Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO Presents Donation to Hearing Loss Association of NJ
Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO announced a recent donation to the Hearing Loss Association of America – New Jersey Chapter (HLAA-NJ), furthering its commitment to supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact in the community. SPF UNICO First Vice President Daniela Sellinger was honored to present the donation to Rachel Lieberman, Vice Presi...
Following in father’s footsteps, brothers rely on Italian materials at their shoe shops
Italy is fundamental in two ways in the businesses run by Dan Pisano (Pisano Riding Boot Repair in Kimberton, Pa.) and his brother Michael Pisano (Pisano and Son Shoe Repair in Malvern, Pa.). The first is their heritage: They learned the trade from their father Dominic, an immigrant from Naples. The second is their supplies: They use high-quality l...
Andrea Califano Honored in Philadelphia for Pioneering Cancer Research
Andrea Califano, a world-renowned biomedical engineer and leader in systems biology, has been awarded the Stanley P. Reimann Honor Award, the highest distinction granted by the Fox Chase Cancer Center since its establishment in 1974. The recognition celebrates individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on cancer research. “It is my...
Bikers rally to bring back statues of Columbus, Caesar Rodney
Motorcycle enthusiasts who want the return of Italian-American statues rallied on June 1 for a ride that included stops in Wilmington, Del., Media, Pa., and Port Deposit, Md. The purpose of their ride was to show their support for reinstating the statues of Christopher Columbus and Caesar Rodney in Wilmington. The Columbus statue once towered over...
Inside the estate sale of ‘a very South Philly Italian grandma’
The living room at 1637 West Ritner St. looks almost exactly as it did 50 years ago, including the pink velvet couch (perfectly preserved under custom-made clear vinyl), the burgundy wall-to-wall carpet, and the tension rod lamp with its metal winged mermaids holding light bulbs aloft. It’s a regular South Philly rowhouse, packed with well-loved, w...
Italian American Congressmen need your voice to advance legislation for Smithsonian Museum
A bipartisan bill (H.R. 1102) — introduced by U.S. Congressmen Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Michael Rulli (R-OH) — would establish a planning commission to explore the feasibility of developing a Smithsonian Museum of Italian American History in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. Securing enough House votes to pass the bill and green-light the feasibi...
Italy names Marco Peronaci as next Ambassador to the United States
The Italian government has tapped veteran diplomat Marco Peronaci to serve as the country's next ambassador to the United States. Currently Italy’s Permanent Representative to NATO in Brussels, Peronaci will relocate to Washington at a pivotal moment for transatlantic relations. He will take over from Mariangela Zappia, who is set to conclude her t...
Festival Italiano Goes Back To School For Its Seventh Edition
A masterclass in Italian was certainly in session at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ, where honorary professor Tony Boniello hosted the 7th Festival Italiano under the Cars & Caffe banner. Just about 100 curated cars were admitted to “The Grove” near the Havemeyer Arch, the iconic landmark of the Bergen County college. On a day easily described as per...
Save the Italian Program at Palisade Park Jr./Sr. High
The Italian Program at Palisade Park Jr./Sr. High School in New Jersey has been an invaluable part of the community, fostering cultural understanding and language skills among students. The faculty have dedicated themselves to protecting this program, and their passion is evident in our collective actions. With over 300 student and community signat...
St. Ann's Italian Festa in Raritan returns after five years
Volunteer Joe Cirillo spent years shepherding the efforts to revive the beloved St. Ann's Italian Festa in Raritan Borough − before he even had the opportunity to attend one. Due to COVID-19 and financial difficulties, the principal fundraiser for St. Ann Church and accompanying St. Ann Classical Academy was in purgatory for five years. But thanks...
DiCosmo's Italian Ice in Metuchen celebrates 110 years in business
More than a century ago, southern Italian immigrants Giovanni and Caterina DiCosmo decided to offer a taste of their homeland in their new community of Elizabeth when they started selling lemon Italian ice, a take on granita, which is a Sicilian frozen treat. They knew it would help their neighbors cool down during the particularly hot summer of 19...
A Look Back: Little Italy, Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia holds a special place in America’s heart. The 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, the home of the iconic Liberty Bell and other American Revolutionary sites in this city are forever part of our country’s rich history. Italians have been part of the...