ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com NOVEMBER 2017 • VOL. 39, NO. 5
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Sam Purpero, key representative of ICC, Festa and Milwaukee’s Italian American community, dies at the age of 81
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor It would be hard to imagine that, in the nearly 40-year existence of the Italian Community Center, any member has played a more pivotal role, demonstrated more consistent leadership and commitment to the organization, or commanded more respect than Salvatore B. “Sam” Purpero. Sam, as everyone knew him and called him, died Oct. 11 at the age of 81. Sam was there in 1978 as one of the founders of Festa Italiana, Milwaukee’s first lakefront ethnic festival. After the success of the first Festa, he was among the group of local Italian American leaders who established the Italian Community Center. Sam was the organization’s third president (1982-1983). He was an essential part of the
team that saw Festa grow and prosper over the next decade. He played a vital role from 1985 to 1990 in the development and construction on the 16-acre property where the ICC now stands in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. C.W. Purpero dug the foundation for the building and graded the parking lot. The ICC is located a short distance from where Sam and a majority of Milwaukee’s first generation of American-born children of immigrant Italians first lived, worshipped and attended grade school. After the world economic crash of 2001, Sam was there with his steady hand, common sense approaches and commitment of resources to guide the ICC through the rough and tumble times. Over the last several years, as the ICC began to rebound through
the re-organization of its modes of business operation, Sam was always there to impart his wisdom and continue his ongoing support to the organization. Purpero served on the ICC Board for all but two years since its inception, longer than any other board member. He held the offices of president, president-elect, first vice president, treasurer and director-at-large. He was elected to numerous terms as treasurer, including seven of the last eight and was holder of the post at the time of his death. He was a longstanding member of the ICC Finance and Personnel Committee, the Festa Steering Committee and the Festa Advisory Committee. “I think people saw my dad as a really trustworthy and dependable person, who always had your back,” Please turn to page 8
On behalf of our officers, directors and the entire membership, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Sam Purpero. He always stood by the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana, guiding us with his calm demeanor through our most strenuous times and helping us to achieve our greatest successes. People respected Sam. He was our voice of reason. When issues were being discussed with no resolutions in sight, Sam would ultimately say something that pulled everything together in a way that all of us could agree to, and everyone walked away happy. I know that over the last three years when Joe Vella, our immediate past president, and I needed some advice, we would go to Sam.
He was our “go-to” guy. He knew everything about the ICC. When we set out to change the way we were doing business at the ICC and point our organization in a different direction, Sam encouraged us, letting us know that he thought we were doing the right thing. The ICC owes a great deal of gratitude to Sam for everything he did for our organization throughout its nearly 40 years of existence. He will definitely be missed.
A message from Dean Cannestra. Italian Community Center President
Land sale As you might have heard or read, the ICC’s sale of 1.8 acres on the far south end of our property to the Milwaukee Ballet Company came to fruition over the last Please turn to page 3
Everyone’s welcome to ICC’s Holiday Boutique on Nov. 25
Holiday boutiques are a most wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit – they inspire holiday cheer and provide shoppers with an opportunity to give a unique gift to the people in their lives. On Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Italian Community Center will host its third annual Holiday Boutique featuring artists and designers, showcasing their work in a festive atmosphere. The event will take place in the Festa Ballroom. Admission is $2 per person. “It has been a fantastic event
the past two years, and we’re anticipating a greater response from our members and the general public this year,” said Karen Dickinson, who is chairing this fundraiser. The ICC Holiday Boutique boasts a number of artisan booths where shoppers will find a magnificent variety of goods – handcrafted goods, unique items and gifts that you won’t find in stores. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be homemade Italian cookies and gourmet chocolate goodies. “We will offer package check, so
you don’t need to carry your purchases while you continue shopping or having lunch,” Dickinson said. There will also be a silent auction, where you will win an artist’s donation if you are the highest bidder. List of artists Maria Berghauer – Fiber, silk, wearable art Bill Dickinson – Original acrylic paintings Karen Dickinson – Jewelry Trina Frost – Letter word art Please turn to page 4
Sam Purpero
Italians ready for Folk Fair, Nov. 17-19
Preparing to serve as the representatives of Italian culture at the 74th annual Holiday Folk Fair International are volunteers from the Italian Community Center, members of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, and its youth group, I Bei Bambini. The Folk Fair will take place Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 19 in the Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis. ICC volunteers will operate a culture booth under the guidance of Culture Committee Chair Gina Jorgensen. Tradizione Vivente and I Bei Bambini will perform. Tradizione Please turn to page 9
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Election results
page 2
Calendar of events
page 4
Support Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate page 3 UNICO hosting bocce fundraiser on Nov. 3
page 5
Highlights from Student Culture Day pages 6 & 7 Members, club and society news pages 10 & 11
Everything you need to know about espresso and drinking coffee page 12
Puccio’s Packers gift to President Cannestra page 13 Sezione Italiana pagine 18 & 19
Busalacchi, Martinez, Ceraso-Alioto and Jannazzo elected to ICC Board of Directors Ceraso Fritchie appointed to fill one-year vacancy
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor For President Dean Cannestra, Vice President Joe Emanuele, Treasurer Ted Catalano, Secretary Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen and Sergeant-At-Arms Joanne (Sanfilippo) Czubek, it was easy sailing to victory in the Italian Community Center’s 2017 election as none of them faced opposition. But the eight candidates running for director-at-large seats had their work cut out for them. Four would capture two-year terms and one more would be appointed to fill the vacancy created by Catalano’s decision to run for treasurer. Catalano had a year remaining on his director-at-large term. After 467 ballots were counted on Oct. 19 by volunteers appointed by Joe Zambito, manager of the election tellers, Zambito announced the results at the general meeting that night. The winners of the two-year terms were: Ralph Busalacchi, Ray Martinez, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto and Joe Jannazzo. The one-year term, which is considered by the ICC bylaws as an appointment, went to Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie. The bylaws direct the ICC Board to appoint the next highest finisher in the election to fill the first vacancy among directors. According to the bylaws, all of the newly elected officers and directors officially begin their terms on Nov. 1. All of the candidates who were elected, except for Martinez, have previously experience on the Board. Zambito thanked all of the candidates – those who were elected and those not – for showing their interest in serving the ICC. The candidates who were not elected were Ed Ciano, Karen Dickinson and Gina Jorgensen. Zambito also reported that less than 50% of the membership voted. Ballots were mailed to 958 members “in good standing” (a term defined in the bylaws), 467 were returned, representing a 48.7% voter participation. Last year, 62% of the membership voted.
Three of the newly elected directors-at-large were on hand to be sworn in with three of the directors who are entering the second year of their term of office at the general meeting on Oct. 19. From the left: Tony Lupo, Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie, Ralph Busalacchi, Blaise Di Pronio, Ray Martinez and Tony Zingale. Unavailable to attend the meeting were Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto and Joe Jannazzo, who were winners of two-year terms in the election. They will be sworn in at the Board’s first meeting of the new term on Thursday, Nov. 9. Immediate past president Giuseppe Vella
(2014-2016) administered the oath of office to directors and most of the newly elected officers, Vice President Joe Emanuele, Treasurer Ted Catalano, Secretary Susan DeSanctis Christiansen and Sergeant-At-Arms Joanne Sanfilippo Czubek. President Dean Cannestra was sworn in by his aunt and past president Betty Puccio (1989-1990). The newly elected officers and directors officially take their positions on Nov. 1 in accordance with the organization’s bylaws. (Times photo by Tom Hemman) Photo on the left: Last year, when Dean Cannestra was elected to his first term as ICC President, his aunt and past president Betty Puccio presented him with a Green Bay Packers rug to place on the floor of the room in his house where he eagerly watches the Packers games. This past Thursday, Oct. 26, when Cannestra was elected to his second term as president, Puccio presented him with a Packers knitted blanket. She said her nephew can wrap himself up in this beautiful blanket as he sits in his recliner as he cheers on his favorite team to the Super Bowl! Readers can find out the story about the Packers rug and the afghan in an article Betty wrote on page 13 of this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Deadline for December 2017 issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the December 2017 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Friday, Nov. 10. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-2232189.
Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, Elizabeth Zizzo Angela Bozano and Donato Di Pronio For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iccmilwaukee.com. Copyright 2017 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
PAGE 2 – NOVEMBER 2017
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Support the ICC’s Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate
Tony Lupo, chairman of the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate, announced that donations are now being collected for the 2017 meal. The dinner will once again be held at the Open Door Cafe, a meal site at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee. The date of the event is Sunday, Nov. 12. The feast will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ICC volunteers, led by Lupo and vice chairs Tony Zingale and Ray Martinez, organize the dinner in consultation with the meal site director, conduct the fundraising to buy a complete Thanksgiving dinner and have the meal prepared and delivered to the Open Door Cafe. They also serve as volunteers at the event.
How to make a donation Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to submit a check payable to the Italian Community Center. Donations can be mailed to the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Please list on the memo line of your check that this donation is for the “Thanksgiving Meal.” This will ensure that your donation is properly credited for the dinner. Envelopes should be directed to the
attention of ICC Receptionist Valentina. She will accept donations at her desk during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Lupo, Zingale and Martinez will be on hand to collect contributions at the ICC’s general membership meeting on Oct. 19. “You might think that the vast majority of people fed at this dinner are homeless or jobless men, but that would be incorrect,” Lupo said. “Many of the dinner attendees in recent years are women and children. We are seeing more and more families each year that are homeless and desperately in need of everything many of us take for granted.” Persons interested in volunteering to help out at the dinner are asked to contact Lupo, Martinez or Zingale.
Bit of history This annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate has been going on since the late 1970s. It was started by a group called the Ragione Club under the leadership of such men as the late Tom Busalacchi, Dr. John Balistreri, Mario Bartolotta and Bob Cefalu. Tony Lupo assumed the chairmanship after Cefalu’s death.
The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO, through its Community Projects Committee, presented a $200 donation for the Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and poor that Italian Community Center volunteers will serve on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Open Door Cafe meal site at St. John’s Cathedral. The UNICO Ladies are one of the largest, consistent donors to this annual event. Here, Ann Romano, UNICO Ladies’ Community Projects Chair, presented the check to Tony Lupo, dinner chair. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
A message from ICC President Dean Cannestra
from page 1 month. If you recall, our membership authorized the sale of the land at a special meeting last December. I want to thank John Balistrieri for all of his efforts in putting this deal together. It started out with him knowing an individual from the Milwaukee Ballet, then furthering the discussion and eventually pulling it all together. Our members should know that John spent many, many hours doing the research, leading the discussions and sorting out all of the complications of this deal at no expense to the organization. He did it all as a volunteer, saving the ICC a substantial sum of money, especially on the legal fees. Now that the deal is closed, our members need to know that 90% of the money we received from this transaction is in the bank and is going toward reducing our mortgage. One of our primary objectives is getting the mortgage on our building paid off and not leaving it for the next generation to pay.
The rest of the funds were absorbed by costs related to the transaction and some of it went towards our portion of completing the remodeling that was done to our building this past summer. The Milwaukee Ballet is planning to build a two-story, 52,000 square foot facility on the 1.8 acres starting next year. Other developments over the last month included the repainting and re-carpeting of our Board Room and Members’ Room. Our Italian Heritage Photo Committee continues its effort to put up more of the refurbished photos from our collection with identification information. I invite everyone who is reading this message to stop in at the ICC and see the extent to which our building has been remodeled and re-invigorated.
meeting. While our nominees for officer positions were unopposed, we had eight candidates running for the four director-at-large seats with two-year terms with the fifth place finisher appointed to fill a one-year vacancy. That opening was created by Ted Catalano’s decision to vacate the final year of his term as a director to become our new treasurer. I want to congratulate all of the officers and directors who were
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Congratulazioni a tutti Hopefully, all of the members who are reading this message voted in our election. The results were announced at the Oct. 19 general
Christmas is the time of year for cooking and giving. My cookbook, “Recipes My Nonna Taught Me,” makes a wonderful hostess gift for the person who has everything, a stocking stuffer, and contains several easy holiday recipes. Available for the special sale price of $10.00 with FREE S & H to FRANCENA, 125 Boyce Road, Centerville, OH 45458 937-433-7313 • francena514@gmail.com Dedicated to my nonna who inspired me to cook – Mangia, Mangia! Buon Natale!
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elected. I look forward to working with each of you over the next year. Through your commitment and participation, our organization can continue to sustain and achieve growth. I also want to thank the candidates who were not elected. You showed your interest in supporting and bettering our organization and, for that, you deserve our applause. – Dean Cannestra ICC President
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Italian Community Center to host Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 25
from page 1 Jackie Graves – Macrame plant hangers Peter Gustin – Rustic furnishings John and Trudie Heckel – Functional woodcrafts Jenni Hopfinger – Handpainted functional glass tableware Kathleen Kelly – Handmade paper products
Karen Kerans – Watercolors Bill Lang – Photography Judith Lesniewski – Handpainted ornaments Dawn McDermid – Quilted items Linda Mielke – Exquisite sweatshirts Evelyn Mubasa – Clothing Stephanie Olsen – Fiber/clothing
Victoria Patterson – Original handcrafted candies Sarah Perlishek – Upcycled clothing Alexandra Polletti – Soaps and lotions Annette Smiszek – Watercolors Lynn Sobye – Gourmet chocolates Mary Spencer – Stained glass Tradizione Vivente, the Italian
Dance Group of Milwaukee – Italian cookies Barry Vandergriff – Wood turned pens Debbie Will – Wood signs and windows Jessica Zalewski – Pendants featuring photography Guests are encouraged to have lunch at Cafe La Scala, which is next to the Festa Ballroom.
After a Christmas season break, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center. Get your team together now. The winter bocce season gets underway the week of Jan. 8. Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Teams in the mixed couples’ leagues compete on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The regular season lasts eight
weeks. The winter season champion playoffs will take place Monday, Mar. 12 at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a winter league, here are a few things you need to know. There are two sets of player registration fees. The lower fee is for players who are members of the ICC. That fee is $30 per person per league season. The non-
member registration fee is $40 per person per league season. Each team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as the team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams. That way every team can compete each week. Team registration forms are available by calling the ICC office at 414-223-2180 or by picking one up at the ICC. The form can also be
emailed to you. League coordinators are: Troy Halverson (Monday night), Craig Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night), Loretta O’Boyle (Thursday afternoon) and David Alioto (Thursday night).
Winter bocce season to start week of Jan. 8
2018 schedules of Italian societies and organizations that regularly meet at ICC are needed promptly
The 2018 meeting and social event schedules of all of the societies, clubs and organizations that regularly use the Italian Community Center for their activities are needed by The Italian Times. ICC Business Manager Laurie Bisesi uses the information to coordinate room scheduling with Bartolotta Catering. Times editor Tom Hemman needs the information to provide an accurate reporting in the calendar published in each issue of the newspaper.
All groups are asked to submit their schedules INCLUDING THE STARTING TIME of all events as soon as possible. The goal is to have the schedules from all societies, clubs and organizations by Nov. 30. Please submit schedules using any one of these methods: • Send an email directly to Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com. • Drop off the schedules in person at the ICC. • Mail your schedule to Tom
Hemman, ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Groups that fail to comply with this request may experience difficulty in securing the accommodations they most desire. Please note: The Members Room can no longer be reserved for individual meetings and private parties. The room is available to members at all times that the ICC is open. The room is being remodeled to better serve the members.
Re: Location of Pompeii Church and memorial
In the article on the 50th anniversary of the demolition of the Our Lady of Pompeii Church which appeared in the October 2017 issue, it was incorrectly stated that the Pompeii memorial is on the same side of Jackson Street as the church once stood. The memorial is, of course, on the east side of Jackson Street, just off the exit to the expressway (I794). The church was on the west side of Jackson Street and approximately a half-mile south of the memorial’s location. The correct details were provided to The Italian Times by Attorney William A. Jennaro, a past president of the ICC and a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge.
Calendar of Events October 25 – November 25, 2017
Wednesday, Oct. 25 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 1 • Nov. 1 is the date the ICC’s newly elected officers and directors officially take office, according to the ICC Bylaws & Constitution. • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 3 • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National bocce fundraiser, 6 p.m. Details in this issue.
Saturday, Nov. 4 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 10 a.m. Details in this issue. • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 6 • ICC Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 9 • ICC Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 10 • Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 12 • ICC Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate at Open Door Cafè at St. John’s Cathedral, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Details in this issue. Monday, Nov. 13 • ICC fall bocce championship playoffs, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 14 • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 15 • Filippo Mazzei Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
PAGE 4 – NOVEMBER 2017
Thursday, Nov. 16 • ICC Membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Reservations necessary. Call 414-223-2180 for Monday, Nov. 13. • ICC General Membership meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 23 • Happy Thanksgiving. The ICC, Festa and Italian Times offices will be closed for the holiday. Saturday, Nov. 25 • ICC Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Public welcome. Details in this issue.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall season will end with the champion playoffs on Monday, Nov. 13. Winter season will begin the week of Jan. 8. Details in this issue. • ICC Italian classes. The fall semester of Italian I and Italian II classes are underway and will continue on Tuesday nights through Nov. 14.
• ICC free Children’s Italian class. The fall semester for children. ages 6-12, is underway and will continue on Saturday afternoons through Nov. 11. CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF PARTICIPANTS. • I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. Breaks are taken during the holidays.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Breaks are taken during the holidays. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
• Hula hoop dance fitness class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member, $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.
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Complete list of Thanks for your donations to the ICC Casino Night sponsors
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization. To obtain information on how to make a pledge or a donation, please call 414-223-2808. The following donations were received between September 8 and October 10, 2017. Memorials made for the late Sam Purpero will appear in our next issue.
Christina Sorce
In memory of Vincent Machi Bill and Rita Jennaro Uncle Tony A. Machi Jimmy and Linda Spataro In memory of Salvatore “Bedu” Balistreri Bill and Rita Jennaro Tony A. Machi
In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce
In memory of Marie (Catalano) Gazzana Bill and Rita Jennaro Tony and Barbara Lupo Ray and Carol Martinez Tony and Lena Zingale Rose Purpero Spang John and Julie Busch
The ICC’s Italian Heritage Photo Committee is looking for much more information on this World War I era photo that was donated to the organization several years ago. The committee reports that the date on the back of the photo is 1917. “The only other information we have is ‘Colla Bros.’ We hope
you can help us obtain complete information,” said Christine Conley, Committee Chair. If anyone can help the committee with further details on this photo, please email christineconley71@gmail.com or send the information to the ICC, c/o Photo Committee, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.
appears here
In the October 2017 issue, The Italian Times included a photo appeared of the billboard listing the names of prize sponsors. Since publication, we have learned that there were additional monetary donations made that didn’t appear on billboard shown in the photo. Casino Night Chair Karen Dickinson provided The Italian Times with a complete list of sponsors and donors to the fourth annual Casino Night, which is published here. The donors and sponsors include: Louise Au, Divino Wine & Dine – Dean Cannestra, Ted Catalano, Susie Christiansen, Karen
and Bill Dickinson, Farmers Insurance – Jill Leggett Steelmacher, Joe Jannazzo – Country Financial, William Jennaro, Wayne and Sheila Kitzerow, Sal Lo Coco, Tony Lupo, Tony Machi, Joe Mangiamele, Ray Martinez, National Recycling – Dave Doern, Papa Luigi Pizza – Sal Purpora, Mike Palmisano, C.W. Purpero, Inc. – Phillip Purpero, Sciortino Bakery – Giuseppe Vella and family, Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America, Pompeii Men’s Club, Pompeii Women’s Club, Gina Spang, Rose Purpero Spang and Suzanne Wypijewski.
The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National will host a bocce fundraiser to benefit its scholarship program. The event will take place Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. The costs have been set at $20 per person, $10 for children 2-10 years old, and free for those infants, two years and younger. Participants can expect to enjoy pizza, soda and opportunities to win prizes. There will be a cash bar for adult beverages. “We will have a limit of eight teams consisting of four persons,” said RoseAnne (Ceraso) Fritchie,
Milwaukee UNICO President. “If you don’t have a team and want to be on one, let us know and we will make sure to find you one. There is no age limit. This is a family event and all are welcome.” Contact Liz Ceraso at liz.ceraso@gmail,com with your name and the names of the persons who are participating. The sign-up deadline is Saturday, Oct. 28. “Even if you aren’t able to play, you are still welcome to come and cheer on your favorite team and support UNICO’s scholarship program,” Liz Ceraso said. “The cost is the same as mentioned above.”
Can you provide more UNICO invites all to bocce information on this fundraiser for scholarship World War I photo? program on Friday, Nov. 3
Words in an Italian city name
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “Palermo”? Find the answers on page 19
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Bacteria: Microscopic singlecelled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-like organisms. Derived from the Italian bacchetta which means a rod or a stick. So-called since the first bacteria observed via early microscopes tended to be rod shaped.
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102 fifth graders shown Italian culture and traditions by ICC volunteers
Volunteers joined forces to present a day of Italian culture and education to 102 fifth grade students from the Academy of Accelerated Learning, a Milwaukee Public School, on Monday, Oct. 2. “Student Culture Day,” as it is known, is an activity that the Italian Community Center offers in its salute to the national designation of October as “Italian American Heritage Month.” Chairperson Gina Jorgensen said the program featured all of the learning experiences and components: • An Italian language class. • A homemade pasta-making class. • A history class on the Italian immigrant experience, focusing on those who settled in Milwaukee.
• The Ellis Island immigrant experience. A re-enactment of the experience of Italian immigrants who landed at Ellis Island, N.Y. for entry into the United States with the students playing the role of the immigrants and the volunteers acting as the Ellis Island nurses, doctors and registrars. • A recreation lesson that teaches the students how to play bocce. The program ended with a spaghetti and meatballs luncheon provided by the ICC. Jorgensen reported that the Student Culture Day program has received a $500 from Rose Purpero Spang. “We wish to thank Rose for her generosity and ongoing support for this educational program,” she said.
The 102 students from Academy of Accelerated Learning on Milwaukee’s southwest side might not have known that they were in for a medical examination when they arrived at the ICC for Student Culture Day on Oct. 2 but that’s what they received when they filled the roles of Sicilian immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Here, Doctor Ray Martinez is seen examining one of the immigrants.
Lucia Soldati, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, led the history class on the Italian immigrant experience. Soldati’s lesson placed emphasis on the experience of the Sicilian and southern Italian immigrants who arrived in Milwaukee. Times photos by Tom Hemman
A male student, playing an Italian immigrant, was questioned by examiner/inspector Joe Emanuele (ICC Vice President) during the Ellis Island experience.
Nurse Barbara Lupo checked the hair of this Italian immigrant for head lice.
PAGE 6 – NOVEMBER 2017
These fifth graders quickly caught on how to play bocce. Before they started, they were given an introductory lesson by Barb Zaffiro, who is seen in this photo on the far right.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Students received all the information they needed to get homemade pasta from Anna Pitzo (far right) and Sophia Michalovitz (far left).
As part of a hands-on learning experience, the fifth graders were allowed to make different types and sizes of pasta on a pasta cutting machine.
Each fifth grader was given an information card to wear by Christina Ziino at the beginning of the Ellis Island experience. The information card gave the students their Italian immigrant identity.
Filling the role of an Ellis Island examiner/inspector, Joanne Czubek questioned an Italian immigrant on his intentions for coming to America.
Doctor Tony Lupo informed a female immigrant that she passed her medical examination.
Nurse Carol Martinez examined this Italian immigrant. Elena La Spisa provided the visiting students with an overview of the Italian immigrant experience. Copies of some of the ICC’s Italian heritage photos gave the studetns visuals of the experience.
Enrica Tarantino Woytal, who has taught Italian classes for teens and adults for more than three decades at the ICC, gave the fifth graders some basic instruction in the Italian language during each one of the 25minute classes at Student Culture Day.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
At the end of the Ellis Island experience, officials Lena and Tony Zingale had the Italian immigrants pledge their allegiance to the United States of America.
NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 7
Sam Purpero: A caring, charitable person with a great sense of humor
from page 1 said Phillip Purpero, Sam’s son. “He had a casual way of imparting his wisdom. He did everything in a non-confrontational way. He knew how to relate to people, and I think that goes back to his upbringing. He grew up with nothing, but never saw it that way.” “People respected Sam,” said Dean Cannestra, the current president of the ICC. “He was our voice of reason. When issues were being discussed with no resolution in sight, Sam would ultimately say something that pulled everything together in a way that all of us could agree to, and everyone walked away happy.” Cannestra added, “I know that over the last three years when Joe Vella, our immediate past president, and I needed some advice, we would go to Sam. He was our ‘go-to’ guy. He knew everything about the ICC. When we set out to change the way we were doing business at the ICC and point our organization in a different direction, Sam encouraged us, letting us know that he thought we were doing the right thing. The ICC owes a great deal of gratitude to Sam for everything he did for our organization throughout its nearly 40 years of existence. He will definitely be missed.” “There was no finer person than Sam,” said Anthony T. Machi, the first president of the ICC. “He was a one-of-a-kind. Sam used his knowledge, his instincts and business suave to get things done in a way that benefited all of us. The ICC and Festa can be grateful that we had Sam for all these years.” Betty Puccio, the 10th and first female president of the ICC (19891990) said, “I’ve always said Sam was the brother I never had. He was the epitome of ethical leadership. He didn’t care about titles. He cared about everyone.” “Sam was a pillar of our community,” said Jimmy Spataro, the sixth president of the ICC (198586). “One of my fondest memories was standing with him at the groundbreaking for our present Italian Community Center (in 1989). Sam worked tirelessly for the ICC and Festa. He was a true example of someone who lived by his values, his service to God, his family and his community. We were fortunate to have him in our midst.”
Outside the ICC The respect that Sam commanded went well beyond the ICC and the local Italian community. It extended deep into the business and financial community in Southeastern Wisconsin. During his career, Sam was involved in two successful businesses, C.W. Purpero, Inc. for 55 years, and King Juice Company for 33 years. Sam’s father, Charles W. Purpero, who immigrated to the United States from Sicily with nothing but the hope to succeed in America, started the C.W. Purpero company in 1919 as a one-dump truck operation. After World War II, the company expanded from trucking to performing excavating and grading services. Sam’s oldest brother, the late Phillip (“Big Phil”) Purpero, brought Sam into the business in 1955, two years after he had graduated from Lincoln High School. Sam first operated a bulldozer. He earned his certification as an operating engineer and became a lifelong member of Local 119 of the Wisconsin Operating Engineers.
PAGE 8 – NOVEMBER 2017
This picture was taken on Sept. 7, 1989 at the groundbreaking ceremony for the “new” Italian Community Center, the organization’s current building in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. From the left: Sam Purpero, Tony Machi, Phil Purpero and Jimmy Spataro, all past presidents of the ICC. The building was erected over the next year and opened in September 1990.
According to Purpero family members, when Charles Purpero retired, Sam took over his position, joining his brothers, Phil and Anthony “Tony”, in handling the dayto-day operations. After Tony retired, Phil and Sam became coowners of C.W. Purpero. When Phil decided to retire, Sam bought out Phil’s share of the company and replaced him as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Sam also brought his son, Phillip, into the business. In 2010, Sam turned over the reigns of the company to his son, Phillip, but remained on as Chairman of the Board. From the time C.W. Purpero, Inc. was incorporated with the State of Wisconsin in December 1948 to the present, it has grown from a small company into a highly successful business that is recognized across Wisconsin for its performance of excavating, grading, demolition, earthwork and utilities work. In 1984, Sam bought the struggling King Juice Company on Milwaukee’s south side, and with the efforts of his son-law and daughter, Tim and Margie Kezman, was able to turn the company around. The company, which was sold shortly before Sam’s passing, is a mid-size packager of non-carbonated liquids. The company also produces its own line of Calypso branded juices and fruit drinks, which under the Purpero and Kezman leadership became an international seller.
Sam’s life Sam was born and raised at 210 N. Jefferson St. in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward. He was the son of Charles W. and Rosalia (nee Emanuele) Purpero. Sam was the second youngest of Charles and Rosalia’s five children. Besides the previously mentioned brothers Phil and Tony, Sam had two sisters, Caroline Besasie and Rose Spang. Tony, Caroline and Rose remain active members of the ICC. Phil died Nov. 4, 2016 at the age of 94. Like Sam, Phil was extremely involved in the ICC and Festa throughout the years. He, too, was a past president of the ICC. Sam married his high school sweetheart, the late Lucille Antionette (nee Vehar) on Aug. 11, 1956. They became the proud parents of five daughters, Catherine, Susan, Margaret, Mary and Christina and one son, Phillip. Sam and Lucille were proponents for
higher education. While both graduated from high school, and Lucille was her class valedictorian, neither went to college. All of their children went on to higher education and now enjoy successful lives. Lucille died on Aug. 1, 2014 at the age of 79. She was the love of Sam’s life. Tony said that Sam was a very good athlete, was an especially good baseball player and was possibly the fastest runner in the neighborhood during his childhood years. In his teens, Sam became fascinated with cars, an interest that continued throughout his life. “He could identify every make and model that drove by our house on Jefferson Street,” Tony said. Sam was the owner of many cars. Sam was an original member of the Pompeii Men’s Club. He was the third president of that organization which evolved from the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church after the church’s demolition in October 1967. Sam was one of the founders of the Holy Name Society. He was also a longtime member of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. In 2012, UNICO recognized Sam as its “Citizen of the Year.” The Grand Illinois/Wisconsin Chapter of the Order Sons of Italy in America honored Sam with its Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence in 2014. Caring, charitable man with great sense of humor No article could be written about Sam Purpero without mentioning his caring and charitable nature. Through his personal commitment and his businesses, Sam was a dedicated supporter and contributor to numerous charitable and civic causes within the Italian community and outside of it. Possibly his largest commitment was to the ICC and Festa, but he contributed to numerous others. “Sam and his brother, Phil, were invaluable to the ICC through their contributions,” Betty Puccio said. “Both were very generous to the ICC, Festa and all of the Italian organizations and societies in addition to numerous charitable causes, hundreds of families and individuals and many local business owners and operators.” She added, “Sam was such a selfless person. He was always there to help people in need. Sometimes, he
would donate and the persons for whom he made the donation didn’t even know it came from him.” Puccio added that there never was an instance when Sam’s companies, C.W. Purpero or King Juice, weren’t sponsors of Festa. Sam would purchase sponsorships for the areas of Festa for which Betty couldn’t find a sponsor. For the last several years, Calypso Lemonade had been the primary sponsor of Festa. Sam’s son, Phil, said his father “looked for opportunities to donate, the places and causes where his donation would be worthwhile. Since he had the ability, he wanted to share with others. He was willing to share with others and give to others. He felt comfortable doing it and that was what made him feel special.” Phil added it wasn’t until recent years that Sam’s own family knew that, each year before Christmas, Sam would purchase the biggest and best Christmas tree on the lot of a friend he knew and have it delivered to the Ronald McDonald House. Many people knew Sam for his great sense of humor and storytelling. It was this ability that made him a favorite choice to serve as master of ceremonies at numerous events. In recent years, Sam enjoyed his retirement having lunch virtually every Wednesday afternoon with his lifelong friends at the “roundtable” near the north entrance to Cafe La Scala. “Sam was one of the regulars,” said Tony Lupo, an ICC Board Member and a good friend. “He loved telling his stories and his jokes.” Sam is survived by his children Catherine (Phil) Roszak, Susan (Mike) Oszuscik, Margaret (Tim) Kezman, Phillip (Suzanne) Purpero, Mary (John) Nordstrom and Christina Purpero (Glenn Michael), his grandchildren Thomas (Cadie), Brian, Mathew and Laura Roszak, Michael (Kirsten Ysseldyke) and Stacy Oszuscik, Steven (Krista) Kezman, Jennifer (Daniel) Mares, Salvatore, Alena and Andrew Purpero, Derek Kirby, Zachary and Madeline Nordstrom; his great-grandchildren Carson, Reagan and Reed Roszak; his brother Anthony (Betty) and his sisters Caroline (Ray) Besasie and Rose Spang, and many other relatives and special friends. If desired, the family suggests memorials to the ICC.
Sciortino Bakery: Best bakery in America, website reports
Most local residents are familiar with the Brady Street staple and anchor, Peter Sciortino Bakery. It is owned and operated by the Vella family. Giuseppe Vella, the immediate past president of the Italian Community Center, his brother, Luigi and his sister, Maria Sali, are in charge of the daily operations. In the past, the bakery has received many accolades and recognitions, mostly on a local or regional level, but now it is featured on the internet site onlyinyourstate.com which report it to be the best little bakery shop not only in Milwaukee but all of America. How about that! For the full story, visit: onlyinyourstate.com.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian culture to be showcased at Holiday Folk Fair by ICC volunteers, Tradizione Vivente and I Bei Bambini
from page 1 Vivente will also be in charge of an Italian cafè. Advance tickets for the event, priced at $10, are available at the
ICC. Admission during the fair will be $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and over with an ID) and children (ages 6-12). Children, age 5 and under, will be admitted for
free. The Folk Fair is also offering free admission to military personnel (with a military ID). Family four-packs are available in advance for $36 and can be pur-
Tradizione Vivente and I Bei Bambini set to perform Italian dance at Folk Fair Adult group will also be in charge of food booth
As usual, Italian culture will be well represented at Folk Fair through the efforts of the Italian Community Center, the ICC Culture Committee, Tradizione Vivente (The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee), and the children’s Italian dance group, I Bei Bambini. Tradizione Vivente will perform daily at both the All Nations Theater and the Tanzhaus. At the All Nations Theater, the group will perform Tarantella Fantasia, which translates to Fantasy Tarantella, and is a song and dance that comes from the town of Agrigento, in the region of Sicily. The steps and music are fast and lively and help to engage and captivate one’s imagination. At the Tanzhaus, Tradizione Vivente will be performing Ballo di San Vito and Abballati. Ballo di San Vito is a celebratory dance
done in a small Pugliese town which was saved from a passing storm and surrounding massive floods. The pizzica-style dance is in recognition of Saint Vitus, who is the patron saint of dancers and protector against storms. Abballati is a famous traditional Sicilian song suggesting to its listeners to do one thing: Dance. On Sunday, Nov. 19, I Bei Bambini will no doubt charm the audience with their dance, Il Trescone. Il Trescone is danced throughout central Italy and, therefore, there are many versions. It is often a challenge dance – the couples dance their best to outshine the other dancers. Typically, as in this version from Toscana, one couple begins the dance with new couples joining in during each “chorus.” The music I Bei Bambini uses for this dance is “La Vendemmia,”
lively music with lyrics about dancing and celebrating during the grape harvest festivities. Guests can dine at the Italian food booth, which will be run by Tradizione Vivente. The booth will featurerigatoni pasta with breadstick, rigatoni pasta with meatballs and breadsticks, meatball sandwiches, lasagna, arancini (rice balls) and pizza, along with desserts such as cannoli (regular and chocolate), tiramisu, pizzelle and Italian ice cup (strawberry). This year, in celebration of bread, Tradizione Vivente is thrilled to offer beautiful breads from Peter Sciortino Bakery and provide the delicious fare that remains a favorite of the public. For performance schedules and additional information, please visit the Holiday Folk Fair website, www.folkfair.org. A presto!
Several of the members of I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, are seen here in one of the group’s performances at the Children’s Stage at Festa
Italiana 2017. (Times photo by Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler)
Here is Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group, performing inside the new building that Festa Ital-
iana used for its Italian Heritage Exhibit. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
chased online at www.folkfair.org. Holiday Folk Fair has launched a brand new website. You can go to the link and find lots of great information about dance, food, tradition and more. Folk Fair hours are 2 – 10 p.m., Nov. 17; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Nov. 18, and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Nov. 19. There is an Education Day program on Nov. 17 for students from all over Wisconsin before the fair opens to the public.
Folk Fair details This year’s featured theme celebrates the “Culture of Welcome.” The theme will allow fair-goers the opportunity to learn the ways in which welcome and its symbolism is incorporated into the music, food, dance, arts and crafts of the Holiday Folk Fair. You may see a lot of pineapple symbolism and foods since pineapple is a symbol for welcome. Special attractions in 2017 include visiting groups from Kenya and Bohemia, a region in western Czech Republic. The Artisan Corner, the Kohl’s Color Wheels display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, and a bonsai exhibit, to name a few, are returning again this year. The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance, the World Cafè offering traditional dishes, the International Stage where young people perform their ethnic dances, the Tanzhauz (Music Pavilion) where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings, the Coffeehouse where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians, Heritage Lane, with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits, the International Bazaar, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience, and the Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
Italian participants In keeping with the theme of the Folk Fair, the culture exhibit, run by the Culture Committee and ICC volunteers, will feature displays and information how families arrived in Ellis Island and how they were welcomed to the United States. The volunteers will highlight fancy breads as well in the cultural exhibit made by Giuseppe Vella, owner of Sciortino Bakery. Anna Pitzo and Lisa DeSanctis will conduct cooking demonstrations on Education Day and over the weekend. Anna will be teaching how to make homemade bread sticks and Lisa DeSanctis will be demonstrating how to make Panzanella, a Tuscan salad of bread and tomatoes. Folk Fair guests can dine at the Italian food booth, which will be operated by Tradizione Vivente. The booth will feature rigatoni pasta with breadstick, rigatoni pasta with meatballs and breadsticks, meatball sandwiches, lasagna, arancini (rice balls) and pizza, along with desserts such as cannoli (regular and chocolate), tiramisu, pizzelle and Italian ice cup (strawberry). This year the Italian café will offer an Italian treat incorporating a pineapple cookie and pineapple flavored Italian ice. Local vendors Sciortino Bakery and Palermo’s Pizza provide the Italian fare that has constantly remained a favorite of fairgoers.
NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 9
Italian Society and Club News
Pompeii Men’s Club awards scholarships
The Pompeii Men’s Club awarded scholarships of $2,500 each to Ronaldo Siy, John Paul Kowalski and Dominic Sanchez at a dinner event held at Alioto’s Restaurant, Wauwatosa, on Sept. 12. The award is open to Catholic grade school students who will be furthering their education by attending a Catholic high school. The following criteria was used: A combination of grade point average, financial need, school attendance, and, last but not least, how
the applicant answered questions regarding continuing his or her Catholic education. Ronaldo and Dominic are attending Marquette University High School and John is attending St. Thomas More High School. The Pompeii Men’s Club has awarded this scholarship to worthy applicants for the last four years. Learn more about the club on Facebook – www.Facebook/PWC. org – or its website: pompeiimensclub.com.
Pompeii Women make school supplies donation, welcome new members at September meeting
The Pompeii Women’s Club first meeting for the 2017-18 year was held on Sept. 29 at the Italian Community Center. Before dinner was served, President Suzanne Wypijewski called on Father Mike Hammer, one of the club’s chaplains, to offer an opening prayer. As in past years, members brought school supplies to this meeting. This year, the items were given to St. Joseph’s Catholic School in West Allis at the suggestion of board member Carla San Felippo, who is a friend of the school’s educational religious director. The director had informed Carla that the teachers buy all these supplies for students as many of them come from low-income families and can’t afford to buy the supplies. Club members also acknowledged Ed Ciano, who, on his own, collected boxes of school supplies and brought them to the meeting. Ed is the son-in-law of club member Pat Guttuso. The members thanked Ed for his efforts. The Pompeii Women were pleased to have Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jean DiMotto, an honorary member, join them for
this dinner meeting. The club was happy to welcome three new members, who were in attendance. They are Valentina Sturdevant, whom many know as the ICC office receptionist, Maria D’Amato, daughter of member Anna Skoczynski, and Ashley Guttuso, granddaughter of member Pat Guttuso. They were recruited by President Suzanne and will formally be invested as members by her at the club’s next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The Pompeii Women’s Club extends a great BIG WELCOME to all three ladies. New members help the club to continue its mission, which includes donating to worthy charities, schools and other organizations and causes. In 2016, the club provided $3,000 in scholarships and additional funds and food supplies to other charities, something that makes all of the Pompeii Women feel proud. The Oct. 25 dinner meeting will again take place at the ICC starting at 6:30 p.m. – Submitted by Mary G. Winard Public Relations Chair
Here is Ed Ciano with boxes filled with school supplies that he collected on his own to aid the Pompeii Women’s Club efforts. The supplies were given to St. Josepb’s Catholic School in West Allis. (Photo provided by Suzanne Wypijewski)
PAGE 10 – NOVEMBER 2017
Pictured from left to right: Scholarship Committee Chairman Joe Palmisano, scholarship winners Ronaldo Siy, Paul Kowalski and Dominic Sanchez and Pompeii Men’s Club President Anthony Baudo. (Photo provided by Chuck Lazzaro)
Ladies of UNICO honor oldest members
Several women who show that age does not matter when it comes to being active were at the center of a celebration that took place at the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO meeting at the Italian Community Center on Sept. 19. The organization honored several of its “nonagenarians” (members who are 90 years and older). The leader of this group is Rose Emanuele, who is 98, still bakes bread, plays regularly in a card club, and volunteers. Another nonagenarian, Mary Castrovinci is still styling, wearing makeup and her beautiful jewelry, and always having nice positive things to say to everyone she meets. Mary, of course, is one of the regular volunteers at the ICC’s “A Taste of Italy.” Her sister, Nancy Oberleitner, is always welcoming and ready to help. She has her home open to all of her family and friends who come to town on a regular basis. She always has coffee and treats waiting for her visitors. Then, there is Anna Di Motto, who, at the age of 76, decided to join the Ladies of UNICO and share her friendship with all of the members. The organization’s “positive attitude lady” is Mary Medo, who broke her wrist recently, but lets everyone know, “Oh, it’s nothing.”
She was one of the Ladies’ models in the past for our organization’s fashion shows. In the “Energizer Bunny” category is Josephine Ninfo. She has worked with the Ladies of UNICO modeling, at the Holiday Folk Fair, hosting her Christmas teas and decorating her special Christmas tree at the ICC. Angela Fransee always has a smile because she is happy to see you. She joined the Ladies of UNICO at the age of 93 and inspired all of us. Each lady received a personalized book reflecting the meaning of the date of their birth, including historical events of the day and fashion references of the time. They also received a gift and flowers. A special cake was made with all of the names. Regina Bay Bakery was generous enough to donate the cake for our event and also provided a $75 donation for our scholarship fund. The Ladies of UNICO held nominations for its upcoming election at its Oct. 17 meeting. The organization’s Christmas dinner and installation of officers will take place Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the ICC. Like all of the organization’s general meetings, the event is open to all persons interested in attending. Continued on page 11
The Ladies of UNICO honored its nonogenarians. From the left: Mary Castrovinci, Rose Emanuele, Nancy Oberleitner, Mary Medo, Angela Fransee, Anna Di Motto and Josephine Ninfo. (Photo provided by Sophia Michalovitz)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian Family History Club had a great time helping Festa attendees find their ancestors
by George Koleas The Italian Family History Club (a.k.a. Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22 and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society’s Italian Area Interest Group) had a very successful display at this summer’s Festa Italiana. The club collaborated with the Italian Community Center’s Culture Committee in featuring the Italian region of Liguria in a new location near the Main Gate. We encouraged visitors to trova i tuoi antenati, (find your ancestors). Our partners, the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society, made special arrangements to allow us to use paid services: Ancestry, Fold3, Newspapers and Find-A-Grave as
well as their own website to look up records and information. We also used our own private database of families in and around the Palermo area in Sicily and the free service Familysearch.org. While our tent was smaller, we had more display space in addition to a great location to just south of the main entrance. Along with the featured region of Liguria, we were able to have materials on northern and southern Italy including Sicily. As always, the visitors loved the maps. This Festa was easily one of our best. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way on any of the three days and to all the visitors. Visitors learned how to get started researching their family’s
genealogy. We found family information for many visitors. For visitors with Italian ancestors, we discussed how they can work with us to locate past generations and make family connections. If you were unable to visit us at Festa Italiana, we can still help you. In order to help you the most, we’ll need you to bring information from the following two resources to our next meeting: A family group sheet, available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/famgrec.pdf and an ancestral chart, available at http://c.mfcreative. com/pdf/trees/charts/anchart.pdf. Fill these out as best as you can with the information you know and bring it to our next meeting, which
will be on Nov. 4, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon. You will be welcome to attend, whether you are just curious, are just starting, or have been researching family for years. Please feel free to bring guests. If you cannot attend in November, you are welcome to attend any of our 2018 meetings on Saturdays, Jan. 13, Apr. 14, Aug. 25 and Nov, 3. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me, George Koleas, either by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-251-7216 after 7 p.m.
Joseph T. “Joe” Emanuele was elected to his second consecutive term as Vice President of the Italian Community Center on Oct. 19 and retired on Aug. 25 from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) after 25 years of service. Emanuele, an Identification Systems Specialist in MPD’s Forensics Unit, told The Italian Times,
“While I was blessed in my career with the department, I was ready to retire. I’m ready to do other things.” Joe added, “It was my wish to become a police officer since I was 5 years old.” He originally worked in the heating and air conditioning business with his father and his brother before he decided to follow his dream. “I gave it a shot and I’m glad I did,” he said. He started out on the ground floor as a patrolman on the streets of Milwaukee. He then worked his way up to a Forensic Investigator before he became an Identification Systems Specialist, working out of the Police Administration Building in downtown Milwaukee. In retirement, Joe said he is looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren and visiting his brother and sister in Reedsburg, Wis. Joe also plans on taking a more
active role in the ICC. The Italian Times joins the ICC membership in thanking Joe for his
many years of service with the Milwaukee Police Department and wishes him well on his retirement.
ICC Vice President Joe Emanuele looking forward to new opportunities after retiring from Milwaukee Police Department
UNICO Ladies honor oldest members
from page 10 Look for information on this event in the next issue of The Italian Times. – Submitted by Sophia Michalovitz Vice President Ladies of UNICO
ICC Members: Planning to attend the dinner before the General Meeting on Thursday, November 16th? If so, you are kindly asked to make a reservation on or before Monday, November 13th. Call 414-223-2180. Your reservation will help the culinary staff of Bartolotta Catering prepare sufficient food for the buffet. Thank you for your cooperation! Catering
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Joe Emanuele (left) received a plaque from Mike Crivello, Milwaukee Police Association Police, which recognized Emanuele for his 25 years on the Milwaukee Police Department. Emanuele, who is the Vice President of the Italian Community Center, was an Identification System Specialist in the MPD Forensics Unit. Crivello is a member of the ICC.
Peter Gustin inducted into Wisconsin Soccer Association Hall of Fame
Italian Community Center member Peter Gustin was inducted into Wisconsin Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 22. A former director on the ICC Board, Gustin played soccer for the Verdi Sport Club for over 25 years. He served as Verdi president and served in many other capacities to help the club represent the Italian soccer community. He was well known for his remarkable head shot, dedication and for helping referees maintain order in the playing field. In addition to playing for Verdi, Gustin was a soccer coach at St. John Cathedral High School for 10 years and guided the team to the state championship in 1968, He also took the Cathedral soccer team to Jamaica in 1970 to play Champion College.
Peter Gustin
NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 11
Espresso drinks 101
by Blaise Di Pronio When you’re at your favorite cafè craning your neck at the menu board hovering over you and trying to sort out what it all says, usually in Italian, here’s how you can figure it all out and avoid needless confusion. Clip this article and carry it with you for future reference and stress free coffee breaks. • Barista: It’s Italian for bartender, thus your server/order taker. • Grande: 16 oz. This is the size. Pronounced “medium” “GRAHN-day.” It means “large.” • Venti: 20 oz. hot, 24 oz. cold. Venti espresso drinks often have an extra shot of espresso in them and cost more. Pronounced “VENN-tee.” It means “twenty.” • Trenta: 30 oz cold. Only a few drinks are available in this size. Stay close to a bathroom. Pronounced “TREHNTAH.” It means “thirty.” • Caffe Misto: A drink consisting of half coffee, half steamed milk and a bit of foam. It means “coffee mixture.” • Latte: Espresso, steamed milk and foam. You sweeten it if necessary. It means strictly “milk” in Italy. • Cappuccino: Pretty much like a latte but with much more foam. Normally half milk or half foam. You sweeten it. An “iced cappuccino” doesn’t exist since iced drinks are made without foam. An iced cappuccino is the same as an iced latte. • Caffè Macchiato: Also called “espresso macchiato,” is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed. In Italian, macchiato means “stained” or “spotted,” so the literal translation of caffè macchiato is “stained
coffee,” or coffee with a spot of milk. It is pronounced “mah-kee-YAHtoe.” • Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water until it’s roughly the strength of regular coffee that is usually served in America. Often referred to in Italy as just “dirty water.” • Espresso: Just espresso, nothing more. A solo espresso is a single shot, which is a bit less than an ounce. A doppio (double) espresso is two shots, a triple is three and a quad is four. • Espresso Macchiato: Espresso dropped into a cup of milk foam and only foam. Like a small, extremely dry cappuccino. These are ordered not by cup size but by the number of shots. See Caffe Macchiato above. • Espresso Con Panna: Espresso with a big squirt of whipped cream. Can be ordered by number of shots of espresso rather than cup size. • Frappuccino: It’s a blending of “frappe,” the New England name for a thick milkshake with ice cream and “cappuccino,” an espresso coffee with frothed milk. • Caffe Breve: It’s an American
Good to the last drip – The art of drinking caffe’
by Blaise Di Pronio In the article above, we have tried to give you some help and pointers in deciphering all those Italian words on the menu of your favorite coffee establishment. The purpose of this article is to now educate you on the proper manner and etiquette when order-
Word Search: Italian Mountains by Blaise Di Pronio
variation of a latte: a milk-based espresso drink using steamed half-
and-half mixture of milk and cream instead of milk.
ing and drinking coffee in a real caffe’ bar in Italy. Depending on where the bar is at, your starting point will be whether to pay first or order first. In touristy places, airports and train/bus terminals, you first pay a cashier, you obtain a receipt and then you order (showing the receipt). In a more private and less crowded bar, you first order and then pay on delivery (here they will chase you if you don’t pay). Now do you stand at the bar or do you look for a table? Except for the milky or frothy variety, an espresso should be downed in one gulp while standing. If you need to sit for whatever reason, it may end up costing you more for the use of the table (known as “la coperta” or the cover). You should never ask for an espresso as all coffee in Italy is of the espresso variety. You just ask for “un caffe” and you’ll get a single shot of the “default” setting drink, unless, of course, you ask for an “Americano” caffé which is a shot of espresso watered down by hot water. Never say “expresso” as that refers to an English word only. Espresso here means “speed,” i. e., how fast the coffee is brewed. It has nothing to do with “pressing” more caffeine out of the grounds. Caffè doppio (double shots) is usually a no-no in Italy as Italians prefer single shots spaced out throughout the day as it reduces
anxious and jumpy behavior. So, spaced out results in not spaced out. There is no need to blow on your espresso to cool it down. It will be served at a temperature that can be downed immediately. If you prefer to burn your lips or tongue, you should order “caffè bollente” (boiling). There really are only three variations of espresso which proper Italian caffè etiquette allows: caffè (espresso), cappuccino (caffè with frothed milk) and caffè latte (macchiato/stained, i.e., caffè with a dash of milk or milk with a dash of caffè). All other variations are for the neophytes of espresso drinking and they should be rightfully scorned except when I’m ordering my favorite: “caffè corretto” or corrected which is an espresso with a shot of brandy or grappa. Caveat: Here is the cardinal rule of espresso drinking: cappuccino, caffè latte or any other form of milky substance should be drunk only in the morning (preferably before 10 a.m.) and never after a meal. The thought of drinking hot milk on a full stomach is cringe worthy in Italy as it is felt that the milk will interfere with the ability to digest the eaten food properly. Breaking this rule in public will expose you to laughter and ridicule. You have been warned. I need another cup! Corretto, per favore.
Cremona’s torrone festival set for Nov. 18-26
Find Word Search solved, turn to page 14
PAGE 12 – NOVEMBER 2017
The northern Italian city of Cremona (Lombardy region) claims to be the birthplace of torrone, the Italian nougat candy. An official document from Oct. 25, 1441 indicates that torrone was first made for the wedding banquet of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti in Cremona. With that historical back-
ground, Cremona holds an annual torrone festival – Festa del Torrone – which takes place this year Saurday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 26. The festival will feature a reenactment of the historic wedding and over 250 other activities including games, entertainment, cultural events and programs designed to celebrate the nougat.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Betty Puccio explains installation gifts she’s given to her nephew, ICC President Dean Cannestra
Past Italian Community Center President Betty Puccio says there is a story behind the Packers rug and the Green Bay Packers afghan she has given to her nephew, Dean Cannestra, after he was sworn-in for each term of his presidency. It all started at the annual Fall Festival at the Milwaukee Catholic Home in 2016. Betty put her name in a raffle for a large Green Bay Packers rug. Betty won the rug, and immediately knew she would give it to the most enthusiastic fan she knew – her nephew, Dean Cannestra. A few weeks later,
Betty presented the very attractive rug to Dean during the installation ceremony at the ICC, when Dean was sworn-in as president of the organization. Betty administered the oath of office to the new president. Dean now proudly displays the rug in his dining room. He thought the rug might bring the “magic” that would send the Packers (and him) to Super Bowl L (that’s the Roman numeral for Fifty). His dream and the team’s dreams were dashed in the NFC Championship game in the heart-
breaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Betty returned to the Catholic Home’s Fall Festival again this autumn, and put her name in the raffle for a green and gold Packers afghan. Again, her thought was that it would make a fine gift for Dean at his installation as he was elected without opposition to his second term as president. However. Betty’s luck ran out, and someone else walked away with the fine Packers souvenir. She made a quick call to Anne Catalane, an ICC member who is
by Blaise Di Pronio The legume family of plants has many varieties and we know most of them as types of beans. These include peas, lentils, lupins and soy, among others. Within this group is the little known and used chickpea (the name comes from the Latin cicer, from which the Roman family name Cicero comes from). It is also known as the garbanzo in the Hispanic and American communities. In Italy, the chickpea is known as ceci (che as in che-ck and chi as in Chi-cago) or its dialect cici (chi chi). Ceci are found in many Italian recipes and they are consumed in a variety of ways. Ceci can be roasted and salted and eaten as snacks (a favorite at Italian street festivals and fairs, but not at Festa yet). They can be cooked in conventional fashions and then eaten hot in stews or cold in salads. Ceci can be ground into flour and shaped into balls and fried as falafel (a Middle Eastern favorite) or made into a batter and baked as farinata (made of flour), known as torta di ceci (chickpea pie) in Tuscany. In Sicily, the batter is shaped into panelle (little bread) slices and fried and then often eaten between slices of bread or rolls. In the Arabic world, chickpeas are known as hummus when cooked and mashed into a paste or spread and blended with tahini (ground sesame seed), olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Chickpeas are a nutrient-dense food, providing rich content of protein, fiber, folate and certain dietary minerals. They also serve as an energy and protein source as animal feed.
Here is a simple recipe on how to make roasted ceci:
cayenne pepper (optional)
Hey, Cheech!
Ingredients: • 1 – 12 oz. can chickpeas, drained, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt (optional), garlic salt (optional),
the Director of Community Outreach at the Milwaukee Catholic Home, which led to a resolution of Betty’s dilemma. On Thursday, Oct. 19, Betty presented Dean with the eyecatching green and gold afghan. (See the photo on page 2.) It was made by the niece of Milwaukee Catholic Home resident, Marie Hasenoehft. Perhaps, there are a few prayers wrapped in this afghan, and the Packers might rescue a difficult season. Dean and Betty and Packers fans are hoping!
chickpeas with olive oil and season to taste with salt, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper, if using. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until browned and crunchy. Watch carefully the last few minutes to avoid burning! Yum!
Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Blot chickpeas with a paper towel to dry them. In a bowl, toss
ICC Membership Dues Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Bandit: A robber, especially one who robs at gunpoint. An outlaw or a gangster. It comes from the Italian bandire which means to ostracize, outlaw or exile. We also get the words ban or banish from bandire.
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NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 13
Report from Milwaukee’s Italian Immersion Program at Victory K-8
The students in Angela Bozano’s K4 class had a very productive start to the year. Students had their first scholastic experience in a new language. After just one week students are repeating the new songs and their first words in Italian. The students are exceptional. It is a privilege to see their progress and be a part of their daily lives. Their days pass quickly with songs, activities related to fall, games, and other learning activities. Students are beginning to memorize the parts of the body and simple directions. Students are off to a great start. In September, Sabrina Lupoli’s K5 class learned about the school expectations and routines while getting to know each other. They have been working with the sounds of the alphabet and adding new words to their vocabulary every day. Students are focused on learning about fall and the leaves changing colors. They also learned about apples and pumpkins to prepare for their trip to “Swan’s Pumpkin Farm.” In math, students are con-
tinuing their work with the numbers 1-10. Enrica Fracchia is working hard with her first grade students. Given the long summer break and the arrival of new students, the class is building fluency in Italian and math by reviewing syllables and subtracting and adding to 10. In reading, students are using fables to analyze story structure. Students had fun observing and describing grapes, but especially enjoyed eating them. The first graders won the school-wide kindness poster contest. No matter in what language the word is written, “kindness” truly matters. Rita DeFilippis’ fifth grade class has had an exciting first month of school. They had the opportunity to collaborate with new grade levels and did a great job demonstrating the importance of creating a community and working together. So far this year, the students have studied hurricanes and earthquakes, and they are looking forward to all the new things they will
learn in 5th grade. Students in seventh grade were awarded an amazing opportunity. They were invited to take a day trip to Washington D.C. Southwest Airlines generously offered round-trip airfare for the entire group of students and two staff members. A goal of this partnership is to expose students to the various career opportunities in the airline industry.
The students toured the White House, visited and spoke with Wisconsin Senators, and met a group of Honor Flight veterans. Students were ecstatic to have been able to partake in this experience.
Submitted by Elizabeth Zizzo and Angela Bozano Italian Immersion Program
Word Search: Italian Mountains from page 12
And now, a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Battalion: An army unit typically consisting of a headquarters and two or more companies, batteries, or similar subunits. It comes from the Italian battere, which means to hit, beat or pound, which is what a battalion does for a living. Right?
PAGE 14 – NOVEMBER 2017
Nov. 1 and 2 are religious days in Italy
November 1 has long been a standing holiday on the Italian calendar for the observance of All Saints Day (“Ognissanti”). It is a national holiday. Some towns across Italy have public celebrations, but, in most places, the day is designed for families. All Souls Day, which is not a national holiday, is observed on Nov. 2. Italians bring flowers to cemeteries to honor deceased relatives.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
by Barbara Collignon You might think you don’t know the music of Pietro Mascagni but there are two pieces with which you are probably very familiar. One is the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry). The other is Regina Coeli, Laetare, alleluja! from the same opera. The famous intermezzo is a serene interlude played to an empty stage representing the calm before the storm, the climax, the death of Turiddu. He is the soldier who returns to his village to find his fiancée has married while he was at war. The haunting beauty of Mascagni’s intermezzo set the bar for future composers. Cavalleria Rusticana is the oneact opera that ushered in the verismo movement, an opera genre that draws upon themes from real life and naturalistic elements. Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci wrote the libretto adapted from a play and story by Giovanni Verga. The opera was written for a contest sponsored by Sonzogno for composers who had not yet had an opera performed. It was one of three winners out of 73 entries. An immediate success, the opera premiered in 1890 and was performed all over Italy. Since it is only one act, it is often performed with Pagliacci by Leoncavallo and given the double bill nickname “Cav/Pag.” Pietro Mascagni wrote 15 operas, an operetta, various songs
Opera insights
and pieces for piano and yet he is often called a “one-opera man,” insinuating that he could not repeat his first success. However, two other works of his, L’Amico Fritz and Iris are very famous. Iris has been performed even more often than Cavalleria Rusticana. There’s the very well known and beloved Cherry Duet from L’Amico Fritz that is often performed and recorded. Cavalleria Rusticana opens with an exquisitely haunting aria, “O Lola ch’ai di latti la cammisa” (“O Lola, your dress is as white as milk”). Here it is in Sicilian dialect.
O Lola ch’ai di latti la cammisa Si Bianca e russa comu la cirasa, Quannu t’affacci fai la vucca a risa, Biato cui ti dà lu primu vasu! Ntra la porta tua lu sangu è sparsu, E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu… E s’iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu. O Lola, your dress is as white as milk, You are white and red like a cherry, your lips smile when you look through the window, blessed is the man who gives you the first kiss!
Federica Mogherini: An Italian foreign policy expert with the European Union
One of the most highly touted members of the European Union in foreign policy is an Italian named Federica Mogherini. The 43 yearold Mogherini, who was born in Rome, is the current High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She has held the position since Nov. 1, 2014. Mogherini was Italy’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from February through October 2014. She was born June 16, 1973 to the family of film director and set designer Flavio Mogherini (19221994). She graduated from the Sapienza University of Rome where she studied political science with a specialization in political philosophy. Mogherini was elected to Italy’s
Chamber of Deputies in 2008 and served until 2014, representing the constituency of Veneto. In 2014, she was appointed Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, becoming the third woman after Susanna Agnelli and Emma Bonino to hold the post. In 2015, Mogherini won praise for her role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an international agreement on the nuclear program of Iran, and along with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, was one to announce the accord to the world. Since 2015, she has been serving as a member of the European Commission’s High Level Group of Personalities on Defense Research. This past April, she visited India as an official capacity as EU representative, discussing issues including climate change and terrorism.
Here is Federica Mogherini with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a photo taken in February 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Your threshold is blood-stained, and I don’t care if I’m killed there. And if I die and go to Paradise, and I don’t find you there, I will not even enter.
In summary, Turiddu, a soldier, returned from battle to find his fiancée Lola married to Alfio, a carter. Then Turiddu behaved as a true cad. He seduced Santuzza and while she believed he would marry her, he slept with Lola. Her husband, Alfio, returns home from work, believing he is coming home to a faithful wife. Her infidelity revealed, Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel. Following Sicilian custom, the two men embrace and Turiddu bites Alfio’s ear and draws blood, signifying a fight to the death. Since in keeping with verismo, Turiddu has a good as well as a bad
side, he sings to his mother Lucia telling her that if he does not return, she should be like a mother to Santuzza, whom he promised to lead to the altar. He sings a farewell to his mother, “Un bacio, mamma! Un altro bacio! – Addio!” (“One kiss, mother! One more kiss! – Farewell!”). Turiddu rushes out. Lucia weeps and wanders aimlessly around outside her house. Santuzza approaches and throws her arms around her. The villagers start to crowd around. Voices are heard in the distance and a woman cries out, “They have murdered Turiddu!” Santuzza faints and Lucia collapses in the arms of the women villagers. If you google the opera on YouTube, you can hear not only the entire opera online but individual Please turn to page 20
RomaEuropa Festival, multi-disciplinary arts fest, runs through Dec. 3
RomaEuropa 2017 (or simply “REF17”) is Rome’s internationally acclaimed celebration of theater, music and dance occurring in venues throughout the Eternal City. The 32nd edition of the festival started on Sept. 20 and completes its run on Dec. 2. RomaEuropa attracts the participation of artists from all over the world. The prestige of the festival has grown in leaps and bounds. Today, it is considered one of the greatest art events in the world. One can enjoy classical compositions side by
side with modern compositions from various fields: theater, dance, literature and more. Attractions range from the more formal and glamorous events with expensive prices to the novel and free performance street art outside the cafès and bars. This year’s festival includes more than 100 performances from acts representing 20 different countries. The largest events take place at Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro Olimpico, MACRO and Villa Farnesina.
Michéal Castaldo, who last performed at Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana in 2016, has released a HD digital single, “Africa,” to celebrate the 35th anniversary of when the original song by the band Toto went to #1 on Billboard. Recorded and performed by Castaldo in Italian, the digital single is available only via streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music Unlimited, YouTube, and other digital music streaming websites. The single is from his new CD, “Cinecitta Canta,” on Vital Records. The album title, which translates to “Cinema City,” recog-
nizes the city of Rome, where some of the most memorable movies have been filmed and produced in Italy, thanks to directors and producers such as Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentiis, Franco Zeffirelli and Carlo Ponti. Castaldo wrote the Italian lyrics and co-produced the single with Norwegian composer/producer Stein Berger Svendsen, who co-produced many of Castaldo’s past singles, including “Il Mio Cuore Va,” “Pray’r,” “Take My Breath Away” and “Amo L’America.” David Palch and Jeff Porcaro originally wrote the music for “Africa”.é
Michéal Castaldo releases Italian digi single, ‘Africa’ honoring Toto’s 1982 smash hit
Michéal Castaldo
NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 15
What’s to know about pizzelle?
Did you know that it is believed that the first pizzelle were made in the south central Italian region of Abruzzo in the 8th century? The word pizzelle is the deminitive of “pizza” in Italian. These waffle-type cookies are made by
pouring batter between the two plats of an iron, which is then held over a fire or heated electrically. The roots of pizzelle have been traced to two small towns in Abruzzo – Salle and Cocullo – each of which claim to have originated
Cicero: Some words to live by
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 B.C. – 43 B.C.)was a Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator and political theorist. He is widely considered one of Rome’s greatest orators and prose stylists. As such, his weapon of choice was words. He was a spellbinding orator and he is still quoted to this day. Here are just a few such quotations in order to give you a feel of what he said back then which still holds true today: • There is said to be hope for a sick man, as long as there is life. • A war is never undertaken by the ideal state, except in defense of its honor or its safety.
• The beginnings of all things are small. • Let the welfare of the people be the ultimate law. • Let the punishment match the offense. • No one is so old as to think that he cannot live one more year. • We are not born for ourselves alone. • For a true friend is one who is, as it were, a second self. • Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. • Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself. – Compiled byBlaise Di Pronio
the treat, which the citizens of these towns feature in their yearly festivals. The citizens of Salle, in the Province of Pescara, celebrate the Festival of Beato Roberto every July. Celebrants walk down the street carrying branches on which pizzelle are hung as an offering. In Cocullo, in the Province of L’Aquila, the celebrants eat pizzelle of various flavors during the festival of their patron saint, San Domenico, on May 7. They cover Saint Dominic’s statue in snakes and carry it around the town dur-
ing a procession. These days, pizzelle can be found at almost any celebration in the Abruzzo region and across Italy. It is a rare Italian wedding that does not serve pizzelle at the sweet table. These cookies are closely associated with family. In fact, pizzelle irons have been fashioned with the pattern of a family’s crest.
Pizzelle are also popular in countries with large Italian populations such as Canada, the United States and Australia.
Recipe: No-bake cherry bourbon and pizzelle icebox cake
If you are a fan of pizzelle, you might want to try this recipe, nobake cherry bourbon and pizzelle icebox cake. It takes two hours to prepare, 24 hours to be ready for serving and offers six to eight servings. Ingredients: • 2-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream • 1/2 cup raw honey • 1 (12 oz.) jar fig and ginger jam (cherry jam or orange marmalade also work) • 1/3 cup bourbon or luxardo liqueur • 1/3 cup water • 1 lb. cherries, pitted and halved • 7 oz. vanilla pizzelle • ¼ cup crushed pistachios Directions: 1). Beat whipped cream until soft peaks form, add honey and
beat until stiff and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use. 2), In a small pot, heat together jam, bourbon and water, cooking until jam is melted and mixture begins to boil. Toss in cherries, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, Set aside a little less than half of the mixture. 3). Arrange a layer of 8 pizzelle cookies atop a cake plate. Drizzle with a small amount of cherry mixture, top with a thin, even layer of cream, then repeat layers of pizzelle, cherry sauce and cream, until all are used. Spread a final layer of cream on top. 4). Cover gently with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, heat remaining cherry sauce and drizzle on top. Garnish with flowers or cherries, if desired. Sprinkle with pistachios.
Truffle fairs are a big deal in Italy in November
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Venice’s Festa della Madonna della Salute celebrated Nov. 21
Each year on Nov. 21, the Festival della Salute is celebrated in Venice (Veneto). The feast commemorates the end of the terrible plague that spread across Venice, which quickly decimated the city’s population. When all medical attempts failed, the Senate of the Republic and Duke Nicolò Contarini decided to ask the Virgin Mary for help, voting to erect a temple in her name as soon as the scourge ended. The plague finally came to an end in November 1631, and the government decided to begin the construction of the temple. The temple was consecrated on Nov. 21, 1687, and since then the day has been known as “Madonna della Salute” for all Venetians. This impressive Baroque church, which contains beautiful works by Tiziano and Tintoretto, is located on the eastern point of Dorsoduro and is visible from the banks of St. Mark’s Square. On Nov. 21, a guided procession begins in the Patriaca part of St. Mark’s,
PAGE 16 – NOVEMBER 2017
crosses the bridge of the Grand Canal and solemnly concludes in the Church of the Salute. A wooden bridge is temporarily erected across the canal, and thousands of pilgrims cross to the church.
Lido, Italy to host European neonatal conference, Oct. 31-Nov. 4
The Congress of Joint European Neonatal Society will hold its annual conference at the Lido di Venezia in Lido (Venice), Italy, Oct. 31-Nov. 4. The conference will cover areas like Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Neuroprotection and Genetics and Epigenetics. Medical professions from across Europe are expected to attend.
Truffles are the focal point of many fairs and festivals across central and northern Italy in November. Found primarily in the regions of Piedmont, Molise, Tuscany, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche, truffles, especially tartufo bianco (white truffles), are plentiful at this time of the year. Starting in October and throughout November, truffle fairs and festivals are held every weekend and attract consumers of the delicacy from all over the world. What could be more romantic than feasting on a meal made with the sensuous truffle? Going to a truffle fair can be a worthwhile experience even if you don’t want to buy pricey truffles. The scent of fresh truffles fill the air, and there are many locally made truffle dishes to try. Many of the fairs feature local entertainment and contests unique to the region. Concession stands sell locally made food such as cheese, salami, honey and wine. The best-known Italian white truffle fair is the one held in Alba in the Piedmont region. It takes place on weekends from early October through mid November. Highlights include concerts, gastronomic stands, the truffle world auction and a white truffle walk for tourists. There is even an amusing donkey race. Another white truffle fair that is getting notoriety is Le Sagra del
Tartufo Bianco held in the medieval hill town of San Miniato on the second, third and fourth weekends in November. Twenty-five percent of Italy’s white truffles are produced in this territory and November is the heart of truffle gathering season. The fair highlights many locally popular dishes with truffles. San Giovanni d’Asso, near Siena (Tuscany region), has a truffle festival the second and third weekends of November and a truffle museum open on weekdays. Acqualanga, a town in the Le Marche region that calls itself the “truffle capital,” holds a white truffle fair on weekends starting at the end of October through mid November. In Umbria, the Città di Castello hold its “Truffle and Forest Products Fair” in November. Heading into Emilia-Romagna, Savigno, located in the hills southwest of Bologna, crowds converge for the Savigno Sagra del Tartufo the first three weekends in November. San Pietro Avellina, (Molise region) is called by some “the home of the white truffle,” holds a truffle market the first weekend in November and a black truffle fair on the second Sunday of August. Although the Molise region is often overlooked as a truffle destination, a large percentage of Italy’s truffles actually come from this region.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Members: Please notify ICC of a change of address; noncompliance is costly for our organization
Any member of the Italian Community Center who has a change of address is asked to notify the ICC promptly so that mailings from the Center are sent to the correct address.
Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulk rates to mail The Italian Times, the United States Postal Service is entitled to charge a fee for each newspaper that is returned to the ICC and deemed undeliver-
able due to an incorrect address.
Going to a warmer climate this winter? Even if you are temporarily away from your permanent residence and are not receiving mail at that address, you need to notify the ICC of your temporary address so that your newspaper can be delivered to that address and so that the ICC is not charged for each failed attempt to deliver the publication
The Italian Times welcomes your input
The Italian Times is extending an invitation to our readers to submit articles and/or suggestions for news stories for future publication in our printed and online edition. The Newspaper Committee and Editor Tom Hemman have developed a series of guidelines to revamp the publication’s editorial presentation with a concerted effort being made to make it more current, relevant and reader friendly. We welcome interested individuals to submit articles and/or suggestions for news stories to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com. You may also contact Newspaper Committee Chair Blaise DiPronio at 262376-0019. Articles can be submitted in English or Italian. The following criteria has been established for news articles: 1). Must be relevant, newsworthy, pertaining to and of interest to the Italian American community. 2). Can be current, developing, historical or anecdotal. 3). Must be of original content and authorship. 4). If not original, copyright and authorship permission must be granted in writing and proper credit must be given. 5). Cannot be of a political nature or content. 6). Cannot jeopardize the Italian Community Center’s bulk mail status. Guidelines are established in United States Postal Service Publication 417. 7). Cannot promote products or services better suited to paid advertising. 8). Must be limited to 300 words or less. Any article exceeding the 300-word limit will be rejected unless the writer is granted
a pre-determined waiver based on merit. A writer can appeal the word limit to the editor and the Newspaper Committee. The final decision is that of the editor and the committee. 8). Must be electronically submitted (i.e., email) as a Word document to themman@italiancc.org. 9). Articles submitted in Italian should also include an accurate paraphrased English translation. 10). Every submission is subject to editorial review, editing, deadline restrictions and space availability in the newspaper. 11). We reserve the right to reject an article for publication in the newspaper and on the ICC website. Over the next few months, we plan on giving you a partial list of potential subjects for articles. The list begins this month. 1). Tutorials on how to play bocce, scopa, briscola and tombola and their rules and regulations. 2). Recipe box with recipes from Italy, hand-me-downs, member specialties, local Italian restaurants and bakeries. 3). Reviews of Italian connected movies, music, books, art, displays, exhibitions and so on. 4). Sports clubs’ news for soccer, bicycling, skiing, etc. 5). Auto and motorcycle club news featuring Italian vehicles. 6). Italian clubs in the many schools teaching Italian, reporting their activities and fun things. 7). Awards, promotions and accolades given to members. 8). Upcoming events, entertainment, dinners, dances and other activities. 9). Profiles on donors, members and volunteers. 10). Births, weddings, graduations and obituaries.
to your permanent residence.
forwarded to a new address, which means those members who neglect to inform the ICC of their change of address will not receive the newspaper.
“We’ve had a number of members who have gone to Florida or another warm weather location for the winter and these people did not supply us with their temporary change of address; hence their newspaper was returned to the ICC with the service fee due for each newspaper,” Editor Tom Hemman said. Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not
Please send change of address information to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 or email Constance Palmer at cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com or call her at 414223-2808.
By Susie Christiansen Social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as e-mail and cell phone texting, are currently the most common methods of communicating for people. Using those avenues, we want to develop a way to reach out to our membership to inform you about upcoming events organized by the Italian Community Center, such as Il Grande Carnevale, A Taste of Italy and Festa Italiana. We can even email you a copy of The Italian Times. When the ICC hosts wine tastings, musical events and cooking classes, it would be helpful to everyone involved to be able to send an e-mail blast or a cell phone text blast to ICC members and as many non-members as possible. Right now, committee chairs and event planners here don’t always know what advertising options are available to them and how to reach out to you. Without spending a ton of money, we just aren’t sure how to let the people out there know about upcoming events at the ICC.
ICC members can be placed on an e-mail list and a cell phone list when they sign up for or renew their membership. Our application includes a place for your e-mail address and cell phone number. Our membership contact list is extremely private, and we will continue to keep it that way. We do not distribute our address, phone or e-mail lists to anyone. Rest assured your contact information will be retained by the ICC and only the ICC, and you will only be sent messages on a limited basis. We simply want to inform you. We want to tell you about the fantastic events, activities and ethnic experiences that the Italian Community Center has to offer. These are the other options available for submitting your cell phone number and e-mail address: 1. Our website: www.iccmilwaukee.com – use the Contact Us Form (the last tab on the site). 2. By e-mail: susie@iccmilwaukee.com. 3. Call Constance Palmer at the ICC – 414-223-2808.
Request from ICC for cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses
Learn about the olive harvest in Tuscany
If you are visiting the Tuscany region of Italy in November, you might be able to participate in a very special occasion, the annual olive harvest. Families get together to pick the crop of olives that have ripened and press them for extra virgin olive oil. Tours are available in the areas around San Gimignano, Siena, San Miniato and Chianti allowing visi-
tors to join Italian families in the harvest. Many of the tours include meetings with local producers of Tuscan cheese and wine and balsamic vinegar, opportunities to learn how to make autumn Tuscan dishes and celebrate the gastronomically precious white truffles at a festival in San Miniato.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
NOVEMBER 2017 – PAGE 17
La Pagina Italiana Passatempi innocenti
di Blaise di Pronio Il suo nome latino completo era Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, ma è conosciuto come Nerone, il violinista, non sul tetto, bensì mentre la città di Roma stava bruciando. Ma fu davvero lui il responsabile del rogo? Nella nostra epoca, in cui è ricorrente la circolazione di notizie false e le colpe vengono attribuite
per insinuazione, posso dire senza dubbio che il racconto dei fatti qui di seguito non rappresenta niente di strano rispetto a quanto accadde al nostro amico Nerone all’epoca. Nerone Germanico (chiamato così presumibilmente per i suoi capelli biondi e gli occhi azzurri) fu imperatore romano dall’anno 54 al 68 e fu l’ultimo della dinastia giulio-claudia. Il suo nome Nerone
Pagella da Victory K-8
Per gli alunni di K4 della Maestra Angela Bozano, le prime settimane di scuola sono state molto intensivi. I bambini si sono trovati ad affrontare la loro prima esperienza scolastica e una nuova lingua. Dopo una settimana ripetevano le prime canzoncine e le prime parole in italiano. I bambini sono eccezionali! E’ un privilegio poter monitorare i loro progressi e fare parte della loro quotidianita’. La loro giornata scorre veloce tra canzoni, attivita’ sull’autunno, giochi e attivita’ didattiche. Gli alunni iniziano a memorizzare le parti del corpo e indicazioni. Bravi semplici bambini, avete iniziato alla grande! Nel mese di settembre, gli alunni della maestra Sabrina hanno imparato a Lupoli rispettare le regole che ci sono a scuola, i nomi dei nuovi compagni e le routines. Ogni giorno si esercitano con le lettere dell’alfabeto e imparano nuove parole. Hanno lavorato sull’autunno e sui colori delle foglie e hanno imparato quali sono
le parti delle mele e delle zucche. I bambini sono cosi’ pronti a visitare la “Swan’s Pumpkin Farm.” In matematica i bambini stanno lavorando con i numeri dall’1 al 10. Maestra Enrica Fracchia sta lavorando sodo con i suoi bambini della classe prima. Infatti, vista la lunga pausa estiva e l’arrivo di due nuovi studenti, i bambini stanno ripassando le sillabe e l’addizione entro il 10, in modo da costruire la loro fluency in Italiano e Matematica. Per quanto riguarda Antologia stiamo lavorando sulle fiabe e la di personaggi, descrizione ambienti ed eventi. Molto divertente per i ragazzi e` stata l’osservazione, la descrizione dell’uva, ma soprattutto mangiare l’uva! Eppoi.... abbiamo vinto il contest a livello di scuola sul miglior manifesto sulla gentilezza! Evviva! – Elizabeth Zizzo and Angela Boxano Italian Immersion Program
aveva qualcosa di profetico se paragonato alla nuvola nera che oscurò il suo impero e la sua reputazione. In realtà, Nerone durante il suo impero focalizzò i suoi sforzi nel tentativo di migliorare la posizione predominante e il potere di Roma utilizzando la diplomazia e il commercio. A livello culturale si prodigò per far costruire molti teatri e finanziò molte gare di recitazione. Inoltre promosse eventi sportivi e giochi, partecipandovi attivamente. Gli piaceva guidare il suo carro senza guardie del corpo, trainato da un solo cavallo. Fu persino in gara ai Giochi Olimpici del 63 alla guida di un carro con dieci cavalli ma finì per esserne sbalzato via e quasi perse la vita. Il motivo per cui la sua presunta attività di violinista fu un insuccesso è forse da ricercare nell’amore smisurato che riservava al canto sulle note della lira (un piccolo strumento a corde simile all’arpa), e alla lettura e recitazione di poesie. Alcuni rimarranno sconcertati nel sentire che si dedicò anche in minima parte alla recitazione. Senza dubbio bramava le attenzioni della folla, ma pensava che per aumentare la sua popolarità gli sarebbe servito cantare e recitare davanti al pubblico. Che storia è allora quella di lui che andava in giro suonando il violino mentre le fiamme si diffondevano? Cerchiamo di chiarire i fatti una volta per tutte. A Roma il 18 luglio del 64 divampò un incendio distruttivo (innescato da merce infiammabile in vendita nei negozi) che si protrasse fino al giorno dopo. Mentre l’incendio era in corso, Nerone si trovava nella sua villa ad Anzio, a circa 80 km da Roma, una distanza piuttosto elevata se si
pensa che all’epoca ci si spostava con carri trainati da un solo cavallo. La storia del violino rappresenta probabilmente un anacronismo, dato che questo strumento sarebbe stato inventato in Italia solo nel XVI secolo. Nessuno può sapere se fosse realmente l’imperatore intento a suonare e cantare quel giorno ad Anzio, ma la cosa certa è che non aveva coscienza di ciò che nel frattempo stava accadendo a Roma. Per riassumere, quindi, la storia di Nerone che osservava Roma in fiamme mentre suonava il violino non è vera. Infatti, non appena fu messo al corrente dei fatti, Nerone ri recò subito a Roma per organizzare i soccorsi finanziati anche con il suo denaro. Partecipò in prima persona alle operazioni di ricerca e salvataggio e aprì le porte del suo palazzo per fornire vitto e alloggio a coloro che erano rimasti senza un tetto. A seguito dell’incendio Nerone ricostruì Roma secondo un nuovo piano di sviluppo urbano che prevedeva l’utilizzo di mattoni e il distanziamento delle case e delle nuove strade, in modo da evitare il rischio di diffusione delle fiamme in caso di incendi futuri. Ciononostante, per sua sfortuna, la popolazione romana fece di Nerone il proprio capro espiatorio e lo incolpò dell’accaduto. Egli, a sua volta, per allontanare il biasimo, cominciò a sfogarsi perpetrando persecuzioni, maltrattamenti ed oppressione sui nuovi gruppi cristiani nascenti. Furono queste azioni ad oscurare la sua figura e ad associare definitivamente la sua eredità all’infamia malgrado non fosse stato colpevole di negligenza davanti alle fiamme. – Tradotto dall’Inglese da Laura Duronio
velocità e potenza, ricade pesantemente sulla paglia. Terminata la trebbiatura iniziava la vagliatura: con il ventilabro si lanciava in alto nell’aria il tritato e mentre loppa e pula s’involavano al soffio della borea, i chicchi ricadevano per terra. Che sudate, giovincelli, che oggi vi rincorrete, gai e spensierati, per spiagge assolate o per “rue” quiete e fresche! Se durante la trebbiatura si scatenava un improvviso temporale, erano guai, una sventura. Si pregava, si recitavano litanie e paternostri (“A folgore et tempeste, libera nos Domine, ecc.), si usava accendere la candela benedetta nel giorno della Candelora e si facevano anche … scongiuri! Si usava, per esempio, posare un braciere pieno di brace accesa sui davanzali e gettarvi sopra il ramo di ulivo che fu benedetto nella domenica delle palme. L’ulivo ardeva e il temporale … cambiava direzione !!!. Stranissima era la costumanza della catena. Le vecchiette, mentre invocavano la protezione dei Santi (Santa Barbara benedetta, liberaci dai tuoni e dalla saette; ecc.) spiccavano le catene del camino, e tùffete sulla strada per “incatenare” il tempo che stava facendo … il matto !!!
1. Pietro torna indietro. Literally: Its name is Peter and it has to come back. Equivalent: Its name is Jack and it has to come back!
Lavori scomparsi o quasi: la mietitura e la trebbiatura
di Donato Di Pronio Dalla lettera di un nonno inviata ad un “giovine” nipote emigrato nelle Americhe. Quand’ero bambino, la vita nel nostro paesello era “diversa” da quella attuale. Si viveva in rapporto ai ritmi del giorno e della notte, alle fasi della luna, al ciclo del sole e delle stelle: è, infatti, la natura, non l’uomo, a regolare le stagioni, il tempo della semina e della raccolta, i cicli della vita. I contadini avevano un gran da fare, pressati com’erano da lavori duri e pesanti. Tipici erano quelli della fienagione e della mietitura. A primavera inoltrata, all’albeggiare eravamo già nei prati: stringendo tra le mani il lungo manico della falce e descrivendo con essa archi sempre uguali recidevamo l’erba, che, poi, il caldo sole trasformava in profumato fieno. Brevi erano le soste: riprendere fiato, bere un sorso d’acqua, ridare il filo alla falce con veloci colpi di cote. A giugno, riposta la falce fienaia si passava alla falce messoria per mietere il grano. I mietitori infilavano sulle dita i “cannelli”, pezzetti di canna tagliati tra un nodo e l’altro, per proteggerle dalla lama della falce. E canti e stornelli allietavano il nostro lavoro e i campi. I giovanotti erano spronati con mottetti
PAGE 18 – NOVEMBRE 2017
spiritosi ed anche allusivi del tipo “datti da fare con la falce: il padrone ha … una bella figliola da maritare”. Dietro di noi, per le stoppie, curvi sotto il sole cocente, spigolavano vecchiette e ragazzini. Durante la mietitura girava per i campi il sagrestano armato di un lungo bastone nel quale impilava i covoni, che i contadini gli regalavano per i “servizi resi” e soprattutto per invogliarlo a suonare a distesa e a lungo il campanone durante i fortunali estivi perché le onde sonore potessero “rompere” ed allontanare le nuvolaglie gravide di pioggia e di grandine. Terminata la mietitura, iniziava la trebbiatura. Per fare uscire il grano dalle spighe, si stendevano in un angolo dell’aia i covoni e su di essi si facevano girare muli ed asini, giumenti e buoi per dar uscire sotto il loro pesante calpestio i chicchi di grano dalle spighe. Per liberare gli ultimi chicchi, si battevano gli steli ridotti a paglia con colpi di correggiati: arnesi formati da due bastoni, uniti ad una estremità da una correggia o da una corda, “gòmbina”, detti rispettivamente “manfanile”, quello più lungo che costituisce il manico, e “vetta” quello più corto che, fatto roteare nell’aria per imprimergli
Italian idioms and expressions
2. Non avere peli sulla lingua. Literally: To have no hair on your tongue. Equivalent: To make no bones about something. 3. Chiodo scaccia chiodo. Literally: A nail drives out another nail. Equivalent: You’ll get over it.
4. Avere un diavolo per capello. Literally: To have a demon for each hair, i.e., to have as many demons on your head as the number of your hairs. Equivalent: To be mad as hell. 5. Da che pulpito viene la predica! Literally: Look from which pulpit this sermon is coming! Equivalent: Look who’s talking!
6. È il mio cavallo di battaglia. Literally: It’s my battle horse. Equivalent: It’s my strength/specialty.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Detti popolari – Popular sayings
1. (Dialect-Calabria) Si voi campari sanizzu, doppu chi mangi riposati un pizzu. Literally: If you want to be in good health, after you eat rest a little. 2. (Dialect-Calabria) Pani di casa muzzica e basa. Literally: Bread made at home you bite and kiss. Equivalent: Nothing like home
made bread. 3. (Dialect-Calabria) U bonu pani e finu a pezza, u bonu vinu e finu a fezza. Literally: The last bread is good to the last crumb, and the last bottle of wine is good to the last drop. Meaning: When you don’t have much and what little you have is almost finished, then you really appreciate that last piece of bread and
- Mamma, mamma mi sono innamorata di Napoleone.. - e ti piace tutto di lui?? - bonaparte!
in evidenza! Una ragazza dice all’amica: - L’ho sposato solo per il suo yacht. E non solo mi ha mentito sulla lunghezza di questo yacht, ma per di più devo pure remare!!
E fatt’na risata
Ci sono due cannibali che stanno mangiando ed uno dice all’altro: “Io con mia moglie non ce la faccio più!”. “Beh, almeno finisci le patatine...!”
Due ragazze stanno parlando insieme, quando una sussurra all’altra, vedendo un ragazzo carino che la guarda continuamente: “Elisa, se quel ragazzo mi continua a fissare vado lì e gliene dico quattro: nome, cognome, indirizzo e telefono!”
Le donne: non pretendo che Dio le dotasse di un libretto di istruzioni per noi poveri uomini, ma almeno il bottone di spegnimento poteva metterlo bene
Words in an Italian city name
from page 5 181 words in “Palermo”: 1. pleroma 2. rampole 3. lamper 4. morale 5. emparl 6. ampler 7. parole 8. palmer 9. pearl 10. lepra 11. paler 12. ample 13. pelma 14. marle 15. repla 16. moper 17. molar 18. porae 19. amole 20. poral 21. opera 22. morae 23. olpae 24. lamer 25. morel 26. proem 27. loper 28. maple 29. pareo 30. maerl 31. moral 32. romal 33. parol 34. poler 35. remap 36. realm 37. parle 38. prole 39. polar 40. realo 41. lamp 42. mare 43. aero 44. romp 45. alme 46. prem 47. loam 48. pole 49. peal 50. plea 51. omer 52. ramp 53. marl 54. lope 55. lerp 56. pram 57. orle 58. pela 59. pale 60. prao 61. pear 62. laer 63. roam 64. merl 65. prom 66. moer 67. pome 68. leam 69. rope 70. mope 71. mola 72. loma 73. leap 74. pore 75. opal 76. eorl 77. olpe 78. arle 79. palm 80. aloe 81. lear 82. role 83. real 84. mole 85. meal 86. ream 87. lome 88. rape 89. pare 90. roma 91. earl 92. reap 93. lore 94. rale 95. mela 96. male 97. lame 98. aper 99. mora 100. poem 101. lare 102. more 103. perm 104. repo 105. olea 106. proa 107. oral 108. mal 109. rom 110. ora 111. olm 112. mol 113. map 114. apo 115. poa 116. ore 117. mar 118. ame 119. pro 120. pel 121. mop 122. lep 123. lam 124. alp 125. era 126. elm 127. mor 128. are 129. pal 130. lap 131. pam 132. per 133. lar 134. pol 135. lop 136. amp 137. par 138. lor 139. arm 140. emo 141. erm 142. ope 143. oar 144. roe 145. rem 146. ole 147. moa 148. mae 149. lea 150. ape 151. reo 152. rep 153. mel 154. ram 155. pre 156. pea 157. moe 158. ale 159. ear 160. rap 161. me 162. lo 163. re 164. ea 165. mo 166. ae 167. el 168. oe 169. em 170. al 171. pa 172. am 173. er 174. pe 175. om 176. la 177. ar 178. op 179. or 180. ma 181. po.
Una donna indignata, dice a suo marito che ha congedato la donna di servizio: “Ci ha rubato ben 5 asciugamani da bagno!” ed il marito:”Ah si? E quali?” e la moglie:” Quelli con la scritta Grand Hotel De Paris!”
Un direttore in collera, vede la sua segretaria arrivare alle 10:00. “Dovevate essere in ufficio alle 09:00!” e lei risponde:”Perchè? E’ successo qualcosa?”
that lost drop of wine. 4. (Dialect-Calabria) Se vvoi vivri sanu mangia pocu e camina chianu. Literally: If you want to be healthy, eat little, walk slowly. 5. (Dialect-Calabria) Megghiu l’ovu oia ca na gaddrina dumani. Literally: Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow 6. (Dialect-Campania) Femmene e pizze so’ bone massizze. Literally: Women and pizza are good when thick. 7. (Dialect-Campania): ‘U pesce
nun se po ‘ffrie cu l’acqua. Literally: Fish isn’t fried in water. Meaning: One can’t work wonders in the kitchen if one can’t afford to buy the necessary ingredients. 8. (Dialect-Campania): Il’ Accademia ‘e ll’ova toste. Literally: School is a hard-boiled egg. Meaning: This discussion is going nowhere.The point is moot. Class has ended. – Thanks to italyrevisited.org.
La sera del di’ di festa Dolce e chiara
la notturna lampa.
è la notte, e sanza vento,
Tu dormi, che t’accolse
e queta sovra i tetti
agevol sonno
e sovra gli orti
nelle tue chete stanze;
posa la luna,
e non ti morde
e di lontan rivela
cura nessuna;
serena ogni montagna.
e già non sai, né pensi,
O donna mia,
già tace ogni sentiero,
quanta piaga m’apristi
rara traluce
– Giacomo Leopardi
e pei balconi
in mezzo al petto.
ICC Membership Dues Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Four (4) Festa Italiana Tickets – Maximum of Eight (8) Per Family Voting Privelegs (21 & Older) Postal Service Delivery of The Italian Times Member Discounts on Social Events, Classes & Bocce Leagues Members Rooms Cultural, Educational & Social Activities Forever Friendships Stronger Bonds Between Your Family & Your Culture
Age 20 and under Individual
Annual Dues
Individual
Couple/Family
Annual Dues
Gratis – $0.00
Individual
Couple/Family
$100 per year
Annual Dues
Ages 85 & Older
Annual Dues
Members, age 20 and under, receive two (2) free Festa Italiana tickets. No voting rights. At age 18, a member may vote, but must purchase a membership to do so.
Ages 66 – 84
Ages 21 – 65
$50 per year $75 per year
Individual
Couple/Family
$50 per year
$30 per year
$50 per year
Effective: January 1, 2018 All Memberships Valid Through December 31, 2018. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM Names & Birthdates of Each Adult: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address, City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ No. of Members under 21: _____ No. of Members 21-65: ______ No. of Members 66-84: ______ No. of Members 85 & Older: _____ Payment Amount: _______________ Method: Cash Check Credit Card – Card Type MC Visa Discover Other
Card No. :______________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
___________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
____________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
Mail this form to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The ICC respects your privacy and does not sell or distribute personal information such as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. This membership registration form can also be emailed to cpalmer@italianconference.com. For further information, call (414) 223-2180.
NOVEMBRE 2017 – PAGE 19
Ann Romano stepping down as Taste of Italy chair, to serve as consultant for fundraiser
Ann Romano, who has chaired 21 of the 22 “Taste of Italy” celebrations at the Italian Community Center, has informed The Italian Times that she is stepping down, but will serve as a consultant to the new chairperson and committee that has been chosen for the 2018 event. After thanking Ann for for many years of hard work and dedication to this key fundraising event at the
PAGE 20 – NOVEMBER 2017
Oct. 19 general meeting, ICC President Dean Cannestra announced that Valerie (Sanfilippo) has volunteered to serve as chairperson for the 23rd annual Taste of Italy. Her committee will include Ann Zambito, Christina Ziino and Marie Lieber. The date for the 2018 is expected to be announced shortly. Look for an article in The Italian Times when that happens.
Fall semester of children’s Italian cancelled
Pietro Tarantino, chairman of the Italian Language Committee, announced at that Oct. 19 general meeting that fall semester of Children’s Italian classes has been cancelled due to lack of participation. The class, which has been taught for some 35 years by Pietro’s sister, Enrica Tarantino Woytal, was scheduled to run on Saturdays through Nov. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Tuesday evening Italian I class for teens and adults, which has some 26 participants, will con-
tinue through Nov. 14 with sessions at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Enrica also teaches those classes.
Opera insights
from page 15 arias sung by almost every famous tenor who has ever recorded it. The Metropolitan Opera will perform it on stage Jan. 8 through Feb. 1, 2018.
THE ITALIAN TIMES