Italian America Magazine - Summer 2019

An Italian Tour of Our Nation's Capital The Italian Artistry That Winds Through Washington

The 31 Annual NELA Gala st

A Celebration of Sixty Years for the Sons of Italy Foundation

The Largest Lynching in United States History Eleven Innocent Italian Immigrants

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ITALIAN AMERICA

SUMMER 2019

VOL. XXIV No. 3

Italian America

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T h e O ff i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O r d e r S o n s a n d D a u g h t e r s o f I t a l y i n A m e r i c a ®

Features

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The Largest Lynching in United States History Eleven Innocent Italian Immigrants

City of New Orleans Issues Public Apology for 1891 Lynching The Commission for Social Justice Gets Past Italian Injustice Recognized

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An Italian Tour of Our Nation’s Capital The Italian Artistry That Winds Through Washington

By David McCormick

The 31st Annual NELA Gala A Celebration of Sixty Years for the Sons of Italy Foundation

By Miles Ryan Fisher

ON THE COVER: The Lincoln Memorial was sculpted by the Piccirilli Brothers, eight sons of Italy who hailed from the town of Massa, located in the region of Tuscany. (Anton_Ivanov)

D e pa r t m e n t s 2 National News 3 Oggi in Italia 4 Pagina Italiana 5 Regions of Italy 6 Mangia

11 Bulletin Board

20 Book Reviews 21 Speakers Bureau 22 OSDIA Nation 31 From the National

32 Foundation Focus 33 Fighting Stereotypes 34 Letters to the Editor 35 The Last Word 36 Piacere

Italian America is published by the Order Sons and daughters of Italy in America 219 E Street NE • Washington, DC 20002 • Phone: (202) 547-2900 • Web: www.osia.org Editor-in-Chief: Miles Ryan Fisher mfisher@osia.org Writers: Anthony Sciarratta; David McCormick Translator: Serena Lonigro Proofreaders: Peggy Daino, Marlene Palazzo Graphic Designer: Diane Vincent To advertise: Contact ItalianAmerica@osia.org (202) 547-2900

Italian America Magazine is a publication of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the nation’s biggest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage. To subscribe, see www.osia.org or call (202) 547-2900.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

National News

Italian American issues and events

OSDIA Meets with Supreme Court Justice and Italian Ambassador In the interest of enhancing the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America’s role and further developing its relationship with both the United States government and the Italian government, Chief Operating Officer Joseph DiTrapani met recently with both Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio.

Joseph DiTrapani meets with Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito (right), whose grandfather’s Italian birth certificate hangs in his office.

Justice Alito, who is just the second Italian American to become a Supreme Court Justice, has been a past attendee of the Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Education & Leadership Awards Gala.

Ambassador Armando Varricchio, who has served in the position for three years, is the Honorary Chairman of the 2019 Ambassadors’ Ball, an annual event held in September that benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America is servJoseph DiTrapani with Italing on the Ambassadors’ ian Ambassador Armando Ball Committee and as Varricchio at the Embassy of Italy. a media partner of the event. “We’re proud to support Ambassador Varricchio and the M.S. Society,” said Mr. DiTrapani. “It promises to be a wonderful night that honors Italy for a great cause.”

Inventor of Cocoa Mix, Charles Sanna Dies at 101 The warehouse at Sanna Dairies was overflowing with creamer. The perishable dried whole milk, made to supply the U.S. military during the Korean War, had been overproduced by the company in order to avoid penalties written into Army contracts for underproduction. With an abundance of extra product, Charles Sanna would not let it go to waste. “The product had a wonderful flavor,” he wrote. “I believed that it would make an excellent ingredient for a hot cup of cocoa.”

A mechanical engineer by trade, Sanna began testing hot chocolate recipes on his five children. He began selling his powder mix to airlines in the 1950s before returning to the kitchen in order to concoct a recipe that didn’t rely on expensive dried whole milk. He substituted powdered skim milk, which was less expensive and also had a longer shelf life. He named the product after the title of a Laurel and Hardy comedy film called Swiss Miss. The cocoa mix was then sold in grocery stores, launching the instant hot chocolate industry in the early 1960s.

While the hot chocolate is instant, the development of Sanna’s mix had started long before he was born to an SUMMER 2019

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Italian immigrant couple living in Philadelphia. His Sicilian father, who had immigrated to New York at age 13, managed a dairy company in Philadelphia, an ice cream company in Washington, and a gelatin operation in Chicago—all of which led him to open his own company, Sanna Dairies, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two years after Charles Sanna graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1939, he joined the Navy, contributing to the war effort as a superintendent of submarine construction in Maine. It was after World War II that his father convinced him to enter the family business.

However, Sanna’s experience building submarines for the men who worked in them was what left a lasting mark.

He later wrote, “These men had to be utterly perfect, particularly mentally. I would ask that anything said on my behalf would include a statement of tribute to the 3,505 valiant, unheralded submariners of the United States Navy who lost their lives in World War II.” Charles Sanna passed away last March at the age of 101.

ITALIAN AMERICA

Oggi in Italia

Italy’s news, politics, and culture

Self-Taught Photographer Wins Pulitzer Forty-year-old Photographer Lorenzo Tugnoli won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for his photographs depicting the famine in war-torn Yemen.

Having been sent to the country on assignment last year by the Washington Post, Tugnoli spent nine weeks over the course of multiple trips that took him into the most dangerous places of what has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. In an ongoing struggle between the Yemen government and rebels, more than 50,000 have lost their lives. Tugnoli has used his photography to portray the plight of the people, from living in hunger to being forced into conscription. According to the Pulitzer Prize Board, his images portray “beauty and composure … intertwined with devastation.”

Hailing from the town of Lugo (Emilia-Romagna region), Tugnoli taught himself the art of photography by

traveling the world with well-known photographers. In 2010, he moved to Afghanistan and has since worked extensively in the Middle East. With ongoing projects in Yemen, Libya, and Lorenzo Tugnoli is based in Beirut, Lebanon, Tugnoli capital of Lebanon. (canadastock) focuses on the humanitarian consequences that result from armed conflict.

This year, he was also awarded the 1st prize World Press Photo General News Story and nominated for the World Press Photo Story of the Year.

Neapolitan Pizza Delivered from … Italy?

Young Italians Take to the Country

Pizza delivery may have taken on a new meaning.

Talia di Napoli, a company based in Naples, has recently pioneered a patented process in which authentic Neapolitan pizza made in Italy is cryogenically frozen and shipped to the United States. The pizzas are handmade using fresh ingredients, baked in the oven, and then immediately put in a cryogenic chamber, where they are “put to sleep” according to Talia di Napoli’s CEO Edouardo Freda. “We wanted to bring the Neapolitan pizza experience straight to your home,” he said.

As a result of Italy’s struggling economy, one positive new trend has been developing: Italy’s youth has been migrating to the countryside to start their own businesses. With many young graduates unable to find work, creating economic opportunity has become essential for them. This has led them to the rural areas of Italy, where they have begun cultivating abandoned and unused farmland. In the past two years, Italy’s countryside has seen a 35% increase in businesses.

The patented process took nearly three years of research and development to perfect, ensuring that the pizzas are made from natural ingredients and do not include any preservatives. The “sleeping pizzas” range from $11.99 to $15.99 and can be ordered on the company’s website.

Orders ship for free to the northeastern United States, and the company plans to expand its reach to the entire continental United States by the end of the year.

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Approximately 50,000 Italians under the age of 35 have left urban areas to return to the countryside. With about one in ten young Italians working in agriculture, Italy now boasts the highest number of youth working in this field in all of Europe.

The hilly farmland of Calabria. (GoldTravel Photography) ITALIAN AMERICA

Pagina Italiana

Per chi studia la nostra lingua

Che sarà “What Will Be” Written by Anthony Sciarratta Translated by Serena Lonigro

Totò viveva nella bellissima città di Salerno, a cinquantaquattro chilometri da Napoli.

Nonostante Salerno fosse in sé una città mozzafiato, veniva spesso trascurata dai turisti che si dirigevano verso le città vicine lungo la Costiera Amalfitana. La distruzione della guerra aveva forzato centinaia di abitanti del luogo a partire alla ricerca di nuovi inizi. Fu in un fatidico martedì mattina del 1946 che Totò avrebbe imparato che la sua vita sarebbe cambiata per sempre.

La bellezza di Salerno fu offuscata dall’Operazione Avalanche, nome in codice dell’invasione della città ad opera degli alleati. La distruzione di tutta l’Italia causò la seconda diaspora italiana. Come migliaia di altri italiani, Totò e la sua famiglia sarebbero partiti la mattina seguente con una nave che salpava per l’Australia. Quando i suoi genitori glielo dissero, le parole risuonarono così forti da sembrare colpi di pistola esplosi fuori, come se la guerra stesse ancora infuriando. Egli ricordava di aver sentito i suoni della guerra quando aveva solo dieci anni. Ora, a tredici anni, quei ricordi tremendi riaffiorarono. Corse via di casa in preda alla rabbia, cercando di trovare il suo amore, Imelda.

Totò e Imelda si erano incontrati quando avevano cinque anni e da allora erano stati inseparabili. Immaginavano che si sarebbero sposati un giorno e che nessuno, tranne Dio, avrebbe potuto impedire loro di trascorrere il resto della vita insieme. Totò e Imelda giurarono che niente li avrebbe mai separati. E così fu, fino al fatidico martedì mattina del 1946. Mentre piangeva lacrime di dolore, Totò corse da Imelda, che viveva solo a pochi chilometri di distanza, oltre la piazza. Non poteva sopportare di darle la notizia, poiché mai avrebbe immaginato di essere proprio lui a spezzare quel suo cuore puro.

Da sola, Imelda, stava fissando silenziosamente il mare bellissimo dalla cima di una collina. Guardava le onde infrangersi lentamente, desiderando che ci fosse il modo di congelare il tempo. Imelda sapeva che Totò stava arrivando, avendo i suoi genitori parlato con quelli di Totò.

Le avevano comunicato la notizia quella mattina. Poteva sentire il respiro affannoso di Totò avvicinarsi mentre saliva sulla collina. Totò cercò di riprendere fiato.

“Pensavo che questo giorno non sarebbe mai arrivato,” disse lui con le lacrime agli occhi.

Imelda annuì senza voltarsi. Stava cercando di nascondere le sue emozioni a Totò.

“Non hai niente da dire?” chiese Totò.

Imelda scosse la testa. “No,” disse lei trattenendo le lacrime. “Sarà quel che sarà.”

“E se non ci vedessimo più?” chiese lui.

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Imelda si voltà e baciò Totò per la prima volta. “Un giorno ci rincontreremo di nuovo. So che ritornerai a Salerno per cercarmi.”

Totò e Imelda se rimasero seduti a guardare le onde infrangersi. Lei gli sussurrò, “Niente può portarci via questo momento.”

Anthony Sciarratta is a novelist born and raised in Queens, New York. He could be found at the nearest espresso bar.

Serena Lonigro was born and raised in Napoli. She graduated from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures and now works in marketing and news media.

To read the English version, visit www.osia.org and sign in to access the digital copy of Italian America.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Pagina Italiana

Per chi studia la nostra lingua

Che sarà “What Will Be”

by Anthony Sciarratta

Totò lived in in the beautiful town of Salerno, fiftyfour kilometers outside of Naples. Although Salerno was a breathtaking town in its own right, it was often overlooked as sightseers made their way to the neighboring towns along the Amalfi Coast. The destruction of the war forced hundreds of natives to leave in search of new beginnings.

It was on this fateful Tuesday morning in 1946 that Totò learned his life would change forever.

Salerno’s beauty was tarnished by Operation Avalanche, the codename for the allied invasion of the town. The destruction around Italy caused the second Italian diaspora.

Like thousands of other Italians, Totò and his family would be leaving on a ship traveling to Australia the next morning. When his parents told him, the words were so loud they felt like gunshots going off outside, almost as if the war was still raging. He remembered hearing the sounds of war when he was only ten years old. Now at thirteen, the horrible memories resurfaced. He ran from his home in anger, searching to find his love, Imelda.

Totò and Imelda had met at five years old and were inseparable ever since. They imagined they’d one day marry and that nobody but God would be able to stop them from spending their lives together. Totò and Imelda swore to each other that nothing would be able to separate them.

That is, until that fateful Tuesday morning in 1946. As he cried tears of pain, Totò ran to Imelda, who lived only a few kilometers across the piazza. He could not bear to tell her the news, as he never pictured himself being the one to shatter her spotless heart.

Alone, Imelda quietly stared at the beautiful ocean from the top of a hill. She watched the waves slowly crash, wishing that there was a way she could somehow freeze time. Imelda knew that Totò was coming, her parents having spoken to Totò’s. They had broken the news to her this morning. She could hear Totò’s heavy breathing grow closer as he charged up the hill. Totò tried to catch his breath.

“I thought this day would never come,” he said with tears in his eyes.

Imelda nodded without turning around. She tried to hide her emotions from Totò.

“You have nothing to say?” Totò asked.

Imelda shook her head. “No,” she said holding back tears. “What will be, will be.”

“What if we never see each other again?” he asked.

Imelda turned around and kissed Totò for the first time ever. “We will meet again one day. I know you will return to Salerno to find me.”

Totò and Imelda sat together and watched the waves break. She whispered to him, “Nothing can take this away from us.”

Regions of Italy

Italy’s Twenty Regions

Sicily The Medallion of the Mediterranean The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea—and largest region of Italy—Sicily has been a coveted land for centuries due to its location along trade routes. For this reason, Sicily’s people have endured the occupation of many other cultures, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Austrians, and Bourbons. It was under the House of Bourbon and Kingdom of Naples that Sicily was unified, becoming the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

As a result of its tumultuous hisThe Greek Theater of Taormina with a smoking Mount Etna in the background. tory, Sicily has hundreds of castles (K. Roy Zerloch) and 218 old watchtowers, called Torri Sicily boasts an extraordinary abundance of produce costiere della Sicilia (Coast towers of Sicily). Occupations by many different powers have led Sicily to reflect a true thanks to the richness of the soil created by the tallest acamalgamation of many different cultures. This can be seen tive volcano in Europe: Mount Etna. At 10,912 feet, Etna in the architecture of various historic sites, ranging from stands two and a half times the size of Mount Vesuvius. It the Greek Theatre of Taormina and the Roman ruins in is located near the city of Catania in the northeastern part Siracusa to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and of the region. Mount Etna is not, however, Sicily’s only the Baroque style in many cities, including Sicily’s capital, active volcano. Located almost directly north of Catania is Mount Stromboli, which rises from one of the Aeolian Palermo.

The multicultural aspect can also be tasted in Sicily’s Islands (also part of the Sicily region). Stromboli is paralcuisine, which, though Italian-based, shows traces of Arab, Greek, Spanish, and North African influence. The region is also renowned for its desserts (especially cannoli) and wine. Because of its variety of food and drink, Sicily has been referred to as God’s Kitchen.

Sicily Capital: Palermo Population: 5.0 million (4th of the 20 regions) Size: 9,927 square miles (1st of the 20 regions) Provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani

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FUN FACT: Marsala, a city on Sicily’s west coast, was the starting point for Giuseppe Garibaldi and his army (i Mille) on their quest to unify Italy. lel to the Calabria region—roughly the same latitude as the cities of Tropea and Pizzo—and can be seen from that coast.

Since 1865, Italy’s government has entertained a plan for building a bridge linking Sicily to Calabria, and therefore Italy’s mainland. Known as the Messina Bridge, it would connect the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, which are separated by the Strait of Messina. The bridge would span 3.2 kilometers, making it the largest suspension bridge in the world. However, due to cost, the Mediterranean Sea’s tumultuous currents, and the area’s propensity for earthquakes, building the bridge has remained unfeasible.

ITALIAN AMERICA

Mangia!

Piccantina Spicy Pizza

Pizza Margherita

Tomato and Mozzarella Pizza

Ingredients Two 14-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons of extravirgin olive oil, plus more for the pan and for drizzling

Ingredients 9 ounces of fresh mozzarella

1 recipe of Pizza Dough

Sea salt

Sea salt

Torn fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or to taste

• Using your hands, rip the mozzarella into small pieces and place it in a sieve. Let it drain over a bowl for an hour at room temperature.

3 cups of halved or quartered cherry tomatoes 1 cup of pitted briny black olives 2 teaspoons of dried oregano

Two 14-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes Extra-virgin olive oil 1 recipe of Pizza Dough

Arugula Oil (below)

• Pour the tomatoes into a sieve over a separate bowl and let them drain for a half hour at room temperature.

• Pour the crushed tomatoes into a sieve over a bowl and let them drain for a half hour at room temperature.

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly oil the bottom of a 12 by 16-inch rectangular pizza pan.

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly oil the bottom of a 12 by 16-inch rectangular pizza pan.

• Roll out the dough and transfer it to the pan. Spread a layer of the drained tomatoes on top. Don’t overdo it.

(Don’t worry if you have some tomatoes left over. you can freeze them and use them in your next batch of sauce.) Season to taste with salt and olive oil.

• Roll out the dough and transfer it to the pan. Spread a thin layer of the drained tomatoes over the top, leaving a ½-inch rim around the edges. Don’t overdo it. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes, and drizzle with olive oil.

• Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust starts to turn golden and the topping is bubbling.

• Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn golden and the topping is sizzling. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

• Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter the mozzarella over the top, leaving an inch or more of space between pieces.

• Just before you are ready to serve the pizza, you can either reheat the base for 5 minutes in a 450ºF oven or proceed with the base at room temperature. Toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt.

Mix to coat well and spread over the top of the pizza.

Scatter with the olives and oregano and drizzle with arugula oil.

• Place the pizza back in the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the mozzarella to melt.You don’t want the cheese to brown, just to become runny.

• Remove from the oven, drizzle with more olive oil, and top with the basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Olio di Rughetta Arugula Oil 1 bunch of arugula, rinsed and dried ½ cup or more of extra-virgin olive oil Put the arugula in a food processor. With the blade running on high, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. When it is a smooth, bright green puree, transfer it into a small bowl. If not using right away, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Although it won’t go bad for a few days, the bite of the arugula tends to wear off, so it’s best to use it within 24 hours.

Follow Italian America magazine’s Facebook page to find out how you can win a copy of Elizabeth Minchilli’s The Italian Table!

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Italian America Lo Spaghetto alla Jacqueline Magazine's Jackie O’s Spaghetti Ten-Step Recipe for During Jackie Kennedy’s vacations in Capri and the Amalfi Coast, her favorite restaurant, La Basic Pizza Dough Tonnarella, is a palepink building nestled beneath the towering cliff. It’s that kind of place, 2 cups all-purpose flour + additional 1 packet instant yeast 1 ½ teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons olive oil + additional ¾ cup warm water

although you wouldn’t guess it if you just happened upon it. Her favorite dish, or so legend has it, was the chef’s special pasta made with zucchini and pancetta. And while it’s not much to look at (like the restaurant itself), it is, when done right, the perfect summer pasta.

Ingredients ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon of sea salt, plus more for the pasta water ½ cup of diced pancetta

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

1 pound of small tender zucchini, cut into ¼-inch dice

2. With wooden spoon, stir in olive oil and warm water.

1 pound of spaghetti

3. Stir in 1 cup of flour until all the flour is absorbed.

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

4. Grease a separate large bowl with olive oil.

• Pour the olive oil into a frying pan large enough to hold all of the drained pasta later. Add the onions, and let them soften over medium heat for about 6 minutes before adding the salt. Once the onions have softened, add the pancetta. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes, until the pancetta has lost its pink color. Next add the zucchini and basil to the pan and continue to cook over low to medium heat, stirring every so often. Cook until the zucchini is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

5. Form dough into a ball and put in the olive oil-greased bowl.

Poke the dough with your finger about eight times.

6. Cover the bowl with a small blanket and set it in a warm place.

7. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes (or more) until it has doubled.

8. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough so that it fits into a 12” x 16” pan.

9. Grease the 12” x 16” pan with olive oil and transfer the dough.

10. Add the toppings and bake at 425º F for 12-16 minutes.

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1 bunch of basil, leaves only 3 ounces of Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated (3/4 cup) Freshly ground black pepper

• In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat and add the spaghetti. Bring back to a boil and cook until almost al dente.

• Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the zucchini, along with 1 cup of the cooking water. Increase the heat to medium-high and finish cooking the pasta while the water evaporates. This should only take 2 to 3 minutes. Add a bit more water if needed.

• Remove from the heat and add the Parmigiano and butter, stirring until blended. Season with additional salt, if needed, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

If you liked these recipes, find more in Elizabeth Minchilli’s The Italian Table: Creating festive meals for family and friends.

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2019 7

The Largest Lynching in United States History Eleven Innocent Italian Immigrants

By Miles Ryan Fisher

As one of the two main entry points to the United States, New Orleans experienced an influx of Italian immigrants during the Italian diaspora that began in the 1880s. Many of the Italian immigrants came from Sicily and Southern Italian regions to fill the shortage of workers on farms and plantations that followed the Civil War and exodus of former slaves.

With their arrival came many wonderful additions to the city, such as the prestigious Hotel Monteleone and the renowned Muffaleta sandwich to the section of the city known as “Little Palermo.” However, with Italian immigrants came anti-Italian sentiment.

On the night of October 15, 1890, New Orleans Police Chief David Hennessy walked home from his office with a fellow officer. They parted ways and as Hennessy headed toward his house, gunfire rang out.

His fellow officer rushed to his aid, finding Hennessy lying in the street with gunshot wounds. Hennessy was taken to a local hospital, where he allegedly whispered, “The dagos did it.” The following morning, he died.

The mob storms Orleans Parish Prison.

rounding up 120 Italians, 19 of whom were indicted. Nine of those 19 were brought to trial, however, none of those nine was convicted. The jury found six of them not guilty and failed to reach a verdict on the other three.

Yet the judge refused to let the men go, ordering them back to Orleans Parish Prison.

This prompted New Orleans Mayor Joseph A. Shakespeare to order the police department to “arrest every Italian you come across if necessary.” The police responded by

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Five of those who were killed had not even been tried in court. Eight of the 19 wrongfully imprisoned Italian immigrants survived the lynch mob by managing to hide in the prison itself.

Afterward, the charges against them were dropped, and they were set free.

In the end, 11 Italian immigrants were lynched1 for a murder that was never solved. Those who were guilty of the lynching were never arrested and brought to justice.

The Italian government, however, severed diplomatic relations with the United States. For one year, a Grand Jury convened and investigated the

The mob gathers outside of Orleans Parish Prison.

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The not-guilty verdicts did nothing to quell anti-Italian sentiment.

On March 14, 1891, the day after the not-guilty verdicts were rendered, an ad ran in local newspapers calling for a mass meeting at Henry Clay’s statue. Thousands gathered by the statue, and there, the crowd was incited. It transformed into a mob that proceeded to march several blocks to Orleans Parish Prison and storm its doors. They shot some of the acquitted Italians while still trapped in their cells. They dragged others from their cells and hanged or clubbed them to death. In the end, a total of 11 Italians were dead.

The definition of lynch is “to put to death by mob action without legal sanction.”

This can include but is not limited to death by hanging.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

deaths, yet it exonerated those involved in the lynching. To compensate for the tragedy, the U.S. government paid $25,000 to Italy to restore international relations.

The Commission for Social Justice Gets Past Italian Injustice Recognized

“This event occurred at a time of widespread xenophobia and racism against immigrants,” Pasquantonio said prior to introducing Mayor Cantrell. “And we know that such sentiments can lead to violence now just as they did in 1891. So it’s important that we be very intentional with our words, and that is how we can learn from the lessons of 1891.”

When approached by the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ)—the antidefamation arm of the Order Sons and

Mayor Cantrell took the podium with a very strong stance to do what was right. “What happened to those

City of New Orleans Issues Public Apology for 1891 Lynching

OSDIA members with Mayor Cantrell at the ceremony. (L. to R.) OSDIA Chief Operation Officer Joseph DiTrapani, Most Reverend Fernand J. Cheri, OSDIA Grand Lodge of New York State President Robert Ferrito, Mayor Cantrell, OSDIA National First Vice President Nancy DiFiore Quinn, John Fratta, and Michael Santo.

Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)—the City of New Orleans and Mayor LaToya Cantrell embraced the CSJ’s request for a public apology for the 1891 lynching. Mayor Cantrell appointed Vincenzo Pasquantonio, the city’s Director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity, to facilitate the process of issuing the proclamation.

On April 12, 2019—128 years after the lynching—the City of New Orleans issued an official proclamation apologizing for the tragedy.

They presented the proclamation at a ceremony held at the American Italian Cultural Center in New Orleans.

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The official proclamation issued by the City of New Orleans, which is now displayed in the Italian Embassy and OSDIA’s National Headquarters.

The New York Times On March 15, 1891—the day after the lynching—the New York Times printed a headline that read “Chief Hennessey Avenged.” The following day, they printed an editorial, parts of which read: These sneaking and cowardly Sicilians, the descendants of bandits and assassins, who have transported to this country the lawless passions, the cut-throat practices, and the oath-bound societies of their native country, are to us a pest without mitigations. Our own rattlesnakes are as good citizens as they … These men of the Mafia killed Chief Hennessy in circumstances of peculiar atrocity…Lynch law was the only course open to the people of New Orleans to stay the issue of a new license to the Mafia to continue its bloody practices.

On May 1, 2019, a demand was made by the CSJ for the New York Times to print a retraction with an apology. The NY Times has failed to respond.

The New York Times headline printed the day after the lynching.

ITALIAN AMERICA

11 Italians, it was wrong,” she stated, “and the city owes them and their descendants a formal apology.” Mayor Cantrell went on to praise the ItalianAmerican community and its history in New Orleans. “We cannot change history, but we can acknowledge it, and we can grow from it,” she stated.

“So I want to thank the ItalianAmerican community, who made New Orleans what she is today.”

Mayor Cantrell presented the official proclamation to Federico Ciattaglia, the Consul General of Italy in Houston. “After 128 years, we close this sad page,” Ciattaglia stated.

The public apology and proclamation was the result of efforts by attorney Michael Santo, OSDIA National CSJ President Kevin Caira, and OSDIA New York State CSJ Chairman John Fratta. Following the proclamation presentation, Santo spoke about

A Call for Artist Submissions New Orleans Memorial Statue to be Commissioned The Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) has an open art commission to fill for a monument-type style statue to be erected in the City of New Orleans. The NOLA Statue Committee encourages artists to submit their proposal(s) as renderings or drawings, along with a brief description of the impact that the piece has from the artist’s perspective and intentions.

There is no immediate requirement for exact specifications.

and positive in scope. The medium is at the artist’s discretion and may range from marble to bronze, or any other medium. The style and size of the piece is up to the artist as well.

The statue will be erected to memorialize the 11 Italians who were lynched in New Orleans in 1891 along with the historical impact the event had on Italians in general.The committee suggests that the artist research the history of this tragedy in order to learn details sufficient to give the artist the proper perspective for their designs.

Fundraising for the project has already begun, and the committee will be presenting the City of New Orleans with one or more selections, noting that the City officials have the final say in determining whether the size and style of the project is acceptable.

The statue must be dignified, respectful,

OSIA members benefit from a 10% discount on all our services!

Submissions will remain the property of the artist and will be considered by a committee in private. The committee expects to review the documentation on a rolling basis in the order they arrive. It is preferred that submissions are made

by August 31, 2019.

Please submit to: National Commission for Social Justice (csj@osia.org)

the next phase of this project to acknowledge the 1891 lynching. “We’re going to erect a statue … to recognize and to pay homage and memorialize this event,” he stated. “It’s going to be very dignified and respectful. It’s going to be positive.”

CSJ Launches GoFundMe Campaign for NOLA Memorial Statue Donate Now! The Commission for Social Justice has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the New Orleans Memorial Statue, which will cost an estimated $100,000 or more. The page can be found at: www.gofundme.com/1891nolaproject You can also donate by check or credit card to: Commission for Social Justice 219 E Street NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 547-2900 All donations are tax-deductible and 100% of the donation will go toward the costs associated with the construction, erection, and maintenance of the statue. Donations made by check or credit card will be reflected in the total amount raised on the GoFundMe page.

Do You Ever Imagine Your Italian Ancestors?

Bring that vision to life with real history.

• Discover centuries of information about your roots through our research services onsite in Italy • Obtain your Italian Dual Citizenship by working with us to manage the application process.

For more information, visit www.myitalianfamily.com, or call 1-888-472-0171 SUMMER 2019

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Bulletin Board

What’s new: discounts, services and events

Boston’s St. Anthony’s Festival Turns 100 This August!

Visit OSIA.org to Find a Festa Near You This Summer

Are you looking for an Italian Festival in your area? The “2019 Directory of Italian Festivals in the U.S.” is now available on www.osia.org (under the “Programs” tab, select “Italian Festivals in the U.S.”). The directory lists over 200 Italian Festivals held across the country.

The oldest festival is believed to be the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Hammonton, NJ. The biggest festival is the Feast of San Gennaro The Saint Anthony’s Festival of Boston’s North End section. held every September in New York City, which attracts about one million people. Le Feste can also be found everywhere from Boston, Massachusetts (St. Anthony’s Festival August 22 – 25) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Little Italy Days August 15 – 18) to Grapevine, Texas (ItalianCarFest September 7) and Monterrey, California (Festa Italia Fisherman’s Festival September 6 – 8).

The directory was compiled by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). If you know of an Italian Festival that should be added to the directory, please contact OSDIA by emailing nationaloffice@osia.org

Cost shouldn’t be an obstacle to Cost shouldn’t be an obstacle to treating hearing loss. treating hearing loss.

Learn how your membership can save you more Learn how your membership can save you more through American Hearing Benefits. through American Hearing Benefits.

Join our webinar!

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Thursday, June 20th at 2pm EST Thursday, June 20th at 2pm EST Register today at: Register today at:

www.osia.org/members-only www.osia.org/members-only SUMMER 2019

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OSDIA Members SAVE

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officediscounts.org/osia ITALIAN AMERICA

An Italian Tour of Our Nation’s Capital The Italian Artistry That Winds Through Washington

By David McCormick

Those arriving or departing our nation’s capital by bus or train are enveloped by the grandeur of Union Station. Located along Massachusetts Avenue in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., Union Station is one of the largest granite buildings in the world, constructed of stone from Bethel, Vermont. In 1903, hundreds of Italian stone masons labored during its construction. The design of this edifice is based on the Baths of Diocletian in Rome. Columbus plaza, so named for its monumental grouping of Christopher Columbus and others in a fountain just outside the station, greets visitors and daily commuters.

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“Almost every aspect of image making in the United States has been enriched by the presence of Italian artists…. artists of the Italian heritage have contributed significant works in such numbers and variety that would require a large volume to treat fully.”

- Irma B. Jaffe, Distinguished Art Historian

The Library of Congress Walk a few blocks from Union Station down to Independence Avenue SE (Southeast), and you’ll find the Library of Congress, where almost every book published in the United States can be found. This structure is constructed in the ornate Italian Renaissance tradition. The bronze fountain, displaying the Roman god Neptune (Poseidon), catches the eye of visitors on their way into the Library’s main entrance. Italian stone carvers crafted ornamental works at the Library during the 1890s. One was Roger Morigi’s father, Napoleone (more on Roger later). Visitors may enjoy the Library’s European Division reading room that holds a myriad of books from Italy.

Columbus Plaza in front of Union Station. (Kristi Blokhin)

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was rescued. He didn’t pass away until February 19, 1880—most likely from the infirmities of old age. The frieze was not fully completed until 1953.

The Library of Congress, with the bronze fountain of the Roman god Neptune. (VIIIPhotography)

The U.S. Capitol Building Of course, as you walk from Union Station to the Library of Congress, it is impossible to miss the U.S. Capitol Building, a treasure trove of Italian architectural and statuary works. The Capitol’s principal artist was Italian immigrant, Constantino Brumidi. After winning over Captain M.C. Meigs, Superintendent of Capitol Construction, with his artistic talents, Brumidi was given the job of beautifying the Capitol. It was no easy task having to combine European influences with American refinements.

ing of Christopher Columbus and conclude with the Wright Brother’s flight.

An oft told tale about Brumidi’s death is that, in 1880, while working on the frieze, Brumidi tumbled from the scaffold, and died a few days later.

But not so. He did fall from the scaffold in October 1879, and although frail, he managed to hold on until he

Of course, before you take in the details of the frieze, your gaze will mostly likely wander upward to Brumidi’s greatest work: the Apotheosis of George Washington. On the ceiling of the Rotunda dome are Brumidi frescoes that portray a celestial George Washington, within the heavens, encircled by 15 maidens.

The female personifications of Victory and Liberty are on either side of him.

The remaining figures represent the 13 original colonies. It was actually through Brumidi’s experience restoring Renaissance frescoes at the Vatican that helped him develop the skill you see on the ceiling of the Capitol’s dome.

While Brumidi’s frescoes are a work of wonder, another Italian name is present, one that has had an even more pronounced influence on our nation’s capital: Piccirilli. But

As you walk into the Capitol’s Rotunda dome, you cannot help but be captivated by Brumidi’s famous Frieze of American History that encircles the perimeter. Brimidi utilized the technique known as trompe l’oeil1, painting the scenes in grisaille that gave the frieze the appearance of a stone-carved relief. The frieze measures 300 feet in circumference and depicts 19 scenes from 400 years of American history.

The figures commence with the land1

Trompe l’oeil is a visual illusion in art, used to create the perception of a threedimensional object.

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Brumidi’s famous Frieze of American History is 8 feet 4 inches in height and approximately 300 feet in circumference. (Jason Tench) ITALIAN AMERICA

Genius. The composition is completed by figures representing two great sources of wealth, Industry and Agriculture.

While Piccirilli is a most notable name, there is another notable name in the Capitol building: Garibaldi. The bust of the man who unified Italy— Giuseppe Garibaldi—sits in a small niche by the Old Supreme Court, which is located on the ground floor.

A group of Italians living in Washington, D.C. had formed the Society for a Monument to Garibaldi and commissioned an Italian artist, Giuseppe Martegana, to sculpt a bust memorializing the Italian patriot. Upon completion in 1887, the Society presented the work to the United States “as a link in the chain of sympathy that all free men feel for the champions of liberty and popular government.”

Continue through the Capitol building and you’ll find yourself in

Brumidi’s greatest project: The Apotheosis of George Washington. (James Kirkikis)

with this last name came several first names. The Piccirilli Brothers—six in all—were Ferruccio, Attilio, Furio, Masaniello, Orazio, and Getulio. They had arrived in New York from the town of Massa in the Tuscany region, and all six followed in the footsteps of their father, a sculptor in the old country.

The triangular upper part of the front of a building that is typically supported by columns.

2

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The Piccirilli brothers carved the Apotheosis of Democracy, the sculptural pediment2 over the House of Representatives’ east front entrance of the U.S. Capitol. They completed the pediment using Georgia marble in their studio in New York City, and it was unveiled on August 2, 1916.

The focal point is the personification of Peace dressed in armor protecting Genius. Peace stands erect, her right arm protecting the winged figure of

The bust of Giuseppe Garibaldi that sits across from the Old Supreme Court in the Capitol building.

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defeated General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg, this piece gives observers the chance to marvel at the brothers’ peerless execution. The imposing statue of General Meade sits at the front while the statue of War is opposite. Meade is skirted by figures depicting Energy, Military Courage, Progress, Loyalty, Chivalry, and Fame.

A bold Meade stands in the forefront gazing ahead.

The National Archives

A lesser known carving of the Piccirilli Brothers is the Meade Memorial. (Felix Lipov)

the National Statuary Hall, known as the Old Hall of the House. The Hall is home to Italian sculptor Carlo Franzoni’s Car of History. Rendered in marble in 1819, this piece of iconography portrays Clio, the muse of history, on a winged chariot. The chariot, or car, depicts Clio recording events as they pass through time. The chariot wheel is in fact the face of the clock. This sculpture serves notice to Congress, that while they were making history with each bit of legislation enacted, they must perform their tasks judiciously.

Continue just a few more blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue and you’ll encounter the National Archives, which holds yet another Piccirilli treasure. The Archives hold documents produced by the United States Federal Government—including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation. The building’s exterior features carved reliefs, sculptural decoration, and monumental statues. Three of these statues were carved by Italians between 1933 and 1935. They include Future, carved by the Piccirilli Broth-

The six Piccirilli Brothers, circa 1930.

ers, and Heritage and Guardianship, carved by the Gino A. Ratti Company.

The Lincoln Memorial The work for which the Piccirilli Brothers are most famous, however, rests on the west end of the Reflecting Pool and faces the Washington Monument. One of the most esteemed sculptures in the United States, Abraham Lincoln’s imposing statue sits inside the Lincoln Memorial. While the memorial was designed by Daniel Chester French in 1919, the Piccirilli Brothers did the actual carving of the Lincoln statue. Once again laboring in their New York studio, the brothers transformed 21 white Georgia marble blocks into intricately carved pieces.

The Meade Memorial As you leave the Capitol building and head west along Pennsylvania Avenue, you’ll find the Piccirilli name resurface, albeit rather inconspicuously (at least, in comparison to all the surrounding landmarks). Just after Constitution Avenue bisects Pennsylvania stands a lesser known Piccirilli Brothers carving: the George Gordon Meade Memorial. Dedicated in 1922 to the Union general who SUMMER 2019

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The Piccirilli Brothers most famous work: The Lincoln Memorial. (Adam Parent) ITALIAN AMERICA

On May 30, 1922, the memorial was dedicated. Their work was so precise that each of the separate marble pieces simply lay upon one another. Viewing Lincoln’s statue illuminated at night should certainly be on everyone’s D.C. to-do list.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier While the Lincoln Memorial is the crowning achievement of the Piccirilli Brothers work, there is another work of theirs that shares every bit as much esteem: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Tomb, which rests just across the Potomac River in Arlington National Cemetery in Northern Virgina, was assembled in 1931. Once its assembly was completed, the Piccirilli Brothers set to work engraving the shrine under the direction of the sculptor Thomas Jones.

The North and South panels of the Tomb are adorned with three wreaths on each side, representing the six major World War I battles that American

forces fought in France: Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Belleau Wood, Château-Thierry, Meuse-Argonne, Oisiu-Eiseu, and the Somme. The East panel, which faces in the direction of Washington, D.C., bears Greek figures that represent Peace, Victory, and American Manhood. Later, Valor replaced American Manhood. The West panel is inscribed with:

Dupont Circle Heading from Arlington, Virginia, into the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., one of the most popular areas of the city—whether for food and beverage or simply leisure—is Dupont Circle. What many who fre-

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD. The understated design of the tomb displays not simply expert craftsmanship, but also displays craftsmanship that does not upstage what it serves to represent: the ultimate sacrifice to a nation forever grateful and indebted.

The Dupont Circle Fountain, another Piccirilli work. (emkaplin)

quent the circle do not realize is that the carvers of the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—the Piccirilli Brothers, once again—are the same carvers of the Dupont Circle Fountain, which was dedicated a year before the Lincoln Memorial. The Fountain honors Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Dupont, who was instrumental in capturing San Diego during the Mexican-American War and maintaining an effective Union blockade during the Civil War. The monument consists of three classical figures: The Sea, the Stars, and the Wind. All three adorn the famous fountain’s central shaft.

Embassy of Italy

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. (Anton Ivanov) SUMMER 2019

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One of the many streets that stems from Dupont Circle, Massachusetts Avenue runs northwest to southeast in the city. If you continue southeast, you will eventually end up at Union Station. But continue northwest along Massachusetts Avenue, and you will ITALIAN AMERICA

encounter “Embassy Row,” a stretch of numerous embassies, including the Embassy of Italy. Located at 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, the Embassy of Italy bears a look that resulted from a design competition put forward by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1990s. The parameters for the building required the design to be distinctively Italian while encompassing the landscape and architecture of Washington, D.C. Piero Sartogo Architects won out and utilized Italy’s rich architectural tradition, characteristic of a Tuscan villa, while at the same time likening their creation to a medieval Italian castle. A large square, the Embassy mirrors George Washington’s original ten by ten-mile square parcel allotted for the creation for the District of Columbia.

Washington National Cathedral And perhaps the final stop on an Italian tour through our nation’s capital should be one of—if not the—most glorious edifice the city has to offer.

Located at 3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, just a mile away from the Italian Embassy, is the Washington National Cathedral.

Requiring more than eight decades to complete, the National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral. (Orhan Cam)

had its cornerstone set on September 29, 1907, and was consecrated on September 29, 1990. Much of the extraordinary, awe-inspiring sculptural decoration was carved not by renowned individuals, but by the hands of many Italian immigrants hailing from the regions of Tuscany, Lombardy, and Puglia. From 1956 to 1978, the Cathedral’s Master Carver was the aforementioned Roger Morigi, whose father—if you recall—had worked on the Library of Congress. When Morigi retired, Vincent Palumbo took over and remained the Master Carver into the 1990s.

Inside the Washington Naitonal Cathedral. (Orhan Cam)

Inside the National Cathedral, you will marvel at the arches, the stained glass windows, and the sheer capaciousness of it all. And perhaps nothing would commemorate your trip to our nation’s capital more than lighting a candle in memory of those who came before you.

David McCormick has a master’s degree in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts and was employed by the City of Springfield (MA) for several years. Now retired, he has worked as a freelance writer for the last 11 years.

The Italian Embassy, located at 3000 Whitehaven Street NW. SUMMER 2019

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ITALIAN AMERICA

On The Bookshelf Books by and about Italian Americans

Filled with inspiring quotes, vibrant pictures and easy-to-follow instructions, this pattern book will enable you to create your own unique hats in no time. Dedicated to the author's sister-in-law, Cora, who passed in 2015 after battling cancer, Cora's Caps began as a way to honor Cora through the creation and donation of hats to cancer patients throughout the country and abroad.

This colorful book is full of fun and unusual hat patterns for adults, children, and even pets!

You will be able to crochet berets, flapper hats, slouch hats, newsboy hats, owl hats, and even viking hats, along with many other styles and embellishments.

As you crochet your way through the book, you will get to know some of the people who had an impact on the author's life as most patterns are named after a loved one who inspired her in some way.

The hats are modeled by Cora's daughters, and the proceeds from the sales of the book will help them with their continued education in the years to come. The proceeds will also support the continued creation and donation of hats to cancer patients. So share your new talent with your friends and loved ones, and outfit them all in Cora's Caps!

These hats make great gifts and you will be supporting a good cause.

This book is available in paperback and Kindle exclusively on Amazon.com.

Take a wild ride with former Witness Security Inspector George Dapra for a rare insider’s look into the Witness Security Program In the compelling memoir Non-Disclosure, author George Dapra draws fascinating connections between the struggles of immigrants settling in the United States, like his Italian parents, and those who enter the United States Marshal’s Witness Security Program. Dapra was an inspector for the program in New York City—at the height of the government’s war against organized crime.

Non-Disclosure begins with Dapra’s childhood in a large Italian American family and follows his time in the military, college, and working at the world-famous Hotel Plaza. But the climax is definitely Dapra’s employment as an inspector with the Witness Security Program. Non-Disclosure is the first peek into the secret government program authorized by the United States Department of Justice.

“An absolutely riveting account of the U.S. Marshal Service’s Witness Security Division during the tumultuous final decades of the twentieth century. George Dapra’s first-hand experience as a United States Marshal in the battle against the Organized Crime Syndicate and al Qaeda is as compelling as it is engaging. A truly masterful read.”

- Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, co-author of the New York Times best-selling Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters

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On The Bookshelf Books by and about Italian Americans

Southampton SummerS

Stories of Three Italian Families,Their Beach Houses, and The Five Generations That Enjoyed Them.

By Albert Marra

By Domenick Scarlato A Completely True Story Involving Murder, Love, Adventure, Action, Intrigue & Humor.

Andiamo!

Meet the Marra, Maffei and Saracino families! At their little beach houses, it’s “toney vs Tony” for over 60 years! Read the stories by 14 co-authors and relive your own childhood vacations.

The Brooklyn Kid is a dramatic story of events which lead a boy to manhood only to reach not a crossroad, but four crossroads.

He could only choose one to follow. After reading these interesting adventures, which road will you choose?

Domenick Scarlato, a second generation Italian American, was born and raised in the slums of Brooklyn. He was expelled from high school and joined the U.S. Navy at 16 years old. He served as a Frogman as part of the Underwater Demolition Team during WWII. New Dominion Press Norfolk, VA

“The family stories also transported me to other times and other places. Several memories, feelings, and emotions about my childhood re-emerged. Dr. Marra has the skill and gift of telling stories in a way that we can all relate to regardless of where we are from.”

- Gabriela Christie Toletti, Ph.D. Check out Southampton Summers at Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com. For a signed copy, contact the author at SouthamptonSummers@gmail.com.

THE OTHER SIDE OF

Rock

The Brooklyn kid

AND War

BILLY TERRELL Get your book today!

Domenick worked as a welder in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and during that time he went to evening school. While raising five daughters, he completed his H.S. diploma and went on to receive his B.S., M.A., and Doctorate from New York University. Before his retirement, he was a high school teacher, an administrator, and an adjunct professor for New York University at New Paltz.

BUY THE PAPERBACK at Amazon.com for only $6.99 - DELIVERED! 5 STAR REVIEWS

Authentic itAliAn by Dina M. Di Maio

A “must-read” for Italian Americans ~ Primo Magazine A war rages for the soul of Italian food.

The Italian government, Big Food & celebrity chefs vie to define it.

But this rush to make a quick buck will have lasting effects on future generations.

www.foundationofpatriotism.org

Also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and bookstores nationwide SUMMER 2019

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What does it mean for Italian Americans?

Available on Amazon.com ITALIAN AMERICA

Book Reviews

SUMMER 2019 selections

BETWEEN THE CRACKS: One Woman’s Journey from Sicily to America

MADNESS: The Man Who Changed Basketball

The 1908 Messina earthquake destroyed the cities of Messina (Sicily region) and Reggio Calabria (Calabria region), and took approximately 80,000 lives.

Beneath the Cracks follows the aftermath of this devastating earthquake that tore families apart as many survivors struggled to locate their other family members—be they living or deceased.

Before there was Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, before there was the three-point shot, slam dunk, and alley-oop, the game of basketball was simple and on the cusp of many changes.

Author Mike DeLucia takes us into how this evolution began, honing in on one player by the name of Angelo “Hank” Luisetti.

By Carmela Cattuti

Based on the experiences of author Carmela Cattuti’s Great Aunt, Beneath the Cracks is a novel that follows a young woman, Angela, who is orphaned by the earthquake and sent to live in a convent in Palermo. Rather than entering sisterhood, as many orphaned women did, she marries Sicilian-born Franco Bellini, who brings her to America.

“Her sister’s imprint was still here; her feet danced on these cobblestones, her laughter made an impression in the air. A human being’s energy could not be ironed out like wrinkles on a shirt, or washed away like stains on a sheet; it was there forever.”

Through Angela’s and Franco’s experiences, Cattuti brings the early 20th century to life. The promising land of America and the spirit that in America, anything is possible. The customs and traditions of early 1900s Sicily. The relationship between genders. Meanwhile, the characters also live through historical time periods, from the onset of both World Wars to the crash of the stock market in 1929. The strong attachment that Angela and Franco have to their homeland makes world events all that more complicated in their lives. One of the more poignant moments in the novel is when they—once natives—return to Italy as outsiders.

Beneath the Cracks tackles many of life’s hardships, but perhaps none is more pervasive than the holes that arise in one’s life. Resembling the cracks created by an earthquake, the characters must reconcile the rift life creates between what one wants in life and what is not meant to be. And like rebuilding after an earthquake, the characters must find ways to fill in the cracks in order to create new foundations for their lives.

By Mike DeLucia

While Luisetti is far from a household name, DeLucia’s story shows just why he should be. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Luisetti grew up in San Francisco, where he was introduced to basketball by a local high school coach who later teaches him the one-handed shot, the precursor to the jump shot. This revolutionary shooting style and Luisetti’s pure ability take him to Stanford University, where he becomes College Player of the Year in 1936 and is eventually inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

A tale reminiscent of Clair Bee and Matt Christopher classics, Madness strikes the right balance between a book that’s ripe for young readers yet engrossing for readers of all ages. Family tension is at the height of the novel as Luisetti’s father, Stefano, has difficulty understanding the value of basketball and education over manual labor. Depicting the struggles of young romance and the importance of a mentor, the story is grounded in a typical Italian-American upbringing—though with Luisetti’s prowess on the court, it is anything but typical.

In the story’s finale, Stanford University takes on Long Island University, pitting the weaker West Coast against the dominant East Coast at Madison Square Garden.

The epic ending is, as is DeLucia’s writing, never short on drama and tension—and might even convince readers that Hank Luisetti was the Joe DiMaggio of basketball.

DID YOU KNOW? Stanford University was created by Leland and Jane Stanford in honor of their son, who died from typhoid while they were visiting Florence, Italy.

Visit www.osia.org to find a selection of recent books written by OSDIA members!

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Speakers Bureau

learn more about your culture & history

Sons & Daughters of Italy Speakers Bureau Need a speaker for your club meeting or a special event? Contact these experts directly. Some may require travel expenses and/or honorariums. For more speakers see: www.osia.org at “Culture & History.” To apply as a speaker, contact Miles Fisher at mfisher@osia.org • MASSACHUSETTS Author Carmela Cattuti speaks about immigration and Italian integration into American culture. She has published two novels of historical fiction—Between the Cracks: One Woman’s Journey from Sicily to American and The Ascent: A Novel Based on True Happenings—that are part of a trilogy-in-themaking. Book signing. Contact: (617) 970-5320 Email: cattutic@gmail.com Website: www.ccattuticreative.com/carmela-cattuti-books Will also travel to: Northeast, San Francisco, Savannah, Washington • NEW YORK Author George Dapra speaks on his memoir, Non-Disclosure (see ad on Page 18). A retired Federal Agent, he worked in New York City in the United States Witness Security Program. Book signing.

Email: georgedapra@gmail.com Will also travel to: East Coast from Florida to Maine

• NEW YORK Screenwriter/Producer Robert Bruzio speaks on the journey and struggles of getting a movie made. He is the screenwriter and associate producer of Bottom of the 9th, a major motion picture scheduled for release on July 19. Creative services, writing, producing, communications.

Contact: (914) 469-7695 Email: rbruzio@aol.com Website: www.robertbruzio.com Will also travel to: Anywhere in the U.S. and beyond • NEW YORK Composer/Playwright/Author Norman Mathews speaks on musical theater, Sicily, and food/recipes. He has received numerous grants and awards, including being a recent winner of FutureFest (performance of new plays). He recently published his memoir—The Wrong Side of the Room: A Life in Music Theater—which was selected by Kirkus Review in Best Books of 2018. Book signing. Contact: (212) 781-2590 Email: inormanmathews@gmail.com Website: https://normanmathewsauthor.com Will also travel to: Within 150 miles of New York City • WEST VIRGINIA Children’s Author Diana Pishner Walker speaks on Italian-American Children’s books and topics for children, such as heritage, family, customs, tradition, and immigration. She has won numerous awards—including Readers Favorite Indie Award for Best Multicultural Fiction, Mom’s Choice Gold & Silver, and awards at several book festivals. Book signings, workshops, and school visits. Contact: (304) 365-0698 Email: dlwalker003@hotmail. com Website: www.dianapishnerwalker.com Will also travel to: Anywhere on the East Coast

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OSDIA Nation

OSDIA LODGES AT WORK

delaware The Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475 of Wilmington—the oldest lodge in Delaware—initiated over 75 women into the Order last April. At the recommendation and direction of State President Joseph P. Facciolo and Lodge President James Lemmon, the women of Piedmont were admitted and recognized as members with equal rights and privileges as their male counterparts. Conducting the initiation was Immediate National Past President Daniel J. Longo, State

massachussetts

President Joseph P. Facciolo, and Lodge President James Lemmon.

Following the initiation, the Prince of Piedmont Lodge held an afternoon social, welcoming the new members.

Mayor of Wilmington Michael S. Purzycki attended the event and thanked the lodge for its many donations to local charity and heavy involvement in the community. With a membership well over 400, the Prince of Piedmont Lodge plans to reach 500 members by the end of the year.

The newly initiated ladies of the Prince of Piedmont Lodge bringing the bellissima.

Last April, the Methuen Lodge #902 of Methuen held a “Night at the Races” that was a huge success, with more than 130 tickets sold and a grand time had by all. The evening consisted of door prizes, $250 worth of scratch-off tickets on a wooden horseshoe, more than 14 gift baskets, and a 50/50 raffle. In classic horse race fashion, there was also a “best hat” competition for women and for men. At the end of the evening, a huge cake depicting racehorses was served and the evening ended on a “high note.”

The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Bob DeFrancesco, recognized all the veterans in attendance and noted Ann Messina shows off her that a portion of the fantastically night’s proceeds will lavish hat, which be donated to the earned her the honor of beNortheastern Vet- ing one of two erans Outreach in women to win “best hat.”

Haverhill.

new york At the end of every school year, the Rockland Lodge #2176 of Blauvelt awards scholarships to students who excelled in a specific subject area and demonstrate a strong ability to continue on to a successful college career. This year, the lodge presented 14 scholarships to those selected by the scholarship committee headed by lodge members Dr. John Guglielmucci, Richard Sica, and Greg DeCola.

“We are immensely proud of our Scholarship Awards program,” said Lodge President Jerry Verdicchio.

“We not only give out scholarships in May each year, we recognize students SUMMER 2019

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each month who study the Italian language. It is a program that keeps the Italian language alive and supports the brightest and most committed students in Rockland who will go on to four-year colleges and pursue their dreams.”

The dinner and award presentations wer e held at the lodge. Grand Lodge of New York State Pr esident Rober t Ferrito gave the keynote address, remind-

ing the students of the importance of continuing the traditions of the Italian heritage and passing them on to future generations.

Keynote Speaker Robert Ferrito (center) and several scholarship recipients. (Risa B. Hoag) ITALIAN AMERICA

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

washington d.c.

Roma Lodge #71 of Washington, D.C. had yet another prosperous year celebrating Italian heritage. Every October, the lodge takes part in the Special Columbus Ceremonies at the Grand Columbus Statue outside of Union Station. Spearheaded by the National Christopher Columbus Association, the ceremony is joined by the Roma Lodge #71 of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, the National Italian American Foundation, the Embassy of Italy, the Embassy of Spain, the Police Association, the Park Service, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and other Italian-American organizations.

Roma Lodge #71 members The lodge then organized several events take part in the Special Columbus Ceremonies throughout the holiday season. They held a outside Union Station in Thanksgiving Dinner featuring a wonderful buffet.

Washington, D.C. They had a Christmas/New Year’s Eve celebration on the Epiphany—January 6—in which La Befana appeared and gave gifts to the children in attendance while sharing her story with them. In March, the lodge held their First Annual St. Joseph’s Feast Day, with dishes of bread crumbs—representing the carpenter’s sawdust—and fava beans being placed on the altar of St. Joseph the Carpenter.

In addition to their holiday festivities, Roma Lodge #71 also held an award ceremony in the memory of Arty Baccanari, who served as the The lodge’s altar for St. lodge’s president from 2015 to 2017 and was Joseph at their First Annual St. Joseph’s Feast Day. its only president to pass away while in office. The award was presented to Jimmy Fragoyannis for his many years of service and dedication to the lodge. He is the co-owner of Mamma Lucia Italian Restaurant, which has six locations in Maryland, and 12 Five Guys Restaurants.

Jimmy Fragoyannis receives an award for his years of devotion to Roma Lodge #71.

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virginia A member of the Order for more than 80 years, Angie Hughes recently turned 100 years old, becoming her lodge’s first-ever centenarian. Roma Lodge #254 of Virginia Beach presented her with the Angie Hughes Award for her lifelong commitment to Italian heritage and the Order.

Angie was a member of Roma Lodge #254 for many decades before she switched to Italo-American Citizens Lodge #1077 in Portsmouth, Virginia, after her husband, Bob, passed away in 1996. Recently, she returned to the Roma Lodge, where she continues to attend dinner/dances, picnics, meetings, and memorial masses. In the past, Angie chaired the Annual Memorial Mass for several years.

“She is a kind, generous, compassionate, honest individual and young at heart,” wrote Roma Lodge President Anthony E. Alfano. “God bless you, Angie, and thank you for coming into our lives.”

Cento di questi giorni, Angie!

The Roma Lodge #71 is one of the Order’s oldest active lodges, having received its charter on April 23, 1911—making it more than 118 years old.

Angie Hughes has been an OSDIA member since before World War II. ITALIAN AMERICA

The 31st Annual NELA Gala Thursday, May 23, 2019

A Celebration of Sixty Years of the Sons of Italy Foundation

By Miles Ryan Fisher

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) hosted its 31st Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala at the magnificent Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which sits along the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland.

On this evening, the SIF presented awards to highly accomplished honorees, awarded scholarships to ten extraordinary students, and recognized wounded veterans and its ongoing support of Help Our Military Heroes. Newlyappointed SIF President Joseph Sciame introduced a night commemorating the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 60th anniversary, highlighting the past year’s contribution of $200,000 in Central Italy earthquake relief to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation for the rebuilding of a kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia, Italy (Marche region).

“The children who will be attending this school are sure to be thankful for what the Sons of Italy Foundation has done to bring classrooms back into their town,” Sciame stated. “But don’t take my word for it.” He then introduced a special video presentation created by Andrea Bocelli and his wife, Veronica, in which they personally thank the Sons of Italy Foundation and all of its supporters.

For the 17th straight year, actor Joe Mantegna took the stage as the gala emcee.

The Honorees

Vivian Cardia received the 2019 SIF National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) for her longtime support and involvement in Italian-American causes. One of the first Italian-American women to be a member of and trader on the American stock exchange, Ms. Cardia then went into the family business, operating a restaurant and managing properties—for which she set up Vivicar, LLC. She has been involved

All photos by David Keith Photography.

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Vivian Cardia receives the 2019 SIF National Education and Leadership Award from SIF President Joseph Sciame and past NELA honoree Mary Ann Mattone, who introduced Ms. Cardia. in numerous Italian-American organizations, including La Scuola d’Italia, NOIAW (National Organization of Italian American Women), John Cabot University in Rome, American Society of the Italian Legion of Merit, and the American Foundation of Savoy Orders.

Ms. Cardia spoke about her family history and its success in the restaurant business, particularly in relation to hard work. “(My father) taught me that work is all noble as long as it’s honest and you do it to the best of your ability,” she said. Ms. Cardia ended her speech, touching upon her role as a benefactor of many worthy causes. “Thanks to my parents, I am now enjoying a wonderful life and giving away all the money they worked hard for,” she said. “And enjoying every minute of it.”

Bruno Ciacciarelli received the 2019 SIF Award for Excellence in Busi-

Bruno Ciacciarelli talks about his path to achieving the American Dream.

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neously led the Pentagon’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Task Force. He then co-founded Venturi Solutions LLC, a consultancy that delivers solutions in the aerospace, defense, and intelligence industries.

Lt. Gen. Palumbo spoke about the courage for which he was being honored—courage that made him think of his grandparents, who immigrated to the United States from the mountains of Abruzzi. “I think that was cour-

Bruno Ciacciarelli (left) receives the 2019 SIF Award for Excellence in Business from OSDIA National Fourth Vice President Michael S. G. Polo. ness for his success in the transportation industry. Born in San Giorgio a Liri, Italy (Lazio region), Mr. Ciacciarelli is the epitome of the American Dream. He immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s and with his business partner, Bob Kelly, formed Roadtex Transportation in 1992. Today, the trucking company has 1,500 employees and 31 terminals. To fully realize the American Dream, Mr. Ciacciarelli proudly became a U.S. citizen.

In accepting the award, Mr. Ciacciarelli spoke about his experience and the American Dream. “I came to this country 47 years ago with a suitcase full of dreams,” he said. “I have been able to build a successful company with the help of my partner Bob Kelly.” He then offered inspirational words. “The American Dream is very much alive,” he said. “If you only work hard and believe in yourself, it will be there for you, too.”

Lieutenant General (ret.)

Raymond Palumbo received the 2019 SIF Award for Courage & Patriotism for his career in military service spanning 34 years. A retired 3-star U.S. Army general, master aviator, and parachutist, Lt. Gen. Palumbo led conventional and special operations forces during peacetime and in combat. He completed his military career as Director for Defense for Intelligence where he simultaSUMMER 2019

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The Frank & Angela Donio Family receives the 2019 SIF Humanitarian Award. (L. to R.) John Donio, Father Frank Donio, Angela Donio, James Donio, and SIF Trustee Marianne Principe-O’Neil, who presented the award. age,” he said. “Courage to leave your homeland to come to America to start something fresh with nothing more than a suitcase or what was on your back.”

The 2019 SIF Humanitarian Award was presented to The Frank & Angela Donio Family for their involvement in charitable and civic organizations. Angela was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1978 and led the transformational growth of downtown Hammonton, New Jersey.

Her late husband, Frank, aided Catholic religious communities of Sisters. They had three sons: Frank, John, and Jim. Father Frank is a priest in the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, a religious community founded in Rome whose first ministry in the United States was to serve Italian immigrants. John is a Lt. Gen. Raymond Palumbo (middle) receives the 2019 SIF Award for Courage & Patriotism from NELA Gala ITALIAN AMERICA Honorary Chairman Admiral Edmund Giambastiani (left) and SIF Trustee Joseph Cicippio (right).

hotelier leading the resurgence of Wildwood, New Jersey.

Jim has focused his attention in the last 25 years on the renaissance of Hammonton, including his founding and leadership of the Eagle Theatre.

In accepting the award, Jim Donio and John Donio along with their mother, Angela, spoke about their family history and the sacrifices that were made to pave the way for future generations. For the first time in NELA Gala history, a NELA honoree—Father Frank S. Donio—gave the closing Benediction.

Many generous SIF supporters provide donated tickets for military veterans to attend NELA. tion – and clearly something that is near and dear to me,” said Admiral Giambastiani, “has been to support military service members, veterans and their families.”

Admiral Giambastiani introduced a touching video of this year’s SIF van donation to Help Our Military Heroes, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty. (To read more about this donation, please see page 32)

The 2019 National Education & Leadership Awards Scholarship Recipients. Ten students in total were awarded scholarships.

The Scholarship Recipients Ten very promising students—including one who has sung in Orvieto Cathedral, one presenting on immigration laws in Bari, Italy, and one whose research extends beyond the Milky Way—received SIF scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. A central part of the night’s program, the scholarships were presented to undergraduate and graduate students of Italian descent for their exemplary combination of academic performance, school leadership, and community service.

“This Memorial Day weekend … is not just an ordinary holiday,” said Joe Mantegna in closing. “In my heart, it’s the most important holiday we celebrate in this country because it is the holiday that allows us to have every other holiday. Without Memorial Day, you have no Fourth of July, you have no Presidents Day, you have no Labor Day, you have no Christmas, you have no Easter—you have nothing. This country would not be anything without the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the military who are the foundation of this country.”

Since 1989, more than $2.5 million in scholarships has been awarded at the 31 NELA Galas. “It was a very difficult selection process,” said SIF President Joseph Sciame.

“We had many impressive applicants who will go on to achieve great things.”

The Veterans

Admiral Edmund Giambastiani—the NELA Gala’s first Honorary Chairman—led the military portion of the evening following tenor Michael Amante’s emotive performance of the Armed Forces Medley. “One of the most important missions of The Sons of Italy FoundaSUMMER 2019

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Admiral Edmund Giambastiani (left) receives the Honorary Chairman Award from OSDIA Chief Operating Officer Joseph DiTrapani.

The Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Help Our Military Heroes videos shown at the NELA Gala can be viewed on www.osia.org ITALIAN AMERICA

Andiamo a Roma!

Letters of Appreciation from Students Who Studied in Rome Dear Sons of Italy, It is with the utmost appreciation that I write this note. I am currently majoring in business administration, but I plan to concentrate in finance while minoring in Italian, and your scholarship has helped me to do this in a city unlike any other.

My last semester in Rome has helped me to understand why my parents and grandparents cherish Italy and their experiences here so heavily. The scholarship you so graciously provided me with has allowed me to attend a school I love and make a vastly diverse group of friends all while growing closer to my family roots. Rather than having the usual American college experience, I have been blessed enough to walk out my front door and see thousands of years of history while interacting with people from all different countries and backgrounds.

Over the summer, I will be working as an assistant to a hotel manager in Italy in order to work on management skills, Italian, and obtain some much-needed work experience. Before coming to Rome, I believed that there was a single route my life could take, but after being here for a semester, my perspective and future have been immeasurably broadened. Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I will do my best to uphold the Sons of Italy name and reputation throughout my years at the American University of Rome.

Sincerely, Natalie Kay Salati 2018 American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

Dear Members of the Sons of Italy Foundation, Receiving the Sons of Italy Scholarship at the American University in Rome has been transformative. There is no way I can fully express my appreciation for this scholarship, but let me indicate how it has impacted and shaped my studies in the 2018-2019 academic year. Having achieved junior standing and one of the highest grade point averages in my class, I have completed most of my requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Classics as well as a Minor in Cultural Heritage Management, thanks to support from the Sons of Italy.

Through course requirements and the hands-on approach to archaeology at the American University of Rome, I have been able to narrow down my career path and decide on an underwater archaeology project for my senior thesis. This juncture in my academic career would never have been possible without unparalleled on-site experiences and archaeological opportunities offered here in Rome. Building on the foundation that the Sons of Italy Scholarship has provided me with, I recently received a highly coveted underwater archaeological internship working on the Tiber River, which has never before been excavated. This internship will enable me to help uncover lost chapters in the story of human history in Rome, while making career connections and gaining insight in the professional world of archaeology.

The Sons of Italy has not only provided me with the quality of my education, but the sheer possibility of pursuing a degree at the American University of Rome. None of the accomplishments mentioned above would have been attainable without the generous funding I’ve received, which has transformed my dreams into a reality.

Sincerely, Ali Librizzi 2017 American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

Soprano Maria Fassio Pignati sings the American and Italian national anthems beside the Takoma Park (Maryland) Police Department Honor Guard, who performed the Presentation of the Colors.

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In his 11th NELA performance, Tenor Michael Amante performs “Til I Hear You Sing” from the musical Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of The Opera.

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Nicholas Vernice—who recently presented on the adverse health effects of punitive immigration laws at The Migration Conference in Bari, Italy—receives The Cellini Lodge Foundation Scholarship from SIF President Joseph Sciame.

Juliana Condoleo, was named an All-State Flutist and participated in the New York State School Music Association All-State Symphonic Band, receives The Lucille De Lucia and The Bigioni Estate Scholarship from OSDIA Chief Operating Officer Joseph DiTrapani.

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Gabby Lupola, who is researching Environmental History and Ethnography in Hawaii and Guam this summer, receives The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language from (L. to R.) Grand Lodge of Ohio State Vice President Anthony Perfilio and his wife, Grand Lodge of Ohio State Trustee Eldora Perfilio.

Julia Caldropoli, whose current research aims to find the relationship between gamma-ray and radio wave emission outside of the Milky Way galaxy, receives the 2019 National Education & Leadership Award Scholarship from OSDIA President Vera Ferrara Girolami (left) and OSDIA First Vice President Nancy DiFiore Quinn.

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Caroline Rizzo—who worked as an AmeriCorps Member with Jumpstart to provide language, literacy, and social-emotional programming for preschool children from under-resourced communities—receives the Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship from OSDIA President Emeritus Paul S. Polo, Sr.

Sophia Dort—who has had the pleasure of performing with her school chorus in the Italian cities of Florence, Orvieto, and Rome, where she sang in three churches, including the Orvieto Cathedral—receives The Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship from SIF Trustee Maria Fassio Pignati.

Victoria Votino—who was chosen by her peers to receive the Evan T. Carthen Award for Inspirational Leadership, which was created to honor a former student who passed away by awarding it to a current student who shows “leadership through example by putting others before herself”—receives The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship from SIF Trustee Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio.

Anthony Bibbo, who created the board game “Model Citizen” based on United States Civics and Citizenship Test content to increase civic literacy and was granted a U.S. Copyright in 2017, receives the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship from its creator, Linda Munson Rothkopf.

Not pictured: Rachel Milke, played Junior Olympic Volleyball and qualified for the PIAA Track and Field State Championship, was awarded the Henry Salvatori Memorial Scholarship.

Sofia Antolini—who volunteers at March to the Top Foundation, which is dedicated to building houses, hospitals, schools, and more for children and adults in Kenya, Africa—was awarded the American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

History in the Unmaking: In Defense of Christopher Columbus

By Sophia Dort

To be Italian American means to blend Italian culture with American culture, to love one without losing the other. It means to be proud of being from Italy and of now living in America. It means to value both American history and Italian history and where they intersect. It means to celebrate that love of Italy and share it with other Americans.

Except this celebration is no longer possible.

Italian history intersects with American history most significantly in the figure of Christopher Columbus. He was the European to open up the American continents, and, as a result, the Italian culture was the first European culture brought to America. Despite the major influence that the Italian culture (and, by extension, the civilization of ancient Rome) has thus had on America, Italian Americans only have one major American holiday on which to celebrate their culture: Columbus Day.

Ironically, given the fact that Columbus Day was originally instituted to combat anti-Italian and anti-Catholic ethnic and religious hatred, today’s standards have now decreed that celebration of such a holiday amounts to anti-Native American ethnic and religious hatred. And thus, a holiday celebrating one ethnicity is replaced with a holiday to celebrate another ethnicity. Not only is the holiday replaced, but Columbus himself is being slowly demonized and written out of American history. I hold nothing against Native Americans and I sympathize with everything they have suffered throughout history. But if Indigenous People’s Day were truly about celebrating their culture, as its proponents claim, they would have instituted the holiday on a different day—in addition to, not in the place of, Columbus Day. Unfortunately, the perfectly good desire to celebrate Native American culture has been tainted

with anti-Europeanism, and, specifically, a new wave of anti-Italianism, with Columbus as the scapegoat.

I watch sadly as statues are torn down in major American cities and murals are covered up at major American universities. But as much as I feel that my own Italian and Catholic identity is being attacked, my heart breaks much more for my grandfather. He immigrated to America from Italy as a young man with a desire to learn what it means to be American and a desire to preserve his love for his old country while developing a love for his new country. For him, as for many Italian Americans, this dual-national pride was based on Columbus. This Christmas, he read about a statue of Columbus being torn down, and he struggled to understand why a country that owes so much to the courage and determination of the first Italian American would suddenly turn on him.

Will this anti-Columbus movement, if it succeeds, bring another wave of openly anti-Italian bigotry as aggressive as that which first necessitated the establishment of Columbus Day? Hopefully not. But attempting to erase the importance of this man in American history hurts not just Italian Americans but all Americans.

It is therefore essential to maintain our Italian cultural roots by defending Christopher Columbus in order to preserve the history that belongs to us as Italians, as Americans, and as Italian Americans.

Sophia Dort received the 2019 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship and will be starting her sophomore year at Duke University in the fall. This was her essay submitted for her scholarship application.

(Joseph Sohm)

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ITALIAN AMERICA

From the National

WHAT NATIONAL DOES FOR YOU

From the President’s Desk

By Vera Ferrara Girolami

Two years, 20 states, and 50,000 miles later, this administration is coming to a close. This journey that began with that single step my dad, Salvatore Ferrara, took over 95 years ago has culminated in many millions of steps to more communication, transparency, and fratellanza!

The National Office and our amazing staff are running smoothly and effectively. With the addition of Past National President Joseph DiTrapani as our Chief Operating Officer, we see many exciting future projects!

NELA, under the direction of Sons of Italy Foundation President Joseph Sciame, was successful with 400 in attendance! Ten scholarships were awarded, and a modified van was presented to a wounded warrior.

The Commission for Social Justice and President Kevin Caira have continued to fight to preserve Columbus Day. In addition to this, they gained an apology from the City of New Orleans for the 1981 lynching.

The five Vice Presidents have expertly advised the 28 National Committees. Without their dedication and the help of the Past National Presidents, no successes would have been possible. Thanks to the Supreme Council’s expertise and oversight—especially the Financial Officers— this term ends with three successful Plenary Sessions and a Biennial Convention and without a per capita raise. Our finances are in the black!

The Supreme Cabinet of State and Subordinate Presidents—led by Grand Lodge of NY IP President, Robert Ferrito, and Grand Lodge of MA IP President, Anthony Sestito—is unified. With monthly conference calls, State Presidents have grown closer and freely share all their questions and concerns. My best wishes to all the new Grand Lodge and Filial Lodge Presidents and Officers!

The many states I visited with First Gent Hon. Al and my faithful traveling companion, California State First Vice President Arlene Nunziati, have treated us with such respect and hospitality. We will never forget the Brothers and Sisters we have become so close to.

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Since February, my travels have taken me to several Filial Lodges in California and to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Leonardo da Vinci Lodge’s fundraising dinner. Congratulations to Lodge President Maria Chiaramonte for a successful event! The next morning, I attended a meeting of Arizona’s four subordinate lodge presidents. They are truly working to welcome new members.

I then traveled to Chicago, Illinois, for their Leonardo da Vinci Awards, where I was privileged to present the Award of Excellence to Illinois/Wisconsin State President Marie Marsalli, a humble and deserving gentlewoman!

I attended the Festa della Repubblica with Consul General Lorenzo Ortona at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, and the Flag Raising and Festa della Repubblica with the Italian American Heritage Foundation in San Jose.

I have been privileged to open several new lodges across the country, install new officers, and initiate many new members. It is heartwarming to know that so many Brothers and Sisters put forth their efforts, time, and talents to further our Order!

Over 20 students are anxiously awaiting the Student Summit on August 1-4 in Washington, D.C. Touring the Pentagon is one of the many aspects of this exciting weekend!

We are anxiously awaiting the gift of the Bell Tower of San Marco, in Venice, donated by Giorgio Bertoli in keeping with his vision of uniting Italy with the U.S. in a special way for the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum!

The 56th Biennial Convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio from August 12-18. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there and welcoming and working with our next National President.

As Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, our Founder, stated, “We must come together, stay united, and help one another. In that way, we will be able and proud to continue to carry on our traditions, our culture, and our language. It is up to us and what we do today!”

God Bless all of you. Thank you for the incredible support you have shown me and First Gent Al these past two years. We will never forget your kindness, warmth, generosity, and love!

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The Sons of Italy Foundation ®

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

The Foundation Focus

look forward to hearing his report on the ceremony and reading the article about it in the fall issue.

As you can see in the wonderful feature story, the Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Leadership & Awards Gala was quite a success. We were fortunate to have an impressive group of honorees, all of whom made such heartfelt speeches about those who came before them and made sacrifices so that they could live a life with more opportunity. It is with that precise sentiment that the SIF supports education by providing tens of thousands in scholarships every year to some of the most promising students of Italian heritage. This year’s group, as I’m sure you can see, was every bit as exceptional as those at previous NELAs.

I hope that, when you watch the videos or read the articles about SIF donations, you feel proud of the causes that the Sons of Italy Foundation is involved in. If you donated to the SIF’s Disaster Relief Fund after the 2016 Central Italy earthquake struck, I hope you feel proud that your donation went to rebuild a kindergarten and elementary school. If you donated to the SIF’s Veterans Causes Fund, I hope you feel proud that your donation went to help a disabled veteran drive once again. If you donated to the SIF’s Scholarships Fund, I hope you feel proud that your donation went to help ease the financial burden of hard-working students.

The evening also marked a couple of very special video presentations that highlighted the donations we made to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) and Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) this past year. I encourage all of you to visit the Order’s website – www.osia.org – to view these videos, as they undoubtedly elicit the emotion behind these very meaningful donations. Just as this issue goes to print, our COO Joseph DiTrapani will be attending the commemoration of the school in Muccia, and I

As we head into the Order’s 56th Biennial Convention next month, we have a lot to look forward to under the guidance of our next national leadership. I’m happy to report that the outlook for the SIF is very promising and that there will be more charitable contributions to report on in the coming years. I hope that you will be a part those contributions and the positive way it reflects on our Italian heritage.

By Joseph Sciame, President

And I hope this encourages you to continue donating to the Sons of Italy Foundation.

Help Our Military Heroes

“Improving the lives of our wounded military heroes through mobility and independence” Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty. HOMH works with each individual to provide a minivan with modifications specific to his or her needs. It was co-founded in 2009 by Laurie (née Serricchio) and Ted Hollander and Marybeth Vandergrift. Since then, they have awarded 115 adaptive minivans to deserving veterans.

presented a donation of $20,000 to HOMH. This year’s donation marks the fifth time in six years that the Sons of Italy Foundation has donated at least $20,000 to HOMH. The donation provided a minivan grant for USArmy CPT Gavin White (ret), a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2011.

This year, on April 6, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF)

USArmy CPT Gavin White (ret) in his modified van with his service dog, Stuart.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

The Commission for Social Justice ®

The CSJ Perspective

By Kevin Caira, President

With the 56th Biennial Convention upon us next month, I want to begin by saying what an honor it has been to serve as CSJ President for two consecutive terms. In the past four years, we’ve faced many battles, most of them regarding Columbus Day. In some states where Columbus Day has been threatened, like Colorado and California, we have prevailed. In other states, like Maine and Vermont, we have not. However, one stride that we’ve made in the past four years is an important one that should not be overlooked. Thanks to the National CSJ, State CSJs, members of lodges across the country, and other Italian-American groups and organizations, our country is being educated about Columbus Day being an ethnic holiday.

When I first stepped in as CSJ President, it surprised me just how many non-Italians were not aware that the Italian-American community celebrated Columbus Day as an ethnic holiday. More and more, I see news articles explaining the Italian origin to the holiday, and with that, more people are beginning to understand that by supporting the elimination of Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous People’s Day, they are effectively supporting the elimination of one ethnic holiday in favor of another ethnic holiday. It is my hope that people see the hypocrisy in this perspective and decide to support Indigenous People’s Day on a day other than Columbus Day. One of the most significant National CSJ achievements happened just a few months ago when the City of New Orleans issued a formal apology for the largest lynching in U.S. history. I’m sure that you have already read in this issue of the magazine about the 11 Italians who were lynched in New Orleans in 1891 and about the official proclamation the city’s mayor recently issued. Of the many historic moments the CSJ has experienced in its 40-year history, this certainly stands as one of the most notable.

Over the past four years, the CSJ has directly opposed stereotyping and injustice of all kinds. We condemned the Columbus murals that were covered by the University of Notre Dame and the proposed removal of the Frank Rizzo statue in Philadelphia. We reprimanded Charlie Hebdo for mocking Italians affected by the Central Italy earthquake and National Geographic for its Mafioso depictions. We SUMMER 2019

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fighting defamation

demanded that Saturday Night Live and Wendy’s remove tasteless portrayals of Italians from television.

With all of this, the CSJ has had some significant radio interviews with National Public Radio (NPR), Native America Calling (a radio station in Arizona), Universal and Broadcasting Network’s Truth Be Told (California).

We have also appeared in print media across the country, including Associated Press (AP), Al Jazeera, Santa Fe New Mexican, Baltimore Sun, China Daily USA, and Boston University Daily Free Press, among many others.

When I look back at the past four years, I am proud of all that the CSJ has done to continue fighting the Italian stereotypes that persist. While the prejudice that Italians face today is not the degree to which Italians faced in 1891, our mission will not be complete until all Italian stereotyping and prejudice is eradicated from our society.

The successes of the National CSJ over these past four years were due to the efforts of a dedicated team of members and staff working together for a common cause, that being the protection and promotion of our heritage and culture. Over the past four years many individuals have given their time, commitment and support to the CSJ. My profound thanks to the CSJ Officers, State Chairmen and the Sons of Italy Foundation. My thanks to Immediate Past National President Dan Longo (MD) for first appointing me to this position and to National President Vera Girolami (CA) for allowing me the opportunity of a second term. I am grateful for the confidence they had in me, in taking on such an important role in our Order.

I would be remiss if I did not thank the office staff, in particular my right-hand man Miles Fisher. I wish I had enough space on this page to mention every individual, group, and organization from across the country that called or sent an email in support of our efforts or sounded an alarm that our ethnicity was under attack. Please know that we tried to address every issue to the best of our abilities. Thank you for speaking out when injustice takes place against the Italian-American community. Finally, it has been an honor and privilege to serve our Order as your President of the Commission for Social Justice. It has been a great experience, and I cherish the friendships I have made across the country.

My best to all,

ITALIAN AMERICA

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Letters to the Editor Thank you for the wonderful articles in the Spring 2019 edition. I usually “don’t have time” to read and relax. I started reading your articles and couldn’t put the magazine down.

Cover to cover, I found articles of great interest, well-written, and super interesting. I feel proud of my Italian heritage.

My Italian great-grandfather, Mr. Cantella from Italy (Piemonte), many years ago traveled as a young man to South America with his best friend Mr. Tealdo. They settled in a quaint town in the Peruvian Sierra. They started businesses there. One was a pharmacy, which is still in existence.They both married young ladies of the society of the town, Tarma.

Fast forward to 2019, I also emigrated, but to the USA. I have been in California for over 40 years and joined the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America when I discovered it in or about 2007.

I was able to travel to Europe about 14 years ago and felt very much “at home” while in Italy. I hope to visit it again. I appreciate your bringing many fine memories!

Maria E. Davis From Peru, via California

Sitting here reading the magazine for a while and came across “The Last Word”. Oh, your grandmother would have enjoyed your story about the love you two had for one another. Being a grandmother, I know love when I read it. Loving and Sweet! Great story!

Josephine Pasquerello Kennett Square, PA Loved the last issue of Italian America, especially the article about the long-lived Sardi. Regarding your feature “The Regions of Italy,” this past issue listed the regions bordering the Lazio region as Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo and Campania. But Molise, which borders Lazio to the east, was missing, maybe since it’s the youngest (formed 1969-70) and second smallest of Italy’s 20 regions. I drove east from Rome-Lazio to my maternal grandmother’s birthplace, Campobasso-Molise, with cousins many times.

And it’s always a great trip!

Albert Marra Woodstock, MD Roma Lodge #254 Little Italy Lodge #2286

Corrections for Spring 2019 issue Regions (page 7) Molise was omitted as one of the regions that borders Lazio. Lazio is bordered by six regions: Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Italian America®

Italian America Magazine is produced by the national headquarters of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America®, 219 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Tel: 202/547-2900.

Email: nationaloffice@osia.org Chief Operating Officer Joseph J. DiTrapani Editor-in-Chief Miles Ryan Fisher Administrative Director Emily Heinrich Bookkeeper Adam Jacobs Director, Operations and Programming Carly Jerome Italian America® is the official publication of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA), the largest and longest-established organization of American men and women of Italian heritage. Italian America provides timely information about OSDIA, while reporting on individuals, institutions, issues, and events of current or historical significance in the Italian-American community nationwide.

Italian America (ISSN: 1089-5043, USPS: 015-735) is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer and fall

by OSDIA, 219 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. ©2015 Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any method without permission of the editor is prohibited.

Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily imply an opinion on the part of the officers, employees, or members of OSDIA. Mention of a product or service in advertisements or text does not mean that it has been tested, approved or endorsed by OSDIA, the Commission for Social Justice, or the Sons of Italy Foundation. Italian America accepts query letters and letters to the editor. Please do not send unsolicited manuscripts. Italian America assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Annual subscriptions are $20, which are included in dues for OSDIA members. Single copies are $4.95 each.OSDIA MEMBERS: Please send address changes to your local lodge. Do not contact the OSDIA National Office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Italian America, 219 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Subscriptions are available through the OSDIA National Office, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. OSDIA membership information is available at (800) 552-OSDIA or at www.

OSDIA.org. Archives are maintained at the Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Printing by Printing Solutions Inc., Sterling, Va. To advertise: Contact ItalianAmerica@osia.org (202) 547-2900. Also see www.osia.org for advertising rates, specs, demographics, etc.

SUMMERAMERICA 2019 35 ITALIAN

By Miles Ryan Fisher Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine

I was fairly old—in my twenties—the first time my mom began telling me about the discrimination she faced while she was growing up in upstate New York during the post-World War II years. She spoke about a time in seventh grade when her classmates openly mocked her for being Italian. As my mom told the story, she grew shaken to the point that she couldn’t finish. Reliving the memory was too painful for her.

It wasn’t until I’d been in this job for a couple of years that she finally revisited that day in the classroom and finished telling me about it. During French class, when her teacher indicated Italy on a map, her classmates started pointing at her and laughing. The ridicule was so blatant that it prompted the teacher to pull my mom from class. She tried to defuse the hurtful words by explaining that—from Michelangelo to Leonardo da Vinci—Italians had contributed much to the world. Still, this could only do so much to combat the insults and instill pride in a vulnerable twelve-year-old girl.

Sixty years later, my mom still couldn’t relate the story without it bringing her to tears—the experience remaining that vivid in her memory. As she finished recounting it, I wrapped her in a hug.

“It’s fine,” my mom said. “It’s fine.”

“No,” I said as I continued holding her, “it’s not.” My own reaction took me aback, as it’s never been part of my nature to deny reassurance that everything is and will be fine.

This is the lasting power that prejudice has—that, after sixty years of experiencing it, my mom couldn’t talk about it without becoming emotional; that, though I’d never experienced anything like it myself, watching my mom relive it affected me enough to refuse that everything was now fine. That any experience like hers was, is, and will ever be fine.

This is why the memorial statue that will be constructed and placed in New Orleans to recognize the lynching of eleven Italian immigrants is much larger than a single event. It educates younger generations about the prejudice that Italians experienced upon immigrating to the United States. And in recognizing one of the most brutal moments of prejudice against Italians, it represents every prejudice—no matter how seemingly small—that Italians faced.

It represents the time when a young girl was disparaged by her classmates simply for having an Italian last name.

So, as I make my donation toward the memorial statue, I do so for my mom, who endured prejudice for being Italian and continues to hold her head high with Italian pride.

See page 10 for more information about how you donate to the New Orleans memorial statue.

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2019 35

Piacere! PLEASED TO MEET YOU, Frankie

Frankie Avalon Frankie Avalon (born Francis Thomas Avallone) is a singer and actor who rose to fame as a teen idol in the late 1950s. From 1958 to 1962, he had 31 singles on the Billboard charts, including number one hits “Venus” and “Why.” While his music career was booming, Frankie transitioned into film, appearing in numerous movies, including The Alamo (1960) with John Wayne and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1960) with Walter Pidgeon.

His most significant project was perhaps the movie Beach Party (1963) and its many sequels, in which he starred alongside Annette Funicello. Years later, he made a memorable appearance in the film Grease, appearing as a character called Teen Angel and singing “Beauty School Dropout.”

Frankie was born to Nicholas and Mary Avallone (née Catalano), and raised in Philadelphia. His paternal grandfather (Frank) emigrated from Salerno, and his maternal grandfather (Tony) emigrated from Sicily.

What work did your grandfathers do when they came to America?

Well actually, my one grandfather from Salerno worked in a shop—asbestos, believe it or not. Of course, I think that’s what got to him at a later age. My other grandfather was a guy who knew how to put bricks up and cement.

He was a worker.

You gravitated to music at a young age and took it upon yourself to learn. Where did this initiative come from?

It hit me all of a sudden. I had many aspirations of being a boxer. When I was a kid, in my neighborhood we had the PAL—Police Athletic League—and they would take the kids off the streets and teach them how to box and how to take care of themselves. I really got into that as a boy, about eight or nine years old, and had matches.

Then I went to a movie one Saturday afternoon. My mother would send me to a movie with my peppers and egg sandwiches. And I stayed in and I watched this movie called Young Man with a Horn until my mom had to come and get me. I saw it about seven times. I was just infatuated by his trumpet playing. The trumpet player was Harry James.

I went to my dad and said, I want to play a trumpet.

My father went to a pawn shop and got me my first horn.

I started practicing four or five hours a day. Nobody had to say to me, ‘Go practice.’

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What’s something you’ve learned over your career as it’s gone through many changes—ups, downs, and in-betweens?

Stick to what you believe in, yourself. I think that’s very important. I never grew my hair long or had a beard through the sixties period. I just stuck with it and learned my craft as much as I could by playing, in those days, nightclubs. I learned how to adapt to a nightclub audience as opposed to 10,000 screaming fans.

You’ve been married to your wife since 1963 (56 years!). What’s your advice to those who hope to have a long marriage?

It really stems back to my upbringing—my parents— and it’s called respect. You must respect one another. You give respect, and you handle the respect that comes back to you. Through lean times and mean times, there’s always the respect for one another and the love.

During your long, close friendship with your costar Annette Funicello, how did her battle with MS affect you?

It was such a blow to me. I watched her deteriorate from month to month. It happened real fast for her. It was devastating. Here was a gal I worked with, admired.

I’m the godfather of her daughter, Gina. Our friendship was very strong, and to watch someone who you love go downhill and deteriorate, it’s a very debilitating disease.

She tried her best. She really battled it.

What would you like to see in the future of music?

Well I would say in the music today, there are extremely talented people out there. And I admire that. The only thing I think is missing, in my opinion, are songs. We’ve got to go back to songwriters and publishers and the stories of a song. One that has a beginning, middle, and an end that everybody can relate to and sing to.

ITALIAN AMERICA

The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Armando Varricchio

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Mrs. Michael Pompeo and Mrs. Tom Udall

CO-CHAIRS

September 10th, 2019 T HE AN THEM

901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC

The 41st Annual Ambassadors Ball welcomes Congressional Members, Ambassadors, business and philanthropic leaders and their spouses to celebrate international progress toward finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and connecting people to the resources they need to live their best lives.

For sponsorship and ticket information, visit www.AmbassadorsBallMS.org

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Summer Loving, Summer Reading From New York Times Bestselling Author

ADRIANA TRIGIANI “Trigiani’s ability to draw characters with such authenticity is undoubtedly enriched by her own background in a large traditional Italian-American family. It’s clear she knows and loves this world.”

—USA TODAY

“Trigiani’s latest is bittersweet, transcendent storytelling that celebrates the infinite varieties of love.”

—PEOPLE, BOOK OF THE WEEK

N OW I N PA P ERBACK !

Also available in e-book and digital audio

Don’t Miss the Lifetime Original Movie

VERY VALENTINE SUMMER 2019

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For a signed bookplate, email Adrianaasst@aol.com ftI @AdrianaTrigiani

ITALIAN AMERICA

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