A Note From The President:

Hello everyone!

I’m thrilled to share all the exciting events coming up in our Italian American community—especially with Italy!

I’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to Sicily, where I had the honor of meeting with officials and local leaders to discuss plans for the 2025 Columbus Day Parade. With Sicily as this year's Region of Honor, we are striving to make this celebration bigger and better than ever—paying tribute to the rich culture, history and spirit of this incredible region.

One event I’m particularly excited about is the upcoming Sanremo Giovani Concert on May 11. As part of their World Tour, these stars from Italy are bringing their talent and energy to the Des Plaines Theatre—and the best part? Tickets are free! Let’s give these young artists a warm Chicago welcome and show them the passion and pride that defines our Italian American community!

There are so many more exciting events to come as well! Stay tuned for more announcements and updates in the Italian American community!

Ron Onesti

JCCIA President 

JCCIA APRIL MEETING: The JCCIA April General Meeting will be on Wednesday April 30, 6:30pm at the Madonna del Pozzo Society Clubhouse in Wood Dale. CLICK HERE to reserve your seat!

ITALIAN CAUCUS: The Third Annual JCCIA Italian Caucus Tour of Italy Reception in Springfield will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025! Tickets are $40 per person and include bus transportation & dinner! CLICK HERE for more information or to purchase your bus ticket!

DANTE AWARDS: The 2025 Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Annual Dante and DiFrisco Awards Luncheon will be on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Galleria Marchetti. We will be honoring Dante Award Recipient, Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times and DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Walter Jacobson from WGN Radio. We also have different levels of sponsorships for this event! CLICK HERE for more information, to purchase your ticket, or to view the sponsorship opportunities available!

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN: The JCCIA John Fischetti Scholarship deadline of May 1 is approaching fast! Apply today!

MODA 2025: The Women's Division Scholarship Benefit Dinner and Fashion Show is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025! Visit jccia.com/moda-2025 to learn more or purchase tickets!

ITALICO INFO: Have Italian American Community updates or information you would like to see in the next edition of ITALICO? Submit your request to the JCCIA Office at jcc@jccia.com!

JUSTINIAN HONOREE: Congratulations to Enrico J. Mirabelli on being selected as the Justinian Society of Lawyer's 2025 Award of Exellence Recipient! CLICK HERE to learn more about the Awards Dinner.

POMPEII PAVERS: The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii's Garden of Remembrance commemorates weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, significant life events and memorializes loved ones. CLICK HERE for more information or to purchase a paver!

CLUB UPGRADE: A renovation has transformed the American Italian Cultural Society Building—see what’s new! "American Italian Cultural Society: You Won't Recognize This Building" by John Ferak.

NIAF TO ROME: National Italian American Foundation Board Member Lou Tosi joins Rome City Institute’s Advisory Board to bridge cultures and empower students. Read more with the press release from Legal Reader: "A long-time member of the National Italian American Foundation Board of Directors, Mr. Tosi is poised to help shape the future of the Rome City Institute and its students."

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

April 14 - 16 | The Great Easter Triduum - Virtual Pilgrimage

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

April 17 | OLMC Holy Thursday & Pilgrimage to 7 Churches

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (MORE INFO)

April 17 | SOLP Holy Thursday & Visitation of 7 Churches

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

April 20 | Easter Brunch

Villa Cesare (Contact: 219-322-3011)

April 20 | Easter Dinner

Mazzini Verdi Club (Contact: 847-671-0055)

April 20 | Easter Sunday Mass

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (Contact: 312-421-3757)

April 22 | Arcolian Dental Installation of Officers

Arcolian Dental Arts Society (Contact: acaporale2244@gmail.com)

April 24 | WCIAA Meeting

Will County Italian American Association (Contact: willcountyitalianamerican@gmail.com)

April 25 | MODA 2025 - Fashion Show & Benefit Dinner

JCCIA Women's Division (MORE INFO)

April 26 | Dinner Dance

Beato Giovanni Liccio Society (Contact: 312-363-8617)

April 27 | Art Painting Workshop

Associazione Regionale Campania (Contact: 708-345-5933)

April 27 | San Pio Mass & Reception

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

April 30 | JCCIA General Meeting

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (Contact: jcc@jccia.com)

May 4 | Mother of Mary May Crowning

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (Contact: tlp1314@comcast.net)

May 4 | Crowning of the Blessed Mother

SS Crocifisso, San Giovanni Bosco | Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

May 11 | Sanremo Giovani - Free Concert!

Des Plaines Theatre (MORE INFO)

May 13 | Italian Caucus: Tour of Italy Reception

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (Contact: jcc@jccia.com)

May 15 | JSOL Installation & Awards Dinner

Justinian Society of Lawyers (MORE INFO)

May 15 | Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini: Night at the Fights

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (MORE INFO)

May 17 | IA Literati 2025

Casa Italia (MORE INFO)

May 19 | Women's Division May Meeting

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

CLICK HERE for the full calendar of events! Have an event you would like to be added to the calendar? Submit your request to jcc@jccia.com! 

FREE CONCERT: From the Ariston stage of Sanremo to Chicago! The young finalists of Sanremo Giovani will make you sing and dance on the thrilling notes of Italian contemporary music. Tickets are free!! - Reserve in advance at oshows.com!

DANCING QUEEN: Chicago native Nancy Rossi’s just turned 107! Her secret? Stay active, stay sweet, and keep dancing through it all. "Suburban woman celebrates 107th birthday, shares secrets to longevity" by Elizabeth Matthews.

PIECE OF PISA: What started as a water tower became a historic tribute to Italy—learn the story behind Niles' famous landmark! "Iconic 'leaning tower of Pisa' appears in very unexpected location" by Alexa Cimino.

SERGEANT SERVICE: Born in Wheaton IL, read about Mark Evangelista’s story: from combat medic to master’s nurse, his dedication to service and how it shaped his life. "Army Sergeant Mark Evangelista" by Linda Grisolia.

TASTE OF TRADITION: For 75 years, Tenuta’s Deli has been the heart of Kenosha—where Italian flavors meet family tradition. "Tenuta's deli celebrates 75 years of business in Kenosha" by CBS 58 Newsroom.

PIZZA PATIO: Discover how Frank Manzella turned his love for pizza into an Italian restaurant empire—60 years of authentic flavor! "The origin story of Manzella’s Italian Patio" by Alyssa Buckley.

GREEN & GOURMET: Inside the historic Hobbs Building, this new trattoria is serving up family-friendly vibes and fresh, handmade classics. "New trattoria boasts garden-inspired atmosphere" by Fra Noi.

SAVE THE UIC ITALIAN PROGRAM: Students at the University of Illinois at Chicago are fighting to preserve the Italian and Italian American Studies department amid recent budget cuts. Sign a petition and help protect the Italian and Italian American Studies Program at UIC.

DEFENDING COLUMBUS DAY: The Congress of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations Delivers Cogent Appeal to Preserve Columbus Day in Philadelphia. Watch attorney George Bochetto make a powerful stand for Italian American rights with "Save Columbus Day: COPOMIAO v. City of Philadelphia".

CENTURY OF SAUSAGE: One hundred years. Four generations. Endless sausage. Here’s how Polidori became Colorado’s most delicious dynasty. "After a Century, Polidori Sausage Is Stuffed With History" by Helen Xu.

FOOD, FAMILY, FESTA: Beau Catalano helped define the taste of Undo’s—and now he’s being celebrated for a lifetime of Italian-American pride. "Italian Festival To Honor Beau Catalano as Italian-American of the Year" by Emma Delk.

SAN DIEGO SCOOPS: Italian gelato icon Bacio di Latte is heading to San Diego with a new La Jolla shop in the works! Read more about it with "Bacio di Latte Preparing for San Diego Debut" by Joey Reams.

ITALY IN ORBIT: From satellite tech to interstellar strategy, Italy is making serious moves in the U.S. aerospace scene! "Made in Italy in Space Takes Center Stage in the USA" by We the Italians.

SOUTH BEND STORIES: From 27 pioneers to thousands, discover the exhibit that celebrates the grit and glory of South Bend’s Italian American legacy. "From nothing, something: History Museum chronicles Italian immigrants in South Bend area" by Camille Sarabia.

FROM NY TO IN: Italian composer Tiziano Bedetti brings New York’s rhythm and soul to Indiana in the concerto’s American debut. "The Big Apple Concerto with Tiziano Bedetti in Indiana" by We the Italians.

AREA ITALIANO: Italians take over Little Caesars Arena in a celebration that scores big! "'It's inspiring': Italian community showcases heritage at Little Caesars Arena" by Demetrios Sanders.

ARCHITECT OF INFLUENCE: Step into the world of Italian architect María Luisa deMin Puggioni — where every design tells a story. "Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Italian Architect and Educator María Luisa deMin Puggioni" by CU Denver News.

ITALIA IN UTAH: Riverton welcomes North Italia — and it’s bringing prosciutto, pecorino, and pasta perfection! "North Italia has opened its first Utah location in Riverton" by The PLACE.

SLICE OF SICILY: Sarino brings the flavors of Sicily and Naples to Louisville, with a modern, veggie-friendly twist! "Veg Out: Sarino—Sicilian And Neapolitan-Inspired Italian Cuisine In The Heart Of Germantown" by Joe DeSensi.

RESHAPING REAL ESTATE: The demand for energy-efficient homes is reshaping the Italian real estate market. Could energy efficiency be the new luxury? "Italian real estate market trends: energy-efficient homes, bare ownership and rising luxury demand" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.

HOLY YEAR: From sacred symbols to traveling tourists, the Jubilee is transforming Rome. What lies beyond the threshold of the Holy Year? "Rome 2025: a unique year of faith, history and culture" by Barbara Minafra.

FUN FAMILY GETAWAY: Affordable flights and accommodations make Sardinia the ultimate family getaway! Find you perfect family getaway - "Why Sardinia in Italy Should Be Your Family’s Ultimate Vacation Destination for 2025 with Stunning Beaches and Affordable Travel Options" by Travel and Tour World.

ISLAND INNOVATION: Palermo just shot up the global rankings for remote work... could it be Europe’s next creative capital? "Palermo: a new magnet for remote workers and startups" by Francesca Bezzone.

SKY HIGH: Trepalle mixes frosty temps, alpine views, and a surprising literary legacy in this one-of-a-kind mountaintop village. Discover the sky-high life of Trepalle - "Living life above the clouds in Trepalle" by Giulia Franceschini.

WARRIORS & WINES: From the Knights Templar to the Knights of Malta, Maruggio’s past is as rich as its wines. Step through the medieval streets to discover how this village won over hearts and palates."Maruggio, the village of knights and vineyards" by the L'Italo Americano Staff.

CONSTRUCTION CANVAS: At Piazza Venezia, discover how Marinella Senatore transforms a construction site into a canvas of contemporary art! "Progetto Murales: Marinella Senatore's Artwork at Piazza Venezia" by We the Italians.

PALAZZO POWER: The Farnese Palace isn't just a work of art; it's a symbol of Renaissance power at its peak! "Renaissance dominion and hierarchy: art, nature, and science in Caprarola’s Palazzo Farnese" by Kenneth Scambray.

TASTE OF HISTORY: Step back in time and savor Pompeii’s culinary secrets, where food was a central part of life. Discover what flavors and dining traditions have survived the centuries? "Exploring Pompeii Through Its Food: A Culinary Journey Into Ancient History".

ROMAN ROADS: Via del Corso is more than just a shopping street—it’s a thread through Rome’s past. "Discover the 7 most famous streets in Rome" by Idealista News.