June a special time of year for New Haven's Italian community
Within the span of 50 years, beginning in1900, the Italian-American community in Wooster Square as able to utilize the free public schools to fully integrate into American society. Even though many of the first-generation children were unable to take full advantage of the opportunity to get a diploma, by mid-century almost everyone graduated from h...
St. Anthony of Padua Festival returns to Windham on July 15
A special Mass in honor of their patron saint and an outdoor festival will draw parishioners and community members to Windham on Saturday, July 15 for the third annual St. Anthony of Padua Festival. The festival, which will be held on the grounds of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on 919 Roosevelt Trail, was initially held in 2021 to celebrate th...
Freccero named East Longmeadow Fourth of July parade grand marshal
There are fewer recognitions in East Longmeadow more prestigious than being named grand marshal of the Fourth of July parade. This year, that recognition was given to Richard Freccero. “I informed Rich of his selection, and he was very honored to be chosen,” said Carl Ohlin, chair of the East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshall Selectio...
Italian Festa Celebrates 123rd Year in New Haven, CT
Dressed in a blue tee shirt with “Amalfi” printed across the chest, Fran Calabrese remembered walking hand in hand with her grandfather to a Wooster Square-hosted celebration of St. Andrew when she was just three years old. Now 70, Calabrese returned on Thursday to that very same neighborhood Italian festa — which for her is about carrying on the t...
Beloved TV Judge Frank Caprio: ‘I wear a heart under my robe’
Judge Frank Caprio, who presides over “Caught in Providence,” is beloved by viewers around the world. And here’s one reason why. “When I make a decision it can effect someone’s livelihood, their life and their families lives,” Caprio told The Post. “One thing I’ve committed myself to is to treat people with respect, compassion and understanding … a...
The Pirandello Lyceum Honors and Presents The I Migliori Award to Rep. Turco
The Pirandello Lyceum is a group of Italian Americans made up of established members in academia, government, business and medicine. Their mission encourages a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture among all people. They work to restore and maintain the Italian American heritage. The I Migliori Award means in Latin, “The Best in...
Plaintiffs file lawsuit against New Haven over removal of Christopher Columbus statue
The Italian American Defense League, and a Wooster Square neighbor, have filed a lawsuit against the City of New Haven and Mayor Justin Elicker over the removal of a Christopher Columbus Statue. The lawsuit claims that the removal of the statue on Wooster Square was unlawful and the League, along with resident Ralph Macarelli, suffered damages t...
Portland honors Italian American tailor with "Donatelli Square"
On Thursday, Portland paid tribute to Evangelista Donatelli, an Italian American who opened up a tailor shop in the city half a century ago. In October, the city council voted to name a section of Congress Street on Munjoy Hill "Donatelli Square." "Donatelli Square" is between North and Lafayette streets, where the shop is located. “It means a lot...
Meet Giuliano Cecchinelli, Barre's last Italian stone carver
Giuliano Cecchinelli is 79 years old, has a gray beard, a brown plaid shirt and a floppy beret, and is a classically trained sculptor. He's been carving stone since he was a boy in Italy. “I know more than even the cemetery knows,” he says as he walks through Hope Cemetery in Barre. “You know, the family, the workers.” He’s part of a long legacy of...
History Club’s topic for June 20 is Ridgefield’s Italian community
Ridgefield’s Italian community will be the topic for The Ridgefield Historical Society's Ridgefield History Club on Tuesday, June 20, at 10 am in the 1714 David Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. Jack Sanders, who has written 10 books on Ridgefield history, will be on hand. Parking at the Scott House is limited and carpooling is recommended. Registratio...
Looking for Monument Descendants
On Oct. 9, Newport Festa Italiana will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Columbus Monument, which was erected by the Italian community of Newport on Oct. 12, 1953. A special commemorative ceremony is being planned with descendants of the original monument committee in attendance. Names of the original planners included Gabriel Russo, Enrico Cas...
Columbus Day Parade in Bridgeport Names First Woman Grand Marshal
The Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport will name Nancy DiNardo the 2023 Grand Marshal of the Greater Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade, presenting her with the Grand Marshal Sash on June 28th at Tashua Knolls Banquets in Trumbull at 5:30 pm. DiNardo is the first woman Grand Marshal of the Parade, scheduled for October 8th o...