Italian America Magazine - Fall 2015

A Knock at Midnight In the Seventh Ward During World War II

FBI: Founded by Italian The Forgotten Contributions of Charles Bonaparte

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It’s A Wonderful Life The American Tale of the Italian Banker

OSIA’s 54th Biennial Convention

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Coffee, Cigars, & the Italian life

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he word “Italian” is synonymous with quality and the enjoyment of life’s finer things. As an old Italian proverb urges, “If you cannot live longer, live deeper.”

Brandon Vallorani is a second generation Italian-American. He’s also an entrepreneur with a passion for living life to the fullest.

Brandon’s great-grandfather, Luigi Vallorani, was also an entrepreneur. With a steellike work ethic, Luigi became a successful businessman in Italy. His family prospered and he became known as the “Padrone” of his village.

Luigi loved coffee and cigars almost as much as he loved his business ventures. In the evening, Luigi could often be found tending a fire, with a smoldering cigar on the mantle. One cold Italian night, as he reached for his cigar, he picked up a scorpion instead. He quickly tossed it in the fire, narrowly avoiding a nasty sting. You can read more stories about Luigi’s exciting life at ValloraniCigars.com.

Following in the footsteps of Luigi, Brandon launched Vallorani Coffee and Vallorani Cigars in the summer of 2015.

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A perfectly suited cigar to start your adventure off right.

ValloraniCoffee.com • ValloraniCigars.com

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FALL 2015

VOL. XX No. 4

Italian America

™

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 o f I t a l y i n A m e r i c a ®

Features

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FBI: Founded By Italian The Forgotten Contributions of Charles Bonaparte

By Rich DiSilvio

PART I: A KNOCK AT MIDNIGHT In the Seventh Ward During World War II

PART II: A MOTHER’S CHRISTMAS DAY

By John N. Romano

IT’S A WONDERFUL (ITALIAN-AMERICAN) LIFE

The American Tale of the Italian Banker

By Miles Ryan Fisher

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OSIA’S 54TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION Meet the New President

By Miles Ryan Fisher

ON THE COVER: Tenements became a common form of housing for immigrants in New York City during the 1800s and well into the 1900s (caracterdesign).

D e pa r t m e n t s 4 High Profile 5 National News 6 Oggi in Italia 7 Mangia!

11 Bulletin Board

12 Our Story 14 The Sons of Italy® Book Club 20 It’s “Only” a Movie 21 Speakers Bureau 26 OSIA 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 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: Fulvio Tuccillo, Rich DiSilvio, John N. Romano, and Miles Ryan Fisher Graphic Designer: Diane Vincent To advertise: Contact Pat Rosso (215) 206-4678

pieassociates2@att.net.

Italian America Magazine™ is a publication of the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA), the nation’s biggest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage. To subscribe, see www.osia.org or call 1-800-552-6742.

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‘A COMPELLING TALE OF ITALIAN MACHISMO’ FINANCIAL TIMES

‘PART KENTUCKY DERBY AND PART MAD MAX’

TIME OUT

‘ROMEO & JULIET MEETS THE HUNGER GAMES’

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WWW.THEPALIO.COM

THEPALIO

SIENAPALIO

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“ROCKY ON HORSEBACK” THE NEW YORK TIMES

“UTTERLY GRIPPING” EMPIRE

FROM THE PRODUCER OF SENNA & AMY

IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 6 © ARCHIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS LIMITED 2014

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High Profile

Italian Americans making an impact

So Others May See Tony Cancelosi Lends Hand to the Blind, Spreads Awareness A wave of people in purple shirts spread across the starting line. Some linked arms. Some held canes. Some pushed strollers. All smiled wide smiles. But perhaps none was wider than that of Tony Cancelosi, the decade-long President & CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB). With their Fifth Annual Light the Way 5K underway (and culminating with a victory lap on the field where the Washington Nationals play), CLB carried forth its mission—the same mission it has undertaken for 115 years.

Founded in 1900 by two blind men from Connecticut, CLB originated in a small building in Northwest Washington D.C. Here, it embarked on a mission to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of blindness or vision loss by enabling them to remain independent and active.

They could be children or elderly folks or soldiers returning from war. It was even designated as a convalescent home and training facility for blinded World War I veterans.

Tony’s path toward leading this mission extends far back, to a time when his Italian grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s—his grandfather from Palermo, his grandmother from Sorrento. They settled in South Philadelphia right in the middle of Philly’s famous Italian Market. And it was here, in the heart of Philadelphia’s Little Italy, that Tony was born.

He grew up “living in Italy,” surrounded by family in this section of the city. While his father worked in produce

CLB’s Annual Light the Way 5K is held every September. (he was also a boxer) and his mother tailored lapels, Tony spent his young years with his grandmother speaking Italian since that was the only language she spoke. As he grew older, Tony focused on his education, earning degrees from St. Joseph’s University and University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Through his professional life he’d always been in contact with the non-profit world, serving on boards and helping organizations fulfill their mission. Then CLB called—they needed a new president. And blindness was something that Tony knew something about. His father had gone blind later in life after cancer spread through his body. “He dealt with the cancer,” Tony said, “but when he couldn’t see anymore, that devastated him.”

Tony took the position and continued growing CLB, which helps 1,000 people in the Greater Washington, D.C. region every year. Ten years later, he’s still as fervent as ever about creating a friendlier world for the blind. And he knows just how possible this is. He recently helped a friend whose grandmother was put in a home because she was going blind.

“You see this?” the friend asked Tony. He held up a new picture of his grandmother, a picture taken after CLB started helping her. “She’s smiling again.”

An attendee of SIF’s NELA Gala, Tony Cancelosi (L) receives the Lido Civic Club’s 2014 “Man of the Year” Award.

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Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind provides lifestyle and employment services in the Greater Washington, DC Region to people of all ages with vision loss. For more information, please contact (202) 454-6400 or visit www.clb.org

ITALIAN AMERICA

National News

Italian American issues and events

Biggio, Smoltz Immortalized at Cooperstown, Honor Parents On July 26, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz became the 11th and 12th Italian-American baseball players to be enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Though both had long, storied baseball careers, they pointed to their parents’ support as the fuel that made those careers possible.

Smoltz, a longtime Atlanta Braves pitcher and the only pitcher in history to amass 200 wins and 150 saves, is Italian American on his mother’s side. “I’m proud of the way I grew up, the heritage in which we grew up,” he said in his acceptance speech.

Biggio, a 20-year Houston Astros catcher/second baseman known for his grittiness on the field, is one of just 29 players to reach 3,000 career hits. “My mother, Johnna Biggio, and my father, Lee Biggio, were two hard working people,” the Smithtown, New York native said in his acceptance speech. “My father was an air traffic controller who hardly ever missed a game … and then my mother, she never missed a game, and in like most homes, she’s the rock.”

In Memory of Yogi Berra (1925-2015) “I was lucky to have some incredible coaches and managers … one of those coaches was Hall of Famer Yogi Berra. Yogi was the smartest baseball man that I was ever around. Although he’s known for his Yogi-isms, his baseball intellect was second to none.”

- Craig Biggio in his HOF acceptance speech

(L. to R.) Biggio, Smoltz, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez pose with their plaques as one of the greatest Hall of Fame classes in history.

(Arturo Pardavila III)

Smoltz’s parents raised him to follow in their footsteps and become a professional accordion player. But when he told them that he wanted to play professional baseball instead, they supported him. “You not only allowed me to pursue this newfound passion of mine,” he said to his parents, “you went on a mission to provide opportunities, to give me an opportunity to play this great game of baseball.”

How did they fare against each other? Biggio came to bat 128 times against Smoltz, hitting just .239 and striking out 29 times—the most of any pitcher he faced.

Frank Sinatra Turns 100 On December 12, a yearlong celebration of Frank Sinatra’s life and the contributions he made to music and American culture will culminate with his 100th birthday.

An Italian American who refused to change his name when music producers insisted, Sinatra will be remembered for the many elements that made him a cultural icon. He’ll be remembered for his trademark fedora, his cool attitude, and his movie roles alongside the likes of Grace Kelly, Marlon Brando, and the Rat Pack in the original Ocean’s Eleven.

He’ll be remembered most, however, for his voice, a voice that has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Perhaps Bing Crosby, the only singer of Sinatra’s FALL 2015 5 ITALIAN AMERICA

time who could compare, put it best when he said, “Frank Sinatra is a singer who comes along once in a lifetime. But why did he have to come in mine?”

The 100th Anniversary of Sinatra commenced with The Grammy Museum’s Sinatra: An American Icon exhibit that kicked off on March 4 at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

After six months, it hit the road on September 4 to join the many celebrations of Sinatra’s centennial occurring across the country. For exhibits and performances dedicated to Sinatra in your area, be sure to check your local listings.

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Oggi in Italia

Italy’s news, politics and culture

Italy Makes Record Books The Pick-Me-Up Record (May 25): About 200 people, including 20 pastry chefs, prepared the world’s largest tiramisu in Germona del Fruili, Italy.

The tiramisu weighed in at 6,646 pounds—more than 2,300 pounds greater than the record it shattered (set

by Bahrain in March). Born in Italy, tiramisu is a dessert whose meaning translates as “pick-me-up.”

The Constructive Record (June 21): With more than half a million multi-colored “bricks,” about 18,000 volunteers, and five days of construction, a 115-foot tall Lego tower now stands in Milan. The tower overtakes the world record held by a tower built in Bucharest, Romania—beating it by less than one foot.

The Festive Record (June 22): Eighty chefs worked for 18 hours to produce the world’s longest pizza during Expo Milano 2015.

The pizza, stretching one mile long, was cooked usThe Lego tower in Milan ing a special oven with a roller inside. Approximately 30,000 people lined up to watch Italy overtake its own record that was set in Calabria just one week prior (which had overtaken the world record held by Spain). After the record was made official, the onlookers were then treated to … a pizza party.

Italian Prisoners Make High-End Wine From dawn to late-evening, Italian inmates move about the vineyards and farmlands of Gorgona, a prison that dates back to 1869 and is located on the northernmost island of the Tuscan archipelago. The inmates, about 70 total, work the grapevines to produce bottles of the aptly-named Gorgona wine.

“It’s still a prison,” said Santo Scianguetta, an inmate with six years left of a 16-year sentence, “but the day flies because you’re working. It’s one thing to be in a cell for 12 hours, another to be outside, busy doing something.” He added that this experience boosts his confidence. “I think a lot about getting out. And now I see hope in the future.”

Two years ago, the quality changed. Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, a company that has been family-owned for 31 generations, was attracted to this unique approach: winemaking that rehabilitated. After all, repeat offenses are high in Italy—about 80% of inmates end up back in jail. “But instead,” said Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the company, “if you give people education, training, or access to a job, recidivism drops to 20 percent.”

So Frescobaldi sent its enologists (scientists who deal with wine and winemaking) and agronomists to the island to develop the vineyards while imparting their expertise to the inmates. This year, Gorgona saw 2,700 bottles of wine leave its grounds, setting sail for foreign markets, including the United States. And when they arrive, they will do so carrying a price tag of $90 per bottle.

A bottle of Gorgona wine Like Scianguetta, many inmates are comes wrapped in a story.

Literally. serving the final years of long sentences for serious crimes, including murder. While in other pris“It’s a wine you have to think about before choosing, ons, they must apply to gain entry to Gorgona, which has like buying an expensive car,” Frescobaldi said. But the a long waiting list.

As part of a new approach to incarceration, winemaking idea is to make people “step back and think about what’s was brought to the Gorgona when a two-and-a-half-acre behind that wine bottle. We wanted to get the meaning vineyard was planted on prison grounds in 1989. The of the project across.” early vintages, both red and white wines, initially sold for $4.75. “And some thought that was expensive,” said Carlo Mazzerbo, the prison’s director.

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Quotes obtained from the New York Times.

ITALIAN AMERICA

Mangia!

from the italian cookbook

Ancient Italian Recipes: Pasta Alla Genovese

By Fulvio Tuccillo

Ingredients (6 to 8 servings) 4 lbs onions, yellow or red 1-2 carrots 1 rib of celery 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 lbs beef (top round or shoulder), cut into 2-inch cubes 1 cup white wine (In place of wine, you can use simple water or vegetable stock) Salt and black pepper Pasta alla Genovese, or simply the Genovese, is one of the most ancient and typical recipes of Neapolitan cookery.

It’s a “poor” but very imaginative recipe that utilizes the produce of the land, especially vegetables. The Genovese is a well-known dish in Naples and Campania, but is almost unknown outside of those areas even though the name might suggest a Ligurian origin (Genova—or Genoa in English—is the capital of the Liguria region). Many traditional recipes of Neapolitan cookery, however, take their name from other places and even other languages, particularly French.

In the opinion of many, the Genovese dish got its name because, since The Late Middle Ages, it could be tasted in the harbor zone in taverns run by innkeepers from Genova.

According to another opinion, this dish was brought to Naples by Genovese sailors and their cooks. Some even say that the name hints at the traditional frugality of people from Genova, simply because it utilizes not only vegetables but also meat remnants and scraps.

The term Genovese is used to designate both the sauce by which the pasta is dressed and the stewed meat, which may be used as a second course. The most important ingredients are onions and other vegetables (celery, carrots), beef meat, extra virgin olive oil, and white wine. The most frequently used types of pasta are ziti, paccheri, penne, mezze penne, candele, and mafalde.

The recipe can be found as far back as the 14th century cookbook Liber de coquina.

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1 Tbsp. lard (optional) 1 lb of pasta, cooked (see above for most commonly used kinds) Finely grated Parmesan cheese Preparation (cooking time is about 3-4 hours) 1. Chop onions, carrots, and celery.

2. In a large-bottomed pot heat the extra virgin olive oil, and a little lard, if desired. Put the vegetables and meat in; add a little salt and pepper. Cover and cook over a very low heat for 1 hour. When necessary, add a little white wine just to prevent the ingredients from stick (in place of wine, you can use water or vegetable stock).

3. Uncover, bring to a boil, and cook over very low heat for 2 hours. Add more white wine, when necessary. The sauce will get amber-colored and the meat will soften.

4. When sauce is ready and the meat can be shredded, cook the pasta. Add the sauce and shredded meat on top of the pasta. Top with grated parmesan.

5. The sauce/meat can be served as a second course with vegetables and/or potatoes.

Fulvio Tuccillo is an Italian writer and journalist who lives and works in Naples. He has taught high school and been Chief Librarian in Italian libraries.

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The Forgotten Contributions of Charles Bonaparte FALL 2015

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By Rich DiSilvio

For generations, Italian Americans have been negatively typecast by the Mafia thugs on the silver screen as well as their real-life counterparts. However, it was an Italian American who founded what became known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation: the FBI. Charles Bonaparte, a man who served society throughout his life, created this establishment as a means to defend the nation and its values from criminals.

Charles Bonaparte’s name may sound familiar, and rightly so. His grandfather, Jérôme Bonaparte, was in fact Napoleon Bonaparte’s youngest brother. The Bonaparte family hailed from Corsica, which was originally an Italian island under the rule of the Republic of Genoa until it gained its independence in 1755 (and then was subsequently conquered by French forces 14 years later).

Charles Bonaparte, however, was born on the other side the Atlantic Ocean. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland

Bonaparte believed the United States—a nation governed by its citizens—could only be what its citizens were. If they were uneducated, unruly or uninterested, then no more could be expected of the government that represented them. in 1851 to Jerome Bonaparte and Susan May Williams, whose father was one of the founders of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He went on to graduate with degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School and became a successful attorney in his home state.

True to his upbringing, Bonaparte held a staunch belief in education as a way to cultivate one’s expertise, which was grounded by a strong moral code. This combination drove him to prominence during an era mired in corruption and prejudices. At a time when Tammany Hall used brute force to bludgeon their enemies and robber barons went unchecked by legislation, Italian immigrants like Bonaparte were often harassed or shunned for their alien language and olive-colored skin. But Bonaparte held true to his convictions and forged his way through these walls of corruption and prejudice to do what he believed was necessary.

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An illustration of L.M. Glackens’s painting that portrays the passing of the torch from President Roosevelt to President Taft. Charles Bonaparte, standing tall in front of the flags, sheds a stoic tear.

In 1881, he assisted in founding the National Civil Service Reform League. As the League’s leader, Bonaparte spearheaded campaigns against racketeering not only in Maryland, but also on the national level. His multipronged attack was aimed at corruption among the electorate and the institutions of government. It was also aimed, quite uniquely, at the citizens, as Bonaparte believed the public needed to be educated about their responsibilities.

Bonaparte believed the United States—a nation governed by its citizens—could only be what its citizens were. If they were uneducated, unruly or uninterested, then no more could be expected of the government that represented them. In 1897, Bonaparte made a speech to this effect, saying: “To have a popular government we must, first of all, and before all else, have good citizens … When we find any self-governing community afflicted with misgovernment, we can safely and fairly believe that it does not deserve a better fate.”

That perspective eventually brought Bonaparte in contact with President Theodore Roosevelt. Both men were Progressives, and each advocated appointing experts in their respective fields in lieu of incompetent cronies who were often times selected by crooked politicians. Together, they formed a powerful duo.

President Roosevelt first appointed Bonaparte as Secretary of the Navy in 1905. He held that post for just one year until Roosevelt decided to place him at the head of ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 9

Do You Know Your Roots?

If not, here’s your chance!

The FBI Headquarters, known as the J. Edgar Hoover Building, is located in downtown Washington, D.C. (Inacio Guerberoff) the Department of Justice (DOJ) where his vast experience and proficiency with jurisprudence could flourish.

It was here—as the 46th U.S. Attorney General—that Bonaparte utilized his knowledge, experience, and philosophy to combat the titans of industry in his day. While it was President Roosevelt who went down in history as the valiant trust buster, Bonaparte was the fearless general responsible for carrying out that onerous task.

Bonaparte waged antitrust battles against big businesses like Standard Oil, Union Pacific Railroad, and the American Tobacco Company. In doing so, he found that the information at his disposal was often times inadequate since the DOJ had no investigative unit. So he pressed to form his own elite staff. Having been forced to either hire private detectives or borrow investigators from other agencies, Bonaparte realized it was crucial to build a special team of operatives who were exclusive to the DOJ and trained either in covert fieldwork or as skilled examiners.

On July 26, 1908, Charles Bonaparte officially founded the Bureau of Investigation, ordering his new department, composed of 34 individuals (some of whom included veterans of the Secret Service), to report to Chief Examiner Stanley W. Finch, a position that would later become known as Director of the FBI. Battling prejudice, industrial titans, crooked politicians and lawless citizens, Charles Bonaparte fought corruption until his term came to a close on March 4, 1909. Almost three decades later, his Bureau of Investigation would become what is today’s Federal Bureau of Investigation.

And while there exists a dark Mafioso stigma that plagues Italian Americans to this day, one of the world’s most powerful investigative organizations—the FBI—was an agency founded by an Italian American.

In honor of Italian American Heritage Month, the Sons of Italy is holding a contest to win a My Italian Family genealogy research package valued at approximately $1,500. Throughout the entire month of October, individuals who join or renew their Sons of Italy national at-large membership (ALM) online will be entered for a chance to win one of two available research packages.

One package (“Five Generations”) will research the winner’s Italian family up to five generations back and will include copies of records and pictures from ancestral hometowns when available. The complete family tree results are provided in both printed and electronic versions.

The other package (“Living Relatives”) will research the winner’s town of origin and reconnect him/her to living relatives currently in Italy.

The contest will run from 12:00 am EDT on Oct. 1, 2015, through 11:59 EDT on Oct. 31, 2015. Individuals who renew their ALM, purchase an ALM for themselves, or purchase the gift of ALM for someone else online through www.OSIA.org will automatically be entered to win*. The winner will be drawn at random on Nov. 4 and will be contacted by the Sons of Italy National Office shortly thereafter.

We extend very special thanks to Bianca Ottone, owner of My Italian Family, LLC, for generously donating the research package for this contest. Not the winner of the contest? Visit the Members Only community of OSIA.org for details about a special discount on research and other services from My Italian Family for Sons of Italy members. Also visit www.myitalianfamily.com for more information. *RULES: Only ALM transactions (new, renewed, or gift) processed online through OSIA.org between 12:00 a.m. EDT on Oct. 1, 2015, and 11:59 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31, 2015, are eligible. No mail, fax or phone ALM transactions are eligible for this contest. Individuals who give (purchase) an ALM gift membership are eligible to be entered, but the gift recipient will not be entered. There is no limit to the number of memberships an individual may purchase in accordance with the rules above; each membership purchased during contest period earns one automatic entry. Additional rules apply; see OSIA.org, our Facebook page, or check your inbox for complete rules.

Rich DiSilvio is author of The Winds of Time: An analytical study of the titans who shaped Western civilization, and historical novels: A Blazing Gilded Age, Liszt’s Dante Symphony, and soon to be released My Nazi Nemesis. Contact him at RD@richdisilvio.com.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Bulletin Board

What’s new: discounts, services and events

“We the Italians” http://wetheitalians.com/ Rome-based Website Spreads Italian-American News In 2012, Umberto Mucci founded We the Italians, a web portal that centralizes news about Italian Americans as well as interesting and positive things happening in Italy. The repository draws from more than a thousand news sources and websites. On We the Italians website, users can find every kind of content, from information on festivals and associations to reviews of travel, drink, culture, etc. The goal of We the Italians is to bring everything Italian – whether it exists in America or in Italy – to your online doorstep.

“In the United States, I see love for our country,” Mucci says. Mucci, a lifelong resident of Rome whose father’s life was saved by American soldiers during the Second World War, sees a lot of “passion … commitment … dedication” in the Italian-American community. “We want to provide a platform for everything your organization (OSIA) does.”

We the Italians sends out a bi-weekly newsletter that often highlights Italian Americans. Recently, it featured an

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interview with OSIA Executive Director Philip Piccigallo.

To sign up for the We the Italians newsletter, visit their website and click on the “Newsletter” tab at the top.

Publish your lodge’s news and events on We the Italians by emailing updates to info@wetheitalians.com

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Our Story

Italian American history and culture

My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes A Documentary on the Italians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust When Benito Mussolini was deposed in September 1943, Italians believed that Fascism and the horrors it brought their country were in the past. But they were wrong—the horrors were just beginning. With Mussolini out, the Nazis moved in. They searched for Jews, offering 5,000 lire—their price for a human life—to anyone who pointed them out. From this sprang a secret rebellion. An underground network of Italians hid Jewish families, falsified identification documents, and developed escape routes.

80% of Italian and refugee Jews living in Italy before World War II survived.

The recently released documentary, My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes, tells this story of how Italians risked their lives to save Jews from certain death. Written, produced, and directed by Oscar-nominee Oren Jacoby, My Italian Secret details these extraordinary times through first-hand and historical accounts of what transpired.

From Delasam to the Assisi Underground, many different networks developed as part of the Italian Resistance to the Nazi Occupation. Some Jews were hidden in convents and seminaries. Others were hidden in hospitals.

Disheartening stories like that in which monks of a monastery were executed for helping hide Jews are juxtaposed with liberating stories such as when the head of a hospital fabricated a contagious, deadly disease to prevent the SS from searching a ward where Jews were being hidden.

The film also highlights two-time Tour de France champion Gino Bartali for actions that saved many Jews and weren’t known until 13 years after his death.

In addition to these accounts, My Italian Secret travels alongside actual Jewish survivors as they return to the places in Italy where these horrific memories reside. They tell their story to the grown children of those who risked their lives to hide them—a very moving experience for both them and the viewer.

You must do good, but you must not talk about it. If you talk about it, you’re taking advantage of other’s misfortunes for your own gain.

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My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes is currently available on Netflix.

Italy and the Holocaust Foundation A non-profit organization founded by NYCSJ Board Member Vincent Marmorale is committed to telling the little known story of the role Italians played in helping Jews during the the Holocaust. Find out more at http://www.italyandtheholocaust.org/ ITALIAN AMERICA

Our Story

Italian American history and culture

ESPN Chronicles Italian-American Daredevil in New 30 for 30 Film He looked out from 123,500 feet above the earth, seeing its bright blueness disappear into space’s utter blackness. Stillness surrounded him. All he could hear was himself—his breath, his movements—as he stood on the verge of achieving something that nobody thought possible.

In the newest installment of ESPN’s famed “30 for 30” documentaries, “Angry Sky” recounts a little known story about Nick Piantanida, a man who attempted to break the free fall world record. He embarked on this mission in the mid-1960s, a time when the Cold War was at its height and the Russian space program was outpacing that of the United States. Russia had already sent a man into space while the United States was just scraping the outer edge of it.

record. While the highest jump was held by Col. Joe Kittinger of the U.S. Air Force (102,800 feet), the jump had been done for military research and not recordingbreaking purposes. The official record was held by the Russians (83,524 feet). Piantanida became fixated on not just breaking both of these records, but on also proving that man could break the sound barrier.

Behind this obsession, however, was a family man.

Piantanida was married to Janice McDowell at the age of 18, and they had three daughters by the time he was launched into outer space. His wife stood by him as he risked everything. And as he reached heights greater than any man had yet to experience, he fell toward Earth from a distance that wouldn’t be replicated until 46 years later.

Angry Sky is available on Amazon.com under the “ESPN Films: 30 for 30, vol. 2”

A member of the Teamsters Union, Piantanida drove trucks to support his family and finance his quest.

Hailing from Union City, New Jersey, Piantanida grew up driven by his ambition. He attempted acts that had never been done, such as scaling Venezuela’s Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. But this was no surprise to those who knew him. “Nick was Nick,” his younger brother, Vern, said. “If he wanted to do something, he would do it. If people said things couldn’t be done, he did them.”

This attitude led Piantanida to earn a class D expert skydiving license before attempting to break the freefall FALL 2015 13 ITALIAN AMERICA

On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner broke the free fall record, falling 127,852 feet and reaching 843.6 miles per hour. (Red Bull Stratos Content Pool) ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 13

The Sons of Italy®

Book Club

FALL 2015 Selections

THE GRUNT PADRE

100 DAYS OF HAPPINESS

The Marines in Vietnam dubbed him “the grunt padre” because he lived as they lived. He ate what they ate. He slept where they slept. He faced what they faced. And he did so as their beloved chaplain. In this account of Father Vincent Capodanno’s life, Author Father Daniel L. More illuminates the indescribable. Sure, there are the facts. Capodanno was born on Staten Island, New York in 1929. He was the youngest of nine children in an Italian-American family that came from Gaeta, Italy.

He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest at age 29.

After becoming a bestseller in Italy and being sold in more than twenty countries, Italian Film Director Fausto Brizzi’s first novel has finally arrived in the United States. Set in Rome, the story features a flawed but likable narrator named Lucio Battastini, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has 100 days left to live. The reader listens as Lucio narrates his way through 100 days, reconciling his fate, trying to gain forgiveness from his very lovable wife (to whom he was unfaithful), spending meaningful moments with his two young children, and realizing the preciousness of life.

By Father Daniel L. More

But what sits behind these facts is an unparalleled perspective, an ability to view life with the utmost compassion and self-sacrifice. An ability to be Christlike. Capodanno was the first chaplain in Vietnam to walk the front lines alongside the troops. He went not to fight, but to empathize with them, to be there for their day-to-day problems … and their final moments.

It was this courage that led him to the ultimate sacrifice. Brought to life in the book’s seventh chapter—aptly titled “Semper Fidelis” (always faithful)—the moments of Capodanno’s death are a gripping experience where you will come to understand why one Marine said, “Of all the deaths I saw … the greatest was his.” On January 7, 1969, Capodanno became one of just three chaplains from the Vietnam War who were awarded the Medal of Honor.

DID YOU KNOW? There have been just seven U.S. Navy ships named in memory of chaplains. On November 17, 1973, the Navy commissioned the USS Capodanno, a ship that just two years later would save a shipwrecked Italian family off the coast of southern Italy.

By Fausto Brizzi

Through this story, a narrative packed with humorous commentary, you will experience the range of emotions that life itself encompasses. Laughter.

Anger. Nostalgia. And for its final act, the story will bring you to tears, your fingers closing the book with a heavy heart that is grateful for the life it has to live.

Sample Passage: I’m sorry to leave behind my own personal property.

But I have a sense that a progressive release is taking place, a slow falling out of love with my possessions.

I realize it when I read a comic book and I fold the back cover, wrinkling it, without the sacred respect I would have accorded it until just a few months ago. I suddenly understand that human beings aren’t divided into good and bad, southerners and northerners, the intelligent and the stupid, or any of the other thousands of distinctions that we invent to liven up our existence. They’re divided into “book benders” and “non-book benders.” The former are happier.

Reviews by Miles Ryan Fisher

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ITALIAN AMERICA

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In January 1942, enemy aliens were required to register at their local post office where they were fingerprinted and photographed for an “alien registration card,� which they had to carry at all times. (Lisa Scottoline, from her novel Killer Times)

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ITALIAN AMERICA

INTRODUCTION

By Miles Ryan Fisher

By the time the United States entered World War II, foreign-born Italians were the nation’s largest immigrant group. More than one million Italian-American soldiers were serving their country, representing a substantial portion of the United States military. In spite of this, the U.S. government classified Italian Americans as “enemy aliens,” applying the federal statutes of the Alien and Sedition Acts originally enacted back in 1798 and amended in 1918.

Due to the large number of Italians in America, the U.S. applied this term mostly to the 600,000 Italian-born individuals who were not naturalized citizens, many of them having already raised American-born children after immigrating. This designation led police—and even the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover’s direction—into homes, searching for prohibited possessions like guns, cameras, shortwave radios, and even flashlights. These searches focused on the homes of where enemy aliens resided, and sometimes the searches led into the homes of mothers whose sons were fighting overseas...

Belongings such as shortwave radios, cameras, and “signaling devices” (including flashlights) were considered as contraband and confiscated from enemy aliens. (Lawrence Di Stasi)

By John N. Romano

In 1942, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began a program to produce and augment fear, distrust and anxiety in Americans of Italian heritage. They searched Italian apartments at night. They arrested Italians without warrants in daytime. They kept Italians in custody for questioning, probing the parents of sons who were U.S. Army Air Corps officers.

I was 15 years old when I witnessed such things on a fall midnight at 52 Maple Street in Yonkers, New York.

The incident occurred in a six-family cold water tenement, occupied by five Italian families and one “American” family. Two FBI agents knocked on our apartment door.

My mother, a naturalized citizen, answered. “What do you want?”

“We’re looking for a transmitter,” they answered.

“What is a transmitter?” my mother asked.

“It’s a radio sending messages to an Italian submarine that was in the Hudson River. We have to search your apartment now.”

Our denials had no meaning as they recklessly searched our apartment, room to room. They saw three unoccupied beds. “Who sleeps in those beds?” they asked.

I pointed to the first one.

“My brother Joe. He’s in the Marine Corps.”

I pointed to the second one.

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“My brother Anthony. He’s serving in a U.S. submarine.”

I pointed to the third one.

“And my brother Pat. He’s serving on a U.S. Navy destroyer.”

They were all volunteers.

It had no impact on them. They looked directly in my eyes—unashamed, aggressive, belligerent, and arrogant.

Then they left.

They went to the next apartment door and repeated the same abusive questioning with Mrs. Molly Paese, who had four sons in the service. Then they moved on to Mrs. Bove on the second floor. She also had four sons in the service.

They were effective. They scared the hell out of us all. They made us feel as if we were the enemy. And they walked right by the “American” family’s apartment.

There were other knocks on those doors from the United States government over the next three years.

Mrs. Paese heard a second knock on her door, one that informed her that her son, tail-gunner Sergeant Curly Paese, was shot down and killed in Germany.

Mrs. Bove heard a second knock as well, one that informed her that her son, fighter pilot Lieutenant Daniel Bove, was killed in Africa.

My mother, Virginia Romano, heard three more knocks on her door.

The first informed her that her son, Corporal Joseph Romano, was killed in action.

The second informed her that her son, Electrician Mate Anthony Romano, was missing in action.

Corporal Joseph Romano The third informed her that her son, Seaman Pat Romano, was wounded.

I can still hear each one of these knocks on my mother’s door.

Oh yes, there were other knocks on other doors of Maple Street. Mrs. DiResta’s door. Mrs. DiGiacomo’s door. Mrs. Dominick Romano’s door. And many others who were told that their sons were killed in action.

But after that first one, the FBI never returned and prohibited its public disclosure by anyone. The Herald Statesman, the Yonkers Record, and other newspapers would not publish the FBI’s “Secret War” against the Seventh Ward. The Yonkers Police Department quietly agreed to all these actions and assigned their toughest officers armed with billy clubs. The Seventh Ward was in total silence with all the other Americans. If exposed, it would have created a deep morale problem for the many, many Italian Americans in service of the country.

We survived this ordeal of persecution, prosecution, and punishment because of our belief in God, Country, and Family. And we owe that to our mothers and our fathers.

Individuals arriving at an internment camp Fort Missoula in Montana, where some Italian Americans were interned during the war. (Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library, University of Montana) FALL FALL 2015 2015 18 18

Author John N. Romano’s own World War II experience was as a member of the First Marine Division, C Company, 1BN, 7th Regiment that served from 1945-1946 on the front line in China during the Nationalists and Communist Civil War. Their mission was the disarmament and repatriation of Japanese armies while also guarding railroads and bridges at Chinqwanto.

ITALIAN ITALIANAMERICA AMERICA

A Mother’s Christmas Day

By John N. Romano

It was a cold Christmas Day in 1977 when I accompanied my 81-year-old American Gold Star mother to visit her second son, Anthony, at the Veterans Hospital in Montrose, New York. World War II had left him totally disabled from brain damage caused by a Japanese attack while he was on his submarine in the Pacific Mariana Islands. Months later and “Missing in action” because of a mental blackout, Anthony was suddenly found at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. He was transported home before being admitted to Veterans Hospital. For the next 31 years, my mother visited him every week.

In entering the Veterans Hospital ward one would see the servicemen from several wars spanning generations, young and old men with the same look: pale faces, hollow eyes, whitened lips, and trembling bodies—the scars of war. The silence in the ward was a reminder that the casualties of war persisted.

My mother took her disabled son from his ward, and hand-in-hand they walked across a snow-cleared road to a wooden picnic table, encrusted with ice and snow. She unfolded the immaculate large white napkins, which held her homemade cooking. The vapors rose as the pot made contact with the ice. Standing bundled in her shawl in the cold, she patiently fed her son with a care and love only a mother can give.

Virginia Romano was born in 1898 in Spiano, Italy (Province of Salerno, Campania) While I watched, my mother noticed the sadness on my face. “Do you think I have troubles?” she asked me.

“Look over the hill.”

Another mother and her son were approaching.

“She has the same troubles as you,” I said.

“Look again,” my mom said.

A second figure straggled behind the woman.

“That is Mrs. Stein from the Bronx,” my mom explained. “Her first son was in World War II. Her second was in the Korean War.” Then my mom looked at me. “I have no troubles,” she said.

Mrs. Stein greeted my mother in a warm embrace while all three war-disabled sons watched. Two women, two different faiths, both sharing the same God who gave them the strength to bear life’s heavy burdens.

Electrician’s Mate Anthony Romano FALL 2015 19 ITALIAN AMERICA

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is a Veterans Service Organization established 1928 for mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country.

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 19

How stereotyping shapes the public image of Italian Americans today.

Send your contributions to mfisher@osia.org or mail to: Italian America Magazine, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Include your name, email or daytime telephone number. No telephone calls please.

Submissions cannot be acknowledged. Contributors’ names, when known, are in parenthesis.

By Miles Ryan Fisher

• GANGTERS YET AGAIN? The New York Daily News, a newspaper whose readership consists of many Italian Americans, portrayed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo as gangsters in a photo heading an article about their political disagreements. The photoshopped picture shows their heads on the bodies of old-time gangers firing Tommy guns. Another stale and offensive attempt at humor. And unfortunately, the Daily News seems to forget how great Italian Americans were at boxing.

statue was found with a face painted black, a number 13 sprayed on its chest, and the letters “FU” written on the ground in front of the statue’s pedestal. John Scarpati, Sr., President of the Mercer County Italian American Festival Association, said that it took two years to raise the $18,000 needed to build the statue.

Special thanks to Manny Alfano, president, the Italian American One Voice Coalition. Email: mannyalfano@ comcast.net. Tel: 973-429-2818 in NJ. • SO WOPS ARE JUST MEAT? Apparently they are when you’re at The Blue Parrot Restaurant, an Italian restaurant located in Louisville, Colorado. The Blue Parrot boasts a sandwich called the Wopburger, a flat patty of Italian sausage covered in cheese. Owner Joan Riggins—stepdaughter of the restaurant’s previous owners, Dixie and Joe Colacci—refused to change the name despite receiving messages about how unnecessarily inappropriate it is. And perhaps what’s most unfortunate is that the restaurant was opened by Riggins’ grandparents—Michele and Emira Colacci—back in 1919, a time when Italians faced such slurs on a regular basis.

• COLUMBUS STATUE DEFACED In July, unknown vandals marred a seven-foot statue of Christopher Columbus that stands in front of the Italian American Heritage Center in Hamilton, New Jersey. The Columbus

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Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede visited the site to see the purposeless destruction. “Any defacing of property,” she said, “particularly of a statue with such weight and significance in this country, is unacceptable. It’s definitely not something that is tolerated in Hamilton.”

Columbus’ statue has since been restored, and a rededication ceremony was held on August 29th.

Special thanks to Sal Turchio, New Jersey.

• AND YOU WANT OUR VOTE? Republican Party presidential candidate Jeb Bush is cracking jokes using negative stereotypes of a heritage that isn’t his. While on the campaign trail, Mr. Bush bragged about being referred to as “Veto Corleone,” getting laughs out of the press. “They called me Veto Corleone,” Mr. Bush said. “Maybe I called myself that, I can’t remember, because I vetoed something like 2,500 separate line items in the budget….” Not the best way to gain the Italian-American vote, Mr. Bush.

ITALIAN AMERICA

Bulletin Board

What’s new: discounts, services and events

Sons 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 • ANYWHERE USA AND ITALY Fiction writer, poet, and editor of literary arts journal Feile-Festa, Frank Polizzi speaks on Sicilian sonnets and traveling in all 20 regions of Italy. He is the author of two books of poetry—All Around Town (Finishing Line Press) and A New Life with Bianca (Bordighera Press). Book signings. Contact: (917) 608-7652 (New York) Email: fpolizzi@medcelt.org Website: www.medcelt.org and www.frankpolizzi.org • ANYWHERE USA Author Joe Giordano speaks on late 19th century and early 20th century Italian and New York history and his recent book Birds of Passage: An Italian Immigrant Coming of Age Story (Harvard Square Editions). Read the first chapter on his website! Book reading and signings. Contact: (512) 565-2229 (Texas) Email: jagintx@austin.rr.com Website: http://joegiordano.com • ANYWHERE USA Sicilian-American writer Lou Macaluso speaks on following the Italian-American dream and what it means to be Italian American in the 21st century. He has authored several books that take place in Chicago—including his recent release entitled Déjà vu, Italian Style (Pegasus Books)­—and one that recounts his grandfather’s voyage from Sicily to New Orleans.

Book reading and signings. Contact: (773) 779-8636 (Illinois) Email: loumacaluso@gmail.com Website: www.loumacaluso.com • ANYWHERE USA Professional Investor and Entrepreneur Bill Spetrino speaks on individual stocks, stock market strategies, dividend and value investing, and trend trading options and investor education. He recently authored The Great American Dividend Machine: How an Outsider Became The Undisputed Champ of Wall Street (Humanix Books). Book signings. Contact: (216) 573-1862 (Ohio) Email: ticket@billspetrino.com Website: www.billspetrino.com

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• ANYWHERE USA Retired police officer and current educational consultant Paul Failla speaks on growing up Italian, character-building, and youth awareness (driver safety, substance abuse, etc.). He has published a book entitled Life: 101 and has performed an original one-man show for several OSIA lodges called “The Class of Life” (www.theclassoflife.com). Book signings.

Contact: (631) 278-4294 (New York) Email: paul@ pdfailla.com Website: www.pdfailla.com • NORTHEAST/MIDATLANTIC/MIDWEST/GULF COAST Professor, Author, and President Ex-Officio of the Italian American Studies Association George Guida speaks on Italian-American culture and literature as well as fiction and poetry writing (for Italian Americans). He is also interested in leading writing workshops for those interested in writing about the Italian-American experience. Book signings. Contact: (718) 506-6261 (New York) Email: gguida@citytech.cuny.edu Website: www.georgeguida.wordpress.com • NEW YORK CITY/LONG ISLAND AREA Freelance lecturer Marilyn Carminio speaks on Rudolph Valentino, Sophia Loren, and Marcello Mastroianni. Contact: (516) 242-6242 (New York) Email: mmozart@ optonline.net Website: www.lecturesbymarilyn.com

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 21

The American Tale of the Italian Banker “What’d you say a minute ago?

They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home? Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they’re so old and broken down that they...

Do you know how long it takes a working man to save $5,000? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community.

Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath?

Anyway, my father didn’t think so.

People were human beings to him.

But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you’ll ever be!”

- George Bailey from

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The Bank of Italy’s temporary office following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. (Courtesy of the Bank of America Historical Collection) ITALIAN AMERICA

By Miles Ryan Fisher

From the beginning, Amadeo P. Giannini was one of the little guys.

He dropped out of school at 14 years old to work in his stepfather’s produce company, saving every dollar he earned and working his way up until he took over the business. Bit by bit, he sold pieces of it to employees, again saving every dollar he made. By age 31, he’d saved up enough to retire.

Upon retiring, Giannini received an invitation from Columbus Savings & Loan Society, a small bank in North Beach, a neighborhood in the Little Italy section of San Francisco. The bank was interested in investing his assets. Giannini accepted the invitation, but it wasn’t long until he discovered something that troubled him: his small bank wasn’t helping the little guy. He found that this wasn’t just the case for his bank—it was the case for every bank. No matter their size, banks loaned only to rich individuals or business owners.

He went to the directors of Columbus Savings & Loan and tried to persuade them to start offering loans to the working class so they could afford homes and automobiles and other property that would better their lives—things that would take them a lifetime to save for. They were honest, Giannini said. They would pay back

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

their loans, he said. But this reasoning wasn’t good enough for the directors, and they outright rejected his idea.

So Giannini took his rejected idea and walked right across the street with it. Literally. After raising $150,000, he bought a saloon that sat facing Columbus Savings & Loan Society, and in 1904, he opened the Bank of Italy.

His assistant bank teller? The former bartender from the saloon.

The Bank of Italy began by educating the working class about bank loans, and Giannini started loaning based not on documented equity but on his judge of character. Two years after opening his first branch, however, disaster struck. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 destroyed 80% of the city and killed 3,000 people. Bank buildings, including Giannini’s, lay in rubble. San Franciscans were without homes, without money, and even without identification, the earthquake erasing everything they owned. And while every other bank was weeks away from being able to operate, Giannini and his building-less Bank of Italy were open for business.

Giannini arrived at the San Francisco docks days after the earthquake, pulling up in a horse-drawn cart filled with produce. Beneath the produce, however, lay the money he’d salvaged from his bank. He found two barrels

A.P. Giannini was listed as one of Time Magazine’s 100 People of the 20th Century.

on the dock and rolled them until they sat a few feet apart. He picked up a loose wood board and plunked it across them. He lifted the bags of money from his cart and plopped them beside his makeshift bank.

With two barrels, one wooden board, and bags of rescued money, the Bank of Italy started loaning to businesses and the working class so that they could begin to rebuild. And because many of them didn’t have identification, Giannini loaned based on nothing more than a signature and a handshake. It was from this trust

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FALL 2015 23 ITALIAN AMERICA

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 23

that by the 1920s, the Bank of Italy became the third largest bank in the United States. In 1928, it changed its name from the Bank of Italy to a name now known worldwide—the Bank of America.

the ones who’d scoffed at lending to the working class. Giannini apparently never tired of telling them that each and every working class man he loaned money to had paid him back—in full.

At the time of his death in 1949, the 79-year-old Giannini had seen his bank grow from a converted saloon into a multi-branch national worth billions of dollars. Yet when he died, Giannini owned an estate that was valued at $500,000, just a slight fraction of what he was actually worth. He’d given away most of what he made, avoiding the urge to amass wealth because he felt it would put him out of touch with the working class. “Money itch is a bad thing,” he once said. “I never had trouble with that.”

*** The working class wasn’t the only “undesirable” population that Giannini reached out to. To most lenders, the motion picture industry posed a huge risk as well. While they avoided the industry, Giannini again traveled in the opposite direction, creating a motion picture loan division and financing films such as Gone with the Wind and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (and many later Disney classics). At a time when the film industry couldn’t find lenders, he extended loans that were instrumental in making careers possible for the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. Demille, Douglas Fairbanks, and Frank Capra.

The itch he did scratch, however, was an itch that came upon him whenever he ran into fellow bankers,

In 1932, Capra directed American Madness, a drama about a bank president who loans money based on character rather than equity, an act that causes the bank’s board of directors to tr y to remove him.

The bank president ends up being saved by his working class friends, the ones he’d helped in the past. Unfortunately for Capra, the movie didn’t receive much acclaim.

Actor Jimmy Stewart plays the role of banker George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life—what he stated as being his all-time favorite role.

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If the plot sounds familiar, that’s because Capra returned to it 14 years later. In 1946, Capra embarked on

It’s a Wonderful Life is listed as 11th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest American films.

a movie based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story “The Greatest Gift.” The short story, however, didn’t provide enough of a plot or a fully developed main character for the extent of a movie. So Capra expanded the story. He developed the main character in ways that reflected the man he admired. His job, his beliefs, his resolution—they all mirrored the man who founded the Bank of Italy, the one who’d supported Capra when nobody else would.

Inspiration traveled through Frank Capra’s pen, and when Capra was finished, what lay in front of him was the script for It’s a Wonderful Life—and its main character, America’s beloved banker who always stuck up for the little guy, was born. And that is when the Italian life of Amadeo P. Giannini became the American tale of George Bailey.

Miles Ryan Fisher is the Editor-in-Chief of Italian America™ magazine. You can contact him at mfisher@osia.org.

ITALIAN AMERICA

Sons of Italy Christmas Shoppers Guide ®

Give the gift of Italian this Christmas season!

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O Sole Mio, O Marenariello, A Vucchella, Marechiare, Caruso, Anema e Core Parlami D’Amore Mariu, Volare, Non Dimenticar, Torna a Surriento and others!!!

Performed by the famous “Quartetto Ducati”

Send $20 check for 1CD $30 for both to Dave Anthony 70 Juniper Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787 www.MusicByDaveAnthony.com 631-361-3637

“As a child, I always had somebody nearby to love, someone to love me, somebody to get in trouble with and someone to be forgiven by.”

A simpler time and place

amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.tonyvivolo.com, $16.95 w/o shipping FALL 2015 25 ITALIAN AMERICA

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 25

OSIA Nation

OSIA LODGES AT WORK

Massachusetts

new York

The fifth oldest Grand Lodge in America, the Order Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was chartered more than a century ago.

Member Anthony M. Sammarco details the great history of the lodge, its charitable contributions and social influence, in the recently published The Sons of Italy in Massachusetts. The book can be purchased through the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts by phone (617) 489-5234 or email info@ osiama.org

This year Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 of Schenectady, NY celebrates its 100th Anniversary. Established on March 28, 1915, the lodge currently has more than 500 members, making it one of the largest lodges in the country. In the past few years, the lodge has served the community by feeding flood victims of Hurricanes Irene and Lee, rebuilding St. Anthony’s church which was destroyed by a fire, and preparing meals for the Schenectady City Mission as well as the Women’s Shelter.

Virginia

More than 200 photographs accompany 100 years of written history.

How Big is YOUR Lodge?

Email mfisher@osia.org with the number of members in your lodge. Louis Fazzone, President of Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321, believes they have the largest lodge—is it true??

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Grand Lodge of Virginia First Vice President and George Washington Lodge #2038 member Carmen De Franks, Sr. has embarked on a project to bring an Italian Audio Tour to Catholic University’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located in Washington, D.C. While volunteering at the Basilica, Mr. De Franks noticed this need since many visitors come from Italy and are unable to understand the English audio provided on the tour.

He has already raised $1,200 of his $13,000 goal, the amount necessary to translate the tour into Italian and record it on portable devices for visitors to use.

Michigan Ave. NE Washington DC 20017), be sure to note that it is for the “Sons of Italy – Italian Audio Tour.”

If you would like to contribute to this cause, contact Mr. De Franks at fxcobadge334@aol.com. If you send a check directly to the Basilica (400

During his visit to the United States, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Basilica. (Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division) ITALIAN AMERICA

OSIA Nation

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Wisconsin Sponsored by the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwakee Lodge #2763, the F.C. Palermo youth soccer team won the Coppa Festa Italiana for the third year in a row! The Coppa Festa

Italiana, an annual soccer tournament, is part of Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana, a three-day Italian festival held on the third weekend in July.

The team poses with the Coppa Festa Italiana trophy, Head Coach Salvatore Carini (left) and Assistant Coach Michael Palmisano (right), and Filippo Mazzei Lodge President Joseph Emanuele (second from right).

Nebraska With support from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, the Colombo Lodge of Omaha hosted a July golf tournament fundraiser at Shoreline Golf Course in Carter Lake, Iowa. Seventyfour golfers participated in the tournament that raised more than $1,000 and will be donated to the Sons of Italy Foundation® to benefit the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. The day’s events ended with a very fitting dinner of spaghetti with meatballs and sausage!

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Massachusetts On June 21 through the 27, the Methuen Sons of Italy Lodge #902 hosted the 2015 U.S. Bocce Federation National Championship, the first time it has ever been held on the east coast. Teams from across the country competed in four different tournaments over the weeklong contest.

The event was such a success that the lodge was asked to host the PAN AM Bocce Tournament in 2016/2017.

Methuen Lodge President Ralph Bagarella (left) receives the Blue Bocce Ball Award from 2014 Men’s Champion Jose Botto (middle). Introducing them is U.S. Bocce Federation President Jerry South (right).

GOT A GOOD STORY? Have you or your lodge done something remarkable that makes a difference to your community or promotes our heritage and Italian studies?

If so, send details with your lodge’s name and number and a digital photo of 300 DPIs to: ITALIAN AMERICA MAGAZINE, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Sisters Lori Corritore and Mary Venditte await tee off at the annual Colombo Lodge Golf Tournament.

Or email: Editor Miles Fisher at mfisher@osia.org. Include a daytime phone number. Entries not acknowledged and photos not returned unless requested.

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 27

Officers Elected at 54th Sons of Italy Convention August 17-23, 2015 In its 110th year, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) officers gathered in Bonita Springs, Florida to elect the leaders who will forge the future of the oldest and largest national organization for people of Italian heritage.

Daniel J. Longo of Maryland was elected as OSIA’s 35th National President and sworn in on August 22.

OSIA’s New National Officers Joining OSIA National President Longo are the following officers: • Vera Girolami of California, National First Vice President • Nancy Di Fiore Quinn of New York, National Second Vice President Daniel J. Longo becomes OSIA’s • Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. 35th National President. (L. to R.) His wife Jean Longo, Dan, of New Jersey, National State President of Maryland Third Vice President Frances A. Cipriotti, and Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq. • Joseph A. Boncore, Esq. of Massachusetts, National Fourth Vice President • Michael G. Polo of Connecticut, National Fifth Vice President And • Thom A. Lupo of New York, National Financial Secretary • Frank J. Panessa of Maryland, National Treasurer • Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio of Florida, National Recording Secretary • Christopher Cannatella of New Jersey, National Orator • Richard R. Della Croce, Esq. of Illinois, National Historian • Rev. R. Adam Forno of New York, National Chaplain National Immediate Past President Joseph J. DiTrapani of New York was reelected to serve a second straight term as the president of the Sons of Italy Foundation® FALL 2015

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( S I F ) , O S I A’ s philanthropic arm. Established in 1959, the SIF has contributed nearly $163 million to scholarships, medical research, disaster relief efforts, cultural projects, veterans’ causes and other special projects.

OSIA National Past Presidents (L. to R.) Paul S. Polo, Robert A. Messa, Peter R. Zuzolo, and Joseph Sciame, Joanne L. Strollo, Philip R. Boncore, Esq., and Joseph J. DiTrapani.

Kevin A. Caira of Massachusetts was elected National President of the Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ), OSIA’s anti-defamation arm. The CSJ fights the stereotyping of Italian Americans. It also collaborates with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions, and cultures are treated with dignity and respect.

Convention Highlights With about 200 OSIA national officers, trustees, state presidents, national delegates and their guests in attendance, the convention experienced several momentous occasions. For the first time in OSIA history, two women— Vera Girolami and Nancy Di Fiore Quinn—were elected to the National First and National Second Vice President seats, respectively. “We are both so proud and humbled to have been elected to our respective positions and to be a part of this great team of youth, talent, and experience,” they said in a statement.

This extends their list of firsts, as Vera was the first woman to serve as California’s State President and Nancy the first to serve as New York’s State President.

In a very proud moment, three National Past Presidents bestowed regalia on their sons, all of whom were elected OSIA National Past Presidents and their to serve their first terms as National Vice newly elected sons. (L. to R.) Paul S. Polo, Presidents. CSJ National Past President Michael G. Polo, Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq., Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Philip R. Boncore, Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq. presented to his son, Robert A. Bianchi, Esq.; Esq., and Joseph A. Boncore, Esq. ITALIAN AMERICA

OSIA National Past President Philip R. Boncore, Esq. presented to his son, Joseph A. Boncore, Esq.; and OSIA National Past President Paul S. Polo presented to his son, Michael G. Polo.

Unanimous approval was granted to make National Past President Robert L. Messa National President Emeritus.

This honor places him in the high company of SIF President Emeritus, Paul S. Polo.

During the convention, leaders Robert A. Messa receives his President Emeritus title. (L. to R.) Philip R. Boncore, and delegates a n n o u n c e d Esq., Joanne L. Strollo, Robert Messa, Robert A. Messa, Paul S. Polo, Peter R. Zuzolo, they raised Joseph J. DiTrapani, and Joseph Sciame. more than $300,000 for OSIA’s national charities: Alzheimer’s Association, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The money was raised by members and their lodges over the past two years.

Convention attendees also reviewed the last two years of OSIA’s activities and set the administrative, philanthropic, and cultural agendas for 2015-2017. One of the significant developments was the introduction of the Sons of Italy Visa® Rewards credit card. “We’re very optimistic about the potential fundraising we can get by members signing up for this card,” said OSIA National Executive Director Philip Piccigallo.

For more information about how you can support the Sons of Italy by signing up for the Sons of Italy Visa® Rewards credit card, see page 31.

2015 Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award recipient, Edith L. Zuzolo, with her husband, OSIA National Past President Peter R. Zuzolo.

Convention Awards Three distinguished Italian Americans received honors at the convention for their exemplary contributions to both their Italian-American heritage and their respective communities.

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Joe Andruzzi, former National Football League offensive tackle (1997-2006) and three-time Super Bowl champion, received the 2015 OSIA National Sports Award.

Known for his career with the New England Patriots, Joe has off-the-field accomplishments that rival his on-the-field success.

After being diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2007 and undergoing successful treatment, Joe along with his wife, Jen, founded the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which provides finan2015 OSIA Sports cial assistance to cancer patients Award recipient, Joe Andruzzi, enjoys a and their families and also funds musical moment. pediatric brain cancer research.

Edith L. Zuzolo received the 2015 Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award for her commitment to OSIA and the healthcare community. A member of Sons of Italy Toscanini Lodge since 1960, Edith became her lodge’s 14th President, serving in the position for five years. She has also served as Chair of the First Ladies Committee for the Children’s Inn at National Institute of Health with Honorary Chair Barbara Bush. Edith is married to OSIA National Past President Peter Zuzolo. The Sellaro Award is named after Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, who founded the Order in 1905.

Joseph Sciame received the convention’s highest honor, the 2015 Guglielmo Marconi Award, named for the great Italian physicist responsible for wireless telegraphy. A member of Cellini Lodge #2206 since 1968, Joe has served in leadership positions at the lodge, state, and national levels—including serving as OSIA’s 30th National President of the Supreme Lodge. As a result of his lifelong dedication to the Italian-American community, Joe was knighted

by Prince Victor Emmanuel IV, son of the last King of Italy.

The OSIA 2017 Biennial Convention will be OSIA National Past President Joheld in Sarasota, Florida. seph Sciame gives his speech in acceptance of the convention’s highest honor, the 2015 OSIA Guglielmo Marconi Award.

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 29

Osia’s 35th National President Daniel J. Longo Dan has been a committed member of OSIA since 1978, when he joined the Harford County Lodge #2464.

He has served in numerous positions, including Local Lodge President, State President of the Grand Lodge of Maryland (1993-1995; 1998-2002), and most recently, National 2nd Vice President. Through the years, his efforts have focused on cultural and fundraising events including the Baltimore City Italian Festival, which Dan chaired for seven straight years.

Both sides of his family emigrated from Sicily and came through Ellis Island during the 1920s. His father’s side settled in Baltimore while his mother’s side settled in Chicago. His father followed in the steps of his grandfather,

working as a stone mason, a job that Dan started doing for his father until his father refused to let him continue.

“He wanted me to get an education, and he knew the only way to make that happen was to fire me from the very job he’d spent a lifetime doing.”

True to his father’s foresight, this abrupt change prompted Dan to pursue a college degree in Business Administration. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1969, he worked in the budding field of computer technology for the next 40 years.

Dan lives with his wife, Jean, in Baltimore—just a halfhour from his 93-year-old mother, Michalena, who still lives in the house where he grew up.

A Message from Daniel J. Longo I am profoundly honored to have been elected National President of the Order Sons of Italy in America for the next two years. The team elected to support OSIA’s future efforts represents the very best in the leadership in our organization.

This administration will focus on possibilities. Previous initiatives that complimented our organization’s direction will be revisited. New initiatives will be vetted and implemented to ensure our continued success.

Significant focus will be aimed at membership retention and growth with specific emphasis toward Subordinate lodges, youth membership, and financial growth. OSIA recognizes the necessity to encourage youth to join our ranks.

Our administration will create a platform with networking opportunities for our young Italian Americans to use to their advantage.

A newly created “Technology Committee” has launched an intense project to completely revamp www. osia.org. This nationally recognized website will include the latest technology, including mobilization features, opportunities to participate in OSIA’s programs, methods to donate to our charities, and a complete list of all OSIA member benefits. This new website will be our state-of-the-art method for promoting the OSIA brand and its initiatives to promote our culture and heritage.

OSIA is represented across the entire United States by its Grand, Local, and Subordinate lodges. It is through the efforts of these members that will ultimately lead to our organization’s continued success. It is the intention of this administration to provide the brick and mortar for everything OSIA has to offer so that our lodges can build a solid foundation in their respective areas for the future.

Sempre Avanti

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From the National

WHAT NATIONAL DOES FOR YOU

Design the SIF 2016 T-Shirt!

New Travel Program

How would you like a chance for your artwork to appear on thousands of t-shirts that are distributed to help a great cause? Through its direct mail program, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) will send t-shirts in 2016 as gifts to individuals who support the SIF’s charitable initiatives.

Skilled graphic designers are encouraged to submit artwork to be considered for the shirt’s final design.

The Sons of Italy is announcing a new travel program partnership for trips outside of Italy.

Entry requirements: • Original design (containing no copyrighted material) must include “Sons of Italy®” and “2016” and reflect Italian-American heritage and pride.

• No entries will be accepted by mail.

• A low-resolution preview version of the design file must be submitted to sif@osia.org by Jan. 8, 2016, for design to be considered. (Winning designer will be asked to submit a final high-resolution design file according to specs below.)

• Final artwork resolution must be 300 dpi designed at minimum dimensions of 8” wide X 10” high, and submitted as a .jpg, .tif, .psd, .eps or vector art file.

Rules apply. Beginning in mid-November 2015, visit OSIA.org, our Facebook page, or check your inbox for more information on the contest rules.

The 2015 SIF t-shirt designed by Anthony Massa. How will your design illustrate pride in Italian-American heritage?

Incentus Global will coordinate three to four group trips each year exclusively for OSIA members and supporters, starting with an April Pilgrimage to Fatima.

More information on the trips will be available soon, so check your inbox and visit www.osia.org before the end of the year for details and updates.

OSIA Groups Trips for 2016: Pilgrimage to Fatima – April (exact dates to be determined) Mississippi River Cruise – June 4-7 Canada’s Banff and Lake Louise – September 17-23 (exact dates to be determined)

Support the SIF When You Shop If you shop online, especially for the upcoming Christmas season, your generosity could automatically extend beyond your thoughtful gift-giving. You could earn a donation to the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) with your online purchases.

That’s because the SIF participates in iGive, a service that makes donations to the SIF when you shop online with the service. But the donation doesn’t come out of your pocket – there is no cost to you (other than what you purchase). Donation amounts vary by retailer and range from .04% - 24% of the purchase price.

All shopping, including payments, is done directly through the websites of well-known retailers like Macy’s, Hotels.com, Walmart and more than 1,600 others. You don’t need to enter any codes, notify the store, or tell iGive – it’s all automatic!

Signing up is easy and free; just visit www.igive.com/SIF.

The New Sons of Italy Visa® Rewards Card The Sons of Italy® and Commerce Bank are excited to offer the Sons of Italy Visa® Rewards credit card, with No Annual Fee and a low introductory APR! With the Sons of Italy Visa® Rewards you will earn points on everyday purchases redeemable for gift cards, merchandise, travel and more!

Visit www.commercebank.com/sonsofitaly for terms and disclosures and to apply of the card.

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ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 31

®

The Sons of Italy Foundation

®

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Foundation Focus

By Joseph DiTrapani, President I want to start off by saying that I am truly honored to be serving a second consecutive term as the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) President. For the past two years, the position allowed me to see just how much generosity lies in the hearts of our members and supporters, and their desire to take their own success and “pay it forward.”

With that in mind, I believe it’s necessary that we recognize the SIF’s Sustaining Patrons Circle. These dedicated philanthropists make recurring monthly donations that help the SIF continue its important work to improve lives for Italian Americans and others in need.

I encourage all members to consider recurrent monthly giving. It is one of the best ways to give without feeling

the effects on the wallet. Gifts are used to support such causes as the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, the national scholarship program, wounded warriors and veterans causes, domestic and international emergency relief, and Italian language programs. You can even let the SIF know if your donation should be applied to a specific cause or let the SIF apply your gift where it is most needed.

To find out more about how you can be a Sustaining Patron, visit www.osia.org/sif or contact the National Office by calling (202) 547-2900 or emailing sif@osia.org.

Again, I want to say that I am honored to be SIF’s President for a second term and am looking forward to seeing the amount of goodwill the SIF generates as it continues to grow and support such worthy causes!

Sons of Italy Sustaining Patrons Circle Honor Roll SIF Patrons Nick & Jeanne Ameli Tony Bisceglia Anderson & Linda Anderson Joyce & Thomas Bollenbacher Joseph T. Cangemi Carlo Lizza & Sons Paving, Inc. Anthony & Carolyn Cianciotta Mark DeNunzio* Joseph & Carol DiTrapani* Francesco Ferraro Judge Al Girolami & Vera Girolami

Mark Gregorio Angela & Chuck Harrington Nami Kim Joseph LaBanca Bruce & Annette Lankewish Salvatore & Rachele Lanzilotta Terry & Sue Lattavo Daniel J. Longo Thomas A. Lupo Michele & Eric Ment Bob & Betty Messa New York State Grand Lodge Foundation, OSIA Arlene Nunziati

through 10/2015

Marianne Principe O’Neil & John O’Neil* Philip R. Piccigallo Maria Fassio Pignati Michael G. Polo Michael S. Polo Paul S. Polo, Sr. Nancy DiFiore Quinn & John Quinn Rose Carolyn Rizza Joseph & Joan Rondinelli Patricia Russo Richard Sanvenero, Jr. Vincent & Paula Sarno Diane Y. Scillo

CSJ Patrons Tony Bisceglia Anderson & Linda Anderson Maria Fassio Pignati Diane Y. Scillo *President’s Guild Member The Sons of Italy Sustaining Patrons Circle President’s Guild is for those dedicated individuals who encourage others to support the SIF and the CSJ through the recurring giving program.

When is the Feast of San Gennaro, anyway?

What about the birthday of Antonio Meucci or OSIA founder Vincenzo Sellaro? If you’re unsure, check your calendar. Better yet, check your 2016 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) wall calendar!

To make a donation and receive a calendar, contact the Sons of Italy Foundation Donor Services Center by mail, phone or email:

And while you’re getting caught up on important dates, you can also enjoy the captivating and breathtaking photos of il Bel Paese that grace the pages of the calendar.

Mailing address (for donations by check): Sons of Italy Foundation Donation Processing Center P. O. Box 9577 Wilton, NH 03086-9577 Phone: 855-824-7332 (for donations by credit card) Email: sif@donor-services.com

Didn’t receive a calendar or want another one? While supplies last, the 2016 SIF calendar is available for a donation of $12.00 to the SIF. FALL 2015

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ITALIAN AMERICA

®

The Commission for Social Justice

The CSJ Perspective

By Kevin Caira, President

I wish to thank our National President Daniel J. Longo and the members of the National Commission for Social Justice for electing me at the 54th Biennial National Convention to serve as its President. I am looking forward to collaborating with our new team. And I would like to thank the members of our 2015-2017 commission for their commitment to serve our Order.

Allow me to take this opportunity to recognize and thank National CSJ Past President Joseph A. Boncore and the members of his commission for their outstanding work and dedication on behalf of our Social Justice Commission. We certainly have some big shoes to fill.

fighting defamation

their passion and wanting to take part in the cause to fight discrimination wherever it exists. It was encouraging to see individuals and Grand Lodge Presidents generously making donations to our CSJ. These contributions are desperately needed in order to fight defamation, bias, bigotry and discrimination against Italian Americans and other groups. These contributions are needed to promote a positive image of Italians and Italian Americans and eliminate stereotyping.

Your contribution counts! Please send a donation to our CSJ and mail it to OSIA, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.

With summer in our rear view mirror and fall fast approaching, let’s all take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy the Columbus Day holiday and celebrate October as Italian-American Heritage Month.

Fraternally yours,

At Joe’s final meeting held at the National Convention, it was gratifying to see so many delegates expressing

The “Wandering Dago” Food Truck Drives Away In late June, members of the Columbia County Lodge #659 and the Roma Intangible Lodge #215 in New York sent Louis Gallo, NYS CSJ Chairman, a poster about a “Food Truck Village Night” taking place in Kinderhook (mid-Hudson River Valley) on August 29. It was sponsored by the Kinderhook Business and Professional Association (KBPA) on Village grounds. One of the food truck vendors on the poster was none other than the “Wandering Dago.”

Gallo contacted both the Village and the KBPA, protesting the attendance of that truck and requesting a meeting to discuss a plan of action. A village official told Gallo to send an e-mail to the Village explaining the CSJ’s position, which would be circulated to the necessary parties. The KBPA responded by stating that since the truck’s issues were still in litigation regarding free commercial speech in previous cases and declined to ban the truck from the event. Undeterred, Gallo turned to another tactic.

Gallo identified the prime organizer and sponsor of the event and immediately sent out an emergency message to Board Members and Lodge Presidents in the Hudson Valley area, encouraging them to contact the organizer without delay as the event was only days away.

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The response was swift and overwhelming. The Wandering Dago’s owners got the message and informed the organizer that they were dropping out of the event! Score another victory for the NYS CSJ and its lodges!

“We will follow this truck all over the state, if we have to,” Gallo said. “We are so incensed that this truck is literally spreading around an ethnic slur against us. We won’t stop until they either change the name of that truck or lose the case on free speech.”

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 33

The Perfect Gift

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Letters to the Editor Recently I had the good fortune to share my magazine with a few of my pool side neighbors and they thought the stories were great. It struck up the conversations around baseball and the very moving story around Italy serves as a safe haven.

Dottie D’Onofrio, President Winthrop Ladies Lodge #2017 (Mass.)

I really enjoyed your article “How Yankees Became Italian.”

It brought me back to the 1940s living in a cold water flat on New York’s Lower East Side with my immigrant grandparents. My grandmother, Nonny, whom I wrote about in an essay published in Italian America, wasn’t a baseball fan but she kept up with them through me, a die-hard Yankee fan.

She especially loved the Yankee Italians: Phil Rizzuto whom she smilingly called “Prosciutto” and Joe DiMaggio whom she called “Formaggio.”

Peter E. Dans Cockeysville, Maryland

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

(required by Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code). ITALIAN AMERICA MAGAZINE (ISSN 1089-5043) is published quarterly at 219 E Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002.

The annual subscription price is $20. The complete mailing address of Known Office of Publication is located at 219 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. The general business offices of the publisher and the editor are at same address as above. Publisher: Order Sons of Italy in America, same address as above. Editor: Miles Ryan Fisher, same address as above. Owner full name is Order Sons of Italy in America, 219 E Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and other Security Holders Owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Tax status: has not changed during preceding 12 months. Publication Title: Italian America. Issue Date for Circulation Data below: SUMMER 2015. The extent and nature of circulation is: A.Total Number of Copies (Net press run). Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months: 33,025. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 33,300. B. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 32,775. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 32,933.

C. Total Paid Distribution. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 32,775.

Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 32,933. D. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County. distribution by mail, carrier or other means. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 300. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 367. E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 300. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 367. F. Total Distribution. Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months: 33,025. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 33,300. G. Copies not Distributed. Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months 0. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date 0. H. Total. Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months: 33,025. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 33,300. I. Percent Paid. Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12 months: 99.24%. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 99.00%. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Filed September 14, 2015. Miles Ryan Fisher, Editor-in-Chief.

Corrections for Summer? 2015 issue Our Story (page 12) Gran Caffe L’Aquila sits two blocks away from Philadelphia’s City Hall, not Independence Hall. It also carries wines from all 20 regions in Italy, not just 20 Italian wines.

OSIA Nation (page 32) The honorees in the photo are (L. to R.) Onofrio Triarsi, Michael Amante, and John Centinaro.

Mangia! (page 11) The key ingredient was unintentionally omitted. The amount of chocolate is: 6 oz (30 g) fine-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

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

Tel: 202/547-2900.

Email: nationaloffice@osia.org

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

I think we can all agree that there’s a particular

OSIA National Executive Director Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. Office Manager Andrea Beach Director of Programs and Development Diane Crespy Editor Miles Ryan Fisher Social Media/Communications Coordinator Carly Jerome Administrative/Scholarship Coordinator Laura Kelly

story in this issue that carries great significance— one that I’m sure will move some readers to tears.

It represents an important place in our culture and in our hearts because it’s about the strength, the resilience, of a mother.

While mothers are held high in every culture, it would be difficult to say that any culture holds mothers higher than that of Italians. For so many generations, Italian and Italian-American mothers have served as the backbone of their families.

They make sure our stomachs are never empty. They make sure our wounds

Italian America™ is the official publication of the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA), the largest and longest-established organization of American men and women of Italian heritage. Italian America™provides timely information about OSIA, 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 OSIA, 219 E St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. ©2015 Order Sons 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 OSIA. Mention of a product or service in advertisements or text does not mean that it has been tested, approved or endorsed by OSIA, 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 OSIA members. Single copies are $4.95 each.

OSIA MEMBERS: Please send address changes to your local lodge. Do not contact the OSIA National Office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Italian America™, 219 E St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Subscriptions are available through the OSIA National Office, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. OSIA membership information is available at (800) 552-OSIA or at www.osia.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: Call Pat Rosso at 215/206-4678 or email her at pieassociates2@att.net. Also see www.osia.org for advertising rates, specs, demographics, etc.

FALL 2015 35 ITALIAN AMERICA

are always dressed. They make sure our troubles are never borne alone.

In “A Knock at Midnight” and “A Mother’s Christmas Day,” Virginia Romano is this mother. The amount of strength she exhibits in the face of intimidation and the face of hardship she does for her family, not for herself. And we are all very fortunate that her son, John Romano, was willing to share such personal stories.

It’s my hope that in his stories, you see reflections of your own mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother. I hope that his story stands for ItalianAmerican mothers everywhere. Their steadfast strength, their hard-working nature, their impenetrable desire to put their family first—these are the qualities that so many of us grew up with and were probably too young to recognize as our mothers quietly imparted them to us.

I know that this is my experience, and the older I get, the more appreciation I have for what my own mother did for me. To some degree, I understand that I can’t ever fully recognize the amount of selflessness she put into our family. I’m sure a lot of readers—whether you are a Son of Italy or a Daughter of Italy—feel this same way.

Far too often, and maybe this is due to the humility with which they go about their role, mothers do not get the recognition they deserve.

But behind the Sons and Daughters of Italy, behind any goals we achieve and any praise we receive, there are mothers who go unsung. And yet, those mothers feel more pride than anyone in the lives that their sons and daughters lead.

ITALIAN AMERICA FALL 2015 35

Piacere!

Pleased to meet you, Anthony

Anthony LaPaglia Interview by Adriana Trigiani

Anthony LaPaglia is a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actor. He is best known for his role as FBI agent Jack Malone on the American TV Series Without a Trace and has appeared in films such as The Client, Empire Records, Summer of Sam, Analyze That, and Happy Feet.

In his upcoming film—Big Stone Gap—he plays Spec Broadwater, town lawyer and chief of Big Stone Gap’s Rescue Squad. Broadwater is always the first man to be called in a crisis.

Tell us about your Italian roots.

In or around 1915-1920 my grandfather immigrated to New York where he eventually became a citizen and moved to Youngstown (Ohio). My father was the youngest of eight, and by the time he was born, my grandfather had settled permanently back in Bovalino in the Calabria region where he owned and operated an olive oil business.

My father immigrated to Australia when he was 18 to be with his two brothers and older sister. When I decided at the age of 20 to immigrate to the United States, I instantly felt at home in New York City. As it turned out, I ended up living my early years in the east village—blocks away from where my grandfather first lived when he had immigrated.

What are your favorite Italian foods?

My aunt was a brilliant cook. So I grew up with authentic southern Italian cuisine. Basically anything Italian-made from scratch is appealing to me.

In Theaters October 9

What is your favorite place in Italy and why?

I’m particularly fond of Rome and Sicily. Rome I love because ... well because it’s Rome. What’s not to like? The history, the people, the food, architecture, and of course the football team all make it a place I love to be. Sicily I love because it’s at the other end of the spectrum. It’s still a raw place with the history and influence of every invading force that ever used it as a launching point into Italy and Europe. Every culture—from the Ancient Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Moors right up to the American GI’s of WW2—is represented in Sicilian culture. I particularly love it up the coast in Trapani and the outer limits of the Aeolian Islands. In Italy, the further south I go, the more I enjoy the food and the people.

Do you have a favorite Italian movie?

I have a few. Amarcord, Italian Beauty, La Dolce Vita, Gomorrah and Johnny Stecchino.

If you could change one thing about the world in this moment, what would it be?

There are so many things that need change, it’s hard to pick one. But from my own observation, the one that seems to be at the center of most global problems is the vast disparity between the rich and poor of the world.

Closing that gap would go a long way to healing the many global issues we face now.

Is there an aphorism you live by? A bit of wisdom you might share with the readers?

Hai valuto la bicicletta? E adesso pedala!

(You wanted the new bicycle? Now pedal!)

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ITALIAN AMERICA

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ITALIAN AMERICA

THE BELOVED NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR RETURNS

ADRIANA TRIGIANI

A spellbinding tale based on the true story of one of cinema’s greatest love affairs, set during the Golden Age of movie making in 1930s Hollywood

ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS “If you’re meeting her work for the first time, get ready for a lifelong love affair.”

—KATHRYN STOCKETT,

author of The Help

“Delightful, energetic....

Trigiani is a seemingly effortless storyteller.”

—BOSTON GLOBE

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 13 WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

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Facebook.com/AdrianaTrigiani ITALIAN AMERICA