ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com FEBRUARY 2017 • VOL. 38, NO. 8
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Tradition, pageantry and merrymaking will blend for the perfect ‘hat trick’ as the ICC celebrates its 38th Carnevale on Feb. 25
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Carnevale has been extravagantly celebrated in Venice since 1268. While the Venetian Carnevale is, no doubt, the most famous in Italy, other cities have gotten into the act, too. Most notable are the festivities that place in the Italian cities of Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Gambettola, Satriano and Acireale. In some instances, the celebration lasts one day, while some go on for a month or more. Regardless of the duration of the festivity, each Italian Carnevale is focused on a celebration of tradition (local, religious and/or historical), colorful pageantry and lots of merrymaking. The committee that is organizing the Italian Community Center’s 38th annual “Il Grande Carnevale” on Saturday, Feb. 25 is planning to draw upon each of these elements to create a fun-filled and memorable experience for all. Everyone reading this article is invited to attend this one-of-a-kind event, starting at 5:11 p.m. with a cocktail reception (cash bar). The committee suggests that you come with a costume, a mask or a hat. After all, isn’t that what Carnevale is all about? In Italy, everyone wears a costume or a mask when celebrating Carnevale. Many fun-loving people adorn themselves with a specially decorated hat to complete their costume. Now, combine that element of
the festivities with a sumptuous dinner, danceable music for all ages, a coronation of a Royal Court, a parade featuring the royalty and everyone in costumes, masks or hats, booming Bartolotta fireworks, a tantalizing sweet table and the awarding of prizes for the best costume, mask and hat. What do you have? Your answer should be a truly remarkable evening. In fact, in the end, you might want to say: “Hats off to Il Grande Carnevale.” Incidentally, “Hats Off to Il Grande Carnevale” is this year’s theme. Get into the spirit of Carnevale, bring along a costume, a mask, a hat, or any combination of the three to wear. It will unquestionably add to the spectacle and intent of the event. Even if you’re not one who likes to dress up like that, Carnevale – the ICC’s social event of the year – is worth experiencing. Come for the celebration of Italian tradition, the camaraderie, sightseeing, dancing, food and fireworks.
Royalty No Carnevale would be complete without the coronation of a Royal Court. The committee, chaired by Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis, has selected these individuals to comprise the 2017 Royalty: • Tim and Margie (Purpero) Kezman as Il Re e La Regina (The King and the Queen). • Peter and Janice Carini as Il
By Bill Dickinson
Societies, clubs and La Befana comes bearing organizations that utilize gifts for children at ICC the ICC invited to special meeting on Feb. 9 Please turn to page 5
La Befana, the Epiphany witch of Italian folklore, made her annual trek to the Italian Community Center to meet and greet the children and grandchildren of members on Jan. 7 She came bearing gifts for all the good children. If she had gotten word that any of the children had been naughty, she would have brought along stockings filled with coal for them. That, however, would not be the case, as the Avanti Committee, which organized the event, reported to La Befana that all of the children had been good. In the left photo, La Befana is seen with Gianna. In the right, Monica shows us the gift she received. Look for a story and more photos on page 8. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Italian Community Center President Dean Cannestra and the Board of Directors are inviting and welcoming all societies, clubs and social/religious organizations that frequent and/or utilize the ICC for their meetings, gatherings and functions to join them at a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to renew our friendships or make new ones. It will also serve as a reminder that we are one ItalianAmerican community and the ICC belongs to all of us. The continued participation of the societies and groups with the Center is very important and vital to its future. It is understandable that because of the changes being made with the business end of the ICC, everyone is concerned about how they affect the members and the societies. At the meeting, all concerns and questions pertaining to the continued future use of ICC facilities by all will be addressed and discussed.
Therefore, it is urged and requested that representatives of all groups attend the meeting in order to participate in the decision making process. Your input is very important and needed. So we hope to see you there. – Submitted by Director Blaise Di Pronio on behalf of the ICC Board
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
President’s message page 2 Taste of Italy update page 2 St. Joseph’s Day luncheon set for Mar. 17 page 3 Meet the Royalty pages 6 & 7 La Befana visits page 8 OSIA invites guests to Fr. Rosciolo-Dino Black book presentation page 9 Glorioso’s announces plan for former market page 9 Tony Crivello playing Coach Al McGuire page 11