Doria Russell's novel shares real-life tales of humanity
Fans of literary fiction know Chicagoland's Mary Doria Russell as the author of the critically-acclaimed and much-loved (by book clubs and fiction fans) novel "The Sparrow." Her latest novel, "A Thread of Grace," is based on the true experiences of many Jews in Italy during World War II. During that time, many Jews fled other European coun...
Story Time in Italian on March 29th
Insieme a Chicago is introducing a special opportunity for kids ages 4-7 and 7-10 to attend a unique bilingual story-time with a special guest from Italy, Sara Corsini. The event will take place on Sunday, March 29th from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St Michael Church Parish Center–1633 N. Cleveland Ave, Chicago. Two sessions will be available:...
Event and wedding planner Michelle Durpetti
by Alanna Chiefari Entrepreneurial roots run deep within event planner Michelle Durpetti. The daughter of Tony and Marion Durpetti, owners of Chicago's legendary Gene & Georgetti restaurant, and granddaughter of the restaurant's late cofounder Gene Michelotti, she boasts an impressive hospitality industry pedigree. Never one to rest o...
Italian festa celebrates culture, helps educate youth
For 92-year-old August Frasco, staying active is the key to longevity. He still rides his lawn mower in his yard to cut his grass every week, and attends events with the Italian-American Society of Peoria. "A lot of my friends are gone. I like coming to festivals like these, because I get to meet new people all the time," Frasco said. He was r...
Lamborghini test-driver Balboni to attend Italian Gathering
by Jennifer Noblit The Italian Gathering will celebrate its 10th year with one of the biggest names in Lamborghini. Retired test-driver and brand ambassador Valentino Balboni will help roll out the 2015 Italian Gathering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, on the grounds of Wendy's Corporate headquarters, 1 Dave Thomas Blvd. O...
Valentino Cesidio De Vito
"Valentino Cesidio De Vito, 86, patriarch of the De Vito family in America, died on Nov. 16, 2015, at the home he and our mother made for us." Valentino sacrificed beyond measure to ensure a better life for his family, and to provide his children with all the opportunities in life that he was denied. Born on Valentine's Day in t...
Santina Litturi, first woman to sit on state dentistry board, dies at 91
by Joan Giangrasse Kates Santina "Sonny" Litturi was one of just two women in her dental school's graduating class in the late 1940s and became the first female appointed to the Illinois State Board of Dental Examiners in 1979. "Sonny was a trailblazer in dentistry, doing what very few women of her generation did back then," said Fran...
Who will reign as this year’s Bella Regina?
One of the most thrilling and glamorous events in the Chicago-area Italian-American community is the contest to determine who will reign as La Bella Regina of the Columbus Day Parade. "Few events in the community can match the pageantry of the annual Columbus Day Queen Contest," says JCCIA Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico. "The queen will be...
Lockkeeper's chef Leandri brings Italian decadence to winter squash recipes
Chef Alberto Leandri shot me a skeptical look when I said winter squash was native to North America, and I didn't blame him. His family has been growing it, cooking it and eating it in their village outside of Venice since he can remember. To him, it's an entirely Italian thing. Most Italians would be happy to say the same about tomatoes....
Rustic Italian restaurant opens in River North - J. Rocco Italian Table & Bar
The casual eatery extends a "mom and pop" spirit alongside a menu of rustic Italian cuisine. The restaurant's name pays homage to the partners' Calabrian heritage (Chef Chiapetti and Joseph Frasca), and all of the relatives who have enriched their lives over memorable meals. Expect a menu of regional signatures by Chef Chiappetti - who has...
Little Sicily, St. Philip Benizi Parish, Fr. Luigi Giambastiani
by Calogero Lombardo The history of the Sicilian neighborhood on the Near North Side of Chicago begins around the time of the Chicago Fire. Scandinavians and Germans had by then established colonies there, and were infiltrated by the Irish soon after. Italians had begun filtering in by the 1850s, but their inhabitation would not coalesce i...
Appuntamento alla Chiesa Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii
31 Maggio, 11.00am. In occasione del prossimo 2 Giugno, Festa della Repubblica. Appuntamento alla Chiesa Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii alla presenza delle Autorita' locali, delle Organizzazioni ed Associazioni Italo Americane e delle Rappresentanze Diplomatiche Consolari. Dopo la S.Messa ci sara' una processione con tutte le organizzazio...