April 2015 online

By Thomas HemmanTimes Editor

The Italian Community Centeris offering people a chance to getover the winter blahs and warm upto jazz, blues and good-time rockand roll with its “Spring FeverMusic Series.” This free-admissionseries starts on Apr. 2 and ends thelast week of May.There will be either a jazz or

blues group performing on Tuesdaynights and rock and roll bands onThursday nights. All shows beginat 6:30 p.m. in the Festa Ballroom.“We want to emphasize that theseshows are offered with no covercharge or drink minimum,” saidJoe Campagna, Jr., series coordina-

tor. “Everybody is welcome. Wewould like to see a full house eachnight.”There will be a dance floor set

up so those who might want to getout there and cut a rug.The staff of Cafe La Scala, the

ICC’s restaurant, will be on hand totake food and drink orders in boththe restaurant and the ballroomstarting at 5 p.m. Reservations aresuggested and can be made by call-ing 414-223-2185.

Who’s performingTom Sorce, legendary guitarist

and music producer, recordingartist and bandleader, put togetherthe “Spring Fever” line-up.Here’s the Tuesday night sched-

ule.• Apr. 7 – Reverend Raven &

The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys.(Blues)• Apr. 21 – Chris Mariani Band.

(Blues)• May 5 – Pete Sorce with the

Jeff Lebarge Band. (Jazz)• May 12 – Alex Wilson Band.

(Blues)

• May 19 – Anita Stemper withOpus (Jazz)• May 26 – Leroy Airmaster

with Junior Brantley (Blues)This is the Thursday night rock

and roll line-up:• Apr. 2 – Noyz Boys & Gyrlz.• Apr. 9 – Bob Hirschi & Groove

Therapy.

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDMILWAUKEE, WIPermit No. 5716

Published by the Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

www.ICCMilwaukee.comVOL. 36, NO. 10APRIL 2015

– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –

PASTE ADDRESS LABEL HERE.

THEITALIAN TIMESEveryone’s invited to indulge in ‘A Taste

of Italy’ at ICC on Sunday, Apr. 19Enjoy free admission, free parking, huge menu and live entertainment

By Times Editor Tom HemmanAn opportunity to indulge in a

magnificent variety of deliciousItalian entrèes, sandwiches, salads,pizza, desserts and beverages at anextremely low cost awaits everyonewho attends the Italian CommunityCenter’s 20th annual “A Taste ofItaly” on Sunday, Apr. 19.As always, there will be free

admission and free parking for theevent, which runs from 11:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.

Everything you choose to eat ordrink will be available with thepurchase of food and beverage tick-ets. Buy a book of seven tickets for$10 or single tickets for $1.50 each.Every item you buy – exceptone – will be available for one

ticket. The lone exception iscalamari (deep-fried squid),which – out of necessity – willrequire two tickets.Find the entrées, sandwiches,

salads and pizza in the PompeiiGrand Ballroom. Desserts will besold in the Festa Ballroom. Seatingwill be available throughout thebuilding, including the bocce courthall and the spacious courtyard.“We want to make sure everyonehas a place to sit down and enjoythe food,” Ann Romano, generalchairperson, said.“This year, we will again have

free extra large trays for carryingyour food and beverages to yourtable,” she added.“A Taste of Italy,” since its

inception in 1995, has served as anessential fund-raising activity forthe nonprofit Italian CommunityCenter.

Live entertainmentSomething else you will be able

to enjoy is a diverse Italian enter-tainment lineup.Tradizione Vivente, the

Italian Dance Group ofMilwaukee, will be performingtwice (at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.) inthe Festa Ballroom.For more than 65 years, the

members of Tradizione Viventehave been keeping alive the tradi-tions of music, dance and costumebrought here by their Italian ances-

ICC’s20th annual“A Taste of

Italy”Sunday,Apr. 19

Make this yourSunday dinner!Free AdmissionFree Parking

Free ‘Spring Fever Music Series’ begins Apr. 2;shows on most Tuesday and Thursday nights

Here are the Italian Community Center’s winter bocce champions (fromthe left): Mariano Corrao, Antonino LoCoco, Mario Orlando and BobSchneider, players of the Porticello team from the Monday night league.Porticello defeated three worthy opponents in the season-ending playoffsto capture the title. A detailed story on the championship tournamentappears on page 5. (Times photo by Jim Schultz)

Porticello wins ICC’swinter bocce championship

By Susie ChristiansenThe Italian Community Center

Board was recently faced with theinevitable, but necessary, task ofraising membership dues. It wasa challenging and difficultprocess. No one is happy whencosts go up. After a lengthydebate, the decision was made toproceed.Through this article, we hope

to provide you with an explana-tion of why dues were increasedand reasons why you should con-tinue to be a member of the ICC.1). The ICC is an important

symbol in our city. It representsthe Italian immigrants who set-tled in Milwaukee and left anindelible imprint on it. Imagineour city without the ICC. It wouldleave a void of profound impact onnot just our current members buton future generations of ItalianAmericans and the entireMilwaukee area. This must notand cannot happen. Your finan-

cial help is needed to ensure itssurvival.2). Admittedly, membership

dues will not fully cover all of thecosts of maintaining the ICC, andare not really meant to do so.They are an expression of com-mitment and of value. We hopeour members will commit them-selves and will value and cherishthat commitment – financially,personally and in spirit.3). An increase is long overdue.

We have survived and are emerg-ing from a distressing economicperiod where expendable moneydecreased considerably. Non-essentials, such as culture, musicand art suffered during that time.We experienced it in the atten-dance at our events. But we haveturned the corner together, andtogether, we must move forwardand invest in and protect ourfuture.While the dues have increased,

What does yourICC membershipmean to you?

Please turn to page 6



THE ITALIAN TIMESPAGE 2 – APRIL 2015

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All advertisements must be in accordancewith the rules and requirements as deter-mined by editorial policy. Paid advertise-ments are not to be interpreted as anendorsement by the Italian CommunityCenter or its newspaper, The Italian Times.In addition, the Newspaper Committeereserves the right to reject ads based on edi-torial policy approved by the Board ofDirectors of the Italian Community Center.The Italian Community Center is a mem-

ber of the Metropolitan MilwaukeeAssociation of Commerce, Visit Milwaukeeand the Historic Third Ward Association.

THE ITALIAN TIMES631 E. Chicago St.

Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916(414) 223-2180

Published 11 times annually

Publisher . . . Italian Community CenterICC President . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe VellaNewspaper CommitteeChairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaise DiPronioEditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanAdvertising SalesManager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanAdvertising SalesRepresentative . . . . . . Faye Ann KesslerEditorial Contributors and StaffWriters/Reporters . . . . , .Mario A. CariniAngelo Castronovo, Barbara Collignon

Blaise DiPronio and Susan ChristiansenStaff Photographers. . . . . . .Joe Spasiano,

Jim Schultz and Tom Hemman

For advertising information, please call(414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to:[email protected].

Copyright 2015The Italian Community Center, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Erico Ortiz and Gina Jorgensen topresent works as ICC participates inApril 17-18 Gallery Night & Day

By Times Editor Tom HemmanThe Italian Community Center

invites its members and the gener-al public to view the works of localartists Erico Ortiz and GinaJorgensen on Friday, Apr. 17 andSaturday, Apr. 18 as the organiza-tion participates in the springGallery Night & Day event.Liz Ceraso, co-chair of the ICC

Avanti Committee, which coordi-nates the organization’s participa-tion, said the artists will show theirworks in the Board Room. Displayhours on Gallery Night, Apr. 17,will be 6 to 10 p.m. The hours forGallery Day, Apr. 18, will be 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and park-ing are free.Ortiz will be showing “Water

Matters…and Other Things toLearn.” This is a collection of origi-nal watercolor paintings from hisrecent travels to the tropics andsome experimental paintings toinspire and challenge the mind’seye.Jorgensen, an art specialist and

high school art teacher inMilwaukee Public Schools, will beshowing some of her new potteryworks.Both artists will have works

available for purchase.Ortiz, who was born in Cayey,

Puerto Rico, was a Spanish teacherand school administrator for manyyears in Milwaukee Public Schools.He retired in 2011. He became

immersed in art education in 1998and actively pursued his interest invisual art after his retirement.“What began as a hobby hasbecome a way of viewing the worldand expressing my mind’s eye oncanvas,” he said.Besides an extensive teaching

career at several Milwaukee PublicSchools, Jorgensen has worked asan adjunct art instructor for ITTTechnical Institute, as an artistand teacher for Milwaukee ArtMuseum and a facilitator for PBIS(Positive Behavior Intervention andSupports). She chairs the ICCCulture Committee, has coordinat-ed the ICC’s multi-ethnic Festivaldi Danza e Cultura and is a long-time member and past president ofTradizione Vivente, the ItalianDance Group of Milwaukee. Shehas also crafted large papier-mâchéworks from the Carlo Collodi novelThe Adventures of Pinocchio forFesta Italiana.Those attending Gallery Night

& Day are encouraged to enjoy atmeal at Cafe La Scala at the ICCbefore or after viewing the artists’works. Friday night dinner andSaturday lunch reservations can bemade by calling 414-223-2185.There will be a banner outside CafeLa Scala indicating that the ICC isa Gallery Night & Day participant.Wine, cheese and crackers for

guests’ enjoyment in the BoardRoom courtesy of the ICC on Friday

night, Apr. 17, Ceraso said.In its 28th year, Gallery Night

and Day is a quarterly event organ-ized by the Historic Third WardAssociation and the East TowneAssociation. The ICC has long par-ticipated in the event, joining

approximately 60 other venues.The Historic Third Ward offers

Gallery Night Xpress Shuttles thatart fans can utilize to attend sever-al of the participating venues. Formore information, please visitwww.historicthirdward.org.

Erico Ortiz Gina Jorgensen

A limited number of DVDs ofthe Milwaukee Public Television(MPTV) documentary “StoriaItaliana Milwaukee” are availablefor purchase at the Italian Com-

munity Center. The cost is $15.The DVD must be purchased in

person at the office reception desk.Since only a limited number ofDVDs have been made available tothe ICC, orders cannot be accepted.The one-hour documentary

“Storia Italiana Milwaukee” wasbroadcast in late February onChannel 10 as part of the nationalPublic Broadcasting System’sseries special “Italian Americans.”The premiere screening of

“Storia Italiana Milwaukee” wasshown at the ICC on Feb. 4 before acapacity audience.

DVDs of MPTV documentary onMilwaukee’s Italians available at ICC

Festa Italiana organizersannounced they are bringing backthe “$7 for 7 Days Spring Fever”ticket deal to run in conjunctionwith the Italian CommunityCenter’s “A Taste of Italy,” set forSunday, Apr. 19.Festa fans, your initial opportu-

nity to order your $7 tickets in this

online-only promotion begins onSunday, Apr. 19 and runs untilSaturday, Apr. 25.This year, organizers have

decided to extend the special $7online ticket deal for one week inMay and June as well. The pro-motion will repeat May 18-24 andJune 15-21.

The “$7 for 7 Days” ticket pro-motion is available online only atwww.festaitalina.com. Please clickon the Ticket tab to purchase yourtickets.The new Festa Italiana website

will go live around Apr. 1. Look formuch more Festa news in upcom-ing issues of The Italian Times.

Festa Italiana’s ‘$7 for 7 Days’online ticket deal starts April 19

Several amendments have beenproposed to the Italian CommunityCenter bylaws by the BylawsCommittee. These proposed amend-ments will be discussed and actedupon by members attending thegeneral meeting on Thursday, Apr.16 at 6:30 p.m. in the PompeiiGrand Ballroom.Members must check in at the

registration desk to guarantee theirvoting privileges.

A two-thirds majority of allmembers present is required toapprove an amendment to thebylaws. Listed below are all of theproposals. The bylaws committeeprovides its rationale for revisionafter each proposed amendments.ARTICLE III, Section 2 which

now reads:Adult members’ children under

the age of twenty-five (25), uponapplication, may become junior

members of the Italian CommunityCenter, Inc. Junior members mayattend all meetings and participatein discussions of matters before thegroup, but shall not have the rightto vote.Proposed amendment:Adult members’ children under

the age of twenty-five (25), upon afamily membership, are juniormembers of the Italian CommunityCenter, Inc. Junior members mayattend all meetings and participatein discussions of matters before thegroup but shall not have the rightto vote.Rationale:Those in this age group are

members under family membershipas indicated in the dues structure.ARTICLE IV, Section 6 which

now reads:The Board of Directors shall

have the sole authority to establishany and all committees of theItalian Community Center, exceptfor the Election Committee, includ-

ing but not limited to standing com-mittees which shall be so designat-ed. The President shall appoint allcommittee chairs and, after consul-tation with the chairs, appoint com-mittee members. The appointmentof committee chairs and membersrequires approval by a two-thirdsvote of the Directors of the ItalianCommunity Center.Proposed amendment:The Board of Directors shall

have the sole authority to establishany and all committees of theItalian Community Center, exceptthe Nominating Committee, includ-ing but not limited to standing com-mittees which shall be so designat-ed. The President shall appointcommittee chairs and, after consul-tation with the chairs, shallappoint committee members. Theappointment of committee chairsrequires approval by a two-thirdsvote of the Directors of the ItalianCommunity Center.

THE ITALIAN TIMES APRIL 2015 – PAGE 3

Based on numerous requests,the Italian Community CenterCulture Committee is offering peo-ple a second chance to get a “Holy

Italian Bear.”If you don’t know what a “Holy

Italian Bear is, here’s a description:He has a halo on one foot and theItalian flag on the other foot. Themap of Italy decorates his chest. Heis a real bargain at $10.The “Holy Italian Bear” was ini-

tially sold in the regional exhibittent at Festa Italiana in 2014.Christina Ziino, a member of theCulture Committee, said the cud-dly, stuffed bear sold out quickly.Since then, many requests havecome in for more.To order the “Holy Italian Bear,”

please use the order form accompa-nying this article. All orders can bepicked up at the front desk of theICC.You will receive a phone call

when your order is ready for pick-up. Make checks payable for theICC. Note “Italian Bears.”

“HOLY ITALIAN BEAR” ORDER FORM

Name __________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________

Number of Holy Italian Bears ordered ____ @ $10.00 each = $______

Checks are payable to Italian Community Center, Inc. Mail this orderform with your full payment to: ICC, c/o Italian Bears, 631 E. ChicagoSt., Milwaukee, WI 53202-6916. You will be called when your order isready for pick-up.

ICC offering anotherchance to get your‘Holy Italian Bear’

Being president of the ItalianCommunity Center means that youare involved in numerous activitiesand you really get a great under-standing and appreciation of thetremendous commitment of our vol-unteers to making our events suc-cessful, enjoyable and true to ourculture and heritage.Over the next few months, we

have some very important eventsplanned that exemplifies the hardwork that our volunteers put in forbetterment and growth of ourorganization. I ask everyone sup-port these activities by attendingand volunteering when needed.The first event I’d like to draw

your attention to is our 20th annu-al “A Taste of Italy” on Sunday,Apr. 19. Chairperson Ann Romanohas been working diligently tosecure donations of money andproducts and enlisting volunteersto staff the food and beveragebooths.As a result of the commitments

that have been secured, we are ableto keep food and beverage ticketprices the same as last year: 7 tick-ets for $10 or a single ticket for a$1.50. Admission and parking willbe free.“A Taste of Italy” is our second

biggest fund-raiser. If you’re notalready volunteering, I ask thatyou, your family and friends toattend. Let’s make this year’s eventa record-breaker!Starting Thursday, Apr. 2, our

“Spring Fever Music Series”gets underway. Joe Campagna, Jr.,member of our Board of Directors,and Tom Sorce, the series’ musiccoordinator, have put together anexcellent lineup of entertainment.There will be jazz or blues groupsperforming on Tuesday nights andold-time rock and roll bands onThursday nights. Check the sched-ule in this issue. Admission is free.The Cafe La Scala staff will be tak-ing food and drink orders.During the next few weeks,

Festa Italiana will be announcingits headline acts, launching itswebsite, and initiating a specialadmission ticket offer. Festa isbringing back its “$7 for 7 Days”online ticket promotion. By going towww.FestaItaliana.com, you willhave the chance to buy $7 ticketsduring a seven-day period duringthe months of April, May and June.The dates are Apr. 19-25, May 18-24 and June 15-21.The 38th annual Festa is

Friday, July 17 through Sunday,July 19. “Your Ticket to Italy” hasbeen selected as the theme.

ICC membershipI’m sure you know by now that

the ICC has revised its dues struc-ture to a commitment-based mem-bership. It gives you an opportunityto show your pride in our organiza-tion and your commitment to ourfuture by extending your member-ship to two or three years.Susie Christiansen has written

an article that appears in this issuethat explains what your member-ship is about and why it was neces-sary to increase dues. Please readthat article.

Board appointmentI want to report that Sam

Purpero has been appointed to ourBoard of Directors to replace TonyPiacentini, who has resigned. Sam,as many of you know, had been ourtreasurer the next several years, isa past president of our organiza-tion, and has been involved in theICC and Festa Italiana the seedswere planted for both.

– Giuseppe VellaICC President

A message from Giuseppe Vella,Italian Community Center President

Several bylaws amendments proposed



Join the thousands who regularly visitthe ICC website – ICCMilwaukee.comBy Susie Christiansen

If you have not yet visited thewebsite for the Italian CommunityCenter (www.iccmilwaukee.com),do so when you have a moment.You will find it informative andwith an attractive and bold appear-ance.We have described how magnifi-

cent our Community Center is and,with the help of designer TomStory, we hope the public will beimpressed with the site’s look anddesign as well.According to the numbers, the

public is, in fact, interested. The

reports reveal that our website isgetting a lot of good traffic – aver-aging 5,000 to 6,000 page views permonth. In the realm of non-profitand organizational websites, thenumbers are tremendous and wor-thy of reporting to the readers ofThe Italian Times.Our Courtyard Music Series and

The Italian Times drive much ofthe traffic. Our thinking, for mov-ing forward, the paper shouldinclude news about or links toupcoming events in addition tocross-referencing the ICC meetingsand events thus compelling viewers

to follow up by going to thosepages.Not only is The Italian Times

popular on the ICC website, thepaper has been read morethan15,000 times while being host-ed on the online magazine site.www.issuu.com. Issuu is the web-site used by the ICC to transfer thepaper in readable form to the ICCwebsite. The public is also able toread the paper on Issuu. The num-bers for online readership haverisen continually in the last twoyears.

The trend of people reading arti-cles on their smartphones and get-ting their news by using their iPadsor similar electronic device isbecoming more and more popular.It is now common to utilize idle

time, such as waiting for oilchanges or soccer practice to beover with, by turning on the phone.Now may be the time to create anItalian Times App that users canopen on their phone to go directlyto the latest issues of The ItalianTimes, as well as to short onlinearticles that could be posted withgreater frequency along with other,short reading material for thosewho only have limited time.

The website will continue to be agreat way for all to get the informa-tion they might need and to easilycontact the ICC. As it evolves intothe future, it will surely serve dif-ferent uses as things change and,therefore, suggestions from every-one are always needed and mostwelcome.

The Italian Timeswelcomes your inputThe Italian Times is extending an invitation to our readers to submit

articles and/or suggestions for news stories for future publication in ourprinted and online edition.The Newspaper Committee and Editor Tom Hemman have developed

a series of guidelines to revamp the publication’s editorial presentationwith a concerted effort being made to make it more current, relevantand reader friendly.We welcome interested individuals to submit articles and/or sugges-

tions for news stories to Editor Tom Hemman at [email protected] may also contact Newspaper Committee Chair Blaise DiPronio at262-679-4351. Articles can be submitted in English or Italian.

The following criteria has been established for news articles:1). Must be relevant, newsworthy, pertaining to and of interest to the

Italian American community.2). Can be current, developing, historical or anecdotal.3). Must be of original content and authorship.4). If not original, copyright and authorship permission must be

granted in writing and proper credit must be given.5). Cannot be of a political nature or content.6). Cannot jeopardize the Italian Community Center’s bulk mail sta-

tus. Guidelines are established in United States Postal ServicePublication 417.7). Cannot promote products or services better suited to paid adver-

tising.8). Must be limited to 300 words or less. Any article exceeding the

300-word limit will be rejected unless the writer is granted a pre-deter-mined waiver based on merit. A writer can appeal the word limit to theeditor and the Newspaper Committee. The final decision is that of theeditor and the committee.8). Must be electronically submitted (i.e., email) as a Word document

to [email protected]). Articles submitted in Italian should also include an accurate para-

phrased English translation.10). Every submission is subject to editorial review, editing, deadline

restrictions and space availability in the newspaper.11). We reserve the right to reject an article for publication in the

newspaper and on the ICC website.

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Tom Hemman, editor of TheItalian Times, is looking for indi-viduals to help write some of thearticles that will appear in eitherthe June 2015 issue and theJuly/August 2015 Festa Italianaedition.Persons with solid writing

skills and/or a basic understand-ing of the newspaper reportingprinciples should contact Tom [email protected] or call414-223-2801.

These are voluntary positions,but offer individuals opportunitiesto get the stories they write pub-lished with their byline, whichmay be valuable when they seekfuture employment in journalism,public relations, marketing orgeneral writing fields.“We can also assure writers

that they will receive tickets forFesta Italiana, July 17-19, on theSummerfest grounds,” Hemmansaid.

Italian Times editor seekswriters to help withpre-Festa issue stories

Deadline set for Mayissue of The Italian TimesAll advertising copy, news sto-

ries and photos for publication inthe May 2015 issue of The ItalianTimes must be submitted to theeditor no later than Tuesday, April7.

All materials can be emailed toeditor Tom Hemman at [email protected], sent to TheItalian Times, 631 E. Chicago St.,Milwaukee, WI 53202. For furtherinformation, call 414-223-2189.


Saturday, Mar. 28• Italian Community Center’s Children’s Easter party, noon. Reservationdeadline has past.

Sunday, Mar. 29• Pompeii Women’s Club Palm Sunday breakfast buffet, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Details in this issue.

Wednesday, Apr. 1• Pompeii Women’s Club Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 3• Pompeii Men’s Club Good Friday fish fry buffet, 4 p.m.–7:30 p.m.Details in this issue.

Sunday, Apr. 5• Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!• Italian Community Center Easter brunch, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.Details in this issue.

Monday, Apr. 6• Solomon Juneau Club meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 7• Pompeii Men’s Club Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 9• Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 10• Abruzzese Galileo Galilei Society social, 6 p.m.

Monday, Apr. 13• Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 14• Abruzzese Galileo Galilei Society meeting, 7 p.m.•Milwaukee Chapter UNICO National meeting, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 15• Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge of the Order Sons of Italyin America general meeting, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 16• Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.• Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 17• Italian Community Center participates in Gallery Night, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.Details in this issue.

Saturday, Apr. 18• Italian Community Center participates in Gallery Day, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Details in this issue.•WisItalia “Teacher of the Year” Awards Banquet, 6 p.m. Details in thisissue.

Sunday, Apr. 19• Italian Community Center’s 20th annual “A Taste of Italy,” 11:30a.m.–3:30 p.m. Details in this issue.

Tuesday, Apr. 21• Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.•Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 28•Milwaukeee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 29• Pompeii Women’s Club general meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Daily and weekly classes and activities• Bocce leagues. The spring league its under way. The championshipplayoffs will be Monday, May 18.

• ICC’s free Children’s Italian class. The spring semester of the ICC’sfree children’s Italian class is conducted on Saturday afternoons from2 to 4 p.m. through May 2. Children, ages 6-12, can be enrolled at anytime during the semester.

• ICC’s Italian classes for teens and adults. The spring semester of theICC’s Italian I and Italian II classes are under way on Tuesday nightsthrough May 12. Enrollment is closed.

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

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

Calendar of EventsMarch 28 – April 29, 2015

Porticello, a team that identifiesitself with the a very small town inSicily, scores big-time results in theItalian Community Center’s bocceplayoffs on Monday, Mar. 9.Porticello, the first-place team inthe Monday night league, defeatedthree worthy opponents to capturethe winter championship.In the title match, Porticello (20-

4 regular season record) rolled pastFelice Amici by a 12-3 score. FeliceAmici (22-2) was the first-placeteam in the Tuesday afternoon sen-iors league.To reach the final, Porticello

snatched victories over ClubGaribaldi and It’s All Good. ClubGaribaldi (22-2) was the first-placeteam in the Wednesday nightleague. It’s All Good (20-4), runner-up in the Monday night league, wasone of the wildcard teams in theplayoffs.Since both Porticello and It’s All

Good finished the regular seasonwith identical records (20-4), theseteams had previously played atiebreaker match, which Porticellowon, earning its first-place status.In the playoffs semifinals, It’s AllGood rallied after falling behindearly, but still came up short, asPorticello captured a 12-10 victory,

Monday league coordinator DanConley told The Italian Times.The players of the championship

Porticello team are MarianoCorrao, Antonino LoCoco, MarioOrlando and Bob Schneider. As thevictors, each received a $15 Cafe LaScala gift certificate. Each playeron the Felice Amici squad wasgiven a $5 certificate. The members

of Felice Amici are Bill Jennaro,Alfredo Marchillo, GaetanoCanzonari and Armando Ferrari.Felice Amici advanced to the

title match by defeating Balistreri’son 68th and Paesani in earlierrounds. Balistreri’s (18-6) was thesecond-place finisher in theThursday afternoon seniors league.Paesani (19-5) was the first-place

team in that league.It’s All Good and Paesani won

opening matches. It’s All Gooddefeated Tom’s T. Ballers (13-8),the first-place team in theThursday night league. Paesaniscored a win over Pallino Magnets(14-10), the second-place finishersin the Tuesday afternoon seniorsleague.

ICC winter bocce title goes to Porticello

Enjoy an Easter Sunday feast at ICCThe Italian Community Center

invites its members and the publicto an all-you-can-eat EasterSunday brunch in the PompeiiGrand Ballroom. Easter is Sunday,Apr. 5.Brunch prices are $24.95 for

adults and $14.95 for each childunder the age of 12. Pre-paid reser-vations are required.The ICC is taking reservations

on the half-hour, starting at 10:30a.m. with the last reservationstaken for the seating at 2 p.m.Please call 414/223-2180 with yourcredit card handy to reserve yourtime and table. You can also signup for the brunch by stopping in atthe ICC reception desk on week-days between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. TheItalian Times has been asked not toput a reservation form in the news-paper because of a history of latesubmittals of these forms on whichpeople request seating times whichhave long been filled.If you’re interested in the earli-

est reservation times – 10:30 a.m.,11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or noon – youshould act promptly as these slotssell out the quickest.As always, the Easter brunch

menu is extensive and sure to satis-

fy everyone’s cravings. It includesblack pepper and garlic crustedsliced prime rib; bone-in Virginiamaple ham; southern fried chicken;chicken scallopine; baked cod withlemon beurre blanc; Cajun salmon;roasted vegetable lasagna; cheesetortellini; penne pasta; marinarasauce; Alfredo sauce; rice pilaf; fireroasted corn; arancini (rice balls);garden fresh greens; creamyCaesar; farfalle pasta salad; sea-sonal fruit with mint; Italian olivesalad; antipasto; cottage cheese;

baby red potato salad; omelettesmade-to-order (including eggwhites and Egg Beaters); apple-wood smoked bacon; pepperedsausage; pancakes; lyonnaise pota-toes; French toast; artisanal breads(assorted dinner rolls, butter crois-sants, fresh bread, bagels, danishand muffins); homemade fruit pies;tortes; cannoli; tiramisu; Italiancookies; fruit juices; coffee; tea; andmilk.Free parking is available in the

lot south of the building.

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Savor ‘A Taste of Italy’ on Apr. 19tors. In addition to performingannually at local events such asFesta Italiana and the HolidayFolk Fair International, the grouphas earned acclaim for its appear-ances at ethnic festivals, folk danceconferences and other events acrossthe United States.The Sicilian Serenaders

(Peter Balistrieri and Tom andTed Pappalardo) will play Italianand Sicilian music in the galleria.Their appearance is sponsored byLa Società di San Giuseppe, whichmade a monetary donation for theevent, Romano said. Balistrieri andthe Pappalardo brothers are carry-ing on the strolling musician tradi-tion started by their fathers morethan 60 years ago.Both Tradizione Vivente and the

Sicilian Serenaders have been reg-ular participants in “A Taste ofItaly” since its inception.Making his fifth straight

appearance is ICC memberCharles Evans . He told TheItalian Times that his songs will besung in Italian and “are selected toentertain our guests with a taste ofItalian music as well as Italianfood. There will be a mixture ofclassic art songs, romantic folksongs and traditional songs popularas dinner music in Italian cafes. Wewill truly give them ‘A Taste ofItaly’.” Evans added that he ispleased to have Galina Gerakosovreturning to accompany him withher musical talents on electricpiano.Returning for a second year,

vocalist Jayne Taylor will gracethe “Taste of Italy” audience with aselection of popular internationalsongs, including some Italian

favorites. Jayne, Festa Italiana’s2007 “Italian Idol” winner, has wonnumerous awards, as well as host-ed and produced her own localaccess TV show. Jayne is alsoscheduled to perform in the ICCCourtyard Music Series on July 8.Last year, she performed with theRusso Brothers at one of the court-yard series best attended shows.Both Evans and Taylor will have

CDs available for purchase at “ATaste of Italy.”All of the entertainers donated

their time and talent for this event.

Giant raffleA giant raffle will be held in con-

junction with the event. Buy tickets– $2 each or seven for $10 – forchances to win these prizes: 1st-$1,000 cash; 2nd – $500 cash; 3rd –$300 cash; 4th – $200 cash and 5th– an opal and diamond accentedring, courtesy of Glorioso’s GoldImports & Diamond Center.“We’re encouraging all of our

members to sell or buy the raffletickets which have been mailed tothem,” Romano said. Included inthe mailing is a return envelopeaddressed to the raffle chairs Marieand Jim Schwindt. “Simply putpostage on the envelope to returnthe stubs and payments from theticket sales,” Marie Schwindt said.Checks are payable to the ItalianCommunity Center.Raffle tickets will be sold right

up to the time of the drawing,which will take place minutesbefore the close of the event.“Winners need not be present, butit’s a lot more fun when they are inattendance,” the Schwindts said.

Grazie! Grazie! Grazie!“This event would not be possi-

ble without the outstanding sup-port of the societies and organiza-tions, the food purveyors, the vol-unteers of the ICC and the coopera-tion of the Italian ConferenceCenter staff,” said Romano. “AfterFesta Italiana, this event – ‘A Tasteof Italy’ – is our biggest fund-rais-ing activity. The success of ‘ATaste of Italy’ helps the ICC contin-ue its mission in Milwaukee.”Romano announced that ICC

President Giuseppe Vella and hisfamily, owners and operators ofPeter Sciortino Bakery, are provid-ing all of the rolls. Grande Cheeseis donating all the cheese (gratedRomano, Mozzarella and Provo-lone). Glorioso’s Italian Market issupplying its Roman antipasto andproviding the staff for the boothwhere this new menu item will be

sold. Suminski Family FuneralHomes provided a $500 donationfor raffle ticket printing.The names of more of the prod-

uct donors (who have stepped forthas of press time) appear in the fol-lowing menu listing.

Taste of Italy menuWe’ve kept you waiting long

enough. Here’s what you’ve beenwaiting to read, the menu for the20th annual “A Taste of Italy.”In the Pompeii Grand Ballroom:• Pizza with assorted toppings –

courtesy of the Giacomo Falluccafamily, makers of Palermo’s Pizza(“Dat’s da Best”). Booth staffed bymembers of the Abruzzese Society.• Italian-breaded pork tender-

loin (with sweet peppers and

from page 1

On Sunday, Apr. 19, theItalian Community Center willsponsor its 20th annual “A Tasteof Italy.” Chairperson AnnRomano, who has been activelyinvolved in all but one, recalledfor The Italian Times how “ATaste of Italy” came into exis-tence.“In the fall of 1995, Bill and

Rita Jennaro, Mario Carini and Iwent down to Chicago to see oneof the Italian feasts. My husband,Nick, stayed home to watch thePackers’ game. After the Massand procession, there was time todo some more sightseeing. Billsuggested that we check out the‘Taste of Melrose Park’. This is astreet festival with all the foodand beverage stands run by localrestaurateurs and everything you

bought at that time was $1 a por-tion.“We were very impressed with

the event. On the way home, Isaid wouldn’t it be nice to have anevent like that at the ICC as afund-raiser. At the time, we hada House Committee, on which Iserved. The idea of having anItalian food-tasting event as afund-raiser was discussed andapproved. The plan was to get thesocieties and organizationsinvolved and our members tomake donations and help run thestands.“The idea blossomed and after

20 years, ‘A Taste of Italy’ is stillas popular as ever and serves asthe ICC’s second most importantfund-raiser. We hope everyonesupports us again this year.”

Ann Romano recalls how ‘ATaste of Italy’ came about

Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, will performtwice in the Festa Ballroom. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

ICC member/vocalist Charles Evans is shown here singing with his accom-panist Galina Gerakosov. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

This is Jayne Taylor on the cover of her latest CD.

The Sicilian Serenaders – Ted and Tom Pappalardo and Peter Balistrieri –will demonstrate why the Italian music played by their fathers stillattracts a crowd. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

Continued on page 7

THE ITALIAN TIMES

onions). Served by Ann Romanoand friends.• Arancini (rice balls). Booth

will be staffed by the MilwaukeeLadies of UNICO. Rice balls madeby ICC staff.• Italian sub sandwiches and

panini sandwiches, new to themenu, with lunch meat courtesy ofPatrick Cudahy’s Pavone DeliCompany and cheese courtesy ofGrande Cheese. The booth will bestaffed by members of the SantaRosalia Society.• Sfincione (thick crust Sicilian-

style pizza) – courtesy of DeanCannestra family and friends ofNessun Dorma and Divino Wine &Dine restaurants.• Manicotti – courtesy of ICC

members Anna Pitzo and SophiaMichalovitz.• Italian sausage sandwiches

(with sweet green peppers andonions) – courtesy of Greco & Sonsand the Venice Club. Booth will bestaffed by the Pompeii Men’s Club.• Lentil soup, chicken pastina

soup and Italian wedding soup –served by members of La Società diSan Giuseppe.• Roman antipasto – courtesy of

Glorioso’s Italian Market. Servedby Glorioso’s staff.• Italian salad and small sub

sandwiches – served by the SantaRosalia Society.• Pasta with red sauce – served

by Carnevale Queen Ann Zambito

and her volunteers.• Meatballs in red sauce –

served by Sandy Mazza and themembers of the Holy CrucifixSociety.• Deep-fried calamari (squid) –

served by members of the PompeiiWomen’s Club.• Sfingi (fried bread dough with

sugar and cinnamon) – served byICC volunteers.• Eggplant. Booth staffed by the

Madonna del Lume Society Women.• Italian wine. Wine courtesy of

the Italian Conference Center.Members of the Milazzese SocialClub will be volunteer servers.• Beer – courtesy of Miller Beer.

Served by ICC volunteers.• Soda – Served by ICC volun-

teers.• Coffee – courtesy of the Italian

Conference Center. Served by ICCvolunteers.• Bottled water – courtesy of the

Italian Conference Center. Servedby ICC volunteers.In the Festa Ballroom:• Gelato – courtesy of Joe Reina

and Gelateria Italiana. Served byICC volunteers.• Cannoli – served by members

of the Addolorata Society. Made bySciortino’s Bakery.• Eclairs – served by ICC volun-

teers. Made by Sciortino’s Bakery.• Italian cookies – Served by

members of the St. Theresa Society.Made by Sciortino’s Bakery.• Pizzelle (Italian wafer cookies)

– with pizzelle-making demonstra-tions by Rosalia Ferrante and herhelpers.• Spumoni –Served by ICC vol-

unteers.In addition to the donors, mone-

tary donations have been made byvarious societies. A complete reporton the donations will appear in TheItalian Times after the event.

Taste of Italy CommitteeJoining Romano on the 2015

Taste of Italy Committee are:Anthony Zingale (volunteer mealticket chair), Marie and JimSchwindt (raffle ticket chairs),Laurie Bisesi (ICC BusinessManager), John Sanfilippo (beerand soda bars) and Tom Hemman(publicity).

from page 6

Here’s the Taste of Italy menu

Giovanni Frijia was one of the volunteers in charge of deep frying thecalamari (squid) in the ICC kitchen at the 2014 Taste of Italy. Calamari isalways one of the favorite items on the menu. (Times photo by TomHemman)

The story of Italian Americansis your family’s story

By George KoleasIn February, “The Italian Americans” was televised on the Public

Broadcasting System (PBS). The documentary also included “StoriaItaliana: Milwaukee” which covered the 150 year history of the Italian com-munity in Milwaukee. I hope that you watched these special programs. Ifyou missed them, you can still watch “The Italian Americans” at:http://video.pbs.org/program/italian-americans/ and “Storia Italiana:Milwaukee” at http://www.mptv.org/video/.The story of Italians in America is made up of individual Italian family

histories. If you watched the PBS documentary, you saw the problems inItaly that led to the great migration to the United States; the discrimina-tion faced by individual Italian Americans; the harsh working conditionsthey endured; the hardships of those immigrants and their families theyleft behind; the lives of Italian Americans before, during and after WorldWars I and II; the discrimination faced by West Coast Italian Americans,who were labeled as enemy aliens, rounded up and taken to internmentcamps and later released; the experiences of Italian American soldiers andsailors; and the years after the war to the present day.The Italian American genealogy mailing lists and Facebook pages I fol-

low became very active after the airing of the documentary, as many ofthose who lived through these years shared their experiences or wereinspired to ask questions to learn about their immigrant ancestors. Myhope is that watching these programs will inspire you to preserve the mem-ories of your Italian immigrant ancestors and to pass their stories on tofuture generations.Our Italian immigrant ancestors were notoriously closed mouthed about

their lives and families in Italy. They wanted to assimilate and becomeAmericans. Because of this, they rarely spoke about their villages and fam-ilies left behind. However, occasionally they did share some of the informa-tion or did tell some of the stories. And if told to you, you were given agreat gift. It is up you to record the information you were given. If you donot record or pass it on, it will be lost to your children and their children’schildren. Please do not let this happen. Our ancestors are calling out to usto remember them and their experiences. Now is the time to answer theircall and to preserve your Italian family’s history.To learn more about the Italian American experience, you can read the

following books:• Milwaukee’s Italians: The Early Years by Mario A. Carini, the Italian

Community Center Historian and author of the book.• Italian Milwaukee (Images of America) Paperback By Martin Hintz

(Author), Mario A. Carini (Introduction) ISBN-10: 073853353X, ISBN-13:978-0738533537.• Milwaukee’s Italian Heritage:: Mediterranean Roots in Midwestern

Soil by Anthony M. Zignego (Author) ISBN-13: 978-1596298361 ISBN-10:1596298367.

• Milwaukee’s Brady Street Neighborhood (Images of America) byFrank D. Alioto (Author) ISBN-10: 0738551740, ISBN-13: 978-0738551746.To learn more about researching and recording your Italian family his-

tory, you can read the following books:

•Italian Genealogical Records: How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical &Other Records in Family History Research by Trafford R Cole (Author)ISBN-10: 0916489582, ISBN-13: 978-0916489588.• Finding Your Italian Roots. The Complete Guide for Americans. by

John Philip Colletta (Author) ISBN-10: 0806313935, ISBN-13: 978-0806313931.• They Came in Ships: Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor’s Arrival

Record by John Philip Colletta (Author) ISBN-13: 978-0916489373 ISBN-10: 091648937X.You can also find information on the Internet about researching your

family history at: https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Italy. Online les-sons are available at: https://familysearch.org/ learningcen-ter/results.html?fq=place%3A%22Italy%22. You can begin your researchat: https://familysearch.org/ . Click on “search”, enter a name and what youknow to get started.You are invited to attend the next meeting of the Italian Family History

Club on Saturday, Apr. 25, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E.Chicago St., Milwaukee, starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 12:00p.m.. You can learn about researching your Italian family and talk to peo-ple who are currently researching their own families. The Italian FamilyHistory Club also known as Pursuing Our Italian Names Together,Chapter 22 and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society’s Italian AreaInterest Group. Please feel free to bring guests.The club welcomes anyone with an interest in Italian family history. If

you can’t attend this meeting, please mark your calendar for the club’sother meetings in 2015, which are on Saturdays, Sept. 19 and Nov. 14, atthe same time and location. If you have any questions or need additionalinformation, please feel free to contact me, George Koleas by e-mail [email protected] or by calling (262) 251-7216 after 7 p.m.

To the Carnevale Committee:Many thanks for honoring us

as Nonno and Nonna. All of youdid an outstanding job of makingit a magical night for all to enjoy.We would also like to thank

those who acknowledged us in theCarnevale program book: our chil-dren and grandchildren, Ray andCarol Martinez, Tony and LenaZingale, Bill and KarenDickinson, Anna Pitzo, Jim and

Marie Schwindt, Bea Ceraso,George and Gina Manning,Charlie and Doris Evans, Sal andAntonette Lo Coco, C.W. Purpero,Inc. (Phil and Sam), Glorioso’sItalian Market and Glorioso’sGold Imports, Giuseppe Vella,Rosemary DeRubertis, JoanneCzubek and Vinnie Besasie.

Love and hugs,Tony and Barbara Lupo

Nonno and Nonna Tony andBarbara Lupo say thanks to

Carnevale Committee

APRIL 2015 – PAGE 7


Lose those winter blues with the ICC’sfree ‘Spring Fever Music Series’

• Apr. 16 – Larry Lynne Band.• Apr. 30 – Tom Anthony Group.• May 7 – The Classics (featur-

ing members of the Doo-WopDaddies).• May 21 – Bob Hirschi &

Groove Therapy.• May 28 – Tom Anthony Group.There will be no shows on

Tuesdays, Apr. 14 and 28, andThursdays, Apr. 23 and May 14since the Festa Ballroom is bookedfor private functions.

April actsHere’s something about each of

the groups performing in April. Ournext issue will feature the May per-formers.The Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz,

which kicks off the Spring FeverMusic Series on Apr. 2, is a 10-piece band with three vocalists. Thegroup covers rock and rhythm andblues hits from the late ‘50s totoday. Elvis Presley, BruceSpringsteen, Ray Charles, TheTemptations, Pat Benatar, JoeCocker, The Supremes, AmyWinehouse, Chicago and Santanaare just some of the hit performersthe band covers. ICC member andartist Laura Easey-Jones is one ofthe vocalists. In the ICC galleria,Laura painted the reproductions ofparts of Michelangelo’s work donein the Sistine Chapel in VaticanCity.Reverend Raven & The

Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys hasbeen bringing crowds to their feetat the hardest to please and sophis-ticated night clubs in the Midwestfor many years. The band plays tra-ditional blues straight up with abig dose of passion. With smokinggrooves, served up with hot har-monica and smooth stinging guitar,

they play original songs pepperedwith nods to Slim Harpo, LittleWalter, Jimmy Rogers, Billy BoyArnold, Junior Wells and the threeKings of blues.Bob Hirschi & Groove

Therapy presents one of south-eastern Wisconsin’s hottest hornshows. The band covers the best inrock, soul, R&B, pop and more inthe style of the classic horn bands,from Chicago and Blood, Sweat &Tears to Sinatra, Billy Joel andStevie Wonder. Hirschi was one ofthe original vocalists in the OldiesBut Goodies Spectacular.Larry Lynne Band promises a

unique variety show that consistsof rock, country-rock, blues andclassic favorites from the ‘50s andtoday’s chart-toppers. The band hasbeen together since 2009, but itsleader, Larry Lynne, known as“Milwaukee’s Godfather of Rockand Roll,” has been making musicsince the 1960s. He led the bandThe Skunks, which released the

song “Elvira” in 1965, long beforethe Oak Ridge Boys made it a #1hit. The Skunks followed up with aBillboard Hot 100 hit, “IRecommend Her.”Chris Mariani Band presents

the swinging sounds made famousby jazz and pop stars such as FrankSinatra, Dean Martin, TonyBennett, Harry Connick, Jr. andMichael Buble. The band has per-formed throughout the Midwest atclubs, festivals and social events.For more information, visit: chris-mariani.com.The Tom Anthony Group per-

forms the best of good-time rock

and roll, pop and country. The vari-ety of songs sung by Tom Anthonyand backed by expert musiciansTom Sorce (guitar), Brian Ford(drums), Jim Sodke and MikeHetzel (keyboards) is virtually abest of series of hits from the 1950sto today. Tom Anthony and compa-ny performed at Roma Lodge inRacine this past New Year’s Eve.Anthony was elected a MilwaukeeCounty Supervisor in 2013. Expectthis group’s shows to fill the houseon Apr. 30 and May 28.

The Noyz Boyz & Grylz will open the Spring Fever Music Series.

from page 1

Reverend Raven (Photo by Chuck Ryan Photography Bob Hirschi & Groove Therapy

The Larry Lynne Band

Tom Anthony (right) performing with Tom Sorce

Chris Mariani

The Pompeii Men’s Club willhold its annual Good Friday FishFry Buffet at the ItalianCommunity Center on Apr. 3, 2015.Your attendance is key to the suc-cess of the event.The buffet serves as the organi-

zation’s biggest fund-raiser, andnet proceeds benefit its extensivecharitable giving in the community.This is an all-you-can-eat buffet

and will be served from 4 to 7:30p.m. The cost will be $13 for adults,$7 for children ages 4 to 10 andfree for youngsters age 3 andunder.Available on the buffet will be

breaded and baked cod, potato pan-cakes, baked potatoes, French fries,popcorn shrimp, mostaccioli withred sauce, coleslaw, tossed saladwith various dressings, Italianbread, watermelon wedges, coffee,tea or milk and dessert.Free parking will be available in

the lot south of the building.As usual, the event will feature

a money raffle. The cash prizes are:1st - $300, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $150,4th - $100, 5th - $75, 6th and 7th -$50 each and 8th – 10th - $25 each.Raffle tickets will be $2 each orseven for $10 and can be purchasedat the ICC office reception desk or

by contacting club president TonyBaudo at 414-324-6347 or John A.Sanfilippo at 414-282-2667. Ticketswill also be sold at the Good Fridayevent.There will also be opportunity

baskets to bid on and a 50/50 cashraffle.The Pompeii Men’s Club Fish

Fry is one of Milwaukee’s bestattended on Good Friday.The Pompeii Men’s Club chari-

table outreach has benefited theItalian Community Center alongwith several other local organiza-tions, among them the SojournerTruth House, Children’s Hospitalof Wisconsin, the Ronald McDonaldHouse, the MACC Fund andSpecial Olympics of SoutheasternWisconsin.The club also has strong ties to

Three Holy Women Parish. It wasfounded by members of the BlessedVirgin of Pompeii Church, thepredecessor to St. Rita of CasciaChurch on Cass Street.


WISITALIA PROUDLY ANNOUNCESTHE 2015 ITALIAN TEACHER OF THE YEARSTEVE FALSETTI, FIFTH GRADE TEACHER,

VICTORY SCHOOL IN MILWAUKEE

MR. FALSETTI ALONG WITHTOM BALISTRERI, WISITALIA 2015 PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT, AND

ANNA PITZO, WISITALIA 2015 ITALIAN CULTURAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD RECIPIENT,WILL BE FORMALLY RECOGNIZED AT THE

2015 WISITALIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR BANQUET.

WISITALIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR BANQUETSATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER631 E. CHICAGO STREETMILWAUKEE, WI 53202

RECEPTION AT 5:00 PM, DINNER AT 6:00 P.M.ENTREE SELECTION: CHICKEN PARMIGIANA OR COD OR PASTA MOSTACCIOLI

COST PER PERSON: $45.00CHECKS ARE PAYABLE TO: WISITALIA TEACHER 2015, AND MUST BE SENT TO:

WISITALIA 2015c/o FRANK ALFANO

4809 ELDORADO LANEMADISON, WI 53716

RESERVATIONS DUE: SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (608) 222-0747

Support the PompeiiMen’s Club by comingto Good Friday Fish Fry

Plan to attend PompeiiWomen’s Club Palm

Sunday Breakfast at ICC

Correctingerrors in ourMarch issueThere were a couple of errors

that were made in the March2015 issue for which we wouldlike to offer apologies.In a caption under the photo

of Joe and Ann Zambito on page,we had their last name asZingale. We deeply regret andapologize for this error. It shouldhave been caught in the proof-reading stage.Due to errant information

provided to The Italian Times,an error occurred in the articleon the Pompeii Women’s ClubPalm Sunday Breakfast Buffeton page 6. The cost of a buffetfor a child between the ages of 4and 12, is actually $5.50 (not$5). If you are reading thisbefore Palm Sunday, Mar, 29,and are planning to come to theclub’s fund-raising breakfast,the $5.50 cost will be charged.

The Pompeii Women’s Clubtakes great pride and pleasure inpresenting its 17th annual “PalmSunday All-You-Can-Eat BreakfastBuffet” at the Italian CommunityCenter this Sunday, Mar. 29.As in the past, this will be a

walk-in affair with no pre-reserva-tions. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. The costs are: $10 for adultsand $5.50 for children ages 4 to 12.Children, age 3 and younger, caneat for free.The event will take place in the

Pompeii Grand Ballroom. TheItalian Conference Center’s culi-nary staff is prepared all of thefood.Free parking will be available in

the lot south of the ICC’s mainentrance.Highlights of this day will

include a bake sale featuring home-made items and various raffles forinteresting prizes.Fun activities for children will

include face painting, coloring con-

tests for prizes and posing for pic-tures with the Easter Bunny.Please use your own electronicdevice (cell phone, pad or tablet) totake the pictures.“We hope to see all of you there

on Palm Sunday, March 29th,”President Pat Consolazione said.“We thank you in advance for help-ing us to raise the funds necessaryto continue our monetary donationsfor grade school scholarships andvarious charitable organizationsworthy of financial aid this year.”For many years, ICC has been

one of the beneficiaries of the orga-nization’s charitable giving.An error in the price for the

meal for children (age 4 to 12) wasgiven to The Italian Times for thearticle that appeared in the Marchissue. Please note that the correctis reported in this article ($5.50)and will be charged the day of theevent. We apologize for the error.

– Mary WinardPublicity Chairperson

Italy’s oldestGood Friday

procession believedto be in Chieti

Processions are commonplace inItaly on Good Friday. The oldest ofthese is believed to be the one con-ducted in Chieti (Abruzzo), oncethe Roman town of Taete.Legend has it the town was

founded by Achilles and named forhis mother, Tetis.Each year, with the participants

(men and children only) wearingmasks and dressed in the colors oftheir parish, the procession windsits way through the torch-linedstreets of the town.They are accompanied by a

choir and over 100 violin playersperforming the haunting music of“Miserere” by Savario Selecchi.


Let’s not forget the Italian Americanswho have made significant contributionsto the city and county of Milwaukee

By Anthony BusalacchiI was raised in a Sicilian-

American home. My father,Stephen, was a Busalacchi-Balestrieri, and my mother was aBellante-Machi. Dad’s family set-tled in Milwaukee in 1893 in theold Third Ward, and mom’s familysettled in the 1890’s in NorthBeach, San Francisco. I was taughtto be proud of my ancestry, whichgoes back to the Phoenicians,Greeks, Romans, Moors and theNormans.Although I was raised in Bay

View, it was not in its Little Italy,which was the home of Fr. JamesGroppi, the famous civil rightsleader, and Dan Cupertino, theinfluential member of theMilwaukee County Board.Although the majority of myfriends were Irish and German, weall came from blue-collar working-class families, and I experiencedminimal prejudice.The Sisters of Joan Antida start-

ed a grade school above St. Rita’schurch and then built the highlyrespected St. Joan Antida HighSchool for girls. I began my educa-tion in their kindergarten and wenton to be the first full-bloodedItalian-American to twice win city-wide races for the MilwaukeePublic School Board and serve asits president. I was also elected tothe Whitefish Bay School andVillage Boards.After watching the four–hour

PBS Special on Italian-Americansand MPTV’s local one-hour special,I felt more had to be said about theItalian-Americans in the greaterMilwaukee area. To start with, theMafia, as usual, had to be men-tioned, but on the other hand, let’salso mention some Italian-American who have been elected asjudges. The list includes ClareFiorenza, Mary Triggiano, WilliamJennaro, and John DiMotto in the

Milwaukee County Circuit Courts,and Louis Ceci, the first Italian-American justice on the WisconsinSupreme Court. The late well-known attorney Dominic Frinzi,opera lover and president ofHarness Horsemen Internationalwas named Cavaliere by theItalian government. The firstItalian-American to rise above ser-geant in the Milwaukee PoliceDepartment was Inspector AndrewBusalacchi, the third highest rank-ing on the force.The MPTV show briefly men-

tioned the Florentine OperaCompany, but I feel John Anelloshould not have been forgotten asits founder and conductor. TheTarantella was shown, whichbrought to mind the MilwaukeeBallet’s conductor Daniel Forlano,whose tenure lasted until hisuntimely demise. Also speaking ofopera, soprano JosephineBusalacchi was the firstWisconsinite to win theMetropolitan Midwest Auditions,later touring with the BorisGoldovsky Opera Company asTosca opposite Sheryl Milnes. Inthe Milwaukee Symphony, fordecades, the principal bass playerwas Roger Ruggeri, who still writesthe program notes. On the theatrescene, we have the premiere lead-ing lady Angela Iannone and DavidCescarini, who founded the highlyrespected Next Act Theatre.Francisco Spicuzza was the first

local artist of prominence; hispaintings are to be found in all ofthe great houses and offices ofMilwaukee. Many of these grandhomes and churches are decoratedby the Orlandini family’s ornamen-tal plasterwork. Although, notMilwaukeeans, Italian artists wereresponsible for decorating the inte-rior of St. Josaphat’s Basilica andcreating the mosaics for St Sava’sOrthodox Cathedral.

The award-winning Bartolottafamily has shown culinary expert-ise in their numerous top-ratedrestaurants, and Sandy D’Amato’sSanford’s was recognized by Zagatas one of the top 11 restaurants inthe nation.Glorioso’s Italian Market is the

cornerstone of Italian food, and theBalistreris’ Sendiks markets haveblanketed the area with their top-quality supermarkets. In Bay View,Groppi’s market was the center ofthat Italian community. Althoughtoday we talk of Sciortino’s Bakery,one of the first local bakeries to bebought by a national corporationwas Gardetto’s.In the area of medical research

we have the nationally renownedDr. Antonuono for his work onAlzheimer’s. Many are not awarethat for many seasons the CityClerk was Ray Asti Markey, whowas extremely proud of his Italianheritage.Let’s not forget, the South Side

native Dennis Conta, the progres-sive member of the State Assembly.Frank Busalacchi served variouslyas president of the Teamsters,State Secretary of Transportationand was in charge of the construc-tion of Miller Park. By the way,another Italian-American impact-ing our community, although not aMilwaukeean, is Mark Attanasio,the owner of the Brewers.Although a small minority of

about 4% in Milwaukee County, theItalian-Americans are to be proudof the many contributions theyhave made and continue to make tothe greater Milwaukee area.

Anthony Busalacchi

By Blaise DiPronioWhen I was growing up in the

‘50s and ‘60s, I was always proudof being known as an Italian-American and of Latin heritage –especially the Latin part whichback then did not summon upimages of scholars of the ancientlanguage but rather of the Latinlovers of renown such as Casanova,Don Giovanni (Don Juan),Valentino, Mastroianni, et al(Latin for “all the others,” albeit aquestionable inclusion in my case).Yes, the Latins were at one

time uniquely and solely Italianand rightfully so. But then, atsome point, that so Italian vowel‘o’ was added and the subterfugeset in. How did that happen?Latin originally referred to the

native or inhabitant of the Latium(modern day Lazio) region of cen-tral Italy of which Rome was andstill is the capital. Latin was theirlanguage and that of the Romancivilization and portions of theirEmpire. Thus, Latins were ancientRomans and their Latin languageevolved into modern Italian andinto the sister Romance (from‘Roman’ for those of you withamorous thoughts) languages of

French, Spanish and Portugueseand, eventually, also not-so-romantic English with a substan-tial number of its words rooted inLatin.Historians have always had an

affinity to identify broad sectionsof Europe with all-inclusive namesand so the Anglo-Saxon islands,northern Teutonic and SlavicEurope and, most important forour discussion, southern LatinEurope – where the RomanEmpire emanated from, which, ofcourse, included Spain.So, over time, Latin became

Latino and Latino began to con-note Spain, Spanish and Hispanicand our Latin was forever misap-propriated and then absconded tothe Americas. Even though manycontest the term as being mislead-ing since no Latino nationalityexists because there is no Latinostate, it has now become ademonym-a name given to a peo-ple of a place. But where exactly isthat Latino place?In the 1970s, as indicated in

the 1970 Census, the termHispanic and not Latino was stillbeing used to describe those whoseoriginal language was Spanish

even thought the term Hispanicrealistically referred to theSpanish from Spain people. Butover time, the Spanish referencewas diluted by the many differentraces and their combinations andintermingling especially in themany nations of Central andSouth America which had beenpart of the Spanish Empire. Andso, Latino was beginning to referto people from Spanish speakingplaces but now, specifically tothose places and people emanatingfrom the Americas and not neces-sarily from Spain itself.Eventually, the United States.

government officially adopted theterm Latino and combined it withHispanic as now describing theHispanic/Latino ethnic group andit is so used for Census and identi-fication purposes.So that’s how Italians lost

Latino but, in all consolation anddeference, we still retained theadjective Latin and its mostimportant and still widely accept-ed connotation and associationand the only one that really countsand if you don’t know which onethat is, go reread that first sen-tence up above.

Give me an ‘O’ICC Historian

Carini wants highschool yearbooks,other memorabiliaDon’t throw away your old high

school yearbooks or other memora-bilia. If you attended a high schoolin Milwaukee County or surround-ing counties, Italian CommunityCenter Historian Mario A. Cariniis interested in using the year-books and other high school memo-rabilia for furthering his researchon local Italian Americans.Carini will deposit the year-

books and memorabilia at theMilwaukee County HistoricalSociety for safekeeping after hecompletes his research.“These can be yearbooks and

memorabilia from public, Catholicor private high schools,” Carinisaid.Yearbooks and memorabilia can

be dropped off at the receptiondesk in the main office of the ICC.Please include a note with yourname and phone number so Cariniknows who made the donation.


Spotlight on Cultural ArtsAward winners can be viewed Apr. 24-26 inItalian Film Festival at UWM Union TheaterSeven award-winning and high-

ly praised films from Italy will beshown for the first time inMilwaukee at the ninth annualItalian Film Festival Apr. 24-26 atthe University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Union Theater,Kenwood Blvd. and Maryland Ave.Admission, as always, is free. All

the films are in Italian withEnglish subtitles.The films range from hilarious

comedies like “Song ‘e Napule,” inwhich an innocent pianist tries tocatch a mobster, to “In Quiet Bliss,”which explores the lives of threegenerations of women in a smalltown, to “Gold Will Set You Free,” adocumentary about Jews in Romeduring World War II.“We are very excited about the

lineup for this year’s festival,” saidPaul Salsini, chair of the committeethat selects the films. “Each ofthem has a broad appeal and eachrepresents the best in Italian filmmaking today.”The Italian Film Festival began

in Milwaukee in 2007 and is nowone of 11 such festivals around thecountry. The festivals are coordi-nated by Italian Film FestivalsUSA out of St. Louis.“Last year’s festival,” Salsini

said, “was the most successful ever,with a record attendance of 1,114.We understand this was a greaterattendance than any of the otherfilm festivals held at the UnionTheater.”Here is the lineup for this year.• Friday, Apr. 24, 7 p.m. – “A

Golden Boy” • “Un Ragazzo d’Oro.”Film Sponsor: The ItalianCommunity Center. (Director, PupiAvati, Drama, 2014, 102 min.)

Davide is a copywriter whosedream is to write something beauti-ful, truly wonderful. But he suffersfrom anxiety and lack of satisfac-tion. Will he overcome his insecuri-ties and fulfill his dream?• Friday, Apr. 24, 9 p.m. “Song

‘e Napule.” (Directors, AntonioManetti and Marco Manetti,Comedy, 2013,114 min.) Thanks tohis mother, Paco, a classicallytrained pianist, lands a safe job atthe police department’s warehouse.But he is called upon to use hismusical talents to catch one of themost notorious and elusive organ-ized crime leaders.Saturday, Apr. 25, 5 p.m. “The

Chair of Happiness.”• “La Sediadella Felicità.” (Director, CarloMazzacurati, Comedy, 2014, 94min.) A cosmetologist, a tattooartist and a priest are rivals atfirst, then allies, in a hilariousadventure full of twists and turnsfrom the Venetian Lagoon to thesnow-capped peaks of theDolomites – all to find mysterioustreasure hidden in a chair.Saturday, Apr. 25, 7 p.m.,

“L’Arbitro”• “The Referee.” FilmSponsor: David A. Paris, D.D.S., SC(Director, Paolo Zucca, Comedy,2013, 90 min.) The parallel storiesof Atletico Pabarile, the worst soc-cer team in the Sardinian bushleague, and Cruciani, a professionalreferee whose ambition is to rise tothe international level. Award win-ning actor Stefano Accorsi stars.Saturday, Apr. 25, 9 p.m., “See

You Tomorrow” • “Ci VediamoDomani.” (Director, AndreaZaccariello; Comedy, 2013, 103min.) Marcello Santilli is constantlysearching for a big break, but his

get-rich schemes always end in fail-ure. One day he reads of a smalltown in the mountains of Apuliathat is inhabited only by ultra-octo-genarians and concocts a surefireplan. Will Marcello finally findfinancial success?Sunday, Apr. 26, 5:30 p.m. “Gold

Will Set You Free”• “Oro MachtFrei.” (Director, Jeffrey Bonna,Documentary, 2013, 70 min.)Weaving testimony from nineRoman Jews together with histori-cal research by renowned scholars,the film tells the story of theRoman Jewish experience duringthe Nazi occupation of Rome, 1943-1944.Sunday, Apr. 26, “Quiet Bliss” •

In Grazia di Dio.” (Director,

Edoardo Winspeare, Drama, 2014,127 min.) The story of four women– a grandmother, her two daugh-ters and granddaughter – in asmall town in the region of Salento,during the economic crisis.Patrons are invited to come to

one or two or three or all. Parkingis available in the UWM Union lot.Local sponsors who make the

film festival possible include theItalian Community Center, Dr.David Paris, D.D.S., TransferPizzeria Café, Dean Cannestra’sDivino Wine & Dine and NessunDorma restaurants, and theUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.For more information, visit:

www.italianfilmfests.org.

A hilarious adventure full of twists and turns awaits those who attend thefree showing “La Sedia della Felicità,” one of the films to be presented atthe Italian Film Festival in the UWM Union Theater, Apr. 24-26.

Gaetano Donizetti was knownfor both his Opera Buffa (ComicOpera) and Opera Seria(Serious/Dramatic Opera) such ashis tragic tale of Lucia diLammermoor. His L’Elisird’Amore (Elixir of Love) is anexample of the former: a comicbut sentimental opera which firstpremiered in 1832.

Milwaukee’s Florentine OperaCompany (florentineopera.org414-292-5700) will be closing outits season with performances ofthis romantic comedy on May 8and 10. Since following the plot ofsome of these comic operas can bea little confusing, the following isa short synopsis to help you along.It is written in a style keepingwith the comedic spirit of theopera.

Nemorino is a poor peasantwho is lovestruck with the beauti-ful landowner, Adina. Clearly acase of being on the wrong side ofthe track. In fact, his name means‘a little nobody’ as it comes fromthe Latin nemo (nobody). But loveis blind. As he moves forward inhis pursuit, he has occasion tooverhear her description to someworkers of a romantic book she’sreading that involves the use of amagic love potion. Nemorino, ofcourse, decides he’s got to get

some so he can then use it onAdina.A Sergeant Belcore arrives on

the scene, He introduces himselfto Adina and promptly asks her tomarry him. Talk about marriageproposal at first sight. She is in nohurry to marry but she’ll give itsome thought she says. On top ofthat, she tells the distraughtNemorino that he is better off tak-ing care of his sick uncle and thathe should follow her example andplay the field when it comes tolove. She brags that she wants adifferent lover everyday.

The quintessential travelingsnake oil salesman/doctor namedDulcamarca arrives in town. Hisname gives a kind of flavor to thisopera’s theme in that it derivesfrom the Latin sweet (dulce) andsour (amara). He brings with himhis cure – all potions includingthe “love potion” the poor but notvery smart Nemorino was wishingfor. He uses up his meager sav-ings to buy the potion which weknow is a bottle of cheap winewhich he immediately proceeds tofinish off after being warned bythe ‘good doctor’ Dulcamarca,wisely planning his safe escapefrom town, that its effect wouldnot kick until the next day.

Anthony Crivello comingto Chicago to star in‘Louis and Keely Live

at the Sahara’Anthony Crivello, a diverse

actor and singer on stage, TV andfilms for over 40 years, is returningto the Midwest to portray thefamous musical jazz legend, LouisPrima, live on stage at the RoyalGeorge Theatre in Chicago fromMar. 27 to May 3.Crivello has won numerous

prestigious theatre awards for hisportrayals in the U.S. and Canada,including Broadway roles in Kiss ofthe Spider Woman (Tony Award);original cast of Les Miserables, Chein Evita, and in recent years, hiscareer peaked in the title role ofPhantom of the Opera at theVenetian Hotel in Las Vegas.He was born and raised in

Milwaukee and is the son of ICCmember Josephine Crivello and thelate Hank Crivello, who for decadeswas a sought after soloist inMilwaukee’s Italian communityevents.Louis Prima and Keely Smith

were an American musical sensa-tion in the ‘50s and ‘60s, virtuallypioneering the “lounge act” in LasVegas. “Louis and Keely Live at theSahara” is an original musical lovestory featuring many of the duo’s

greatest hits including: That Ol’Black Magic; Hey Boy, Hey Girl;What Is This Thing Called Love;Night Train; Ai, Ai, Ai; I Can’tBelieve You’re in Love With Me.If interested in attending this

entertaining show and also do afull luncheon on Wednesday, Apr.29, please contact ICC memberMary Gilardi at 414-871-9783.

Anthony Crivello

Love potion number…By Blaise DiPronio


We met Giacomo Leopardi(1798-1837) in earlier columns andlearned about his unhappy, unful-filled life. He is described as theunhappiest as well as the greatestpoet of his age, an age whenRomanticism and its emphasis onthe poet’s feelings was at its peak.One could regard his collectedpoems, I Canti, as a symphony inthree movements. The first speaksof his youth when hope and faithinspired him to sing of love andpatriotism. The second has as leit-motif (recurring theme) pessimisticuniversal sorrow, disillusion andmelancholy. The elegiacal nocturne(mournful, gloomy poem) belowcomes from the third movementand was composed in Naples short-ly before his death at the young ageof 39. It is his last lament over hislost youth.

Il tramonto della lunaDi Giacomo Leopardi….Voi, collinette e piagge,caduto lo splendor che all’occidenteinargentava della notte il velo,orfane ancor gran temponon resterete; ché dall’altra partetosto vedrete il cieloimbiancar nuovamente, e sorgerl’alba;alla qual poscia seguitando il sole,e folgorando intornocon sue fiamme possenti,di luci torrentiinonderà con voi gli eterei campi.

Ma la vita mortal, poi che la bellagiovinezza sparì, non si colorad’altra luce giammai, nè d’altraaurora.

Vedova è insino al fine; ed allanotteche l’altre etadi oscura,segno poser gli Dei la sepoltura.

MoonsetBy Giacomo Leopardi…You, hills and shores,when the splendor in the westthat made the night’s veil silveryhas faded,you will not remain orphans forlong:for from the other side you’ll see theskybecome bright anew and dawnarise:then the sun will quickly followand, shining around with its power-ful flames,it will flood you and the eternalfieldswith torrents of light.But mortal life, now that lovelyyouth has fled, will not be coloredwith new light or new dawn.It remains bereft to the end sincein the night that darkens old age,the gods have set the tomb as its goal.

– Translated by BarbaraCollignon and Roberto Ciampi

But the wine does have its usualeffect and the slightly inebriatedNemorino plays hard to get withAdina since tomorrow she’ll be hisanyway due to the potion’s timerelease effect. But she takes himseriously and to punish him, she

begins to flirt with the sergeantand suddenly accepts his proposalto marry but immediately sincehe’s been ordered back to his bar-racks. Nemorino begs for time, butto not avail. For him, it’s back tothe doctor for a new, faster actingprescription.

A pre wedding feast ensues. butAdina delays the actual weddingceremony as she wants Nemorinoto be present. He, in turn, is stuckas he has no more money for theextra potion. Sergeant Belcore con-vinces him to join the army and usethe sign up bonus to finance thepurchase- this way the cunningBelcore can get rid of his rival bysending him off to war.In the interim, Nemorino’s sick

uncle dies and leaves him a for-tune, causing a bunch of nearbygirls to swarm over the newly rich,drunken peasant. This causesAdina to get jealous. But since shefound out from Dulcamarca aboutthe potion deal, she’s also moved tosecretive tears as she now realizeshe was willing to risk his life in thearmy in order to get potion to makeher love him. Nemorino notices ahidden tear, but he still takes offwith the girls but this also leads tohis eventually singing the popularand moving tenor aria: UnaFurtiva Lacrima (AFurtive/Secretive Tear).At this point, Dulcamarca tries

to sell Adina some potion to use onNemorino, but she refuses sayingshe’ll get him back in her ownways. In fact, she buys back hisenlistment contract and refunds hissign up bonus. She tells this toNemorino who is he’s still trying tobe a little indifferent while stillwaiting for the effects of the potionto kick in but she finally caves andconfesses her love to him and theythen kiss and go about happily,arm in arm. This causes Belcore totake leave as he states that thereare thousands of women just wait-ing for him-no potion needed, thankyou! And, of course, the ever slyDulcamarca sets out to sell morepotion to the gullible townspeopleas he now has absolute proof that itworks and, as an added bonus, peo-ple, it can also turn you into a mil-lionaire!


L’Angolo del PoetaPrepared by Barbara Collignon and Roberto Ciampi

CafeLa Scala wants tomakelunchyourfavoritemeal of theday!

Nowavailable a different lunchbuffetMonday throughFriday, 11am -2pm for just $8.50per person!

Monday –TexMex:Black bean salad, soft flour torillas, crispycorn torillas, groundbeef, grilled chicken, shredded lettuce,chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, chickenenchiladas, rice andbeans.Tuesday – PastaAbbondanza:Caesar salad, Italian pasta salad,lasagna, eggplant parmesan, pennapasta,meatballs, tomatobasil sauce,Alfredo sauce.Wednesday – SouthernBBQ:Cobb salad, cole slaw, pulledpork shoulder,Mississippi roast beef,mac and cheese,fried potatowedges, cornbread.Thursday – Italian:Antipasto, rice balls, pasta alla eggplant,chickenFlorentine,minestrone soup, sautèed cauliflower.Friday – FishFry: Tossed salad, tuna pasta salad, baked cod,fried cod, French fries, parsley boiled potatoes, potatopancakes.Alsotry CafeLa Scala’s new lunchanddinnermenu,includingourfamous pizza,withyourfavoritebeverage!Cafe La Scala is openMonday throughSaturday or Lunch, 11am -2pm; and forDinner: 5pm -9pm,Monday-Thursday, 4:30pm,Friday and5pm-10pm, Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Cafe La Scala at the ItalianCommunityCenter631E.Chicago St.,Milwaukee• FreeParking(414)223-2185•www.LaScalaMilwaukee.com

Look for a story on Cafe La Scala new menu in our nextissue! In the meantime, stop in and try stop it!

Love potion number…from page 11

Have something to sell thatmight interest readers of The

Italian Times? Consider placingan ad in our next issue. To getinformation on ad sizes and

costs, please call(414) 223-2180 or [email protected].


ICC ‘AnnualDonors Society’

updateAn appeal to Italian Community

Center members to support theorganization through its “AnnualDonor Society” has resulted in$19,961.37 in pledges as of Mar. 10,2015.

The ICC is asking its membersto contribute for the continuationand growth of the organizationwhich they cherish and love and allthat it has come to stand for sinceits founding in 1978.

Like many nonprofit organiza-tions, the ICC wants to make thisan annual appeal to its members toensure that the organization canprosper for years to come. Memberswho participate will become part ofthe “Annual Donor Society.”

The pledge form is reprinted inthis issue.Categories of support are:

$5,000 (gold category pledge),$2,500 (silver category pledge),

$1,000, $750, $500, $250, $150 orother amount. All donations arewelcomed and appreciated. Alldonors will be recognized in TheItalian Times.

Contributions can be made bycheck or credit card. As an option,donors can contact the ICC office at414-223-2180 to set up a paymentplan.So far, two gold category

pledges have been made. Thosecame from Sam Purpero andEbbie and Joe Mangiamele .One silver category donationhas been made, coming fromJoseph John and Rose PurperoSpang.Listed below are the names of

the members who made a commit-ment to the “Annual Donor Society”between Feb. 8 and Mar. 10, 2015:• Bill and Karen Dickinson• Rosalie Greco• Anne De Leo

Thanks for your donationsto the Italian CommunityCenter building fund

The officers and directors of theItalian Community Center wish tothank and acknowledge all thosewho pledged, fulfilled a pledge orcontributed to the building fund.

To obtain information on how tomake a donation, please call 414-223-2808.

The following memorial dona-tions were received between Feb. 9and Mar. 10, 2015.

In memory of AntoinetteBalistreriMary Ann MaglioFrances FirleTony MachiPauline Cannestra

In memory of Primo AngeloDeToroTony Machi

In memory of JenniferHenningfeldTony Machi

In memory of Andrew MachiTony MachiSal MussomeliJimmy & Linda Spataro

In memory of Sam TralongoPauline Cannestra

What’s ina name?By Blaise DiPronio

“Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, menhave named you”* Or have they?She is the most revered and

well known painting in theworld. She was painted byItaly’s Leonardo Da Vinci in theearly 1500s. Da Vinci’s othericonic painting is The LastSupper, but we’ll save that othermasterpiece for another time.Mention her name and words

like expression, enigma, mysteryand, of course, smile soon follow.And rightly so, as no other facehas ever been so admired, stud-ied and debated. But what abouther name? Where did that comefrom? Was she a real person orjust imagined by Da Vinci?Yes, she was real. Yes, her

name was Lisa. She came fromthe well-known Gherardini fami-ly in Tuscany. Our Lisa marrieda wealthy silk merchant by thename of Francesco Del Giocondo.He commissioned the painting ofhis wife in celebration of thebirth of their second son andcompletion of their new house.As was the custom, owner-

ship of the painting remainedwith Da Vinci but it ended up inFrance after it was inherited byDa Vinci’s pupil, Salaí, but waslater bought by Francis I ofFrance and it has remainedthere since. It was first moved tothe Louvre museum in Parisafter the French Revolutionafter a brief stay in Napoleon’sbedroom in his Tuileries Palace.In 1911, an Italian employee

at the Louvre, a VincenzoPerugia, stole the painting andhid it in his apartment withintentions of returning it to Italywhere he thought it rightfully,albeit illegally, belonged. But hewas caught in 1913 while tryingto sell it to a gallery in Florence,and back to the Louvre she wentwhere it still hangs today underbulletproof glass.Back to the name. The Italian

word mona is the polite form ofaddress of a lady. Originally, thewords were ma (a contraction ofmia or ‘my’) donna (lady), simi-lar to my lady, madam orma’am. Ma donna becameMadonna, eventually leading toits contraction of mona.In her homeland of Italy, she

is actually known as LaGioconda (The Gioconda) whichis the feminine form (the “a” atthe end) of her married name ofGiocondo. But in Italian, la gio-conda also and literally meansthe “happy one,” clearly a coinci-dental reflection on that smile.Gioconda (gio is pronounced“joe”) is the root of many Englishwords such as jovial, jocund(jolly) and joke. So next time youhear a good “joke,” think of thebeautiful Gioconda smilingalong with you.* From a Nat King Cole song.


Mary Herro to receive Milwaukee CountySenior Citizen Hall of Fame Award at ICCMary (Fiorini) Herro, a longtime

active member and volunteer forthe Italian Community Center, willbe honored with a MilwaukeeCounty Senior Citizen Hall of FameAward on Friday, May 22.A ceremony and luncheon will

be held on Friday, May 22 at theICC. The Hall of Fame award andinduction ceremony is at 10 a.m.and is open to the public. An invita-tion-only luncheon will follow.Established in 1997 by the

Milwaukee County Department onAging, the Hall of Fame honors fiveoutstanding county seniors whohave served the community as vol-unteers and advocates on behalf ofthe elderly and have made signifi-cant contributions in the communi-ty. The Commission on Agingappoints a committee to reviewnominations for the Hall of FameAward. This committee recom-

mends five seniors from the appli-cants to be inducted into the Hall ofFame.For more than 30 years, Mary

Herro, accompanied by her latehusband, Louis, was extremelyactive in the ICC and FestaItaliana. The couple volunteered atthe ICC in numerous capacitiesincluding fish fries, senior citizenluncheons, bingo nights, the annual“A Taste of Italy,” holiday decorat-ing of building facilities and fornumerous other activities. ForFesta, they expressed their willing-ness to volunteer in many areas,including food and beverage ticketsales and the volunteer food tent, tohelp the festival succeed.One of Mary and Lou’s biggest

volunteer contributions was to helpwith the address labeling for themailing of this newspaper. “Theywere dedicated and reliable volun-

teers for many years, going back tothe mid 1980s when the ICC waslocated on Hackett Avenue,” TimesEditor Tom Hemman said.Mary continued to volunteer for

several years after her husband’sdeath in April of 2008.The ICC recognized the couple

for their dedication and commit-ment by naming them as theNonno and Nonna (royal grandpar-ents) of Il Grande Carnevale of2004.Today, Mary continues to be an

active volunteer at the Village atManor Park, where she resides.One of her activities is arrangingentertainment for the seniors wholive at the West Allis faculty.For more information about the

Milwaukee County Senior CitizenHall of Fame, visit the website:county.milwaukee.gov/HallofFame.Mary Herro

The following people became members of the Italian CommunityCenter between Feb. 9 and Mar. 9, 2015. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)

Mary Saggio of Grafton, WI

Michael Scicero of Milwaukee, WI

Rosalie M Sardina of Germantown, WI

Toni Kral of Brookfield, WI

Giorgio Argondizzo of Glenview, IL

Anna Guerrero of Milwaukee, WI

Curt Kluth of Milwaukee, WI

WWeellccoommee nneeww IIttaalliiaannCCoommmmuunniittyy

CCeenntteerr mmeemmbbeerrss!!

Earl Williams, Sr., a 17-yearemployee and lead banquet set-upman on the Italian ConferenceCenter staff, died unexpectedly onWednesday, Mar. 4 at the age of49.“Earl was a hard-working and

dedicated employee,” said LaurieBisesi, Business Manager. “Sincethe Conference Center is a seven-day a week operation, Earl oftenworked very early in the morning,late at night and on weekends:really, whenever he was needed toget the job done right for ourclients’ events.”During Festa Italiana, Earl

worked with other ConferenceCenter staff members in settingand taking down props and dis-plays and in the distribution areawhere supplies were dispensed forfood service operations.“On behalf of our staff, I wish to

extend our sympathies to Earl’sfamily and let them know all of usmiss him. He will be rememberedfondly,” Bisesi said.

Veteran ICC employeeEarl Williams dies

at age of 49

Right: Earl Williams is seen herehelping to make the delivery offood for the ICC sponsoredThanksgiving-style dinner for theless fortunate that was held at theOpen Door Cafe at St. John’sCathedral last November. TheItalian Conference Center orderedand prepared the food that wasserved at this event. (Times photoby Joe Spasiano)

Having dinner for up to 300 guests?

Entertain them at the Italian ConferenceCenter’s

FESTA BALLROOM.A gorgeous setting in which to enjoy great food!

The Italian Conference Centerin the Italian Community Center

631 E. Chicago St. (a block west of Summerfest)Call David or Gina at 414/223-2800 to

reserve your party or meeting space at the ICC.Visit: www.ItalianConference.com

Any member of the ItalianCommunity Center who has a changeof address is asked to notify the ICCpromptly so that mailings from theCenter are sent to the correct address.

Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulkrates to mail The Italian Times, theUnited States Postal Service is enti-tled to charge a fee (57¢) for eachnewspaper that is returned to the ICCand deemed undeliverable due to anincorrect address.

Even if you are temporarily awayfrom your permanent residence andare not receiving mail at that address,you need to notify the ICC of yourtemporary address so that your news-paper can be delivered to that addressand so that the ICC is not charged57¢ for each failed attempt to deliverthe publication to your permanentresidence.

“We’ve had a number of memberswho have gone to Florida or anotherwarm weather location for the winterand these people did not supply uswith their temporary change ofaddress; hence their newspaper wasreturned to the ICC with the servicefee due for each newspaper,” EditorTom Hemman said.

Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not for-warded to a new address, whichmeans those members who neglect toinform the ICC of their change ofaddress will not receive the newspa-per.

Please send change of addressinformation to: Italian CommunityCenter, 631 E. Chicago St.,Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 or emailConstance Jones [email protected] or callher at 414/223-2808.

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


Italian American singers still making their mark

YourSpecialOccasionDeservesOur

SpecialAttention.

Whether you're planning significant family functions -- reunions, christenings, bar or batmitzvahs, bridal or baby showers, or you're faced with organizing a last-minute event,such as a funeral breakfast . . .Or you want the perfect setting for a wedding reception or engagement or weddingrehearsal dinner, or your company is looking for an ideal location for a business or socialgathering . . .

the Italian Conference Center is your answer.Our Catering Director will work closely with you to make sure that every detail that goesinto a successful event is planned. And the food at the ICC! Ah, the food. Your guests willshower you with compliments after they've eaten the delicious meals prepared by our out-standing chefs and served by our friendly and efficient wait staff.Everything you need for a successful event is ready and waiting at the Italian ConferenceCenter. For assistance in scheduling and planning your event, call David or Kim Marie at414-223-2800 or visit: www.italian conference.com.

In the Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St., MilwaukeeFree parking • Handicapped accessible

Minutes from downtown and freeway access in theHistoric Third Ward

Italian American singers came into promi-nence with the birth of popular music in theearly 1940s. Now, eight decades later, Americansingers of Italian descent are still among themost popular on radio and in record sales.

Here’s a short list of the Italian Americanentertainers who first gained prominence.

• Tony Bennett (Anthony DominickBenedetto), born 1926, singer, accomplishedpainter.• Perry Como (Pierino Ronald Como), 1912-

2001, singer, film actor, TV host.• Don Cornell (Luigi Varlaro),1919-2004,

singer.• Vic Damone (Vito Rocco Farinola), born

1928, singer, actor, TV host.• Johnny Desmond (Giovanni Alfredo De

Simone), 1919-1985, singer.• Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), vandeville

star, radio personality, singer, film actor.• Eydie Gormè (Edith Gormezano) born 1928,

Jewish-Italian singing partner of SteveLawrence.• Buddy Greco (Armando Greco), born 1926,

singer, pianist.• Morgana King (Maria Grazia Morgana

Messina), born 1930, jazz singer, film actor.• Frankie Laine (Francesco Paolo LoVecchio),

1913-2007, singer.• Mario Lanza (1921-1959), singer, film and

TV actor,

• Dean Martin (Dino Paul Crocetti), 1917-1995, singer, film actor, TV host.• Al Martino (Alfred Cini), 1927-2009, singer,

film actor.• Louis Prima, 1910-1978, singer/songwriter,

actor, trumpeter, bandleader.• Jimmy Roselli (Michael John “Jimmy”

Roselli), 1925-2011, singer.• Frank Sinatra, 1915-1998, singer, film

actor, TV host.• Jerry Vale (Gennaro Luigi Vitaliano), born

1932, singer.• Carol Lawrence (Carolina Maria Laraia),

born 1932, singer, Broadway and stage actor.• Patti LuPone, born 1949, Broadway, stage

and TV actor.• Liza Minelli, born 1946, singer, Broadway,

stage and film actor.• Bobby Darrin, 1936–1973), born Walden

Robert Cassotto, singer/songwriter and actor.• Johnny Rivers (John Ramistella), born

1942), singer/songwriter, producer.An even shorter list of the top Italian

American entertainers since the 1980s includes::• Michael Bublè, born 1975, Canadian singer

(Italian parents).• Faith Evans, born 1973, singer/songwriter

and actress (Italian father).• Alicia Keys (Alicia Augello Cook), born

1981, singer/songwriter, musician (Italiangrandparents).• Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta), born

1986, singer/songwriter (Italian father).• Tim McGraw, born 1967, country music

singer (Italian grandfather).• Madonna (Madonna Ciccone), born 1958,

singer/songwriter, actor (Italian father).• Shakira (Shakira Ripolli), born 1977,

singer/songwriter, dancer (Italian grandparent).• Bruce Springsteen, born 1949,

singer/songwriter (Italian mother).• Jon Bon Jovi (John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.),

born 1962, lead singer of Bon Jovi (Italianfather).• Gwen Stefani, born 1969, singer/songwriter,

musician (Italian father)• Steven Tyler (Steven Victor Tallarico), born

1948, lead singer of Aerosmith (Italian grandfa-ther).• “Weird Al” Yankovic, born 1959, parodist,

comedy musician (Italian grandparent).• Natalie Merchant, born 1963,

singer/songwriter (Italian father).• Demi Lovato (Devonne “Demi” Lovato),

born 1992, singer/songwriter, musician, actor(Italian father).• Ani DiFranco, born 1970, singer/songwriter,

guitarist (Italian father).• Ariana Grande, born 1993, singer/song-

writer, actress. (grandfather born in Italy).• Nick Jonas, born 1992, Joe Jonas, born

1989, and Kevin Jonas, born 1987, members ofthe band Jonas Brothers (great-grandfather ofItalian descent).

Il Tricolore:The flag of

ItalyThe three vertical bands of

equal green, white and red makeItaly’s flag one of the most recog-nizable in the world. Commonlyknown as “il Tricolore,” the flagdesign has been in use since June16, 1946 and was officially adaptedby the country on Jan. 1, 1948.

Various other flags and coats ofarms were used around Italy sinceat least the 1200s, but the first ver-sion of the flag to use the tricolordesign was implemented in theReggio Emilia region on Jan. 7,1797 under the CispadaneRepublic.

Initially, the flag was a horizon-tal square with the red band at thetop, a gold trim and a centeremblem representing the fourprovinces that formed theCispadane Republic at the time(Modena, Bologna, Ferrara andReggio Emilia).

Rome’s 2,769thbirthday iscelebrated on

Apr. 21There is archaeological evi-

dence of human occupation ofthe Rome area from at least14,000 years ago. Rome’s earlyhistory, however, is shrouded inlegend. According to Roman tra-dition, the city was founded byRomulus on Apr. 21, 753 B.C.

It is said that Romulus andhis twin brother, Remus, descen-dents of refugees of the mythicalcity of Troy, decided to build aglorious city. After an argument,Romulus killed Remus and soonafter named the city after him-self.

Visitors to Rome on its offi-cial birth date are treated to fes-tivals, concerts and specialevents such as gladiator proces-sions and a fireworks displayover the Tiber River.

Ciao! Mi chiamo Rianna Hrycay.Io frequento Italiano 3 al liceoBradford in Kenosha. La nostraclasse ha iniziato a conoscere leagenzie immobiliari in Italia. Noistiamo imparando come visto “Vorrei affittare un appartamento,”o “Vorrei comprare una casa.” Noistiamo scrivendo paragrafi perpraticare il nostro vocabolarioimmobiliare. Nei nostri paragrafi,si parla di vivere insieme concoinquilini durante l’università.Noi descriviamo le nostre case e lenostre coinquiline.. Noi abbiamoanche scritto annunci per case eappartamenti in Italia. Questoaiuta molto per imparare a leggereannunci veri dall’Italia. Impararequeste parole è buono. Noi sapremocosa dire se vogliamo di vivere inItalia! E’ molto utile!

* * *Hello! my name is Rianna

Hrycay. I take Italian 3 at BradfordHigh School. Our class has startedto learn about real estate in Italy.We are learning how to say “I wantto rent an apartment,” or “I want tobuy a house.’’ We are writing para-graphs to practice our real estatevocabulary. In our paragraphs, wetalk about living together withroommates during college. Wedescribe our houses and our room-mates. We have also written fakeadvertisements for houses andapartments in Italy. This helps alot to learn how to read Italianadvertisements. Learning about

real estate is good. We will knowwhat to say if we want to live inItaly! It’s very helpful!

* * *Ciao! Mi chiamo Cecilia Grinis -

il Vice Presidente di Kenosha HighSchool Bradford Club Italiano. Hogià scritto sulla scoop del nostroprogramma ei nostri piani per ilfuturo. Il Club italiano è statomolto impegnato con la raccoltafondi e di campo di pianificazione.Nel mese di febbraio, abbiamo

avuto una raccolta fondi a CasaCapri - un popolare ristoranteitaliano di Kenosha. Era venerdìfebbraio 13. Prima e durantel’evento, abbiamo venduto i bigliettiintorno Kenosha e alla biglietteria.Abbiamo anche venduto all‘astanumerosi, autentici cesti regaloitaliani. Le piccole imprese diKenosha hanno donato unagenerosa quantità di denaro per laraccolta fondi. Alla fine dellaserata, abbiamo guadagnato $1.450che andrà verso il nostro viaggio inItalia nel 2016.Un DJ e dei membri di talento

hanno eseguito pezzi di jazz emusica classica italiana. JackieLabbe, una matricola, ha cantatoun brano solista chiamato “Tu losai”. Ha anche cantato “AveVerum” con una compagna diclasse, Allana Miller. BenJalensky, un’altra matricola, haeseguito melodie compreso “Sing,Sing, Sing” con il suo trombone.Una alumni Bradford High School,Brianna Santelli, ha splendida-mente cantato “Ahi Troppo e Duro.”Miss Kenosha, Kirsten Gonzales,ha fatto un’apparizione speciale eha cantato “Nessun Dorma” per ilgran finale.Casa Capri fornito cibo in

delizioso stile italo-americano tracui insalate e vari tipi di pasta epizza. Le bevande sono state offertepresso il lussuoso bar esterno dellasala da pranzo. Gli ospiti hannopotuto usufruire del take-out a fineserata.Vorrei dire che la raccolta fondi

è stato un enorme successo! A nome

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Pagelle Italiane

PAGINA 16 – APRILE 2015

Dear Italian Times, Thank you very much for shar-

ing information about this excitingopportunity with us here atCatholic Central. The ICC encour-aging communication between theschools and students and theItalian American community atlarge would be a wonderfulexchange that would surely be ofbenefit to both. Our little programhere in Burlington would be happyand honored to participate, provid-ing regular updates to our activi-ties here as requested, as well assubmitting material for possibleconsideration as general interestarticles for future publication. Currently our class is provided

as a combined Italian 1/2 class withfive students, and the writing skillsof students are very much a workin progress over the course of theyear. We will, however, do our bestto contribute to the project withinour capabilities and look forward toactually practicing and utilizingthose skills, interacting with a larg-er Italian community than what weare used to here within our class-room and school. It always helps to share what

makes us excited about learning,especially putting it into practice ata practical level. Just a coupleweeks ago we completed our unitson Italian homes and foods and thestudents enjoyed immensely ourending project, attempting to makepasta by hand. I can tell you that

word quickly got out that day thatthe Italian students were enjoyingpasta they had made themselvesfor lunch. We might have recruiteda few new candidates for the classnext year already! If we can keepthe interest and excitement goingat all the schools by communicatingbetween them and with the com-munity at large, we can hope tocontinue to grow and enrich all ourprograms.I look forward to receiving more

information and specifics to come,regarding implementation of yourinitiative. Please let me know ifthere is anyway I can assist fur-ther.

Sincerely,Rosa Tadeo

Burlington Catholic CentralHigh School

Italian Instructor

Saluti a tutti i gentili signoridella Italian Community Center:Noi siamo studenti nella classe

d’Italiano a Catholic Central HighSchool in Burlington: Sara,Francesca, Gregorio, Giovanni aMatteo, La nostra maestra è lasignora Rosa Tadeo. Vi mandiamonotizie della nostra classe. Gregorioe Giovanni sono studenti delsecondo anno di studio, e per Sara,Francesca e Matteo questo è ilnostro primo anno.Cosa facciamo nella classe?

Studiamo la grammatica, leggeroami per praticare la pronuncia,parliamo insieme, e giochiamo perimparare la lingua.Nelle settimane passate

abbiamo studiato la famiglia, lacasa, le città, ed il cibo. Studiamoanche la cultura italiana. Peresempio, abbiamo studiato ildisegno moderno di mobili nelle

case Italiane. Facciamo anchediversi progetti interessanti. Nellalezione del cibo, abbiamo fatto letagliatelle verde in classe. Eranodelizioso per pranzo! Studiando ilcalendario, ci ha piaciuto impararedel’Carnevale di Venezia.Adesso parliamo del lavoro: Che

tipi di lavori ci sono in Italia? Chelavori ci piacianno fare? Abbiamoanche studiato l’emigrazione inAmerica guardando una parte diun programmo molto interessante:“The Italian Americans.”Mandiamo qui delle foto del

nostro “progetto pasta.” Grazietanti per il vostro aiuto per lanostra classe. Ci piace molto lostudio l’Italiano!

Vostri,Sara, Francesca, Gregorio,

Giovanni e MatteoBurlington Catholic Central

High School

Studenti riportano notizie daCatholic Central di Burlington

Saluti e notizie daBradford High School

In Italia si celebra il giornodi liberazione: Aprile 25

Aprile 25 é un giorno che sarácelebrato in tutt’Italia siccome é ladata che segna la Festa dellaLiberazione dell’Italia dalle truppeAlleate nel 1945. Inoltre celebratoper la liberazione, oggi é pure ilgiorno del ricordo degli soldaticaduti- specialmente i partigianidella resitenza Italiana contro iNazisti e Fascisti durante laSeconda Guerra Mondiale. Fra unacombinazione di soldati e cittadini,

l’Italia ha perso quasi 500,000durante il conflitto.La Festa della Liberazione é

celebrata in quasi ogni cittá epaesetto con parate, bande,manifestazioni e concerti musicali.Ed é pure un giorno di chiusura peri musei, negozi, banche, ristoranti emonumenti e pure i trasportipubblici rallentano i loro servizi.Auguri e ringrazi sembrano giuste.

Continua nella pagina successiva

del nostro club, vorremmoringraziare i donatori e ipartecipanti della manifestazione.Darò un altro aggiornamento sulnostro club molto presto!

* * *Hello! My name is Cecilia Grinis

- the Vice President of KenoshaBradford High School’s ItalianClub. I have previously writtenabout the inside scoop of our pro-gram and our plans for the future.The Italian Club has been quitebusy with fundraising and plan-ning field trips.In the month of February, we

had a fundraiser at Casa Capri, apopular Italian eatery of Kenosha.It was on Friday, Feb. 13. Beforeand during the event, we sold tick-ets around Kenosha and at theticket booth. We also auctioned offnumerous, authentic Italian giftbaskets. Small businesses ofKenosha donated generousamounts of money for the fundrais-er. By the end of the evening, we

accumulated $1,450 that will gotoward our 2016 trip to Italy. A deejay and talented members

performed pieces of jazz and classi-cal Italian music. Jackie Labbe, afreshman, sang a solo piece called“Tu lo Sai.” She also sang “AveVerum with a fellow classmate,Allana Miller. Ben Jalensky, anoth-er freshman, performed melodiousetudes including “Sing, Sing, Sing”with his trombone. A BradfordHigh School alumni, BriannaSantelli, beautifully sang “AhiTroppo e Duro.” Miss Kenosha(Kirsten Gonzales) made a specialappearance and sang “NessunDorma” for the grand finale.Casa Capri provided delicious

Italian-American style food includ-ing salads and various types ofpasta and pizza. Drinks wereobtained at the luxurious bar out-side of the dining hall. Guests fre-quently asked for take-out boxes inorder to bring the scrumptious foodhome. I would like to say that thefundraiser was a huge success! Onbehalf of our club, we would like tothank the donors and the partici-pants of the event. I will giveanother update about our club’sendeavors very soon!

THE ITALIAN TIMES APRILE 2015 – PAGINA 17

Saluti e notizie daBradford High School

Nel Centro Italiano diMilwaukee, l ’arrivo dellaPrimavera é sempre segnalato dalgiorno del grande Assaggiod’Italia che quest’anno saráDomenica, Aprile 19.Il gran pranzo comincierá alle

11:30am e finirá alle 3:30pm.Come sempre, l ’entrata eparcheggio sono gratis. Ogniassaggio/porzione di mangiare oda bevere costerá un biglietto.Ogni biglietto costa $1.50 o nepotete comprare 7 biglietti per$10. L’unica eccezione sará ilprezzo dei calamari, il quale, pernecessitá, costerá 2 biglietti.Inoltre il cibo e bevande, ci

sará una varietá di spettacoli. Ilgruppo di Ballo Italiano diMilwaukee, chiamato pureTradizione Vivente, ballerá duevolte: a 1:00pm e 2:30pm. ISuonatori Siciliani suonerannomusica Italiana e Sicilianamentre passeggiando per laGalleria. Il nostro membrocantante, Charles Evans, canteráuna varietá di canzoni Italianecompreso d’una mischiata del

popolare, romantico etradizionale. Lui saráaccompagnato dalla pianista,Galina Gerakosov. La vincitrice dell’Idolo Italiano

durante la festa del 2007, lacantante Jayne Taylor, ci farásentire un repertorio di canzoni.Questo sará la sua secondaapparizione a quest’affare. Quest’ottima festa celebrando

la mangiata all’Italiana includeráuna grande riffa dove si puóvincere soldi o gioielli. I bigliettiper la riffa costeranno $2 all’uno osette per $10. I biglietti sono statimandati a i membri per comprareper la posta o si possono compraredurante il giorno dello spettacolo.Il menú dell’assaggio é stato

stampato in un altra pagina diquesto giornale e siccome i cibisono scritti quasi tutto inItaliano, non l’abbiamo riscritti inquest’articolo.Allora, buon appetito e

divertimento e ci vediamo al 19 diAprile con la pancia vuota e conintenzione di partire con la stessapiena. Abbondanza!

Arriva l’Assaggiod’Italia 2015Domenica, Aprile 19

RicordoReminder

Cittadini Italiani all’estero:Ricordatevi che sono in corso levotazioni per eleggere i comitatidegli Italiani all’estero (Comites). Ilvostro voto deve essere mandato alvostro Consolato di Riferimentoentro il 17 Aprile. Se non avetericevuto il plico elettorale o se viserva altra informazione, contatta-te il vostro Consolato.

* * *A reminder to all Italian citi-

zens living abroad that the votingto renew the Comites is under way.Your vote needs to be sent to yourlocal Consulate by Friday, Apr. 17.If you need a ballot or need

more information, contact yourlocal Consulate.

Update from the MPSVictory School’s Italianenrichment program

Let’s start with the youngestchildren, the four year old kinder-garteners. Maestro Alex Kaftan’sK4 class learned about farm ani-mals this past month. They havelearned to sing, “Mucca Maiale,Contadino, Gallina, Fattoria…”.The students also have been

working on projects such as: selfportraits, drawing farm animalsand learning to write basic wordsin Italian.Maestra Sabrina Lupoli’s K5

class was instructed on the themesof Valentines, groundhogs, andbasic vocabulary in Italian. Theymade hearts to celebrate Il giornodi San Valentino and studiedshamrocks. They worked on a bigDr. Seuss project to commemorate“Read with Dr. Seuss Week,” dur-ing the first week of March. Theycontinue to learn songs in Italian.Maestre Emanuela Lagrutta

and Elizabeth Zizzo’s first gradeclass engaged in a science project tolearn about animals such as rep-tiles and amphibians. Studentsalso learned about the solar sys-tem. They also learned about howVictory School operates and aboutthe supplies that a school needs inorder to function. A group of stu-dents learned to read in Italian andto make puppets for a display.Maestre Angela Bozano and

Annette Robertson’s second gradeclass students studied the subjectof science in Italian. They wereengaged in the Sharp LiteracyProgram and its resources. Thematerial was translated so thatstudents learn about the ocean,sea, lakes and rivers and theirecosystems including fresh and saltwater.These students are learning sev-

eral different strategies to solveaddition word problems using thevertical method and then explain-ing their strategy and writing it in

sentence form. This resulted in ahall display that students wereproud to see.Seven students wore pirate ban-

danas and performed a favoritepirate song in Italian at the “Songsof Italy” dinner event held by theOrders Sons of Italy in America atthe Italian Community Center.Victory School Principal JanineGraber and Assistant Principal JoeRicchiardi attended the dinner andsported pirate bandanas. It was amemorable event for the students,families and members of the Sonsof Italy.Ms. Cathy Laurenzi’s third

graders studied Ruby Bridges andDr. Martin Luther King duringBlack History Month. They createda timeline and essay display.Students talked about civil rights,equality and the current protests inFrance.Ms. Enrica Fracchia’s fourth

grade class learned about theItalian Anthem and science taughtin Italian, including the layers ofthe earth.Mr. Steven Falsetti’s fifth and

sixth grade combined class was fea-tured speaking and learningItalian in the classroom in the pre-miere, “Storia Italiana,Milwaukee,” on Milwaukee PublicTelevision. The Italian documen-tary highlighted the history ofItalians in Milwaukee. The seg-ment on Victory’s class followedGino D., a sixth grader, and hisclassmates and explained how theItalian culture is important in theirlives. The students were very excit-ed to see their faces on televisionand to see how skilled they hadbecome in Italian. These studentsalso attended the Sons of Italyevent at the ICC where they sangthe Italian National Anthem,L’inno d’Italia. It was a huge suc-cess.

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Dalla pagina precedente

Rationale:According to Robert’s Rules of

Order, the title should be NominatingCommittee. The selection of com-mittee members shall be in thehands of the President and thecommittee chairs.ARTICLE IV, Section 9 b.

which now reads:In the event of the death, resig-

nation or removal of any member ofthe Board of Directors, other thanthe President, the President shallappoint a successor pro tem withinwithin 30 days, who shall serveuntil the next meeting of the Boardof Directors, at which time suchvacancy shall be filled by a majori-ty vote of those present and quali-fied to vote. Notwithstanding thepreceding, if one of the eight direc-tors-at-large members dies, resignsor is removed from said Board (“theformer board member”), the indi-vidual who received the next high-est number of votes in the mostrecent election for at-large membershall succeed the former boardmember but only if said individualreceived at least 50% of the votes ofthe final elected board member (theelected board member who receivedthe least number of votes amongthose board members who wereelected to the board). This proce-dure shall apply if more than oneboard member dies, resigns or isremoved from the board in a givenyear.Proposed amendment:In the event of the death, resig-

nation or removal of any ExecutiveOfficer other than the President(that is: the Vice-President,Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms or Past-President), thePresident shall appoint a tempo-rary successor within 30 days ofsuch event. Said successor shallserve until the next meeting of theBoard of Directors at which meet-ing said successor’s term ends andthe vacancy shall be filled by amajority vote of those present whoare qualified to so vote.In the event of the death, resig-

nation or removal of any of theDirectors-At-Large, the candidatefor such office who received thenext highest (to the win-ners) number of votes in the mostrecent election shall fill the vacantDirector-At-Large position com-mencing with his/her formalappointment at the next meeting ofthe Board of Directors. This proce-dure shall apply to any such vacan-cies with the Directors-At-Largeoccurring thereafter.Rationale:This clarifies the procedure for

replacement of each member of theBoard of Directors with the excep-tion of the President.ARTICLE V, Section 1 which

now reads:To be eligible as an officer or

board member of the ItalianCommunity Center, a potentialcandidate:• Must have served on at least

one Italian Community Center orFesta Italiana committee withinthe past five years or attended atleast 50% of the regularly-sched-uled general membership meetingsin the preceding year as confirmedby the record.Proposed amendment:• Must have actively served on

at least one Italian CommunityCenter or Festa Italiana committeewithin the past year or attended atleast 50% of the regularly-sched-uled general membership meetingsin the preceding year as confirmedby the record.

Rationale:This ensures that the candi-

dates are knowledgeable about thecurrent affairs at the ItalianCommunity Center and FestaItaliana.ARTICLE V, Sections 3, 4, 5,

7 and 8 which now read:The beginning of each section

refers to the Election Committee.Proposed revision:The beginning of each section

should begin with the NominatingCommittee. Rationale:According to Robert’s Rules of

Order, the duties of the NominatingCommittee begin with the nominat-ing procedure and end when ballotsare mailed.ARTICLE V, Section 10 a.

which now reads:The Election Committee shall

meet prior to the October generalmembership meeting to confirm thevalidity of all returned ballots.Proposed amendment:The tellers, whose chair and

members shall be appointed by thePresident, shall meet prior to theOctober general membership meet-ing to confirm the validity of allreturned ballots. All returned bal-lots must be postmarked no laterthan the Thursday preceding theOctober general membership.Ballots postmarked after that datewill be saved but shall not beopened or counted.Rationale:According to Robert’s Rules of

Order, the tellers are responsiblefor duties regarding returned bal-lots.ARTICLE V, Section 10 b.

which now reads:The Election Committee will

meet at 7:00 p.m. during theOctober general membership meet-ing and will open and record allvalid ballots received. The commit-tee will report the election resultsto the membership prior to theadjournment of the October generalmembership meeting. Proposed amendment:The tellers shall meet on the

day of the October general mem-bership meeting and open all validballot envelopes received. Thetellers shall tally all valid ballotsand shall report the election resultsto the membership prior to theadjournment of the October generalmembership meeting.Rationale:The number of ballots envelopes

to open and ballots to count shalldetermine the starting time of theprocess. The tellers should not bebound to a specific time constraint.ARTICLE VI, Section 1 which

now reads:The standing committees of the

Italian Community Center shall beas follows:a. Bylaws Committeeb. Festa Italiana Steering

Committeec. Finance and Personnel

Committeed. Membership Committeee. Culture Committeef. Festa Italiana Operations

Committeeg. Newspaper Committeeh. Long Range Planningi. Avanti Committeej. Italian Language Committeek. Fund-Raising Committeel. Any other committee as

deemed necessary by the Board ofDirectorsProposed amendment:Delete Italian Language

Committee .Rationale: There has been no report that

this committee exists.


At the present time, there aretwo payment options available toyou should you choose a 2-yearmembership or a 3-year member-ship.1. You may pay each January

for the duration of your 3-year or2-year membership. As an showof good faith, you must sign thestatement at the bottom of thenew application (that appears onthe next page). 2. You may pay for your full

3-year or 2-year membership bythe end of the first year – in 4quarterly payments.**** If a member pre-pays for

a 2-year or 3-year membership,and passes away or moves out ofstate, the remainder of theirmembership dues will be donatedto the Italian Community Centerin the member’s name.

Pro Rated AmountYou may have received a bill

for a smaller amount of money.This dues payment doesn’t relateto the new dues program, butrather, is a transitional amountthat is intended to return every-one to a January to JanuaryMembership. You are not beingcharged an additional amount.

we are offering enhanced benefitsin return for your commitment.The benefits include:• Postal service delivery of The

Italian Times.• Four (4) complimentary tick-

ets to Festa Italiana per adultmember. Eight (8) tickets for afamily membership.• Voting privileges.• Free international television

in Members Room for Italian sportsand cultural programs.• Discounted prices on ICC

events.• Social, recreational, cultural

and educational opportunities cele-brating Italy.• Discount on advertising in The

Italian Times.• Free Italian language classes

for children.You will also be gifted with new

and rekindled friendships, prideand personal satisfaction and con-

tinued celebration of all thingsItalian: its history, language, cul-ture, music, heritage, tradition andlove of life.We believe we can grow and

offer our members even much morein the future. To make that a reali-ty, we need your help. We needyour commitment and loyalty nowand beyond. We need your ongoingparticipation and enthusiasm. Weneed your time. We need your sup-port and attendance at events host-ed by the ICC. We need youradvice, your ideas and your expert-ise. Come and attend the member-ship meetings each month. Offerconstructive criticisms and sugges-tions for the improvement and suc-cess of our center. All input andfeedback helps.You are the ICC. The ICC is

you. You give, and you get back.That is a community. Your mem-bership is genuinely appreciated.

Why your membershipdues have increased

from page 1

COMMITMENT MEMBERSHIPPAYMENT OPTIONS

Amendments proposedfrom page 3

Having up to 300 dinner guests?

Entertain them at the ItalianConference Center’sFESTA BALLROOM.

A gorgeous setting in which to enjoy great food!The Italian Conference Centerin the Italian Community Center

631 E. Chicago St. (a block west of Summerfest)Call David or Kim Marie at 414/223-2800 toreserve your party or meeting space at the ICC.

Visit: www.ItalianConference.com



By Susie ChristiansenSocial networking websites, such as Facebook and

Twitter, as well as e-mail and cell phone texting, arecurrently the most common methods of communicatingfor people. Using those avenues, we want to develop away to reach out to our membership to inform youabout upcoming events organized by the ItalianCommunity Center, such as Il Grande Carnevale, ATaste of Italy and Festa Italiana.We can even email you a copy of The Italian Times.When the ICC hosts wine tastings, musical events

and cooking classes, it would be helpful to everyoneinvolved to be able to send an e-mail blast or a cellphone text blast to ICC members and as many non-members as possible. Right now, committee chairs andevent planners here don’t always know what advertis-ing options are available to them and how to reach outto you. Without spending a ton of money, we just aren’tsure how to let the people out there know about upcom-ing events at the ICC.

ICC members can be placed on an e-mail list and acell phone list when they sign up for or renew theirmembership. Our application includes a place for youre-mail address and cell phone number. Our membership contact list is extremely private,

and we will continue to keep it that way. We do notdistribute our address, phone or e-mail lists to anyone.Rest assured your contact information will be retainedby the ICC and only the ICC, and you will only be sentmessages on a limited basis. We simply want to inform you. We want to tell you

about the fantastic events, activities and ethnic experi-ences that the Italian Community Center has to offer.These are the other options available for submitting

your cell phone number and e-mail address:1. Our website: www.iccmilwaukee.com – use the

Contact Us Form (the last tab on the site).2. By e-mail: [email protected]. 3. Call Constance Jones at the ICC – 414-223-2808.

Request from ICC for cell phonenumbers and e-mail addresses

A great day to be in Venice, Italyis Apr. 25 when the Festival of SanMarco (St. Mark) is celebrated. St.Mark is the patron saint of Veniceand a relic of his body has resided

in the town after being smuggled in828 by Venetian merchants. Formany years, the relic brought pil-grimages to Venice, helping tomake it the city it is today.

In modern times, the festivalincludes a large religious proces-sion that ends in the basilica.Throughout St. Mark’s Square, freemusic concerts are presented and

visitors can partake of a huge feastat which various regional delicaciesare available.It is a tradition in Venice to give

a rose to your loved one on this day.

Venice’s Festival of St. Mark is Apr. 25

Il Giuramento diPontida markedin early AprilEvery year in early April, a his-

torical re-enactment commemo-rates il Giuramento di Pontida -the “Oath of Pontida.” The oathwas an historic alliance forgedbetween the powerful Lombardcities of Bergamo, Brescia, Man-tova and Cremona against Fred-erick I of Hohenstaufen, a HolyRoman Emperor who was attempt-ing to dominate northern Italy.The oath of friendship between

the cities was made in the town ofPontida in Bergamo, 40 km (justless than 25 miles) northeast ofMilan, on Apr. 7, 1167. The oathestablished what was known as theLombard League and their alliancewould defeat Frederick at theBattle of Legnano a decade later.

Liberation Daycelebrated inItaly on Apr. 25One day you can count on

being marked across all of Italyis Apr. 25 which is the Festa dellLiberazione, or Liberation Day,marking the liberation of Italyby the Allied troops in 1945.Today, the day is commemo-

rated in Italy not just for thatliberation, but also as a daywhen Italians honor their fallensoldiers. In particular, Liber-ation Day is known for honoringthe fallen partisans of the ItalianResistance who fought the Nazisas well as Mussolini’s troopsthroughout World War II. Italylost nearly 500,000 people duringthe war (military casualties andcivilian casualties combined).There are Liberation Day

activities in virtually every townand city from parades withmarching bands to political ral-lies and music concerts. It’s alsoa day when many museums,shops, banks, restaurants andmonuments are closed and publictransportation runs on a less fre-quent schedule.

Fr. Mazzuchelliestablishedchurches inWisconsin

St. Augustine Church in NewDiggings, Wis., is one of at least20 church buildings in the upperMississippi River valley designedand erected under the supervi-sion of Father SamuelMazzuchelli, a Dominican mis-sionary and amateur architect.Mazzuchelli was born in

Milan, Italy in 1806 and came tothe United States at age 22. Hisoriginal missionary work focusedon the Green Bay area, but in1835 he transferred his efforts tothe lead mining areas of theUpper Midwest.In Wisconsin he founded con-

gregations in Prairie du Chien,Potosi, Schullsburg, and NewDiggings.

Documents

April 2015 online