A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JCCIA OFFICER INTRODUCTIONS: On December 9, 2024, during the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans’ (JCCIA) Christmas Celebration and General Meeting, the election for the 2025-2026 JCCIA Officers took place. The following individuals were elected to serve as JCCIA Officers for the upcoming term:

LEADERSHIP INSTALLATION: On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the JCCIA held a General Meeting and Installation Dinner. The 2025-2026 JCCIA Officers and Committee Members with installed by the newly inaugurated Illinois Italian American Judges Association.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS: The evening was filled with memorable moments, including inspiring speeches from JCCIA President Ron Onesti, Consul General Mario Bartoli and NIAF President Robert Allegrini.

The biggest highlight of the night was a surprise special appearance by "America's Tenor" Christopher Macchio! Just two days after performing at the United States Presidential Inauguration, Christopher joined us for an unforgettable musical experience.

NIAF ANNIVERSARY: The year 2025 marks a monumental milestone for one of the JCCIA's Affiliate Organizations: the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary! Over the past five decades, NIAF has been a steadfast advocate for the Italian American community, working tirelessly to strengthen the cultural, social, and diplomatic ties between the United States and Italy. Through its impactful grants, scholarships, educational programs, and government affairs initiatives, NIAF has played a pivotal role in preserving, protecting, and promoting Italian American heritage. On behalf of the JCCIA, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our wonderful friends at the National Italian American Foundation!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! Exciting events are just around the corner, brought to you by the JCCIA’s Affiliate Organizations!

February 1 | Augustus Ceasar Awards

    Italian American Executives of Transportation (Contact: 708-212-1051)

February 1 | NIAF Arizona Regional Gala

    National Italian American Foundation (MORE INFORMATION)

February 2 | Carnevale di Venezia

     Sons & Daughters of Italy in America (Contact: president@sadia-chicago.org)

February 2 | Presentation of the Lord

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

February 3 | Feast of San Biagio

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

February 8 | Padre Pio Mass

     Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 (Contact: 773-771-0728)

February 8 | Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

     Mazzini Verdi Ladies Club (Contact: 630-443-8722 or 773-589-0388)

February 13 | Valentine’s Celebration

     JCCIA Women’s Division (Contact: 847-494-1198 or womensdivision@jccia.com)

February 18 | Italian American Author Book Club

     Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

February 22 | Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

     Maria SS Lauretana Society (Contact: 773-736-3766)

February 22-25 | 100 Miglia Experience Florida

     National Italian American Foundation (Contact: information@NIAF.org)

February 23 | Italian Community Mass

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

CHICAGO’S BEST: Gene & Georgetti earns high marks from Eater Chicago, by Fra Noi. The JCCIA is beyond proud to have a Corporate Partner as outstanding as Gene & Georgetti! 

STATUE SIGNIFICANCE: Our Lady of Fatima graces Mt. Carmel with her presence, by Lucia Esposito. A replica of the original in Portugal, this statue has been traveling around the world since 1947, carrying a message of peace and hope.

ITALIAN SANDWICHES: Craving the flavors of Italy while you’re stuck in the suburbs? Check out Daytime Chicago’s segment on Pronto Italian Sandwiches: Italy’s Finest Sandwiches in the Heart of Hinsdale. 

CRUST FUND: CBS News Chicago: Limited-edition Crust Fund Pizzas are sold out of a Chicago alley, all for charities, by Charlie De Mar, Ada, Harrington.

ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP: Dreaming of dual citizenship? Discover all of the different options there are to apply and acquire your Italian Citizenship with Italian Citizenship Assistance. 

ARIZONA AMBASSADOR: At the beginning of the year, “We the Italians” welcomed their new Ambassador in Arizona, Pete Melucci. Not only is Pete the founder and President of the Arizona Italian American Chamber of Commerce, but he also serves as Vice President for the Southwest of the National Italian American Foundation. Discover more about Pete's inspiring vision and leadership in his interview with "We the Italians"!

MADE IN ITALY, FROM NEW YORK: The gourmet warehouse in the United States promoting high-quality Italian food, by Gambero Rosso. Discover how Gustiamo has spent 25 years bringing the finest, ethically-sourced Italian products to the U.S., earning a reputation as a must-know resource for chefs nationwide. 

CHICAGO TO SEATTLE: Nevada baseball alum Miles Mastrobuoni traded to Seattle Mariners for cash, by Chris Murray. Chicago Cubs left-hand hitter, Miles Mastrobuoni, was acquired by the Seattle Mariners. 

A TASTE OF ITALY: 

Italian report: Italian Food and Wine Tourism Report 2024, by Roberta Garibaldi

Learn the history behind Pecorino Romano - a staple food of the Roman Empire. Italian flavors: Pecorino Romano, by ministero delle politiche agricole alimentari e forestali

SICILIAN WINES: Searching for the perfect bottle of wine but not sure where to start? Dive into The Best Wines of Sicily, by “We the Italians”. Among these wines are: Nero d’Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, Grillo, Inzolia(also known as Ansonica), Moscato di Pantelleria, Zibibbo, and Catarratto. Find out what’s special about each one and find your new favorite from Sicily!

CULTURAL GEMS:

The city of Turin, will be hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games, March 8 - 15! Learn more about this beautiful city with A special city hosts Special Olympics: Games come in March to Turin, a city of art, industry and history, by Jeanne Outlaw-Cannavo. 

Italian art: Jago, the Italian sculptor who became a gallery of his own, by “We the Italians” Editorial Staff

Discover one of the most stunning art cities in southern Italy! Italian culture and history: Lecce, by Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo, italia.it.

Italian territories: Exploring the Sila, a natural and cultural gem of southern Italy, by “We the Italians” Editorial Staff. Sila: known for its natural beauty, rich and diverse ecosystems, and historical importance.

Venice dedicates Carnevale 2025 to Casanova, by Wanted In Rome