Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Three Generations Participate in Misericordia Society
The Misericordia Society is a family affair for the Pietroburgos. Biagio Pietroburgo, a longtime member and officer for the organization, recently welcomed his son, Joe, and grandson, Arthur, into the society. Biagio currently serves as Corresponding Secretary, a position that was held by his late wife, Marlene. Biagio fulfilled the remainder of Marlene’s term, then was elected by the membership to continue in that job. He left his former job as Sergeant-at-Arms when he became Corresponding Secretary, and Arthur was nominated and elected to serve in his grandfather’s former position. Biagio greatly expanded the role of Sergeant-atArms to include opening the Church Hall at St. Ambrose on meeting Sundays, making coffee, setting out all the supplies needed for the meeting, and taking inventory. He is training Arthur in all these duties, and Joe also pitches in to help. Another grandson, Oscar, has also joined Misericordia, as has Arthur’s girlfriend, Kylie Killbreath. Not to be outdone, Biagio’s brother Jasper Pietroburgo, the long-serving parliamentarian for the society, has brought his son, Bill, into the organization. Some of the other long-term members are beginning to do the same. All these young members are bringing new vitality and energy to the
105-year-old organization.
Biagio Pietroburgo, son Joe and grandson Arthur, and Arthur’s girlfriend, Kylie Killbreath, participated in the Italian Organization Bocce Tournament at the Italia America Bocce Club on Sunday, October 26. They represented the Misericordia Society along with members Virgil LaScola, Gino Morello, Sal Cerami, Rose and John Rancilio, and Brian and Becky Tower.
Team Wilson members Joe Pietroburgo, Gino Morello, John Denando, and Leo Chirco were undefeated in their league
and made it to the semi-finals in the Italian Organization Bocce Tournament at the Italia America Bocce Club on October 26. Joe and Gino represented the Misericordia Society.
Killbreath, one of our youngest members, was sworn in at the Misericordia meeting on Sunday, November 9.
Misericordia Society’s Paul Gitto Presents Check From His Book Sales
At the Misericordia Society meeting on Sunday, November 9, Paul Gitto presented the check from the sale of his book to Deacon John Stoverink, who was representing St. Ambrose Parish. The check was in the amount of $2,017, made out to the St. Ambrose Scholarship Fund.
Continued on page 5
Kylie
PUBLISHERS
publishers
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
EDITORIAL
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
EDITORIAL
COPY EDITOR Courtney Kamm-Finn
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia online ilpensiero.net
To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2026 Article/Ad Deadlines
January: December 12
February: January 16
March: February 13
April: March 13
May: April 17
June: May 15
July: June 12
August: July 17
September: August 14
October: September 11
November: October 16
December: November 13
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
Official Photographer
18th Annual Aldo Della Croce Bocce Tournament Italia America Bocce Club The Hill, St. Louis, MO November 7-9, 2025
and Dan Drago
Joseph and Ava Della Croce competed in the World Bocce Junior Championship in Brittany, France
Michael Scaildone, Gus Torregrossa
SJ Pagano, Gus Torregrossa, Chris Pagano, Toni Pagano and Sam Pagano
Dee Marino, Gina Imo, Chrissie Bandera and Cindy Marlo
Gus Torregrossa being interviewed by Michael Scaildone on BBN (Bocce Broadcast Network)
Michael Scaildone, Brigid Reidy and Gus Torregrossa
Continued from page 1
This fund makes it possible for a student currently at St. Ambrose to remain at the school in the event of financial hardship for their family.
The check reflects the profits from the sale of Paul’s wildly successful new book, “The Immigrant Son on the Hill.” There have been book signings at DiGregorio’s Market, The Italian Club, and Mount Carmel Sodality at St. Ambrose. The book is also sold on Amazon. It is still selling, and there may be another book signing in the
works. Paul gave all the money to the St. Ambrose Scholarship Fund on behalf of the Misericordia Society. It looks like there may be more checks to come.
Misericordia congratulates Paul and thanks him for his generosity.To learn more, visit misericordiastl.com.
About Misericordia Society
The Misericordia Society was founded by Italian immigrants and brought to St. Louis about 100 years ago. It’s purpose was to preserve the Italian culture and Catholic faith of the immigrants.
Deacon John Stoverink accepts the check from Paul Gitto on November 9 in Polizzi Hall of St. Ambrose Church.
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before December 12, 2025 to be featured in the January issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Josephine Gandolfo-Sabaski
Francesca Ferrara
Rosanna Leone
James Marino
Linda Marino
A Special Note:
Warm wishes to you this holiday season!
Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
American Named Honorary Ambassador of Florence
Joyce Acciaioli Rudge Founder of Splendor of Florence
Splendor of Florence is proud to
announce that its founder and creative director, Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, has been presented with the Florence Ambassador Award, one of the city’s highest honors. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, October 30, at 6 p.m. in the historic Salone dei Cinquecento of Palazzo Vecchio in the heart of Florence.
Presented annually by the Municipality of Florence, Fondazione Destination Florence, and Firenze Fiera, the Continued on page 7
Continued from page 6
Florence Ambassador Award recognizes outstanding individuals whose work has brought significant academic, scientific, cultural events or conventions to the city. Joyce’s visionary leadership and enduring passion for celebrating Florence’s heritage have left a lasting cultural impact. She accepted this honor in front of hundreds of Florentines—a moment as inspiring as it was well deserved.
The granddaughter of Italian artisans who immigrated to the United States, Joyce has dedicated her career to honoring their legacy.
“I could not imagine a better way to honor them than by bringing to life the
Continued on page 8
Sicilian Artichoke Dip
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.
Bring this to your holiday party!
Continued from page 7
extraordinary artistry of Florence, where creating with one’s hands has always been of the highest importance,” she said. “In 1999, that dream came true with the signing of a Friendship Pact between Florence and Providence and the opening of the first Splendor of Florence Festival in Providence.”
The inaugural festival, twenty-six years ago, featured more than a dozen Florentine master artisans demonstrating their craft on-site, paintings from the Uffizi Gallery, and collaborative programs. The festival culminated with a joint concert between opera singers from Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Several of Florence’s most innovative chefs partnered with Providence’s own. The event became a blueprint for subsequent Splendor of Florence festivals that introduced audiences across the United States to the city’s singular cultural brilliance—in New York City, Philadelphia, Florence, and most recently Providence, with Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two
Cities in 2024.
Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater offered a series of programs and events highlighting both Providence and Florence, and the devastating floods that inundated each city. The programs underscored the fragility
of our world, the power of community awareness, and the importance of restoring
Continued on page 12
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
certified email (PEC): con.chicago@cert.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy ITALIANCONSULSTL@GMAIL.COM 314-705-2413
VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487
PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS passaporti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
AIRE anagrafe.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
ELETTORALE/ ELECTORAL elettorale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
STATO CIVILE/VITAL RECORDS chicago.statciv@esteri.it (312) 995 5485
CITTADINANZA/CITIZENSHIP cittadinanza.chicago@esteri.it (312) 995 5484
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
NOTARILE/NOTARY legale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5483
UFFICIO SCUOLA/ EDUCATION OFFICE scuola.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5489
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
Schedule Basic
Continued from page 8
cultural treasures. They also explored how both cities are addressing climate change through mitigation, protection, and preservation.
Looking ahead to November 2026, Joyce and her team have begun meeting with city leaders and cultural institutions in Florence to plan the next edition of Splendor of Florence: Rising from the Arno—a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the flood that devastated the city. The proposed program envisions continuing the Friendship Pact between Providence and Florence, presenting music, education, and art in cultural landmarks throughout Florence.
About Splendor of Florence
Founded in 1999 by Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, Splendor of Florence celebrates the art, culture, and craftsmanship of Florence through international festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs. Each edition brings together artists, musicians, scholars and chefs to share the enduring beauty and creative spirit of the Renaissance city.
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
St. Ambrose Catholic Church Debuts a New Online Parish Publication
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
St. Ambrose Catholic Church, a cornerstone of The Hill for more than a century, has launched a new online publication designed to keep local parishioners and the broader ItalianAmerican community more connected than ever.
The new online publication— available directly on the St. Ambrose website—features updates on parish events, school news, spiritual reflections, and stories celebrating the Italian-American culture that continues to shape the parish’s identity. From announcements about feast days and community fundraisers to profiles of longtime parishioners and student achievements, the publication aims to serve as a central hub for both information and inspiration.
Golden Gate BridgeInspired Pasta Shape Launched by Bay Area Artisan Pasta Company
Mill Valley Pasta
Mill Valley Pasta Co. of Mill Valley, California, announces the release of their exclusive custom shaped pasta, Ponte d’Oro, inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge. Mill Valley Pasta Co. Releases Golden-Gate Bridge-Inspired Pasta Shape.
Mill Valley Pasta Co. has released their newest exclusive pasta shape, Ponte d’Oro, a custom pasta shape inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge. The name Ponte d’Oro is a literal translation of “The Golden Bridge.” A video announcing the release has gone somewhat viral on the social media platforms TikTok and Instagram, garnering more than thirty-five thousand views in 24 hours and prompting the pasta to sell out on its debut weekend.
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević “Stars
Italian Sky” By Jill Santopolo
The holidays are coming up, and I was looking for a cozy, feel-good read. I especially love stories that span generations and center on family. Jill Santopolo’s novel takes us from Genoa, Italy, at the end of World War II all the way to New York City in 2019. We meet Cassandra and her Nonna, Giovanna. Cassandra is engaged to be married to Luca, who is from Italy. Their two families are meeting for the first time, and tensions rise as they usually do around planning a wedding. When Giovanna meets Luca’s Nonno, Vincenzo, a secret from Giovanna’s past is resurfaced.
Everything about this novel was enjoyable to read. I loved the relationship between granddaughter and grandmother. It was heartwarming because Giovanna’s story reminds us that age is just a number and that it is never too late in life to chase what you want.
The shift to an online format allows St. Ambrose to reach those near and far— especially families who grew up on The Hill and want to remain part of parish life from afar. The publication also offers more flexibility for timely updates and expanded photo features.
By blending heritage with modern communication, St. Ambrose continues its mission to bring the community together while honoring a legacy more than 100 years strong.
Three Ways to Keep Italian Traditions Alive This Holiday Season
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
For many Italian-American families, the holiday season is a time to honor heritage, celebrate togetherness, and pass beloved customs to the next generation. Here are three meaningful ways to keep those traditions alive this year.
1. Cook the Classics
Food is at the heart of Italian culture. Prepare treasured family recipes—whether it’s struffoli, lasagna, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Cooking together keeps culinary traditions alive and creates memories that last for years!
2. Share the Stories
Take time to tell the stories behind your traditions: how Nonna made her Christmas cookies, or how your family used to celebrate back in Italy. Sharing history helps younger relatives understand and appreciate their roots.
3. Celebrate Faith and Community
Attend Mass, light your Nativity presepe, or take part in local cultural events. These moments connect families not only to their heritage but also to the broader ItalianAmerican community.
By embracing food, family stories, and faith, we keep our Italian traditions vibrant throughout the season. Send photos to courtney@ilpensiero.net.
Mill Valley Pasta Co. worked hand in hand with Giacomo Reni San Francisco’s Pastabiz, a company based in the Mission which specializes in pasta production tools and equipment, to finalize the design. The custom brass and bronze die was then fabricated by one of the few remaining die makers in Italy. Reni and Mill Valley Pasta Co. had previously worked together to create a custom die to make a Dachshunddog-shaped pasta that Mill Valley Pasta Co. calls “Cagnatini.”
The Ponte d’Oro pasta is available at both of Mill Valley Pasta Co.’s retail stores in Mill Valley and their Factory Store in San Rafael, as well as at all farmers market stops (6 weekly), and on their website (millvalleypasta.com).
About the Business:
Mill Valley Pasta Co. specializes in bronzecut dried and fresh extruded pastas made with Organic Semolina, and their selection of more than 90 different pastas are often uniquely flavored with ingredients like saffron, porcini mushroom, squid ink, truffle, or local vegetable and herb purees sourced from the farmers markets they also vend at. Their pastas are made in small batches (15 to 35 pounds at a time), and are air dried slowly in open-air drying racks to allow for a superior texture.
Mill Valley Pasta Co. was launched in the summer of 2020 when Chef Tony Adams was furloughed due to Covid-19. Adams offered to make pasta for his neighbors as something to keep himself busy, and when they asked if they could start paying for it, Adams decided to design logos and a name for the project, assuming that it would be incredibly temporary. News quickly spread on social media outlets such as Nextdoor, Facebook, and Instagram, and the pop-up continued to grow and spread and launched at local Marin farmers markets in Novato and Fairfax in early 2021. Mill Valley Pasta Co. currently operates and vends at 6 weekly farmers markets in the Bay Area including: San Rafael / Marin (Thursdays and Sundays), Larkspur Landing (Saturdays), The Ferry Plaza (Saturdays), Clement Street San Francisco (Sundays), and Oakland Temescal Market (Sundays).
in an