Gennaio 2023

IL PENSIERO

“THE THOUGHT”

Office: 10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63123

Spring 2023 Italian Language Classes

Sponsored by the Italian Club of St. Louis italianclubstl.org/courses

Italian for Travelers

Thursdays, Jan. 19, 2023 – Feb. 16, 2023

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Class held in St. Ambrose Church basement on Wilson and Marconi Avenue.

Tuition for this 5 week class is $50.

Instructor: Barbara Klein This class is designed for those planning to travel to Italy. The course will introduce students to the fundamental vocabulary and phrases useful to get around and meet basic travel needs.

Beginner’s Italian I Tuesdays, Jan. 24, 2023 – April 25, 2023

6:30–8:30 p.m.

No class Feb. 28, April 4.

Class held in St. Ambrose Church basement on Wilson and Marconi Avenue.

Tuition for this 12 week class is $120.

Instructor: Sam April

Beginner’s Italian I is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Italian grammar to help them to develop basic communication skills. Emphasis is placed on basic grammar, vocabulary building, pronunciation and listening comprehension. Textbook required. Please visit our website italianclubstl.org/courses to register.

NIAF Now Accepting Applications for Scholarships

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 school year. NIAF offers scholarships in the fields of Italian language and culture, medicine, engineering, business, law, music, and other specialized fields to Italian American students who demonstrate academic promise and take initiative to learn more about their heritage.

For more than four decades, NIAF’s Scholarship Program has grown to offer many different scholarships with various criteria, ranging in value from $2,500 to $12,000. In 2022, NIAF awarded approximately $700,000 in direct aid.

“NIAF’s scholarship program represents the Foundation’s commitment to educating the future generation of Italian Americans and is made possible thanks to the generosity of successful Italian American leaders who want to give back to the community,” said NIAF Chairman Robert E. Carlucci.

“We invite Italian American college students to discover the vast selection of scholarships available to pursue their dreams,” said NIAF’s Scholarships and Grants Committee Co-Chair, Joe Gulino.

Scholarship applicants must be NIAF members or have a parent or guardian who

is a member of the Foundation. Applicants must also be enrolled in or entering an accredited college or university in the United States in the fall of 2023. For the purposes of the NIAF Scholarships Program, to be considered “Italian American” the applicant must have at least one ancestor who has emigrated from Italy; applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.

Only online applications will be accepted. All requirements, including recommendation letters and other supporting documents, must be uploaded to the application portal by the deadline to be considered complete.

The application deadline is Wednesday, March 1, 2023 (11:59 p.m. ET). Scholarship recipients will be notified via email on Monday, May 1, 2023.

For more information on the available scholarships and instructions on how to apply, please visit niaf.org/programs/ scholarships.

We also encourage applicants to read the FAQs about NIAF’s Scholarship Program at: niaf.org/about/frequentlyasked-questions.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit niaf.org.

Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

publishers

Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino

MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo

ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack

editorial art STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Gus Torregrossa office

BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Marino

COPY EDITOR Amanda Coyne

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Courtney Kamm

DISTRIBUTION James Marino Alexandra Marino MAIN OFFICE 314-722-6728 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.

2023 Article/Ad Deadlines

February: January 13 March: February 17 April: March 17 May: April 14 June: May 19 July: June 16 August: July 14 September: August 18 October: September 15 November: October 13 December: November 17

IMPORTANTE

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.

A Look Back at 2022

IL

PENSIERO

Monsignor Bommarito, Gus Torregrossa and Monsignor Polizzi at his 92nd birthday at Gian-Tony’s Ristorante on The Hill

Official Photographer

Grazie Maria Bertarelli-Weldon and Curtis Weldon at their wedding

Gus Torregrossa, Monsignor Henry Breier and Mark Daly

Gus Torregrossa and Michelle Woodling at Shrine of St. Joseph

Sadie Woodling, Michael Woodling and Tim and Michelle Fagnani

A Sweet New Business You Don’t Want to Miss

by Courtney Kamm

O’Fallon, Illinois, meet Gigi’s! Gigi’s Gelato and Italian Market is an authentic food and beverage spot set to open in O’Fallon in 2023 next to Papa Murphy’s Pizza on Highway 50.

Gigi’s gelato parlor will have delicious flavors and toppings. The market will feature an olive oil and balsamic tasting bar, gourmet Italian food items locally sourced from The Hill, and specialty items brought in from Italy.

Interested in working at Gigi’s? They are currently hiring now for full and part-time managers, assistant managers, and customer service representatives. If you are interested in applying, head to gigisgelatoanditalianmarket.com and fill out the form. Stay tuned for opening events and activities coming soon!

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

by Courtney Kamm

On January 16, 2023, we will celebrate MLK Day in the United States of America. While many see this as a day off from work or school, we should be looking at this date as a “day on” to volunteer and give back to our communities. Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate MLK day this year:

1. Educate yourself beyond your history class by visiting your local library or reading more about Martin Luther King Jr. online.

2. Search for volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. An easy way to do this is by visiting americorps.gov.

3. Donate to and support organizations that fight racial injustice.

4. Support Black-owned businesses that often face additional barriers to success. You can shop in-person or online. However you choose to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., you should make it more impactful than just “a day off.”

Groundhog Day

Preparation

by Courtney Kamm

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and scurries back into his hole on February 2, we want you to be ready with all sorts of great ways for spending a few extra weeks of winter.

Here are a few things to have prepped and ready just in case we have six more weeks of colder weather ahead:

1. Pick out a good book to have ready.

2. Get organized. Spring cleaning can start early!

3. Learn to cook something new (probably a soup or a warm dish ... we have an appetizer idea for you on page 6 and a snack on page 12).

Joseph DeGregorio’s Book Launch Oliva on The

Hill October 5, 2022

Pet Spotlight

submitted by Bailey Wolf

Full name: Ruby Wolf

Nickname: Ruby Tuesday

Age: 4

Weight: 15 lbs.

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite snack: Milkbone Dog Biscuits

Favorite toy: Soccer Balls

Favorite activity: Snuggling while watching TV

Favorite place for a walk: Grant’s Trail

Tricks: Standing on 2 feet

Dislikes: Most people

Home: South County STL

Siblings: none

Social media:

Instagram: @_rubythechiweenie_

photos by Colleen Dundon

un annuncio

by Carina Marino

BIRTHDAYS

Silvia Fritsch Sofia Fritsch Emma Gandolfo Lio Leone Tony Nicastro Pietro Nicastro

Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before January 13, 2023 to be featured in the February issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you

DECESSI

Submit an obituary to info@ilpensiero.net by January 13, 2023 for the February issue.

Joseph S. Palazzo

May 1, 1939 - December 26, 2022

Beloved husband for 56 years of Vita Palazzo (nee Monteleone); loving father of Gina (Dan) Hahn and Marco (Shana) Palazzo; dear grandfather of Gabrielle (Andrew) Pizzullo, Danny and Joe Hahn, Landen, Alayna, Gavin and Aiden Palazzo; dear brother of Ross (Anna) Palazzo and Josephine Byrne; dear uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many. Memorials to American Cancer Society appreciated.

Warm Mediterranean Dip

2 cans of artichokes 1 cup of mayonnaise 1 cup of Parmesan cheese

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.

Meet the Team

Hello! My name is Christine Ngo and I’m a photography intern at Il Pensiero. I am currently a sophomore at Saint Louis University (SLU) majoring in marketing. At SLU, I am involved in my sorority, Kappa Delta, where I currently serve as the director of social media and marketing. I hope this position will help me get a sense of what kind of responsibility I will need to take on later in my career. I am also involved in the Vietnamese Student Association, which is a fun way to celebrate my culture with my peers.

I began picking up photography during my freshman year at Cor Jesu

Academy through the photography club. The hobby soon became a passion and was fueled by the bond created between my father and me, as he used to be a wedding photographer. In my sophomore year, I began my business, CXN Photography, with the encouragement of my friends. This continued to motivate me to take on more photography opportunities, which led me to begin interning at Il Pensiero during my junior year of high school. This internship has given me the chance of getting to know Carina Marino who has been such an amazing person to work with! She is patient and genuinely considerate and is a big reason why I continue photographing for Il Pensiero!

Over the past few years, Il Pensiero has allowed me to continue my passion for photography even in my busy college life. It’s a nice little break from hustle and bustle of college and has also given me the chance to explore another part of The Hill each time I’m there. I’ve even brought some nonnative Saint Louis friends along for the job just so they, too, can experience the culture and sense of community that The Hill radiates. I hope to continue to photograph for Il Pensiero throughout the rest of my college years!

A Special Note:

We wish you a happy and healthy 2023!

Carina Marino

and the Il Pensiero staff

Valentine’s Day is Coming Up

by Courtney Kamm

Did you know that the first valentine was sent in the 15th century? Or that chocolates used to be prescribed for a broken heart?! Whether you celebrate this so-called “Hallmark Holiday” or not, here are a few fun facts to share with your friends, family or valentine this year: 1. The first Valentine’s Day celebration

occurred in Paris (aka the city of love) in 1400.

2. 145 million greeting cards are exchanged every year for Valentine’s Day.

3. About 20% of pet owners give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets!

4. Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day in the United States of America only.

5. Teachers are the number one recipient of Valentines (We agree that they are the most deserving!)

Who will you be sending a valentine to this year? Make sure to cut and fill out the Valentine’s Day card above.

Mail your valentine to our main office, and we will distribute the love to a nearby nursing home.

10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

Advertise with Il Pensiero

Show us your support and let us help you promote your business as we continue to provide you with beneficial articles and relevant content you love once a month! Learn more and reserve your space. Email info@ilpensiero.net

Christmas on The Hill Piazza Imo November 26, 2022

photos by Christine Ngo

Italian Heritage Parade and Festa The Hill October 9, 2022

photos by Colleen Dundon

GENERALE D’ITALIA

THOMAS BOTZIOS–CONSOLE GENERALE

500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550 fax: 312-467-1335

italcons.chicago@esteri.it con.chicago@cert.esteri.it Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni

Office: 314-275-0351 Mobile: 314-705-2413 saintlouis.onorario@esteri.it italianconsulstl@gmail.com

VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487

PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ 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 E CITTADINANZA/ VITAL RECORDS AND 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

COMITES

Presidente Luigi Sciortino comiteschicago.com Facebook: Comiteschicago Illinois 3502 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 +1 773-414-0636

Emergency Number Italian Citizens ONLY: (accidents, arrests, serious medical problems, etc.) +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 Dott. Luca Di Vito, Director

DiGregorio’s Italian Market’s Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

2 lbs. DiGregorio Italian Salsiccia cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 tsp. DiGregorio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil

½ tbsp. minced garlic

12 oz. chili sauce

12 oz. grape jelly

½ tbsp. crushed red pepper ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Pour the oil in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then add the chili sauce and grape jelly and mix together. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently.

Place the sausage in your slow cooker.

Add the spices to the sauce mixture, stir and then pour it over the sausage. Cover and cook for 1½ - 2 hours on high, or until the sausage is hot and the sauce is bubbly. Stir once after 1 hour.

Misericordia Society Christmas Party Tapawingo National Golf Club December 4, 2022

submitted by Nicholle Hansel-Middleman