Giugno 2023

IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”

Laccetti Foundation Announces WorldCast23 for June 8

The Silvio Laccetti Foundation will present WorldCast23, an environmental studies seminar for and by high school students around the world. This is the third consecutive program of its kind for this highly anticipated broadcast.

Past year participants included: NJ schools Lyndhurst, Point Pleasant Boro, Watchung Valley Regional, Marco Polo School in New York City, select high schools from Venice and Novarra, Italy and two schools from Serra Negra in Brazil. Becton Regional presented last year and will do so again. For WorldCast21 and 22, Ca’ Foscari University, in Venice, Italy, hosted the zoomcast in cooperation with the Consul General of Italy in New York City.

This year, the new nonprofit Emigration and Empathy (E & E), will provide the platform for the broadcast. E & E was founded by Francesco Ponteriero, a top honor’s student at Delbarton Academy in Morristown, NJ. Francesco was the 2022 winner of the Silvio Laccetti Foundation’s Garibaldi Award for excellence in Italian Studies and Community Service. Francesco serves as the producer, master of ceremonies, and film editor of WorldCast23

- an amazing undertaking for a student heavily involved in school extracurriculars. The uniqueness of WorldCast is in presentations by high school students who live and learn in environmental hotspots. This adds immediate and personal dimensions to the program. The research is unencumbered by political ideologies or preconceived notions about problem areas. This year, we expanded the reach of the program, adding four new topics and schools in three new countries. Here is the program:

- Glenstal Abbey School, Limerick, Ireland: The Deterioration of the Gulf Stream

- St. Clare’s College, Griffith, ACT, Australia: Perils to the Great Barrier Reef

- Kirmayr School, Brazil: Threats to the Rain Forest

- Becton High School, New Jersey, USA: Endangered Species Amid Urban-suburban sprawl

- HHX Aalborg School, Saxograde, Denmark: Windmills and Clean Energy

- Delbarton School, New Jersey, USA: Jockey Hollow National Park

A keynote address will be delivered by Logan Bateman, of Montclair High School, NJ. Logan was the 2022 winner of the Charlie Kontos Environmental Activist Award given by the Laccetti Foudation. Bateman will urge all viewers to become involved in locally significant projects which benefit the environment, citing the example of his own work in organizing a group of students that restored and reopened a

wildlife reserve near his home town. WorldCast23 will have its premiere on YouTube on June 8 at 10 a.m. Thus it can be seen during school hours in a classroom or in an auditorium setting. The general public is also invited to attend the premiere. It will be available thereafter on demand at any time for various uses by schools and environmental groups. Viewers may go to the website bit.ly/worldcast2023 where they will find a countdown clock to broadcast time. Afterwards, the program will be accessible at any time, worldwide.

The Silvio Laccetti Foundation promotes Italian heritage studies and activities worldwide, particularly through its Garibaldi Award Program which recognizes high-achieving students who embody the values and social consciousness of Italian America.

Francesco Pontoriero, may be reached at cesco58@optimum.net. Dr. Laccetti may be reached at slaccett@ stevens.edu for questions or comments.

Francesco receiving his Garibaldi Award from Silvio Laccetti

submitted by Silvio Laccetti

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 314-722-6728 italia

DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo

Via Delle Palme 7

91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia

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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.

Official Photographer

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi and his friends

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi saying grace before a birthday party celebration

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi and nuns on The Hill

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi’s family and friends

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi’s family

Happy Birthday, Il Pensiero

by Courtney Kamm

and eyes from harmful UV rays during outdoor adventures. Get that summer glow without the harmful rays with a spray tan from Sunset Skin!

Remembering Sal Palmeri

by Courtney Kamm

Il

Pensiero “The

Thought” will celebrate 119 years of continuous service to the Italian American community this year on June 7! Here’s three facts about Il Pensiero you might not know:

Il Pensiero “The Thought” is the only Italian newspaper published in the state of Missouri and distributed throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Originally started by Luigi Carnevale in 1904, the newspaper was purchased by Antonino Lombardo and Anthony Gandolfo in 1967. Today, the paper is published by Antonino Lombardo and his granddaughter, Carina Marino.

Il Pensiero was awarded a blue ribbon in 1911 by the Italian government for its efforts in maintaining cultural ties between the Italian immigrants and Italy. Thank you for 119 amazing years! We hope you celebrate this year by sharing the paper with the ones you love. Have good memories with the paper or kind words you want to share? Send us your stories and comments to courtney@ilpensiero.net.

Celebrating Flag Day

by Courtney Kamm

Flag Day in America commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Many proud Americans celebrate by displaying the Red, White, and Blue in front of homes and businesses, but what does this day mean to proud Italian Americans?

Flag Day holds immense importance for Italian American citizens, serving as a powerful symbol of their dual heritage and loyalty. It is a day to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Italian Americans to the framework of American society. The American flag represents unity, freedom, and the pursuit of the American dream. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Italian immigrants who sought better lives in the United States. Flag Day is an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate their cultural roots and proudly display their love for their country.

Show your love for your flag and support a local business with Daily Disco’s custom jacket creation. Choose from custom embroidery and patchwork to create your perfect Red, White, and Blue apparel!

Summer is Coming!

by Courtney Kamm

With the first day of summer just around the corner, it’s time to welcome the sun-soaked season with open arms. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for June 21, and the sunny season that follows:

1. Wardrobe Refresh: Swap out heavy winter layers for breezy outfits, vibrant colors, and lightweight fabrics that embrace the spirit of summer. We love to shop Koho Boutique near The Hill for all our summer staples!

2. Sun Protection: Prioritize sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin

3. Create an Outdoor Oasis: Get your outdoor space summer-ready with cozy seating, colorful cushions, and vibrant plants to create a refreshing retreat. Call Kyle’s Landscaping to start sprucing up your summer oasis!

4. Stay Hydrated: As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes crucial. Carry a reusable water bottle and enjoy refreshing drinks to beat the summer heat. K. Ferrara Color’s “Love You” water bottle makes the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

5. Embrace Adventures: Plan exciting activities like beach trips, hiking excursions, or picnics to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. Looking for a fun place to visit? Check out Washington, MO!

What are you up to this summer? Let us know and even send us pictures! Email us at courtney@ilpensiero.net.

Is Your Home Summer Ready?

by Courtney Kamm

We already talked about getting your outdoor space ready for the warmer months, but what about the inside of your house? We talked to St. Louis native and Keller Williams Realtor, Margaret Marino, about getting your home summer ready whether you are buying, selling, or just updating from last year.

What are three things current homeowners should be doing to prep for summer?

Homeowners should be having their AC cleaned and checked by a service provider in addition to changing the filter every 90 days or more during periods when there’s a lot of pollen and mold in the air. If possible, homeowners could look into purchasing a generator in case of severe weather and checking the home’s gutter systems for heavy rains.

What are some upcoming summer trends for the home?

The top three summer trends Marino is seeing a lot of are pastel shades, mixed metal finishes, and statement lighting.

Is summer a good time to buy or sell a home?

Good news for those looking to sell or buy anytime soon, because summer is typically a great time for buyers and sellers: the weather is great and everything is in full bloom! Margaret Marino also mentioned that families typically want to sell or buy their next home before school starts back up, so as the weather heats up, so will the market!

To get in contact with Margaret Marino, visit Marinohomes.kw.com to start the conversation and learn about buying, selling and renting. Are you buying or selling a house this summer? Have any summer trends you’re dying to share? Send us photos to courtney@ilpensiero.net — we would love to share with our community!

The Italian American community lost an important member of the community, Sal Palmeri, last month. Palmeri, a Sicilian from New York, was said to be the man who invented radio for Italian Americans.

He organized big events and concerts at Madison Square Garden, brought Italian stars to perform in America, and even met with Pope Wojtyla and heads of state.

Sal Palmeri founded ICN (Italians Communication Network), the Italian radio station in America, in 1983 and continued to run it until 2006. The station was widely appreciated by Italian Americans and Americans themselves. To this day, ICN has never interrupted its programs and broadcasts. ICN produces a wide range of content including music, sports, current events and more, 24 hours a day.

In lieu of flowers the Palmeri family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Pink Pineapples, Black Diamond Watermelons and more - A Local Business Spotlight

by Courtney Kamm

Joe’s Produce is a local produce stand in South County St. Louis, Missouri. Located at 13116 Tesson Ferry Rd., Joe’s Produce offers a large variety of fresh produce all year long as well as local favorites including Anthonino’s Taverna’s marinara sauce and Bartolino’s pasta sauce.

During homegrown season, Joe’s purchases as much as they can from local farmers and the Amish, ensuring that when you shop there you support local business near and far. Right now you can shop seasonal produce and flowers, but later in the year you will be able to find a huge variety of pumpkins around Halloween and Thanksgiving, and fresh cut Christmas trees in December.

Make sure to stop by Joe’s Produce this summer, and every other season, to fill your home with fresh, local goods.

Lauderdale Yacht Club Plays Host to Italian American Networking Reception

The Lauderdale Yacht Club played host to the National Italian American Foundation’s second annual Fort Lauderdale networking cocktail reception to promote membership and to grant a scholarship in the name of former Miami Dolphins and NIAF member Anthony Fasano, on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

More than 100 NIAF members and invited guests arrived at the private club located in the residential Ft. Lauderdale neighborhood off the Intracoastal Waterway, having their photos taken along

by Carina Marino BIRTHDAYS Austin Heath IL PENSIERO

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NIAF Board Member Nicholas Caiazzo welcoming members and invited guests “to meet new friends, new business partners, and become familiar with others, who share similar passions for their Italian heritage, culture, and family.” Caiazzo recognized the evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of the sponsors including Wilson Elser, PAL Environmental Safety Corporation, Unity Construction Group, Bentley Ventures, LLC., Nouveau Florida, and M Group Companies.

Inviting NIAF Area Coordinator Angelo Golemi to the podium, Caiazzo asked him to share a few words about what NIAF means to him. “We’re here to celebrate our past, we’re here to celebrate our present, but we’re also here to elevate and celebrate the next generation of Italian American leaders,” said Golemi.

The highlight of the evening was Golemi welcoming Anthony Fasano, former Miami Dolphins player and NIAF member, to gift a scholarship in his name to St. Thomas University athlete Presley Sartori. Fasano took the stage to thank the corporate sponsors, who made the NIAF Anthony Fasano scholarship possible. “I grew up with a rich Italian American history in New Jersey and after living here for 15 years, I feel so at home being a part of NIAF,” said Fasano. Fasano added, “The NIAF Florida community has a great future and momentum and I encourage anyone that is not a member to consider becoming a member, as it has proven to be a great membership for myself and my business.”

Father’s Day 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.

Congrats, Grad!

Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Monday, April 24, 2023. Beloved son of the late Papa Vito Polizzi and Mama Rosalia Polizzi; dearest brother of the late Joseph Polizzi, the late Phyllis Polizzi, the late Dominic Polizzi, the late Anna Maria Polizzi, the late Catherine Craig, the late Sister M. Marcella, A.S.C.J, the late Margaret Polizzi, the late John Polizzi, the late Marie Mule and Patricia Daher. Our beloved brother and uncle, great-uncle, great great-uncle, cousin, dear friend and adored Pastor to many.

SERVICES: Visitation was on Monday, May 1, 2023 at St. Roch Catholic Church, 6052 Waterman Boulevard; 63112 from 4 - 7p.m. There was a second visitation at The Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Boulevard; 63108 on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations in Msgr. Polizzi’s name may be made to the “MOGC Msgr. Sal Polizzi Memorial Fund” (For elderly Priest’s at Mother of Good Counsel Home) or the “ASCJ Msgr. Sal Polizzi Memorial Fund” (For elderly Nuns at Apostles of the Sacred Heart Home). The Mass was live streamed at cathedralstl.org

Please visit calcaterrafuneral.com for more information.

Continued from page 5 the step & repeat. Upon entry, guests were treated to an array of Italian specialties and wines, while interacting with fellow Italian Americans.

The evening commenced with

Fasano bestowed upon Sartori the award, which she graciously accepted, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to NIAF, and explained that she plans to use the scholarship to further her career in criminal justice. “I come from a big Italian American family that has supported me, and it is what has driven me to be the best that I can be,” said Sartori. “I plan to work in social services and support kids struggling in the community who are not as fortunate as us,” added Sartori.

At the close of the evening, Caiazzo thanked everyone for attending and urged non-members to learn more about joining NIAF by speaking with Anthony O’Boyle, Director of Public Affairs and Development, either on-site at the registration desk or at aoboyle@niaf.org or 202-939-3109.

About NIAF:

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit, non-partisan 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.

Follow NIAF on Social Media

Facebook: facebook.com/niaf.org

Twitter: @NIAForg

Instagram: @niafitalianamerican

YouTube: youtube.com/user/NIAFITALY

A Special Note:

Shoutout to my dad, our delivery teammate, during this month of celebrating fathers. And, my Nonno who helps me publish this newspaper for you.

Carina Marino

and the Il Pensiero staff

Emma Gandolfo has graduated Maryville University this spring, as a biology major with a concentration in Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. She was also a graduate of the Bascom Honors Program at Maryville, graduating cum laude. Emma was presented with the Sustainability Leadership award during her final semester, and is looking forward to working in sustainability and plant science. She has accepted a position at Bayer, and is looking forward to starting her career.

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NIAF Elects New Members to Its Board of Directors

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce the newest members to serve on its Board of Directors, all of whom were unanimously elected during the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Board of Directors Meetings. The NIAF Board of Directors’ purpose is to bring together many of the nation’s leading Italian Americans to guide the Foundation and to ensure that its mission of promoting, protecting, and preserving the Italian heritage in the United States continues to be fulfilled for the years to come.

The newest members of the NIAF Board of Directors include Giovanni Colavita, CEO of Colavita USA; Honorable Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald, a former congresswoman in the Italian Parliament; Joseph Guccione, Vice President of Security and Life Safety at The Durst Organization; Charles B. Lynch, Jr., Principal at Bernstein Private Wealth Management; Patrick A. Salvi, Esq., founder of the law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.; Ken Reali, former CEO of Bioventus and Clinical Innovations; Andrea Delfini, Founder and CEO of Blastness Group; Dominic A. Caglioti, a Certified Public Accountant at The Caglioti Group LLC; Gary J. Silvi, President of Vesper Property Group; The Honorable Janet Marie DiFiore, retired Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals in New York; Massimo Petrone, owner of Petrone Group and Fin Posillipo

S.p.A.; and Peter Riguardi, the Chairman and President of Jones Lang LaSalle’s New York Tri-state region.

“We are delighted to welcome these outstanding individuals to NIAF’s Board of Directors,” said NIAF Chairman, Robert E. Carlucci. “These leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise in their fields and will be tremendous assets to our Foundation, as we further our mission to preserve and protect the Italian American community and strengthen ties between the United States and Italy,” added Carlucci.

As CEO and President of Colavita USA, Giovanni Colavita led the company to become the distributor of Colavita products and the country’s largest distributor of Italian products, representing brands like Baci Perugina, San Benedetto, Cirio, and many others. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development’s Food and Wine Advisory Board.

Over the last 10 years, the Honorable Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald represented Italians living in North and Central America and in the U.S. as a congresswoman in the Italian Parliament. Nissoli’s notable work as a congresswoman included the promotion of the Italian language around the world and bringing the historical truth about Christopher Columbus to the attention of the Italian government. Today, Nissoli is still engaged and active in the Italian American community, working to maintain relations between both countries.

Joseph Guccione is the Vice President of Security and Life Safety at The

Durst Organization, overseeing all aspects of securing safeguards and life safety protocols for the Durst portfolio. Guccione is the former United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York, appointed in 2002 by President George W. Bush. Currently, Guccione serves as the Vice Chair of the Europe Regional Committee (ERC) for the U.S. Department of State Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC).

Charles B. Lynch, Jr. is a Principal in Bernstein’s Philadelphia office, providing investment advice to high-net-worth families, professional athletes, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and pension plans. Lynch played on Clemson’s nationally ranked football team for four years before he played two seasons in the NFL.

As a distinguished Italian American attorney based in Chicago, Patrick A. Salvi, Esq. concentrates his legal practice on several limited areas, primarily involving a trial practice in cases concerning severe personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and mass torts.

Ken Reali is the former CEO of Bioventus and serves on the boards of AdvaMed and Dysis Medical, a women’s healthcare company. Reali also owns The Reali Family Vineyard in Walla Walla, Washington, which is dedicated to growing and producing sustainable wines.

As the Founder and CEO of Blastness Group, Andrea Delfini leads the Italian technology company, which helps over 900 hotels grow their revenue. In 2023, Continued on page 10

Continued from page 8

Blastness launched its first office in the United States. Delfini also founded NERO Lifestyle SRL, a marketing and positioning project for top brands and exclusive hotels that share the same target of high spenders. The Group and its brands have supported the NIAF Washington Gala since 2014.

Dominic A. Caglioti, a Certified Public Accountant with over 40 years of public accounting experience, is the owner and managing member of The Caglioti Group LLC, a boutique tax and accounting firm specializing in closely held businesses and high net-worth individuals in the insurance and healthcare industries, as well as real estate, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and professional athletes.

Gary J. Silvi has served as the president of Vesper Property Group, a private real estate investment firm based in Philadelphia, for over two decades. Silvi worked on notable projects such as the Montgomery County Community College redevelopment, which received several awards, including one from the American Institute of Architecture.

The Honorable Janet Marie DiFiore is the former Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals in New York. In 2019, the Columbia Business School awarded Hon. DiFiore the Deming Cup, an award usually reserved for leaders in the private sector, for her work with the Excellence Initiative, a program she created in 2016 to reduce the backlog in state courts. Before serving as a judge, she worked at a law firm and the Westchester District Attorney’s Office.

With a pharmaceutical background, Massimo Petrone owns Petrone Group and Fin Posillipo S.p.A., an Italian pharmaceutical wholesaler. Petrone oversees the company’s import, export, and distribution of all pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products in Italy and branches in Spain, Singapore, and Ireland.

Peter Riguardi joins the NIAF Board as the Chairman and President of Jones Lang LaSalle’s New York Tri-state region. Riguardi’s impressive career in commercial real estate consistently gets recognized by “The New York Observer” as one of New York’s most influential real estate executives.

The NIAF Board of Directors is comprised of 48 members, including some of the most prominent executives in the United States and in Italy, including Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., partner, Troutman Pepper LLP; Maria Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor, Fox Business Network & Fox News Channel; Aurelio De Laurentiis, film producer and owner of the Italian soccer club, S.S.C Napoli; Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, Executivein-Residence, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs, American University in Washington, D.C.; Hon. Patricia De Stacy Harrison, President & CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting; Dr. Antonio Giordano, President and Founder of the Sbarro Health Research Organization; and former New Jersey Congressman, Mike Ferguson, serving as the Executive Vice President of Federal Legislative Relations at AT&T.

NIAF Welcomes Two New Jersey Italian American Nonprofits to its Affiliate Organization Program

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce that The Columbian Foundation and The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean have joined the Foundation’s Affiliate Organization Program.

Launched in 2022, the purpose of the NIAF Affiliate Organization Program is to partner with local and regional charitable and fraternal organizations to offer support and strengthen ties to the Italian American community nationwide. NIAF affiliate organizations represent Italian American communities across the nation, which exemplify not only the great achievements of our Italian immigrant ancestors but also the current strong ties between the United States and Italy.

“As the premier organization for the protection, preservation, and promotion of the Italian heritage in the United States, the National Italian American Foundation is pleased to welcome The Columbian Foundation and The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean into our affiliate program,” said NIAF Chairman, Robert Carlucci. “The presence and participation of two affiliates in the state of New Jersey will offer NIAF the opportunity to work on grassroots issues, programs, and activities in the state,” added Carlucci. NIAF’s Affiliate Organization Program participants have access to vital links to the national Foundation and its network of political, civic, and diplomatic connections in both the United States and Italy. Furthermore, NIAF Affiliates receive discounted NIAF memberships for their individual members, invitations to special opportunities, and access to private events. Additionally, NIAF and its Affiliate Organizations will help promote each other’s events and programs. Most importantly, each Affiliate is guaranteed the opportunity for one (1) qualified student representing their community to participate in the annual Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program, a two (2) week all expenses paid educational and experiential trip to Italy.

“For 82 years now, The Columbian Foundation has worked to promote Italian American culture and heritage in New Jersey through scholarships, community involvement, and philanthropy,” said Livio Cioffi, President of The Columbian Foundation. “We look forward to continuing and expanding these efforts in partnership with the National Italian American Foundation,” added Cioffi.

The Board Advisors of The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO), Gregory Frasca and Robert Labella, issued a statement expressing their enthusiasm to join the program as well. “We are pleased and proud to announce that our association has joined NIAF’s Affiliate Organization Program. The Board members were very enthusiastic

about being part of the Foundation on an affiliate level, and together we’re planning to expand on a number of philanthropic endeavors and Italian cultural events,” said Frasca and Labella.

To learn more about the NIAF Affiliate Program, contact NIAF Director of Public Affairs and Development Anthony O’Boyle at aoboyle@niaf.org or by phone at 202-939-3109.

NIAF Calls on Italian American Organizations Nationwide to Participate in a Scholarship Database

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is calling on Italian American organizations nationwide to join its new scholarship database that will serve as a centralized resource for students searching for scholarships and grants to help finance their college education. The free database will launch on the NIAF website on September 1, 2023, and will include scholarship opportunities offered by Italian American organizations nationwide. The catalog will provide a comprehensive list of scholarships available to Italian American students. It is designed for students to easily search for and apply for the scholarships that best fit their needs. All relevant details for each funding opportunity will be posted in the database, including the name of the organization offering the scholarship, the eligibility requirements, the application deadline, and the link to apply.

“We are delighted to create this database as a resource to connect students and Italian American organizations that offer scholarships,” said Robert Allegrini, NIAF President. “NIAF hopes that this list will help Italian American students find the financial support they need to pursue their educational goals,” added Allegrini.

Organizations interested in submitting their scholarship information to the database must submit the following by August 15:

1. The online scholarship submission form

2. A high-resolution image of the organization’s logo and accompanying promotional material to: scholarships@niaf.org.

An active NIAF membership is not required for interested applicants to access the database or for organizations seeking to list their scholarship opportunities. To submit your scholarship details, please visit the NIAF website, niaf.org, click the Programs tab, and then click Italian American Scholarship Database.

NIAF and We the Italians Announce Relief Fund to Aid Flood Recovery Efforts in EmiliaRomagna

Continued on page 12

CONSOLATO 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

Continued from page 10

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has partnered with We the Italians (a media company promoting news about Italy and Italy in the United States) to launch a relief fund to assist the people affected by the devastating historic flooding in Emilia-Romagna, a region located in the northeastern part of Italy, that occurred earlier this month.

Torrential rain over a short period of time caused more than 20 rivers to burst their banks, causing landslides and towns to be submerged in water, according to the civil protection agency. Known as one of Italy’s most abundant agricultural regions, the widespread floods have claimed numerous lives and more than 36,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

“NIAF is proud to establish the relief fund for Emilia-Romagna, our 2023 Region of Honor (a program that partners with one of Italy’s 20 regions every year to showcase its history, culture, business, and tourism in the United States), as they recover from the worst flood in a century,” said Robert Allegrini, NIAF President. “Our Foundation is committed to helping rebuild and restore hope to the victims of the floods,” added Allegrini.

President Stefano Bonaccini and Regional Councilor for Mobility and Transport, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Commerce, Andrea Corsini of EmiliaRomagna, offered their sincere gratitude for the relief fund: “In this difficult moment, it is important to feel NIAF’s closeness. The people of Emilia-Romagna are strong and tenacious. We will get back on our feet as always.”

Umberto Mucci, the Founder and CEO of We the Italians, said, “We are grateful to NIAF for the help it has always given to Italy, and we urge all We the Italians readers to donate as much as they can to help the exceptional people of Emilia- Romagna overcome this tragedy,” said Mucci. “Personally, my family’s roots are in this beautiful region, which I admire and love with all my heart,” added Mucci. When tragedies and natural disasters occur in Italy, the National Italian

American Foundation (NIAF), through the Italian American Relief, is an immediate responder to fund relief efforts for those in need. Over the years, NIAF has collaborated with other Italian American organizations, the Embassy of Italy, and the U.S. State Department to fund relief projects after the 2002, 2009, 2012, and 2016 earthquakes that struck Puglia, Abruzzo, EmiliaRomagna, and Umbria. In 2019, NIAF launched a campaign after the November flooding in Venice, the second-worst flooding in the city’s recorded history. Visit italianamericanrelief.org to donate to the NIAF relief efforts, where the funds will be directed to Protezione Civile of EmiliaRomagna, the official civil protection agency responsible for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts.

Author Talk: The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline

This program is a continuation of the Field House Museum’s Author Talks

Program: Author Talk: The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline

Venue: Field House Museum, 634 South Broadway, Saint Louis, MO 63102

Date: Friday, June 16, at 1:00 pm

Cost: Free, Reservations Required

The Field House Museum is pleased to welcome author, architect, and historian John Guenther on June 16, 2023, to discuss his new book, The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline, and St. Louis’s favorite symbol. The book takes a chronological look at the historical foundations of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, starting from St. Louis’s founding as a French colony back in 1764.

This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance.

About the Speaker: Architect John C. Guenther, FAIA, LEED AP holds a fellowship in the American Institute of Architects and was a lecturer in the College of Architecture at Washington University

in St. Louis, where he co-founded and taught Mid-Century Modernism in St. Louis 1930–1970. John serves as president of the Society of Architectural Historians–St. Louis Chapter. He wrote “Missouri’s Architectural Treasures,” published by Missouri Life Magazine; “25 Must-See Buildings in Missouri” for USA TODAY; and the introduction to The Lost St. Louis Riverfront 1930-1943, which documents the historic riverfront architecture removed in anticipation of Gateway Arch National Park.

About the Field House Museum: The Field House Museum is a dynamic museum and historic site focused on the Field family. The historic house was once the home of Roswell Field, noted St. Louis attorney, and the birthplace of his son, Eugene Field, the “Poet of Childhood.” While living in the home, Roswell Field became the key attorney in the Dred & Harriet Scott Freedom Suit when he formulated the legal strategy that propelled the case to federal court. The house is designated a National Historic Landmark and has an attached museum featuring the Field House Museum’s many collections and traveling exhibits.

Visitor Information:

Admission: Adults: $10

Children 7-16: $5

Members and children 6 & under: free

Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon - 4 p.m.

For general information, call 314-421-4689, email us at info@fieldhousemuseum.org or visit our website at fieldhousemuseum.org.