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Anthonino’s Taverna Launches New Pink Sauce at All Schnucks Locations, Donating a portion of Sales to Susan G. Komen
of Anthonino’s Taverna. “Our customers have supported our restaurant and our family for years, and we’re excited to give them another way to enjoy our food while supporting an important cause.” The Pink Sauce features the flavors customers have come to know from Anthonino’s Taverna and gives shoppers the opportunity to bring a taste of the St. Louis restaurant home. The product is now available at all Schnucks locations, making it easy for customers across the region to find the new sauce while contributing to breast cancer support with every purchase. The Pink Sauce jar carries a special message highlighting the partnership: a portion of the proceeds supports Susan G. Komen.
St. Louis favorite Anthonino’s Taverna is bringing a new product to grocery store shelves with the launch of their new Pink Sauce, now available at all Schnucks locations throughout the St. Louis area. The new Pink Sauce is part of the growing Anthonino’s Taverna retail product line, which also includes the restaurant’s popular marinara sauce, Italian vinaigrette, and Greek vinaigrette. But this launch is about more than a new sauce. Anthonino’s Taverna owners Anthony and Rosario Scarato have partnered with Susan G. Komen to support the fight against breast cancer. A portion of sales from every jar of Pink Sauce will be donated to Susan G. Komen, helping support the organization’s mission to address breast cancer. “We wanted this product to be something special for our customers, and partnering with Susan G. Komen makes this launch especially meaningful,” said Anthony and Rosario Scarato, owners
About Anthonino’s Taverna Located in St. Louis, Anthonino’s Taverna is a family-owned restaurant founded around the Scarato family’s passion for Italian and Greek food. The restaurant has developed a loyal following while expanding its flavors beyond the restaurant through a growing line of retail products, including marinara sauce, Italian vinaigrette, Greek vinaigrette, and now Pink Sauce. About Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by meeting the most critical needs of people
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
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facing breast cancer and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure the disease.
Cart Marlene Makes Surprise Debut at Misericordia Procession submitted by Becky Tower
This is the conclusion of a threepart series about the building of a Sicilian donkey cart. If you missed parts one and two, here is a brief synopsis. Long-time Misericordia Society member and officer Biagio Pietroburgo has been building a donkey cart with the help of his son, Joe Pietroburgo; grandson, Arthur Pietroburgo; and Arthur’s girlfriend, Kylie Killbreath. A few other family members and friends have also helped out. Biagio Continued on page 5
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Italian Heritage Parade and Festa The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri October 11, 2026
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Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, Greg Daly, Chief of Police Robert J. Tracy and Gus Torregrossa
Gus Torregrossa, Police Commissioner Chris Saracino, Father Jack Siefert, Brenda Tracy, Shan Cohn and Chief of Police Robert J. Tracy
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Continued from page 1 designed the cart and, with help, assembled all the parts, including wheels and an axle that came from an Amish settlement near West Plains, Missouri. Biagio is dedicating the cart to the memory of his late wife, Marlene, who was also a longtime Misericordia member and officer. Biagio had the wheels and axle attached to the base of the cart the Friday before the Misericordia Procession, which took place on October 4. It rolled beautifully, but now the race was on to build a structure that would hold the large Misericordia picture and do it in time for the 10:30 am. Sunday procession. With the help of Misericordia trustee Brian Tower, Biagio sawed and nailed the framework together and bolted it to the cart. Later in the afternoon, Misericordia member Deacon Joseph Arnone also came to help. Finally, the picture was slipped into place, and the cart, without the sides, was ready to go by the end of the day on Saturday. Sunday was a beautiful fall day, sunny and warm. The procession lined up in the parking lot of St. Ambrose Church. The police escort stopped any traffic as the procession entered the intersection. The flags of the U.S. and Italy led the procession, followed by the cart, which was flanked by the Knights of Columbus in their ceremonial attire. There is no donkey yet, but two men, Arthur Pietroburgo and Gerry Heumann, easily pulled the cart. Just before the procession left the church grounds, Father Jack Siefert, Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish, blessed the cart, then took
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his place right behind it to lead the prayers. Deacon Joseph Arnone also prayed, and music director Darren Modde and the choir kept the faithful in tune during the singing. Two golf carts followed behind the crowd. As the procession continued down Wilson to Edwards to Bischoff to Marconi, some people watched from the sidewalk or on their front porches. One gentleman dropped to his knees in prayer, and another spontaneously and reverently joined the procession. After following the route, the procession returned to the church, removed the picture from the cart, and placed it on the sanctuary for Mass at 11 a.m. Following the Mass, the Misericordia members went to Guido’s for a delicious lunch and fellowship. Next Stop for Cart Marlene: The Italian Heritage Parade With the Misericordia Society Procession complete, Biagio and company next turned to dressing the cart for the Italian Heritage Parade on The Hill on October 11. A small space in the garage behind St. Ambrose Church was temporarily secured for the cart to be stored while the side panels were attached. Joining Biagio were his son, Joe; grandson, Arthur; and Arthur’s girlfriend, Kiley, who did the painting. Joe and Kiley worked together over several weeks studying Sicilian donkey carts online to come up with designs that are both reverent for the procession and festive for the parade and other events. The first coats of paint had been applied. Over the course of the week, the three worked with Biagio
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to add the final coats of paint and to attach the panels to the sides of the cart, add a seat, and add some feathery decorations. On Saturday evening, the cart was finished. Biagio sat in the cart for the ceremonial first ride, and photos were taken to mark the event. When asked for comments, Biagio humbly said, “I want to thank my family and friends for a concerted effort and especially my nephew and niece, Craig and Mary Koeberl for transporting the cart.” Sunday was another warm and sunny day, and a very large crowd gathered to watch the parade. Rolling down the parade route were many cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and people on foot carrying banners and signs. All kinds of candy, beads, rubber duckies, and even buns and veggies were flying into outstretched hands. There were smiles, cheers, and happy faces all around. In the middle of the festivities came the donkey cart pulled by brothers Arthur and Oscar Pietroburgo and filled with Biagio’s small great-grandchildren. After the parade, the cart rested at Berra Park, and several young tykes came to pose for pictures. The cart is now stored in DiGregorio’s warehouse on Marconi. Biagio is still looking for a donkey, and for the next event, he just might want to showcase a colorful, festive, and beautiful handmade cart. In loving memory of Marlene Pietroburgo
Continued on page 7
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Continued from page 5
Father Jack Siefert blesses the cart before the Misericordia procession on Sunday, October 4.
Cart creators: Biagio Pietroburgo takes the first ride in the cart he built with the help of Arthur Pietroburgo (kneeling) Joe and Takako Pietroburgo, Kylie Killbreath.
Parade: Arthur and Oscar Pietroburgo pull the donkey cart. Sitting in the cart are Hazel and Margie Pastoret, Gariella and Milo Pietroburgo.
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Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti Announces New Single Ahead of Debut Original Album, String Theory, Coming January 2027
A decade after Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, the nationally touring Italian-American crooner enters a new chapter, bringing the timeless charm of the Great American Songbook to a collection of songs entirely his own. Ten years after capturing America’s attention with his unforgettable audition on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti is ready to introduce audiences to a different side of the entertainer they have come to know and love. On November 20, 2026, Valentinetti will release a new single through Keep Good Company Records, offering listeners an introduction to String Theory, his first album of original music, now scheduled for release in January 2027. Produced by Hudson Valley musician and producer Lee Falco, the album represents a defining moment for the singer: a transition from interpreting the music of his heroes to establishing his own musical identity. In 2016, a 20-year-old college student and former pizza delivery driver from Long Island walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage and delivered a charismatic rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” His voice, confidence, and larger-than-life personality
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immediately won over the judges and audience. Heidi Klum famously pressed her Golden Buzzer, sending Valentinetti directly into the live rounds. He ultimately finished among the competition’s top five finalists, becoming one of the season’s most memorable performers. What followed was not simply a moment of television fame but a sustained career in live entertainment. Over the ensuing decade, Valentinetti has toured extensively, performing for audiences across the United States and internationally. His appearances have included Madison Square Garden, the legendary NYCB Theatre at Westbury, and performances Continued on page 8
Italian-style 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.
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Continued from page 7 alongside major entertainment figures, including opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas. His combination of commanding vocals, spontaneous humor, and easy rapport with audiences has helped him build a devoted following and establish himself as a contemporary ambassador for the classic American crooner tradition. More recently, Valentinetti’s recording of the Sinatra classic “My Way,” featuring the No Vacancy Orchestra, was included on the soundtrack of the 2026 film Jackass: Best and Last, introducing his voice to yet another audience. But despite a career built around some of the most recognizable songs in American popular music, Valentinetti had yet to release a full album of original material. That changes with String Theory, arriving in January 2027, preceded by a new single on November 20, 2026. A New Chapter, Rooted in Tradition Recorded at The Building in Marlboro, New York, String Theory brings together an accomplished ensemble of Hudson Valley musicians, including Jeremy Baum, Jeff Hill, Chris Pasin, Will Bryant, and Ginger Winn, under the direction of producer Lee Falco. Rather than abandoning the musical traditions that shaped him, Valentinetti uses them as the foundation for something new. The album draws on the melodic sophistication, romance, humor, and emotional directness of the Great American Songbook while exploring the personal experiences, relationships, and reflections of a singer now entering a new stage of his life. Songs including “One Wish,” “Still On My Way,” “The Lessons of a Life Well Lived,” “Members Only,” and “Love Can Be A Beautiful Thing” introduce listeners to a performer interested not merely in preserving the past but in contributing something of his own to its legacy. The result is an album that embraces the enduring appeal of classic entertainment without becoming an exercise in nostalgia. An Italian-American Musical Inheritance For Valentinetti, music and ItalianAmerican identity have always been inseparable. Raised on Long Island in a close-knit Italian-American family with roots in Abruzzo and a tradition of fine instrument-making, he developed his earliest appreciation for music in his grandmother Santina’s kitchen. There, surrounded by family, food, and conversation, he discovered the voices of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Vale, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald. Those artists became more than musical influences. They represented a tradition of storytelling, hospitality, and human connection that continues to inform his work. Valentinetti has carried that spirit into a career that celebrates Italian-American culture without treating it as a relic of the past. In September 2026, he returned to Manhattan’s Little Italy as a featured performer during the historic centennial Feast of San Gennaro, appearing as part of an expanded musical program curated with
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Keep Good Company Records. Now, with String Theory, he is extending that tradition through an entirely new repertoire. Valentinetti will celebrate the release of his new single on Friday, November 20, with a special premiere performance at The Falcon in Marlboro, New York. The full String Theory album, his first collection of original music, is now scheduled for release in January 2027. The venue holds particular significance for the project. Owned by producer Lee Falco, The Falcon is located in the same Hudson Valley community where the album was recorded. The evening will bring the music back to the musicians and creative environment that helped shape it, offering audiences an opportunity to experience Valentinetti’s new material live. The November 20 performance marks an exciting milestone in Valentinetti’s transition from interpreting the music of his musical heroes to establishing his own musical identity. About Sal Valentinetti Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti is an Italian-American vocalist and entertainer who rose to national prominence as a finalist on the eleventh season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2016, receiving Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer for his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Known for his powerful baritone, charismatic stage presence, and affectionate interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Valentinetti has spent the past decade touring nationally and internationally, appearing at major venues and cultivating a devoted audience. His recording of “My Way,” featuring the No Vacancy Orchestra, appears on the soundtrack of the 2026 film Jackass: Best and Last. His forthcoming album, String Theory, marks his first full-length collection of original music and is scheduled for release in January 2027. About Keep Good Company Records Keep Good Company Records is an independent record label and creative company founded by Matthew and Tina Baione. Working across music, film, live entertainment, and cultural programming, Keep Good Company develops artistcentered projects that connect established traditions with contemporary creative expression. Its work includes artist development, recorded music, original film projects, and live cultural programming, including participation in the entertainment programming for the 2026 centennial Feast of San Gennaro in New York City’s Little Italy.
Read With Alexandra (RWA) By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević
“The Curse of Pietro Houdini” By Derek Miller
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2026
I picked this book up during St. Louis Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Challenge. If you don’t already know about it, I encourage you to check it out next summer. You get a free book once you enroll! Derek Miller’s novel is a World War II coming of age story with an art heist mixed in. Set in Italy during August 1943, fourteen-year-old Massimo is orphaned by an American bombing raid. He is left to die in a ditch when he is rescued by a mysterious man who calls himself Pietro Houdini. Pietro takes Massimo to a Benedictine monastery outside of Rome to nurse him back to health and make him his assistant. Together, they work to preserve the treasures that are protected in the abbey. When the Germans take over Montecassino, Pietro and Massimo must smuggle the ancient artwork; otherwise, it will be destroyed. They meet some colorful, misplaced characters that become a family along the way.
EFFETTO SCORSESE E PROGETTO ROOTS La Sicilia crocevia di un nuovo movimento che valorizza le radici degli italiani nel mondo
Un museo, eventi e un galà per creare un ponte di pace internazionale tra popoli, storie e identità Come il regista di New York vuole donare il suo archivio artistico all’Italia per il forte legame con le sue origini, cresce in tutto il mondo l’interesse per le proprie radici. Da Palermo nasce e si sviluppa la prima rete. La Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS è nata per trasformare la memoria e la tradizione siciliane in strumenti di dialogo internazionale attraverso arte, design, artigianato e innovazione, con mostre, installazioni e progetti condivisi. Fin dall’inizio, la missione della Fondazione Made in Sicily ha portato il tema della Sicilia ben oltre i confini nazionali, riconoscendo nell’isola un simbolo di cultura e successo nel mondo. Nel corso di questa evoluzione è diventato sempre più chiaro il valore che attrae persone, istituzioni e aziende e favorisce nuove connessioni: quello delle radici, diventato protagonista con il progetto ROOTS. A confermare l’attualità dell’iniziativa sono anche le recenti dichiarazioni di Martin Scorsese. Il celebre regista, legato alle proprie origini familiari in Sicilia — il nonno emigrò da Polizzi Generosa — e a quelle professionali in Italia, sta valutando di lasciare al nostro Paese il suo prezioso archivio documentale e artistico, nonostante il suo nome e la sua produzione cinematografica siano parte integrante del patrimonio culturale degli Stati Uniti. Come il celebre regista nato a New York, il progetto ROOTS vuole riportare a casa, dando loro valore, i frutti che le nostre radici hanno generato nel mondo: una splendida umanità che ha mantenuto la propria indole italiana, facendola evolvere in contesti diversi e sotto nuovi stimoli. Continued on page 10
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What to Watch I am Ilary Genre: Reality TV (5 episodes) TV-MA Release Year: 2025 Starring: Ilary Blasi (Italian television host, former model, and former child actress) Available on Netflix This documentary series follows TV host Ilary Blasi as she defines her life post-divorce, balancing personal growth, career opportunities and a new love. courtesy of Netflix
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Continued from page 8 Anche le istituzioni pubbliche, a ogni livello, stanno aderendo a questo movimento. Il progetto ROOTS gode del patrocinio del presidente della Regione Siciliana e del sindaco di Palermo, Roberto Lagalla. Entrano progressivamente nella rete anche associazioni e gruppi operativi di italiani all’estero, media internazionali e fondazioni come Marea, impegnata sul fronte degli italiani all’estero. Tra i partner figurano anche importanti realtà italiane attive nell’economia creativa internazionale, come 5Vie, tra i principali protagonisti del Fuorisalone durante la Milano Design Week, e la Fondazione Antonio Carlo Monzino ETS, che dal 1999 promuove la musica come strumento educativo, sociale e di inclusione. Intanto è già in calendario, con decine di adesioni da parte di protagonisti provenienti da ogni continente, la prima giornata celebrativa delle radici italiane nel mondo. L’evento si terrà a Palermo, nella prestigiosa cornice del Teatro Massimo, lunedì 4 gennaio 2027, con il patrocinio del ministero del Turismo, della Regione Siciliana e del Comune di Palermo. Sono inoltre in corso le procedure per ottenere il patrocinio della Regione Lombardia e del ministero degli Affari esteri e della Cooperazione internazionale, non ancora ufficializzati. Per un aggiornamento sulle adesioni: www.rootsmagazine.org/p/roots-partner Tra i partecipanti figurano personalità di rilievo provenienti da diversi settori, dalla gastronomia alla scienza, dalla finanza all’industria. Il 3 gennaio, i partecipanti potranno visitare il Museo delle Radici, in fase di allestimento nel quartiere Ballarò. Il sottosegretario di Stato agli Affari esteri e alla Cooperazione internazionale Massimo Dell’Utri, titolare della delega per gli italiani all’estero, ha riconosciuto il significato profondo dell’iniziativa e ha confermato la propria presenza ai due giorni di appuntamenti a Palermo. Il sottosegretario ha inoltre manifestato l’intenzione di sostenere il progetto ROOTS nel corso del suo mandato, riconoscendo nel 4 gennaio una data dal forte valore simbolico: la prima giornata dedicata alla celebrazione delle radici italiane nel mondo, destinata a rinnovarsi ogni anno come momento di incontro tra l’Italia e le comunità che, oltre confine, ne custodiscono la lingua, la cultura e i valori. «Il progetto ROOTS ha una forte valenza perché parte da un legame che, per gli italiani nel mondo, è più forte di qualsiasi distanza: quello con le proprie radici. Gli italiani all’estero sono il più grande orgoglio dell’Italia e rappresentano un patrimonio umano, culturale e identitario straordinario. Valorizzare questo legame significa rafforzare un ponte tra l’Italia e le comunità italiane nel mondo, dando alle nostre radici un valore nuovo e condiviso», dichiara l’onorevole Massimo Dell’Utri. In occasione dell’evento sarà presentata da Giovanni Callea e Davide Morici, promotori del progetto ROOTS, la Fondazione ROOTS, dedicata allo sviluppo internazionale del programma, finora portato avanti dalla Fondazione Made in Sicily.
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Il progetto è inoltre sostenuto dal ROOTS International Media Network, che comprende TeleOne, prima rete televisiva siciliana, che da due stagioni ospita un format dedicato al legame tra i piccoli comuni siciliani e le comunità italoamericane di New York, Los Angeles e Filadelfia. Fanno parte della rete anche Journal Italia in Brasile, Italy 2 in California e Il Pensiero negli Stati Uniti. Le radici sono un valore universale. La missione della Fondazione è mantenerlo vivo, creando un ponte di pace tra popoli, storie e identità.
Le origini del progetto ROOTS
La Fondazione Made in Sicily ETS di Palermo realizza la propria missione trasformando la memoria e la tradizione siciliane e italiane in strumenti di dialogo internazionale. Lo fa unendo arte, design, artigianato e innovazione attraverso mostre, installazioni e progetti condivisi su scala internazionale. Tra le iniziative realizzate figurano progetti a Los Angeles, Tokyo e Singapore, attività legate al tour mondiale dell’Amerigo Vespucci nel 2025 e la partecipazione a Expo 2025 a Osaka. La Fondazione ha inoltre promosso attività a Chicago, Rotterdam, Amburgo e Berlino. Al centro del suo lavoro c’è il concetto di radici: un legame profondo che non conosce frontiere e che rappresenta una risorsa fondamentale per costruire un futuro fondato su un’autentica umanità. Dalle ceramiche alle arti visive, dai prodotti enogastronomici alle performance, ogni iniziativa testimonia come la cultura siciliana e italiana sappia generare connessioni globali e nuove visioni attraverso il dialogo con altre culture e identità. Con il progetto I GO ITALIA, la Fondazione ha costruito una prima rete internazionale dedicata alla gastronomia italiana, riconosciuta dall’UNESCO come patrimonio culturale immateriale dell’umanità. Nel luglio 2025, grazie alla donazione da parte di Felice Liotti del patrimonio documentale, audio e fotografico relativo alla cantautrice siciliana Rosa Balistreri, la Fondazione ha costituito il Fondo Liotti per preservare la memoria di una delle voci più emblematiche della Sicilia. CENT’ANNI è il titolo del progetto avviato con la Fondazione Rosa Balistreri per promuovere il centenario della nascita dell’artista licatese, che visse e operò per molti anni a Palermo. La recente installazione permanente di 13 opere in ceramica dedicate a Balistreri in via dei Cipressi a Palermo rappresenta la quinta tappa dell’Itinerario delle Radici, un percorso artistico e identitario avviato dalla Fondazione Made in Sicily che comprende: Aeroporto internazionale di Palermo: L’Albero delle Radici, di Boscia e Barolotta. Piana degli Albanesi: il murale Le Radici del Futuro. Lungomare di Isola delle Femmine: Le Radici del Mare, realizzato in pietra lavica e ceramica. Palermo: il murale dedicato a Totò Schillaci. Chi sono
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Giovanni Callea Ideatore e cofondatore della Fondazione Made in Sicily, Giovanni Callea è giornalista e consulente specializzato in marketing, comunicazione e internazionalizzazione. Ha maturato una vasta esperienza in progetti strategici per istituzioni pubbliche e private, tra cui il ministero dell’Agricoltura, la Regione Siciliana, ARPA Sicilia, il Comune di Palermo e il Teatro Massimo di Palermo. Ha organizzato importanti eventi culturali come Kals’art, con oltre 120 spettacoli nell’arco di tre annualità, e Vucciria, festival di musica popolare siciliana, entrambi seguiti dai media nazionali. La sua esperienza comprende consulenze strategiche per politici locali e membri del Parlamento europeo, oltre a progetti di internazionalizzazione del settore agroalimentare in Germania, nei Paesi baltici, in Polonia, Slovacchia, Paesi Bassi e Belgio. È stato produttore associato del film di Wim Wenders “Palermo Shooting”. Fin dalle prime fasi del progetto Made in Sicily, ha guidato la creazione di un ecosistema narrativo volto a raccontare la Sicilia come terra di radici e visioni, promuovendo il Made in Sicily negli Stati Uniti, in Giappone, a Singapore, in Germania e nei Paesi Bassi. Appassionato di impegno civico, ha promosso campagne per la riapertura del Parco Uditore a Palermo, il più grande parco urbano all’interno della città, e ha coordinato la comunicazione strategica per Fiume Oreto — Luogo del Cuore FAI, progetto vincitore della votazione online nazionale nel 2018. Davide Morici Davide Morici è un professionista poliedrico con una formazione giuridica e oltre 30 anni di esperienza nei settori del turismo, degli eventi e della comunicazione. La sua visione creativa va oltre l’impresa: è musicista, compositore e organizzatore di eventi internazionali, nonché fondatore di importanti festival musicali. Volto delle campagne social e coproduttore di tutte le opere e iniziative internazionali della Fondazione Made in Sicily, è riconosciuto per la capacità di unire strategia, creatività e relazioni globali, trasformando le idee in progetti concreti e di impatto, capaci di generare valore per le imprese, i territori e le persone. È cofondatore, insieme a Giovanni Callea, di tutte le iniziative della Fondazione Made in Sicily.
Falcon Nest Social Club Raises Funds for Special Needs Soccer Association submitted by Maureen Radice
On Saturday, September 26, the Falcon Nest Social Club held its fifth annual charity fundraiser at its club on Southwest Avenue. One of the recipients was the Special Needs Soccer Association. Based in St. Louis, SPENSA is a nonprofit soccer organization dedicated to providing Continued on page 11
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Continued from page 10 children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to experience the fun, excitement, and camaraderie of playing soccer. The program welcomes players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in traditional youth soccer programs. Best of all, participation is free of charge to all of the children. There are currently 150 children participating in the program. SPENSA relies on and is funded by many donations from soccer clubs, corporations, and individuals.The organization has spring and fall sessions held on Saturday mornings and are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of its players. Through the program, SPENSA creates an
inclusive environment where every player can have fun, build confidence, and feel part of a team. The fundraiser held a bags and bocce tournament that was competitive but friendly. Thirty-two players vied for first and second place prizes generously donated by businesses on and off The Hill. There were also over twenty gift baskets donated to a silent auction. Dave Bozdeck, Jim Stoeppler, Gary Guarino, and many volunteers were the organizers.
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Sister Felicetta Cola Street Dedication on The Hill
A street dedication ceremony was held October 18 at the corner of Macklind and Wilson avenues to honor Sister Felicetta Cola, a longtime Sacred Heart Villa educator remembered for her devotion to children, homemade pasta, and decades of service to the community. Born Anna Cola in 1913 in Castelgomberto, Italy, Sister Felicetta arrived in St. Louis in 1939 and went on to lead Sacred Heart Villa for more than 50 years. During her tenure, she taught thousands of children from Italian-American families in The Hill neighborhood. She was known for rising at 4 a.m. to make pasta by hand, teaching piano to generations of students and creating nativity scenes that became a cherished part of the neighborhood’s holiday traditions. Her contributions were recognized with the St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award in 1963 and the Italian Heritage Award in 1992. She remained a beloved fixture on The Hill until her death in 2004 at age 90. The dedication ceremony included remarks from Alderman Matt Devoti, a blessing by Msgr. James Ramacciotti, historical remarks from Sister Carol Sansone, ASCJ, and a sign unveiling led by Sister Christian Price, ASCJ, alongside students from Sacred Heart Villa. During her historical remarks, Sister Carol reflected on what made Sister Felicetta
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such an extraordinary person and the lasting impression she left on generations of students, families and members of The Hill community. “How do we know when we have met a ‘bigger than life’ person? How do we recognize that ‘one in a million’ person when our paths cross? Every now and again, we are blessed with one person who leaves a lasting impression, a mark, we dare call a legacy. That person was Sr. Felicetta for so many of us,” Sister Carol said. She recalled Sister Felicetta’s personality, sense of humor and dedication to teaching, noting that despite having limited formal higher education and speaking broken English, she found ways to connect with her students. The question was not if Sister Felicetta contributed, but how she contributed, Sister Carol emphasized, highlighting the generosity of The Hill community and the close relationships between its residents and the sisters. “The Hill is unique and our world thirsts for communities who care and look out for one another,” she said. “Sr. Felicetta’s tireless spirit, her love for the children and families, her relentless work ethic and love for this Italian community was and continues to be recognized and appreciated.” Sister Carol also reflected on the meaning of Felicetta’s name, which translates to “little happy one” or “little fortunate one,” describing how fitting those meanings were for the woman being honored.
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She concluded with a lighthearted image of Sister Felicetta sharing a cannoli, pasta or risotto in heaven with President Woodrow Wilson, whose name now shares the street with hers. A reception with refreshments followed the ceremony, which celebrated the enduring legacy of a woman whose dedication to education, faith, and community left a lasting mark on The Hill.
Sister Christian Price, ASCJ and Sacred Heart Villa students
Sister Christian Price, ASCJ and Alderman Matt Devoti