North suburban cosmetologist Filippo Aliperta has been plying his profession for decades, all the while pursuing his passion for the visual arts. The owner of Estetica Hair Design in Glenview, Aliperta is currently showing his work through June at the Northbrook Court shopping center and on an ongoing basis at the LG Gallery in Lake Geneva. “I like doing abstract work in mixed media the best,” Aliperta says. “I love combining paint with stone, metal, etc.” Born in Somma Vesuviana, Italy, Aliperta started painting at an early age and took private lessons in nearby Napoli. He continued to create after …

The Sarah Siddons Society bestowed its 2021 Leading Man Award upon local theater luminary Dominic Missimi. The society funds scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago-area universities, including the Theater Department at Columbia College, Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and Northwestern University School of Communications. Missimi is professor emeritus at Northwestern University. Founder and former director of the university’s nationally recognized Music Theatre Program, he recently retired as executive director of the American Music Theatre Project, which he founded. He has also served as director of the famed WAA-MU student …

Cinema Made in Italy is celebrating Italy’s official submission for the International Feature Film Award at the 94th Academy Awards in a variety of ways. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, “The Hand of God” is a coming-of-age tale loosely based on Sorrentino’s life. To watch a video of Isabella Rosellini interviewing Paolo Sorrentino and the film’s star, Filippo Scotti, click here. To access an e-book that highlight the themes and  imagery of the film, click here. To download “The Hand of God” Neapolitan recipe booklet by Daniela D’Antonio Sorrentino, click here.    

Chicago attorney Frank Sommario received the Justinian Society of Lawyers 2021 Award of Excellence at a Nov. 18 gala at Gibson’s Italia. The award was presented by Justinian President Dion Davi. “I am humbled to be the 2021 Award of Excellence recipient,” Sommario says. “I have been a member since my first year of law school, and being recognized in this way is a great honor.” A senior partner at the law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, Sommario is a past Justinian president and currently serves on the society’s executive committee as its comptroller.  

Do you know someone with a compelling story about achieving the Italian-American dream? The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans has launched an oral history project to preserve these stories for posterity. The project gathers tales of adversity and triumph in the transition from life in Italy to life in America. Interviewees share their own life experiences or anecdotes told to them by their parents and grandparents. The videos meld audio recordings with evocative historical photos. Here are a few of the oral histories that have been archived so far: John Cavallone follows his great-grandparents’ journey from Sassano, Italy, to …

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the bocce courts at the Mazzini Verdi Club opened for business last July. The women’s bocce league at the club took full advantage, launching a weekly tournament that lasted through November. Out of a field of 25 players, six finalists competed for top honors. The victors were Roberta Tofanelli, first place; Pina Lepri, second place; and Lilia Leonardi Juarez, third place. The league will embark on its spring season in April.

The Associazione Lucchesi Nel Mondo celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ceremony saluting 12 noteworthy individuals from around the world who trace their lineage back to the province of Lucca. Honorees have distinguished themselves in the areas of business and volunteerism, contributing to the economic and social growth of the nations in which they currently reside. A pair of Chicago-area residents — Steve Menconi and Perry DiGirolamo — were among the recipients of the Medaglie D’Oro. They received their awards on Sept. 13 in the city of Lucca. Born in Chicago, Menconi traces his roots to Massa Macinaia in the province …

The Harlem Avenue Little Italy Business Association hosted Sagra della Castagne on Nov. 18 at BarTucci’s in Chicago. Coals were stoked, chestnuts were roasted and homemade wine was served, along with biscotti for dipping, all thanks to the Sicilian Bakery. The event was organized by HALIBA members Teresa Gianni and Jason Quaglia, whose parents grew up in the neighboring towns of Rocchetta and Castel San Vincenzo in the Molise and Abruzzo regions of Italy. Quaglia introduced attendees to cacciocavallo impaccato, an Abruzzese tradition featuring coal-roasted cheese scraped onto toasted bread, a treat provided by Il Mulino Bakery. To learn more …

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, hosted “Another Afternoon with Frank” on Nov. 12 at Orland Chateau in Orland Park. Grand Lodge President Paul Loparco welcomed guests, thanking those who donated gift baskets to be raffled off, then introduced the star of the show. Crooner Paul Bulanda wowed the crowd with his spot-on impersonations of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Neal Diamond and more. Proceeds from the event benefited local and national charities.

John Curry will ascend to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at a black-tie installation dinner on Jan. 29 at Medinah Country Club. For reservations, call Victor Guerrieri at 773-391-0882. Curry joined the Columbian Club in 2009. “I became interested after listening to my dearly departed friend Tony Morizzo talk about club events over dinner,” Curry recalls. “I was particularly interested in how members considered the Columbians to be an Italian-American businessman’s club, not just an Italian-American club, with a mission to promote our heritage and assist the community. “Being a member of the Columbian is like having …