Novembre 2022

IL PENSIERO

THOUGHT”

NIAF NCCA Christopher Columbus Essay Contest Now Open

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is now accepting essays for the NIAF NCCA Christopher Columbus Essay Contest. Since 1996, NIAF has worked with the National Christopher Columbus Association (NCCA) to sponsor an annual national essay contest on a topic related to Christopher Columbus for high school students throughout the United States. The first-place winner will receive a $1,200 prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to read his or her essay at NCCA’s annual Columbus Day Celebration.

“NIAF is honored to partner with the NCCA and support the national essay contest to educate the general public on Columbus’ pivotal role in America’s history,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the younger generation by encouraging students, regardless of their heritage, to think about the importance of preserving and promoting Columbus’s legacy.”

NIAF wishes to congratulate and recognize the winners of the 2022 contest: John Hill of Spring, Texas (first place), Marco Buglione of Irvington, New York (second place), Gianna Cruz Morgan Hill,

California (third place).

The theme for the essay contest is: When reflecting on Columbus’s legacy, we tend to think about his impact in America. What were the effects of the discovery of America on Italy? How did Columbus’s voyages serve as the starting point for Italian American relations?

Essay submission guidelines:

-A word count of between 800 and 1,200 words

-Essay will be judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.

-Students must include the following: a title page with an original title, name, mailing address, email address, phone number, school, grade, and word count.

-MLA formatted citations and bibliography

-Cite three print and/or non-internet sources

Essay deadline:

-All submissions must be sent via email to education@niaf.org by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 15, 2023. Students will be notified by 5 p.m. ET on June 15, 2023.

First, second, and third-place national winners are selected after judging on a national level. To qualify for first place, the winner must be able to go to Washington, D.C., to read his or her winning essay at the Christopher Columbus Celebration. The first-place winner will receive a

$1,200 prize in addition to paid lodging and transportation to Washington, D.C., in October for both the winner and one parent or guardian to attend the NCCA’s annual Columbus Day Celebration and read their essay. The second-place national winner receives $500, and the third-place winner receives $300.

NIAF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. NIAF is the nation’s premier Italian American organization serving as a bridge between the United States and Italy, strengthening mutual understanding through governmental, economic and cultural ties. Education is the core of our mission as the Foundation provides scholarships and grants to institutions and high-achieving students to further their education in all fields and connect to their heritage. To learn more, visit niaf.org.

The National Christopher Columbus Association’s (NCCA) mission is to foster an environment for an open and academically sound dialogue on Christopher Columbus and the events and accomplishments that surround his name. Since 1989, NCCA has been responsible for the annual Columbus Day event in Washington, D.C., which began in 1912. The Association is governed by a board of directors elected by its general membership, with officers chosen annually by the board. To learn more, visit christophercolumbus.org.

Member

(Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)

Nov. 1

Italian Citizenship Presentation

6-7 p.m. CST; Vermontitalianculturalassociation.org

Nov. 2

Italian Music Class for Kids 3:45-4:45 p.m.CST; www.Allevents.in

Nov. 3

Italian Conversation Practice – Intermediate/ Advanced 5-6 p.m.; Eventbrite.com

Nov.4

Italian Language Discussion Group 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST; portsmouthpl. librarycalendar.com/event/italian-languagediscussion-group-21 Nov. 5

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Wix & Wax Candles; more info at wixwaxstl.com

Nov. 7

Italian Face Frame + Color Wear Gloss Toner Salon Service Group, 2125 Barrett Station Rd, Des Peres, MO; 10 a.m.

Nov. 9

Italian Music Class for Kids (Fall/Winter 2022) 3:45-4:45 p.m. CST; Eventbrite.com Nov. 10

Cajitalia - Cajun Italian Dishes 4-9 p.m. CST; Eventbrite.com Nov. 12

Italian For Travelers 3 p.m. CST; Eventbrite.com Nov. 13

AMVETS POST 6 - Veterans Day Breakfast 9 a.m.-noon; 2718 Clifton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139

Open House Sacred Heart Villa on The Hill; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 15

Italian Wine Class

Barrel Blends Wine and Spirits, 9325 Gravois Rd, Affton, MO; 6-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16

Italian Conversation 1-2 p.m. CST; www.Allevents.in Nov. 17

Italian - Level 1 - Beginner 5-6:30 p.m.; www.Allevents.in

Nov. 18

Whiskey Morning Band 8 p.m.; Salvatore’s Italian Grill, 4145 S Old Hwy 94, St. Charles, MO

Nov. 19

Italian For Travelers 3 p.m. CST; Eventbrite.com Nov. 20

Sunday Supper

5 p.m.; La Verona at the Marketplace; tickets at osvhub.com/stambroseonthehill/forms/sundaydinner

Nov. 22

Café Culture: ALL LEVELS Italian Conversation Practice

9-10 a.m.; Eventbrite.com

Nov. 24

Innovative Italian Cuisine | A Cultural & Culinary Journey to Italy 5-6 a.m. CST; Eventbrite.sg (Zoom) Nov. 26

Four Seasons Concert Series Christmas at the Piazza on The Hill - Gina Galati; gates open at 5:15 p.m.; concert starts at 6:15 p.m; more info at piazzaimo.com or call 314-614-0557 Nov. 29

Italian for Beginners 8-10 a.m.; Eventbrite.com

Please check events as they may have been canceled or postponed after publication

2022/2023

December: November 11

January: December 16

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

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 314-722-6728italia

DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo

Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia

online ilpensiero.net

Collaborators/Collaboratori

Cav. Valerio Bianco

Mauro Salamone

Cav. Michael Lombardo

Oreste Magni

Comm. Domenico Mancini

Cav. Eugene Mariani, Ph.D.

Prof. A. Perrone

Dott. Nicolo’ Sangiorgio

Dr. Orazio Tanelli

Antonino Tito

Gus Torregrossa Cristina Giancola Youngberg

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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.

Heritage Parade and Festa

Sr. Bridget and Kris Doder

Jay, Angelina and Laura DiMaggio

Andy, Natalie and Marie Hecht

Laura and Jasper Vitale

Ray Boccardi, Kim Wood, John DiGregorio and Gus Torregrossa

Caterina and John Vitale, Gus Torregrossa, Sal and Lia Abbate

Salsini Writes Memoir

About Stephen Sondheim

submitted by Paul Salsini

Award-winning Italian American author Paul Salsini has now written a book about his unique relationship with the legendary musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim.

Besides his love for Tuscany, the setting for his novels, Salsini has long had an interest in musical theater, and in 1994 founded the magazine The Sondheim Review, devoted to Sondheim’s works. Sondheim wrote the lyrics for “West Side Story” and the music and lyrics for such landmark shows as “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods” and “Sunday in the Park with George.”

Salsini edited the magazine for ten years, and, in a cordial relationship, the two exchanged letters, notes, faxes and phone calls. Sondheim would give him news tips and sometimes correct (minor) errors.

After Sondheim died, at 91, last November, Salsini wrote the memoir “Sondheim & Me: Revealing a Musical Genius” which has been published by Bancroft Press. It includes the notes, excerpts from the magazine, color photos, hand-written lyrics, a lengthy chronology of Sondheim’s life and awards and much more.

There are also tributes from two prominent Italian Americans. Famous Broadway music director Paul Gemignani, the grandson of Italian immigrants, wrote the foreword, and National Public Radio commentator Bob Mondello, whose roots are in Naples, is quoted as saying that the book is “a trove of fascinating insights and unexpected details.”

The book is available at bookstores, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Savor the Holiday Season at The RitzCarlton, St. Louis

A Much-Lauded Return of the Annual Teddy Bear Tea & Decadent Gifts for Loved Ones

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis invites hotel guests and local residents to toast the beginning of another cheerful holiday season with festive programming as well as luxurious offerings ideal for thoughtful and sophisticated gifting. Celebrate the return of the hotel’s cherished Teddy Bear Tea and explore indulgent experiences sure to satisfy each loved one on your list.

TEDDY BEAR TEA

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is thrilled to continue the beloved tradition of the Teddy Bear Tea this holiday season. This highly-anticipated, holiday-themed soiree will feature themed storytelling, sweet & savory fare, a cookie decorating station, face painting, and of course, tea! Indulge in a smoked salmon crepe or treat your holiday sweet tooth with a wide assortment of scones, tarts & tea-time desserts, all while listening to the beautiful

sounds of a live pianist. In response to last year’s popularity, the hotel will offer four opportunities to attend a Teddy Bear Tea event during the 2022 holiday season on December 10, December 17, December 22, and December 23, each with seatings at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for $69 per person which includes parking. Reservations can be made by calling 314-719-1433.

SIGNATURE GIFTS

At The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, you’ll find something exceptional for each person on your gift list. Whether it be the gift of membership or a deluxe spa experience, these one-of-a-kind offerings eliminate the stress of holiday gift giving.

The Cigar Club

This holiday season, give a gift that can be enjoyed all year long at the world’s last remaining Ritz-Carlton Cigar Club. Established in 1998, The Cigar Club at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis serves infused liquors, libations, expressive American cuisine and the finest cigars to members and overnight hotel guests only. With timeless details and layers of darker tones, the recently-renovated club touches on swanky finishes and rich designs, giving way to its sleek allure and somewhat cheeky exclusivity. The Cigar Club membership rate is $4,000 per year.

Luxurious accessories are also available to heighten the Cigar Club experience. A sophisticated gift that is sure to make a statement, bespoke smoking jackets bring a modern look to a classic piece. Made-to-order Stubbs And Wootton luxury slippers can also be customized with The Cigar Club emblem to create a timeless gift for your loved one. To inquire about the membership, elegant accessories, or the specially-curated December holiday cigar collection, please call (314) 719-1433.

Signature Spa Treatments and ESPA Products

For those who love to be pampered, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis’s signature spa packages. Give the gift of rejuvenation with refreshing, agedefying facials where guests can even opt for a customized facial tailored to their needs. A perfect antidote to holiday stress, the large assortment of massages is sure to relieve fatigued muscles and promote relaxation, including the Missouri Black Walnut Massage (80 minutes, $240).

Inspired by the state’s natural landscapes, this specialty massage uses sticks carved from locally-sourced Black Walnut to slow busy minds and elongate tight muscles.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is the exclusive Missouri retailer for ESPA®, a luxurious skincare collection of expertlyformulated products. Choose from masks, serums, body oils and more, including Smooth and Firm Body Butter (180mL, $92), Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturizer (55mL, $80), and Muscle Rescue Balm (70g, $50). As a holiday treat, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is offering a free Pulse Point Oil with a retail purchase of $125. Applied to your pulse point, this comforting blend helps rebalance the body and creates an unforgettable feeling of harmony. For information on treatments, products, pricing and booking

details, please call (314) 863-6300.

For reservations & more information, please call (314) 719-1488 or click here.

ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. LOUIS | ST. LOUIS, MO

With an unwavering commitment to service, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is widely recognized as the gold standard in hospitality. Already one of the city’s most luxurious destinations, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis has elevated its experience with extensive renovations across the hotel. The Club Level, members-only Cigar Club, and a variety of meeting rooms now feature a fusion of contemporary and classic styles, a reflection of the hotel’s location in downtown Clayton. The perfect backdrop for guests’ special events, The Solarium is a breathtaking garden terrace that draws its influence from thriving greenery and extravagant charm. Aside from the spacious guest rooms and its state-of-theart fitness and massage center, the iconic property is also home to Casa Don Alfonso, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that opened in early 2021. The Forbes Four Star/AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel is located in the heart of the business and shopping enclave of Clayton, just minutes from downtown and in close proximity to the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. An upscale, highly-walkable neighborhood surrounded by beautifully-landscaped

by Carina Marino

BIRTHDAYS

Louis Marino; Francesco Sheldon Daniella Fritsch; Vita Leone

Nov.

ANNIVERSARIES

Amanda and Brian Coyne

Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net or via our website before November 11, 2022 to be featured in the December issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements!

Thank you

DECESSI

Submit an obituary to info@ilpensiero.net by November 11, 2022 for the December issue.

A Special Note:

I am thankful for our Team, readers and community.

Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff

Continued from page 5 parks, Clayton is a charming oasis in the city that boasts more than 80 shops, restaurants, and boutiques within an easy stroll of the hotel. For more information on the 299-room The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, visit ritzcarlton.com/stlouis or call 1-800-241-3333 to reserve.

An Old Time Christmas Features a New Production Show, Brilliant Holiday Experience

Bright lights line streets, buildings, pathways and trees during Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, running November 5 through December 30. This season marks the debut of a new production show Coming Home For Christmas, along with over 6.5 million lights, an elaborate 8-story animated Christmas tree, a light parade, holiday foods and more. Silver Dollar City shines brilliantly with so much entertainment that the park is the five-time reigning champion for Best Theme Park Holiday Event in America.*

Throughout the streets of The City carolers sing and stroll, while the centerpiece of Joy On Town Square, an 8-story Christmas tree, and surrounding lights glow spectacularly. Even brighter is Christmas in Midtown with its remarkable display of light tunnels, wreath portals, flying angels and special effects 9-stories tall. For thrill seekers, rides soar under the Ozark Mountain starlight with all the Christmas

lights visible below. Plus, craftsman in the Christmas spirit demonstrate glass-blowing wood carving and pottery, creating one-ofa-kind heirlooms.

The City’s stages offer more than 30 shows each day and night. Including the longtime favorite production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. The all new show, Coming Home for Christmas, features a live band and a cast of 14 singers and dancers presenting holiday music, stories and family traditions. Other productions include The Living Nativity and the Saloon Frontier Fa-La-La Follies. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly ™ Christmas Light Parade winds through The City each evening with lighted floats, characters, dancers and performers. Guests aboard the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train enjoy a Christmas story and sing-along to their favorite holiday tunes all while getting a unique view of The City’s 6.5 million lights.

To add to the festivities, menus offer a variety of seasonal treats such as a Holiday Dinner with smoked turkey, ham, prime rib and trimmings; specialty soups like potato leek; Silver Dollar City’s Miner’s Beef Stew; plus, a variety of sweets such as hot chocolate and wassail, s’mores or warm apple dumplings with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Tasting Passports let guests sample their way through The City.

The two-month long holiday event boasts some impressive statistics such as 680 miles of lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, 600 wreaths and over 3 miles of garland and ribbon.

*By USA Today’s 10Best An Old Time Christmas is presented by Humana

For information: call 1-800-8314FUN (386) or visit silverdollarcity.com.

The Missouri Humanities

Awards the Field House Museum with a $5,000 Grant to Support Exhibit

The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) has awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Field House Museum in support of the project, Poems of Childhood. The MHC is the only statewide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

Poems of Childhood, an exhibit opening in May of 2023 at the Field House Museum, will spark the imagination and bring to life the words of Eugene Field’s most famous book of poetry. From the land of sugar-plum trees and magnificent creatures to the sweet tales of falling asleep, guests will take a journey into a land of creativity.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri Humanities Council, call 314/781-9660 or 800/3570909 or write to the MHC, 415 S 18th Street, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63103-2269.

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 “Children’s Poet.” 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 as a National Historic Landmark and has an attached museum featuring the many collections of the Field House Museum along with traveling exhibits.

Visitor Information

Admission: Adults: $10.00, children 7-16: $5.00, members and children 6 & under: free

Museum Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.-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.

Meet the Team

Hello, Il Pensiero! My name is Bailey Wolf, and I am a photography intern for Il Pensiero. I am a current senior at Cor Jesu Academy and am thrilled to begin college next year! My other favorite activities include track and field, photography club, and the student social media team at Cor Jesu. Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends and family. I especially love hanging out with my dog, Ruby, who is a Chiweenie (½ Weiner dog and ½ chihuahua).

My love for St. Louis is what originally got me interested in photography. I have great memories of spending afternoons downtown with my dad, and taking photos of iconic St. Louis landmarks such as the Old Courthouse, the Arch, Busch Stadium, Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, Art Hill, and many many more! I became interested in Il Pensiero because of other Cor Jesu students who are photography interns, and meeting Carina Marino (a Cor Jesu alumni) made me want to join even more! Interning for Il Pensiero has allowed me to continue exploring the St. Louis area, and gain amazing experiences taking photos at places I would have never gone to otherwise.

I hope to stay involved in photography as well as Il Pensiero throughout my college years, and to continue capturing images of our awesome city! If you would like to know more about me or my photography, check out my Instagram @baileywolfphotography.

Carina Marino and Bailey Wolf

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NIAF

Donates $250,000 to Restore a Damaged Community Center in Le Marche Region

Devastated by the 2016 Earthquake

NIAF’s donation will be used to benefit the Ascoli Piceno community through a state-of-the-art earthquakeproof community center

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce it is donating $250,000 to the Società Habilis Cooperativa Sociale to assist in rebuilding a community center devastated by the 2016 earthquake. The Società Habilis Cooperativa Sociale is scheduled to be completed by August 2023.

“We are proud to support a project that will benefit the community of Ascoli Piceno,” said NIAF Executive Vice Chairman John F. Calvelli. “NIAF is honored to help rebuild the community center that was damaged in a matter of minutes from the earthquake that struck in 2016. This is just one way our Foundation shows support to maintain strong ties between Italy and the Italian American community.”

Once the community center is complete it will provide a space for children, the elderly, and families for social, educational, and recreational activities in Ascoli Piceno. In August 2016, a powerful 6.0 earthquake rocked central Italy followed by aftershocks resulting in lives lost and damaging homes.

When tragedies and natural disasters occur, NIAF is proud to work swiftly 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 earthquakes that struck Puglia, Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna and Umbria.

In the wake of 9/11, NIAF raised money for the future education of 25 children of emergency personnel. In 2019, NIAF launched a campaign after the November flooding in Venice, the secondworst flooding in the city’s recorded history. Most recently, in response to the pandemic, NIAF launched a Coronavirus Relief page that has helped to address the critical situation in Italy, provided medical and safety guidance for Americans, and helped to ensure that the day-to-day business of NIAF moved forward.

About NIAF:

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.

Giro della Montagna

Hill, St. Louis,

by Christine

The National Italian American Foundation

Congratulates Italy’s new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

The National Italian American Foundation congratulates Giorgia Meloni on her appointment as Italy’s Prime Minister.

“The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to extend its congratulations to Giorgia Meloni on assuming the high office of Prime Minister of Italy. Prime Minister Meloni is personally known to the NIAF as a great friend and supporter of the Italian American community and a steadfast ally of the United States. As a foundation dedicated to serving as a bridge across the Atlantic, we look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Meloni and her administration to further strengthen the already close cultural, economic, and diplomatic bonds that exist between Italy and America,” said NIAF Chairman Robert E. Carlucci.

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.

School Shooting Shatters St. Louis

By Courtney Kamm

Thoughts, prayers, and a plea for answers circle the city of St. Louis after a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at Central Visual & Performing Arts High School on October 24. Identified as a former high school student, the gunman fatally shot two and wounded seven more. The two victims were identified as student Alexzandria Bell, 15, and Jean Kuczka, a 61-year-old health and P.E. teacher at the high school. The gunman was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital after a gunfight with authorities.

Now St. Louisians are left trying to figure out why this happened and how they can make sure it never happens again.

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Il Pensiero Goes to the Beach

submitted by LynnMarie Alexander

“We love The Hill and eat and shop there often. We thought it would be fun to take a photo of us reading news from one of our favorite places in the world while relaxing on the beach. We wanted to send this to Gus in the hope it might be printed." - Paul and Cary

Cary and Paul, as seen reading Il Pensiero on Oak Island beach in North Carolina.”

jmarino61@att.net

End of Summer Bash

The Hill, St. Louis,

Park

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

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

The Book That Takes You on a Self-guided Tour

over in 2005 the tours of The Hill his father Roland did for the previous 25 years. He later expanded his repertoire to include Hill Culinary, Hill Specialty such as Sports only, plus the Dogtown and Bevo Mill/Bosnian neighborhoods.

Pet Spotlilght

St. Louis’s most visited neighborhood, “The Hill”, may also be its most iconic. Allow “The Hill, A Walk Through History” to capture on the best journey with the most laughs and “wow’s” of this enduring corner of the city. Hill native author Joe DeGregorio walks right next to you imparting his knowledge and sometimes unique personal experiences. Admire the many vintage and contemporary photographs to enhance your experience. Casual visitors, social groups, new and former residents who want to show friends and relatives this gem of the city, students and history buffs who want to learn more about this historic and prosperous neighborhood that’s now being touted as a destination spot to live will all find something new and valuable within this “bookazine”. Of course after one or more circumventions, especially the “foodie” walks, your curiosity or cravings will get the best of you so keep this handy guide for future explorations.

Joe, a native of the famed St. Louis Italian neighborhood known as “The Hill”, (think Yogi Berra and Toasted Ravioli) took

Joe and his Hill Tour partner, Sal Martorelli, donate at least a dozen tours annually to charitable events. Joe has introduced conservatively over 16 thousand people from all over to an insider’s view of The Hill. He made significant contributions to the 2020 Documentary, “The Hill, America’s Last Little Italy and the 2020 book, “The Hill, St. Louis’ Italian-American Neighborhood”.

With a 1970 degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia in Broadcast Journalism and a 1979 Master’s in Public Administration from Long Beach State University, CA, Joe entered Federal service in 1974 rising to the rank of Regional Director with the Defense Security Service (now the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency). Joe’s career specialized in the protection of classified programs, plus counterespionage, counter-terrorism and related disciplines.

He has a successful son Charles, a prodigious grandson Henry and a wonderful companion and fellow tour guide, Christen Martin.

Joe is a member of several Italian American organizations, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Elks. As a member of the St. Louis Professional Tour Guide Association, Joe specializes in Public Relations. From 2015-2020 he was a Board member of the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations, Washington D.C., helping the Tour Guide professionals in the US to be better informed.

Joe’s authored numerous articles on tourism and Tour Guides. Not the shy type, he has been quoted in numerous local and national media, to include radio and television interviews. His book/magazine titled “The Hill, A Walk Through History” came out September 26, 2022. His personal interests are of course family, dancing, travel, bocce and entering sweepstakes.

Name: Ravioli

Nickname: Rav, Ravi, TRav, Raviole

Age: 7 months

Weight: 38 lbs.

Favorite Food: Everything!

Favorite Snack: Pigs ear or bully stix

Favorite Toy: Squeaky Ball

Favorite Activity: Playing fetch with a frisbee

Favorite Walk: Anywhere!

Tricks: High 5’s, skateboarding

Dislikes: Sprinklers and baths

Home: Manchester, MO

DiGregorio’s Italian Market’s Italian Style Chili

1 lb DiGregorio’s bulk Salsiccia

1 medium onion chopped

2 cans ei Fratelli Tomato Sauce 8oz

1 can Dei Fratelli chopped Mexican tomatoes 15oz undrained

1 can Kidney beans 16oz drained & rinsed

1 cup Water less or more depending on desired thickness

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cumin

1 cup shell or small size pasta

Instructions:

1. Brown meat and onion in large saucepan; drain.

2. Add tomato sauce, undrained Mexican tomatoes, water, pasta, beans, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, cumin, and chili powder; stir. Cover; cook on medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Sprinkle with remaining parmesean cheese just before serving.