Rockford's Nino Cimino writes, stars in new 'American Western' film
You've likely seen the Cimino name before. It's on pizza-place signs around the Rock River Valley, in Loves Park, Durand, Winnebago and Pecatonica. Vince Cimino opened the first Cimino’s Pizza in Loves Park in the mid 1970s. Now, his son, Nino, 42, continues to make the Cimino name known in Hollywood. Nino Cimino's film "American Western" is stream...
In fond memory of Dr. Paul Rubino
The Italian American Veterans Museum in Chicago lost one of its most avid supporters with the passing of Paul Joseph Rubino, MD. Educated at St. Ignatius High School, Loyola University and Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine, Paul as a Naval surgeon tended to often-critically wounded military personnel during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he joi...
Artist Carlo Beninati
While some may experience an occasional “brush with greatness” in their lives, artist Carlo Beninati has spent a lifetime “brushing greatness,” creating portraits of the legendary sports figures of the 20th century. Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Mario Andretti, Muhammad Ali, Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Derrick Jeter ar...
A Life Remembered | 'Mayor of the Virginia Theatre' was 'full of life and full of energy'
Carlo Anzelmo, the “mayor of the Virginia Theatre,” is being warmly remembered as the man who never met a stranger, had a flair for gardening, was a wonderful cook and taught great life lessons. “He was always such a warm person, friendly, just made you feel good to be around him,” said Mark Williams of Champaign. Mr. Anzelmo, 89, died Nov. 20 from...
Cincinnati Parks working to replace Eden Park's stolen Capitoline Wolf Statue
Months after Eden Park's Capitoline Wolf Statue was stolen, Cincinnati Parks is working to replace it. The statue — a gift from the City of Rome and Benito Mussolini in 1931 — was hacked off and stolen away in June, leaving Romulus and Remus behind. The thieves cut through the wolf's paws and removed the wolf as the paws remained attached to the pe...
Battisti Lodge to celebrate dynamic member
The Cesare Battisti Lodge #27 of the Italian Sons and Daughters in America will honor Jon Biancardi as Member of the Year on Dec. 10 at the lodge’s clubhouse, Villa Cesare, in Schererville, Indiana. The grandson and son of lodge members, Biancardi serves on the board of directors and has spearheaded several new initiatives. In 2017, he launched an...
Clinton Twp. replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day
Columbus Day is out and Indigenous groups are in when it comes to Clinton Township’s local government. The township’s Board of Trustees voted 5-1 Monday to “update all references” to the Columbus Day holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” Township Supervisor Bob Cannon voted against the measure, saying it was unfair to take away a day meant to honor...
Unity yields Christmas gift at the Casa Italia
There is strength in numbers, the adage goes, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Casa Italia in Stone Park, where more than a dozen organizations will join forces to stage the Casa’s eighth annual Christmas Village. The complimentary open house is slated for Dec. 4. A Presepio Vivente, or Living Nativity, will be performed by ARPA/San Nicola...
Mazzini-Verdi to fete powerhouse pair
The Mazzini-Verdi Club will honor Steve Menconi as Man of the Year and Cathy Ciminello as Woman of the Year at the President’s Ball on Dec. 3 at its clubhouse in Franklin Park. To make reservations, call Maria Banducci at 630-443-8722 or Maria Casali at 773-589-0388. The following profiles were provided by the organization. CATHERINE CIMINELLO Cath...
'Potentially Dangerous' sheds light on internment of Italian-Americans during WWII
Springfield-area audiences will soon get a sneak peek at a potentially dangerous topic. Unveiling 80-year-old secrets and never-before discussed stories about the Italian-American experience during World War II in the U.S., local filmmakers will present the documentary “Potentially Dangerous” on Monday at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. While man...
Pompeii to celebrate holiday season
In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host its annual Mary & Christmas celebration on Dec. 3. Maestro Paul French will lead the Shrine chorale and orchestra in a program of familiar Yuletide favorites and classics. On the program will be Christmas music from Venice, Rome and Palermo; compositions b...
'Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition' coming to downtown Green Bay in November
Michelangelo's famed frescos from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City are on their way to downtown Green Bay. "Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition" is coming to the KI Convention Center, 333 Main St., Nov. 18 through Jan. 3, according to information posted on the touring event's website. Visitors will have the chance to stan...