Sculptor Lou Cella
Chicago sculptor extraordinaire Lou Cella speaks passionately about a recent documentary that captures the Beatles in the act of crafting “Get Back” and other hit songs. He is fascinated by the creative flame that springs to life as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr conjure some of rock’s most iconic music and lyrics. Cel...
‘La promessa:’ the promise
The piazza overflowed with family and friends waiting to see loved ones off to America. It was a dream come true for those set to depart, while apprehension and anxiety consumed those left behind. They cried, hugged, and kissed. Mothers, wives and innamorati sobbed bitterly: “Cari, ti aspetiammo! Per la Madonna, dove vai? A così lontano. Chi ti...
Army Pfc. Richard Colucci
Part of the Occupation Force in Japan after the war, Richard Colucci pivoted from his training in chemical warfare and as a paratrooper to help rebuild the shattered nation by finding jobs for its citizens. Richard Colucci was born in Chicago in November 1927 to Dominic and Marie Bongeorno Colucci. He grew up in the Taylor Street Little Italy neigh...
Dr. Harris to preside over Arcolians
Dr. Mary Harris has risen through the ranks to the presidency of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, becoming the youngest female president in the organization’s 88-year history. Joining her as officers are President-Elect Dr. Jessica Mattern, Vice President Dr. Lauren Allegretti, Treasurer Dr. Charles Martello and Secretary Dr. Megan Ratliff. The ni...
Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan Joins National Italian American Foundation
The Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan (FADM) recently joined the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) as an Affiliate Organization, the first organization in Michigan to do so. This membership brings many benefits to the FADM, including: Affiliate Organizations are featured on NIAF’s website on a dedicated page; NIAF and its Affiliate Orga...
Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan Celebrates International Women’s Day
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan celebrated with pizza and an Italian film. The film was Scusate se Esisto! (Do You See Me?) with Paola Cortellesi and Raul Bova, directed by Riccardo Milani. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural,...
Luchini celebrates 100th birthday
What do you do when you turn 100? You throw a party, of course! That’s exactly what Lea Luchini did on Feb. 18 when family and friends gathered in celebration at Papa Joe’s in Orland Park. A Facebook campaign by her eldest grandson yielded more than 200 birthday cards, which Luchini presented to Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau at a village board meet...
Chicago gallery to spotlight multitalented legend Tom Palazzolo
Legendary Chicago artist Tom Palazzolo’s decades-long career includes photography, painting and most famously experimental filmmaking. Rare Nest Gallery in Chicago will present an overview of his work, complete with film excerpts, historic images and a Q&A with Palazzolo, at 8:30 p.m. on March 11. Reservations are required. (708-616-8671) For more...
Italian-American activists say Chicago mayoral candidate has promised to return Columbus statues
Activists rallied Sunday in front of Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas' headquarters to demand a controversial piece of history be returned to Grant Park. They said Vallas recently promised the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans that he will put the Christopher Columbus statues back in Grant Park and Arrigo Park. Vallas has not made tha...
Lori Lightfoot’s Broken Columbus Promises Lead to Punishing Defeat
Oppose Columbus at your peril. That’s the key message in the stunning reelection defeat of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Celebrated as the first openly gay, first Black woman to head the city of Chicago, Lightfoot was praised as a history-making figure. Well, she has made history again: She is the first incumbent mayor in Chicago in 40 years to los...
Italian club to host annual St. Joseph’s Festival in Wyandotte
Members of the Downriver Italian American Club are anxiously awaiting the return of their annual St. Joseph’s Festival and they’re inviting the public to join them. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. March 12 at the Wyandotte Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth St. The admission fee is $15 and can be paid at the door. All donated funds will be matched by the D...
A stone carver’s life
As time pushes forward, our collective technology advances at an ever-growing speed. Each year, new phones, computers, apps, and more are released, deeming their predecessors obsolete. It is so hard to stay ahead of the technology curve, that many consumers have adopted the “if it’s not broke don’t change it” rule. These advancements have also disc...