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It's not easy to take over the reins of NIAF at this time, with a pandemic that is still doing damage and casualties, and that has left major economic and social problems in the United States. Several programs of the National Italian American Foundation, as well as other national and local Italian American and non-Italian American organizations, ha...

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Fred Bilotto has only been mayor of Blue Island since April, but his involvement in public service began when he began volunteering at the Feast of St. Donatus at St. Donatus Church. Both he and his wife, Stephanie, were born in the city, and both graduated from nearby St. Xavier University. They and their three children are now involved in the fea...

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The Original Pinsaria, 211 N. Veterans Parkway, Suite 5, Bloomington, is this week's pick for restaurant of the week. Simone Stefanucci is the chief operation officer and co-owner of the restaurant, which opened in November 2020. Stefanucci was born and raised in Rome and moved to the U.S. in November 2019 with his wife Letizia.  "I believe eati...

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Often considered one of the most inconsistently celebrated and controversial U.S. holidays, the second Monday in October marks Columbus Day — or Indigenous Peoples Day to some — in Northbrook. Columbus Day, a national holiday since 1937, commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Before it became a national holiday, i...

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Chicagoans have always loved Italian-American restaurants—we’ve got several neighborhoods chock full of them—so no matter where you find yourself, a platter of Fried Calamari or an order of Chicken Parm is always within a fork’s reach. And lately, a whole new crop of markedly fancy Italian spots have opened up around town, including Boka Group’s Al...

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ABC7, Chicago's most-watched television station, is celebrating the city's vibrant Italian American community with the broadcast of the 69th annual Columbus Day Parade. The hourlong event is hosted by ABC7 Windy City Weekend anchors Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini. They will be joined in the broadcast booth by Anthony Rago, Italian American Human Re...

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Sometimes it happens that I find out about the story of a person who personifies exactly the message that We the Italians has been representing for 10 years now: when Italy and the United States come together, the result is wonderful. Other times I have the pleasure of interviewing people who embody one or more positive symbols of Italy. Still othe...

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The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to defer a resolution that would change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, the second time a vote on the issue was delayed this year. The resolution was viewed as a step toward reconciliation and healing for Native American communities, but it faced pushback on Tuesday from members of the county’s...

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As the Frank Rossi Quartet played the song “Tarantella” late last month in a banquet room at Balagio Ristorante in Homewood, Mary Lucarini blew out the 100 candles on her birthday cake. Lucarini, known to most as Mama Mary, has lived in the working class Hungry Hill neighborhood of Chicago Heights all her life, in the same home she was born in. “Sh...

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Sat, October 2, 2021. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDT. Jewel-Osco - 7525 Lake Street. River Forest, IL 60305. Come celebrate Italian American Heritage Month with Jewel-Osco! Join us in-store for authentic Italian food and wine samples from brands like Stella Rosa, Frigo Cheese, Monini, Dellalo, and more than 20 other brands! Plus professional cooking demons...

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