To kick off the summer season, the Benld Italian-American club held a heritage tradition that only a small town with a large heartbeat could provide. For the 71st year, the community of Benld (IL) held its famous Italian-American Days celebration. The Benld City Park was active the entire Memorial Day weekend of May 23 through May 25 with a large a...

Seventeen Italian researchers have received the prestigious Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award during the world congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. Eight of them work in Italian institutions and universities, while nine are currently working abroad. Their studies have been recognized for their “high level of...

After 39 seasons of exemplary leadership on and off the court, Doug Bruno has stepped down as the head coach of the DePaul women’s basketball team. Through his long career, Bruno established himself as one of the most prominent and influential figures in collegiate women’s basketball. He was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022...

Phyllis Colonna Schoene has been a member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans for 60 years and was part of its all-volunteer staff for nearly a decade before being invited to asked to fill a big pair of shoes. That call came after Jo Ann Serpico, the organization’s beloved, longtime executive director, passed away last April. “We miss...

Eric Pulia is the youngest of three sons born in Hinsdale, Illinois, to James and Karen (Murrin) Pulia. He grew up in Westchester with his uncle and family nearby and his paternal grandparents living down the block. Pulia’s great-grandparents emigrated from the Sicily and Naples regions of Italy. Pulia formed a close bond with his grandparents whil...

Casa Italia in Stone Park will host a summer camp from June 16-20 and June 23-27. Campers ages 5-12 will learn about the language and culture of Italy through games, songs, sports, skits, cooking, and formal and informal lessons. Directed by Cav. Lyn Scolaro, a local language instructor with nearly 40 years of experience on the high school level, t...

The Lucchesi nel Mondo Association will honor Antonio Petrucci and Evelina Giannoni Springer as Man and Woman of the Year on June 14 at the Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park. Lilia Leonardi Juarez will serve as master of ceremonies, Paul Ciminello will sing the national anthems, and Francesco Marino will provide music and entertainment. To make r...

Herrin Festa Italiana kicked off on Thursday, May 22 as the unofficial gateway to summer, according to festival leaders. The festival promises free live entertainment, plenty of food and fun for the whole family. Crews spent the entire day making final preparations for everyone expected to arrive in Herrin (Illinois) this Memorial Day weekend. The...

It’s springtime in Chicago, and with that comes an explosion of outdoor parties like barbecues and picnics. A chilled bottle of Riunite Lambrusco is a refreshing accompaniment to any warm-weather gathering, but this iconic sparkling red wine really shines when paired with a classic Chicago dish: pizza. In honor of National Lambrusco Day on June 21,...

The American Italian Cultural Society has been faithfully serving the Italian American community of the southwest suburbs from its clubhouse in Crest Hill for nearly 40 years. In February, the AICS embarked on an ambitious renovation project that has culminated in a completely refurbished bar and dining area. “Our goal was to update our club, keepi...