March 2016 online

ITALIAN TIMES THE

Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com MARCH 2016 • VOL. 37, NO. 9

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

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Viva Il Carnevale

– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –

Hail to the Royal Court of Carnevale 2016! From the left: Il Gran Maresciallo John Alioto (at podium), La Nonna and Il Nonno Carol and Ray Martinez, La Regina and Il Re Maria and Salvatore Purpora, Il Principe and LaPrincipessa Thomas Blaubach and Claire Elliott, and La Piccola Principessa and Il Piccolo Principe Isabella Vella and Charles Bartolone. Missing is Il Vescovo Frank D’Amato (who is actually behind La

Get ready to indulge in ‘A Taste of Italy’ on Sunday, Apr. 17

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Make sure you, your family, relatives and friends are ready to chow down at the Italian Community Center’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 17. As anyone who has been to it previously knows, it’s an Italian food spectacular that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Cosa c’è dentro?

What’s inside?

President Vella’s message page 2

Karen Dickinson appointed as director-at-large page 2 Easter events and Italian classes

pages 4-5

Bill Jennaro’s Festa interview included in new book page 7 Italian organizations seek your support for upcoming fundraisers

page 8

UNICO scholarships available

page 9

Glorioso’s celebrating 70th anniversary

page 15

Hon. Antonin Scalia, 1st Italian American Supreme Court Justice, dies page 14 A kid from Porticello

Sezione Italiane

page 17

pagine 18-19

Happy St. Patrizio’s Day page 20

Italian Easter eggs

page 24

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.

Great food, low prices 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 in a set of seven for just $10. Single tickets will be $1.50 each. “It’s an exceptional deal as anyone who has ever attended can attest to because of the ample size of our servings,” said Taste of Italy Chair Ann Romano.

She added that almost every entrée, sandwich, salad, soup, Italian specialty item, dessert and beverage – except one – will be available for one ticket. The lone exception will be calamari fritti (deep-fried squid). Calamari will be sold for two tickets.

“Because of the high price we have to pay for the product, we really don’t have a choice,” Romano said.

“Since calamari is such a big favorite, we wanted to find a way to keep it on our menu.”

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 Please turn to page 5

Regina Maria). Close to 300 people attended the Italian Community Center’s 37th annual Il Grande Carnevale, held on Feb. 6. This year’s theme was “Viva Il Carnevale!” Many more photos from the pre-Lenten costume and mask ball can be found on pages 10-13. In case you are wondering, Carnevale in 2017 will be on Saturday, Feb. 25. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day at ICC luncheon on Mar. 18

In keeping with its long-standing recognition of the Feast Day of St. Joseph, the Italian Community Center is proud to announce its annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon, which, this year, will be held on Friday, Mar. 18 at noon.

Both ICC members and nonmembers are invited to attend.

The costs are set at $17 per member and $20 per non-member.

Reservations – required by Monday, Mar. 14 – can be made by filling out the form on page 6 and sending it with a check or money order to the ICC, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. It can also be done by calling the ICC at 414-223-2180 and making a credit card payment. St. Joseph’s Day luncheon flyers with a reservation form can also be filled and submitted to the ICC. “Our celebration – the 24th annual – will serve as a joyous preview to the actual observance of St. Joseph’s Day, which is Mar. 19,” said chairperson Mary (Mineo) Winard.

ICC Chaplain Fr. Tim Kitzke, Pastor of Three Holy Women Parish and other east side and downtown Milwaukee churches, will be present for the invocation, perform the blessing of the beautifully decorated altar as well as all of the attendees and the bread and fruit bags that each person

will receive at the close of the luncheon.

ICC President Giuseppe Vella will welcome attendees and act as master of ceremonies.

As in past years, pianist John Puchner is volunteering to play Italian songs and music appropriate for the occasion during the serving of the lunch.

The St. Joseph’s Day tradition includes a meatless meal. Winard reports that the ICC menu for the Please turn to page 6

A message from Giuseppe Vella, Italian Community Center President

Based on the comments I’ve heard, I’m certain that everyone who attended our Carnevale had a good time. It was an outstanding evening to celebrate our heritage and to spend quality time with our families. As I have said in the past, FAMILY is what the ICC is all about.

I want to thank our chairpersons Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis and their committee of volunteers for making Carnevale a marvelous event.

I also want to thank all of our Carnevale sponsors and all those who advertised in the program book.

St. Joseph’s Day luncheon The ICC is hosting its annual St. Joseph’s Day luncheon on Friday, Mar. 18. Chairperson Mary Winard is busy putting together a wonderful program. I want to encourage everyone to participate, especially since your President is named Giuseppe!

Mark your calendars, get your reservations in, and let’s celebrate and remember a day that has been long been part of our heritage.

Easter events The ICC has two family events built around the Easter holiday that I’d like to draw to your attention.

The first is our children’s Easter party on Saturday, Mar. 19, hosted by our Avanti Committee. It’s not just a wonderful time for the kids, but parents and grandparents, too.

The second event is our Easter Sunday brunch on Mar. 27.

Business Manager Laurie Bisesi has put together a bountiful buffet menu. If you are looking for a good place to come after church and celebrate Pasqua with your family and friends, then make sure you make reservations for the brunch.

Details on both events appear in this issue.

“A Taste of Italy” On Sunday, Apr. 17, our 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” is scheduled. This event is our second biggest fundraiser, superseded only

by Festa Italiana. It is imperative that all of our members and Italian societies and clubs support this event.

Chairperson Ann Romano and her committee are planning a spectacular day of Italian food, music and family fun. New details can be found in this issue.

Festa Italiana While many of us are looking forward to the end of winter and our first spring-like day, there are many of us at the Italian Community Center looking ahead to the middle of summer, particularly to the weekend of July 22-24.

That is, of course, the weekend of Festa Italiana. Planning for our 39th annual Festa is well underway.

I can report that we will have the carnival returning this year.

We heard a lot of positive comments about the carnival operation

Festa Patrol looking for volunteers

Ralph Busalacchi, manager of the Festa Patrol, is seeking volunteers to serve on his crew during Festa Italiana, July 22-24.

Volunteers on the Festa Patrol serve as first responders to a variety of situations on the festival grounds, ranging from security and first aid to lost children. They

strive to keep order along parade and procession routes and work to ensure that Festa’s guests experience a pleasant and safe family event.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Busalacchi at 414-483-1562 or email him at: abodanza1@sbcglobal.net.

last year. We believe it was an overall positive on our bottom line.

Support our clubs and societies The family that we speak of extends well beyond the ICC and Festa and includes the clubs and societies that promote and carry on our Italian heritage. It is essential that we support them in the same manner as they have and continue to support us.

There are five events scheduled over the several few months by our Italian clubs and societies to which I will draw your attention.

The first is the Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet on Mar. 20 at the ICC. The Pompeii Women have been longtime supporters of the ICC. The Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet is this organization’s biggest fundraiser each year.

Next is the Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet on Mar. 25 at the ICC. Always one of the best-attended Good Friday fish fry dinner events in the city, it is the club’s most essential fundraising activity.

Fans of Frank Sinatra – and we know there are many of you – will want to be in attendance for the “Tribute to Sinatra” concert, hosted by the Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America on Saturday, Apr. 2. As a major fundraiser, the organization is hop-

ing for a full house that night in our Pompeii Grand Ballroom.

La Società Santa Rosalia di Santo Stefano Quisquina is holding its annual Spring Dinner Dance on Saturday, Apr. 23 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Easter Seals Southeastern Wisconsin has been chosen as the beneficiary of proceeds from the evening.

The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National and the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO join together to host their annual Scholarship Banquet on Tuesday, May 17. Information on how students of Italian descent can apply for these scholarships appears in this issue.

Look for full details on all of events mentioned here in this issue.

Buona Pasqua!

– Giuseppe Vella ICC President

Karen Dickinson appointed to ICC Board

Karen Dickinson was appointed as a director-at-large on the ICC Board at the board’s Feb. 11 meeting. She is completing the unexpired term of Henry Piano, who resigned for personal and professional reasons.

The appointment was made in accordance with the ICC Bylaws.

In the fall 2015 election, five candidates ran for four open directors’ positions. The bylaws require that the next highest vote-getter – after the four who were elected –automatically fill any vacated director’s seat, should one occur. Since Dickinson was the fifth highest vote-getter in the last election, she was in line to fill the vacancy.

Her term will last through Oct. 31, 2016.

Dickinson has been active in the ICC, chairing the Holiday Boutique last November, co-chairing the Casino Night the last two years,

chairing the Membership Committee for three years, as a Festa driver for entertainers for seven years and a volunteer for “A Taste of Italy.”

The Board now has a full complement of officers and directors for the remainder of the 2015-16 term.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

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

Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Vella Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Angela Castronovo, Donato Di Pronio, Barbara Collignon, Roberto Ciampi, and the late Mario A. Carini Staff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano, and Tom Hemman

For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org.

Copyright 2016 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved

PAGE 2 – MARCH 2016

Karen Dickinson was sworn into office at the Feb. 11 Board meeting

by ICC President Giuseppe Vella.

(Photo provided Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto)

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

One bylaws amendment sails through, the other gets partial approval

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor A new amendment to the Italian Community Center’s Constitution and Bylaws that makes each director-at-large a member of a standing committee was approved without debate by members who attended the Jan. 21 general meeting.

However, a proposed two-part revision to Article IV, Section 10 was met with significant debate, resulting in just one of the two proposed amendments being approved.

Until the Jan. 21 meeting, Article IV, Section 10 read: “Any member of the Board of Directors absent without excuse from two consecutive Board meetings shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board.”

The Bylaws Committee proposed this two-part amendment: “a). Any member of the Board of Directors absent, with or without excuse, from more than three (3) Board meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board.

“b). Any member of the Board of Directors absent, with or without excuse, from more than four (4) general membership meetings in a term year of office shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board.”

The rationale of the Bylaws Committee was “members of the Board of Directors, officers and directors, are elected by the members to conduct the business of the Italian Community Center.

Multiple absences reduce the effectiveness of the position of the absentee.”

ICC members approved the former amendment, but defeated the latter. While getting a slim majority of the votes cast, the latter did not come close to the two-thirds majority needed to pass an amendment.

Director Joe Campagna, Jr. led the charge against both of the proposed revisions, stating that he believed neither amendment was necessary. He said he favored keeping Article IV, Section 10 intact because it allowed a board member

All advertising copy, news stories and photos for publication in the April 2016 issue of The Italian Times must be submitted to the editor no later than Tuesday, Mar. 8.

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. For further information, call 414-223-2189.

ICC’s 24th annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 18 Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Reservations required.

Details in this issue.

ICC’s 3rd annual Casino Night Friday, Sept. 9

the ability to serve and deal with unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the course of a term of office.

ICC member Quentin Oliva echoed the same sentiment.

Director Susie Christiansen said she was a firm believer in having board members attend as many meetings as possible, so she favored the amendments.

After a lengthy discussion, the amendment on board meeting attendance was approved by about 67% of the members who voted, but

they defeated the general membership meeting attendance proposal.

The new amendment, Article IV, Section 20, which was easily approved, reads: “Each director shall serve as a member of a standing committee of the Italian Community Center.”

The Bylaws Committee provided this rationale for the addition to the bylaws: “This amendment ensures that the Executive Board has an ongoing knowledge of the activities of each standing committee of the ICC.”

Have news or advertising for our April issue?

ICC’s Children’s Easter Party Saturday, Mar. 19 Noon – 2 p.m.

Reservations required.

Details in this issue.

Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet Sunday, Mar. 20 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

No reservations accepted.

Details in this issue.

Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet Friday, Mar. 25 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

No reservations accepted.

Details in this issue.

ICC’s Easter Sunday Brunch Sunday, Mar. 27 Reservations taken on the halfhour between 10:30 and 2 p.m.

Details in this issue.

ICC’s 21st annual “A Taste of Italy” Sunday, Apr. 17 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Details in this issue

ICC’s 39th annual Festa Italiana Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24 Summerfest Grounds

THE ITALIAN TIMES

ICC’s 3rd annual Festival di Danza e Cultura Friday, Oct. 21 ICC’s 2nd annual Holiday Boutique Saturday, Nov. 26

GIUSEPPE, MARIA & LUIGI VELLA PROPRIETORS

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Place your order early!

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TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 7 AM - 5 PM; SUNDAY, 7 AM - 1 PM. CLOSED MONDAYS. MARCH 2016 – PAGE 3

Children’s Easter party set for Saturday, Mar. 19 at ICC

By Rose Anne Fritchie Plans are in motion for a funfilled children’s Easter party at the Italian Community Center on Saturday, Mar. 19, beginning at noon. The Avanti Committee is happy and excited to host this year’s party, the theme for which will be Festa di Pasqua, or Easter Carnival.

We can assure all who attend that it will be an entertaining, “crazy good” time. The atmosphere will be that of a carnival or county fair and will be tons of fun for everyone. As the children arrive, they will be given tokens to be used for the carnival games and the Ice Cream & Popcorn Shoppe.

At noon, all guests are invited to enjoy a delicious, buffet-style lunch consisting of mini hamburgers, mini corndogs, penne pasta, platters of healthy munchies like carrots, pickles, celery and fresh fruit.

There will be chocolate or white milk for the youngsters and coffee for adults. And for dessert, we hope the carnival-goers stop at the Ice Cream & Popcorn Shoppe for an ice cream sundae and a sweet treat.

After lunch, the games begin! The ballroom will be filled with the sights and sounds of a festival, with carnival games such as the Quarter Toss, Ring Toss, Bowling Balls Push, Lollipop Pulls, Topple the Cans, Bean Bag Toss, and this year, because of the generosity of an ICC Member, SO

ICC Childrenʼs Easter Party & Lunch Reservation Form

Names of boys attending

Saturday, March 19 • Noon to 2:00 p.m. age

Names of girls attending

age

Name(s) of adult ICC members attending: _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Number of children attending: Number of adults attending: Total amount enclosed: $

x $15.00 per member

=$

_ x $20.00 per person = $

Make your check payable to: Italian Community Center. Mail this form with your payment to: ICC, Attn.: Easter Party, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Deadline: Mar. 16, 2016.

MUCH MORE. The children will also have an additional chance to win special prizes by participating in the guessing jars contest. Street artists will be painting faces, and balloon hats will be created for anyone interested in wearing a special Easter hat.

During the festivities, we anticipate a visit from the Easter Bunny who will greet all of the children

LENT, ST. JOSEPH’S DAY, EASTER In the midst of winter, we enjoy comfort foods. Try the satisfying recipes from my cookbook.

When I was a little girl, I can remember visiting my Nonna on cold winter days and the aroma from her kitchen would warm your soul. Her house always gave me a warm feeling because she was always cooking. I have several meatless recipes for Lent and St. Joseph’s Day (bread crumbs symbolize sawdust of St. Joseph the carpenter).

Create a new Easter tradition by making one of my easy, unique recipes.

Send $12 (free S&H) to: FRANCENA, 125 Boyce Road, Centerville, OH 45458. Call 937-433-7313 or email fslyd@aol.com.

and lead them in a parade through the carnival. The children are welcome to wear their new hats and fill the room with the joyous noise of their musical instruments. The parade will end at the stage where the Easter Bunny will have treats for all youngsters to take home.

The costs are set at $15 per child (ages 11 and under) and $20 per adult. To ensure that all chil-

dren receive their special treats, only advance reservations will be accepted. All pre-paid reservations must be received by Wednesday, Mar. 16. Attendance at this event is limited to ICC members, their children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren.

Please use the form accompanying this article to make your reservations.

The spring semester of a free weekly series of Italian classes for children between the ages of 6 and 12 will begin Saturday, Mar. 19, 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 May 7.

WisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009 “Italian Teacher of the Year.”

Tarantino Woytal has been leading the children’s class at the 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.

ICC’s free children’s Italian class begins on Saturday, Mar. 19

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 holidays 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

Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form

(For children ages 6-12) at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee

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.

PAGE 4 – MARCH 2016

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Come to the ICC for your Easter Sunday feast

The Italian Community Center invites its members and the public to an all-you-can-eat Easter Sunday brunch in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom.

Easter is Sunday, Mar. 27.

Brunch prices are $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for each child under the age of 12. Pre-paid reservations are required.

The ICC is taking reservations on the half-hour, starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last reservations taken for the seating at 2 p.m. Please call 414223-2180 with your credit card handy to reserve your time and table. You can also sign up for the brunch by stopping in at the ICC reception desk on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Italian Times has been asked not to put a reservation form in the newspaper because of a history of late submittals of these forms on which people request seating times which have long been filled.

If you’re interested in the earliest reservation times – 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or noon – you should act promptly as these slots sell out the quickest.

As always, the Easter brunch menu is extensive and sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. It includes black pepper and garlic crusted sliced prime rib; bone-in Virginia maple ham; southern fried chicken; chicken scallopini; baked cod with lemon beurre blanc; roasted vegetable lasagna; cheese tortellini; penne pasta; marinara sauce; Alfredo sauce; rice pilaf; fire roasted corn; arancini (rice balls); garden fresh greens; creamy Caesar salad; farfalle pasta salad; seasonal fruit with mint; Italian olive salad; antipasto; cottage cheese; baby red potato salad; omelettes made-to-order (including egg whites and Egg Beaters); applewood smoked bacon; sausage; pancakes; lyonnaise potatoes; French toast; artisanal breads (assorted dinner rolls, butter croissants, fresh bread, bagels, danish and muffins); homemade fruit pies; tortes; cannoli; tiramisu; Italian cookies; fruit juices; coffee; tea; and milk.

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

Help make ‘A Taste of Italy’ a fundraising success by attending or volunteering

from page 1 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 in late March.

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

ICC’s Italian classes being offered for adults and teens starting Tuesday, Mar. 15

This spring, the Italian Community Center will offer an introductory class (Italian I) as well as an Italian II class, both starting Tuesday, Mar. 15.

Both courses will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday nights, with the final classes on May 17.

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. 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 members 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

non-member. The fee does not include the course textbook.

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. 8 classes if the enrollment limit has not been reached. People can also stop in at the ICC office, fill out the registration form and make their payment.

Tarantino Woytal began teaching children’s Italian classes at the ICC more than 35 years ago. She has been offering classes for adults and teens for more than 30 years.

Editor’s note: The starting and ending dates of the spring semester classes were originally reported in the February issue as being Tuesday, Mar. 8 and Tuesday, May 10, however, since publication of that issue, the instructor changed the dates to what they appear in this article.

Ann Romano

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

Giant raffle There will be a four-prize raffle held in conjunction with the event.

The prize list is: 1st – a diamond cocktail ring (valued at $1,100), courtesy of Ted Glorioso and Glorioso’s Gold Imports & Diamond Center; 2nd – $500 cash; 3rd – $300 cash; and 4th – $200 cash.

Raffle tickets will be $2 each or seven for $10. The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the day’s activities.

Marie and Jim Schwindt, raffle chairs, mailed tickets to ICC members in early February. “We hope our members will not only buy raffle tickets, but sell as many as they can to family, friends and co-workers,” said Marie Schwindt.

Ingredients for success Since the beginning, “A Taste of Italy” has successfully served as a major fundraising activity for the nonprofit Italian Community Center. It has succeeded because of outstanding volunteer support, generous donations of food and supplies, monetary donations and a large public turnout.

“All of our societies and food and beverage booth chairs have received a letter from me asking for their support again this year and to tell us how many volunteers they will have,” Romano said. “Tony Zingale is serving as the volunteer coordinator again this year. If anyone has any questions about volunteering, please contact Tony or me.”

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.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 5

ICC carrying on a tradition brought here by Italian descendents with celebration of Saint Joseph’s Day luncheon on Mar. 18 from page 1

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.

“We hope to see all of you who

have been so faithful in attending our past St. Joseph’s Day celebrations at this year’s luncheon,” Winard said. “We look forward to seeing you with many more firsttime guests.”

St. Joseph’s Day tradition St. Joseph’s Day, officially Mar. 19, is marked with celebrations

The ICC presents the St. Josephʼs Day Luncheon Friday, Mar. 18 • Reservation Form

Name(s): ___________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: ________________

Zip: ____________________ Phone: ____________________________

Number of ICC members attending: ___ @ $17.00 per person = $

Number of non-members attending: ___ @ $20.00 per person = $

Pre-paid reservations must be received by Monday, Mar. 14th.

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.

to continue this

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.

across Italy. (See article on page 20 for the history.) The late-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.

Winter championship playoffs set for Mar. 7, spring bocce leagues begin one week later

The winter season for indoor bocce leagues at the Italian Community Center concludes with the championship playoffs on Monday, Mar. 7. The first place teams from each of the five leagues plus three teams with the best overall runner-up record will compete in the playoffs.

A report on the tournament and picture of the championship team will appear in our next issue.

About spring leagues Competition in the spring leagues will get under way the week of Mar. 14. There will definitely be teams 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 a Thursday night mixed couples’ league in the spring. (In the past, there has not.)

Each team plays once a week over an eight-week period provided that there is an even number in the league. Each league seeks a maximum of eight teams.

Please note: Recently both the daytime seniors’ leagues and the evening couples’ leagues have had difficulty filling eight-team rosters.

New players and new teams are encouraged to join.

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

Calendar of Events

Please turn to page 16

February 24 – March 30, 2016

Wednesday, Feb. 24 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 2 • Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 7 • Italian Community Center winter bocce championship playoffs, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 8 • Abruzzese Society meeting and spuntino, 7 p.m. Dues collection.

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

• Opening night of spring semester of weekly Italian II class at the Italian Community Center, 7:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

Thursday, Mar. 10 • Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 14 • Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 15 • Opening night of spring semester of weekly Italian I class at the Italian Community Center, 5:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

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

Wednesday, Mar. 16 • Order Sons of Italy in America/Filippo Mazzei Lodge Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Mar. 17 • Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.

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

Friday, Mar. 18 • Italian Community Center’s St. Joseph’s Day Celebration Luncheon, noon. Details in this issue.

Saturday, Mar. 19 • Spring semester starts for free weekly children’s Italian class, 2 p.m.

Details in this issue.

PAGE 6 – MARCH 2016

Sunday, Mar. 20 • Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Details in this issue.

Tuesday, Mar. 22 • Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 25 • Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet, 4 – 7:30 p.m.

Details in this issue.

Sunday, Mar. 27 • Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!

• Italian Community Center’s Easter Sunday Brunch. Reservations taken on the half-hour starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last seatings at 2 p.m.

Details in this issue.

Tuesday, Mar. 29 • Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 30 • Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting and dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Daily and weekly classes and activities • Bocce leagues. The winter bocce season will wrap up with the championship playoffs on Monday,Mar. 7. The spring season will begin the week of Mar. 14. Details in this issue.

• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. Spring semester starts on Saturday, Mar. 19 and continues for 8 consecutive Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Details in this issue.

• ICC Italian classes for teens and adults. Spring semester starts on Tuesday, Mar. 15 and continues on Tuesday nights through May 17.

Italian I at 5:30 p.m. and Italian II at 7:30 p.m. Details in this issue..

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

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

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa interview with Bill Jennaro part of new book by Umberto Mucci, We the Italians web portal founder

A recently-published book entitled “We the Italians, Two Flags, One Heart, One Hundred Interviews about Italy and the U.S.,” by Umberto Mucci includes an interview he conducted with former Milwaukee County Judge William A. Jennaro about Milwaukee’s Italians and Festa Italiana, the summer festival hosted by the Italian Community Center.

Mucci is the founder and CEO of the web portal “We the Italians,” (www.wetheitalians.com). The interview with Jennaro was published in “We the Italians” in July 2014. The Jennaro interview and 99 other interviews conducted by Mucci appear in his new book.

The book can be downloaded in pdf here: https:drive.google.com/open?od=0B10NSOv-_eOZWUR1UjNBNHFOOEU. Persons downloading the book through the above address are eligible for a special 20% discount, courtesy of Mucci.

People can also buy the book on Amazon, without the discount, in print or as an ebook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1522898700/sr=83 / q i d = 1 4 5 2 2 6 5 5 5 3 / r e f = o l p _product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1452265553&sr=8-3.

Jennaro, now an award-winnng Milwaukee attorney , is a past president of the Italian Community Center and past chairman of Festa Italiana. In recent years, he has served as chairman of Festa’s gondola rides, its VIP Day for people with disabilities, and on the Festa Steering Committee.

The interview that Mucci conducted with Jennaro appears below.

Afterward, details on We the Italians web portal are provided. * * * Among the more than 300 festas that every year celebrate Italy in the U.S., a number that seems impossible but instead is real, today our interview will bring us to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Let’s face it, this is not the first city that comes to our mind when we think about the American places of the Italian emigration and probably it isn’t even in the top 10.

Still, every year a huge, impressive Festa Italiana shows with a big success, an incredible interest, love and passion for Italy, something that we the Italians who live in Italy wouldn’t imagine. This year, the festa will be from July 18 to July 20. We’ve talked about this with Bill Jennaro, former chairperson of the Festa and now “just a volunteer”, as he humbly said to us, with a patience, a kindness and a love for our country that you don’t find every day.

Bill, thank you very much for your time. Please tell us something about Festa Italiana in Milwaukee Festa Italiana Milwaukee is a celebration of Italian heritage and culture and food, and it is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan – one of the five great lakes of the U.S. The location, the Summerfest grounds, is a permanent facility where events are often organized. The people who operate the grounds are an organization called Summerfest, very nice people.

The director of the grounds is half Italian, his mother was from Calabria.

He is a very nice man and very helpful to us.

Each summer there are many ethnic festivals at this facility: Italian, Polish, German, Irish, Mexican, Indian, Arab; plus a pride festival, so eight festivals every summer. The oldest is Festa Italiana, first established almost 40 years ago. It is outgrowth of four street festivals in the summer time in Milwaukee. Each year, there would be these festivals in what’s called the Italian district in Milwaukee, the “Little Italy”. This was the oldest neighborhood in the city. People who came were not only Italian. People

Umberto Mucci

Bill Jennaro

came there because they enjoyed the culture, the food and the music.

Then, in the mid ‘50s, a major urban renovation started, because of expressway construction, right in the middle of the Italian neighborhood.

Italians were displaced because of the government’s acquisition of their properties and their houses. And so the festivals stopped. There were no people living there anymore. People in Milwaukee, especially - but not only - of that area, which as a political district was called the “third ward”, missed the festivals, so came out the idea of having a new bigger festival on the new Summerfest grounds which were being developed on the lake front. Italians came together and made this happen, despite the loss of an Italian neighborhood.

Both Italian organizations and Italian individuals worked together.

When it was announced nobody knew if this idea would have been successful, but it was. We now have over 100.000 people attend each year. The festival is a three-day event.

The success of Festa Italiana led other ethnic groups to consider a similar event to celebrate their culture too. The mayor of Milwaukee, Henry Maier (he’d been mayor for 28 years), of German heritage, called together all the German associations, and there was plenty of them, because Germans are the first ethnic group associated with the heritage of Milwaukee and actually of the whole State of Wisconsin. So the mayor pushed to have a German festival, using these words: “If the Italians can do it, we can do it”! And so the next year a German festival was organized, and then a Polish one, and then the others I mentioned. But we the Italians were the pioneers.

So, what happens during the Festa?

We have 2,000 volunteers to help us with everything that happens during the three days; we have 40 food and wine vendors and five different stages for music, Italian and not. Every year we try to have a musical group from Italy. And, obviously, on Sunday we have a mass. This year, we are excited about bringing Patrizio Buanne from Europe to headline our festival.

We have a cultural exhibit area dedicated every year to a different regional culture of Italy, with costumes and traditions, handcrafts and tourism. This year, our guest will be Lombardy. There is a bocce tournament, there’s a parade, and a stage which is completely dedicated to children. We have Italian movies. We have a section dedicated to genealogy researches. And of course, food and Italian cuisine play a very important role during the entire three days of the event.

We have a protected area right on the water – called a lagoon - into Lake Michigan and we have four gondolas. We also have an exhibition about opera music and another one with pictures of Italians who came to Milwaukee long time ago, which is a beautiful display. We even have a replica of the Roman Colosseo!

Every year, literally hundreds of festivals and feasts celebrate Italy all over the United States in big cities and in small towns. In probably every state, there is at least one event like this. What’s the meaning of this incredible series of yearly events with always thousands and thousands of people, not necessarily all of Italian heritage?

Please turn to page 16

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

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MARCH 2016 – PAGE 7

Italian Society and Club News

Pompeii Women request your support for Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet

Attention, please! Mark your calendars for this year’s Palm Sunday, Mar. 20th. That’s when you will be able to enjoy the Pompeii Women’s Club 18th annual all-you-can-eat Palm Sunday Breakfast Buffet, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. The event is an essential fundraiser for the organization.

Club members are pleased to announce the menu: pancakes, eggs, ham, sausage, hash browned potatoes, fresh fruit, danish, pastries, juice, milk, coffee and tea.

Prices are $10.50 for adults and $5.50 for children, 4-12 years old and free for children, 3 and younger. No reservations are taken. The event will take place in

the Pompeii Grand Ballroom.

As in past years, there will be a bake sale, opportunity gift baskets to bid on and various raffles.

Among the prizes will be a boy’s and a girl’s bicycle.

There will also be a coloring contest and face painting for the youngsters, each free of charge.

A surprise visit by the Easter Bunny will delight all of the children. Don’t miss this special fun day for the little ones.

Moms, don’t miss this day, all this and no work for you!

Hope to see you on Sunday, Mar. 20th.

– Mary (Mineo) Winard P.R. Person for Pompeii Women’s Club

Help make the Pompeii Men’s Good Friday Fish Fry a successful fundraiser

The Pompeii Men’s Club will hold its annual Good Friday Fish Fry Buffet at the Italian Community Center on Mar. 25.

Your attendance is key to the success of the event.

The buffet serves as the organization’s biggest fundraiser, and net proceeds benefit its extensive charitable giving in the community.

This is an all-you-can-eat buffet and will be served from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The cost will be $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 4 to 10 and free for youngsters age 3 and under.

Available on the buffet will be breaded and baked cod, potato pancakes, baked potatoes, French fries, popcorn shrimp, mostaccioli with red sauce, coleslaw, tossed salad with various dressings, Italian bread, watermelon wedges, coffee, tea or milk and dessert. A full range of condiments will be available to accompany the meal.

Free parking will be available in the lot south of the building.

As usual, the event will feature a money raffle. The prizes are: 1st - $300, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $150, 4th

- $100, 5th - $75, 6th and 7th $50 each and 8th – 10th - $25 each. Raffle tickets will be $2 each or seven for $10 and can be purchased at the ICC office reception desk or by contacting club president Tony Baudo at 414-324-6347, chairman John A. Sanfilippo at 414-282-2667 or Tony Zingale at 414-444-4689. Tickets will also be sold at the Good Friday event.

There will also be opportunity gift baskets to bid on and a 50/50 cash raffle.

The Pompeii Men’s Club Fish Fry is one of Milwaukee’s best attended on Good Friday.

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 the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church, the predecessor to St. Rita of Cascia Church on Cass Street.

Three Holy Women Parish carrying on St. Joseph’s Day tradition

The Christian Women Society of Three Holy Women Parish will present La Tavolata di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Table) on Sunday, Mar. 13 in Scalabrini Hall at St. Rita Church, 1601 N. Cass St., following the 10:30 a.m. (approximately 11:30 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.).

The annual event celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph, which take place six days later on the Roman Catholic calendar. It is open to the public.

The Christian Women Society will fill the table with meatless dishes, breads and desserts, all of which will be available for purchase. Attendees will receive a free

PAGE 8 – MARCH 2016

bread roll and a small bowl of pasta with a traditional meatless sauce (with or without sardines).

A raffle will be held for the chance to win one of many prizes, including restaurant certificates.

The drawing will take place at 2 p.m. Winners need to be present.

Money raised through the food sale, raffle and free will offerings are donated to charitable causes.

La Tavolata di San Giuseppe celebrates an event in Sicily, when the people prayed to San Giuseppe to send rain during a severe drought. When the rain came, starvation was averted and the people prepared a banquet in thanksgiving to St. Joseph.

OSIA Mazzei Lodge to present ‘Tribute to Sinatra’ at ICC on Saturday, Apr. 2

The Filippo Mazzei Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) will present “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” starring Chicagoland crooner Jim Bulanda on Saturday night, Apr. 2, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Opening for Bulanda will be Jayne Taylor, a talented local vocalist, who will take the stage at 5 p.m. Bulanda will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event will take place in the Pompeii Grand Ballroom. Tickets, which are available for $10 per person, must be purchased in advance.

Tickets can be obtained at the ICC during regular business hours or by contacting Ralph Busalacchi at 414-483-1562.

Food and beverages will be available all night. The staff of Cafe La Scala, the ICC’s public restaurant, will be on hand to take orders beginning at 5 p.m. An Italian American buffet will also be available in the ballroom.

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 dab-

Jayne Taylor

Jim Bulanda

bling in comedy at Chicago’s local comedy clubs. Patrons at these clubs 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 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 Street Experience Talent Showcase.

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

Jayne Taylor Jayne Taylor will perform a selection of popular international songs, including some Italian favorites. Taylor, who won Festa Italiana’s 2007 “Italian Idol” contest, has received numerous awards and has hosted and produced her own local access TV show.

She is also scheduled to perform at the ICC’s “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday, Apr. 17.

Last summer, she headlined a country music/rockabilly program with Geoff Landon for the ICC’s Courtyard Music Series. In December, she sang at the Roma Lodge in Racine. In November, she put people in the holiday spirit at her annual Christmas program at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. Vocalist Pete Sorce joined her that night.

UNICO Ladies invite newcomers to Mar. 15 meeting

The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO will hold its first meeting of 2016 on Tuesday, Mar. 15 with dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m.

President Carla Pellin welcomes all interested ladies to “come and join us. We will be sharing the calendar of events for the year. We will present ideas for our dinner meetings, the annual Scholarship Awards Dinner and summertime fun.”

To attend this meeting and have dinner, please contact Sophia Michalovitz at 414-731-7693. Cost is $20, and ladies that includes dessert. Bring your sweet tooth and happy attitude and enjoy an evening with friends.

Please notify friends and family about the UNICO scholarships. See the article in this issue of The Italian Times. The application is available at https://sites.google.com/site/uticomilwaukee/, click on “Documents.” That is where students will find the application.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Milwaukee UNICO organizations will award scholarships for the 80th consecutive year in 2016

Continuing a program started 80 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 Italian American seniors with financial needs. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of non-Italian descent 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 on the Milwaukee UNICO website,

https://sites.google.com/site/uticomilwaukee/. Click on the documents link found on the sidebar.

Application deadline – Apr. 1 Candidates must submit their applications by Friday, 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. 15.

The scholarships will be presented at a banquet on the evening of Tuesday, May 17. The recipient or his/her representative must be present to accept the scholarship award.

The Milwaukee UNICO scholarship program has awarded over $1 million dollars in scholarships over the past 84 years.

The Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National is celebrating 85 years in existence in 2016. The organization awarded its first scholarship in 1936.

The Ladies of UNICO celebrated their 50th anniversary as an independent civic and service organization in 2013.

UNICO National offers scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate studies to students of Italian ancestry Application deadline is Apr. 1, 2016

Students in the United States who are of Italian ancestry and are interested in pursuing either an undergraduate or post-graduate education may apply for UNICO National scholarships.

UNICO National offers four $6,000 undergraduate scholarships, several post-graduate scholarships and three scholarships for Ph.D. candidates.

Presentations are made to recipients at events hosted by local UNICO chapters across the nation in the spring. They are also recognized in the UNICO National Convention Journal, published for the 94th national convention which will take place July 17-31, in Cambridge, Md. 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 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.

Additionally, there are several awards for matriculated college students, post-graduate and doctoral candidates: • Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation, Inc. will grant up to a maximum of $6,000, paid out at $1,500 per year, for a graduate scholarship. The awardee must be initiating graduate study, full-time, at an accredited college/university program in the United States. A candidate must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.

• Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation, Inc. will grant a $5,000 scholarship, paid on award, to a student pursuing graduate education at an accredited medical school in the United States. A candidate must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.

• Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships. The UNICO Foundation, Inc. will provide grants valued at $2,500 each, paid on award, to students attending accredited prelicensure or graduate nursing programs in the United States. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating financial need. A candidate must be a United States citizen. This program is open to nursing students of all ethnicities.

• DiMattio Celli Family Study Abroad Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $1,250 each, for study in Italy. Candidates must be currently enrolled, full-time, in an accredited college or university in the United States, pursuing a degree. The study abroad program must be eligible for credit by the student’s college/university. An applicant must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.

• Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation will provide two literary scholarships, valued at $1,000 each. Application for this program will be open to matriculated college students. Terms of submission require the candidate to present, in writing, an original short story or essay celebrating their Italian heritage.

• Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation will grant a scholarship valued at $1,250 paid on award to a sophomore, junior or senior student enrolled full-time, in an accredited college/university program in the United States majoring in engineering. An applicant must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.

• Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies. The UNICO Foundation will provide a scholarship, valued at $1,000, to a student enrolled full-time, in an accredited college/university program in the United States pursuing Italian Studies. A candidate must hold United States citizenship. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities.

• Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science. The UNICO

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students enrolled full-time, in an accredited college/university program in the United States pursuing study of the Physical Sciences or Life Sciences. A nominee must hold United States citizenship. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities.

• Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students enrolled full-time, in an accredited college/university program in the United States pursuing a degree. A nominee must hold United States citizenship. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities.

• Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship. The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program in the United States pursuing a degree in the Fine Arts. A nominee must hold United States citizenship. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities. A nominee must reside in the home state of an active UNICO Chapter. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships.

Application forms for all UNICO National scholarships are available by contacting Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National President, Rose Anne Fritchie at r.fritchie@aol.com. The deadline for submitting applications, except as noted above, is Friday, Apr. 1.

La Società Santa Rosalia invites you to Spring Dinner Dance

The Santa Rosalia Society is holding its 2016 Spring Dinner Dance and invites all to attend. The event will be held on Saturday, Apr. 23 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., in downtown Milwaukee.

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner an hour later.

The costs have been set at $65 per Santa Rosalia Society member or $70 for each member of the general public. Children, 12 and under, can attend for $20 each. These costs include entry, dinner, dessert and music. Advance registration is required. Space is limited. If you are interested in attending this event or would like to be added for the society’s mailing list for any future events, please contact Joann Stern at jstern@santarosaliasocieta.org or 414-526-4388.

Following the society’s tradition, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit a local organization. This year, Easter Seals Southeastern Wisconsin has been chosen as the beneficiary.

The Enzo Scarano Band will perform danceable music for all ages.

Come out and enjoy a great dinner, music/dancing and some fun drawings. “This event is a crowd pleaser,” Stern said. “Come for date night, or meet some friends and family for dinner.”

There will be a number of drawings held during the evening. Anyone interested in purchasing advance raffle tickets should contact Joann Stern at the email address or phone number appearing above.

La Società Santa Rosalia di Santo Stefano Quisquina (Santa Rosalia Society), founded in 2005, is a non-profit, charitable organization that promotes preservation of cultural traditions, family and giving back to the community.

More information on Easter Seals can be found on its website at http://www/easterseals.com/wi-se/our-programs.

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 9

Viva Il Carnevale – Feb. 6, 2016

Maria and Sal Purpora were honored as La Regina and Il Re of the Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale. Behind them are Il Vescovo Frank D’Amato and Sister Mary Purgatory Marie Lieber, who placed the sashes and crowns on the Royalty and presented bouquets of roses to the female members of the court.

Il Principe Thomas Blaubach and La Principessa Claire Elliott

La Nonna and Il Nonno Carol and Ray Martinez

La Piccola Principessa Maria Vella and Il Piccolo Principe Charles Bartolone Times photos by Tom Hemman

Ready to serve as Il Gran Maresciallo was John Alioto. He did a sparkling job keeping the evening’s festivities on schedule. Decked out as a butler, he was part of a murder comedy cast that won the group prize in costume competition.

Who were the Carnevale raffle winners?

Il Vescovo (The Bishop) Frank D’Amato greeted Carnevale guests and gave a blessing to the youngest in attendance.

PAGE 10 – MARCH 2016

One of the last activities at Il Grande Carnevale 2016 was the drawing of winning tickets in the cash prize raffle associated with the pre-Lenten costume and mask ball.

The winners were: • 1st prize: $500 to Yvonne Zaffiro.

• 2nd prize: $300 to Mike Crowe.

• 3rd prize: $100 to Gwen Lavin.

• 4th prize: $100 to Renee Bosnjak.

Raffle chairs Marie and Jim Schwindt thanked everyone who purchased tickets.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Times photos by Tom Hemman

Outfitted as the mighty matador and Carmen, the flamenco dancer of opera fame, Joe and Ann Zambito won first prize in Carnevale’s costume competition. The couple received The Pfister Hotel Sunday Brunch for two, a Milwaukee County Zoo package and four Festa Italiana tickets.

Decked out as characters from the 1985 mystery comedy Clue, this group won the group/theme prize in the Carnevale costume judging. Their prize was a pizza party at Cafe La Scala, the public restaurant at the Italian Community Center. From the back, left to

right: Sam Abraham, Rose Anne Fritchie, John Alioto, Laura Burgardt, Scott Burgardt, Maureen Stone, John Morgan, Jenna Alioto, Elizabeth Ceraso, Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto, Maura Morgan, Jenna Hamden and Sam Alioto. Not pictured: Andy Vila.

Taking home first prize in mask competition was Sheila Vivi, who is seen here with Wayne Kitzerow. Her prize included a 60-minute “Relax Me Massage” at The Pfister Hotel’s Well Spa, a gift basket and four Festa Italiana 2016 tickets, which takes place July 22-24 on the Summerfest grounds.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Craig and Marie Lieber received second prize in costume competition dressed as Geppetto and his wooden puppet, Pinocchio. They were given a Discovery World membership, a $50 certificate for Divino Wine & Dine Restaurant and four Festa Italiana tickets.

Pianist John Puchner performed during the cocktail reception. With him is his son, Anthony, Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince) of Carnevale 2015.

The second prize in mask competition was awarded to Paul Strain and Gerry Geischer. The couple received a $30 Cafe La Scala gift certificate, a gift basket and four Festa Italiana tickets.

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 11

Times photos by Tom Hemman

Carnevale General Chairs Joanne Czubek (left) and Rosemary DeRubertis escorted ICC President Giuseppe Vella during their grand entrance into the ballroom.

Rosa and Santo Tumminello captured third prize in mask competition.

Their prize included a Glorioso’s Italian Market gift box and four Festa Italiana tickets.

A spectacular sweet table, in honor of La Piccola Principessa Isabella Vella, and courtesy of her family and the Brady Street bakery they own, Peter Sciortino Bakery, was enjoyed by Carnevale attendees.

Here are several volunteers who were responsible for the creation of the festive decorations that adorned the ballroom and galleria for the celebration of Carnevale. From the left: Jon Mueller, Pamela Mazza-Mueller, Christina Ziino, Ann Zambito, Santa Mazza, Marie Lieber, Craig Lieber and Frank D’Amato. Missing are C.J. Lieber and Ryan Lieber.

Salvatore Vella (left) and ICC Vice President Dean Cannestra waved the flags of the United States and Italy during the Grand March, which featured the Royal Court and all those in costumes and masks.

Carnevale Royalty joined with Tradizione Vivente in the Tarantella Tipica. The couple passing through the outreached arms La Regina Maria Purpora and Tradizione Vivente Director Mark DeSanctis are La Nonna Carol Martinez and her husband and Il Nonno Ray Martinez.

PAGE 12 – MARCH 2016

The Bill Sargent Big Band performed danceable music throughout the evening.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

I Bei Bambini performed a fast paced number, Tutti x Tutti, before the serving of sumptuous dinner. The Children’s Italian Dance Group rehearses at the ICC on Monday nights. They are directed by Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis.

Times photos by Tom Hemman The judging of the participants in costumes and masks can be a difficult job, especially when there are so many creative ones like there were at this year’s Carnevale. This year’s judging panel is seen here with Rosemary DeRubertis, one of the two Carnevale general chairpersons.

Seated, left to right: Pamela Mazza-Mueller and Andrea Parsons. Standing Karen Dickinson, Rosemary DeRubertis and Bill Dickinson.

Bartolotta Fireworks presented a brief, but colorful and tremulous pyrotechnics show before the opening of the sweet table. Bartolotta has been doing the fireworks show at Carnevale for many years. The Genesee Depot company has been part of the ICC hosted Festa Italiana since its inception in 1978.

The Reverend Mike Hammer, Coordinator for AIDS Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, delivered the invocation. Behind him is Il Gran Maresciallo John Alioto.

Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, performed two dances during the Carnevale program, Vai, and Tarantella Tipica.

Midway through the second number, the members of the Royal Court participated in the dance.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Carnevale General Chairpersons Joanne Czubek and Rosemary DeRubertis are seen here alongside the sweet table that was set up in the galleria. Czubek designed the centerpiece for this table and many other centerpieces for the event.

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 13

Justice Antonin Scalia – 1st Italian American appointed to U.S. Supreme Court – dies at age of 79

Antonin Gregory Scalia, the first Italian American to be appointed as a justice on the United States Supreme Court, died Saturday, Feb. 13 of natural causes. He was 79.

Appointed to the Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, Scalia was described as the intellectual anchor for the originalist and textualist position in the Court’s conservative wing.

Scalia was born Mar. 11, 1936 in Trenton, New Jersey. He was the only child of Salvatore Eugene Scalia, an immigrant from Sicily, and Catherine Louise (Panaro) Scalia, who was born in Trenton to Italian immigrant parents.

Salvatore was a graduate student and clerk at the time of his son’s birth, and, later became a professor of Romance languages at Brooklyn College. Catherine worked as an elementary school teacher.

Salvatore and Catherine’s son

attended public grade school. After graduating eighth grade, he obtained a scholarship to Xavier High School, a Jesuit military school in Manhattan, New York City, where he finished first in his class of 1953 and served as valedictorian.

Scalia obtained his law degree from Harvard Law School and spent six years in a Cleveland (Ohio) law firm before he became a law school professor at the University of Virginia. In the early 1970s, he served in the Nixon and Ford administrations, eventually as an Assistant Attorney General. He spent most of the Carter years teaching at the University of Chicago, where he became one of the first faculty advisers of the fledgling Federalist Society.

In 1982, Ronald Reagan appointed him as judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Court.

The late Justice Antonin Scalia

Four years later, Reagan nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court.

His nomination was approved by the Senate on Sept. 17, 1986. Scalia succeeded William Rehnquist, a

The Carnevale Committee and the Italian Community Center thank you for your support and contributions to Il Grande Carnevale 2016 in making this a wonderful event.

Tom and Barbara Balistreri Bartolotta Fireworks Co., Inc. Susan DeSanctis Christiansen Discovery World Museum Divino Wine & Dine Festa Italiana I Bei Bambini Italian Conference Center Marie & Craig Lieber Tony Machi Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee County Zoo Anna Pitzo Betty Puccio John Puchner C.W. Purpero, Inc. – Sam & Phil Purpero Sal & Maria Purpora – Papa Luigi’s Pizza Schaff Funeral Home Kyle Schwindt Peter Sciortino Bakery The Pfister Hotel Tradizione Vivente Well Spa at The Pfister Hotel Joe & Ann Zambito

Please accept our apologies if your contribution was received after the printing of this newspaper.

PAGE 14 – MARCH 2016

Milwaukee native and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Scalia served on the Court for nearly 30 years, during which time he established a consistently conservative voting record and ideology, advocating textualism in statutory interpretation and originalism in constitutional interpretation. He was a strong defender of the powers of the executive branch, believing presidential powers should be paramount in many areas. He opposed affirmative action and other policies that treated minorities as special groups.

Scalia met his wife-to-be on a blind date while he attended Harvard Law School. He and Maureen McCarthy were married on Sept. 10, 1960. Both were devout Roman Catholics. The couple raised nine children, five boys and four girls.

He enjoyed opera and often attended performances with fellow Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal member of the Court.

Lezzeno to hold Palio dei Falo

The city of Lezzeno on Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Italy hosts the Palio dei Falo, an annual bonfire held in the middle of March. Citizens have participated in the bonfire since the 1100s, when it is thought that the city was attacked and burned by residents of neighboring Como.

Some historians also suggest that the bonfire commemorates the widespread burning of witches during that time. Participants organize into groups and compete as to who can create the biggest blaze.

The bonfires are famous for lighting up the shores of Lake Como.

For your Wedd ing Reception and Rehearsal Dinner

The Italian Conference Center

located at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee

You'll welcome our attention to detail and the way our staff goes out of its way to meet your every need. Your guests will love the setting, the food, and easy access and parking.

Our wedding specialists will work closely with you to make certain that your day is everything you dreamed it would be. They'll even assist with floral arrangements, music, photography, ordering the wedding cake and other extras.

Call David or Kim Marie now for available dates and a tour.

(414) 223-2800

www.italianconference.com

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Glorioso’s Italian Market celebrating 70th anniversary in 2016

by Thomas Hemman Times Editor This past Valentine’s Day marked the 70th anniversary of Glorioso’s Italian Market, the venerable grocery/deli on Milwaukee’s Brady Street known for its quality Italian food and exceptional customer service.

Opened on Feb. 14, 1946 in a small and, at that time, rented grocery at 1020 E. Brady St., Glorioso’s grew into an East Side institution and a destination for visitors from around the world.

Today, the family-run business can be found in significantly more spacious digs at 1011 E. Brady St. The founders of the original store were three brothers – the late Joe, Eddie and Ted. Joe, recently back home from service in the United States Army during World War II, was the buyer. Eddie handled deliveries. He also had another job at the Heil Co., which helped to provide needed extra cash to buy the grocery’s inventory. Ted was just a teenager. Every day, he cleaned the wooden floors, stocked the shelves and loaded the basement storeroom with goods hauled through windows.

Today, Ted is the owner. Eddie is semi-retired but often can be found working behind the deli counter.

Joe, the oldest of the three, died on Oct. 15, 2013 at the age of 91.

Asked what he remembered about the original grocery, Ted said, “It was very small. We paid rent. Everything we carried was Italian except for a few things, like the soaps. We were open six days a week from 6 in the morning to 10 at night and closed on Sundays (like other groceries back then).”

Was there any significance to opening on Valentine’s Day? “No, not really,” Ted said. “It was just time to open.”

From the very beginning, many family members have worked at Glorioso’s. Among the relatives who helped out the brothers in the early years were their sister Rosalie, their brother Chuck, and their Auntie Bessie. The latest estimates are that more than 70 family members have worked at the store at one time or another.

The business was started with a $1,000 loan from their father, Felice, a fruit peddler, a produce man, who worked with Felice on

Glorioso’s Italian Market at 1011 E. Brady Street opened in December 2010.

the old Commission Row in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, and a 150-pound provolone grand cheese that, it is said, the brothers turned into cash, slice by slice.

Asked if he and his brothers knew they would succeed, “It was a crap shoot, like any other business.

You never know.”

Of course, they did succeed. By 1952, Ted was running Trio’s Pizza and later a restaurant. More recently, he has operated Glorioso’s Gold Imports & Diamond Center, above the original grocery. Joe’s son, Felice, and Ted’s son, Michael, are the managers of the grocery.

Even as the neighborhood changed, with many of the Italian, German and Polish families moving on and other ethnic groups replacing them, the Glorioso brothers and their store remained constant. “We kept a loyal following of shoppers who valued our products and service,” the late Joe Glorioso told The Italian Times in 2006 when the market celebrated its 60th anniversary. He said they valued the imported Italian oil, pasta, cookies,

The deli at Glorioso’s Italian Deli

canned goods, cannoli and bread from nearby Sciortino Bakery, freshly made sausage and variety of cheese as well as the intimate feel of a neighborhood market.

As an anchor on Brady Street, Glorioso’s has played a major role in its rejuvenation due in large part to its support and allegiance to the area, which led other property own-

Glorioso’s Bros. Market in 1946. (All photos provided by Glorioso’s Bros., Inc.)

THE ITALIAN TIMES

ers to realize the hidden value of Milwaukee’s lower East Side.

After 64 years at its original location, the grocery and deli operations were moved across the street to a much larger building (20,000 sq. ft. on two levels compared to 3,100 sq. ft.). The building was previously the home of the Brady Street Pharmacy and the Astor Theater.

The new market has allowed the Glorioso family to greatly expand its deli and prepared food operations, offer a much larger selection of groceries (especially Italian cheese, pasta, olive oil and other food), beer, wine and, for the first time, liquor. The store has the largest selection of Italian cheese in the state. The family has brought back Trio’s Pizza, using the original family recipe.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary and thank the local community for years of support, Glorioso’s has planned events and promotions throughout 2016. It kicked off Feb. 12-14 with a three-day sale on Glorioso’s brand products and an Italian music performance by the Lake Mandolin Orchestra.

“We’ve been able to maintain the commitment to the product and our customers in keeping with the tradition started 70 years ago,” Ted said. “As a family and a company, we’re proud to be celebrating this amazing milestone.”

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 15

Thanks for your donations to ICC

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.

The following donations were received between January 11 and February 9, 2016.

In memory of Peter Frank Sorce His parents Peter T. and Kathy M. Sorce and his sister Christina Sorce

Castrovinci Carmen Schlotthauer

In memory of Peter Machi, Sr. Frank and Nina Galioto

In memory of Lorraine Zingara Paul and Rose Iannelli Elizabeth Hermann

In memory of Dominic H. Frinzi F. William (Bill) Russo In memory of John Rosenberg Elizabeth Hermann

In memory of Vincent S, Azzolina James and Linda Spataro

In memory of Sharon A. (Sardino) Plotkin James and Linda Spataro In memory of James Dominic Ghiardi Anthony T. Machi

In memory of Betty Thomas Elizabeth Hermann

“Happy 95th Birthday” to Catherine and Tony Gazzana Elizabeth Hermann

Festa interview with Bill Jennaro part of new book by Umberto Mucci

In memory of Salvatore and Rose

from page 7 thousands and thousands of people, not necessarily all of Italian heritage?

I have been in Italy a number of times, and every time I go to Sicily.

I have seen festas throughout all of Italy. It seems that every town has its own festa. This has a lot to do with religion. Every room in my house had a picture of San Rocco – my mother’s Saint. She was from Bari in Puglia, while my father was from Sicily. Every Italian immigrant did so and was and still is very proud about the adoration for his or her saints, as a way to show the love for their community. This is why there are many festivals and feasts around the United States like “Festa Italiana”. For the Italians, even if they are gone from Italy, Italy is not gone from them.

I also enjoy San Gennaro Feast in the original Little Italy in New York, because of my family name which originally was Gennaro and became Jennaro in 1921, when in a commercial, a painter who had to write my grandfather’s family name drew a G that seemed like a J. From that point on, we were the only Gennaro with a J. What’s the story of the Italian emigration in Wisconsin?

The majority of Italian immigrants in Milwaukee had Sicilian heritage. In Kenosha, not far from here, many came from Calabria.

Here in Milwaukee, there also was a group from the Dolomites, in the very north of Italy. This last group was representing a different kind of emigration. Some of them already spoke English. They had school education and integrated faster and easier than the others. Then they moved and created a new district in Milwaukee, called Bay View, on the

southeast shore of the city of Milwaukee overlooking Lake Michigan.

The Sicilians were mostly uneducated. They came in to what was the Irish district at that time, downtown Milwaukee, and the Irish really didn’t like these Italian people, so different from them.

They wanted these Italians out, and did nothing to hide this sentiment. Still, in time what once was the Irish district ended up being the Italian district, Milwaukee’s Little Italy.

But even if these two groups of people, one from northern Italy and the other from southern Italy, were made by immigrants coming from the same country who landed in the same city, they didn’t speak to each other. They were two separate colonies and have been for many, many years.

How about the actual presence of Italians in Milwaukee and in the whole State, either Italian Americans or Italians born in Italy and now working or studying there? Are there many of them, and who are they?

Well, the migration stopped after the half of the 1920s because of the quota system introduced by the U.S. After that, the numbers went considerably down.

Milwaukee does have a good Italian American community, made by the sons and daughters and grandchildren of those who came here at the beginning of the last century. We are the successful generation, who had the possibility to have a better life thanks to the sacrifices of those who came at the beginning of the 20th century, until the mid ‘20s.

And besides, many, many Italians who passed from here, then moved to other places in the United

Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business conference, banquet or meeting. Hold it at the

ITALIAN CONFERENCE CENTER LOCATED AT THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

The Italian Conference Center offers . . .

• First rate conference, convention, banquet & meeting facilities for groups from 4 to 1,400.

• Professional planning assistance.

• Outstanding food service.

• Handicap access & convenient parking.

• Easy access to freeway & downtown.

For professional assistance in coordinating your event, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or or visit www.italianconference.com.

Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI Just a block west of Summerfest in the Historic Third Ward.

PAGE 16 – MARCH 2016

States, or elsewhere.

There are not a lot of newcomers recently arrived from Italy, not at all. There are a few professors, doctors. It’s a completely different kind of emigration, either for the number of those who came here and for their education and skill.

Wisconsin is just next to Minnesota, where recently the Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Do you think that this is something that could one day happen in Wisconsin, too? What’s your thought about this?

A lot of bad things happened to Native Americans at the hands of the non-native Americans, whoever they were, and very, very few of them were Italians. The Italians were the explorers, but not the conquerors. So whoever is trying to put this on Columbus’ shoulders and blame him for everything is not doing the right thing, because blaming the wrong man is not justice at all.

I don’t know if this is something that could happen here in Wisconsin, too. It may, but I don’t know. We do have a state holiday to celebrate Christopher Columbus.

Actually my grandfather, my mother’s father, was one of those who were there when the state holiday was declared by the governor at that time. We do have a large Native American community in Wisconsin because Andrew Jackson when he was president moved a lot of Native American people from New York and Pennsylvania to the

Midwest. But I don’t know if there has been a tentative plan to do so here as in Minneapolis. * * * We the Italians is a web portal where everyone can share, promote, be informed and keep in touch with anything regarding Italy happening in the U.S. Every kind of content can be found in its repository, with videos and news, meetings and resources, businesses and events, festivals and associations telling who, where and when to eat, watch, listen, read, sing, talk, share, play, wear, drive, drink, like and be Italian in every single one of the 50 States.

We the Italians proclaims, “Before us there wasn’t a website dedicated to those who live in the US and like Italian people, food, art, culture, fashion, language, music, cinema, sport, business, creativity; for those who want to meet other people with the same passion for Italy; for those who believe that the union between Italy and the U.S. is really the perfect storm, and that’s the reason why our name puts together the Italian people with the American constitution.

Italy needs to be promoted by the web, Italians are always American people’s best friends, the Italian American community has so many things to express and share.

That’s why We the Italians is here to stay!”

To subscribe to We The Italians, go to www.wetheitalians.com. The interview appearing below was done by Umberto Mucci, the founder and president of We The Italians.

from page 6 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), Craig

Lieber and Carole Casamento (Tuesday afternoon), Tony Tarantino (Wednesday night) and Anna Pitzo (Thursday afternoon). The forms can also be obtained by contacting the ICC office at 414–2232180.

The forms must be submitted with full payment for all players by Wednesday, Mar. 9.

St. Augustine Church in New Diggings, Wis., is one of at least 20 church buildings in the upper Mississippi River valley designed and erected under the supervision of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, a Dominican missionary and amateur architect.

Mazzuchelli was born in Milan, Italy in 1806 and came to the United States at age 22. His original missionary work focused on the

Green Bay area, but in 1835 he transferred his efforts to the lead mining areas of the Upper Midwest.

In Wisconsin he founded congregations in Prairie du Chien, Potosi, Schullsburg, and New Diggings.

The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters in Sinsinawa, Wis., are seeking to promote the beatification of Mazzuchelli. Visit their web site: www.sinsinawa.org.

Bocce update

Fr. Mazzuchelli: An Italian missionary built churches in Wisconsin in 1800s

THE ITALIAN TIMES

A kid from Porticello

by Blaise Di Pronio The last big wave of immigration from Italy to America took place in the 1950s and ‘60s followed by a tapering off to a trickle in the ‘70s. Most settled in the big northern manufacturing cities with Milwaukee being no exception as its then multitude of breweries and factories made it a viable destination.

The little Sicilian fishing village of Porticello (Little Port in It.), located on the outskirts of big city Palermo, saw a disproportionate number of its departing citizens relocate to Milwaukee. Of these Porticellesi, quite a few were lastnamed Carini – a popular family name in the Palermo area probably due to its proximity to the nearby sizable town of (what else?) Carini (which has a current population of about 38,000).

During the post WWII immigration exodus, Italy’s birth rate was quite high (compared to today’s minuscule number) and thus the departing families were usually

large. One such family was that of Giuseppe and Francesca Carini who left Porticello with their five sons and two daughters in 1966.

The youngest of the brothers was 14 year-old Pietro (Peter) – the man we know today as the owner of Milwaukee East Side’s popular restaurant, Carini’s Conca d’Oro, and also an ICC member and a Festa participant.

Like most Italians, Peter was first exposed to food preparation in his mother’s kitchen where food was prepared by instinct, touch and, ultimately, taste. No recipes needed, just good memories and fresh ingredients. As he got a little older, he also started making pizzas in his father’s eatery in Sicily.

He was to revisit his pizza making prowess a few months ago as explained below. His father’s knowledge and his mother’s passion when it came to cooking stuck with Peter when they all transitioned to Milwaukee.

Once settled in the Beer City, it did not take Peter long to find a

On Golden Bay

by Blaise di Pronio Su conca d’oro On his shell of gold Regio decoro Emblem of his control Spira Nettuno Mighty Neptune shines In the partial chorale above, found in his opera, Idomeneo, Mozart celebrates Neptune’s throne of gold and shaped like a seashell. The Milwaukee restaurant, Carini’s Conca d’Oro, doesn’t celebrate the King of the Sea, but rather the Horn of Plenty basin by the shores and land of Palermo by the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Italian, conchiglia means seashell. Its derivative conca refers to a basin or bowl shape.

Historically, the Conca d’Oro of Palermo refers to the triangle shaped land and basin-like bay area that lies between the two mountain slopes abutting the city, creating a beautiful natural har-

bor. The lands above the bay were once very fertile plains which ran into the bay, which was watered by the many rivers flowing down the mountains with their many nutrients. As a result, the zone produced many agricultural and aquatic riches for Palermo so it thus earned its golden name. (Its English equivalent idiom/expression would be: the “Horn (not Conch) of Plenty”. The Italian expression for this idiom would be “Corno dell’Abbon-danza” (or also “Cornucopia”).

Unfortunately, a lot of the fertile area has been replaced by Palermo’s ever growing urban sprawl which continues heading inland. But the bay is as beautiful as ever as you will see from the pictures and paintings at Carini’s own golden Conca which will provide its visitors a menu of “plenty” and “abbondanza” without the need to ever leave Milwaukee.

kitchen that was calling him. At the age of 16, he began working in the kitchen at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. At the MAC, he was exposed to and trained in all aspects of food service and within a few years he rose to the position of Executive Chef which he held until 1984, when he was recruited and hired away from there by Zorba’s food operation. He stayed with Zorba’s until 1991, at which time he took on a similar position with Niko’s.

In 1996, Peter’s American dream came to full fruition when he and his wife Jan (a Milwaukee native he met at the IV A Go Go – IV for Italian Village for those who mercifully forgot) and with the help of his brothers and sisters, opened their Sicilian style restaurant: Carini’s Conca d’Oro- named for a famous bay by Palermo’s shores by the Tyrrhenian Sea. (See side article about this bay.)

The restaurant quickly built a reputation around its traditional Sicilian and Italian dishes concentrating on frutti di mare (fruit of the sea), veal, chicken, pasta and the house specialty of spiedini.

With hard work and a great product, success was inevitable and it

has continued to the present with the ongoing help and participation of all members of Peter’s family at one time or another, as needed.

In 2015, Peter’s early experience with pizzas back in Sicily came full circle when the restaurant imported a Naples-made Acunto Mario pizza oven in order to offer the Neopolitan style pizza as it was gaining popularity in the U.S. and which usually features charmarked bottoms, soft, wet centers and sparse but tasty toppings. The oven heats up to over 900 degrees which means it can cook a 12-inch pizza in about 90 seconds!. They come in many varieties and have easily become a big hit.

That 14 year old kid from Porticello (paintings of which adorn the restaurant walls and open air patios) now looks back in gratitude to his supportive family and his adopted country and he looks forward with pride and happiness surrounded by his immediate family. all of whom have joined him in the restaurant. His three children, Gregg, Peter and Lisa, can always be seen coming and going, doing whatever is necessary at the Conca d’Oro. And Peter looks on beaming the biggest smile.

Eastern sunrise

by Blaise Di Pronio You can usually find some root word connection between the Italian and English versions of Catholic Holy Day names, but there is an apparent discrepancy in the names for the upcoming socalled Easter celebration and its Italian equivalent of Pasqua. The two names of the same holy day are diametrically opposed and clearly discordant. How did that come about?

The English Easter appellation comes from a variety of sources: The old Norse austr refers to the east; the Anglo-Saxon eostre refers to the Goddess of Dawn or a sunrise; the Germanic austron also describes the dawn, and aust refers to the east and toward the sunrise.

Why the East? That is where the sun is reborn, where the sun, in effect, resurrects from the death and darkness of night, thus representing and symbolizing Christ’s similar Resurrection from His death, celebrated during this initially somber but ultimately festive event.

The Italian Pasqua derives from the Latin paschalis, Greek pasch

THE ITALIAN TIMES

and Hebrew pashh, all of which connote a “passing over” with a specific reference to the Lord passing over or excluding the houses of the Israelites when the first born of the Egyptians were killed (one of the 10 plagues inflicted on the Egyptians, which resulted in the freeing of the Jews from their captivity and slavery under the leadership of Moses).

This is commemorated in the Jewish tradition of the Passover festival, which includes the offering of a Sacrificial or Paschal Lamb.

Christ came to be known and referred to as The Lamb of God (in that He also was “sacrificed” by His Father). He was, in effect, likened to a Passover Lamb.

Thus, one name connotes and celebrates the sacrificial (Pasqua/Paschal) aspect of the day and the other the resurrection (Easter) of the One who was so sacrificed and the preferred name used was to be dependent more on geographical reasons (Northern Europe/English versus Southern Europe/Palestine) rather than ecclesiastical ones.

Here is Peter Carini, chef/owner of Carini’s La Conca d’Oro, prepared some of his famous calamari for Festa Italiana guests. Carini’s La Conca d’Oro was one of the food vendors on the Festa grounds. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business conference, banquet or meeting. Hold it at the

ITALIAN CONFERENCE CENTER LOCATED AT THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

The Italian Conference Center offers . . .

• First rate conference, convention, banquet & meeting facilities for groups from 4 to 1,400.

• Professional planning assistance.

• Outstanding food service.

• Handicap access & convenient parking.

• Easy access to freeway & downtown.

For professional assistance in coordinating your event, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or or visit www.italianconference.com.

Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI Just a block west of Summerfest in the Historic Third Ward.

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 17

La Pagina Italiana di Senatore Renato Turano Con l’avvio di ogni nuovo anno ci ritroviamo a dover fare i conti, da una parte, con le disponibilità del governo e, dall’altra, con le esigenze degli italiani all’estero. Queste ultime, tra l’altro, non diminuiscono ma, al contrario, aumentano soprattutto per via del numero crescente di cittadini italiani che decidono di passare un periodo di lavoro fuori dall’Italia.

Posso dire con soddisfazione che un primo importante passo è stato fatto. A fine 2015, il parlamento italiano ha approvato, con modifiche, un emendamento che dispone i seguenti interventi a favore delle politiche per gli italiani all’estero per il 2016: 3,4 milioni di euro per la promozione della lingua e cultura italiana all’estero e per il sostegno degli enti gestori di corsi di lingua e cultura italiana all’estero; 500 mila euro come incremento della dotazione finanziaria per gli Istituti Italiani di cultura; 100 mila euro per il funzionamento del CGIE; 100 mila euro per il funzionamento dei Comites e del Comitato dei loro presidenti; 650 mila euro ad integrazione della dotazione finanziaria pei contributi diretti in favore della stampa italiana all’estero; 100 mila euro in favore delle agenzie specializzate per i servizi stampa dedicati agli italiani all’estero; 150 mila euro per

Rinnovata fiducia

promuovere l’attrattività delle università attraverso la diffusione dei corsi di lingua italiana online. È stato un risultato difficile da raggiungere e frutto di un lavoro coeso e coordinato, portato avanti dai senatori di maggioranza eletti all’estero insieme al presidente dalla commissione Bilancio, sen.

Giorgio Tonini. Dispiace, però, non essere riusciti ad ottenere quanto inizialmente avevamo chiesto con il nostro emendamento, ovvero ulteriori 50 mila euro sia per il CGIE che per i Comites, un ammontare totale di 4,7 milioni di euro per la lingua e cultura, ulteriori 250 mila euro per gli istituti italiani di cultura e 150 mila euro per la stampa italiana all’estero, ulteriori 100 mila euro sia per le agenzie di stampa specializzate, sia per i corsi di lingua italiana online.

Inoltre, bisogna registrare con rammarico che la commissione ha anche bocciato l’emendamento 4.90 che chiedeva l’equiparazione degli immobili degli italiani residenti all’estero come prima casa per l’esenzione dal pagamento IMU. Su questo punto torneremo a batterci, perché ci sembra paradossale che quegli italiani che hanno investito per comprare casa in Italia, magari anche con l’intenzione un giorno di tornarci, debbano pagare più tasse di quelle che pagherebbero se stessero in Italia. È una politica che

Il malocchio

di Donato Di Pronio Questo maleficio secondo la superstizione popolare e anche secondo concezioni antiche nell’ambito della storia delle religioni e della magia dotta delle culture del passato, è l’influsso negativo e malefico esercitato da persona (cioè, da malo, cattivo, occhio) dedita a pratiche magiche, con il ricorso a formule pronunciate o scritte, con la manipolazione di immagini ed oggetti (abiti, capelli, ecc.) appartenuti alla … vittima!, ecc.

I rimedi, le cure, gli scongiuri, le pratiche, ecc., contro questa (presunta) sventura … a disposizione dei creduloni erano e sono tanti e variano da paese a paese. Molto comuni sono il ricorso a maghe e fattucchiere, a indovini ed imbroglioni, l’appendersi al collo e agli abiti amuleti di ogni foggia e materia: cornetti, numero 13, gobbetti, ciuffetti di pelo di tasso infilati nella tesa del cappello, scaramantici minuscoli scapolari di circa tre centimetri, simili ai più noti “abitini” e “brevi” (vreghe o breghe), confezionati con ritagli di vecchie stole, nei quali vengono inseriti, a seconda delle “necessità e dei fini”, immaginette sacre, un pizzico di sale, un grano di incenso, frammenti di candele, qualche capello, pezzettini di carta sui quali sono scritti preghierine e scongiuri, ecc.

Dai ricordi di un baffuto pastore della montagna La Maielletta in Abruzzo: “Ieri sera ho dovuto accompagnare mia nonna (da giorni seguitava a lagnarsi: non me la sento, non mi sento in forma) da commare Filumène per farle levare un

PAGINA 18 – MARZO 2016

malocchio, causa, secondo lei, del mal di testa che da giorni l’affliggeva.

‘Terminato l’intervento’, ho dovuto, mio malgrado, sottopormi anche io alla levatura: avevo ingenuamente detto che accusavo un po’ di emicrania. L’operatrice, massaggiandomi delicatamente la fronte, ripeteva delle giaculatorie di questo tenore: malocchio, malocchio, corna agli occhi schiatti l’invidia, crepi la malizia.

- Due occhi ti hanno adocchiato due santi ti hanno aiutato: in nome di Dio e di Santa Maria - il malocchio se ne và via, ecc.

“Poi ha messo un po’ d’acqua in un piatto e vi ha fatto colare una goccia d’olio; la goccia si è disfatta: il malocchio c’era ed era stato colpito! Ha sparso l’acqua per la strada affinché il malocchio potesse essere calpestato dai passanti. Ha ripetuto il rito ma stavolta la goccia d’olio è rimasta intera: il malocchio era uno solo!

(Con mio disappunto: il delicato massaggio della cara vecchietta era tanto carezzevole e rilassante)”.

“Comare Filomena mi disse che con alcuni suoi pazienti usava quest’altro metodo di levatura: faceva cadere in un bicchiere pieno per tre quarti d’acqua, sedici chicchi di grano recitando solo con il movimento delle labbra e con la bocca un po’ storta, misteriose formule. Se intorno a qualche chicco si formava una bollicina d’aria, significava che c’era un malocchio. L’intervento terminava con la recita del Paternoster e facendo bere al liberato dal maleficio l’acqua con tutti i chicchi di grano!”

Capito?

ha poco senso e che vogliamo correggere al più presto. Rimane invariata, invece, l’agevolazione su IMU, TASI e TARI per i pensionati residenti all’estero.

Ad ogni modo, considerata l’importanza delle richieste avanzate da noi senatori eletti all’estero e la larga maggioranza presente alla Camera sia in commissione che in aula, è stato incoraggiante vedere dei segnali positivi dopo anni di tagli e privazioni.

Ci apprestiamo così ad affrontare un 2016 pieno di cambiamenti. Il più grande di tutti riguarda la riforma costituzionale che vede una modifica sostanziale del Senato. Di questo se ne è parlato a lungo, anche su queste pagine. In autunno, molto probabilmente, affronteremo un importante referendum per finalizzare la riforma che darà vita ad un nuovo Senato.

Altre questioni che ci riguardano più da vicino si rifanno ai Comites e al Cgie. Con le elezioni avvenute l’anno scorso di entrambi gli organi rappresentativi abbiamo avviato un

discorso su una possibile riforma strutturale degli stessi Comites.

Per i grandi cambiamenti ci vuole tempo, si sa, ma credo sia necessario continuare quel discorso adesso che sappiamo in che direzione andare. Se aspettiamo di arrivare a ridosso di un’altra elezioni tra più di quattro anni, ci ritroveremo di nuovo impreparati e fuori tempo massimo. È da piccole ma significativi cambi che si può migliorare la rappresentatività degli italiani all’estero. Io, come sempre, sarò in prima linea per assicurare che ciò venga fatto.

Lunedì dell’Angelo o Pasquetta

di Donato Di Pronio Pasquetta: questo vocabolo, diminutivo di Pasqua, è sinonimo di Lunedì dell’Angelo e spesso, anche, delle solennità dell’Epifania e della Pentecoste. Secondo antica tradizione i Cristiani ricordano in questo giorno gli avvenimenti di cui nel successivo brano evangelico.

In Italia, come in tante altre nazioni, il Lunedì dell’Angelo o Pasquetta è giorno festivo. Lo si trascorre, in particolar modo dalla gioventù, con gite e scampagnate nei dintorni del paese, pic-nic sui prati: si fanno fuori, oltre agli avanzi del pranzo pasquale, frittate, leccornie varie, dolci e tra questi, alcuni a forma molto grossolana e approssimativa di pupe-bambole, agnelli e asinelli (regalo delle mamme e delle nonne ai piccoli), e di cuore (dono delle ragazze a maschietti e fidanzati).

Dal Vangelo secondo Matteo: “Passato il sabato, Maria di Màgdala, Maria di Giacomo e Salome comprarono oli aromatici per andare a imbalsamare Gesù. Di Buon mattino, il primo giorno dopo il sabato, vennero al sepolcro al levar del sole. Esse dicevano tra loro: ‘Chi ci rotolerà vi il masso dall’ingresso del sepolcro?’ Ma guardando, videro che il masso era già stato rotolato via, benché fosse molto grande. Entrando nel sepolcro, videro un giovane, seduto sulla destra, vestito d’una veste bianca, ed ebbero paura. Ma egli disse loro: “Non abbiate paura! Voi cercate Gesù Nazareno, il crocifisso. E’ risorto, non è qui” (16, 1-6).

La Risurrezione di Gesù viene commemorata e celebrata la prima Domenica dopo il plenilunio di primavera che cade tra il 22 marzo e il 25 aprile. La Pasqua, festa mobile, costituisce la massima solennità dell’anno liturgico e da essa scaturiscono i giorni santi: Mercoledì delle Ceneri inizio della Quaresima, l’Ascensione del Signore, la Pentecoste, la prima

Domenica di Avvento.

La parola Pasqua deriva, attraverso il latino pascha e il greco pasca, dall’ebraico passah, il cui significato etimologico, ancora discusso, dai più si ritiene sia passaggio, passare oltre. Nella solennità della Pasqua il popolo Israelitico commemora la liberazione dalla schiavitù dell’Egitto e quello Cristiano la Risurrezione di Cristo.

Tra le usanze legate alle festività pasquali, la seguente va sempre più in disuso: la mattina di Pasqua la famiglia per fare colazione si raccoglie intorno ad una capiente padella, posta nel centro della cucina, poggiata su di un treppiedi, contenente una calda e soffice frittata (uova, ventrescapancetta di maiale, prezzemolo) poggiata su di un treppiedi. La si consuma in fretta stando in piedi accompagnandola con bocconi di un tipico dolce della ricorrenza: la pizza con il lievito (farina, uova, olio, zucchero, anice, anche un pizzico di sale), e poi, grandi e piccoli via alla Messa mattutina, quella piccola; chi è impedito va alla Messa grande, solenne, in genere alle ore 11,00.

Consolato Generale d’Italia a Chicago

500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1850 Chicago IL 60611 How to reach us: Tel: (312) 467-1550/1/2 Fax: (312) 467-1335 E-mail: italcons.chicago@esteri.it Numero di reperibilità d’emergenza (fuori dell’orario di ufficio e solo per emergenze: incidenti, arresti, gravi problemi medici, ecc.) dagli Stati Uniti: +1 (312) 909 0304 dall’Italia: 001 312 909 0304.

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La Settimana Santa e la Santa Pasqua a Porticello 2016

di Maria Concetta Sanfilippo* La Settimana Santa è la settimana nella quale il Cristianesimo celebra gli eventi di fede correlati alla passione, morte e resurrezione di Cristo. La maggior parte dei Cristiani chiama Settimana Santa il periodo, da Domenica delle palme al Sabato santo, che precede la Pasqua- la Domenica in cui si ricorda la resurrezione dai morti di Cristo. La Pasqua è la massima solennità della fede Cristiana e in occidente si celebra ogni anno la Domenica che segue la prima luna piena di primavera (tra fine Marzo e Aprile).

La Settimana Santa si apre con la Domenica delle palme, nella quale si celebra l’entrata trionfale di Cristo a Gerusalemme, acclamato come Messia. La tradizione risale a prima del IV secolo. La tradizionale benedizione delle palme a Porticello viene celebrata alla marinnuzza, nella piazzetta di Padre Pio dove si arriva in processione dalla chiesa. Alla fine del rito di benedizione, si ritorna in chiesa per la celebrazione della Santa Messa.

Il Lunedì, Martedì e Mercoledì santo, la Chiesa contempla in particolare il tradimento di Giuda per trenta denari. Durante la mattina del Giovedì santo o il pomeriggio del Mercoledì santo non si celebra l’eucaristia nelle parrocchie, perché in ogni diocesi viene celebrata un’unica messa nella chiesa cattedrale, presieduta dal vescovo, insieme a tutti i suoi presbiteri e diaconi. In questa messa vengono consacrati gli olii santi.

Il solenne triduo pasquale della passione, morte e resurrezione di Cristo inizia nel pomeriggio del Giovedì santo. La sera si celebra la Messa nella quale si ricorda l’ultima cena di Cristo, l’istituzione dell’eucaristia e del sacerdozio ministeriale, e si ripete la lavanda dei piedi effettuato da Cristo nell’ultima cena,che nella nostra chiesa viene fatta realmente e minuziosamente. Le croci restano velate, le campane silenti, e gli altari senza ornamenti, eccettuato l’altare della reposizione dove vengono conservate le sacre specie per l’adorazione e per la comunione del giorno seguente.

Il Venerdì santo si ricorda il giorno della morte di Cristo sulla croce. La chiesa celebra verso le tre del pomeriggio la solenne celebrazione della Passione divisa in tre parte: La liturgia della parola; L’adorazione della croce, a cui viene così tolto il velo; La santa comunione con i presantificati, cioè con le specie consacrate la sera prima. Non si fanno infatti consacrazioni e non si celebra alcuna messa in questa giornata.

Il Venerdì santo è tradizione effettuare il pio esercizio della Via Crucis.

Nella chiesa di Porticello si celebra tutti i Venerdi dal primo di quaresima fino al Venerdi Santo. La chiesa Cattolica pratica il digiuno ecclesiastico e si astiene dalle carni come forma di partecipazione alla passione e morte del suo Signore. In questo giorno è anche usanza fare visita a più chiese per adorare l’Eucaristia presente negli altari della reposizione, talora impropriamente detti “sepolcri”.

Il Sabato santo è tradizionalmente giorno in cui non si celebra l’eucaristia, e la comunione si porta solamente ai malati in punto di morte.

Nella notte si celebra la solenne veglia pasquale, che, nella Chiesa Cattolica, è la celebrazione più importante di tutto l’anno liturgico. In essa: • Si celebra la resurrezione di Cristo attraverso la liturgia del fuoco: il cero pasquale viene portato processionalmente in chiesa; durante la processione si proclama La luce di Cristo, e si accendono le candele dei

La primavera

di Giacomo Leopardi (1798/1837)* Primavera d’intorno brilla nell’aria, e per li campi esulta, si’ che a mirarla intenerisce il core.

Odi greggi belar, muggire armenti; gli altri augelli, contenti, a gara iinsieme, per lo libero ciel fan mille giri, pur festegiando il lor tempo migliore. * * * *Insigne scrittore italiano, poeta delle più angosciose solitudini spirituali, cantore sublime dell’infelicità umana.

Le Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Le zeppole di San Giuseppe sono un dolce tipico della cucina Italiana e derivano da una tradizione antica risalente addirittura all’epoca Romana.

Secondo la tradizione dell’epoca, dopo la fuga in Egitto con Maria e Gesù, San Giuseppe dovette vendere frittelle per poter mantenere la famiglia in terra straniera e, per questo motivo, i Romani gli diedero il simpatico appellativo di “frittellaro”.

Proprio per questo motivo, in tutta Italia, le zeppole sono i dolci tipici della festa del papà, preparati per festeggiare e celebrare la figura di San Giuseppe. Ogni città, provincia o regione ha ovviamente la sua variante delle zeppole ma l’elemento fondamentale che accomuna e contraddistingue questi dolci è che devono essere

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fritti in abbondante olio, proprio come tradizione vuole. Negli ultimi anni, però, ha preso piede anche una variante al forno delle zeppole che risultano così essere un po’ più leggere e meno caloriche rispetto alle classiche frittelle.

Le zeppole fritte di San Giuseppe sono un dolce intramontabile, apprezzato sempre da tutti e sono tradizionalmente consumati nella festa del Santo a Marzo. 19. A Roma, Napoli e la regione Sicilia, questi piccoli pasticcini sono venduti su molte strade e sono talvolta dato come doni. Nel nostro Centro Italiano, le zeppole le hanno servito come dessert nel nostro pranzo annuale quando festeggiamo la Tavolata di San Giuseppe. * * * Con grazie a giallozafferano.it

fedeli. All’arrivo al presbiterio il cero è incensato e si proclama l’annuncio pasquale.

• La liturgia della Parola ripercorre con letture dell’Antico Testamento e il Vangelo gli eventi principali della fede Cattolica.

Segue la liturgia battesimale, nella quale tutti i fedeli rinnovano le promesse del proprio battesimo, e vengono battezzati, se ce ne sono, i catecumeni che si sono preparati al sacramento.

• La liturgia eucaristica si svolge come in tutte le messe.

La Settimana Santa è seguita dalla domenica di Resurrezione, in cui torna a riecheggiare la gioia della veglia pasquale. Tale Domenica è ampliata nell’Ottava di Pasqua: la Chiesa celebra la pienezza di questo evento fondamentale per la durata di otto giorni, che si concludono con la II domenica di Pasqua, chiamata fin dall’antichità domenica in albis.

In tutto il mondo Cattolico, la tradizione popolare della Settimana Santa consta di numerosi canti, poemi, raffigurazioni e rievocazioni sceniche della Passione di Cristo, che spesso affondano le loro radici fin dai primi secoli del Cristianesimo. A Porticello, il Venerdi si fa la tradizionale processione (la via crucis)in cui vengono portati per le strade del paese la statua di Maria Addolorata e Cristo in croce. Ad un certo punto del percorso la processione si divide in due: il popolo che segue la Croce e il popolo che segue Maria Addolorata, per ricongiungersi nel commovente incontro fra la Madre ed il Figlio. Anticamente la processione era più spettacolarizzata dai costumi dei soldati romani,delle pie donne ed altri costumi adeguati; infine il rientro in chiesa. Da quel momento la chiesa chiama il popolo a non lasciare solo Cristo mandando dei ragazzini in giro per il paese che al suono delle campanelle recitano: “u Signuri ca sulu è”- Il signore è solo.

In questo periodo non può mancare l’aspetto festaiolo; la tradizione culinaria riguarda soprattutto i dolci tipici, come: i pupi con L’uovo (biscotti a forma di pupi contenenti uovo sodo); pecore di frutta di martorana (con la farina di mandorle); e la squisita cassata Siciliana(pan di spagna e crema di ricotta). Per la pasquetta (lunedì di pasqua) è tradizione passare la giornata in campagna(la scampagnata) dove si mangia in abbondanza, si accende il fuoco per arrostire salsicce carne di capretto e pesci e ci si diverte tantissimo. * * * *Io Sono una docente di matematica in pensione da un anno . Sono lieta di collaborare con qualche articolo relativo agli avvenimenti di Porticello, paese di origine di molti cittadini che vivono sparsi in vari stati d’america, soprattutto nel Wisconsin.Un caro saluto.

Correction from last issue: Maria’s maiden last name is Sanfilippo.

Her married last name was D’Amato.

Proverbi Italiani

1. Italian: (Dialect-Lazio) Chi da giovane se goerna, ecchj more.

English: (Literally) Who controls himself when he is young, dies late in life.

Meaning) Those who exercise self-control when they’re young live to a ripe old age.

2. Un nemico è troppo, cento amici non bastano.

One enemy is one too many, a hundred friends are not enough.

3. Il guaio è che le massime si scrivono per gli altri e raramente per se stesso.

The trouble is that proverbs are written for others and rarely for oneself.

4. L’amore è come il vetro - ogni alito l’appanna.

Love is like glass, every breath steams it up.

5. Se la ruota non ungi - la ruota non gira.

If you don’t grease the wheel, it won’t turn.

6. Italian: (Dialect-Liguria) Beata quella ca’ che de vegi a ne fa.

English: (Literally) Blessed are those who also live with old people.

(Meaning) Lucky are those who live in a household that includes old people as they will be able to learn from their experiences.

Indovinelli

1. Quale parola di 6 lettere diventa corta se togliamo la prima lettera?

2. Che cosa può essere misurato senza essere visto?

3. Nascosta in un tunnel buio attendo il mio momento, ma una volta tirata i danni saranno irreparabili! Chi sono?

4. Senza bocca e senza piedi arriva sempre dove chiedi. Non ci vede e non ci sente, ma si muove facilmente. Che cos’è?

5. Sapresti dire quali tre numeri uguali, se sommati, danno 12? (escluso il numero 4).

6. Possiede una testa, ma è priva di arti e corpo. Che cos’è?

7. Che cosa è più leggero di una piuma, più morbido della seta ma nessuno è in grado di trattenere per più di pochi minuti?

Risposte – pagina 23

Italian idioms and expressions

1. togliersi lo sfizio. to satisfy a craving.

2. essere buono come il pane.

Lit.: to be good like bread. i.e., to be as good as gold 3. essere ricco sfondato. to be filthy rich 4. Uffa!

Shows you’re annoyed, bored,

angry or fed up with a situation.

5. Che ne so!

Use it when you have no idea about something. Like: “How should I know!”

6. Ti sta bene!

Serves you right!

7. leccarsi i baffi to lick one’s chops

MARZO 2016 – PAGINA 19

Happy Saint Patrizio’s Day

by Blaise Di Pronio March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated nationwide by the Irish (and their wannabes) with food and drink (make that lots of drink).

Well, guess what? Throw out the corned beef and heat up the pasta e fagioli. Replace that washed out orange (in honor of William of Orange days) in their flag with Ferrari Red and you end up with the Italian colors unfurling over the unlucky Irish. Why you ask?

Because Saint Patrick was Italian, that’s why!

So let’s settle this once and for all: Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Saint Patrick was Italian!

According to most historians and the archives of the Catholic Church, Saint Patrick was born in Scotland circa 385 A.D. around the area now known as Kilpatrick (“cell of Patrick”).

His parents (Calpurnius and Conchessa) were Roman diplomats living in Britain and there to watch over colonies ruled by the Romans (of Rome,

Maratona di Roma set for Apr. 10

In order to avoid conflict with Palm Sunday observations (Sunday, Mar. 20) in the Eternal City, the 22nd annual Rome Marathon (“Maratona di Roma”) has been moved to Sunday, Apr. 10.

The event, which has become a huge citywide celebration, is normally held on the third Sunday in March.

Continued on page 21

Italy, for you doubters). Around the age of 14, he was captured as part of a raid by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland until he escaped and returned to Britain and his family at age 20.

After having a prophetic religious dream, he converted to Christianity. He was later ordained a cleric and eventually became a Catholic Bishop. Thereafter, he set out to take the Gospel to Ireland which, at the time was a land of Druids (priests, magicians or soothsayers in the ancient Celtic reli-

gion) and Pagans. He succeeded in converting chieftains and entire kingdoms, thus acquiring a large following of disciples. For 40 years, he roamed Ireland converting people wherever he went. He built Ireland’s first church at Saul, where he later died. Patrick used the three-lobed leaves of the cloverlike plant, the shamrock, as a symbol to explain and represent the Holy Trinity. And the shamrock became associated with the Irish ever since. Luck had nothing to do with it.

Still doubting? As additional proof, the name Patrick comes from the Roman/Latin word “patrician”, which was a title of dignity conferred by the Roman Emperor, and today it connotes aristocracy or high social rank, just like St. Patrick’s patrician parents and their son’s so reflecting name. After all, they did not name him plebeius (commoner), did they?

Therefore, St. Patrick was and is Italian, being the son of two Roman citizens. Basta/Period. I rest my case. Now, bring me a Peroni!

In Italy, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary. It honors the day when the prayers of the people of Sicily were answered and they were sent rain during a severe drought when many people were dying of starvation because there had been no rain to nourish the crops that sustained life for most of the people on the island.

They had prayed to St. Joseph, their patron, for relief from the terrible famine that gripped the island and when the skies opened up, sending down the life giving water, the people rejoiced.

To show their gratitude, they prepared a table with a special assortment of foods they had harvested. After paying honor to St. Joseph, they distributed the food

to the less fortunate.

The first St. Joseph Altar set up on the Island of Sicily was a small one. But as time went on and the tradition took hold, the creative spirit of the Italians caused the altars to grow larger and more ornate.

Today, the artistic quality of the breads, cookies and pastries, which are baked in such shapes as chalices, staffs and pyramids, often rivals the exquisite flavor of these food offerings. Though Sicilian immigrants introduced the custom to America, the celebration is not confined to any nationality. Rather, it has become a public event, which its devoted participants embrace for a host of private and personal reasons. The feast is alternately a source of petition and thanksgiving.

Many kinds of vegetable minestras, very thick soups, are prepared and served at this celebration, but no cheese is eaten on St. Joseph’s Day. This is to remind us that our people were too poor to have cheese. The spaghetti is sprinkled with a traditional mixture of toasted dry bread crumbs when fresh sardines and fennel sauce is used, as in pasta con sarde. Another reason that the traditional Sicilian Pasta con Sarde topping is made of breadcrumbs (Mudrica, or Mudriga) is that it is said to be a reminder of the sawdust St. Joseph created as a working carpenter. Happy Saint Joseph’s Day to all. * * * With thanks to Maria Gloria and L’Italo Americano at: italoamericano.org.

A short history of Saint Joseph’s Day celebrations

Milwaukees Italians who served in the U.S. Military during World War II – Part 10

Researched and written by the late Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian The information presented here was researched and copyrighted as a historical record of the men and women of Italian descent who lived in the City of Milwaukee and served in the United States Military during World War II. The information recorded and documented by this researcher from records kept at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau. These works were copyrighted in 2004 and an original copy has been placed in the repository at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The research was secured from City of Milwaukee Directories 1941, 1942 and 1944-45. No directory was published in 1943. The years 1944 and 1945 were combined into one directory.

Name Geracie, John Geracie, Mat Germane, Jim Giaimo, Anthony Giaimo, Anthony Giaimo, Frank Giallanza, Rosario Giamo, Joe Giannoni, Anthony Gigante, Charlie Gigante, Tom Gigante, Tony Gigante, Cosmo A. Gigante, John Gignate, Joe Gigliotti, Sam Gingrasso, Carl Gingrasso, Peter Ginocchio, Louis Ginocchio, Orlando Giordano, Peter Giove, Daniel Giove, Jacob Giuntoli, Louis

PAGE 20 – MARCH 2016

Branch Army Army Army Army Navy Army Navy Army Navy Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Navy Navy Coast Guard Army Army Army

Address 1743 N. Franklin 515 E. Lyon 331 N. Jefferson 408 N. Van Buren 1220 E. Russell 1462 N. Franklin 2214 N. 2nd St. 1521 N. Jefferson 1934 N. Bartlett 2051 N. Hubbard 2051 N. Hubbard 2051 N. Hubbard 1683 N. Humboldt 2346 N. Richards 4326 S. Burrell 532 E. Chicago 1715 N. Marshall 1715 N. Marshall 3108 N. Pierce 1318 N. Van Buren 2844 N. 41st St. 2465 N. 50th St. 1727 N. Wells 1221 S. 21st St.

Glorioso, Joe Gobbi, Umberto Gosetti, Louis Graziano, Nick Greco, Angelo Greco, John Greco, John Greco, Larry Griese, Harry Griese, Bob Groppi, John Groppi, Louis Grosso, Robert Guadagni, Joe Guagliardo, Louis Guardalabene, Angelo Guardalabene, Anthony Guarniere, Tom Guarniere, Tony Guida, Joe Guida, Sal Guida, Sam Gullo, Dominic, Jr. Gullo, Robert Gumina, John Gumina, Joe Gumina, Tom Guiffre, Barney Gunta, Arthur Ganoni, Tony Germana, Anthony, Jr. Girolami, Roland Greco, Peter Iannantuoni, Mike Iannarelli, Joe Iannelli, Joe Ingrelli, Joe

Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Army Army Marines Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Marines Marines Army Navy Marines Army Army Army Marines Army

218 N, Jefferson 3058 N. Newhall 1873 N. 11th St. 712 E. Michigan 425 N. Jackson 425 N. Jackson 1528A N. Jefferson 1528A N. Jefferson 1518 W. Congress 1518 W. Congress 2507 S. Wentworth 2507 S. Wentworth 1434 N. 35th St. 1948 S. 28th St. 1518 N. 38th St. 2344 N. 1st St. 2344 N. 1st St. 2557B N. Booth 2557B N. Booth 424 E. Lyon 424 E. Lyon 424 E. Lyon 2041 N. Booth St. 2041 N. Booth St. 2318 W. McKinley 2318 W. McKinley 1545 N. Marshall 3255 S. Logan 3837 S. Clement 4574 N. 48th St. 1686 N. Van Buren 5100 N. Diversey Blvd.

1527 N. Jackson 1417 N. Jefferson 1024 E. Ogden 707 E. Michigan 1611 N. Astor

Source: Wright’s Milwaukee City Directory, 1941, Wright Directory Co., Milwaukee.

Continued in the next issue

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Maratona di Roma set for Sunday, Apr. 10

from page 20 The 42-km marathon (26.1 miles) – in which more than 12,000 athletes are expected to participate – will start at 9 a.m. in front of the Coliseum.

The route continues through the narrow, winding streets of the Eternal City. Runners will pass by St. Peter’s Basilica, the Piazza di Spagna, the Piazza Navona, and countless other landmarks.

Alongside the more serious and intensive Maratona di Roma, a parallel event is held for those less athletically inclined. Known as “La

Stracittadina,” this “Roma Fun Run” is geared toward families and seniors and benefits dozens of Roman charities.

The 2015 marathon winners were Abebe Negewo in the men’s division, with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds, and Meseret Kitata (2:30:25 time). Both runners are from Ethiopia.

The fastest run in the men’s division was achieved in 2009 by Kenya’s Benjamin Kiptoo in 2:07:17. In the women’s division, the record time was set by Russian Gailina Bogomolova (2:22:53).

Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication has chosen singer/actor Anthony V. Crivello to be among a select group of individuals featured on a “Wall of Honor” slated for display in Johnston Hall.

The wall will recognize communication professionals who have graduated from Marquette’s Diederich College and have won an Emmy, a Tony, an Oscar or a Pulitzer Prize.

Crivello won a Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1993.

He was born in Milwaukee on Aug. 2, 1955, the son of Josephine (Mussomeli) and Vincent J. Crivello. His parents were charter members of the Italian Community Center. Anthony performed at Festa Italiana in 2011.

The goal of the Diederich College in honoring Crivello and others is to demonstrate to current and prospective students and parents, alumni and friends of the university the rich heritage of communication professionals who have graduated from the college.

Crivello, who has performed in television programs, in numerous films and on Broadway, received high acclaim in the Las Vegas production of Phantom of the Opera.

Over the course of several years, he performed in the title role for more than two million people.

Singer/actor Anthony Crivello to be recognized on ‘Wall of Honor’ at Marquette University

Report from Milwaukee’s Victory K-8 Italian Immersion School

Students in Maestra Annette Robertson’s K4 class created masks for Carnevale with their 8th grade partners, (“Bigs and Littles”).

Victory Elementary and Italian Immersion School had Carnevale d’Italia and Open House to introduce families, friends and the community to the Italian Immersion School on Feb. 12.

The K4 students celebrated Il Giorno di San Valentino also on the same day with a small festa in their classroom. Students created cards for their parents.

I bambini della classe K5, Maestre Angela Bozano e Enrica Fracchia, sono meravigliosi. In queste settimane sono molto interessati a scoprire come vivono i pinguini e come sono fatti. In scienze, hanno sperimentato come il grasso che si trova sotto le piume, li protegga dal freddo e perche’ un iceberg galleggia. In matematica, paragonano le

quantita’ di numeri e di cose e alle volte anche il gelato risulta utile per visualizzare il concetto.

Compongono semplici frasi e hanno iniziato a leggere e a scrivere parole autonomamente.

In second grade, Mr. Alex Kaftan’s students have studied bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, oceans, seas, lakes, and ponds. In addition, they have also spent time reading about penguins.

Currently, students are preparing to research and write a biography by learning about American icons, such as Helen Keller and Benjamin Franklin.

Maestra Cathy Laurenzi and Maestra Sabrina Lupoli discussed Carnevale and its significance within Italian culture. The class created masks for the Carnevale/Open House.

– Submitted by Annette Robertson K4 Italian Immersion

L’Angolo del Poeta Anthony Crivello

by Barbara J. Collignon and Roberto Ciampi

“Primavera” literally means “first green” and, hence, the season when green returns to the land. Spring, traditionally the time to begin the ritual herding of sheep and cows to higher mountain pastures, is the time to celebrate new life.

Lambs and calves are born, birds return and sing while in search for a mate. These are themes Giacomo Leopardi (1798- 1837) elaborates in his poem Il Passero solitario (The Solitary Sparrow) but there is an element of sadness here. Here’s an excerpt:

Primavera d’intorno brilla nell’aria, e per li campi esulta, si’ che a mirarla intenerisce il core.

Odi greggi belar, muggire armenti; gli altri augelli, contenti, a gara insieme, per lo libero ciel fan mille giri, pur festegiando il lor tempo migliore.

Spring brightens in the air around, rejoices in the fields, so the heart is moved upon seeing it.

One hears the flocks bleating, herds lowing: other birds happily compete making thousands of circles in the clear sky, celebrating their happy times.

– Translation by Roberto Ciampi This excerpt from Giacomo Leopardi’s poem. written in 1829, suggests the poet is moved by

THE ITALIAN TIMES

spring and that spring is a happy time. However, when one reads the entire poem and pays attention to nuance, one sees that Leopardi exhibits the traits of the typical melancholy Romantic poet. He is the solitary sparrow. It’s the other birds who are happy and celebrating their best times.

The bird to which Leopardi refers is certainly not the common sparrow, whose song is a simple cheep, cheep. His passero is actually a kind of thrush (Monticola solitarius), a blackbird of a bluish color known for its beautiful melodious song. And Leopardi, celebrated as the most melodic poet since Dante, identifies with it in this poem.

You may recall that Leopardi was born in Recanati, in 1798. His mother was a religious fanatic and his father a conservative nobleman.

Leopardi was deprived of friends since it wouldn’t have been proper for the son of a nobleman to go to public schools. Instead, he was tutored at home by priests until age 12. Nature had not favored Leopardi. and his unusual appearance did not help his loneliness. A sickly teenager, he never grew taller than 4’7”. In addition to asthma and dropsy (a condition causing collection of fluid in the limbs due to congestive heart failure), he suffered from Pott’s disease, a kind of spinal tuberculosis. He became a hunchback.

When his formal tutoring with priests ended, he taught himself, studying almost constantly. He learned Hebrew, Latin, ancient Greek, Sanskrit, Spanish, some English and German. His father had an extensive library of more than 15,000 books. Due to excessive reading, his eyesight failed him by age 19. His father made him a virtual prisoner in his own home, had him returned home the times Leopardi attempted to leave home and live on his own.

Freedom was denied him most of his life.

Love was denied him, and though well known for his poetry, he was professionally unfulfilled.

When offered the Dante Chair by the University of Bonn, he had to decline because of poor health. Michele Cantarella, formerly a professor at Smith College, remarked that his life was a “starless wintry night”. Poetry remained Leopardi’s one consolation until his death at age 39 in 1837. The poetry and prose writings of our Solitary Sparrow are even today greatly appreciated, and Leopardi still is referred to as “the greatest poet since Dante”

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 21

Lorre Zingara, longtime ICC member and volunteer, dies at age of 91

Lorraine “Lorre” Zingara (nee Miller), a longtime member of the Italian Community Center, died on Jan. 30 at the age of 91.

For many years, Lorre and her late husband, Carmen, were active volunteers for both the ICC and its summer festival, Festa Italiana.

The couple joined the ICC in 1981.

Both volunteered for senior citizens’ luncheons, fish fry nights and

many other events and activities.

Lorre was part of a crew, led by Carmen, that did various painting jobs in the early 1990s at the new and present home of the Italian Community Center. For a few years, Lorre volunteered to assist with advertising sales for the Festa Italiana edition of The Italian Times. For more than 10 years, Carmen served on the ICC Board

as sergeant-at-arms.

They volunteered for a variety of jobs at Festa, including working in a food and beverage ticket sales booth.

In 1997, Carmen and Lorre were recognized for their hard work and commitment to the organization when they were selected as Il Nonno and La Nonna (Royal Grandparents) of Il Grande

Family and friends celebrate Sal Mussomeli’s 83rd birthday

More than 50 family members and longtime friends joined Sal Mussomeli for the celebration of his 83rd birthday at a lunchtime party at the Italian Community Center on Jan. 27. He is seen here seated in front of his daughters Roselle MussomeliSturdevant and Marie Mussomeli. Sal is a charter member of the ICC and the Pompeii Men’s Club. He is also a past president of the Pompeii Men’s Club and, for years, has been actively involved in Festa Italiana.

In 1989, the ICC honored Sal and his late-wife, Jean, as Il Re (The King) and La Regina (The Queen) of Il Grande Carnevale, the organization’s pre-Lenten costume and mask ball. Sal served as a director on the ICC Board in the late 1980s. Seen with Sal and his daughters are (from the left:) Ray Martinez (standing), George Collura, Joe Mangiamele and Domenic Foti.

George and Domenic are also past presidents of the Pompeii Men’s Club. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

DON’T LET YOUR ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPLAPSE!

Carnevale, the ICC’s pre-Lenten costume and mask ball.

In addition to the ICC, Lorre volunteered at the Ramsey Woods Residence.

Lorre’s four children described their mother as someone who “loved to talk and laugh and was often the life of any gathering, She was a creative and resourceful homemaker, who enjoyed cooking, sewing and caring for her family.”

Carmen and Lorre had been married for 65 years before his death on Oct. 20, 2014.

Lorre is survived by her children Carmen (Rudy) Rasso, Robert, Mary and James (Ginger), grandchildren Brandt and Allison, greatgrandchildren Hannah and Lillian and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Edward, mother Lillian, sister Edna “Terry” and nephew Johnny.

Lorraine “Lorre” Zingara

DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS YOUR HERITAGE AND IS THE MANTEL OF MILWAUKEE’S ITALIAN COMMUNITY.

Be sure you can get advantage of the benefits of membership – • Four Festa Italiana admission tickets (max. 8 per family).

• Event Discounts • Members Room • Free Computer & Satellite TV Use • Home delivery of The Italian Times • Bocce leagues • Cultural, social and educations activities • Family & Friendships All Memberships were due January 1st. Please renew your membership today! You can use the form on page 23 or sign up online at www.iccmilwaukee.com. For more details, call (414) 223-2180.

PAGE 22 – MARCH 2016

THE ITALIAN TIMES

ICC Commitment Membership Payment Options

Presently, there are two payment options available to you should you choose a 2-year membership or a 3-year membership.

1. You may pay each January for the duration of your 3-year or 2-year membership. As an show of good faith, you must sign the statement at the bottom of the new application (that appears on the next page).

2. You may pay for your full 3-year or 2-year membership by the end of the first year – in 4 quarterly payments.** ** If a member pre-pays for a

2-year or 3-year membership, and passes away or moves out of state, the remainder of their membership dues will be donated to the Italian Community Center in the member’s name.

Pro Rated Amount You may have received a bill for a smaller amount of money.

This dues payment doesn’t relate to the new dues program, but rather, is a transitional amount that is intended to return everyone to a Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 Membership. You are not being charged an additional amount.

Favorite Arias Celeste Aida

Radamès’s aria from Aida by Giuseppe Verdi

Se quel guerrier io fossi!

If I were that warrior!

Se il mio sogno si avverasse!

If my dream came true!

Un esercito di prodi da me guidato An army of brave men lead by me E la vittoria e il plauso di Menfi tutti! And all victories and the praise of Menfi!

E a te, mia dolce Aida, And to you, my sweet Aida, Tornar di lauri cinto Returning wrapped in laurels Dirti: per te ho pugnato, I would say: I’ve fought for you, Per te ho vinto!

I’ve won for you!

Celeste Aida, forma divina, Heavenly Aida, divine shape, Mistico serto di luce e fior, Mystic garland of light and flowers, Del mio pensiero tu sei regina, You are queen of my thoughts, Tu di mia vita sei lo splendor.

You are the splendor of my life I would like to give you your sky back, Il tuo bel cielo vorrei ridarti, Le dolci brezze del patrio suol: The sweet breeze of the fatherland: Un regal serto sul crin posarti, To put a regal garland on your heart Ergerti un trono vicino al sol. To build up a throne for you next to the sun.

Top 10 best selling books in Italy in 2015

1. La ragazza del treno by Paula Hawkins (Piemme) 2. Sette brevi lezioni di fisica by Carlo Rovelli (Adelphi) 3. È tutta vita by Fabio Volo (Mondadori) 4. L’anima gemella by Elena Ferrante (E/O) 5. La giostra degli scambi by Andrea Camilleri (Sellerio) 6. Via Crucis by Gianluigi Nuzzi (Chiarelettere) 7. Grey. Cinquanta sfumature di grigio by E. L. James (Mondadori) 8. Il magico potere del riordino

by Marie Kondo (Vallardi) 9. After. Amore infinito by Anna Todd (Sperling & Kupfer) 10. Anna by Niccolò Ammaniti (Einaudi)

Risposte

1. Scorta.

2. Il tempo.

3. La pallottola.

4. Il mouse.

5. Il numero 1, perché 11+1=12.

6. La moneta.

7. Il respiro.

Welcome, new ICC members!

The following persons became members of the Italian Community Center between January 11 and February 9, 2016. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)

Ryan and Fran Blaubach and children Thomas and Sarah of Mequon, WI Frank and Maria Zingale and children: Anthony, Nicole and Christina of Mequon, WI

Gregory & Mary Ann Stehling of Buffalo Grove, IL Katherine Schroeder of New Berlin, WI

Sam Abraham of Milwaukee, WI Paul and Krista SanFelippo and children: Roman, Pauly of New Berlin, WI Joe & Becky SanFelippo and children: Andrea, Joey, Gina of New Berlin, WI

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Michael SanFelippo of Milwaukee, WI

MARCH 2016 – PAGE 23

Easter eggstacy!

by Blaise Di Pronio If you have ever visited Italy during Easter season, you should have seen “Easter” eggs everywhere. Yes, everywhere, and of all sizes, colors and contents. It’s now time to find out why.

Eggs at Easter is an ancient tradition in Italy dating back to (as usual) the Romans when chickens were regularly used in sacrifices.

The Romans believed that all life comes from the egg (so, I guess the egg comes first then?). It was also a symbol of rebirth especially after a long, dark and dormant winter.

And yes, even back then, eggs were decorated and given as gifts during the many spring festivals celebrating the resurrection from the death of winter.

The Easter egg tradition thus came about as a kind of combined celebrations of the return of spring and its natural tie in with the return/resurrection of Christ- also a springtime event. The egg represented and symbolized the new birth, the new life and the new beginning, and its use was very compatible with the pre-Easter Lenten season when meat and dairy products were forbidden. The egg – especially the hard boiled ones which featured longevity and portability – became a staple for both eating and gifting (after properly wrapped, i.e., decorated).

In Italy, with the passing on of its agricultural society, the hen egg was easily replaced by an over abundance of manufactured chocolate readily available there. The overly sweet-tooth of the Italians mandated a huge growth in the production of this new celebratory delicacy.

So in Italy, you can forget about

egg hunts, marshmallow Peeps and, for sure, the lowly jelly bean.

Today, chocolate Easter eggs abound. The festively packaged (sometimes giant) eggs are displayed in storefronts and homes throughout Italy in the weeks before Easter Sunday. They are elaborately decorated, and they range from the very tiny to the massive and are usually hollowed

out and often contain a huge variety of gifts ranging from candies and surprise toys to engagement rings. As alluded to, enhancing the presentation is the wrapping in patterned foil paper. Cinched with golden cord, the top is dramatically arranged, sometimes fanned in an arrowhead shape. So then, it could be said that these are the major reasons for the present proliferation of these eggs: the chocolate, the wrapping and the surprises inside. Is it Easter yet?

The Italian chocolate company, Perugina, has been making chocolate Easter eggs for many years.

Crack open one of their hollow 18inch eggs for example, and inside you’ll find four or five pieces of the

company’s celebrated chocolate candies or a surprise of several miniature chocolate eggs. Or there could be a bunch of “Baci” treats. “Bacio” is a “kiss” of chocolate filled with a hazelnut and milk chocolate-hazelnut paste. These foil-wrapped “kisses” include a message of love that’s translated into many languages.

Baci are the company’s most popular confection, made since 1922 and still produced exclusively in Perugia, Italy. So, here’s a new lyric for you kid: “A kiss is just a kiss, but a Bacio will make you sigh.....”

With this article, we hope to egg you on to hatch an Easter surprise for someone special in your life.

Buona Pasqua!

Having up to 300 dinner guests?

Apply conventional wisdom when planning your next business convention. Hold it at the

Italian Conference Center

The Italian Conference Center offers . . .

• More than 22,000 sq. ft. of convention space.

• Professional planning & catering services • Handicap access.

• Ample, free parking.

• 7 day a week availability.

• Easy access to freeway and downtown.

To coordinate your convention plans, call David or Kim Marie at (414) 223-2800 or visit www.ItalianConference.com

PAGE 24 – MARCH 2016

Italian Conference Center at the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee A block west of Summerfest

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 Kim Marie at 414/ 223-2800 to reserve your party or meeting space at the ICC. Visit: www.ItalianConference.com

THE ITALIAN TIMES