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...
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...
Tom Baldini was one of a kind
My old friend, Tom Baldini, used to talk about it, especially in recent years late in the evening when we both realized we were getting older. “I’d crawl across the township on my knees,” he’d say, “to die on my feet and not from a stroke.” We’d agree and have a snort (Tom called it “a toddy for the body”) before he’d drive back home to Marquette f...
Bread and Rosa, A Love Story, The bakery that Calogero and Rosalba Canfora built
After serving Bay View for 20 years, Rosalba and Calogero Canfora wept when they closed their bakery for the final time in August last year. “It was the most difficult thing I had to do,” Calogero said. “It was very, very difficult to give it up. I cried and she did too.” Rosalba nodded solemnly. Although they agreed it was time to retire, after op...
Well-known physician A.J. Capelli dies unexpectedly
Alfred John “A.J.” Capelli, a cherished family physician to many Kenosha residents, died unexpectedly Sunday at Kenosha Medical Center. He was 68. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden, unexpected passing of Dr. A. J. Capelli, a respected and valued Aurora physician and caregiver who made significant contributions to both our community and hospital...