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

Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before June 16, 2023 to be featured in the July issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements!

Thank you