Italian America Magazine - Summer 2017

Welcome to Il Palio Italy’s Historical Horse Race

Castel Gandolfo

The Summer Residence of Emperors and Popes

The 29th Annual NELA Gala A Night at the Omni

The Hill of St. Louis

An Italian Neighborhood Stands the Test of Time

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The Sons of Italy Foundation

A History of Giving

1959 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America, the nation’s oldest and biggest organization for people of Italian heritage 1964 $25,000 for flood victims in Belluno, Italy 1966 $200,000 for flood victims in Florence and Venice 1967 Designates March of Dimes as one of its official charities and donates more than $14 million over the next two decades 1968 $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily 1974 Names Cooley’s Anemia Foundation as an official charity. To date, donated nearly $3 million 1976 $217,000 for earthquake victims in Friuli, Italy 1981 $3 million in funds plus medicine and clothing to victims of the 1980 Irpinia earthquake in southern Italy 1985 Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty 1987 $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico 1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC 1990 $50,000 to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC 1993 Names the Alzheimer’s Association one of its official charities and donates $1 million over the next 10 years 1998 $50,000 to Barbara Sinatra Hospital for Abused Children 2003 $66,000 to establish an Advanced Placement program in Italian; Gave additional $50,000 in 2010 to re-instate the program 2004 $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC 2005 $15,000 to the Tsunami Emergency Relieve effort in Asia 2006 $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief 2007 $100,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC 2007 $100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer 2008 $100,000 over past four years to the Rienzi Foundation to cure deafness through cochlear implants 2009 Collects an estimated $300,000 in relief funds to aid victims of the L’Aquila earthquake in the Abruzzi region 2010 The Charles Evans Foundation, formed by Evan-Picone fashion house co-founder Charles Evans, selects the SIF to receive a quarter-million-dollar endowment to establish the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship 2010 $100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City 2010 $10,000 scholarship to Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta 2011 $235,000 to help rebuild the Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo, a center for autistic children, destroyed by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake 2011 Pledges a second $1 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association 2013 $25,000 to Super Storm Sandy Relief; $15,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; and $50,000 since 2008 to the Columbus Citizens Foundation 2014 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 2015 SIF/OSIA gives more than $300,000 to Alzheimer’s Association; Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.;

and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation 2016 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $10,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; $10,000 to K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc. 2016 $150,000 to relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake in the Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, and Marche regions 2017 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes SUMMER 2017

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ITALIAN AMERICA

SUMMER 2017

VOL. XXIII No. III

Italian America

®

Features

T h e O ff i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O r d e r S o n s o f I t a l y i n A m e r i c a ® dba Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

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CASTEL GANDOLFO

The Summer Residence of Emperors and Popes

By Peter J. Ognibene

14

WELCOME TO IL PALIO Italy’s Historical Horse Race

By Barbara Torre Veltri

20 28

THE 29th ANNUAL NELA GALA A Night at the Omni

By Miles Ryan Fisher

THE HILL OF ST. LOUIS

An Italian Neighborhood Stands the Test of Time

By Jennifer Newell

ON THE COVER: (Photo by M. Rohana)

D e pa r t m e n t s 4 High Profile 5 Oggi in Italia 6 Pagina Italiana 7 Mangia 11 Bulletin Board

12 Our Story 18 Book Reviews 19 Speakers Bureau 26 OSIA Nation 31 From the National

32 Foundation Focus 33 Fighting Stereotypes 34 Letters to the Editor 35 The Last Word 36 Piacere

Italian America® is published by The Order Sons of Italy in America® dba Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America 219 E Street NE • Washington, DC 20002 • Phone: (202) 547-2900 • Web: www.osia.org Editor-in-Chief: Miles Ryan Fisher mfisher@osia.org Writers: Steve Hemlin; Peter J. Ognibene; Barbara Torre Veltri; Miles Ryan Fisher; Jennifer Newell Translator: Maria Goffman Proofreaders: Peggy Daino, Marlene Palazzo Graphic Designer: Diane Vincent To advertise: ItalianAmerica@osia.org

Italian America Magazine® is a publication of the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) dba Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the nation’s biggest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage.

To subscribe, see www.osia.org or call 1-800-552-6742.

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JOIN OUR

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National News

Italian American issues and events

Pioneer of Deaf Community Honored with Stamp At ten years old, Robert Panara contracted spinal meningitis, which damaged his auditory nerves and left him permanently deaf. This forever altered the course of his life. He went on to graduate from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. (the only liberal arts college for the deaf in the world) and then became the first deaf person to earn a master’s degree in English at New York University. Panara returned to Gallaudet to embark on what would be a forty-year teaching career, where he would use American Sign Language (ASL) to bring Shakespeare and other literature alive.

as he used American Sign Language to make each topic more dramatic and enlightening.” Panara also taught at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), co-founding its National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). The On the stamp, Panara stamp dedication ceremony signs the word “respect.” was held at NTID in Robert F. Panara Theatre.

“In creating this stamp,” said U.S. Postal Service Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President David Williams, “our goal was to communicate Robert Panara’s love and enthusiasm for literature, poetry, and theatrical pieces

“It’s an especially important milestone for the deaf community,” said Panara’s son, John. “Deaf people everywhere can celebrate this stamp that helps promote deaf awareness.” Robert Panara passed away in 2014 at the age of 94.

Italian-American Owners Win Kentucky Derby In September 2016, Vincent Viola and Anthony Bonomo became majority owners of a colt for the steep price tag of $350,000. They named the horse “Always Dreaming,” and the investment paid off when Always Dreaming went on to win the Kentucky Derby last May.

St. John’s University and pitched on their baseball team, achieved success in the insurance industry and is Chief Executive of Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers.

Viola and Bonomo were childhood friends who grew up playing stickball in the streets of Brooklyn in the 1960s. Their fathers took them to the racetrack where they “fell in love with the sport.” As Viola reflected, “Anthony and I represent everybody who went to the racetrack with their dads and were just astonished by the brilliance of these equine athletes.”

Viola, who attended West Point and was an Army Reserve major, became a Wall Street billionaire. In 2013, he became owner of the NHL Florida Panthers. Bonomo, who attended SUMMER 2017

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Oggi in Italia

Italy’s news, politics and culture

The Black Italian Boxer Who Upstaged Mussolini The Duce’s Boxer, a documentary directed by Tony Sassucci that was based on Mario Valeri’s book Black Roman, has gained international attention for a story redolent of Jesse Owens’s four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. The film depicts the life of Leone Jacovacci, who was born in 1902 in the Congo to an Italian immigrant and the daughter of an African tribal chief.

Jacovacci was raised in Rome, but ran away to England when he was a teenager. He changed his name to John Douglas Walker, joined the British army, and fought the Bolsheviks in Russia.

Jacovacci’s boxing career began after he returned to London when he stepped into the ring in place of a fighter who didn’t show up. He then moved to France, where he posed as an American boxer. In 1922, he returned to

Italy, where his popularity in Rome soared, many of his Roman fans finally having a boxer to support since all boxers came from Milan.

In the years following his return, Jacovacci lost only one bout in a controversial match against Mario Bosiso. This ignited a rematch that was organized by the National FasLeone Jacovacci cist Party. On July 24, 1928, Jacovacci defeated Bosiso in Rome’s National Stadium to win the European Middleweight Title, infuriating Mussolini and his fascist regime. Two days later, the fascists mandated that a black boxer could not represent Italy, a harbinger of the difficult future that lay ahead for Jacovacci.

Monks Release Limited Edition “Earthquake Beer” When the Central Italy earthquake struck on August 24 last year, the town of Norcia (Umbria region) remained undamaged. However, aftershocks from that earthquake forced most of the town to evacuate, including the Benedictine monks who resided in the 14th century Basilica of St. Benedict, located in the town’s main square where Saint Benedict was allegedly born. This precaution prevented any fatalities when, on October 30, another earthquake struck the region—the strongest earthquake to strike Italy since 1980.

When the monks returned to their basilica, they found it in ruin, its bell tower having collapsed through the roof.

The brewery in its basement, however, was still intact.

In fact, two of their six stainless-steel vats were full of “pre-earthquake” beer. This beer, the monks say, has a

unique taste since it was fermenting through the August and October earthquakes.

“It’s unique because it remained in the vats during all the seismic activity and the oscillations caused by the aftershocks have given it a particular flavor,” said Father Prior Benedetto Nivakoff, head of the monastic community. About 1,000 bottles of this beer exist.

The Benedictine monks, who dedicate much of their life to working with their hands, originally came from America.

The first ones arrived in Norcia in 2000 and rebuilt the basilica, which had been vacant since Napoleon’s suppression of monastic orders. One of these monks had brewing experience and with the help of donations, the monks built a brewery in their basilica in 2012. Now, they hope the beer that survived last year’s earthquakes can help fund the rebuilding of their basilica.

Italian Police Equipped with Lamborghinis

The beer that monks brew in the Basilica of St. Benedict.

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Police in northern Italy will now conduct patrols in their own Lamborghinis. The Lamborghini Huracan, which tops out at 201 mph, will now be swerving through the streets of Italy. This is not, however, the first time that Italian police have utilized the highpowered sports car. In 2015, police climbed behind the wheel of the Huracan in Rome.

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Pagina Italiana Il Problema di Josephus “The Josephus Problem” Written by Steve Hemlin Translated by Maria Goffman

Misi la mia borsa da sera sotto il mio braccio, appoggiata su un pilastro e accesi una sigaretta. Lui era a Milano per affari. Questo è quanto ha detto mio marito Gerardo. Un cammino da Roma, ma ho capito, finché non ho appeso il suo cappotto e la sua nota cadde sul pavimento. Mi sono rifiutata di credere che mi abbia mentito, ma se lo avesse fatto, avrebbe desiderato di rimanere nell’Esquilino.

Freddo sepolto dalla pietra. Ho avvolto stretta la mia pashmina, ma non ho potuto smettere di tremare. Una raffica di vento sparse le foglie morte attraverso il cortile.

La pistola carica che avevo nella mia borsa stava scavando nelle mie costole, il metallo che mi raffreddava la pelle.

I pilastri circondano Piazza Ducale. Il sole d’inverno accese l’arcata. I suoi pennacchi brillava abbastanza, ma i suoi ornamenti dipinti non potevano stare in piedi per i rilievi cesellati. L’illusione non ha mai sostituito la sostanza. Quando il sole tramontava sotto l’orizzonte, le linee di marmo che attraversavano i ciottoli si ridurrebbero.

Ho spinto via il cenone dal mio fumo. Un’altra volta avrei potuto godere della vista e anche portare i bambini.

Gerardo uscì dal ristorante, infilandosi la sciarpa nel suo cappotto, come sempre. Una ragazza accanto a lui rise,

Per chi studia la nostra lingua annodò un fazzoletto sui capelli. La loro conversazione echeggiava dalla pietra, un suono felice nel sonnolento del mattino. Braccio nel braccio attraversarono nel cuore della piazza. Ho spento il fumo. Scomparve nel vento. E cosa succede ai suoi figli?

In quel momento, nostro figlio di dieci anni stava quasi certamente annoiando le sue sorelle fino alle lacrime, canticchiando sulle legioni Romane, ripetendo ancora una volta la sua storia preferita, quella in cui avevano angosciato qualcuno chiamato Josephus e lui e i suoi compagni avevano scelto il suicidio sulla resa. Io dovrei essere così fortunata. Tenendo la sigaretta tra le mie labbra, schizzando contro il sentiero di fumo, ho sbloccato la borsa da sera.

Avevano formato un cerchio, contato e uccisero ogni terzo uomo, e continuavano in giri fino a quando Josephus e il suo migliore amico erano gli unici due che erano rimasti. Ragazzo intelligente aveva matematicamente figurato dove stare in modo da sopravvivere. E poi si arrendavano e i Romani li avevano risparmiati. Peccato che non fossi quel tipo di Romano.

Ho spento il mio fumo sulla pietra, immaginandomi la guancia di lei o ancora meglio la sua, e preso la pistola dalla borsa, il suo acciaio ad olio lubrificato al tocco.

Ho attraversato la Piazza, i capelli che soffiano in ogni direzione, una vista sicura, ma erano così impigliati che sembrava che non mi avessero notato. Ho montato il grilletto, un piccolo click. Gerardo alzò gli occhi.

“Giulia?” Disse. “Cosa stai facendo a Vigevano?”

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for one year from our groves in Calabria, Italy and we will send you the extra virgin olive oil from your tree after harvest.

You will also receive photos of your tree, an adoption certificate and your tree is tagged with your name for the year!

The Perfect Italian Gift!

www.treolive.com 413-224-2031

Ero sempre stato un vero matematico. Abbastanza bene di sapere dove stare nel cerchio e chi rimanere quando il conteggio si fermò. Ho sollevato la pistola. Avevo fatto una volta alla coppia finale, anche se non sembrava che fosse importante. Lui fermo mi aveva pugnalato.

“Giulia!”

Ma potrei trovare un modo per perdonarlo, con solo noi due.

Steve Hemlin lives in Washington, D.C., works at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, and is writing his first novel.

Maria Goffman is a retired teacher and the daughter of Italian immigrants from Calabria. She enjoys traveling to Italy and spending time with her family.

To read the English version, visit www.osia.org and sign in to access the digital copy of Italian America.

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Pagina Italiana

Per chi studia la nostra lingua

The Josephus Problem

by Steve Hemlin

I tucked my evening bag under my arm, leaned on a pillar, and lit a cigarette. He was off to Milan on business. That’s what my husband Gerardo had said.

A long way from Rome, but I understood, until I hung up his suitcoat and her note dropped onto the floor. I refused to believe that he’d lied to me, but if he had, he’d wish he stayed in the Esquilino.

Cold seeped from the stone. I wrapped my pashmina tight, but couldn’t stop shivering. A gust scattered dead leaves across the courtyard. The handgun I’d stuffed in my purse dug into my ribs, the metal chilling my skin.

Pillars encircled Piazza Ducale. The winter sun lit the arcade. Its spandrels glowed, pretty enough, but its painted ornaments couldn’t stand in for chiseled reliefs. Illusion never replaced substance. When the sun dipped below the horizon, the marble lines crosscutting the cobblestones dimmed. I tipped ash off my smoke. Another time I might have enjoyed the sight and even brought the children along.

Gerardo came out of the restaurant, tucking his scarf into his suitcoat, as he always did. A girl beside him laughed, knotted a kerchief over her hair. Their conversation echoed off the stone, a happy sound in the somber dusk. Arm in arm they crossed to the heart

of the plaza. I blew out smoke. It vanished in the wind.

And what about his children?

At that moment, our ten-year-old son was almost certainly boring his sisters to tears, rattling on about the Roman legions, repeating his favorite story, again—the one where they’d cornered someone named Josephus, and he and his chums had chosen suicide over surrender. I should be so lucky. Holding the cigarette between my lips, squinting against the trail of smoke, I unzipped my evening bag.

They’d formed a circle, counted off, and killed every third man—and they kept on in rounds until Josephus and his best friend were the only two left.

Smart guy. He’d mathematically figured where to stand so they’d survive. And then they’d surrendered and the Romans had spared them. Too bad I wasn’t that kind of Roman.

I snubbed my smoke on the stone, imagining her cheek or better yet his, and took the gun from my purse, its oiled steel slick to the touch. I strode across the Piazza, hair blowing in every direction, quite a sight I’m sure, but they were so entangled neither seemed to notice. I cocked the hammer, a tiny click. Gerardo looked up.

“Giulia?” he said. “What are you doing in Vigevano?”

Adopt an Olive Tree

for one year from our groves in Calabria, Italy and we will send you the extra virgin olive oil from your tree after harvest.

You will also receive photos of your tree, an adoption certificate and your tree is tagged with your name for the year!

The Perfect Italian Gift!

www.treolive.com 413-224-2031

I’d always been a fair mathematician. Good enough to know where to stand in the circle and who’d remain when the counting stopped. I raised the gun. I’d made it to the final pair once, although that didn’t seem to matter. He’d still stabbed me.

“Giulia!”

But I might find a way to forgive him, with just the two of us left.

Mangia!

from the italian cookbook

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Goat Cheese Gnocchi

Ingredients ½ cup sliced almonds 8-10 fresh sage leaves 1 cup parsley, leaves removed, stems discarded 2 garlic cloves, peeled & rough chopped ¼ - ½ cup olive oil Salt & pepper to taste 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, for 6 servings 6 or more slices prosciutto Olive oil for sautéing

Ingredients For the gnocchi: 11 oz goat cheese 1 cup grated Parmigiano 2 egg yolks 1 cup flour Salt & pepper to taste

w/Almond-Sage Pesto & Prosciutto

Preheat oven to 375°F. In the bowl of a food processor add the almonds, sage, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.

Pulse until chunky smooth. Add more oil if too dry. It should be a dry paste. Season with salt and pepper.

w/ Watercress-Walnut-Garlic Pesto

For the pesto: 1 bunch watercress 1/2 cup walnuts 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled 1/4 cup olive oil Salt & pepper to taste In a large mixing bowl, mix the goat cheese, Parmigiano, and egg yolks with a fork until well combined. Season with salt & pepper. Add the flour and mix until the moist ingredients absorb most of the flour. Gather the pieces of dough and press into a ball. Knead until dough is a cohesive whole.

If you liked these recipes, find more in Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Chef Paulette Licitra’s Season both sides with salt & pepper. Add Italian Cooking Party: a tablespoon or more of pesto mixture A Little Bit of Home.

Tear off a small handful of dough. Roll the dough into a to the bottom half of each chicken piece. long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut off 1/2-inch pieces Fold top half down to fold chicken in half.Wrap with one or of dough. Press each piece onto a gnocchi board or the tines two prosciutto slices. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. on the back of a fork. Toss gnocchi onto a lightly floured sheet pan. Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan.

When hot, sauté chicken bundles until golden on all sides. Make the pesto: in the bowl of food processor, pulse the Place sautéed chicken on a sheet pan and place in oven to watercress, walnuts, garlic, and salt & pepper. Add the olive finish cooking until an instant read thermometer reads 165° oil and pulse until smooth. Remove pesto to a large serving internal temperature, about 6-8 minutes. Serve hot or warm, bowl. removing toothpicks.

Bring a pasta pot of water to a boil. Salt generously. Add gnocchi to boiling water. Cook for about 2 minutes until gnocchi rise to surface. Don’t boil for too long or too vigorously or gnocchi may come apart.

Add some pasta water to the pesto to smooth it out and make it a sauce rather than a paste. Scoop cooked gnocchi from water with a colander and add to sauce. Stir gently to coat. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmigiano to sprinkle on top.

For more Italian recipes, be sure to SUMMER 2017 7 ITALIAN AMERICA

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Castel Gandolfo The Summer Residence of Emperors and Popes

By Peter J. Ognibene

In addition to making people feel more at home in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been lifting barriers to locations long closed to outsiders. With that same spirit, he has opened the gates to the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer retreat established four centuries ago for the exclusive use of the pope.

Now, every Saturday, visitors can board a train within the walls of Vatican City and travel fifteen miles southeast of Rome to Castel Gandolfo.

A Palatial Residence for Two Millennia On a mild September day, my wife Kathleen and I were part of a group of about 150 people who, after visiting the Vatican Museum, took a walking tour of the Vatican Gardens en route to the Vatican’s own train station.

A Place of Refuge The doors to Castel Gandolfo were opened once before: during the Nazi occupation of Italy in World War II. Pope Pius XII, a staunch opponent to the Nazi regime, opened the grounds on January 22, 1944 to anyone who sought sanctuary. Around 12,000 people Under the Roman Sky depicts Pope Pius flooded in, many of them Roman XII’s stand against Jews. Though Castel Gandolfo was the Nazi Party. not off-limits to Nazi attacks, the grounds were not invaded. In the year and a half that refugees occupied Castel Gandolfo, thirty-six babies were born and were cared for in the pope’s private apartment, which had been converted into a nursery.Almost all of those thirty-six infants were named Pio, in honor of the pope.

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As we approached the white marble terminal, we saw several boxcars, which we later learned bring in food and supplies to support the 800 people who, along with the Pope, live in Vatican City. (More than 450 people hold Vatican citizenship; most represent the Holy See abroad.)

Aboard the train, we passed industrial sections and railyards, then moved through forests and pastures, getting occasional glimpses of Roman aqueducts and other structures from ages past. One of these aqueducts still transports fresh water from the springs of Palazzolo to Castel Gandolfo, just as it did for the emperor two thousand years before.

The town of Castel Gandolfo overlooks Lake Albano, which fills a caldera left behind by a volcano long thought to be extinct. (A recent article in Scientific American, however, warns that volcanic action in the terrain beneath Castel Gandolfo, though not imminent, could one day recur.) The beauty of the lake and the serenity of its surrounding hills led the Roman Emperor Domitian to build a summer residence in the first century A.D. The grounds and architecture extended for seven miles along the ApITALIAN AMERICA

pian Way. The building that would ultimately become the pontifical palace was built atop the Roman ruins.

Later in the day, in touring the extensive woods and gardens of Castel Gandolfo, we saw abundant evidence of the Italian practice of integrating the stone of civilizations long past into foundations and walls to support the needs of succeeding generations.

From the train station, we took a shuttle bus for a relatively short ride up a very steep road into Castel Gandolfo.

Unlike the town, which lies within the Lazio Region of Italy, the adjacent 136-acre papal enclave is extraterritorial property of the Vatican State. (On Google Maps, you can see the boundary that separates this isolated strand of the Vatican from Italy.)

The Apostolic Palace Everyone who tours Castel Gandolfo is given a schedule. The first stop on ours was the Apostolic Palace, which became papal property in 1604.

The main square in Castel Gandolfo. (Eunika Sopotnicka)

The first pontiff to use Castel Gandolfo was Pope Urban VIII (1568 – 1644), a prominent member of the influential Barberini family of Florence. Urban generously invested some of his family’s fortune to enhance the palace and begin development of the extensive gardens that still bear his name.

In Rome, however, Urban became notorious for appropriating public property, including the bronze girders that supported the portico of the Pantheon, which his armorers turned into cannons for the papal army. These and other schemes led Romans of his day to quip: “quod

The Barberini gardens include this floral display of the papal coat of arms chosen by Francis after his election to the papacy. It contains the Latin phrase “miserando atque eligendo” from the gospel of St. Matthew, which can be translated as “lowly but chosen.”(Gwendolyn Stansbury) SUMMER 2017 9 ITALIAN AMERICA

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non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini.” (What the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did.)

Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI made extensive use of Castel Gandolfo. In fact, we saw Benedict’s BMW parked in the palace courtyard beside other vehicles of the papal fleet.

In the museum, we found the corridors lined with paintings of various popes from Urban VIII to Francis I. We saw displays of papal artifacts—vestments, miters, slippers, ornate writing sets—plus costumed exhibits of the ornately dressed attendants who serve and guard the pope.

The Barberini Gardens includes intricate floral and arboreal patterns.

(Gwendolyn Stansbury)

Gandolfo because I have too much to do in Rome, but I don’t want these riches, this beauty, to remain closed.

Make plans to open them.”

Having gained a glimpse of these riches and that beauty, I can only say: Grazie mille, Papa Francesco!

Peter Ognibene has authored two books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. This is his sixth article for Italian America magazine. Contact him at pjognibene@ gmail.com

Booking the Papal Palace Painting of Pope Francis. (Kathleen Ognibene)

A Tour through the Gardens The Barberini Gardens encompass floral displays, herbal gardens, woods, tree nurseries, and agricultural plots. The gardens and Vatican Farm account for most of the papal expanse at Castel Gandolfo and would take many hours to cover on foot. So, borrowing a page from Disney, the Vatican shepherds its visitors onto a tour mobile and provides announcements in Italian and English, calling attention to floral species, types of trees, and architectural elements that date from Imperial Rome.

The tour took us past olive trees, orchards, and fencedin farm areas with chickens, cattle, sheep, and donkeys. As a boy in Argentina, Francis developed a taste for donkeys’ milk. He now has his own fresh source of supply.

In times past, the olive oil, fruit, eggs, and cheese—and, yes, donkeys’ milk—would go straight from the farm to Vatican City. Under Pope Francis, the farm’s produce, which carries its own label—Fattoria Ville Pontificie (Farm of the Papal Villas)—is now available to people in the neighboring town of Albano Laziale.

The opening of the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens came at the explicit behest of Pope Francis. According to Antonio Paolucci, the director of the Vatican Museums, the Pope told him, “I don’t go to Castel SUMMER 2017

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Reservations for the train and tickets for admission to Castel Gandolfo can be booked directly through the Vatican Museum’s website: https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/ tickets/do?do To begin the process, click on Vatican by Train. You will see five ticket categories, four of which have a family option.

Because we wanted to visit the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens in Vatican City plus the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, we chose the “Vatican Full Day Plus” option at € 50 each.The same tour with a guide costs € 66 per person.

The remaining options contain some, but not all, of the above sites.

You can book any of the first five “Full Day” options well in advance of your visit.The last four options, which will admit you to one or both sites at Castel Gandolfo, but none in Vatican City, can be reserved no more than 60 days in advance.

When I tested these options for the busy spring and summer months, I found most Saturdays appeared sold out—yet the full-day options for the same Saturdays were available. So, if you have your heart set on visiting Castel Gandolfo, you may want to choose a full-day option and lock in your visit as far in advance as you wish.

Note that all of the options require extensive walking. My wife’s digital Fitbit counter, for instance, indicated she took more than 17,000 steps the day of our visit.The sites at Castel Gandolfo cannot accommodate individuals in wheelchairs.

Also, make sure to familiarize yourself with the Vatican’s dress code and limitations regarding backpacks and other restrictions on what you can carry into the museums. These rules are posted on the Vatican’s website.

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Bulletin Board

What’s new: discounts, services and events

Preserving Little Italy Baltimore’s Little Italy by Suzanna Rosa Molino and South Philadelphia’s Little Italy and 9th Street Italian Market by Michael DiPilla preserves these two historical Little Italy’s. From the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 to the first Italian who moved to Philadelphia in 1798, these books take you through the growth of each city’s Little Italy neighborhood. Does your city have a book preserving the history of its Little Italy?

National Membership Contest Results Are In! Congratulations to the Grand Lodge of Arizona for winning first place in the recent National Membership Contest! The contest, devised by National Trustee Dominic Pucci, ran for the past twelve months and concluded at the end of the first quarter of 2017. The Grand Lodge of Arizona had the largest net increase in overall membership of all Grand Lodges as determined by their Per Capita reports to the National Office. In addition to the Grand Lodge of Arizona, the following Grand Lodges will also be awarded cash prizes for their efforts: 1st Place ($1,000 Prize):

Arizona (2.29% increase)

2nd Place ($750 Prize):

Ohio (2.05%)

3 Place ($500 Prize):

Pennsylvania (1.86%)

4th Place ($250 Prize):

Colorado (1.85%)

rd

These four Grand Lodges will be recognized and presented their prizes at the 55th Biennial Convention this August in Sarasota, Florida. Several local and subordinate lodges will also be recognized for their individual efforts.

“Congratulations to all our winners,” said National Membership Commission Chairman Mark DeNunzio.

“The results of the contest will be used by the National Membership Commission to help identify ‘best practices’ for membership recruitment and retention and then implement those practices across the entire country. Hopefully we can find a way to increase the membership of every Grand Lodge.”

Akron Lodge #685 celebrates their anniversary.

SUMMER 2017 11 ITALIAN AMERICA

(Photo by James H. Murphy)

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Our Story

Italian American history and culture

Where Two Heroes Converged, Italian Culture Thrives Austrian troops hunted him. French troops hunted him. Spanish troops and Neapolitan troops hunted him.

So here he was—Giuseppe Garibaldi—setting foot inside a simple, Gothic Revival-style house built in Staten Island, New York. Antonio Meucci greeted him, offering Garibaldi refuge in the home where he and his wife lived.

The year was 1851, almost a decade before Garibaldi would lead his “Red Shirts” to victory and unify Italy. At this point, however, after several failed attempts at revolution, he needed sanctuary from those pursuing him. The man who provided it—Meucci—was the man who would later invent the telephone.

Before either of them gained historical renown, they spent three years living in this Staten Island cottage—and making candles. Meucci, who’d moved from Cuba to Staten Island just a year before Garibaldi appeared, started making smokeless candles and opened a small factory on his property. Side by side, Meucci and Garibaldi worked in the factory, manufacturing these candles. Meanwhile, Meucci tinkered with ways of transmitting speech over vibrating electric currents, developing over thirty models between 1850 and 1852.

In 1854, Garibaldi returned to Italy to lead the Risorgimento, achieving Italy’s unification in 1860. Just a

The museum offers a wide variety of services that promote Italian culture, including: Programs for children and adults Museum tours Opera classes Italian language classes Young inventors program Educational Programs Artistic programs Italian cultural and heritage programs www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org/ SUMMER 2017

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The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. year later, he was invited by President Abraham Lincoln to return to the United States in order to serve as a Major General in the Union Army. Garibaldi, however, insisted upon two conditions: that slavery would be abolished, and that he would be given full command. Lincoln could not agree to those conditions, so Garibaldi remained in Europe.

Meucci continued his work, developing underwater communication in 1872. In spite of his inventions—and due to patent controversy—Meucci died in poverty in 1889. His house was bequeathed to the Italian community so that it would be preserved, originally as a tribute to Garibaldi. In 1919, the Garibaldi Society passed the house on to the Order Sons of Italy in America. It wasn’t until the U.S. Congress passed a resolution in 2002 that Meucci finally received proper recognition for inventing the telephone.

Today, the house—the same one where Garibaldi and Meucci lived as candlemakers—still sits on Staten Island.

It has been converted into the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, its mission to “maintain, preserve and exhibit historical objects and artifacts relating to their lives.” As you enter the museum, walking its brick walkway etched with the names of its supporters, you will step into a place where two historical figures lived in humility—and left behind a world of Italian culture.

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Our Story

Italian American history and culture

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Annual Fund Campaign

I am pleased to support the work of The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

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Platinum Donor $5,000 Includes Appreciation Plaque, 2 tickets to GMM Luncheon, GMM Journal Back or Inside Covers, Ad in GMM Website and Annual GMM Membership plus a Memorial Walkway brick.

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Gold Donor $2,500 Includes 2 tickets to GMM Luncheon, GMM Journal Gold Page and Annual GMM Membership



Silver Donor $1,000 Includes GMM Journal Silver Page and Annual GMM Membership

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Benefactor Donor $500 Includes GMM Journal B&W Full Page and Annual GMM Membership

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Patron Donor $100 Includes GMM Annual Membership

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Make a Donation

$ Make checks payable to The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum.

All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Please return the above form to: The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 Our Memorial Brick Walkway The museum’s memorial brick walkway is a great way to support the museum and remember a loved one or honor a deserving person.

Bricks can be ordered on the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum website at www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org or for more information call the museum directly.

4" x 8" Brick - A 4"x8" brick allows a maximum of two lines, each line containing a max of 14 characters including spaces and punctuation. $100.00 8" x 8" Brick - A 8"x8" brick allows a maximum of four lines, each line containing a max of 14 characters including spaces and punctuation. $250.00 12" x 12" Brick - A 12"x12" brick allows a maximum of six lines, each line containing a max of 17 characters including spaces and punctuation. $1,000.00 The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 TEL: (718) 442-1608 FAX: (718) 442-8635 Email: info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org Visit our website www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org SUMMER 2017 13 ITALIAN AMERICA

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 13

Welcome to

By Barbara Torre Veltri

There is no other event in the world like Il Palio. The rivalry, planning, history, risk-taking, and cultural reproduction culminates biannually in only one place—La Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy.

quarters, museum, church, patron saint, and songs. They adhere to the same centuries-old rules, regulations, ceremonial practices, and protocol.

Social events organize the lives of generations of people.

I am here experiencing it all: the crowd, chants, pageantry, medieval regalia, the preliminary heats— when horse and jockey, who ride bareback, become acquainted with each other on the dirt track—and yes, the tension. At the urging of my Sienese friends, I returned to Siena because “You must come for Palio.”

The intense horse race of today that rallies the Sienese citizenry into a cultural frenzy is rooted in the 13th century, when noble citizens sponsored a race in the main streets of Siena. The first Palio to take place in the Piazza del Campo, in the 17th century was held on August 16 in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The second “Palio delle Contrade” was officially recognized in honor of the Madonna of Provenzano, held on July 2. In 1729, Princess Violante of Bavaria, Principessa and Governessa of Siena, who married into the Medici family, refined the rules of the Palio and reorganized the boundaries to the present-day seventeen Siena contrade:

Upon my arrival, I didn’t know an oca (goose) from a civetta (owl). But within weeks, I resided in each district and was swept up with the territorial rivalry that marks the culture.

I learned that in Siena, seventeen contrade (city wards) have their own history, leadership, geographic boundaries, friends, enemies, head-

Aquila (Eagle) Bruco Chiocciola (Caterpillar) (Snail)

Civetta (Owl)

Drago Giraffa (Dragon) (Giraffe)

Istrice Leocorno Lupa (Porcupine) (Unicorn) (She-Wolf )

Nicchio (Shell)

Oca (Goose)

Onda (Wave)

Pantera (Panther)

Selva Tartuca (Rhinoceros) (Tortoise)

Torre (Tower)

Valdimontone (Ram)

(Janus Kinase)

The Giraffa (Giraffe) contrada in the ceremony prior to the race. (Janus Kinase) SUMMER 2017

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Il Palio

(M. Rohana)

Contrada lore is handed down to the next generation starting at an early age. Kids learn the names of the enemy contrade, sing songs about them, and assume feelings of loyalty or enmity, based upon their elders’ teachings.

An example of Reproduction Theory in practice: if your great-grandfather was a Tartuca, then you, too, are a tortoise and wear the yellow and blue colors proudly. A centuries-old rite of passage socializes young boys into roles as drummers, flag-wavers, and singers of traditional songs. Women and girls support their men and sons behind the scenes.

One never knows which contrade will run until four weeks before the race, when ten balls, depicting the SUMMER 2017 15 ITALIAN AMERICA

colors of each contrada, are pulled in a lottery-like fashion. In all other sports, intense practice leads to the culminating event, but with random pairing of horse and jockey only four days before the event, the Palio exhibits a different type of intensity, that only adds to the drama.

Contrada might be assigned a fast horse that doesn’t take to the jockey or a slow horse with an aggressive jockey, and il fantino (the jockey) can be changed up to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the race!

Contrada leaders/members step into high gear and figure out their game plan, which includes strategizing and incentivizing. Male leaders of the contrada are on watch round-theclock for days leading up to the event.

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The Onda (Wave) contrada march through the streets on their way to the race. (Cristian Santinon) Their job is to protect the horse at all cost, keep their jockey away from bribes of the enemy contrada, and keep a lid on any situations that might disqualify them.

On the day of the race, in ceremonial fashion, il cavallo (the horse) and il fantino (the jockey) proceed inside their contrada’s church. The priest’s blessing sends horse and jockey off with the traditional “Go and come back a winner!” as contrada faithful weep.

Sixty thousand spectators crowd the stadium for the race while thousands more hang from surrounding windows and balconies. (Cebas)

An extravagant procession that depicts medieval life in Siena then unfolded, lasting more than an hour.

We waited for the two-minute race that consisted of twice around a track less than two miles in length. The entire city and thousands of onlookers from around the world were there.

Radiotelevisione italiana (RAI), Italy’s national public broadcasting company, was there too, televising the event and streaming it online.

I was one of the crowd, beckoned here by my Sienese friends who are loyal to one of four contrade: Oca, Chiocciola, Tartuca, or Civetta. I dared not wear one silk scarf over another.

The sea of humanity engulfed my petite frame, but I, too, swelled with the emotion that had been building for months.

Grandparents carried grandsons and fathers hoisted daughters on

(M. Rohana)

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their shoulders for a better view.

Bleachers adjacent to the Torre del Mangia Tower were filled with children decked out in the colorful shirts and scarves of their contrada. Even the piccolini (little ones) have assembled, a sign of Siena’s immersion of its youth into Palio culture. In singsong cadence, the Oca contrada youth taunted their enemy—il Torre—with centuries-old songs of their ancestors. A five-year-old from the Istrice covered his ears with both hands and looked forced to be there.

We, the onlookers, were one, waiting with anticipation until finally, at 7:00 p.m., a firecracker shot fired

exhaled. We were not numb or dejected. Rather, we milled about aching to find news of the winner. There is no announcer on the loudspeaker, no fanavision to offer an instant replay.

Palio is a ceremonial sporting event with strict adherence to historical protocol.

The winner was … Selva, the rhinoceros. Throngs of grown men hugged each other, jumped from viewing stands, ran to the winning horse, pulled the jockey from his perch atop his steed, and embraced.

Some even sobbed, for they had never witnessed their contrada as a victor in their lifetime.

Find Cosima Spender’s acclaimed documentary “Palio” on Amazon. com. It has a current rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.

I resided within their contrada, where the partying lasted into night.

My three friends were disappointed, but there was no enmity. After all, they concurred, “At least our enemy didn’t win. That is good for us.”

The author would like to thank Dr. Maurizio Tuliani and Ginevra Failoni for their help with the article.

(Siegfried Rabanser)

Barbara Torre Veltri is an associate professor at Northern Arizona University and recently completed book manuscript, The Allora Chronicles: A Professor’s Semester in Italy. Contact her at Barbara.Veltri@nau.edu

La Piazza del Campo where the race is held twice each summer. by the starter, signals for the rope to drop. Ten horses ran at breakneck speed. Two sent their jockeys careening at the site of a hairpin turn, thirty seconds into the race, which, for centuries, has led to broken bones for many unfortunate riders. According to Palio rules, the hopes of the contrada are still alive since it’s the horse that must cross the finish line first (even without the jockey) to be declared il vinci (the winner).

We gasped, cheered, yelled, prayed, cajoled, and then finally …

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Every other horse and jockey, surrounded by members of their contrada, walked together through the streets of Siena, back to their stable and “home” territory.

The winning contrada, Il Selva, filled the streets and proceeded to The Duomo to give thanks for their win prior to engaging in any celebratory activities.

EXPERT ITALIAN VACATION PLANNING, CUSTOMIZED FOR YOU. myitaliandestination.com

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The Sons of Italy®

Book Club

KISS CARLO

By Adriana Trigiani Author Adriana Trigiani shows just why she is one of the most quintessential Italian-American writers the moment we set foot into her new novel, Kiss Carlo.

Set in the late 1940s to early 1950s, the story places us primarily in Philadelphia, but also ventures to Roseto (Pennsylvania), New York City, and southern Italy. Life in Philadelphia comes alive as Trigiani transports us to the city’s streets, making this a must-read for anyone familiar with Walnut and Chestnut Streets, Shibe Park, Willow Grove Amusement Park, and Pat’s cheesesteaks.

The story focuses on Nicky Castone, a young man who leads a double life. Orphaned when he was young and raised by his aunt and uncle in a large Italian family in South Philadelphia, Nicky drives a taxi cab by day. By night, he works at a local theater run by Calla Borelli (named after the calla lily), who is struggling to save the historical place her father devoted his life to running.

Nicky develops a love for theater and Shakespeare that alters the course of his life.

Memorable Quote: “Acting is like kissing a girl. The idea of attempting it makes you sick with worry, but once you do it, you never want to stop.”

In the novel, Trigiani’s easy way with words brings to life old customs—particularly those involving courtship and marriage. She gives older readers a means to reminisce while giving young readers a lesson in how things once were.

Ultimately, Trigiani gives her readers a story about those who dream and dare to hold onto those dreams in the face of adversity. Kiss Carlo is an inspirational story that encapsulates the essence of Italian-American culture and the customs from which it evolved.

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SUMMER 2017 Selections

UGLY PREY: An Innocent Woman and the Death Sentence That Scandalized Jazz Age Chicago

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi

A rash of murder cases spread through 1920s Chicago that left boyfriends and husbands dead. The guilty women—attractive and charming—walked free at the hands of their all-male juries until the court system decided to find a scapegoat, one who didn’t look like these women. It found such a woman in a hardworking immigrant from Bari, Italy, named Sabella Nitti.

Author Emilie Lucchesi takes you into the courtroom where Sabella was tried for the murder of her husband— who wasn’t even identified as being dead. Unable to speak English (and unable to understand Italian dialects other than Barese), Sabella sat in silence beside an incompetent lawyer, before a complicit judge, and across from prosecutors who were more interested in persuading a jury than in finding the truth. Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune described Sabella as a “dumb, crouching, animal-like peasant.”

As with the cases before hers, privilege and looks mattered.

Wrongfully sentenced to death, Sabella is scheduled to hang in ninety days. However, a young, vibrant Italian lawyer—Helen Cirese—will not let her go to the gallows without a fight. She takes on the case pro bono and assembles a team of Italian lawyers who attempt the impossible: the reversal of a death penalty conviction.

Thoroughly researched and brought alive with active cinematic-esque scenes, Ugly Prey draws us into Chicago’s unjust court system in the 1920s. Should the foundation for the story—attractive women being acquitted of murder—sound familiar, that’s because it was made famous in the musical Chicago. While the musical offers a flattering portrayal of these events, one of its background characters was an immigrant woman who was wrongly accused. That immigrant was Sabella. This is her story.

DID YOU KNOW? In Chicago the movie, the wrongly accused woman was portrayed as a Hungarian immigrant rather than an Italian immigrant. ” ITALIAN AMERICA

On The Bookshelf Books by and about Italian Americans

It’s Not Just About Spaghetti!

Diana Pishner Walker’s 2016 Mom’s Choice Award-Winning Children’s Book

HOW DID BENIGNA

LIVE TO 107?

Former USA TODAY editor David Mazzarella searches for clues to his mother Benigna’s longevity. He finds good food, hard work, laughter, and a nurturing spirit. With many Benigna-approved recipes.

To order “Always Eat the Hard Crust of the Bread,” send this ad and a check for $12 (soft cover) or $17 (hard cover) to: From planting a garden, big family holidays, and childhood memories to special family recipes this is a must read for all ages!

TPD Publishing LLC, Box 8591, Falls Church, Va., 22041

Available on Headlinebooks.Com and Amazon.Com

Speakers Bureau Need a speaker for your club meeting or a special event?

Contact these experts directly. Some may require travel expenses and/or honorariums. For more speakers see: www.osia.org at “Culture & History.” To apply as a speaker, contact Miles Fisher at mfisher@osia.org • ANYWHERE USA/ITALY Historian Rocky Ruggiero speaks on art and architecture dating back to ancient Rome and traveling through the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. He has been an expert witness for the History Channel, National Geographic, and PBS documentaries on Italian art/ architecture/history. Contact: (401) 390-1356 (Rhode Island) Email: info@rockyruggiero.com Website: www.rockyruggiero.com • MAJOR CITIES AND NORTHEAST Politician and Author Edoardo Nesi speaks on literature, translation, globalization, and the textile industry. A member of the Italian Parliament, he is the author of The Infinite Summer and The Story of My People. He will be available for talks in the United States in Sept. and Oct. 2017. Contact: (212) 414-0054 (Publicist, Esther Kim) Email: ekim@otherpress.com Website: www. otherpress.com/authors/edoardo-nesi SUMMER 2017 19 ITALIAN AMERICA

• ILLINOIS/INDIANA/WISCONSIN/IOWA Author and frequent traveler Kathryn Occhipinti, M.D. leads language lessons based on her book Conversational Italian for Travelers. She will introduce the fundamentals of the Italian language and provide handy travel tips. All will leave reading and speaking basic Italian! She also speaks on Sicilian wine and ancient grape varieties in the provinces of Agrigento and Messina. Contact: (800) 257-9877 (Illinois) Email: orders@StellaLucente. com Website: www.LearnToTravel.com ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 19

The 29th Annual NELA Gala Thursday, May 25, 2017

A Night at the Omni

By Miles Ryan Fisher

T

he Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) hosted its 29th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala at the prestigious Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.—an historic place that hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inaugural ball in 1933 and then inaugural balls for each subsequent President in the 20th century.

Throughout the evening, the SIF presented awards to highly accomplished honorees, awarded scholarships to several outstanding students, and supported wounded veterans of the United States military. SIF President Jo-

Longtime Sons of Italy supporter Joseph Cicippio (right) and his wife Elham with SIF President Joseph DiTrapani (middle), Matthew McCarville (left), and Karen McCarville.

seph DiTrapani celebrated how countless individuals “answered the call to action” after the devastating Central Italy earthquake struck the Marche, Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions last summer. “With the help of State Grand Lodges and Local Filial Lodges across the country,” DiTrapani said, “the Foundation raised funds that exceeded $150,000.”

Since 1959, the SIF has served as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), answering many similar calls—including earthquakes in Sicily (1968), Friuli (1976), and L’Aquila (2009). Each time, the SIF’s donation was six figures.

Soprano Maria Fassio Pignati sings the American and Italian national anthems beside Color Guard USA, who performed the Presentation of the Colors.

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For the sixteenth straight year, famed actor Joe Mantegna emceed the NELA Gala.

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Cancelosi grew up in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market, and he reflected on his father, who was in the produce business and would bring home fresh produce to give away to friends and neighbors. “He taught us how to give,” Cancelosi said, “and I think that’s one of the things a lot of Italians have—a giving and passionate heart.”

General Jessica Garfola Wright (second from left) receives the 2017 SIF Award for Courage and Patriotism from First Consular of the Italian Embassy Catherine Flumiani, SIF President Joseph DiTrapani (left) and SIF Chairman Daniel J. Longo.

The Honorees

Dean of the Catholic University of America School of Theology and Religious Studies Father Mark Morozowich presented the evening’s first honor—the 2017 SIF Humanitarian Award—to Anthony J. Cancelosi, President and CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) for the past twelve years. Founded in 1900, CLB provides services to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired—regardless of ability to pay—to help improve their economic independence and quality of life.

Anthony J. Cancelosi receives the 2017 SIF Humanitarian Award from Father Mark Morozowich.

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Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright (Major General, Ret.) received the 2017 SIF Award for Courage and Patriotism. The first of two female trailblazers honored at the gala, General Wright’s 35-year career of military service included becoming the first ever female Army aviator. She retired from the Army in 2010 as a Major General, then served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness until her retirement in 2015.

In an emotion-filled acceptance, General Wright acknowledged many important people in her life. “I have a sign in my home and it says, ‘Live like you’re an Italian.’

And what that means to me from growing up is: Live like today is your last day. Enjoy every moment. Make sure you pay attention to family. Work hard and play hard.

All of those things were instilled in me by not only my grandparents, but also my parents.”

Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein (U.S. Navy, Ret.) received the 2017 SIF National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) for her commitment to country and leadership. She was commissioned from the Naval Academy in 1981 and served on multiple tours, accumulating over 4,500 flight hours. She then served as

Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein receives the 2017 SIF National Education and Leadership Award from Seventh Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Edmund Giambastiani (right) and SIF Chairman Daniel J. Longo.

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the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for Military Professionalism, a position created in 2014 to help the professional and leadership development of service members. She retired from that position in March of this year.

Rear Adm. Klein related a story about the direct influence her Italian father—who was in the Navy Reserves— had on her life, saying that she spent a lot of time with him when he studied to get his pilot’s license. “In 1975, when I went into the recruiter’s office, I said I was really interested in flying. And the recruiter said, ‘Well, you could be a Navy nurse and make a great career out of that.’ My dad and I marched right out of the recruiting office, and he figured out how I could pursue a career in aviation in the Navy.”

The Scholarship Recipients

Eleven very promising students, including one who swam the Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge races and another who redesigned Brown University’s anatomy curriculum for medical students, received SIF scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. A central part of the night’s program, the scholarships were presented to undergraduate and graduate students of Italian descent for their exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service.

Trustee and Scholarship Chairman Joseph Sciame in his introduction. “We could not be more proud of the students who will be receiving scholarships tonight.”

The Veterans

Following Rear Adm. Klein’s award presentation, Michael Amante performed an inspirational rendition of the Armed Forces Medley, which included “Semper Paratus,” “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” “Anchors Aweigh,” “The U.S. Air Force,” “The Marine’s Hymn.” At each song, the veterans of the respective branch stood in recognition of their service. Amante concluded the medley with the playing of “Taps” followed by the singing of “America the Beautiful.”

A very touching video was then played, in which the SIF recognized its close relationship with Help Our Military Heroes, a non-profit organization dedicated to provid-

Since 1989, more than three million dollars in scholarships has been awarded at the twenty-nine NELA Galas.

“The selection process was incredibly difficult,” said SIF

Capt. James Howard US Army (ret), who received a modified van from Help Our Military Heroes thanks in part to SIF’s 2016 donation. (L. to R.) SIF Trustee Frank Panessa; HOMH Board Member Christine Brandt; HOMH co-founders Ted Hollander, Marybeth Vandergrift, Laurie Hollander; and Joe Mantegna.

In his tenth NELA performance, Tenor Michael Amante performs the “Armed Forces Medley.”

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ing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty since the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The SIF’s recent $20,000 donation to HOMH is its third donation in four years.

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A Night to Remember

With the help of generous donations made at the gala and the silent auction (and online auction the week prior to the event), the 29th NELA Gala ensured such charitable work will continue through 2017 and into the new year.

Following the NELA Gala program, the SIF hosted its first ever Venetian Hour, complete with fresh cappuccino, cannoli, and other dolci. Among those enjoying the festivi-

ties were Dr. Joseph J. Cicippio (CEO & President of Technical Specialties, Inc.), Dr. Anthony S. Fauci (Director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), and professional boxer Daniel Jacobs.

The SIF would like to thank Colavita Olive Oil, DelGrosso Pasta Sauce, Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop, Vaccaro’s Desserts, Calandra’s Bakery, Filomena Ristorante, and Via Umbria for their donations to the NELA Gala.

Susquehanna University #2933 Lodge President Giosué Bochicchio (right) with professional boxer Daniel Jacobs, who held the World Boxing Association Middleweight title from 2014 to 2017.

About 400 guests attended the 2017 SIF NELA Gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

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Cristina Dickos, who serves as Chief Managing Editor of the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law, receives the National Italian Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship from NIABA President Joseph Sena (right) and SIF Trustee Angelo R. Bianchi, Esquire (center).

Gregory Caso, who is completing a novel as his honors thesis, receives the Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship from SIF President Emeritus Paul S. Polo.

John Calvelli, who participated in a Latin Immersion program in Rome last summer, receives the Columbus Citizen’s Foundation Scholarship from SIF Trustee Marianne Principe O’Neil and First Vice President of New York Robert Ferrito.

Also pictured is NELA Gala emcee Joe Mantegna.

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Nicholas Seaman, who is fluent in Italian having spent five years in Italy, receives the 2017 National Education & Leadership Grant from New York State President Carolyn Reres and SIF President Joseph DiTrapani.

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Benjamin Topa, who volunteered with a marine conservation program in South Africa, receives the OSIA Grand Lodge of Ohio/Abbagail Rutledge Memorial Scholarship from SIF National Trustee of Ohio Terry Lattavo and his wife, Susan.

Stephanie Saisi, who swam the Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge races, receives the Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship from OSIA State Orator from Ohio Anthony Perfilio and his wife, Eldora.

Timothy Genovese, who redesigned Brown’s anatomy curriculum for medical students, receives the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship from its creator Linda Munson Rothkopf.

Andrew Valenti, who served on the Key Club International Board, receives the Robert A. Messa Memorial Scholarship from OSIA Past National President Joanne L. Strollo and National Trustee Michael P. Creedon.

Not pictured:

Vincent Di Nardo, who is currently interning with Microsoft, was awarded The Henry E. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship.

Ryan Cimmino, who is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was awarded the Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Memorial Scholarship.

Ali Librizzi, who serves as a member of Project Rome to feed the homeless, was awarded the American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship.

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OSIA Nation

OSIA LODGES AT WORK

washington In 1937, Black Diamond Lodge #1809 (Black Diamond, WA) was sponsored by Tacoma Lodge #1175 in a thriving Washington State coal mining town. Last June, the Black Diamond Lodge celebrated its 80th anniversary, as it continues to serve as the nucleus for direct descendants and members living in fifteen surrounding communities. The lodge proudly supports the Black Diamond Community Center and other town

activities, including the Historical Society, St. Barbara Knights of Columbus, Annual Hometown Christmas Celebration, Food Bank, and 7-mile litter pickup. It also offers annual scholarships.

In its eighty years, the Black Diamond Lodge sponsored and installed two other lodges: the Yakima Lodge #2732 and the Alta Monte Lodge #2513 of Eugene, Oregon.

Direct descendants of Black Diamond Lodge Charter Members at the 80th anniversary celebration. (L. to R.) Andrew Benedetti, Jr.; Bettina Benedetti Waddle; Joe Androsko; Barbara Benedetti Newton; Darrell Palmer; Sarah Palmer; and Gus Casini.

nebraska On January 13, 2017, a two-alarm fire caused extensive interior damage to the Cristoforo Columbo Lodge #1419 of Omaha. “It’s unbelievable to look at this and realize that this was our home, our heart and soul of the Sons of Italy,” said Grand Lodge of Nebraska President Dr. Thomas Pruse.

This disaster, however, has brought about one of the lodge’s finest moments. Support to restore this beloved community icon quickly gained momentum, including fundraisers covering additional costs in their journey to rebuild by the end of the year. “We will rise from the ashes,” Pruse said, “to show our sense of belonging, honor, and pride through the restoration of this popular, well-respected Omaha Italian icon.”

To help them achieve this goal, make a donation by visiting www. gofundme.org and searching “Sons of Italy Omaha”.

texas For a month and a half, the La Famiglia di Southeast Texas Lodge #2887 of Beaumont worked with State Representative Dade Phelan to get October recognized as Italian History Month in the State of Texas. On May 25, Rep. Phelan presented HR Resolution 2282, which mentioned the many contributions of individual Italians in the State of Texas along with that of the Sons of Italy lodges located in Beaumont and San Antonio (Pompeo Coppini Lodge #2712).

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“The celebration of Italian History Month,” read Rep. Pehlan, “provides a fitting occasion to celebrate the rich history of Italians and Italian Americans in Texas and the special contributions people of Italian descent have made to our state and nation.”

The House of Representatives of the Texas Legislature then approved and passed the resolution. Congratulations to La Famiglia di Southeast Texas Lodge #2887 President Ron Bassana and all the members of both Texas lodges for getting Italian Heritage Month recognized!

Nebraska State President Dr. Pruse holds the fire-damaged version of the Magna Carta, 1934 Cristoforo Columbo Lodge #1419 Charter.

ITALIAN AMERICA

OSIA Nation

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

washington

ohio & new york

Fedele Lodge #1390 of Seattle honored its longest-standing members at their April meeting. Three of their members—Art Oberto, Mary Croce, and Sylvia Croce Zappoli—celebrated seventy years with the lodge, and one of their members—Lucy Colarossi Salle—celebrated seventy-three years of membership. Each of these members received a custom-made medal.

Last February, on a trip to Argentina and Uruguay, Grand Lodge of Ohio State Orator Anthony Perfilio and Grand Lodge of Ohio State Trustee Eldora Perfilio—from the John Pirelli Lodge #1633 of Dayton, Ohio—met Patricia Summers and Clifford Miller from the Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge #2234 of Brentwood, New York.

Interestingly, these members have been with the lodge for twice as long as their lodge president—Angela Mascio—has been alive! At thirty-five years old, Angela is already in her second term.

Lodge President Angela Mascio with (L. to R.) Art Oberto, Mary Croce, and Lucy Colarossi Salle. Not pictured is Sylvia Croce Zappoli.

(Photo Credit: Margie Nicosia)

florida The Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835 of Pensacola became a proud sponsor for the West Florida Soccer Club, a soccer program for young players ranging from eight to sixteen years old. The program’s goal is to develop each and every player’s soccer skills, character, and self-esteem to the fullest potential.

cano presented the club with a donation as well as a sign for the field that displays Buona Fortuna’s logo.

In April, Lodge President Joyce Russo Bollenbacher and Sports Sponsorship Chairman Andy Fri-

Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835 presents a $2,000 donation to the West Florida Soccer Club.

Both Eldora and Patricia were attending the GoAhead Travel Company Convention in Argentina and met at the welcome dinner. With such a strong Italian presence in Buenos Aires, they started discussing their own Italian heritage and discovered they were both Sons of Italy members!

The two couples connected over their shared love of all things Italian, their Sons of Italy connection, and their love for travel. The couples especially enjoyed the rich Italian influence in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, where so many Italians have immigrated.

Proof that one can run into Sons of Italy members anywhere in the world!

GOT A GOOD STORY? Have you or your lodge done something remarkable that makes a difference to your community or promotes our heritage and Italian studies? If so, send details including your lodge’s name/number, a brief write-up, and digital photos of 300 dpi to Editor Miles Fisher at mfisher@osia.org.

SUMMER 2017 27 ITALIAN AMERICA

(L. to R.) Clifford Miller and Patricia Summers run into fellow Sons of Italy members Eldora Perfilio and Anthony Perfilio in Uruguay.

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 27

By Jennifer Newell

The neighborhood spans fifty-two square blocks. Most of the streets are lined with old shotgun homes, small single-family houses with concrete porches—though a few have recently been razed to make room for larger, taller, and more modern homes. Businesses are interspersed throughout, from Italian bakeries and groceries to restaurants and small manufacturing facilities. This is “The Hill” of St. Louis.

Fire hydrants are painted with the colors of the Italian flag, the first of many indications of the Italian pride that has flowed through the neighborhood since the late 1800s. Street lights boast of “The Hill” signs, some homes fly the Italian flag from their porches, and some are even decorated with red, white, and green door panels or flower pots.

At the center of it all is St. Ambrose Parish, a church and elementary school.

Its location is no coincidence, as the clear majority of The Hill residents—as well as its outspoken Monsignor Vince Bommarito—attest that the community has remained strong throughout the decades due to its cohesion around and connection to the church.

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The first Italians to settle in St. Louis arrived in the late 1800s, many coming from the Lombardy region and taking to the downtown area of the city, near the river and produce center. They created Little Italy on the northern side and originally chose Our Lady Help of Christians as their place of worship. Others, however, moved a few miles further west to a hilly region close to the clay mines and brickyards. Work was plentiful for the families from Lombardy, and they created a community on “the Hill” at the turn of the century.

Without transportation, the resourceful and determined new community began to open markets and build homes, all within a relatively small area that expanded with the growth of families and the addition of new immigrants from Sicily. Entrepreneurs were integral to the development of the area.

One of the originals was Luigi Carnovale, who launched Il Pensiero in 1904, an Italian and English newspaper that continues to serve St. Louis Italians to this day. John Volpi opened a salami and sausage manufacturing company in 1907 that grew into Volpi Foods and continues to be wildly popular in the Midwest.

Amighetti’s Bakery is known for Amighetti’s Special Sandwich.

(Hint: if you can’t make it to St. Louis, find a copy of the recipe online) ITALIAN AMERICA

Eugenio and Francesco Arpiani established the Missouri Bakery Company in 1909, and is still in operation, as is Amighetti’s Bakery, founded in 1921 by Louis Amighetti, which has since expanded to include numerous restaurants around the St. Louis area.

Meanwhile, the residents of the Hill attended religious services at nearby St. Aloysius Church, even though they desired a church of their own. Monsignor Cesare Spigardi, who served Our Lady Help of Christians, initiated a collection from the St. Aloysius patrons, and they began building Sant’ Ambrogio in 1903.

marito said while sitting in the rectory.

“We’re well-known nationally. I’ve been criticized for saying this, but I say it anyway because I’m not afraid: We’re the last real Italian neighborhood in the whole United States. We have a combination of people who live here and businesses, primarily Italian and with Italian roots. It’s a real Italian neighborhood.”

a place where customers would be treated like amici. By combining their last names, they created Rigazzi’s, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as a staple of the community.

Riganti departed the business a few years after it opened, but the Aiazzis made it into a family business, with son Mark taking over after Lou passed way. Mrs. Aiazzi’s daughter-in-law, Joan, now runs the business. She and

Msgr. Bommarito has been a fixture on the Hill for seventeen years, though he got his start several decades ago when he was a seminarian. He St. Ambrose became the center held his very first mass of the Hill community, but was soon at St. Ambrose, evendestroyed by a fire less than two de- tually taking over in cades after it was built. However, its the 1980s. Though parishioners pooled their resources he was transferred to pay off the rather substantial debt to another St. Louis “It’s so crowded nobody goes there anymore.” from the initial building and then area church for several years, he has been back – Yogi Berra on Ragazzi’s Restaurant, where he helped—both physically and finanJoe Garagiola worked as waiters. at St. Ambrose for cially—to construct a new one. her adult children maintain the bar nearly two decades.

Today, the church and its affixed and restaurant, still decorated with It is only fitting, as his grandparschool stand proudly amid the homes red and white tablecloths, pictures of and small businesses of the Hill, a ents came from Sicily at the turn of the the family, and homages to Italy. And testament to the determination of the century and settled in the downtown Josephine continues going there daily, Italian immigrants who settled there. area. “My mom was born in 1919 sitting at a small corner table.

And according to Msgr. Bommarito, here, the first in her family,” Msgr.

“We still make most of our food it is the reason that the Hill remains Bommarito recalled. “And she’s still alive at ninety-eight years old.” While here from scratch every day,” Joan a strong community today. they didn’t live on the Hill, other said. “It makes us unique and ac“We are the stabilizing institution members of his family eventually did. counts for some of our longevity. The in the neighborhood,” Msgr. Bomfood is really good, and many of the Another original same people keep coming through Hill resident was the years. It’s fun and much more like Lou Aiazzi and his a family than a business.” Rigazzi’s wife, Josephine, who attracts a solid non-Italian and noncame from Northern Hill crowd with its fun atmosphere, Italy, just outside celebrating hometown sports teams of Milan. In 1957, like the St. Louis Cardinals. But there Lou partnered with are always Italians seated in the back friend, John Riganti, room, a quieter place in which to to open a restaurant simply enjoy conversation, traditional on the nor theast Italian food, and new dishes, like St. corner of the Hill, Louis’s own toasted ravioli.

Monsignor Bommarito celebrates Mass inside St. Ambrose.

SUMMER 2017 29 ITALIAN AMERICA

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A developer also just received city approval to renovate space on the east end of the Hill. After tearing down a vacant factory complex across from Rigazzi’s, they will build an assembly of apartments, townhomes, condominiums, and single-family homes.

Are longtime residents afraid of the influx of people and their impact on the old-town feel of the Hill?

“The Italian Immigrants” was sculpted

by Rudolph Edward Torrini, whose other sculptures include “The Union Soldier,” “Martin Luther King,” and “Pope John Paul II.” (TMS63112)

Msgr. Bommarito was quick to answer. “We welcome people and share our traditions,” he said. “The older generations aren’t fearful because they’ve worked hard to make the neighborhood what it is, but they have to pass it on and trust that people will continue in their footsteps.”

Many of the Hill’s restaurants are gathering places for neighborhood residents and lovers of Italian dishes from across the metropolitan area. People travel for miles for the atmosphere of the Hill’s establishments. Markets like DiGregorio’s and Viviano & Sons offer imported Italian products along with fresh meats and cheeses at the deli counters.

Those traditions include clubs like the Crusaders, which was formed to honor St. Louis Italians who served during World War II. The ItaliaAmerica Bocce Club is the largest of its kind, boasting five courts and more than four hundred members.

The recent Feast of St. Joseph blessing and celebration drew more than eight hundred people in March.

Today, the Hill is one of the most coveted areas of St. Louis in which to live. Those with ties to the Italian community anxiously buy homes that go on the market and often tear down the existing houses to build larger homes.

With St. Ambrose still being the center of the community, it’s no surprise that it hosts an Italian language mass on the first Sunday of each month. This long-standing ritual brings Italians of all ages from the St. Louis area to the ornate yet

OSIA members benefit from a 10% discount on all our services!

welcoming church. Many exit the building and take a moment to admire the “Italian Immigrants” statue that stands next to the church steps. It was first displayed in 1971 and serves as a reminder of the ever-changing but true-to-its-roots Hill.

“If you come here on a Saturday,” Msgr. Bommarito said, “our parking lots are filled, people are walking, and everyone is going to the markets and restaurants or talking to each other on porches and in front yards. You can get everything you need here.”

The Hill’s fire hydrants blast with the colors of the Italian flag. (Botsojoy)

For anyone with Italian roots, it takes just one visit to the Hill to fall in love with a true Italian neighborhood that continues to stand the test of time.

Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer with a keen interest in her Italian roots and connections. After working in the poker/gambling industry for more than a decade, the native St. Louis resident is happily expanding her writing horizons.

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30

ITALIAN AMERICA

From the National

WHAT NATIONAL DOES FOR YOU

From the President’s Desk

By Daniel J. Longo, President of the Order Sons of Italy in America® Dear Sisters and Brothers, I hope you are enjoying the summer visiting family and friends. This is a great time to spread the word about the outstanding work being done by our lodges and members. OSIA continues to make significant strides to ensure a bright future.

With the help of Miles Ryan Fisher, Editor-in-Chief of Italian America, we will be planning a National Bocce Tournament sponsored by OSIA. We are seeking Sons of Italy members who have been involved in the planning and organizing of regional tournaments. Once a committee has been selected, the process of creating a national tournament will begin.

We are in the process of planning our 55th Biennial Convention that will be held in Sarasota, Florida, from August 13 through August 20. Because of the hard work of Brother Ed Mottola, National Trustee, we have been able to secure a venue that will result in a financially cost-effective event.

During this convention, we will be selecting the future leadership of the Order Sons of Italy in America. We should note: leaders help themselves and others to do the right things. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to “win” as an organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring.

The Order Sons of Italy in America has made significant strides, crafting a new direction for our future. It is through the support of our Grand Lodges that has made this possible.

I want to thank all the officers, delegates, and members for promoting a positive image and service to our organization. It is my fervent hope that your newly elected officials will continue this legacy.

Warm Personal Regards,

University Chapter Initiation a First for OSIA On April 23, the Susquehanna University Lodge #2933 became the first-ever university chapter of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA). OSIA National President Daniel J. Longo initiated all the new university members and officers. He was joined by State Lodge of Pennsylvania President John Oliano and West Shore Lodge #2651 of Mechanicsburg officers—Anthony Bianchi (Financial Secretary), Bernie Costanza (Treasurer), and Charlie Pisano (President; and State Lodge of Pennsylvania Central Vice President).

Upon the conclusion of dinner, the Bochicchio Family donated a statue of La Madonna Buona to St. Pius X Church in the name of the Sons & Daughters of Italy at Susquehanna University as an honorable gift.

“Our installment that day was one of the most humbling moments of my life. Not just because I was proud that my members OSIA National Presdent worked so hard in order to accomplish so Daniel J. Longo presents the charter to Susquehan- much in such short time, but because I knew na University Lodge #2933 that my Nonna could see all of the work we Founder and President The installment concluded with the chapwere doing. I know that she can see my work Giosué C. Bochicchio. ter’s founder—Giosué C. Bochicchio—and was done in her name, for our family, and (Photo Courtesy of Joshua Ralph) his father and campus advisor—Vito Bochour heritage. To truly exemplify what it icchio—leading those present through the Prayer of St. means to us as a people to be Italian American, to give Francis of Assisi in the Neapolitan dialect. The prayer pro- back to our community, and provide a loving and caring vided the whole chapter a remembrance of Giosué’s nonna, environment for all, no matter what the sacrifice may be.”

Francesca Bochicchio, who passed away in December and – Giosué C. Bochicchio, Founder and President, is the reason Giosué founded the lodge earlier in the year. Susquehanna University Lodge #2933 SUMMER 2017 31 ITALIAN AMERICA

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 31

®

The Sons of Italy Foundation

®

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

A Tribute to All

By Joseph DiTrapani, President As you can see from the highlights of the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 29th National Education & Leadership Awards Gala, it was a magnificent event. With some outstanding honorees, promising students, and inspirational performances, it was certainly a night to remember.

This year, we also incorporated silent and online auctions that were successful as well as a post-gala Venetian Hour with music and dancing that every guest seemed to enjoy.

What this night really pays tribute to, however, are all Sons of Italy members and donors across the country.

While the gala does its share to raise funds and awareness of our causes, much of what we raise are through individual donations. Through this generosity, we are able to provide scholarships, support our military, and help those in need.

could give a lot—more than $150,000, in fact—to help the victims of the Central Italy earthquakes last year. It is through our individual efforts that a collective effort of such magnitude is possible. I hope you take a moment to look at the remarkable list of SIF’s history of giving located on the inside front cover of this issue. Each and every one of us deserves to feel proud of this history and our being a part of it.

As President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, I felt incredibly proud to speak at the gala and recognize the collective effort we made in the past year. Even if you were unable to attend the gala or watch it on Facebook live, I hope you know that my words and the SIF’s charitable work were possible only through your personal giving.

After all, it was because of everyone across the country who gave a little so that the Sons of Italy Foundation

Sons of Italy Donation to Earthquake Victims Exceeds $150,000 After the devastating Central Italy earthquake struck the Marche, Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions on August 24 of last year, Sons of Italy members answered the call to action. Donations immediately poured into the Sons of Italy headquarters. At the same time, State Grand Lodges and Local Filial Lodges across the country hosted local fundraising events. With this combined effort, the total funds that the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) were able to donate exceeded $150,000.

This was not the first time the SIF conThe center of Amatrice, a town located in Lazio that bore the brunt of the earthquake’s destruction. (Leggi il Firenzepost) tributed such a substantial amount to natural disaster victims in Italy. In 1968, the SIF contributed $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily; in uniquely close relationship with the U.S. Embassy in 1976, the SIF contributed $217,000 for earthquake vic- Rome and with Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S., Armando tims of in Friuli; in 1981, the SIF contributed $3 million Varricchio. This has ensured—to the greatest possible for earthquake victims in Irpinia; in 2009-2011, the SIF degree—that the funds will be accurately appropriated to contributed $535,000 for earthquake victims in L’Aquila. where the need is greatest in relief, recovery, and rebuildUnderscoring these impressive donations is the SIF’s ing efforts.PHOTO—Amatrice: SUMMER 2017

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ITALIAN AMERICA

®

The Commission for Social Justice

The CSJ Perspective

By Kevin Caira, President

While the preservation of Columbus Day has been and will continue to be our main struggle, as with any struggle, there are victories and defeats. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a few successes and a few individuals who were instrumental in securing them.

Last April, Colorado State Representative Joseph A. Salazar proposed legislation for the second straight year to remove Columbus Day. However, this time, rather than proposing to replace it with Indigenous People’s Day, he simply proposed to repeal Columbus Day. With the leadership of Rita DeFrange, Historian Denver Lodge #2075 and President of the Columbus Day Committee, his proposal was soundly defeated. While there is always the threat that this will not be the last time such legislation is proposed, for now it’s a victory to be proud of and an example of what we can accomplish when we act in concert and under committed leadership.

A Social Justice Success

By Anthony J. (Tony) Montcalmo, Grand Lodge of Maryland Vice President

In late 2016, a Baltimore City Councilman proposed a bill that would change the celebration of Columbus Day in Baltimore City to Indigenous People’s Day. The bill failed to get sufficient votes to bring it out of Committee (2-3) and it was thought dead. However, the Councilman decided to circumvent City Council procedures and arranged enough positive votes, a majority of the Council members, to bring the bill forward for a formal vote by the full Council.

The Italian-American community in and around Baltimore was alerted and a full-fledged, coordinated effort to defeat the bill was initiated. The Councilman “offered” to recast the day as “Columbus & Indigenous People’ Day,” an offer that was declined by the Italian-American community.

A number of organizations coordinated their efforts to oppose the bill. While recognition of the contributions of Indigenous Peoples was supported, doing so at the expense of an Italian-American tradition was not. Involved in the opposition were the OSIA Grand Lodge of Maryland, National OSIA (including the National President who resides in Maryland), the OSIA Little Italy Lodge (located in downtown Baltimore), Associated Italian-American SUMMER 2017 33 ITALIAN AMERICA

fighting defamation

Another great example of victory occurred in Baltimore after City Councilman Brandon Scott proposed to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day. Again, members rallied, and again, the bill was soundly defeated. Below is a letter from OSIA Grand Lodge of Maryland Vice President Tony Montcalmo that details all of what this victory entailed.

Finally, I would like to thank every member who submitted signatures for the Columbus Day Petition initiative. Several boxes filled with petitions are currently being tallied. This is no small task, and that’s exactly what we were hoping for!

As we continue fighting to preserve Columbus Day and fighting against the discrimination of Italian-Americans, your contributions are crucial to maintaining our momentum. Please consider sending a donation to the CSJ at: Commission for Social Justice 219 E Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Thank you for your generosity. Sempre Avanti!

Charities, the Italian-American Civic Club of Maryland, the Knights of Columbus Local, State and Supreme Councils, the Appian Society, Columbus Celebrations, the Madonarri Festival, La Dolce Vita and others. Petitions, based on the OSIA Columbus Day petition, were circulated and delivered to the Mayor, the City Council President and City Council members from the various districts; one-on-one and small group meetings were held with elected City Officials; telephone calls and visits were initiated with responsible members of local government. Ultimately, a meeting was arranged between representatives of the various ItalianAmerican groups and the President of the City Council, who, as a result of the information provided at that meeting, pledged to oppose the bill. The newly elected Mayor, also, indicated that she would not support the bill and, if it were passed, would, likely, veto it. Other Council members pledged their support. Ultimately, this attempt to change Columbus Day was defeated.

Those of us involved in this effort are proud of the fact that, when challenged by this misguided piece of legislation, the Italian-American community coalesced and brought about a just resolution. An expansion of our Columbus Day celebration and parade are now being planned but the community will remain vigilant in its protection of this unique symbol of our Italian heritage.

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 33

The Perfect Gift Looking for a unique present for family or friends? Give the gift of your rich Italian American heritage with a one-year subscription to Italian America magazine, the most widely read publication in the U.S. for people of Italian descent. We will contact your gift recipient telling him or her (or them) of your present. Fill out the form below and return to us ASAP.

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Letters to the Editor I read the article “Mending An Industry” and just wanted to share with you that my mother was a member of ILGWU (International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union) … in 1932! Attached is her membership card dated May 6, 1932. Please note the dues that were paid.

I have always enjoyed this magazine and have been a member of OSIA for over 35 years.

Frank Ruggiero O ra t o r, Pe r S e m p re Lodge #2344 Corrections for Spring 2017 issue From the President’s Desk (page 31) Akron Lodge #685 is pictured in their 100th Anniversary celebration. Find this picture with the correct attribution in this issue on page 11.

Piacere! (page 36) Ms. Cash spells her first name Rosanne.

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ITALIAN AMERICA

Italian America® Italian America Magazine is produced by the national headquarters of the Order Sons of Italy in America®, 219 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Tel: 202/547-2900.

Email: nationaloffice@osia.org Office Manager Andrea Beach Editor-in-Chief Miles Ryan Fisher Social Media/Communications Coordinator Carly Jerome Project Coordinator Katie Vivian

Italian America® is the official publication of the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA), the largest and longestestablished organization of American men and women of Italian heritage. Italian America provides timely information about OSIA, while reporting on individuals, institutions, issues, and events of current or historical significance in the Italian-American community nationwide.

Italian America (ISSN: 1089-5043, USPS: 015-735) is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer and fall

by OSIA, 219 E St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. ©2015 Order Sons of Italy in America.

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any method without permission of the editor is prohibited. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily imply an opinion on the part of the officers, employees, or members of OSIA. Mention of a product or service in advertisements or text does not mean that it has been tested, approved or endorsed by OSIA, the Commission for Social Justice, or the Sons of Italy Foundation. Italian America accepts query letters and letters to the editor. Please do not send unsolicited manuscripts.

Italian America assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Annual subscriptions are $20, which are included in dues for OSIA members. Single copies are $4.95 each.

OSIA MEMBERS: Please send address changes to your local lodge. Do not contact the OSIA National Office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Italian America, 219 E St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Subscriptions are available through the OSIA National Office, 219 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. OSIA membership information is available at (800) 552-OSIA or at www.osia. org. Archives are maintained at the Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.

Printing by Printing Solutions Inc., Sterling, Va. To advertise: Email ItalianAmerica@osia.org or call 202-547-2900. Also see www.osia.org for advertising rates, specs, demographics, etc.

SUMMER 2017 35 ITALIAN AMERICA

By Miles Ryan Fisher Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine

I’ve heard from many readers about how much they enjoy reading the Last Word (That’s the first page I turn to!). Truth be told, it’s my favorite part of the magazine to write. But there’s another Last Word that I enjoy even more than this one: the last words I offer at the end of a baseball season to the team I coach.

This past spring I had a group of nine and ten-year-olds called the Sluggers. We played some really close games and experienced some blowouts. By the end of the season, we had a .500 record and entered the playoffs as a middle-of-the-pack team. We won the first game against the defending-champion Bombers in a huge upset, then lost later that same day in the semifinals to the first-place Launchers.

In between those games, the kids went to lunch. They filled their stomachs in an air-conditioned restaurant, and when they showed up for the second game, they were sluggish (the sluggish Sluggers). I should’ve made them run, do jumping jacks, push-ups, any physical exertion that would lift them from their lethargy. I didn’t, and we started the game by giving up several runs. Once the kids warmed up, we made a comeback and lost by just one run.

We had one make-up game after the playoffs, and when it was over it was time to give the kids some last words. I explained to them the mistake that I, their coach, had made in between those playoff games. I told them that while I was dwelling on the mistake, I realized something. I realized that if someone had predicted that we’d eliminate the defending champions in our first playoff game, then take the first-place team to the very last inning, I would’ve looked forward to a successful day of baseball.

I told them that like their coach, they’ll make mistakes in every game— but they’ll also experience successes in every game as well. “You can’t let your mistakes take away from your successes,” I said. As easy as it is to feel let down by a mistake, it should be (and often times isn’t) just as easy to feel bolstered by a success.

The next day, I got an email from the parent of our scrappy, hardhitting catcher. He’d overheard his son talking to his grandfather. “Not my best day at the plate,” the catcher said to his grandfather, “but I’m so psyched about my pitching and catching . . . yeah, that’s right, that’s how you really win, anyway.”

Reading that email made me smile. Because it helped me see that true last words are never final. True last words are lasting.

ITALIAN AMERICA SUMMER 2017 35

Piacere!

PLEASED TO MEET YOU, Sebastian Maniscalco

Sebastian Maniscalco Sebastian Maniscalco is a stand-up comedian who was born in Chicago and grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He has appeared on Comedy Central and late night shows such as “Conan,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

Said by The New York Times to have his “own kind of panache” on stage, Sebastian has performed four separate hour-long specials. His first special, Sebastian Live, was released in 2009. His next three specials—What’s Wrong With People (2012), Aren’t You Embarrassed? (2014), Why Would You Do That? (2016)—aired on Showtime.

Sebastian’s father emigrated when he was fifteen from Cefalú, Sicily. His mother’s side came from Naples and Sicily.

What kind of lessons did your immigrant parents teach you about money?

I think my father and mother wanted to instill the work ethic in me at a young age and kind of tell me that nothing is given to you in this age. You have to work for it.

You associate the pain and agony of doing jobs you don’t want to do, and when you start spending your money, you relate it to what it took to make it. You feel a little bit more pride and you’re more appreciative of what you’re doing just because you know the hours you logged to get to do what the activity was.

As you’ve said in your stand up, Italians tend to be passionate people. How has this encouraged you to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian?

I think being Italian and the way we communicate, there’s such a personality there. There’s an inherent funniness about the way Italians express themselves and behave that lends itself to a very humorous environment. Being Italian lends itself to standup comedy in the sense that the physicality and the facial expressions come with the culture. My first stage was the kitchen table.

What’s the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn on your way to becoming a successful stand-up comedian?

It’s more about the business than the actual standup.

You wonder when it’s going to all start working for you as far as when you’re going to be able to quit your day job and do this full-time to put food on the table. You don’t become CEO overnight. You have to work your way up

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(Todd Rosenberg)

the ladder. And going back to the work ethic that I was taught at a young age, that kept me motivated enough to continue working hard and writing jokes and performing so one day I could do it for a living.

What’s the biggest fail you’ve experienced in stand-up?

The first time I did standup comedy, I got booed off the stage. That was at Northern Illinois University, where I was going to school at the time. I opened up for the national headliner that was coming to the school, and I was lost up there—just didn’t know what I was doing. That was at the beginning, and I could’ve said ‘this isn’t for me’ and never went back. But I felt that I had the talent to do it.

You’re very animated in your stand-up. Did this come about naturally or did you consciously incorporate it into your routine?

I didn’t set out to do that. I think that kind of happened organically over time. As I got more comfortable on stage, I started to be a lot more expressive in my point of view.

I think it was always there, but when you first start doing standup comedy, you’re very afraid. You’re not comfortable yet to let your true self show. Not that I walk around the house doing kicks and flips and stuff.

You got married later in life. What would you say to younger people who are looking for the same thing?

It’s not so much waiting as it’s finding the right person.

It’s always nice to be a little more stable in your career and making a little bit more bread, but for me it was about finding the right woman.

ITALIAN AMERICA

SUMMER 2017

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ITALIAN AMERICA

From Adriana

Trigiani

Beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife An exhilarating epic novel of love, loyalty, and creativity— the story of an Italian-American family on the cusp of change.

“Trigiani is a comedy writer with a heart of gold.”

— New York Times

“Trigiani’s writing is dazzling.”

— USA Today

Follow Adriana Trigiani SUMMER 2017

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For tour questions, contact: adrianamailings@gmail.com

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