January 2018

ITALIAN TIMES THE

Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com JANUARY 2018 • VOL. 39, NO. 7

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI Permit No. 5716

Become a member of the Italian Community Center and you will receive home delivery of this publication.

Your address label will placed here.

– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –

ICC gala is set for Saturday, Feb. 10

Merrymaking, music and masks await Carnevale celebrants

Walk away from the cold of winter into the warmth and beauty of the Italian Community Center’s newly renovated Pompeii Ballroom for an enchanting evening of merrymaking, music and masks on Saturday, Feb. 10. That’s when the ICC hosts its 39th annual Il Grande

Carnevale starting, actually, at 5:11 p.m.

Masks are an important part of Carnevale dating back to 1268.

Wearing a mask would permit the wearer to act freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with members of other social classes.

St. Joseph’s Day celebration luncheon set for Mar. 16 at ICC

In keeping with its long-standing recognition of the Feast Day of St. Joseph, chairperson Mary Winard is pleased to announce that the Italian Community Center’s 25th annual St. Joseph’s Day celebration luncheon is set for Friday, Mar. 16 at noon.

Winard is asking members and non-members to mark their calendars for this event. Complete details will appear in the February

2018 issue of The Italian Times.

“The ICC celebration will serve as a joyous preview to the actual observance of St. Joseph’s Day, which is Mar. 19 on the Roman Catholic Church calendar,” Winard said.

St. Joseph’s Day is marked with celebrations across Italy. The carpenter and foster father of Jesus Christ is the patron saint of Sicily.

Shoppers find many handcrafted gifts at ICC’s Holiday Boutique

Today, in Venice when attending one of the extravagant Carnevale balls the wearing of masks and costumes is compulsory.

The committee that is organizing the ICC’s 39th annual Il Grande Carnevale plans to bring all three elements of merrymaking, music and masks into the event.

Merrymaking: Carnevale is, after all, the ICC’s social event of the year. Come for the celebrations of Italian tradition, camaraderie, dancing, food, booming Bartolotta fireworks, plus the ICC’s tradition of the coronation of a Royal Court and tantalizing sweet table.

Music: Let’s simply say: “Bring your dancing shoes.” Guests of all ages can dance the night away.

Music On The Move Plus will pro-

vide music throughout the evening.

There will also be performances pertaining to our Italian heritage

by Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee and I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group.

Masks: There will be beautiful colorful Venetian masks featured that will bring a little bit of Venezia into the ICC. The committee suggests that you come with a mask to add to the merrymaking of the evening, for the intrigue and for the mystery of who is hiding behind the mask.

Royalty No Carnevale would be complete without the coronation of a Royal Court. The committee, chaired by Please turn to page 10

ICC decorated for holidays

Vicki Patterson and Patty Lazarcyzyk of West Shore Designs displayed some of the handcrafted candles they had available for customers at the Italian Community Center’s third annual Holiday Boutique on Nov. 25.

More photos and two articles on the event can be found on pages 4 and 5. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Cosa c’è dentro?

President’s message

What’s inside? page 2

Christmas cheer shared at Members’ party page 3 Holiday Boutique reports and pictures pages 4 & 5 Calendar of events

page 6

UNICO Ladies & Pompeii Women jointly celebrate page 7 UNICO Ladies install officers for 2018-19 term

page 7

Bea Ceraso involved in many activities during her 87 years Meet the Royalty

page 8

pages 10-12

Report on Sicilian Loves

by Benedict Di Salvo page 13

Picasso’s Guernica and Michelangelo’s Pietà

page 15

Victory Italian report

page 20

Sezione Italiana

pagine 16-18

Thanks to volunteers and staff, the Italian Community Center has been beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Here is Joanne Czubek with the Christmas tree she decorated in the galleria. Holiday décor can be found in most rooms and in the courtyard. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

A message from Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center President

It is almost time to dig out that old Guy Lombardo song, “Auld Lang Syne,” and welcome in 2018.

Let’s hope and pray that this New Year brings greater stability in our world and a new standard of civility and understanding among all people.

My wish to all of our members and their families is for a blessed, healthy and safe New Year. I also ask for your continued support of the ICC and Festa. We are counting on you!

Bocce room remodeling By the time you read this, the remodeling of our bocce room should be nearing completion. A new, lower ceiling has been put up, new LED lighting is being installed, the walls have been painted and new durable carpeting is being laid. We’re expecting everything to be done by the start of the winter bocce league season, the week of Jan. 8. I know that it has taken a long time for us to get around to doing this project, but I think you will agree that the results will make it worth the wait.

January and February events Italian traditions will be cele-

THE ITALIAN TIMES

631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually

Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, Elizabeth Zizzo Angela Bozano and Donato Di Pronio For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iccmilwaukee.com.

Copyright 2017 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved

All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times.

In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center.

The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.

PAGE 2 – JANUARY 2018

brated at our Center in both January and February. First, we have our annual Children’s Party with La Befana, the legendary Epiphany gift-giving witch. That party is Saturday, Jan. 6 at noon. If you haven’t made reservations yet, please make that your #1 priority as the deadline is Friday, Dec. 29. I want to thank the Ceraso sisters – Rose Anne, Mary Anne and Elizabeth Anne – for organizing this fun event for our youngest members.

(See the article in this issue for the details.)

On Saturday, Feb. 10, the ICC will celebrate its 39th annual Il Grande Carnevale, our pre-Lenten

costume and mask ball. I know our co-chairpersons, Rosemary DeRubertis and Joanne Czubek and their committee are already working to make this an exciting and spectacular event.

Make sure you read the articles in this issue to get all of the details on the event and our 2018 Carnevale Royalty. My congratulations to Eddie and Stephanie Ciano, (Re and Regina), Joe Mangiamele and Ann D’Acquisto (Nonno and Nonna), Ryan Lieber (Principe), Miro Mazza-Mueller (Principessa) and John Alioto (Gran Maresciallo) and Izayah Angeles (Piccolo Principe) and Maya Ham-

After a Christmas season break and a complete remodeling of the room, bocce leagues will start up again at the Italian Community Center. Get your team together now.

The winter bocce season gets underway the week of Jan. 8.

Teams in the senior citizen leagues play on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Teams in the mixed couples’ leagues compete on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

The regular season lasts eight weeks.

The winter season champion playoffs will take place Monday, Mar. 12 at 7 p.m.

If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a winter league, here are a few things you need to know. There are two sets of player registration fees. The lower fee is for players who are members of the ICC. That fee is $30 per person per league season. The nonmember registration fee is $40 per person per league season. Each

team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as the team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams.

That way every team can compete each week.

John Alioto is the new the bocce leagues liaison.

Team registration forms are available by calling the ICC office at 414-223-2180 or by picking one up at the ICC. The form can also be emailed to you. League coordinators are: Troy Halverson (Monday night), Craig Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night), Jeannie Prindiville (Thursday afternoon) and David Alioto (Thursday night).

dan (Piccola Principessa).

– Dean Cannestra ICC President

Winter bocce season to start week of Jan. 8

Black hat mystery

It appears that someone may have gone home with the wrong men’s black hat at the ICC’s Members’ Christmas Party on Dec. 14.

The hat, with a visor and pulldown cover to wear over a man’s ears, was taken from one of the coat racks. Another black hat was left behind.

If you have the wrong black hat, please contact the ICC – 414-2232180 – and return that one for yours. The missing hat has sentimental value to its original wearer.

FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES

Most of us plan for the possible . . . few of us prepare for the inevitable. Take time to talk to family and friends about the things that matter to you and the memories you would like to share ...

Your Lifestory.

Let us help you get the conversation started. Making plans for your final wishes now will help you get on with life.

Two locations 2486 S. KINNICKINNIC AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53207 1901 N. FARWELL AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53211

414-276-5122

SuminskiFuneralHome.com

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Christmas cheer shared at ICC Members’ party on Dec. 14 Times photos by Tom Hemman

No Members’ Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. Here’s Santa is distributing some candy and holiday cheer to guests at one of the tables.

Christmas trivia was played during the party. Susie Christiansen (at podium) asked attendees 15 questions. A box filled with wrapped gifts was presented to the person who got the most correct answers. Christiansen served as chairperson of the Christmas party.

People were invited to dance to tracks played by a deejay from Music On The Move Plus.

Our photographer caught Santa Claus and his favorite elf outside the entrance to the Festa Ballroom. They brought with them sacks filled with candy from the North Pole. There were rumors floating around at the Christmas party that Santa and his favorite elf bore some resemblance to longtime ICC members John Alioto (Santa) and John’s son, Sam (Favorite Elf). Our photographer was unable to confirm that rumor.

As a fundraising activity, a bake sale was held in conjunction with the Members’ Christmas Party. The baked goods were donated by numerous members, some who attended the event and some who did not. Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis who organized the bake sales termed it a success.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Chairpersons Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis wish to thank everyone who donated baked goods for the Holiday Bake Sale at the ICC Membership Christmas Party on Dec. 14th.

As a result of these donations, the Bake Sale was a big success!

Grazie & Buone Feste!

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 3

Chairperson Karen Dickinson reports on successful Holiday Boutique, recognizes vendors, volunteers and attendees

by Karen Dickinson Holiday Boutique Chair The third annual ICC Holiday Boutique doors opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 to the sounds of holiday music and 26 artists awaiting customers to view their various forms of artwork.

It was a busy weekend as about half of the artists set up on Friday, and the rest started arriving at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Everyone commented on how nice the venue was, and those who had participated in the previous years were very complimentary about our remodeled Festa Ballroom.

Special thanks to the members who volunteered their time and

smiles. Volunteers are the backbone of every event, and your help was deeply appreciated. Also thanks to those members who came to shop and support this ICC fundraiser.

Cafe La Scala had a busy day, and thanks to the Bartolotta Group for providing a special boutique menu and wonderful support for the entire event.

It was a nice day to “kick off” the holiday season and know many shoppers went home with some of their Christmas shopping finished.

Again thanks to those who helped make the day a success and enjoyable.

Happy Holidays to all!

Times photos by Tom Hemman]

This booth featured macramé plant hangers and other macramé designs handmade by Jackie Graves, who works on the Bartolotta Catering staff.

On the day of the Holiday Boutique (Nov. 25), she was waiting on tables at Cafe La Scala. Staffing her booth were two young ladies named Dy and Alexis.

Karen Dickinson, chairperson of the Holiday Boutique, operated a booth featuring custom jewelry that she and her husband, Bill, meticulously designed.

Susie Christiansen (left) and Avery Butler staffed the Italian cookies booth. The proceeds from the sale of the cookies, made by Peter Sciortino Bakery, benefited Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. Both Susie and Avery are members of the group.

Maria Berghauer (left) helped out two of her customers named Jane and Debra. Maria Enterprises had fiber, silk and wearable art available.

Lynn Sobye (seated on right) sold her homemade chocolates. Among the Holiday Boutique attendees to make a purchase of these delightful candies was Faye Ann Kessler (seen here on the left).

Trina Frost of Frost Photo Word Art displayed some of her works with a visitor at the Holiday Boutique.

Ginny Sorce took a look at the items on display at Heckel Functional Woodcraft. That’s John Heckel behind the counter.

PAGE 4 – JANUARY 2018

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Petite Boutique – A missed opportunity

Jane and Joe Palmisano (left) checked out the rustic woodworks made

by Peter Gustin (right).

by Peter Gustin Saturday, Nov. 25 was a beautiful day. The weather was superb for this time of the year. The Italian Community Center was ready to receive artists and customers for a unique shopping experience. The preparation and organization was excellent. Chairpersons Karen and William Dickinson did their job well. They are both artists and knew what had to be done.

The holiday shoppers who attended did not have to worry about a stampede as doors open, the “Black Friday” madness, the shoving, pushing, trouble finding parking. Talented artists came from all over Wisconsin and offered a variety of unique merchandise at very reasonable prices. The tables to display the merchandise were ready, the coffee was percolating, and to top it off wait staff from Cafe La Scala came to the booth and took orders for lunch. At noon, the lunch arrived. It was hot and good.

Thank you, Joe Bartolotta. It was a

pleasure to be treated so well. No other show can offer so much.

This is the third year that such an event was offered by the ICC. It is an excellent idea. The time of the year is perfect. The location is superb. Was the event a success? Yes. Was it a complete success? No. Most of you who are reading this article were not there. It was a missed opportunity.

Where else can you shop in such a pleasant and safe environment with so many unique gift ideas?

The artists were remarkable. Not only would they take the time to explain their products and answer any question, but they would not hesitate to build something custom made for their customers if requested.

Your first New Year’s resolution should be: “I will make an effort to go to the 2018 Holiday Boutique.”

Your visit will make a “petite boutique” into a “grand boutique” and a shopping experience to be remembered.

Abstract sculptures designed by Joe Mangiamele (seen here) were on sale at this booth. Mangiamele, an ICC member, is the founder of the Mangiamele Arts Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, which is aiding efforts to establish Milwaukee as an international art center. He was recently named Il Nonno (The Royal Grandfather) for the ICC’s 39th annual Il Grande Carnevale on Feb. 10.

Bill Dickinson provided details on some of his original acrylic paintings to Karen Hansen.

Harder Funeral Home

JAMES T. GUARDALABENE Here are several of the Holiday Boutique volunteers. Seated, l –r: Ann Zambito, Suzanne Wypijewski and Antonette Lo Coco. Standing: Joanne Haas, Joanne Ruggieri, Marie D’Amato and Christina Ziino.

2663 N. Holton St., Milwaukee

Scarvaci Florists & Gift Shoppe Your Wedding and Holiday Floral & Gift Headquarters

Balloons • Stuffed Animals • Personal Service Citywide, Suburban & County Delivery

Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover

PLEASE ORDER EARLY TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY!

Ann Vollmer-Goralski

414-562-3214

If no answer, please leave message.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

18700 W. Capitol Drive

“Three generations of my family serving yours.” www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350

Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002.

• AN ASSOCIATE OF THE HARDER FUNERAL HOME SINCE 2010.

• Personally providing the services you have come to expect at the Harder Funeral Home or your church or cemetery chapel.

• Funeral pre-planning and Title 19 expertise.

• Longtime member of the Italian Community Center.

• Not associated with Schmidt & Bartelt – Guardalabene & Amato JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 5

Calendar of Events January 1 – 31, 2018

Monday, Jan. 1 • Buona Capodanno! Happy New Year! The Italian Community Center, Festa Italiana and Italian Times offices will be closed.

Wednesday, Jan. 3 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6

• Italian Community Center Children’s Party with La Befana, noon.

Monday, Jan. 8 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 • Abruzzese Society meeting and spuntino, 2 p.m.

• Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 13 • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 17 • Order Sons of Italy in America Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 18 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.

• Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

• Società Santa Rosalia general meeting, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 31 • Pompeii Women’s Club general dinner meeting, 6 p.m.

Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The winter season begins the week of Jan. 8 and runs through the week of Mar. 5. The championship playoffs will take place Monday, Mar. 12. Details in this issue.

• ICC Italian classes. Details on the spring semester of classes will be announced in an upcoming issue.

• ICC Children’s Italian class. Details on the spring semester of classes will be announced in an upcoming issue.

• I Bei Bambini, The Children’s Italian Dance Group. This children’s folk dance group practices weekly on most Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC. New dancers are welcome. For details, visit: www.tradizionevivente.com. Breaks are taken during the holidays.

• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on most Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit: www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Breaks are taken during the holidays. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!

• Hula hoop dance fitness class. Every Tuesday night, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. in the bocce court room. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $5 per member, $10 per non-member. No classes during the holidays.

Thanks for your donations to the ICC

The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, or made a contribution to the nonprofit organization.

To obtain information on how to make a pledge or a donation, please call 414-223-2808.

The following donations were received between October 10 and November 9, 2017.

In memory of Marie (Catalano) Gazzana Terry & Chuck Bedwell Nick & Linda Russo Mike & Debbi Russo Julie & Dan Carey Chris & Mike Karger Tony & Marie Russo

Vito & Ursula Russo George & Aggie Collura In memory of Salvatore B. Purpero Joan Kirby Anthony & Jean Vodnik Richard & Deborah Schuetz George & Aggie Collura

In memory of Peter Frank Sorce Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce Christina Sorce In memory of Thomas Alioto Ted A. Catalano George & Aggie Collura

In memory of Beatrice “Bea” Ceraso Tony A. Machi Ron & Joanne Czubek Mary G. Winard

ICC Members: Planning to attend the dinner before the General Meeting on Thursday, January 18th?

If so, you are kindly asked to make a reservation on or before Monday, January 15th.

Call 414-223-2180.

Your reservation will help the culinary staff of Bartolotta Catering prepare sufficient food for the buffet.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Jimmy & Linda Spataro Gerry Accetta Purpero Ted & Rosemary Glorioso Eddie & Joanne Glorioso Ted A. Catalano George & Aggie Collura Kathleen Balistreri

In memory of Salvatore Mussomelli George & Aggie Collura In memory of Marlene La Licata George & Aggie Collura

‘A Taste of Italy’ 2018 set for Sunday, Apr. 22

It’s never too early to make sure you have the date for the most scrumptious and familyfriendly Italian event in Milwaukee – the Italian Community Center’s “A Taste of Italy.” The 2018 date for this magnificent Italian food tasting extravaganza has been set for Sunday, Apr. 22.

Ann Romano, who had been the general chairperson for all but one of the past 22 Taste of Italy events, has decided to step down.

The new chairpersons are Valorie Sanfilippo Schleicher, Marie Andaloro Lieber and Christina Ziino.

Romano will serve as an expert consultant.

The chairs have informed The Italian Times that they plan to contact the Italian societies and organizations in January to ask for their continued participation.

Look for more news on the 23rd annual “A Taste of Italy” in our next issue.

Correcting a few errors in our December issue

In the article in our December issue `on the 10 Verdi Sport Club members inducted into the Wisconsin Soccer Association Hall of Fame, it was incorrectly reported that Mario Carini was inducted in 2013. His year of induction was actually 1991.

Our apologies to Mario Carini. * * * In the article on the Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate, we included a list of the many donors to the event. Unfortunately, the names of Salvatore and Antonette

Lo Coco were inadvertently left off the list.

Our apologies to Sal and Antonette Lo Coco. * * * In the headline and the caption on the donation made by the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO, we incorrectly reported that the donation was made for the draperies put up in the Members Room. The donation was actually made for the blinds installed in the Board Room.

Our apologies to the Ladies of UNICO.

Catering PAGE 6 – JANUARY 2018

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Italian Society and Club News

UNICO Ladies and Pompeii Women hold joint Christmas party at ICC

The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO and the Pompeii Women’s Club joined forces on Dec. 5 to hold a Christmas party for more than 80 members of the two organizations.

The party was held at the Italian Community Center.

Pompeii Women’s Club President Suzanne Wypijewski worked closely with UNICO Ladies President Carla Pellin and Vice President Sophia Michalovitz to produce what was termed a “very enjoyable evening.”

The evening began with Pellin welcoming guests and calling on Pompeii Women’s Club Co-Chap-

lain Mike Hammer to an invocation.

Prior to the serving of dinner, Pellin called upon Ann Romano, a past president of the Ladies of UNICO, to administer the oath of office to the slate of officers elected by the organization for the 20182019 term. (See separate story.)

A delicious dinner, prepared and served by the Bartolotta Catering staff, was enjoyed by all. Afterwards, the attendees witnessed a performance by the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Show Choir under the direction of Ned Goede, Musical Director. The ensemble

performed a selection of songs including one from the Broadway smash hit “Hamilton” and a “through the years” rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Both clubs shared the expense for the choir’s performance.

After a closing prayer by Fr. Hammer, door prizes were awarded in a drawing conducted by Wypijewski and Michalovitiz.

Both longstanding organizations are well known for their charitablegiving. The tradition was continued during this event. Members of both organizations brought with them toiletries or cold weather acces-

sories (i.e., hats, scarves and gloves) to be donated to worthy charitable organizations in Milwaukee.

Members of both organizations were overheard saying that it was a wonderful evening and a great way to kick off the holidays.

– Submitted by Mary G. (Mineo) Winard Pompeii Women’s Club Public Relations Representative Editor’s note: Both organizations submitted an article on this party. Some of the details from the UNICO Ladies’ article was added to the one appearing here.

Who do you think you are?

Members of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO and the Pompeii Women’s Club shared the joy

by George Koleas Italian Family History Club “Who Do You Think You Are?” is a popular show on The Learning Channel (TLC). In the show, a celebrity starts to research their family with what they think they know. As the episode unfolds, the celebrity learns facts they never knew. The same happens on a similar show on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) called “Finding Your Roots.” What is done on these shows is not limited to celebrities.

Anyone can do it. Many Americans are discovering genealogy, the study of one’s own ancestry.

We are the Italian Family History Club, also known as Pursuing Our Italian Names Together, Chapter 22 and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society Italian Area Interest Group. At our meetings, we discuss our own research and we help new members to get started. Many of our members have found family connections with one another. If you are from the Milwaukee area, a significant amount

of the holiday season at a joint Christmas party on Dec. 5 at the Italian Community Center A

of Milwaukee Italians are from Sicily and specifically, the areas in and around the Palermo Province.

We have members who are researching families throughout Italy. You may even find a family connection to one of our members.

What could you learn? It depends on what you want to learn.

One member completed a basic family tree (ancestral chart). From that information, I was able to help her find four generations of ancestors in our private database, her family’s arrival in New Orleans, and her great-grandfather’s World War I registration. I also found him in the 1940 Census. An Ancestral chart is available at http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/anchart.pdf.

Another new member originally thought his family was from Santa Flavia, Palermo Province. I confirmed that Santa Flavia was his father’s last residence, but the rest of his family is from Bagheria, Palermo Province. I also found his father’s arrival record, a picture of

THE ITALIAN TIMES

good time was had by all who attended.. (Photo provided by Suzanne Wypijewski)

the ship he arrived on, his father’s Word War I registration, and his family in the 1920 Census in Milwaukee.

Still another new member completed a family group sheet and family tree by searching information we had. I was able to find a number of past generations that he did not know. A family group sheet is available at: http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/famgrec.pdf Our next meeting will be on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago

Street, Milwaukee, starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at noon. Our other meeting dates for 2018 will be Saturdays, Apr. 14, Aug. 25 and Nov. 3. Anyone with an interest in Italian family history is welcome to attend. There is no cost and no obligation of any kind. You are welcome to come and just listen or to participate as much or as little as you care to.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-251-7216 after 7 p.m.

UNICO Ladies install slate for 2018-19

The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO recently installed its officers for the 2018-2019 term. Carla Pellin will continue to serve the organization as its president. She has served in the same capacity

the last two years.

Joining Pellin on the Ladies of UNICO Board are Sophia Michalovitz, Vice President; Maria Lo Ricco, Treasurer; PruPlease turn to page 8

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 7

Bea Ceraso, charter member of ICC, past president of Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National, led an active life in and outside the Italian community

The lifetime of Beatrice (Bea) L. (Szymczak) Ceraso was highlighted by many accomplishments, including some distinguished marks for a non-Italian woman in the Italian community. The 87-year old former elementary school teacher, former First Lady of the Italian Community Center and past Wisconsin District Governor of UNICO National died peacefully on Nov. 18.

Bea, a Milwaukee native, was born on Dec. 11, 1929, the daughter of Mary and Stanley Syzmczak. She met her husband, the late Sam Ceraso, when they were freshmen at the former Milwaukee State Teachers College, where they both earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education. They married on June 14, 1952, at St. Rita Catholic Church after Bea’s first year of teaching. She taught at Slinger Elementary School before returning to Milwaukee in 1955 and taking a position at Victor Berger School, part of the Milwaukee Public Schools.

Bea retired from teaching when her children started to arrive. Bea and Sam had five children: Rose Anne Fritchie, Vincent, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, Elizabeth and Stanley. The two boys are deceased.

While raising her children she volunteered with numerous organizations including the Polish Falcons of America Nest 725 and 786, Bartlett Avenue School, Hartford Avenue School, Maryland Avenue School, St. Rita’s parish and the Milwaukee Girl Scouts of America.

Eventually, Bea rejoined the workforce, first in the Credit Department of the former Gimbel’s store for three years, then in a part time capacity at George Watts & Sons. She eventually became fulltime manager of the George Watts & Sons store, a position she held until her retirement in 1990.

Bea spent many years by her husband’s side supporting activities and organizations in Milwaukee and in the city’s Italian American community. In 1983, she became the First Lady of the Italian Community Center when Sam was elected as the President. In the last 1980’s and early 90’s she was very involved with fundraising and volunteering for the Pabst Mansion.

Bea and Sam served on the ICC’s Carnevale Committee numerous times and were well known for chairing social and culture events and exquisitely decorating the rooms for those events. The couple was chosen by the ICC as Il

Bea Ceraso

Nonno e La Nonna (the Royal Grandparents) of Il Grande Carnevale in 2003. Carnevale is the preLenten costume and mask ball organized by the ICC each year since 1980. On numerous occasions, Bea won a prize for “Best Mask” at Carnevale. For the 2017 Carnevale, she won the award for “Best Hat.” The theme for the event was “Hats Off to Carnevale.”

For many years, Sam and Bea and members of their family assumed the responsibility of putting

Bea Ceraso always showed her creative side when it came to the ICC’s Carnevale. She often won prizes for self-designed masks. At Carnevale 2017, she won for “Best Hat.” The gala’s theme was “Hats Off to Carnevale. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

up the traditional Italian presepio at the ICC during the Christmas and Epiphany season. The Cerasos always had more than a passing interest in scenes associated with the birth of the Christ child. Sam, with Bea’s help, collected nativity scenes in every conceivable medium, that reached a total of around 500. Both Sam and Bea were longtime members of the International Creche Society.

Sam died July 29, 2008 at the age of 78. In addition to serving as president of the ICC (1983-1984), he was elected president of the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National during the 1992-1993 term. In both 1989 and 1994, Sam was the chairman of the UNICO National Convention with Bea working at his side. UNICO National is a service organization of Italian Americans that engages in charitable work, supports higher education and per-

Welcome new ICC members!

The following individuals became members of the Italian Community Center between Nov. 9 and Dec. 7, 2017. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)

Joseph L. Aiello of Milwaukee

Mary Carm Fosco of Elmwood Panie, IL

Todd Battles of Milwaukee ICC’s La Befana party for Children Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018

ICC’s 39th annual Il Grande Carnevale Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 Details in this issue.

ICC’s 26th annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 16, 2018 ICC’s 23rd annual “A Taste of Italy” Sunday, Apr. 22, 2018

41st annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 20 – Sunday, July 22, 2018 Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds)

PAGE 8 – JANUARY 2018

forms patriotic deeds and is among the largest Italian American organizations in the United States.

In 1993, Bea received a Recognition Award in appreciation for service and dedication to the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National. She was a recipient of a Lifetime Commitment Award from the ICC, presented at the organization’s installation dinner in November 2012.

Bea was one of a few committed women who spent many years working to change UNICO National from a male-only organization to one that welcomed women members. In July 1997 when women won the right to join UNICO, Bea was among the first to join the Milwaukee Chapter. During the 20 years that Bea was a member of UNICO, she held several significant positions. Locally, she was President for two years (2005-2006) and, for five years, she held the National position of Wisconsin District Governor as well as serving on several National Committees, including the Mental Health Committee.

In recent years, Bea has spent lots of time with her family enjoying traveling, watching and attending Green Bay Packers games with her son-in-law and Wisconsin Badger games with her daughters.

Bea lived her life with a full capacity of commitment toward promoting family, heritage, and volunteerism. She has passed these values on to her family and all the lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughters Rose Anne Ceraso Fritchie, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto (John Alioto) and Elizabeth Anne Ceraso, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild, her sister Janet Steinberg, nieces, nephews and many friends.

And now, a word from Italy

by Blaise Di Pronio Liberal: Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views or dogmas and favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others, i.e., broadminded.

It comes from the Italian liberare which means to set free or release and libero or free/unrestrained, which might explain why most conservatives think liberals are always out of control.

Slate installed by UNICO Ladies from page 7

dence Camuy, Corresponding Secretary; Annette Huttl, Finance/Membership; Edith Brown and Rosalinda Schaapveld, Historians; Nancy Oberleitner, Sergeant-At-Arms; and Anna Pitzo, Parliamentarian.

The swearing-in ceremony was

part of the joint UNICO Ladies/Pompeii Women’s Club Christmas party at the Italian Community Center on Dec. 5. Ann Romano, chairperson of the UNICO Ladies Community Projects Committee, administered the oath of office taken by the officers.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Friendship developed with newspaper editor brought famous Italian sculptor Gaetano Trentanove to Milwaukee

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The sculptures of the Italianborn Gaetano Trentanove can be seen in prominent places across the United States. In Milwaukee, Trentanove is, of course, known for his sculpture of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko at Kosciuszko Park.

Among his other famous sculptures are the American statesman Daniel Webster at the Daniel Webster Memorial and the French explorer Father Jacques (Pere) Marquette in the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C.; the bust of Andrew Carnegie in Atlanta, Ga., the Soldiers’ Monument in Oshkosh, Wis., and the President William McKinley statue in Somerville, N.J. Trentanove was born on Feb. 21, 1858 in Florence, Italy, a goldsmith’s son. He studied at the Florence Academy and was later named a scholar of this academy and one in Parma (Emilia-Romagna region), Italy.

By the 1880s, he had become known for his works in Paris and Florence. For his first sculpture, Gaddo movente, he was awarded a gold medal by the Società Promotrice delle Belle Arti. He completed both a full size statue for his palace and a funereal monument for Count Alfredo Serristori for the cemetery of Figline, a town near Florence.

There were other Trentanove statues made for display in and around Florence including the grouping Tito Vezio a Licena, the monument of Signora Fraschetti and the bust of Federigo Campanella. His work of the French poet and novelist Victor Hugo was shown at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889 and is now at the Gallery of Modern Art in Florence.

Gaetano Trentanove

While he was still a student, Trentanove met William E. Cramer, the co-publisher/editor for more than 40 years of the Milwaukee newspaper, the Evening Wisconsin. Trentanove met Cramer, who was visiting Florence, at the studio of famed Italian artist Giovanni Dupre.

After another meeting in Paris with Cramer and other Milwaukee representatives, Trentanove opened a studio in Milwaukee in the early 1890s. For the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Trentanove sculpted the Otriade or Last of the Spartans, a large white Carrara marble statue. When the Chicago fair closed, Cramer purchased the Spartan statue for the Layton Art Gallery in Milwaukee.

Trentanove eventually taught art classes at the Layton Art Gallery.

After establishing his studio and finding a residence in Milwaukee, Trentanove acquired American citizenship. He is said to have enjoyed

Trentanove’s memorial to the American Statesman Daniel Webster in Washington, D.C.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Here is Trentanove’s sculpture of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, which can be seen at Milwaukee’s Kosciuszko Park.

living in the city and his friendship with Cramer. He employed local artisans, some first generation Italian immigrants, in his plaster business.

Trentanove designed many of the models of his works in Milwau-

kee in the spring and summer. He returned to Florence during the winter, where he cast his models in bronze or marble at a foundry.

Trentanove created the KosPlease turn to page 12

This is Trentanove’s memorial to the famous French explorer and priest, Father Jacques (Pere) Marquette located in Marquette, Mich.

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 9

Merrymaking, music and masks will make Carnevale a marvelous event

from page 1 Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis, has selected these individuals to comprise the 2018 Royalty: • Ed and Stephanie (Guttuso) Ciano as Il Re e La Regina (The King and The Queen).

• Joseph Mangiamele and Ann D’Acquisto as Il Nonno e La Nonna

(The Royal Grandparents).

• Ryan Lieber as Il Principe (The Prince).

• Miro (Mazza) Mueller as La Principessa (The Princess).

• Izayah Angeles as Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince).

• Maya Hamdan as La Piccola Principessa (The Little Princess).

• John Alioto as Il Gran Mares-

Carnevale 2018 Reservation Form

Name(s) ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________

Phone: _________________ Email: _____________________________

Please list the names of persons in your party on a separate sheet of paper. Tables of 10 are available.

Number of ICC members attending: ______ x $55.00 = $ Number of non-members attending: ______ x $65.00 = $ Total amount of your check or money order: $

Please make your check or money order payable to: Italian Community Center. Send payment and this form with the list of those in your party to: Carnevale, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

Reservation deadline: Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.

If you cannot attend Carnevale 2018, please consider making a donation to support this event. My/Our donation is : $_________________.

ciallo (The Grand Marshal) Separate articles on the royalty follow this story.

Everyone can honor the royalty with the purchase of congratulatory advertising in the Carnevale program book. Send your message of congratulations or best wishes to Tom Hemman, who will prepare your ad for the book. He can be reached at themman@iccmilwaukee.com. The ad prices are $100 for a full-page, $50 for a half-page and $25 for a quarter-page.

Details As previously mentioned, the merrymaking begins at 5:11 p.m. – that’s traditional Carnevale celebration time – with a cocktail reception in the galleria. A selection of appetizers will be served.

Upon your entrance, check in at the reception desk to pick up your table number for dinner seating. If you will be wearing a mask or costume during the festivities, please register at the designated desk to receive a number to display during the parade. That number will help judges identify the best ones.

When this issue went to press, the Carnevale Committee was working diligently with the Bartolotta Catering staff on a sumptuous dinner menu. They expect to

have the menu finalized soon. You can be certain that the menu will appear in our February issue, which will be out the week of Jan. 22.

Raffle During the course of the evening, guests will be able to purchase tickets for chances to win many enticing raffle prizes. The prizes will be on display. Guests will be able to decide which prizes they would best like the opportunity to win. There will be a box or envelope next to each prize where guests can deposit as many raffle prizes as they choose. The names of the prize winners will be posted toward the end of the evening.

Pre-paid reservations The cost to attend this fun-filled night is $55 for an ICC member and $65 for a non-member. Reservations are a necessity by Monday, Feb. 5 in order to attend. To make your reservations, complete the form accompanying this article and send it in with your payment or call the ICC office at 414-223-2180 and have your credit card ready, or stop in at the office during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and make payment there. Remember, Feb. 5 is the absolute latest deadline for reservations. So act now!

Meet the 2018 Royalty

Ed and Stephanie Ciano – Il Re e La Regina

This year’s Re (King) Ed Ciano and Regina (Queen) Stephanie (Guttuso) Ciano have been members of the Italian Community Center since they were both children and when the Center was still located at 2648 N. Hackett Ave. on Milwaukee’s East Side.

Both volunteered at the old ICC, but not together. They first got together at Festa Italiana in 1988 when Ed was volunteering on the water crew for the late Phil Purpero and Stephanie was working for King Juice Company.

In 1989, Stephanie was chosen as La Principessa (the Princess) with her brother, Scott Guttuso, selected as Il Principe (the Prince) for Il Grande Carnevale. Ed was Stephanie’s date that special night.

Ed and Stephanie were married in September 2015.

Ed is a 20-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department and is currently the Community Liaison Officer for District 5. Stephanie has worked for United Healthcare for 19 years and now works from home as a Claims Examiner.

For the last several years, they have served as managers of the Festa Drivers, for which they coordinate the transportation of the festival’s entertainers.

Ed is a member of the Pompeii Men’s Club and the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America.

Ed has a daughter, Mia. The 24year old is a recent graduate of Alverno College with a degree in business.

Stephanie has a daughter, Danielle, 13, who is in 8th grade at Park View Middle School.

Il Re Ed Ciano e La Regina Stephanie (Guttuso) Ciano

Joseph Mangiamele and Ann D’Acquisto – Il Nonno e La Nonna

Il Nonno Joseph Mangiamele e La Nonna Ann D’Acquisto

PAGE 10 – JANUARY 2018

Ann D’Acquisto is a longtime member of the ICC and an avid bocce player. She is a member of ”The Bocce Bells” which plays in the ICC’s Tuesday afternoon bocce league. She has been a member of the Three Holy Women Christian Women Society for many years and participates in the church’s book club.

Ann has six children, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Professionally, she is an

electrologist and has owned and operated a successful business for 39 years.

In her spare time, Ann loves to bake and volunteer for the ICC. She states that she is deeply honored to have been selected as Carnevale’s 2018 Nonna.

Joe Mangiamele is also a longtime member of the ICC. “The Professor,” as many affectionately call him, prides himself as Continued on page 11

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Continued: Il Nonno e La Nonna

from page 10 being one of the original members of Cafe La Scala’s “Round Table.”

This is the group of gentlemen who have met for lunch at the ICC restaurant every Wednesday and Saturday for the past 37 years to share their camaraderie and wisdom, and discuss how to solve the world’s problems.

Joe is, indeed, a Professor (a Professor Emeritus). He received his doctorate degree from London University School of Economics in England. He was a professor for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture where he was the university’s first

Campus Planner. He has been a planning consultant for many of the greater Milwaukee communities.

Joe’s talent and passion are metal sculpting. Some of his beautiful works were displayed at the ICC’s Holiday Bouquet this past November. Joe is the President of the Mangiamele Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose work is to get scholarships for architecture students.

He was married to his late beloved wife Ebbie for 60 years.

Joe said he is honored and proud to represent all the ICC’s Nonni (Grandfathers).

Ryan Lieber – Il Principe

Ryan Lieber is the son of C.J. and Angie Lieber and the grandson of Marie and Craig Lieber. His siblings are Ally and Dominic.

This will mark Ryan’s second appearance in the Carnevale Royalty. He was Il Piccolo Principe (the Little Prince) at the 2009 event. He was accompanied that year by La Piccola Principessa (the Little Princess) Miro Mazza-Mueller, who is returning in 2018 as La Principessa (The Princess). “I’m happy to be chosen as Prince and that Miro Mueller is the Princess,” he said. “We have our prior experience to fall back on.”

Ryan is a 2015 graduate of Brown Deer High School and is currently employed at Woodland Landscape & Design and Leader Towing & Transport.

For Festa Italiana, he has been involved with the Cucina Showcase for many years. “Pretty much since I’ve been the manager,” says his grandmother, Marie. Ryan and his father, C.J., do all the video for the chef’s presentations. Ryan also helps with the set-up and takedown of the Cucina Showcase and with the preparation and serving of the food samples that are provided to the audience after the presentations.

Ryan enjoys riding his horse, Blaze, and loves playing with his dogs, Candy, Aurora, Jingles and Captain.

Il Principe Ryan Lieber

Miro Mazza-Mueller is a student at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where she is majoring in biochemistry.

She is involved in the Italian community as a dancer with Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, and as a volunteer for Festa Italiana, Carnevale and “A Taste of Italy.”

She was La Piccola Principessa (the Little Princess) of the 2009 celebration of Il Grande Carnevale.

Miro’s parents are Dr. Jon Mueller and Pam Mazza-Mueller.

Her grandparents are Sandy Mazza and the late Nick Mazza.

She has two brothers, Nick and Mason. Mason was Il Principe (the Prince) of Carnevale 2013.

“I’m excited to be returning as the princess of Carnevale 2018,” Miro said. “Attending Carnevale has become a tradition in our family, but being part of the Royalty makes this year even more special.”

Izayah Angeles – Il Piccolo Principe

Izayah Angeles, a member of I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group for three years, will be Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince) for the 2018 edition of Il Grande Carnevale.

He is 10 years old and is in the fourth grade at the Academy of Accelerated Learning, a Milwaukee Public School. Izayah is the stepbrother to Isabella and Sofia McEvoy.

Izayah is a Webelo and has been in Cub Scouts for the last four years. He enjoys basketball and football. He has been on his school’s student council and likes to go to school every single day. His nickname is “Zay” and he loves to hang out with his family and friends all the time.

He is really excited to be the 2018 Prince for Carnevale and can’t wait for Feb. 10.

Il Piccolo Principe Izayah Angeles

Maya Hamdan, who will be La Piccola Principessa (The Little Princess) for the 39th annual Il Grande Carnevale is the daughter of Tina Conley and Abel Hamdan and the granddaughter of Dan and Chris Conley. Her great-grandmother is Pauline Cannestra. As a result of her family lineage (Puccio, Cannestra and Conley), the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana have been a part of her life since her infancy.

Her mother was the princess of Carnevale in 1997.

The 11-year old Maya is a sixth grader at Pleasant View Elementary School in Franklin. She plays

the viola in the school’s orchestra and is a Girl Scout. She also participates in girls’ gymnastics.

Maya is a member of I Bei Bambini, Ragazzi Dance Group (the youngest members of the group umder the guidance of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee). With the group, she has danced at Festa, the Holiday Folk Fair, Carnevale and “A Taste of Italy.”

Maya enjoys baking and cake decorating and has taken classes to sharpen her skills. Her Nonna Chris reports that Maya even has her own KitchenAid mixer for her baking.

Maya Hamdan – La Piccola Principessa

Miro Mazza-Mueller – La Principessa

La Piccola Principessa Maya Hamdan

John Alioto – Il Gran Maresciallo

La Principessa Miro Mazza-Mueller

THE ITALIAN TIMES

John Alioto has been an active member of the Italian Community Center since its beginning when he assisted the late Sam Ceraso, his father-in-law and past president, in cleaning and organizing the former home of the ICC on Hackett Street.

He is married to Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, who is currently on the ICC Board of Directors. He and Mary Anne were the Re and Regina of Carnevale in 2013.

This will mark the second time John will be serving as Il Gran Maresciallo of Il Grande Carnevale.

He previously served as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 edition of the ICC’s costume and mask ball.

John has three daughters: Jenna, Kayla and Anna, and a son, Sam. Jenna was the Principessa of Carnevale 2008. Sam was the Piccolo Principe in 2010.

John is an employee at C&D Technologies of Milwaukee. He was just named President of the Lake Park Fourth of July Association.

Over the years, he has continued to show his support for the ICC by managing several of the stages at Festa, and over the past few years, managing the Festa Wine Booths. He recently was asked to begin working as a liaison between Please turn to page 12

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 11

Deadline for February 2018 issue

Opera insights

All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the February 2018 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Tuesday, Jan. 9.

All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com or sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For further information, call 414-223-2189. Thank you for your coooperation.

by Barbara Collignon L’Elisir d’amore by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1839) with libretto

by Felice Romani is one of Donizetti’s most famous operas. He was very prolific and wrote no less than 31 operas in 12 years. This composer of such favorites as Anna Bolen, Lucia di Lammermoor and La fille du Regiment fell victim to syphilis and died at age 50 after suffering for several years and degenerating into hopeless insanity.

His work represents a transitional stage in operatic development between Rossini and Verdi.

L’Elisir d’amore is a charming opera buffa with commendable

from page 11 the Bocce Leagues and the ICC. He also has assisted at both the ICC’s children’s Easter and La Be-

fana parties and has been a special participant in the Center’s members’ Christmas party for years with his son, Sam.

Continued: Il Gran Maresciallo

character development. Nemorino is besotted with the beautiful landowner and bar owner Adina.

However, she is indifferent and attracted to the experienced charmer Sargeant Belcore. Nemorino hears Adina reading to her workers the legend of Tristan and Isolde and, out of desperation, wonders if a love potion would help him win her love.

Dr. Dulcamara, a traveling quack, sells him at great expense “The Elixir of Love.” Nemorino is suddenly popular with every girl in the village, but he is only drunk.

What he thought was an elixir is only wine.

Adina falsely promises to marry Belcore in six days’ time. Yet, Nemorino only laughs in response since his confidence is sustained in the belief in the magic potion. He is,

in fact, simply drunk. However, when Belcore learns that his regiment must leave the next morning, Adina promises to marry the sergeant before his departure.

Nemorino panics and cries out for Dr. Dulcamara to come to his aid.

He joins the army to earn more money. Adina, meanwhile, invites everyone to the wedding.

In the end, it appears that Adina has stronger feelings for Nemorino than for Belcore, who is rather pompous, very sure of himself and complacent. Adina purchases Nemorino’s army contract so he need not become a soldier.

Nemorino is, after all, truly sincere in his love for Adina and furthermore, he has become suddenly rich since the sudden death of a wealthy Continued on page 13

Word Search: Seasonal Fun T

by Blaise Di Pronio

Il Gran Maresciallo John Alioto

Show your support for Carnevale by placing an ad in the program book

Everyone who is reading this article is being asked to consider placing an ad in the Carnevale program book. Whether you want to promote your business or congratulate one or more members of the Royal Court, your ad is appreciated. The program book serves as a key fundraising vehicle to offset the costs of the gala.

Advertising costs start at $25 for a quarter-page ad. The cost for a half-page ad is $50. A full-page costs $100. Pre-payment is re-

quired for advertising.

If you need help with wording an ad, you can contact Christina Ziino at 262-783-4024 or at cziino2000@yahoo.com or Tom Hemman at 414-223-2189 or themman@iccmilwaukee.com.

If you know what you want to say in your ad, email it to Hemman.

Make your check payable to the Italian Community Center and send it to this address: ICC, c/o Carnevale, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.

from page 9 ciuszko monument in 1905. He studied old portraits and paintings of Kosciuszko before beginning the clay models for this equestrian work of art. He chose to sculpt Kosciuszko and his horse as victorious heroes. In the modeling of the sculpture, 20 tons of clay were used. A plaster cast followed, with the second and final bronze casting executed by the Galli Brothers foundry in Florence. After a long journey to Milwaukee, the sculptor himself directed the placement of the seven-ton statue.

Trentanove’s naturalistic style attracted many portrait commissions in Milwaukee, including that of Christian Wahl, a wealthy businessman and the father of Milwaukee County’s park system.

In addition to Kosciuszko Park, Milwaukee area residents can view Trentanove’s works at the Milwaukee Art Museum and Wahl Park (where the statue of Christian Wahl is located), Trentanove designed the marble floor at the Downtown Milwaukee Public Library. His works can also be seen at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin in Madison.

After retiring, Trentanove returned to Florence, Italy. He died on Mar. 13, 1937 at the age of 79.

Here’s a listing of Trentanove’s most prominent works by year: • 1889 – Victor Hugo (previously mentioned).

• 1892 – The Last of the Spartans (previously mentioned).

• 1896 – Father Jacques (Pere) Marquette, National Statuary Hall,

To find Word Search solved, turn to page 15

Friendship with Evening Wisconsin editor brought Trentanove to Milwaukee

PAGE 12 – JANUARY 2018

U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. (previously mentioned).

• 1897 – Father Jacques (Pere) Marquette, public statue, Marquette, Mich.

• 1898 – Bust of Peter White, Peter White Library, Marquette, Mich.

• 1900 – Daniel Webster for the Daniel Webster Memorial, Scott Circle, Washington, D.C. (previously mentioned).

• 1901 – Brigadier General Albert Pike, Judiciary Square, Washington, D.C. • 1904 – General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Cleveland Museum of Art. • 1904 – Andrew Carnegie bust for Carnegie Library, Atlanta, Ga. Now in lobby of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central Library (previously mentioned).

• 1905 – General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko Park, Milwaukee (previously mentioned).

• 1907 – Father Jacques (Pere) Marquette, public statue, Marquette Park, Mackinac Island, Mich.

• 1907 – Giovanni Villani, for a niche of the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, Florence, Italy.

• 1907 – Civil War Soldiers’ Monument, Oshkosh, Wis. (previously mentioned).

• 1907 – Wisconsin Governor Nelson Dewey (state’s first governor), Lancaster, Wis. • 1908 – President William McKinley, Somerville,N.J. (previously mentioned).

• 1910 – Chief Oshkosh, commemorating the treaty with the Menominee, Oshkosh, Wis.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Sicilian Loves by Benedict Di Salvo recounts love, life and recipes of his Sicilian family

by Barbara Collignon “It’s easier to dust off a book than it is to wash a kid’s face, so get started on it.”

With this exhortation from his father and encouragement (otherwise known as gentle nagging) from his family, Benedict J. Di Salvo sat down to fulfill a promise to his father to write about his Sicilian family’s heritage. “Sicilian Loves: A Story of Love, Food and Conflict” is the heartwarming result. It is a tribute not just to Cosmo Di Salvo, Benedict’s father, but also to his expanded entrepreneurial family and Sicilian culture and cuisine transplanted to the Midwest.

Part I recalls Cosmo’s early life in Santa Flavia and Bagheria, Sicily, before joining his father in Milwaukee.

Cosmo’s and his mother’s reluctant departure to join Benedetto was celebrated with a feast of the finest food in Santa Flavia. His mother, Vincenza, prepared their favorite dishes, including “Cosmo’s Veal Stew with Spaghetti or ‘Spezzatello,’” “Eggplant Marinade in Garlic and Oil” and “Green Olive Salad.”

These recipes are among the 75 recipes included in the book along with an “Introduction” and “Final Comments” contributed by Cosmo as he prepared the collection for Benedict. They constitute a labor of love and are a true gift to readers.

Cosmo left Sicily with a gift from an uncle, a quarry stone worked into the shape of America. Once arrived in Milwaukee, his mother, Vincenza, pointed to the approximate spot where they were going – Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here, in the New World, Cosmo would be beset with conflict. While his mother tried to preserve Santa Flavia’s way of life and its values, his father sought to teach him to be a dutiful son among new Sicilian American customs, and to follow him and his associates (Mafia).

Cosmo’s memories of life in pre-war Milwaukee are colorful and interesting.

Any reader of a certain age will appreciate the many place name references mentioned in the book.

For example, Cosmo attended West Division High School. There are references to McKinley Beach, Wisconsin Avenue, Lake Park, Lincoln High School, Our Lady of Pompeii Church and the Tic-Toc-Club.

These memories are interspersed with references to various recipes for “Rice Balls.” “Spiedini,” “Fried Squid,” “Ricotta Buns,” “Minestra or pasta with artichokes, asparagus and garlic.”

At this point during your reading of “Sicilian Loves,” reading how the Sicilian immigrants strove to preserve the celebration of their beloved holidays like Saint Joseph’s Day (“bigger than Christmas”), you may be inspired to get up and cook!

Benedetto, Benedict’s grandfather, was so respected in the Third Ward that he was elected president of the two-day long Saint Joseph Festival. Cosmo was proud of his father. But suddenly, life tragically changed. After bearing five children, Cosmo’s mother died while carrying a sixth baby and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery. Author Benedict Di Salvo describes how the death affected his father, Cosmo, making him wonder about marital happiness. His parents’ marriage had been not about love but “a battleground to see who was

Benedict Di Salvo

to have the greater influence on their son.” These musings, insightful psychological reflections on his family, constitute one of the book’s many appeals.

Chapter 3 describes what constituted an American Sicilian and Albanian courtship, wedding and particularly picturesque but no longer observed rituals – the Viewing of the Trousseau and the Eighth Day. This chapter and the front cover contain beautiful wedding photos of Cosmo’s mother and father and his own to Mary Maisano. The brides are wearing elaborate dresses and long, luxuriant veils, with several attendants and multiple bouquets. These photos are family treasures not unlike some you may have of your own family.

In this chapter you will find references to many delicacies such as “Cosmo’s Moscardini Cookie,” “Pasta Milanese,” “Rosolio,” and “Eggplant Relish or Caponatina..

Cosmo became manager of Di Salvo’s Spaghetti House on Regent Street in Madison. It opened in 1941. It was so popular that even Lawrence Welk and vocalists chose to dine there when in town. French fried shrimp and spaghetti cost only 35 cents and it was a great success. Other favorites included “Octopus Salad”, “Pasta Milanese

kid.’”

Editor’s note: “Sicilian Loves”

by Benedict J. Di Salvo, copyright 2017. Cover design and photo placement by Diane E. Di Salvo. Published by Benedict Di Salvo. ISBN: 978-1-946208-33-0. Visit: www.sicilianloves.com.

And now, a word from Italy

by Blaise Di Pronio Salary: A fixed amount of money paid to a worker as compensation for services, usually measured on a monthly or annual basis.

It is derived from the Italian sale or salt and salario which was the money given to Roman soldiers to buy salt. Salt was highly valued and its production was legally restricted in ancient times, so it was used as a method of trade and currency.

Opera insights continued

from page 12 uncle. Here is the beautiful, memorable aria Nemorino sings once he finds out Adina loves him.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

(or Pasta con Sarde)” and “Faccia Vecchia” (translated it means “old people’s face”). It’s pizza made with anchovies, onions and tomatoes.

You’ll have to read the book to discover why the restaurant and patrons celebrated St. Patrick’s Day there with such great gusto, wearing little green hats and singing the favorite old Irish songs.

Cosmo lived long enough to celebrate 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife Mary. “My father died on May 3, 1988, while working with me on this book. He drafted with comments, the recipes he held dearly yet shared so generously throughout his life.”

Benedict regretted not having given his father a grandson to carry on the name Di Salvo and asked his father if this book would be a substitute for a grandson. “No. But I appreciate what you are doing . . . I am proud of you, and I think it will be successful. After all, with what we have, how can we lose? And besides, you once said, “It’s easier to dust off a book than it is to wash a

Una furtiva lagrima Negl’occhi suoi spunto: Quelle festose giovani Invidiar sembro.

Che piu cercando io vo?

Che piu cercando io vo?

M’ama, si m’ama, lo vedo, lo vedo.

Un solo instante I palpiti Del suo bel cor sentir!

I miei sospir, confondere Per poco a’ suoi sospir!

I palpiti, I palpiti sentir, Confondere I miei coi suoi sospir

Cielo, si puo morir!

Di piu non chiedo, non chiedo.

Ah! Cielo, si puo, si puo morir, Di piu non chiedo, non chiedo.

Si puo morir, si puo morir d’amor.

One tear that falls so furtively.

From her sweet eyes has just sprung, As if she envied all the youths Who laughingly passed her right by.

What could I want more than this?

She loves me! I see it.

One moment just to hear her heart, Beating so close next to mine, To hear my sighs like they were

hers, Her sighs as if they were mine!

Heavens, please take me now: All that I wanted is mine now!

A subject Donizetti’s fans might want to explore would be how syphilitic madness might have influenced his work. E. Peschel and R. Peschel wrote a paper entitled “Donizetti and the music of mental derangement: Anna Bolena, Lucia di Lammermoor, and the composer’s neurobiological illness.”

L’Elisir d’amore is the featured Met Opera in HD on Saturday, Feb. 10 with an encore showing on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The presentations can be viewed at the North Shore Cinema in Mequon.

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 13

Here’s something fishy

by Blaise Di Pronio If you’re eating at a fish fry, it must be Friday. If it’s Friday, it’s fish for dinner. If you’re in Wisconsin, fried fish is part of your diet along with beer, brats and cheese.

If I were to ask Italian Community Center members where the name of Friday came from, I would wager a large sum that most would say: “because that’s the fish fryday.”

Actually, the name “Friday” is associated with the Old English goddess Frige who was known also in Old Norse as Frigg. Frigg is the wife of the major god Odin. No such erroneous frying connotation exists in Italy as that same day of the week is called Venerdi after the love goddess Venere or Venus and her eponymous planet. But let’s get

back to the Friday fish affiliation.

Early Christians associated that day of the week with the corresponding day that Jesus was crucified and it was observed as a day of fast (a day without eating flesh/meat) in remembrance. In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas formalized it as a day of abstinence. Catholics commemorate Fridays as a way to remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross by performing some penance, such as this not eating of meat. Since fish was considered a non-flesh meat, it became a favorite Friday food. Since early Protestants did start out as Catholics and Catholics were always numerous, the practice took hold and continued to the modern times. Aside: the meat that was not allowed was considered flesh meat or meat from

A 10-year-old mattress weighs double what it did when it was new due to debris that it absorbs over time. That debris includes dust mites (their droppings and decaying bodies), mold, millions of dead skin cells, dandruff, animal and human hair, secretions, excretions, lint, pollen, dust, soil, sand, and a lot of perspiration, which the average person loses at a rate of a quart a day. Now try to have a good night! * * * In space, astronauts cannot cry because there is no gravity, and tears can’t flow. * * * Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. * * * There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. * * * The Olympic flag’s colors are always red, black, blue, green, and yellow rings on a field of white.

This is because at least one of those colors appears on the flag of every nation on the planet.

* * * The average lifespan of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. * * * According to Genesis 1:20-22, the chicken came before the egg. * * * It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.

Did you now?

anything that would be considered a warm blooded animal. There was a perceived belief that it was harder to give up those types of tasty meats compared to fish and thus having to eat only fish would be a worthy penance.

It should also be noted that fish was an early symbol of Christianity since fishing played an important role in the day-to-day lives of Jesus and his followers. Many of the disciples were fishermen by trade until they were turned into “fishers of men.” And let’s not forget the miracle of the loaves and fishes and the fish eaten after the Resurrection.

The modern fish fry tradition is strong in Wisconsin where the tradition began because it was settled heavily by Catholics of Germany, Poland and other countries whose religion forbade eating meat on Fridays. The many lakes in the state meant that fish was always in ample supply. Scandinavian settlements in northern and eastern Wisconsin favored the fish boil, a variant on the fish fry, which involves heating potatoes, white fish and salt in a large cauldron. A typical Wisconsin fish fry consists of beer batter fried cod, perch, bluegill or walleye. The meal usually comes

with tartar sauce, french fries or potato pancakes, coleslaw and rye bread.

The Wisconsin fish fry tradition mostly took off in the 1920s and 1930s, when taverns were unable to sell beer during Prohibition so fried fish dinners were seen as a very profitable source of new income, as fish was plentiful from the many lakes in the state and relatively inexpensive. During this time, those bars that chose to follow the law started holding a social fish fry on Fridays to help bring in some money. Speakeasies, on the other hand, occasionally served free fried fish, making money on the illegal booze.

In an uncertain homage and tribute of sorts, the Friday fish fry tradition was, er..., enshrined by the “Filet-O-Fish,” a fish sandwich sold by the international fast food chain store McDonald’s. It was invented in 1962 by a franchise owner in Cincinnati, Ohio in response to falling hamburger sales on Fridays resulting from the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. Its longevity proved erratic due to the subsequent lifting on the meat ban and the growing shortage of fish supplies.

Majella National Park Abruzzo - Italy

Here is what you need to know about the Majella National Park in the Abruzzo Region of Italy. It is a park completely made by a mountain, the Mother Mountain of Abruzzo, in the most inaccessible and wildest area of the Central Apennine. It is known as the “Holy Mountain” because of its many holy monuments which always inspire with profound religiousness and, for this reason, it was very dear to Pope Celestine V and to the hermits.

It is the Park of the wolf, the bear, the vast plateaus of the high altitudes and of the wild and imposing canyons, but also the Park of the retreats, the abbeys, the drystone huts and the wonderful old town centers of the municipalities which belong to the park territory.

– Courtesy of: parcomajella.it

And now, a word from Italy

by Blaise Di Pronio Ridicule: The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.

It comes from the Italian ridere or to laugh and ridicolo or ridiculous, funny and hilarious.

PAGE 14 – JANUARY 2018

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Mother and Child reunions

by Blaise Di Pronio Is there a more iconic and quintessential sculpture in existence than Michelangelo’s Pietà (Pity)?

Maybe his David? Possibly Rodin’s Le Penseur (The Thinker)? But in Milwaukee there is really only one answer.

The Pietà holds a special place to us in this city and, more specifically, to us at the ICC. As all should know, the ICC has become the adopted home to the cast (from the original!) bronze replica of the renowned and beloved statue. It is one of only three cast in the world.

Shortly after this one was made in 1945, the Italian government outlawed full-scale reproductions of monumental works. It was created by the Marinelli Foundry in Flo-

rence.

As a personal aside, I must indicate that the only way (and the way Michelangelo originally intended) to see Michelangelo’s work, which from the front looks very still and poised, is actually full of flowing and coiling curves, bends and very complex contours, is three dimensionally. Moving to the sides provides unbelievably different feelings and reactions than viewing the sculpture from the front. Unfortunately, like at the Vatican, as of now, we are forced to view this wondrous work behind glass and by its front only.

So continuing with this story of icons, is there a more archetypical and recognizable modern artist than Pablo Picasso? There might be

several but none with the mastery, power and imagery of the part-Italian Spaniard. His mother, Maria Picasso y Lopez, was of one quarter Italian descent from the territory of Genoa. It was her Italian last name that Pablo took as his own.

Picasso’s most famous work is clearly his monumental masterpiece, Guernica, the anti-war painting inspired by the aftermath of the 1937 wartime attack of the Spanish town of Guernica. On market day April 26, 1937, the citizens of Guernica gathered for their customary shopping and socializing. Unfortunately, German warplanes descended upon the town. They bombed Guernica and killed 1,600 people. Fires burned for three days and destroyed the town. The largescale monochromatic painting captured “il dolore e morte” or “pain and death” of the aftermath. His images are searing and soul searching.

So why Pietà and Guernica in the same article? Recall that the Pietà depicts a heart-wrenching, weeping and inconsolable mother

and a lifeless son. In fact, such an image is also featured in Guernica, albeit almost lost and forgotten. Picasso’s reference and tribute to Michelangelo’s Pietà is clear and unambiguous. The mother and dead son that appear on the left side of his majestic size canvas, just under the bull, as if protected by the animal, present a turned face looking towards the sky in a gesture of pain. Her sharpened tongue is like a knife and her eyes are shaped like tears. In her arms, she holds her dead son whose eyes have no pupils. Thus, in clear deference to the Virgin Mary holding her dead Jesus in her arms – a symbol of a mother’s love and suffering.

The only difference is that one child was resurrected while, even though his mother screams and screams, nothing will bring the other one back. What a Pity!

Oh, little darling of mine I can’t for the life of me Remember a sadder day

– Paul Simon - Mother And Child Reunion (1972)

Picasso;s Guernica

Word Search: Seasonal Fun solved from page 12

Here is the magnificent bronze replica cast of Michelangelo’s Pietà that is displayed in a glass-enclosed case in the galleria at the Italian Community Center. In 2008, the ICC was fortunate to receive this work as a donation from Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art. The replica was cast at a foundry in Florence, Italy, from plaster molds from the original sculpture. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

A history of the cuckoo clock

THE ITALIAN TIMES

by Blaise Di Pronio Kenosha-born Orson Welles (b.

1915) was an American actor, director, writer and producer who worked in theater, radio and film.

He is remembered for his innovative work in all three methods.

There is one famous quote from one of his films that encapsulates precisely a lot of my Italian-themed writings, “Wherein I exalt all things Italian.”

In Welles’ 1950 movie, The Third Man, considered a film noir masterpiece by many, the character Harry Lime had his notorious say about Europe and Italy. In a famous scene, Lime meets with another character in a large Ferris wheel in an amusement park.

Looking down on the people below from his vantage point, Lime compares them to dots and says that it would be insignificant if one of them or a few of them “stopped moving, forever.”

Back on the ground, he then notes: “You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace – and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”

Basta. Enough said. I rest my case!

Words in an Italian word

by Blaise Di Pronio How many words can you make with the letters in “MADONNA” (My Lady)?

Find the answers on page 17

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 15

La Pagina Italiana di Donato Di Pronio Le prime notizie storiche sui mulini azionati da energia idraulica risalgono al I secolo a. C. Strabone, storico e geografo greco e grande viaggiatore (c. 60 a.C. e c. 20 d.C.), parla nei suoi scritti di mulini ad acqua (hydralètes). Plinio il Vecchio (nato a Como nell’anno 23 d. C. e morto durante l’eruzione del Vesuvio del 24 agosto dell’anno 79 d. C., eruzione che seppellì Pompei, Ercolano e Stabia) scrive nella “Naturalis Historia (una summa del sapere scientifico antico) che per la macinazione si adoperavano pestelli e ruote fatte girare dall’acqua (quas aqua verset), oltre alle macine tradizionali (macchine molitorie fatte girare a mano, da asini e muli, ecc.).

Il termine mulino deriva da mola, macina; nel Medioevo era detto “aquimolus” (acqua più mola).

I mulini erano costruiti sulle sponde di fiumi, di torrenti, di canali, per sfruttare l’energia cinetica del flusso dell’acqua convogliata su di una ruota, semisommersa, munita di pale o tazze: l’acqua cadendo su di essa le imprime un movimento rotatorio che fornisce l’energia necessaria per le varie fasi di lavorazione. La ruota era messa o in posizione orizzontale (lenta e creava molti problemi), o verticale con vantaggi notevoli che consentivano di usare macine anche di rilevanti dimensioni. I mulini ad acqua erano diffusissimi.

Ancora oggi qualche nostalgico mantiene in attività il proprio mulino per uso personale e di

Mulini ad acqua

qualche amante, come lui, di cose sane e salutari.

Sino agli inizi del secolo scorso ne erano in funzioni ben quattro anche a Roccamorice, caratteristico Abruzzese (le cui paesino umilissime origini sono anteriori all’èra cristiana) che sorge a circa 500 metri slm. sopra uno sperone roccioso tra strapiombi da brivido, circondato da corsi d’acqua, d’acqua pura e cristallina, da vaghe colline e riposanti contrade, da pianori ricchi di pascolo, da aridi ed assetati colli incappucciati di cime brulle arrotondate da agenti atmosferici, da monti - carichi di storie e di misteri - nobilitati da sovrumano silenzio e da immensa quiete e che, d’inverno, a chi da lontano lo miro, appare coperto di candido manto di latte di piume, e gli viene di sognare bimbi che se ne stanno dietro le finestre a veder attraverso i vetri la neve mite e nitida.

Camminando per le rùe di Roccamorice tra case addossate l’una all’altra, ti immergi in un mondo antico: la musica della fontana … un arco di età vetusta … una parete sbrecciata dagli anni e dal vento … il profumo del pane appena sfornato … il gradevole effluvio delle pezzèlle ... l’aroma di sughi ingentiliti con segrete erbette maiellesi … l’aspro odore del mosto in fermentazione … il fumigar d’un camino … gli occhi verdi d’un gatto che ti fissano … il suono delle campane … l’incanto dell’ora del tramonto quando su l’aure corre l’umil saluto dell’Avemaria …

Anno nuovo

Ho incontrato per la via un vecchietto tutto bianco camminava curvo e stanco pieno di malinconia.

Tristemente ha mormorato “Sono l’anno che è passato.”

Saltellando poi veniva un allegro fanciullino e rideva birichino dietro l’anno che finiva; pien di gioia mi ha cantato “Sono l’anno appena nato.” * * *

Capodanno

Salutiamo riverenti il vecchio anno che se ne va col greve suo fardello e fidando muoviamo incontro al nuovo uscente dal mistero tutto bello.

Porta al mondo, che tiepido t’aspetta, doni d’amore, di pace, di armonia.

E così sia. * * *

Anno vecchio Anno nuovo

Detti Popolari – Popular Sayings

1. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna): I cumplimeint ein come i fonz: i pio be i ein i pio velenos.

Compliments are like mushrooms, the most beautiful are the most poisonous.

2. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna): Se vueo perdere un amico vino poco buono e legna di fico.

(Literally) If you want to lose a friend give him just a little good wine and make a fire with fig wood.

(Meaning) If you want to keep your friends. be hospitable -give them lots of good wine (Don’t

PAGE 16 – GENNAIO 2018

skimp) and make sure the room you are serving it in is nice and warm.

3. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna) E’ signore e’ magna quand ch’l la fan; e puret quand ch’u n’a.

The rich eat when they are hungry, the poor when one has something (to eat).

4. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna): L’aqua la fa mel, e ven e fa cante.

Water makes you feel bad and wine makes you sing.

5. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna): J’omi cative e al vein bon i duri

pocu.

Bad men and good wine don’t last long.

6. (Dialect-Emilia Romagna): E sumar e’ porta e’ ven mo e be dl’aqua.

(Literally): The donkey carries the wine but drinks the water.

(Meaning) It’s not the worker (the little guy/donkey) who benefits from his labour but his boss (the top dog). * * * Thanks to:italyrevisited.org.

L’anno vecchio se ne va, e mai più ritornerà, io gli ho dato una valigia di capricci e impertinenze, di lezioni fatte male, di bugie e disubbidienze, poi gli ho detto: ‘Porta via! Questa è tutta roba mia’.

Anno nuovo, avanti avanti, ti fan festa tutti quanti, tu la gioia e la salute porta ai cari genitori, ai parenti e agli amici rendi lieti tutti i cuori, d’esser buono ti prometto, anno nuovo benedetto.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Comune di Catanzaro

Catanzaro (89.364 abitanti, censimento 2011) è la Città Capoluogo della Regione Calabria. strategicamente Situata nell’omonimo istmo - il punto più stretto della Penisola, appena 35 chilometri dalla costa jonica a quella tirrenica - è importante centro direzionale, commerciale e culturale, ospitando considerevoli funzioni amministrative di livello regionale.

E’ sede, come detto, del Governo della Regione Calabria, della I Corte d’Appello, dell’Ufficio scolastico regionale, del Comando Regionale Militare e della maggior parte degli uffici con competenza sull’intero territorio calabrese.

Catanzaro è, dal 1982, sede universitaria statale (anche se nei secoli precedenti all’unificazione italiana era già sede di scuole universitarie).

Il suo ateneo, denominato “Magna Grecia”, è imperniato sulle facoltà principali di medicina, farmacia e giurisprudenza, nonché su numerosi e innovativi corsi di laurea. E’ sede di Arcidiocesi

Metropolìta. La Città è dotata di importanti e moderne strutture culturali, come il nuovo Teatro Politeama, progettato da Paolo Portoghesi; l’area museale del complesso monumentale del San Giovanni, sede di importanti mostre; l’Arena all’aperto “Magna Grecia”; nonché dell’Auditorium “Casalinuovo”.

Affacciata sul mare Jonio (vanta circa 8 chilometri di spiaggia e un porto peschereccio), Catanzaro è limitrofa al Parco archeologico di Scolacium. Il sito su cui sorge Catanzaro, al centro del Golfo di Squillace, è ricco di testimonianze paleolitiche e neolitiche. Poco hanno lasciato i Romani, ai quali si deve soprattutto la costruzione di strade tra cui l’importantissima Capua - Reggio del 132 a.C. Solo col Risorgimento la città uscirà dal suo lungo letargo. La seconda metà dell’Ottocento vede un cambiamento profondo nell’edilizia cittadina: viuzze e casupole fanno posto al lungo corso, l’attuale Corso Mazzini, tutt’oggi arteria principale della città. Ai

bordi del Corso principale nascono una serie di caffè, di centri culturali e d’imponenti palazzi, opera non solo di maestri locali ma anche di artisti forestieri, tra i quali il fiorentino Federico Andreotti ed il

figlio Enrico. A questi si deve la progettazione e decorazione del Palazzo Fazzari (1876), il Belvedere (Via F. De Seta o Bellavista) e la creazione di Villa Margherita.

– dal sito: comunecatanzaro.it

L’angolo delle Curiosità

Mestieri estinti: La Materassaia

Italian idioms and expressions

1. Ridere a crepapelle.

Literally: Laugh until one’s skin bursts.

Equivalent: Split one’s sides laughing.

4. Da capo a dodici.

Literally: From the head to twelve.

Equivalent: Back where we started or from the top.

3. Capitare tra capo e collo.

Literally: Situated between the head and neck.

Equivalent: Arrive unexpectedly, i.e.,crop up.

6. Non avere né capo né coda.

Literally: Having neither head or tail.

Equivalent: Have no beginning or end or be all over the place.

2. Far ridere i polli.

Literally: Make chickens laugh.

Equivalent: Be a laughing stock.

5. Lavata di capo.

Literally: A head washing.

Equivalent: Harsh scolding or good telling off.

Parco Nazionale della Majella (Abruzzo - Italia)

Un Parco tutto di montagna, la Montagna Madre d’Abruzzo nella parte più impervia e selvaggia dell’Appennino Centrale, la Montagna “Sacra”, perché pervasa da una sacralità monumentale che da sempre ispira profonda religiosità e per questo tanto cara al Papa Celestino V e agli eremiti.

Il Parco del Lupo, dell’Orso, dei

vasti pianori d’alta quota e dei canyons selvaggi e imponenti, ma anche il Parco degli Eremi, delle Abbazie, delle capanne in pietra a secco, dei meravigliosi centri storici dei Comuni che ne fanno parte.

Un Parco che vi aspetta con tutto il calore, la gentilezza e l’ospitalità proprie dell’Abruzzo forte e gentile.

Words in an Italian word

from page 15 60 words in “MADONNA”: 1. madonna 2. adman 3. daman 4. donna 5. manna 6. monad 7. nomad 8. anan 9. anna 10. anno 11. anoa 12. anon 13. damn 14. dona 15. mana 16. mand 17. mano 18. moan 19. mona 20. naam 21. naan 22. nada 23. nana 24. noma 25.

nona 26. ado 27. ama 28. ana 29. and 30. ann 31. dam 32. dan 33. dom 34. don 35. maa 36. mad 37. man 38. mna 39. moa 40. mod 41. mon 42. nam 43. nan 44. nod 45. nom 46. non 47. oda 48. aa 49. ad 50. am 51. an 52. da 53. do 54. ma 55. mo 56. na 57. no 58. od 59. om 60. on.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

di Donato Di Pronio Un mio nipote di ritorno da una settimana di vacanze, ospite di amici residenti in un paesino di montagna, mi ha parlato con espressioni superlative delle soporifere dormite sopra un materasso di lana.

Mentre quasi distrattamente lo ascoltavo, sono affiorati a mille nella mia mente i ricordi sui comodi materassi di lana sui quali sino a qualche anno fa distendevo le mie membra, dopo giornate di lavoro e di problemi.

Oh, la sensazione di fresco e di pulito che ti conciliava il sonno e ti preparava ad affrontare un nuovo giorno!

Ricordo con tanta simpatia la robusta signora (la materassaia) che annualmente, a primavera, dopo aver disfatto il materasso, ne andava a lavare la lana nell’acqua corrente di un vicino torrentello.

Nei giorni successivi, quando la lana si era asciugata, la cardava e poi la risistemava in nel grosso sacco di tela ricomponendo il materasso: fissava la lana passando da parte a parte il saccone con un lungo ago che si trascinava uno spago molto resistente..

La storia del materasso (la parola deriva dall’arabo matrah col

6 Gennaio

Sopra i tetti, pian pianino va la vecchia e, dal camino, poi si cala e giù rimbalza per riempire la tua calza di carbone o di dolcetti di arance e di giochetti.

Poi risale, se ne va e un altr’anno tornerà! * * *

Arriva la Befana

Arriva la Befana Zitti, zitti bimbi buoni, presto, presto giù a dormire: la Befana è per venire col suo sacco pien di doni.

La Befana è una vecchina che discende dalla luna sulla scopa di saggina non appena il ciclo imbruna.

E si accosta pian pianino

significato di posarsi, gettarsi sopra) è lunga e antica. Durante il Neolitico (periodo che va dall’ottavo al quarto millennio a.C.), si dormiva su giacigli di foglie secche ricoperte con pelli di animali; gli Egizi (3000 a.C.) si stendevano su mucchi di rami di palma collocati agli angoli delle abitazioni; gli antichi Romani (200 anni a.C.) su sacchi ripieni di erbe secche (i benestanti su sacchi ripieni di lana e di piume).

I Crociati (la Prima Crociata venne bandita da papa Urbano II nel 1095) importarono l’uso degli Arabi di dormire su grossi cuscini poggiati a terra. Dal Rinascimento (diffusosi in Europa dalla metà del XIV secolo a tutto il XVI) invalse l’abitudine di riempire i sacconi con paglia, baccelli di piselli sgranati ed altro. Ad iniziare dal 1500 si cominciò ad infilarvi anche le brattee che rivestono le pannocchie del mais (fu importato in Europa subito dopo la scoperta dell’America).

Con il passare degli anni, si cominciò a sollevare i giacigli da terra e collocarli su reti di corda, strisce di cuoio tese su telai di legno, ecc. Il materasso a molle vide luce nel 1871 e non ebbe subito successo; ad esso seguì nel 1873 quello ad acqua. alle calze e alle scarpette messe in fila sul camino e, ridendo, mette e mette…

Fuori soffia tramontana e vien giù la neve bianca, ma pei bimbi la Befana non ha freddo e non si stanca. * * *

Giungerà all’Epifania

M’han detto: “la Befana non è poi tanto lontana, sulla scopa è già per via giungerà all’Epifania!

Porterà pei bimbi buoni chicche, dolci, panettoni e milioni di altri doni”.

Lietamente la calzetta preparai con grande fretta: la Befana qui passò la mia casa visitò tutto questo mi portò…

GENNAIO 2018 – PAGE 17

Piani per l’Anno Nuovo

da Senatore Renato Turano In questo periodo siamo chiamati ad approvare la prossima legge di stabilità. Come negli anni passati, tutto il mio impegno è posto a garantire quei finanziamenti per la promozione e funzionalità della rete consolare, lingua e cultura Italiana, CGIE, Comites, stampa italiana e camere di commercio italiane all’estero.

Come sapete, nel più grande cosiddetto “Fondo Cultura” sono previsti dei finanziamenti anche per la diffusione della lingua e cultura italiana nel Mondo, e dobbiamo essere in grado di usufruirne attraverso una progettazione di sistema. Le nostre Comunità da sempre hanno rappresentato risorsa del Sistema Paese Italia — ancora di più, oggi possono e devono giocare un ruolo importante per l’Italia. L’italiano e la cultura italiana rappresentano anche un marchio di eccellenza in tutto il Mondo (primi sponsor naturalmente sono le nostre Comunità che abitano all’estero che permettono l’export). La lingua è il veicolo essenziale per mantenere stretti i legami tra le generazioni.

Dalle generazioni degli anziani attraverso la lingua si è potuto trasmettere alle nuove generazioni usi e costumi. Non solo, c’è una forte domanda nel mondo di lingua e cultura italiana. Se ignorata, questa domanda rischia di cedere il posto ad altre lingue e culture.

Penso che bisogna promuovere un forte coordinamento fra la nostra comunità, il CGIE, i Comites, le autorità diplomatiche, l’ICE, l’ENIT, le Camere di Commercio, le strutture di assistenza all’Italian business e le aziende italiane che operano nel mondo. Ulteriore intervento è focalizzato per un adeguamento salariale del personale a contratto in servizio presso i nostri Consolati ed Ambasciate e un incremento del loro contingente ed infine un ultimo tentativo a riaprire i termini di domanda per la cittadinanza degli emigrati all’estero nati in Italia.

Molto importante è la storia che noi Italiani all’estero siamo in grado di portare negli altri Paesi.

Ci siamo trovati in questi mesi di fronte a inutili polemiche ed

attacchi. Voglio ricordare l’attacco a Balbo e al Columbus Day e la mia netta posizione contraria agli attacchi. In questi anni abbiamo avuto modo di constatare come la nostra comunità è cambiata, e come anche la nuova emigrazione è cambiata. Ci troviamo di fronte a nuovi fenomeni migratori che ci obbligano a nuove sfide. Le esigenze dei giovani che arrivano sono molto diverse dalla emigrazione storica a cui siamo chiamati a dare nuove risposte.

Penso che i Comites possono avere un ruolo importante per la nuova emigrazione ed essere di supporto a questi giovani.

L’immagine dell’Italia all’estero e del nostro Sistema Paese dipende molto da come lo proiettiamo e l’attenzione che diamo; affinché tutto questo avvenga non può che passare da un forte investimento di risorse. È altresì importante l’accesso alle informazioni, soprattutto tramite i servizi RAI. È possibile tutti insieme fare delle valutazioni su come oggi il servizio della nostra TV possa avvenire tramite nuove tecnologie.

Dobbiamo pensare a come le nostre comunità siano in grado di accedere a questi servizi attraverso le nuove tecnologie e quanto sia fattibile, riducendo i costi di distribuzione e aumentando la diffusione ed utenza.

Malgrado il successo dei nuovi servizi da parte dei consolati, non dimentichiamo che il maggiore flusso di emigrati e la sempre alta domanda di servizi, specie da parte dei nostri connazionali più anziani, potrebbe non trovare adeguata risposta. Sono convinto che alcuni dei servizi oggi forniti dalle sedi consolari, possono essere svolti dalle sedi dei patronati all’estero.

I molti elementi e attori che ho elencato più su fanno tutti parte del Sistema Italia, una rete che ogni giorno si impegna a mantenere alto il nome del nostro paese. Per assicurarci che tutti facciano bene questo importante lavoro, dobbiamo fare in modo che si tengano a mente gli italiani residenti all’estero quando ci si appresterà ad approvare la nuova legge di stabilità.

Un bambino dice al padre: “Papà papà come fanno i palloncini a volare?”

Il papà: “Perchè sono pieni di gas” il bambino:” Allora perchè non vola anche la nostra bombola del gas che è in cucina?”

cosa che so del padre..che aveva la targa mi z 31182!”

Pagella da Victory K-8

I bambini di K4 sono vivaci e allegri di imparare e tanti sanno scrivere il loro nome. Hanno letto la favola “Il leone e il topo” in italiano e hanno scoperto che anche le cose piccole sono importanti.

Adesso imparano a conoscere i nomi degli animali in italiano e cercano di sillabarli. In matematica sanno contare oltre il 10 e si divertono a contare qualsiasi cosa che attiri la loro attenzione. Si stanno preparando al concerto di Natale e ogni momento e’ buono per cantare. La maestra Bozano ride quando accade qualcosa e i bambini dicono ....

Oh Mammamia! Bravissimi bambini!

Mi piace sentirvi parlare spontaneamente in italiano!

I bambini di Sabrina Lupoli hanno visitato il Lynden Sculpture I bambini hanno Garden. partecipato alla gita sponsorizzata da SHARP Literacy e si sono divertiti molto con Alex Kaftan. Il programma ha integrato un po’ d’arte, lettura, e la natura.

I bambini di prima continuano a fare tanti progressi! Quasi tutti sanno gia` leggere e stanno imparando a comporre delle semplici frasi, anche sul computer!

Di matematica stanno imparando a fare le operazioni entro il 20, e sono molto bravi!

Durante il mese di dicembre faranno anche tante cose belle.

Andranno in gita al Milwaukee Art Museum, allo zoo e andranno anche a vedere lo spettacolo “Il Natale di Charlie Brown” con la classe di Amy Domagalski i bambini si divertono un mondo quando insegnano Italiano ai bambini di Amy Domagalski e quando Amy Domagalski viene a fare yoga con loro, specialmente quando fanno “toega”!

La classe terza della maestra Robertson ha visitato recentemente

il Giardino Botanico Boerner per seguire un progetto intitolato “Plant Hope” che offre agli studenti la possibilita’ di recarsi al giardino botanico nelle diverse stagioni e osservare e imparare come crescono, si distribuiscono e all’equilibrio partecipano dell’ecosistema le piante spontanee.

Gli studenti hanno creato un “Compost Quilt” dove lombrichi vivi trasformano I residui di cibo e le foglie in terreno ricco e produttivo.

Gli studenti che hanno rispettato le regole scolastiche avranno la possibilita’ di recarsi in gita allo Zoo come premio. Gli studenti hanno scritto una storia per il Ringraziamento sul Signor Tacchino e il suo giorno del Ringraziamento in italiano.

Gli alunni di quinta della maestra Rita DeFilippis hanno completato le elezioni presidenziali in novembre. Tutti gli studenti hanno preparato una discorso e un manifesto per la campagna elettorale. Gli studenti hanno discusso sugli argomenti di maggior importanza all’interno della classe e della comunita’ scolastica. Gli studenti hanno usato questi temi per costruire il loro discorso elettorale. Dopo la votazione e’ stata eletta come Presidente Makayla Hernandez e come Vice Presidente Yesmarie Echeveira!

La maestra Enrica e la classe prima collaborano assieme alla classe quinta di Ms. Domagasky e questa settimana insegneranno nuove parole in italiano. La classe quinta si sono informati su avvenimenti che riguardano l’Italia e li illustreranno agli alunni della maestra Enrica. Attualmente gli alunni di quinta stanno imparando I colori in italiano grazie ai loro compagni di prima.

E fatt’na risata

“Mamma sono felice perchè domani avremo la scuola nuova.”

- “E perchè sei tanto contento?”

- “Perchè le nuove aule sono rotonde e la maestra non potrà più mettermi nell’angolo!”

- “Mi tolga una curiosità, signora, perchè lei chiama la sua bambina mi z 31?”

- “Come la posso chiamare diversamente? quello è il nome del padre” - “Uno strano nome” - “Per essere sincera, è l’unica

Interested in advertising in our next issue?

Get all of the details by calling 414-223-2189 or sending an email to Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.

PAGE 18 – JANUARY 2018

Il studente: “Odio la scuola, mi fa impazzire..appena imparo una cosa vanno avanti con qualcos’altro..!”

- “Papà, sai firmare ad occhi chiusi?” chiede Pierino al padre - “Certo!”

- “Allora chiudi gli occhi e firma la mia pagella!”

- “Nonna, mi hanno dato la pagella...”

- “Davvero? E dimmi come vai a scuola?”

- “Vado a piedi!”

La maestra interroga Gigetto: “Gigetto hai studiato geografia?” e Gigetto: “Si signora maestra” la maestra: “Allora dimmi dove si trova la sardegna.” e Gigetto: “A pagina 65 signora maestra!”

- “E’ vero papà, che si possono pescare i treni?”

- “Ma cosa dici Marchino?”

- “E allora a che cosa serve la rete ferroviaria?!”

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Report from the Italian Immersion Program at Victory K-8

The students in K4 are excited to learn and many can already write their own name. They read the fable, “The Lion and the Mouse” in Italian and discovered that even small things are important. They are learning the names of animals in Italian and learning to break words into syllables. In math, they are counting to 10 and love counting any objects that interest them.

Students are practicing for the holiday program. Any time is a good time to sing in K4, says their teacher, Angela Bozano, who laughs when something happens and students respond by saying, “Mamma mia!” or “Bravissimi bambini!” It is wonderful to hear them speak spontaneously in Italian.

Sabrina Lupoli’s K5 students visited the Lynden Sculpture Garden. Students participated in an educational workshop organized by SHARP Literacy and they had a great time with Alex Kaftan, who is the second grade Italian teacher.

The program at the Garden integrated literacy, art, and nature.

First graders continue to make a lot of progress. Almost all students are reading in Italian and are learning to compose simple sentences, even on the computer. In math, they are learning to add and subtract within 20. They are doing great, reports their teacher, Enrica Fracchia-Miller. In December, they had many things that excited them.

They went to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee County Zoo and to see the play, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.” The students have a great time when they teach Italian to the fifth graders and when Amy Domagalski, monolingual instructor, does yoga, especially when it is “toega!”

Annette Robertson’s third grade class recently visited the Boerner Botantical Gardens in a program called, “Plant Hope” where students visit the garden each season and learn about native plants, stratification, seed germination and the importance of native plants in our ecosystem. Students learned much new information and created leaf people portraits with giant leaves from Annette Robertson’s indigenous garden. Students created a “Compost Quilt” where healthy worms live and work to break down food waste and leaves to keep soil healthy and create new rich soil!

Students wrote a Thanksgiving story, then typed it for display this month about Signor Tacchino and his Thanksgiving in Italian!

Rita DeFilippis’s 5th grade class held a presidential election in November. All students created a campaign announcement speech and campaign posters. Students then discussed major issues they felt were important in the classroom and school community. Students used these issues to create their campaign speeches. We voted, and are happy to announce our Class President Makayla Hernandez and Vice President Yesmarie Echeveria.

Enrica Fracchia-Miller and her Italian first grade students have partnered up with Amy Domagalski’s fifth grade students to visit weekly to teach Italian vocabulary.

The fifth graders have been researching facts about Italy and sharing them with the first graders. Currently the fifth graders are learning their color words in the Italian language, compliments of their first grade buddies.

An agenda for the New Year

by Italian Senator Renato Turano It is the time of year when we direct our attention to the government’s fiscal plans for Italy. Just like in past years, my focus is on guaranteeing financial support for our consular network, the promotion of the Italian language and culture, CGIE, Comites, the Italian press and the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad.

First off, the government has set aside a so-called “Culture Fund,” which includes a portion of funding to spread Italian language and culture around the world.

We need to be able to use these funds in a smart way, creating a systematic approach. Our communities have always represented a vital resource for Italy. They will be key in this strategy.

Furthermore, our language and culture represent a label of excellence all over the world. Language is also the essential vehicle to maintain close ties among generations: older generations always pass on to the younger ones many different traditions and values.

Nowadays, there is also a growing demand to learn the Italian language. If we ignore this demand, we risk losing our spot to other languages and cultures.

I think we need to work on better coordination among our communities, the CGIE, Comites, diplomatic authorities, ICE, ENIT, and the chambers of commerce, which are the support centers for Italian businesses operating around the globe. This is the reason for my firm support of these institutions in the form of several amendments to the country’s fiscal plans.

My hope is that more money and resources can be dedicated to these important realities.

I am also working toward obtaining a raise for all those contracted to work at our consulates and embassies and, in general, to have their numbers increased.

Then there’s my never-ending hope that we will be able to reinstate the possibility for many emigrants born in Italy to regain citizenship from their country of birth.

We Italians living abroad are a vast community, and it is important to remember all the history that we carry with us when moving to another country. Over the past few months, we have witnessed useless criticism and attacks on our community, including attacks on Italo Balbo and Christopher Columbus. I am very critical of these attacks.

Over the years, we have seen our community change and evolve.

Newly arrived immigrants are also very different from those who came here decades ago.

We find ourselves grappling with new immigration patterns, which bring new challenges. The needs of younger immigrants are very different from the needs of the older generations and we must find the right answers.

I think Comites can have an important role for these new and young immigrants.

The image of Italy that we project depends on how much attention we dedicate to our country. It is therefore vital to sustain RAI television’s mission abroad, although we also must think about strategies and ways to implement new technologies that can benefit our community.

A smart mix of traditional and innovative technology can help us reach out to more people.

Keeping in mind all these elements, our outreach to the community is certainly a primary goal. I do fear, though, that our consular networks might be stretched too thin, especially as the influx of new immigrants continues to grow steadily. That is why I have been advocating for a more prominent role for the patronati when it comes to delivering essential services to our citizens, who might have a hard time getting to their nearest consulate.

The many institutions that I have listed above are part of the Italy System, a network that strives every day to highlight the value of our country. In order for everyone to do their job, we must ensure that all Italians living abroad are kept in mind as we finalize the fiscal plans for Italy’s future.

Reasons to visit Sicily in January and February

THE ITALIAN TIMES

The thinking runs contrary to all “conventional” wisdom of most travelers, but perhaps the best time to visit Sicily is in the winter months of January and February, according to Stefania Lanza, a tourism specialist in London.

Here are some of the reasons Lanza suggests visiting Sicilia in the first two months of the year: • If your interests are mainly cultural and historical, as opposed to sun worshipping, tourist will find fewer crowds at the most important archaeological and historical sites.

• That also goes for resorts like those in Taormina, where people will find the streets refreshing free of tourists.

• In some ways, tourists will find that service in restaurants and hotels is better. Tourism is essential to these businesses yearround.

• Importantly for many, the trip costs less during January and February, especially flights and hotels.

• Shopping in early January allows tourists to take advantage of the after Christmas sales on everything from coats to shoes.

• For those who ski, there will still be snow in the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains, and you can ski on Mount Etna.

• Many golfers contend that January and February are the best months to hit the courses in Sicily.

• Obviously, people don’t have to contend with the heat of the summer months. The daytime high temperatures across Sicily in January and February range from 52º to 55º while nighttime lows are between 42º and 45º.

• Tourists can enjoy the seasonal culinary specials seldom experienced the rest of the year, such as the sea urchins of February.

• As for activities, there is Agrigento’s Almond Festival in late February or Siracusa’s San Lucia Festival earlier in the month.

JANUARY 2018 – PAGE 19

New Year’s celebrating here and in Italy

by Blaise Di Pronio Happy New Year to all! May the new year be healthy, rewarding and may it go by in slow motion as mine seemingly doesn’t just go byit flies by!

Don’t forget your resolutions. A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life. Yeah, sure! Nevertheless,

be it resolved that random luck strike me in 2018.

In Italy, we don’t say Happy New Year but we do wish each other a Buon Capodanno which translates to: “Good New Head of Year”. Capo means head or, in this case, head/first in line of 365 days.

So, presumably, the good wishes extend to 365 days in the U.S. but only to the first day in Italy – and then you’re on your own for the remaining 364.

New Year’s Day marks the start

of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a relatively modern practice but it should be noted that the Romans began marking the start of their civil year on January 1 in their calendar, the traditional springtime opening of the growing season and time for major military campaigns.

The feast of Saint Sylvester is the day of the feast of Pope Sylvester I, a saint who served as Pope from 314 to 335. The feast day is held on the anniversary of Saint Sylvester’s death on December 31, a date that, since the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, has coincided with New Year’s Eve. Saint Sylvester’s Day liturgi-

cally marks the last day of Christmastide (the post-Christmas period celebrated by the Catholic church also known as the Christmas Octave – Dec.24 to Dec. 31. Saint Sylvester’s Day celebrations are marked by church attendance at Midnight Mass or a Watchnight service, as well as fireworks, partying and feasting.

The most common Italian tradition for New Year’s Eve is called “il Veglione“ that literally means “The Big Stay Awake.” A Veglione is usually organized at home, in restaurants, hotels or clubs and it’s just a party with food, drink and music where people wait for midnight to greet the New Year.

Any member of the Italian Community Center who has a change of address is asked to notify the ICC promptly so that mailings from the Center are sent to the correct address.

Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulk rates to mail The Italian Times, the United States Postal Service is entitled to charge a fee for each newspaper that is returned to the ICC and deemed undeliverable due to an incorrect address.

Even if you are temporarily away from your permanent residence and are not receiving mail at that address, you need to notify the ICC of your temporary address so that your newspaper can be delivered to that address and so that the ICC is not charged for each failed attempt to deliver the publication to your permanent residence.

Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not

forwarded to a new address, which means those members who neglect to inform the ICC of their change of address will not receive the newspaper.

Please send change of address information to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 or email Constance Palmer at cpalmer@iccmilwauker.com or call her at 414223-2808.

Members: Please notify ICC of a change of address; noncompliance is costly for ICC

San Sebastiano feast day celebrated in Sicily and Abruzzo

The feast day of San Sebastiano is celebrated in many places in Sicily on Jan. 20.

In Mistretta in the Messina province of Sicily, a huge statue of the saint is paraded through the town on a litter borne by 60 men.

In Acireale in Sicily’s Catania province, there is a colorful parade with a silver carriage and singing of hymns.

The coastal Abruzzo town of Ortono (Chieti province) celebrates by lighting the Vaporetto, a brightly colored papier maché model of a boat, which is decorated and loaded with fireworks, in front of the cathedral named in honor of San Sebastiano.

Historic fair in Aosta set for Jan. 30-31

Taking place in the historic center of Aosta (Valle D’Aosta region of Italy), the Fair of Saint Orso is a 1,000-year-old event that showcases the creativity of the Aosta Valley residents. It attracts thousands of exhibitors, craftsmen and visitors every year.

The dates for the 2018 fair are Tuesday, Jan. 30 and Wednesday, Jan. 31.

The objects on display range from sculptures and ornaments to clothing and toys, manufactured with a variety of primary materials like wood, stone, wrought iron, lace and wool.

Concerts, folklore events and stands packed with mouth-watering specialties keep visitors entertained on the days before, during and after the Fair of Saint Orso.

PAGE 20 – JANUARY 2018

THE ITALIAN TIMES