Meet Bill Cellini Jr.
Something to know about him: Cellini grew up in Springfield but currently lives and works as a documentary writer (for Cinema Verite, Ltd.) and Italian genealogical researcher in Los Angeles and Chicago. He researches Italian genealogy for a fee and holds seminars on the topic. Cellini will discuss the history of Italians and Italian immigration in...
Why I’m Running
I never considered running for office. In fact, over the past 10 years or so when friends would suggest it, and I would jokingly respond, “I wouldn’t pass the vetting process!” My doubt wasn’t in my background, and it certainly wasn’t in my desire to serve people. But having never run for political office, I questioned my patience to actually parti...
Carnevale Roaring 20's Masquerade Ball
The Italian Social Club of Chicago started with a conversation over dinner. The concept was simple: find a way to foster all things Italian - including food and wine - with others who have an affinity for the Italian culture. In the process this would allow its members to create new and lasting memories and friendships. Celebrating over food has a...
Fiat Chrysler to invest more than $1 billion in Michigan plant and give $2,000 bonuses in response to tax reform
Fiat Chrysler announced Thursday that it will up its investment in the United States and pay some of its employees special bonuses after the recent tax code overhaul. CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a statement that these announcements reflect the company's ongoing commitment to manufacturing in the U.S. He also cited the recently signed tax bill as...
Aldo's Italian restaurant: Warm, welcoming Cleveland classic (review)
Located in a tiny strip-mall on Memphis Avenue, Aldo's isn't the kind of restaurant that makes you stop and take notice from the outside. Step inside, and it's another story. The aromas and warm, welcoming atmosphere will instantly win you over. And that's before you even try Aldo's fantastic, wide-ranging Italian menu. Opened more than two decades...
Restaurant review: Enrico’s Pizza
I thought I’d move past all the new year hoopla by visiting someplace old that brazenly flaunts an old-school bent, too: Enrico’s Pizza & Restaurant. Here’s how old-school Enrico’s is: The only beer offered on tap is Bud Light, and it’s $8.50 a pitcher. Tucked away in the inevitable suburban strip mall, Enrico’s — which has been in the homemade pas...
A Matter of Perspective: Constructing Space in Italian Art - Relativity
When: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 From 6:00 pm To 8:00 pm - Where: Italian Cultural Institute - 500 N Michigan, #1450 - Organized by : Istituto Italiano di Cultura - Entrance : Free This series of three lectures looks at the history of representation in Italian art from the unrealistic organizations of space in medieval paintiing and the recovery of...
Perkins elected president of Calabresi in America
Accountant Lisa Perkins has stepped up to the presidency of the Calabresi in America Organization. A member for 18 years, she joined to re-establish ties to her Italian roots. “My Calabrese grandparents passed away several years ago, and the Italian experience was no longer a part of my life,” she explains. “Joining a group whose members share the...
Liberty Township: The 1873 Coal War and the Italians
In the Mahoning Valley, there’s a layer of fine coal dust that overlays Italian American history. To retrace the time when Italians first arrived, head north on Youngstown’s Belmont Avenue and you’ll soon find yourself on Route 193. In Liberty Township, not far from where the highway crosses Churchill Road, stood Church Hill and its coal camp. The...
President of Italy knights Serpico
Tireless community leader Jo Ann Serpico joined the ranks of the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia at a special ceremony at the Italian Consulate in Chicago on Dec. 11. The honor was bestowed by Consul General Giuseppe Finocchiaro on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. “My parents [Joseph R. and Ella (Cataldo) Salerno] were bor...
Columbian Club Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary
The Cook County Board marked the 25th anniversary of the Columbian Club Charitable Foundation with a special resolution on Dec. 12. Present were Columbian Club members (from left) Robert DiSilvestro Jr.; Carmen Forte Jr.; Leonard J. Maniscalco and Gabe Caporale; Commissioner Peter Silvestri; and Chairman Toni Preckwinkle. Maniscalco and fellow foun...
History's Headlines: The Roman Temple on Hamilton Street
Chicago architect and city planner, Daniel “make no little plans” Burnham (1846-1912) was not a man to mince words. Although he liked young architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a disciple of Louis Sullivan (then considered an unorthodox figure in the profession), he had some advice about the success of the Beaux-Arts Classical architecture that dominated...