Air Force navigator Peter Belmonte
The middle of three children, Peter Belmonte was born in Waukegan, Illinois, to Louis and Eva Spizzirri Belmonte. His mother emigrated from Marano Marchesato in Calabria, and his father’s ancestors were from that same region. Belmonte’s paternal grandmother lived with them, and he saw relatives from both sides of the family weekly. “Sunday was the...
Autism pioneer Dr. Valerie Scaramella-Nowinski
For parents of children on the autism spectrum, and those impacted by similar developmental disorders, the worst four words you can hear are “don’t expect too much.”So much of the uncertainty facing these families is owed to the broad nature of autism. It’s not a single, uniform disorder, but rather an umbrella diagnosis comprising a range of condi...
JCCIA rallies libraries around the tricolore
The Italian tricolors were proudly flown at nine Chicago-area libraries throughout the month of October thanks to the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The initiative was spearheaded by Cav. Uff. Lyn Scolaro, JCCIA third vice president and education committee chair. Italian books, decorations, photos, toys and other realia were among the...
An Italian-tinted Yuletide
Christmas is a time for celebration, but how we celebrate has changed over the centuries. How do you celebrate Christmas? Do you embrace the more secular version embodied by Santa Claus with his big bag of presents, or the more religious one in which gifts are given in recognition of God’s gift to us of His Son Jesus Christ? One tradition I embrace...
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Launches Holiday Give-Back Initiative with Toys for Tots
Donate a toy, leave with a free pop! Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage is ringing in the season of giving through the launch of its donation drive with Toys for Tots. The flagship Chicago-based restaurant will participate in the Toys for Tots’ initiative, delivering hope to less fortunate children. To donate, customers can bring toys to the Chicago rest...
Farewell to Senator Renato Turano
Senatore Renato Guerino Turano, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family while in the tranquility of his own home at the age of 79. Beloved Husband of the late Patricia Ann, nee Filishio, for a loving 54 years. Devoted Father of Lisa Turano, Renee (Robert) Novelle and Mario (Wanda) Turano. Loving Son...
How an Italian sculptor shaped the aesthetic of Lansing
Look up! You might just notice an ornamental architectural fixture crafted by noted sculptor Corrado Parducci, who completed 13 installations in the Lansing area during the ’30s, ’50s and ’60s in Lansing. Parducci’s work can be seen at Michigan Bell, on the campus of Michigan State University, the Capitol Area District Library downtown main branch,...
Celebrate a very Italian Christmas at Casa Italia
A Christmas Village will once again light up the Casa Italia campus in Stone Park after a one-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic. The complimentary open house is slated for Dec. 5, and more than a dozen organizations have signed up as sponsors. A noon Mass with a Living Nativity will be followed by festivities that include a strolling zampognaro...
Homelessness hero Dr. Patrick Angelo
Even 20 years later, Dr. Patrick Angelo struggles to explain the freezing February night when he felt a command to get into his car and drive downtown to go feed and warm the homeless. He didn’t know his way around downtown Chicago. But after making some random turns, he arrived at a homeless encampment on Lower Wacker Drive, where he had never bee...
Arcolians to honor Dr. Wittmus
The Arcolian Dental Arts Society will honor Dr. Jeffrey Wittmus as Arcolian of the Year at its Christmas gala on Dec. 14 at Cafe La Cave in Des Plaines. To make reservations, contact Dr. Chuck Martello at 815-666-4959 or charlesmartell@comcast.net. Wittmus is the grandson of John Joseph Siravo, whose parents immigrated from Italy’s Abruzzi region....
Pompeii to celebrate the 2021 season with song
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host its annual Mary and Christmas celebration both in person and online on Dec. 4. Maestro Paul French will once again lead the incomparable William Ferris Chorale in a program of Christmas favorites. Timeless yuletide melodies, Neapolitan songs and favorites by composer Ennio Morricone will help ring in the...
Professor Massimo Montanari discusses the history of spaghetti and tomato sauce
Professor Massimo Montanari author of A Short History of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce discussed his book with the Italian Cultural Society of Chicago in a virtual event. The book examines the history of pasta and tomato sauce. Professor Montarai explained, “pasta is a very very old object”. In ancient societies, pasta was identified as a variant of...