ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com NOVEMBER 2015 • VOL. 37 NO. 5
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Find something tasty at the Italian Cafe at the Holiday Folk Fair
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Here are the ICC election results
Votes were tabulated and results of the Italian Community Center’s 2015 election were announced at the general meeting on Oct. 15. The winners, as announced by head teller Joe Zambito, were: President – Giuseppe Vella Vice President – Dean Cannestra Treasurer – Sam Purpero Secretary – Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie
Sergeant-At-Arms – Joanne (Sanfilippo) Czubek Directors-At-Large – Joseph T. Emanuele, Susan (DeSanctis) Christiansen, Mary Anne (Ceraso) Alioto and Pietro Tarantino. All of the candidates for officer positions were unopposed. The only change among the officers for the new term is that Purpero is replacing Dave Spano as treasurer. Spano opted not to seek rePlease turn to page 20
By Karen Dickinson Holiday Boutique Chairperson The Italian Community Center is offering you, your family and friends an early opportunity to get your holiday shopping underway with a truly spectacular holiday boutique on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We have assembled a wonderful group of artists who are looking forward to displaying their media at the ICC. Our Holiday Boutique will consist of 30 booths featuring a magnificent variety of goods – handcrafted goods, unique items
and gifts that you won’t find in stores. Please come for a wonderful day of shopping, enjoying lunch in La Scala, and assisting the ICC as this is an important fundraiser for our organization. Admission is just $2.
Spectacular Holiday Boutique coming to ICC on Saturday, Nov. 7
It is called an antipastick. It will be available at the Italian Cafe at the Holiday Folk Fair International, Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22 in the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, West Allis. The antipastick is just one of the menu items at the Italian Cafe, operated by members of Tradizione Vivente, Italian Community Center members and others. To find out what an antipastick is, you’ll have to turn to the Folk Fair story which starts on page 3. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)
Find your roots at genealogy event set for Nov. 7 at ICC
The Italian Community Center Culture Committee is collaborating with the Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22, the Italian Community Center Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society to give members and the community an opportunity to research their Italian (or other) heritage. This event will take place Saturday, Nov. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the ICC in Classrooms 1 and 2. This will be a chance to spend some time researching online resources that can help answer questions. Volunteers familiar with doing this type of research will be available to help. A few of the main reasons as to why people search for their ancestors: • Validate family stories. Are those family stories about their ancestors true? • Learn about how one’s family arrived. Did an ancestor come through a port other than New York? From what port did they sail? • Community history. What is the history that helps to under-
stand the families that founded and influenced the community? • Find vital records information. When were specify people born? When did they die? Where did they live?
Low costs to participate The cost to participate in this event will be $5 for a member ($8 for a non-member) plus printing fees* if you would like to take information with you. There will also be a fee if you would like them sent to an email address.** Some information that can be searched for includes: • Ship records • Census records • Newspaper clippings/stories • Military records. Cheese and crackers provided. A cash bar will be available in Cafe La Scala. The restaurant will also offer a lunch special of a large 16-inch one topping pizza for $10. *The fee for printing will be 50 cents per page. **The fee for emailing will be determined by the amount of information provided.
List of artists Petra Ahnert – Beeswax products Nina Dentici – Painted folk art Karen and Bill Dickinson – Jewelry Please turn to page 8
Variety of ethnic groups ready to perform at ICC’s Festival di Danza e Cultura
Seven ethnic dance and music groups will come together for performances at the Italian Community Center’s third annual Festival di Danza e Cultura on Monday, Oct. 26. This multi-cultural program is a presentation of the ICC Culture Committee and Tradizione Vivente: the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, in conjunction with the International Institute of Wisconsin. This group, Hui Hula’o Ka Maile, a Polynesian dance group, was recently announced as the substitute for the Serbian dancers who were unable to participate. For more information on this event, please turn to page 7. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President
It’s hard to believe that this year is flying by so fast. The holiday season is nearly upon us. I’m proud to say that your officers and board members have accomplished some great things during the past 10 months to provide key assurances that the ICC can continue to be an important entity in the Italian community and the community-atlarge. We have put our organization in a more solid financial standing. We are in the midst of exploring and developing proposals for the future use of our building and property. Changes have been made with the operations of the Italian Conference Center, which have been beneficial. Our Festa Italiana this past July was a success. Work has already begun on our 39th
annual Festa in 2016. I should point out, so there is no confusion, that next year’s Festa will not be held during the third weekend of July as it has been for so many years. Festa 2016 will start on the fourth Friday, July 22 and will continue through Sunday, July 24. There has always been an 11 or 12-day lapse between the end of Summerfest and the start of Festa. That will continue, as Summerfest ends its 2016 run on Sunday, July 10.
Membership renewal Very soon all members will receive notices about the renewal of their memberships. One way you can show your support for the ICC is to renew. We are counting on you. This is your Italian
Save Sunday, Apr. 17 for Taste of Italy
Mark your calendars now. The Italian Community Center’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” will be Sunday, Apr. 17. Chairperson Ann Romano announced the date at the ICC’s September general meeting. “A Taste of Italy,” at which attendees can enjoy entrée items, sandwiches, salads, dessert and beverages, at extreme low prices, is an essential fund raising activity for the nonprofit organization. It has always been a success, said Romano, who chaired the activity 20 of the 21 years it has been
held. She announced that Anthony Zingale has agreed to return as volunteer food ticket chair and that Marie and Jim Schwindt are returning to be charge of the raffle held in conjunction with “A Taste of Italy.” The entire building will again be used for this Italian food extravaganza. Look for much more information on “A Taste of Italy” in upcoming issues of The Italian Times and on the ICC’s website, www.iccmilwaukee.com..
Community Center. Support it and be proud to be a member. While renewing your membership, you might want to consider making a holiday donation to the ICC. Remember, the ICC is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization, making your donation tax deductible. A donation to support the ICC might go a long way to helping you when it comes to filling out your income forms in 2016.
Genealogical Society to host a genealogy fair from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Conference Rooms. If you are interested in learning about your ancestry and how to find records, you will want to attend. Cafe La Scala will be open for lunch and dinner that day so you can make Nov. 7 a full day at the ICC. On Thursday, Dec. 17, the ICC will have its annual members’ Christmas dinner and dance. An announcement is in this issue. Ending the year will be the ICC’s New Year’s Eve party featuring lots of great food, fun and dancing to the sounds of the Doo-Wop Daddies. Look for more information on this event in this issue. – Giuseppe Vella ICC President
What’s going on? Before the end of the year, the Italian Community Center is having some important events that I’d like to draw to your attention for your participation and attendance. Karen Dickinson is chairing our first Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is just $2. With the solid group of artists and crafters that she has lined up, this event will be a good place to start your holiday shopping. This event will take place in the Festa Ballroom. The same day, the ICC Culture Committee is teaming up with the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County
Tired of the traditional Thanksgiving menu? Try one of my unique recipes that will please everyone’s tastes. “Recipes My Nonna Taught Me” makes a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, an addition to your cookbook collection. It contains many easy, elegant holiday recipes for the special sale price of $12 with FREE S&H. Send cash, check or money order to FRANCENA, 125 Boyce Road, Centerville, OH 45448. 937-433-7313 • fslyd@aol.com Love spreading word of my Italian heritage of which I am so proud.
The Jayne Taylor Christmas Show Saturday, November 28, 2015 – 7:30pm Sunset Playhouse 800 Elm Grove Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 Tickets – $20 • In Advance – $18 Call the box office at (262) 782-4430 Seats are limited, so get yours early because the last show was a sell out. jaynetaylormusic.com
PAGE 2 – NOVEMBER 2015
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian culture to be showcased at Holiday Folk Fair by ICC volunteers, Tradizione Vivente and I Bei Bambini Multi-ethnic event is set for Nov. 20-22 at State Fair Park
By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Getting ready to serve as representatives of Italian culture at the 72nd anniversary Holiday Folk Fair International are volunteers from the Italian Community Center, members of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee and I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group. The Folk Fair will take place Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22 in the Wisconsin Exposition 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 and staff an Italian café. Jorgensen said that most of the cafe food will be provided by Sciortino Bakery. “We have been working with (ICC President) Joe Vella for a few years now and are very pleased with both the service and product,” she said. Advance tickets for the event, priced at $10, are available at the ICC. You will be able to buy Folk Fair tickets if you are attending the ICC’s second annual Festival di Danza e Cultura on the evening of Monday, Oct. 26. (See separate story on this event.) Family four-packs are available in advance for $36 and can be purchased online at www.folkfair.org. Admission during the fair will be $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and older) and $8 for children (6-12). Children, five and younger, and military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted for free.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Vella Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio, Barbara Collignon, Angelo Castrovono, Annette Robertson and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org. Copyright 2015 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Members of Tradizione Vivente are seen here in a photo taken at the 2014 Holiday Folk Fair International. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)
Folk Fair hours are 2 –10 p.m., Nov. 20; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Nov. 21; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Nov. 22. There is an “Education Day” program on Nov. 20 for area students before the fair opens to the public.
Folk Fair details A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of people living in southeastern Wisconsin. This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Light,” will allow fairgoers the opportunity to learn the ways in which light is incorporated into the music, food, dance, art and crafts of those who participate in Folk Fair. Special attractions include invited international performers and artisans, the Kohl’s Center Wheels display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, and a bonsai exhibit. The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance, the World Café offering ethnic and traditional dishes, the International Stage where young people perform their ethnic dances, the Tanzhuas (Music Pavilion) where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical styles, the Coffee House where patrons can enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to musicians, Heritage Lane with traditions and customs through interactive exhibits, the International Bazaar where cultural products and crafts create a unique shopping
experience, and the Callen Construction Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine. Italian participation Jorgensen, a Milwaukee Public Schools art teacher, will lead a lesson during the Education Day program which will focus on the theme
of light and the upcoming Christmas holiday. She said she will be assisted by six of her North Division High School students. The students are in 11th and 12th grade. The ICC’s Culture Booth will also focus on the light theme. The display will have photos and inforPlease turn to page 9
Deadline set for December issue of The Italian Times
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the December 2015 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Friday, Nov. 6. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414223-2189.
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 3
Donations sought for Thanksgiving dinner for less fortunate
Tony Lupo, chairman of the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate that is organized and staffed by Italian Community Center volunteers, announced that donations are being collected for the 2015 meal. The dinner will once again be held at the Open Door Cafe, a meal site at St. John’s Cathedral Catholic Church in downtown Milwaukee on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone wishing to make a donation for the food purchased for this complete Thanksgiving-style feast is asked to submit a check, payable to the ICC. 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 the ICC Receptionist. The receptionist will also be accepting donations during regular business hours. Lupo and fellow volunteers also will be on hand to collect contributions at the ICC’s general membership meetings on Oct. 15 and Nov. 19. Vice chairman Tony Zingale told members attending the September general meeting that many people imagine that those fed by this dinner are primarily homeless or jobless men, but that would be wrong. Many of the dinner attendees in recent years are women and children. “We’re seeing many more families each year that are home-
less and desperately in need of everything many of us take for granted,” he said. Persons interested in volunteering to help out with the serving of the food at the event are asked to contact Lupo or Zingale. 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. The Italian Conference Center culinary staff prepares the turkey dinner that is served at this dinner and also donates food and labor to this event.
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 visitors 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.
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Members’ Christmas Dinner and Dance planned for Dec. 17
The Italian Community Center invites members and non-member guests to celebrate the holiday season together as friends. The ICC’s annual Members’ Christmas Party, on the evening of Dec.17, will feature a sit down dinner and a night of dancing – a truly festive night. Chairperson Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen said, “Besides dinner and dancing, the party will include
a bake sale, raffle, red carpet photo area and so much more!”
Advance reservations are required. The cost for this wonderful evening is $20 per member, $35 per non-member.
More information to follow in the December 2015 issue of The Italian Times. Hope to see you there.
ICC General Membership Christmas Party Reservation Form
Name(s) ____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________________________________
Phone No. ________________ Email _____________________________
Number of ICC members attending ________ x $20.00 = $_____________
Number of non-members attending ________ x $35.00 + $_____________
Make check or money order payable to: Italian Community Center. Send this form and your payment to: ICC, Attn.: Membership Christmas Dinner & Dance. 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Reservation deadline: Friday, December 4, 2015.
Classes cancelled
The Italian Community Center Membership Committee cancelled the children’s cooking class and the adult mixology classes in both September and October due to low enrollment. The classes are not expected to be rescheduled. Registration fees for the few who enrolled in the classes have been refunded.
Have something to sell this holiday season? Let the readers of The Italian Times know about it by placing an ad in our December issue. For details, email themman@italiancc.org or call 414-223-2189.
Balloons • Stuffed Animals • Personal Service Citywide, Suburban & County Delivery
Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover
PLEASE ORDER EARLY TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY!
Ann Vollmer-Goralski
414/562-3214
If no answer, please leave message.
PAGE 4 – NOVEMBER 2015
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Nuns thankful for graciousness of Festa and efforts of Mass Committee
The 38th annual Festa Italiana Mass celebrated Pope Francis’ declaration of 2015 as the “Year of Consecrated Life.” As part of that celebration, the Festa Mass and Procession invited women and men from the various religious orders of the Catholic Church to attend and participate in the July 19 Mass and procession. A buffet-style luncheon was hosted by Festa Italiana at the Venice Club North Pavilion after the conclusion of the religious activities. The luncheon was catered by the Italian Conference Center.
Numerous nuns who have chosen to follow in the consecrated life wrote to the Festa Mass Committee (in particular, committee member Therese Ciofani) afterward, offering their thanks for the graciousness and hospitality shown to them that day. Below is a sampling of the nuns’ letters. * * * To the members of the Festa Mass and Procession Committee: In the name of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, I want to express our gratitude for the special recognition you gave to religious orders
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or contributed to the building fund.
William and Rita Jennaro
Thanks for your donations to ICC building fund
To obtain information on how to make a donation, please call 414223-2808. The following donations were received between September 8 and October 8, 2015.
In memory of Biaggio “Bill” Jennaro Tony Machi Jimmy and Linda Spataro
In memory of Lou Benavides William and Rita Jennaro
In mIn memory of Lee “Leroy” Wackman Tony Machi In memory of Mario A. Carini Pompeii Men’s Club In memory of Nick Tripi Pompeii Men’s Club
In memory of Pat Corriere Pompeii Men’s Club
in this Year of Consecrated Life. The Mass, procession and luncheon were appreciated by all of us who attended. May God reward you abundantly for all of your efforts. Sister Maria Lunz, OSF Associate Director * * * Dear Therese Ciofani, How can I ever thank you enough for your outstanding hospitality at the Festa Mass. The highlight for me was when Sister Dominic was recognized by her kindergarten student, Father Domenic Roscioli, and when Sister Maria, age 98, was asked to carry up the wine at offertory time. Every moment of the Mass and the day will forever be a part of my life. But, I know how much the Mass means to Sisters Dominic, Celeste, Maria and Dolores and the idea that they could be a very intimate part of this sacred experience in their very humble and caring way, was very special. Please accept my deepest gratitude for all you have done for my sisters. Peace be with you and God bless you always. Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler Sister of Charity of St. Joan Antida * * * Dear Therese Ciofani, Thank you for arranging for us to attend Festa Italiana. It was a privilege to be there and experience the faith of the people and the tradi-
tions flowing from their faith. We, Sisters of St. Agnes, will keep all of you in our prayers. Sisters Mary Rose Meis, Beata, Mary Ann and Mary Elise Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes Fond du Lac * * * Dear Therese Ciofani, I just wanted to thank you for all you did to make the liturgy honoring religious so special. It was lovely to be part of the celebration. Thank you for the delicious luncheon. The whole day was so very pleasant. You must be glad it is after Festa because you must be exhausted. Sister Terese Shinners, BVM * * * Dear Therese Ciofani, I want to express our profound gratitude to you and the committee for the wonderful and fantastic celebration. I don’t have enough words to thank you for your love, generosity, dedication, hard work, support, care and everything you have done for us. May the Lord bless and reward you! Sister Lissa Anjalikkal * * * Dear Therese Ciofani, You and the Festa Mass and Procession Committee organized a meaningful and outstanding liturgy and celebration. Thank you for honoring those of us living the consecrated life. Sister Janet Desmond, BVM
Calendar of Events In memory of Ralph Fico Pompeii Men’s Club
October 26 – November 26, 2015
Monday, Oct. 26 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee hosts the 3rd annual Festival di Danza e Cultura, 5:30 p.m., buffet dinner, 6:30 p.m. program.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 • Italian Community Center Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Details in this issue. • Ladies of UNICO Scholarship Fair, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Details in this issue. • Italian Community Center Culture Committee/Italian Family History Club genealogy event, 1 – 4 p.m. Details in this issue. Monday, Nov. 9 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 10 • Final class in fall semester of Italian Community Center’s Italian II class, 5:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Pompeii Men’s Club general meeting, 6 p.m. • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m. • Final class in fall semester of Italian Community Center’s Italian I class, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 12 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 13 • Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14 • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10 a.m. • Final class in fall semester of Italian Community Center’s free children’s Italian class, 2 – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15 • Italian Community Center volunteers annual free Thanksgiving dinner
THE ITALIAN TIMES
for the less fortunate at the Open Door Cafe/St. John’s Cathedral, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Details in this issue. Monday, Nov. 16 • Italian Community Center championship bocce playoffs, 7 p.m. Details in this issue. Wednesday, Nov. 18 • Filippo Mazzei Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 22 • Italian Community Center members participate in the Holiday Folk Fair at State Fair Park. Details in this issue. Thursday, Nov. 26 • Thanksgiving Day. Italian Community Center will be closed for the celebration of the holiday.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. Fall leagues are underway on Monday and Wednesday nights and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Championship playoff: Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. Held each Saturday, 2 – 4 p.m., through Nov. 14. Children, ages 6-12, can be registered to participate in any of the remaining classes.
• ICC Italian classes for teens and adults. Held each Tuesday through Nov. 10. Italian I class at 7:30 p.m. Italian II class at 5:30 p.m. No new registrations accepted.
• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers welcome. For details, visit www.tradizionevivente.com.
• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 5
ICC Business Manager announces plans for New Year’s Eve party A spectacular New Year’s Eve party is planned at the Italian Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. It will include plenty of delicious food, party favors and dancing to the sounds of the legendary Doo-Wop Daddies. Business Manager Laurie Bisesi said, “The Doo-Wop Daddies have always drawn large crowds every time we’ve booked them. So, I want to encourage everyone to make their reservations early.”
Reservations necessary The cost for the evening is $80 per person. Reservations are required and can be made either by calling 414-223-2180 and using a credit card or by completing the form accompanying this story. Flyers with reservations are also available at the ICC. Be sure to make your check payable to the Italian Conference Center and submit it along with the reservation form to: ICC, 631 E. Chicago
Doo-Wop Daddies returning
St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. If you wish to be seated with specific people, please list those persons on a separate sheet of paper. Don’t forget to include your own name. Tables of 10 are available. The ICC will not allow walk-ins the night of the event.
Party details At 7 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy a variety of the Italian Conference Center’s famous hot and cold hors d’oeuvres in the galleria. There will be a cash bar. An hour later, guests will be called into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous dinner. It will begin with an Italian salad with Romaine lettuce topped with mozzarella cheese, salami, prosciutto, tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts and pepperoncini. The main course will feature a combination entrée – center cut beef tenderloin with wild mushroom Bordelaise sauce and jumbo shrimp
scampi – served over angel hair pasta, steamed vegetable medley, Italian bread, and coffee, tea or milk. For dessert, guests will be served tiramisu (ladyfinger cookies, soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur, layered with mascarpone, dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings). Following a midnight champagne toast welcoming the New Year, a buffet station will be made available. The buffet will feature assorted cold cuts, cheese and relish trays, fresh rolls, pasta salad and assorted cookies. The Doo-Wop Daddies will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Based in Milwaukee, the Doo-
Wop Daddies capture the demanding vocal styles of doo-wop music with unsurpassed excellence. That’s only the beginning – the group doesn’t merely recreate this classic genre, but has redefined it and made it their own 21st century doo-wop. The group’s live shows attain that ideal unity of masterful performance and entertainment. Combining elements of vintage and cutting edge musical technologies, the Doo-Wop Daddies produce an exciting theatrical show that remains faithful to the doo-wop style. The Doo-Wop Daddies last performed at the ICC before a capacity crowd on Sept. 3.
ICC New Year's Eve Party Reservation Form Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
Name(s) _________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ______ Zip _____________
Phone ___________________ Email __________________________________
Please list the names of persons in your party on a separate sheet of paper. Tables of 10 are available. Singles and couples: If you wish to be seated at a table with specific persons, please list their names on a separate sheet of paper.
Total number of people attending _________ x $80.00 = $
Please make your check/money order payable to: Italian Conference Center, and mail to: ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. All payments are non-refundable and must accompany this reservation form.
Fall bocce championship playoffs set for Nov. 16
Doo-Wop Daddies
2016 schedules sought from societies and organizations that regularly use the ICC
The 2016 meeting and social event schedules of all societies, clubs and organizations that regularly use the Italian Community Center for their activities are needed by the Italian Conference Center’s Sales and Catering Department and The Italian Times. David Stachowiak, Director of Sales, Catering & Special Events, and Kim Marie Fasciano, Sales & Catering Assistant, need these schedules to guarantee dates and hall/room availability. Tom Hemman, Times editor, needs the information to provide an accurate reporting of events in the calendar published in each issue of this 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 by using any one of these methods: • Send an email to Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org or to David Stachowiak at dstachowiak@italianconference.com or Kim Marie Fasciano at kmfasciano@italianconference.com. • Fax the information to either The Italian Times or the Italian Conference Center Sales and Catering Department at 414/223-2187. • Drop off the schedules in person at the ICC. Groups that don’t comply with this request may find it more difficult at a later time to get the accommodations they most desire. “We always try our best to accommodate all requests, but if we can reserve dates and rooms early, it’s to everyone’s advantage,” Stachowiak said. Added Hemman, “If we don’t have the schedule of events for your organization with the starting time of each event, it impossible to prepare an accurate calendar listing for the newspaper. We depend on the presidents or the designated representatives of the many organizations to supply this information.”
PAGE 6 – NOVEMBER 2015
Teams participating in the Italian Community Center’s fall bocce leagues are entering the home stetch of their regular season schedule with the championship playoffs coming up on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. There are four leagues this season: two seniors leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and two adult leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights. The first and second place teams from each league will qualify for the playoffs, said Dan Conley, ICC’s bocce coordinator. Conley has replaced Anthony Gazzana, who stepped down after the completion
of the spring 2014 season playoffs. The winter 2015 bocce season will begin the week of Jan. 4. It is anticipated that there will be a fifth league, on Thursday night, during the winter season. Team registration forms will be available in early November from each league coordinator and at the ICC reception desk. The league coordinators are: Dan Conley (Monday night), Craig Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night), Anna Pitzo (Thursday afternoon), and Michael and David Aliota (Thursday night).
Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business conference, banquet or meeting. Hold it at the
ITALIAN CONFERENCE CENTER LOCATED AT THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The Italian Conference Center offers . . . • First rate conference, convention, banquet & meeting facilities for groups from 4 to 1,400. • Professional planning assistance. • Outstanding food service. • Handicap access & convenient parking. • Easy access to freeway & downtown.
For professional assistance in coordinating your event, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or or visit www.italianconference.com. Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI Just a block west of Summerfest in the Historic Third Ward.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
All are welcome to 3rd annual Festival di Danza e Cultura on Monday, Oct. 26
By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Seven ethnic dance and music groups will come together for performances at the Italian Community Center’s third annual Festival di Danza e Cultura on Monday, Oct. 26. This multi-cultural program, which is part of the ICC’s celebration of National Italian American Heritage Month in October, will be presented in the Festa Ballroom starting at 7 p.m. A pasta and meatballs dinner buffet will be available at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception (cash bar). The dinner and program prices have been set at $17 for adult ICC member, $20 for an adult nonmember and $9 for children (12 and younger). Performance-only admission is $8. Reservations must be made using a credit or debit card and by calling the ICC office at 414223-2180 or in person at the ICC office. Please do not use the form in the last issue as mailed in reservations cannot be accepted by mail at this point. Festival di Danza e Cultura is a presentation of the ICC Culture Committee and Tradizione Vivente: the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, in conjunction with the Institute of International Wisconsin. The program celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Wisconsin Chiba (Japan) Sister State Relationship and is a kickoff for the 2015 Holiday Folk Fair International, which is Nov. 20-22 at State Fair Park’s Expo Center in West Allis. The traditional Italian dinner buffet includes pasta with meatballs, salad, Italian bread, dessert, coffee, tea or milk. It will be available until the start of the program. “We are looking forward to presenting an entertaining and culturally enriching program again this year,” said Gina Jorgensen, ICC Culture Committee chair and chief program organizer. “We’re excited to introduce several new visiting groups this year. This is truly a mini-Folk Fair that gives people a solid glance at what they can expect at the Holiday Folk Fair in November. We truly appreciate the visiting ethnic groups that are generously giving their time and talents to our event.” She added that there will be a raffle for some interesting prizes and that tickets for the 72nd Holiday Folk Fair will be available for purchase at the event. (Look for a separate story on the Folk Fair in this issue.) Jorgensen has confirmation of the participation of performers visiting Milwaukee from Chiba, Japan. These include the goodwill delegation dance group, Nezumi Mobara, and Tsuji Fuga, a performing calligrapher and master instructor of the art form. Other groups that will perform in this year’s event are: Tatra Slovak Dancers, Ina Onilu Drum and Dance Ensemble (African), Lykkeringen Norwegian Dancers, Garlic Mustard Pickers Folk Band, Hui Hula ‘O Ka Maile Polynesian Dancers and Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. If anyone is interested in sponsoring any of the dinners for the visiting dancers, the cost is $11. “Even if you are not attending the event, you can still sponsor a
THE ITALIAN TIMES
dancer’s dinner,” Jorgensen said. “We would appreciate your support. All dancers are volunteering and in return we provide dinner for them. Please indicate on the form if you would like to sponsor a dancer. You can sponsor a dancer when you arrive at the event as well.”
Performers from Japan Nezumi Mobara will play songs that represent the four seasons of the year. The ensemble is from the city of Mabara in Chiba Prefecture of Japan. The ensemble’s name Nezumi means silvery, pure, clean sound. Shinobue is a seven-hole transverse folk flute that is often used in rites and festivals. The ensemble plays festival music and dances such as the shishimai (lion dance). The musicians play shinobue flute, small drum, surigane (gong), chappa (Japanese small hand cymbals) and shamisen (three-stringed lute). Many festivals feature decorated dashi (floats), which are pulled through the town, accompanied by drum and flute music played by the people sitting on the dashi. This music plays important roles in noh and kabuki theatre music. It is heard in Shinto music such as kagura-den and in traditional Japanese folk songs. The Shinobue songs that they have selected for their performances depict the seasonal changes that take place in a year, folk songs and children’s songs. Tsuji Fuga is an award-winning calligrapher and master instructor of performance calligraphy, which gained popularity among young Japanese, especially high-school students. It began in a high school in 1993 and added music in 1998 to the performance. Several high schools in Japan offer performance calligraphy as a club activity. A variety of different brushes are used in performance calligraphy. It is performed on large canvases, sometimes as much as 30feet long and 15-feet wide. In the vast majority of cases, it is performed by women. Performers usually wear traditional Japanese hakama. Performance calligraphy requires strength and stamina, and the training. Performance calligraphy is also known as karaoke calligraphy because it is done to Japanese pop or J-pop music from such groups as the Beatles. Tsuji promises that attendees will not be disappointed.
Tatra Slovak Dancers The Tatra Slovak Dancers of Milwaukee has been in existence since May 1972 and is a nonprofit organization comprised of Slovak and non-Slovak people of various backgrounds from the Milwaukee area. Tatra members celebrate the culture of Slovakia through folk song and dance. The group performs throughout the State of Wisconsin, the Midwest and, in previous years, has participated in several folk dance festivals in Slovakia. Through its hard work and the generosity of others, the group was able to purchase new beautiful costumes from Slovakia in 2014.
Ina Onilu Drum and Dance Ensemble Ina Onilu Drum and Dance Ensemble is a nonprofit organiza-
tion based in Milwaukee. Its mission is to unite the youth of Milwaukee through traditional West African art, which includes West African drum, dance and theater. The group draws upon the skills and knowledge of various local, national and international artists to aid in this endeavor. The group fosters a sense of unity and discipline among Milwaukee’s youth with the aim of alleviating violence in the city’s neighborhoods. The ideal way is to use African traditions, teaching and culture to rebuild and bring diversity to the community. Classes offer instruction on proper technique, positioning and posture for both dance and drum and teach the origin of dances and the rhythms. Lykkeringen Norwegian Dancers Lykkeringen Norwegian Dancers of Milwaukee was formed in the 1970s to celebrate Norwegian heritage through dance. The group consists of two parts – adult and child groups. Both groups often perform together to create a family entertainment event. The name Lykkeringen means “happy circle”, and that name is very true to this dance group. The members of the adult group come from all walks of life as well as many ethnic origins. The friendliness and camaraderie carry through to their dances. Some dances are formal and elegant while others are spontaneous and fun. There are even dances that lend themselves to audience participation.
Garlic Mustard Pickers The three original members of the group – Don Lawson, Debbie Wilhelm, and Pam Uhrig – were part of “Weed-Out!”, a volunteerbased program sponsored by The Park People of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks. Weed-Out works to keep invasive plants like “garlic mustard” from destroying the woodlands. The band got its start in the spring of 2003 when these three “garlic mustard pickers” began to discuss their love of music as they wiled away a sunny afternoon, pulling the invasive weed out of a Grant Park natural woodlands area. The three musical weed-pickers dusted off their instruments and got together to play just for fun. But soon, they pulled in spouses and friends on a variety of instruments, and voila, by August of 2003 the band was having regular rehearsals. “The Garlic Mustard Pickers” was the obvious choice for the band name. Their first “paid” gig was in December 2003. By consensus, their earnings were turned over to a community project, and that set the tone for its mission: using profits from performances, CD sales, and tips to support worthy public service projects in the community after the minimal band expenses are met. In 2014 the band was selected to be the Cultural Exchange Contingent for the Wisconsin-Chiba Inc. delegation that traveled to Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Band members were grateful to the Chiba-Wisconsin Association (the Japanese hosting organization) for giving them a view of Japanese culture and honored to be given the opportunity to take part in the festival marking the 60-year anniver-
sary of the City of Narita. (In Japanese culture, a 60th birthday is a very big event, and the city’s official birthday party was a huge affair requiring five stages for the numerous performing groups). Hui Hula’o Ka Maile Hui Hula’o Ka Maile is a professional Polynesian dance group from the Milwaukee area that performs a variety of Polynesian dances including Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan. The group performs every year at the Holiday Folk Fair International in November at State Fair Park in West Allis. The group also makes itself available for authentic, professional Hawaiian entertainment at luaus, parties, charity events and nursing homes. Hui Hula’o Ka Maile dancers offer hula dancing lessons for beginners to advanced. Tradizione Vivente Tradizione Vivente, which means “living tradition” in Italian, has been in existence for over 65 years. The original members of the group have since departed, only to leave behind a treasured legacy – Italian folk dancing. The members of Tradizione Vivente preserve the Italian heritage through what they love most – the music, dancing and costumes of Italy. Their performances are vibrant and entertaining and transport audiences to another place. It has been their honor to travel throughout the United States performing for various events, such as festivals, weddings, benefits, anniversaries, religious functions, Italian conferences and all other types of events both near and far. In Milwaukee, they are proud to participate in local events, such as International Holiday Folk Fair and, of course, Festa Italiana, where they have performed since its inception 37 years ago.
This year has provided some really memorable experiences and also promises some exciting opportunities to come. One of the group’s favorite performances was at “A Taste of Italy” at the Italian Community Center, with the smells from the delicious food and the upbeat sound of the Italian music. From Oct. 2-4, members of Tradizione Vivente are attending and performing at the Italian Folk Art Federation of America (IFAFA) conference in Philadelphia, Pa. The IFAFA conference is educational and enriching as it brings together those who love the Italian culture. Offered are workshops and classes in every aspect of the Italian culture – Italian dance and song, Italian costumes and instruments, Italian history, art and traditions and, of course, Italian food and cooking. It is a gathering that brings together people with a common cause – to keep alive the Italian folk heritage in America. Tradizione Vivente has been attending these conferences since 1990 and has hosted three conferences in Milwaukee. The group will also be one of the representatives of Italian culture and dance at the Holiday Folk Fair in November. Tradizione Vivente has begun fundraising for its 2017 trip to Italy.
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 7
Spectacular Holiday Boutique coming to ICC on Saturday, Nov. 7 from page 1
Joan Drouin – Quilted Bee Emmel – Fiber Trina Frost – Letter art Faith Givings – Watercolor ceramics John and Trudie Hechel – Wood Jenn Hintz – Wire sculpture Gina Jorgensen – Painted silk scarves Judith Lesniewski – Hand painted ornaments Jen Loberg – Leather Ursula McCarthy – Wearable art Linda Menge – Exquisite sweatshirts Evelynn Mubasa – Clothing Eric Nelson – Pottery
Upcoming events
Sarah Pelshek – Upcycled clothing Kari Priebe – Floral Jon Reddin – Photography Nancy Rollag – Silk embroidery Renee Scherr – Baskets Mary Spencer – Stained glass James Steeno – Watercolor painting Julia Taylor – Watercolor painting Ruchita Varma – Block prints For those interested in taking
home something edible, they will be strongly encouraged to visit the Boutique Pantry, where vendors will offer chocolates, pies, pickles, pecan bread, Italian cookies, homemade bakery and jellies.
Boutique Pantry Tradizione Vivente – the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee Italian cookies Chapter CA – Pies, pickles, fudge, Hungarian nut rolls
Jennifer Grundy and Gil Petrovic – Gourmet jam Lynn Sobye – Handcrafted chocolate candy
Cafe La Scala, which is next door to the Festa Ballroom, will be open for lunch starting at 11 a.m.
Let’s support the ICC and make this a successful fundraiser, a chance to renew acquaintances, make friends and enjoy tasty Italian food.
Lincoln High School alumni continue friendships at ICC get together
Festival di Danza e Cultura Monday, October 26 Social: 5:30 p.m., Buffet Dinner: 6 p.m., Program: 7:00 p.m. ICC Holiday Boutique Saturday, November 7 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Find Your Ancestors – Genealogy Event Sponsored by ICC, Italian Family History Club and Milwaukee County Genealogical Society Saturday, November 7 – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ICC Board Meeting Thursday, November 12 – 6:30 p.m.
ICC General Membership Dinner, Meeting and Thursday, November 19 Dinner: 5:30 p.m., Meeting: 6:30 p.m. ICC, Tradizione Vivente and I Bei Bambini participate in the Holiday Folk Fair Friday – Sunday, November 2022
ICC Members’ Christmas Dinner and Dance Thursday, Dec. 17 6 p.m., Social, 6:30 p.m., Dinner ICC New Year’s Eve Party Thursday, Dec. 31 7 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. ICC’s 37th annual “Il Grande Carnevale” Saturday, Feb. 6 5:11 p.m. – 12:11 a.m.
They are students from the graduating classes of Milwaukee’s Lincoln High School in 1951 and 1952 who still like to get together to share the good times. These ladies meet twice a year for lunch at the Italian Community Center to renew their friendships. Since 2000, they have been holding these luncheons at the ICC. Initially, they came together every other month, then three months. Now they get together twice a year. They plan on doing this until there are just two left. “We reminisce and bring everyone up to date with our
Card club seeks players
A card club that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Italian Community Center is looking for more players for games of poker and sheepshead. Persons interested in playing should come to the ICC around 11 a.m. on either day. The club usually plays in the Members Room, which is across from Cafe La Scala.
Welcome new ICC member!
ICC’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy Sunday, Apr. 17 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The following individual became a member of the Italian Community Center druing the last period which ended October 8, 2015. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)
ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9
Interested in advertising? Call 414-223-2189 or send an email to: themman@italiancc.org
ICC’s 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24
PAGE 8 – NOVEMBER 2015
Judith Ramazzini Milwaukee, WI
lives,” said Aggie Collura, a 1951 Lincoln graduate and a charter ICC member. Standing, from the left: Marie (Maniscalco) Kelepouiis, Ann (DiStefanis) Lee, Rose (Costantino) Dentice, Marie (Mirenda ) Breitbach, Mary Jane (Tripi) Teays, Anna Marie (Sorce) Schwartz, Tana Tripi, Aggie (Balistreri) Collura, Fran (Balistreri) Tripi, Angela ( Glowacki) Mirenda. Seated: Lillian (De More) Chipman, Frances (Gallo) Murphy, Rosalie Glorioso, Madline (Viscuso) Trotter. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
The staff of Cafe La Scala invites you to stop in for lunch or dinner.
Arancini • Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips • Panzanella • Italian Beef Sandwich • Reuben • Sicilian Chicken Sandwich • Chicken Basil Panini • Sicilian Steak Sandwich • Mushroom Swiss Burger • Pasta alla Norma • Chicken & Spinach Alfredo • Sicilian Steak Dinner • La Scala Pizza • Alfredo Pizza • Prosciutto Pizza and much more!
WEEKDAY LUNCH BUFFET FOR JUST $8.95/PERSON!
Monday 7 Mexican • Tuesday 7 Pasta • Wednesday 7 Southern BBQ; Thursday 7 Italian; Friday 7 Fish Fry
Cafe La Scala 631 E. Chicago St. • 414-223-2185 LaScalaMilwaukee.com Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm Dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5-9pm, Fri., 4:30-10pm, Sat., 5-10pm
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian culture to be represented by ICC volunteers and dance groups at Holiday Folk Fair International
from page 3 mation about fountains in the piazzas and buildings in Italy that use light to highlight or showcase them. Tradizione Vivente will be giving three performances: one at the All Nations Theater and two at the Tanzhaus. The group will perform the folk dance “Vai” at the All Nations Theater and “La Moresca” and “San Calo” at Tanzhaus. I Bei Bambini will perform the “Neapolitan” on Sunday, Nov. 22 for the Children’s Showcase.
Performance times for both groups will be posted on the Folk Fair’s website, www.folkfair.org. The Italian cafe menu will feature these entrees: rigatoni and meatballs, rigatoni and sausage, sausage sandwich, meatball sandwich, arancini, “antipastick” (a skewer loaded with meat, cheese, vegetables and olives) and pizza. The desserts that will be sold include cannoli, chocolate covered cannoli, Italian cookies, tiramisu, Italian ice and pizzelle. “We are looking for donations of
Dear Friends, I am honored to embark on my new role as Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago. Building upon the Institute’s rich tradition of showcasing Italy’s classic and contemporary heritage, from the humanities to science, is an exciting challenge for me, one that I embrace with great enthusiasm. I look forward to working in close collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy and other Italian governmental agencies in Chicago, such as the Italian Trade Agency, as well as with leading cultural institutions in the U.S., to present a wide variety of stimulating, thought-provoking events. The Institute is also home to ItalCultura and offers Italian language and culture courses taught by highly skilled native-speakers. I welcome the opportunity to expand these high-quality language courses even further. And last but certainly not least, I look forward to meeting each of you and thanking you for your active participation, which is vital to the ongoing success of this
Institute. It will be an immense pleasure welcoming you to our upcoming events. Sincerely, Alberta Lai Director Istituto Italiano di Cultura 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 312-822-9545 312-822-9622 (fax) www.iicchicago.esteri.it
In the September 2015 issue in the obituary for longtime ICC member Dominic Santacroce, we inadvertently left out the name of Sam Santacroce, Dominic’s son. Sam, who is the Superintendent of Princeton (Wis.) School District, is the only son of Dominic and his wife, Alice. The couple has four daughters, Donna, Linda, Mary and Kathy. We wish to express our apologies for this error. * * * In the October 2015 issue in the story on our request for 2016 schedules from the societies and clubs that regularly use the ICC for meetings and other activities, in one sentence we listed the name of Gina Manning instead of Kim Marie Fasciano as a contact person, although we had the correct email address. That error has been corrected in this issue as several society and club calendars are still needed. Our apologies to Kim Marie and Gina. * * * In the October 2015 issue in the calendar, we regrettably had the
date of the Festival di Danza e Cultura listed incorrectly. Although the front-page story on the event had the date correct – Thursday, Oct. 26 – for reasons we can’t explain, the event was listed in the calendar as taking place three days later. The event was originally scheduled for Oct. 29. The date is correct in the calendar in this issue. * * * In the October 2015 issue in the article about the Milwaukee Public Market’s donation to Victory School’s Italian Immersion Program, we incorrectly stated that the amount was $2,000 when, in fact, it was $2,500. Our apologies to the Milwaukee Public Market. * * * In the October 2015 issue in the obituary for Nick Tripi, The Italian Times was informed that Joe Pappalardo was not a member of the Jolly Polkats. He played in the Sicilian Serenaders. There was a “Joe” in the Jolly Polkats however, it was Joe Balistreri. Our apologies for this mix-up.
pizzelle,” Jorgensen said. “If anyone is interested in making them for us to sell as a fundraiser, please
contact me.” Jorgensen can be reached at this address : gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com.
New Director of Italian Cultural Institute Alberta Lai introduces herself to ICC members
ICC member writes to say thanks
Dear Italian Community Center staff: Thank you for making the voting in the ICC election so convenient and simple. And thanks to the writers, photographers and everyone else who does such a great job on The Italian Times! I love it! Pat Scaffidi ICC member
Correcting the errors
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian Community Center volunteers presented an Italian culture booth at the 2014 Holiday Folk Fair International. Volunteering at the time this photo was taken were (seated, l to r): Lynn Sobye and Louise Au, (standing): Joanne Ruggieri and Jeannie Hoss. The exhibit was coordinated by the ICC Culture Committee. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Born in the USC?
By Blaise DiPronio You may recall that a couple of issues ago we inquired why Italy was called Italy (named after bovines – really, no bull) and not Romania (after Imperial Rome and all its greatness). The next obvious question then is: why is it The United States of America and not of Columbia, in honor of its discoverer? We all know the Christopher Columbus narrative. He was, in essence, a sailor looking for a shorter route to India’s eastern side. India provided a lucrative trade for highly sought spices, condiments and cloth. Find the route which would facilitate such trade and you would be awarded guaranteed fame and fortune. In 1492, Columbus landed, not in future United States territory, but rather in the area of today’s Bahamas. He honestly believed (actually, until the day he died) that he had reached India, and he forever called the local inhabitants Indians. A contemporary of Columbus was another Italian named Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci, like Columbus, was a sailor but, more importantly (for our purposes), he was also an explorer and a map maker. It was his practice to sign his maps “Amerigo” and, as fate would have it, he was the first to draw an accurate map of the nowbeing-called “New World” which, of course, was signed “Amerigo”. Vespucci was to undertake his own New World travels in 1499 and 1502, and he was to correctly realize that it was not part of Asia. He wrote as such in his books published in 1502 and 1504. The French cartographer (map maker) Martin Waldenseemüller and his editor Mathia were aware of Vespucci’s writings but were somehow ignorant of Columbus’ expeditions. In 1507, they published a world map with a detailed inclusion of the New
Continent/World (mostly South America) and called it America in honor of their Italian counterpart cartographer. In explaining his reasons (albeit misguided), Waldenseemüler stated that, since it had “been discovered by Americus Vespuccius (Latinate name), I do not see...(why)...anyone would....object to calling this part after Americus...or...America, since both Europa and Asia got their names from women.” Thus, 1507 was the first time that the name America appeared in print and, in 1538, the noted mapmaker, Mercator, working off of the 1507 map mentioned above, chose the name America to indicate not only South but also North America, and so it was: “Goodbye, Columbus”. Was Christopher Columbus short changed ? Probably, as he was first to set foot and Vespucci was to only follow, but his name and accomplishments will never be forgotten. Columbus has, in fact, been honored in endless examples. Many towns and cities bear his name: We have our national capitol in the District of Columbia, Columbia University in New York, Columbia Pictures, Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS), Space Shuttle Columbia and the Command Module on the first moon landing was called Columbia, and so on and on. The name has also been personified, as Lady Columbia was the historic and poetic name of the United States- a kind of female version of Uncle Sam. Unfortunately, its usage was to be displaced by Lady Liberty. And, of course, we still have Columbus Day ushering in Fall in October. So, “Born in the USA” is the song, and so it shall forever be, and I don’t think Chris would mind as “Born in the USC” just doesn’t sound right, right?
NOVEMBER 2015 – 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 Elizabeth C. Minter and Michael P. McDivitt at a dinner event held at the Italian Community Center on Sept. 8. The award is open to Catholic grade school students who will be furthering their education by attending a Catholic high school. The criteria used in determining the winners are: a combination of grade point average, financial need, school attendance and how the applicant answered questions regarding continuing his or her Catholic education. This fall, Michael is attending Marquette University High School, and Elizabeth is attending Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. The Pompeii Men’s Club has awarded this scholarship to worthy applicants for the last three years.
The members of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO invite the public to come to their Scholarship Fair on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Members Room at the Italian Community Center. The fair, which is being intended to raise funds for the organization’s 2016 scholarship program, will open at 10 a.m. and close at 3
Michael P. McDivitt (left) and Elizabeth C. Minter are pictured here with Pompeii Men’s Club Scholarship Committee Chairman Joe Palmisano.
NIAF honors 9 prominent individuals at 40th gala
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) conducted its 40th anniversary Gala Weekend, Oct. 16-18, in Washington, D.C. The highlight of the celebration was a Saturday night dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel at which nine prominent Italian and Italian American individuals were honored. The honorees were: • Amato L. Berardi, founder of Berardi & Associates Inc. and former member of the Italian Parliament, Award for Leadership and Service; • Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., founder and director of Integra LifeSciences, Special Achievement Award in Business and Health; • Connie Francis, Italian American musical legend, inducted into the Italian American Hall of Fame; • Mario Gabelli, founder, chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investors Inc., Award for Leadership and Service; • Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., Special Achievement Award in International Business; • Franco Nuschese, president of Georgetown Entertainment Group
Richard Caruso, Ph.D.
PAGE 10 – NOVEMBER 2015
Ladies of UNICO to hold scholarship fair at ICC on Saturday, Nov. 7
LLC, Award for Leadership and Service; • Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, Special Achievement Award in Business; • Alfred M. Rotondaro, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former NIAF Continued on page 11
Josephine J. (Gargiulo) Templeton, M.D.
Sergio Marchionne
p.m. People attending the fair will be able to purchase crocheted crafts, knit crafts, centerpieces and bakery. “Please come and support our youth scholarship fair,” said Catherine Kelly, Ladies of UNICO President. “Thank you for your consideration.”
Ladies of UNICO announce Christmas celebration dinner and program
The members of the Ladies of UNICO will hold their Christmas dinner celebration on Tuesday. Dec. 1 in the Festa Ballroom of the Italian Community Center. This event is open to members, their families and friends. The cost is $21 per person. To make reservations, contact Carla Pellin at 414-351-0707 by Monday, Nov. 23. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a social, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m.. we will have the privilege of listening to Brygida Bziukiewicz-Kulig perform a variety of traditional Christmas music in Italian and English. The celebrated Polish-born Bziukiewicz -Kulig has impressed audiences as a soprano of ethereal beauty in stunning performances in cities around the world. Her many operatic starring roles have included Pamina in the “Magic Flute” with the Milwaukee Opera; Violetta in “La Traviata”, in Klagenfurt, Austria; Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel”; the triple lead of Olympia, Giuletta, and Antonia in “Tales of Hoffmann” with the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago; Michaela in “Carmen”; and Mimi in “La Bohème” with Lincoln Opera. She has also sung the soprano leading roles of Gilda in “Rigoletto”, Donna Anna in “Don Giovanni”, Cio-Cio San in “Madama Butterfly”, Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor”, and Rosina in “Barber of Seville” at opera houses in Italy, Poland, Turkey, Cairo, as well as in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Toledo. Bziukiewicz has performed solo recitals for European and American television and radio and had her Orchestra Hall, Chicago debut in 1996 accompanied on piano by Daniel Barenboim. She has performed the soprano part in Henryk Gorecki’s “Symphony No. 3” with the State Symphony Orchestra in Istanbul, Turkey; the Rockford Symphony; the Chicago Youth Symphony in Orchestra Hall, Chicago; the Binghamton Symphony in New York; and the Toledo Symphony in Toledo, Ohio. Bziukiewicz received her master’s degree in vocal performance and degrees in music theory and piano performance from the Frederick Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, Poland and has won numerous awards and prizes
Brygida Bziukiewicz-Kulig
including those of the Mac Allister Singing Competition and the Polish Vocal Literature Singing Competition and was a Young Talent National winner in the Polish National Radio Competition. Equipped with this training, she has taken her passion for her heritage and has proudly promoted Polish music and culture for over 15 years. Bziukiewicz has participated in master classes at Indiana University with Carlos Montane, Lyric Opera of Chicago with Bruno Bartoletti and the Metropolitan Opera of New York with Craig Rutenberg. In addition to her extensive performing career, Bziukiewicz holds an appointment as a professor of voice at the University of WisconsinWhitewater. She is also a cofounder and the general director of La Musica Lirica in Novafeltria, Italy where, during the summer, she teaches voice and coaches students in concert performance. Bziukiewicz also maintains a private studio and has taught students from the U.S.A. as well as abroad. - Submitted by Carla Pellin Vice President Ladies of UNICO
Tuscan town feasts on chestnuts and sweet wine on Nov. 1
The small Tuscany town of Talla in Arezzo celebrates “La Sagra delle Castagne e del Vin Dolce” (Chestnuts and Sweet Wine) on Nov. 1. This typical traditional festival in the town piazza has food booths selling local produce, roasted chestnuts and, of course, new sweet wine to wash them down.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Which family is yours?
By George Koleas While staffing our Italian genealogy display in the Culture Tent at Festa Italiana this past summer, we spoke to many visitors who were eager to tell us a favorite family story or family mystery. Often the visitor explained that they knew very little about their family, and they wished that they knew how the other family surnames in their story were related. Milwaukee has a very large population from Sicily. Some of the most common surnames include: Aiello, Alioto, Aliota, Amato, Arena, Arioto, Asciutto, Balesteri, Balestreire, Balestrere, Balestreri, Balestrieri, Balisteri, Balistreri, Balistrieri, Basile, Battaglia, Bellante, Bellanti, Billante, Busalacchi, Busalachi, Buttita, Buttitta, Buttone, Cefalu, Colla, Contorno, Corona, Corrao, Crisci, Crivello, D’Acquisto, D’Amato, D’Amico, Damato, Dentici, DeSalvo, Dentice, Frittata, Frittitta, Galioto, Guardalabene, Gumina, Lalicata, Lamonica, Latona, LoCoco, Lupo, Machi, Marino, Martarano, Martorana, Martorano, Mercurio, Messina, Pizzo, Purpura, Sanfilippo, Scardina, Scola, Sorce, Sparacino, Squatrito, Storniolo, Tagliavia, Taormina, Taormino, Tarantino, Vetrano, Villa and Vitrano. If you think you are related to any of these families, how do
you know which family is yours? We may have information leading backward from your immigrant ancestors. If we do, we need information from your immigrant ancestor’s family to the present day to link you to that information. You can start by filling in the information from these two resources: A family group sheet, which is available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/ch arts/famgrec.pdf and an ancestral chart, which is available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/ch arts/anchart.pdf. If you are not related to one of these families, or you do not have the answers to the questions on these forms, fill them in the best you can, and we can tell you how to find the information you need to find the family that is yours. Bring this information with you to “Trova I Tuoi Antenati, (Find Your Ancestors): A Genealogy Event” at the Italian Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 7, starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. The Italian Family History Club, also known as Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22, is collaborating with the ICC’s Culture Committee and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society. We will bring our private database of 45,123 names and 14,052 families such as the ones listed above. You might even meet a new cousin.
The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO celebrated the month of October designation as “Italian Heritage Month” with a performance by local operatic vocalists. The members of the Ladies of UNICO invited the public to their Oct. 20 general meeting for the show which was presented by mezzo-soprano Julie Maurer, soprano Rebecca Carvalho and soprano Madelaine Hodel, who were joined by pianist Joan Nowaczynski. They performed Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “Quando Men Vo” along with operatic favorites by other Italian composers such as Bellini, Donaudy, Rossini and Tosti. Maurer is the executive assis-
tant and production manager for La Musica Lirica, a summer opera festival in Novalfeltria, Italy. She is also part of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir faculty, teaching in the harmony program. She directed the South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble, a group which she founded in 2002.
UNICO Ladies celebrate Italian Heritage Month with opera performance
Stop in for Cafe La Scala’s “Happy Hour” Monday – Friday 4:00 p.m . – 6:00 p.m.
Half Price on All Bottled Beers and Rail Drinks!!!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Maurer earned a bachelor of music degree from St. Norbert College, specializing in vocal, choral and general music. She has taught choral and general music in K-12 schools and voice through the collegiate level. She has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Great Lakes Opera, La Musica Lirica and in numerous concerts. – Submitted by Carla Pellin
NIAF awards from page 10
Executive Director, Italian American Community Leadership Award; • Josephine J. (Gargiulo) Templeton, M.D., trustee of the John Templeton Foundation, Special Achievement Award in Philanthropy. The dinner emcees were actor Joe Piscopo and Fox News Anchor Maria Bartiromo. On Friday night, Piscopo was joined by other celebrities for a celebration of Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. NIAF also hosted Expo Italiana, a free public event, which showcased “the best of Italy” in food, wine, fashion and culture and a Leadership Forum with various political and business leaders on Saturday, Oct. 17.
More details are available in this issue of The Italian Times. Visitors are encouraged to bring a USB flash drive in case there are records that may be copied. Wherever your family is from in Italy or elsewhere, you are welcome to come to this event. If you can’t attend, our organization is having a meeting the following Saturday, Nov. 14 also at the ICC, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon. Our 2016 meetings will be Saturdays Jan. 16, Apr. 23, Sept. 24 and Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the ICC. Please feel free to bring guests. We welcome anyone with an interest in Italian family history. If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to con-
George Koleas
tact me, George Koleas, by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-251-7216 after 7 p.m.
Italian women leave mark at U.S. Tennis Open
Flavia Pennetta tops Roberta Vinci in finals
September 12th was a great day for Italy – especially southern Italy – as two childhood friends from the Puglia region, Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci, battled for the 2015 U.S. Open women’s tennis championship. Pennetta won the match, 7-6/6-2, but the result, for many in Italy, was less important than the fact that two Italians played in the finals. It marks the first time in professional World Tennis Association (WTA) history that two Italian players ever met in the finals of a Grand Slam tournament. The U.S. Open is the last of the WTA’s four major events each year. Even Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi flew in from Rome to New York City to witness the historic day. For Pennetta, this was her first career Grand Slam win. It advanced her world ranking from 26th into the Top 10. The native of Brindisi, Puglia was not, however, expected to win the U.S. Open, a tournament dominated the last three years by American Serena Williams. Immediately after her stunning victory, Pennetta, 33, announced she would retire at the end of the 2015 season, citing the mental struggle to play tennis throughout the 11-month schedule.
Flavia Pennetta
Vinci, 32, from Taranto, Puglia, scored the major upset of the tournament, defeating Williams in the semi-finals. Vinci and Pennetta had previously achieved success as doubles partners, winning four Fed Cups. Vinci also teamed with great success with northern Italian Sara Errani (from Bologna, EmiliaRomagna). Together, Vinci and Errani had long been No. 1 in the world in doubles, winning 25 tournaments, including all of the Grand Slam events, making them the fifth most successful pair in the history of professional tennis. In an article in the online newsletter, We The Italians, the author Simone Callisto Manca stated the match between Pennetta and Vinci was an “expression of a Southern Italy where young people often fail to have the same opportunities as their peers in the North; the revenge of a lightweight and ‘old school’ tennis against all muscles and the baseline.” The article concluded, “A tennis match of friendship with the long final hug between Flavia and Roberta, the former almost apologizing for having won, the second embracing her friend with the warmest and sincere congratulations ever. But also a story with a surprise ending, after reaching the highest point of her career, Pennetta has announced her retirement, at at age 33. She wants to enjoy life, putting aside the sacrifices that the sport inevitably brings with it.” Apparently, Pennetta’s private life has made headlines in Italy as often as her professional tennis life. Callisto Manca wrote: “A very mediate character, Flavia, who has been several times at the center of the stage for her love life: the unfortunate history with Carlos Moya, from whom she was seduced and abandoned, and now the story with her colleague and compatriot Fabio Fognini, whom – gossip says – she will marry next June.” Editor’s note: Thanks to ICC member Ann Zambito for bring this to our attention. This article was prepared by Tom Hemman.
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 11
Report from the MPS Italian Immersion Program at Victory School
Maestra Annette Robertson’s K4 class of 15 bright-eyed and gifted students will be joined four days a week by five additional monolingual K4 students for 40 minutes of intensive Italian in addition to the great experience of the Italian immersion that they receive daily. Students are exploring “vocali” and their sounds. The children seem delighted to recite what they have learned in Italian: colors, numbers 1-20, days of the week, months, seasons and geometric shapes. The K4 classes visited a pumpkin farm on Oct. 21. They were excited to visit the farm animals, experience a hayride and pick out their very own pumpkin to carve at home. Maestre Enrica Fracchia e Angela Bozano: K5 sta lavorando molto in questo periodo, tutte le materie vengono insegnate in italiano e i bambini rispondono positivamente. In reading e writing stanno leggendo storie che riguardano la famiglia e scrivono le prime
parole. In matematica fanno le prime semplici operazioni entro il 5 . In scienze continuano a sperimentare la forza di gravita’ e si divertono a fare gli scienziati. In social study gli alunni imparano a capire e usare le sequenze temporali (prima, poi, infine). Maestra Eliozabeth Zizzo and Maestra Rita Szopinski’s first grade class is off to a great start this year. The students have been practicing their Italian songs, colors, and numbers and are looking forward to using their second language more and more throughout the year. They went on their first field trip to the Milwaukee Film Festival where the students saw a series of short films about animals. The class favorite was a French film about an elephant who saved money to buy a bike, but when he found out the bike was too small for him he gave it away to a little girl. Maestro Alex Kaftan and Maestra
Carrie Brunelli’s second graders are reading several Henry and Mudge stories. The focus in reading has been on pets. The second grades went to the Humane Society for a tour and found out that caring for a pet is a lot of responsibility. In math, the class has been composing and decomposing numbers and now are working on measurement. In social studies, the class is learning about communities. In Maestre Sabrina Lupoli e Cathy Essex’s room, third grade students are building a good relationship between students and teachers and among students. They are working really hard Continued on page 13
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 6
Researched and written by the late Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian The information presented here was researched and copyrighted as a historical record of the men and women of Italian descent who lived in the City of Milwaukee and served in the United States Military during World War II. The information recorded and documented by this researcher from records kept at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works were copyrighted in 2004 and an original copy has been placed in the repository at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The research was secured from City of Milwaukee Directories 1941, 1942 and 1944-45. No directory was published in 1943. The years 1944 and 1945 were combined into one directory.
Name Corrigio, Pat Corroo, Joe R. Corsentino, Jim Corsentino, Joe Cortelletti, John Cortese, Joe Cortese, Paul Cortese. Roy Costa, Ed Costa, Emil Costa, Roy Costa, Sam Costello. Albert Cottone, Anthony Cozzini, Al Collova, Robert Collura, Anthony Collura, Carmen Collura, John Collura, Joe J. Collura, Joe M. Colombo, Carmello
Branch Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy
PAGE 12 – NOVEMBER 2015
Address 2224 W. Burleigh 3802 W. Mount Vernon 3236 W. National 3236 W. National 1715 W. Galena 2717A S. Kinnickinnic 3432 S. California 3432 S. California 1606A W. Center 1606A W. Center 953 N. 19th St. 2236 N. Holton 309 N. Jackson 103 W. Lloyd 2154 N. 6th St. 2945 N. 2nd St. 1918 N. 2nd St. 2005 W. Orchard 1036 E. Land Place 5429 W. Galena 2005 W. Orchard 2203 N. Weil
Coloso, Bennie Coloso, Jim G. Criscimagna, Jim Crivello, Mike P. Crivello, Frank O. Crivello, Vince Cuda, Anthony Cuda, Domenic Cuda, Frank, Jr. Cuda, Pat Cuda, Jim Curasi, Nick Curro, Frank Curro, Frank Curro, Joe Curro, Joe P. Curro, Mary A. Crutrufelli, Sam DaBattisata, Elmer Dacquisto, Jack DacQuisto, Jim J. D’Acquisto, Mario J. D’Acquisto, Richard D’Acquisto, Tom J. D’Acquisto, Sam D’Amato, Anthony D’Amato, Frank D’Amato, Casper D’Amato, Frank D’Amato, Joe F. D’Amato, Sam Damiano, Peter Damiano, Russ Damiano, Russ D’Amico, Anthony D’Amico, Bernard D’Amico, Dominic
Navy Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army WAC Army Army Army Army Army Army Marines Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Army
406 N. Jefferson 406 N. Jefferson 707 E. Brady 1509 N. Astor 1509 N. Astor 2514 N. Oakland 2028 N. Holton 2028 N. Holton 2028 N. Holton 2028 N. Holton 2028 N. Holton 8915 W. Adler 1416 N. Jackson 1675 N. Franklin 1708 N. Franklin 2905 N. Downer 1708 N. Franklin 307 S. 60th St. 2907 W. Cherry 2746 S. 15th St. 713 E. Lyon 529 N. Van Buren 529 N. Van Buren 529 N. Van Buren 713 E. Lyon 1693 N. Marshall 1693 N. Marshall 1518 N. Jackson 1518 N. Jackson 528 E. Buffalo 533 E. Pleasant 1015 E. Kewaunee 1015 E. Kewaunee 1677A N, Marshall 3457 N. 93rd St. 2221B W. North Ave. 523 N. Van Buren
Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Cremona’s torrone festival set for Nov. 21-29
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 a wedding banquet of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti in Cremona. Cremona holds an annual torrone festival – Festa del Torrone – which takes place this year Nov. 21-29. The festival will include a re-enactment of the historic wedding and lots of other activities.
Italian Immersion Program report
Two bean or not two bean?
By Blaise DiPronio Most Italians are familiar with the anise-flavored drink sambuca, but what’s the story with those coffee beans and their assorted numbers to be mixed with it? A variety of the liqueur first appeared in ships from the East arriving at the port town of Civitavecchia in the province of Rome. It is thought that its name derived from the Arabic zammut which was used for such a flavored drink. The name evolved into the Greek word sambuca which was a name given to another derivative drink, and this is the name that stuck. The sambuca we know today was first sold in Civitavecchia about 130 years ago and was
known as Sambuca Manzi named after its maker. After World War II, Angelo Molinari started producing his brand Sambuca Extra Molinari and sambuca was on its way to popularity. Sambuca can be served neat (by itself) or on ice or with water. It goes well with coffee either directly in the coffee instead of sugar, or it can be sipped afterwards as an ammazzacaffe (coffee killer in Italian). The expression signifies an after coffee drink imbibed to kill or dull the taste of coffee. There are a lot of variations of these post-coffee “killers” but that’s for another article. Back to the beans then. The iconic serving of sambuca is with seven coffee beans in the glass. The
seven beans represent the seven hills of Rome’s founding legend. If that’s too many beans to bear, you can opt for “con la mosca” which means “with the fly” of “what’s it doing in my soup “ fame. Thus, one bean. Another version is with three beans representing health, happiness and prosperity or, for you ecclesiastical types, the Holy Trinity. Lastly, the danger seekers can ignite the liqueur thus toasting the bean to full flavor, but be sure to put out the flame before you drink it. Should you choose to try all of the above variations, make sure you appoint a designated driver as most sambuca is over 80 proof. If not, your bean might end up back in the can!
from page 12 on behavior, rules and routine! Maestro Falsetti’s fourth and fifth grade students have been studying things related to school: school subjects, greetings, talking about and describing where they go to school. Siamo gli studenti Della scuola Victory e la nostra stanza è 120. They also had the opportunity to sail Lake Michigan aboard the S.S. Denis Sullivan. The students learned about water clarity, the science of waves and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. They are really focused on stamina writing, intensely concentrating on writing for a gradually longer amount of time. The students are becoming more confident writers and preparing to publish a personal narrative. – Submitted by Annette Robertson
Commitment Membership Payment Options
Presently, there are two payment options available to you should you choose a 2-year membership or a 3-year membership. 1. You may pay each January for the duration of your 3-year or 2-year membership. As an show of good faith, you must sign the statement at the bottom of the new application (that appears on the next page). 2. You may pay for your full 3-year or 2-year membership by the end of the first year – in 4 quarterly payments.** ** If a member pre-pays for a 2-year or 3-year membership, and passes away or moves out of state, the remainder of their membership dues will be donated to the Italian Community Center in the member’s name. Pro Rated Amount You may have received a bill for a smaller amount of money. This dues payment doesn’t relate to the new dues program, but rather, is a transitional amount that is intended to return everyone to a Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 Membership. You are not being charged an additional amount.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 13
Spotlight on Cultural Arts
Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra to feature works of Italian composer Antonio Lotti in season opening concert on Sunday, Oct. 25
As part of its first concert of the 2015-16 season, the Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra of Milwaukee will perform “Dixit Dominus” by the Italian Baroque composer Antonio Lotti (1666-1740). The concert is Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee. Lotti, considered “one of the greatest composers of sacred music of all time,” was a contemporary of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. The Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra has chosen Lotti’s rarely per-
L’Angolo del Poeta
formed, but delightful, “Dixit Dominus” as part of its Oct. 25 program. Featured also will be Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s energetic and uplifting “Te Deum” and his masterfully crafted “Laudate pueri’ as well as “Anthem” by William Billings, who is regarded as the first American choral composer. Tickets are $18 at the door, $17 in advance and $10 for full-time students. A $1 discount is offered to seniors. Payment is by cash or check only. For advance tickets and more information, call 414-319-9816. People can also visit www.bachchoirmilwaukee.com.
Prepared by Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi
With the recent visit of Pope Francis still on our minds and the Feast Day of St. Francis, his namesake, celebrated recently on October 4th in many places but especially in Assisi, it’s a good time to revisit the lovely poetry of St. Francis. Here are selected stanzas from “Il Cantico delle Creature,” a poem in which St. Francis personifies various creations and turns them into creatures by giving them human attributes. Beautiful indeed is the idea of thinking of our sun, moon, water and fire as siblings. St. Francis addresses “brother Sun, sister Moon, sister Water and brother Fire” and praises them for their attributes. Even Death becomes our sister, “someone” everyone must meet someday and who may appear as a welcome presence at the end of life. Surely it is more comforting to embrace the idea of death if one can imagine it as sister. Whether a creature is brother or sister, of course, depends on the fact that in Italian, a noun may be either masculine or feminine. (We could just as easily refer to these nouns as being in group I or group II, but generally they are referred to as masculine or feminine.) In Latin languages, a table, for example, is feminine but in a language of different origin or root, it could be masculine, as it is in Russian. The sun, wind and fire are of masculine gender in Italian and the moon, water and death are feminine…hence these creatures become Brother Sun, Brother Wind, Brother Fire and Sister Moon, Sister Water and Sister Death. For the sake of brevity, here are stanzas extracted from the “Il Cantico delle Creature,” also known as “Laude delle Creature a Dio.” [Versions may vary.] Laudato sii, mio Signore, con tutte le tue creature, spezialmente messer lo frate Sole. Il quale, il giorno, e allumini noi per lui.
Opera Topics by Angelo Castronovo
Operas with ancient style arias are the topic for this month. They were written by an interesting but not very well known composer, Stefano Donaudy. He had a French father and an Italian mother from Palermo, Sicily. He was born in February 1879 and died in May 1925, when he was but 46 years of age. Many prominent singers of both past and present fame recorded and performed his antique style arias including his best known creations: “O Del Mio Amato Ben,” “O Bei Nidi d’Amore” and probably his most celebrated work: “Vaghissima Sembianza,” which Enrico Caruso discovered and recorded. Caruso’s interest and his recordings are believed to have been the major factors that brought Donaudy from possible obscurity to overnight fame. It even prompted the publisher Casa Ricordi to print Donaudy’s unique song collection under the title: “36 Arie di Stilo Antico” (36 Arias in the Antiques Style). Great singers of the past who made recordings of that wonderful group of songs include Tito Schipa, Beniamino Gigli, Claudia Muzio and Rosa Ponselle. Modern day singers who did the same include Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea
PAGE 14 – NOVEMBER 2015
B o c e l l i , M a r c e l l o Giordani, Jose Carreras and P l a c i d o Domingo. Not to overstate the matter, some of these recordings by these famous artists are among the most beautiful ever produced. Donaudy’s other musical output included six operas, none of which gained any widespread popularity. Their titles were: “Folchetto” (1892), “La Scampagnata” (1898), “Sperduti in Buio” (1907), “Ramuntcho” (1921) and “La Fiamminga” (1922). Interestingly, this composer, who possessed a strong grasp of vocal technique and the ability to write an elegant, melodic line, was almost never heard of in the annals of musical history. Donaudy also wrote several smaller works for piano and orchestra as well as a cantata: “Il Sogno di Palisenda.” Another point of note is the fact that he wrote many of his songs while in his teenage years. Quotable quote: “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare.
Ed ello è bello e radiante con grande splendore: di te, Altissimo, porta signicazione.
Laudato sii, mio Signore, per sora Luna e le Stelle: in cielo l’hai formate clarite e preziose e belle.
Laudato sii, mio Signore, per frate Vento e per Aere e Nuvolo e Sereno e ogni tempo, per il quale alle tue creature dai sustentamento. Laudato sii, mio Signore, per sora Acqua, la quale è molto utile e umile e preziosa e casta. Laudato sii, mio Signore, per frate Fuoco, per lo quale ci allumini la notte: ed è bello e giocondo e robustoso e forte.
Laudato sii, mio Signore, per sora nostra Morte corporale, dalla quale nullo omo vivente può scampare. Guai a quelli che morranno nei peccati mortali! Beati quelli che troverà nelle tue sanctissime voluntati, ché la morte seconda no farà loro male. – By St. Francesco d’Assisi (1182-1226)
Praise be to You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; of You Most High, he bears the likeness. Praise be to You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praise be to You, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure. Praise be to You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praise be to You, My Lord, through Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your will, because no second death can do them harm. – Translated by Barbara J. Collignon
Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business convention. Hold it at the
Italian Conference Center
The Italian Conference Center offers . . . • More than 22,000 sq. ft. of convention space. • Professional planning & catering services • Handicap access. • Ample, free parking. • 7 day a week availability. • Easy access to freeway and downtown.
To coordinate your convention plans, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or visit www.ItalianConference.com
Italian Conference Center at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee A block west of Summerfest
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Evangelista Torricelli: The first weatherman
With all the high tech equipment used in modern day weather forecasting, there is one simple instrument that has been performing quite satisfactorily at the job for well over 300 years. It’s the barometer, invented by 17th century Italian physicist and mathematician Evangelista Torricelli.
Torricelli unlocked a mystery of nature and taught the people of the world how to weigh the atmosphere, something that even the great Italian physicist Galileo was unable to accomplish. Everyone, including Galileo, considered air to be weighless. Torricelli is also known for his
advances in optics and work on the geometric principles. Born on Oct. 15, 1608 in Rome, Italy, Evangelista was the first child of Gaspare Ruberti and Giacoma (Jacoba) Torricelli. His family was from Faenza in the Province of Ravenna, then part of the Papal States. His father was a
Evangelista Torricelli
textile worker, and his family was very poor. It was through the efforts of Evangelista’s uncle, Jacobo, a Camaldolese monk, that he received a formal education.
Torricelli’s study of Galileo’s “Two New Sciences” (1638) inspired him and resulted in the development of many of the mechanical principles for which he is credited.
His primary invention of the mercury barometer arose from the need to solve a practical problem. Pump makers of the Grand Duke of Tuscany attempted to raise water to a height of 12 meters or more, but they found that 10 meters was the limit with a suction pump. Torricelli employed mercury, 14 times more dense than water. In 1643, he created a tube approximately one meter long, sealed at the top, filled it with mercury, and set it vertically into a basin of mercury. The column of mercury fell to about 76 centimeters leaving a vacuum above. The column’s height fluctuated with the changing atmospheric pressure; this was the first barometer.
His device not only proved the weight of air and a means for measuring variation in atmospheric pressure but predicating weather as well. If the mercury fell, rain soon followed. A rising, then stabilizing level forecasted calm and clear blue skies. Another of his discoveries became known as Torricelli’s Law. Torricelli found that water leaks out a small hole in the bottom of a container at a rate proportional to the square root of the depth of the water.
Torricelli spent a lot time studying about projectiles and how they traveled through the air. He discovered that projectiles sent out at the same angle and the same speed in all directions trace out parabolas which are all tangent to a common paraboloid.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
He also provided the first scientific description of the cause of wind. He stated that “winds are caused by differences of air temperature, and hence, density between two regions of the earth.” Torricelli died on Oct. 25, 1647. – Researched and written by Tom Hemman Times Editor
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 15
La Pagina Italiana
Nuova Direttrice dell’Istituto di Cultura
La nuova direttrice del Istituto di Cultura Italiana a Chicago, Alberta Lai, ha scritto agli amici dell’Istituto annunciando il nuovo ruolo in che lei intraprende. L’Istituto é situato presso gli uffici del Consolato Generale d’Italia a Chicago. Lei spera di lavorare in stretta collaborazione col console e le altre
agenzie del governo Italiano situati a Chicago. Lei spera pure di conoscere a tutti loro che sostengano l’Istituto e partecipano nei molti programmi di lingua, cultura e tradizione Italiana. La offriamo un gran benvenuto con speranza che non si dimentica di noi in Wisconsin.
Indovinelli
1. Un camionista entra in una strada a senso unico, ma la percorre nella direzione sbagliata. Un carabiniere lo vede ma non lo ferma. Perché? 2. Ho un solo occhio, ma non posso vedere...chi sono?
3. Che cosa prima entra e poi apre? 4. Ci son quattro sorelle che non si possono vedere e quando una viene l’altra va via.
Cosa sono?
5. Mi porti sempre con te pur lasciandomi dappertutto... chi sono?
6. Il macellaio, sua figlia, il pescatore e sua moglie vinsero alla lotteria e divisero il premio in tre parti. Come è possibile?
7. Anche se è unico ce ne sono tanti, di che cosa stiamo parlando?
Gli sport piú popolari d’Italia
Quali sono I dieci piú popolari sport in Italia nel senso di partecipazione? Il primo lo sanno tutti ed é una cosa semplicissima: Il calcio. La partecipazione é stimata a 4.363 millioni. Il resto degli sport forse vi fará sorpresa: 2. Sport acquatiche come nuotare e immersione, vela. regatta, sci d’acqua, surfing, ecc. : 3.380 millioni partecipanti. 3. Ginnastica: 2.204 millioni.
4. Sciare(Alpino e di fondo): 2.060.
5. Ciclismo: 1.321. 6. Tennis: 1.298. 7. Il correre e atletica leggera: 995,000. 8. Pallavolo: 988,000. 9. Pallacanestro/basket: 606,000. 10. Culturismo e buona forma: 555,000. Risposte – pagina 18
Numero Uno 1965
Questa e’ la lista delle ‘Numero Uno’ hits (successi) di 1965 della ‘Hit Parade’ singoli della classifica musicale Italiana Canzone
“Non son degno di te” “Le colline sono in fiore” “Se piangi, se ridi” “Io che non vivo” “Un anno d’amore” “Quello sbagliato” “Il mondo” “Se non avessi più te” “La danza di Zorba” “Si fa sera” “Help!” “La festa” “Plip!”
Artista
Gianni Morandi New Christy Minstrels Bobby Solo Pino Donaggio Mina Bobby Solo Jimmy Fontana Gianni Morandi Mikis Theodorakis Gianni Morandi The Beatles Adriano Celentano Rita Pavone
Ed ecco i numeri uni di 2015 fino a Settembre 30 Canzone “Take Me to Church” “Grande Amore” “Love Me Like You Do” “See You Again” “El Mismo Sol” “El Perdón” “Roma-Bangkok”
Artista Hozier Il Volo Ellie Goulding Wiz Khalifa con Charlie Puth Alvaro Soler Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias Baby K con Giusy Ferreri
PAGINA 16 – NOVEMBRE 2015
Proverbi Italiani
(Dialect) Non ‘accemenda lu cuane ca rorme! Ca quire ss’mena! (Meaning) Don’t disturb the dog that sleeps. It will attack. (Equivalent) Let sleeping dogs lie.
(Dialect) Un bon avocato fa passar per can parfin un gato. A good lawyer can get a dog to pass even as a cat.
(Dialect) A star co i can, se impara a bayar. Being with dogs you learn to bark. (Meaning) You are who you are with.
(Dialect) L’amore dei vecchi e come la legna dell’albero di fico: Presto s’infiamma, ma non riscalda. Love between old people is like the firewood of the fig tree It’s easy to light, but it doesn’t heat up a room. [Because it burns up too quickly].
(Dialect) A vejcchiaja e na malatia brutta. Old age is an ugly disease. (Dialect) Na mammma e nu patri cuvernunu centu fijgghi ma centu fijgghi non cuvernunu na mamma e nu patri. A mother and father can take care of 100 children but 100 children cannot take care of their mother and father. * * * – Reprinted with permission from Mary Melfi and italyrevisited.org
Italian idioms and expressions Essere fuso. To be burnt out.
Poco fa. A few moments ago. Poco tempo fa. A while ago.
Fra poco, fra un po’. In a few moments, in a little while. Dopo, più tardi. Later
Passare un brutto guaio. To go through a bad time.
Combinare un bel guaio. To make a fine mess of things Sentirsela. To feel up to something. La maggior parte di. Most of. * * * Grazie al tutorino.ca
The staff of Cafe La Scala invites you to stop in for lunch or dinner.
Arancini • Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips • Panzanella • Italian Beef Sandwich • Reuben • Sicilian Chicken Sandwich • Chicken Basil Panini • Sicilian Steak Sandwich • Mushroom Swiss Burger • Pasta alla Norma • Chicken & Spinach Alfredo • Sicilian Steak Dinner • La Scala Pizza • Alfredo Pizza • Prosciutto Pizza and much more! WEEKDAY LUNCH BUFFET FOR JUST $8.95/PERSON! Monday 7 Mexican • Tuesday 7 Pasta • Wednesday 7 Southern BBQ; Thursday 7 Italian; Friday 7 Fish Fry
Cafe La Scala 631 E. Chicago St. • 414-223-2185 LaScalaMilwaukee.com Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm Dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5-9pm, Fri., 4:30-10pm, Sat., 5-10pm
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Crossword Puzzle Number 5: Answers with explanations and comments
Across 2. Erupts – Volcano that did Pompeii in. 4. Hit – When you hit someone and when you hit a baseball. 6. Sue – Short for Susan but longed for by attorneys. 7. Pizzelle –Waffle ‘ironed’ ‘little pizzas’ sweets.
8. Lawyer –That’s why we’re so well liked. 11. Adriatic – Head north on it and you’ll hit Venice. 14. Waffles – Flattened out by the maker. 15. Magi – The three Christmas visiting kings to baby Jesus. 16. Abba – Sweden’s gift to the
music scene’s hit song. 17. Tricolore – The three flag colors of red, white and green. 19. Mea – It’s my most grievious fault. 20. Naples – Made up by some Napolitano, of course. 21. Bologna – We get the word ‘baloney’ from it.
22. Soprano – A diva who can hit those high notes. 23. Mustache – You can lick it later for a snack. 25. Gigolo – Presumably. 26. Ruler – Used always on the knucle side by nuns. 27. Robin – And you thought it was the mosquito.
Down 1. Houdini – Escape artist with great Italianate name. 3. Tuna – Of TV commercials fame. 5. Bald – Or follicly challed for the PC nuts. 7. Prodigal – Let’s party, his father said. 9. Capo – It’s clamped on guitar necks to change tones. 10. Kitchen – It’s where heroic sandwiches are made. 12. Salami – Part of that heroic sandwich. 13. Meatballs – What else is there? 15. Milan – All fads start here. 16. Aida – Giuseppe Verdi’s most famous opera heroine. 18. Ravioli – Those delicious, stuffed little pocket squares. 24. Caruso – David. The dead-pan, expressionlessness actor.
Singer Johnny Rivers’ first musical inspiration was his Sicilian father
THE ITALIAN TIMES
While his name was changed early in his singing career, Johnny Rivers grew up in a Sicilian/Italian family and his father served as his initial musical inspiration. Rivers states on his website (johnnyrivers.com): “My dad and my uncle used to get together and play these old Italian folk songs on mandolin and guitar.” Rivers, whose real name is John Henry Ramistella, was born Nov. 7, 1942 in New York City. When he was five, his father wound up out of work, so the Ramistella family packed up and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Johnny’s uncle was head of the art department at Louisiana State University. Johnny’s uncle helped his father get work painting houses and antiquing furniture. Without any formal music lessons, Johnny began playing guitar – learned from his father – at the age of eight. Johnny was greatly influenced by the distinctive sound of the music of Louisiana. On a trip to New York in 1958, he met Alan Freed, the famous radio disk jockey and promoter of young R&B artists, who advised him to change his name. He selected “Johnny Rivers” after the Mississippi River that flows near Baton Rouge. Rivers would go on to record scores of hit singles including remakes of Chuck Berry’s “Memphis” and “Maybellene” as well as “Mountain of Love,” “Midnight Special,” “Seventh Son,” “Secret Agent Man,” “Poor Side of Town,” “(I Wash My Hands) in Muddy Water,” “Baby I Need Your Lovin’,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Summer Rain,” “Rockin’ Please turn to page 18
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 17
Top 10 sports in Italy
What are the 10 most popular sports in Italy in terms of participation? The No. 1 sport is a no-brainer. Of course, it’s calico (soccer) with an estimated 4.363 million participants. Some of the nine other sports might surprise you. According to the latest figures from various Italian athletic organizations or sport governing bodies, the sports with the most athletes after soccer are: 2. Aquatic (water) sports (including swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, free-diving, sailing, boat racing, rowing, water skiing, surfing, water basketball,
water polo and competitive swimming lessons): 3.480 million participants. 3. Gymnastics (including rhythmic gymnastics and physical education): 2.204 million participants. 4. Skiing (including Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing): 2.060 million participants. 5. Cycling: 1.321 million. 6. Tennis: 1.298 million. 7. Track and field and cross country events including road running, long distance races and marathons as well as general track and field events: 995,000. 8. Pallavolo – Volleyball (including beach volleyball): 988,000. 9. Basketball: 606,000.
Word Search No. 1 Answers Italian Cities: Città Italiano By Blaise DiPronio
10. Bodybuilding (including physical fitness): 555,000.
Other sports Gaining more participants in Italy each year are winter sports such as mountain climbing, ice hockey, figure skating, bobsleigh and luge. Other sports with rising numbers of participants are: combat sports (fencing, boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts and amateur wrestling), equestrian sports, baseball, cricket, Formula One motorsport and car racing, golf and rugby. Traditional sports are still alive across Italy including bocce, cue sports (billiards and pool) and palio (horse racing) or annual athletic contests in which comune (districts of towns and cities) celebrate ancient events in competitions. The most famous of these is the Palio di Siena. 2016 Olympics Italy is expected to be one of the major medal-winning nations in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Italy has competed in all but one of the modern Olympic Games since 1908. The exception was in 1944 when it was at the center of combat in World War II. Italian athletics have won 549 medals at the Summer Olympics and another 114 at the Winter Olympic Games. Italy’s 663 total medals makes it the sixth most successful country in Olympic history.
Italy has finished in the top 5 of the medal count 11 times in the Summer Olympics (1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1980 and 1984) and two times in the Winter Games (1968 and 1994). Italy has placed in the top 10 in Summer Olympics’ medals 21 times, including the last four Summer Games in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. In the Winter Olympics, Italy has finished in the Top 10 medal count 13 times with the last time being in 2006. As you might know, Italy has been the host nation for the Olympic Games three times: 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, and 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. – Researched and written by Tom Hemman, Times Editor
Risposte
1. Perche’ era a piedi. 2. Un ciclone. 3. La chiave. 4. Le stagioni.
5. L’impronta digitale.
6. La figlia del macellaio è la moglie del pescatore. 7. Del “senso unico” in una qualsiasi città.
Singer Johnny Rivers’ first musical inspiration was his Sicilian father
Having up to 300 dinner guests?
from page 17 Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie ics as one of the most underrated Flu,” “Swayin’ To The Music (Slow artists of the 1960s and ‘70s, due in Dancin’)” and a re-make of the large part to the rise in popularity Beach Boys’ “Help Me Rhonda.” of rock-and-roll groups such as The In 2006, the career-spanning Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The “Secret Agent Man: The Ultimate Beach Boys and The Supremes. Johnny Rivers Anthology” was Rivers’ name has been under conreleased. A year later, Rivers sideration for the Rock and Roll released a live CD titled “Last Hall of Fame on several occasions, Boogie in Paris: The Complete although he has never been officialConcert,” which received critical ly nominated. He was inducted into acclaim and a five-star rating from the Louisiana Hall of Fame in reviewers at Amazon.com. His lat2009. est CD, “Live at Cache Creek,” has Rivers, now 73, still has an also been given five out of five stars extensive tour schedule. He played by reviewers. before a large crowd on the Briggs This year, he was nominated for & Stratton Big Backyard Stage at America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame. Summerfest in Milwaukee in June Rivers is considered by many critof 2003.
Entertain them at the Italian Conference Center’s FESTA BALLROOM.
A gorgeous setting in which to enjoy great food! The Italian Conference Center in the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St. (a block west of Summerfest) Call David or Kim Marie at 414/ 223-2800 to reserve your party or meeting space at the ICC. Visit: www.ItalianConference.com
PAGE 18 – NOVEMBER 2015
Johnny Rivers
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Pompeii Women and UNICO present checks for ICC dinner for less fortunate
The annual Thanksgiving dinner that Italian Community Center and its volunteers host for Milwaukee’s less fortunate received financial boasts from the Pompeii Women’s Club and the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. Both organizations presented donations for the event to dinner organizing chair Tony Lupo at the ICC’s general
meeting on Oct. 15. On the left, Pompeii Women’s Club Treasurer Maria Schwindt presented a $100 check. On the right, Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie, Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National President, made a $50 presentation. In September, Lupo and his volunteers received a $200 donation from the Milwaukee Ladies of
UNICO. These funds will help to buy the food – turkey with all the trimmings and desserts – that is served at the dinner. The dinner will be held Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Open Door Café at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee. The Italian Conference Center culinary staff prepares the meal and has it delivered to the
Word (Name) Search No. 2: ICC Presidents By Blaise DiPronio
meal site. Persons interested in making a donation can find the details on how to do it on page 4 of this issue. A complete list of dinner donors will be published in an upcoming issue of The Italian Times. (Times photos by Tom Hemman)
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.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
On Nov. 21, a guided procession begins in the Patriaca part of St. Mark’s, 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.
NOVEMBER 2015 – PAGE 19
Here are the ICC election results
from page 1 election. Officers serve a one-year term. There were five candidates running for director-at-large posts. Karen Dickinson finished fifth and did not secure one of the four open positions. Each director will serve a twoyear term. While all of the newly-elected officers and directors were sworn in at the Oct. 15 general meeting, they don’t officially take office on Nov. 1 according to the ICC bylaws. The full board will also include Gina Spang in the non-elective position of immediate past president and directors Joe Campagna, Jr., Henry Piano, Ted Catalano and Anthony Zingale. Each of these directors will begin the final year of their term on Nov. 1. A total of 530 ballots were cast. Nineteen ballots were disqualified, the majority of which were voided because they were postmarked after the official deadline for receipt. The deadline for receipt of ballots was Thursday, Oct. 8. The ICC bylaws state that, for a ballot to be eligible to be opened and counted, it must be received one week prior to the counting of bal-
Past President Dave Spano administered the oath of office to Giuseppe Vella, who was elected to his second consecutive term as ICC President. Election results were announced at the Oct. 15 general meeting. All the
lots and the announcement of the
Taking the oath of office here are (from the left): Secretary Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie, Vice President Dean Cannestra and Sergeant-At-Arms Joanne
Newly-elected directors-at-large Joseph T. Emanuele, Pietro Tarantino, Susan (DeSanctis) Christiansen and
PAGE 20 – NOVEMBER 2015
newly-elected officers and directors were sworn in at the meeting. They officially begin their terms of office on Nov. 1, according to the ICC Bylaws. (All Times photos on this page by Tom Hemman)
election winners, which, in this
(Sanfilippo) Czubek. Not pictured, Treasurer Sam Purpero, who was unable to attend the general meeting. He will be sworn in at the Nov. 12 Board meeting.
Mary Anne (Ceraso) Alioto were sworn in for two years of service on the ICC Board.
instance, occurred on Oct. 15. Zambito and a volunteer crew of tellers counted the ballots before the start of the general meeting.
A little about the officers Prior to being elected to his first term as president last fall, Giuseppe Vella served as vice president (2012-2014) and as a directorat-large (2010-2012). Dean Cannestra was elected to his initial term as vice president last fall. He served as a director-atlarge from the 2010-2011 through the end of the 2013-2014 term. Sam Purpero certainly doesn’t lack familiarity with the treasurer’s position as he was elected to the post for six years before Spano’s service this past year. In the 37 years that the ICC has been in existence, Purpero has held every position on the Board except secretary and sergeant-at-arms. He was the organization’s president in the 1982-1983 term and has served as either an officer or director for all but two years and a couple of months since 1978. Last fall, choosing not to seek re-election as treasurer, he was appointed to the Board as a director in early January 2015 to fill a vacancy. Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie has held the office of secretary for the past 11 years. Joanne Czubek first won the sergeant-at-arms post in the 2010 election, making her the first female to hold the position in the history of the organization. She previously served on the Board as a director-at-large (1997-2002). Something about the directors For Joe Emanuele and Mary Anne (Ceraso) Alioto, this election marked their first attempt to run for a position on the ICC Board. Both have long been active in the ICC and Festa Italiana. Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen was first appointed to a director-atlarge position to fill a vacancy during the 2005-2006 term and was elected in the fall elections of 2008, 2010 and 2013 to two-year terms. Pietro Tarantino previously served as a director from 1999 through 2005 and was re-elected in the 2006-2008, 2008-2010 and 2013-2015 terms. The new Board first meeting is Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
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