The Italian Times - July Part 2

By Ginny BalistreriMost people call an extermina-

tor when they find bugs. AntonioGustin puts them in his act. The43-year-old entomologist will besharing his love of all things ickywith children of every age when hebrings his widely popular bugshow, Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, to

the Festa Children’s Stage, July 20,21 and 22.

The show promises to fascinateaudiences and to change pre-con-ceived notions that anything you’dwant to stomp on can be hilariouslyfun, interesting and educational.

Gustin, the son of ICC director-at-large Peter Gustin and his wife,

Millie, has been entertaining andeducating audiences around thecountry for 15 years. Also knownas the “Bug Whisperer,” the 1995UW-Madison graduate became fas-cinated with the bug world as achild, but set his interests asideuntil he was forced to fill in his uni-versity class schedule with onemore class. He saw a description ofan entomology course and figuredhe could ace it because of his child-hood knowledge of bugs. Heentered the class and was hooked.

“My professor was a riot,” heexplained, “and he made the sub-ject so interesting and fun, Ichanged my major.”

When he neared graduation,Gustin and several friends contem-plated their futures over beers at alocal pub. Gustin rememberstelling his fellow entomologists,“Wouldn’t it be fun if we could talkabout bugs and get paid for it?” Hebegan to realize that dream whiledeveloping an outline of a businessplan for a local pet store. Gustingot the idea to bring a variety ofinteresting bugs to audiences ofyoungsters and teach them to loveand respect the bug world. He

THE

ITALIAN TIMESPublished by the Italian Community Center,

631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916www.ICCMilwaukee.com

VOL. 34, NO. 2 SECTION B JULY/AUGUST 2012

Spectacular Bartolotta fireworks each nightat Festa; biggest show is Friday, July 20

By Thomas HemmanTimes Editor

Since its beginning in 1978,Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana hasbeen known for its spectacularnightly fireworks shows. Festaofficials are promising a continua-tion of that tradition this year.With one difference. The show onFriday, July 20 will be bigger thanall the rest.

The Friday night show will fea-ture more than 1,500 aerial shellsand salutes, and a ground bom-bardment incorporating about3,000 shells.

This year, as has been the caseevery year since Festa’s beginning,the responsibility for the nightlypyrotechnics productions has beenplaced in the hands of theBartolotta Fireworks Company ofGenesee Depot, Wis. Shows will bepresented at 10:15 p.m. each night– Thursday, July 19 throughSunday, July 22.

Jeff Bartolotta, who with hisbrother, Jim, owns the company,promised that Festa patrons will betreated to “good old-fashionedItalian fireworks.” That meansthat while the sky will be ablazewith color, the emphasis will be onnoise – both in the air and on theground. “You’ll be able to ‘feel’these fireworks,” Bartolottaemphasized.

While some shells used in the

show were made at the Bartolottaplant in Waukesha County, thevast majority of those to be firedhave been imported from China.Bartolotta said his company will bedebuting a new shell this year atFesta called a “wind bell.” Whileit’s difficult to explain wind bells,he said, “they’re real cool lookingand they float in the sky longerthan most shells and we’re gettingthem in the Italian colors – green,white and red – for Festa.”

It usually takes about 20 peopleto set up and fire a Festa fireworksshow.

When the company was foundedin 1977 by the late Sam Bartolotta,and in its early years, theBartolottas did three or four showsa year. However, their reputationgrew as word spread about thequality of the shows they producedfor Festa Italiana.

Today, Bartolotta FireworksCompany produces more than 500shows a year, including the 4th ofJuly shows in Milwaukee Countyparks along with several of thebiggest event-related shows in thestate. Summerfest’s “Big Bang” isamong Bartolotta’s most prominentshows in 2012.

As one might expect, the 3rdand 4th of July are the busiest daysof the year for the Bartolottas. OnJuly 3rd and on Independence Day,

‘The Bug Whisperer’ comesto Festa’s Children’s Stage

A youngster gets a close-up look at one of Antonio Gustin’s “CreepyCrawlers.” (Photo provided by Antonio Gustin)

Dentro aqueste pagine

(Inside these pages)Festa’s VIP Day becomesa Friday event page 2B

MCTS offers hsssle-freeride options to Festa page 2B

Children’s Stage lineupannounced page 3B

Singers wanted for‘Italian Idol’ contest page 4B

Calendar of events page 5B

Courtyard Music Series forJuly and August pages 6B-9B

ICC has tickets for ‘ItalianHeritage Day’ game page 10B

Nov. 24 musical showannounced page 10B

Election Committee chosento prepare slate page 11B

By-laws revisionsproposed page 11B

Henry Piano cooks feast forworthy cause pages 12B-13B

Fall semester of Italianclasses announced page 14B

Members’ news pages 16B-18B

Society & club news page 20B

Please turn to page 2B


The Milwaukee County TransitSystem (MCTS) is making it easyfor you to travel to and from FestaItaliana, July 19-22, on theSummerfest grounds.

A downtown shuttle service willagain be provided along WisconsinAvenue to the festival.

MCTS Freeway Flyers will takepassengers to Festa’s Mid Gatefrom five park-ride lots.

Downtown shuttle serviceShuttles will provide service

roughly every 15 minutes from 4:30p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Thursday,July 19; from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.on Friday and Saturday, July 20and 21; and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30a.m. on Sunday, July 22.

Festa-goers can hop on the east-bound shuttle along Wisconsin Ave.between N. 6th St. and N. JacksonSt. At Jackson, the shuttle travelssouth non-stop to E. Chicago St.and then directly to the festivalgrounds’ Mid Gate. All inboundstops are on the south side of thestreet, except for the stop atWisconsin and N. 6th St., which ison the northeast corner. Stopsalong the route are indicated by theSummerfest logo.

When leaving Festa, shuttlepassengers can board outside theMid Gate. Stops will be madealong Wisconsin Ave., betweenCass St. and 6th St.

The round-trip shuttle fare foradults is $3 in cash. The fare isreduced to $1.50 cash for children(ages 6-11), seniors (65 and older)and disabled persons with properidentification. In both cases, aweekly or monthly MCTS pass or avalid transfer will also work.Children under 6 ride free.

In all cases, exact fare isrequired.

MCTS has many local routesthroughout Milwaukee County thatconnect with the shuttle.

Freeway Flyer serviceFesta-goers can catch a Freeway

Flyer from these park-ride lots:Watertown Plank (Watertown

Plank Road, west of U.S. Highway45), Brown Deer East (Brown DeerRoad, west of I-43), Holt (HoltAvenue, west of I-94), College(College Avenue, east of I-94)), andState Fair Park NE (S. 76th St. andW. Kearney Ave.). Parking is freeat all park-ride lots.

Service operates every half-hourbeginning a half-hour before theopening of Festa each day and end-ing a half-hour after Festa closes.On the return to the park-ride lots,Freeway flyers drop off passengersone block north of lot.

Round-trip Freeway Flyer faresare $6.50 for adults. For children,seniors and the disabled with ID,the fare is $3. Again, exact fare isrequired. People can also board theFreeway Flyer with a weekly ormonthly pass plus $2.

Need more information?For additional route, schedule or

fare information, call the MCTSBusLine at 414/344-6711.Automated recorded information isavailable 24 hours a day.

The same information is alsoeasily accessible online atRideMCTS.com.

There is no Ozaukee CountyExpress service to Festa Italiana orany of the lakefront festivals thisyear.

THE ITALIAN TIMESPAGE 2, SECTION B - JULY/AUGUST 2012

All advertisements must be in accordancewith the rules and requirements as deter-mined by editorial policy. Paid advertise-ments are not to be interpreted as anendorsement by the Italian CommunityCenter or its newspaper, The Italian Times.In addition, the Newspaper Committeereserves the right to reject ads based on edi-torial policy approved by the Board ofDirectors of the Italian Community Center.

The Italian Community Center is a mem-ber of the Metropolitan MilwaukeeAssociation of Commerce, Visit Milwaukeeand the Historic Third Ward Association.

THE ITALIAN TIMES631 E. Chicago St.

Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916(414) 223-2180

Published 11 times annually

Publisher . . . Italian Community CenterICC President . . . . . . . . . . . Dave SpanoNewspaper CommitteeChairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert RuggieriEditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanItalian PageEditor . . . . . . . Enrica Tarantino-WoytalAdvertising SalesManager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanAdvertising SalesRepresentative . . . . . . Faye Ann KesslerEditorial Contributors and StaffWriters/Reporters . . . . .Robert Ruggieri,

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Castronovo and Susan Christiansen, Staff Photographers . . . . Tim Townsend,

Tom Hemman and Colleen Jurkiewicz

For advertising information, please call(414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to:[email protected].

Copyright 2012The Italian Community Center, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Festa’s VIP Day: Different day, similar perksBy Colleen Jurkiewicz

The Italian Community Centerinvites and welcomes all personswith disabilities to attend VIP Dayat Festa Italiana on Friday, July 20from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees should note that VIPDay has been moved fromThursday (when it has been held inthe past) to Friday. Similar perkswill be available to participants,such as free admission for all thosewith physical challenges and theircaregivers, as well as designatedhalf-priced food items and free 16oz. sodas at all vendors (for thatthree-hour period only).

The only difference will be thatthe grounds will also be open to thepublic during this time.

The VIP guests will also receiveone piece of fresh fruit from thefruit vendor in the Miller Stagearea. The fruit has been donated byan anonymous area fruit producer.

The discounted meals wereselected by Festa’s food committee.“We wanted to make sure we treatout guests nicely,” said BillJennaro, VIP Day chairman.

To obtain tickets for VIP Day,anyone with a disability mayrequest a free advance admissionticket (which admits one VIP andone guest) by sending a stamped,self-addressed envelope to

VIP Day, c/o Festa Italiana631 E. Chicago St.Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916Please include the name of the

VIP and guest (unfortunately, any

more than one guest is strictly pro-hibited) and indicate the type ofdisability as well as any specialneeds. Festa provides wheelchairsat no cost. The deadline for order-ing VIP Day admission tickets isFriday, July 6.

This information is important to

festival planners to ensure that allguests’ needs are met and that suit-able accommodations are presenton the grounds during VIP Day.

Passenger drop-off will be at theSouth Gate on Polk St. Van andwheelchair drop-off will be at theMid Gate on Chicago St.

VIP Day would not be possiblewithout the generous sponsorshipof the Milwaukee Public Schools,Goodwill, and Summerfest.

“We’re looking forward to it andwe hope we’re going to have a niceturnout and good weather,” saidJennaro.

The National Spinal CordInjury Association – SoutheasternWisconsin Chapter will hold its25th annual fund raising Wheels& Heels Rush on Festa, a 5-kilo-meter (3.1-mile) race and one-milewalk on Thursday, July 19.

The event’s starting point isjust outside of the north end of theFesta Italiana grounds on the cor-ner of E. Michigan St. and N.Harbor Dr.

Registration fees have been setat $20 per person before July 9and $25 thereafter. A family canregister for $60 before July 9 or$75 thereafter. A corporate teamregistration (good for up to 20 per-sons) is available for $400. To signup before July 9, go towww.spinalcordwi.org or visit anyarea running store. Registrationson race day will be accepted from 5

to 6:30 p.m.All registration fees include

free admission to Festa Italianaafter the race.

The starting time for physicallychallenged participants who racein the 5k in their wheelchairs orhand cycles is 6:55 p.m. Runnersfollow at 7 p.m. with walkersstrolling away at 7:05 p.m. Theevent takes place rain or shine.

An awards ceremony will beheld inside the North Gate on theFesta Italiana grounds at 8 p.m.First, second and third place maleand female runners in each agedivision will receive medals.Medals will also be awarded to thefirst, second and third place para-plegic and quadriplegic wheelchairand hand cycle participants andthe first place male and femaleparaplegic and quadriplegic under

the age of 14 who race in wheel-chairs.

Race results will be postedonline at www.spinalcordwi.org.

The Spinal Cord InjuryAssociation is a member ofCommunity Health Charities(CHC) and helps to educate andadvocate for individuals livingwith various degrees of paralysis.They provide counseling and sup-port as well as promote fundingfor research initiatives to improvethe lives of handicapped personsand further their independence.

The Southeastern WisconsinChapter operates a Respite Centeron the festival grounds, which wasbuilt with fund raised by theWheels & Heels race.

For more information on theevent, visit www.spinalcordwi.orgor call 414-384-4022.

Wheels & Heels Rush on Festa to benefitNational Spinal Cord Injury Association

– Southeast Wisconsin Chapter

Milwaukee County Transit System offershassle-free options to get you to and from Festa

Apply conventional wisdom when planning your nextbusiness convention. Hold it at the

Italian Conference CenterThe Italian Conference Center offers . . .• More than 22,000 sq. ft.

of convention space.

• Professional planning &

catering services

• Handicap access.

• Ample, free parking.

• 7 day a week

availability.

• Easy access to freeway

and downtown.

To coordinate your convention plans, Italian Conference Centercall SanDee or David at the Italian Community Centerat (414) 223-2800 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukeeor visit www.ItalianConference.com A block west of Summerfest

the company is at work in numer-ous Wisconsin communities andemploys about 400 people for thosedays to get the jobs done.

from page 1B

Bartolottafireworks torock Festa

By Ginny BalistreriThe new manager of the Festa

Children’s Stage has a fun-filledline up of entertainment for kids ofall ages. “Whether you’re one or101, you will enjoy the shows wehave planned for you,” said RichardAlswager, who took over stagemanagement from MichelleShoplas in 2012 when she relocatedto the West Coast.

Rick might be new to managingthe stage, but he’s not new to Festaaudiences. He has been entertain-ing kids on the Children’s Stage asBingo the Magical Clown for 30years, and he’s been a fan favoriteof youth and grown-up audiencesthroughout the Midwest for anequal number of years. Married tothe former Rosemary Zizzo, and thefather of four grown kids, he knowswhat children and their familiesenjoy, and he considers this a spe-cial line-up.

“We have three new acts thisyear: Pocket Lady™, Tony’sCreepy Crawly Zoo, and one I’mparticularly excited about, RickAllen’s Magic Show,” he announcedwith the enthusiasm of a circusRing Master. “And coming backthis year are two of Festa’s favoriteChildren’s Stage performances,Anita’s Dance Companies and theever-popular I Bei Bambini chil-dren’s dance group.”

Festa has always been a familyevent, Rick noted. “Entertainment,activities and even the food aregeared toward hours of fun forintergenerational families,” he said.“But the Children’s Stage has beenplanned especially for the youngerkids who come to Festa, eventhough the acts are just as appeal-ing and entertaining to older chil-dren, teens, and their parents.”

The fun begins Thursday, July19. You’ll be asking yourself, “Howdid he do that?” when Rick Allenplies his mind-blowing magic,engaging music, and fun audienceparticipation during Rick Allen’sMagic Show.

Rick Allen (a.k.a. RichardAlswager; aka Bingo the Clown)performs for schools, libraries, fes-tivals, private parties, corporateevents and other audiencesthroughout Wisconsin and theMidwest. Whether he is perform-ing for children or adults, Rick isknown for his warm gentle humorand stunning magical effects. Healso has the unique ability whenentertaining children to get downto their level. A master of his craft,Rick’s Festa show is sure to amazeeveryone in the audience.

He and his long-time assistant,Kristin Bayer, will perform HarryHoudini’s mystifying Packing CrateEscape, and one lucky audiencemember will have a chance to learnwhat it feels like to float into theair during a levitation demonstra-tion.

Catch Rick Allen’s Magic Showat 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday,Saturday and Sunday on the FestaChildren’s Stage.

Anita’s Dance Companies hasnot only been performing 25 consec-utive years on the Festa Children’sStage, but Anita’s Dance Center,located in Muskego and home toAnita’s Dance Companies, is alsocelebrating its 50th anniversaryteaching the art of dance andcharming audiences throughoutWisconsin and the nation. This isno ordinary dance company.Anita’s Dance Companies has

earned a national reputation andperformed for more than one mil-lion people, often sharing the stagewith celebrities like Paula Abdul,Liza Minelli, Chubby Checker,Donald O’Connor, Raven Symoneand the Jonas Brothers.

Under the direction of AnitaBronk, who was recently named the2011-2012 National Dance Teacherof the Year, Anita’s Dance Center ishome to National Award winningJr. and Sr. Competition Teams.

The Festa performing groupswill feature dancers from ages 7 to18 years of age, from over 35 localcommunities. Their high energy,family-friendly shows will appeal toall ages.

“I especially want to thankAnita’s Dance Companies for join-ing us at Festa again this year,”announced Rick Alswager. “In cele-bration of its 50th anniversary and25 years at Festa, it is appearing atno charge to the festival. This isone of Festa’s most popular chil-dren’s acts, so we are overwhelmedby this act of generosity.Therefore, please join me in wel-coming Anita’s Dance Companieswith another big turnout.”

Enjoy a different performance byAnita’s Dance Companies everynight Thursday through Sunday at7:15 p.m. on the Festa Children’sStage.

“Pick-a-pick-a-pocket, I won’tmind. Pick-a-pick-a-pocket and seewhat we find.” With these words,Pocket Lady™, spinning gaily ina circle with her tambourine, choos-es something special from her mag-ical skirt. Out come short, livelystories of Italy - traditional andoriginal - told with sensitivity andhumor! The anticipation of what isin the next pocket is what adds tothe excitement and charm of aPocket Lady ™ storytelling experi-ence.

Pocket Lady™ is performed byKathleen Mohr, of One MohrProduction, an original one-womantheatrical troupe. She has beenentertaining and teaching thou-sands of children and adults inWisconsin and throughout thecountry with 36 of her fun andinteresting characterizations,including Pocket Lady ™. This isher first appearance at FestaItaliana.

Pocket Lady™ will be tellingstories on the Festa Children’sStage Saturday and Sunday from 2p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Also look forPocket Lady™ strolling on the fes-tival grounds and spinning hertales from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., onSaturday and Sunday.

Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo isalso making its first appearance atFesta Italiana. (See article, “Bug

Whisperer Comes to FestaItaliana.) Local entomolo-gist/educator Antonio Gustin is pre-senting a fun, entertaining, andeducational show with an array ofexotic bugs like tarantulas, blackwidow spiders, and giant cen-tipedes.

During the second half of thisshow, children in the audience willbe invited on stage to handle lessthreatening crawly things likepraying mantises, hissing cock-roaches, and stink beetles. Tony’sshows never lack for willing audi-ence participants. Even normallyskittish adults will be anxious toget in on this act.

Tony and his zoo of creepythings will be on the FestaChildren’s Stage from 4:30 to 5:30p.m., Friday, Saturday andSunday.

Rounding out the acts on theFesta Children’s Stage is the localChildren’s Italian Dance Group, IBei Bambini. The music and rou-tines will enchant children andadults alike. An audience favorite,each routine will take you on ajourney to the many regions ofItaly. Performing under the direc-tion of ICC board member Susan(DeSanctis) Christiansen, thegroup features approximately 50young and talented entertainers

developed a 30-minute presentationinto an entertaining act followed byon-stage audience participationwith volunteers.

Kids are naturally fascinatedand generally fearless when itcomes to bugs and other crawlingthings. So Gustin designed a funshow where audiences are intro-duced to exotic bugs like tarantu-las, black widow spiders, and giantcentipedes, and then are invited onstage to handle less threatening,but equally creepy bugs like pray-ing mantises, hissing cockroaches,and stink beetles. “The kids andtheir parents love it,” he said.

His shows never lack for willingaudience participants. Even nor-mally skittish adults are anxious toget in on the act.

The first year he started enter-taining, Gustin brought his show tofour local schools. Word caught on,and the next year, the young enter-tainer/educator performed for morethan 50,000 children at a variety ofvenues, including schools, libraries,private parties, nature centers andzoos.

Local newsman John Drillingcaught his act and produced athree-minute spot about Gustin’sshow for Fox 6 News that waspicked up by other Fox News affili-ates. WTMJ, the Milwaukee areaNBC affiliate, also covered his actwith a feature spot on the newsthat further spread his popularity.Gustin’s career as the BugWhisperer took off. Since then hehas packed in audiences atSummerfest and a wide range ofother venues. From 1996-1998, heeven shared the stage with nation-ally renowned animal activist, Jack

Hannah, appearing at Hannah’sAnnual Insect Fair.

This will be Gustin’s debut per-formance at Festa Italiana. Hisshow will run Friday, Saturday andSunday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. onthe Children’s Stage located justbeyond the Children’s playgroundon the festival grounds.

Festa Children’s Stage Manager,Richard Alswager, said he wasthrilled that Festa was able to bookTony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo for the2012 festival. “It’s a great show,”he added, “and it’s not just for kids.I’ve seen it, and he has somethingfor everyone in his performance. Iexpect teens and adults to enjoy itjust as much as younger children.”

Although Gustin performs most-ly in Wisconsin and the Midwest,his popularity is widespreadthanks to You-Tube and a pilot for

a series he produced in 2005 called,“Tales from the Bug Whisperer.”

Gustin explained that he andfriends produced the DVD on aminimal budget. Now he wishes hehad invested a little more into cam-eras and other production ele-ments. After it appeared on You-Tube, he was invited to present hisDVD at two international film festi-vals going up against high-endnational productions like “AnimalPlanet,” and the DiscoveryChannel. Yet, he won honorablemention in five categories, and hiswork became nationally recognizedand acknowledged.

The very entertaining DVD canbe viewed on You-Tube under“Tales from the Bug Whisperer.”Visitors to his Festa show can pur-chase individual copies of the DVDfollowing each performance.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 3, SECTION BTHE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa’s Children’s Stage offersentertainment for the whole family

Here’s Antonio Gustin presenting “Tony’s Creepy Crawlers Zoo” show onthe Children’s Stage during Summerfest. (Photo provided by AntonioGustin)

from page 1B

‘The Bug Whisperer’ comesto Festa’s Children’s Stage



Could you be Festa Italiana’snext “Italian Idol” winner?

For the sixth consecutive year,Festa Italiana is conducting itsItalian Idol karaoke competition foramateur singers, 14 years andolder. This year, the nightly eventwill be presented, for the first time,

on the Cucina Showcase stage,starting at 8 p.m.

Sponsoring the Italian Idol con-test for the first time is WFA –Asset Management, Nick Enea,President.

The 35th annual Festa takesplace Thursday, July 19 throughSunday, July 22 on the Summerfestgrounds

To register to compete in ItalianIdol, persons who believe they havesome degree of vocal ability areasked to come to the CucinaShowcase starting at 6 p.m. on theThursday, Friday or Saturday ofFesta to sign up. Idol managersChristine Conley and SandyWinard said they are looking for 15contestants each night.

At the time of registration, con-testants will be asked to decidewhat song they wish to perform.They are allowed to choose any titlefrom the extensive karaoke reper-toire brought to Festa by KimMarie, the founder and one of thevocalists of the Oldies But GoodiesSpectacular, a rock and roll bandthat is slated to perform late nightsat Festa.

Three finalists and an alternatewill be selected by a panel of judgeseach of the first three nights ofFesta to advance to the champi-onship round on Sunday, July 22.In all, nine finalists will sing for achance to win cash prizes onSunday night.

In the finals, the contestantswill not only sing the song of their

choice, but will be asked to choose anumber from Kim Marie’s Italiantunes selection.

This year, the prize money hasbeen doubled from previous years!The first prize is $500. Second prizeis $300 and third prize is $200.

Last year, Kelly Gerschke ofBrookfield captured the first prize.Jim Unger of Racine won secondprize and Ed Lemberger of SouthMilwaukee took third prize.

Winard will be serving as theemcee each night.


• ALL ARE WELCOME. Membership is open to any person of Italian heritage or other public-spirited individuals supporting the purposes and objectives of the Italian Community Center.

• A MEMBERSHIP IN THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER IS A PERFECT GIFT forfriends and relatives, holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions.

BENEFITS OF INDIVIDUAL OR SENIOR MEMBERSHIP• Home delivery of The Italian Times* • Complimentary ticket to Festa Italiana • Voting privileges**

• Free international television in Members Room for sports and cultural programs • Special events discounts• Social, recreational, cultural and educational opportunities • Discount on advertising in The Italian Times.

*Online edition of The Italian Times available for everyone. Visit www.ICCMilwaukee.com. **Persons, 18-25, who purchaseindividual membership, will have voting privileges.

Italian Community Center MembershipJoin us today! What’s not to love?

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP� Individual Membership (64 or younger) @ $35.00/year. � Senior Membership (65 or older) @ $30.00/year.FREE Junior Membership, available for children, teens and adults under the age of 25 with a paid individual membership.Please complete the following information and mail this application form with your payment to: Italian CommunityCenter, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. If you have any questions or want further information, please call(414) 223-2180. If there are more than two persons in each category, please list the additional persons on a separate sheetof paper. All memberships are valid for one full year.

Names and birthdates of persons applying for or renewing an individual membership:New Membership �

Name: ___________________________________ Birthdate: _______________ Renewing Membership �

Address: _________________________________ Phone: _________________ Email: _____________________________New Membership �


Address: _____________________________ Phone: __________________ Email: ________________________________

Number of persons applying for or renewing an individual membership ____ @ $35/person = $_______________________

Names and birthdates of persons applying for or renewing a senior membership:New Membership �





Number of persons applying for or renewing a senior membership ____ @ $30/person = $____________________________

Names and birthdates of persons applying for or renewing a free junior membership:New Membership �





Number of persons applying for or renewing a junior membership ___________ at no cost.

Date of application TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ _

Singers wanted for ‘Italian Idol’ contest

Last year, Festa Italianadebuted a LEGOs® activity tent inconjunction with the display of aLEGOs replica of the LeaningTower of Pisa that was built byMilwaukee School of Engineeringstudents. The activity tent provedto be quite popular with children(and even teens and adults), soFesta officials decided to bring itback this year.

The LEGOs activity tent willbe located on the north end of the

festival grounds and will be openall four days of Festa, July 19-22.

Festa will have volunteers onhand to monitor activities and toassist guests.

The replica Leaning Tower ofPisa will once again be displayedthere, too. The MSOE students’representation of the famousItalian landmark stands five feettall and was crafted out of about18,000 LEGO pieces.

Festa to have LEGOsactivity tent

ranging in age from tots to teenswho will perform traditionalItalian folk dances in colorful,authentic peasant costumes.

I Bei Bambini performs at 3p.m., Friday, Saturday andSunday, on the Festa Children’sStage.

The Children’s Stage is locatednear the main entrance to the festi-val grounds. It is just southeast ofthe playground equipment whereyoungsters can burn off some ener-gy between shows. The Children’sStage is very near to bathrooms.It’s accessible to wheelchairs andstrollers, and over-laden dads car-rying backpacks and sleepingbabies will appreciate the stadiumseating.

Come a few minutes before thestart of the shows to find good seat-ing. You won’t want to miss even afew minutes of the magical, musi-cal, creepy fun that Festa has instore for visitors to this year’sFesta Children’s Stage.

Children’sStage actsannounced

from page 3B

Letters from

members and

friendsDear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering & SpecialEvents:

The event last night, May 14th,was wonderful and I wanted tothank you and David Stachowiakfor all your work with making myfirst event like this a success1

The place was beautiful and theservice was awesome and everyoneloved the food!

It was a pleasure working withyou both. Thank you again.

Tuleka ValdezMetropolitan Banking Group –

Midwest MarketsU.S. Bank, N.A.

Editor’s Note: This event,attended by 400 people, was heldfor the first time at the ICC.

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering & SpecialEvents:

Thank you for your extraordi-nary efforts. As always, it wasgreat working with you.

Mary StittMary Stitt & Associates

Editor’s Note: Stitt hasbrought many political events tothe ICC over the past 15 years.


Tuesday, June 26• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Leroy Airmaster andJunior Brantley, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27• Festa Italiana Advisory Board meeting, noon.• Courtyard Music Series is suspended June 27 through July 5 due toSummerfest at Maier Festival Park.

Sunday, July 1• Italian American Heritage Day ballgame with tailgate party at ICC,11 a.m. Details in this issue.

Wednesday, July 4• Independence Day. The offices of the Italian Community Center, ItalianConference Center, Festa Italiana and The Italian Times and Cafe LaScala will be closed.

Monday, July 9• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Joanne Mattson with PeteLang, Joel Freisinger, Tom Sorce and Brian Ford, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 10• Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with the All-Star SuperBand, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 11• Festa Italiana Advisory Board meeting, noon.• Filippo Mazzei Lodge/Order Sons of Italy in America membershipmeeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with SparlingTheatrical Productions, Inc., 6:30 p.m.Thursday, July 12• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Tom Anthony Group,6:30 p.m.

Monday, July 16• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Sandra Mandella with theTom Sorce Band, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 17• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Perry Weber & TheDeVilles, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 18• Festa Italiana Advisory Board meeting, noon.• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with the MasterSingers of Milwaukee, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 19• Festa Italiana opening day, 5 p.m.-midnight. Details throughout thisissue.• Festa Italiana opening day ceremony, 6 p.m.• Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Friday, July 20• Festa Italiana VIP Day program, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Details in Section A.• Festa Italiana public hours, 11:30 a.m.-midnight.• Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Saturday, July 21• Festa Italiana, 11:30 a.m.-midnight.• Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Sunday, July 22• Festa Italiana Mass, 11 a.m. Details in this issue.• Festa Italiana, 11:30 a.m.-midnight.• Festa Italiana fireworks, 10:15 p.m.

Monday, July 23• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Joe Zarcone with SharonSchmidt and Jeff Stoll, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 24• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Robert Allen, Jr. Band,6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 25• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with Notturno,6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 26• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Oldies But GoodiesSpectacular, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, July 30• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Anita Stemper with the TomSorce Band, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 31• Pompeii Men’s Club Board meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with La Chazz, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 1• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with WisconsinConservatory Faculty Singers, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 2• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Bob Hirschi & GrooveTherapy, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 6• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Frank DeMiles andCompany, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 7• Italian Community Center Culture Committee meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Greg Koch FunkQuartet, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 8• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with South ShoreYouth Opera Ensemble, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday. Aug. 9• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Oldies But GoodiesSpectacular, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 13• Italian Community Center Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Jack & Jill Jazz, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 14• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Reverend Raven & TheChain Smokin’ Altar Boys, 6:30 p.m.• Abruzzese Society meeting, 7 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 15• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with Notturno,6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 16• Italian Community Center Board meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with Rick D’Amore’s Rockin’Dance Party, 6:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 17• Abruzzese Society social, 6 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 20• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Bob Maynard &The Milwaukee Connection, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 21• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO general meeting with dinner, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Billy Flynn Blues,6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 22• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with Kerry Hart& Friends, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 23• Italian Community Center membership dinner, 5:30 p.m.• Italian Community Center general meeting, 6:30 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Oldies But GoodiesSpectacular, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 27• Courtyard Music Series: Hot Jazz featuring Janet Planet & Trio,6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 28• Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO Board meeting, 6 p.m.• Courtyard Music Series: Tuesday Bluesday with Jim Liban Combo,6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 29• Courtyard Music Series: Opera, Classical & Broadway with theMetropolitan Opera National Council Singers, 6:30 p.m. Final show in Wednesday night series.

Thursday, Aug. 30• Courtyard Music Series: Rock and Roll with the Doo-Wop Daddies,6:30 p.m.

Daily and weekly classes and activities• Bocce leagues. The fall bocce season will get under way the week of Sept.10 with a mixed couples league on Monday night and seniors leagues onTuesday and Thursday afternoons. Team registration forms are availableby calling 414/223-2194 or contacting any league coordinator. Details inthis issue.

• Free Children’s Italian class. The fall semester of the ItalianCommunity Center’s free children’s Italian class (for those ages 6-12) willbegin on Saturday, Sept. 15. Look for a story and registration form in thissection.

• Italian I and II classes for teens and adults. The fall semester of ItalianI and II classes for teens and adults will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Lookfor a story and registration form in this section.

• Tradizione Vivente, The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This folkdance group practices weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ICC. Visitwww.tradizionevivente.com for details. Ballate con noi! Dance with us!

• Members Room. Open to Italian Community Center members and theirguests, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.. Fridayand Saturday.

Websites:Italian Community Center – www.ICCMilwaukee.comFesta Italiana – www.FestaItaliana.comItalian Conference Center – www.ItalianConference.com

Calendar of EventsJune 26 – August 30, 2012


ICC’s 12th Courtyard MusicSeries season off to a great startThe highly anticipated 12th sea-

son of the Italian CommunityCenter’s Courtyard Music Serieshas gotten off to a rousing start.

Featuring a line-up of populartalent performing a different musi-cal genre each night, Mondaythrough Thursday, the series, sofar, has benefited from warm anddry weather, allowing many of theshows to go on in the Courtyardalthough a few have had to comeindoors to the Festa Ballroom whenprecipitation fell or it was a bit toocold.

The series continues to attractcapacity crowds for “Hot Jazz” onMonday nights and Rock and Rollon Thursday nights. Fans of blueshave found the ICC the place to beon “Tuesday Bluesdays.” The pro-grams on Wednesday nights aregarnering renewed attention offans of opera, classical andBroadway music.

All programs in the series beginat 6:30 p.m. and are open to thepublic and are offered with no covercharge or drink minimum. Freeparking is available in the lot onthe south side of the building.

Attendees can order deliciousfood – from appetizers to sandwich-es, dinner entrees and desserts –and their favorite beverages fromthe staff of Cafe La Scala, the ICC’spublic restaurant, starting at 5p.m. until the shows are over.

The 2012 series began onMonday, June 4 and continues witha few interruptions through theend of September. The Wednesdaynight programs conclude at the endof August, but the three otherseries go on through September.

If you happen to be reading thisstory between June 27 and July 8,you will find the series on hiatus indeference to Summerfest, the musicfestival held at nearby MaierFestival Park.

The Courtyard Music Series willresume a nearly continuous run theweek of July 9. The only times theseries will be suspended will be onThursday, July 19, the opening dayof Festa Italiana, also at MaierFestival Park, and on Labor Day,Sept. 3.

This season’s series has beencoordinated by Joe Campagna, Jr.,a past president of the ICC, and SalQuarino, a longtime ICC member.Tom Sorce booked the talent per-

forming on Monday, Tuesday andThursday nights. Kay Sparlingarranged the acts appearing onWednesday nights. Sorce, a guitargenius, and Sparling, a dramaticsoprano, are performing with someof the acts booked this summer.

Due to the popularity of theseries, reservations are stronglyrecommended and can be made bycalling Cafe La Scala at 414/223-2185.

Here’s a look at the acts thatwill be performing from the week ofJuly 8 through the end of August.

Monday Jazz• July 9 – Vocalist Joanne

Agnello Mattson with PeterLang, Joel Freisinger and TomSorce. Mattson, who performs atjazz clubs and piano bars aroundthe Milwaukee area, will sing,accompanied by Milwaukee areafavorites Pete Lang (on trumpetand vocals), Joel Freisinger (onpiano and bass), Tom Sorce (guitar)and Brian Ford (on drums). Thelatter three comprise the TomSorce Band. Ford is the band’snewest import, having just joinedFreisinger and Sorce this year. Aveteran musician, Ford has writtenseveral instructional books.

• July 16 – Sandra Mandellawith the Tom Sorce Band.Milwaukee native Sandra Mandellawill show off her pipes accompaniedby the Tom Sorce Band. Mandella

is the daughter of Nino Mancuso,former lead tenor with theFlorentine Opera Company, andMary Jennaro, who sang in theFlorentine chorus. Mandella hasbeen appearing regularly at FestaItaliana since 1994 and has per-formed all over the country, includ-ing at the Detroit Jazz Festival andof course at the ICC’s ownCourtyard Music Series. Her CD,“One Breath Closer,” is widelyavailable.

Mandella is also performing atFesta Italiana, July 19-22.

• July 23 – Joe Zarcone withSharon Schmidt and Jeff Stoll.Zarcone’s skills on the drums arelegendary to Milwaukee audiences,and Sharon Schmidt has been rack-ing up awards for her jazz perform-ances, including a Wisconsin AreaMusic Industry Award for her CD“Dancing in the Kitchen” and a2006 nomination for the ShepherdExpress’ “Best of Milwaukee JazzArtist.” Stoll is the band’s key-boardist and also lends his vocals tothe group’s arrangements.

• July 30 – Anita Stemperwith the Tom Sorce Band.Vocalist Anita Stemper takes abreak from her own popular jazztrio – the Anita Stemper Trio – toheadline with the Tom Sorce Band.

• Aug. 6 – Frank DeMiles andCompany. Frank (Dominguez)DeMiles, a pianist and vocalist,spent several decades as a teacherby day and a jazz musician bynight. His performing career spansmore than 60 years. He appeared inthe 1989 Charlie Sheen movieMajor League and received aMilwaukee Civic Music AssociationLifetime Achievement Award in2010.

• Aug. 13 – Jack & Jill Jazz.This band features award-winningguitarist Jack Grassel, vocalist JillJensen, John Babbitt on bass andJohnny Padilla on drums. JackGrassel was voted one of the “TenBest Guitarists in the U.S.” by thereaders of Guitar One Magazineand his wife, singer Jill Jensen, hasalso been nominated for severalWisconsin Area Music Industryawards.

• Aug. 20 – Bob Maynard andThe Milwaukee Connection. Thegroup that opened the 2012Courtyard Music Series returns forits second and final engagment ofthis season. The group is led byvibraphonist Bob Maynard and fea-tures 2006 WAMI “Guitarist of the

Year” Steve Lewandowski. Joiningthem are Chicago’s John Blegen onclarinet, George Welland on bassand Jack Carr on drums.

Begun in 1999 by the late ChuckHedges, the band has become aMilwaukee jazz-scene staple by fea-turing some of the Midwest’s bestjazz musicians along with a hard-driving rhythm section and tightensemble melodic lines.

• Aug. 27 – Janet Planet.International recording artist JanetPlanet will appear with TomTheabo, Ross Pederson, and DanLoomis. Planet’s 25-year-career hastaken her to performance halls, fes-tivals, and clubs across the world.Called “the voice of a new JazzCulture” by Jazziz Magazine,Planet is a producer and recordingartist known for her soulful lyri-cism. She co-founded Stellar SoundProductions in 1995.

Her latest CD. “Janet PlanetSings the Bob Dylan Songbook, Vol.1.” was released in the fall of 2010.According to her website (janet-planet.com), “Bob Dylan fans andfoes alike will marvel at Janet’sfresh interpretation of these 1960’scompositions. Rediscover the poeticpoignancy of Dylan’s work set to aneclectic mix of jazz-mindedarrangements.”

• Sept. 10 – Pete Sorce andJeff Labarge with SwingExplosion Band. Featuring thesmooth vocals of Pete Sorce and theclassic arrangements of JeffLabarge with the finest musiciansfrom southeast Wisconsin, the 18-piece ensemble of Swing Explosionbrings excitement, prestige andsophistication to any stage – andthey don’t just do big band music.Their unique and eclectic style isguaranteed to have you tappingyour toes.

This group plays a variety ofstyles from a variety of composersand arrangers; Stan Kenton,Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, DukeEllington, Count Basie, GlennMiller, Sinatra, Bobby Darin, BrianSetzer, Barry Manilow, LionelRitchie, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy

Sandra Mandella

Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen

Janet Planet

Tom Sorce

Kay Sparling

Continued on page 7B


and lots more.• Sept. 17 – Ellen Winters

Group. This very popularMilwaukee group will perform theirpopular “Tribute to RosemaryClooney.” The program premieredin Elm Grove last November with asold-out run, and audiences haveresponded with overwhelmingapproval to Winters’ interpretationof Clooney’s classic songs. TheMilwaukee Journal Sentinelclaimed she is “arguablyMilwaukee’s best jazz singer” who“recreated the Rosemary Clooneyvoice and era.”

• Sept. 24 – Gail Valenti withJoel Freisinger, Tom Sorce andBrian Ford. The 2012 jazz serieswill close with a show featuringvocalist Gail Valenti, who per-formed nationally with the likes ofDoc Severinsen and shared thespotlight with Steve Lawrence andEydie Gorme, Tony Bennett andDionne Warwick. She has alsoworked as a national jingle singerand spokeswoman, representingOldsmobile, Kentucky FriedChicken, State Farm Insurance,Northwestern Mutual Life, Bank ofAmerica, Disney World, AnheuserBusch and Miller Beer.

Valenti is exactly the kind of actTom Sorce and his cohorts love toback up. “Joel Freisinger writesgreat arrangements for thesesingers,” said Sorce. “His arrange-ments bring out their beststrengths, which adds so much.”

Tuesday Bluesday• July 10 – All-Star Super

Band. The Tuesday Bluesday con-certs return on July 10, but it won’tbe a blues band taking the stage.Featured on this night will be theAll-Star Super Band, a 16-piecejazz band featuring many of

Milwaukee’s finest jazz musicians.The group plays original music, aswell as covers influenced by CountBasie, Woody Herman, StanKenton, Thad Jones, CharlieParker, Buddy Rich, DizzyGillespie and Toshiko Akiyoshi.

The band leader is bassist GaryChristensen, who said, “The maindifference that distinguishes theAll-Star Super Band fromMilwaukee’s other big bands is thatwe play music that featuresimprovisation and music that is dif-ficult, as a rule.” Most big bandshave somewhere between one tofour soloists; the All-Star SuperBand usually has a minimum of 12soloists, he added.

The band’s current formatincludes five saxophonists, fourtrumpeters, four trombonists, akeyboardist, a string bassist and adrummer.

• July 17 – Perry Weber &The Devilles. This Milwaukee-based band was formed in May2007. Weber is best known forbacking up harmonica legend JimLiban and has worked closely withThe Legendary Blues Band andHubert Sumlin.

Weber and The Devilles presenttraditional, high-energy bluesshows. The group’s CD debut“Savage Beauty” was released in2007 and peaked at #14 on theLiving Blues Magazine chart. Thegroup’s latest CD, “The Riot Act,”also made it to #14 on the samechart.

Prior to their July 17 show, theband has gigs in Clear Lake, Iowaand Neenah and Ripon, Wisconsin.

• July 24 – Robert Allen, Jr.Band. Robert Allen was describedin a Milwaukee Journal Sentinelstory appearing in 2003 as “anextraordinary guitarist, a passion-ate singer and a powerhouse of ashowman. His booming pipes andpresence will draw you in andnever let go.”

Joining Allen in his rockin’ bluesband are: Dave Braun (drums),Rick Holmes (bass and backingvocals), Guy Florentino (electricbass) and “Cadillac Pete” Rahn(harmonica and backing vocals).

Steve Seymour wrote this aboutAllen and his band on rockandroll-graffiti.blogspot.com after a Jan. 22show in Gladstone, Mich.: “With hisGibson Epiphone ES-335 guitarnamed “Blondie,” Allen capturedthe audience from the beginning,with Rahn’s harmonica workadding an authentic blues feeling tothe band’s repertoire.”

• July 31 – La Chazz. Formedin 1978 by guitarist Toty Ramos,La Chazz began as an 11-piecesalsa band that featured originalcompositions and renditions of thefamous Latin bands of the time.Later, Ramos decided to concen-trate on original instrumentalLatin-jazz works to showcase theband members’ improvisationalskills and to differentiate La Chazzfrom traditional salsa bands.

Other band members are: AllenJohnson, Jeff Pietrangelo andMichael Betz (all on trumpet),Michael Franceschi (trombone),Jim Paolo (bass guitar), Tony Ayala(percussions, conguero), JenoSomlai (percussions, drums) andHector “Vivo” Rodriguez (percus-sions, timbales).

La Chazz has performed atmany regional festivals such asJazz in The Park, Bastille Days,Summerfest, Lakefront Festival ofthe Arts, Rainbow Summer,Madison’s Jubilee Jazz Festivaland Racine’s Harbor Fest.

• Aug. 7 – Greg Koch FunkQuartet. Guitar genius Greg Kochbrings his Funk Quartet to theCourtyard Music Series for the first

time. Playing with Koch are DylanKoch (drums), Eric Harvey (bass)and Theo Mayweather (keyboards).Koch is an ambassador for Fenderguitars.

Greg Koch has been called a“twisted guitar genius” and “eclec-tic virtuoso” by guitar pundits. Inhis own words, he is nothing shortof a “plectrum-wielding skulldug-garist.” The towering Koch is mov-ing beyond mere local hero statusin the upper Midwest and becomingan internationally renowned gui-tarist, session ace, top-selling gui-tar instructional book author andDVD star, magazine columnist,radio personality, comedian and in-demand worldwide guitar clinicianfor Fender Musical Instrumentsand Hal Leonard Publishing.

• Aug. 14 – Reverend Raven& The Chain Smokin’ AltarBoys. After debuting in theCourtyard Music Series last sum-mer, this popular Milwaukee-basedblues band returns for its first oftwo shows this season on Aug. 14.The group also performs for the lastTuesday Bluesday show in the 2012season on Sept. 25. Specializing inclassic Chicago blues, ReverendRaven & The Chain Smokin’ AltarBoys won the Wisconsin AreaMusic Industry Award for bestblues band in 1999, 2000, 2001,2005, 2008 and 2010.

The group is playing atSummerfest on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage onThursday, July 5. After that, theyhave several gigs in Ontario,Canada and throughout theMidwest.

• Aug. 21 – Billy Flynn Blues.A Green Bay, Wis. native, BillyFlynn has been a mainstay on theChicago blues circuit since the mid-1980s. From June 29 through July8, Flynn is performing with“Chicago Blues – A Living History”during a tour of France.

Flynn has played with BryanLee, Mississippi Heat, theLegendary Blues Band, Big BillMorganfield and Billy Boy Arnold.In the late 1980s, he joinedLegendary Blues Band, whichincluded Pinetop Perkins, Willie“Big Eyes” Smith, and Calvin“Fuzz” Jones, all Muddy Watersalumni. Billy’s versatility is alsoshown through his prowess with amandolin, sitar, harmonica and inhis vocals. He’s played with justabout everybody who’s anybody inChicago Blues, and he’s put out aboatload (40-plus) of CDs, a list ofwhich can be found on his website,www.billyflynn.com.

• Aug. 28 – Jim Liban Combo.This show will be a night for fans ofharmonica style blues. Jim Libanhas an international cult status asone of the foremost post-war bluesharmonica stylists on the scene.One critic said, “Liban is one of thefew players working today whoseems to have captured much of thebite and playfulness of (Junior)Wells’ best harmonica work andhe’s taken it one step further to hisown voice on the instrument.”

Liban has penned songs for JohnMayall, Johnny Winter, LonnieBrooks and other internationalblues artists.

Wednesday nightOpera, Classical & Broadway

• Wednesday, July 11 –Sparling Theatrical Produc-tions , which opened the 2012Wednesday night series, returnswith a program that includes selec-tions from the world of opera andthe Broadway stage. The singersinclude international dramaticsoprano Kay Sparling of Jefferson;lyric tenor Ryan Albrechtson,Waukesha; lyric coloratura sopranoMeriKate Bock, Racine; lyric tenorMatthew Huston, Madison; HalliStewart, lyric mezzo-soprano, Ft.Atkinson; and lyric baritone SethWestenberg, Watertown. Accom-panying the singers at the pianowill be Ruth Gurgel, Jefferson.

Sparling Theatrical Productionsis a branch of Sparling Conser-vatory, Jefferson, Wis. The compa-ny presents opera and musical the-atre concerts, Broadway revues,pop concerts, plays, operas and lec-tures. Students enrolled inSparling Conservatory have theopportunity to audition for compa-ny productions

• Wednesday, July 18 –Master Singers of Milwaukee“celebrates a passion for vocalartistry by exploring the dimen-sions of choral music that engage,uplift and rejuvenate the humanspirit through extraordinary choralmusic and exceptional performanc-es.” That is the mission, as postedon its website, of this popular vocalgroup which was founded in 1972and has performed for the ICC’sCourtyard Music Series on numor-ous occasions.

The group’s current music direc-tor is Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli,an associate professor of music anddirector of choral activities atCarthage College in Kenosha. Heis a native of Argentina.

• Wednesday, July 25 –Notturno – Notturno is a group oflocal singers who are classicallytrained, love to sing together andtake great pleasure in performing.

Singers this night include sopra-no Erin Sura, who has recentlybeen seen on the Florentine Operastage as Mrs. Hayes in the recentproduction of Carlisle Floyd’sSusannah; mezzo-soprano AllisonHull, who was chosen as a youngartist for the Skylight OperaTheatre, Glimmerglass Opera andSeattle opera; baritone Tim Rebers,a Milwaukee native who holds aBachelor of Arts degree in Musicfrom Wisconsin Lutheran Collegeand a Master’s in vocal perform-ance from Truman State Univer-sity, Kirksville, Mo; and tenorEdson Melendez. Accompanyingthe group will be Adriana (Addy)Stoiber, who holds a Bachelor ofMusic degree from the Universityof Wisconsin-Madison.

from page 6B

Ellen Winters

Gail Valenti

Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys



Enjoy live entertainment with no cover chargeall summer long in the ICC’s Courtyard

from page 7B• Wednesday, Aug. 1 –

Wisconsin Conservatory ofMusic Faculty Singers–Representing the Conservatory forthis performance will be KathleenMatts, soprano; KathleenSonnentag, mezzo-soprano; NathanWesolowski, baritone; and accom-panist Michele Thiele.

Matts, a soprano, is a wellknown soloist in recital, opera, con-cert and musical theatre styles; hasappeared with most major musicalorganizations, including soloingwith the Milwaukee SymphonyOrchestra and leading roles withthe Skylight Theatre; and is achoral conductor. Sonnentag isbest known to area audiencesthrough frequent appearances withmajor musical organizations; hassoloed with the Florida, Dayton andVirginia Symphony Orchestras;and toured Japan with the JapanShinsei Symphony.

• Wednesday, Aug. 8 – SouthShore Youth Opera Ensemble –The ensemble was formed in 2002by Julie Maurer, who is its director.Initially, the group was meant toprovide Maurer’s voice studentswith increased opportunities to usetheir training and showcase theirtalent. While that still remainstrue, South Shore’s primary pur-pose today is to educate and inspireyoung singers, musicians and audi-ences through the art of opera.

In the beginning, most SSYOEmembers were from south shorecommunities. Today, members arejoining from throughout the metroMilwaukee area. Performers arebetween the ages of 14 and 30.

Maurer, a mezzo-soprano, is agraduate of St. Norbert College,where she received a bachelor’sdegree in music education with avocal/choral emphasis.

Wednesday, Aug. 15 –Notturno – Performing will besoprano Sarah Lewis Jones, whowas a studio artist with theFlorentine Opera Company duringthe season in which Elmer Gantrywas presented and in which shewas the featured soprano in theKeely family; mezzo-soprano JillianHansen Bruss, who has performedhere and abroad, including Norwayand Denmark, in opera, oratorioand the concert stage and teachesprivate voice at UW-Parkside;tenor Joseph Graziano, who hasperformed with the FlorentineOpera Company for several sea-sons, singing in their outreach pro-grams and who has been a featuredsoloist throughout the Midwest;and baritone Doug Clemons, who

has performed with the SkylightTheater, Milwaukee Opera Theatreand the Door County OperaFestival.. The singers will beaccompanied by Anne Van Deusen,a freelance pianist and music direc-tor in the Milwaukee area.

• Wednesday, Aug. 22 – KerryHart & Friends — Mezzo-sopranoKerry Hart received two awards atthe Wisconsin District Metropoli-tan Opera Auditions and alsoreceived a Downbeat Award for herwork as a jazz singer. Joining herwill be soprano Melissa KellyCardamone, who has vocal per-formance degrees from LawrenceUniversity and the Eastman Schoolof Music; baritone Doug Clemons,who has appeared in SkylightMusic Theater and MilwaukeeOpera Theatre productions; andtenor Ian Toohill, who in 2010 wona first place award in the WisconsinNational Teachers of Singing com-petition.

• Wednesday, Aug. 29 –Metropolitan Opera NationalCouncil Auditions Singers – TheNational Council Auditions is aprogram designed to discover prom-ising young opera singers andassist in the development of theircareers. The singers on this pro-gram have all been winners of dis-trict Metropolitan Opera NationalCouncil Auditions. Soprano KathyPyeatt is the director of theWisconsin District auditions.

Pyeatt has sung with leadingregional opera and orchestra com-panies throughout the UnitedStates. She recently made her roleand company debut as Tosca withthe Springfield (MO) SymphonyOrchestra in a joint productionwith the Springfield RegionalOpera. Mezzo-soprano ColleenBrooks made her debut with TulsaOpera in 2009. She was a studioartist with the Florentine OperaCompany in the 2008-2009 season.Tenor James Kryshak made hisprofessional debut in Raylynmor

Opera’s production of Don Giovanniin 2008. He made his CarnegieHall debut in 2012. Baritone ToddVon Felker has worked with lead-ing regional opera companiesincluding New Orleans Opera,Pensacola Opera, Des MoinesMetro Opera, St. Petersburg Opera,Chicago Opera Theatre and was anapprentice artist with theFlorentine Opera Company.

Thursday night Rock & Roll• July 12 – Tom Anthony

Group. One of the top drawinggroups to perform in the ICC’s“Cabin Fever Music Series” thispast winter, the Tom AnthonyGroup, returns for its first showthis summer in the CourtyardMusic Series.

Vocalist Tom Anthony has longbeen a fixture on the Milwaukeearea music scene. With his group –Tom Sorce (guitar), Joel Freisinger

The South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble vocalists and instrumentalists are seen here in a photo taken at theMilwaukee Art Museum.

Jillian Hansen Bruss Joseph Graziano Doug Clemons


Kerry Hart

Melissa Kelly Cardamone Ian Toohill

Tom Anthony


The Oldies But Goodies Spectacular, shown here in a performance at the ICC this past January.

(keyboards) and Frank Nicotera(drums), Anthony presents the bestof the rock, pop and rhythm andblues era.

Anthony is famous for his LasVegas-style show, singing the hitsof Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin,Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli, RoyOrbison and even some of today’sbiggest hit makers such as MarcAnthony, Brooks & Dunn andDwight Yoakam. The latest CD bythe Tom Anthony Group is “JustFor You.”

Among the dates on the group’sbusy summer schedule is a per-formance at Festa Italiana onThursday, July 19. The groupreturns to the ICC on Sept. 27 toclose out the 2012 Courtyard MusicSeries season. For more informa-tion on the group, visitwww.tomanthony.net.

• July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23– Oldies But GoodiesSpectacular. This multi-talentedband was formed by vocalist KimMarie about 15 years ago after shecompleted seven years in Las Vegasand a gig for Chevrolet at NewYork City’s Lincoln Center and invarious cities around the country.

Kim Marie said her goal in form-ing the band was to gather themost talented Milwaukee areamusicians from bands popular inthe 1960s, and and regenerate thenostalgic feel of the ‘60s rock androll era in Milwaukee.

Joining Kim Marie today arevocalists Tony Clementi and ChuckTravis, keyboardist Brian Lorde,drummer Bruce Cole, lead guitaristTom Sorce, bass guitarist BobSanders, saxophonist Mike Miller,trombonist Jay Allison, and trum-peter Mike Betts.

• Aug. 2 – Bob Hirschi &Groove Therapy. Bob Hirschi wasone of the original vocalists in theOldies But Goodies Spectacularand has been seen in a number oflocal theater productions. He’s now

appearing with the seven-piecegroup, Groove Therapy. The groupincludes Marshall Mauney (guitar,vocals), Rick Anderson (keyboards,vocals), Andy Waldoch (bass), TimSardina (drums), Lauren McCray(saxophone, flute), Eric Sperry(trumpet and flugelhorn) and JakeTomasicyk (trombone).

Their show will feature a mix-ture of classic rock and roll, rhythmand blues and soul. The group fea-tußres the works of Chicago, BloodSweat & Tears, Huey Lewis, Towerof Power, Sam & Dave, PhilCollins, Journey, The Commodores,The Doobie Brothers, Santana, AlJarreau, Earth Wind and Fire,Harry Connick Jr., Toto, Ides ofMarch, Billy Joel, MayerHawthorne, Boston, Frank Sinatra,REO Speedwagon, Stevie Wonder,Steely Dan, Elton John, JohnMayer, Michael Bublé, and more!

• Aug. 16 – Rick D’Amore’sRockin’ Dance Party. RickD’Amore, a longtime popular vocal-

ist, told The Italian Times, “Getready to dance the night away toyour favorite rock and roll tunesfrom the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and on up.”

Joining D’Amore will be RobChalifaux on bass; Tim Sardina ondrums; and Pete D’Amore on leadguitar.

• Aug. 30 – Doo-Wop Daddies.One of Milwaukee’s longest run-ning rock and roll show bands – theDoo-Wop Daddies – come back tothe ICC for their only performancein this summer’s Courtyard MusicSeries.

The group last played at the ICCfor the Rock and Roll Blast inJanuary. Lke then, the ICC isexpecting a full house for the Aug.20 show.

The Doo-Wop Daddies capturethe demanding styles of doo-wop

music with unsurpassed excellence.That’s only the beginning. TheDaddies don’t merely recreate theclassic genre, but have redefined itand made it their own 21st centurydoo-wop. The group’s live showsattain that ideal unity of masterfulperformance and entertainment.Combining elements of vintage andcutting edge musical technologies,the Daddies produce an excitingthreatrical show that remainsfaithful to the doo-wop style.

The Doo-Wop Daddies lineupincludes Mike Sturino, Mike Welch,Ryan Clark, Mark Lansing, TomRiepenhoff, Lee Stephens, LeeWanek and Terry Casey.

* * *This story was compiled by

Colleen Jurkiewicz, Bob Ruggieriand Tom Hemman.

Doo-Wop Daddies

Rick D’Amore

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

MILWAUKEE’S ITALIANS:THE EARLY YEARS

by Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center HistorianCover Price: $12.95

ON SALE NOW FOR $9.95ALL PROCEEDS FROM BOOK SALES

GO TO THE ICC BUILDING FUND.ICC Historian Mario A. Carini’s labor of love traces the history of Milwaukee’sItalian community from the mid 1800s to 1925. Resulting from a lifetime ofresearch by Carini, Milwaukee’s Italians: The Early Years is a 143-page illustratedpaperbook book. The Italian Community Center is the publisher.

MILWAUKEE’S ITALIANS: THE EARLY YEARS ORDER FORM

Your Name: ________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________

Phone: __________________ Email: ____________________________________

Number of copies of book ordered: ___________________________________

x $ $9.95 per book

Subtotal A: $

Shipping & Handling*($3.00 for one book, $2.00 each additional book): $ *You can save the shipping and handling cost bypicking up your order at the Italian Community Center.

Subtotal B: $

Sales tax (Wisconsin residents only, 5.6%): x $ 0.056

Subtotal C (enter sales tax figure): $

Enter Subtotal B figure & add with sales tax figure: + $

Grand total: $

If you’re paying by check: Make your check payable to the Italian CommunityCenter.

If this purchase is being made with a charge card, please complete the following:

Type of Charge Card: _______________________________________________

Charge Card No.: ___________________________________________________

Expiration Date: ___________________________________________________

Send this form to: Italian Community Center, c/o Milwaukee’s Italians book, 631E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

from page 8B


ICC has your tickets for Brewers’‘Italian Heritage Day’ game on July 1The Italian Community Center

is actively participating in theMilwaukee Brewers’ “ItalianHeritage Day” promotion for thegame on Sunday, July 1 against theArizona Diamondbacks.

The ICC purchased 500 ticketsfor the game and is offering a pack-age that includes a pre-game tail-gate party at the ICC, bus trans-portation to and from Miller Parkand a premium ticket in the shade-

covered rightfield loge for $55.These tickets can still be

obtained by stopping in at the ICCreception desk on weekdays from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 414/223-2180 and having a credit cardhandy. Everyone who buys this $55package will be entitled to freeparking in the ICC’s closest lot tothe building even thoughSummerfest will be going on atnearby Maier Festival Park.

An Italian-style tailgate partywill begin at 10:30 a.m. in the ICC’sCourtyard, with buses departingfor Miller Park around 11:30 a.m.The first pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

For the three-game seriesagainst the Diamondbacks (June 29and 30 and July 1), the Brewerswill wear special uniform tops,including the word “Birrai” (theItalian translation of “Brewers”)stretched across the front.

The Brewers have alsoannounced that the July 1 gamewill feature a bobblehead giveaway.All fans entering the ballpark withreceive a bobblehead of “Guido,” theItalian racing sausage, courtesy ofKlement’s Sausage.

Last September, the ICC offereda Brewers game outing with a pre-game tailgate party as a member-ship promotion that was wellreceived.

Trizzano wins ICC’s springbocce championship

More often than not, the teams with the best regular season record com-ing into the Italian Community Center’s championship bocce playoffs getknocked off in an early round of the tournament, but not this year.Trizzano, the Monday night league champ with the best regular seasonrecord (22-2) of the eight teams in the tournament, rolled past three oppo-nents to capture the spring bocce championship. Trizzano defeated ComoSi Chiama, the Thursday afternoon seniors league champ (18-6), in thetitle match. Trizzano scored earlier victories over Monday night leagueopponents, Cannestras (15-9) and Amici’s (17-7). For winning the champi-onship, the Trizzano players each received a $15 Cafe La Scala gift certifi-cate. Four of the five Trizzano members are seen here. From the left: SalCarini, Tony LoCoco, Sal Galioto and Mario Orlando. Missing from thephoto is teammate Sal Canizzo. To advance to the title match, Como SiChiama won matches over the Addolorata Society team, runnerup in theTuesday afternoon seniors league (18-6) and Paesane, runnerup in theThursday afternoon seniors league (17-7). In opening round matches notpreviously mentioned, Amici’s defeated Monday night league opponent It’sAll Good (15-9) and Paesane beat Felice Amici, Tuesday afternoon seniorschamp (19-5). This season, with only one night mixed couples leagues, fourteams from the Monday night league qualified for the playoffs. They werejoined by the first and second place teams from the Tuesday and Thursdayafternoon seniors leagues. (Times photo by Jim Schultz)

ICC’s fall bocce leagues tostart week of Sept. 10

Teams are invited to participatein the fall bocce leagues at theItalian Community Center. Therewill be an adult league on Mondaynight and seniors’ leagues onTuesday and Thursday afternoon.

Competition will begin the week

of Sept. 10. The regular seasonruns eight weeks.

Each team, consisting of a mini-mum of four players, is scheduledfor three matches a week. Ideally,the league coordinators would liketo have eight teams in each league.

Registration fees are $40 perplayer who is not a member of theICC and $30 for each player who isan ICC member. Membership willbe verified. Registration forms areavailable from league coordinators(Dan Conley, Monday night;Anthony Gazzana, TuesdayAfternoon; and Joe Torcivia,Thursday Afternoon) or by callingthe ICC office at 414/223-2180 andspeaking to Mary Ann Maglio.

The registration form with fullpayment for all players is due nolater than Tuesday, Sept. 4.

FINAL STANDINGSICC Spring

Bocce LeaguesMonday Night1st-Trizzano 22-22nd-Amici’s 17-73rd-Cannestras* 15-94th-It’s All Good 15-95th-Metagannis 11-136th-Still Reunited 9-157th-Red Dot 8-168th-Diletantes 7-179th-LeRoy’s Dollies 5-19*Cannestras won the tiebreakerover It’s All Good to qualify forplayoffs.

Tuesday Afternoon Seniors1st-Felice Amici 19-52nd-Addolorata Society 18-63rd-Swingers 16-84th-Young-At-Heart 14-105th-Cruisers 13-116th-Happy Rollers 11-137th-Bocce Moms 4-20

Thursday Afternoon Seniors1st-Como Si Chiama 18-62nd-Paesane** 17-73rd-Holy Crucifix Society 17-74th-Bishops 10-145th-Balistreri’s on 68th 10-146th-Shipmates 7-177th-Bocce Moms 6-188th-Buon Amici 4-20

By Fred MeierIf you have enjoyed the enter-

tainment at Festa Italiana overthe past 35 years, you won’t wantto miss the show coming to theItalian Community Center’sPompeii Grand Ballroom onSaturday, Nov. 24 from 7 to 11p.m.

The show will be a benefit forthe Hunger Task Force ofMilwaukee, whose mission since1974 is ending hunger among chil-dren and the elderly, veterans,displaced workers and workingpoor families.

The show will be a tribute tothe 35 years of entertainment atFesta Italiana. It will includesongs that have been performed bysome of the best and well known

entertainers who have ever beenat Festa since its inception in1978.

The show will include the mostwell known songs from ABBA,Frankie Avalon, Tony Bennett,Dick Contino, Vic Damone, VicDana, Danny & The Juniors, Dion& The Belmonts, The Four Aces,The Four Lads, Sergio Franchi,Jay & The Americans, Al Martino,Liza Minelli, The Monkees, TheRighteous Brothers, JimmieRodgers, Bobby Rydell, NeilSedaka, Nancy Sinatra, JerryVale, Frankie Valli, The Voguesand many more.

Performing these songs will beSherwood Alper, Johnny B, MikeBetts, Bruce Cole, Mark Koch, Jeff

LaBarge, Larry Lynne, TonyMachi, Freddy Meier, Mike Miller,Judy Oswald, Joe Palumbo, ElvisPrince, Bob Sanderson, SamSchiera, Tom Sorce, Jeff Stoll,Jayne Taylor, Chuck Travis andKirk Vernon.

The Italian CommunityCenter’s public restaurant, CafeLa Scala, will be open for dinnerand late night dining.Reservations can be made by call-ing 414/223-2185. A cash bar willalso be set up in the ballroom.

Advance tickets for the showare now on sale for $30 per personand can be obtained by calling414/764-4145. The night of theshow, tickets will be sold at thedoor for $35 per person.

Hope to see you there.

Come and enjoy a tribute to35 years of entertainment

Deadline set forSeptember issue

of The ItalianTimes

All advertising copy, news andfeature stories, letters from thereaders and photographs for publi-cation in the September 2012 issueof The Italian Times must be sub-mitted to the editor no later thanTuesday, Aug. 7.

Materials can be emailed to edi-tor Tom Hemman at [email protected], sent to TheItalian Times, 631 E. Chicago St.,Milwaukee, WI 53202, or droppedoff at the reception desk in theItalian Community Center office.

Your cooperation will insuretimely publication of the newspa-per.

Looking for theideal gift?

How about CafeLa Scala giftcertificates?

Available in anydenomination.

Stop in today or call(414) 223-2185.

Cafe La Scalaat the

Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St.

A block west of Summerfest inMilwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.


In compliance with the ItalianCommunity Center’s Constitution& By-Laws, an Election Commit-tee was chosen at the May 24 gen-eral membership meeting. Thecommittee is charged with the dutyof preparing a slate of candidatesfor the upcoming ICC election.

According to Article V, Section 3of the ICC By-Laws, “An ElectionCommittee consisting of two mem-bers in good standing appointed bythe President and three membersin good standing nominated andelected from the floor at the Maygeneral membership meeting shalldevelop a slate of candidates for thefive officer positions and four direc-tor-at-large positions on the Board

of Directors. The President shallhave the authority to name thechairperson from among the fivemembers of the ElectionCommittee.” (A member in goodstanding is someone who holds acurrent paid membership.)

With that stated, David J.Spano used his presidential author-ity to appoint RosemaryDeRubertis and Mary Ann Maglioto the committee. He namedDeRubertis as chairperson.

Members attending the May 24general meeting elected SalLoCoco, Marie Schwindt and FrankD’Amato to complete the commit-tee.

What happens next?The Election Committee has

until the August general meeting(set for Thursday, Aug. 23 at 6:30p.m.) to ready a slate of candidates.Persons interested in running forpresident, vice president, treasurer,secretary or sergeant-at-arms orone of the four open director-at-large seats are asked to inform anymember of the Election Committeeof their intentions.

According to Article V, Section 1of the ICC By-Laws: “To be eligibleas an officer or board member ofthe Italian Community Center, apotential candidate:

“a. Must be a member in goodstanding;

“b. Must have been a member ofthe Italian Community Center forat least 12 months prior to his/hernomination;

“c. Must have served on at leastone Italian Community Center orFesta Italiana committee withinthe past five years or attended atleast 50% of the regularly-sched-uled general membership meetingsin the preceding year as confirmedby the record.”

Once the committee presents itsproposed slate at the Aug. 23 gen-eral meeting, additional nomina-tions can and will be taken fromthe floor.

The next responsibility of theElection Committee is stipulated inArticle V, Section 1.d., whichstates, “Nominations for an officeror board member to be made fromthe floor will be validated by theElection Committee prior to placingthe names on the ballot.”

Next, the Election Committeewill conduct a drawing to deter-mine placement of names on theelection ballot. The committee willgo on to oversee the mailing of bal-lots to all members in good stand-ing.

The mailing takes place withineight days of the September gener-al meeting, which is scheduled forThursday, Sept. 27.

Members must make sure thattheir ballots are postmarked nolater than the Thursday precedingthe October general meeting to beeligible to be counted. The Octobergeneral meeting is Thursday, Oct.25, which means ballots need to bepostmarked no later than Oct. 18.

Ballots that are not postmarkedor are postmarked after Oct. 18 willnot be opened or counted.

The Election Committee willselect volunteers to help them tabu-

late the votes on the qualifying bal-lots on the day of the October gen-eral meeting. The results will beannounced during the meeting.

Newly-elected officers and direc-tors will officially begin their serv-ice on Thursday, Nov. 1.

All nomination and election pro-cedures are spelled out in Article Vof the ICC By-Laws.

Terms of officeThe term of officers is one year.

The current officers are: presidentDavid J. Spano, vice president GinaSpang, treasurer Sam Purpero, sec-retary Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchieand sergeant-at-arms Joanne(Sanfilippo) Czubek.

Under the term limit stipulationset forth in Article IV, Section 8.c.,“A President shall be allowed tosucceed himself/herself for oneterm and one term only. All otherofficers shall be eligible for re-elec-tion to said offices without limita-tions.” Since Spano is completinghis second consecutive term, he isnot eligible for re-election. All otherofficers are eligible to seek anotherterm of office, if they so desire.

The term for directors-at-large istwo years. Current directors whowill be completing their service areThomas Balistreri, Dean Cannes-tra, Susan (DeSanctis) Christian-sen and Giuseppe Vella.

The term limit stipulation fordirectors-at-large is set forth inArticle V, Section 8.b., whichstates, “The term of office forDirectors-At-Large shall be twoyears, with four Directors electedeach year. No Director-At-Largemay serve more than two consecu-tive terms (four consecutive years).After two such consecutive terms,he/she must either run for a higheroffice or remain on a hiatus fromthe Board of Directors as aDirector-At-Large for at least aone-year period prior to running forDirector-At-Large again.” BothBalistreri and Christiansen areabout to complete two consecutiveterms and will not be eligible for re-election as directors-at-large.

Cannestra and Vella were elect-ed to their first two-year term in2010 and are, therefore, eligible torun for a second term.

Directors Ralph Busalacchi,Elizabeth Ceraso, Peter Gustin andTony Piacentini will have one yearof service remaining when the2012-13 term begins on Nov. 1.


ICC Election Committee chosen

Two revisions to the ItalianCommunity Center Constitution& By-Laws have been addressedby the By-Laws Committee. Theamendment changing the date ofthe May Election Committee“nominations from the floor” andthe September “mailing of theelection ballots” were proposed bythe Finance Committee to the ICCBoard of Directors.

The membership will vote onthe proposed revisions at the gen-eral meeting on Thursday, Aug.27, said Tony Piacentini, commit-tee chairman.

To understand the proposedrevision, use this as a guide: Anycurrent by-law language proposedfor deletion is crossed out (there’sa line through the wording) andthe new proposed language isunderlined and in bold type.After each proposed revision, thecommittee offers the rationale forrevision and/or addition and itsposition regarding the same.

Article V – Nominationsand Elections

Section 3. An ElectionCommittee consisting of two (2)members in good standingappointed by the President andthree members in good standingnominated and elected from thefloor at the May April general

membership meeting shall devel-op a slate of candidates to run forthe five (5) officer positions andfour (4) Director-At-Large posi-tions on the Board of Directors.The President shall have theauthority to name the chairpersonfrom among the five (5) membersof the Election Committee.

Committee commentsThis is a date change only to

coincide with the Board’s decisionto change General Membershipmeetings to every other month(starting in February). Thischange is recommended by theFinance Committee, Board ofDirectors and By-laws Committee.

Article V – Nominationsand Elections

Section 9 . Ballots will bemailed to all members in goodstanding within eight (8) fifteen(15) days following the Septembergeneral membership board meet-ing. All ballots must be post-marked no later than theThursday preceding the Octobergeneral membership meeting.Ballots marked after that datewill be saved, but will not beopened or counted.

Committee commentsSame as above.

ICC by-lawsrevisions proposed

Thanks for your donations to the Italian

Community Center building fundThe officers and directors of the Italian

Community Center wish to thank and acknowl-edge all those who pledged, fulfilled a pledge, orcontributed to the building fund.

To obtain information on how to make a dona-tion, please call 414/223-2194 or visitwww.ICCMilwaukee.com.

The following donations were receivedbetween May 8 and June 6, 2012.

In memory of Ronald R. MacCuddenDavid & Christine MacCudden

In memory of Vincent CastiglioneMary Ann Erdtmann

In memory of Rosemarie JadwekTed & Rosemary Glorioso

In memory of Thomas LoreMarie Lore

In memory of Susan Eleanore MiswaldAnthony T. Machi

Mary Ann Maglio

In memory of Donald KruckMarie Lore

In memory of Rev. Frank J. SanfelippoSal Mussomeli & Sally MullinsJim & Marie SchwindtJimmy & Linda Spataro

In memory of Howard CatoMarie Lore

In memory of Frances (Vincenza) BalistreriMr. & Mrs. Edward StraszewskiKathy BalistreriGeorge & Aggie Collura

In memory of Charles “Chuck” CannestraPhyllis SperaGeorge & Judy MenosMary Ann MaglioJack & Zina FalluccaRosemary DeRubertis

In memory of James J. ZimneyTed & Rosemary GloriosoRosalie Glorioso

In memory of Rosina SpicciaMarie LoreMary Ann Maglio

In memory of Carmela “Millie” MaroAnthony & Catherine Gazzana

In memory of Salvatore T. “Sal” PizzoGeorge & Aggie Collura

In memory of Antonia “Ann” PanellaGeorge & Aggie Collura

In memory of Angelo Edward PizzinoAnthony T. MachiAnthony & Catherine Gazzana

In memory of Rose SorceJimmy & Linda Spataro



Henry Piano cooks a feastto benefit Alzheimer’s Association

By Ginny BalistreriIt’s been said that busy people

always seem to find time for onemore project. That’s true of HenryPiano, the 78 year old attorney andformer president of the ItalianCommunity Center, who still prac-tices law 70 hours per week, main-tains an active role in the ICC andFesta Italiana, and is a devotedhusband to Joanne, their two chil-dren and four grandchildren. Healso cooks sumptuous Italian mealsand devotes time and money tocharities that are close to his heart.

One of those charities is theAlzheimer’s AssociationSoutheastern Wisconsin Chapter.

The ICC and Henry donated asix-course Tuscan dinner at theICC for a party of 30 that was auc-tioned at the Alzheimer’sAssociation’s Annual Mardi GrasGala in February.

The successful bidders were Billand Maureen Haggerty Warmuth,who didn’t know Henry, and werenot aware of the extent of his culi-nary skills. They bid because “itsounded like a great opportunityfor a party.” And a great party itwas.

The Warmuths and their guestsare still talking about the six-course meal Henry planned andcooked and the fun evening theyregretted coming to an end.

Henry became involved with theAlzheimer’s Association afterJoanne’s mother died from compli-cations of Alzheimer’s. “My moth-er-in-law lived with us for 23 years,

and I just loved her,” he explained.“She had Alzheimer’s for eightyears before her death, and it toremy heart out to watch her fadeaway.

“Alzheimer’s is horrible for thepeople going through it,” Henryadded, “but it is devastating for thefamily who loves them. “

About seven years ago, hebecame involved in the Alzheimer’sAssociation through its ExecutiveDirector Tom Hlavacek. Tom sug-gested that the Association joinforces with the ICC to raise fundsand awareness for Alzheimer’s.They’ve been working together eversince.

Henry speaks highly of the sup-port services provided toAlzheimer’s patients and their fam-ilies in Southeastern Wisconsin,and he is encouraged by researchbeing done to end Alzheimer’s andrelated dementia disorders. “I fullyexpect a cure in eight or 10 years,”he added. “I’m not a doctor. I’mnot a scientist. All I can do isdonate some time and money tohelp put an end to this terriblething.”

His commitment to helping oth-ers is a pledge he made to hisfather. “On the day I graduatedfrom law school, my dad took measide and told me that it was nowmy turn to give back,” heexplained. “I have been so blessedin my life, that giving back is theonly way I can thank God for mymany blessings. “

His next project is to help coor-

dinate an Alzheimer’s conference inMilwaukee with leading doctorsand researchers, because Henrybelieves that there is much to begained from education and aware-ness. That’s why he agreed todonate his culinary skills for theparty at the ICC. He said eventslike the dinner help to highlightwhat brought everyone together inthe first place.

Barbara Stein, communityleader and philanthropist, is afriend of the Warmuths and wasinvited to the dinner. Ironically,she lives in the same building asthe Pianos and she and Henryserved together on their condo asso-ciation board. She decided to bringa friend to the dinner whose moth-er was recently diagnosed withAlzheimer’s. Mrs. Stein s said herfriend was introduced to peoplethere, like Tom Hlavacek, whoadvised her about services avail-able to her mother and family thatshe didn’t know existed. But theevening wasn’t just aboutAlzheimer’s. It was about fun, fam-ily, friends, and an extraordinarymeal.

Like Henry and Joanne Piano,Bill and Maureen Warmuth like tomake sure their parties are lively.The Warmuths’ invitation included

an apron design contest, and theirguests’ creations set the lightheart-ed tone for the evening. They camewith aprons decorated with every-thing from appliqués to shower cur-tains and faux fruit to battery-oper-ated Christmas lights. Contestwinners were awarded lava lamps,which were highly sought after bythe competitors.

Henry also did his part to keepthe laughter going throughout theevening by telling stories about theICC, the history of Milwaukee’sItalian community, and his ownfamily. He gave the guests a tourof the ICC. One of the specialmoments was when Henry showedthe guests The Pieta in the mainlobby. The sculpture, which is acasting from the originalMichelangelo masterpiece, is onloan from the Haggerty Museum atMarquette University. TheHaggerty Museum was a gift toMarquette from Maureen’s family.

But the evening really took offwhen Henry began to demonstratehis culinary skills. A portableisland used for cooking demonstra-tions gave the guests an unob-structed view of each step in thepreparation.

Henry, who learned to cook from

Chef Henry Piano is surrounded by most of the guests who attended his cooking demonstration to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of SoutheasternWisconsin.

Henry Piano received assistance from Gina Manning (seen here) andRosemary DeRubertis during his cooking demonstration at the June 1event, which benefited the Alzheimer’s Association of SoutheasternWisconsin.

Henry Piano, a past president of the Italian Community Center,schmoozed with guests after completing his cooking demonstration. Continued on page 13B

Photos provided by Georgeand Judy Menos


YourSpecial

OccasionDeserves

OurSpecial

Attention.Whether you're planning significant family functions -- reunions, christenings,quinceañera, bridal or baby showers, or you're faced with organizing a last-minute event,such as a funeral luncheon . . .

Or you want the perfect setting for a wedding reception or engagement or weddingrehearsal dinner, or your company is looking for an ideal location for a business or socialgathering . . .

the Italian Conference Center is your answer.Our Catering Director will work closely with you to make sure that every detail that goesinto a successful event is planned. And the food at the ICC! Ah, the food. Your guests willshower you with compliments after they've eaten the delicious meals prepared by our out-standing chefs and served by our friendly and efficient wait staff.

Everything you need for a successful event is ready and waiting at the Italian ConferenceCenter. For assistance in scheduling and planning your event, call SanDee or David at . . .

414-223-2800 or visit: www.ItalianConference.com

In the Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St., MilwaukeeFree parking • Handicapped accessibleMinutes from downtown and freeway access

in the Historic Third Ward

his mother Angelina DeQuardoPiano, created a Tuscan menualmost entirely in the Florentinestyle. The meal began withFlorentine bruschetta, followed bymanicotti crepes filled with ricottaand Romano cheese and a maincourse of Florentine chicken breastsaltimbocca, Roman baked pota-toes, and string beans Florentine.He prepared a mixed salad with aspecial Florentine dressing for thefourth course, Tiramisu for the fifthcourse, and wine and biscotti forthe sixth course.

The only things he didn’t makewere the Tiramisu, which was pre-pared by the ICC staff, and the bis-cotti, which were donated bySciortino’s Bakery. The wine wasalso provided by LoDuca Bros.

Because Henry cooks from expe-rience and taste, none of his recipeswere written down. Weeks beforethe event, he began recording therecipes by cooking each dish andmeasuring every handful and pinchof ingredients so that he could givehis audience detailed instructionson how each is made. Then hespent another week or two with theICC culinary staff teaching themhow to replicate each dish exactly.

“It was amazing,” said BarbaraStein. “Henry would mesmerize usby preparing this beautiful dish,and ‘whoosh!’ the doors would openand the ICC’s wait staff wouldparade out each course to serve tothe guests, perfectly prepared toHenry’s specifications.”

Guests included the Warmuths’children, Elizabeth Eileen Ryanand son Sam Warmuth, sister-in-law Nancy Haggerty, Nancy Healy,Public Health Manager forWaukesha County, former directorof Public Affairs for WISN-TVMary Alice Tierney, and severalfriends who are professional chefsand caterers, including Mike Teich,the former sous chef at Sanford’s,

and Valerie Wilson Reed.“As Henry cooked or prepared

each dish, the chairs kept movingcloser and closer to get a bettervantage point,” said MaureenWarmuth. “Eventually Henryinvited some of the guests to standnext to him as he made each dish.”

“We were stuffed to the gillsbefore the main course,” she added.“We were all loosening our ties andunbuckling our belts as we waitedfor the next part of the meal tocome through those doors. It wasone of those evenings where youdidn’t want it to end, and then, in ablink of an eye, it was over.”

Henry graciously prepared apacket of all of his recipes foreveryone at the event, along withinformation on the Alzheimer’sAssociation and the ICC. Guestsalso left with enough leftovers foranother family meal.

Maureen Warmuth said that oneof her caterer friends tried a differ-ent Piano recipe every night for aweek after the event, and “lovedevery one of them.”

No stranger to the ICC, BarbaraStein teased that her neighbors,

Henry and Joanne (also a superbcook), never invited her to dinner.“I always knew there was some-thing special cooking in the condobelow mine because these wonder-ful smells travelled up to my apart-ment,” she explained. “Instead ofwaiting for an invitation, I thinkI’m going to have to install a dumbwaiter between our apartments sothat every time Henry cooks, hecan just send a dish up to me.”

The Pianos and the ICC donatedthe food for the event, and the ICCprovided the facilities and waitstaff. In addition to the generousamount raised for the Alzheimer’sAssociation, the event brought theAssociation greater awareness andmade some new friends for theAlzheimer’s Association and theItalian Community Center, whichgained several new members fromthe event.

“Bill and I enjoyed ourselves somuch, we joined the ICC the verynext day,” said Maureen HaggertyWarmuth. “We’re now card carry-ing members, and we’re looking for-ward to attending other events atthe ICC.”

Piano cooks a feast for a worthy causefrom page 12B

Members: Pleasenotify ICC of a

change ofaddress

Any member of the ItalianCommunity Center who has a changeof address is asked to notify the ICCpromptly so that mailings from theCenter are sent to the correct address.

Since the ICC uses nonprofit bulkrates to mail The Italian Times, theUnited States Postal Service is entitledto charge a fee (50¢) for each newspa-per that is returned to the ICC anddeemed undeliverable due to an incor-rect address. Since June 2009 whenthe fees were first assessed, the ICChas been forced to pay more than $355to the Postal Service because membersdid not supply the ICC with theirchange of address information.

Even if you are temporarily awayfrom your permanent residence andare not receiving mail at that address,you need to notify the ICC of your tem-porary address so that your newspapercan be delivered to that address and sothat the ICC is not charged 50¢ foreach failed attempt to deliver the pub-lication to your permanent residence.

“We’ve had a number of memberswho have gone to Florida or anotherwarm weather location for the winterand these people did not supply uswith their temporary change ofaddress; hence their newspaper wasreturned to the ICC with the 50¢ serv-ice fee due for each newspaper,” EditorTom Hemman said.

Nonprofit bulk rate mail is not for-warded to a new address, which meansthose members who neglect to informthe ICC of their change of address willnot receive the newspaper.

Please send change of address infor-mation to: Italian Community Center,631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI53202-5916 or email Constance Palmerat [email protected] orcall her at 414/223-2808.

Pietro Tarantinooffers help to

Italian citizensPietro Tarantino, a longtime mem-

ber and past board member of theItalian Community Center, is offeringfree assistance to members ofWisconsin’s Italian community on mat-ters involving the Italian government.Tarantino will be at the ICC on thefirst Saturday of the month from 12:30to 3 p.m.

Tarantino is a member of Comites(Comitato degli Italiani all’estero) anda liaison to the Italian GeneralConsulate of Chicago.

Among the matters for whichTarantino can provide assistance arevisas and passports, power of attorney,verification of signatures, documentsrelating to death certificates and decla-rations dealing with citizenship, civilstatus and pensions.


Free Children's Italian Course Registration Form(For children ages 6-12)

at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee

Parent(s) Name ________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

City ________________________ State _______ Zip __________

Phone No.: ______________ Email_________________________

Children's Names & Ages: _______________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Send this form to: Children's Italian Course, c/o ICC,631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

The fall semester of an introduc-tory (Italian I) class and advanced(Italian II - Conversation) class foradults and teens will begin onTuesday, Sept. 11 at the ItalianCommunity Center. Both classeswill be held on 10 consecutiveTuesday nights, with the finalclasses set for Nov. 13.

Instructor Enrica Tarantino-Woytal described Italian I as beingfor those who want an introductionto the language. The introductorycourse will run from 7:30 p.m. to9:15 p.m.

The Italian II course will beginat 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and end at7:15 p.m. “The advanced class is

for those who have completedItalian I and are ready to learnmore about the language and howto converse,” Tarantino-Woytalsaid.

Enrollment is open to ICC mem-bers and the general public. Thereis a limit of 25 students per class.The fee for each course will be $90for an ICC member and $100 for anon-member. The fee does notinclude the course textbook.

To register, complete the formaccompanying this article. Checksor money orders are payable to theItalian Community Center.Registrations will be accepted up tothe start of the Sept. 18 classes.

Italian classes foradults and teens to

begin Sept. 11 at ICC

The fall semester of a free week-ly series of Italian classes for chil-dren between the ages of 6 and 12will begin Saturday, Sept. 15 at theItalian Community Center. Theclasses, which run from 3 to 5 p.m.,will continue through Nov. 3.

The course is intended to pro-vide children with an introductionto the Italian language and the cul-ture of Italy. Besides learning somebasic words and the Italian alpha-bet, the children also make draw-ings for the holidays and specialoccasions and receive a snack eachweek.

The instructor is EnricaTarantino-Woytal, who also leadsthe ICC’s Italian classes for teensand adults. She was honored byWisItalia as Wisconsin’s 2009

“Italian Teacher of Year.”Tarantino-Woytal has been leadingthe children’s class at the ICC sincethe early 1980s. Over the years,several hundred youngsters haveparticipated in the free class.

To register for the spring semes-ter, please complete the formaccompanying this article and mailit to: Children’s Italian Course, c/oICC, 631 E. Chicago St.,Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Sincethere is no enrollment fee, parentscan also register their children inperson any time during the semes-ter.

For further information, contactthe ICC office at 414/223-2180 orEnrica Woytal or Pietro Tarantinoat 414/481-0170 or via email [email protected].

Fall semester of freechildren’s Italian classto start Sept. 15 at ICC

Registration form forItalian I course & Italian II course

Name(s) ___________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________

Phone No. ___________________Email _________________________________

I am (we are) enrolling in: � Italian I course � Number of persons enrolling.

� Italian II course � Number of persons enrolling.

Course fee: ICC Member - $90.00; Non-Member - $100.00

Make payment to: Italian Community Center, and send to: ICC, c/o Italian Class,631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Enrollment in each class is limit-ed to the first 25 students who send in this registration form with full payment.

Correcting errors inour June issue

In an article in our June issueon the culture exhibit at FestaItaliana, we had the last name ofGina Jorgensen misspelledthroughout the article and the firstand last name of Christina Ziinomisspelled in its one mention.

Our apologies to Gina andChristina.

* * *A second error in our June issue

was made in Ann Romano’s thankyou message to the donors, volun-teers and ICC staff who participat-ed in “A Taste of Italy.” Isidore

Pecoraro, Giovanni Frijia andFrank Galioto who fried calamarifor the event, are not connected tothe Società Maschile Maria S.S. delLume.

* * *In a caption under the photo of

Christina Balistreri, we inadver-tently identified her as “NancySinatra.” This resulted from a lay-out production error and shouldhave been caught during the finalproofreading.

Our apologies to Christina andthe Balistreri family.

The members of La Società di San Giuseppe contributed in three differentways to the Italian Community Center’s “A Taste of Italy” fund-raiser onApr. 22. The society made a monetary donation, sponsored the perform-ance by the Sicilian Serenaders II and provided volunteers to serve chick-en pastina and lentil soup. Seen here (l to r) are volunteers Sam Schiera,Judge John DiMotto, Santo Sanfillippo, Tom Spera and Nick Germano,who were manning the soup booth when our photographer took this pic-ture. This photo was accidentally omitted from our June issue. (Timesphoto by Tom Hemman)

Members of La Società di SanGiuseppe contributed in three

ways to ‘Taste of Italy’

Letters from members and friendsDear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering and SpecialEvents:

Thank you so much for yourincredible help and support withour event this past week! I am seri-ously amazed at how much youaccomplished this week and howperfectly you and the entire teamexecuted it all.

Without your help, our eventwould’ve been 1/10th as great.

Mary UrbinaTom Barrett Campaign

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofCatering & Special Events:

On behalf of the ladies ofWomen’s Court & Civic Conferenceof the Greater Milwaukee Area, Ithank you and David Stachowiakfor the fine service given us thispast year.

Your chef did a great job withthe lunches! The waiter staff alsodid an outstanding job in takingcare of us.

Thank you for a great two years.It was a pleasure to work with youand David. Will see you at futureluncheons. I will be stepping downas Arrangement/ReservationsChair.

Carolyn A. KruegerWomen’s Court & Civic

Conference of the Greater

Milwaukee Area.Editor’s Note: This group has

held monthly luncheons at the ICCfor the past three years.

Dear David Stachowiak,Catering Sales Representative:

Thank you and your team formaking La Causa’s 18th annual“Celebrity Waiters” event a greatsuccess. Our collective effortresulted in a net donation of$63,000 – all in support of our mis-sion “where children and familiescome first.”

I appreciate your attention todetail and flexibility.

Janet PeshekDirector of Community Affairs

& Fund DevelopmentLa Causa

Editor’s note: Held at theItalian Conference Center for thesecond time, this event attracted375 guests.

Interested in advertising with

us? Get all the details by con-

tacting us by phone or email.

Phone: (414) 223-2180

Email: [email protected]

There’s going to be a sizablefamily reunion in Greenfield onSaturday, July 21. This will be the38th such annual gathering.Nearly100 people are expected toattend from throughout the UnitedStates.

The family in question, accord-ing to Lee Loveall, is theMagestro family. Lee knows thatand a lot more, since he’s a genealo-gy fan, and has been working onthe Magestro family tree for morethan 20 years.

That family tree is what I’d liketo focus on here, because it givesthe word “sizable” a whole newmeaning to me. Lee told me aboutfive brothers who form the “root” ofthe family tree. The brothers emi-grated to the U.S. from Piraino inItaly’s Sicily region between 1903and 1912. Their names wereVincenzo, Carmelo, Francesco,Antonino and Costantino. The fam-ily name at the time was Magistro.According to Lee, it started morph-ing around 1920 into Magestro,with which we’re now familiar.

Lee’s research led to informationabout the brothers’ marriages;work history; and where they lived.It turns out one returned toEurope; one settled inPennsylvania; and three stayed inMilwaukee and worked for awhilefor the city streets department.Fraancisco Magistro/Magestro wasLee’s grandfather.

You read frequently in thisnewspaper, courtesy of GeorgeKoleas, about the local chapter ofPOINT (Pursuing Our ItalianNames Together.), a genealogygroup. Lee Loveall is a member ofthat group, and has volunteered atPOINT’s display in the CultureTent at Festa.

Lee’s Magestro family tree will

be on display in the Culture Tenton the north end of the grounds. Idon’t think you’ll miss it. It’s 20feet wide and contains more than450 names of Magestro familymembers livng in the U.S.!

If you want to know more aboutthe Magestro family tree, you’reinvited to e-mail Lee at [email protected].

By the way, did you notice Leescheduled the reunion on the week-end of Festa?. His hope, of course,is that reunion attendees will visitthe festival.

# # # # #I may be one of the few people

on the planet who hasn’t seen aproduction of the stage play, “Tonyn’ Tina’s Wedding.” Had I gone toone of the performances in May at

Turner Hall, I’d have seen one ofour own in the cast.

I’m talking about Tony Machi,who played the part of “UncleLuigi,” the great uncle of “Tina,”the bride. Tony, as you may know,was one of the founders of Festa in1978, was the first president of theItalian Community Center and thefirst general chairman of FestaItaliana.

So how did he get the part?It seems that Tony enjoys

karaoke, and was demonstratinghis singing prowess on a Tuesdaynight at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.After he finished one of his num-bers, a man approached him. Hesaid he was from New York andwanted Tony to play a part in anupcoming Milwaukee production of“Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.”

Tony took him at his word, said“yes” and the rest, as they say, ishistory.

When I was talking to Tony aboutthis, he quipped, “They even paidme. I’ve lost my amateur status!”

One more thing. They’ve askedTony to play “Uncle Luigi” againthe next time they’re in Milwaukee.Tony, of course, said “yes” again.

By the way, Tony will be 91 inNovember!

# # # # #Nice article in the May 18 edi-

tion of The Milwaukee BusinessJournal about Dan Gustin and hisOak Creek-based company, GreenMan Tree & Landscape Service.

Dan is company president andthe son of ICC Board memberPeter Gustin.An interesting part of the story lineis Dan Gustin’s commitment to anenvironmentally friendly servicethat recycles 100% of the woodfrom his tree removal and trim-ming projects. Wood that can’t beused by carpenters or artists is usu-ally recycled into firewood or com-post.

You might be able to access thearticle by Googling the headline –“Going green to make some green.”

You can learn more by visitingwww.thegreenmancompany.com.

# # # # #Charles and Doris (Stamitti)

Evans are rightfully proud of theirdaughter, Rev. Barbara Jo Piercy,Minister of Music at The FirstPresbyterian Church in Caldwell,NJ. Rev. Piercy was one of fiveorganists to perform in a Festival ofOrganists concert on Mar. 11, inPlainfield, N.J.

She graduated from CarrollCollege (now Carroll University)with a degree in organ perform-ance, and went on to a master’sdegree in the subject from theUniversity of Illinois. She did doc-toral studies in organ and sacredmusic at Indiana University andhas a master of divinity degreefrom Drew University in NewJersey.

# # # # #In closing, let me say this.

Buona Festa a tutti!


Conversazione with Bob Ruggieri

For more than 100 years,Italian Americans have been mak-ing significant contributions to bigleague baseball, as players, coach-es, managers and executives. Thisthird installment of the seriesincludes two segments: film andtelevision appearances, and familyconnections.

Movies and TVErnie Orsatti (Cardinals, 1927-

’35) got his start in baseball whileworking as a stunt man and bitplayer at the studio of the greatsilent film comedian, BusterKeaton. Orsatti also played forKeaton’s indoor baseball team. In1925, Keaton, who happened to bepart owner of the Vernon fran-chise in the Pacific Coast League,signed Orsatti to a contract.

Umpire Joe Paparella (1946-’65) played the role of the umpirein “The Babe Ruth Story” (1948).

Phil Rizzuto was the first mys-tery guest on the television show,“What’s My Line,” Feb. 2, 1950.

In 1963, after an 11-year majorleague career as an infielder,Johnny Berardino became one ofthe original cast members of thesoap opera, “General Hospital.”Dropping the second “r” in hisname to become John Beradino, he

played the role of Dr. Steve Hardyfor 30 years and was nominatedthree times for an Emmy as bestactor in a daytime drama.

After retiring as a major leagueumpire in 1953, Art Passarellahad an uncredited role as anumpire in the film “DamnYankees“ (1958) and played arecurring role as SergeantSekulovich in the television series“Streets of San Francisco “ (1972-’77).

Sebastian “Sibby” Sisti, whospent his entire 13-year careerwith the Braves, including hisfinal two seasons in Milwaukee(‘53-‘54), played the role of thePirates manager who brings in theyoung relief pitcher who yields theclimactic home run by Roy Hobbs(Robert Redford) in “The Natural”(1984).

Family TiesThere have been two Italian

American grandfather-grandsonduos in Major League history:

• Len Merullo (infielder, Cubs,1941-47) and Matt Merullo (catch-er, three teams, 1989, 1991-95);Sam Dente (infielder, five teams,1947-55) and Rick Porcello (pitch-er, Tigers, 2009-).

• Father-son duos: Yogi and

Dale Berra; Sal and Drew Butera;Dolph and Doug Camilli; Tito andTerry Francona; Steve and JasonGrilli.

• The Mancusos, Gus (fiveteams, 1928-‘45) and Frank (St.Louis Browns, 1944-‘47), were oneof 11 pairs of brothers who wereboth Major League catchers.

• Chris Bando, brother of Sal(Brewers player and later generalmanager), was a catcher for theIndians, A’s and Tigers between1981 and ’89.

* * *Larry Baldassaro, Professor

Emeritus of Italian at UW-Milwaukee, is the author ofBeyond DiMaggio: ItalianAmericans in Baseball (U. ofNebraska Press, 2011). In May, hereceived the Leonardo da VinciAward for Excellence in Literaturefrom the Illinois and WisconsinGrand Lodge of the Order Sons ofItaly in America.

Italian AmericanBaseball Trivia

By Larry Baldassaro

Tony Machi is seen here in a phototaken at his 90th birthday party atthe Italian Community Center lastyear. (Times photo by TomHemman) Barbara Piercy

World FireworksChampionshipcoming to ItalyStarting the last weekend of July

and ending the last weekend inAugust, thousands of people areexpected to flock to Lake Orta in north-ern Italy (Piedmont region) for theWorld Fireworks Championship.

Many of the world’s finest pyrotech-nicians will paint the night sky withmonumental works of art. The showsare free and begin at 9:30 p.m.

Major firework manufacturers fromfour continents are expected to takepart in this competition, demonstratingtheir pyrotechnic abilities and creativi-ty, while spectators get to vote on theshows they think are most spectacular.

Attorney William A. Jennaro, aformer Milwaukee County judgeand a past president of the ItalianCommunity Center, was recognizedby the Milwaukee Bar Association(MBA) with its “LifetimeAchievement Award” at the organi-zation’s 154th annual meeting andluncheon held on June 12, 2012 atthe ICC.

Jennaro is now an independentgeneral practitioner of law affiliat-ed with the Milwaukee law firm ofGimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown,LLP. From 1984 until late lastyear, Jennaro was a shareholder inthe law firm Cook & Franke, S.C.

Prior to joining Cook & Franke,Jennaro was a Milwaukee Countyjudge for 12 years. Before that, heestablished and administered thepublic defender program at theChildren’s Court Division of theMilwaukee County Court system.From 1968 to 1970, he was aMilwaukee County AssistantDistrict Attorney, serving underDavid Cannon and then E. MichaelMcCann.

Since 1984, he has served as areserve circuit court judge uponassignment by the WisconsinSupreme Court.

Jennaro has specialized as amediator in the process of alterna-tive dispute resolution. In 2009and 2010, he was named “bestmediator” in the State of Wisconsinin a statewide poll of attorneys andjudges by the Wisconsin Law

Journal. In 2011 and 2012,Jennaro was named to theWisconsin’s Best Lawyers by hispeers and has received recognitionas one of the “Best Lawyers inAmerica” specializing in mediationand arbitration since 1998. He hasreceived several other accolades forhis work.

Jennaro has been active in law-related activities, including servingas president of the Milwaukee BarAssociation, and is a member of anumber of law-related organiza-tions. He is a 1968 graduate of theMarquette University Law School.

In addition to serving as presi-dent of the ICC (1994-95), Jennarohas held other positions on theBoard of Directors. He was thegeneral chairman of Festa Italianaon two occasions; chaired itsExecutive Committee for threeyears; and for the last 15-plus yearshas chaired Festa’s VIP Day pro-gram for the disabled of the com-munity. This year’s Festa markshis second year as manager of gon-dola operations.

In 2004 and 2005, Jennaro waspresident of United EthnicFestivals of Milwaukee.

Jennaro is the current presidentof Milwaukee’s Filippo MazzeiLodge of the Order Sons of Italy.He is a member of the PompeiiMen’s Club and a member of theWisconsin Chapter of the JustinianSociety of Lawyers as well as theNational Italian Bar Association.

For a number of years, he served onthe Board of Directors of theNational Italian Invitational Golf

Tournament for Charities and waspresident of the organization from1993 to 1995.

Jennaro has served on theboards of Children’s Hospital ofWisconsin, Shalom AlternativeHigh School, Historic Third WardAssociation, Child AbusePrevention Fund and MilwaukeeWorld Festivals.

Others honored at the MBAevent included James L Santelle,United States Attorney, EasternDistrict of Wisconsin, with the E.Michael McCann DistinguishedService Award; Julie J. Darnieder,Director, Marquette UniversityVolunteer Legal Clinic, with theLawyer of the Year Award; andMichael J. Gonring, Partner,Quarles & Brady, with theDistnguished Service Award.


Bill Jennaro receives ‘Lifetime AchievementAward’ from Milwaukee Bar Association

Attorney William A. Jennaro is seen here with the Lifetime AchievementAward that he received from the Milwaukee Bar Association at its 154thannual meeting and luncheon on June 12 at the Italian CommunityCenter. Jennaro is a past president of both the ICC and MBA. (Timesphoto by Tom Hemman)

By Bob RuggieriIn all likelihood, you’ve seen one

of the television commercials pro-moting this year’s Summerfest.There are three of them running,and all were directed by longtimeFesta Italiana volunteer CarloBesasie. The 42-year old Besasie isenjoying a successful career as afilmmaker – a career that hastaken him around the UnitedStates and to foreign shores.

But since he was a child, onecould expect in July to find him atFesta Italiana in Milwaukee. Hisfirst volunteer experience waswhen he was about 8 years old andhe and his cousin, Joe Spang, werestagehands on the Children’sStage. They subsequently joinedthe gate control crew. Today,Besasie is captain of Festa’s MidGate, and Spang is captain of theSouth Gate.

Besasie has missed his Festaassignment only once. That was in1992, when he was out of state onan internship. And he definitelymissed being there.

“Festa is the highlight of mysummer,” said Besasie. “The bestpart is that, every year, I meet afamily member I never knew Ihad.”

Besasie graduated with honorsfrom the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of FineArts degree. Since then, he’s goneon to a successful career filmingdocumentaries, corporate imagepieces, commercials and featurefilms. Recent clients have includedthe Milwaukee Ballet and theWisconsin Department of

Carlo Besasie directed Summerfestcommercials that are now airing

Award-winning filmmaker is dedicated Festa volunteer

Carlo Besasie (right foreground), working with film students, used a moni-tor to demonstrate some of the things that go into good composition.

Fr. FrankSanfelippo

dies at age 80Father Frank J. Sanfelippo, a

priest of the MilwaukeeArchdiocese for more than 50 yearsand former chaplain of the ItalianCommunity Center, died onMonday, May 14 at the age of 80.He was born and raised inMilwaukee in what is now knownas the Historic Third Ward and cel-ebrated his first Mass at Our Ladyof Pompeii Church, where he wor-shiped growing up.

A graduate of St. JohnCathedral High School, Sanfelippowas ordained on May 31, 1958.His first assignment was to St.Killian Parish in Hartford. Thatwas followed by his being assignedto Old St. Mary’s church in down-town Milwaukee, where he servedfor more than 23 years. He playeda key role in the 1970s and 1980sin the restoration of Old St. Mary’s,a national and local landmarkwhich was established in 1849.

For many years, he celebrated aweekly Mass from Old St. Mary’s

Continued on page 17BContinued on page 17B


Traansportation.He won an Emmy for a commer-

cial he directed for Potawatomi. A20-minute film, “The Violinist,“directed by Besasie, has beenshown at 32 film festivals and haswon 11 awards, including two “bestof fest” and four “audience choice”awards..

In the midst of his busy sched-ule, Besasie is putting together afeature film. Working with him onthat project are screenwriter Ryan

Plato and producer Mark Foot.Besasie is also skilled behind

the camera. He’s the cinematogra-pher on a film being directed by hiscousin, Frankie Latina, also anindependent filmmaker..

To see samples of Besasie’swork, visit www.besasie.com.

Besasie, known to family as“Carlo” but to people in the filmindustry as “Vinnie,” is married toWendi Bazar-Besasie and has twostep-children, Chris, 19 and Catie,10.

from page 16B

Besasie directed 2012Summerfest commercials

that was broadcast on WISN-AMradio.

In 1972, Sanfelippo and a groupof St. Vincent de Paul Society menfounded the InternationalSeamen’s Center at the port ofMilwaukee, which became for somecrew members on visiting ships a“home away from home.” In 1983,Mayor Henry Maier appointedSanfelippo, who was chaplain forthe Port of Milwaukee, to a seat onMilwaukee’s Board of HarborCommissioners. Sanfelippo servedfor nine years.

Sanfelippo also served as chap-lain for the Catholic Daughters ofAmerica and the Catholic WarVeterans.

He was spiritual director for theMilwaukee-based National ItalianInvitational Golf Tournament forCharities and served on the organi-zation’s board of directors.

Sanfelippo is survived by twosisters, Antoinette “Toni” (the late

Joseph) Carini and Lucretia (thelate John) Burke; a brother,Michael (Antoinette); 12 nieces andnephews; other relatives, fellowpriests and friends.

Fr. Frank Sanfelippo

from page 16B

The following people became members of the Italian CommunityCenter between May 8 and June 6, 2012. Benvenuti! (Welcome!)

James Mangi of Oak Creek

Ernest Plotecher of Brookfield

Diane Roth of Elm Grove

Natalie Boinski of Franklin

Anthony Ciurro of Butler

Ellen Lilburn of Butler

Charlene Lilburn of Butler

Nick & Yoonne Campanelli of Allenton

Dolores Ploetz of Milwaukee

Arthur Colaianni of Burlington

John Inzeo of Waukesha

Juana Sabatino and daughter, Alayna Smith, of Milwaukee

Shayna Smith of Milwaukee

Maureen Warmuth of Wauwatosa

Cindy Spera of North Olmstead, OH

Welcome, new ItalianCommunity

Center members!

Fr. Frank Sanfelippodies at age 80

Mary Ann Ganny receivesMilwaukee County

volunteerism awardItalian Community Center

member Mary Ann Ganny was pre-sented with a 2012 MilwaukeeCounty Senior Citizen Hall ofFame Award, on Friday, May 25.The award is given for volunteerwork to the community.

Ganny has volunteered formany years at the Milwaukee ArtMuseum and the Marcus Centerfor the Performing Arts in additionto her longtime service to theMilwaukee Ladies of UNICO, theICC and Festa Italiana. She is apast recipient of the Ladies ofUNICO Star Award, given in recog-nition of volunteer service.

The Milwaukee County awardsceremony and luncheon was held atthe ICC. Ganny was one of fouraward recipients. She was present-ed her honor by County SupervisorPatricia Jursik.

Joining Ganny in sharing in herspecial day were UNICO LadiesPresident Sophia Michalovitz andmembers Anna Pitzo, MarianRomberger and Ann Romano, alllongtime ICC members.

Romberger received the sameaward in 2004.

Mary Ann Ganny is seen here withher award in hand. (Times photoby Tom Hemman)

Allie Truitt graduates fromVirginia Intermont College

Allie Rose Truitt, granddaugh-ter of Italian Community Centermembers Jo Crosariol (AlSalzstein) and the late CarmenCrosariol, has graduated fromVirginia Intermont College inBristol, Va. with a degree in equinesciences.

Allie’s parents are Carl and(ICC member) Joanna CrosariolTrutti of West River, Md.

Her paternal grandparents areJabe and Jean Truitt of Friendship,Md.

Allie is currently employed as ahorse trainer by The Saddle Clubin Boone, N.C.

On right: Allie Rose Truitt

Elizabeth Kortes and Todd Voigtwed in Dominican Republic

Elizabeth Kortes and ToddVoigt, both of Chicago, Ill., weremarried on Friday, Apr. 20, inPunta Cana, Dominican Republic.The bride is the daughter ofPamela Glorioso, and stepdaughterof Michael Glorioso, both membersof the Italian Community Center ofMilwaukee. The groom is the sonof Art and Gretchen Voigt ofBuffalo Grove, Ill.

John Nichols, friend of the brideand groom, officiated at the cere-mony. Kristin Labanauskas wasthe maid of honor and ChristopherKabat was the best man.

A reception was held at the

Paradisus Palma Real Resortimmediately following the ceremo-ny. The bride graduated from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison,receiving a bachelor’s degree inmarketing. Elizabeth is currentlyemployed as an account executiveat ARC Worldwide, A Leo BurnettCompany. Her husband is a gradu-ate of Southern Illinois Universityin Carbondale, receiving a bache-lor’s degree in business/marketing.Todd is currently employed as amarketing director of Corona atCrown Imports LLC. The couplewill honeymoon in Hawaii, and willreside in Chicago.

Todd andElizabeth(Kortes)Voigt


Otto and Joan Satulacelebrate 60 years of marriage

Italian Community Centermembers Otto and Joan Satula cel-ebrated 60 years of marriage onSaturday, May 20 at a surprise din-ner party that was held at theItalian Conference Center.

Otto and Joan (nee Sciortino)were united in marriage on Feb.23, 1952 at Our Lady of PompeiiCatholic Church in Milwaukee’s oldThird Ward. The couple havealways worked together and havenot yet retired.

The dinner party was hosted bythe couple’s five children.Completing the family are 13grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The ICC was chosen for theoccasion for sentimental reasons asJoan grew up in the old ThirdWard and Otto was raised a shortdistance away in Bay View.

Otto and Joan Satula in a more recent photo.

Otto and Joan (Sciortino) Satulaon their wedding day in 1952.

Balistreri siblings academicachievements announced

Christina and MichaelBalistreri, children of ItalianCommunity Center members Tomand Barbara Balistreri, achievedmajor academic goals in May.

Christina received her juris doc-torate from the University ofWisconsin Law School on May 18.She will be admitted into the StateBar of Wisconsin on June 7.

She completed her undergradu-ate degree at the University ofWisconsin-Madison in 2008, with adouble-major in CommunicationArts and Political Science. Aftercollege, Christina worked as a long-term substitute teacher atMilwaukee’s Victory School in theItalian Immersion program in thefour-year-old kindergarten class-room. She began law school in thefall of 2009 and has focused prima-rily on the areas of family law andcriminal law.

Throughout law school,Christina was active in a number ofstudent organizations includingserving as the publicity coordinatorfor the Wisconsin Association ofCriminal Defense Lawyers-StudentChapter and as the Vice Presidentof Academic Affairs for the LatinoLaw Students Association. She hasalso remained involved in hersorority, Sigma Lambda GammaNational Sorority, Inc. and plans tojoin the Alumnae Association upongraduation.

Christina also served as a con-tracts law study group leader forfirst year law students and as a lawschool tour guide. When Christinagraduated, she received recognitionfrom the Pro Bono Society for her

volunteer service at the DodgeCounty Immigration DetentionCenter and in the UnemploymentAppeals Clinic.

Christina also gained invaluableexperiences through various intern-ships and clinics, including a judi-cial internship with Judge John J.DiMotto in the Milwaukee CircuitCourt; as a student attorney in theCriminal Appeals Clinic: an internat the Juvenile Division at theState Public Defender’s Office inWaukesha County; and an externin the Criminal Litigation Unit atthe Wisconsin Department ofJustice.

Christina plans to begin her

legal career in either Milwaukee orMadison. She is also an ICC mem-ber and a Festa Italiana volunteer.

Michael, after four eventfulyears as a Midshipman at theUnited States Naval Academy inAnnapolis, Md., will be commis-sioned as an Ensign in the U.S.

Navy on May 29. He was one of 27from the Class of 2012 to be select-ed as a Surface Warfare NuclearOfficer

In July, he will report aboardthe USS Carney (DDG 64) for a 21-month tour, then attend NuclearPower School in Charleston, S.C.As a senior, he achieved the rank ofMidshipman Lieutenant Comman-der as the First BattalionCommander. He was a foundingmember and later President of theItalian-American MidshipmenClub. His fluency in Italian allowedhim to be selected to visit theItalian Naval Academy in Livorno,Tuscany three times and two weeksaboard an Italian Navy vessel.

He will graduate with a bachelorof science degree in HonorsEnglish. Michael graduated asvaledictorian from Rufus KingInternational Baccalaureate HighSchool in 2008. Michael is a mem-ber of the ICC, the Order Sons ofItaly in America and La Società diSan Giuseppe. He also has volun-teered at Festa Italiana and as aFesta Mass usher. Michael is proudof his Sicilian heritage and is hon-ored to be able to serve the UnitedStates of America as a navalofficer.

Christina Balistreri Michael Balistreri

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THEITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTERʼS

COOKBOOK, “LIBRO DELLE RICETTE,”VOLUME 2.

Looking for some delicious, home-tested recipes? Youʼll findthem in this cookbook. Use this form to order the book. Thecost is $12. Volume 1 is now out of print.

ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER COOKBOOKORDER FORM

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Number of copies of Volume 2 ____ @ $12 each = $_________(Note: Price includes sales tax)

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*You can save the shipping and handling cost by picking up yourorder at the Italian Community Center, Monday through Friday from8 a.m to 5 p.m.

If youʼre paying by check: Make your check payable to the ItalianCommunity Center. If you are paying with a charge card, please completethe following.

Type of Charge Card: _________________________________________

Charge Card No.: ____________________________________________

Expiration Date: ______________________________________________

Send this form to: Italian Community Center, c/o Cookbook, 631 E.Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916.

As with any country with alengthy coastline, the answer isdependent on what part of Italyyou are in. In general, the localfresh fish is usually the most pop-ular.

The main fish caught areanchovy, rainbow trout, European

hake, and sardines.In recent years, more delicate

white marine fish have been pre-ferred by buyers and imported(Italy is the 5th largest importerof seafood) as well as shrimp,salmon, and cepholapods (squid,octopus, etc).

What is the most popular seafood in Italy?

In June, the subject was roses –and in July, it is still. The rose, asymbol of perfection and beauty,has been the subject of poetry forcenturies and a common pervasivetheme is that of urging maidens togather rosebuds while they maybecause, like roses, their beautyand youth are transitory. AngeloAmbrogini, commonly known by hisnickname Poliziano (July 14, 1454– September 24, 1494), wrote “LaBallata delle Rose,” a poem sugges-tive of this theme and intended tobe sung and performed even withdance.

Poliziano is depicted in severalfamous works of art: Poliziano andGiuliano de’ Medici (his pupil) byDomenico Ghirlandaio found in theSassetti Chapel, Santa Trinita,Florence and in “The annunciationof the angel to Zaccharia” also byGhirlandaio.

Poliziano was a child prodigy.

He began his studies after the pre-mature death of his father (mur-dered by political antagonists) inFlorence, where he learned Latin,Greek and philosophy. By age 13,he began to circulate Latin letters;at 17, he wrote essays in Greek ver-sification and at 18 he published anedition of Catullus. By age 16, hehad distinguished himself by win-ning the title of homericusadulescens , having translatedbooks II-V of the Iliad into Latinverse. He became the tutor ofLorenzo de’ Medici’s children andalso taught at the University ofFlorence. His translations, essayson philology and criticism had animmediate and lasting influence onscholars.

His early death at age 40 is upfor speculation. Did he die ofsyphilis or arsenic poisoning? A TVdocumentary is being made ofresearch done on his body,

exhumed in 2007 along with that ofPico della Mirandola (who mayhave been his lover). Forensic testsshowed that both Poliziano andPico della Mirandola likely died ofarsenic poisoning.

This poem of his evokes thefamiliar theme of gathering rose-buds.

* * *La Ballata delle Rose

I’ mi trovai, fanciulle, un bel mattino

di mezzo maggio in un verde giardino.

Eran d’intorno violette e giglifra l’erba verde, e vaghi fior novelli

azzurri gialli candidi e vermigli;ond’io porsi la mano a côr di quelliper adornar i miei biondi capelli

e cinger di grillanda el vago crino.I’ me trovai, fanciulle…

Ma poi ch’i ebbi pien di fiori unlembo,

vidi le rose e non pur d’un colore:io corsi allor per émpier tutto el

grembo,perch’era sì soave il loro odore

che tutto mi sentì destar el coredi dolce voglia e d’un piacer divino.

I’ mi trovai, fanciulle…I’ posi mente: quelle rose alloramai non vi potrè dir quant’eran

belle:quale scoppiava della boccia

ancora;qual èrano un po’ passe e qual

novella.Amor mi disse allor: Va’, cô di

quelleche più vedi fiorite in su lo spino.

I’ mi trovai, fanciulle…Quando la rosa ogni sua foglia

spande,quando è più bella, quando è più

gradita,allora è buona a méttere in

ghirlande,prima che sua bellezza sia fuggita:

sicché fanciulle, mentre è più fiorita,

cogliàn la bella rosa del giardino.I’ mi trovai, fanciulle…

– Angelo Poliziano (1454-1494)

The Rose BalladI found myself, maidens, one fine

morningin mid May, in a green garden.

There were violets and liliesin the green grass, and graceful

budsof azure, yellow, snow-white and

vermilion;I stretched forth my hand to gather

somewith which to adorn my fair hairand weave a garland around my

graceful head.

I found myself there, maidens…But when I had of flowers a lapful,

I spied roses and not just of onecolor:

so I ran to fill my skirts with themfor their fragrance was so sweetthat I felt all my heart awakenwith sweet desire and divine

pleasure.

I found myself there, maidens…I then beheld those roses

whose beauty I’ll never be able totell:

some still bursting into flower;some a bit withered, some still new.

Then Love said to me: Go, gatherthe ones you see in fullest bloom on

the bush.I found myself there, maidens…

When the rose unfolds every petal,when it’s most beautiful, most

sweet,then it’s time to set her in a gar-

land,before her beauty has faded:

so, maidens, let us go pluck the fairrose,

while in the garden she’s still inblossom.

I found myself there, maidens…

– Translated by Roberto Ciampi* * *

Here is my offering, a poem thatspeaks of the rose as perfection.

Vive la RoseNo one would accuse the rose

of vanity or artifice.She seeks no counsel, no advice.She studies not what is amiss.

No brush of rouge does she applyher blossom more to beautify.

No powder, lotion, spray or dyeapplies her charms to amplify.

No bloom can with the rose com-pete

though many blooms may strive.No other flower is as sweet.

Long may the red rose thrive.

– By Barbara Collignon

Vive la RoseNessuno incolperebbe la rosa

di vanità o artifizio.Lei non cerca parere o consiglio.

Non si cura di ciò che non va.Né un tocco di minio

per abbellire il suo fiore si dà.Né con cipria, lozione, lacca o

tinturaper accrescere il fascino si pittura.Nessun fiore può competer con lei

benché molti possan provarNessun fiore è più dolce di lei

possa la rosa rossa a lungo prosperar.

– Translated by RobertoCiampi


Spotlight on Cultural Arts

A soprano and some tenors isthis month’s topic and a mostinteresting one it is, coming at theend of the regular Met Operabroadcast season. GiuliettaSimionato is our soprano – to bemore accurate, our mezzo.Although these distinctions areoften meaningless in light of thewidely acclaimed further perform-ance capabilities in both coloratu-ra and dramatic roles such asRosina, Santuzza, Cherubino,Azucera and Dalila.

Not only was she versatile, butlong lived, reaching the ripe oldage of 99 years. Born December15, 1910, Simionato passed awayon May 5, 2009. By the age of 23,she won first prize in the FlorenceBel Canto voice competition and,in 1938, she made her majordebut in Pizzetti’s “L’Orseolo,”also in Florence. She went on tosing under Arturo Toscanini inBoito’s “Nerone” in 1948 and latersang the major roles of Adalgisa,Amneris and Azucena, all withMaria Callas. Simionata’s MetOpera debut came in 1959 asAzucena.

Her peak years were in the‘50’s and ‘60’s when she performedwith such luminary tenors asJussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli,Mario Del Monaco and GiuseppeDi Stefano. Appearing in a filmtitled “Opera Fanatic: Stefan andthe Divas,” she spoke about herfamous colleagues.

Singing with Bjorling in“Cavalleria Rusticana,” shedescribed Bjorling’s voice as “verybeautiful,” and that he was a goodcolleague and a pleasant person.She described the fact that he wasknown to drink, which she said iswhat ruined his voice. She calledhim “Nordic” as compared to DiStefano, who she called“…impetuous, volatile, warm-blooded and a real Sicilian…” “DiStefano is the sun,” she said.Again, she referred to Bjorlingwhen asked if his stage tempera-ment was too cold for the Italianrepertoire, saying that maybe hewas, but that Bjorling’s voice wasso beautiful, so well-placed, that

he could do anything he wantedwith it.

Returning to Di Stefano, shesaid his was a voice of genius, butthat he was “so intemperate, espe-cially in his off-stage life.” Shesaid when he opened his mouth,he drew breath and out pouredthose gorgeous tones.

About her other performancepartners, Del Monaco and Corelli,she said Del Monaco was “veryprofessional, very organized…andvery, very serious. He was thelast heroic tenor we have had.”Simionato said.

She also called Corelli “alwaysprofessional,” but noted that hisproblem was he was insecure,“although his performances werestupendous.”

Simionato sang Carmen withCorelli, Del Monaco and DiStefano, and said all three tenorswere completely different. DiStefano was “amazingly sponta-neous” while she described Corellias more thought-out, more stud-ied and Del Monaco she calledhighly passionate. But, Simionatohad only positive comments aboutall her tenors generally – “Iadmired them all.,” she said.

Quotable Quote: “I never let myschooling interfere with my edu-cation.” – Mark Twain

Opera topicsby Angelo Castronovo

L’Angolo del Poeta

Barbara Collignon Roberto Ciampi


Italian Society and Club News

The principal and teaching staff of the Italian Immersion Program atMilwaukee’s Victory School for the Gifted and Talented was presentedwith WisItalia’s “President’s Award” at the organization’s awards banqueton Saturday, May 12. WisItalia President Tony Bruno (left) presented theaward to Victory Principal Wanda Varela-Katz (second on left). Also seenin this picture are teachers Cathy Laurenzi, Steve Falsetti, ChristineKleczewski, Elizabeth Zizzo and Annette Robertson. Missing from thephoto is teacher Saruccia Benedetto-Alanis. Victory School, 2222 W. HenrySt., on the city’s southside, has been offering an Italian immersion pro-gram for students since 2008. Zizzo also received WisItalia’s “OutstandingService Award” for her commitment to and participation in programs pro-moting Italian language and culture. WisItalia’s “Teacher of the YearAward” went to Dr. Robin Pickering-Iazzi, a professor of Italian andComparative Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.Several Italian Community Center members attended the banquet, includ-ing ICC President Dave Spano. Tradizione Vivente, the Italian DanceGroup of Milwaukee, performed at the event, which was held atO’Donoghue’s Irish Pub in Elm Grove. (Photo provided by WisItalia)

Victory School’s ItalianImmersion staff recognizedat WisItalia awards banquet

Cass Street Softball Reunionslated for Sunday, July 15

The fifth annual Cass StreetSoftball Reunion is set for Sunday,July 15 at the Cass Street SchoolPlayground, 1647 N. Cass St.,Milwaukee. This event, whichincludes a softball game, lunch andrenewing of old friendships, is opento anyone who grew up on theLower East Side of Milwaukee.

Sign-up time for the softball

game is 12:30 p.m. with the gameat 1 p.m. Afterward, anyone isinvited to come to Pitch’s Lounge &Restaurant, 1801 N. HumboldtAve., for lunch. A $20 donation isrequested.

This year, the event is spon-sored by the Sons of Sicily. Formore information, contact FelixGlorioso at 414/272-1311.

OSIA Mazzei Lodge setsAug. 19 for annual golf outing

The Filippo Mazzei Lodge of theOrder Sons of Italy in America hasannounced that its annual golf out-ing will take place Sunday, Aug. 19at The River Club of Mequon,12400 N. Ville du Parc Dr.,Mequon.

The event, which is open to bothmembers and non-members, willbegin at 10 a.m. The cost is $95 pergolfer, which includes course fee, acart, range balls, a box lunch on thecourse, prizes/gifts and hors d’oeu-vres at the program that follows

golfing. The cost to attend the pro-gram only is $30 per person. Theprogram is expected to start at 4p.m.

Persons interested in participat-ing should send a check (payable tothe Filippo Mazzei Lodge, OrderSons of Italy in America) to JoePalmisano, 5302 S. Hidden Dr.,Greenfield, WI 53221.

For more information, contacteither Palmisano at 414/281-5556or Joe Campagna, Jr. at 262/783-6161.

Madonna del Lume Societyplans trip to Chicago feast

Pompeii Women’s Club hosts 15th annual May CrowningThe Pompeii Women’s Club

hosted its 15th annual May crown-ing at the Italian CommunityCenter on Wednesday, May 30.Over 100 members and guestsattended the event, preceded by adinner honoring member SuzanneWypijewski with the 2011 Angel ofthe Year Award.Wypijewski, the subject of an arti-cle in the June 2012 issue of TheItalian Times for her service to theclub, was presented with the“Angel” award by President CarlaSan Felippo. Wypijewski had thespecial privilege of placing the flo-

ral crown on the statue of ourBlessed Mother.

The May Crowning, an annualclub event that was started by ICCmember Pauline Cannestra in1997, is a tradition of the CatholicChurch that originated in Italy inthe 16th century. May devotions tothe Blessed Virgin Mary refer tospecial Marian devotions thathonor the Virgin Mary as “TheQueen of May.” A statue, or otherlikeness of the Blessed VirginMary, is ceremonially crowned tosignify her as the Queen of Heavenand the Mother of God. The cere-

mony often includes the singing ofMarian anthems, readings fromscriptures, a sermon, or a presenta-tion by local choirs.

The crowning ceremony tookplace following dinner prepared bythe ICC banquet and catering staff.Leading the procession were“Angels” Marie Consolazione, Gretaand Ava Gardetto, Maya Hamdan,Alarie Moye and Julia Pipia. TheCourt included members MargaretCarini, Aggie Collura, NinaMussomeli, Rosa LoPiparo, ConnieSanfilippo, Grace Paradiso, ConnieSchmieder and Nancy Spano.Rusty Ingrilli Taylor and Lena

Zingale unveiled the statue justbefore the crowning. Pianist JohnPuchner and vocalist CarrieSanders provided appropriatemusical selections.

Father Tim Kitzke, pastor, andPhilip Schumacher, deacon ofThree Holy Women Parish, andFather Mike Hammer of TheCathedral of St. John theEvangelist, were among the guestsat the event. Father Tim offeredthe invocation and Father Mikebriefly spoke of Mary. In the styleof the “Three Tenors,” the men per-formed an a cappella spiritual chant.All joined in later to sing “Gentle

Suzanne Wypijewski, the Pompeii Women’s Club “Angel of the Year,”placed a floral crown on the statue of the Blessed Mother during the orga-nization’s May Crowning ceremony on Wednesday, May 30 at the ItalianCommunity Center. On the left is Lena Zingale. On the right is RustyIngrilli-Taylor. (Photo provided by the Pompeii Women’s Club)

“The Three Holy Tenors” Father Mike Hammer, Fr. Tim Kitzke andDeacon Philip Schumacher sang a spiritual a cappella chant during theinvocation at the May Crowning ceremony hosted by the PompeiiWomen’s Club. (Photo provided by Pompeii Women’s Club)


The members of SocietàMaschile Maria S.S. Del Lume areplanning to take their annual tripto Chicago for the feast of MariaS.S. Lauretana on Sunday, Sept. 2.They invite all who might be inter-ested in attending to join them.

A bus will leave from St. Rita

Church, 1600 N. Cass St.,Milwaukee, at 8 a.m. and willreturn at 7:30 p.m.

The cost of the bus is $25 perperson.

For more information, pleasecall Mario or Rose Carini at414/964-1161.


Become a Sponsor of FestaItaliana’s Venetian Bell Toweror Festa’s Arched Entryway

In 2008, Festa Ital iana built anacclaimed replica of the famous“Campanile di San Marco” (St. Mark’sBell Tower) in Venice, Italy. Each year,the Venetian bell tower is displayed atFesta, standing tall as a representationof Italy and what the festival is allabout. Festa is inviting people tobecome sponsors of the replica of theVenice landmark by making a dona-tion. Persons making a contribution of$500 or more can designate theirdonation in honor or in memory of oneor two related people. These donorsare recognized each year at Festa onone of the decorative panels accom-panying the display. To become asponsor, please fill out the informationbelow and send it to the Festa Italianaoffice.

* * *In 2007, an entryway arch, reminiscent of the famed arched entry to theSt. Rocco’s festival that took place for many years in Milwaukee’s oldThird Ward, debuted at Festa Italiana. Like the bell tower, the arch wasdesigned and built by Italian Community Center member Cosmo Cariniwith building assistance of an able crew. The arch has become anothersignature attraction of Festa and one that is characteristic of the pride ofthe Festa volunteers in their Italian heritage. Festa is also inviting peopleto become sponsors of the arch by making a donation. Again, anyonemaking a contribution of $500 or more can designate their donation inhonor or in memory of one or two related people. These donors are alsorecognized each year at Festa on one of the decorative panels accompa-nying the display. Persons interested in becoming a sponsor are asked tofill out the information below and send it to the Festa Italiana office.

Check this box � if you are making a sponsor donation for the Venetian BellTower.Check this box � if you are making a sponsor donation for the Arch.Check this box � if you are making a donation of $500 or more.

Your name(s) _______________________________________________________

If you are making a donation of $500 or more, please list the names of those youwish to honor here:

__________________________________________________________________

Your address _______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________

Contact info - phone number and/or email address:

__________________________________________________________________

� Please bill me/us at the above address.� Credit Card payment. Please fill in the following information.

Card Number _______________________________________________________

Card Expiration _____________________________________________________

� Please find my/our payment enclosed. Checks or money orders are payable tothe Italian Community Center, Inc. Mail this form to: Festa Italiana, c/oSponsorships, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Please note: Those makingdonations of less than $500 will not be listed on the sponsor panels.

Letters from members

and friends

Dear David Stachowiak,Catering Sales Representative:

I do not think we have ever offi-cially thanked you for all of thework you and the staff there at theItalian Conference Center havedone for us over the years with theMessmer High SchoolJunior/Senior Prom. So, I sendthis letter to make our gratitudeofficial. For five years now, you allhave made our work easier, ourproms better.

Not only do you provide a beau-tiful setting for the prom, but youhave catered —- and more thanwith just delicious food – to ourneeds, your suggestions over the

years helping to make our promsthe successes they have been. Thecommitment of all there has trulymade our work with the prom easi-er, and it has also made the promsthemselves wonderful.

Our entire Prom Committee andall of our students attending thankyou heartily for your work and hos-pitality. Please extend our grati-tude to everyone there. We lookforward to continuing our relation-ship with the ICC for years tocome.

Timothy GallagherMessmer High School

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering and SpecialEvents

I just wanted to reach out quickand let you know that the eventlast night was amazing and wecouldn’t have been happier. Therewere NO issues. Everyone wasawesome – spectacular night forthe animals!

Wonderful turnaround from lastyear. Really, I could not have beenmore pleased.

Amy RowellMilwaukee Animal Rescue

CenterEditor’s note: This Apr. 27

event was attended by 350 people,including Green Bay PackerJarrett Bush. It has already beenbooked for 2013.

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering and SpecialEvents

Thank you for the planning ofour outing at the ItalianConference Center on Mar. 30.

All of my friends fromBrookfield Presbyterian Churchwere very pleased. They men-tioned more than once how goodand plentiful the food was. Theyalso had fun playing bocce.

Rose EmanueleItalian Community Center

memberEditor’s note: Rose has contin-

ued to bring 40 – 50 church mem-bers here for the past 15+ years fora fish fry and a fun night of bocce.

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofSales, Catering & SpecialEvents:

Thank you so much for all yourhelp. Working with you was apleasure and a delightful experi-ence.

Your knowledge and profession-alism are impressive and praise-worthy. Words can’t express howgrateful we are to you.

Kathy CampagnaICC member

Editor’s Note: The occasionwas a 70th birthday celebration forKathy’s husband, Joe. Held onMar. 24, the party was attended by300 people.

Dear SanDee Peller, Director ofCatering & Special Events:

Thank you so much for all thehard work, effort, creative juicesand overall “can do” attitude youdisplayed throughout our AuroraNursing celebration event for 2012.We have had scores of positivecomments from a variety of atten-dees.

I personally want to express mysincere thanks to you and yourentire team for a successful event.

Joan BennettAurora Health Care

Editor’s Note: The AuroraNursing Awards dinner was heldfor the first time at the ICC onMay 3. There were 350 guests.

By Susie ChristiansenSocial networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as e-

mail and cell phone texting, are currently the most common methods ofcommunicating for people. Using those avenues, we want to develop a wayto reach out to our membership to inform you about upcoming eventsorganized by the Italian Community Center, such as Il Grande Carnevale,A Taste of Italy and Festa Italiana.

When the ICC hosts wine tastings, musical events and cooking classes,it would be helpful to everyone involved to be able to send an e-mail blastor a cell phone text blast to ICC members and as many non-members aspossible. Right now, committee chairs and event planners here don’talways know what advertising options are available to them and how toreach out to you. Without spending a ton of money, we just aren’t sure howto let the people out there know about upcoming events at the ICC.

ICC members can be placed on an e-mail list and a cell phone list whenthey sign up for or renew their membership. Our application includes aplace for your e-mail address and cell phone number.

Our membership contact list is extremely private, and we will continueto keep it that way. We do not distribute our address, phone or e-mail liststo anyone. Rest assured your contact information will be retained by theICC and only the ICC, and you will only be sent messages on a limitedbasis.

We simply want to inform you. We want to tell you about the fantasticevents, activities and ethnic experiences that the Italian CommunityCenter has to offer.

These are the other options available for submitting your cell phonenumber and e-mail address:

1. Our website: www.iccmilwaukee.com – use the Contact Us Form (thelast tab on the site).

2. By e-mail: [email protected]. 3. Call Constance Palmer at the ICC – 414-223-2808.

Request from ICC for cell phonenumbers and e-mail addresses

Pagina 22, SEZIONE B - LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2012 THE ITALIAN TIMES

LA PAGINA ITALIANAa cura di Enrica Tarantino-Woytal

La Festa Italiana qui, da noi, aMilwaukee vi offre l’opportunità ditrascorrere un weekend all’itali ana

con varieta’ di cibi italiani espettacoli sulle rive del lagoMichigan il 19,20,21,22 luglio.

Era primavera o era estate? Iltempo era incerto. Faceva qualche volta, freddo e caldo. Poi,tutto ad un tratto, il tempo e’cambiato ed ecco che l’estate fa ilsuo ingresso.

Con l’arrivo dell’estate, chegioia! Le scuole chiudono perchètermina l’anno scolastico. Addiolibri, addio quaderni addio esami!Si va in montagna o si va al mare?Se si e’ fortunati di poter affittareuna casetta in montagna,andiamo.

Ci sono boschi di castagne conviali misteriosi e strani giochi diluce ed ombre. Si ci diverte moltoad osservare la natura, icinguettii degli uccelli, lepasseggia te all’aria aperta. Che

pace!C’è però chi preferisce il mare.

E’ cosi’ bello quando e’ calmo! E’grandissimo. Nelle sue profonditàvivono pesci, strane piante edalghe. Il mare è un pò misterioso,nasconde tesori. Che meravigliasdraiarsi sulla sabbia in costumeda bagno, occhiali da sole sotto ilsole infuocato dopo averfatto tuffinel mare salato i bambini siabbronzano volentieri facendocastelli di sabbia e i giorni in rivaal mare sono endimenticabili!

Se non si puo’ andare in maresi può godere l’estate ai laghi chevi offrono delle meravigliefavolose. Qualunque sia stata lavostra scelta.

Buone Vacanze!

Sontuosa, raffinata, unosguardo che infiamma. Fotografa,attrice, modella, giornalista, unrapporto mai interrotto conl’Italia. Oltre 500 copertine suimagazine di tutto il mondo.Isabella Rossellini compie 60anni.

Nata il 18 giugno 1952, figlia

di due leggende: il regista italianoRoberto Rossellini e l ’attricesvedese Ingrid Bergman.

Contesa dai piu’ grandifotografi e registi di tutto ilmondo.

Debutta negli Usa come attrice1976 con il film ‘Nina’ di VincenteMinnelli.

Buon divertimemto a tutti!

L’estate e’ arrivata

Isabella Rossellini hafesteggiato 60 anni

A diciotto anni dall’ultimaesibizione dal vivo, AdrianoCelentano torna in concerto.

Le due uniche eccezionaliperformance si terranno il giorno 8

e 9 ottobre all’Arena di Verona. Gliultimi concerti live di AdrianoCelentano risalgono al 1994 con latournee italiana ed europea.

Il grande ritorno live di CelentanoL’8 e il 9/10 all’Arena di Verona,

l’ultimo concerto 18 anni fa

Emma in tour dal 10 luglioLa cantante farà 23 tappe

Manca poco più di un mese all’inizio del nuovo tour di Emma. Sara’l’Arena della Regina di Cattolica, il 10 luglio, a ospitare il primo dei 23concerti che faranno tra l’altro tappa a Roma, Caserta, LignanoSabbiadoro, Messina e Paestum. Emma proporra’ i brani dei suoi trealbum: Oltre, A me piace cosi’ e il recente Saro’ Libera.

Nuovo video perPausini

Sarà in rotazione dal 18 giugnoil video del brano Le cose che nonmi aspetto, quinto singolo estrattoda Inedito, l’ultimo album di LauraPausini. Il video e’ girato daSalvatore Billeci, un giovaneregista ventiduenne di Lampedusaiscritto all’Accademia di Belle Artidi Viterbo, che da dicembre sioccupa di riprese live durante iconcerti dell’Inedito World Tour diLaura Pausini.

La Festa di Santa Rosalia (u fistinuin siciliano) si svolge nel mese di luglioa Palermo.

La nascita della festaNel 1624 nella città di Palermo,

martoriata dalla peste la popolazione siaffidava invano alle sante protettricidella città e dei quattro mandamenticittadini: Sant’Agata, Santa Cristina,Sant’Oliva e Santa Ninfa. Durantequesta crisi, secondo la leggenda,l’allora poco nota Santa Rosaliaapparve ad un saponaio di nomeVincenzo Bonello, indicandol’ubicazione delle proprie spoglie eingiungendo che solo se i propri restifossero stati portati in processione lapeste sarebbe terminata. Nella grottaindicata dalla visione vennero trovate27 reliquie e il giorno 15 lugliol’arcivescovo seguito da tutto il clero,dal senato palermitano e da alcunicittadini eminenti fece una processioneattraverso le strade della città con lereliquie della santa. In pochi giorni lacittà venne liberata dalla peste. Dal1625 la Chiesa autorizzò il culto, anchese Rosalia venne proclamata santasoltanto il 26 gennaio 1630. Il rito nel passato

Nel 1625 le reliquie vennero posteall’interno di uno scrigno in argento evetro, custodito all’interno del PalazzoArcivescovile, e dallo stesso annovennero portate in processione perricordare il miracolo compiuto,inaugurando una tradizione che in piùdi tre secoli ha subito ben pocheinterruzioni.

La processioneLa prima celebrazione del 1625 fu

particolarmente breve: le reliquievennero spostate per pochi metri, dalPalazzo Arcivescovile fino allacattedrale. Il percorso divenne semprepiù lungo e complesso con i passaredegli anni, fino a coinvolgere buonaparte della città. Alla processionepartecipano di diritto molteconfraternite costituite nel corso deisecoli, la più antica e famosa è laConfraternita di Santa Rosalia deiSacchi, costituita nel 1635 e formata dabarbieri e calzolai (varberi e scarpari).

La confraternita, che prende ilnome dall’abbigliamento usato durantela processione, ha il compito ditrasportare l’effigie della santa chedurante l’anno viene conservata nellaChiesa di Casa Professa. Tutte leconfraternite dovevano portare unmantello con l’effigie della santa egrossi ceri in processione. In occasionedella festa, sin dal XVII secolo, ilCassaro veniva addobbato con fastosearchitetture temporanee.

Il carroI quattro piccoli carri utilizzati per

le prime processioni vengono sostituitinel 1686 da un grosso carro trionfale. Ilcarro, metafora del trionfo della santa,diventa ben presto il centro dellacelebrazione, assume subito dimensioninotevoli ed è stato più volte sostituito,nella ricerca di effetti scenograficisempre più solenni. Tra il Settecento el’Ottocento molti famosi architettipalermitani si cimentarono nella suaprogettazione. Nel 1701 ad operadell’architetto Paolo Amato, assunseper la prima volta la forma di vascello,idea ripresa anche in tempi moderni.Durante il periodo borbonico, fino al1860 si mantenne a lungo il carrosettecentesco, che mostrava l’opulenzadella corte. In occasionedell’unificazione dell’Italia venne creatoun nuovo carro, una grande vascaornata da puttini. Nel 1896, suispirazione di Giuseppe Pitrè, vennecostruito un carro di dimensioni tali danon potere passare attraverso le stradedel centro, ma dalle vie più esternedella città. Nel 1924, in occasione delterzo centenario del ritrovamento dellereliquie, venne costruito un carro fissocon una torre centrale alta 25 metri.

Il rito nel presenteAncora adesso il “festino” è una

grande festa popolare che richiama

centinaia di migliaia di fedeli, curiosi eturisti, e che consiste in spettacoli,mostre e concerti che iniziano i primigiorni di luglio e si concludono con lecelebrazioni religiose del 15 luglio.Ogni anno viene sviluppato un temadifferente, mantenendo però di base lastoria del miracolo della vittoria sullapeste.

La notte del 14 luglio la festagiunge all’apice, con una solenneprocessione dal Palazzo dei Normanni,lungo l’antico asse viario del Cassarofino al mare, passando attraverso PortaFelice, secondo un itinerario idealedalla morte (la peste) alla vita (la lucedei fuochi d’artificio in riva almare). La processione, composta da uncarro trionfale con la statua dellasanta, trainato da buoi, e da carriallegorici, si ferma davanti allaCattedrale, ai quattro canti (momentoin cui, tradizionalmente, il sindaco incarica depone dei fiori ai piedi dellastatua della Santa gridando “VivaPalermo e Santa Rosalia!”) e allaMarina, dove ha luogo un grandespettacolo pirotecnico (10.000 tubi dilancio nel 2005) accompagnato damusica sinfonica eseguita dal vivo.Accompagnano la processione canti didevozione in rima:

“Uno. Nutti e jornu farìa sta via!Tutti. Viva Santa Rusulia!U. Ogni passu e ogni via!T. Viva Santa Rusulia!

U. Ca ni scanza di morti ria!T. Viva Santa Rusulia!

U. Ca n’assisti a l’agunia!T. Viva Santa Rusulia!

U. Virginedda gluriusa e piaT. Viva Santa Rusulia!”

ed ogni tanto il grido “E chi semu muti?Viva viva Santa Rusulia”.

Il carroNel 1974 viene costruito un carro di

ispirazione settecentesca, a forma divascello, che raggiunge i dieci metrid’altezza e i nove metri di lunghezza edè trasportato da buoi. Da questomomento il carro in sé diviene unpiccolo palcoscenico coreografico. Nel2006 viene costruito un nuovo carro,per il quale si abbandonano le formebarocche in favore di una più sempliceforma di nave da pesca con una velainteramente intarsiata di cristalliSwarowsky realizzata da JannisKounellis. Nel 2008 simbolo del carrotrionfale divengono le rose rosse.

Lo spettacoloDalla fine degli anni novanta lo

spettacolo, un tempo una meratradizione popolare, sotto la direzionedi Pino Caruso è divenuto unarappresentazione teatrale a tutti glieffetti, con giochi di luce spettacolari edanze acrobatiche, che rappresentanogli ultimi giorni della peste a Palermo.Lo spettacolo ha carattere itinerante,infatti dopo la rappresentazionecittadina viene rappresentato in variparti del mondo, in modo da recuperareparte delle spese affrontate per l’interofestino.

Dal 1995 al 1997 la Festa di SantaRosalia a Palermo su indicazioni diPino Caruso è stata progettata, ecurata da Studio Festi, su commissionedi Leoluca Orlando.

Durante le celebrazioni siconsumano cibi che fanno parte dellatradizione popolare palermitana: laPasta con le sarde (la pasta chî sardi), ibabbaluci (lumache bollite con aglio eprezzemolo), lo sfincione ( ‘u sfinciuni),il polpo bollito ( ‘u purpu), Calia esimenza ( ‘u scacciu), la pannocchiabollita (pullanca) e l’Anguria (detto ‘umuluni).

Festa di Santa Rosalia

Cittadinanza a Benignia Firenze

Roberto Benigni sara’ insignitoufficialmente della cittadinanzaonoraria di Firenze. L’attore e registae’ già cittadino onorario della città dal1999, quando gli fu conferito ilriconoscimento dopo la vittoriadell’Oscar per ‘La vita e’ bellà.’

Siete invitati ad iscrivere ivostri piccoli, età dai 6 ai 12 anni,al corso d’italiano che iniziera’ asettembre presso la comunitàitaliana.

Il corso è gratuito con la duratadi 8 settimane. Per maggioriinformazioni telefonate L’ICC al414-223-2180.

Corso d’italiano per bambinipresso l’ICC di Milwaukee

Modà all’Arenadi Verona

Domenica 16 settembre i Modàsaranno all’Arena di Verona perl’unico concerto del 2012. Sarannoaccompagnati dalla GrandeOrchestra diretta dal MaestroCharles Burgi. Sul palco con laband saliranno anche Pau Donesdegli spagnoli Jarabedepalo, concui i Moda’ hanno duettato nelsingolo Come Un Pittore, e tantialtri ospiti. A partire da domanisaranno aperte le prevendite suicircuiti Ticketone e Unicredit.

THE ITALIAN TIMES LUGLIO/AGOSTO 2012 - PAGINA 23, SEZIONE B

Italians baptized atSt. John’s Cathedralprior to June 1899

Compiled by Mario A. Carini,Italian Community Center Historian

Names in this listing appear as written in the Baptismal Register.Source: Baptismal Register of St. John’s Cathedral, 1/1881 - 11/1901.

Infants Name Date BaptizedAnthony Bacigalupo 8/15/1883Isabella De Bona 4/4/1883Carolina Schiappacasi 5/29/1885Marianna Sigadelli 5/10/1885Joseph Bacigalupo 7/15/1885Stella De Bona 2/21/1886Ralph Martino 6/6/1887Maria Scarpace 6/16/1887Marianna Catalano 9/11/1887Vincent Carbone 3/1/1888Francis Balbi 9/30/1888Francis De Bona 9/30/1888Augustino Balsano 12/2/1894Margaret Caponi 6/11/1893Cosimo Catalano 9/17/1893Salvatore Catalano 12/8/1891Sara D’Angelo 4/29/1894Joseph Distraffolo 7/5/1894Joseph Di Marini 11/3/1894Anthony Casona 9/26/1894Frank Maglio 2/15/1891Amalia Bacigalupo 3/3/1890Joseph Battilo 11/1/1891Joseph Burgarino 4/7/1894Joseph Catalano 3/25/1891Concetta Catalano 1/31/1892Christina Corsi 3/6/1892Maria Ciarla 9/19/1893Salvatore Catalano 4/16/1893Margaret Caponi 6/11/1893August Casamani 9/17/1893Mary Catalano 10/23/1893Mary Cavilieri 1/28/1894Lucy Cianciolo 7/25/1894Anna Capello 9/17/1894Michael Capone 9/16/1894Concetta D’Amore 12/14/1890Rocco De Lorenzo 2/21/1891Francis De Lorenzo 2/21/1891Beatrice De Bona 11/12/1891Francis Dentice 11/5/1893John De Bozzo 11/12/1893Joseph D’Amore 9/11/1894Anthony Gentile 6/17/1894Joseph Gentile 10/13/1889Mariano Gerimaco 8/30/1894Magdalena Geraci 9/2/1894Peter Ingolia 9/30/1894Isabella Martino 1/13/1891Margaret Larussa 8/27/1893John Laurosa 3/26/1893Joseph Mercurio 12/22/1888August Matachio 6/16/1889Teresa Mascheri 11/22/1889Rose Mercurio 6/18/1890Ignatius Mercurio 1/18/1891Rose Palmirsina 3/2/1890Anthony Cavaliere 12/11/1892Joseph Quartana 11/16/1890Vincent Quattrochi 9/11/1892John Quartano 12/25/1892Joseph Quartano 3/25/1894Anthony Spizzato 9/21/1894John Spicuzza 11/27/1892Rosalia Scarpace 10/22/1893Francis Scarpace 6/10/1894Philip Balistreri 10/23/1898Dominic Bacigalupo 6/25/1896August Benedetto 8/16/1896Maria Balistreri 5/2/1899Christina Buscaglia 9/26/1897Julia Balbi 5/29/1898Angelina Buscaglia 4/16/1899Angela Bariserio 1/22/1899Anna Cianciolo 3/303/1898Salvatore Catalano 3/27/1898Grace Curro 9//11/1898Charles Conti 12/11/1898Concetta Corrao 4/2/1899Anna D’Amore 12/9/1894

Infants Name Date BaptizedAugustina D’Amore 12/9/1894Joseph Debrozzo 3/23/1895Anthony Dentice 5/8/1898Achille De Lorenzo 6/6/1898Luis Dichiara 10/2/1898Joseph Debrozzo 2/9/1899Margaret Catalano 11/10/1895Joseph Caponi 7/7/1895Josephine Commela 12/22/1895Dianna Cianciolo 12/29/1895Mary Catalano 3/22/1896Mary Capella 4/7/1896John Capella 2/7/1897Anthony Cusimano 2/6/1898Rosa De Angela 1/6/1895Francis D’Amore 2/2/1896Mary D’Amore 1/3/1897Mary Debrosa 4/1/1899Santo D’Angelo 9/5/1897Mile DePalma 11/28/1897Anthony Dentice 1/1/1897Anna D’Amore 1/9/1898Philip D’Amore 3/27/1898Salvatore D’Amore 4/24/1898Anna Gerace 12/23/1894Mary Gentile 1/4/1895Stello Gerace 12/8/1895Salvatore Gusamano 6/7/1896Francis Gagliano 11/22/1896Joseph Gerasi 11/15/1897Josie Gagliano 8/21/1898Vincent Guardalabene 4/16/1899Mary Longo 7/14/1895Mary Longa 6/13/1897Theresa Longa 1/15/1899Joseph Gagliano 8/21/1898Mary Mercurio 10/13/1895Michael Martino 2/23/1896Infant Martini 5/31/1896Mary Mariano 8/3/1896Ignatius Maddaleno 8/9/1896Paul Martini 3/21/1897Sara Martino 5/30/1897Santa Malio 8/18/1897Lucy Martino 10/17/1897Michael Mercurio 10/31/1897Ignatius Maddaleno 3/26/1898John Maglio 11/27/1898Infant Mazzalino 10/9/1898August Matacio 10/23/1898Madalena Maddaleno 4/2/1899Rosa Nicola 8/23/1896Philip Pupuri 6/30/1895Francis Pastorino 2/17/1895Felice Palmeri 11/10/1895Madaline Pastorino 2/24/1897Teresa Pulpero 2/14/1897Anthony Pistoria 7/18/1897Paul Polumbo 9/12/1897Edith Pastorino 4/9/1899Rosalia Quadraggi 3/3/1895Joseph Quartano 2/7/1897Joseph Quartana 5/9/1897Carmella Quattrochi 5/9/1899Joseph Quartana 7/17/1897Peter Quartano 11/5/1898Bosari Riesi 8/21/1898Florence Rodino 5/29/1899Angela Sangiola 8/16/1896Salvatore Serio 10/23/1896Joseph Serio 7/18/1897Salvatore Serio 8/1/1897Saveria Scarpaci 12/26/1897Michael Spiccati 1/16/1898Philip Sapanio 1/9/1898Anthony Scarpaci 5/8/1898John Sangola 3/5/1899Joseph Tolosi 12/9/1894Mary Tolosi 6/20/1896

Il Ferragosto è una festività checade il 15 agosto in concomitanza conla ricorrenza dell’Assunzione di Maria.

In Italia, il giorno di Ferragosto ètradizionalmente dedicata alle gitefuori porta e spesso caratterizzata dalauti pranzi al sacco, grigliate e, datala calura stagionale, da rinfrescantibagni in acque marine, fluviali olacustri. Molto diffuso anche l’esodoverso le località montane o collinari, incerca di refrigerio.

Il termine Ferragosto deriva dallalocuzione latina feriae Augusti (riposodi Augusto) indicante una festivitàistituita dall’imperatore Augusto nel18 a.C. che si aggiungeva alle esistentie antichissime festività cadenti nellostesso mese, come i Consualia, percelebrare i raccolti e la fine deiprincipali lavori agricoli. L’anticoFerragosto, oltre agli evidenti fini diauto-promozione politica, aveva loscopo di collegare le principali festivitàagostane per fornire un adeguatoperiodo di riposo, anche dettoAugustali, necessario dopo le grandifatiche profuse durante le settimaneprecedenti.Nel corso dei festeggiamenti, in tuttol’impero si organizzavano corse dicavalli e gli animali da tiro, asini emuli, venivano dispensati dal lavoro eagghindati con fiori. Tali antichetradizioni rivivono oggi, pressochéimmutate nella forma e nellapartecipazione, durante il “Paliodell’Assunta“ che si svolge a Siena il 16agosto.

Nell’occasione, i lavoratoriporgevano auguri ai padroni, ottenendoin cambio una mancia: l’usanza siradicò fortemente, tanto che in etàrinascimentale fu resa obbligatoria daidecreti pontifici.

Il Ferragostonella cultura popolare

In Lombardia, fino al XIX secolo,era uso “dare il ferragosto” (in dialettolombardo dà el faravóst) che consistevanel donare emolumenti in denaro o inbeni commestibili alle maestranze, daparte dei datori di lavoro, in modo chele famiglie potessero trascorrerelietamente il giorno di Ferragosto. Neicantieri edili, nei primi giorni d’agosto,veniva fissato dai muratori un granderamo d’albero sulla parte più elevatadel fabbricato in costruzione, dettapianta del faravóst, che servivascherzosamente a rammentareall’impresario l’imminente esborsodella tradizionale mancia.

Consolato Generale D’ItaliaAlessandro Motta - Consul General500 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1850Chicago, IL 60611312/467-1550Fax: 312/467-1335www.italconschicago.org

Istituto Italiano di CulturaSilvio Marchetti - Director500 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1450Chicago, IL 60611Email: [email protected]/822-9545, Fax: 312/822-9622

Italian Trade CommissionDott. Pasquale Bova401 N. Michigan Ave.Chicago, IL 60611312/670-4360, Fax: 312/670-5147

Comites Chicago7432 W. Belmont Ave.Chicago, IL 60634773/816-2282, Fax: 773/237-7778Email: [email protected]

Si suggerisce usare Email:radioitalia24ore@yahoo,comMilwaukee Representative:Pietro Tarantino414/364-3803Email: [email protected]

IndirizziUtili

Ferragosto


Woman,” an ode to Mary.Every guest received a foil-

wrapped, long-stemmed tulip as afavor. The dinner, the ceremony andthe beautifully decorated altar bymember Peggy Zoet received manycompliments throughout the evening.

May our Blessed Mother Maryaccept and be honored by our club’syearly May Crowning in recognition ofher glory.

- Submitted by Mary WinardPublicity Chairperson

Pompeii Women’sClub May

Crowning reportfrom page 20B

Copies of vintage photos displayed atICC or Festa available through

Milwaukee County Historical SocietyPersons interested in acquiring

a copy of any of the vintage ItalianAmerican photographs that are dis-played throughout the year at theItalian Community Center or dur-ing the four days of Festa Italianamust contact the MilwaukeeCounty Historical Society (MCHS)to obtain the photo, ICC HistorianMario A. Carini announced.

“The Historical Society is thekeeper of the negatives,” Carini

said, who donated a massive collec-tion of artifacts, photos and othermemorabilia to the society onbehalf of the ICC and the earlyItalian immigrants in 2010.

You are invited to stop in at theMCHS, 910 N. Old Third Ward St.in downtown Milwaukee or contacteither Steve Daily or AmandaKoehler at the MCHS. They can bereached at 414/273-7487 or414/273-8288.

Saint Rosalia is known as LaSantuzza, or “the little saint,” and mostof what is known about her todaystems from legend and mystical revela-tion. However, as the patroness ofPalermo in the region of Sicily, sheholds a special place of honor forItalians. July 15 is the anniversary ofthe discovery of her remains in aremote cave where she had lived as ahermit; this discovery coincides withthe end of the Plague in Palermo, amiracle which her intercession isbelieved to have brought about. In Julyof each year, citizens of Palermo honortheir Santuzza with a grand festival.

The festivities oftentimes begin in

early July, and on the 14th the imageof Saint Rosalia is driven by oxenthrough the streets in a magnificentprocession which stops in front of theCathedral of Palermo. Here the mayorof the city lays flowers at the feet of thesaint’s statue to shouts of “Viva SantaRosalia!” A fireworks display, musicalperformances, and the eating of bab-baluci (garlic and parsley-baked snails)also accompany the celebrations. Theevent is a great tourist attraction andrevelers often number in the hundredsof thousands.

Palermo’s U Fistinucelebrates ‘The Little Saint’

Residents of Siena (Tuscanyregion of Italy) as well as enthusi-astic tourists from all over theworld will get a chance to view thehistoric annual Palio horse race onJuly 2 and Aug. 16.

The horse race (divided into twoparts, the first of which is held onJuly 2,; the other on Aug. 16) fea-tures horses representing Siena’sdistricts (contrade) racing oneanother around the city’s Piazzadel Campo. The race only lastsabout a minute and a half but visi-

tors come from far and wide to wit-ness this world-famous event. Therivalries between the contrade(neighborhood districts of Siena)are deeply-rooted and victory overan adversary is a great honor forthe successful district.

Each contrada has its own colorsand emblem for its jockey andhorse; this year’s 10 participantswill consist of the seven districtswho were excluded in 2010 as wellas three participants who wereawarded spots as the result of

drawing lots.Only twice in history has a

horse ever won the July Palio(Palio di Provenzano) and theAugust Palio (Palio dell’Assunta).Though there are 17 contrade only10 are represented, due to a 1729decree by the city’s governorViolante of Bavaria, who hoped toreduce the amount of injuries thatwere resulting from the lively ritu-al, in which participants andonlookers alike have been known tobe hurt.

Famous Palio di Siena approaching

The Italian Timesphoto policy

The Italian Times welcomes andencourages societies and organizationsassociated with the Italian CommunityCenter to submit photographs fromtheir events for possible inclusion inour newspaper. Photos from events ofan Italian nature from private individ-uals are also welcomed.

From time to time, The ItalianTimes receives requests to take pic-tures at various events involving soci-eties, organizations and private indi-viduals. The Italian CommunityCenter’s Newspaper Committee advis-es that those organizations and indi-viduals, not The Italian Times, areresponsible for the photography atthese events and encourages eventorganizers to take that into account intheir planning.

When submitting photographs,please be sure to include a brief state-ment on the event and the names ofthe persons pictured. The ItalianTimes reserves the right to determinewhether a submitted photograph ispublished. This decision will be basedon a number of factors, including quali-ty of the photo and whether the indi-viduals appearing are properly identi-fied.

Photos can be emailed to editorThomas Hemman at [email protected], mailed to the Timesoffice, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee,WI 53202, or dropped off at the ICC.

In memory of Bernadine A.CifaldiEddie & Jo Ann Gloriso

In memory of MargaritaBalistreriHer loving son, Isadore T.Balistreri (posthumously) of SanDiego, Calif.Jack BalistreriKandis Chappell

A donation to the buildingfund.Sam Purpero

Thanks for your

donations to the

ICC building fundfrom page 11B

The Italian Times - July Part 2

Documents

Transcript of The Italian Times - July Part 2