Former Rhode Island Gov. Edward DiPrete dies at 91
Former Rhode Island Gov. Edward DiPrete, who served as the state’s chief executive for six years and was later jailed for corruption, has died. He was 91. Robert Murray, DiPrete’s former chief of staff, co nfirmed that the Republican died Tuesday after celebrating his 91st birthday with family. DiPrete, a Republican, served as the state’s 70th gove...
Grease pole competition returns to Springfield (MA) after over two decades
The grease pole competition will return to the city of Springfield for the first time in more than 20 years. It used to be an Italian tradition in the south end of the city, and this event is one of a kind. In fact, Mayor Domenic Sarno has even taken part in the competition. If you’re looking for a good time, you’re encouraged to stop by. This grea...
Closing of St. Francis Church a bittersweet time
“I’ll be there to help you over,If you lose your way, if you lose your faithWhen your time is through my final wish for youIs to count your blessings not your regrets.” – “I Will Pray for You” When Music Director Kara McEachern finished a soaring solo of “I Will Pray for You” at the last Sunday Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on June 22, the n...
126-year-old barrel piano returning to Boston after half-decade absence
It's not every day you encounter a piece of history that still sings. But for those fortunate enough to witness it, a remarkable 1899 barrel piano, once a familiar fixture of Boston's bustling streets, is making a grand return. This past Saturday, the instrument made its first appearance on the streets of Boston in 51 years at the Friends of Christ...
Springfield’s Mount Carmel Society to reopen with new leadership, new name
After a yearslong battle over control of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Club, a long-standing social group has purchased the building and is hoping to give the 128-year-old organization a new life. “We want to take this into the direction as more of a cultural center,” said Salvatore S. Circosta, who is listed as president of the club.
Italian community reacts after crews removed green, white, and red center lines in Newton, MA
For a community whose identity is tied to its Italian roots, many Newton residents are unhappy with a change they say wasn’t needed — city crews worked overnight to remove the green, white, and red center lines along Adams Street. The colors were meant to recognize the deep Italian roots in Nonatum, one of Newton’s 13 villages. “That’s no good what...
Meet Anthony Paoletto, The Youngest Grand Marshal Of Italian Parade And Festivities
At the ancient age of 18 in 2015, Anthony Paoletto was elected the youngest member of the City Council in history representing the Upper East Side 138th District. Ten years later he’s been honored with another first, the youngest to serve as Grand Marshal of the annual Greater Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade, one of the oldest continuing celebration...
Documentary uses Sicilians in Middletown's 'touching' experiences to share immigrants' story
A new documentary, "The Italian Heritage Project," which features the stories of local Sicilian immigrants and their families, carries a universal message of hard work and perseverance against discrimination that is especially relevant today. “This country is founded on immigrants," said filmmaker Angelo Glaviano, a Sicilian native. "Lately, it see...
Festa della Repubblica 2025 celebrated in Boston
The Consulate General of Italy in Boston celebrated Italy’s National Day on June 2nd with an event held at its premises. The event was attended by a large number of guests, including the Hon. Andrea Di Giuseppe, elected in the Foreign Constituency – North and Central America Division. His presence highlighted the strong bond between Italian institu...
Italian Feast returns to Springfield’s South End (MA) with reopening of historic social club
Casa Italiana is celebrating its grand opening in the newly restored Italian Social Club in Springfield’s South End. In a news release from Christopher DiMauro with the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Springfield, the historic Social Club was founded in 1897 and was a cornerstone for the Italian community. With new leadership and revita...
The Italian American Alliance organizes opposition to Massachusetts anti-Columbus Day bills
On Wednesday, June 4th, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing at the Massachusetts State House to consider two bills: H3292, by Representative Christine Barber (D–Somerville), and S2113, by Senator Joanne Comerford (D–Northampton). If passed, these bills would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People...
They Won’t Let Sacco and Vanzetti Die
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti have been arrested in time on the third floor of the Community Church of Boston. They are interred, not in a tomb — their bodies were cremated shortly after their executions — but in an archive, a testament to a radical tradition and the first Red Scare which sought to disrupt it. In the Church, their memory has...