Community

The Cegliesi Italo American Association will honor two men of the cloth at their 42nd annual dinner dance on Oct. 16 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Both are priests of the Oblate Fathers of St. Joseph and both are natives of Ceglie del Campo, the town in Bari to which the organization traces its roots. (708-278-8004) The Rev. Michael Piscopo is Superior General of the Order and the Rev. Joseph Sibiliano is the Rector of the Order’s Seminary in Pittston, Penn. Fr. Joseph has celebrated the Mass at our dinner dance virtually since its inception, and we have also …

The Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago will honor Archbishop Blase Joseph Cupich with its Man of the Year Award at the organization’s 2016 gala on Oct. 22 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. “Archbishop Cupich is a man of deep humility and faith,” says IALC President Tony Guida. “It’s a true privilege to be able to celebrate his life and accomplishments.” Blase Joseph Cupich was born on March 19, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Blase and Mary (Mayhan) Cupich. He is one of nine children, with five sisters and three brothers. Archbishop Cupich was ordained to the priesthood …

  The Casa Italia film series continues to roll along, with films scheduled through November. “One Year Later” will be screened on Friday, Sept. 30. The film represents the feature-length debut of local director Lucia Mauro, who thoroughly engaged the Casa film series audience with her presentation of her award-winning short “In My Brother’s Shoes” in July. This uplifting narrative film – shot in Chicago, and in Milan, Turin and Aosta, Italy in Fall 2015 — tells the story of an American woman who takes a cathartic trip to the Italian Alps one year after completing cancer treatment. Looking ahead, …

  The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 will host its fifth annual dinner dance on Oct. 30 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (847-341-1847) The event will raise funds for the residential treatment program sponsored by Lydia and honor Mel Gonzales, the organization’s program developer and volunteer/mentor coordinator. LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Program provides a structured, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents with serious behavioral issues, many of whom have been traumatized by abuse or neglect. The program provides healing while teaching its residents practical life skills. Gonzales has been with the program since 1991, …

  The Scholarship Committee of UNICO National recently announced its 2016 awards. Among the more than two-dozen grants bestowed were scholarships for nursing, literature, science, fine arts, Italian studies, engineering and study abroad. “While we assist talented students to realize their aspirations, we encourage our recipients to become exceptional, contributing members of society,” committee Chair Joan Tidona explains. “As our program continues to expand, it is clear that UNICO National recognizes education as an essential investment in the future.” The complete list of scholarships follows. Major Don S. Gentile Memorial Scholarship Henry Francis Taibi Sponsored by Orange/West Orange, New Jersey Chapter …

    Prominent attorney Antonio M. Romanucci and esteemed television reporter Vince Gerasole shared the spotlight when the Justinian Society of Lawyers hosted its annual installation and awards dinner on Sept. 15 at the Palmer House Hilton. The following officers were formally installed at the event: Frank A. Sommario (president), Michael F. Bonamarte (first vice president), Vincent R. Vidmer (second vice president), Natalie M. Petric (third vice president), Judge Regina A. Scannicchio (treasurer) and Dion U. Davi (secretary).   Antonio M. Romanucci — Award of Excellence Antonio M. Romanucci is a principal and partner in the Chicago-based law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, …

  State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently hosted his second annual veterans appreciation picnic. The purpose of the picnic is to express gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces and have protected and preserved our freedoms. “Veterans made sacrifices for our safety and freedom that we must not take for granted,” DeLuca says. “They deserve our thanks every day.” Among the 80 guests in attendance was Lisa Aprati (pictured), chief of staff to Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez.  

  A fundraising campaign has been launched to address structural problems at the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center in Park Ridge. The property at 255-257 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge includes a mid-19th century house and former blacksmith shop that served as the longtime headquarters of renowned artist Alfonso Iannelli. The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge acquired the complex in 2011 and has established a museum, library and workroom where the works of Iannelli and other local artists are available for the public to view and study. Recently discovered structural flaws to the main studio areas will require modern bracing …

  The “Da Vinci Machines Exhibition: The Titans Experience” will be on display on Level 3 of Water Tower Place through the end of the year. The exhibit displays hand-crafted models built based on da Vinci’s 500-year-old designs, bringing to life the creations of this renowned scientist, inventor and artist. Many of da Vinci’s digitally re-mastered paintings will also be on display. Inventions on display include a bicycle, spring-powered car, hang glider and the “air screw,” a precursor to the helicopter. And for the first time ever, the secrets behind da Vinci’s legendary robotic lion are revealed. The models are …

  Fifteen distinguished professional Italian Americans were honored with a Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence at the 15th Annual Reception and Ceremony on May 1, 2016, at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. The event was hosted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, the Hon. Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, introduced Richard R. Della Croce, who gave a wonderful performance as he sang both the American and Italian national anthems. Mayor Calderone introduced Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli, who welcomed the honorees and guests. In the …