Day Trip: A bit of Italy in Wisconsin
For several months, my neighbor Judy had been suggesting to her husband, Preston, and me that we should visit this Italian Renaissance-style winery on the Wisconsin shore of Lake Pepin. We’re neighbors whose sons were (and still are) best friends, regularly visiting each other’s houses and playing soccer (and video games) together growing up. As we...
Genitti's hole-in-the-wall celebrates 50 years in business!
Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall has been part of the fabric woven into downtown Northville since 1971. For half a century, our warm embrace to all through laughter and heaps of family-style Italian cooking has made walking through our front door feel more like inviting friends into our cozy, bustling home filled with indelible memories made around the t...
Detroit federal Judge Marianne Battani steps down after 40 years
In 1999, then-President Bill Clinton nominated Marianne Battani for a position on the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Now, after a 40-year career in law, she's stepping down from her role as a federal judge. “It has been my great joy to work with you and to create so many friendships,” Battani, 76, said in a farewell lett...
Dr. Joseph Discipio Bereavement Announcement
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Dr. Joseph Discipio. Dr. Joe was a great IAET member and was IAET co-humanitarian with Dr. Samuel Cascio in 2018. Dr. Joe was a very kind and well accomplished man and a great friend to all. He will be greatly missed by all. Click Here for Dr. Discipio's 2018 IAET Humanitarian Award Biogr...
Sarge!: Cases of a Chicago police detective sergeant in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s
Recently published by the late John DiMaggio, Sarge, was a long time in the making. “He wrote it over many years, both while he was working and after he had retired and was living in Las Vegas,” says the author’s daughter, Debra DiMaggio, who was the primary force behind getting Sarge into print (and who also was kind enough to send me a review cop...
Casa Italia republishes "Reconstructing Italians in Chicago" - must-read for Chicago IAs
Dear Friends, We at the Casa Italia Library are very proud to announce the new updated republication of Reconstructing Italians in Chicago: Thirty Authors in Search of Roots and Branches." The 2011 edition sold out the original 1000 printed copy. Please order a copy or two and show your support for the work we do at the Casa Italia Library. Thanks...
Russotto to step up as next Columbian Club prez
Mortgage industry executive Michael D. Russotto will ascend to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at a black-tie-optional installation dinner on March 20 at the Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. For reservations, call John Curry at 847-890-8717. Russotto has been a member since 2014. “This club is made up of members with big heart...
Ron Onesti is the new President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is proud to announce the unanimous election of Ron Onesti as its new President. The JCCIA is the umbrella organization of almost fifty organizations in the Chicago area and has produced Chicago’s Columbus Day Parade since its inception in 1952. Ron will lead the Italian American community in fostering...
Philanthropic filmmaker Lucia Mauro
Some people make a life in film; others lead lives worthy of a film. Lucia Mauro is one of those rare individuals to whom both sides of the cinematic coin apply. Mauro was an established Chicago-area writer when she made her first foray into moviemaking with a 2007 screenplay. It led her to a major crossroads professionally and personally, for as t...
JCCIA's Helping Hands COVID-19 Relief campaign
JCCIA past President Enza Ranieri, representing current President Sergio Giangrande, presented the final check for our Helping Hands COVID-19 Relief campaign to Benton House food pantry. Located in a beautiful vintage building that was a settlement house many years ago, Alderman Patrick D. Thompson and Mary Murray of Benton House were there to rece...
Remembering today’s ‘good old days’
We always talk with great fondness about the Roseland of decades past while we embrace the last vestiges of those glory days. Unfortunately, the pandemic has cast a dark shadow over these living reminders of our cherished past. In many ways, last year has been one of loss as we look forward to 2021 with hope for better times. Many of the places, ev...
JCCIA helps spread yuletide cheer
While the pandemic has brought some families closer together, it has kept many others apart. And with the holidays approaching and state restrictions still in force, we’re all wondering how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts. The JCCIA is doing its part by inviting you to share your favorite Italian-American holiday memories with t...