IACC celebrates 100 years
It began several decades ago. A group of Italian immigrants came to the city of Steubenville, making it their home away from home. These particular individuals were filled with passion …. passion for preserving their cultural identity within America, within Ohio, within Steubenville. And they chose to do so through the theater. A group of these men...
Italian community in Michigan celebrates Festa della Repubblica with special event
The Italian community in Michigan celebrated this week as June 2 marked Italian National Day or Festa della Repubblica. Festa della Repubblica was a defining day in Italian history in 1946 when Italians chose to form a republic. The day celebrates Italian culture, tradition and excellence. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June 2, 2025,...
'This is the place to be': Festa Italiana kicks off in Milwaukee
The California wildfire smoke impacting our region and Friday’s rain did not make it an easy day for festival goers in Milwaukee. Festa Italiana kicked off at Henry Maier Festival Park Friday. “This is the place to be,” said Sandy Winard, the executive director of Festa Italiana. “I mean, if you’re not Italian, you’re an official Italian as soon as...
Schoene takes next big step along volunteer path
Phyllis Colonna Schoene has been a member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans for 60 years and was part of its all-volunteer staff for nearly a decade before being invited to asked to fill a big pair of shoes. That call came after Jo Ann Serpico, the organization’s beloved, longtime executive director, passed away last April. “We miss...
Army Staff Sergeant Eric Pulia
Eric Pulia is the youngest of three sons born in Hinsdale, Illinois, to James and Karen (Murrin) Pulia. He grew up in Westchester with his uncle and family nearby and his paternal grandparents living down the block. Pulia’s great-grandparents emigrated from the Sicily and Naples regions of Italy. Pulia formed a close bond with his grandparents whil...
Nominations sought for Italian Fest 2025 Man and Woman of the Year
The 2025 Greater Youngstown Italian Fest will be back this summer after a hiatus last year, and your help is needed in finding the “2025 Man and Woman of the Year.” Nominations are now being accepted for anyone you feel deserves the honor. You just need to submit their name and a few paragraphs about them and their heritage. Entires should include...
Lucchesi to honor Petrucci, Springer
The Lucchesi nel Mondo Association will honor Antonio Petrucci and Evelina Giannoni Springer as Man and Woman of the Year on June 14 at the Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park. Lilia Leonardi Juarez will serve as master of ceremonies, Paul Ciminello will sing the national anthems, and Francesco Marino will provide music and entertainment. To make r...
Herrin Festa Italiana kicks off 35th year
Herrin Festa Italiana kicked off on Thursday, May 22 as the unofficial gateway to summer, according to festival leaders. The festival promises free live entertainment, plenty of food and fun for the whole family. Crews spent the entire day making final preparations for everyone expected to arrive in Herrin (Illinois) this Memorial Day weekend. The...
Joliet-area club renovates for next generation
The American Italian Cultural Society has been faithfully serving the Italian American community of the southwest suburbs from its clubhouse in Crest Hill for nearly 40 years. In February, the AICS embarked on an ambitious renovation project that has culminated in a completely refurbished bar and dining area. “Our goal was to update our club, keepi...
Nazareth H.S. to honor Turanos at June event
Lisa Turano and her parents, Patricia and Renato, will figure prominently in Nazareth Academy’s 125th anniversary celebration June 6-7. Lisa will receive one of this year’s Four Pillar awards, and all three will be acknowledged among the “125 Faces of Nazareth” in celebration of the La Grange Park high school 125th anniversary. The Four Pillars eve...
CIAO Columbus in the Capital City of Ohio Continues on the Journey to Explore and Connect with Our Shared Italian Roots
The Columbus Italian Ancestry Organization (CIAO – Columbus, Ohio) is a small informal group whose passion and mission is to explore/preserve our local community’s’ shared Italian roots using genealogy. CIAO meets quarterly in Marrapese Hall, the Italian Cultural Center within the historic Italian Catholic church of Saint John the Baptist (Chiesa I...
Washington Township, Michigan Welcomes Mayor of Terrasini (PA), Sicily
Washington Township Supervisor Sebastiano Previti held a reception honoring the mayor of Terrasini (Palermo), Giosuè Maniaci. Also in attendance were Fr. Pino Ingraio, a Sicilian folklore group of singers and musicians, and a delegation of citizens from Terrasini who traveled to Michigan with the mayor. Local communities were represented by Bruce...