The last days of ‘Pompeii’? Not until January after MSI extends exhibition
The scrawled etching in stone reads: “I’d like to be the gem in your ring for just an hour to get the kisses you give when you press the seal.” The ancient Pompeii graffiti is a reminder of how little has changed in the last 2,000 years or so — think of the far-less-creative tourists recently caught carving their initials into the walls of Rome’s C...
Italy’s Universal Woman crown goes to DiTommaso
“First we eat, and then we do everything else.” That’s a mantra for Briana DiTommaso, who was crowned Universal Woman Italy 2023. She also believes in working hard and not letting obstacles stand in your way. DiTommaso, 41, is the executive chef and winemaker for her family’s vineyard, Valentino Vineyards, in Long Grove, Illinois, where she lives w...
Belmont County Heritage Museum Hosting Presentation on History of Mining
Coal mining has been at the foundation of the local economy for decades, drawing those seeking employment and serving as the engine for larger industry. At 6 p.m. today, area historian David Adair will be unearthing the details of the lives and work of the miners who built the area. Cathryn Stanley, curator of the Belmont County Heritage Museum, is...
‘A Family’s Journey: From Italy to Belmont County’
The Belmont County Heritage Museum in St. Clairsville (OH) is boasting its newest exhibit, “A Family’s Journey: From Italy to Belmont County.” The exhibit features the Italian immigrant experience to life in Belmont County, including the importance that the coal mining industry had in the decision to move to the USA for work opportunities post the...
Major changes in the works for Casa Italia
A new day is dawning at Casa Italia as the village of Stone Park enters into negotiations with the Scalabrini Fathers to purchase the property bordered by Division Street and 39th, 37th and Soffel avenues. The Casa currently leases the property from the religious order. Plans for the property include a park district-style facility with banquet room...
Chicago's Cabaret Queen Denise Tomasello Headlines Little Italy Festa-Taylor Street August 20
Crowned "Chicago's Cabaret Queen" by the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, WGN Radio and Daily Herald, the legendary Denise Tomasello returns to headline the Little Italy Festa-Taylor Street with the 16-piece Denise Tomasello Orchestra in her Vegas-style show. Denise will perform on the mainstage-the Peroni Stage, Sunday, August 20, at 3:00pm- 4:30pm. Th...
OSDIA state lodge installs two presidents
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Grand Lodge of IL/WI has installed new presidents for a pair of Illinois lodges. The OSDIA state grand lodge encompasses seven local lodges in Illinois and Wisconsin. Mario D’Antonio will preside over Leone D’Oro Lodge #2700, which meets in Tinley Park. Formerly a network design engineer at AT&T, D’A...
Kenosha's Holy Rosary Festival draws high-energy crowds to north side
It took numerous months, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of dollars worth of food and prizes to make sure the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary parish’s festival was another big success. Thousands took part over the weekend in the three-day weekend festival full of live music, raffles, food and fun on the church’s north side Kenosha grounds at 2224...
92nd Italian Festa returns following pandemic hiatus
The pasta and music were flowing during one of Central Illinois’ longest-running traditions. The Italian American Society held its 92nd Summer Festa Picnic. This was the first year back since 2019, and the Italian recipes brought out the long lines for the mostaccioli. Some of the food and detailed woodwork were imported from authentic Italian shop...
Giacalone crowned Miss Italia America
A 21-year-old college student and lawyer-to-be from Illinois is looking forward to a September trip to Rome, Florence and Venice as part of her prize for winning the Miss Italia America pageant. Olimpia Giacalone, 21, a native of Norridge, Illinois, is majoring in English with minors in Italian and philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, from wh...
‘Ferragosto’ event coming to Rockford’s 14th Ward
Each ward in Rockford (IL) receives $10,000 in federal covid relief funds which he calls the Forward for Fun initiative. This year, the 14th Ward is going to turn their money into one big Italian party. Ferragosto, which is loosely translated to the August fair, will be six hours of live music on two different stages. It will take place from 4 p.m....
Italian Consul General pays visit to the Italian American Veterans Museum
The International Press Club of Chicago hosted an eye-opening presentation by Italian Consul General Thomas Botzios on July 29 at the museum. The Consul General was introduced by IPCC President Wayne Toberman. Overseeing an 11-state jurisdiction, Botzios spoke proudly of the enormous positive economic impact Italy is having on America, with more th...