IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Gennaio 2024 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
NUMERO 1
Spring 2024 Italian Language Classes Sponsored by the Italian Club of St. Louis
Beginning in January, the Italian Club will be offering the following classes in Italian language as well as various topics of Italian cultural interest. Note that some classes have associated fees, and others are free for club members. Also, we offer both in-person courses and several via videoconference. Conversational Italian and the Cultural Topics courses are taught in Italian and are designed for current speakers as well as learners of Italian. Italian for Travelers This course offers students an introduction to useful travel phrases and vocabulary. Duration: 5 weeks Fee: $50 Session 1: Saturdays, 1/13-2/10, 10 a.m.-noon, St. Ambrose Church Hall Session 2: Wednesdays, 4/24-5/29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Ambrose Church Hall Beginner’s Italian 1 Beginning level course in the Italian language.
An Italian American Publication
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
12 PAGES
Duration: 8 weeks Fee: $80
Duration: 3 weeks FREE for club members
Tuesdays: 1/23-3/12, 6-8 p.m., St. Ambrose Church Hall
Tuesdays: 2/13-2/27, 10-11 a.m. (Google Meet)
Beginner’s Italian 2 A continuation of Beginner’s Italian 1 course in the Italian language.
Figurative Language in Italian Painting from the Middle Ages to the 1600s This course, taught in Italian, will explore the development and maturation of figure painting during the most productive period of Italian art history through an analysis of four great artists: Giotto, Antonello da Messina, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. Live from Italy!
Duration: 8 weeks Fee: $80 Tuesdays: 4/2-5/21, 6-8 p.m., St. Ambrose Church Hall Conversational Italian This interactive course is designed to give learners a structured opportunity to practice and develop conversation skills. Taught live from Rome via videoconference! You’ll be learning from the comfort of your home. Duration: 5 weeks FREE for club members Tuesdays: 1/9-2/6, 10-11 a.m. (Google Meet) Introduction to the Etruscan Civilization This course, taught in Italian, will give an overview of the history, geography and art of the Etruscan culture, a pre-Roman civilization of the Italian peninsula. Live from Italy!
Duration: 5 weeks FREE for club members Tuesdays: 3/5-4/2, 1-2 p.m. (Google Meet) Caravaggio This course, taught in Italian, will explore the career and masterpieces of Caravaggio from his early years through his great Roman works and his works in exile. It will also highlight works preserved in American collections. Live from Italy! Duration: 4 weeks FREE for club members Tuesdays: 4/9-4/30, (Google Meet)
time
t.b.a.
Visit italianclubstl.org/courses to register.
Pagina 2
Il Pensiero
Gennaio
2024
publishers
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
editorial art MANAGING EDITOR
Anthony Gandolfo
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack COPY EDITOR
Amanda Coyne
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Courtney Kamm
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Gus Torregrossa
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Marino
DISTRIBUTION James Marino Alexandra Marino
MAIN OFFICE
italia 314-722-6728 online
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA
Salvatore Gandolfo
ilpensiero.net
Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia
To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2024 Article/Ad Deadlines February: January 12 March: February 16 April: March 15 May: April 12 June: May 17 July: June 14 August: July 12 September: August 16 October: September 13 November: October 18 December: November 15
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
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.
IMPORTANT
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.
Gennaio
2024
Il Pensiero
Pagina 3
Pagina 4
Il Pensiero
Gennaio
LA COLONNA DEL NOSTRO CORRISPONDENTE:
GUS TORREGROSSA
IL PENSIERO
Official Photographer
Larry Romano, movie and television star living on The Hill
Margaret Daly, Msg. Vincent Bommarito, Gus Torregrossa and Marlene Trupiano at All Saints Catholic Church
2024
Gennaio
2024
NIAF Launches Fundraising Campaign to Establish Academy of Neapolitan Nativity Art
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has launched an international fundraising campaign for the creation of the Artisan Academy of Nativity Art in San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy. This new academy will teach the centuriesold artistic tradition of handcrafting Neapolitan nativity scenes, preserving an iconic part of Italian cultural heritage. NIAF, the City of Naples, the CON IL SUD Foundation, L’Altra Napoli Association, the Botteghe di San Gregorio Armeno Association, and the Manallart Cooperative are joining forces to fundraise for the establishment of the Academy of Neapolitan Nativity Art. Young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds will learn woodworking, sculpture, painting and other creative skills from master artisans in the historic San Gregorio Armeno district, known for its ornate nativity scenes. “Preserving the best of Italian traditions aligns fully with NIAF’s mission,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “The quality of this proposal, and reputation of the organizations involved, convinced us to spearhead U.S. fundraising efforts. We are honored to rally support from Americans nationwide to make the Nativity Academy a reality.” The vocational program also aims to boost cultural tourism to Naples by promoting the city’s singular holiday craft to the world. Students will lead workshops for nativity enthusiasts and produce pieces for display and purchase. The Church of Naples views this arts education model as an impactful anti-delinquency effort that provides direction and purpose for disadvantaged Neapolitan youth. Donations for the Nativity Academy can be made via NIAF’s website. NIAF thanks its members and supporters for empowering this cultural preservation cause. On June 28, 2023, NIAF Chairman Bob Carlucci signed an agreement aimed at conserving and promoting Italian and Neapolitan culture within the Italian American community. The signing took place at Naples City Hall with Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, in the honorable presence of Tracy Roberts-Pounds, the U.S. Consul General to Naples, and a special delegation of the NIAF Board of Directors.
Il Pensiero
rich in history, art, and culture. Renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant traditions, Naples holds a unique place in the hearts of Italian Americans and serves as a gateway to their ancestral heritage.
Una mostraomaggio dedicata a Walt Disney per il Buon Natale de La Lanterna Magica
Diventata ormai una delle più attese tradizioni aquilane, la mostra-evento per Natale dell’Istituto Cinematografico “La Lanterna Magica” torna quest’anno con un omaggio a Walt Disney, l’indimenticabile mago del cinema. La mostra, intitolata “i 100 Natali di Papà Disney”, verrà inaugurata domani, Sabato 16 dicembre alle ore 18:00 a L’Aquila, nei locali di Palazzo Tre Marie, celebre sede dello storico ristorante omonimo, e comprende una ricca selezione di poster e locandine dei popolarissimi capolavori cinematografici di Walt Disney. In realtà, i Natali Disney non sono proprio 100. Tuttavia, nel caso di Papà Disney, c’è qualcosa che conta piú dei sogni? Nato poco prima di Natale, nel 1901, se n’era andato poco prima di un altro Natale, quello del 1966: un altro piccolo slancio e avrebbe avuto in regalo precisamente un Natale per ciascun anno di vita. A Disney, invece, inesauribile costruttore di sogni, è riuscito perfettamente di regalare al mondo intero l’allegria, la spensieratezza e le dolci speranze che del Natale fanno il giorno piú desiderato d’ogni anno. Tanto per rinvigorire la memoria dei suoi fans, vale la pena di ricordare che Walt Disney ha inventato nel 1928 il suo primo personaggio, l’impagabile Topolino, che nel 1955 inaugurò Disneyland, primo parco tematico del nostro pianeta, e che a lui si deve la creazione di piú di 80 film, grazie ai quali gli sono venuti ben 26 Premi Oscar. I suoi film piú famosi realizzati in vita, cioè tra il 1937 e il 1964, sono Biancaneve e i sette nani, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cenerentola, Alice nel paese delle meraviglie, Le avventure di Peter Pan, La bella addormentata nel bosco, La carica dei 101 e Mary Poppins. Le sue idee hanno seguitato a ispirare gli eredi della sua prestigiosa casa di produzione, da dove sono usciti, tra gli
Medicare Made Simple Let’s talk: • in person • by phone • online
About NIAF: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
LOCAL INDEPENDENT BROKER
About the City of Naples: Located in Southern Italy, Naples is a city
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
314-395-9369
www.mpalazzolo.com
Pagina 5
altri: Il libro della giungla, Winnie the Pooh, Gli Aristogatti, Robin Hood, La Sirenetta, La bella e la bestia, Alla ricerca di Nemo, Gli Incredibili e Cars. A chi gli chiedeva quale fosse il suo mestiere, Disney rispondeva: «Sono come un’ape che vola di fiore in fiore alla ricerca del polline più adatto per realizzare il miglior miele possibile». La Mostra, prodotta dall’Istituto Cinematografico dell’Aquila “La Lanterna Magica”, in collaborazione con la Compagnia della Contessa, resterà aperta a L’Aquila, Palazzo Tre Marie, in Via Tre Marie, 9, dal 16 Dicembre al 7 Gennaio 2024, tutti i giorni dalle 10:00-13:00 e dalle 16:00-20:00, ingresso libero.
New Year, New Dining by Courtney Kamm
New restaurants and old favorites are always popping up in new locations around St. Louis, so it’s no surprise that 2024 will bring new and exciting dining experiences to the city. Here are just a few of the most anticipated new restaurants coming to STL: Telva at the Ridge (projected to open early January) Nexus Cuisine & Craft Cocktails (projected to open in January or February) Napoli Bros Pizza & Pasta (projected to open in March) Alpha Brewing Company (projected to open in spring 2024) The Yale Bar (projected to open in spring 2024) These are just a few of the many new restaurants hitting the St. Louis food scene in 2024. Continue to check back all year long for monthly announcements, menu updates, and more!
Welcome to the Neighborhood! by Courtney Kamm
Give a warm welcome to new local businesses moving to The Hill, a historical neighborhood in St. Louis! Brown and Crouppen Law Firm will move its headquarters from downtown to The Hill, converting a historic factory that’s been largely vacant for 50 years into a $15.5 million customized office. Studio Magnolia, a little studio with big dreams, opened last month at 5400 Magnolia Ave. At this studio, you’ll find hair services, waxing, permanent jewelry, different pop-up events, teeth whitening, bridal events, and more! Stay tuned for more exciting new businesses coming to The Hill in 2024!
National Italian American Foundation Participates at the AmCham Italy Transatlantic Awards Gala
Continued on page 6
un annuncio
Pagina 6
by Carina Marino
BIRTHDAYS
Silvia Fritsch Sofia Fritsch Emma Gandolfo Lio Leone Pietro Nicastro Tony Nicastro
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before January 12, 2024 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 12, 2024 for the February issue.
A Special Note: Stay warm!
Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
A Cozy Mediterranean Artichoke Dip Ingredients:
an Il Pensiero favorite
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.
Il Pensiero
Continued from page 5 The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) proudly took part in the American Chamber of Commerce In Italy’s (AmCham Italy) XVII Transatlantic Awards Gala Dinner on December 4, in Milan, Italy, an event celebrating the strong economic relations between the United States and Italy. The Gala brought together more than 700 key figures from the business, political, and cultural spheres in Italy and the U.S. The evening honored the Ambassador of Italy to the United States of America Mariangela Zappia and the Ambassador of the United States of America to Italy and San Marino Jack Markell for their work strengthening the alliance between the two nations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was also recognized for his efforts to advance transatlantic relations as were a number of American companies operating in Italy. “It was an honor to represent NIAF at this impactful event highlighting the vibrant bonds between Italy and America,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “NIAF and AmCham Italy share a commitment to foster a closer rapport between our two great nations. In this noble cause NIAF considers AmCham Italy to be a highly valued and esteemed partner.” Among the American companies operating in Italy additionally honored at the Transatlantic Awards Gala were Athonet, BAT Italia, Bain Capital Private Equity, BDT & MSD Partners, CISCO Italia, F.I.S. – Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici S.p.A., Generali Group, Google Cloud Italia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Italia, IMA Group, Kyndryl Italia, Marchesi Antinori and Phillip Morris Italia. Similarly to the companies celebrated, the evening also saw the recognition of three Italian universities, Politecnico di Milano, Università Bocconi and LUISS Guido Carli who completed the accreditation process in the American market this year and were presented with the Transatlantic Academic Award. As part of its charity initiatives, this year AmCham Italy chose AUS Niguarda as its charity partner, a nonprofit organization that supports the Spinal Cord Injury Unit of the Niguarda Hospital in Milan. By partnering with AUS Niguarda, AmCham Italy will help raise awareness and funds for this volunteer organization and the important rehabilitation services they provide to the community. The event was sponsored by AbbVie, Assicurazioni Generali, Banca Mediolanum, BAT Italia, Boeing, Centromarca, CocaCola Italia, Deloitte Italy, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Italia, Intesa Sanpaolo, Kyndryl, Losito Guarini, Mapei, MBE Worldwide, McDonald’s Italy, Oliver Wyman, Philip Morris Italia and WBA. About NIAF: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States..
Gennaio
2024
About the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy The American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham Italy Italy) is a nonprofit organization that works to develop economic and cultural relations between Italy and the United States. Founded in 1915, AmCham Italy Italy connects American and Italian companies, with the goal of creating new business opportunities and attracting investment. With offices in Milan and Rome, AmCham Italy Italy represents over 500 companies that seek to build bridges across the Atlantic.
A Sweet Celebration: Bridal Shower Buzzes with Joy at Carnivore on The Hill by Il Pensiero
In a delightful affair that filled the air with joy and laughter, family and friends gathered on August 12, 2023, to celebrate Alexandra Marino, the bride-to-be at Carnivore on The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri. The event, aptly themed “Bride to Bee,” was a hive of excitement, hosted by the bride’s doting mother, sister, godmother, and aunts. As guests entered the venue, they were greeted by a whimsical atmosphere adorned with charming bee and honey decorations. The theme created a delightful ambiance, with yellow and black accents buzzing throughout the venue, from the table settings to the honey flutes. The day was filled with an array of engaging activities and games that kept attendees entertained and in high spirits. From bridal bingo to a “Guess the Number of Honeycombs” jar, the guests eagerly participated in the festivities, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Prizes, ranging from milk and honey body moisturizer to conditioning lip scrub, were awarded to the lucky winners, making the occasion even more memorable The shower concluded with heartfelt toasts and well-wishes for the bride-to-be, echoing the sentiments of love and support that filled the room. As the guests departed, each received a small jar of Charlotte, North Carolina (Chippendale Local Honey) sourced honey and a personalized beehive ornament as a sweet reminder of the day’s festivities. The Bride to Bee bridal shower at Carnivore on The Hill was a delightful blend of love, laughter, and a touch of whimsy.
Gennaio
2024
Il Pensiero
Pagina 7
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
EAT AT THE STADIUM Send pictures to info@ilpensiero.net.
Pagina 8
Il Pensiero
Christmas on The Hill December 9, 2023 St. Louis, Missouri photos by Colleen Dundon
Gennaio
2024
Gennaio
A Division of DAS Acquisition Company, LLC
A Better Way To Buy A Home
2024
Il Pensiero
Pagina 9
314-420-5723 Direct 314-628-2096 NMLS 1024710 MO 6507-MLO
Victoria DiGregorio Mortgage Banker
Email: vdigregorio@usa-mortgage.com Apply Online: www.GoSeeVickie.com Company NMLS 227262 Missouri Residential Mortgage Licensee 12140 Woodcrest Executive Dr. Suite 150 St. Louis, Mo. 63141
americanindustrialradiator.com
jmarino61@att.net
Pagina 10
Il Pensiero
Italian Heritage Parade and Festa October 8, 2023 The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri photos by Christine Ngo
Gennaio
2024
Gennaio
2024
Il Pensiero
CONSOLATO GENERALE D’ITALIA
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS
THOMAS BOTZIOS– CONSOLE GENERALE
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 BAKER BOTTS L.L.P. 190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 1475 St. Louis, MO 63105-3443 Tel: 314-275-0351 Fax: 314-275-0371 email: saintlouis.onorario@esteri.it 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
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
Pagina 11
Pagina 12
Il Pensiero
Gennaio
Sicilian Cultural Association Christmas Party and 30th Anniversary Celebration December 10, 2023 Orlando’s Event Center photos submitted by Sicilian Cultural Association
2024