‘Pound of Flesh’: Nonantum neighbors demonstrate at City Hall, showing no signs of backing down
On Monday afternoon, as dark clouds rushed from the sky to make way for some early evening sun, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller sent an email to the community calling for a compromise in what has escalated into a local culture war over Italian heritage. “Before the City painted the reflective yellow center lines, we gave permission to the Festa volunteers to...
The Passing Of Dr. Domenic Amara
Our beloved Italian American Alliance (IAA) Chairman, Dr. Domenic Amara, passed away Friday night after a long battle with cancer. This great man was one of the original founders of our IAA organization and served as President of the Pirandello Lyceum. He will be missed by all who knew him. Dr. Domenic G. Amara, PhD, was the former Academic Superin...
Grease pole competition brought large crowds to Springfield
Sunday marked the last day of the Italian Feast in Springfield. And it’s no Italian celebration without the grease pole competition! The grease pole competition is a centuries-old Italian tradition. And people got to experience it firsthand at the Italian feast of ‘our lady of Mount Carmel.’ Teams of brave individuals were cheered on as they attemp...
Coletta Zapata Hosting Inaugural Sagra del Sugo
Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata is hosting the inaugural Sagra del Sugo: Pasta Showdown on Saturday, July 19 at 12 p.m. at the Paul Revere Mall. Attendees will be able to taste their way through the competition and cast their vote for People’s Choice, while a panel of four beloved North End Nonnas and Father Michael select the Best Tr...
A Century of Courage: Honoring Rhode Island’s WWII Veterans Still Making History
At VA Providence, we are honored to recognize three remarkable Rhode Island Veterans who exemplify the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of the Greatest Generation. Happy 110th Birthday to Henry Polichetti Born July 3, 1915, and now the oldest living man in the United States, Navy Veteran Henry Polichetti served as an instructor at several top-secret...
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...