Mar 2014 online

THE

ITALIAN TIMES Published by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com VOL. 35, NO. 8 MARCH 2014

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

PASTE ADDRESS LABEL HERE.

– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –

Come celebrate the tradition of Il Grande Carnevale, the ICC’s ‘social event of the year’ on Saturday, Mar. 1

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor General Chairpersons Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis want to make sure you are in attendance for the celebration of Il Grande Carnevale, the Italian Community Center’s social event of the year, on Saturday, Mar. 1. It’s going to be a night to remember.

The 35th annual Carnevale will get underway at 5:11 p.m. (traditional Carnevale starting time) with a social hour (cash bar and free hot and cold hors d’oeuvres) in the galleria. At 6:11 p.m., attendees will be called into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom where all the ingredients that make Carnevale so

special will be brought forth. These include great food, royal pageantry, costumes and masks, dancing and general merrymaking.

Another trademark of the event is fabulous Bartolotta Fireworks!

The acclaimed Genesee Depotbased company is graciously returning to present an Italianstyle pyrotechnics show.

Something new this year: free valet parking will be available for guests. The drop off point is in the parking lot south of the building under the canopy, which makes it a short walk to the registration table, the coat check room and the galleria where the festivities begin. The Please turn to page 5

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch buffet or dinner, Cafe La Scala’s new menu earning high marks

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Even this miserable Wisconsin winter couldn’t stop people from trying the new menu at Cafe La Scala, the Italian Community Center’s public restaurant, which is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday.

The extremely affordable prices and generous portions have earned high marks from the breakfast crowd.

The new lunch buffet – which

offers something different each weekday for just $8.50 – is attracting many first-time diners and is generating positive comments.

The new lunch and dinner menu, along with La Scala’s already famous pizza, is making the restaurant a dining destination for families, businesspeople, ICC members and non-members, young adults and seniors.

“We’re excited about how well the new menu and extended hours Please turn to page 8

General Chairpersons Rosemary DeRubertis (left) and Joanne Czubek and their committee are striving to make the 2014 Il Grande Carnevale one of the most exciting and enjoyable in the 35th year history of the pre-Lenten mask and costume ball. After all, Carnevale is the Italian Community Center’s “Social Event of the Year.” Your attendance is requested. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

‘Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series’ ready to go Mar. 4 No cover, no drink minimum, food and beverages can be ordered

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor The third season of the Italian Community Center’s “Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series” will begin on Tuesday, Mar. 4, according to Joe Campagna, Jr., series coordinator, and Tom Sorce, music director.

The series will feature jazz or blues acts on Tuesday nights and good-time rock-and-roll bands on Thursday nights. These shows will again be offered with no cover charge or drink minimum. They will take place in the Festa Ballroom, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The staff of Cafe La Scala, the ICC’s public restaurant, will be on hand to take food and drink orders from 5 p.m. in both the restaurant and the ballroom.

Who’s performing?

Campagna and Sorce announced the the lineup.

• Tuesday, Mar. 4 – Rev. Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. One of the most popular blues acts to play at the ICC the last few years is Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys (www.reverendraven.com).

Please turn to page 6

‘A Taste of Italy’ is Sunday, Apr. 6; ready to indulge?

Italian Community Center members Aggie and George Collura enjoyed lunch at Cafe La Scala on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Aggie was having a bowl of chicken pastina soup and George was having the Tuesday “Pasta Abbondanza” lunch buffet when this picture was taken. General Manager Patrick Morgan is hoping more members will be like George and Aggie and stop in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cafe La Scala is open Monday through Saturday. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Make sure you, your family and friends are in attendance for the Italian Community Center’s 19th annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 6. It’s an Italian food spectacular that you don’t want to miss.

As always, there will be free admission and free parking for the event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Count on a magnificent variety of delicious Italian food being available throughout the building for

truly low prices. Food and beverage tickets will be sold for $1.50 each or – better yet – as a set of seven for $10. “What that means is that you’ll be able to get almost every entree, sandwich, salad, soup, Italian specialty item, dessert and beverage for just one ticket! The only exception will be calamari (deep-friend squid). “Calamari will be available for two tickets.

Because of the cost of calamari, and even the oil to make it, we really don’t have a choice,” said Taste of Italy Chair Ann Romano.

Please turn to page 10

A message from Gina Spang, Italian Community Center President Dear members, regardless of what the ground hog reports, the days are getting longer and spring is on its way! Maybe it is the anticipation of spring that is responsible for the energy and excitement at the Italian Community Center or maybe it is all the wonderful things going on at the ICC. The restaurant is now serving breakfast and has a daily lunch buffet. I love the breakfast menu and I have decided that I am going to eat my way through the menu the same way that I eat my way through the food at Festa. The lunch buffet is a great option for those on the go. Each day offers a wide selection of great food and I like that the buffet lets you eat more of your favorite items. The free parking and buffet options make the ICC a good choice when you want to have good food, but have limited time.

The ICC Board and the mem-

bers who attended the recent general membership meeting voted to bring back the buffet-style dinner before all general membership meetings. The dinner cost for members will be $8 per person.

Non-members will be charged $10.

The general membership meetings are a good opportunity to catch up with your friends or people who you have not seen in a while. Enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine after dinner creates a nice atmosphere for our business meeting. This action – to return to dinner on a regular basis – takes effect immediately.

The Newspaper Committee is always working hard. However, more recently, the committee worked REALLY hard to find a way to return The Italian Times to its former printed publication schedule for our members. While the newspaper regularly appears online on our website –

www.iccmilwaukee.com – it is now returning on a monthly basis as a printed publication with home delivery of the edition to our members. The committee presented its proposal to the ICC Board outlining where costs could be reduced which would offset the expense of the monthly printing and delivery. The proposal was unanimously approved and takes effect immediately.

The Carnevale Committee is putting the final touches on our grand event, I can’t wait to see how the room will be transformed and what surprises the committee has planned for the evening.

Thank you to our committee chairs, volunteers and members at large. Our organization gets its strength and vibrancy from our members and volunteers. We – and by we I mean YOU – are doing

great things for the Community Center. The assortment of activities keeps our members engaged and provides opportunities to have fun. Enjoy your Community Center and have fun along the way.

I look forward to seeing you at Carnevale.

– Gina M. Spang ICC President

Correcting an oversight in the Iannelli Agnello story in last issue’s month In an article that appeared in our February 2014 issue on Valerierose Agnello and her basketball prowess at Wichita State University, we failed to mention that her grandfather Paul Iannelli was the longtime executive director of Festa Italiana and is recognized for his role in the founding

of Festa Italiana on the Summerfest Grounds in 1978. He is also a past president of the Italian Community Center.

Paul served as Festa’s executive director for 32 years and as president of the ICC for three terms (1980-81, 1981-82 and 1990-91).

Festa della Donna celebrated in Italy on Mar. 8 On Mar. 8, Italians will honor the women in their lives by celebrating the national holiday known as “La Festa della donna” (“Women’s Festival”). The day is usually marked by the presentation of yellow mimosa flowers to wives, mothers, sisters and daughters.

As innocent as the sentiment of the holiday sounds, its roots are actually in early 20th century women’s movements. On Mar. 8, 1917, there was a large woman-led protest calling for the end of World War I. The mimosa flower blooms in early March. Their association with La Festa della Donna began in post-World

BREAKFAST IS SERVED! Cafe La Scala is now serving breakfast.

Monday – Saturday, 6 a.m.-11 a.m.

Fri ata (Italian-style omele e) • Breakfast Sandwiches • French Toast Three Egg Omele e • Two Eggs, any style • Much More!

Cafe La Scala at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee FREE PARKING • (414) 223-2185 www.LaScalaMilwaukee.com PAGE 2 – MARCH 2014

War II Rome, when it is believed that men began to present the women in their lives with the delicate flower as a token of respect and appreciation.

Festa della Donna is a big day for restaurants across Italy like Mother’s Day is in the United States.

THE ITALIAN TIMES 631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . . . . Gina Spang Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . Rosemary DeRubertis Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Italian Page Editor . . . . . . . Enrica Tarantino-Woytal Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors and Staff Writers/Reporters . . . . , .Mario A. Carini Angelo Castronovo, Barbara Collignon and Susan Christiansen Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, Tim Townsend and Tom Hemman For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org.

Copyright 2013 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.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

22nd annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon set for Mar. 19 at the ICC

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Chairperson Mary (Mineo) Winard encourages all to attend the Italian Community Center’s 22nd annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon. This year, the celebration will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 19, the actual day set aside by the Catholic Church to honor the foster father of Jesus Christ. The event begins at noon.

A pre-paid reservation policy is in effect. The cost is $17 for an ICC member and $25 for a non-member.

The reservation deadline is Wednesday, Mar. 12. Reservations can be made by completing the form accompanying this article and mailing it with your payment to the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202, or by calling the Center at 414/223-2180 and paying with a credit card.

The St. Joseph’s Day tradition includes a meatless meal. Winard and vice chairperson Ann (D’Amico) Skoczynski report that the ICC menu for the observance will include pasta con sarde e finocchio (pasta with sardines and fennel), eggplant artichokes, tossed salad with grapefruit, Italian bread and coffee, tea or milk. There will be a special dessert.

Another part of the tradition is the setting up of a St. Joseph’s table. The table will be presided over by a statue of St. Joseph and will be blessed by the Very Reverend Timothy Kitzke, who will also deliver the invocation at the beginning of the luncheon. Fr. Tim, as many know him, is also the ICC Chaplain.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, attendees will be given gift bags containing apples, oranges and a small loaf of blessed bread to take home.

Winard said that ICC President Gina Spang will welcome guests to the lunch and ICC member/pianist John Puchner will perform music appropriate for the event.

St. Joseph’s Day tradition St. Joseph’s Day is marked with celebrations across Italy. ICC Historian Mario A. Carini said Sicilian immigrants, who followed the observance in their hometowns, brought the tradition with them when they settled in Milwaukee starting in the late 1880s.

The subject has also been written about by Professor/Cavaliere Philip J. DiNovo, president of the

The ICC presents the St. Josephʼs Day Luncheon Wednesday, Mar. 19 • Reservation Form Name(s): ___________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ____________________ Phone: ____________________________ Number of ICC members attending: ___ @ $17.00 per person = $ Number of non-members attending: ___ @ $25.00 per person = $ American Italian Heritage Association of Albany, N.Y. In an article on the organization’s website (www.aiha-albany.org), DiNovo wrote: “In the Middle Ages, according to tradition, there was a severe drought that destroyed most vegetation and left many people in western Sicily dying of starvation.

People began to pray to St. Joseph asking him to ask the Lord for rain.

They promised if the rains came that they would honor St. Joseph for his intercession and perpetually honor him on March 19.

“At the stroke of midnight, the Lord sent the rain; it was on this day the prayers were heard. The people had water, the vegetation turned green, and there were fish for the fishermen. The St. Joseph altars are based on this traditional legend, which has been handed down from one generation to the next.”

Today in Italy, St. Joseph’s Day is also known as Father’s Day. The

Pre-paid reservations must be received by Wednesday, Mar. 12th.

Tables of 10 available. Please list the people at your table: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Weʼre attending and wish to make an additional donation to the event. contribution.

Besides my payment for reservations, Iʼm sending a $ We are unable to attend, but wish to contribute $ tradition in the high standard of the past.

Checks payable to: St. Josephʼs Luncheon. (One check preferable for all at same table.) MAIL TO: Italian Community Center, Attn.: St. Josephʼs Day Luncheon, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. day, which used to be a national holiday, is traditionally celebrated with bonfires and sometimes pageants with scenes from the life of St. Joseph. Children give gifts to their fathers on San Giuseppe Day. Zeppole (or zeppoli in southern Italian dialects) are traditionally eaten on St. Joseph’s Day. Zeppole

Now available a different lunch buffet Monday through Friday, 11am - 2pm for just $8.50 per person!

Monday – Tex Mex: Black bean salad, soft flour torillas, crispy corn torillas, ground beef, grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, chicken enchiladas, rice and beans.

Tuesday – Pasta Abbondanza: Caesar salad, Italian pasta salad, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, penna pasta, meatballs, tomato basil sauce, Alfredo sauce.

Wednesday – Southern BBQ: Cobb salad, cole slaw, pulled pork shoulder, Mississippi roast beef, mac and cheese, fried potato wedges, corn bread.

Thursday – Italian: Antipasto, rice balls, pasta alla eggplant, chicken Florentine, minestrone soup, sautèed cauliflower.

All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the April 2014 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Thursday, Mar. 6..

All materials can be emailed to editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org, sent to The Italian Times, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Friday – Fish Fry: Tossed salad, tuna pasta salad, baked cod, fried cod, French fries, parsley boiled potatoes, potato pancakes.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

are deep-fried dough balls that are usually topped with powdered sugar and may be filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry cream or a butter and honey mixture. In Rome, Naples and the region of Sicily, these little pastries are sold on many streets and are sometimes given as gifts.

Cafe La Scala wants to make lunch your favorite meal of the day!

Deadline set for our March issue

Interested in avertising? For information, call Faye Ann Kessler (414) 223-2801 or send an email to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org.

to continue this

Also try Cafe La Scala’s new lunch and dinner menu, including our famous pizza, with your favorite beverage!

Cafe La Scala is open Monday through Saturday for Breakfast: 6am - 11am; for Lunch, 11am - 2pm; and for Dinner: 5pm - 9pm, Monday-Thursday, 4:30 pm, Friday and 5pm-10pm, Saturday.

Closed Sunday.

Cafe La Scala at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee • Free Parking (414) 223-2189 •www.LaScalaMilwaukee.com MARCH 2014 – PAGE 3

Calendar of Events February 25 – April 30, 2014 Tuesday, Feb. 25 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 1 • Il Grande Carnevale, 6:11 p.m. Details in this issue.

Monday, Mar. 3 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 4 • Spring semester of ICC’s Beginneer’s Italian class begins, 5:30 p.m.

Details in this issue.

• Pompeii Men’s Club Board meeting, 6 p.m.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series opener. Blues with Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m. Details on the entire series in this issue.

• Spring semester of ICC’s Italian II class begins, 7:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

Thursday, Mar. 6 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

• Italian Community Center general membership meeting, 6:30 p.m. Cake & coffee.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock & Roll with The Ricochettes, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 8 • Spring semester of ICC’s free Children’s Italian class begins, 2 p.m. Details in this issue.

Monday, Mar. 10 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

• Italian Commmunity Center Winter Bocce Championship Play-offs, 7 p.m.

Details in this issue.

Tuesday, Mar. 11 • Pompeii Men’s Club general meeting, 6 p.m.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Jazz featuring Pete Sorce with Jeff Labarge and Swing Explosion, 6:30 p.m.

• Abruzzese Society meeting and spuntino, 7 p.m.

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

Thursday, Mar. 13 • No Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series show. Private party.

• Società Maschile M.S.S. Del Lume meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 17 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 18 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Blues with Leroy Airmaster and David Wake, 6:30 p.m.

• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Mar. 20 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6 p.m.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock and Roll with Tom Anthony Group, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 22 • Santa Rosalia Society Spring Dinner and Dance, 6 p.m. Details in this issue.

Week of Mar. 24 • Italian Community Center’s Spring Bocce League Season begins.

Seniors’ leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Mixed couples leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights. Details in this issue.

Tuesday, Mar. 25 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Jazz with Vivo featuring Pam Duronio, Tim Stemper and Warren Wiegratz, 6:30 p.m.

• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 26 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6 p.m. Tentative.

Thursday, Mar. 27 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock and Roll with Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 1 • Pompeii Men’s Club Board meeting, 6 p.m.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Blues with Altered Five, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 3 • Italian Community Center membership buffet dinner, 5:30 p.m.

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

•Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock and roll with Rick D’Amore’s Rockin’ Dance Party, 6:30 p.m.

Order your copy today of “Recipes My Nonna Taught Me”

by Francena “Recipes My Nonna Taught Me” is in its 12th printing with more stories, pictures and recipes.

Over 10,000 copies sold! Author Francena says, “My cookbook is dedicated to my nonna who inspired me to cook. It has several meatless dishes for Lent including lentil soup, a delicious warming soup. I love spreading the word of my Italian heritage of which I’m so proud.”

Send $12.50 (check or money order) to FRANCENA, 125 Boyce Road, Centerville, OH 45458.

937-433-7313 or fslyd@aol.com.

PAGE 4 – MARCH 2014

Sunday, Apr. 6 • Italian Community Center presents the 19th annual “A Taste of Italy,” 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

Monday, Apr. 7 • Solomon Juneau Club meeting, 11:30 a.m.

• Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 8 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Jazz with the Frank DeMiles Combo, 6:30 p.m.

• Abruzzese Society meeting, 7 p.m.

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

Thursday, Apr. 10 • No Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series show. Private party.

• Società Maschile M.S.S. Del Lume meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 12 • Italian Community Center’s Children’s Easter party, noon. Details in our next issue.

Sunday, Apr. 13 • Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Details in this issue.

Monday, Apr. 14 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

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

Tuesday, Apr. 15 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Blues with Jim Liban’s Third Coast Blues Collective with Joel Patterson, 6:30 p.m.

• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 16 • Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 17 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6 p.m.

• Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock and roll with the Larry Lynne Band, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 18 • Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday Fish Fry, 4-7:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

• Abruzzese Society Social, 6 p.m.

• Italian Community Center participates in Gallery Night, 6:30-10 p.m. Details in our next issue.

Saturday, Apr. 19 • Italian Community Center participates in Gallery Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday, Apr. 20 • Italian Community Center Easter Brunch. Details in our next issue.

Tuesday, Apr. 22 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Jazz with the Chris Hanson Band, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 24 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Rock and roll with Tom Anthony Group, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 26 • Italian Family History Club meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 29 • Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series. Blues with The Jimmys, 6:30 p.m. Season finale.

• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 30 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m. (Tentative) Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The winter bocce league season continues through the week of Mar. 4 with the championship play-offs on Monday, Mar. 10. The spring season starts the week of Mar. 24. Details in this issue.

• Free Children’s Italian class. Begins on Saturday, Mar. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. Meets for eight consecutive Saturdays. Details in this issue.

• Italian classes for teens and adults. Both Beginneer’s Italian and Italian II are being offered. The spring semester begins on Tuesday, Mar. 4. Beginneer’s Italian at 5:30 p.m. Italian II at 7:30 p.m. Each class meets for 10 consecutive Tuesday nights. Details in this issue.

• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folk dance group practices weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visit www.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!

• Members Room. Open to Italian Community Center members and their guests, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Scarvaci Florists & Gift Shoppe 2663 N. Holton St., Milwaukee 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

Make your reservations, get your costume or mask and celebrate a truly fun evening, the 35th annual Il Grande Carnevale from page 1 free valet parking is being sponsored by Phil and Gerry (Accetta) Purpero.

Czubek and DeRubertis report that they intentionally have not selected a specific theme for this year’s event. “People who know the long history of the Italian Carnevale, particularly the Carnival of Venice, are aware that it is a free-style, fun-filled event, where participants, decked out in colorful costumes and decorative masks of their own design or selection, celebrate without pretenses or set guidelines. Essentially, participants can be whatever they want to be,” they said.

“We’re hoping that many of our attendees come adorned in their own costume and mask creations.

Groups of attendees might want to select their own theme for costume or mask wear,” they added. Prizes will be awarded for the best.

Costs to attend Carnevale have been set at $60 per person, with a discounted price of $50 for ICC members. A reservation form accompanies this article.

Reservations may also be made by calling the ICC office at 414/2232180 and making payment with a credit card. Regardless of the method you choose, reservations are due Monday, Feb. 24. Please note: There will be no payments accepted at the door the night of the event.

What’s in store The Carnevale Committee has asked the Italian Conference Center culinary staff to prepare a sumptuous dinner. The menu features an Italian salad, petite filet mignon and chicken piccata, double baked potato, chef’s choice of veg-

etables, Italian bread and butter, coffee, tea or milk and dessert.

There will be wine at each table during dinner.

The table wine is courtesy of Carnevale’s Principe (Prince) Frank Purpora and Principessa (Princess) Benedetta Cannestra.

Dance music, appropriate for all ages, will be performed throughout the evening by the Bill Sargent Big Band. Drummer and bandleader Bill Sargent will bring his very best musicians and vocalists for this performance. The band has long been recognized as one of the premier dance bands in southeastern Wisconsin.

There will also be performances

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

The pageantry kicks into high gear with the Royal Procession and Coronation. The following individuals have been selected as members of the ICC’s 2014 Royalty: • Re and Regina (King and Queen) – Dan and Chris Conley.

• Nonno and Nonna (Royal Grandparents) – Charles and Doris Evans.

• Principe (Prince) and Principessa (Prince and Princess) – Frank Purpora and Benedetta Cannestra.

• Piccolo Principe and Piccola Principessa (Junior Prince and Princess) – Jack Elliott and Maria Vella.

Traditionally someone is selected to be Il Gran Maresciallo (The Grand Marshal) to keep the evening’s activities on schedule.

The role this year will be shared by the duo of Dean Cannestra and

Carnevale 2014 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 $50.00 = $ Number of non-members attending: ______ x $60.00 = $ 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: Feb. 24, 2014.

Marie Lieber. Both have assumed the roles in the past.

Returning to perform the evening’s duties of Il Vescovo (The Bishop) will be Frank D’Amato.

I Grandi Marescialli Cannestra and Lieber will lead a parade of all the costumed and masked attendees later in the evening (at about 10:11 p.m.). This will be followed by Bartolotta’s fireworks show. A spectacular sweet table will be available afterward. The sweet table is coming to Carnevale courtesy of Piccolo Principessa Maria Vella, her family and Sciortino’s Bakery.

“So you know it will be outstanding,” Czubek and DeRubertis said.

During the parade, an esteemed panel of judges will make their final selections of the winners in costume and masks.

Raffle and program book The committee announced that a cash raffle will be part of the

Free children’s Italian class starting Saturday, Mar. 8 at ICC The spring semester of a free weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Mar. 8, at the Italian Community Center. The class, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m., will continue for eight weeks, with the final session on Apr. 26.

The course is intended to provide children with an introduction to the Italian language and the culture of Italy. Besides learning some basic words and the Italian alphabet, the children also make drawings for holiday and special occasions and receive a snack during

each Saturday session.

The instructor is Enrica Tarantino Woytal, who also leads the ICC’s Italian classes for teens and adults. She was honored by WisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009 “Italian Teacher of the Year.”

Tarantino Woytal has been leading the children’s class at ICC since the early 1980s. Over the years, several hundred youngsters have participated in the free class.

To register for the spring semester, please complete the form accompanying this article and mail it to: Children’s Italian Course, c/o

ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Since there is no enrollment fee, parents can also register their children in person any time during the semester.

For further information, contact the ICC office at 414/223-2180, or Enrica Tarantino Woytal or Pietro Tarantino at 414/481-0170, or via email at enricaw@aol.com.

Carnevale activities. Tickets, priced at $2 each or seven for $10, will be on sale soon and have been mailed to all ICC members. They will be sold the night of the event.

Prizes are as follows: 1st prize – $500; 2nd prize – $300, 3rd prize – $100.

Attendees will receive a program book for commemorate the evening.

The Carnevale Committee wishes to thank all those who placed advertising in the book.

Carnevale serves as a fund-raiser for the ICC.

Winter bocce season drawing to close; spring season starts soon

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor The winter season for indoor bocce leagues at the Italian Community Center concludes with the championship playoffs on Monday, Mar. 10. Teams in each of the five leagues were jockeying for positions in the tourney as this story was written.

The first place teams from each of the five winter leaguse plus three teams with the best overall runner-up record will compete in the playoffs.

The spring bocce season will get under way two weeks later, during the week of Mar. 24.

There will definitely be teams Please turn to page 13

Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form Parent(s) Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City _______________________ State _______ Zip ___________ Phone No.: ______________ Email_________________________ Children's Names & Ages: _______________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Send this form to: Children's Italian Course, c/o ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 5

ICC’s ‘Cure for Cabin Fever Music Series’ opens Mar. 4 Free series features jazz or blues groups on Tuesdays, good-time rock and roll bands on Thursdays with great food and beverages available from page 1 Specializing in classic Chicago blues, Reverend Raven and company won the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for best blues band in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2008 and 2010.

• Thursday, Mar. 6 – The Ricochettes. Formed initially in 1963, The Ricochettes were dubbed “Milwaukee’s Beatles” in 1964 and released a number of singles including “Come in My Love,” which sold over 10,000 copies in the area. The British beat continues to be one of the ingredients to The Ricochettes’ success and longevity.

• Tuesday, Mar. 11 – Pete Sorce with Jeff Labarge Swing Explosion. Featuring the smooth vocals of Pete Sorce and the classic arrangements of Jeff Labarge with the finest musicians from southeast Wisconsin, the 18-piece ensemble of Swing Explosion brings excitement, prestige and sophistication to any stage – and they don’t just do big band music. Their unique and eclectic style is guaranteed to have you tapping your toes.

• Tuesday, Mar. 18 –Leroy Airmaster with David Wake. Since the 1980s, Leroy Airmaster has been one of the dominant blues bands in southeastern Wisconsin.

With Steve Cohen (harmonica and vocals), Bill Stone (guitar and vocals), Dave Kasik (basss) and Vodie Rhinehart (drums), the group relies heavily on a jazz approach but never loses the gutsy blues framework that made the band so popular. Joining them for this show will be keyboardist Dave Wake.

• Thursday, Mar. 20 – Tom Anthony Group. Whether it’s the summer Courtyard Music Series or the winter Cabin Fever Series, the Tom Anthony Group (www.tomanthony.com) performs before a packed house. Vocalist Tom Anthony has long been a fixture on the Milwaukee area music scene. With his group – Tom Sorce (guitar), Joel Freisinger (keyboards) and Brian Ford (drums), Anthony presents the best of the rock, pop and rhythm and blues era with a bit of today’s country.

• Tuesday, Mar. 25 – Vivo.

Warren Wiegratz, Pam Duronio and Tim Stemper are the creative forces behind this contemporary jazz, pop bossa and samba music ensemble. Saxophonist Wiegratz is one of themost recognized and awarded musicians in Wisconsin.

Vocalist Duronio and guitarist Stemper have been performing and recording together for over two decades.

• Thursday, Mar. 27 – Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy. This group is one of southeast Wisconsin’s hottest horn bands.

The band covers the best in rock, soul, R&B, pop, and more in the style of the classic horn bands.

Hirschi ws one of the original vocalists with the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular.

• Tuesday, Apr. 1 – Altered Five. A rockin’ rhythm and blues band from Milwaukee that has been performing around the Midwest to high acclaim since 2002. The group is fronted by Jeff Taylor, whose vocals have been described as “gloriously gritty.”

• Thursday, Apr. 3 – Rick

PAGE 6 – MARCH 2014

Music Director Tom Sorce

D’Amore’s Rockin’ Dance Party.

Joining D’Amore will be Rob Chalifaux on bass; Tim Sardina on drums; and Pete D’Amore on lead guitar. Expect to hear the best of Elvis Presley, Dion Meucci, Dion & The Belmonts, Roy Orbison and many of the other hitmakers of the rock and roll era.

• Tuesday, Apr. 8 – Frank DeMiles Combo. Jazz legend Frank DeMiles, who was the vocal music instructor for the Greenfield School District for 35 years and winner of the 2010 Civic Music Association “Lifetime Achievement in Music” award, will perform with his combo.

• Tuesday, Apr. 15 – Jim Liban’s Third Coast Blues Collective with Joel Patterson. This band, formerly known as the Jim Liban Band, features legendary Milwaukee-based blues artists Jim and Matt Liban, Greg Koch and Kurt Koenig. They will be joined by Chicago blues and jazz guitarist Joel Patterson for this show.

• Thursday, Apr. 17 – Larry Lynne Band.

Milwaukee’s “Godfather of Rock and Roll,” Larry Lynne and his band present a unique variety show that consists of rock, country-rock, blues and classic favorites from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s to today’s hits and novelty music with a touch of comedy.

• Tuesday, Apr. 22 – Chris Hanson Band. This group features perennial Wisconsin Area Music Industry award winner Robin Pleur on vocals, 30-year veteran violinist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Glenn Asch, bassist Mike Britz and John Parrott and Chris Hanson on guitar and vocals.

The band performs regularly around the Milwaukee area.

• Thursday, Apr. 24 – Tom Anthony Group. See above.

• Tuesday, Apr. 29 – The Jimmys. Named the “2012 Best Swing/Big Band Ensemble“ by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry, the band continued wracking up honors in 2013, winning five Madison Area Music Awards including 2013 Artist of the Year and Blues Performer of the Year.

The group consists of Jimmy Voegeli (keyboardist), Darren Sterud (brass intrumentalist) and Peterson Ross (woodwind intrumentalist) who have been honored individually.

Please note: There will be no shows Mar. 13 and Apr. 10 as the

Tom Anthony Rick D’Amore

Steve Cohen of Leroy Airmaster

Frank DeMiles

Italian Conference Center has large events booked that will prevent the presentation of the series.

Thinking summer?

For the large group of our readers who enjoy the summertime Courtyard Music Series at the ICC, you can mark down Monday, June 2 as the starting date. This freeadmission series will run continuously Monday through Thursday nights through Aug. 28 with the exception of June 25-July 6, when Summerfest is held at nearby Maier Festival Park. In September, the series cuts back to Tuesday and Thursday nights only. The lineup for that series will be announce soon.

Vivo – Warren Wiegratz, Pam Duronio and Tim Stemper

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Italian classes being offered for adults and teens starting Mar. 4 at ICC This spring, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II class, both starting Tuesday, Mar. 4.

Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on May 6.

Instructor Enrica Tarantino Woytal described Italian I as being for those who want an introduction to the language and the culture of Italy. The introductory course will run from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.

The Italian II course will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and end at 9:15 p.m. “Italian II is ideal for those who have completed our introductory course and are ready to learn more about the language and culture of Italy,” Tarantino Woytal said.

Enrollment is open to ICC mem-

bers and the general public. There is a limit of 25 students per class.

The fee for each course is $100 for an ICC member and $110 for a nonmember. The fee does not include the course textbook.

The Italian III course, which was available this past fall, is not being offered in the spring semester.

To register, complete the form accompanying this article. Checks or money orders are payable to the Italian Community Center.

Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Mar. 4 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached.

Tarantino Woytal began teaching children’s Italian classes at the ICC more than 30 years ago. She has been offering classes for adults and teens for more than 25 years.

She is also the editor of La Pagina

Il Grande Carnevale Hosted by: Italian Community Center Saturday, March 1, 2014 – 6:11 p.m.

Cabin Fever Music Series Hosted by: Italian Conference Center Tuesday and Thursdays night, March 4 – April 29, except March 13 and April 10 St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Hosted by Italian Community Center Wednesday, March 19 – Noon Santa Rosalia Society Spring Dinner and Dance Annual Fund-Raiser Saturday, March 22, 2014 – 6 p.m.

A Taste of Italy Hosted by: Italian Community Center Sunday, April 6, 2014 – 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Children’s Easter Party Hosted by: Avanti Committee Saturday, April 12, 2014 – Noon Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet Annual Fund-Raising Event Sunday, April 13, 2014 – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Italiana, a regular Italian language news feature of The Italian Times.

WisItalia, the statewide organization promoting the instruction of

Italian in schools, colleges and universities, honored Tarantino Woytal as its 2009 “Italian Teacher of the Year.”

Registration form for Italian I course & Italian II course Name(s) ___________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________ Phone No. ___________________Email _________________________________ I am (we are) enrolling in:

Italian I course Number of persons enrolling.

Italian II course Number of persons enrolling.

Course fee: ICC Member - $100.00; Non-Member - $110.00 Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limited to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.

Membership buffet dinner is returning before every general meeting at ICC A membership buffet dinner will now be available before every one of the Italian Community Center’s general meetings (except when the organization holds its Christmas party in December).

The cost will be $8 per member.

A non-member who wants to attend will be charged $10.

The proposal to return the buf-

fet dinner at $8 for members and $10 for non-members on a regular basis was presented by ICC President Gina Spang to the members who attended the Feb. 6 general meeting. The members, in unanimity, approved it.

The buffet will be available for one hour, starting at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at its usual time – 6:30 p.m.

The Perfect Ending Bring your wedding day to a successful close. Gather your families and friends where the ambiance is special, the food is exceptional and the staff is attentive to your every need.

Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet Annual Fund-Raising Event Friday, April 18, 2014 – 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ICC’s Easter Brunch Hosted by: Italian Conference Center Sunday, April 20, 2014 ICC’s Mother’s Day Brunch Hosted by: Italian Conference Center Sunday, May 11, 2014 Courtyard Music Series Hosted by: Italian Conference Center Monday through Thursday nights, June 2 – September 30, 2014 except during Summerfest June 25 – July 6 Festa Italiana Hosted by: Italian Community Center July 18 –20, 2014 at Maier Festival Park Summerfest Grounds

THE ITALIAN TIMES

631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI Call David or Michelle 414/223-2800 or visit ItalianConference.com MARCH 2014 – PAGE 7

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch buffet or dinner, Cafe La Scala’s new menu, extended hours earning high marks from page 1 have been received and the new business the restaurant is bringing in,” said Patrick Morgan, ICC General Manager. “We’re off to a good start, in spite of the weather.

If you haven’t stopped in yet, I want to invite you to give Cafe La Scala a try soon.”

The restaurant is serving breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday. The menu includes a frittata (an Italian-style omelette), a variety of breakfast sandwiches and traditional breakfast fare. For those who like a lighter breakfast, there’s Greek yogurt with granola and hot oatmeal with berries.

There’s always piping hot coffee, espresso, cappuccino and hot tea. If you’re in the mood, order a mimosa or a margarita.

As mentioned above, Cafe La Scala is offering a lunch buffet with a different theme Monday through Friday.

On Monday, it’s a Tex Mex buffet featuring black bean salad, soft flour tortillas, crispy corn tortillas, ground beef, grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, chicken enchiladas, rice and beans.

“Pasta Abbondanza” is the theme for Tuesday’s lunch buffet. It includes Caesar salad, Italian pasta salad, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, penne pasta, meatballs, tomato basil sauce and Alfredo sauce.

There’s a “Southern Barbeque” on Wednesday afternoon with Cobb salad, cole slaw, pulled pork shoulder, Mississippi roast beef, macaroni and cheese, fried potato wedges and corn bread.

Italian food lovers, Thursday’s lunch buffet is for you. The Italian buffet features antipasto, arancini (rice balls), pasta alla eggplant (a light eggplant and pasta casserole), chicken Florentine, minestrone soup and sautéed cauliflower.

On Friday, it’s a traditional style fish fry buffet with tossed salad, tuna pasta salad, baked cod, fried cod, French fries, potato pancakes and parsley boiled potatoes.

The regular lunch and dinner menu features many new items such as an Italian sub, chicken bacon Harvarti melt, Caprese panini, meatball torpedo, a chicken Marsala dinner, ribeye Delmonico, a grilled salmon dinner, eggplant parmesan and much more. The restaurant has added beer-battered cod to its Friday offerings.

Rest assured, Cafe La Scala still has its famous pizza, made fresh daily and very reasonably priced.

You can still enjoy the food with your favorite wine, beer or cocktail.

Diners comment Diners have been encouraged by the wait staff to fill out comment cards in order to get a feel for what the guests are thinking about the food, the new menu and the service.

Here are several of their comments. (Please note: We are intentionally not using a diner’s full names here.)

Kathy wrote: “Best chicken sandwich ever. Great server.” To the question: How was your meal, she checked the “excellent” box.

Nancy stated: “Yum. Over the top.” On a scale of 1 to 10, she gave

PAGE 8 – MARCH 2014

Cafe La Scala an “11.”

Both Kathy and Nancy checked the “reasonable” box for the question on the cost of their food and drink.

Jon, from Milwaukee, wrote: “We really enjoyed the buffet. All of the food was hot. The fries were crisp and everything tasted great.

Incredible deal for a lunch buffet with good food.”

Mary, from Shorewood, stated: “Best fish fry in town! And best deal. Good choices.”

Michael, from Milwaukee, checked the “excellent” box for three questions: How was your meal? How was our service? What about the cost of your food and drink?

Ken, from Milwaukee, also checked the “excellent box” for those three questions and wrote in capital letters: “BEER BATTERED FISH!” John, another Milwaukee resident, wrote: “Beer battered fish, pleasant change, very good!”

Sandy, an ICC member, checked the “excellent” boxes for the questions asking about the meal and service.

Diners have indicated that they heard about the new menu and breakfast service at Cafe La Scala through various media outlets including OnMilwaukee.com, JSOnline, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Italian Times, and 620 WTMJ radio and from ICC members.

Some diners have ordered their breakfast, lunch or dinner “to go.”

Most of the menu is available for carry out. The entire menu can be viewed at www.LaScalaMilwaukee.com. Carry out orders can be made by calling 414-223-2185.

Attention: ICC members “Our only regret so far is that more ICC members haven’t stopped in yet,” Morgan said. “Some of it is probably due to the terrible weather we’ve been having this winter.

Once the weather improves, we

hope to see many more members supporting the restaurant. We want you to be proud of what we have here.”

A members-only discount is being offered on Saturday nights: Buy one entrée, get the second for 50% off. The offer is valid every Saturday night except when there is a concert in the building or a show in the courtyard. Please note: Members must present their ICC membership card to receive the discount.

Other member specials or discounts are being worked on, Morgan said.

New hours Cafe La Scala is open Monday through Saturday from 6 to 11 a.m. for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch; 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday night, 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday night; and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday night.

Reservations are always welcome. Call 414/223-2185.

Free parking is available in the lot south of the building.

This is the restaurant’s frittata, an Italian omelette with asparagus, Romano cheese and smoked ham.

Here’s Cafe La Scala’s breakfast wrap. Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, mushrooms and peppers in a tomato basil wrap.

Times photos by Tom Hemman)

Yes, the size of that delicious rice ball stands out in this photo from the Thursday’s Italian lunch buffet. On the plate also, this guest has chicken Florentine, pasta alla eggplant, sautéed cauliflower and some antipasto.

On the side is a bowl of minestrone soup. Mangia!

A few days before Cafe La Scala officially opened for breakfast, the staff conducted a test exercise to make sure the food was cooked right, tasted delicious and was the right portion and that each staff member had sufficient knowledge of every item on the menu. Many

of the breakfast items prepared that morning are seen on the table on the left. Standing alongside the table are Torrie Hermann, who cooks, Roberto Oquendo, who buses tables, and Amy Schafer, who waits on tables and tends bar. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Thanks for your donations to the Italian Community Center building fund The officers and directors of the Italian Community Center wish to thank and acknowledge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge or contributed to the building fund.

To obtain information on how to make a donation, please call 414/223-2808 or visit www.ICCMilwaukee.com.

The following donations were received between Nov. 6, 2013 and Jan. 8, 2014.

Here’s the plate that one guest filled from the Wednesday’s Southern BBQ lunch buffet. This one has Mississippi roast beef, fried potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw and corn bread.

In memory of Sadie Machi Carmen Schlotthauer In memory of Rose Corrao Carmen Schlotthauer Nancy Castrovinci Oberleitner Mary Castrovinci James and Linda Spataro In memory of Frank Greiczek Ann J. Dacquisto Phil and Gerry Purpero Sam and Lucille Purpero Sonny and Melody Gensler In memory of Anthony J. Purpero of San Bernardino, CA Phil and Gerry Purpero Sam and Lucille Purpero

Times photos by Tom Hemman Here’s a look at part of the Tex Mex buffet, available at lunch on Mondays.

In memory of Theresa Panzarella Phil and Gerry Purpero Ray and Caroline Besasie Sam and Lucille Purpero Tom and Rose Zingale

Tony Machi Francis (Gallo) Murphy In memory of Joseph Caminiti Salvatore Mussomeli and Sally Mullins Sam and Lucille Purpero James and Linda Spataro Pompeii Men’s Club Tony Machi Rosalie Glorioso Francis (Gallo) Murphy Margaret M. Carini Mario A. Carini George and Judy Menos Gino A. Dentice Paul and Rose Iannelli In memory of Joseph Rosso Sam and Lucille Purpero Salvatore Mussomeli and Sally Mullins Sonny and Melody Gensler George and Judy Menos In memory of Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno, Jr. Tony Machi Paul and Rose Iannelli In memory of Mary Balistreri of Madison Tony Machi In memory of Connie Balistreri George and Judy Menos In memory of members of the Pompeii Men’s Club who passed away in 2013.

Pompeii Men’s Club

Oldies But Goodies Spectacular performs before full house at ICC

The greatest hits of the rock-androll era were passionately brought back to life by the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular and their special guests in a concert presented before a full house in the Italian Community Center’s Festa Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 2. The entire Oldies But Goodies band is seen in the top photo. The annual concert, put together by Kim Marie, the Oldies But Goodies founder, brings together singers and musicians who performed in many of Milwaukee’s most famous rock-and-roll bands in the 1950s and 1960s. The show is always a sell-out. The staff of Cafe La Scala was on hand to take the attendees’ food and beverage orders. The

THE ITALIAN TIMES

restaurant also offered a lowpriced Italian buffet. Below is a

crowd shot. on the right are vocalists Tony Clementi and Kim Marie

of the Oldies But Goodies Spectacular. (Times photos by Joe Spasiano)

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 9

ICC’s 19th annual ‘A Taste of Italy’ is Sunday, Apr. 6; are you ready to indulge? from page 1 The full menu includes pasta with red sauce, meatballs, Italian sausage, arancini (rice balls), manicotti, calamari, breaded pork tenderloin, olive salad, Italian lettuce salad, sfingi (sweetened fried bread dough), sub sandwiches, pizza, sfinciuni (Sicilian style pizza), Italian wedding soup, lentil soup, chicken pastina soup and desserts such as cannoli, Italian cookies, éclairs, spumoni, gelato and pizzelle (Italian wafer cookies). To wash it down, there will be coffee, beer, wine, soda and water. A more descriptive menu will appear in the April issue of The Italian Times, published on Mar. 20.

All hot and cold entrée items plus pizza, salads and sandwiches will be available in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom. Desserts will be sold in the Festa Ballroom. Look for beverages on sale in both rooms.

There will be plenty of seating available throughout the building and in the Courtyard, providing that the weather cooperates.

While you eat, enjoy live performances. Romano said the entertainment lineup for the Festa Ballroom includes Tradizione Vivente: The Italian Dance Group

of Milwaukee and vocalists Charles Evans and Jayne Taylor, each doing their own shows. The Sicilian Serenaders will be playing in the galleria.

There will be a raffle held in conjunction with the event. The six prizes include: a 55-inch LED-HD television, $500 cash, an Apple iPad, a 42-inch LED-HD television, a Cafe La Scala lunch buffet certificate good for up to eight people, and a Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream/Gelato/Sorbet Maker.

Tickets will be $2 each or seven for $10.

The ICC is planning to have the raffle tickets available well before the event. They will also be on sale during your visit to “A Taste of Italy.” The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the day’s activities.

“Please get the word out to your relatives, friends and neighbors that the ‘Taste of Italy’ is Sunday, Apr. 6,” said Ann Romano, chairperson. “We look forward to sharing the foods of Italy and Sicily and our culture with a full house.”

Since the beginning, “A Taste of Italy” has successfully served as a major fund-raising activity for the nonprofit Italian Community

Center. It has succeeded because of outstanding volunteer support, generous donations of food and supplies, monetary donations and large public turnout.

Romano, who has chaired all but

one of the events, reported that Ann (D’Amico) Skoczynski is returning as vice chair and volunteer food ticket chair and Marie and Jim Schwindt are back at the helm as chairs of the raffle.

The Sicilian Serenaders – Ted and Tom Pappalardo and Peter Balistrieri

Top photo: Vocalist Charles Evans is returning to perform with his accompanist Galina Gerakosov. Photo on right: Vocalist Jayne Taylor is seen here from a front cover of her latest CD. Below: Tradizione Vivente is returning to perform for “A Taste of Italy.”

PAGE 10 – MARCH 2014

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Nick Contorno, former director of music at Marquette University and for Festa Italiana, completes distinguished career at age 75

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Nick Contorno, who received three separate honors in late 2013 recognizing his distinguished career in music, died Sunday, Feb. 2 at the age of 75. He served as the director of music at Marquette University for 24 years and as music coordinator for the Italian Community Center-hosted Festa Italiana during its first decade.

As reported in the February issue of The Italian Times, Nick was given the 2013 Lifetime Achievement in Music Award by the Civic Music Association in October, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a special recognition award by the St. Paul School Band, an ensemble he cofounded and volunteered for after he retired in 2007 as Marquette University’s Director of Music Programs. Both of the latter honors were presented in November.

A Bay View, Wis. native, he was the only child of Nicholas and Mary Contorno, who both were very active in the ICC and Festa for more than two decades. His parents were honored as the organization’s “Nonno e Nonna” (Royal Grandparents) of Il Grande Carnevale, a pre-Lenten costume and mask ball, in 1986. Nick directed bands that performed at the annual Carnevale on at least a few occasions.

Nick’s father bought him his first saxophone when he was about four years old. He would not only learn to play the sax but added the cornet and flute. He played in the band at Bay View High School.

After graduating, he went on to study at UW-Milwaukee, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. He achieved his doctorate

in composition from UW-Madison.

His musical presence in Wisconsin ran wide and deep.

Besides the previous positions, he served as conductor of the Milwaukee Concert Band and musical director and conductor of the 1st Brigade Civil War Band in Wisconsin. His bands performed every year in Milwaukee’s Great Circus Parade. He performed with numerous bands and orchestras, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He played alongside such artrists as Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Manhattan Transfer, Mel Torme, Johnny Desmond, Vic Damone, Sergio Franchi and Sonny and Cher.

His work as a composer included the official march for the City of Festivals Parade, “A Grand Suite for Band” for Wauwatosa East High School, and “Sketches of the Earth” for the Cedar GroveBelgium School District.

In 1961, he began teaching instrumental music in the Glendale Public Schools and directing the bands at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay. Seven years later, Nick was hired by Kettle Moraine High School in Wales (western Waukesha County), where he built the band, which grew dramatically in numbers and garnered recognition through appearances in major national events across the nation including the Indianapolis 500 parade and the Orange Bowl parade. In 1978, he founded the high school’s orchestra.

Nick was appointed to the Marquette position in 1983.

As news of his death spread, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts for Marquette University’s band alumni, former

Having up to 300 dinner guests?

Kettle Moraine high school students and the music community were filled with condolences and remembrances of a man whom they knew not only for his talent but his open door and open heart.

After retiring from Marquette, he co-founded the band at St. Paul School in Genesee Depot, near his longtime residence in Dousman. He established a men’s chorus at an Arizona retirement community where he and his wife, Lucille, spent the winter.

In 2010, a small charity called Musical Haiti, founded by a former Kettle Moraine High School band student after an earthquake in the poverty-ridden country, allowed for the opening of the Nick Contorno School of Music in Gonaives, Haiti.

Nick used his international music connections to secure donations including instruments and sheet music in French for the school.

Besides his wife, Lucille, Nick is survived by daughters Gina Marie Shanks and Camille Anne

Nick Contorno

Contorno. Services were held Feb. 14 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Dousman.

Nina Best, granddaughter of past ICC President Joe Panella, advances to national civic education competition representing Wisconsin Nina Best will be among a select group of Wauwatosa West juniors who will represent the State of Wisconsin in The Center for Civic Education’s “We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution” national competition in Washington, D.C., Apr. 25-28.

Nina, 16, is the daughter of Italian Community Center members Mary Ann Panella-Best and Scott Best and the granddaughter of Joe Panella, a past president of the ICC. She is considering a

career in the legal profession.

Five area high schools competed in the state competition on Jan. 11 at Marquette University’s Law School. This marked the seventh consecutive year that Wauwatosa West juniors have earned the right to represent Wisconsin in the national competition.

Nina and her classmates have been engaged in an instructional program that, according to The Center for Civic Education, Please turn to page 12

Entertain them at the Italian Conference Center’s FESTA BALLROOM. A gorgeous setting in which to enjoy great food!

The Italian Conference Center in the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St. (a block west of Summerfest) Call David or Michelle at 414/ 223-2800 to reserve your party or meeting space at the ICC. Visit: www.ItalianConference.com Here is Nina Best with her instructor Chad Mateske.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 11

Italian Society and Club News Milwaukee UNICO organizations will award scholarships to students of Italian descent for the 78th consecutive year Continuing a program started 78 years ago, the Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Ladies of UNICO will award several scholarships this spring to high school seniors of Italian descent.

The exact number of scholarships to be presented had not been determined as of press time.

To be eligible, applicants must attend a public or private school in

Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, or Walworth counties. Additionally, the student must hold an academic standing in the top 20% of the graduating class and/or a relative standing in the upper 20% on a college aptitude test (ACT or SAT).

The spirit of this scholarship is to help help Italian American seniors with financial needs.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of non-Italian dignitaries from the Milwaukee area. Financial need, scholarship, community/school involvement and personal character are the criteria by which the applicants will be judged.

Obtaining a scholarship application Applications will be available

UNICO National offers scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate studies to students with Italian ancestry Students from across the nation with an Italian ancestry and an interest in pursuing either an undergraduate or post-graduate education may apply for UNICO National scholarships. Literary and travel abroad scholarships are also available. Please visit the UNICO National website – www.unico.org – for complete details.

The application deadline is Tuesday, April 1.

The criteria that UNICO

National uses in selecting its recipients are quite similar to those used by the Milwaukee Chapter in choosing local awardees.

The four National undergraduate scholarships are designated as the Theodore Mazza Scholarship, the Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship, the William C. Davini Scholarship, and the Alphonse A. Miele Scholarship. These awards do not require the applicant to specify a collegiate major. The

Mazza scholarship was established to commemorate the contributions of the late Theodore Mazza of Milwaukee to both the national organization and the Milwaukee Chapter.

Application forms for all National scholarships must be acquired from and submitted through the Milwaukee Chapter.

Please contact Roseanne Fritchie at rfritchie@everbrite.com.

on the Milwaukee UNICO website, www.unicomilwaukee.com. Click on the documents link found on the sidebar.

Application deadline Candidates must submit their applications by Tuesday, Apr. 1 to: Scholarship Director of UNICO Milwaukee, 10625 W. North Ave. Suite 300, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

Applicants may be contacted to attend a personal interview at the Italian Community Center during school hours on Friday, Apr. 11.

Awards banquet The scholarships will be presented at a scholarship and awards banquet on the evening of Tuesday, May 20. The recipient or a representative must be present to accept the scholarship award.

The Milwaukee UNICO scholarship program has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships over the past 77 years.

The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National is celebrating 83 years in existence in 2014. The Ladies of UNICO celebrated their 50th anniversary as an independent civic and service organization in 2013.

OSIA Mazzei Lodge to present ‘Tribute to Sinatra’ at ICC on Mar. 22 The Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) will present “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” with Chicagoland crooner Jim Bulanda on Saturday, Mar. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee.

This event, which will be held in the Festa Ballroom, is a fund-raiser for the organization.

The staff of Cafe La Scala, the

ICC’s public restaurant, will be on hand to take food and beverage orders throughout the evening, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person. They are available at the ICC during regular business hours or by contacting either Ralph Busalacchi at 414/483-1562, Joe Emanuele at 414/705-4295 or Joe Palmisano at 414/281-5556. Busalacchi is serving as chairman of the event.

Nina Best advances to national civic education competition representing Wisconsin from page 11 “enhances students understanding of the institution of American constitution democracy. At the same time, students discover the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students ‘testify’ before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.”

Best said she and her fellow said began studying in June and will continue to work before and after school, evenings and weekends as they prepare for the national level

PAGE 12 – MARCH 2014

competition.

According to Nina’s instructor, Chad Mateske, “The fact that this team won the state event is proof of their hard work and determination.

Future outcomes due to participation in this program remain to be measured. These students will likely become key leaders in their communities as they mature in part because of their participation in this program.”

To help cover the costs of sending the Wauwatosa West juniors to Washington, D.C., fundraising activities are underway. The students are making presentations to the Rotary Club and Lions Club, conducting a Facebook activity and are engaged in other fundraising ventures.

About Bulanda Bulanda can easily step into the shoes of any major Las Vegas entertainer. He is a vocalist who is most appreciated and famous for his impressions of Dean Martin and. of course, the “Chairman of the Board,” Frank Sinatra.

He started singing at the age of seven to entertain his large Italian family. Throughout his 20s, he regularly sang in church as a cantor. Parishioners soon took notice of Jim’s beautiful, velvety smooth voice, and he was often asked to sing at weddings.

In the early 1990s, Bulanda ventured into the nightlife. He could frequently be seen singing and dabbling in comedy at Chicago’s local comedy clubs. Patrons at these clubs soon remarked on his remarkable singing voice and encouraged him to develop his vocal talent. For the next three years, Jim polished his Sinatra classic songs and developed a nightclub act that includes a repertoire of 70 classic songs. He began his professional singing career in 1994, performing in numerous nightclubs in Chicago and northwest Indiana. He has performed in places such as Chicago’s East Bank Club, The Merchandise Mart, Salvatore’s and Chicago’s famous Omni Ambassador East and The Pump Room. He has entertained audiences as large as 3,000 and has traveled as far as Nevada and Arizona to perform. In the spring of 2001, Bulanda was sent to Las Vegas by Chicago’s WXRT radio station to perform in the Fremont

Jim Bulanda

Street Experience Talent Showcase.

Bulanda has entertained audiences at numerous casinos, and at other events such as outdoor festivals including the American Heart Association’s “Taste of Northwest Indiana,” Merrillville’s 2001 Town Ball, USA Fest in Crete, the annual “Main Streets Night” in Park Forest, WBBM Channel 2 Chicago on Ed Curran’s Morning Show and the Star Plaza Theatre with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

For more information or for bookings, Jim can be reached at 219-718-7503 or visit his website, www.tributetofrank.com

Find out how inexpensive and effective newspaper advertising can be. Contact The Italian Times for details.

Phone: (414) 223-2180 Email: themman@italiancc.org

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Public invited to Santa Rosalia Society Spring Dinner Dance on Mar. 22 La Società Santa Rosalia invites the general public to its annual Spring Dinner Dance on Saturday, Mar. 22 at the Italian Community Center. The event, an annual fundraiser for charitable organizations and activities, begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception (cash bar). Dinner is at 6 p.m.

This year, the society has designated Independence First, a nonprofit agency directed to, and for the benefit of, people with disabilities, and the ICC, a nonprofit ethnic and cultural organization, as

its beneficiaries. A percentage of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to both organizations.

The Enzo Scarano and Stella Raimondo Band will be performing at the dinner dance.

The cost has been set at $60 per adult and $15 per child (12 and under). Reservations are required

by Monday, Mar. 10. Checks, payable to La Società Santa Rosalia, should be sent to Joann Stern, 4224 N. Olsen Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211.

Adult guests will have a choice of four entries: beef tenderloin,

Pompeii Men’s Club invites all to its Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet The Pompeii Men’s Club will hold their annual Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., on Apr. 18. The buffet is the group’s biggest fundraiser and proceeds will benefit their extensive charity work.

The meal is all-you-can-eat and will be served from 4 to 8 pm. The cost will be $13 for adults, $7 for children ages 4-10 and free for children age 3 and under.

Fourth – $100; Fifth – $75; Sixth – $50; Seventh – $50 and Eighth through Tenth – $25 each.

Raffle tickets are available for $2 each or seven for $5 and can be purchased at the ICC office or by contacting the club’s president Chuck Lazzaro at 414/421-7359, John A. Sanfilippo at 414/282-2667, Tony Zingale at 414/444-4689 or Joe Palmisano at 414/281-5556.

Tickets will also be sold at the Good Friday event.

The menu for the buffet will consist of breaded and baked cod, coleslaw, potato pancakes, baked potatoes, French fries, popcorn shrimp, mostaccioli with red sauce, cole slaw, tossed salad, Italian bread, watermelon wedges, a beverage of coffee, tea, or milk and dessert. A full range of condiments will be available to accompany the meal. Free parking will be offered in the south lot of the ICC (N. Jackson St. entrance).

The event also features a money raffle. The cash prizes are: First – $300; Second – $200; Third – $150;

Club’s charitable giving The Pompeii Men’s Club charitable outreach has benefited the Italian Community Center along with several other local organizations, among them the Sojourner Truth House, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Ronald McDonald House and Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin. The club also has strong ties to Three Holy Women Parish. It was founded by members of Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church, the predecessor to St. Rita of Cascia Church on Cass Street.

Welcome new Italian Community Center members!

The following people became members of the Italian Community Center between January 8 and February 6, 2014. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)

Michele Pena of Milwaukee .

Jeannie Prindville of Whitefish Bay Jason Fricke of Milwaukee Wanetta Chartier-Fricke of Milwaukee Kenneth Wiske of Waukesha Nicholas Acri (Children: Joey, Mcclain, Timonthy) of Milan, IL Barbara Lanza Jonas (Children: Jane, Pete, Sam) of Milwaukee Anthony Defranco of Mequon Jennifer Heinzel (Children: Anthony, Annalese) of Milwaukee Elizabeth Burke of Milwaukee Bill Richards of Milwaukee Patricia Guttuso of Milwaukee Judith (Judy) Hooker of Franklin Dottie Borek of Milwaukee

THE ITALIAN TIMES

chicken scallopine, orange roughy or vegetarian and must designate their choice when making reservations. The children’s meal will include chicken fingers and French fries.

For more information, contact Filippo R. Reina at 414-736-9087 or freina23@gmail.com or Joann Stern at 414-526-4388 or jostern@sbcglobal.net.

Joining Reina and Stern on the planning committee are Goffredo Alferi, Maria Alferi, Riccardo Cossentino, Samatha Konopski, Angela (Militello) Lundell, Joe

Militello, Rosalie (Cardinale) O’Meara, Melinda Reina, Gina (Zambito) Santagati, Erv Stern, Ann Zambito and Joe Zambito.

La Società Santa Rosalia di Santo Stefano Quisquina (Santa Rosalia Society) is a nonprofit, charitable organization that promotes preservation of cultural traditions, family and giving back to the community. The society was founded in March 2005 in Milwaukee by direct descendents of Santo Stefano Quisquina, a town in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy.

Everyone is welcome to come toPompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet For the 16th year in a row, the Pompeii Women’s Club is hosting a Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet to which the public is invited. Palm Sunday is Apr. 13. The fund-raising event will be held in the Italian Community Center’s Pompeii Grand Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors to the buffet will find plenty of dining choices. The allyou-can-eat menu includes eggs, ham, pancakes, sausage, hashed brown potatoes, fresh fruit, Danish pastry, juice, milk, coffee and tea.

Prices are $10 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 4 to 12.

There is no charge for children age 3 and younger. Guests will be seated upon arrival.

Advance reservations are not being accepted. Parking is free in the lot south of the building.

Besides the breakfast buffet, there will be a bake sale, several

raffles, free face painting, a coloring contest for the children in attendance and an appearance by the Easter Bunny.

Club’s charitable giving The breakfast buffet is the only fundraising activity for the nonprofit Pompeii Women’s Club.

The organization provides support for various charitable organizations and projects. The ICC is one of the organizations that has benefited significantly from the club’s charitable giving.

“We’re hoping for another large turnout,” said Pat Consolazione, Pompeii Women’s Club President.

“Your participation and support will be greatly appreciated.”

The Pompeii Women’s Club represents women of Italian heritage and/or association who make an active contribution to the community by providing funds and services to worthy charitable organizations.

Winter bocce season drawing to close; spring season starts soon from page 5 competing in senior citizens’ leagues on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and in mixed couples’ leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights. If sufficient interest is expressed, there will be Thursday night mixed couples’ league in the spring. (In the past, there has not.)

Teams in each league play once a week over an eight-week period.

If you’re interested in registering a team to play in a spring league, here are a few things you need to know. There are two sets of registration fees – one for those who are not members of the ICC and one for those who are ICC members. The non-member registration fee is $40 per person per

league season. A discounted registration fee of $30 per person per league season is offered to an ICC member. Each team must consist of at least four players, with one player designated as team captain. Each league is interested in having eight teams, which allows every team to compete each week of the season.

Team registrations are available from the league coordinators: Dan Conley (Monday night), Anthony Gazzana (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night) and Joe Torcivia (Thursday afternoon). The forms can also be obtained by contacting Salina Castro at 414/223-2180.

The forms must be submitted with full payment for all players

by Wednesday, Mar. 19.

Have something to sell? Why not tell our readers about it in an ad in our next issue. Get information about ad sizes and costs by calling (414) 223-2801 or sending an email to themman@italiancc.org.

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 13

Spotlight on Cultural Arts Opera Topics by Angelo Castronovo Some years ago, I had the pleasure and privilege of working with a very talented violinist as part of the Italian Community Center’s Courtyard Music Series, which I was hosting at the time for opera and classical music on Wednesday nights.

Edward Paloucek was that man.

He had a fascinating story to tell, because he is an opera and classical music lover, but with a slightly unusual twist. Eddie, as I like to call him, has been playing the violin since he was seven years old.

The twist is that he and his wife, Ann Marie, a music lover as well, are passing along their musical interests to their six children, working diligently at keeping television at a distance, and in the process, initiating family “opera nights.”

After some early coaching about opera plots, the kids caught on to storylines pretty quickly, according to Eddie. Mozart’s The Magic Flute, with its humble tunes and unusual characters, was one of their favorites, and in time, Rossini’s Cinderella and Barber of Seville were added to the list for

their special nights.

Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment and Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West, and even Wagner’s Die Meistersinger became a popular listening choice.

The couple’s 10 and 12-year-old boys developed a special interest in Wagner operas, including surprisingly, The Ring of the Nibelung.

They said the boys became completely captivated by the battles between the dragons and all of the diverse elements that are integral to the work.

Eddie said the family also listens to opera on their frequent car rides, and even the younger children are recognizing musical motifs. Recently, he said, the family has begun listening to Act Three of Wagner’s Die Gotterdammerung.

The older children have attended live performances, including La Cenerentola, The Magic Flute and Wagner’s Lohengrin (a 4-1/2 hour work), which his oldest son sat through more patiently than many adults around him.

Eddie recalls a German lady close by, in a very thick accent, said she didn’t think Wagner was a very

Singer Moreno Fruzzetti appearing at some Italian festivals before coming to Milwaukee’s Festa, July 18-20 Singer Moreno Fruzzetti has become a star on the Italian ethnic festival circuit since he first performed at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee in the mid 1980s.

This weekend (Feb. 22-23), Fruzetti is scheduled to perform at Festival Italiano in the marina in Fort Pierce, Fla. On Sunday, June 1, he will be at the Italian American Heritage Festival at Rose Tree Park in Media, Pa. Over the weekend of June 13-15, he will appear at Festa Italiana in Newport, Ky. The Italian Community Center of Milwaukee has already booked Fruzzetti for shows during its 37th annual Festa Italiana, Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20 at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds).

Fruzzetti was recognized several years ago as the “Ambassador of Italian Music in America.” He is a native of Pisa (Tuscany), Italy.

Moreno Fruzzetti

New cookbook puts Sicilian grandmother’s secret recipes into printed form A Centerville, Ohio woman, who simply calls herself Francena, has written a book based on the secret recipes she learned from her grandmother, Frances Amari Giallombardo. The book is titled Recipes My Nonna Taught Me. Francena told The Italian Times that when she was a young girl, she would visit her Sicilian grandmother, knowing her nonna was always cooking and that the house gave her a warm feeling.

Since her grandmother never followed a recipe, Francena said she would watch her cook and write down all the ingredients – a pinch of this, a handful of that – knowing that someday she might

PAGE 14 – MARCH 2014

put together a book of recipes for her own family.

The popularity of the recipes that Francena gathered for her family soon drew the attention of many others, resulting in the book, which is now in its 12th printing.

Some of her recipes are more than 50 years old. A few are variations of others she has gathered over the years and several are originals.

To order a copy of Recipes My Nonna Taught Me, send $12.50 (check or money order) to FRANCENA, 125 Boyce Rd., Centerville, OH 45458. You may also call 937433-7313 or email fslyd@aol.com.

good choice for children.

Some might describe the Paloucek children as “precocious,” but the couple basically cultivated an interest that was clearly latent.

Eddie said he made it a mission to introduce his children to live opera and, in recent years, took them and an entire high school class on a trip to Chicago’s Lyric Opera to see a performance of The Girl of the Golden West.

He’s a 12-year teacher of music history, and he grew up in a family of music lovers. He was “hooked,” he said, after attending his first opera, Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, when he was age 14.

Currently, he teaches at St. Jerome’s Catholic School in Oconomowoc. He also plays the mandolin and plays a regular “gig” on Thursday nights at The Pub in

Oconomowoc. His musical tastes are broad and include a wide variety of composers.

Quotable Quote: Singing is less threatening than talking. You can get away with a lot more singing. – The late Pete Seeger.

L’Angolo del Poeta Prepared by Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi With spring approaching, two poignant stories from mythology come to mind – the myth regarding Proserpina and Pluto and that of another famous couple, Orpheus and Eurydice.

Both Proserpina and Eurydice descend into the underworld. Pluto, struck by one of Cupid’s arrows, is smitten with Proserpina as she was playing with her nymphs and collecting flowers at the shores of Pergusa Lake near Enna in Sicily. He, Ruler of the Underworld, abducted her in order to marry her and live with her there. Her mother Ceres, also known as Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, sought her everywhere in vain but only found her small belt floating upon a little lake. In her desperation, Ceres stopped the growth of fruits and vegetables, cursed Sicily and refused to return to Mount Olympus. Her every step on Earth left behind a desert. Jupiter ordered his brother Pluto to free her. He obeyed but because those who have eaten the food of the dead cannot return to the world of the living, he made her eat six pomegranate seeds before releasing her. He thus assured that Proserpina would have to live six months of the year with him and six months with her mother.

This story was obviously intended to explain the changing of the seasons. When Proserpina returns, Earth blossoms but when she descends again to the underworld to be with her husband Pluto, it withers.

According to the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, Orpheus, a musician, sought his departed beloved in the underworld. He convinced Hades to let Eurydice leave with him, but her release comes with a catch. She must walk behind him as they ascend to the upper world, and Orpheus is forbidden to look at her. Unfortunately, just as they reach the exit, he turns to look at Eurydice to make sure she is following and she is immediately sent back to the Underworld – forever. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been perpetuated through opera (Orfeo ed Euridici by Gluck), cinema (Orphée Noir by Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais in 1950 and Orfeo negro directed by Marcel Camus in 1959) and poetry (Sonnets to Orpheus by Rilke) and in numerous other creative venues.

Italian poet Alda Merini was greatly influenced by Rilke and identified with Proserpina and Eurydice. She wrote The Presence of Orpheus, Fear of God, Roman Wedding, Diary of an Other, and Love Lessons (2009). She was institutionalized for mental illness for nearly two decades in a mental home that was a hell of sorts, an underworld of indescribable suffering. Thus Merini’s poems are meditations on illness, nature, and myth.

On Mar. 17, 2013, Alda Merini wrote: Sono nata il ventuno a primavera ma non sapevo che nascere folle, aprire le zolle potesse scatenar tempesta.

Così Proserpina lieve vede piovere sulle erbe, sui grossi frumenti gentili e piange sempre la sera.

Forse è la sua preghiera.

I was born on the twenty-first in spring but I didn’t know that being born insane, opening up the earth could unchain storms.

Thus slight Proserpina watches it rain on the grasses, on the big gentle grains and always weeps at night.

Perhaps it is her prayer.

– Translated by Barbara J. Collignon Continued on page 15

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Request from ICC for cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses

By Susie Christiansen Social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as email and cell phone texting, are currently the most common methods of communicating for people. Using those avenues, we want to develop a way to reach out to our membership to inform you about upcoming events organized by the Italian Community Center, such as Il Grande Carnevale, A Taste of Italy and Festa Italiana.

We can even email you a copy of The Italian Times.

When the ICC hosts wine tastings, musical events and cooking classes, it would be helpful to everyone involved to be able to send an e-mail blast or a cell phone text blast to ICC members and as many non-members as possible. Right now, committee chairs and event planners here don’t always know what advertising options are available to them and how to reach out to you. Without spending a ton of money, we just aren’t sure how to let the people out there know about upcoming events at the ICC. ICC members can be placed on an e-mail list and a cell phone list when they sign up for or renew their membership. Our application includes a place for your e-mail address and cell phone number.

Our membership contact list is extremely private, and we will continue to keep it that way. We do not distribute our address, phone or e-mail lists to anyone. Rest assured your contact information will be retained by the ICC and only the ICC, and you will only be sent messages on a limited basis.

We simply want to inform you. We want to tell you about the fantastic events, activities and ethnic experiences that the Italian Community

L’Angolo del Poeta from page 14 Merini was twice nominated for a Nobel Prize during her lifetime, by both the French Academy and Italian PEN. One of her masterpieces is L’altra verità. Diario di una diversa, Scheiwiller, 1986. She received the prize of the Italian Republic for poetry.

The day of her death in 2009, the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, called her an “inspired and limpid poetic voice.”

This brief poem was inspired by the myth of Orpheus following Eurydice.

The Visit You came last night to visit me.

You didn’t call ahead.

You just appeared beside me as I slept in my bed.

You kissed me on the forehead.

You kissed me on the cheek.

You gently kissed my eyelids.

There was no need to speak.

I loved you in another life and then you disappeared.

I’ll follow you some day, you know.

Just wait and I’ll appear.

Just wait and I’ll appear.

– By Barbara J. Collignon La visita La scorsa notte sei venuto a farmi visita senza avvisarmi prima.

Mi sei comparso accanto mentre dormivo nel mio letto.

Mi hai baciato in fronte.

Mi hai baciato sulla guancia.

Con dolcezza mi hai baciato le palpebre e non c’era bisogno di dire nulla.

Ti ho amato in un’altra vita ma poi sei scomparso.

Ti seguirò un giorno, lo sai?

Aspetta e comparirò.

Aspetta e comparirò.

– Translation by Roberto Ciampi

Center has to offer.

These are the other options available for submitting your cell phone number and e-mail address: 1. Our website: www.iccmilwaukee.com – use the Contact Us Form (the last tab on the site).

2. By e-mail: susie@iccmilwaukee.com.

3. Call Constance Palmer at the ICC – 414-223-2808.

Members: Please notify ICC of a change of address; noncompliance is costly for ICC 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 (50¢) for each newspaper that is returned to the ICC and deemed undeliverable due to an incorrect address. Since June 2009 when the fees were first assessed, the ICC has been forced to pay more than $415 to the Postal Service because members did not supply the ICC with their change of address information.

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 50¢ for each failed attempt to deliver the publication to your permanent residence.

“We’ve had a number of members who have gone to Florida or another warm weather location for the winter and these people did not supply us with their temporary change of address; hence their newspaper was returned to the ICC with the 50¢ service fee due for each newspaper,” Editor Tom Hemman said.

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@italianconference.com or call her at 414/223-2808.

ICC Historian Carini wants your high school yearbooks and other memorabilia Don’t throw away your old high school yearbooks or other memorabilia. If you attended a high school in Milwaukee County or surrounding counties, Italian Community Center Historian Mario A. Carini is interested in using the yearbooks and other high school memorabilia for furthering his research on local Italian Americans.

Carini will deposit the yearbooks and memorabilia at the Milwaukee County Historical

Society after he completes his research.

“These can be yearbooks and memorabilia from public, Catholic or private high schools,” Carini said.

Yearbooks and memorabilia can be dropped off at the reception desk in the main office of the ICC. Please include a note with your name and phone number so Carini knows who made the donation.

Pietro Tarantino offers help to Italian citizens Pietro Tarantino, a longtime member and past board member of the Italian Community Center, is offering free assistance to members of Wisconsin’s Italian community on matters involving the Italian government. Tarantino will be at the ICC on the first Saturday of the month from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Tarantino is a member of Comites (Comitato degli Italiani

all’estero) and a liaison to the Italian General Consulate of Chicago.

Among the matters for which Tarantino can provide assistance are visas and passports, power of attorney, verification of signatures, documents relating to death certificates and declarations dealing with citizenship, civil status and pensions.

Copies of vintage photos displayed at ICC or Festa available through Milwaukee County Historical Society Persons interested in acquiring a copy of any of the vintage Italian American photographs that are displayed throughout the year at the Italian Community Center or during the four days of Festa Italiana must contact the Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) to obtain the photo, ICC Historian Mario A. Carini announced.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

“The Historical Society is the keeper of all of the negatives,” Carini said, who donated a massive collection of artifacts, photos and other memorabilia to the society on behalf of the ICC and the early Italian immigrants in 2010.

Please call either 414/273-7487 or 414/273-8288 for more information.

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 15

LA PAGINA ITALIANA a cura di Enrica Tarantino-Woytal

Sicilia Mondo – Giuseppe Portogallo siciliano eccellente in Cina Stupefacente ma anche emblematico l’impegno per la promozione della cultura siciliana da parte di tanti siciliani eccellenti o in posti di responsabilità nelle varie parti del mondo, come supplenza alle disattenzioni del Governo regionale, ignaro che la Sicilia non finisce con il mare.

E tuttavia non si contano i siciliani doc che fanno onore alla Sicilia e si impegnano a farla conoscere, radicare e diffondere nelle società di insediamento, in tutta la ricchezza del suo patrimonio culturale, storico e paesaggistico.

Una risorsa ingessata.

Tra i molti, citiamo Giuseppe Portogallo, siciliano di Piazza

Armerina, da oltre 30 anni residente a Pechino, attualmente prestigioso imprenditore, General Manager della “Agorà Service”, titolare di aziende di servizi relativamente ad aeroporti e controlli di sicurezza. Instancabile portatore di tecnologie italiane in Cina.

Giuseppe Portogallo, che tiene la Sicilia nel cuore, ha costituito nel 2007 la Fondazione Prospero Intorcetta cultura aperta per ricordare la figura storica del gesuita Prospero Intorcetta, nato a Piazza Armerina nel 1625, missionario in Cina dal 1659. Fu il primo a tradurre in latino le opere di Confucio.

La Fondazione, oltre a

Sicilia Mondo scrive ai Capigruppo dei Partiti al Senato a sostegno della mozione del Senatore Claudio Micheloni sulle chiusure degli Istituti Italiani di Cultura e delle Rappresentanze diplomatiche consolari “Caro Senatore, Sicilia Mondo, espressione viva delle comunità siciliane che vivono fuori dall’Isola, con la presente si rivolge alla Sua sensibilità di Capogruppo del Partito, per appoggiare la seguente mozione che il Senatore Claudio Micheloni presenterà al Senato Martedì 11 febbraio corr. sul “riordino delle sedi consolari”, allo scopo di bloccare la decisione del MAE riguardante le chiusure di sedi e agenzie consolari e degli Istituti Italiani di Cultura nel mondo.

Questa Associazione, infatti, condivide e fa proprio il contenuto della mozione che considera essenziale nel sistema-immagine dell’Italia e nella tutela dei diritti delle nostre comunità all’estero.

Sicilia Mondo si sente perfettamente legittimata a rappresentare dal basso una esigenza fortemente vissuta e considera la presente un contributo che arricchisce, certamente, l’esercizio democratico delle Istituzioni del nostro Paese.

L’associazionismo di emigrazione ne ha tutti i titoli.

Nel ringraziarLa fin da ora, La prego gradire le più vive cordialità.

Il Presidente Avv. Domenico Azzia Consigliere del C.G.I.E.” * * *

Sicilia Mondo – Accolta con soddisfazione l’abrogazione del reato di clandestinità da parte del Senato Viva soddisfazione ha suscitato, anche presso la numerosissima comunità siciliana all’estero vicina a Sicilia Mondo, il sì del Senato al disegno di legge sulle pene alternative al carcere e sulla messa in prova riguardante gli immigrati clandestini.

Il ddl approvato al Senato con 195 voti a favore, 15 contrari e 36 astenuti e che dovrà ora passare anche dalla Camera dei Deputati, contiene l’emendamento riguardante il reato di immigrazione clandestina.

“Se da un lato il reato viene abrogato, dice il sottosegretario alla Giustizia Cosimo Ferri, dall’altro viene applicato in illecito amministrativo”. Ciò significa che chi entra per la prima volta In Italia clandestinamente, non verrà sottoposto ad un procedimento penale ma verrà immediatamente espluso. Nel caso in cui rientrasse una seconda volta, commetterebbe reato.

La notizia del via libera a questo emendamento è stato certamente un segnale politico importante del Paese Italia che oggi per uscire dalla crisi, ha bisogno di credere e di valorizzare anche la risorsa del mondo immigratorio.

Non si può rimanere inerti di fronte alla tragedia di persone come noi che lasciano la propria terra per povertà o per persecuzioni, alla ricerca disperata di sopravvivenza e di migliori condizioni di vita per sé e le proprie famiglie.

Si volta pagina: l’immigrato non più visto come uomo da scartare, da cui avere paura, un nemico da cui difendersi, legato alla criminalità, alla sfruttamento, alla irregolarità.

Lo stesso Papa Francesco dice, in occasione della Giornata del Migrante e del Rifugiato: “Bisogna passare da una cultura dello scarto alla cultura dell’incontro”.

L’attesa della trasformazione in legge da parte della Camera dei Deputati, sottolinea Azzia, è molto diffusa anche tra la gente comune perché rappresenta un modo diverso di vivere e di civiltà per il Paese Italia.

PAGINA 16 – MARZO 2014

valorizzare Piazza Armerina e la sua storica realtà territoriale ed archeologica, ha conseguito, negli ultimi anni, straordinari successi nella progettazione di eventi, manifestazioni, scambi, promozione di cultura aperta e di dialogo tra popoli sull’asse portante SiciliaCina.

Su questa linea culturale, ha recentemente siglato un protocollo d’intesa triennale con la Fondazione Federico II di Palermo, istituita nel 1996 dalla Regione Sicilia, con il compito di valorizzare il patrimonio culturale dell’Isola.

Il protocollo si ripromette di favorire la conoscenza e lo studio dell’opera dei gesuiti siciliani in Cina ma soprattutto vuole essere una piattaforma di scambi tra Italia e Cina, puntando alle attività scientifiche, alle innovazioni, al rilancio culturale della Sicilia attraverso collaborazioni, studi, ricerche, scambi professionali, attività editoriali, partecipazioni a

bandi e gare nel comune interesse.

Giuseppe Portogallo, punto di riferimento della Sicilia in Cina, ove risiede un folto gruppo di siciliani, è stretto collaboratore di Sicilia Mondo e socio del Network www.siciliamondo.net per i siciliani eccellenti e nei posti di responsabilità. E’ stato scelto insieme ad altri dieci siciliani eccellenti ed ha partecipato all’Incontro-laboratorio che si è tenuto a Catania, nel 2011, sul tema “Per restare nel moto di un mondo sempre più globalizzato ed esigente”.

Tra i siciliani che vivono in tutte le parti del mondo, più numerosi dei residenti nell’Isola, sono tantissimi quelli che esaltano l’immagine della Sicilia, al centro dell’economia, della cultura, della politica e della comunicazione nelle società di insediamento.

Ma il Governo regionale li ha cancellati tutti. Anche nella Finanziaria della Regione. Una eliminazione totale.

Sicilia Mondo: XV edizione del Premio Letterario Giovanile Sicilia Mondo 2014 La globalizzazione ha sdoganato la comunicazione consentendo ai giovani di tutto il mondo, via skype, facebook ed altro, di navigare, conoscersi e confrontarsi sulla quotidianità ma anche su progetti riguardanti il futuro.

Spesso, l’argomento dell’incontro è quello di confrontarsi sui modelli comportamentali ma anche sulle possibilità di accedere a diverse specializzazioni negli studi, nella innovazione e nella ricerca di lavoro.

“In questo confronto, quanto ti aiuta la identità italiana, la formazione scolastica ed educativa e quali le riflessioni ed i punti di incontro sulla società di oggi e sul suo futuro?”

Questo il tema del XV Premio Letterario Giovanile Sicilia Mondo per il 2014.

E’ stato prescelto questo argomento perché i problemi del mondo giovanile sono stati sempre, ed oggi più che mai, al centro dell’impegno di Sicilia Mondo.

Requisiti del Concorso Il concorso è riservato ai giovani siciliani (tra i 18 ed i 35 anni) residenti all’estero, figli e nipoti di siciliani.

TESTO – Il testo deve essere in lingua italiana, della lunghezza minima di 2 cartelle a quella massima di 15, di 30 righe e per un massimo di 60 battute dattiloscritte.

NUMERO COPIE - I concorrenti devono inviare due copie in busta chiusa, di cui una contenente nome, cognome, data e luogo di nascita, indirizzo, numero di telefono, email, la dichiarazione di essere figlio o nipote di siciliani accompagnata da una foto. Il

concorso non prevede alcuna quota di partecipazione.

SPEDIZIONE – Gli elaborati devono pervenire entro il 31 maggio 2014 a “Sicilia Mondo”, Via Renato Imbriani, 253 – 95128 Catania. I lavori inviati non saranno restituiti.

Premi Al 1° classificato: Viaggio e ospitalità di 5 gg. in Sicilia e targa ricordo; Al 2° classificato: Una collana di libri e targa ricordo.

GIURIA - La giuria, composta da personalità del mondo culturale, verrà resa nota al momento della premiazione.

PREMIAZIONE - Avverrà a Catania a data da destinarsi.

RISULTATI – I risultati saranno resi noti tramite corrispondenza e-mail e attraverso la stampa.

Marzo Date da ricordare 8 marzo - Giornata della donna. Auguri a tutte le donne.

19 marzo - San Giuseppe 21 marzo - San Benedetto ogni rondine sotto il tetto.

Inizio della primavera la natura si risveglia dal suo lungo periodo invernale.

E’ primavera!

Se nel mese di marzo festeggiate onomastico, compleanno anniversario fervidissimi auguri!

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Sicilia Mondo scrive ai sindaci della Sicilia per l’applicazione delle detrazioni fiscali previste dalla legge di stabilità per le abitazioni dei siciliani che vivono fuori dell’Isola “Caro sindaco, questa Associazione, espressione viva delle comunità siciliane che vivono fuori dall’Isola, chiede, alla Sua sensibilità, di volere applicare la legge di stabilità che consente ai Comuni la facoltà di adottare, per il 2014, esenzioni, agevolazioni e riduzioni fiscali per le imposte comunali relative a Imu, Tari e Tasi, per le abitazioni dei cittadini italiani residenti all’estero, proprietari di immobili in Italia.

Per ciò che riguarda l’Imu, la stessa legge prevede che i Comuni possano considerare direttamente adibita ad abitazione principale l’unità immobiliare posseduta dai cittadini italiani non residenti, aventi il titolo di proprietari o di usufruttuari, a condizione che non risulti locata.

Peraltro, è previsto, per il 2014, un contributo di 500 milioni di euro ai Comuni, finalizzato a finanziare le eventuali detrazioni dalla Tasi, in favore dei cittadini italiani iscritti all’AIRE. Come è noto, la tassazione della casa in Sicilia è stata sempre il cruccio dei siciliani che vivono fuori. Vi ritornano sempre per le ferie o per la festa del patrono.

I siciliani che negli anni 60-70 e 80 andarono all’estero in cerca di lavoro ed in particolare quelli verso i paesi europei, partirono tutti con il progetto di raggranellare un po’ di denaro ma poi di rientrare definitivamente in Sicilia.

In questa logica, investirono tutti i loro risparmi per costruire la casa nel comune di partenza. Sorsero, così, nei comuni di forte emigrazione, interi quartieri di nuove abitazioni che vennero pure arredate.

Ma nella realtà, per il 90% di loro, il rientro definitivo nel paese di origine rimase un sogno.

La stabilizzazione nelle società di insediamento ma soprattutto la integrazione dei loro figli e nipoti ai parametri culturali locali, fece tramontare l’idea di un ritorno al Paese di origine, che nel frattempo si era anch’esso trasformato.

Ma mai hanno rinunziato di ritornarvi per le ferie né di vendere quella casa che era frutto di tanti sacrifici ma anche di tanti sogni mancati. Oggi un simbolo.

Per questo rientro temporaneo, su case di proprietà mai locate, i siciliani hanno pagato dal 1993 al 2011, per ben 18 anni, la tassazione prevista dalla legge italiana come abitazione principale, anche se hanno usufruito limitatamente dei servizi indivisibili.

Ove il Comune non dovesse applicare i benefici previsti dalla legge di stabilità per il 2014, i corregionali proprietari di abitazioni in Sicilia, dovranno pagare sia l’Imu, con le aliquote più elevate per la “seconda casa”, sia la Tari per rifiuti che non producono che la Tasi, per servizi che non fruiscono.

La tragedia della emigrazione appartiene alla storia della Sicilia. La conosciamo tutti. Ci coinvolge. La sua memoria ci sensibilizza.

Non si può dire di no a chi ha tanto sofferto ma che ha anche tanto dato, con le rimesse, nei tempi bui.

Il loro rientro che assume proporzioni impressionanti nei periodi estivi, significa ritorno di ricchezza ma contiene anche le ragioni etiche di un ritorno di rapporti umani che prolungano la vita dei valori identitari.

Questa Associazione, pertanto, confida sulla sensibilità della S.V. per una scelta che può essere inserita benissimo tra i fattori di sviluppo del Comune.

Ovviamente, la legge di stabilità per il 2014, riguarda tutti gli italiani che vivono all’estero.

Molto opportunamente i parlamentari eletti nella Circoscrizione Estero, Porta, Farina, La Marca, Garavini e Fedi, hanno chiesto a Piero Fassino, Presidente dell’Anci, in occasione della prossima audizione del Comitato permanente degli Italiani nel mondo e per la promozione del sistema Paese della Camera dei Deputati, una direttiva ai Comuni per le detrazioni fiscali, per il 2014, previste dalla legge di stabilità.

Contando su un provvedimento di attenzione che vuole avere il significato di rinnovata vicinanza nei confronti dei concittadini emigrati che stanno fuori, La ringrazio pregandoLa di gradire le più vive cordialità.

Il Presidente Avv. Domenico Azzia”

20° Annuale Maratona di Roma 20° Annuale Maratona di Roma (noto come la "Maratona di Roma") si terrà il Domenica, Marzo 17 a Roma, Italia.

Il 42-km marathon - in cui più di 12.000 atleti sono tenuti a partecipare - avrà inizio alle ore 9 di fronte al Colosseo.

Il percorso continua attravers o le strette e tortuose strade della Città Eterna. Guide, passando

THE ITALIAN TIMES

dalla Basilica di San Pietro, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, e innumerevoli altri punti di riferimento.

A fianco del più grave e più intensa Maratona di Roma, un evento parallelo per quelli meno atleticamente inclinato. "La Stracittadina", questo "Roma Fun Run" è orientato verso le famiglie e gli anziani e i vantaggi decine di Romano charities.

Mozione Senatore Claudio Micheloni Atto n. 1-00187, pubblicato il 5 dicembre 2013, nella seduta n. 147 La cultura è in assoluto il patrimonio più prezioso che l’Italia possiede. Gli Istituti Italiani di Cultura sono uno strumento fondamentale per diffondere la cultura italiana e per mantenere vive le radici culturali degli italiani all’estero. “Chiudere gli istituti di cultura è un errore gravissimo che pagheremo per decenni”, è il succo del commento di alcuni intelettuali italiani, tra cui Dacia Maraini, Stefano Benni, Serena Dandini, Beppe Severgini, Claudio Magris.

Le chiusure vengono giustificate dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri con la Spending review. Ma vogliamo guardare da vicino questi “risparmi”?

Poiché tutti gli impiegati verranno ricollocati, il risparmio totale a seguito della chiusura, costituito dall’eliminazione della dotazione, per esempio, dei tre Istituti Italiani di Cultura in Germania (Stoccarda, Francoforte e Wolfsburg) è di: 291.000,00.

Pari alla indennità annuale di un Console Generale di Consolato di I Categoria.

La perdita di introiti diretti (corsi di lingua, certificazioni e sponsorizzazioni), che non ci sarebbero se questi Istituti fossero chiusi, è di: 190.000,00.

La differenza tra il risparmio e la perdita è di ca. 100.000,00.

Ed è per questa cifra che vengono chiusi 3 Istituti apprezzatissimi da tedeschi e italiani che tengono alta e viva l’immagine della nostra cultura?

L’altra motivazione a giustificazione delle chiusure è la riorganizzazione della rete degli Istituti con soppressioni di strutture in Europa ed aperture nei Paesi emergenti.

Ma mentre il progetto di chiusure degli Istituti è stato deciso con un’accelerazione impressionante, non è stato prospettato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri un corrispettivo piano per l’apertura di nuovi Istituti.

Se le chiusure degli Istituti non verranno bloccate saranno cancellati, con un forte danno economico e di immagine per l’Italia, tutta una serie di validi contatti a benificio del nostro Paese costruiti in decenni di solido lavoro.

Il Ministero degli Affari Esteri intende privilegiare l’azione diplomatica in nuove aree emergenti e chiudere in Europa.

Eppure, nell’ultima pubblicazione redatta dal MAE dal titolo “Farnesina 2015 – La politica

estera al servizio del Paese: dall’austerità alla crescità” viene più volte attestato che l’Europa ha un peso preponderante riguardo alla destinazione dei nostri investimenti ed esportazioni poiché i primi cinque Paesi sono: Germania, Francia, Spagna, Olanda e Lussemburgo. È razionale chiudere in Europa tre Istituti in Germania, dove gli investimenti italiani in uscita sono pari a 35 milioni di Euro, oppure in Lussemburgo e Francia con investimenti pari a 26 milioni di Euro a Paese. Dove l’export è pari a 49 miliardi con la Germania e 43 miliardi con la Francia? (Dati verificabili su www.ice.gov.it) Tutto questo non contando l’indotto dato sia dalla presenza di una radicata comunità italiana già presente sia dalla nuova presenza dei flussi migratori in arrivo e con un forte trend di crescita.

Lo stesso ragionamento vale anche per la chiusura di strutture diplomatiche.

Nonostante le riduzioni di bilancio e le difficoltà del contesto globale, tanto in materia di promozione dell’economia italiana nel mondo quanto nella tutela dei diritti e degli interessi dei nostri concittadini all’estero, la rete diplomatica e consolare italiana ha svolto negli ultimi anni un ottimo lavoro.

I tagli operati sul bilancio complessivo, fatti salvi capitoli di spesa quasi intoccabili, come ad esempio quelli relativi al trattamento economico del personale diplomatico e soprattutto alle indennità di sede all’estero, producono lo smantellamento e la chiusura delle sedi consolari all’estero, strumenti essenziali ai fini della proiezione internazionale del nostro Paese e della tutela dovuta ai nostri concittadini all’estero.

Perchè chiudere strutture agili come Sportelli e Agenzie consolari che sarebbero un’ottima e accertata alternativa alla chiusura definitiva di strutture consolari?

La “revisione della spesa con invarianza dei servizi ai cittadini”, così come recita la legge della spending review (di cui al decretolegge n. 95 del 2012, convertito, con modificazioni, dalla legge n. 135 del 2012), significa ridurre i costi di funzionamento della rete, non le prestazioni di servizio ai cittadini, ma quanto proposto dal Ministero con il “riorientamento della rete consolare” va nella direzione opposta a questo principio.

Zeppole In molte parti d'Italia, zeppole o zeppoli nel sud i dialetti italiani) sono tradizionalmente mangiato La Festa di San Giuseppe (St. Giuseppe), Mar. 19.

Le Zeppole fritte sono le palline che sono di solito conditi con zucchero a velo e possono essere riempiti con crema, gelatina, cannoli-style crema pasticciera o burro e miele. A Roma, Napoli e la regione Sicilia, questi piccoli pas-

ticcini sono venduti in molte strade e, talvolta, sono dati come doni.

L'usanza di preparare le zeppole di San Giuseppe è stato diffuso agli inizi del 19° secolo da un napoletano baker denominato Pasquale Pintauro.

Le Zeppole sono state servite come dessert al centro della comunità Italiana del giorno di San Giuseppe pranzo dal 2010.

MARZO 2014 – PAGINA 17

Italians married in Milwaukee: 1897-1925 Addendum – Part 3 Compiled by Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian Introductory Notes The Milwaukee Marriage Index: 1897-1925 includes the name of the individual married and the month and year the marriage took place. Information contained in the Milwaukee Marriage Index:1926-1940 was compiled by this researcher in January of 1993 and is being featured in The Italian Times. The Milwaukee Marriage Index: 1941-1955 was previously published in The Italian Times.

Reporting of the volume Milwaukee Marriage Index was obtained from the Milwaukee County Historical Society and copies at the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works are all copyrighted and an original copy is at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for all time.

Please keep in mind that these marriages were actualized only in the City of Milwaukee. Accordingly, if you were married outside the city limits (e.g., Shorewood, West Allis, Cudahy), your name won’t appear in this listing. Names appearing here are listed and spelled exactly as found in the marriage volumes. If you know of a relative who was married in Milwaukee during the time period 1897-1925 and that relative’s name does not appear in these listings, please contact the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

Surname of bridegrooms appears in parenthesis after bride’s name.

This addendum relates to Italians listed in the Milwaukee Marriage Index: 1897 – 1925, but were not included in the main corpus of this particular research project.

NOTE: Surname of bridegroom appears in parenthesis after bride’s name.

Name Married Sparacino, Nunzio Nov-1913 Sparacino, Paul Nov-1923 Sparacino, Peter Aug-1920 Sparacino, Vincenzo Jun-1918 Spella, Joseph Aug-1921 Spella, Josephine (?)

Apr-1920 Straganola, Josie (Sparacino) Jun-1918 Tales, Vincenzo Sep-1914 Tantillo, Joe Jan-1919 Taromina, Camelia (Schiro) Mar-1920 Taraborri, Jennie (Antonelli) Feb-1924 Temburini, Selumena (Eufemy) Mar-1917 Traina, Frank May-1920 Tralango, Jack Mar-1920 Triscari, Joseph Feb-1922 Troccola, Joseph Nov-1925 Trupiano, Phillipa (Leto) Aug-1924 Trupiano, Sebastian Dec-1919

Name Truppo, Christina (Barletta) Tulibana, Guiseppo Tufo, Silvio Valdini, Gieranna (Raghianti) Valente, Tony Valenti, John Valenti, Maria (Mollica) Valenti, Mike Valentini, Steven Valentino, Caroline (Manfre) Valesano, Joseph Vallero, Victoria (Guerra) Valverde, Josephine (Laurie) Vardanega, Giovanni Viglione, Antonio Vinci, Joseph Zaldamo, Petrina (Famularo) Zanchetti, Philomena (Santi)

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

MILWAUKEE’S ITALIANS: THE EARLY YEARS

by Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian

Cover Price: $12.95

ON SALE NOW FOR $9.95 ALL PROCEEDS FROM BOOK SALES GO TO THE ICC BUILDING FUND. ICC Historian Mario A. Carini’s labor of love traces the history of Milwaukee’s Italian community from the mid 1800s to 1925. Resulting from a lifetime of research by Carini, Milwaukee’s Italians: The Early Years is a 143-page illustrated paperbook book. The Italian Community Center is the publisher.

Married Dec-1910 Nov-1919 Sep-1924 Jun-1902 May-1917 Jul-1913 Dec-1908 Oct-1922 Jul-1911 Jun-1911 Jun-1919 Apr-1923 Jan-1914 Jan-1920 Jan-1915 Jun-1919 Aug-1920 Jun-1921

Name Married Zancaria, Gracia (Manchia) Sep-1899 Zanotelli, Victor Dec-1924 Zaffiro, Biagio Sep-1924 Zaffiro, Josephine (Geraci) Oct-1913 Zaffiro, Liboria (Franco) Oct-1916 Zaffiro, Michael Dec-1916 Zacconi, Mary (Scaffidi) Jan-1924 Zanella, George Jun-1924 Zarcone, Frances (Saulig) Jan-1922 Zarcone, Frank Jun-1919 Zarcone, Ignazio May-1912 Zarcone, Providenza (Casamento) Feb-1908 Zarconi, Anthony Oct-1919 Zappala, Theresa (Amato) Apr-1909 Zappaterreno, Joseph Jul-1924 Zeperelli, Joseph Jun-1919 Zingasi, Razia (Corse) Sep-1907 End of listing

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTERʼS COOKBOOK, “LIBRO DELLE RICETTE,” VOLUME 2.

Looking for some delicious, home-tested recipes? Youʼll find them in this cookbook. Use this form to order the book. The cost is $12. Volume 1 is now out of print.

ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER COOKBOOK ORDER FORM Your Name _________________________________________________

MILWAUKEE’S ITALIANS: THE EARLY YEARS ORDER FORM

Address ____________________________________________________

Your Name: ________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Phone ____________________ E-mail ___________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________ Phone: __________________ Email: ____________________________________ Number of copies of book ordered: ___________________________________ x $ Subtotal A:

$9.95 per book

$

$

Sales tax (Wisconsin residents only, 5.6%): x $ Subtotal C (enter sales tax figure):

= $___________

Shipping & Handling* ($3.00 for one book; $2.00 each additional book)

$ ___________

Grand Total

$___________

*You can save the shipping and handling cost by picking up your order at the Italian Community Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Shipping & Handling* ($3.00 for one book, $2.00 each additional book): $ *You can save the shipping and handling cost by picking up your order at the Italian Community Center.

Subtotal B:

Number of copies of Volume 2 ____ @ $12 each (Note: Price includes sales tax)

0.056

$

If youʼre paying by check: Make your check payable to the Italian Community Center. If you are paying with a charge card, please complete the following.

Type of Charge Card: _________________________________________

Enter Subtotal B figure & add with sales tax figure: + $

Charge Card No.: ____________________________________________

Grand total:

Expiration Date: ______________________________________________

$

If you’re paying by check: Make your check payable to the Italian Community Center.

Send this form to: Italian Community Center, c/o Cookbook, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

If this purchase is being made with a charge card, please complete the following: Type of Charge Card: _______________________________________________ Charge Card No.: ___________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ___________________________________________________ Send this form to: Italian Community Center, c/o Milwaukee’s Italians book, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

PAGE 18 – MARCH 2014

Spring is right around the corner (we hope)! If you’re have an estate sale or rummage sale, consider placing an ad in The Italian Times.

Call (414) 223-2801 for details or send an email to themman@italiancc.org to get all the details.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Victory School’s Italian Immersion Program report In Mrs. Jana Horntvedt’s K4 Italian partial-immersion room the students are working on counting to “cento” because the 100th day of school is in a couple of weeks. They have been learning about colors and just completed a book about the colors in their world. They took a trip to the zoo a few weeks ago and are about to begin a unit on animals, focusing on the ones they saw on their zoological field trip.

Mr. Tom Bruno’s K5 is learning a wonderful song, “Ci Vuole Un Fiore” by Sergio Endrigo. Some fifth grade Italian students are helping to teach the words and gestures for the song. The older students remember the words and gestures from their experiences five years ago, when they first learned the famous and sweetly melodic song.

Ms. Elizabeth Zizzo and Mrs. Justine Schwanz’s 33 first grade students are studying shapes in math. The students have been building structures with colored cylinders, cubes, spheres, rectangular prisms, pyramids and other shapes. Perhaps one of the first graders will be inspired to become a famous architect some day.

Ms. Annette Robertson’s second graders are currently studying “Riciclati” and sustainable and ecological practices. The students are learning many ways of recycling glass, plastic, wood, paper, water and food. They will build a compost bin for red worms to live and break down food into soil. It will become their science fair project.

Mr. Steven Falsetti’s third grade class is exploring the City of Milwaukee and how it differs from the rural areas or the countryside: la cita e la campagna. They are creating a Venn diagram to illustrate

THE ITALIAN TIMES

the differences and the similarities.

They have been on several field trips to become more familiar with the City of Milwaukee, going to performances at the Marcus Center, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Symphony, First Stage Children’s Theater and a Native American Pow Wow at Indian Summer Fest.

Ms. Cathy Laurenzi’s fourth grade class has been studying the respiratory system and the effects of asthma. Thanks to the American Lung Association and its school program, ALVI, the children had a chance to learn with a “hands on” approach and are able to share this knowledge with their peers.

Mrs. Diane Wilcox’s fifth grade Italian students are learning about

verbs in Italian, for example: essere, avere, and dovere. The students are also learning about the different conjugations in Italian which include: -ure, -ere and –ire verb endings.

Mrs. Janine Graber, Victory Principal, reported that the school is hoping to hire several Italian

speaking lower and upper elementary licensed teachers starting Fall 2014. If you have a friend or relative in Milwaukee or Italy who might be interested in a full time teaching position please call Mrs. Janine Graber at 304-6705.

Interviews will begin in March.

MARCH 2014 – PAGE 19

Besides Milwaukee, where did Italian immigrants settle in Wisconsin?

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor While the city of Milwaukee experienced the largest influx of Italian immigrants to Wisconsin in the late 1800s and early 1900s, several other cities in the state during the same period saw their populations increased by those who departed from Italy for a new life in America.

Like other ethnic groups, most

What’s the weather like in Italy in March?

The Italians have a saying: “Marzo è pazzarello,” which literally means “March is crazy!” It is a month of meteorological transition, with winter and spring sharing custody, and Italians never know quite what to expect in terms of precipitation and temperature.

The temperature can vary slightly from the north to the south, but the general trend is for colder days in the beginning of the month, with the last days of March warming up.

Precipitation is also slightly high during this month, peaking in the northeastern regions (Vicenza in Veneto sees about three inches of precipitation) and in some Mediterranean islands (Messina also sees about three inches). In between, precipitation can vary with central Italy averages between 2 to 2.5 inches.

In the north, near the Austrian border, temperatures can range from around 30º to 55º, with about a 10º increase over the course of the month.

In central Italy, including Rome, temperatures hover between 45º and 60º.

In Sicily and the southern part of Italy, temperatures seldom drop below 50º and can climb into the 60s and 70s.

Looking for the ideal gift?

How about Cafe La Scala gift certificates?

Available in any denomination.

Stop in today or call (414) 223-2185.

Cafe La Scala at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St. A block west of Summerfest in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

PAGE 20 – MARCH 2014

Italians left their homeland for Wisconsin due to poor agricultural conditions in their country. The earliest Italian immigrants took jobs in foundries, tanneries and coal yards. Most of the Italian immigration to Wisconsin was indirect; the majority lived in Chicago before migrating to Wisconsin.

Kenosha, Racine and Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood became the home to a sizable number of immigrant Italians in the early 1900s. Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine offered industrial job opportunities. Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood began as a settlement of Italian stonecutters who worked on the State Capitol and the State Historical Society Building.

One group from the Piedmont region of Italy settled in Genoa (southwestern Wisconsin) and helped to construct buildings representative of those in Genoa, Italy.

Other areas where Italians set-

tled in Wisconsin were Campbellsport, Fond du Lac and Plymouth and Marinette County.

These places were becoming important cheese manufacturing centers and the immigrants helped to make Italian cheeses that became popular across the United States.

It was reported in a Milwaukee newspaper in January 1924, “the largest pastoral colony of Italians in America, is located adjacent to the little city of Cumberland.”

Cumberland is in Barron County in northwestern Wisconsin.

The story, appearing in the Milwaukee Sentinel, goes on to state: “In this colony, there are about 160 families, numbering about 2,000 people, living on farms, and all in close proximity and on the very edge of the city of Cumberland. Most of those people are from a province in Italy about 80 miles east of Rome, where farming is the chief occupation, and it is carried on in a most intensive manner. A few are from southern Italy,

one from Naples and one from Sicily.

“It is interesting, too, to know how so many of these people came to choose this place as their home and what first induced them to come here. James McNaughton, who had charge of the railroad construction work, was confronted with a strike, so he journeyed to St. Paul and returned with a crew of Italian laborers. Among the crew were several who had been brought up on farms in Italy and they were attracted to the fine stretch of land just south of town and began to summon their friends from the far off country to join them.”

Among the first Italian families to farm in the Cumberland area were those of George Alfonse, Nick Campione and James St. Angelo.

By 1920, there were more than 11,000 Italians living in Wisconsin, with about 75% of them residing in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Rock and Dane counties.

Your Special Occasion Deserves Our Special Attention.

Whether you're planning significant family functions -- reunions, christenings, quinceañera, bridal or baby showers, or you're faced with organizing a last-minute event, such as a funeral luncheon . . .

Or you want the perfect setting for a wedding reception or engagement or wedding rehearsal dinner, or your company is looking for an ideal location for a business or social gathering . . .

the Italian Conference Center is your answer.

Our Catering Director will work closely with you to make sure that every detail that goes into a successful event is planned. And the food at the ICC! Ah, the food. Your guests will shower you with compliments after they've eaten the delicious meals prepared by our outstanding chefs and served by our friendly and efficient wait staff.

Everything you need for a successful event is ready and waiting at the Italian Conference Center. For assistance in scheduling and planning your event, call David or Michelle at . . .

414-223-2800 or visit: www.ItalianConference.com

In the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee Free parking • Handicapped accessible Minutes from downtown and freeway access in the Historic Third Ward

THE ITALIAN TIMES