IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63123
Learn How Statues of Mary, the Blessed Mother, Reveal the Culture and History of The Hill in Mary on The Hill
Reedy Press is pleased to announce the release of our newest local interest book, “Mary on The Hill: Statues and Stories of the Blessed Mother in St. Louis’s Italian Neighborhood,” by Tracy Ferrario Duchinsky.
You see her everywhere on The Hill in St. Louis. She graces front lawns and backyards. She stands perched atop a bakery and, in another location, watches over the parking lot of an antique market. Grottos decorated with tufts of vibrant flowers and carefully arranged landscaping often surround her.
For generations, families in this historic Italian neighborhood have expressed their deep faith by displaying statues of Mary, the Blessed Mother, outside their homes. In “Mary on the Hill,” longtime Hill resident Tracy Duchinsky captures many of these statues in lovely photographs and heartwarming stories. She introduces us to immigrants who settled on The Hill more than a century ago and to newcomers drawn by the neighborhood’s unique parish community. In the process,
she reveals what inspired people to give Mary a place of honor at their homes and how they continue to venerate her.
“Mary on The Hill: Statues and Stories of the Blessed Mother in St. Louis’s Italian Neighborhood” is available wherever books are sold.
About the Author
Tracy Ferrario Duchinsky is a secondgeneration Italian American currently living on The Hill, with Eric, her husband of 39 years. They enjoy the blessing of their two children and their families. She is a proud wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Devoted to her family, Catholic faith and The Hill neighborhood, she enjoys volunteer work, photography and a good cup of coffee.
A Pop-Up Market Is Coming
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Join Andie’s Aesthetics, Dose of Heaven, and Studio Magnolia for a “Sweater Weather Soirée” at Studio Magnolia on The Hill on Thursday, November 7, from 6-8 p.m. Indulge in permanent jewelry and a charm bar for you or someone else, shop clothing and accessories, enjoy cocktails and mocktails, receive a wellness shot, or even freshen up your botox!
Don’t miss this fun event to kick off the holiday season! Learn more by visiting Studio Magnolia on Instagram: @studiomagnoliastl
NIAF Celebrated 49th Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C.
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) celebrated its 49th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. This black-tie event, which was sold out, celebrated the rich legacy of Italian Americans and their contributions to the United States with over 1,000 distinguished guests from the United States and Italy.
The speeches by the honorees were heartfelt, as they reflected on the values instilled in them through their Italian American upbringing and how it has shaped who they are today. The honorees included:
- Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Health, who received the NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Health and Science.
- Carlo Cimbri of Unipol Gruppo S.p.A. and UnipolSai, who was presented with the NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact.
- Admiral Lisa Franchetti, United States Navy Chief of Naval Operations, who was honored with the NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Military Service.
- Kevin McCarthy, 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who received
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MANAGING
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PENSIERO
Italian Heritage Parade and Festa
October 13, 2024
The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri
Official Photographer
Chief Robert J. Tracy and Brenda and Gus Torregrossa
Gus Torregrossa and Grand Marshall, Calvin Whitaker
Gus Torregrossa, Fr. Jack Siefert, Chief Robert J. Tracy and Fire Chief Dennis M. Jenkerson
The Saracino Family
Josie, Vinny and Angela Torregrossa, Gus Torregrossa, Jamie Torregrossa, Simons and Randy Phelps
Sophia Browne-Bozzi, Grandfather Joe Bozzi, Gus and Granddaughter Tori Torregrossa, friend Kim, Karen Kelly, and Tony Bozzi
the NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service.
- Carlo Messina, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo, who received the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Business.
- Gina M. Raimondo, who was presented with the NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service.
The evening was attended by a number of special guests, including: the United States Ambassador to Italy, Jack Markell; the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia; the President of the Region of Lazio, Francesco Rocca; the 56th Governor of the State of New York, Andrew Cuomo; Senator of the Italian Republic representing North and Central American, Francesca La Marca; Deputy representing North and Central America in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Christian Di Sanzo; and Emmy award-winning television host, best- selling cookbook author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich.
The gala was co-hosted by Maria Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel, and Joe Piscopo, renowned entertainer, actor, and radio host. The event featured a special performance by Christopher Macchio, lyric tenor and classical recording artist.
The evening also featured Friuli Venezia Giulia as the 2024 Region of Honor, showcasing its rich history, culture, and economic opportunities. The President of the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and President of the Conference of Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces and the President of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, Massimiliano Fedriga, was in attendance to represent the region and highlight its unique offerings. The gala dinner featured an exquisite culinary journey through Friuli Venezia Giulia, allowing guests to savor the authentic flavors and gastronomic traditions of this remarkable Italian region.
Prior to the gala, NIAF hosted the NIAF Forum at the hotel, featuring a series of lectures and talks. A highlight of the Forum was the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Luncheon: “Conway-Cuomo: Election 2024 Point/Counterpoint.” This event featured a lively moderated discussion with seasoned political consultant and former Special Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, and former New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, showcasing their contrasting views on America’s political future.
“Our annual gala was a celebration of Italian American excellence and a testament to the enduring bonds between the United States and Italy,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “We were excited to honor these distinguished individuals and to showcase the beauty and potential of Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
The gala featured a special performance by Pierpaolo Foti, an artist, composer and violinist from Trieste, Italy. It was a bi-partisan event, with videos shown by both President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, as well as former President Donald J. Trump.
The gala began with a reception sponsored by Campari, followed by the dinner and awards program and an afterparty. During the program, the NIAF 50th Anniversary logo was revealed, encouraging guests to save the date for the 50th Anniversary celebration on October 18, 2025, at the Washington Hilton.
Funds raised at the NIAF Gala directly supported the Foundation’s mission and educational programs, including scholarships, cultural preservation efforts, and initiatives to strengthen U.S.-Italy ties.
Cor Jesu Academy Student-Athlete Named
Gatorade Missouri Girls Soccer Player of the Year
In its 39th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade announced Maddie DiMaria of Cor Jesu Academy is the 2023-24 Gatorade Missouri Girls Soccer Player of the Year. DiMaria is the first Gatorade Missouri Girls Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Cor Jesu Academy.
The award, which celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community, distinguishes DiMaria as Missouri’s best high school girls soccer player. From CEOs and coaches to star athletes, Gatorade Player of the Year winners showcase the power of sport, touting an all-star group of alumni that includes Aly Wagner (1997-98, Presentation High School, Calif.), Mallory Swanson (2014-15, Mountain Vista High School, Colo.) and Kennedy Fuller (2022-23 & 2021-22, Southlake Carroll High School, Texas).
The 5-foot-7 freshman forward and midfielder led the Chargers to a 21-4 record and the Class 3 state championship this spring season. DiMaria scored 30 goals and passed for 21 assists, netting two scores and recording an assist in Cor Jesu’s 3-0 win over Rockwood Summit High in the state final. The Missouri Soccer Coaches Association’s Class 3 Player of the Year, DiMaria is a member of the U.S. Soccer Under-15 Women’s National Team. She’s ranked as the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2027 by PrepSoccer.com.
A member of the Cor Jesu choir, she has volunteered on behalf of Christian Action Reaching Everyone and the Special Needs Soccer Association. Also a member of her school’s Green Team Club dedicated to raising environmental awareness, she has served as a Cor Jesu Shadow Guide for prospective students. “Maddie DiMaria’s historic freshman season was a perfect example of what makes her such a special talent,” said J.R. Eskilson, National Analyst for PrepSoccer.com. “Ruthlessly efficient on the attack and fiercely competitive, she did what her team needed in order to win, supplying goals, assists and everything else to help her side hang a state championship banner. DiMaria’s play frustrated opposing coaches as she was always a step or three ahead of the competition. Driven to improve her game, DiMaria showcased goal-scoring ability with her left foot this season that
made many question which one was her dominant side. She was utterly unstoppable on the pitch.”
DiMaria has maintained a unweighted 4.18 GPA in the classroom. She began her sophomore year of high school this fall.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.
DiMaria joins recent Gatorade Missouri Girls Soccer Players of the Year Megan Hinnenkamp (2022-23, Liberty North High School), Grace Bindbeutel (2021-22 & 2019-20, St. Dominic High School) and Rylee Howard (2020-21, Lafayette High School), among the state’s list of former award winners.
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $4.9 million in grants to winners across more than 1,900 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com or follow us on social media on Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY, Instagram at instagram.com/Gatorade and X(Twitter) at x.com/Gatorade.
Read With Alexandra
“The Good Left Undone ”
I have a deep passion for travel, and I become completely captivated when a book transports me to a different place without requiring me to leave my home. Trigiani takes us on a riveting trip to Tuscany’s coastal town of Viareggio to Marseille and, unexpectedly, Scotland. The story spans a 100-year history of the Cabrelli women. It is a love story with loss, grief, and the importance of family and belonging.
Women’s stories across generations always captivate me. It is comforting to see how love and family remain strong throughout history, no matter what is Continued on page 6
un annuncio
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before November 15, 2024 to be featured in the December issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Daniela Fritsch
Louis Marino
Peter Marino
Francesco Sheldon
DECESSI
Stallone, Tina (nee Indelicato) Baptized into the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the age of 83. Beloved wife of Umberto Stallone; Loving mother of Rosalba (Michael) O’Connor, Lisa (Scott) Olson and Vito Stallone (Carrie Stallone); Cherished grandmother of Robert (Ashley) O’Connor, Ashley (Jerry) Burch, Zachary O’Connor, Francesco Loforte (Marissa Bohan), Isaac Olson, Vito Stallone, Jr. and Jacob Stallone; Adored great-grandmother of Carson, Clayton, Henlee, Tucker, Lylah, Sebastian, Adrianna, Sammy and Karmela; Dear sister of Fina (Michael) Kearbey and Dear sister-in-law of Giovanna Pica, Maria Barbera, Virgil Stallone and Karen Stallone; our loving aunt and friend.
SERVICE: A visitation was held on Sunday, October 20 at Calcaterra Funeral Home, 5140 Daggett Ave on The Hill. A second visitation was on Monday, October 21 with a Mass to follow at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 5130 Wilson Ave. at Marconi on The Hill. An interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery.
A Special Note:
We are very thankful for you, reader and supporter.
Carina Marino
and the Il Pensiero staff
Continued from page 5
going on in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering more about the Italian Scots, a topic I had never explored before. However, I occasionally lost myself in the stories of the secondary characters, which I felt detracted from the main plot.
If you enjoy traveling through time and exploring different countries, it is worth picking up.
I am curious to hear what YOU think. Please share your thoughts and send book recommendations to alerdh17@gmail.com.
Thank you, Silvia, Rosanna, and Chuck, for sending me recommendations.
Here Comes the Sun (Dial)
Submitted by Silvio Laccetti
On October first at high noon the City of Union City dedicated a huge Argentinian marble Sun Dial to honor the contributions of one Vincenzo Pellarin in disseminating the arts and technologies of terrazzo and mosaics in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The ceremony took place at Ellsworth Park, Union City, at 23rd St. and New York Ave. The four feet diameter dial is donated by my eponymous foundation. Union City was selected as the site because Vincenzo’s son and grandson settled there and were contributors to the City and its school system. Said Dr. Laccetti, “I have been a lifelong friend of the Pellarin family and I decided to memorialize the historical contributions of Vincenzo as a way to honor
Continued on page 7
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Continued from page 6
all his descendants.”
October 1 kicked off Italian Heritage month in many states, so we expected dignitaries from the Italian Consulate in New York City to attend the event, especially so its Education Attache, Daniele Castellani. Other invitees include the Mayors of Union City and Weehawken, as well as other public officials from the area. But perhaps the most important guests will be the students from Union City Schools, from Junior High on, who were given optional assignments to create mosaic art in their art classes. Some of what they did is truly breathtaking and will be displayed on site and, later, at the Union City Museum. This optional program will continue this year as
well. Terrazzo and mosaic art work is everywhere found in the United States. A major firm with historical roots exists in the St. Louis area. Indeed, Prof. Javier Grossutti of the University of Udine in Italy, as made a comprehensive survey of extant works and has researched the nowgone historical works. In his Cambridge University published article he notes the role of various Italian Americans, German and Swiss entrepreneurs who were responsible for promoting and popularizing these arts in the US. The Pellarin family looms large in his studies. Read the article on cambridge.org: From Guild Artisans to Entrepreneurs: The Long Path of Italian Marble Mosaic and Terrazzo Craftsmen
(16th c. Venice – 20th c. New York City) | International Labor and Working-Class History | Cambridge Core. Watch the video of the event on hudsontv.com.
Linda’s Mediterranean Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
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.
Bring this dish to Thanksgiving!
an Il Pensiero favorite
Sun Dial
Off New Jersey Italian Heritage Month: Donates Sun Dial to Union City
Submitted by The Silvio Laccetti Foundation
The Silvio Laccetti Foundation began New Jersey’s Italian Heritage Month in splendid fashion by donating a Sun Dial to Union City. The 4 foot diameter dial, made of special Argentinian marble, was created to honor Vincenzo Pellarin, who was one of the pioneers who brought the arts of terrazzo and mosaic to the U.S. in the 19th and early 20th century. An historically important person, Vincenzo emigrated from Sequals, in the Friuli region and worked and settled in New York City. However
his son, Dr. John Pellarin chose Union City, New Jersey for his home and was a leading citizen of that municipality, serving as physician to the Athletic Department of Emerson High School. His son, Dr. John Vincent, began a dental practice in the City. The Sun Dial is located in Ellsworth Park, just a short block from the one-time home of the Pellarins.
Prof. Laccetti decided to honor Vincenzo and the Pellarin family because of his close ties to the family. Laccetti noted the work of his Foundation in promoting Italian Language and Culture. His most well-known programs are The Garibaldi Award and the WorldCast Environmental seminars, featuring schools from around the globe.
The ceremony was attended by some 60 people, many of them school and town officials, as well as by honor students in the Union City Arts Program. The address given by Vincent Astudillo, Director of Fine arts program for Union City schools was particularly noteworthy in that he compared terrazzo, with its many ingredients (glass, marble, stone chips of various sizes and colors) to the makeup of Union City which historically has been a blend of many cultures and peoples.
View the sun dial on page 7. Learn more about The Laccetti Foundation at laccettifoundation.org.
” …having retired after four decades of teaching, I decided to establish a modestly endowed nonprofit foundation to address educational issues close to my heart. “ Dr. Silvio Laccetti
The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri
Silvio Laccetti
photos by Tina Hogan
Italian Heritage Parade and Festa
October 13, 2024
The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri
photos by Christine Ngo
GENERALE
D’ITALIA
THOMAS BOTZIOS–CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
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
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS 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
