THE
ITALIAN TIMES Published by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com VOL. 34, NO. 3 SEPTEMBER 2012
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI Permit No. 5716
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President Spano reports on 35th Festa Italiana and ICC developments Festa 2012 is over, and it is now time to look back and determine what we did well, and what we could do better. Our attendance was down about 7-1/2% but our early determination is that revenues and our expenses seem to be in line. We spent most of the year examining our budget particularly the cost for rental items, entertainment costs, and advertising expenses. More importantly, we lived up to our reputation as the finest Italian festival in United States. I can tell you that hundreds of people have contacted me or stopped me recently and told me the same. Our entertainment, Italian food, Italian style fireworks, and our cultural displays were excellent. As you know, the centerpiece of the
event is the Mass, and as usual, it flowed seemlessly. Our gondola rides were not only a unique experience, but they were a huge hit. We have increased the number of vessels under Rear Admiral Jennaro’s control, and will add to his fleet again next year. One thing is for sure, Festa Italiana faces many headwinds such as our current economic conditions, increased competition and being subject to all weather conditions. All of these circumstances came into play as our guests have a lot of choices and many events are chasing the same limited discretionary dollar. Weather will always play a part in an outdoor festival, but one night we got rained out despite being in the middle of a drought, and another day, high
Festa gondola ride perfect, even on a first date
heat and humidity kept our guests away. But rest assured, we will roll-up our sleeves, re-calibrate where we need to, and we will celebrate a remarkable event, with extraordinarily committed volunteers and bring forth with pride Festa’s 36th anniversary next summer. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all of those who helped put this event on, from sponsors, to our partners and vendors, to all of the volunteers, young and not-so-young, new and experienced; we can’t put this cultural celebration on without your support. We are always interested in people’s perceptions and constructive criticism, so if you have ideas on how we can do better please contact us at FestaItaliana.com. Development of ICC property We continue to forge ahead on our potential development. The ICC and representatives from the Marcus Corporation have been in contact with the governor’s office, the county executive’s office, the mayor’s office, and local stakeholders like the Historic Third Ward Association and Summerfest to find a way to help us develop our land to its highest and best use. Our due diligence efforts will continue, but I can tell you that we have made Please turn to page 12
While people living in the central part of the United States had been praying for rain all summer, Festa Italiana officials were hoping precipitation would stay away for the duration of the festival, July 19-22. That, unfortunately, did not happen. Wind-blown rain fell from the opening of the festival at 5 p.m. on July 19 throughout the evening. Here, Italian Community Center President and Festa Italiana General Chairman Dave Spano is seen addressing the sparse crowd that attended the opening day ceremony. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Successful Courtyard Music Series season heading into home stretch at ICC The 12th season of the Italian Community Center’s free-admission Courtyard Music Series has generated much enthusiasm, according to Joe Campagna, Jr., and Sal Quarino, coordinators of the summer concerts. They are betting that the extension of the series into September on three of the four nights will produce much of the same excitement. Music lovers can enjoy another five weeks of great jazz, blues and rock and roll through Sept. 27. The Wednesday opera, classical and Broadway series concludes Aug. 29 as most of the performers will be returning to their full-time musical or teaching professions. On behalf on the ICC, Quarino
Although there are many tales originating from the canals of Venice, Italy, of marriage proposals made while a couple enjoys a romantic gondola ride; not everyone boards a gondola for that reason. Amy Sapienza of Mukwonago and Joe Connelly of Oconomowoc, who were on their first date, elected to take a gondola ride during their visit to Festa Italiana on July 21 because it was something neither had done before. Tony Emmiti was serving as the gondolier at the time this photo was taken. This year, Festa had two gondolas in service during the festival. Emmiti and fellow gondoliers Sal Galioto and Patrick Lonzo were kept busy all weekend long. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
expressed thanks to La Coppa Artisan Gelato for sponsoring this year’s series. “We’re very excited to have La Coppa aboard. Their gelato is excellent and is available to our guests to try at our restaurant, Cafe La Scala,” he said. Quarino praised the extraordinary talents of Tom Sorce and Kay Sparling for doing “a marvelous job” in putting together a line-up of great entertainment that includes the best musicians and vocalists in the Midwest and around the country. Sorce was responsible for securing the acts on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. Sparling was in charge of the Please turn to page 10