State OSDIA celebrates 100th anniversary
The Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 13 at the Silver Oaks Country Club. The event brought together members and friends to reflect on the century-long journey of an organization dedicated to preserving Italian heritage, promoting community service and supp...
History and politics collide in Ohio’s capital
As a third-generation Italian American growing up in the Little Italy neighborhood of South Philadelphia, I fondly remember learning about my immigrant grandparents. They immersed themselves in Italian opera and took great pride in the history and masterpieces of renowned Italian artisans and sculptors. Our home, like many in the neighborhood, was...
Sotto breathes new life into the century-old Italian Village
My sister, Madeline Shea, and I have been coming to the Italian restaurant La Cantina in downtown Chicago since the respective ages of eight and seven, so it wasn’t without trepidation that we visited its successor, Sotto, for the first time in early December. The cheeky, Italian American bar (Bar Sotto) and restaurant (Ristorante di Sotto) combo f...
Volunteers deliver best holiday gift ever!
We put out the word and they turned out in droves. In what can only be described as a holiday miracle, nearly three dozen volunteers and benefactors pitched in to pack and move the Italian American Veterans Museum from Dec. 26-28. The distance travelled was negligible — from the top floor of the Office Center to a building across the grounds — but...
Puccini’s Pizza, Carmel, Indiana
I’ve been a longtime fan of Puccini’s Pizza & Pasta. We’ve been regulars for years, and honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon! Between the excellent food and the friendly service, Puccini’s checks all the boxes for a great dining experience. Today, I took advantage of their lunch special, which I highly recommend. For just over nine buck...
Nittolo's Little Italy To Open In Traverse City's Warehouse District
One of Leelanau County’s most popular restaurants is expanding to Traverse City, MI. Eric Nittolo, owner and head chef at Nittolo’s Seafood & Pizza in Lake Leelanau, is preparing to open a new restaurant concept called Nittolo’s Little Italy in the Breakwater complex on Garland Street. Nittolo tells The Ticker that demolition is underway to convert...
Raised on radio, Paul Guglielmo finds success as entrepreneur
Paul Guglielmo acknowledges he may have unknowingly exhibited entrepreneurial traits long before he became an entrepreneur. In his youth Guglielmo dabbled in a few ventures, from being a wedding DJ to basketball league organizer. “I’m conscious of the fact that I don’t have any skills,” says Guglielmo, who goes by Pauly, with a laugh. “But maybe I...
Judge Edward Servitto Announces Retirement
Judge Edward Servitto has announced his retirement from the bench, effective Dec. 31, 2024. Servitto, more commonly referred to as Judge Ed, has served on the Macomb County Circuit Court since Jan. 1, 2001. During his time on the bench, he has served in both Family Court and the Civil and Criminal Division. He also started one of the county’s first...
Crain’s Chicago Business honors Antonio M. Romanucci on the 2025 Who’s Who in Chicago list
Romanucci & Blandin Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci is being recognized for his professional and civic contributions by again being named to the annual Who’s Who in Chicago list, published by Crain’s Chicago Business. Crain’s 2025 issue of The Book includes Antonio among a list of esteemed professionals from various disciplines and profession...
Christmas Eve on Carpenter Street
My mother’s family came to America from their home in Acerra and eventually settled in the near-west side of Chicago in the Little Italy area, much of which has since disappeared under the concrete of The University of Illinois-Chicago. They established a grocery store and meat counter that saw them through the Depression, supporting the five child...
Derks to step up to Columbian Club presidency
For Christopher Derks, finally becoming president of the Columbian Club of Chicago is an honor … and a bit of surprise. “You work your way up through the ranks, so you know it’s coming,” he says of the presidency. “It has come a lot quicker than I was expecting.”Derks will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, but the club’s annual installation dinner h...
Parisi a master of collaborative community art
The Italian American community knows Jean Parisi best as La Befana, the good Christmas witch who made appearances for decades at yuletide celebrations throughout the Chicago area. But that’s just the tip of the cultural iceberg for this veteran community arts activist. Over the decades, she has created massive community art installations, staged pl...