in this issue. Our apologies to Sally Rondinelli and the family of Paul Mandella.
Upcoming events
UNICO Scholarship & Awards Banquet Tuesday, May 17
ICC hosts 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24 (Summerfest Grounds) ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9 ICC’s Columbus Day Celebration Sunday, Oct. 9 (Tentative)
ICC’s 3rd annual Festival di Danza e Cultura Friday, Oct. 21 ICC’s 2nd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 26
ICC’s Membership Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 15
PAGE 6 – MAY 2016
tions in early.” The menu for this year’s brunch is extensive. It includes black pepper and garlic crusted prime rib; southern fried chicken; chicken cordon bleu; baked cod with lemon beurre blanc; roasted vegetable lasagna; cheese tortellini; penne pasta; marinara sauce; Alfredo sauce; rice pilaf; green beans almondine; garden fresh greens; creamy Caesar dressing; farfalle pasta salad; seasonal fruit with mint; Greek olive salad; antipasto; cottage cheese; baby red potato salad; omelettes made-to-order (including egg whites and Egg Beaters); applewood smoked bacon; sausage; pancakes; lyonnaise potatoes; artisanal breads (assorted dinner rolls, butter croissants, fresh bread, bagels, danish and muffins); homemade fruit pies; tortes; cannoli; tiramisu; Italian cookies; fruit juice, coffee, tea and milk. Free parking is available in the lot south of the building.
Memorial listed incorrectly in our last issue
June issue deadline
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the June 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Monday, May 9. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-223-2189.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
OSIA Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin to honor four Milwaukee area men at May 1 ceremony in Niles
The Italian Times has learned that Tony Machi, the first president of the Italian Community Center, won’t be the only Milwaukee area man to be honored on Sunday, May 1 by the Order Sons of Italy in America Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin. Joining Machi in receiving the lodge’s Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence will be the current president of the ICC, Giuseppe Vella, Father Domenic Roscioli and businessman Vince Carini. A profile on Machi was published in the April issue of The Italian Times. This month, profiles on the three other award winners appear. The Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence has been instituted to recognize Italian Americans in a variety of fields, who have become a source of pride and inspiration to the Italian community. The presentation ceremony will be held at White Eagle Banquets, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL, at noon on May 1. Tickets for the event are $65 per person. Reservations can be made by contacting Marie Marsalli at Mmarsalli@aol.com or calling 708403-7822.
Giuseppe Vella Giuseppe Vella has emerged as one of the young leaders of Milwaukee’s Italian community. He was first elected to the office of President of the Italian Community Center in the fall of 2014. At the time, he was 38 years old, making him the youngest individual to ever win the presidency in the nearly four-decade history of the organization. This past fall, he was re-elected to a second term without opposition. In his first term as president, Giuseppe led the charge to refigure the financial dynamics and logistics of the organization, allowing it to grow and prosper. He also oversaw the success of Festa Italiana 2015 as its general chairman. Festa Italiana is the annual summer festival hosted by the ICC. In the same capacity, Giuseppe will lead the planning and presentation of Festa 2016, which will be held Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24 on Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds. Prior to winning his first term as president of the ICC, he served one year as vice president and a two-year term as a director-atlarge. Giuseppe was born in Milwaukee to Sicilian immigrants, Salvatore and Maria Vella. He graduated from Brookfield East High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. At the age of 11, Giuseppe began working at the family business, Peter Sciortino Bakery on Brady Street on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side. Eight years later, Giuseppe and his siblings, Maria and Luigi, took over the operations of the bakery. The bakery has a well-established reputation for fine quality and service both locally and nationally. The bakery has long been a food vendor at Festa Italiana and other local festivals and events. Through the bakery, Giuseppe and his family have contributed to or assisted many charitable and
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ICC President Giuseppe Vella
nonprofit organizations and events. Giuseppe has long believed in the keeping of Italian traditions, which require younger generations to step forward and contribute their ideas, time and talent. He is a longtime member of La Società Maschile Maria S.S. Del Lume, a religious society which traces its roots to Porticello, Sicily, the hometown of his parents. Giuseppe served three terms as president of the society. In 2010, he initiated a group to help plan and organize the Three Holy Women Parish Festival on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side. The Parish includes St. Rita Catholic Church, where many local Italians attend. Giuseppe and his wife, Rhiana, have been married 14 years. They have three children, Salvatore, Maria and Isabella. The ICC recognized Giuseppe and Rhiana for their involvement in the organization and the Italian community in 2010 when they were chosen Il Re and La Regina (King and Queen) of Il Grande Carnevale, the ICC’s preLenten costume and mask ball. Their children have been honored as members of the Carnevale Royalty: Salvatore as Il Piccolo Principe (Junior Prince) in 2012, Maria as La Piccola Principessa (Junior Princess) in 2014 and Isabella as La Piccola Principessa in 2016. All three of the children work at the family bakery.
Fr. Domenic J. Roscioli Domenic Jose Roscioli was the third of four children born to Angeline and Lawrence Roscioli on Apr. 2, 1948. He attended local parochial schools until entering St. Francis DeSales Seminary in Milwaukee where he received a Masters in Divinity and was ordained in 1974. He served in several parishes in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. In 1982, “Father Dom,” as he is known to many, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a disease of the lungs, and a year later with Stage 3 NonHodgkins lymphone. Returning home, unable to have his own parish due to his health, feeling the need to do more with his time and after his cancer went into remission, Father Dom became an activist for social justice in his inner city neighborhood of Kenosha, Wis. He worked for 17 years to create a safe and stable neighborhood, fighting off gangs, slum landlords and drug dealers. Ultimately, he beat the lifethreatening cancer and continues his priestly duties to the current
Father Domenic Roscioli
day. He was main celebrant of the 2015 Sunday Mass celebrated at Festa Italiana, the three-day festival organized by the Italian Community Center. In 1989, to thank God for putting his cancer in remission, Father Dom answered an ad in the Chicago Tribune asking for volun-
teers at Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Camp,” a camp for children, between ages 7 to 15, with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Father Dom found a home there. The year 2014 marked his 25th year as a volunteer, spending 19 years in the cabins with the children, and more recently, working with parents of the children who have been stricken with cancer or other life threatening diseases through Next Step, a nonprofit organization. (For more information on this organization, visit: http://fatherdoms.com/FATHER_DOM.html. Father Dom said, “In Father’s own words: Along my life’s journey, I’ve discovered why flamingos are pink, what guns and ice cream have in common, what God whispers to each of us in our mother’s womb and why you should never trust a kid in a wheelchair. I like to share my stories and relate them to your story, and how it fits into God’s Grand Design. As a Catholic Continued on page 8
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MAY 2016 – PAGE 7
OSIA Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin to honor four Milwaukee area men
from page 7 family, we have been through some very tough years, and it is time to claim our joy again.”
Vince Carini Vince Carini was born in Porticello, Sicily on Jan. 18, 1958. Shortly thereafter, along with his four brothers, the Carini family moved to America and settled on Milwaukee‘s eastside. His father, Giovanni, had arrived earlier, found work and had prepared a home for his family in anticipation of their arrival. The Carinis had many relatives and friends in Milwaukee along with a multitude of Porticello and Sicilian immigrants who had also settled on Milwaukee’s eastside. Vince was raised in a very traditional Sicilian home, where mostly the Sicilian language was spoken. Holidays, parties, gatherings and weddings were always shared with
Italians. Vince learned how to speak English from watching cartoons on Saturday mornings and recalls his first day at Cass Street School when he ran home after the bell rang to report to his mother that everyone was speaking Japanese. Vince later stated, “Thank God for those cartoons.” Vince’s first part time job was at Busalacchi’s Italian food store where he learned more about Italian food and from which part of Italy it came. Vince also learned which foods were traditional for various religious holidays. Again Vince always surrounded himself with Italians. In 1979, Vince met Tony Ingrilli, who had just opened an Italian food store on Milwaukee’s west side where he offered Vince a managerial position at his store. Vince learned a great deal from Ingrilli including how to manage a business. Eventually, Ingrilli offered
Scenes from the Pompeii Women’s Club’s Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet
Sisters Ann Catherine, Maria and Celeste are seen here with the Easter Bunny. Filling the role of the Easter Bunny was Julia Pipia. The Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet, an annual fundraiser for the Pompeii Women’s Club, was held at the Italian Community Center.
Vince Carini
Vince ownership of the deli and he along with his family made it a very successful operation. Throughout the years Vince has been involved in Madonna Del Lume Society, Verdi Sport Club., San Giuseppe Society, The Order Sons of Italy in America and also the Italian Community Center. Vince‘s brother, the late George Carini, was involved with the founding of the Italian Community Center. Vince’s brother, Cosmo,
continues to volunteer a great deal of his time for Festa Italiana and the Italian Community Center. While being fluent in Sicilian, Vince also learned how to speak Italian in high school at St John’s Cathedral. All of his adult life, Vince has reached out to help fellow Sicilian immigrants as well as always looking to do business with the Italians first. Vince had learned from his father Giovanni at a very young age that Italians must watch out for each other and always support and help one another whenever possible. Vince currently owns and operates Vinny’s Sausage Company, which supplies over 60 pizzerias around the Metro Milwaukee area. You can also find Vinny’s sausage at Scordato Bakery, Nino’s Bakery and The Layton Fruit Market. Vince Carini has been blessed with a great deal of success and accomplishments, from coming to America as a small boy, not knowing the language, to helping his fellow Italians and operating a very successful business. He said, “I credit my success to God, for giving me my family and good friends, such as the family of (Jack and Zina) Fallucca.”
Join the Pompeii Women’s Club for May Crowning celebration on Wednesday, May 25
The Pompeii Women’s Club invites the general public to its celebration of the May crowning of the Blessed Mother at the Italian Community Center on Wednesday, May 25. The club’s 19th annual May Crowning will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner served a half-hour later. Attendees will be able to choose either a Sicilian chicken breast or orange roughy Provencal as their main entrée. The rest of the menu includes salad, doublebaked potato, green beans almandine and Italian bread. Red velvet cake will be served for dessert. The cost has been set at $25 per person. Pre-paid reservations are required by Friday, May 20. Tables will be reserved for parties of eight or more. Make checks payable to Pompeii Women’s Club and send the payment with guest
list and the entrée choice of each guest to: Pat Consolazione, 18501 Follette Dr., Brookfield, WI 53045. For further information, contact Consolazione, club president, at 262-786-3984. As in the past, Fr. Tim Kitzke and Fr. Mike Hammer, the club’s chaplains, will be in attendance. Guests are invited to join Fr. Tim and Fr. Mike in their annual vocal presentation, which is always a highlight of the evening. Pianist John Puchner will perform with a guest vocalist during the evening. “We hope to see many of you who have attended in the past along with many first time guests for this special event honoring our Blessed Mother,” Consolazione said. – Submitted by Mary G, Winard Public Relations Chair
The March 30th meeting of the Pompeii Women’s Club featured a guest speaker, a welcoming of new members and door prizes. The evening was hosted by member Karen Dickinson. As host, she invited the director of Daystar, a private residence for abused women, to speak. The director said that residents may stay at Daystar for up to two years where they receive assistance in obtaining employment, education, budgeting, understanding of tax filing and other important matters so that they can be successful in the outside world.
The club welcomed three new members: Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstables, signed on by Agnes Bova-Ulezelski, and Grace and Jean Primasing, introduced by Lucy Sorce. African violets were given away as door prizes after the meeting was adjourned. The club’s April 27th dinner meeting will be hosted by Pauline Cannestra, Peggy Zoet and Mary Winard. It is scheduled at the ICC at 6 p.m. – Submitted by Mary G. Winard Public Relations Chair
Pompeii Women’s Club report on Mar. 30 meeting
Photos provided by Pat Consolazione and Suzanne Wypijewski.
PAGE 8 – MAY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian Prime Minister Renzi comes to Chicago, meets WisItalia President and Victory School Italian teacher
Welcome new ICC members!
The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between March 16 and April 12, 2016. Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Robert Riege and Kathy Kamrath and children Michael and Arianna) of Hartland
Carrie Chimenti of Milwaukee Santo & Nancy Cannistra of Shorewood
Thank you for a wonderful ‘Taste of Italy’
Enrica Fracchia, a teacher at Milwaukee’s Victory Italian Immersion School, and Al Rolandi (right), president of WisItalia and member of the Italian Community Center, had an opportunity to meet Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (center) in Chicago on March 30. The Prime Minister, Fracchi and Rolandi were in the Windy City to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Italian immersion school, Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi. Rolandi and Fracchia, an offi-
cer with WisItalia, were guests invited by the Italian Consulate of Chicago. Renzi cut the ribbon and spent time with guests and the media. Rolandi described Renzi as “a very dynamic and very pleasant man.” Renzi, 41, has been Italy’s Prime Minister since Feb. 22, 2014. Fracchia is a kindergarten teacher at Victory School, a public school on Milwaukee’s far south side. WisItalia promotes the teaching of Italian language and culture. (Photo provided by Al Rolandi)
Dear ICC members and volunteers: We just want to tell you that “A Taste of Italy” was a great event. Our thanks to all the volunteers and staff. Great food and great people. All that from an Irisher. Thank you. Mike and Carol Guerin
Look for photos from “A Taste of Italy” on pages 12, 13, 14, 15 and 24.
Are any of these students your ancestors?
If you had parents, grandfathers or great-grandparents who were raised in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward, it is quite possible that one or more of the students in this photo is related to you. The photo, taken at the old Detroit Street School in approximately 1915 or 1916, was recently submitted to the Italian Community Center by longtime member Angela Glowacki. She knows the names of a few of the students, including her mother, Carmella (Bartaluzzi) Mirenda, who was born on July 30, 1905. Carmella is the
THE ITALIAN TIMES
fourth student from the left in the third row (the first row where students are standing). Glowacki says the eighth student (going from the left) in the second row is Mike Scarpace. The 10th student in the third row is a boy whose last name is Crivello. In the fourth row (top row), she identified the 10th student as having the last name of DeBennadetto. If you can identify any of the other students in this photo, please send an email to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org or call 414-223-2189.
MAY 2016 – PAGE 9
Deacon Don Borkowski to receive UNICO’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ Award
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Deacon Don Borkowski, executive director at Father Gene’s HELP Center for the last 20 years, will be the recipient of the “Citizen of the Year” Award given by the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. The presentation will be made at the UNICO Scholarship & Awards Banquet at the Italian Community Center on Tuesday, May 17. Borkowski is also currently a deacon at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Wauwatosa. He was ordained on June 13, 1981, and previously served as a deacon at Holy Cross, St. Rita of Cascia and St. Sebastian Catholic Churches. Father Gene’s HELP Center, 5929 W. National Ave., West Allis, is a nonprofit, nondenominational charitable group that gives clothes to the poor. Borkowski says that the center’s mission is taken from
Matthew 25, in which Jesus reminds us that whatever one has done for the least, “you have done it for me.” In other words, those in need, those who have the least among us, are Jesus’ brothers and sisters, and should be treated accordingly. The HELP Center was founded in 1969 by Fr. Gene Jakubek, S.J., a Jesuit priest whose vision was to solicit clean, used clothing and distribute it to the poor, free of charge. HELP pays no salaries and is staffed entirely by volunteers. Everyone – from the board of directors to the executive director to the office, clothing and parish volunteers – works free of charge. All expenses related to the program are covered by generous donors: individuals, organizations and foundations. Borkowski began his service at Father Gene’s after he retired. His professional working career included being an executive assistant to
Public welcome to UNICO Scholarship & Awards banquet on May 17
The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO will join forces in presenting their annual scholarship and awards banquet on Tuesday, May 17 at the Italian Community Center. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. (cash bar), followed by dinner and the program. The cost has been set at $40 per person. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 10. This event is open to all. Persons interested in attending should send a check, payable to the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National, to the attention of Mary Winard, 10900
W. Bluemound Rd., #105, Wauwatosa, WI 53226. Please include a list of the names of those attending. For more information, contact Winard at 414453-8484. For dinner, guests can choose either a stuffed pork chop or broiled whitefish, served with a twice-baked potato, sautéed vegetables, salad, coffee, tea or milk. The dessert will be banana split torte. UNICO National President Ann Walko has been invited to attend. She is the first female president of this national Italian civic organization.
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Milwaukee County Executive John L. Doyne, an administrator at St. Joseph Hospital, and the director of the SHARE program, which exchanges food to people for their community service. He said that many of the people that Father Gene’s HELP Center assists are men getting out of jail, veterans and families struggling financially. The center accepts clothing donations Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Good, clean, used clothing from coats and slacks to undergarments and shoes is dropped off daily. From there, the volunteers sort and size it, organizing and hanging the articles on racks. The volunteers then fill orders received from individuals and families with clothing needs. All individuals and families need to tell the Center is their name, address and social security number. The recipients are limited to one order per year except in extreme cases, but will outfit an entire family with everything they need. To make a donation, volunteer or refer someone in need of assistance, Father Gene’s HELP Center can be contacted at 414-258-HELP. They can also visit its website: www.mkehelpcenter.weebly.com or the center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FrG e n e s - H e l p - C e n t e r 205227052834305/. Borkowski grew up in Milwaukee. After attending local grade and high schools, he enrolled at Marquette University and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1955. He is married to Antoinette (Toni) (nee Zanoni). They have five grown children and five grandchildren. He is a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the U.S. Army. Borkowski was with SHARE for more than 10 years. SHARE means Self Help and Resource Exchange, a program begun in San Diego, Calif. in 1983. He started the Southeastern Wisconsin program in 1985 with a loan from St.
Deacon Don Borkowski
Vincent de Paul Society and 1,400 participants sharing community services, buying power and groceries. When he retired, 25,000 people in every county in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake County, Ill., were sharing over 750,000 pounds of food each month. The Board of World SHARE presented Borkowski with a Special Recognition Award for his work in starting a network of 27 cities in the United States, Guatemala and Mexico and serving over two million families. As a deacon, he serves as hospital chaplain at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, where on the first Friday of the month, he works the overnight assignment, arriving at 5 p.m. and being relieved at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. He has done this since 1983. His parish assignments have run the gamut, from baptism preparations and rituals, wake vigils, committal and funeral services to Masses, weddings and spiritual counseling.
UNICO scholarship winners announced
Four local Italian American high school students will be awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO when the organizations host their annual scholarship and awards banquet on Tuesday, May 17 at the Italian Community Center. The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National will award scholarships to the following high school seniors: • Anthony Schulz of Whitefish Bay High School. • Thomas Mazza of Mother of Divine Grace School. These high school seniors will receive scholarships from the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO: • Daniel Pankow of Milwaukee Lutheran High School. • Vincent Ellarson of Oak Creek High School. Additionally, the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National will
present the $1,000 Italian studies award to Steven Bramel, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Milwaukee UNICO scholarship program has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since 1936. The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National was established 85 years ago. The Ladies of UNICO has existed as an independent civic and service organization since 1963. This year, the Ladies of UNICO will be giving the Anita Mazza award and the Rose Spang honorary award. The late Anita Mazza was a charter member and a past president of the organization. Rose Spang received the 2015 UNICO “Citizen of the Year” award. The scholarship resulted from contribution given to the Ladies of UNICO in honor of Rose, a longtime member and supporter of the organization.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Josephine Ninfo to receive Ladies of UNICO ‘Star Award’
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO has selected one of its longtime active members, Josephine Ninfo, to be the organization’s 2016 Star Award winner. The award was established in 1995 to honor an outstanding member for her dedication to the organization and the community-at-large. It will be presented to Josephine at the UNICO Scholarship & Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 17 at the Italian Community Center. Josephine officially became a member of the Ladies of UNICO in 1986. Over the course of the years, she has served as membership committee chairperson, as a volunteer for and a participant in the organization’s annual fashion shows, and as a food booth volunteer when the Ladies of UNICO participated in the Holiday Folk Fair. On general meeting nights, she chaired bingo events. As a member of the Italian Community Center, her volunteerism began in the early 1980s. Virtually every program or activity that required volunteer participation at the ICC garnered the able assistance of Josephine, who teamed up nearly always with her late husband, Joseph. Over the course of the years, the couple volunteered for the Friday night fish buffet, the senior citizens’ luncheons, as greeters when the current ICC first opened, for the Mother’s Day brunches and Father’s Day breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, and an Arlington Park track outing. Josephine was the chairperson of the ICC Membership Committee for a several years. The couple initiated an annual St. Joseph’s Day Celebration at the ICC. Josephine served as chairperson for several years. In the early 1990s, Josephine, with Joe’s assistance, spearheaded successful Festa Italiana advance
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ticket sales campaigns. In later years, Joe managed, with Josephine assisting, an Italian sausage booth at Festa. During the 1980s and early 1990s, the couple volunteered to work in the ICC’s sausage booth when WITI-TV hosted the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Festival on its grounds on Labor Day. The Ninfos were members of a volunteer committee that helped to decorate the interior of the ICC for several holiday seasons. Josephine continues the tradition today by decorating a Christmas tree in honor of the St. Joseph’s Day Celebration. The tree is placed near the entrance to Cafe La Scala. In the early 2000s, they volunteered on Friday nights to re-create an old Italian holiday tradition of roasting chestnuts on an open fire. The roasted chestnuts were sold as a fundraising activity. In September 1998, when the ICC participated in the Italian American Street Festival during the Davis Cup tennis weekend in Milwaukee, the Ninfos worked in an Italian merchandise booth.
The Ninfos served on several Carnevale Committees, helping to orchestrate the organization’s annual pre-Lenten costume and mask ball. In recognition of all of their volunteer efforts in the 1980s, the couple was honored by the ICC as Il Nonno e La Nonna (The Grandfather and The Grandmother) of Il Grande Carnevale 1989. Josephine and Joe were involved in numerous other civic and community activities. They both volunteered their help to the indigent program of the West Allis Health Department. They volunteered for fundraising activities of the American Cancer Society. Both were delegates representing the City of West Allis at the state convention of their political party. Both worked on campaigns for senators, congressmen and others running for elective office. In November 1995, the Ninfos were honored as the “Italian Couple of the Year” by the Eagles’ Businessmen’s Luncheon Club. Today, Josephine still organizes an annual St. Joseph’s Day
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Here’s something that many longtime baseball fans thought they would never hear: Several Major League Baseball’s prognosticators are picking the Chicago Cubs to win the National League pennant. Yes, it’s true, and one of the reasons that these so-called experts are so high on the Cubs is the team’s power-hitting first baseman Anthony Vincent Rizzo, who traces his family roots to the town of Ciminna in the Italian region of Sicily. Rizzo, 26, is the clean-up hitter in the Cubs lineup and a two-time National League All-Star selection. Last season, he hit 31 home runs (one shy of his career high) and drove in 101 runs. If Rizzo is able to help his team to its first pennant since 1945 (and possibly its first World Series victory since 1908), it won’t be the first time he has come out on top. In 2008, Rizzo scored a personal victory over Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a battle which almost curtailed his big leagues career before it got started. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Rizzo was tearing through the Minor Leagues, when he realized something was seriously wrong. He was putting on a lot of weight and his legs were swelling up. After the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of a person’s immune system, Rizzo went to Boston in January 2008 for treatment. Theo Epstein, who, at the time, was the general manager of the Red Sox, invited Rizzo to come to Fenway Park, where he arranged a meeting between Rizzo and ace pitcher Jon Lester. Lester, a member of the 2007 World Series winning Red Sox, had overcome lymph node cancer him-
self. The conversation between the two big leaguers played a prominent role in helping Rizzo build his confidence that he, too, could defeat his disease.
Josephine Ninfo
Celebration luncheon at Alioto’s Restaurant and a holiday tea at George Watts & Son. Joseph, a decorated World War II Army Air Force veteran, died on Jan. 29, 2012 at the age of 92. Joseph and Josephine (nee Morano) were married for 62 years.
Anthony Rizzo ready to power Chicago Cubs to NL pennant After several months of chemotherapy, Rizzo got the word in late 2008 that his tumors were fully gone.
Soon after Epstein resigned as the Red Sox general manager to take the position of President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs, he continued to show his high regard for Rizzo (and later, Lester). In January 2012, the Cubs acquired Rizzo in a trade with the San Diego Padres. Lester signed a free agent contract with the Cubs in December 2014.
Rizzo is proud of his Italian heritage and has displayed it. He has dual American and Italian citizenship, and chose to play for Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic before the start of the 2013 Major Leagues season. In 2012, Rizzo established the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization benefiting cancer research and families fighting the disease. The foundation is run entirely by Rizzo’s family, his close friends and his management team. Rizzo provides oversight and leadership. Rizzo was honored with the Rotary International’s Branch Rickey Award in recognition of his work in the community with pediatric cancer patients in 2014.
Chicago Cubs power-hitting first baseman Anthony Rizzo
MAY 2016 – PAGE 11
Volunteers, donors and Italian societies and a large attendance make ‘A Taste of Italy’ a grand succees
On the Wednesday before “A Taste of Italy,” several volunteers helped general chairperson Ann Romano place the Italian cookies that were made by Peter Sciortino Bakery into bags. Seen from left to right are: Tony Zingale, Barbara Lupo, Tony Lupo, Ann Romano, Rosemary Joecks, Lena Zingale, Susan Seasny and Frances Murphy. Tony Zingale was the vice chair of volunteer tickets.
Proof that Italians aren’t the only ones who enjoy “A Taste of Italy” is seen here. Jim Backes (center), of German heritage and a longtime member of the Festa Italiana Security Patrol, welcomed two of his buddies, Greg Konsiorowski (Polish) and Patrick Sullivan (Irish) to the event.
Lines of people waiting to buy their Taste of Italy food and beverage tickets stretched out the door as the event opened on Sunday, Apr. 17. George and Gina Manning – you see their backs here – were among the ticket sellers.
Sophia Michalovitz (left) and Anna Pitzo helped to serve the manicotti that they made at home and donated to the event. Together, they donated 510 portions of manicotti. They have been making this donation to the event since its inception.
Every year, the Marchese family comes together for “A Taste of Italy.” In front are the twin girls Mia and Brooklyn. Surrounding them are Angie, Carlo, Toni, Gina (mother of the twins), Mark, Tia and Antonia.
Glorioso’s Italian Market provided its Italian olive salad and the staff for a booth at the event. Ted Glorioso of Glorioso’s Gold Imports and Diamond Center donated a lady’s diamond ring – an $1,100 value – as the first prize in the Taste of Italy raffle. The longtime businesses on Milwaukee’s Brady Street have been supporters of the ICC fundraiser since its inception.
Times photos by Tom Hemman
PAGE 12 – MAY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, gave two performances in the Festa Ballroom.
Here is “A Taste of Italy” guest with a variety of the Italian delicacies that were on the menu.
Taste of Italy raffle winners drawn
The winning tickets in the raffle held in conjunction with “A Taste of Italy” were drawn moments after the Apr. 17 event ended. The prize winners were: • 1st prize: a lady’s diamond ring to Sandra Wicker. The ring, valued at $1,100, was donated by Ted Glorioso and Glorioso’s Gold Imports, 1018 E. Brady St., Milwaukee. • 2nd prize: $500 cash to Michael Hawkins. • 3rd prize: $300 cash to George Collura. • 4th prize: $200 cash to Jesusita Garcia. Maria and Jim Schwindt were the volunteer chairpersons for the raffle. The Sicilian Serenaders – Ted and Tom Pappalardo and Peter Balistrieri – performed for guests in the courtyard on one of the warmest and nicest days in April.
Times photos by Tom Hemman except where indicated otherwise.
I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, performing.
The ICC’s “A Taste of Italy” was promoted during the broadcast of the Fox 6 Wake-Up News on Friday, Apr. 15. Chairperson Ann Romano (left) appeared on Fox 6 with several of the food items on the Taste of Italy menu. Appearing here with Ann are Fox 6 Wake-Up anchors Jessob Reisbeck and Kim Murphy. (Photo provided by Sophia Michalovitz)
Seeking photographers for Festa
Singer Jayne Taylor and guitarist Tom Sorce entertained guests in the Festa Ballroom.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Tom Hemman, editor of The Italian Times, is looking for individuals to take pictures at Festa Italiana, Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24. You must have your own camera and feel secure in 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 and on the Festa Italiana website, www.festaitaliana.com.
These are voluntary positions, however, Hemman will supply interested individuals with free admission and free parking and meal tickets redeemable at the volunteer food tent. 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@italiancc.org or call 414-223-2189.
MAY 2016 – PAGE 13
21st ‘A Taste of Italy’ – April 17, 2016 Beer stand volunteers Barbara and Tony Lupo and Carol and Ray Martinex.
Lynn Sobye and Louise Au staffed the fried bread dough booth.
Not all of the volunteers were servers of the food. This group worked in the kitchen getting the Italian bread dough ready for the deep fryer.
Members of the M.S.S. Addolorata Society served the cannoli in the Festa Ballroom.
The Sicilian delicacy calamari fritti (deep-fried breaded squid) was served here by these volunteers.
Judy Lemminger and Lena Zingale handed out large styrofoam trays to guests. Volunteers representing the St. Theresa Society sold Italian cookies.
Volunteers representing the Società Femminile Maria S.S. Del Lume served eggplant parmesan.
ICC Chef Gustavo (far right) and members of the ICC’s culinary and banquet staffs worked hard all day to keep the food coming for hungry guests.
PAGE 14 – MAY 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Julia Bongert, 2015 Piccola Principessa, and her grandmother, Fran Tollefson, helped serve the manicotti.
The ICC’s culinary staff had all of the frying and cooking apparatus in high gear.
The family of Sandy Mazza once again volunteered to staff the meatball sandwich stand.
These volunteers, representing the Santa Rosalia Society, served Italian subs and panini. Pizza served by members of the Abruzzese Society.
Pasta with red sauce was served here. Ann Zambito (left) enlists the volunteers who work here each year. Salsiccia Italiana served by the Pompeii Men’s Club.
Rosalie Giano made pizzelle from scratch.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Milazzese Social Club members poured servings of Italian wine.
MAY 2016 – PAGE 15
La Pagina Italiana
La dimissione dal Papato – Parte 1
di Donato Di Pronio Fece notizia tre anni fa la rinuncia al Pontificato da parte di Papa Benedetto XVI (al secolo, cardinale Giuseppe Ratzinger), il quale annunciò le sue dimissioni con queste parole: Dopo aver ripetutamente esaminato la mia coscienza davanti a Dio, sono pervenuto alla certezza che le mie forze, per l’età avanzata, non sono più adatte per esercitare in modo adeguato il mio ministero petrino. … Per questo, ben consapevole della gravità di questo atto, con piena libertà, dichiaro di rinunciare al ministero di vescovo di Roma, successore di san Pietro, a me affidato per mano dei Cardinali il 19 aprile 2005. Questo atto era stato preceduto da un gesto molto significativo da lui compiuto in occasione di una sua visita alla città di L’Aquila (Abruzzo) dopo il terremoto che colpì in modo violentissimo e devastante la cittadina. Andato a visitare la Chiesa di Santa Maria di
Collemaggio, depose sulla teca di cristallo contenente le spoglie di san Pietro Celestino V custodita nella predetta Chiesa il suo pallio (successivamente è stato collocato direttamente sul corpo). Oltre ottocento anni prima, un altro papa aveva preso simile decisione, il su citato Celestino V, il quale annunciò al Concistoro dei Cardinali la rinuncia alla sua carica, durata appena poco più di quattro mesi, con parole molto simili a quelle del Papa emerito Ratzinger:“Io Celestino, mosso da legittime ragioni, per umiltà e debolezza del mio corpo e per la cattiveria del mondo; al fine di recuperare con la consolazione del mio modo di vivere la tranquillità perduta, abbandono liberamente e spontaneamente il Pontificato e rinuncio espressamente al trono, alla dignità, all’onere e all’onore che esso comporta, dando da questo momento al Sacro Collegio dei Cardinali la facoltà di scegliere e provvedere, per via canonica, di
La storia del Calendimaggio di Assisi
Le origini del Calendimaggio si perdono nel tempo, si riallacciano, a consuetudini pagane che celebravano con riti diversi ma tutti improntati alla gioia, il ritorno della primavera e quindi il rinnovarsi del ciclo della vita. Erano manifestazioni nate dal sentimento dell’antico popolo degli Umbri. Lo spirito con cui si conformava la festa della primavera era un inno all’amore e alla ritrovata gioia di vivere dopo le giornate aspre e fredde dell’inverno. Si ballava, si beveva il vino dell’annata precedente dopo il dovuto periodo di riposo, si cantava. Erano autentici resti poetici quelli che venivano recitati per rendere omaggio alla stagione dei fiori. Le cronache antiche e gli stessi documenti che riguardano la vita di S.Francesco attestano che nella sua giovinezza il santo eccelleva nella composizione di poesie da ballo e di canti. È fuori dubbio che in questo periodo l’influenza provenzale e francese era determinante, soprattutto nella musica, ma è interessante notare che tali composizioni venivano chiamate “canzoni di maggio” e proprio all’inizio di questo mese eseguite da brigate di giovani che si spostavano in vari rioni della città. Le antiche cronache ci informano che Assisi, agli inizi del ‘300, raggiunse il massimo splendore; lo confermano l’estensione della mura cittadine, i castelli in suo possesso, la magnificenzia delle sue chiese, la presenza dei più grandi maestri pittori tra cui Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, i fratelli Lorenzetti ecc... È più o meno di questo periodo anche la divisione della città, d’altronde non unico esempio in Italia in “Parte de Sotto” e “Parte de Sopra” facenti capo rispettivamente alle famiglie rivali dei Fiumi e dei Nepis:
PAGINA 16 – MAGGIO 2016
prendono così forma gli odi e le ambizioni delle famiglie, dei partiti politici di guelfi e ghibellini. A nulla valgono i provvedimenti dei magistrati, le censure degli ecclesiastici, l’esilio dei capi. Alternativamente, appoggiandosi anche a valenti capitani di altre città una Parte sopraffà l’altra, ma per breve tempo perché lo spirito dei cittadini e delle famiglie dei vinti cerca ed ottiene immediatamente la vendetta. Il primo scontro cruento di cui si ha notizia, secondo A. Fortini, risale al 14 Novembre 1376. La Parte de Sotto al grido di “ammazza! ammazza!” sorprende nel sonno gli avversari; ma è questo solo un anello di una lunga catena. Durante questi periodi di lotte civili però si mantiene sempre viva la consuetudine di celebrare la festa di primavera che appunto prende il nome di Calendimaggio. Rivivono i canti e le musiche, le serenate sotto i balconi delle ragazze sostituiscono il fragore delle armi nei vari punti della città, si elegge il Re della festa. Questa usanza si protrae per secoli. La partecipazione popolare è viva. I cittadini per queste notti interrompono l’abitudini di rientrare a casa al suono della campana che annuncia le due ore dopo l’Ave Maria e restano nelle piazze e nelle vie ad ascoltare i menestrelli. Nel 1954 la festa assume, con l’entusiasmo di tutta la cittadinanza, la suggestiva forma che fino ad oggi conserva. Fra le due “Parti” della città ritorna la sfida: questa volta non cruenta. Le due fazioni danno vita ad una contesa che rievoca i tempi di Calendimaggio. La partecipazione popolare è così intensa che per tre giorni la città rivive in ogni sua dimensione quell’atmosfera che l’aveva caratterizzata nei secoli.
nuovo Pastore la Chiesa universale”. Dopo di che, discese dalla cattedra, prese la tiara dal capo e la depose per terra, si spogliò del mantello e dell’anello e, lasciata la sala, tornò in camera, si rivestì dell’abito del suo Ordine monastico e si sedette sull’ultimo gradino del trono papale, come dire, ecco mi sono retrocesso. La rinuncia al papato, come lo era stato l’accettazione, gli era apparsa un dovere, un atto giusto ed onesto da fare nell’interesse della Chiesa e per la salvezza dell’anima sua. L’antico vivere e la quiete dei monti erano più congeniali al suo spirito che non il torbido ed intricato clima di quella corte pontificia. Quella di Celestino V fu la prima “spontanea” rinuncia al Papato, seguita, come dianzi ricordato, da quella del 28 febbraio 2013 del papa emerito Benedetto XVI. Gli
storici ricordano quelle di altri sei Papi i quali, però, furono “costretti” a rinunciare alla propria funzione: Papa Clemente I (92-99 d. C.) era stato arrestato ed esiliato; Papa Ponziano (230-235 d. C.): era stato condannato ad metalla, cioè ai lavori forzati, in Sardegna; Papa Silverio (536-537): in seguito a congiure contro di lui, fu esiliato prima a Pàtara (Licia, regione peninsulare dell’Asia Minore che si protende nel Mediterraneo) e poi nell’isola di Ponza; Papa Benedetto IX (1035-45): era stato nominato Papa all’età di soli undici anni! Condusse vita scandalosa; dopo torbide vicende, cedette il Papato ricevendo un compenso in denaro; Papa Gregorio XII (1406-15). Costretto a dimettersi per porre fine ad una situazione anomala: oltre a lui c’erano altri due Papi. Due anni dopo la sua morte, fu eletto Martino V (1417-1431).
di Maria Concetta Sanfilippo Il 19 Marzo è la festa di San Giuseppe, padre putativo di Gesù,un santo molto amato in Italia e soprattutto in Sicilia.
imbandite grandi tavole con svariati cibi soprattutto a base di pesce azzurro (pasta con le sarde e i finocchietti, sarde a beccafico, sarde marinate nell’aceto e poi fritte, sarde arrostite etc…) e dolci vari come le sfingi e le zeppole di San Giuseppe. Infine, nel pomeriggio si fa la solenne processione: La statua del Santo viene condotta in giro per il paese ed è palpabile la devozione della gente nei confronti di questo Santo cosi onorato. E la sera dopo la processione c’è la ”vampata di San Giuseppe”: viene fatta una grande fiammata bruciando legna, rami e materiali vari ammucchiati precedentemente in un punto del piano stenditore. E’ giusto comunque sottolineare che fino a pochi anni fa il 19 Marzo era festa Nazionale, ora non più.
La festa di San Giuseppe a Porticello
A Porticello, dal 11 Marzo comincia u viaggiu a San Giusippuzzu: per nove giorni, ogni mattina o pomeriggio, i devoti vanno a piedi fino alla chiesetta di San Giusipuzzu sulla vecchia strada fra Santa Flavia e Bagheria e il 19, in quella chiesetta, viene celebrata la messa solenne. Nella nostra chiesa, per tradizione, in mattinata, alla fine della santa Messa il sacerdote effettua il rito della benedizione del pane, posto nelle ceste, e poi regalato ai poveri. In alcune case viene fatto i pranzo dei poveri (la cosiddetta Tavulata) vengono
L’eremo di Santo Spirito
di Donato Di Pronio L’Eremo di Santo Spirito a Maiella, méta tutt’oggi di fedeli e di turisti, sorge a 1171 circa sul livello del mare, tra i boschi del monte Maielletta, territorio del Comune di Roccamorice, da dove dista una diecina di chilometri.
Si ignora la data di origine di questo “Luogo dello Spirito”, comunque, è anteriore al secolo IX. Frate Pietro vi si ritirò nel 1243. Sugli avanzi di un antico insediamento benedettino e chiudendo con muraglie alcuni degli anfratti e ripari sparsi lungo la circostante imponente roccia a scaglioni, furono incastrati un Oratorio e alcuni ricoveri per accogliervi pellegrini e chi chiedeva a frate Pietro di poter condividere con lui la sua rigorosa scelta di vita spirituale. Le strutture sono collegate al piano terra da scalinate scavate a mano sul vivo della roccia (circa 150 gradini degli oltre 300
originari sono ancora agibili); sotto un riparo è stata collocata una campana, i cui rintocchi si rincorrono lungo le valli. Un lungo ed ampio piazzale, la piana, smaltato dal verde scuro di erbette montanine, si distende alla base di tutto il complesso dell’Eremo; al suo inizio è eretto un modesto obelisco di bianca pietra maiellese sormontato da una crocetta di ferro, davanti al quale il viandante sosta in raccoglimento all’arrivo e alla partenza dal Santuario, è caratterizzato da mangiatoie per gli animali domestici incavate anche esse nella viva pietra; da esso parte un pericoloso sentiero che si inerpica lungo la parete rocciosa sino ad un Oratorio detto Monte Calvario. Nel 1807, i Monaci furono “cacciati” dall’Eremo per l’avvenuta soppressione borbonica degli Ordini Religiosi e, dopo varie vicende, ne divenne proprietario il Comune di Roccamorice).
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Fermarsi alla prima bottega. Literally: To stop at the first store. Meaning: To settle for less.
2. Non ricordarsi dal naso alla bocca. Lit.: To not remember from one’s nose to the mouth. Meaning: To have a bad memory.
Fatti una risata
- Un carabiniere candidato al grado di Maresciallo si presenta davanti alla commissione esaminatrice. - “Bene, ragazzo, dimmi tre nomi di metalli che conosci, che iniziano con la lettera U.” - “Hmmmm...Uranio... U’ferro... E u’zinco!” - “U’ferro e u’zinco passi, ma u’ranio è un animale!” Carabiniere telefona al dottore: “Dottore, corra subito, il maresciallo si è ingoiata la penna!” “E voi intanto cosa state facendo?”. “Beh, usiamo la matita”
Un signore entra in un negozio di bandiere e stendardi. - Vorrei una bandiera italiana gialla. - Guardi che noi le bandiere italiane le abbiamo bianche, rosse e verdi. - Allora me la dia verde. Il giorno dopo l’acquisto di un acquario la moglie chiede al marito: - “Caro, hai cambiato l’acqua ai pesci?”. - “No! Non hanno ancora finito quella di ieri”.
Un carabiniere preoccupato al collega: “Domani devo fare l’esame del sangue” - “E allora?” - “Sì, ma non ho studiato niente!”
3. Sentirsi cascare le braccia. Lit.: To feel one’s arms drop. Meaning: to lose heart or to feel utterly frustrated.
4. Mordersi le dita (le mani). Lit.: To bite one’s fingers(hand). Meaning: To feel like kicking oneself.
5. Far ridere i polli. Lit.: It makes chickens laugh. Meaning: To be absurd, ridiculous.
6. Non sapere che pesce pigliare. Lit.: Not knowing which fish to pick. Meaning: To be at a loss or not knowing what to do.
7. Cantarla ai sordi. Lit.: Singing to the deaf. Meaning: Like talking to a brick wall.
Proverbi Italiani
1. Italian: La vita e come una cipolla: piu si allunga e piu ti fa piangere. English: Life is like an onionthe longer it is, the more it makes you cry.
2. Italian: Per i vecchi :pan cotto, corona, strada piana. English: For the old: cooked bread, a rosary and a level road. (Meaning): For the old: bread moistened with water (bread that one can eat without teeth), prayers for one’s soul, and paths that are easy to navigate. 3. Italian (Dialect-Marche) Fina a quaranta se ride e se canta. English: Up to the age of forty one laughs and one sings.
4. Italian: (Dialect-Marche) Chi cia’ lo pane non cia’ li denti, chi cia’ li denti non cia’ lo pane! English: He who has bread does-
n’t have teeth, He who has teeth doesn’t have bread. (Meaning): The old have money, the young don’t. 5. Italian: La vecchiaia e’ brutta ma non arrivarci e’ peggio. English: Old age is bad but not getting there is even worse.
6. Italian: I soldi e gli anni non si rifiutano mai. English: One never refuses money and years. (Meaning): No one in their right mind refuses wealth or a longer life.
7. Italian (Dialect-Molise): Quande erriva a settentine nu defiette ogne mattine. English: When you reach your 70s, every morning a new ailment pops up. * With thanks to Mary Melfi and italyrevisited.org
La Donna è Mobile – the Duke’s aria from Rigoletto
– Grazie al tutorino.ca
by Giuseppe Verdi La donna è mobile, qual piùma al vento, Woman is fickle (movable), like a feather in the wind, muta d’accento, e di pensiero. she changes the tone of her voice (i.e., her accents), and her thoughts Sempre un amabile, leggiadro viso, Always a sweet, pretty face, in pianto o in riso, è menzognero. in tears or in laughter, (she) is (always) lying La donna è mobile, qual piùma al vento, Woman is fickle, like a feather in the wind, muta d’accento, e di pensier she changes her accents, and her thoughts e di pensier, e di pensier and her thoughts, and her thoughts
È sempre misero, chi a lei s’affida, It is always miserable, he that trusts in her (He is always miserable who trusts in her) chi le confida, mal cauto il core! who to her confides, his unwary heart! Pur mai non sentesi felice appieno Yet nobody feels happy fully chi su quel seno non liba amore! who on that bosom doesn’t drink love, La donna è mobil, qual piùma al vento, Woman is fickle, like a feather in the wind, muta d’accento e di pensier, she changes the tone of her voice and her thoughts e di pensier, e e di pensier! and her thoughts, and her thoughts!
Word Search 7: Festa Italiana Vendors – Translated by Randy Garrou
by Blaise Di Pronio
Un carabiniere: “Maresciallo, correte, ci hanno rubato la macchina!” - “Accidenti, e avete visto chi è stato?” - “No, ma abbiamo preso il numero della targa!”
Un carabiniere sta pitturando il soffitto della caserma sporcando di vernice per terra. Entra il maresciallo: “Potevate mettere un foglio di giornale sotto la sedia” e l’appuntato: “Grazie, ma ci arrivo lo stesso”.
Indovinelli
1. Ha una bocca che non parla ed un letto in cui non dorme. Che cosa è?
2. Non si usa fino quando non si rompe. Cos’è?
3. Qual è quella cosa che può durare indifferentemente un secolo o un secondo?
4. Cosa può andare oltre le colline senza muoversi?
5. Sapresti dire quanti mesi hanno 28 giorni?
6. Che cosa ha quattro gambe ma nessun corpo?
7. Sei l’unico uomo sopravvissuto sulla terra dopo l’apocalisse, ma all’improvviso senti una voce. Chi potrebbe essere? Risposte – pagina 20
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Word Search solved: Turn to page 18
MAGGIO 2016 – PAGINA 17
L’Angolo del Poeta
Prepared by Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi When the language of prose we use every day is insufficient to express our strongest and deepest emotions, we turn to poetry. Giosuè Carducci did just that upon the death of his infant son. Carducci (1835-1907), regarded as the national poet of modern Italy, received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1906. One of the students he taught at the university in Bologna was Giovanni Pascoli, who became another of Italy’s beloved poets, and later succeeded Carducci at the university. The themes of life and death have been common in poetry everywhere throughout the ages. Carducci’s “Pianto antico” reminded me of Ben Jonson’s poem – “On My First Son” – written in 1616, several years after the loss of his seven year old. It’s a beautiful poem and begs to be compared with Carducci’s lament. Let’s reflect on both Jonson’s poem and Carducci’s poem.
On my First Son by Ben Jonson Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy; My sin was too much hope of thee, lov’d boy. Seven years tho’ wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy fate, on the just day. O, could I lose all father now! For why Will man lament the state he should envy? To have so soon ‘scap’d world’s and flesh’s rage, And if no other misery, yet age? Rest in soft peace, and, ask’d, say, “Here doth lie Ben Jonson, his best piece of poetry.”
For whose sake henceforth all his vows be such, As what he loves may never like too much.
As you read Carducci’s poem, you’ll notice the tone is more modern and doesn’t reflect Jonson’s more classical style. Both write final good-byes, but Carducci’s joy in his son was short lived. The image of a baby’s hand reaching out to beauty in the form of a flower blooming on a tree is poignant indeed…the flower bloomed but an early death prevented the child from blooming. The tree is symbolic of the tree of life. We speak also of our family tree, roots, branches, flowers. Carducci feels his life has been in vain. He had two daughters, but with the death of his son, his line did not continue. Jonson regards his son as “his best piece of poetry”….truly a beautiful and unforgettable thought. While he tries to console his son and himself by saying an early death was his fate and spared him from the hardships of life and aging, there is no consolation for Carducci aside from the bittersweet warmth of the orchard greening in June. The orchard is now silent and solitary, forest and father bereft of child. Furthermore, death’s finality is conveyed in the stark reality of the last lines of Carducci’s lament. Here is Carducci’s poem in Italian and English. Pianto antico L’albero a cui tendevi la pargoletta mano, il verde melograno da’ bei vermigli fior,
nel muto orto solingo rinverdì tutto or ora e giugno lo ristora di luce e di calor.
Opera Topics
By Angelo Castronovo Many times we think we’re quite familiar with our favorite operas, but it sometimes turns out that we’re not. Authors Henry W. Simon and Abraham Veinus, in their 1955 Pocket Book of Great Operas, brought that home to me in a surprising way. I thought my understanding of many of the great operas, including some of my favorites, was a given thing. So much for taking things for granted. The biggest surprise came as I read through their account of Verdi’s Aida whose characters of Aida, Radames, Amneris and Amonasro came alive off the pages of this exciting handy-sized work in a manner not always conveyed even in a live performance with excellent singers-actors. Aida’s tale of passion in the surrounding grandeur of ancient Egypt takes on a fascinating dimension in the capable hands of Messrs. Simon and Veinus as they describe each character as they enter the scene and as their particular music theme is woven around them. Their line “Radames begins the famous aria, Celeste Aida, in which the famous warrior expresses his love for the beautiful Ethiopan captive who is the personal servant to the princess Amneris, daughter of the king” comes across as an almost casual and easy aside. Keep in mind that Aida is fairly complex, with Amneris in love with Radames, who is destined to turn against his own people because of his love for Aida. If one is reading the plot of the opera for the first time, it will be a surprise to find the twists and turns that occur before the reader comes to the end and discovers the lovers will go to their death together in an underground crypt; all to the music of Verdi’s “O Terra Addio”. Thematic illustrations are another wonderful feature of the book and show actual music lines with Italian and English lyrics. French and German operas are also included in their package of many other works. The list of these includes Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Wagner’s Lohengrin, Tannhauser, Tristan and Isolde and The Ring of the Nibelung, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, La Boheme and Tosca as well as Gounod’s Faust and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Verdi’s La Traviata and Il Trovatore. My somewhat worn and tattered copy has beautiful illustrations originally done in ink, I believe, by Louis Glanzman. The concept was a marvelous one for its time and, in a way, ahead of the time when technology was much simpler. I don’t know if this work is available somewhere, but I hope so. Quotable quote: Heaven gives long life to the just and intelligent.Confucius.
PAGE 18 – MAY 2016
Tu fior della mia pianta percossa e inaridita, tu dell’inutil vita estremo unico fior, sei ne la terra fredda, sei ne la terra negra; né il sol più ti rallegra né ti risveglia amor.
Ancient Lament The tree you used to reach with your baby hand, the green pomegranate with its beautiful vermilion flowers, in the silent solitary orchard has just now turned green and June restores it with light and warmth.
shaken and withered tree, you, last and unique flower, of my vain life,
lie in the cold earth, lie in the black earth; no more does the sun delight you, nor does love awaken you. – Translation by Roberto Ciampi
Can we all get along in Rome?
You, flower of my
by Blaise Di Pronio So you’ve finally made it to Rome and now what? Why your well-travelled friends might advise you that “when in Rome, you do as the Romans do”. Before you decide whether to heed their advise, don’t you wonder who the heck came up with it to begin with? Well, let’s just see who did. The expression, of course, that when in a means strange/different situation, it’s best to behave like those around you or follow the lead of those who know the ropes. It is, in fact, an expression with some history as credit for its first use is given to an exchange between two timehonored bishops who lived in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. The clerics at issue were Saint Ambrose of Milan and his celebrated convert, Saint Augustine of Hippo (an ancent Roman province in Africa and today the city of Annaba in Algeria). Augustine (the North African saint had come to Milan to assume his role as Professor of Rhetoric for the Imperial Court). His mother,
Saint Monica, purportedly had asked Ambrose on what day to fast in Milan since, in Rome, they so did on Saturday, but apparently not in Milan. So they had gone to their older and wiser mentor for his advise on when to fast. In essence, Ambrose replied that “while in Milan, I do as they do in Milan, but when I go to Rome, I do as Rome does.” St Augustine passed on this advise in his Letter 54 to Januarius (a bishop of Naples) in this original text, which dates from circa 390 A.D.: “Cum Romanum venio, ieiuno Sabbato; cum hic sum, non ieiuno: sic etiam tu, ad quam forte ecclesiam veneris, eius morem serva, si cuiquam non vis esse scandalum nec quemquam tibi”, which translates as: “When I go to Rome, I fast on Saturday, but here [Milan] I do not. Do you also follow the custom of whatever church you attend, if you do not want to give or receive scandal?” And those Imperial Romans win out again, and you’d better do as they do and we won’t have any problems, capish?
Word Search 7: Festa vendors solved
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Lady from Pompeii
by Blaise Di Pronio As we all remember and know, it was built by Italian immigrants in 1904, torn down by progress in 1967, and named after Our Lady of Pompeii. But wait a moment, wasn’t Pompeii a notorious watering hole town for the pagan and hedonistic Roman elite and eventually destroyed by Vesuvius’ eruption (in 79 CE) as part of God’s revenge on the heathen (the Romans had also razed Jerusalem and its Temple around 70 CE)? So what is its incongruous and improbable connection with Jesus’ Mother whose holy appellation eventually found its way to a little pink church in the old Third Ward of Milwaukee? In fact, after the destructive eruption, there arose two Pompeiis near the Bay of Naples: one which would forever be crawling with archeologists and tourists and the other which became another suburban appendage of Naples and destined to be plagued by organized crime, poverty, and unemployment. with ancient ruins resting above sprawling modern ones. The present day town of Pompeii has a population of about 27,000. It finds itself in a state of dire need and, in many ways, just as dead and ruined as its ancient sibling. But it does have what eventually connected it to the Italians of Milwaukee. It is home to a famous shrine, the Madonna of Pompeii,
which each year attracts more than two to three million religious pilgrims. This Blessed Virgin is also known as Our Lady of the Rosary due to the special devotion of its founder. The story begins with an exNeopolitan lawyer and fallen Catholic by the name of Bartolo Longo. He came back to the faith in 1865 and became a Dominican monk and took the new name of Brother Rosario in honor of his new-found devotion to the Rosary. On a visit to the little town of Pompeii, located about 15 miles from Naples, he discovered its church to be in shambles and neglected by the non-practicing population. He put up an image of Our
Lady of the Rosary in the falling church and soon reports of miracles began to surface. They were taken as signs that She wanted a shrine there, and one was begun in 1876. The resulting basilica is still there in the center of town. Longo was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980, and his feast day is on Oct. 5. The painting that Longo put up was old, worm-eaten and with missing features. The Madonna’s face was of a coarse and rough country woman, and the saints receiving the Rosary from her, St. Dominic and St. Rose, looked even worse. The painting went through different stages of restoration starting in 1875, and St. Rose was eventually replaced by St. Catherine of
Siena. The miraculous portrait to this day depicts Our Lady of the Rosary sitting on a throne. On her knee is Child Jesus handing a rosary to St. Dominic and the Blessed Mother handing one to St. Catherine. Many of the pious, devoted and poor of Pompeii, its surrounding communities, and southern Italy as a whole were destined to leave in search of a better life. Some found their way to that little known “City by the Waters”. Most brought little with them except for their memories and a devotion to a certain miraculous Lady from Pompeii. Nota bene: Please see within our related article on the “other” Pompeii shrine.
By Annette Robertson Maestra Annette Robertson’s K4 class is studying the habitat and life cycle of dinosaurs and commonly known living animals, including reptiles, amphibians and insects. Students are preparing several scores including “La Famiglia” for the Spring Concert in early May. This month, giant dominoes has been a favorite game to learn counting and matching numbers in dot form according to the rules that dominate dominoes. Students chal-
lenge each other simply by their bright young minds and unbridled enthusiasm! Maestre Angela Bozano e Enrica Fracchia: I bambini di K5 sono molto curiosi, si divertiranno a scoprire cosa accade in primavera. In scienze seguiranno la crescita di piccole piante e impareranno quanto siano importanti la luce e l’acqua. Saranno impegnati con la lettura di semplici libri e proveranno a comporre frasi autonomamente. In matemati-ca risolveranno semplici problemi con l’addizione o la sottrazione. Bravi bambini continuate così! Maestra Elizabeth Zizzo and Maestra Rita Szopinski’s first grade class finished up their unit on honey bees. They learned all about the importance of pollination, how bees help plants grow, and why bees are so important for humans. They found out that without bees most things wouldn’t be able to survive. To finish the unit, Maestra Robertson did a presentation for the class about beekeeping and brought in honey from her very own beehives! Maestre Sabrina Lupoli and Cathy Laurenzi’s third grade students went to the Wehr Botanical Garden. Students learned and worked with soil composition and vermiculture. They brought to school some foster worms to take care of by composting appropriate food materials, feeding and nurturing them until May, when the worms will be returned to their home at the Botanical Garden. Mr. Steven Falsetti’s 4th and 5th grade students have been busy preparing for their trip to JA Biztown. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin has created an indoor city that the students run for an
entire day. The curriculum is based on economics and job readiness, so the students have been learning about writing checks, banking, job interviews and taxes. Before spring break, the students created resumes, dressed for success and interviewed to be the CEOs and CFOs of companies at JA Biztown. Families are welcome to enroll now at Victory K8 Milwaukee Immersion School. Victory K8 Italian Immersion is accepting applications for any K4 or K5 student who would like to learn Italian in the fall immersion setting. Over the summer Victory K8 will undergo a building update. Some of the new updates include new smart boards in every Italian immersion classroom, two chrome book carts, new classroom desks and chairs as well as a newly created culinary/multi-purpose room. Students will have opportunities to reinforce their math and reading skills by creating Italian delicacies. This room will be used for science projects as well. Free transportation within the city of Milwaukee will be provided. Suburban students are welcome and parents need to transport them. Call Victory K8 to arrange for a tour at 414-304-6700.
Report from Milwaukee’s Victory K-8 Italian Immersion School
The other Lady from Pompeii
by Blaise Di Pronio Most Italian Community Center members know about the little pink church named for the Blessed Virgin Of Pompeii and its demolition in the late 1960s, but how many know that there was and there still is another Lady from Pompeii nearby at the Santuario della Beata Vergine di Pompeii – the Shrine of Our Lady from Pompeii – in the near West Side, University Village/Little Italy section of Chicago, 1224 W. Lexington St. to be exact. It was founded in the beginning of the 20th century as a parish but it is no longer one, and there are no formal parishioners. So what is it? We’ll let its Rector, Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, explain:
“Our plan here at the Shrine is to develop a hospitality team and encourage everyone to be part of it in some special way. I would like you to consider these three suggestions: one, if you see someone come in the door that you don’t recognize, go up to them, tell them your name and ask them theirs and tell them how welcome they are; two, introduce them to someone else that may be standing around – to your husband, wife, a friend or one of the regulars and start networking that way; and three, if they are alone and have no one to sit with, you might even ask them to sit with you at mass. I think these three things could actually keep on making us a place of great Italian hospitality where people can come and feel the presence of God, feel welcome, and for an hour a week, feel like they belong here together as part of the community, a place …where your
THE ITALIAN TIMES
heart always has a home.” Here is part of the Mission Statement of the shrine, and you will note that it sounds very familiar to us at the ICC: • To maintain the Shrine as a place of pilgrimage and comfort, where all might experience inspirational moments of prayer, contemplation and devotion. • To joyfully celebrate the sacred moments of life and the feasts and seasons of the Church Year, especially the solemnities of Mary and the patron saints of the Italian heritage. • To celebrate with all pilgrims vibrant Sunday and Feast Day liturgies that are marked with warm hospitality, inspiring music and homilies. • To be committed to Archdiocesan efforts of evangelization and healing for alienated and non-practicing Catholics of all ages. • To preserve and enhance a ministry of spiritual assistance and service to others. • To express the richness of the Italian culture and to foster appreciation of this rich heritage as a gift to all within our multi-cultural Archdiocese and society. • To provide a center for younger generations of ItalianAmericans to more deeply understand, recognize and appreciate their rich cultural identity and deeply rooted devotion to Mary. • To be a place of unity and reconciliation for ItalianAmericans dispersed throughout the Chicago area and the world. Like our ICC, every one is welcome at the shrine, and maybe a visit could result in a re-connection made through our shared namesakes.
MAY 2016 – PAGE 19
Before and after strictures
by Blaise Di Pronio Our kind readers must have all seen or heard about the Italian preand post-dinner rituals with those aperitivi and digestivi. Just what is that all about, and should we be following suit? Well, we do have our “happy hours” with cheap drinks and free snacks, but not so in Italy. That would be a mala figura (inelegant). The pre-dinner rite starts with an
aperitivo imbibed usually between 7 and 9 p.m. (No “early bird” specials here, folks). An aperitivo is an alcoholic beverage designed to start the metabolism, which then wakes up and stimulates an appetitie. Why so though? Remember, lunch was a full blown meal eaten also late between 1 and 2 p.m., so the system now needs a jump start. The word itself comes from the Italian aprire or “to
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Parole: The release of a prisoner on the promise of good behavior. It comes from the Italian word “parola” or ‘word’ as in a word spoken is speech as parola comes
from the Italian parlare or ‘to speak’. In effect, a parolee gives his word to be a good boy and behave. And parole evidence in court originally meant oral or spoken testimony.
open” (our word “aperture” is rooted there). The drink is thus capable of opening/dilating those pores that let out the hunger inducing gastric juices. Are you hungry yet? The aperitivo drink is usually a dry rather than sweet fortified wine (wine to which a distilled spirit is added, e.g., if it is brandy that’s added, the result is marsala or vermouth). It can also be a liqueur or dry champagne or a Campari (a pinkish aperitivo flavored with bitters.and soda). The opposite of the aperitivo is, of course, the digestivo. As the name suggests, it is the after dinner drink meant to aid the digestive process in the now full tank. It also is an alcoholic beverage and usually served after the coffee course. It can be those fortified
wines again, but normally it will be the more bitter concoctions, amari (bitters), such as Fernet (from herbs and spices) or Cynar (from herbs and plants, but predominantly artichokes) or the one preferred by your author’s relations, Centerba (100 herbs)- a product of their Maiella mountains found in the Apennine ranges in Abruzzo. So you are now ready to imbibe, indulge, and imbibe again, and all will be swell in your bottomless well. Buon Appetito!
Are you a wit or a twit? Take the test and find out
by Blaise Di Pronio Questions: 1. It keeps you on your toes. 2. Italian courtroom entree? 3. It oversees Festa. 4. They can make drafts in Milwaukee. 5. A nail gets hit on it. 6. It is full of many stories. 7. Pro’s opponent. 8. Pasta with pockets. 9. Papa’s wife. 10. Horn of Plenty Italian style. 11. Flyer made of China. 12. Hall of Fame drummer and QB. 13. Director of the Apocalypse. 14. The ‘stairway’ to ICC. 15. Some might come inflated.
Answers and scoring on page ??
Risposte
1. Il fiume. 2. L’uovo.
3. L’abbreviazione “sec.” 4. La strada.
5. La risposta corretta è 12, perché tutti i mesi dell’anno sono composti da almeno 28 giorni. 6. La sedia.
7. Una donna.
Commitment membership payment options
PAGE 20 – MAY 2016
There are two payment options available to you should you choose a 2-year membership or a 3-year membership. 1. You may pay each January for the duration of your 3-year or 2year membership. As an show of good faith, you must sign the statement at the bottom of the new application (that appears on the next page). 2. You may pay for your full 3-year or 2-year membership by the end of the first year – in 4 quarterly payments.** ** If a member pre-pays for a 2year or 3-year membership, and passes away or moves out of state, the remainder of their membership dues will be donated to the Italian Community Center in the member’s name. Pro Rated Amount You may have received a bill for a smaller amount of money. This dues payment doesn’t relate to the new dues program, but rather, is a transitional amount that is intended to return everyone to a Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 Membership. You are not being charged an additional amount.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 12
Researched and written by the late Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian The information presented here was researched and copyrighted as a historical record of the men and women of Italian descent who lived in the City of Milwaukee and served in the United States Military during World War II. The information recorded and documented by this researcher from records kept at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works were copyrighted in 2004 and an original copy has been placed in the repository at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The research was secured from City of Milwaukee Directories 1941, 1942 and 1944-45. No directory was published in 1943. The years 1944 and 1945 were combined into one directory.
Name Letezia, Louis Letizia, Jim Lentini, Bob Liberace, George Librera, Anthony Librera, Jim Librizzi, Anthony Librizzi, Joe Librizzi, Sam Librizzi, Bill Librizzi, Sal Librizzi, Roy Livieri, Ernest Locicero, Joe Lococo, Albert Lococo. Frank G. Lococo, Nick Lombardo, Joe Lombardy(i), Ben Lomenzo, Andy LoMonaco, Jack Lorino, Saverio Luccarini, Americo Lovercio, Joe
Branch Navy Navy Navy Navy Navy Army Marines Army Army Army Army Navy Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Navy Army
Address 1830A N. 2nd St. 8761 W. Adler 455 N.39th St. 4905 W. National 1664 N. Franklin 1664 N. Franklin 808 E. Brady 808 E. Brady 808 E. Brady 1606 E. Newton 1606 E. Newton 1819 W. State 2484 S. Delaware 800 E. Brady 608 E. Lyon 515 N. Jackson 608 E. Lyon 2469 W. Vliet 9160 W. Hawthrone 1675A N. Humboldt 1338 N. 40th St. 1514 N. Milwaukee 7368 W. Fond du Lac 1735 N. Franklin
Lubrano, Alfred Army Lucchesi, Alfred Army Lucci, Ernest Navy Lupo, Fred Army Army Lupo, Joe Lupo, Peter Army Lupo, Phil Navy Lusardi, Harry Army Macaluso, Frank Jr. Army Machi, Peter Army Macias, John Jr. Army Maddalena, George Army Army Magestro, Jim Magestro, Mike Army Maglio, Anthony Army Maglio, Anthony Army Maglio, Anthony Navy Army Maglio, Bernard Maglio, Carl S. Army Maglio, Ignatious J. Army Maglio, Joe Army Maglio, Joe H. Army Army Maglio, Joe J. Maglio, Melo Army Maglio, Rocco Merchant Marines Maglio, Santo Army Maglio, Ted Army Magnarini, Armando Army Maio, John Army Maio, Joe G. Army Maiorana, Frank Army Maiorana, Joe Army Army Maiorana, Joe R. Maiorana, Tony Army Mancuso, Anthony Army Mancuso, Mariano Army Mangogna, Vito Army
943 N. Van Buren 5059 N. Hollywood 2979 S. Clement 1761 N. Warren 6301 W. Fairview 218 N. Milwaukee 1761 N. Warren 3661 S. Kansas 903 W. Somers 522 N. Jackson 2525 S. Logan 2505 W. Highland 165 N. Peff 1519 S. 9th St. 1136A E. Kane Pl. 325 N. Jackson 6411 Milwaukee Avenue 218 N. Jefferson 518 N. Van Buren 1910 E. Locust 234 N. Jefferson 2118 N. 38th St. 635 E. Burleigh 218 N. Jefferson 218 N. Jefferson 635 E. Burleigh 316 N. Jefferson 2467 S. Superior 1541 N. Astor 1541 N. Astor 2219B N. Farwell 2219B N. Farwell 1856 N. Humboldt 2723 N. 2nd St. 1527 N. Jackson 3227 W. Lincoln 1629 N. Prospect
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
The Infiorata flower festival in Noto, Sicily
The 37th edition of the Infiorata flower festival in Noto, Sicily will take place May 12-15. The central theme this year is “The Infiorata Welcomes the World.” Noto is a small town located about 20 miles south of Syracuse.
The central location for the flower festival is Via Nicolaci in the town center. The Infiorata is always held in May. The artists start their works on Friday evening. Via Nicolaci is divided into sections and flower
1. Gomorrah (2014 TV Series): Ciro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next mafia mob boss. The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family’s life at risk. 2. Il commissario Montalbano (1999 TV Series): Detective Montalbano solves crimes in Sicily. 3. Don Matteo (2000 TV Series): Father Matteo is an Italian street
priest with a wise sense of reality. 4. Winx Club (2004 TV Series): In a magical universe, witches and warriors begin fighting in the name of good vs. evil! At a magic school, five teenage girls are selected to defend the universe with their magic. 5. Romanzo criminale - La serie (2008 TV Series): A criminal known as Lebanese has a dream: to conquer the underworld of Rome. 6. 1992 (2015 TV Series): Follows six people whose lives are intertwined with the rapidly changing political landscape of early 90’s Italy. 7. The Young Montalbano (2012 TV Series): The young “Commissario” detective Salvo Montalbano, based in the fictitious village of Vigata, solves mysterious crimes in Sicilia. 8. Boris (2007 TV Series): A look at the daily misadventures of the troupe filming the low-quality TV series “Gli Occhi del Cuore 2”. 9. Il Commissario Rex (2008 TV Series): Il cane poliziotto. 10. Grand Hotel (2015 TV Series): A hotel maid mysteriously disappears and her brother investigates the circumstances that led to her fate by disguising as a hotel waiter. – Per IMdb.com
Most popular Italianlanguage TV series
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Sinister: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen. It comes from the Italian word “sinistro” or “lef’t” as in left-handed or sided. For thousands of years, the Devil has been associated with the left hand in various wicked ways. It was thought that the Devil baptized his followers with his left hand, and there are many references in superstitions to the “left-hand side” being associated with evil. In contrast, Christianity is strongly based towards the right hand, and it is the right hand that gives the blessing and makes the sign of the cross.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
masters draw the draft of the works on the street. The works are completed with thousands of flower petals. On Saturday morning, the masters finish their work, and Via
Nicolaci appears as a long and colorful flower carpet. Every year during the Infiorata, Noto is crowded with visitors from all over the world. Noto has been recognized by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Culture Organization) World Heritage List for its elegant baroque buildings.
WORDS IN AN ITALIAN WORD
Here is a picture taken at the Infiorata flower festival in 2015.
By Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “ITALIA”? Answers on page 24
The staff of Cafe La Scala invites you to stop in for lunch or dinner.
Arancini • Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips • Panzanella • Italian Beef Sandwich • Reuben • Sicilian Chicken Sandwich • Chicken Basil Panini • Sicilian Steak Sandwich • Mushroom Swiss Burger • Pasta alla Norma • Chicken & Spinach Alfredo • Sicilian Steak Dinner • La Scala Pizza • Alfredo Pizza • Prosciutto Pizza & more!
Weekday Lunch Buffet for $10.95/person 0as of May 11. Monday . Mexican • Tuesday . Pasta • Wednesday . Southern BBQ; Thursday . Italian; Friday . Fish Fry
Cafe La Scala 631 E. Chicago St. • 414-223-2185 LaScalaMilwaukee.com Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm Dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5-9pm, Fri., 4:30-10pm, Sat., 5-10pm
MAY 2016 – PAGE 21
Lots of new acts and some familiar in 2016 Festa’s entertainment lineup
from page 1 Find out more about singer/producer John Michael Coppola: http://www.johnmichaelcoppola.com/Concert.html Listen to the music of The Four C Notes: Promo Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ADdnLvM6I
Eagles, note for note. Hotel California performs such Eagles hits as “Take it to the Limit,” “One of These Nights,” “Desperado,” “Heartache Tonight” and “Hotel California.” Visit Hotel California’s website: http://hotelcalifornia.ca/ Listen to The Original Tribute to The Eagles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Nta3T5H-A&feature=youtu.be The Bronx Wanderers on Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Show times: 9 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage. One of Festa’s most popular acts in recent years, The Bronx Wanderers return all three nights. Fans know that this is a father and two sons living the American rock ‘n’ roll dream. Captivating fans across the country, The Bronx Wanderers deliver the best of America’s rock ‘n’ roll songbook, from the first generation right through the music of today. One part “oldies,” two parts rock ‘n’ roll, The Bronx Wanderers effortlessly create the perfect level of synergy between the generations of the music, the family, and the rockin’ band that pulls it all together. United by their passion for great music, former gold-record producer Yo’ Vinny along with sons Vinny “The Kid” and Nicky “Stix” form the heart and soul of this pitch perfect band that delivers a non-stop barrage of hit after hit. When the 20-year-olds in the crowd are jumping right alongside the 70-year-olds, you know it’s no ordinary concert. Visit The Bronx Wanderers’ website: http://thebronxwanderers.com/. Listen to The Bronx Wanderers “The Wanderer” (Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPu3LK3DlM&playnext=1&list=PLC 2B54C8D20A9F203&feature=results_main.
John Michael Coppola
The Four C Notes
Hotel California: The Original Tribute to The Eagles on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Showtimes: 7 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage (Saturday), 8:30 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage (Sunday). With over 25 years of international touring experience under its belts, Hotel California is the original Eagles tribute show in North America. The group has shared the stage with such headliners as The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Gretchen Wilson and many more international artists. They have performed in Dubai, Japan, India, Bermuda, and continue to sell out theatres and casinos throughout North America. The Eagles scored seven number one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six number one albums. They are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, selling 150 million records. You’ll hear all of these hits, remarkably replicated, in this spectacular show at Festa Italiana. Audiences have acclaimed Hotel California for having the closest sound to Don Henley of the Eagles. Close your eyes and you’d swear it was The
Hotel California: The Original Tribute to The Eagles
PAGE 22 – MAY 2016
The Bronx Wanderers
The Sicilian Tenors featuring Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at 9 p.m. on the Festa Stage (Saturday and Sunday). Also Aaron Caruso performance: Saturday at 3 p.m. on the Festa Stage; Elio Scaccio erformance: Sunday at 5 p.m. on the Festa Stage. The Sicilian Tenors bring together three marvelous tenor voices, each singing his own interpretation of the world’s best music in a recital format. The Sicilian Tenors will take Festa audiences on a romantic journey from Hollywood to Broadway to Italy with operatic voices singing a wide variety of marvelous songs that America loves. Combined with light-hearted fun, this is a concert for all ages to enjoy. Aaron Caruso has been performing on stage since the age of 6 and attended the world renowned Interlochen Arts Academy for high school. He earned his bachelor degree in Vocal Performance with an Italian Minor from the University of Michigan. He speaks four languages fluently and can sing in Russian, Latin and German. He studied opera abroad in Italy and in New York City, with Maestro Luigi Veccia, a student of Marcello and Mario Del Monaco, for eight years. Aaron specializes in Classic Neapolitan music. Elio Scaccio, a performing artist since early childhood, has been singing his entire life. In college, he focused special attention on studying jazz vocal technique and performance. He continued classical training at the renowned Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins. Since that time, he has trained under the supervision of several renowned opera tenors, but he has always maintained his unmistakable pop essence. Elio is a “crossover” performer, singing classical, pop, Italian ethnic, and occasionally, vintage rock. Sam Vitale is a graduate of the University of Michigan, School of Music, and continued his studies in New York City under the late Maestro Luigi Veccia. Sam has performed the lead tenor roles in Carmen, La Traviata, Rigoletto, The Phantom of the Opera, Don Giovanni and Pagliacci. Sam is a proud United States Air Force veteran of both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While in the Air Force, he won first place in the World Wide Tops In Blue Competition, Classical Division. Continued on page 23
THE ITALIAN TIMES
from page 22 For more information on The Sicilian Tenors visit: http://www.siciliantenors.com/. Listen to the Sicilian Tenors performing at Studio 8H, Home of Saturday Night Live: http://www.siciliantenors.com/#Videos
The Sicilian Tenors – Elio Scaccio, Aaron Caruso and Sam Vitale
Will & Anthony at 7 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage on Saturday, July 23 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 24. Making their debut at Festa are Will & Anthony Nunziata, The Brooklyn-born, classically trained singing and comedy brother duo, sing fresh takes of timeless songs from pop, adult contemporary music, Broadway, Italy and beyond. Hailed as “a nearly impossible pairing of talent, stage presence and charisma,” Will & Anthony continue to win critical and popular acclaim for their concert performances throughout the United States and around the world. Will & Anthony will make their Carnegie Hall debut as the headlining artists alongside Broadway stars and recordings artists Liz & Ann Hampton Callaway with the New York Pops for its concerts on Dec. 16 & 17, 2016. The brothers have brought their distinct take on classic and contemporary songs from performing arts centers and theaters, including The Kravis Center’s Dreyfoos Hall in West Palm Beach, Fla., to headlining their symphony concerts with The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Firelands Symphony Orchestra An upcoming engagement is with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with New York Pops musical director and conductor Steven Reineke. They have been featured recently on NPR, The Entertainment Weekly Sirius Radio show, The Rachael Ray Show, NBC’s The Columbus Day Parade, and on ABC’s Good Morning America. Visit their website http://www.willandanthony.com/. Listen to Will & Anthony! http://www.willandanthony.com/#!video/c9uf
Rico), Hotel Del Coronado (San Diego), Grand Sierra Resort (Reno), Raffles (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) as well as countless other performances throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Las Vegas Review-Journal says of Scalissi’s performance, “Joe Scalissi as Dean Martin was simply put, the best we have seen so far. As soon as he stepped on stage, he became Dean Martin.” With visual accuracy, and backed by the full-sounding 12-piece orchestra, a tuxedo-clad Scalissi pays homage to Dean Martin in a manner that is both fun and believable. And when he sings “Mambo Italiano” in Italian, no less. When Dean Martin’s own daughter can’t tell the difference, you know that Joe is the best Dean Martin tribute artist for the job. For more inforation: http://www.joescalissi.com/deanmartintribute.html. Listen to Dean Martin Tribute Featuring Joe Scalissi: http://www.joescalissi.com/listen.html Michéal Castaldo on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. Festa Stage. Michéal made a lasting impression on Festa-goers in 2013 and is now back in 2016. Representing the living embodiment of authentic Italian culture for modern North Americans. A native of Calabria, Michéal is an accomplished pop-classical crossover singer of his native songs and a purveyor of his family-made, heirloom Italian luxury products in North America. A lifetime of Italian living has brought a smooth texture, rich flavor, and romantic hue to Michéal’s Italian crossover music. As a vocalist, he has toured North America and Europe. In 2012, he was chosen third among “Europe’s Best Crossover Performers.” He began singing in church when he was 9 years old and went on to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2015, Michéal penned the Italian lyrics and released “Everything Happens for a Reason – Una Ragione,” a single that includes multiple mixes of a song written by Billboard-charting writers, Mike Greenly and Paul Guzzone. He goes deeper into his roots and delivers a dance version of this song. Remixed by Tony Moran and Warren Rigg, “Everything Happens for a Reason” was released this past Apr. 1. Castaldo will be sharing the Festa stage with a string quartet of awesome musicians and stellar guest sopranos, Anastasia Lee and Agne G from the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Visit Castaldo’s official website www.michealcastaldo.com. English Version of “Everything Happens for a Reason” (Original mix) Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BQzvff5fFQ; “Everything Happens for a Reason” (Official Club Mix) Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CITzTG4-MNY
Michéal Castaldo
Returning to Festa will be several crowd favorites including The Russo Brothers, Doo-Wop Daddies, Tom Sorce Band, Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz and Chicago area crooner and restaurant owner Tony Spavone Back in the Festa lineup after a long absence is Cold Sweat & the Brew City Horns on Friday, July 22. Cold Sweat draws from many great genres including Funk, R&B, Soul, Dance, Disco, Rock and Pop. Artist influences include Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Kool & The Gang, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Chicago, Beyonce and Miles Davis. Visit: http://www.cold-sweat.com Attention all Badger fans! Members of the UW Marching Band will be performing a 5th Quarter performance for Festa-goers on Saturday and Sunday. Some of these students have represented the University of Wisconsin at the Holiday Bowl for football, at the Sweet 16 for Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Hockey Frozen Four. The Wisconsin Band maintains a high profile among musicians and Badger enthusiasts throughout the state and region. The Varsity Band is part of this program, providing performance opportunities for University students during the winter and spring, culminating in its annual extravaganza at the Kohl Center. Band members report that they are excited to perform for Festa-goers this summer. For more information, visit: http://badgerband.com/.
Will & Anthony
Dean Martin Tribute Featuring Joe Scalissi on Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Showtimes: 4:30 p.m. on the Festa Stage (Friday), 3 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage (Saturday) and 6:30 P.M. on the Miller Lite Stage (Sunday). Joe Scalissi, a Midwesterner of Italian heritage, is an internationally recognized entertainer, best known for his tribute to Dean Martin. Scalissi has garnered praise from countless audiences, talent scouts and agents across the country as perhaps the most authentic and accurate portrayal of Dean Martin known today. Since 1998, Scalissi has entertained audiences as Dean Martin in the Rio Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas), Greek Isles (Las Vegas), Disneyland Theatre (Anaheim.), Rio Del Mar (San Juan, Puerto
THE ITALIAN TIMES
UW Marching Band
MAY 2016 – PAGE 23
More scenes from “A Taste of Italy”
Therese Ciofani and Vivian Balistreri helped to serve the Italian pork tenderloin sandwiches.
Italian sub sandwiches served here by volunteers from the Santa Rosalia Society.
Arancini (rice balls) were available at this stand where three generations of the Castrovinci family worked along with Rosemary Joecks,
Sal Purpora purchased sfingiuni from volunteers Mary Cannestra and Joe Noto.
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Radical: Departing from the usual or customary and favoring revolutionary changes. It comes from the Italian word “radice“ or “root” or that part of a plant found in the soil and from which the plant grows or the origin of anything which has grown. In effect, a radical wants to go back to the start of something new or a new root which will grow into a new idea, concept, course, etc.
Members of La Società di San Giuseppe volunteered to serve three kinds of Italian soup – chicken pastina, lentil and Italian wedding.
WORDS IN AN ITALIAN WORD from page 21
Times photos by Tom Hemman Craig Lieber may have gone home with a sore wrist after scooping out the frozen spumoni for hundreds of guests.
Sal and Antonette Lo Coco sold food and beverage tickets in the Festa Ballroom. Like many of the volunteers, they work at “A Taste of Italy” every year.
Are you a wit or a twit? Answers and scoring
from page 20
PAGE 24 – MAY 2016
29 words in ITALIA: 1. aalii 2. litai 3. tali 4. lati 5. alit 6. tail 7. ilia 8. taal 9. tala 10. aia 11. til 12. lit13. tai 14. alt 15. lat 16. ail 17. ait 18. aal 19. ita 20. ala 21. aa 22. ta 23. ai 24. it 25. al 26. ti 27. la 28. at 29. li.
Answers: 1. Ballet – It helps to be pigeontoed. 2. Tortellini – Tort comes from the Italian “torto” or in the wrong. 3. Skyglide – You get one spittin’ great view from it. 4. Brewers – You can draft beer or players here. 5. Head – Ouch! 6. Skyscraper – You need a lift to get there. 7. Con – From the Italian “contra” or against. 8. Ravioli – Filled-in pasta squares.
9. Mama – Once combined into a singing group. 10. Abbondanza – Italian for lots and lots and then more. 11. Saucer – Of UFO fame and tossing at spouse game. 12. Starr – Bart or Ringo. One played standing, the other sitting. 13. Coppola – Francis Ford. Oscar worthy ‘Now’ and then. 14. Lascala – Italian for ‘the ladder’- to great music and good food. 15. Egos – Not me, myself or I. Scoring: 10-15 correct= You’re a wit. 5-9 correct= you’re a twit. 1-4 correct= you’re moribund.
THE ITALIAN TIMES