A Letter From The President

Hello Everyone!

Wonderful things are happening in the community!

Last Thursday, May 22, we hosted our 53rd Annual Dante Awards—a truly special celebration. We were proud to honor Lynn Sweet, the Chicago Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief, as our 2025 Dante Award recipient. We also presented the Dominic DiFrisco Humanitarian Award to legendary journalist Walter Jacobson, former WGN Radio personality and longtime CBS & FOX News anchor and host Walter’s Perspective.

I am also excited to share our Government Relations Chair Enza Raineri and I recently sat down to lunch separately, first with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, and then with Chicago Vice Mayor Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. to discuss issues involving our community. More positive news to come!

Ron Onesti

President, JCCIA

JCCIA IN THE NEWS: We are beyond proud of our Executive Director, Phyllis Schoene, and her dedication to the JCCIA and the Italian American community! Discover the impact she has made and continues to make with Fra Noi's article: "Schoene takes next big step along volunteer path" by Doug Graham.

JCCIA JUNE MEETING: Save the date! The JCCIA June General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25.

QUEEN PAGEANT: Calling all aspiring-queens! The 2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant has been scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Make history and become the next bella Regina!

CLICK HERE for more information or to apply!

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!

NIASHF BUILDING: With demolition done, the next phases of construction are underway for the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. "Progress aplenty at Sports Hall of Fame" by Fra Noi.

CAMP CASA: Casa Italia is partnering with Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi during the 2025 Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp! Explore how the camp keeps Italian heritage alive and provides an immersive experience for the campers - "Casa Italia, Fermi school to host summer camps" by Fra Noi.

LUCCHESI LEGACY: Lucchesi nel Mondo Association will be honoring Antonio Petrucci and Evelina Giannoni as the 2025 Man and Woman of the Year! "Lucchesi to honor Petrucci, Springer" by Fra Noi.

AICS UPDATE: The Italian American Cultural Society has updated its Crest Hill Club with a fresh new look! "Joliet-area club renovates for next generation" by Fra Noi.

NIAF GALA: John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., Chairman of Ferrari N.V., and Chairman of Stellantis N.V. will be honored at NIAF’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025! "NIAF Announces Italian Business Leader John Elkann to Receive Special Achievement Award"

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

May 29 | Marchegiana Membership Dinner

Marchegiana Society of Chicago Heights (Contact: 708-932-5934)

May 31 | Pilgrimage of the Rosary and Meditation

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

May 30 - June 1 | Festa Italiana Milwaukee

Italian Community Center (MORE INFO)

June 7 | Cancer Awareness BBQ

Columbian Club of Chicago (Contact: 708-715-6522)

June 7 - 8 | Feast of Società SS. Crocifisso & San Giovanni Bosco di Ciminna

Società SS. Crocifisso & San Giovanni Bosco di Ciminna (Contact: 847-577-8230)

June 8 | Feast of San Pio

Italian Catholic Federation Branch #392 (Contact: 708-307-7180)

June 11 | Interactive Presentation by Lindsay Marie Morris

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 13 | Scopa Tournament

San Francesco di Paola (MORE INFO)

June 14 | The Man & Woman of the Year 2025

Lucchesi Nel Mondo (Contact: 630-443-8722 or 773-908-1004)

June 16 - 20 | Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 17 | Italian American Authors Book Club

Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

June 17 | OSDIA Meeting & Scholarship Awards

Our Sons and Daughter of Italy in America Grand Lodge of IL/WI

June 22 | Mazzini Verdi Golf Outing

Mazzini Verdi Club Golf Outing (Contact: mazziniverdiclub@gmail.com)

June 23 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 23 - 27 | Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 25 | JCCIA General Meeting

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

June 29 | Mass in Honor of San Pio

Società di San Pio (Contact: 630-217-7415)

June 30 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

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! 

CITIZENSHIP PROCESS: Ready to claim your Italian roots? Learn the new laws and how to apply with guidance from Patronato ACLI. "ACLI to offer an Italian citizenship update on May 23" by Fra Noi.

THREE KINGS RETURN: Discover Montemezzi’s forgotten opera revival—dark romance and powerful music light up the Chicago stage. "Opera Festival Of Chicago brings back The Love of Three Kings after 70 years" by Amina Sergazina.

TURANO TRIBUTE: Congratulations to Lisa Turano and her parents, being honored at Nazareth Academy’s 125th celebration. Lisa will be receiving the prestigious Four Pillar award. "Nazareth H.S. to honor Turanos at June event" by Paul Basile.

SLICE OF ROME: Explore the perfect spot for Roman pizza, espresso, and Italian bakery delights in Chicago! "Capriccio serves up a slice of Rome" by Fra Noi.

ITALIAN IMMERSION: At Union Ridge School, Cristina Tinnirello brings Italy to life for her students through cooking classes, author visits, and more! "Learning leads to teaching for Tinnirello" by Elena Ferrarin.

CHICAGO HERO: One of the few to pass SEAL training, Captain Lanzillotti’s career spanned continents, combat zones, and command centers. "Navy Captain and SEAL Anthony Lanzillotti" by Linda Grisolia.

PREMIER PRODUCTS: Straight from Italy, Grana Padano and Parma ham headline the NRA Show with bold flavor and EU-certified excellence! "Grana Padano and Prosciutto di Parma to Take Center Stage at NRA Show".

TAVERN TASTES: Zarella brings tavern-style pizza back to Chicago with crispy, square-cut pies and fresh Italian flavors "Italian taverna opens in River North" by Fra Noi.

ITALIAN BEEF PIZZA: From the heart of Chicago comes a collab for the ages—Giordano’s deep-dish stuffed with Buona’s beloved beef! "Giordano’s and Buona Beef Collaborate on a Pizza for National Italian Beef Day" by PMQ Pizza.

CLASS TO COUTURE: Kiton brings luxury tailoring to a Chicago high school, aiming to stitch the future of fashion one student at a time. "Does the Future of Italian Tailoring Lie in ... Chicago?" by Nick Sullivan.

ROOTS REVEALED: The Columbus Italian Ancestry Organization group uncovers family treasures and deep Italian ties through genealogy and shared history. "CIAO Columbus in the Capital City of Ohio Continues on the Journey to Explore and Connect with Our Shared Italian Roots" by Richard Leto.

MORTON MUSEUM: Discover how Benton Harbor’s “Little Italy” exhibit uncovers a neighborhood of many voices and vibrant lives! "New exhibit opens for historic Little Italy Benton Harbor neighborhood" by Kyland Hall.

SEASIDE FLAVORS: The Accademia Italiana della Cucina gathered to honor Amo’s authentic Neapolitan and Sicilian seafood—and the flavors didn’t disappoint! Discover the dishes that left eveyone hungry for more! "Accademia Italiana della Cucina Honors Neapolitan Seafood at Amo" by Federica Farina.

FLYING IN STYLE: Say ciao to long layovers! Delta’s newest nonstop flight takes you straight from Boston to Milan’s fashion-filled streets! "Another brand new flight between US and Italy: Boston-Milan" by We the Italians.

STUDENT STANDOUT: Scholar, athlete, leader—Isabella Ross does it all! See why this Ball State-bound student just took home the Piave Club’s top youth award. "Isabella Ross Named 2025–2026 Patrick Canini Scholar-Athlete Award Winner" by Joe Ingrassia.

BUILDING BRIDGES: Songs, speeches, and Sicilian pride filled the air as Michigan welcomed the mayor of Terrasini! "Washington Township, Michigan Welcomes Mayor of Terrasini (PA), Sicily" by Sandra Tornberg.

SEATTLE SPIRIT: Seattle celebrates Italian Heritage Night with a ballgame and custom Mariners Italian jerseys! "Mariners’ Italian Heritage Night June 30" by Casa Italiana.

PALERMO TO PHILLY: Bringing bright and bold Italian flavor—this corner café and market feels straight out of Sicily! "Paffuto Brings a Variety of Italian Tastes to South Philly" by Renee Locorriere.

TUCCI'S TABLE: From Tuscany to Trentino, Stanley Tucci is back with a brand-new journey through Italy’s heart, plate by plate. Discover the flavors, stories, and traditions behind every bite! "Stanley Tucci embarks on a journey through flavors, stories and Italian traditions" by Silvia Nittoli.

STORIES OF SACRAMENTO: Discover how Sacramento’s Italian community is racing against time to preserve its rich past - "Little Italy history project in Sacramento in full swing" by We the Italians.

SOUNDS OF SARDINIA: In a tiny Sardinian village, cowbells do more than chime—they tell stories. Sonaggios honors a craft passed down by generations. "Two families, one sound: director Mereu’s Sonaggios is a journey into Sardinian cowbells" by Serena Perfetto.

STUNNING CEILINGS: Discover 10 Italian ceilings that are pure magic—some are hidden, some are famous, all are unforgettable. "10 jaw-dropping ceilings in Italy you won't believe exist" by Alessandro Zoppo.

TRADITIONAL TRALLALERO: From backstreet taverns to festival stages, discover how trallalero echoes the soul Genoa. "Trallalero: a polyphonic portrait of working-class Genoa" by the L'Italo Americano Staff.

MARBLE MASTERPIECE: Michelangelo’s David captured the bold ideals of the Renaissance—and left a legacy carved in marble. "Why Is Michelangelo’s David So Important?" by Howard Halle.

ITALY IN FULL BLOOM: From billion-euro exports to flower-carpeted festivals, Italy’s petal power fuels both the economy and the soul—discover how blooms shape a nation. "Italy’s flower power: the cultural and economic impact of blooms" by Francesca Bezzone.

SIGHTS OF SYRACUSE: From prehistoric tombs to grand theaters, walk through millennia of history and myth in Syracuse! "Syracuse: from prehistoric rock-cut tombs to classical theater" Teresa Di Fresco.

SHINING STONES: Pietra Leccese gave Lecce its golden glow — and its Baroque brilliance still dazzles centuries later! "Carved from history: pietra leccese and the essence of baroque Puglia" by Luca Signorini.

TIMELESS TORA: Found between mountain peaks and a shimmering lake, Castel di Tora is a medieval gem frozen in time. "Castel di Tora: a village suspended between mountains and water" by the L'Italo Americano Staff.

CLIFFSIDE CHARM: Skip the packed beaches - This stunning village offers history, calm seas, and unforgettable views carved into limestone cliffs! "Italy’s Polignano a Mare Offers Ancient Roman Heritage Dramatic Limestone Cliffs and Authentic Coastal Charm Away from Crowded Tourist Destinations" by Travel and Tour World.

HISTORICAL HOUSES: In Italy, homes don’t just have charm—they have centuries of stories. Discover what it’s really like to live inside history! "Buying a historic house in Italy: living inside history" by Francesco Paladini.

GOING GLOBAL: With a booming conference scene, Italy is now the fastest-growing destination in Europe for international meetings. "Italy confirms its role as a global leader in the meeting industry" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.