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IL PENSIERO
“THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Award-Winning Academic in Italian Language and Culture Announces Release of New Fiction Debut
Dr. Roberta Waldbaum’s Debut
Title
Offers
a Captivating Glimpse into Life in the 1890’s Green Heart of Italy
Mascot Books, an imprint of Amplify Publishing Group, is proud to announce the release of “The Color of Dreams: An Umbrian Tale” by the highly-respected scholar on Italian language, literature, and culture, Roberta Kaye Waldbaum. In this captivating story set in the lush landscape of late 19th-century Italy, Waldbaum weaves a rich tale of passion, art, and self-discovery.
The historical novel introduces readers to the complex inner world of Claire Brophy, a woman born into a modest family in Northern Italy with rare intellectual abilities. Challenging the conventional expectations of her time, Claire’s journey is one of profound introspection and explores themes of personal freedom, love, and the
pursuit of one’s true self.
Waldbaum, a champion of Italian language and culture in academia, brings a unique perspective to her writing, blending a historical setting with profound emotional narratives. “The Color of Dreams” is Waldbaum’s triumphant debut entry into the historical fiction genre.
To set up an interview, reading, or signing, or for more information regarding “The Color of Dreams,” contact Lindsey Dunn at lindseyd@amplifypublishing.com.
“The Color of Dreams” is registered with Ingram, the American Wholesale Book Company, Baker & Taylor, Follett Library Resources, and Ingram, and is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
About Amplify Publishing Group
Amplify Publishing Group (APG) is a leading independent hybrid publisher that is passionate about ideas and voices that need to be heard. APG publishes across a wide variety of genres and is the culmination of twenty years of experience acquiring, producing, marketing, and distributing books. It is home to a number of distinct imprints, including Amplify Publishing, RealClear Publishing, and Mascot Books.
Aeroporti di Roma and NIAF Partner to Enhance Travel
Experience for Members
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative travel program for NIAF members visiting Italy. This strategic partnership aligns with the Year of Italian Roots in the World and the upcoming Jubilee 2025 in Rome.
The agreement aims to:
- Promote new travel experiences between Italy and the United States
- Ensure a superior welcome for NIAF members arriving at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport - Showcase the excellence of Rome Fiumicino airport and promote Rome as a premier global tourist destination
Key benefits for NIAF members include:
- Access to FlyandvisitRome.com, ADR’s booking service, allowing members to plan trips with extended layovers in Rome.
- Use of the QPass service to schedule security check appointments.
- Complimentary access to the “Airport in the City” program at Rome’s Termini train
Continued on page 5
EDITORIAL
2024 Article/Ad Deadlines
November: October 18 December: November 15
Degli articoli firmati che appaiono sul giomale sono responsabili i singoli autori, i quali non rappresentano necessariamente il punto di vista generale, ne’ esprimono la politica de “Il Pensiero.” Operando conforme alle nostre vedute democratiche, si accetta la collaborazione di persone esprimenti il piu’ largo arco di opinioni, senza pregiudiziale di sorta. To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2025 dates will be in the next issue!
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.
PENSIERO
The Wedding of Jillian and Sergio Bertarelli
August 31, 2024
Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Bertarelli
Sasha Schmittgens, Judy Reinhold, Tony DePung, Kris Schmittgens, Jerry Reinhold and Mark Palmer
Official Photographer
Bob and Chrissy Hurst, parents of the bride
Bridal Party
Bob, Sergio and Torri Bertarelli, parents of the groom
Gus Torregrossa and Jillian and Sergio Bertarelli
Continued from page 1 station. This service allows members to check-in and drop off baggage for sameday ITA Airways flights departing from Fiumicino Airport (except for US and Israel destinations). NIAF members will be able to skip airport check-in lines and collect their luggage directly at the final destination.
Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, commented: “We’re thrilled to offer new opportunities and improve the travel experience for NIAF members. This new agreement will allow us to strengthen our focus on the North American market, which has already reached record levels. Italy and the USA have never been so close: with 12 daily departures to New York, Rome Fiumicino Airport is now the third hub in Europe for number of connections to the ‘Big Apple’, after London and Paris - followed by Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid. A total of 39 daily departures from Fiumicino reach 16 destinations in North America, including the new ITA Airways routes to Chicago and Toronto.”
“This collaboration with Aeroporti di Roma represents a significant step in enhancing our members’ connections to Italy. Whether they’re exploring their Italian heritage or simply experiencing the beauty of Italy for the first time, this partnership will make their journey more seamless and enjoyable. We’re thrilled to offer these exclusive benefits that will enrich our members’ travel experiences”, added, Robert Allegrini, President of NIAF.
Highlighting its commitment to excellence, Fiumicino Airport has been named the best airport in Europe for hubs with more than 40 million passengers by the Airports Council International (ACI) for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition underscores the world-class experience NIAF members can expect when traveling through Rome.
This partnership between ADR and NIAF is set to transform the travel experience for NIAF members, making it easier than ever to explore Italy’s rich culture and heritage.
About Aeroporti di Roma:
Aeroporti di Roma, a Mundys Group company, manages and develops the Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports and carries out other activities related and complementary to airport management. Fiumicino, the first and only airport in Italy with a Skytrax rating of 5 Stars for excellent standards in service quality and recognized during 2024 as the best airport in the world for airport security by Skytrax as well, it has two passenger terminals and is dedicated to business and leisure customers on domestic, international and intercontinental routes; Ciampino is mainly used by low cost airlines, express-couriers and General Aviation activities. In 2023, Fiumicino and Ciampino airports together reached 44.4 million passengers. Over the past seven years, Aeroporti di Roma has received numerous awards, recognitions and quality certificates. The main ones are the AIRPORT SERVICE QUALITY AWARD, awarded by ACI World for the category of European airports with more than 40 million passengers per year for the years 2017 to 2023 for the high level of passenger
satisfaction, and the ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARD, category of airports with more than 40 million passengers per year, for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
On 12 February 2024, ADR celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company unveiled a new logo that visually reaches upward to symbolize its ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
About NIAF:
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
The Hill Golf Cart Parade
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Get your golf cart in the Halloween spirit for 2024’s Golf Cart Parade! The parade will take place this year on Sunday, October 27 starting at 6:30 p.m. on Daggett Avenue and ends at Michel Funeral Home on Southwest Avenue. Line up begins at 6 p.m. on Daggett Avenue along the side of Berra Park on The Hill.
Get more details by visiting The Hill 2000 Neighborhood Association on Instagram at: @thehillstl2000.
Volunteers Needed
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
The Hill Neighbor Association is looking for volunteers for the Italian Heritage Parade & Festa. Positions they need help with include: parade marshals, assistance with set-up and tear-down, manage activities, and work the association booth! Interested in volunteering? Visit: hillstl.org/ italian-heritage-festival-volunteer-form.
Italian Candies to Hand Out This Halloween
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Tap into your Italian-American roots this year by choosing one (or a few) of these Italian candies to pass out for Halloween:
- Morositas gummy candy
- Rossana red-wrapped candies
- Elah Toffee
- Selz Soda hard pastilles
- Fondenti Perugia
Do you have a favorite Italian candy you like to hand out during Halloween? Share it with us by emailing courtney@ilpensiero.net.
A Chicagoan Visits
The Hill in St. Louis
Submitted by Frank Di Piero
Frankie D.
I recently made a trip from Chicago to St. Louis with a friend for the purpose of visiting “The Hill.” I have to say I was very impressed. I love all the markers and layout of the neighborhood, from the street signs to the painted intersections to the attractive garbage cans with “Benvenuti” painted on them to the Italian flags displayed in front of many homes. You can easily tell it’s a very organized and well-maintained area with an incredible amount of Italian businesses. My compliments to all who are responsible for keeping this “Little Italy” going strong. St. Ambrose Church is beautiful, and the Piazza across the street is amazing and a scene right out of Italy.
All the people we met were extremely nice and helpful, and I’m sure this neighborhood will flourish for years to come. I highly recommend a visit to this real gem of Italian America.
Read with Alexandra
by Alexandra Marino Durmišević
“A House in the Mountains: The Women Who Liberated Italy from Fascism” by Caroline Moorhead
Since school is back in full swing, I decided to go with a nonfiction book this month. Sometimes I need a break from romance, thrillers, and mysteries. A House in the Mountains is a story of four brave women who risked their lives by joining the Partisan effort to overthrow Italy’s fascist government. Ada, Frida, Silvia, and Bianca each help the effort in their own way. Whether it is spending days hiking the Piedmont Mountains or secretly sending messages to other resistance groups in nearby towns, these four women are unsung heroes.
If you are like me and learn more from leisurely reading, podcasts, documentaries, etc., I encourage you to pick up this book. Learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am learning so much more now than I ever did in school. I will admit that some chapters read like textbooks, but don’t give up! You will be inspired by themes of bravery, sisterhood, and perseverance.
I’ve gotten some book recommendations from a few readers— Silvia F. and Rosanna L. Please keep them coming. Please send your thoughts to alerdh17@gmail.com.
Follow me on Instagram (@alessandradaniela) for updates on when to catch the next review!
P.S. Yes, we said the next book review would be in November, but I got a little excited and had more time to read than I thought.
I hope this is one way you, too, can celebrate Italian Heritage Month.
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before October 18, 2024 to be featured in the November issue.
We look forward to receiving your announcements!
Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Anthony Gandolfo
Courtney Kamm-Finn ANNIVERSARIES
Oct. 4
Tyler & Diana (Lorenzano) Berry-10 years
Oct. 7
Antonino and the late Lina Lombardo
Oct. 27
Giovanni and Francesca Ferrara
DECESSI
Logos School’s Legacy of Hope
Gala to Illuminate a Brighter Future for Students
Legacy of Hope
Gala, A New Day
Logos School, a leading provider of personalized therapeutic and academic programs for students, will host its annual fundraising gala on Saturday, October 5, at 5 p.m. The event, titled “Legacy of Hope, A New Day,” will take place at St. Louis Union Station and feature a cocktail reception, super silent auction, live wine and spirits auction, live auction, raffle, and dinner.
Logos School provides a lifeline to students through a transformative, personalized therapeutic, and academic program, fostering a path to hope and success. The evening will celebrate the school’s commitment to empowering students to achieve their full potential.
“Logos has a consistent enrollment of 90-110 students who come from a variety
of therapeutic, academic, and economic backgrounds. Our school provides an innovative combination of individualized academics, individual and group therapy, and parental involvement. During our history, more than 2,000 adolescents have found academic and emotional success,” said Dr. Kathy Fenger.
Join us for a lovely evening as we celebrate a world where every student’s journey leads to a brighter future. Your support empowers us to meet each student’s individual needs, promoting personal growth and educational success.
About LOGOS School
As a school, we provide hope and a path to success for struggling students and their families in a safe, ethical environment. Through individualized education and therapy, our students gain acceptance and a promising future. Our program provides an innovative combination of individualized academics, individual and group therapy, and parental involvement. Coupled with a staff ratio of 6:1, our approach has proved to be successful for hundreds of adolescents who would otherwise be left without any options. LOGOS has become a lifeline for those students who need more than a traditional school setting.
If you would like more information about LOGOS School, please call Alice Drobisch at 314-997-7002 ext. 103 or email at adrobisch@logosschool.org.
9137 Old Bonhomme Road St. Louis, MO 63132
Columbus Day Parade & Italian Festival Decimo Anniversario a Dallas
A Dallas, pur affrontando le molteplici difficolta’ che oramai da anni a livello sociale e politico investono numerose citta’ e Stati dell’Unione, si svolgera’ il 13 Ottobre p.v., il Columbus Day Parade e Italian Festival a Dallas. Sfileranno a seguito delle Autorita’ civili e militari, i cavalli del Texas Park, la banda della scuola Skyline. Inoltre si esibiranno la rinomata orchestra Emerald City Band, e Pino Marelli. Ci sara’ una esposizione di macchine sportive italiane, e la presenza di ristoratori e prodotti italiani.
Questo evento rappresenta una continuita’ nella direzione di marcia per poter promuovere la nostra Storia, le tradizioni, la cultura e l’eredita` italiana. Bisogna salvaguardare il Columbus Day, dimostrando all’intera comunita’ che condividere momenti conviviali, culturali, sociali sia di esempio di apertura, inclusione, e nel rispetto reciproco con gli altri gruppi etnici, cosi dichiara il Cons.del CGIE Vincenzo Arcobelli tra i principali promotori in Texas e in America del Columbus day.
11 a.m.
Ronald Kirk Bridge and Felix H. Lozada, Sr. Gateway 109 Continental Ave., Dallas TX 75207
Free Admission and Parking
Artichoke Dip
an Il Pensiero favorite
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 your next fall gathering with family and friends.
Send us a photo at info@ilpensiero.net.
Parata del Columbus Day e festival
Italiano a Dallas 10° anniversario, il
Comitato annuncia: Oscar Renda Grand Marshal 2024
Il Comitato del Columbus Day e Italian Festival a Dallas, ha selezionato
Oscar Renda Grand Marshal 2024.“Oscar Renda merita questo significativo riconoscimento, per il grande contributo dato al mondo delle costruzioni e per la comunita’, dichiara Vincenzo Arcobelli Chairman della Manifestazione”. Siamo orgogliosi che Oscar Renda nell’edizione 2024 e’ il Grand Marshal, tra le personalita’ prominenti della comunita’ italo-americana, dichiara Jay Lombardo Maestrio di
Cerimonia e componente del Comitato Organizzatore.
Oscar Renda, e’ un imprenditore di successo orgoglioso delle sue origini che risiede a Dallas in Texas. Arrivato negli Stati Uniti nel 1956 dalla Calabria, all’età di 8 anni, sin da adolescente ha svolto lavori umili , da parcheggiator di auto a lava i piatti, mentre imparava il mestiere di falegname. Mentre cercava di portarsi avanti anche negli sudi, a 14 anni lavorava nel ettore
delle costruzioni, e a 17 anni , guidava una squadra di installatori di tubi. Nonostante i commenti negativi degli amministratori scolastici, usò i loro dubbi come motivazione. Ma, un insegnante di scuola superiore vide il suo potenziale, ispirandolo a proseguire gli studi all’università. Nel 1967 con un piccolo bagaglio e tramite l’autostop arrivo’ in Texas. Fu accettato nella squadra di wrestling nel Nord Texas, consentendogli di autofinanziarsi per il proseguimento degli studi, laureandosi in Educazione fisica e con una specializzazione in Storia Americana e del Texas nel 1971.
Ma nell’estate del 1971, trovò un lavoro come capo squadra di installatori di tubature per la DalStrom Construction Company, la quale aveva vinto il contratto per la costruzione dell’Aeroporto Internazionale di Dallas/ Fort Worth IN Texas. Nell’agosto di quell’anno, gli fu offerto un lavoro alla Northwest High School per insegnare Storia americana e allenare la squadra di football. Dopo non aver ottenuto la posizione di primo allenatore al suo secondo anno, si dimise. Prese un prestito di $ 13.000, acquistò un escavatore John Deere e fondò la Oscar Renda Contracting nel 1973. Suo fratello Rudy, un contabile alla Price Waterhouse, lasciò il lavoro e si unì a lui nel 1974.
Iniziarono con lavori di movimento terra, per poi arrivare a grandi opere nelle principali città del Texas, in in 37 Stati ed in Canada. Sono diventati il più grande appaltatore degli Stati Uniti, espandendosi in infrastrutture, trattamento delle acque reflue, autostrade, tunnel e dragaggio. Tra i progetti più importanti ci sono il tunnel di San Francisco, la struttura di ingresso del lago Mead e il ponte Tappan Zee a New York. Gestiscono anche i biosolidi per milioni di persone nell’area DFW e in altre 22 città. La loro migliore attività è stata quella bancaria, possedendo tre banche. Nel 2013, hanno ceduto l’attività di costruzione ai loro figli, che l’anno scorso hanno quotato l’azienda alla Borsa di New York.
Oggi, gestisce ancora l’Environmental Company e un ristorante, Calabrese, come hobby da pensionato.
25, 2024
Kirkwood, Missouri
Giro della Montagna
September 1, 2024
The Hill, St. Louis
photos by Christine Ngo
photos by Carina Marino
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
