Degli articoli firmati che appaiono sul giomale sono responsabili i singoli autori, i quali non rappresentano necessariamente il punto di vista generale, ne’ esprimono la politica de “Il Pensiero.” Operando conforme alle nostre vedute democratiche, si accetta la collaborazione di persone esprimenti il piu’ largo arco di opinioni, senza pregiudiziale di sorta.
The signed articles appearing in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are the opinions of the individual authors, who do not represent the general point of view, nor do they express the views of Il Pensiero. We accept the collaboration of people expressing the most wide range of opinions. Opinions expressed in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are not necessarily those of Il Pensiero and Il Pensiero does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk.
PENSIERO
Staff Photographer
Loretta and Paul April
Gus Torregrossa and Fr. Jack Siefert
Friend, Chris Pagano and Fr. Jack Siefert
Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Fr. Jack Siefert and Biagio Pietroburgo
Misericordia Presents Check to Scholarship Recipient at June Meeting
Submitted by Becky Tower
Adison Clauss reads her winning essay from the June edition of Il Pensiero. Adison and her parents received the check at the June meeting of the Misericordia Society.
The 2026 Misericordia Scholarship check was presented at the Misericordia Society meeting on Sunday, June 14, in Polizzi Hall at St. Ambrose Church. The scholarship was presented to Adison Clauss, who graduated from St. Ambrose School this past May. Adison will be attending Cor Jesu Academy in the fall. The check is in the amount of $1,000. Misericordia requires scholarship
applicants to write an essay on the topic of “What being part of the Italian community in St. Louis means to me.” Adison was selected for the scholarship award by the teachers at St. Ambrose School. The essay was printed in the June edition of Il Pensiero. Adison read her essay from the paper at the June meeting. She is the daughter of Dan and Kayla Clauss of St. Louis.
Misericordia President, Rebecca Tower, presents the check to scholarship recipient, Adison Clauss, at the June meeting of the Misericordia Society.
L’elisir
d’amoreLove, Laughter, and a Little Magic
Donizetti’s sparkling romantic comedy follows the earnest Nemorino as he pins his hopes on a mysterious “love potion” to win the independent Adina. Overflowing with wit, charm, and irresistible melody, L’elisir d’amore delights from start to finish. The opera features one of the most famous arias ever written, “Una furtive lagrima,” alongside buoyant ensembles
and playful musical surprises that celebrate love in all its awkward glory.
Single tickets range from $25 to $60, and three-opera season tickets start at just $84. Tickets are available online at unionavenueopera.org or by calling 314-361-2881.
All performances take place at Union Avenue Opera’s home in Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. Free parking is available behind the venue, with additional street parking nearby.
Show Dates: August 1 at 8 p.m. Event and Ticket Page: unionavenueopera.org/lelisir-damore
A New Novel By Dennis Bolazina
Few people embark on a literary career at age seventy, but Dennis Bolazina had a life of experiences that he felt compelled to share. He lived his entire life in St. Louis, attending Washington University for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture and then Saint Louis University for a law degree, but his travels for business took him to many places, one of which was a project to construct three hotels in New Orleans on the edge of the French Quarter. That is the setting for his novel “Desire,” which also includes references back to his hometown and relatives from The Hill section of St. Louis.
When the daughter of a New Orleans mobster is attracted to an architect-lawyer Continued on page 6
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before August 14, 2026 to be featured in the September issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
Marisa
Alexandra
Continued from page 5
visiting the city, she must decide whether she can free herself as heir to her father’s legacy. Dennis Bolazina has the background and experience to give authenticity to this romantic legal thriller, his debut novel, “Desire.”
When federal authorities collect indictable information on mob boss Frank Palermo, he arranges for his daughter, Sophia (Phia), to take over his empire. She entices Sal Rossi to join her journey to start
a new life. Sal agrees to provide the legal framework but has little sense of the depth of her involvement in organized crime. The reader rides the emotional roller coaster of Sal and Phia and witnesses the fate of Frank and his empire.
The length of the book exceeds a typical debut work but is entirely justified by the rich descriptions of New Orleans architecture, historical landmarks, and the cultural traditions of the city and its
Continued on page 7
Continued from page 6 convincing, detailed development of the colorful characters. I recommend this pageturning legal and romantic thriller. The book is available from Amazon and at Main Street Bookstore in St. Charles, Spine Indie Bookstore in the city, and Webster Bookstore.
ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano Joins
NASA’s Artemis III Mission as Pilot
NASA announced the crew of Artemis III mission which will include, NASA astronaut and commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano of ESA, and NASA astronauts Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas as lander specialists. NASA astronaut Bob Hines was also assigned
as a backup crew member. The crew will now begin a rigorous training schedule to learn the Orion spacecraft systems, as well as the operations of the human landing systems, to prepare for an ambitious series of demonstrations ahead of a Moon landing mission.
Luca Parmitano is an ESA astronaut from Italy who has spent 366 days in space across two long-duration missions to the International Space Station, Volare and Beyond. During these missions, he supported hundreds of experiments, performed six spacewalks totalling more than 30 hours and became commander of the Station. Since returning to Earth, he has served as ESA’s liaison at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, acting as ’CapCom’’ and training ESA astronauts for spacewalks and robotic operations. Last year, Luca participated in NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 12 off the coast of California to simulate the splashdown and recovery of Artemis astronauts from a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft.
Before joining the European astronaut corps, Luca was selected in 2007 by the Italian air force to become a test pilot. He trained as an experimental test pilot at EPNER, the French test pilot school in Istres. Luca was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Italian air force ahead of his Beyond mission in 2019. He has logged more than 2000 hours of flight time, is qualified on more than 20 types of military aircraft and helicopters and has flown over 40 types of aircraft. His technical skills as test pilot will be put to the test once again during the Artemis III mission.
“Artemis III will push the boundaries of spacecraft operations in orbit. ESA
astronaut Luca Parmitano’s assignment as pilot reflects the depth of European expertise in human spaceflight and draws on his extensive operational experience in high-pressure situations,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General. “At the same time, ESA’s European Service Module (ESM) will once again provide the critical capabilities that power Orion, demonstrating Europe’s enduring role at the very heart of the Artemis program. The news out of Houston is a powerful recognition of ESA’s role in enabling humankind’s return to the Moon – and a key advancement in our partnership with NASA. Europeans can take pride in being part of this exciting Continued on page 8
Ferragosto Artichoke Appetizer
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve with your choice of cracker.
Perfect for an August summer party!
Continued from page 7
journey.”
“Today we take another bold step in humanity’s return to the Moon, building on the extraordinary foundation laid by the Artemis II crew,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
“Their achievements reignited global excitement for exploration, and now they pass the torch to the Artemis III team, Randy, Luca, Frank, and Andre. Artemis III will demonstrate the power of American innovation and international partnership as we test complex rendezvous and docking operations and advance the technologies that will one day carry us deeper into the solar system. This mission will require the most awe-inspiring coordination of heavy-lift rocket launches in history, drawing on the talent and capability of teams across government and the spaceflight community. The Artemis III astronauts, alongside ESA and our international partners and the tens of thousands of the best and brightest across the agency and industry, are ushering in a new Golden Age of exploration carrying forward the hopes and dreams of the next generation just as the Apollo astronauts did for so many of us.”
“I am honoured to be part of this crew and humbled at the same time: my crew mates bring a wealth of different experiences, and I’m looking forward to working with them, eager to learn and to contribute as much as I can in my role. As a test pilot, this is truly a dream mission, as we’ll be able to help testing systems and developing procedures so that future crews may go farther and ultimately take humankind back to the Moon”, said Luca Parmitano.
“I am very grateful to the Italian air force for providing me with training in my early stages; to the Italian space agency –and Italy as a whole – for trusting me with their very first long-duration flight when I was just a rookie; and to the European Space Agency for the training, endless support and amazing opportunities I have had since I became an ESA astronaut, and to NASA for its leadership in returning humanity to the Moon. It’s the confirmation that ESA is a reliable partner, and the continuation of a strong partnership that will take a European to the Moon.”
“Europe will play not only one but two decisive roles in this upcoming Artemis mission,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, in his piloting seat, will be responsible for the complex spacecraft manoeuvering, alongside the NASA commander, which the mission will require. The European industry will also be on board with him thanks to our European Service Module with contributions from across 13 ESA Member States, involving 20 main contractors and over 100 suppliers.”
ESA’s European Service Module is the powerhouse of NASA’s Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions to the Moon, providing power, propulsion, thermal control, air and water for the four astronauts on board. Built by European industry led by ESA, the module’s structure is produced by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, before final assembly by prime contractor Airbus in
Bremen, Germany. The first two European Service Modules successfully powered the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022 and the crewed Artemis II mission earlier this year.
As announced by NASA, Artemis III is now planned as a crewed test flight in Earth orbit to demonstrate systems and operations required for future lunar landing missions planned from Artemis IV onwards. Following launch aboard NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, the European Service Module’s engines will be used to perform key propulsion manoeuvres, as well as supporting proximity operations and docking demonstrations with lunar landing system pathfinders.
The third European Service Module is currently undergoing testing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. The module departed from Bremen in August 2024 aboard the Canopée transport vessel. After arrival in the United States, the module was integrated with the Crew Module Adapter, and ESA officially handed the Service Module over to NASA in September 2025. The module recently completed acoustic testing and will soon be connected to the Orion Crew Module, forming the integrated spacecraft. The four European-built solar arrays will then be installed before Orion continues its test and integration campaign ahead of launch next year.
About the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.
ESA is an intergovernmental organization, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
ESA has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia are Associate Members.
ESA has established formal cooperation with three Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programs under a Cooperation Agreement. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programs and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programs as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions. Learn more about ESA at esa.int.
Maddie DiMaria Named Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year
Maddie DiMaria has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year, recognizing her as one of the nation’s top high school athletes. The prestigious honor was presented during the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City.
A standout soccer player from Cor Jesu Academy in Missouri, DiMaria earned the recognition for her exceptional achievements on the field as well as her dedication in the classroom and her impact in the community. She becomes a two-time recipient of the Gatorade National Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year award, placing her among an elite group of athletes recognized for excellence in high school sports.
The award was presented by former Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year and Olympic champion Allyson Felix during the ESPYS. Through this honor, DiMaria joins a distinguished group of past Gatorade Best Player of the Year recipients who have gone on to achieve success at the highest levels of their sports.
DiMaria will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of North Carolina, where she will compete at the collegiate level. Her recognition as Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year highlights her accomplishments as a student-athlete and her continued influence as one of the nation’s most promising young soccer players.
DiMaria is ranked as the nation’s No. 1 recruit in her class by PrepSoccer and TopDrawerSoccer, while maintaining a 4.24 weighted GPA. She is also recognized for her commitment to community service through various organizations and youth programs.
From The Hill to the Kitchen: Christina
Musgrave
Makes Weeknight Cooking Feel Special
By Courtney Finn
St. Louis food blogger and cookbook
author Christina Musgrave believes a memorable dinner doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen.
Musgrave, founder of Tasting with Tina and a resident of The Hill, recently published her first cookbook, Tasting Every Day: Easy Recipes for the Weeknight Cook Inspired by Italian-American traditions and her experiences cooking at home, the book features approachable recipes designed for busy families.
Il Pensiero: What inspired you to publish your first cookbook?
Christina Musgrave: “I had always dreamed of writing a cookbook, and after developing more than 500 recipes for my blog, I wanted to create something tangible that reflected how I cook at home. Tasting Every Day is meant to be a go-to guide for busy families who want to make weeknight dinners feel special without making them complicated.”
How has living on The Hill influenced
your cooking?
“Living on The Hill gives me so much inspiration. I love recreating dishes from favorite neighborhood restaurants like Dominic’s and Anthonino’s, while putting my own approachable spin on them. The sense of community here is incredibly special.”
Do you have a favorite recipe from the cookbook?
“One of my favorites is the Sausage Bruschetta. My family first had a similar dish at a winery in Tuscany years ago, and we immediately fell in love with it. It is unique but incredibly easy to make, and I have served it to family and friends for years.”
What has it meant to share the cookbook with the local community?
“There is nothing I love more than meeting people in the community and sharing my cookbook with them. I feel very lucky to share my work with the St. Louis and ItalianAmerican community, and there is no better feeling than knowing someone trusts me enough to make one of my recipes in their own kitchen.”
Musgrave is already looking ahead, developing the concept for her next cookbook while continuing to share new recipes through Tasting with Tina.
Tasting Every Day: Easy Recipes for the Weeknight Cook is available now at tastingwithtina.com and on Amazon.
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević “A Pair of Aces”
By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
A Pair of Aces is a historical fiction novel centered around two real women in the 1930s. If you have been following my column for some time, you know that this is my favorite type of book to read. We’ve all heard of Charles “Lucky” Luciano, the notorious boss of New York’s organized crime mafia, but the names Eunice Carter and Polly Adler don’t strike a loud enough bell in our minds.
Eunice Carter was the first Black female prosecutor in Manhattan, and Polly Adler was a madam in the elite brothel business. Both women team up in an unlikely alliance to bring down Luciano, where others before them have tried and failed. For their time, these women were incredible on both sides of the law by working together and not tearing each other down to achieve a common goal. I found myself researching more about them after finishing the novel because I was fascinated by this story. I commend Benedict and Murray for bringing women’s history to light in modern times.
Dolce&Gabbana Celebrates Sicilian Heritage with Alta Moda Showcase in Taormina
Dolce&Gabbana returned to the heart of Sicily with its celebrated Alta Moda collections, showcasing the beauty, traditions, and craftsmanship that have long inspired Italian culture. The spectacular event in Taormina served as a tribute to Sicily’s rich heritage, bringing global attention to the island’s history, artistry, and timeless elegance.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Taormina, including the historic Ancient Theatre, Dolce&Gabbana celebrated the craftsmanship and traditions passed down through generations of Italian artisans. The showcase highlighted the designers’ deep connection to Sicily, from its landscapes and architecture to its food, culture, and family traditions that continue to shape the Italian identity around the world.
For Italian-Americans, events like Dolce&Gabbana’s Taormina showcase serve as a reminder of the enduring connection between Italy and communities abroad. Through fashion, art, and storytelling, Sicily’s traditions continue to inspire new generations and preserve the cultural pride shared by Italians around the
globe. Through its Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria collections, Dolce&Gabbana continues to celebrate Italy’s artistic legacy while sharing the spirit and elegance of Sicily with an international audience.
Donation Ceremony at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond
Submitted by Silvio Laccetti
Recently, the Silvio Laccetti Foundation of Fairview, New Jersey donated a rare Confederate States Postage stamp along with some literary material to The American Civil War Museum. Pictured at the donation ceremony are Robert Hancock (center) Director of Collections and Senior Curator for the Museum, Grace Bocchieri-Hughes (left) of Mechanicsville, Va. and her son Dominick Teta of Richmond, both of whom are friends of the Laccetti
Progetto ROOTS: nasce l’International Media Network Accordi con Brasile e Stati Uniti per costruire una rete internazionale di comunicazione che connetterà l’Italia con gli italiani
nel mondo
Nell’ambito della creative economy, il Progetto ROOTS – Network Internazionale delle Radici, avviato da Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS nel 2023 e
già forte di una piattaforma nazionale grazie alla collaborazione con il network 5VIE, protagonista del Fuori Salone Design Week di Milano, compie un nuovo e significativo passo nel proprio sviluppo con la nascita del ROOTS International Media Network, rete internazionale di media partner destinata a diventare uno degli strumenti strategici per mettere in relazione l’Italia con le sue comunità oltre i confini nazionali. La Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS ha avviato la sottoscrizione dei primi protocolli di intesa con alcune tra le più autorevoli testate dedicate agli italiani nei diversi Paesi esteri, per dare vita ad una collaborazione stabile e di lungo periodo che consentirà non solo di raccontare il Progetto ROOTS direttamente a milioni di italiani e italodiscendenti, ma anche di costruire un flusso costante di informazioni, storie, esperienze e progettualità provenienti da quella grande Italia che vive oltre i confini nazionali e che ha finalmente trovato nel progetto ROOTS un sistema di relazioni, incontri e scambi.
I primi partner internazionali della rete sono:
Jornal Italia (Brasile), uno dei principali magazine digitali dedicati alla comunità italo-brasiliana, con sede a San Paolo. La testata racconta quotidianamente il rapporto tra Brasile e Italia attraverso cultura, economia, turismo, imprese e storie delle comunità di origine italiana. Rappresenta un canale privilegiato verso una platea di oltre 35 milioni di italiani e italo-discendenti, in pratica la più grande comunità di origine italiana al mondo dopo quella residente in Italia. Per ROOTS questa collaborazione rappresenta un ponte diretto con uno dei luoghi simbolo della storia dell’emigrazione italiana. https://jornalitalia.com/
Italy2California (California – Stati Uniti), magazine bilingue italiano-inglese che rappresenta un punto di riferimento per i rapporti tra Italia e la West Coast americana. Attraverso approfondimenti dedicati al Made in Italy, all’innovazione, alla cultura, al turismo e all’imprenditoria il media collega il Sistema Italia con una delle aree economicamente e culturalmente più dinamiche del mondo, caratterizzata da una presenza qualificata di professionisti, imprenditori e comunità italiane. italy2california.com
Il Pensiero – The Thought (Missouri –Stati Uniti), storica testata della comunità italo-americana di St. Louis e punto di riferimento per il Midwest americano. Da anni promuove la lingua, la cultura e le tradizioni italiane, raccontando la vita delle associazioni, delle famiglie e delle istituzioni italiane presenti sul territorio e contribuendo a mantenere vivo il legame con il Paese d’origine.ilpensiero.net
La nascita del ROOTS International Media Network rappresenta molto più di una tradizionale media partnership. L’obiettivo è infatti costruire una rete internazionale permanente di comunicazione, capace di mettere in connessione territori, comunità, istituzioni, imprese, università, associazioni e cittadini italiani nel mondo, realizzando iniziative culturali e di cooperazione internazionali.
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
UFFICIO STUDENTI/CODICI FISCALI/ EQUIPOLLENZA TITOLI DI STUDIO/ COMMERCIALE/ STUDENT OFFICE/ FISCAL I.D./EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES AND PROFESSIONAL TITLES/ COMMERCIAL commerciale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5486
Italian Trade Agency 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720 Chicago, Illinois 60611 chicago@ice.it 312-670-4360 website:ice.it/it
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS WITH TRUE EMERGENCIES (accidents, arrests, etc.):
Available from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST Monday –Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – Call +1(312) 909-0304
Emergencies between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. CT, contact the MAECI at 011 39 06 36912666
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-822-9545 fax: 312-822-9622 email:iicchicago@esteri.it website:iicchicago.esteri.it
Things To Do
From August-September
Summerween at The Magic House
Attend the Super Fair World Wide Technology Raceway
Attend Gallery Laughs at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Experiences
Continued from page 10
Grazie a questa rete, ROOTS potrà raccontare le proprie attività direttamente alle comunità italiane all’estero, ma soprattutto ricevere in maniera continuativa notizie, testimonianze, progetti, storie di successo e buone pratiche provenienti dai diversi Paesi, contribuendo così a costruire un racconto corale dell’Italia globale e delle sue radici.Il primo grande appuntamento pubblico di questo percorso sarà il Gala Internazionale delle Radici, in programma il 4 gennaio 2027 al Teatro Massimo di Palermo, evento destinato a riunire rappresentanti delle comunità italiane provenienti da numerosi Paesi e a dare ufficialmente avvio ad una nuova stagione di collaborazione internazionale. Dichiarano i fondatori della Fondazione Made in Sicily Giovanni Callea e Davide Morici: «Le radici non sono soltanto memoria: sono una rete viva di relazioni. Con il ROOTS International Media Network vogliamo creare un dialogo permanente tra l’Italia e gli italiani nel mondo. Non vogliamo semplicemente comunicare ciò che facciamo, ma costruire insieme una narrazione condivisa che valorizzi il patrimonio umano, culturale, creativo ed economico delle nostre comunità oltre i confini nazionali.»
Con la nascita del ROOTS International Media Network, ROOTS conferma sempre più la propria vocazione di piattaforma internazionale per l’Italia nel mondo: un progetto nato in Sicilia ma oggi anche nazionale, pensato per mettere insieme, attraverso la cultura, le relazioni e la comunicazione, milioni di italiani e di italodiscendenti che continuano a riconoscere nelle proprie radici un patrimonio condiviso e una straordinaria opportunità per costruire insieme il futuro.
About Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS
La Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS realizza la missione di trasformare la memoria e la tradizione siciliane/italiane in strumenti di dialogo internazionale unendo arte, design, artigianato e innovazione attraverso mostre, installazioni e progetti condivisi, su scala internazionale. Ha all’attivo iniziative a Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, in occasione del Tour Mondiale del Vespucci nel 2025, e a Osaka in occasione di Expo 2025; inoltre attività a Chicago, Rotterdam, Amburgo, Berlino. La Fondazione mette al centro il concetto di radici: un legame profondo che non conosce frontiere, indispensabile per nutrire il futuro di solida autentica umanità. Dalle ceramiche alle arti visive, dai prodotti enogastronomici alle performance, ogni iniziativa diventa testimonianza di come la cultura siciliana/italiana sappia generare connessioni globali e visioni nuove interagendo con altre culture e identità. Con il progetto ‘I GO ITALIA’ la Fondazione sta costruendo una rete internazionale della gastronomia italiana riconosciuta da UNESCO patrimonio dell’umanità. E da luglio 2025, ricevendo da Felice Liotti in donazione il patrimonio documentario, audio e fotografico relativo alla cantautrice siciliana Rosa Balistreri, ha costituito il “Fondo Liotti” per preservare la memoria della voce più emblematica della Sicilia. La recente installazione permanente di 13 opere di ceramica d’autore in via dei Cipressi a Palermo rappresenta la
quinta tappa dell’“Itinerario delle Radici”, percorso artistico e identitario avviato dalla Fondazione Made in Sicily che oggi comprende:
Aeroporto Internazionale di Palermo — “L’Albero delle Radici” (Boscia / Barolotta); Piana degli Albanesi — murale “Le Radici del Futuro”;
Lungomare di Isola delle Femmine — “Le Radici del Mare” in pietra lavica e ceramica; Palermo — murale dedicato a Totò Schillaci.
CENT’ANNI è il titolo del progetto avviato con la Fondazione Rosa Balistreri per promuovere il centenario dell’artista licatese, che tanti anni visse e operò a Palermo.
I Fondatori
Giovanni Callea, presidente della Fondazione, è giornalista e consulente specializzato in marketing, comunicazione e internazionalizzazione, con una vasta esperienza in progetti strategici per istituzioni pubbliche e private, tra cui Ministero Agricoltura, Regione Siciliana, ARPA Sicilia, Comune di Palermo e Teatro Massimo di Palermo.
Ha organizzato importanti eventi culturali come Kals’art e Vucciria, festival di musica popolare siciliana, entrambi ampiamente seguiti dai media nazionali. La sua esperienza include la consulenza strategica per politici locali e membri del Parlamento Europeo, oltre a progetti di internazionalizzazione del settore agroalimentare in Europa (Germania, Paesi Baltici, Polonia, Slovacchia, Paesi Bassi, Belgio). E’ stato produttore associato del film di Wim Wenders “Palermo Shooting”. Laureato in Scienze Naturali, con Master in PNL e Coaching e appassionato di impegno civico, Callea ha promosso campagne per la riapertura del Parco Uditore a Palermo (il più grande parco urbano dentro la città) e ha coordinato la comunicazione strategica per Fiume Oreto – Luogo del Cuore FAI, vincitore della votazione online nazionale nel 2018.
Davide Morici è un professionista poliedrico con una formazione giuridica
e oltre trent’anni di esperienza nei settori del turismo, eventi e comunicazione. La sua visione creativa va oltre l’impresa: è musicista, compositore e organizzatore di eventi internazionali, nonché fondatore di grandi festival musicali. Volto delle campagne social e co-produttore di tutte le opere e iniziative internazionali della Fondazione Made in Sicily, è riconosciuto per la sua capacità di unire strategia, creatività e relazioni globali: Davide trasforma le idee in progetti concreti e di impatto, capaci di generare valore per le imprese, i territori e le persone.
Anthonino’s Taverna to Open New Private Dining and Event Space on The Hill
By Courtney Finn
A longtime favorite on The Hill is giving locals a new way to gather and celebrate.
Anthonino’s Taverna is preparing to open a new intimate private dining room this fall, expanding the popular restaurant’s offerings beyond its everyday dining experience.
Available by reservation only, the new space will accommodate a variety of private gatherings, including rehearsal dinners, birthdays, milestone celebrations, baby and wedding showers, graduation parties, office events, team gatherings, and bereavement receptions.
The addition is a natural fit for the family-owned restaurant, which has long centered its dining experience around good food and bringing people together. Known for a menu that blends Italian and Greek influences, Anthonino’s has become a familiar destination for both neighborhood regulars and visitors to The Hill.
The private dining room is currently nearing completion, with an anticipated opening in Fall 2026.
Make sure to follow them on Instagram (@anthoninos_taverna) and Facebook for updates on their opening date. Learn more at anthoninos.com or call 314-773-4455.
Email | anthony@anthoninos.com 2225 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
