San Gennaro Festival is an Opportunity to Remember Italian Traditions
As an Italian-American I’m pleased that my hometown of Belmar holds a yearly San Gennaro Festival in September. This holiday honors Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples. Coincidentally, most of the immigrants who settled here hailed from Naples, and just south of the area. My family members originated from small villages in and around Naple...
Italians in America… Our Immigrant Stories The Graci Family & My Dad
Charles Anthony Bernard Graci, better known to the world as ‘CHARLIE GRACIE,’ was born on May 14th, 1936 in South Philadelphia to Santo (‘Sam’) and Mary Graci (nee Cappizzi), both first generation Sicilian-Americans. Charlie has been making music for 71 years. He was the first Rock n’ roll Star to arise from South Philadelphia. In 1946 at the age o...
An Italian neighborhood in Latrobe celebrates its heritage
Karen Gross couldn’t contain her excitement as she ambled through Latrobe’s first Italian festival Saturday afternoon, eagerly talking about her family’s roots in the city’s 1st Ward. “My family is from Latrobe,” Gross said. “508 Ligonier St., which is right next to 512, is where my grandparents owned the house; my mother and dad lived there when t...
6th Annual Washington Italian Festival Saturday, September 24, noon - 9:00 p.m. Washington, PA
Celebrate Italian heritage at the Community Pavilion Washington Park, in Downtown Washington. This family-friendly event is sponsored by Primo Italiano Lodge #2800, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Sons and Daughters of Italy. Eat, drink, shop, and even catch a cooking competition to see who makes the best meatball! Enjoy live entertainment with perfor...
Spring Lake Italian Festival slated for Sept. 24
Lovers of the Old Country will be happy to learn that the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting its annual Joseph Raffetto Italian Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24. The event’s rain date is Saturday, Oct. 1. The event, which has been held by the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce for over a decade, will take place from noon to 5...
UNICO donates to community programs
The Toracco Food Bank/Shelter Fund administered by the UNICO Foundation is available to community-established programs throughout the United States that provide food and shelter where most needed. Grants are available for nonprofit organizations (food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters) that serve people in need or an agency that supports the com...
The Enrico Caruso Piccolo Teatro in Philly
We renamed our theater “The Enrico Caruso Piccolo Teatro” (This sign now located on railing as you walk downstairs to Theater and Learning Lab). We were gifted 12 old Theater chairs that Aldo Mancusi acquired and refinished for his theater 30 years ago. He dedicated Piccolo Teatro to famed Soprano and benefactor of ECMA Licia Albanese and Michael S...
Latrobe’s inaugural Italian festival to honor city’s history
Latrobe’s First Ward is known for its Italian roots and this month, community members can spend a weekend celebrating that rich history. On Sept. 10 and 11, 512 Coffee and Ice Cream will host the city’s first Italian festival. Michael Ciotti, the coffee shop’s owner, sees the event as a way to “celebrate a portion of our heritage.” “It’s cool to ce...
St. Barts Gears Up For Annual Italian Festival In Scotch Plains
The St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival has been a Scotch Plains staple for the past 48 years. The annual Labor Day Italian Feast is back this year, once again honoring San Nicola di Bari — the patron saint of the town of Montazzoli, Italy. This has been an annual tradition since 1974. Besides the Italian classics like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, cl...
Sons of Italy: Working Together to Make a Difference
The August monthly meeting of Morris County Lodge 2561 of the Sons of Italy included a visit by representatives from two of the organization’s multiple charitable partners, JBWS (Morris County’s Domestic Violence agency), and the Interfaith Food Pantry Network. Representing JBWS was Crisis Response Team Manager, Robin M. Hughes, DVS, who addressed...
San Gennaro Feast to return to Belmar for 10th year
For its 10th year, the Feast of San Gennaro will be returning to Belmar in just a few weeks. This year’s sponsors for the event are Aperol Spritz and United Healthcare Community Plan. The festival, which honors St. Januarius – the patron saint of Naples – and is also a celebration of Italian-American heritage, started in New York City in the 1920s....
Cheers to Amedeo Obici
If the name Obici seems familiar you may have noticed it on Sentara Obici Hospital, the historic Obici House at Sleepy Hole Golf Course, the Obici Healthcare Foundation, the Meridian Obici apartment complex in downtown Suffolk, Obici Industrial Blvd, the Obici-Oderzo Fountain, or even a glass of cold Birra Del Obici at the Nansemond Brewing Station...