ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL. 38, NO. 3
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Bartolotta will take over ICC’s catering and restaurant business starting Nov. 1
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The Bartolotta Restaurant Group will take over the catering and restaurant operations at the Italian Community Center starting Nov. 1. Working in conjunction with the ICC, a series of major building renovations will begin in 2017.
A 10-year lease of the catering division and restaurant by Bartolotta was agreed to in principle by both parties earlier this year and officially signed just before the start of Festa Italiana in July. “This lease agreement marks the end of nearly four years of arduous work to find a professional to assume our restaurant and
catering operations,” said Giuseppe Vella, ICC President. “Our efforts began during the first term of our past president Gina Spang and continued throughout my two years as president. Our Board of Directors and I firmly believe the lease with the Bartolotta Restaurant Group is in the best interest of the Italian Community Center. It goes a long
way to ensure the continuance of our organization as an important entity in the community and the revitalization of our building in the district of Milwaukee where many of our ancestors first called their home. It also puts in place a professional with a well recognized and acclaimed name to head the banPlease turn to page 6
Slate finalized for ICC election
Dean Cannestra will be president, races for vice president and directors
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Through the efforts of the Nominating Committee and the members who attended the Aug. 18 general meeting, a slate of officers and directors has been chosen for the Italian Community Center
election. Dean Cannestra will become the next president of the ICC succeeding Giuseppe Vella on Nov. 1, the date established in the organization’s bylaws as the start of the new term. Cannestra, who is unopposed, is completing his second
consecutive one-year term as vice president and previously served as a director-at-large for four years. He is the owner of Divino Wine and Dine, a restaurant on Milwaukee’s east side. Vella is finishing his second term as president. Even if he
Festa Italiana 2016 was . . .
would have been interested, Vella could not run for a third consecutive term. The bylaws limit a president to two consecutive terms of office. He still will have a position on the new board in the non-elected position of immediate past presPlease turn to page 26
Cosa c’è dentro?
(What’s inside?)
President’s message
page 2
Winners at Festa Italiana
page 4
Come to ICC’s Casino Night on Sept. 9 page 3
Festa Mass sponsors and donors thanked
page 5
Free children’s Italian class, bocce leagues and calendar page 7 Courtyard Music Series continues in September page 8
Italian classes for teens and adults
page 9
Broadway comes to Festa
page 12
Festa Italiana 2016 in review pages 10-19
Running wet
page 15
Who won the cash prizes in the raffle? page 19
Fantastic, but way too hot, humid and wet!
Times photos by Paul Inzeo, John Ferraro, Joe Spasiano, Tim Townsend and Tom Hemman
Club news
page 20
Word search
page 21
Which way do I go?
page 24
Let’s stay connected page 21 Sezione Italiane pagine 22-23 New ICC members
page 24
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President
First of all, I want to thank all those who volunteered for Festa Italiana. I salute you for your contributions of time and talent and your commitment to making Festa a success. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors. Without your support, Festa could not continue to be the best Italian festival in America. As you may have noticed, we had several new sponsors joining our list of returning sponsors. I want to thank each and every one of you for believing in Festa and supporting us through
the best of times and the worst of times. Thanks to everyone who participated in Festa, from the vendors to the musicians, professional contractors, the Summerfest staff, and everyone else who had a hand in helping to make Festa a well-run event. I also want to acknowledge the members of the Italian Conference Center staff for their hard work and efforts on the grounds and in operating our building so smoothly during our busiest weekend of the year.
Unfortunately, the only kinds of records this year’s Festa established aren’t the kinds we pray for. Thanks to the extreme heat, humidity and rain, our attendance was down from last year. It’s not good when your festival is on a day when your city experiences its longest period of continuous precipitation (July 23) and another day when the city records its highest
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 Di Pronio, Donato Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, ,Joe Mangiamele, George Koleas and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (left) was presented Italian gifts of clothing by Giuseppe Vella, ICC President/Festa General Chair, at the opening day ceremonies. Vella gave the Mayor an “Italia” jacket and an authentic Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini T-shirt, autographed by members of the flag throwing troupe from the communities around Florence, Italy. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org. Copyright 2016 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved
All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times. In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
ICC President Giuseppe Vella with Vice President Dean Cannestra at the Festa Mass. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
temperature and humidity readings of the summer (July 24). While we don’t have a final financial report yet, please don’t expect a miracle. Now, it is time to move on. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us and need your support.
Bartolotta coming in As you probably know, beginning on November 1st, the Bartolotta Restaurant Group will be the new operator of the banquet and restaurant businesses at the Italian Community Center. Your Board of Directors and I believe wholeheartedly that the leasing of the restaurant and the banquet business to a professional with the widely recognized and acclaimed name of Bartolotta is in the best interest of our organization. We look forward to having a long and prosperous relationship with Joe and Paul Bartolotta and their corporate team. Job opportunities are being offered to all of the Italian Conference Center employees. Those who join the Bartolotta team will find that they will have more opportunities to grow and better Please turn to page ??
Harder Funeral Home
JAMES T. GUARDALABENE 18700 W. Capitol Drive
“Three generations of my family serving yours.” www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350
Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002. PAGE 2 – SEPTEMBER 2016
• AN ASSOCIATE OF THE HARDER FUNERAL HOME SINCE 2010. • Personally providing the services you have come to expect at the Harder Funeral Home or your church or cemetery chapel. • Funeral pre-planning and Title 19 expertise. • Longtime member of the Italian Community Center. • Not associated with Schmidt & Bartelt – Guardalabene & Amato
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A taste of Las Vegas coming to ICC with 3rd annual Casino Night on Friday, Sept. 9 Maximum of 150 entry tickets available for this fundraiser; non-gamblers even have a chance to win prizes
A fundraising event that is guaranteed to generate a lot of excitement is coming to the Italian Community Center on Friday, Sept. 9th. It’s the third annual Casino Night, sponsored by the Membership Committee. If you’ve never been to a casino, the ICC is giving you a chance to get a taste of what it’s like to win big, while keeping the stakes small, and all in a casino-like environment. Alternatively, if you’ve experienced gambling fever and played in casinos, this is an opportunity to sharpen your skills with minimal risk. Attendees will use the raffle tickets they win to play a variety of Vegas-style games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Texas Hold’Em to win fabulous prizes. Even non-gamblers, who just want to have fun, are assured of chances to win great prizes.
Be one of 150 attendees Casino Night is open to ICC members and the general public, their families and friends, however, Membership Committee Chairs Bill and Karen Dickinson want you to know, “We are limiting attendance to the first 150 people to make reservations.” The reason for the attendance cap is “to allow players plenty of opportunities to play the games they like without having to wait in lines,” they said. “Don’t be left out in the cold. Get your reservations in early.” Casino Night details These are the specifics for the evening: Casino Night will be held in the Festa Ballroom from 7 to 10 p.m. Entry tickets are $30 for each member and $35 for a non-member. Please use the reservation form accompanying this article and send it with your check or money order to the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St.,
Milwaukee, WI 53202 (Attn.: Casino Night). You can also make reservations by calling the ICC office at 414-223-2180 and paying with a credit card. Advance tickets can also be purchased at the ICC receptionist desk. All attendees will be required to check in at the reservation desk on the night of the event. At the check-in table, each player will be given two raffle tickets valued at $100 each. These tickets are then used for joining in the action at the gaming tickets. Once a player leaves a table or quits playing, the dealer will round up that player’s winnings to the highest $100 value. “The more raffle tickets you win, the more opportunities you have for winning prizes,” Karen Dickinson said. “The most difficult decision you might have all night is deciding in which prize basket or baskets to place your winning raffle tickets. We’re going to have a lot of wonderful prizes.” Additional $100 tickets will be available for purchase throughout the night at seven for $5, 16 for $10 and, for the high roller special of 24 for $15. Complete and easy instructions will be provided all evening. The prize drawing will be held at the end of the night. Music on the Move Plus will provide the gaming tables, professional dealers and a deejay, who will serve as the evening’s emcee and play music to keep everyone in a high-spirited mood. If you are unsure how to play a particular game, the dealers will be able to explain the rules. Each is trained to be patient and friendly and will make sure that it will be a fun evening for all. Non-gamblers can win The committee members realize that not all people are interested in gambling, but everybody likes to have fun. Everyone attending –
ICC member Margaret Carini wins Festa’s Chef’s Choice Recipe Contest
Judges chose a no-bake cheese pie made by Margaret Carini as the winning entry in Festa’s 2016 Chef’s Choice Recipe Contest. Margaret, a member of the Italian Community Center, received Festa’s coveted “Golden Spoon” and a $100 cash prize. The $75 second prize went to C.J. Lieber for his tiramisu. The two winners are seen here with the judges. From the left: Gina Santagati, Associate Vice President of United Way, Chef Andy Schneider, LeReve Patisserie & Cafè, Margaret Carini, C.J. Lieber, and Marilyn Mee, deejay on WKLH 96.5FM. (Photo provided by Marie Lieber)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER CASINO NIGHT ENTRY TICKETS ORDER FORM Name(s) _____________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________________ Email address _________________________________________________ ICC Members: No. of entry tickets ______ x $30.00/person = $___________ Non-Members: No of entry tickets ______ x $35.00/person = $___________ Mail this form with your full payment to: Italian Community Center, c/o Casino Night, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. gamblers or not – will receive two raffle tickets. Non-gamblers are encouraged to buy more raffle tickets to increase their chances to win raffle prizes. “If you’ve attended our last two Casino Nights, you know this is going to be a fun evening for gamblers and non-gamblers, so we encourage everyone to come and help make this a giant successful fundraiser,” the Dickinsons said. Wait service at game tables The committee has arranged to have wait service at the gaming tables so attendees can keep playing while enjoying their favorite beverages.
Have dinner at La Scala All Casino Night attendees are encouraged to come to the ICC early and have dinner at Cafe La Scala prior to hitting the gaming tables. La Scala will be opening
that Friday night at 4 p.m. for dinner service. (That’s a half-hour earlier than usual.) Sponsors The Membership Committee also wants to stress and promote a great opportunity for both individuals and corporate table sponsorships in making this event successful. Sponsors will be recognized on a large billboard at the entrance to the room. Lastly, please assist our – your – Center by offering a donation towards sponsoring a table or providing additional raffle prizes. Consider this a call for any and all donations whether it is money to offset the cost of gaming tables or raffle prizes. Any amount donated will be truly appreciated. Any questions? Please contact Karen or Bill Dickinson at diskart@sbcglobal.net or call 414744-0937.
Meet Festa’s winners of Kids’ Pizza-Making Contest
Two young ladies from Michigan were determined to be the winners of Festa Italiana’s annual Kids’ Pizza-Making Contest on July 24. On the left and holding her pizza creation is the winner in the 5-9 year old division, Bella Lombardo, 7, of Rockford, Mich. On the right is Nitse Avila, 11, of South Haven, Mich. She was the winner in the 10-17 year old division. Each received a basket filled with foodie-inspired prizes and a Festa pizza-making competitor t-shirt. (Times photos by Paul Inzeo)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 3
Picture Us Rollin’ wins Festa bocce championship
Green Bay man captures cannoli-eating contest title
On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, this team, Picture Us Rollin’, won the 2016 Festa Italiana bocce tournament championship. They defeated Bowl R Us, 12-5, in the title match. The players on Picture Us Rollin’ are (l-r): Andy Satraitus, Marcos Satraitus, J.R. Satraitus and Jason Mickelson. The team received a $500 cash prize. Each player was given the Festa championship trophy. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Here is the 2016 Festa Italiana cannoli-eating contest champion, Sean Nichols of Green Bay. Nichols consumed an incredible nine cannoli in four minutes. Believe it or not, that is not the Festa record. Tony Paulis of Milwaukee devoured 10-1/4 cannoli in the four-minute time frame in 2011. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Festa’s 2016 Italian Idol is Stephanie Carter
Photo on left: It was a night of celebration for three young talented female vocalists. Festa Italiana crowned its 2016 Italian Idol winner and two runners-up on Sunday, July 24. First prize ($500 cash) and the honor of being the 2016 Italian Idol went to Stephanie Carter (left) of Milwaukee. The second prize winner ($300) went to Madelena Francesca Keane (far right) of Wauwatosa. Taking third prize ($200) was Giovanna Fallucca of Mequon. Carter’s version of “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” a song first made popular by Barbra Streisand in 1964 and rejuvenated by the “Glee” TV cast, captures the first voting of the panel of judges that included three area judges and representatives of the contest, WFA – Assets Management Corporation and R&R Insurance. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Sweaty runners await awards after tackling cancer! Coach Lombardi would have been proud!
Is this a bunch of sweaty people standing on a stage on a sultry summer day to get some kind of recognition? Well, yes. These are the Kessler’s Diamond Center Quarterback Award winners in the Lombardi Walk/Run To Tackle Cancer at Festa Italiana. The awards were presented on the
PAGE 4 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Palermo’s Pizza Stage shortly after the completion of the walk/run outside the festival grounds. The late Green Bay Packers Coach Vincent T. Lombardi would have been proud of their efforts for a winning cause. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa Mass & Procession Committee thanks sponsors and donors
The Festa Italiana Mass & Procession Committee wishes to thank this year’s sponsors – Catholic Financial Life and Harder Funeral Home, James T. Guardalabene – as well as all those who made donations for the religious celebration on Sunday, July 24. This year, a total of $3,449 in donations was received. “Everyone on our committee appreciates and values the tremendous support of our sponsors and our donors,” said Sister Marie Louise Balistreri and Sal LoCoco, committee co-chairs. “Their involvement helps Festa Italiana carry on the essence of the Mass.” The committee chairs also expressed their gratitude to the following for their donations that helped defray the costs associated with the Mass. • Sam Purpero • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco • Rose Spang • Anthony and Barbara Lupo • Joseph and Christina Ziino • Pompeii Women’s Club • Joseph and Anna Zambito • Mary Winard • Roses for Our Lady • Pompeii Men’s Club • Gordon and Bernice Boucher • John and Jean DiMotto • Thomas Spera • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO, Inc. • Anna Pitzo • William and Rita Jennaro • Ryan and Frances Blaubach • Joseph and Santa D’Amato • Thomas and Barbara Balistreri • Societa Santa Rosalia Di S.S.Q. • Frank and Maria Zingale • Josephine Croseriol Salzstein • Societa Maschile Maria S.S. Del Lume • Thomas and Susan Christiansen • Pompeii Culture Tent • Ted Catalano These memorial donations were made in memory of the following individuals. • Robert J. Bartelt, in memory of Irvin and Mabel Bartelt. • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco, in
memory of Grace Shoplas. • Lucretia Lo Coco, in memory of Vincent Lo Coco. • Lucretia Lo Coco, in memory of Domenic and Marion Carini. • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Giovanna Di Pronio. • Joe and Ann Zambito, in memory of Giovanna Di Pronio. • John J. Tarantino, in memory of Angelina Tarantino. • Raymond and Carol Martinez, in memory of Joseph and Sarah Martinez. • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Nancy Geisler. • Tindaro and Linda Caputo, in memory of Cono Caputo. • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of Giuseppe and Maria Lo Coco. • Vincenzo and Vivian Balistreri, in memory of Gaetano Vicini. • Joseph and Jane Leto, in memory of Vincent and Josie Leto. • Sal and Antonette Lo Coco, in memory of George Moore, IV. • Tony Machi, in memory of his wife, Sadie Machi.
Among the earliest arrivals to the Festa Italiana Mass were the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. Their attendance at
The Pompeii Men’s Club, one of the organizations that provided seed money for the first Festa Italiana in 1978, participated in the procession on Sunday, July 24. The club’s miniature replica of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church was pulled on a cart by Mike Cardo, and members walked along both sides of the “Little Pink Church.” (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Fr. Mike Hammer, the main celebrant of the 2016 Festa Mass, is seen here delivering the homily. Fr. Mike is the Milwaukee Archdiocese Director of AIDS Ministries and serves as a co-chaplain of the Pompeii Women’s Club. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
the Mass marked the beginning of a full day at the festival. The nuns also walked in the procession and participated in the 39th annual Festa Bocce Tournament, and won
a couple of games along the way. The Carmelite Sisters oversee a boys’ home in Wauwatosa. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
Continuing a longstanding tradition, the Giuseppe Garibaldi Society marched in the procession at Festa Italiana. The society is one of the oldest Italian American societies in Milwaukee, incorporated in 1908. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 5
Bartolotta will take over ICC’s catering and restaurant business starting Nov. 1
from page 1 quet and restaurant operations.” “We are thrilled to partner with the ICC,” said Joe Bartolotta, chief executive officer of the Bartolotta Restaurant Group. “It’s been an important part of our family and an important part of our heritage.” Joe’s father, the late T.J. “Tudy” Bartolotta, was one of the organizers of the first Festa Italiana and the a leader during the first years of the ICC. He served as the organization’s first executive director and
October issue deadline
All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the September 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Friday, Sept. 9. All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414223-2189.
Have something to sell to the readers of The Italian Times? Let them know about with an ad in our next issue. Get all of the details by calling (414) 223-2189 or by sending an email to themman@italiancc.org.
was instrumental in the start of the publishing of The Italian Times in 1979. Clients who have signed contracts with the Italian Conference Center can be assured that Bartolotta will honor any existing agreements. Bartolotta is planning to introduce a new menu in the restaurant and new banquet menus. Bartolotta has indicated that it is interested in retaining of the staff of the Italian Conference
Center. Joe Bartolotta, his brother and international renowned chef, Paul, along with other Bartolotta Restaurant Group officials met with Italian Conference Center employees on July 12. In that meeting, Joe Bartolotta said, “We ask you to participate in this transition. Our employees make the business happen. We will work our hardest with you to build a good team.” The renovations to the 27-year old building to update the facilities and improve the ambiance are slat-
ed to include the two main ballrooms (Pompeii and Festa), the restaurant (now known as Cafe La Scala), the kitchen, the bocce courts and the restrooms. Bartolotta is expected to rename the restaurant. The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, which has been in existence for 23 years, now operates more than 20 different food, restaurant and catering businesses. It has other catering deals in place at Discovery World and The Grain Exchange in Milwaukee.
The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization.
Patrick J. and Theresa J. Ciofani Joseph Dentice Thomas G. Roehl Robert J. and Margaret A. Gutekunst James A. and Alexandra L. Celoni Gino A. Dentice Kathleen A. Balistreri Salvatore and Josephine Fazio
In memory of Diana Annunziato Bill and Rita Jennaro
Thanks for your donations to the ICC
To obtain information on how to make a pledge or make a donation, please call 414-223-2808.
The following donations were received between June 12 and August 12, 2016. In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce In memory of Kathleen DiMaggio Campagna Joe & Chris Salamone
In memory of Giovanna Di Pronio Bill and Rita Jennaro Joseph and Ann Zambito Ron and Joanne Czubek Mike A., Sr. and Karen L. Iannelli Rosemary DeRubertis In memory of Francesco Spavone Bill and Rita Jennaro Tony Machi
In memory of Joseph and Sarah Martinez Raymond J. and Carole A. Martinez In memory of Scotty Boggio Jimmy and Linda Spataro
In memory of Grace J. (Vitucci) Morrissey Anna Pitzo In memory of Paula (Collura) Johnson Tom and Rose Zingale Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sanfilippo Tony Machi
A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President
from page 2 benefits than the Italian Conference Center could offer.
Casino Night As your President, I’m asking all of our members to support our Casino Night on Friday, Sept. 9. Karen and Bill Dickinson, chairpersons, and their committee are putting in a lot of hard work to ensure the success of this fundraiser. Your attendance, sponsorship of raffle prizes and gaming tables or monetary donations, no matter how large or how small, can go a long way toward making Casino Night a success. Upcoming election This past Thursday at our general meeting, a slate of candidates
for the upcoming ICC election was finalized. I ask that every member participate in the electoral process. Help our organization to elect people who will be strong leaders now and in the future. An article with the names of all of the officer and director candidates who were nominated appears in this issue. Bios on each of the contested candidates will appear in the next issue of The Italian Times. Please read their bios carefully. The Nominating Committee will be sending out the ballots in mid September. Once you’ve filled out your ballot, get it in the mail. Be sure it is postmarked before the Oct. 13 deadline. The results will be announced at the general meeting on Oct. 20.
Let’s work together to make the last few months of 2016 memorable and successful for the Italian Community Center. – Giuseppe Vella ICC President Festa 2016 General Chair
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PAGE 6 – SEPTEMBER 2016
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Free children’s Italian class to begin Saturday, Sept. 24 at ICC
The fall semester of a free weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Italian Community Center. The class, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m., will continue for eight weeks, with the final session on Nov. 12. The course is intended to provide children with an introduction to the Italian language and the culture of Italy. Besides learning some
basic words and the Italian alphabet, the children also make drawings for holidays and special occasions and receive a snack during each Saturday session. The instructor is Enrica Tarantino Woytal, who also leads the ICC’s Italian classes for teens and adults. She was honored by WisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009 “Italian Teacher of the Year.” Tarantino Woytal has been leading
Fall bocce season to start week of Sept. 12 at ICC
After a summer break, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center. Get your team together now. The fall bocce season gets underway the week of Sept. 12. Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Teams in the mixed couples’ leagues compete on Monday and Wednesday nights. The regular season lasts eight weeks.
The fall season champion playoffs will take place Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a fall league, here are a few things you need to know. First, there are two sets of player registration fees. The lower fee is for players who are members of the ICC. That fee is $30 per person per league season. The nonmember registration fee is $40 per
the children’s class at the ICC since the early 1980s. Over the years, several hundred youngsters have participated in the free class. To register for the fall semester, please complete the form accompanying this article and mail it to: Children’s Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI
53202-5916. Since there is no enrollment fee, parents can also register their children in person any time during the semester. For further information, contact the ICC office at 414-223-2180, or Enrica Tarantino Woytal or Pietro Tarantino at 414-481-0170, or via email at enricaw@aol.com.
Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form
(For children ages 6-12) at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee
Parent(s) Name _________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City ________________________ State _______ Zip ___________
Phone No.: ______________ Email__________________________ Children's Names & Ages: ________________________________
_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Send this form to: Children's Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.
Calendar of Events Please turn to page 9
August 25 – September 29, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m. Details on all Courtyard shows in this issue. Friday, Aug. 26 • Abruzzese Society social, 2 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Hat Trick, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Alex Wilson Band, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 31 • Courtyard Music Series: Opera with tenor Joe Graziano and Friends, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 1 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Larry Lynne Band, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 • Courtyard Music Series: Blues with The Mosleys, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with The Ricochettes, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 • Italian Community Center’s Casino Night, 7 p.m. Details and reservation form in this issue.
Monday, Sept. 12 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m. • Italian Community Center’s fall bocce season begins. Details in this issue.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 • Italian Community Center’s fall semester of Italian II class (opening night), 5:30 p.m. Details in this issue. • Italian Community Center’s Courtyard Music Series: Blues with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m. • Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m. • Italian Community Center’s fall semester of Italian I class (opening night), 7:30 p.m. Details in this issue.
Thursday, Sept. 15 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. • Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Tom Anthony Group, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6 p.m.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
• Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with the Paul Spencer Band, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 21 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24 • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10 a.m. • Italian Community Center’s fall semester of free Children’s Italian class (opening day), 2 p.m. Details in this issue. Tuesday, Sept. 27 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m. • Courtyard Music Series: Jazz with Pete Sorce and the Jeff Lebarge Big Band, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 28 • Pompeii Women’s Club scholarship awards dinner and general meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 • Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with The Classics, 6:30 p.m. Final night of 2016 Courtyard Music Series.
Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The fall season will get underway the week of Sept. 12 with mixed couples’ leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights and seniors’ leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Registration forms available at the ICC.
• Hula hoop dance class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member, $10 per nonmember.
• ICC Italian classes. The fall semester of Italian I and Italian II classes will be held every Tuesday night beginning Sept. 13 and ending Nov. 15. The Italian I class will run from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The Italian II class will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:15 p.m. Details and registration form in this issue.
• ICC Free Children’s Italian class. The fall semester of these free classes will be held every Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 24 and ending Nov. 12. Details and registration form in this issue. • I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. • Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 7
Summer’s not over yet
ICC’s free Courtyard Music Series continues through September
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor You still have several chances to listen and dance to some of the Milwaukee area’s finest musical acts as the 16th season of the Italian Community Center’s Courtyard Music Series continues through the month of September. The shows are offered without a cover charge and with no drink minimum. While concerts were presented on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights during the month of August, the offerings in September are reduced to Tuesday and Thursday nights in September. The starting time remains 6:30 p.m. When chilly temperatures or precipitation is forecasted, the shows are brought indoors to the Festa Ballroom. The staff of Cafe La Scala will continue to be on hand to take food and drink orders beginning at 5 p.m. To make sure you have a seat to see a particular show, it is recommended that you make reservations by calling 414-223-2185. Here is the schedule of the shows in September, the final month of the 2016 series. • Thursday, Sept. 1 – Larry Lynne Band. • Tuesday, Sept. 6 – The Mosleys. • Thursday, Sept. 8 – The Ricochettes. • Tuesday, Sept. 13 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. • Thursday, Sept. 15 – Tom Anthony Group. • Tuesday, Sept. 20 – Paul Spencer Band. • Thursday, Sept. 22 – Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz. • Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Pete Sorce
with the Jeff Labarge Big Band. • Thursday, Sept. 29 – The Classics.
Get to know the acts Larry Lynne Band. Joining Milwaukee rock and roll legend Larry Lynne are James Aubrey, Jon Dymond, and Chris Davis. Their show is a unique variety act that consists of rock, country-rock, blues, and classic favorites from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s, to the present, along with some novelty music blended with comedy that will surely include audience interaction. (http://larrylynne.com) The Mosleys. In the late 1990s The Mosleys were firing on all cylinders with their brand of timeless, melodic, roots-inspired music. They gained fans like Nick Lowe and attracted the attention of ABC News and ruled Milwaukee’s Riverwest music scene. After breaking up, the group remerged in 2015. They recently played two gigs at the Wisconsin State Fair. (http://themosleys.net) The Ricochettes. Formed initially in 1963, The Ricochettes were dubbed “Milwaukee’s Beatles” in 1964 and released a number of singles including “Come in My Love,” which sold over 10,000 copies in the area. Their goal continues to be to give their audience the very best of British Invasion and American rock and roll from the mid 1960s. (http://thericochettes.com) Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Bringing crowds to their feet at the hardest to please and sophisticated night clubs in the Midwest and Canada, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys play traditional blues, straight up with a big dose of passion. With smoking grooves, served up with hot har-
The Larry Lynne Band
The Noyz Boyz & Gzrylz
PAGE 8 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Reverend Raven
monica and smooth stinging guitar, they play original songs peppered with nods to the legends Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells and the three Kings of blues: Alfred, B.B. and Freddy. This fall, the band embarks on a tour of Canada including shows in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Altona. (http://www.reverendraven.com) Tom Anthony Group. Vocalist Tom Anthony delivers rock and roll, R&B, Top 40 and country in a Las Vegas-style show backed by a cast of expert musicians including Tom Sorce. The group is a regular act at many local church festivals and the Wisconsin State Fair where they perform every day. Be sure to make reservations for the
Pete Sorce
Tom Anthony
Aug. 15 show, as Tom and company always draw a big crowd. (www.tomanthony.net) Paul Spencer Band. The Paul Spencer Band began performing together in 1999, backing up vocalist Adekola Adedapo. They developed largely through regular performances at Caroline’s, a jazz club in Milwaukee, where they can still be seen on Saturday nights when they aren’t in concert. Winners of the WAMI Award for Best Jazz Group for six years running, the band has released 11 CDs, all recorded live in concert and during club engagements. They have filled the historic Pabst Theater, regularly sell out their Jazz Explosion Concert Series at Potawatomi’s Northern Lights Theater, and entertain crowds at summer concerts. Their hard-bop, straight ahead style focuses on capturing the full attention of their audience. This is not smooth jazz. When the music stops, the crowd knows it has been entertained. (http://www.paulspencerband.com) Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz. The Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz features three vocalists and a 10-piece horn section. They specialize in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and straight up blues music, along with covers from the 1950s through the present. Italian Community Center members are likely to recognize Laura Easey-Jones as one of the vocalists. Continued on page 9
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Correcting errors and oversights in the Festa Italiana issue
There were errors and oversights in our July/August 2016 Festa Italiana issue for which we want to offer our apologies. First, due to an error in the making of the portal document format (pdf) version of the newspaper, the complete Festa entertainment schedule did not appear and was not caught in our final review process. We received several calls and emails about this error. We wholeheartedly regret that this
mistake occurred. Second, in the Pompeii exhibit article, the family of the late Mario A. Carini accurately informed us that the name of longtime Italian Community Center member and Festa volunteer Frank D’Amato should have been listed with the members of the Carini family as being among the volunteers who diligently helped Mario with the set-up, take down and operations of Festa’s Pompeii Church exhibit and
Sicilian town celebrates the Madonna of the Sea in September
The village of Patti in the Messina province of Sicily celebrates La Festa della Madonna del Mare (The Madonna of the Sea) each year on the second Sunday in September. In 2016, the festival will be on Sept. 11.
The ceremonial part of the festival begins with a golden Madonna statue being carried to the sea in a procession. Then she is put on an illuminated boat to lead a boat procession. Afterward, attendees enjoy music, dancing, food and wine.
2016 Courtyard Music Series enters final month
from page 8 Pete Sorce with the Jeff Labarge Big Band. Recognized as one of the “Midwest’s premier big bands.” Peforming at music festivals, dances and concert series, Sorce and the musicians present a variety of compositions and arrangements from Stan Kenton and Woody Herman to Bobby Darin and Brian Setzer.
Sorce has been singing since he was 8 years old. (http://www.swingexplosion.com) The Classics. Want to dance to the sounds of the ‘50s-‘60s rock and roll era, then come to see The Classics perform on Sept. 29, the closing night of the 2016 Courtyard Music Series. This group includes former members of the Doo-Wop -Daddies.
This fall, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II class, both starting Tuesday, Sept. 13. Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on Nov. 15. Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The Italian II course will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said. Enrollment is open to ICC mem-
bers and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class. The fee for each course is $100 for an ICC member and $110 for a non-member. The fee does not include the course textbook. To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center. Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Sept. 13 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached. People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment. Tarantino Woytal began teaching children’s Italian classes at the ICC more than 35 years ago. She has been offering classes for adults and teens for more than 30 years.
the Italian Heritage Photo Exhibit. We apologize to Frank for this oversight. Mario Carini, who died July 7, 2015, was a past president of the ICC, its well-respected historian and the longtime manager of the Festa exhibits. Third, in the headline above the continuation of the ICC’s Casino Night story on page 19 of Section B, we inaccurately listed Sept. 19 as the date of the event. We had the date correct on the page on which the story began (page 6, Section B). The date of the event is Friday, Sept. 9. A follow-up article on Casino Night appears in this issue on page 3. We apologize for not catching this error.
Fall bocce season starts the week of Sept. 12
from page 7 person per league season. Secondly, each team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as the team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams. That way every team can compete each week. Team registration forms are available by calling the ICC office at 414/223-2180 or by picking one up at the ICC. The form can also be emailed to you.
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Italian classes being offered for adults and teens starting Sept. 13 at ICC
Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course
Name(s) ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________
Phone No. ___________________Email _________________________________
I am (we are) enrolling in:
Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.
Italian II course Number of persons enrolling.
Course fee: ICC Member - $100.00; Non-Member - $110.00
Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Having dinner for up to 300 guests?
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 414/ 223-2800 to reserve your party or meeting space at the ICC. Visit: www.ItalianConference.com
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 9
Festa’s Piazza
Angela White displayed her pottery skills in Festa’s Piazza. Angela was working on a vase at the time this picture was taken. She and her mother, Maria, have been coming to display their artistic talents at Festa for the last 10 years. Both are residents of Iowa. Angela lives in Cedar Rapids. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Artist Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher proudly displayed one of her beautiful ceramic plates. The one she is holding has a hand-painted design of the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church. As many of you know, the church was built by Milwaukee’s Italian immigrants in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward and served the community for more than 62 years (May 1905 – October 1967). Valorie’s plate, new to her exhibit of ceramic and sculptured works and photography, was a popular seller. Valorie is the longtime manager of Festa’s artists and artisans display. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
“Meet Buck-A-Root.” That is how woodcrafter Peter Gustin introduced one of his latest woodworks displayed at Festa. Buck-A-Root, a six-legged deer, was crafted from an urban pine tree. Gustin is a principal in The Green Man, a firm that cuts and removes trees from urban areas and makes various functional works of art with them. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Center photo: Megan and Jay Gerardin of Greendale posed by the large golden Oscar statue in the Cinema Tent. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Rachel Vogo and Mary Ann DeViase of Chicago viewed photos and information in the “Actors – American/Italian” section of the Cinema Tent Exhibit. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Volunteers Joseph and Angelo Bellacera, who operated the calia and semenza cart during Festa, are seen here with Lorraine Neumal of Chicago. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
PAGE 10 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Steven Watson of Waukesha viewed the religious displays in the Pompeii Church tent. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Chefs bring recipes of Italy to Cucina Showcase
A Tuscan specialty, cinghiale, wild boar with a ragu sauce, was prepared by Tina Conley and Tyler Cutsforth of Divino Wine and Dine during one of the cooking demonstrations in the Cucina Showcase at Festa. Divino is an east side Milwaukee restaurant. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Here are Susie Christiansen (left) and Christine Conley, who received many compliments about the beautiful Pompeii Church display and Italian heritage photo display they coordinated. Both were serving for the first time as managers of the displays, which, for many years was under the auspices of the late Mario A. Carini with the help of his family and Frank D’Amato. Frank continued his longtime service as he worked alongside the new managers. New to the exhibit was a video presentation of Italian military and wedding photos (which was showing on the screen between Susie and Christine when this picture was taken). (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Whether you wanted a refreshment or to share your thoughts on Italian and Italian American cinema, these volunteers were on hand to accommodate your desires. From the left: Francine Quarino Roman, manager Ann Zambito, Sandra Zambito and Tonia Balistreri.
The theme for Festa Italiana was “Your Ticket to Italy.” Amber Shearer and her daughter, Sonia, had a ticket to Venice. This display was stationed at the entrance to the gondola boarding area. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Volunteers Avery Butler and Jenna Hamdan (on ladder) helped to put up the Italian heritage photo collection.
Cosmo Carini painted one of the panels that was used for the backdrop on the new Cucina Showcase stage. Cosmo is one of Festa most valuable “fixit” volunteers, making sure attractions like the Venetian bell tower, memorial arch, and the Pinocchio mobile and tricycle (all of which he designed and built) are in tip-top condition. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
In the photo on the ledt (l-r): Sal Corrao, Peter Lentini, Bruno Giacomantonio and Tom Zingale were working on setting up the fencing at one of the exhibits in the piazza when this picture was taken. Bruno and his crew are among a skilled group of volunteers who perform numerous jobs during the setup and takedown of Festa. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 11
Broadway comes to Festa
by Arthur Cola Festa Italiana 2016 launched on Friday, July 22 with weather promising to be a typical blazingly warm summer day, but a mist helped to quell the severity of the temperatures. This gave way on Saturday to relentless liquid sunshine, but even that didn’t dampen the creativity, energy and celebration of Italian culture and its influence on the American landscape. As usual, the Fine Arts exhibit, which this year became two tents, was filled with artisans, craftsmen, photographers, sculptors, artists, jewelry makers, and authors, of which I was one. In a little corner of our small tent, I was nestled with the display of my now eight novels. The publication of Book Three (Torn and United Hearts) of my Doonagore Theft Trilogy, having been printed just before Festa began, crowned the display. The table was filled from end to end. I nestled in surrounded by the Michelangelo of wood craft products, Peter Gustin of Rustic Furnishings (one might call him “Pietrangelo”. Then, there was the female version of Raphael, Maria White of Maria’s Art, who focused on painting scenes of Italy and America on glass Christmas ornaments, and her daughter, Angela, who was working at the potter’s wheel creating works of art from mounds of clay. Little did we realize as Saturday rolled around that a new talent brought to Festa from the Big Apple itself, New York City, would change those raindrops falling on the heads of artists and visitors alike, if not literally then certainly symbolically. That would change when fellow author Paul Salsini, who had just finished his Tuscan series with the introduction of his new book titled “The Fearless Flag Thrower of Lucca,” stopped by our tent to ask if I’d like to see a new show at Festa. So off we marched with umbrellas in hand, but without singing or dancing in the rain, to the Miller Lite Stage. Given what we were about to see, such singing would have been most appropriate. The two young brothers were introduced as Will and Anthony (willandanthony.com). From that point on, those brave souls who sat with raindrops bouncing off heads,
Will & Anthony performing. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
umbrellas or poncho hoods were in store for a treat which would indeed make them oblivious of any weather condition. From classical Broadway songs from such hits as “South Pacific” to current ones like “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying” starring, as they called him, Harry Potter, they belted out song after song with power and emotion, tenderness and genuineness. It was, of course, Daniel Radcliffe who played the young wizard at Hogwarts in that new version and now has broken onto the film and Broadway scene. This they pointed out later in their banter, which was endearing and helped to connect them to the audience both on that wet Saturday night and their next performance on a harshly sunny Sunday afternoon, which I also attended. For me the most piercing of heart and soul Broadway renditions were those from not only those two shows but ones which struck me, at this time in our national scene, with feelings which sent chills up and down one’s arms, as I noted must have been happening to those seated around me as well. When Anthony sang “There’s a Place for Us” from West Side Story, I, for one, began to think about how many of our ancestors from Italy and across Europe, Africa and Asia may have sung those very thoughts. America was that place for so many, even into our present history. And what a contribution
Will and Anthony Nunziata with Paul Salsini (second on left) and Arthur Cola (far right). (Photo provided by Arthur Cola)
PAGE 12 – SEPTEMBER 2016
they would make to who we, as a nation, would become. Along those lines was a song by Will from a play especially dear to me. He told a story about Mary Martin and her “Peter Pan” production. Well I just happen to remember that show well. As a boy, I met the actor Cyril Ritchard, who played Captain Hook. He would become a friend until his death in Chicago during a performance at which my wife and I were his guests. Thus when he sang “I knew a place…” from the song “Never Neverland,” I once again was taken to those days of our childhood when we dreamed our dreams of who we wanted to be and what we wanted to do on the world stage. Then came Anthony’s rendition of “Impossible Dream” from Man of LaMancha. That too touched one’s heart for it spoke to one’s soul. The young singer with such tenderness and building power pierced through the dampness of the evening and into the hearts of the audience. If listeners didn’t respond to those words he sang, referring to the bearing of impossible sorrows and fighting for the right, then they were not in earshot of his brilliant rendering. And if they didn’t, just for a moment, think about what our ancestors walked into and what they dreamed when they came to America, then perhaps their hearts were just out of touch with their own history and that of America. But not all of their Broadway songs were heart rendering. Some were outright funny, and some were raucous as well. When they followed up their story of how they first entered show business at college when Will was cast as Judas and Anthony as Jesus in the Boston College production of “Godspell,” I thought I’d leap from my seat. The energy and fun coming from that stage as they sung that fast paced, no…rapid pace… no speed of sound pace was so intense that, if we were in a traditional theater, it would have rocked the house. Surely those raindrops were now dancing off the bench seats and heads of the audience. But Broadway was only a part of their act. Songs by Billy Joel, and brother groups such as the Beach Boys, also illuminated the stage as did the tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. Their arrangement of “What Kind of Fool am I” and “Who Can I Turn To?” were heartfelt and touching. Then came the Italian songs. Such fun and joy as they told stories of visiting their grandmother Nunziata on Staten Island was great fun and certainly brought to my mind those youthful days when my grandmother also pinched our
cheeks and said something in Italian meaning how beautiful and handsome. When they performed “Funiculi Funicula’” and “O Sole Mio”, the energy flowed from that stage and made our hearts pump not only faster but with tapping feet and hands clapping. For me, the song that had the greatest impact was “The Prayer.” Will and Anthony rendered a beautiful version. Again for me, it penetrated my heart because of their description of how their grandmother would listen to it each night before she died. I began to think of the heartbreak within our own nation. Our grief over the gruesome murders of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge and attacks on so many others in blue came to mind. Added to that were those images of terror attacks in Nice in France, Brussels in Belgium, Germany, Istanbul Turkey, San Bernardino Calif., Orlando Fla., and all over the world. The horror and sorrow that followed made their singing of its message all the more powerful for me. Doesn’t our nation need prayer? Don’t we pray for comfort and resolve to bear these sorrows? Don’t we need to pray for the strength to act upon the problems from which these horrors come? But just as these thoughts filtered in my mind, they went into a song which asked for all people to reach out and touch someone’s hand, for then we can open any door. Now isn’t that true? Isn’t that what we do at Festa? We reach out and welcome all. We share our traditions with joy and love. Yet we never lose the reality of being Americans. Their encore song, which was a mash-up of “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “Come on get happy” certainly brought us to the missing sun that rainy day and which shone with brilliance on Sunday lighting up our Festa, our hopes, our dreams and who we are as Italian Americans. It served to demonstrate with brilliance and vitality in music, humor and song that our future can be bright. Will and Anthony, the twin brothers of song, brought all of that and more to me and I think to those in their Festa audiences. We would be lucky to have them back again next year. But after their gig as the headliners with the New York Pops Orchestra Christmas show at Carnegie Hall this coming December, that might be a challenge, and yet one which is worth facing. * * * Editor’s note: Arthur Cola is a retired educator and author of eight adult novels ranging from Renaissance Mystery Thrillers to an Italian Christmas tale to the legendary story of King Arthur to Irish and Italian themed tales of immigration in pre-civil war America. He has been a Festa volunteer in its early days and a part of the Fine Arts Cultural area of Festa for 10 years. He is also a member of the ICC who has presented his tales at Festivals from Milwaukee to Chicago to New York to Boston to Philadelphia among others, Villa Nova, Loyola Chicago, Holy Trinity, and Xavier Universities, the New York Italian American Museum, Italian Joint Civic Committee of Chicago, National Italian American Foundation, and libraries, book clubs, schools and churches. His books are available on Amazon.com and Kindle.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian flag throwers are spectacular in return engagement
The spectacle of Italian flag throwing was on display for the enjoyment and amazement of guests at Festa Italiana. Returning for the second consecutive year, Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, the flag throwing troupe from the communities around Florence, Italy engaged
appreciative crowds with each performance. The heat, humidity and precipitation did not impact their stellar performances at the T.J. Bartolotta Sports Court (where this photo was taken) or at other locations on the Festa grounds. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Not unaccustomed to performing in inclement weather, the University of Wisconsin Marching Band gave a spectacular “5th Quarter” show in the rain on the Festa grounds on July 23. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
The Four C Notes brought the sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life in performances on the Calypso Lemonade Stage. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Sixteen year-old singer Jackie Evancho became the first act in the history of Festa Italiana to perform on the stage at the BMO Harris Pavilion, the newest entertainment venue at Maier Festival Park. Jacqueline Marie Evancho, an American classical crossover singer, gained wide recognition as the runner-up on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2010. Since then, she has issued an EP and five albums, including a platinum and gold album, and three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts. Her concert on July 24 marked the second time she had sung at Festa. Evancho, who is part Italian on her mother’s side, sang “Ave Maria” at the Festa Mass earlier in the day. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 13
Festa leaders thanked
Special Olympics athletes compete at Festa
Festa Italiana Committee, Many thanks to the leaders of Festa Italiana whose dedication and hard work brought a new vision to our family friendly festival. A year of planning and innovative thinking had the hundreds of volunteers excited and hopeful that we could share the love of “everything Italian” with people from all over the U.S. and beyond. In the Region Tent, we greeted visitors from California, Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Germany, Italy and England. All commented that they were having a great time enjoying Festa Italiana and were impressed by the wonderful volunteers who represented our warm, caring culture. While the weather did not cooperate, we offered the best of Italy and the best of Milwaukee to our many guests. Thanks again to President Giuseppe Vella and his outstanding committee. Sincerely, Fran Sorrenti Tollefson Region Tent Co-Manager
On Dec. 31, 1967, he laid down the key block on a Dallas Cowboys defender on the “frozen tundra” of Lambeau Field in the final seconds of the NFL Championship game, paving the way for Bart Starr to sneak into the end zone and give the Green Bay Packers a 21-17 victory. On July 23, 2016, he was at Festa Italiana to support the Lombardi Cancer Foundation and its walk/run to tackle cancer. That’s former Packer great, number. 64 Jerry Kramer with Lombardi Cancer Foundation teammate Cheryl Werner. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Sandi and Bill Falsetti of Crystal Lake, Ill. seemed to enjoy a new attraction from a new vendor at Festa Italiana. Artè Bar & Painting Lounge of Wauwatosa brought paint, brushes and canvases and friendly artists to Festa to assist attendees in creating their own masterpieces while enjoying a glass of wine or other beverage. The Paint & Sip lounge was located under the cover of the Palermo’s Pizza Stage area. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
PAGE 14 – SEPTEMBER 2016
A longtime tradition was continued at Festa Italiana with the playing of the Special Olympics bocce tournament on July 22. Seen here are the athletes with several of the Festa volunteers. Part of the VIP Day activities for persons with physical and mental challenges, the event was a State of Wisconsin Special Olympics qualifying tournament, meaning the team that won advanced to the state championship tournament. Festa volunteer Joe Palmisano coordinates the event with Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Madison residents Sarah Di Piazza and Emily Rhodes had their picture taken next to the replica Trevi Fountain that was brought to Festa by Giovanni Bucci, an international sculptor, who resides in Chicago.
Big smiles were abundant on the faces of the children who rode on the “Go-Gater” carnival ride at Festa. Bearing smiles also were the parents, who were able to have their children enjoy this ride and several others free of charge each day of the festival. This marked the second straight year that Festa made the offer. Lake Enterprises of Eagle, Wisc. was the operator. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Anastasia Lee: Running wet for cancer and classical crossover performances at Festa
by Blaise Di Pronio You may remember classical crossover singer Anastasia Lee who took the Festa Italiana grounds by storm in 2012 when she entered the Italian Idol singing contest. What followed after she left the stage was a standing ovation with cheers to be heard across the Festa grounds. She was selected the winner by a panel of judges after her performance of Vince Lombardi’s favorite opera aria Nessun Dorma. You would be hard-pressed to find many teen artists with a list of achievements as memorable as those cherished by Ms. Lee. The 19year-old from Green Bay, Wis. can already recount stories about performing live with global pop star Josh Groban and winning an international singing competition in Romania, in which she was selected to represent the United States. She has had millions of real YouTube views and thousands of fans across the globe, all of whom have enjoyed her repertoire of over 300 plus songs sung in 10 languages. Aside from her singing career, Anastasia is a National Honor Society member, two-sport, four year varsity athlete (cross country and track) and a voracious reader. When asked what attracts her to the classical crossover genre when most artists her age are pursuing careers in pop, country or hip hop, she explained that “The truth of the matter is that I have a voice that is very well suited for the classical or operatic styles of music that I enjoy. I love the songs and sounds of so many genres that it became an easy fit for me. It allows me to take this classical crossover sound and apply it to songs from genres like country, light pop, Broadway, jazz, and others.” Anastasia Lee returned to Festa 2016 as a celebrity judge and returning champion performer in the Italian Idol competition, and supporter and participant in the 29th annual Milwaukee Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer held for the first time at Festa Italiana. This race was personal for Anastasia as her mother is a cancer survivor and was successfully treated at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Green Bay. Judging and performing went well, but the most memorable moment for both Anastasia and the
Anastasia Lee (in the red ballgown) of Green Bay, Wis. is seen here with classical crossover singer Michael Castaldo (wearing black hat) and his musicians. The 19-year old Anastasia, who was the 2012 winner of the
crowd was her participation in the race, which she ran in a ballgown – yes, a ballgown! As she recalls: “My Mom is a cancer survivor, and I wanted to raise awareness for the cause. Wearing the ballgown certainly did its job as everyone in sight, especially those that didn’t know what the 5K was all about, asked me what I was doing. Cancer has touched nearly every family in the United States, and it doesn’t receive enough attention and funding even today. I finished in the top 5 in my age group, and finished ahead of most of the other runners, but I will tell you it was no easy feat. It was 93 degrees, with nearly 100% humidity. I finished in 28:48 minutes.” Even after running in the grueling heat, Anastasia went on to sing and judge without, as they say, skipping a beat. She performed solos and duets (with Michael Castaldo). There were countless dress changes for her during the three-day event and, most of the time, the hard working singer was in a constant state of dripping costume due to humidity, rain and perspiration that, so she told us, “It
“Italian Idol” contest at Festa, performed with Castaldo on the Palermo’s Pizza Stage during her busy weekend at this year’s celebration. (All photo provided by the Lee family)
Lee ran in the Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer in her red ballgown in honor of her mother, a cancer survivor. Here, she is crossing the finish line.
was around this point that I decided to hop in the fountain in my ballgown which I did four times over the course of the day. It was 95 or so degrees with awful humidity. It had to be done.” Imagine that! Not only running but now showering in a ballgown. Wet and wild was never so envisioned. Lastly, here’s Anastasia’s take on her great Festa weekend: “Overall it was a very successful weekend for all of us as individuals, but mainly for the classical crossover genre. It’s not everyday
you see this many classical crossover singers in the same place, at the same time. This simply reassured me of my previous thoughts that the only way this genre will continue to work and grow is if all of us work together, both online and in doing as many collaboration projects and concerts/tours as possible. A huge thank you to Micheal Castaldo for inviting me to sing with him again. It’s always an honor. And a special gratitude to Festa, its staff and the great audiences that cheered us on.”
“Italian week” celebrated in Montreal, Canada
It was time to cool off in the Bo Black Splash Pad on a steamy Sunday afternoon at Festa Italiana. Lee was many Festa guests, young and old, to take advantage of the cold spritz on that day.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The 23rd edition “Italian Week” was held in Montreal (Ontario), Canada, Aug. 5-14. Organizers estimate that more than 400,000 people attended this cultural festival held annually throughout the city. The festival offered a large variety of shows and activities celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Italian-Canadian community through art, music, gastrono-
my, fashion and folklore. All concerts, programs and activities were free of charge. The festival is capped with its “La Dolce Vita,” featuring a variety of Italian entertainment and cultural acts and artists performing at outdoor venues. It is estimated that 7.3% of the population of the Greater Montreal Area is of Italian descent.
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 15
La Grande Parata
While temperatures were in the mid 90s and the “feels like” temperature was about 108 degrees, the Festa parade commenced on Sunday afternoon.
Ray and Carol Martinez, the 2016 Nonno and Nonna of the Italian Community Center, rode in a classic Ford Mustang convertible in the Festa Italiana parade. Ray and Carol, longtime ICC members and dedicated volunteers, were selected to be the Royal Grandparents for the celebration of Il Grande Carnevale this past February. The vintage Mustang was provided by another longtime ICC member, Dave Doern. He also provided a vintage Cadillac convertible for the parade. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Have something to sell to the readers of The Italian Times? Let them know about with an ad in our next issue. Get all of the details by calling (414) 223-2189 or by sending an email to themman@italiancc.org.
PAGE 16 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Shown here is the Pinocchio mobile, which was designed and built by Cosmo Carini. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
One of the distinctions given to members of the Royal Court chosen each year for Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale is the opportunity to wave to the crowd in a motorized or horse-drawn vehicle in the Festa parade. The 2016 Piccolo Principe and Piccola Principessa (Little Prince and Princess) Charles Bartolone and Isabella Vella rode in a Sicilian carretto (cart). (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Satisfying the taste buds of Festa attendees. Here are some of the vendors.
Returning for the second straight year as a vendor in the mercato (Italian market) was Fazio’s Chocolate. A popular item was Fazio’s chocolates with strawberries in a gondola. From the left: Mark, Cindy and Erica Fazio. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
A new vendor at Festa 2016 was Scrima’s Wood-Fire Pizza. Here is Joe Scrima taking out a pizza from the wood-fire oven. Scrima, who is a member of the Italian Community Center, has a location in the Woodman’s Food Market in Waukesha. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
One of the longtime vendors at Festa Italiana is Cataldo’s where people go for their amaretto puffs, mozzarella marinara, sfingi and other tasty items. Working inside Cataldo’s booth when this picture was taken were (l-r): Francesca Ipsaro, Cristina Sanfilippo, Carlo Cataldo and Antonio Sanfilippo. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano) Here’s Frank Purpora with a tray of Papa Luigi’s stuffed lasagna rolls he prepared for the Saturday afternoon crowd to enjoy. Frank, as Carnevale attendees might recall, was the Italian Community Center’s 2014 Principe (Prince). He is the son of Sal and Maria Purpora. Frank is wearing the jersey of FC Palermo, the futsal team that Papa Luigi’s sponsors. FC Palermo, incidentally, won the rain shorted futsal tournament Festa hosted that day. It was the team’s second consecutive Festa futsal championship. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Volunteers working on behalf of the Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America operated the north sausage booth. From the left (back row): Joe Janazzo, Kimberly Buonauro, Debbie BuonauroMcGovern, Dominic Stanley-Zingale and Nick DeQuardo. Front row: Vince Vitale, Marianne St. Marie-Fleming, Rose DeMichele and OSIA President Joe Emanuele, who is holding his grandson, Evan Ulickey. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
Having a fall sale? Why not let the readers of The Italian Times know about with ad ad in our next issue? Get the details by calling 414-223-2189 or send an email to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Peter Carini, Javier Gonzalez and Vince Balistreri displayed a tray of fried calamari, one of the best sellers at the Carini La Conca d’Oro booth. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 17
Festa favorites
Several members of I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, are seen here during their Saturday afternoon performance at Festa Italiana. The dancers, directed by Susie Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis, showed that the many Monday nights they spent rehearsing at the ICC paid off in a brillant performance before proud parents, siblings, grandparents and others. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Their first performance at Festa Italiana was 20 years ago when they were just 8 and 4 years old. That show brought the crowd to its feet at the Children’s Stage. Today, the Russo Brothers – Nick and Dominic – and their all-star band are still drawing standing ovations at Festa, but now on a bigger stage. Nick, the older of the two brothers, is playing the accordion in this photo while joining Dominic, the crooner, in an Italian favorite. The Russo Brothers, who performed daily on the Calypso Lemonade Stage, delivered a Las Vegas-style show that brought together music that crossed generations, with outstanding vocals, expert musicianship and bits of comedy. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Not every entertainer or group performed on a stage at Festa. The Festa Regional Dancers gave several performances during the weekend, usually in an open area of the mid section of the grounds. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
A Festa audience favorite – The Bronx Wanderers – kept the party going as the closing act each night on the Miller Lite Stage. Seen here are the family members of the group (from the left): brother Nicky “Stix”and Vinny “The Kid” and their pop, “Yo’ Vinny”. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
Here are several of the members of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, during its final performance at Festa Italiana on Sunday, July 24 on the T.J. Bartolotta Sports Court. The group, which will
PAGE 18 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Jackie Evancho (center) is seen here with Bill and Rita Jennaro. Bill Jennaro, an attorney and former Milwaukee County judge, is a past president of the Italian Community Center and serves as manager of Festa Italiana’s gondola operations and its VIP Day for persons with disabilities. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
be participating in Milwaukee’e Holiday Folk Fair in November, is planning to travel to Italy in 2018. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa’s volunteers handle a variety of jobs
Joe Liberto handed out Festa information brochures as people with physical and mental challenges and their caregivers entered from the mid gate on VIP Day, July 22. Joe is a longtime volunteer. He also helped out at the Special Olympics bocce tournament that day. On a very hot Wednesday afternoon before the opening of Festa, Troy Halverson, Bocce Co-Manager, laid a string of strobe lights along the rails on one of the bocce courts. The lights are used to illuminate the court for nighttime playing.
Shortly after finishing all of his duties as main celebrant of the Festa Mass and procession, Father Mike Hammer (standing, far left) enjoyed some good conversation with the volunteers who worked in the volunteer tent. Left of Fr. Mike are Tony Lupo, Tony Zingale, Robert Nenmann, Ray Martinez and Bill Dickinson. Seated, from the left: Lena Zingale, Barbara Lupo, Carol Martinez and Karen Dickinson.
Ushers Dominic Balistreri (front), Sam Zingale and Salvatore Zingale handed out the Festa Mass program as worshippers attended the Marcus Amphitheater for the service on Sunday, July 24.
Times photos by Tom Hemman
Here’s who won the cash prizes in the Festa raffle
Festa Italiana received needed volunteer assistance from these Japanese exchange students on Sunday, July 24. Ralph Busalacchi, manager of Festa’s Security Patrol, acquired their services through Mari Chevako, the director of the English as a Second Language Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The students attend the International Christian University in Tokyo and are in Milwaukee through the summer. At Festa, the students handed out bottled water to people who marched in the religious procession.
The winners in the 2016 Festa Italiana raffle were: 1st prize – $5,000: Michael W. Crowe of Waterford, Wis. 2nd prize - $1,000: Ginci DiMaggio of Waterford, Wis. 3rd prize – $500: Lucy Raimondo of Milwaukee, Wis. The drawing was held on the Miller Lite Stage on Sunday, July 24. Each winner has been notified and received a check for their winnings. Liz Ceraso, raffle chairperson, thanked all those who purchased tickets. The raffle served as a fundraising activity for the Italian Community Center.
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 19
Italian Society and Club News
Trova i tuoi antenati – Find your ancestors
by George Koleas Italian Family History Club This year’s Italy Region Exhibit at Festa Italiana featured a presentation on genealogy in the region of Umbria and in other parts of Italy led by Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22, the Italian Community Center’s Italian Family History Club. We were joined by members of the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society (MCGS). Our club is the society’s Italian Area Interest Group. We were in the cultural tent connected to the Pompeii Church exhibit and Italian heritage photo display. We attempted to recreate last year’s Trova I Tuoi Antenati, (Find Your Ancestors) event at the ICC held last Nov. 7. Our computers were arranged in staggered tables that allowed our volunteers to sit side-by-side or across the table from our visitors in an arrangement that was similar to the PBS Genealogy Roadshow. We offered this service from the opening of Festa to 7 p.m. daily. We met many people who were interested in finding information about their families. We were very busy answering questions and looking up information using our computers, tablets and other devices to search a variety of databases. We even had people waiting to talk to one of our volunteers. Many visitors wanted to learn more about how to get started and how to dig deeper to find missing ancestors or
family members. We invited many visitors to our next meeting to continue our discussions. Now we are inviting you and your family and friends. The author Alex Haley wrote “In all of us there is a hunger, marrowdeep, to know our heritage, to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness and the most disquieting loneliness. ” We must preserve our Italian heritage in a way that can be passed down through the generations. It is up to us to create family trees that document our ancestors, their lives and their relationships to other families. We all want to be remembered. Our ancestors want to be remembered. If we don’t remember them, who will? At our meetings, we discuss new developments in researching our family history. Members report on the progress they are making in their research. Members describe the obstacles preventing them from finding the information they need and other members offer suggestions on how to overcome those obstacles. When we have new visitors and members, we answer their questions and get them on the right path to discovering more about their families. If you or your families are from the Milwaukee area, you may even meet a new cousin. I
Pompeii Women’s Club participate in Festa
Various club members were present at the Festa Italiana Mass in the Marcus Amphitheater on July 24. Our sergeant-at-arms Suzanne Wypijewski was on stage along with our banner. Judge Jean DiMotto, an honorary member of our club, read one of the readings. Club members walked in the procession after the Mass. Some members seen at either the Mass and or volunteering in various locations were Louise Au, Karen Dickinson, Pat Guttuso, Mary Pecoraro, Clara Balistreri, Marie Schwindt, Jane Palmisano,
Lena Zingale and yours truly. I’m sure there were other club members that I didn’t see.
As our club was a co-sponsor of the Festa bocce tournament this year, we entered a team (see accompanying photo). Sorry to say, the St. Joan Antida nuns beat us. We salute them. They really had a knack for the game. God bless them. – Submitted by Mary G. (Mineo) Winard Public Relations Person Pompeii Women’s Club
The Pompeii Women’s Club had a two–part role in bocce at Festa Italiana this year – as one of the sponsors and as one of the participating teams in the 39th annual bocce tournament. The players on the Pompeii Women’s Club team honed their playing skills prior to Festa on the courts at the Italian Community Center. The team included Rosalie Ciano, Suzanne Wypijewski, Mary Winard and Janet Corona. Their sashes were made by Jane Pipia. “Fun was had by all, even though we didn’t win,” Wypijewski reported. (Photo provided by Suzanne Wypijewski)
PAGE 20 – SEPTEMBER 2016
It seems like more people are searching for their family roots than ever before. Evidence of that was shown in the Italian genealogy section of the Italian region exhibit at Festa Italiana. Members of both the Italian Family History Club and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society were on hand to help people interested in doing research. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
met some at Festa. To try to help you, we need information from you about the family you are interested in. Please bring 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 . Fill these out as best as you can with information you know and bring it to our display. You are welcome to attend our next meeting on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee starting at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at noon. Please mark you calendars for the last meeting of 2016 on Saturday, Nov. 12. Please feel free to bring guests. Whether you are just starting or have been researching your family
for many years, anyone with an interest in Italian family history is welcome. Many of our members are also researching families from other nationalities. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me, George Koleas, by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-251-7216 after 7 p.m.
St. Vito feted in Sicilian town in early September
The Sicilian town of Ciminna (Palermo province) celebrates Saint Vito Day on the first Sunday in September (Sept. 4 this year). There is a huge procession recalling the life of Saint Vito with people in period costumes. A livestock fair coincides with the celebration.
Interested in playing in Pompeii Men’s Club golf outing?
The Pompeii Men’s Club invites men, women, couples and singles to participate in the organization’s fourth annual golf outing on Monday, Sept. 12 at Edgewater Golf Course in Grafton. Tee-off time is 10 a.m. The cost is $40 per person, which includes nine holes of golf with cart and sit down luncheon. For those who wish to attend the luncheon only, the cost is $20 per person. Paid reservations must be made by Saturday, Sept. 3. Checks are payable to the Pompeii Men’s Club and should be mailed to John Sanfilippo, 5522 S.
26th St., Milwaukee, WI 53221. Anyone with questions can call Sanfilippo at 414-282-2667.
by Blaise Di Pronio Courage – The state of mind that enables one to face danger, fear and adversity with confidence and resolution. It comes from the Italian cuore
or core (poetic) or heart which evolved into coraggio or courage. Root for our cardiac (heart related), encourage (to hearten) and discourage (to lose heart in).
For those driving to the golf course from Milwaukee, take I-43 north to exit 92-Grafton. Turn left and go west two miles to Highway O (12th Avenue), turn right and travel about 1-1/2 miles to Cedar Creek Rd., where you turn left. The course is on the right.
The club is seeking donations for a raffle. A person or business that is able to donate a raffle prize is asked to contact Sanfilippo.
And now a word from Italy
THE ITALIAN TIMES
by Joseph Francis (Giuseppe Francisco) Mangiamele Let’s stay connected. The Italian Community Center is just the place for connections. But just a minute, is the ICC really purely Italian and only for maintaining an Italian connection? Where does “community” fit in and does this place really function as a “center” or is it sometimes the central place for certain community events?” Many of us who frequent the ICC facilities are of pure Italian ancestry. Many include mixed nationalities, Italians married to Poles, to Germans, to Irish, to Greeks and even to people as far north as Sweden and as far south as Mexico. Newer generations are now as likely to be of mixed ancestry. Not only are few of us direct descendants of same-side nationalities, but few of us have managed to
Let’s stay connected keep up the culture that our Italian ancestors attempted to maintain in such places as in Milwaukee’s Brady Street area and in the “historic” Third Ward. The ICC site was made available to an Italian organization made up of Italian offspring, to Italian immigrants and even those born here and who lived here and who located in sort of groups referred to as “Italian communities.” Many who grew up here as Americans still feel strong ties with the history of the areas and of the streets and places surrounding the Italian Community Center. It often seems strange in talking
with new acquaintances who show strong Italian sentiments and even use Italian words who are not of Italian descent but married to mates of Italian ancestry and are now giving rise to mixed descendants, the next generations. Therefore, when we talk of maintaining our cultural and ancestral connection within our community, we are also talking of these newer “immigrants to our community” as well, one sort of group that we now refer to as the young members, the “Americans” who make up our dispersed membership, those requiring new creative cultural opportunities.
Being of Italian ancestry is only part of the history of the members of the ICC. We are all now, those of us born in the United States, designating ourselves as Americans. We are not only of pure Italian ancestry but a good portion of mixed ancestry. So the connection we are trying to maintain, although a strong one, is not merely the Italian connection. It becomes that connection to what we’ve become today. And by attracting young people to membership to this changing community, we must understand what we’ve become and are becoming in future generations of Italian Americans.
The church’s origins can be traced back to 1700 when, in order to ensure divine assistance to the
fishermen living in that district, the Bourbons built a rustic chapel dedicated to the Madonna del
Lume (of the light), protectress of Porticello. The Church still contains a venerable painting of the Madonna del Lume which, according to local tradition, was painted by a Society of Jesus priest, Jan (“Giovanni”) Antonio Genovesi. Father Genovesi died in 1743. In the course of his wanderings, the priest came to Porticello where, among the poor fishermen of the village, he found such genuine faith that he wanted to leave them a painting of the Madonna del Lume, which now has its own history that borders between reality and popular imagination. It is said that the picture was painted by the Jesuit under the guidance of the Lady herself who, once it was finished, approved and blessed it. Popular tradition also gives us a second tale linked to the sea, to the effect that the painting would be carried by the waves, per God’s will, to the nearby dock of San Nicolicchio.
Porticello: Part 2 – The Church
Word search: Italian American sports figures by Blaise Di Pronio
Are you a wit or a twit?
Take the test and find out
by Blaise Di Pronio Questions: 1. What it takes to do this test. 2. God’s stepfather. 3. Time for egg rolls. 4. They often get hooked. 5. They live in Limbo. 6. According to the highest Author. 7. Of ashes to ashes fame. 8. What you get for an eye. 9. Easter at the ICC. 10. Where you get all tied up. 11. Carnevale’s Italian prince. 12. Italian Hall of Fame square. 13. A well-versed rhymer. 14. Italy’s music festival city. 15. Carnevale’s Italian queen. Answers and scoring on page ??
Words in an Italian word
by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “Grazie” (thank you)? Look for the answers on page 23
And now a word from Italy
Due to space lmitations, the completed word search will appear in our October 2016 issue.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
by Blaise Di Pronio Circa – Approximately, about, around or near. It comes from the Italian circolo or circle or round. Resulting in the root for our circus (held in round tent), circulate (to pass around in an area) or circumvent (to get around or evade).
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 21
La Pagina Italiana Scoperta dell’America
Quello del 1492 fu il primo viaggio di Cristoforo Colombo?
di Donato Di Pronio Rinfreschiamoci un po’ la memoria. Come sappiamo, Cristoforo Colombo (Christoferens, Portatore di Cristo, come si firmava, nato nel 1451 e deceduto nel 1506), il 3 agosto 1492 iniziò un viaggio per raggiungere le Indie anziché per la via del periplo Africano, ma navigando direttamente verso Occidente attraverso l’Oceano Atlantico. Partì da un piccolo porto della Spagna (Palos, Andalusia); sostò alle Canarie da dove ripartì il 6 settembre. Il 12 ottobre 1492 approdò in un’isola (da lui battezzata con il nome di San Salvador). Ripresa il 16 gennaio 1493 la via del ritorno, arrivò a Palos il 15 marzo 1493. Con lettera del 15 febbraio 1493 diretta al tesoriere Reale di Spagna, fece una dettagliata cronaca della sua impresa. La copia in lingua latina di questa lettera, scomparsa negli Anni Cinquanta del secolo scorso dalla Biblioteca Riccardiana di Firenze dove era custodita, dopo vari passaggi finì nella Biblioteca del Congresso di Washington, da dove, grazie all’Arma dei Carabinieri, è tornata a Firenze. Il settimanale OGGI nel numero 24 dell’8.6.2016, ha pubblicato la traduzione in italiano della lettera suddetta. Eccone alcuni brani:
Signore … le scrivo questa lettera dalla quale apprenderà come in trentatré giorni sono passato dalle Isole Canarie alle Indie (Colombo sino alla morte non si rese conto che aveva scoperto un NUOVO CONTINENTE), con la flotta che gli illustrissimi Re e Regina nostri sovrani (Ferdinando II, il Cattolico –1452-1516 – e Isabella, la Cattolica -1451-1504) mi hanno consegnato. Laggiù scopersi moltissime isole piene di innumerevoli abitanti, e ho preso possesso di tutte a nome delle Loro Altezze … Alla prima isola che trovai posi il nome di San Salvador, in omaggio alla Divina Maestà … Alla seconda diedi il nome di Santa Maria de Concepciòn (Rum Cay), alla terza quello di Fernandina (Long Island), alla quarta Isabella (Crooked Island), alla quinta Juana (Cuba). Gli abitanti delle isole vanno tutti nudi. Uomini e donne, come la loro madre li ha fatti, benché alcune donne si coprano le parti intime con la foglia di una pianta o con una stoffa di cotone che fanno a questo scopo. Non hanno ferro, né acciaio, né armi, e neppure sono capaci di usarle. … Non hanno altre armi all’infuori delle lance fatte con le canne, tagliate quando fan seme, alla cui estremità fissano un piccolo bastone aguzzo. … Sono per natura incurabilmente timidi. E’ vero che dopo che erano stati rassicurati ed
Mostra del Cinema di Venezia 31 Agosto – Settembre 10
Risalente al 1932, il Festival di Venezia è la più antica del suo genere in tutto il mondo. Ogni anno una varietà di immagini in movimento sono introdotti a un ampio pubblico compresi gli attori, registi e produttori e personaggi di fama mondiale. La 73rd Venice International Film Festival, organizzata dalla Biennale di Venezia e si terrà al Lido di Venezia dal 31 agosto fimo a settembre 10. L’edizione 2016 sarà diretto da Alberto Barbera, un attore che ha diretto il festival precedentemente dal 1998 al 2002. Egli è il direttore del Museo del Cinema di Torino e servita come giurato del Festival del Cinema di Cannes nel 2010. Tra i non perdere gli eventi sono lo screening che si svolge presso lo storico Palazzo del Cinema sul Lungomare Marconi, seguita da le cerimonie di premiazione conferendo il prestigioso Golden Lion, il più alto premio assegnato a un film al
festival. Dieci dei 11 film in concorso sono prodotte dalla femmina amministrazione. Per la linea completa, visitare: labiennale.org/en/cinema. In aggiunta, quattro pellicole da giovani talenti internazionali saranno proiettati. I progetti sono: • “Mukti Bhawan - Hotel la salvezza” (India), Shubbashish Bhutiani (direttore), Sanjay Bhutiani (produttore). • “Orecchie - orecchie” (Italia), Alessandro Aronadio (direttore), Costanza Coldagelli (produttore). • “Quimili” (Argentina), Sofia Brockenshire (direttore), Verena Kuri (regista, produttore). • “La Soledad“ (Venezuela), Jorge Thielsen Armand (direttore), Adriana Herrera e Manon Ardisson (produttori). Scopo del festival è quello di sensibilizzare e promuovere i vari aspetti del cinema internazionale in tutte le sue forme: come arte, di intrattenimento e di industria, in uno spirito di libertà e di dialogo.
1. Che cosa facevano i dodici apostoli? 2. Posso vivere solo dove c’è luce, ma muoio se questa splende su di me. Che cosa sono? 3. Quanti bottoni deve avere un giubbotto sportivo? 4. Enrico è in grado di parlare mentre si lava i denti. Sai dire
come si fa? 5. Come finiscono tutte le cose? 6. Cosa si può aggiungere ad una valigia vuota per farla pesare ancora meno? 7. Quanti cioccolatini puoi mangiare a stomaco vuoto?
Indovinelli
PAGINA 22 – SETTEMBRE 2016
Risporte – pagina 23
avevano perduto la loro paura, divenivano così onesti e generosi con tutto quello che possedevano, che nessuno lo crederebbe senza vederlo. Non rifiutano niente di quello che hanno, se gli vien chiesto; al contrario, invitano ognuno a dividerlo con loro, e dimostrano tanto amore che sembra vogliano dare i loro cuori. Sono contenti di ogni bagatella, di qualunque tipo, venga loro data, di qualche o di nessun valore. Io proibii che fossero date loro cose di così poco pregio come pezzi di stoviglie, frammenti di bicchieri e cime di nastri, benché, quando riuscivano ad ottenere queste cose, si illudessero di possedere il più bel gioiello del mondo. … Diedi loro mille bellissimi oggetti che avevo portato per affezionarli a noi e più ancora perché divenissero cristiani e si piegassero ad amare e servire le Loro Altezze e tutta la nazione di Castiglia. … Essi non hanno alcuna religione né sono idolatri, ma tutti credono che il potere e il bene siano nei cieli, ed erano fermamente convinti che io con le mie navi e i miei venissi dal cielo. … Oggi quelli che porto con me sono convinti che io venga dal cielo, anche dopo tutti i contatti che hanno avuto con me. Essi erano i primi ad annunciarlo dovunque arrivassi, e gli altri andavano di corsa di casa in casa e fino alle città vicine, gridando forte: <Venite, venite a vedere gli uomini arrivati dal cielo>. … In tutte queste isole non vidi una grande diversità nell’aspetto, nei modi e nel linguaggio degli abitanti. … Una di queste province è chiamata “Avan” e in essa la gente nasce con la coda (!!!). … In tutte queste isole mi sembra che gli uomini si accontentino di una donna sola, ma al loro capo o re ne permettono venti. Mi sembra anche che le donne lavorino più degli uomini. … In conclusione, per parlare solo di ciò che è stato fatto in questo viaggio così rapido, le loro Altezze vedranno che io darò loro tutto l’oro di cui avranno bisogno, se le loro Altezze mi daranno un minimo di assistenza; al presente darò loro spezie, cotone, quanto le Loro Altezze ne comanderanno; e tanto
mastice quanto ordineranno di imbarcare … e schiavi, quanti ne vorranno, premesso che questi saranno presi tra gli idolatri. … Questo dunque secondo i fatti e in tal modo abbreviato. Scritto sulla caravella vicino alle isole Canarie, nel quindicesimo giorno di febbraio 1493. Ai suoi ordini. … L’Ammiraglio Voglio qui ricordare la clamorosa ipotesi avanzata anni fa, che, se vera, rivoluzionerebbe la storia dell’èra moderna. Colombo avrebbe effettuato nel 1485, in gran segreto, un primo viaggio verso il Nuovo Mondo approdando a San Salvador, a conclusione di una operazione denominata SCOPERTA DELLE INDIE, programmata e finanziata da Papa Innocenzo VIII (al secolo Giovanni Battista Cybo, 1484-1492) attraverso la Banca di Lorenzo de’ Medici, detto il magnifico. Questa affermazione nasce dall’analisi dell’epigrafe Novi orbis suo aevo inventi gloria (sotto il suo pontificato, la scoperta di un Nuovo Mondo) incisa sulla tomba di Papa Innocenzo. Ma Papa Innocenzo era morto il 25 luglio del 1492, molto prima che a Marzo del 1493 la notizia della scoperta di Colombo venisse divulgata in Europa, dopo il suo ritorno. Troverebbe, inoltre, appoggio dall’analisi di un’antica mappa nautica turca custodita nel museo Topkapi di Istanbul (Turchia). Sulla carta vi sono alcune annotazioni tra cui il racconto di un “infedele di Genova, chiamato Cristoforo Colombo, il quale aveva scoperto le coste del litorale di Antilya”. La predetta ipotesi, ripetiamo, se profondamente documentata, demolirebbe tutta la retorica Spagnola ed Italiana che da sempre accompagna il viaggio di Colombo, quello UFFICIALE del 1492, viaggio che il Navigatore Genovese avrebbe effettuato seguendo un percorso a lui ben noto per averlo fatto nel 1495, evitando, in particolare, la pericolosissima barriera corallina che si estende davanti alle isole Caraibiche e durato come lui aveva previsto.
Le sue origini si possono fare risalire al 1700 allorché, per assicurare l’assistenza religiosa ai pescatori che abitavano in quella contrada, i Borboni costruirono una chiesetta rustica dedicata alla Madonna del Lume protettrice di Porticello. Nella Chiesa si conserva tuttora il quadro veneratissimo della Madonna del Lume dipinto, secondo la tradizione, dal sacerdote Jan Antonio Genovese, della compagnia di Gesù, morto il 1743. Nel corso delle sue peregrinazioni egli arrivò a Porticello dove, tra gli umili pescatori della borgata, trovò tanta autenticità di fede che
volle lascare loro un quadro in ardesia della Madonna del Lume, quadro che ha la sua storia ai confini tra realtà e fantasia popolare. Si racconta infatti, che il quadro sia stato dipinto dal Gesuita sotto la guida della Madonna stessa la quale, ad opera compiuta, lo approvò e lo benedisse. La tradizione popolare, inoltre, ci fornisce una seconta versione legata al mare, secondo la quale il quadro sarebbe stato portato dalle onde del mare, per volontà divina, sino al molo di San Nicolicchio. Dal sito: comune.santaflavia.pa.it.
Porticello –Parte 2: La Chiesa
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian idioms and expressions
1. Fare una brutta figura. To make a fool of oneself or look bad. 2. Legarsi a qualcuno. Literally; To tie up oneself to someone. Meaning: To become attached to somebody. 3. Andare a spasso. To go for a walk.
4. Un sorriso a trenta denti. Literally: A smile showing 30
teeth. Meaning: A big grin.
5. Prendere qualcuno in giro. Literally: Grab someone in a circle. Meaning: To pull someone’s leg.
6. Il chiacchierone. Someone who talks a lot (or too much). 7. Fa un freddo cane. Literally: It is cold like a dog. Meaning: It’s terribly cold.
Proverbi Italiani
1. (Dialect-Veneto) Le tose lo desidera, le maride lo prova, le vedove lo recorda. The girl desires it [marriage], the wife tries it out and the widow remembers it.
2. Dialect-Veneto) La galina vechia vole un galeto zovane. An old hen wants a young rooster. (Meaning) Older women prefer younger men as partners.
3. (Dialect-Veneto) I omini i ga i ani che i se senti, le done quil che le mostra. (Literally) Men feel the age they have, while women show it (Meaning Men are as old as they feel; women are as old as they look. 4. (Dialect-Veneto) Vechiaja, deb-
iti e morte non bussano mai alla porta. Old age, debts and death never knock when at the door. 5. (Dialect-Veneto) A sete ani i e putei, a setanta i e ‘ncora quei. At seven years old one is a child, at seventy one is still one.
6. (Dialect-Veneto) I nostri vechi se g’a magna i schei e ne g’a lassa i proverbi. Our old people eat up the money and leave us with nothing but proverbs. 7. A fare il vecchio si sempre a tempo. There is always time enough to get old. * * * With thanks to Mary Melfi and italyrevisited.org
E fatti una risata....con pierino
Papà scopre che suo figlio Pierino, di soli 11 anni, fuma. - Ma figlio mio, sei appena in quarta elementare e già fumi. - Ma papà, anche tu fumavi in quarta. - E’ vero, ma io avevo 18 anni. Pierino: “Signora maestra si puo’ punire uno per una cosa che non ha fatto?” “No di certo!”. “Bene, allora non ho fatto i compiti!” - Pierino, dove vivevano gli antichi Galli? - Negli antichi pollai!
Pierino al compagno alla fine del compito in classe: “Come è andata?”. “Male, ho consegnato il foglio in bianco!”. “Maledizione anch’io; la maestra penserà che abbiamo copiato!”.
Un giorno Pierino torna a casa e chiede alla mamma: “Mamma, il nonno e’ un meccanico?”. La mamma perplessa per la domanda risponde: “Certo che no!”.
Madonna del Mare
Una citta’ Siciliana celebra la Madonna del Mare nel mese di Settembre. Il paese di Patti in provincia di Messina, Sicilia, celebra la Madonna del Mare ogni anno nella seconda Domenica di Settembre. Nel 2016, il festival sara’ il Settembre 7-11. Il cerimoniale di parte del festival inizia con una Madonna Dorata statua trasportata per mare in una processione. Poi sara’ messa su una barca illuminata per condurre una processione in barca. Successivamente i partecipanti goderanno di musica, balli, cibo e vino. Milwaukee augura una Buona Festa a Patti!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
E Pierino ribatte: “E allora cosa ci fa sotto l’autobus?”.
Un compagno di scuola fa a Pierino: “Pensa Pierino, che la mia sorellina di un anno cammina già da tre mesi!” e Pierino: “Chissà come sarà lontana adesso...”
Tema: ‘Descrivi un tuo familiare’ Pierino: ‘... Mio nonno è una persona molto precisa: tutte le mattine alle sette fa la pipì, alle sette e un quarto la pupu’, e alle sette e mezza si alza dal letto.’
Risposte
1. Una dozzina. 2. L’ombra.
3. Tanti quanti le asole del giubbotto. 4. Si toglie la dentiera e, mentre la lava, parla. 5. Con la lettera “e”. 6. Dei buchi.
7. 1, perché poi non avresti più lo stomaco vuoto.
Words in an Italian word
from page 21? 50 words in “Grazie”: 1. gazier 2. agrize 3. graze 4. zaire 5. grize 6. gazer 7. izar 8. gair 9. gear 10. rage 11. gaze 12. ragi 13. zari 14. ager 15. raze 16. gare 17. riza 18. gari 19. areg 20. riz 21. rez 22. gae 23. era 24. are 25. ria 26. ger 27. erg 28. ire 29. rig 30. gar 31. reg 32. air 33. zea 34. rei 35. zig 36. rag 37. rai 38. age 39. zag 40. gie 41. ear 42. re 43. ea 44. ae 45. ag 46. ai 47. er 48. ar 49. za 50. gi.
La Cavallina Storna di Giovanni Pascoli (1855-1912)
Nella Torre il silenzio era già alto. Sussurravano i pioppi del Rio Salto. I cavalli normanni alle lor poste frangean la biada con rumor di croste. Là in fondo la cavalla era, selvaggia, nata tra i pini su la salsa spiaggia; che nelle froge avea del mar gli spruzzi ancora, e gli urli negli orecchi aguzzi. Con su la greppia un gomito, da essa era mia madre; e le dicea sommessa: « O cavallina, cavallina storna, che portavi colui che non ritorna; tu capivi il suo cenno ed il suo detto! Egli ha lasciato un figlio giovinetto; il primo d’otto tra miei figli e figlie; e la sua mano non tocco’ mai briglie. Tu che ti senti ai fianchi l’uragano, tu dai retta alla sua piccola mano. Tu c’hai nel cuore la marina brulla, tu dai retta alla sua voce fanciulla». La cavalla volgea la scarna testa verso mia madre, che dicea più mesta: « O cavallina, cavallina storna, che portavi colui che non ritorna; lo so, lo so, che tu l’amavi forte! Con lui c’eri tu sola e la sua morte O nata in selve tra l’ondate e il vento, tu tenesti nel cuore il tuo spavento; sentendo lasso nella bocca il morso, nel cuor veloce tu premesti il corso: adagio seguitasti la tua via, perché facesse in pace l’agonia . . . » La scarna lunga testa era daccanto al dolce viso di mia madre in
pianto. «O cavallina, cavallina storna, che portavi colui che non ritorna; oh! due parole egli dove’ pur dire! E tu capisci, ma non sai ridire. Tu con le briglie sciolte tra le zampe, con dentro gli occhi il fuoco delle vampe, con negli orecchi l’eco degli scoppi, seguitasti la via tra gli alti pioppi: lo riportavi tra il morir del sole, perché udissimo noi le sue parole». Stava attenta la lunga testa fiera. Mia madre l’abbraccio’ su la criniera. « O cavallina, cavallina storna, portavi a casa sua chi non ritorna! a me, chi non ritornerà più mai! Tu fosti buona . . . Ma parlar non sai! Tu non sai, poverina; altri non osa. Oh! ma tu devi dirmi una una cosa! Tu l’hai veduto l’uomo che l’uccise: esso t’è qui nelle pupille fise. Chi fu? Chi è? Ti voglio dire un nome. E tu fa cenno. Dio t’insegni, come». Ora, i cavalli non frangean la biada: dormian sognando il bianco della strada. La paglia non battean con l’unghie vuote: dormian sognando il rullo delle ruote. Mia madre alzò nel gran silenzio un dito: disse un nome . . . Sonò alto un nitrito. * * * P.S. This poem has been one of the most memorized poems by Italy’s school children.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Zeno’s Conscience by Italo Svevo
Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto
10 great ‘must reads’ Italian novels/books
The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa Il Principe by Niccolò Machiavelli
Are you a wit or a twit?
from page 21? Answers:
1. Guts. 2. Joseph. 3. Easter. 4. Fish. 5. Souls. 6. Gospel. 7. Cremation. 8. Eye. 9. Pasqua. It. for Easter. 10. Wedding. 11. Principe. 12. Piazza-in 2016. 13. Poet. 14. Sanremo. 15. Regina.
Scoring: 10-15 correct= you’re a wit. 5-9 correct= you’re a twit. 1-4 correcct= you’re moribund.
Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi
Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini by Giorgio Bassani The Adventures Of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
And now a word from Italy
by Blaise Di Pronio Purgative – Tending to cleanse or purge, especially of the bowels. It comes from the Italian Purgatorio or Purgatory which is the place where souls of sinners go in order to be cleansed and purged of their sins before they can enter heaven. Thus, the root for our purify or another way to describe what happens to those souls.
Have something to sell to the readers of The Italian Times? Let them know about with an ad in our next issue. Get all of the details by calling (414) 223-2189 or by sending an email to themman@italiancc.org.
SETTEMBRE 2016 – PAGINA 23
by Blaise Di Pronio In this year of ubiquitous political inculcations, did you ever wonder why “left”, “right” and “center” have nothing to do with which way to turn but rather refer to political viewpoints? Unfortunately, this is one of those times when Italians have nothing to do with the answer but we must nevertheless give credit for one to those pesky French.
The terms “Left”, “Right” and “Center” first appeared during the French Revolution in 1789. At that time, either you supported the King or the Revolution. During their National Assembly, the king’s supporters were seated to the right side (or “wing” of the hall) of the Assembly’s president and the revolutionaries to his “left wing”. Thus, if on the right side, you were for conserving the status quo and, to the left, you wanted change and revolution and, if a moderate, you hid in the middle of the potential fracas. The whole point of the seating arrangement was to avoid actual and dangerous physical confrontations by opposing sides. When the new French Legislature convened and sat in
Which way do I go? 1791, the division of sides continued. The defenders of the Constitution (which had replaced the king) sat on the right and the now-called “innovators” sat on the left and the moderates stayed in the center. Eventually, these seating arrangements began to evolve as catch-names for political ideologies. By the early 20th century, the terms left, center and right became synonymous with those views but were back then used more as slurs.
By the time of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the terms came into common usage now reflecting political views and associations. Left equaled the downtrodden who favored change, innovation and revolution (if necessary). Centrists sided with the middle classes and flexibilty toward change. Right were the dominant classes and conservers of status quo. Fast forwarding to today and the United States, the monikers have essentially stuck with the additional labels of “liberals” to the left and “conservatives” to the right, which terms are now effectively interchangeable. So what started out as a convenient seating arrangement on opposite wings of a meeting hall, uti-
Misterbianco, Sicily feast commemorates 1669 miracle
The Festival of the Madonna of the Sick (La Madonna degli Ammalati) is celebrated during the first weekend of September in the Sicilian town of Misterbianco. The festival commemorates the miracle of the sanctuary being
saved from destructions during Mount Etna’s eruption in 1669. The festival starts on Thursday evening and runs for five days. The 2016 festival starts on Thursday, Sept. 1 and ends on Monday, Sept. 5.
lized in order to avoid shouting, fighting, swearing and other indecencies amongst opposing sides, today it still symbolizes where you “sit/stand” on your political views and, at times, the resulting modern arguments/skirmishes have gotten almost as bad as during the
French Revolution. Remember the debates? Of course, none of the above applies to those peace, calm, harmony and amity loving politicians in Italy where they have had 64 government changes since the Second World War! Yeah, sure!
Welcome new Italian Community Center members! The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between June 10 and August 10, 2016. Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Carlo Pedone of Oak Creek, WI
Joanne Bruckner of Glendale, WI
Rachel Schmidbauer of Cudahy, WI
Christine Lanning of Oak Creek, WI Robert Kohlwey of Cedarburg, WI John Maniaci of Muskego, WI Carlo Cataldo of Naples, FL
Maria Porcaro of Wauwatosa, WI
Andrea Davis of Marina del Rey, CA Dennis Buchholz of West Bend
Carole A Friedman of Milwaukee, WI
Walter & Linda Busalacchi of Hobart, WI Bill Klar of West Allis, WI
Yvonne Teddy of Greendale, WI
Brian & Sue Kangas of Greenfield, WI Krystyna Hintz of New Berlin, WI
Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 15
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 Napoli, Frank Jr. Nardelli, Joe Jr. Natali, Joe Natarilli, Oswald Navarre, Vince Natoli, August Natoli, Mike Natoli, Salvator J. Nicosia, Frank Nicosia, Salvator Nigrelli, Charlie Ninfo, John Ninfo, Joe F. Ninfo, Louis Oddone, Ray Olla, Anthony Olivetti, Paul Olivo, Mat Orello, Ted Orlando, George P. Jr. Orlando, Sam Orlando, Tom Orlando, Phil L. Oliva, Quentin Paccagnella, Jacob
Branch Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Marines Army
PAGE 24 – SEPTEMBER 2016
Address 614A E. Meinecke 2361 N. 6th St. 133 E. Orchard 1718A S. 9th St. 1932A N. 18th St. 1616 N. Jackson 1616 N. Jackson 423 E. Buffalo 1426 N. Jefferson 1426 N. Jefferson 2036 N. Holton 105 W. Burleigh 105 W. Burleigh 105 W. Burleigh 2449 S. Wentworth 2105 N. 3rd St. 3810 N. 6th St. 821 E. Auer 3038 W. North Ave. 1732 N. 16th St. 924 E. Lyon 1956 N. Holton St. 1140 N. 37th St. 1511 N. Franklin 3435 W. St. Paul
Name Branch Address Paccagnella, Sam A. Navy 6624 W. Mt. Vernon Padovano, Anthony Army 2418 N. 1st St. Padovano, Steve Army 706 N. Clybourn Pagliano, Joe Army 1686 N. Cass Palesse, Orlando Army 3882A N. Port Washington Rd. Pallagi, Arthur Navy 2205 S. Aldrich Pallagi, Valeria Marines 3440 S. 17th St. Palma, Harry Army 4801 W. Howard Palmisano, Ted Army 1647 N. Astor Palluconi, Amelio Army 1534 N. 26th St. Panella, Joe Army 1617 N. Humboldt Panzarella, Rose Army 441 N. Jackson Papia, Peter Army 414 E. Chicago Pari, John Army 2521 W. Roosevelt Passante, Elmer Army 3922 N. 7th St. Passante, Roland Army 3922 N. 7th St. Patti, Angelo Army 1027 E. Hamilton Patti, Anthony Army 1624 N. Water St. Patti, Carmen Army 408 E. Meinecke Patti, Charlie Army 545 N. Water Patti, Fred Navy 1027 E. Hamilton Patti, Sal Army 1675 N. Van Buren Patti, Stephen Army 2457 S. Austin Pauli, Sylvester Navy 3781 N. 8th St. Pecararo, Harry Navy 1418 N. Ring Pecora, Anthony Army 3929 N. 7th St. Pecora, Joe Naval Reserve 2934 N. Weil Pecora, Ted Army 1311 N. Milwaukee Pecoraro, Anthony Army 908 E. Wright Pecoraro, Harry Army 2003 N. Hopkins Pecoraro, Joe Navy 908 E. Wright Pecoraro, Jenette Navy 908 E. Wright Pecoraro, Peter Army 908 E. Wright Pecoraro, Cosmo Army 446 N. 28th St. Pellecchia, Joe Marines 3633 N. 17th St. Pellegreno, Frank Navy 1446 N. Milw. Pellegrini, John Army 4328 N. Morris Blvd. Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee. Continued in the next issue
THE ITALIAN TIMES
L’angolo del poeta
by Barbara Collignon This month’s column focuses on “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Gaetano Donizetti’s dramma tragico composed in 1835, which will be performed by the Chicago Lyric Opera, Oct.15-Nov. 6. Three famous sopranos have portrayed the tragic Lucia Ashton, an emotionally fragile unwilling bride, in the moving “Mad Scene”. The infamous diva Maria Callas sang it come scritto (as written) in 1952 but Nellie Melba sang a version of the popular soprano and flute cadenza that was written for her by her teacher Matilde Marchesi in 1888. The sensational coloratura Dame Joan Sutherland rose to fame after singing and recording this aria and was responsible for a resurgence of the opera’s popularity in 1960. Based loosely on Sir Walter Scott’s “The Bride of Lammermoor,” the opera owes some of its success at the time to Europe’s
curiosity for and interest in Scottish history and culture. Interestingly enough, the opera has been so well known throughout time that it is mentioned in Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” in Flaubert’s “Madame Bovary,” E.M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” and in Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina.” Despite a family feud, Lucia Ashton of Lammermoor is in love with Edgardo of Ravenswood. He hopes to make peace with Lucia’s brother Enrico and marry Lucia. Enrico wants to marry his sister to Arturo Bucklaw and forges a letter seemingly proving to Lucia that Edgardo has forgotten her in favor of a new lover. Lucia’s behavior shows signs she is descending into madness even before she reluctantly signs the marriage contract. When Edgardo learns she has just married, he curses her and tramples his ring into the ground. Enrico challenges
Finding Marco Polo
by Blaise Di Pronio Every once in a while I hear somebody say “Marco” and then someone else responds with “Polo”. I’ve ignored the silliness but eventually I had to find out what was going on. Marco Polo was an Italian (Venetian) merchant, traveler and explorer. He is best known for his travels thoughout Asia reaching as far as China. He chronicled his experiences and his writings inspired many future travelers including Christopher Columbus. But what does he have to do with the “Marco” and then “Polo” nonsense? As some legends would have it, it is thought that Marco Polo went off on many of his travels not really knowing where he going, i.e., that he was always venturing out
with closed eyes. Thus, the game he inspired is played in a swimming pool (representing Marco’s oceans?) where a player designated “it” has to close his eyes (a la Marco, presumably), count to 10 and then shout out “Marco!”. The other players dispersing throughout the pool respond by yelling back “Polo!” and “it” has to now find one of them by following the sound of their voices. The first player found or tagged by “it” becomes “it” and so on. The game can also be played on land with some variations (similar to Fish Out of Water and Blind Man’s Bluff) but, ultimately, they are games based on being able to acoustically locate others via a call and response method. So then, are you ready?: “Marco!” ......
Things that make Festa unique
him to a duel. Scott’s novel is based on an actual tragedy of the Dalrymple family that occurred in 1669 in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland. In Donizetti’s opera however, the villain is Lucia’s brother –not her mother as Scott’s novel tells it. In the opera, Lucia’s beloved Edgardo of Ravenswood commits suicide but in the novel he simply disappears on the way to the duel. Lucia stabs her unwanted husband to death while the heroine in the novel only wounds him. Here are the lyrics of the extraordinary mad scene by librettist Salvadore Gaetano. Il dolce suono mi colpi di sua voce! Ah, quella voce m’e qui nel cor discesa! Edgardo! io ti son resa, Edgardo, mio! fuggita io son de tuoi nemici. Un gelo me serpeggia nel sen! trema ogni fibra! vacilla il pie! Presso la fonte meco t’assidi al quanto! Ohime, sorge il tremendo fantasma e ne separa! Qui ricovriamo, Edgardo, a pie dell’ara. Sparsa e di rose! Un armonia celeste, di, non ascolti? Ah, l’inno suona di nozze! Il rito per noi s’appresta! Oh, me felice! Oh gioia che si sente, e non si dice! Ardon gl’incensi! Splendon le sacre faci, splendon intorno! Ecco il ministro! Porgime la destra! Oh lieto giorno! Al fin son tua, al fin sei mia, a me ti dona un Dio. Ogni piacer piu grato, mi fia con te diviso Del ciel clemente un riso la vita a noi sara. English Translation of “Il dolce suono” The sweet sound, hits me, his voice!
Ah, that voice into my heart descends! Edgardo, I surrender to you A chill creeps into my breast! trembles every fiber! falters my foot!
Near the fountain next to me sit a while! Alas! arises a tremendous phantom and separates us! Here let us take refuge, by the foot of the altar. Strewn is it with roses! A harmony celestial, do you not hear? Ah, the marriage hymn plays! The ceremony for us draws near! Happiness! Oh, joy that one feels and does not speak of! The incense burns! Brilliant the sacred torches, shining all around! Here is the minister! Give me your right hand! Oh, joyous day! At last, I am yours, at last you are mine, to me you have been given by God. Every pleasure is more grateful, (it is) to me, with you, more sweet From peaceful heaven a smile life to us will be. Translation by Ilya Speranza (ISperanza@aol.com) For fans of the Met Opera in HD presentations, you can look forward to viewing Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Florentine Opera will present it in March 2017.
Contestants chowed down in the Cannoli-Eating Contest on July 23. Does it look like fun to you? If so, you might want to enter the contest in 2017. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Juliet’s birthday celebrated in Verona, Italy
Isabella Vella makes sure the Roman soldiers – Joe Noto (left) and Gabe Thompson – are keeping in line while on duty on the Festa grounds. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The birthday of Juliet (of “Romeo and Juliet” fame) is celebrated Sept. 16 in Verona (Veneto region), Italy. The day is filled with parades,
dances and street entertainment put on by the locals for i turisti (the tourists) who flock to the city where Shakespeare set his most famous tragedy.
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 25
Slate finalized for ICC election
from page 1 ident. There will be a race for vice president as Rose Anne (Ceraso) Fritchie, the secretary on the board for the last 12 years, is being contested by Joseph Emanuele, who was elected to his first term as a director-at-large last year. Fritchie is the president of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. Emanuele is the president of the Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America. There are eight candidates running for the four open director-atlarge seats (lasting two years each). These candidates are: Ted Catalano, Karen Dickinson, Blaise Di Pronio, Joe Jannazzo, Jr., Tony Lupo, Tony Zingale, Bruno Giacomantonio and Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher. Joining Cannestra among the officer candidates who are unopposed are the incumbent Sam Purpero for treasurer, Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen, a current director, for secretary, and the incumbent Joanne (Sanfilippo) Czubek for sergeant-at-arms. The Nominating Committee included Rosemary DeRubertis and Sal Lo Coco, as co-chairpersons, Suzanne Wypijewski, Ray Martinez and Christina Ziino as members. Vella appointed the co-chairs and members who attended the May general meeting elected the others, as stipulated in Article V, Section 3. Look for full coverage of the election, including statements from each candidate running for contested positions, in the October issue of The Italian Times, which will be available no later than Tuesday, Sept. 27. While members will be electing four director-at-large candidates for two-year terms, the fifth place finisher will have a stake in the outcome as that individual will, according to the bylaws, be appointed by the president to fill the oneyear vacancy created by Christiansen’s departure as a director and her election to the position of secretary. The sixth place finisher might also have chance to fill a one-year vacancy should Emanuele
Dean Cannestra will be the next president of the Italian Community Center. Cannestra, the current vice president, is unopposed in his bid to succeed Giuseppe Vella. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
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win the race for the vice presidency. Qualified voters will receive an election ballot in the mail. According to Article III, Section 1 of the organization’s bylaws, a qualified voter is anyone who has been a members a minimum of 60 days prior to the election. For the upcoming election, a ballot will be mailed by the Nominating Committee to each person who has been a member since the past Monday, Aug. 22. Before doing the mailing, the Nominating Committee is given the authority to conduct a drawing to arrange the order of placement of the candidates’ names on the ballot. (See Article V, Section 8.) Article V, Section 9 stipulates that the ballots must be sent to vot-
ers within eight days of the September general meeting. The date of the general meeting is Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The envelope with the ballot (or ballots, in the cases of couples) will also include a return envelope addressed to the ICC. Voters must use the return envelope to submit their ballots. The mailing of the ballots is the last duty of the Nominating Committee. Only those ballots in the return envelope that are postmarked on or before Thursday, Oct. 13 will be eligible to be counted. Ballots received with envelopes postmarked after Oct. 13 will be saved but not counted. The timetable for returning ballots is spelled out in Article V, Section 9.
Section 10.a. of Article V states that the current ICC President must appoint tellers – a chairperson and members – who will meet prior to the October general meeting “to confirm the validity of all returned ballots.” Vella announced his appointment of Joe Zambito as the chairperson of the election tellers. Section 10.b. explains when the tellers will open and count the ballots. It states, “The tellers shall meet on the day of the October general membership meeting (which is Oct. 20 this year) and open all valid ballot envelopes received. The tellers shall tally all ballots and shall report the election results to the membership prior to the adjournment of the October general membership meeting.”
THE ITALIAN TIMES
A few more photos from Festa
For these volunteers, handing out free fresh fruit to Festa’s VIP Day guests is something to do every year with pride. The group includes Robert Jennaro, Rose Mary Jennaro, Yvonne Zarcone, Leonard “Nardo” Carini, Mary Demlow, Gerri Epstein and Rosalie Boos. The fruit was provided by a Milwaukee produce company who wishes to remain anonymous. (Times photo by John Ferraro) Heading out for their Sunday night shift on the Festa Patrol were these volunteers (from the left): Matthew Schwister, Dominic Busalacchi, Ahmed Shaker and Mohamed Maache. Dominic is the son of Festa Patrol Manager Ralph Busalacchi. Ahmed and Mohamed are students at UWM. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Answering phones and providing assistance wherever they could to keep things rolling smoothly was this group in the Festa office. From the left: Mary Winard, Jenny McNutt, Andernesha Randolph, Karen Rothie and Shamyra Tyus. Missing from the picture is Constance Palmer, Festa office manager and executive administrative assistance. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Working as raffle booth volunteers when this picture was taken were: Judy Hooker (standing) and Terri and Brad Parsons. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Working on behalf of Tradizione Vivente in this wine booth were these volunteers (from the left): Jessica Bailey, Alex Pawlak, Rosa Loeffelholz, Brian Bailey, Lory Bresina and Angela Wolter. Tradizione Vivente hopes to use the funds raised from various events, like volunteering in a Festa wine booth, will defray the costs of a trip to Italy in 2018. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Tony Fera, who turned 95 on July 27, said he still gets excited about coming to Festa Italiana. He loves seeing his old friends, listening to the music and enjoying the food. Tony, who, at one time, was quite the ladies’ man, used to enjoy coming to Festa and dancing with women of all ages. He recently had to put his dancing shoes away. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Before the rain moved in on Saturday, July 23, Ashley and Jason Wolken of San Clemente, Calif. enjoyed a game of bocce. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
SEPTEMBER 2016 – PAGE 27
ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9 ICC’s Student Culture Day Program Monday, Oct. 17
ICC’s 3rd annual Festival di Danza e Cultura (in conjunction with the International Insitute of Wisconsin) Friday, Oct. 21
ICC’s Installation Dinner Saturday, Nov. 5
ICC’s 2nd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 26 ICC’s Membership Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 15
ICC’s New Year’s Eve Party Saturday, Dec. 31
73rd Venice Film Festival set for Aug. 31-Sept. 10
Dating back to 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the oldest of its kind in the world. Each year, a variety of motion pictures are introduced to a large audience including actors, film directors and producers, and world famous celebrities. The 73rd Venice International Film Festival, organized by La
Biennale di Venezia, will be held on the Lido of Venice from Aug. 31st to Sept. 10. The 2016 edition will be directed by Alberto Barbera, an actor who directed the festival previously from 1998 to 2002. He is the director of the Cinema Museum of Turin and served as a juror of the Cannes Film Festival in 2010.
Among the not-to-miss events are the screenings that takes place at the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi, followed by the award ceremonies bestowing the prestigious Golden Lion, the highest prize given to a film at the festival. Ten of 11 films in the competition are produced by female directors. For the complete lineup, visit: labiennale.org/en/cinema.
In addition, four films from young international talents will be screened. The projects are: • “Mukti Bhawan – Hotel Salvation” (India), Shubbashish Bhutiani (director), Sanjay Bhutiani (producer). • “Orecchie – Ears” (Italy), Alessandro Aronadio (director), Costanza Coldagelli (producer). • “Quimili (Argentina), Sofia Brockenshire (director), Verena Kuri (director, producer). • “La Soledad” (Venezuela), Jorge Thielsen Armand (director), Adriana Herrera and Manon Ardisson (producers). The goal of the festival is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue.
MITO SettembreMusica scheduled in Milan and Turin
The northern Italian cities of Milan and Turin will host the 10th annual MITO SettembreMusica, a series of classical music concerts starting Friday, Sept.2 and ending Thursday, Sept. 22. SettembreMusica boasts a plethora of concerts at affordable prices. Some of the performances offer free admission. Each concert is theme-based with introductory commentary for each performance. Many of the programs also feature open singing events, resulting in audience involvement. The theme for this year’s series is “Fathers and Sons.” The performances will showcase classical music by composers such as Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti, Richard and Siegfried Wagner, the Strass family members and the Bach family members. The performances will be held in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and Turin’s Piazza Castello. Giuliamo Pisapio, Mayor of Milan, and Piero Fassino,Mayor of Turin, are the Honorary Chairmen of Mito Settembre Musica. For more information, readers can visit http://mitosettembremusica.it.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES