‘A rebellion has begun’: Newton residents repaint Italian flag traffic stripes
When Jordan Lee Wagner thinks about Nonantum, he doesn’t just picture a neighborhood in Newton. He sees a tight-knit place where immigrants are welcomed with open arms and where generations of stories and memories have been fostered. “You don’t see that much anymore, and certainly not 15 minute commute down to a major American city,” Wagner said. “...
How did Federal Hill become Providence's dining destination? A rich history helped
How did Federal Hill gain its reputation for Italian food? Start with a look at a timeline of restaurants and markets in Providence and you'll get it. 1914: Camille’s is opened at 174 Atwells Ave. by Pasquale Parolisi as Marconi’s Restaurant. It moves to its current space in a small part of a mansion on Bradford Street in 1919. In 1952, it is renam...
‘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...
A New Film Captures the Unconventional Ascent of Italian Artist Isabella Ducrot
Two upcoming screenings in the United States — July 10 at Manhattan’s Roxy Cinema and July 30 at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center — will spotlight one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Italian art. Hold Tight Missy! Isabella Ducrot Unlimited, the international title of Tenga duro signorina!, directed by Monica Stambrini, is not just...
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...