JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009
SONS OF ITALY NEWS
ITALIAN AMERICANS PROTEST VERIZON AD STEREOTYPE
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Annual Law and Justice Day Breakfast Call for Nominations
Italian Americans all over the United States are complaining about a new Verizon television commercial that stereotypes families of Italian heritage, according to the Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice (CSJ). The CSJ is the antidefamation arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America, the nation’s biggest and oldest organization for men and women of Italian descent. “The commercial features the “Coroleo family” whose name is a deliberate attempt to play off the fictitious Corleone family in The Godfather,” says CSJ National President Anthony J. Baratta. “As such, it perpetuates the stereotype of Italian Americans as gangsters. Would Verizon have run a commercial that stereotypes African Americans or Jews?” The CSJ has been “bombarded” with complaints about this commercial ever since it began running more than three weeks ago, Baratta says. He has been in negotiations with Verizon
executives who have promised to permanently retire the commercial in mid-February. “I personally will contact our vast network of members and supporters urging them not to support Verizon for airing this commercial for three weeks too long,” Baratta says. “I find it highly ironic that Verizon earlier pulled a commercial about pit bulls because it offended dog owners,” Baratta says. “Surely the sensibilities of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans are as important as those of dog owners.” Established in 1905, OSIA has 700,000 members and supporters and a network of more than 745 chapters coast to coast. It works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation’s fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To learn more, visit OSIA on the Web at www. osia.org.
One of the most significant and prestigious events held by our Commission for Social Justice is the Law and Justice Day Breakfast. As you know, the Commission recognizes outstanding services performed by Italian Americans throughout the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The Law and Justice Day Breakfast will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Lombardo’s in Randolph, Massachusetts beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for this event have been priced at $30. per person. It is important to note that since this prestigious event attracts a capacity gathering, tickets will not be available at the door and seating will be reserved on a first-come, firstserved basis. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE HONORED WITHOUT PAYMENT OR AFTER THE DEADLINE OF APRIL 20, 2009. Please contact the Grand
Lodge office at 617-489-5234 with any questions. It is our hope to continue in the success of promoting and enhancing the strong image of the superior work the Commission for Social Justice has performed since its inception, 26 years ago, both on the National level, as well as within the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. You may recall last year’s outstanding honorees: The Honorable Neil J. Walker, Presiding Justice, Lowell District Court; Steven C. Marcolini, Sergeant Detective, Marshfield Police Department and Lino Rullo, co-founder of October as Italian Heritage Month. The Commission is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2009 awards are now being accepted. Please forward your submission of nominees, following the guidelines and POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2009.
Cornelia dei Gracchi Lodge #1583 CHRISTMAS PARTY On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, the Cornelia dei Gracchi Lodge # 1583 held their annual Christmas Party at Watertown Sons of Italy. Among the distinguished guests were State President, Florence Ferullo Kane and State Trustee, Marie Jackson. Maria’s of Watertown served a delicious meal. After the meal, the members and guests were entertained by the beautiful voices of Angelo Picardi and Sharon Zee. Music was by Ray Cavicchio. After the show, Mr. Cavicchio had a singa-long which everyone enjoyed. President Mary Cooper donated several gifts, which were given out as door prizes. Our sincere thanks go to all the members and guests for attending our annual event. The Cornelia dei Gracchi Lodge wishes everyone a Happy New Year.
ITALIAN CULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVENTS IN THE BOSTON AREA February 27th, Italian night at the Algonquin Club, 217 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. February 28th, at Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, “La Festa della Musica”, a great event filled this year with a special Italian flavor, to benefit NEC Scholarship’s fund. Honorary Chairman Consul General Liborio Stellino. For more information, go to: http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/feastofmusic/ March 9th, at 6:00 o’clock, at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA. Renzo Piano will discuss the renovation of the Harvard Art Museum, in the context of his architectural work. Free admission, but tickets are required (Harvard Box Office: 617-496-2222) March 15th, the apotheosis...at the Museum of Fine Arts, official opening to the public of the exhibition: “Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice”. The exhibition is presented under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano.
Pictured, Left to Right: Marie Jackson, State Trustee; Mary Cooper, Lodge President; and Florence Ferullo Kane, State President.
“JUST ONE” “Just One” -
Conversation could convince someone to join the Order Sons of Italy in America.
“Just One” -
Phone call to a relative, friend, neighbor or co-worker could convince someone to join the Order Sons of Italy in America.
“Just One” -
Story about your ancestry could convince someone to join the Order Sons of Italy in America.
“Just One” -
Phone call to the Grand Lodge can put you in touch with a Grand Lodge Officer to visit your Lodge.
617-489-5234
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Attn: Commission for Social Justice 93 Concord Avenue Belmont, MA 02478 The Commission for Social Justice greatly appreciates your continued support and looks forward to working with you. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the Grand Lodge office or Chairman Tomasone at 617-489-5234. GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS Nominations for the 2009 Law and Justice Awards should include the following three (3) items: • A completed “Law and Justice Award Nomination Cover Form” • A signed letter of endorsement by the nominating lodge or individual highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments, community activities and reasons for consideration. • A resume or biography of the candidate
CULTURE COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN ROGER MARROCCO will come to your lodge and demonstrate
VENETIAN MASK MAKING Call 617-244-2055 to set up an appointment