Download - The Italian Club of Tampa

L’UnioneITALIANAThe Official Newsletter for the Members and Friends of The Italian Club of TampaWEBSITE: www.Italian-Club.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004“Christmas”Written by John IorioAt Christmas time Rome is once againRoman. The occupying tourists have left;the temples, the forum, the coliseum areempty except for art historians andstudents. Shoppers rummage the streetsinto the night with new energy as the Alpsand Apennines no longer block the blastsof Artic air. Via Condotti is festoonedwith frosted trees and lights. The Italiansare even friendlier, moving to the rhythmsof feasting and celebration, whilechildren’s faces flash with heightenedexpectations. The spirit touches everyone.Step into any store and buy the cheapestitem and it will be elaborately,painstakingly wrapped as if it were part ofa sacred ritual. Given my spending habits,especially for friends, the wrappings wereoften worth more than the item.While sitting at a table at Del Fino,having a pizza capriccioso — theextravagant mother of all toppings— Icontemplated Christmases past. After all,this is where it all began.When someone says, “Let’s go back to anold fashioned Christmas,” one might askhow old fashioned does one want to get.Go back far enough and you’ll findyourself in the middle of the Saturnalia.For 350 years after the birth of Jesus,there was no Christmas. It was PopeLiberius who authorized the celebrationof the Feast of the Nativity on December25 and that was in 353 A.D.This celebration was a Roman thing, andthe event soon spread to other churchesin the empire. December 25 was selectednot as the date of the Nativity, aboutwhich there are no records, but as thedate for the reciting of the masscelebrating the Nativity. The Bible is notstrong on birthdays unless you are JamesUssher, Irish Archbishop, who said in1650 that the Bible told him that all lifewas created on Sunday Oct 23 in 4004B.C. It seems that determining the Jesus’birthday would have been easy for him.So, why December 25? Among themany religions and cults in Rome, thegreatest challenge to Christianity wasMithraism and for Mithraists, December25 was the birthday of the sun — themost important day of the holidaysaturatedRoman Empire. The date alsomarked the end of the month-longSaturnalia known as libertas decembris, aperiod of licentious and scandalousmerrymaking. And just as the Christians,with their syncretistic appetite, took overtemples and turned them into churches,so they embraced December 25 to bluntthe force of Mithraism and paganism. Theequation of Christ and the sun, thevictory of light over darkness, gave theappropriation a veiled justification.Later the Protestants were not as open toChristmas celebration because of whatthey perceived to be its pagan trappings.In fact, the Puritans in America bannedits celebration for a brief time. ButChristmas persisted and in America itreveals its tolerance and openness tomodification by incorporating foreignUpcoming EventsNOVEMBER 11 - GENERALBOARD MEETING& ELECTIONSNOVEMBER 14 - PICNIC WITHTHE PAST & ALLSOUL’S DAY MASSNOVEMBER 18 - 21BELLA DANZANOVEMBER 25 - THANKSGIVING(CLUB CLOSED NOV. 25 & 26)NOVEMBER 27 - YBOR CITY’SFESTIVAL “ESPIRITUDE YBOR”DECEMBER 9 - BOARDMEETING & CLUB’SHOLIDAY PARTYDECEMBER 12 - SANTA LUCIADECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS(CLUB CLOSED DEC. 24& 25)DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’SEVE PARTYJANUARY 1 - NEW YEAR’S DAYJANUARY 9 - LECTURE BYDR. PILLIP SIPIORAJANUARY 23 - LECTURE BYDR. ANGELO SPOTOJANUARY 29 - GASPARILLA DAYPARADEContinue on page 15.The mission of L’Unione Italiana is to preserve and honor the culture, traditions and heritage of the Italian Communityand to maintain the historical facility as a functioning memorial to the working class immigrants.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004President’s MessageAs you know, we have been very fortunate considering the amount of storm damage wesuffered. However, the Italian Club still has a lot of water damage that we are trying toaddress. The Club is looking for solutions to correct the problems.I want to thank the Greco Family, Mr. & Mrs. Mac Greco, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Greco,and Mr. & Mrs. Al Dato for their generous donations to the Club. I can’t tell you howmuch help you have been over the past seven and a half years. Also, thanks to SunnyFlorida Dairy for their generous donation to the Club. Hopefully, these donations willlead to the future of our foundation.Congratulations to the Ladies Auxiliary for a great job on the “Italian-American Womenof Excellence Awards.” Thank you for your continued support and dedication to theClub.The Governance Committee has done a great job and I want to thank the followingpeople for their hard work and countless hours they have put into this committee: RonChristaldi, Felicia Kopelman, Mark Bentley, Vince Pardo, Jay Anthony, Sal Guagliardo,Joe Capitano Jr., John Nertney, Al Garcia Jr., Don Pellegrino and John Crivelli.The 4 th Quarter General Meeting and Club Election will be held on Thursday, November11. Please make arrangements to attend, if you want to run for office. Nominationsshould be submitted to the nominating committee as soon as possible.The New Year’s Eve Dance is being planned to be the best ever. Please call forreservations at the Club office. The event will include cocktails, fabulous food, dancingand parking. The cost is $100.00 per person. Plan to attend and enjoy bringing in theNew Year with fellow Italian Club members and family.The Krewe of Italia, Inc. is being organized and will be ready for the Sant’Yago KnightParade. Call the office for more information.The Cemetery will hold a joint event for All Souls Day and Picnic with the Past onNovember 14 with pasta dinner. Tickets are available for $7.00 each. We will have awork crew at the Cemetery on Saturday, November 13 at 9:00 am and Sunday,November 14 at 9:00 am to help clean, etc. Please bring rakes and brooms as we can useall your help.On Friday, November 5, please plan to attend the Appreciation Dinner and Fundraisersponsored by NIAF for Dr. Tony Lazzara, M.D. of the Villa la Paz Foundation. Dr.Lazzara gives continued medical aid to the poor and needy children in Lima, Peru. Dr.Lazzara is a Tampa native and a graduate of Jesuit High School. He has devoted his lifeto aiding the innocent, poor, starving and ill children in the Lima area. Come and learnmore about Villa la Paz and about Dr. Lazzara. Call the office for reservations.November 18-21, Maria Capitano, a Tampa choreographer, will host Bella Danza, adance concert featuring a local group of performing artists. For tickets and times, pleasecontact Maria at (813) 267-7551.Finally, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of William Ferlita Sr.and Rose Demmi for the loss of their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are withyou.Hope to see you soon at the Club. Ciao!L’UNIONE ITALIANA1731 East Seventh AvenueTampa, Florida 33605LUnione@Italian-Club.org813-248-3316 • 813-247-4387 faxNEWSLETTER STAFFEditor: Krista L. JonesCo-Editor: Alice R. MuellerOFFICERSJoseph Capitano, Sr., PresidentSal Guagliardo, Vice-PresidentStephanie Cannella vanBelzen, SecretaryJay Anthony, TreasurerBOARD OF DIRECTORSJoe Caltagirone, Grace Campisi,Angela Daxon, Al Garcia Jr., Jamie Granell,Felicia Kopelman, Linda Lastra,George Migliori, Vince Pardo,Don Pellegrino, Rosalie Perrone,Wayne Piazza, Violet Rodriquez andHonorary Board Member Fortune BoscoADVISORY BOARDJoseph Capitano, Jr.Special thanks to the following supportersDAVINCI ($500)Lisa DeBartolo The Bromley CompaniesJohn Puls, Jr. Bennie & Joyce LazzaraCarol LaMonte Eugene & Celesta GrecoFirst Home Realty Vigo Importing CoRalph & Betty HughesDominick & Susan Graziano & FamilyCentral Park Village Youth Services, Inc.BENEFACTORS ($300)AJ’s Outdoors, Inc. Dan & Vera IovinoSebastian Castellano Delores LastraRonald & Shannon ChristaldiPatrick & Cynthia Cimino Rene RodriguezSam C. Colucci Sunny Florida DairyGerardi Construction Mike TrentalangeMarathon Ashland PetroleumPATRONS ($200)Jack Almand Hon. Jess JulianteJay Patrick Anthony Benjamin LaMonteFrank V. Campisi Vince & Jan PardoJohn A. Caporice Richard & Velia ParrinoJimmy & Sandy Violet Verroca RodriquezChilluraScott SteadyJohn & Jana Curatelli TECOAngeles Ferlita Jim & Linda TaggartKenneth & Madlein FerlitaJohn & Marcy Green Peter & Deborah TagliariniVillage Lawn Care, Inc.Joseph Capitano, Sr.PAGE 2

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Cultural Committee UpdateGilda F. Capitano, ChairmanGiacomo Puccini’s Madama ButterflyThe power of love and sacrifice! This is Giacomo Puccini’s Masterpiece, which will be sung in Italian withEnglish lyrics projected above the stage. Opera Tampa of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, opens itsseason with this glorious opera, in Mosani Hall. It will be conducted by Maestro Anton Coppola. PerhapsPuccini’s most lauded opera, Madama Butterfly features a soaring score and one of the most popular sopranoarias in all opera, “Un bel di vedremo” (Some Day He’ll Come). November 19 and 21, 2004, are the two datesfor Butterfly. Friday’s show begins at 8p.m. and Sunday’s show begins at 2p.m. Groups of ten get a discount.Come on members of the Italian Club, this is culture at its highest right here in Tampa. Let’s support it wholeheartedly. For more information, call 813-222-1037 or the Club office at 813-248-3316.Cultural LecturesDuring the month of January 2005, the Cultural Committee will host two lectures at The Italian Club “ConnieSpoto Walter Theatre”. Please remember that these lectures are “free” to attend and the lecturers volunteertheir time to come and speak with us. The first lecture will be held on January 9, 2005, at 3pm. The guestspeaker will be Phillip Sipiora from the University of South Florida. The second lecture will be held onJanuary 23, 2004, at 3pm. The guest speaker will be our very own Club member, Dr. Angelo P. Spoto Jr. Thefollowing are the lecturers’ bios:Dr. Angelo P. Spoto Jr.Born in Tampa, Florida,March 25, 1933, a 4thgeneration Floridian toAngelo and Zillah MariaSpoto. Delivered by cousin,Dr. Joe Spoto, one of YborCity’s early Sicilian physicians. He worked from 1943-1950 in Dad’s business, V&P Spoto Wholesale Grocery at1501 9th Ave., Ybor City. Attended Robert E. Lee, GeorgeWashington and Hillsborough High School and theUniversity of Florida, where he received his Bachelor ofScience in Medicine. Later, he received his Master’sDegree from Duke University. He trained in InternalMedicine and Allergy here, as well as Lackland Air ForceBase and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He wasan officer in the USAir Force, and was a Major Intenist/Allergist at the Watson Clinic where he also served on theexecutive committe and was president of the WatsonClinic Foundation. He served as cahirman of Medicine aswell as secretary on the executive committee at theLakelandRegional Medical Center. He founded LakelandVolunteer in Medicine (Free Clinic) where he served asCEO. He was a past president of the American MedicalGroup Association and was a delegate to the AMA and theInternational Group Practice Associantion. He was alsoPAGE 3one of 9 physicians invited to testify beforeRostenkowski’s House Ways and Means Committee ofthe Congress’s Health Care Reform Hearings. Coach ofLakeland Majors Baseball All Star. Member of Board ofDirectors of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. He ismarried to Carolyn and has three children, Keith,Elizabeth Anne and Jacqueline. He is also thegrandfather of three grandchildren. He presently is aHealth Care Consultant volunteer.Phillip SipioraPhillip Sipiora is Professorof English at the Universityof South Florida, where heteaches and writes aboutTwentieth-CentureLiterature and Film.He is the author or editor of three books, nearly twodozen scholarly articles, and has lecturedinternationally on literature and film. ProfessorSipiora directed the USF Program in Florence, Italyin the summer of 2004 and he has beenasked to direct the program this coming summer.Previously, he taught in Florence for FloridaState University in the Fall of 1996.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Searching for Ippolito RelativesMy name is Caryn SimpsonBuchhorn of San Antonio, Texas. Ihave been researching both mypaternal and maternal ancestors.My maternal grandmother,Dorothea Ippolito, came fromAllesandria della Rocca, on theship, Gallia, to Ellis Island. Fromthere, she went to Ybor City. Shemet and married StephanoCosentino, possibly from Florenceor Palermo. They had six children,five of whom are still living. Thechildren are 93, 92, 90, one whowill be 89 tomorrow (September24, 2004), my mother, the baby -who is 80, and an uncle who diedin his 20’s. My eldest aunt and mycousin have been to Allesandriadella Rocca and have seen theCari AmiciCiao! Io sono Vincenzo P. Collura,conosciuto anche come Perry peralcuni di voi. Mi hanno chiesto chescrivo articoli in italiano per questarivista dell’Unione Italiana. Sonomolto lieto di sapere che voleteleggere, o praticare a leggerel’italiano.Spero che gli articoli, in formadi ”Lettera Aperta”, saranno moltointeresanti. Ho scoperto molti sitiitaliani nel internet da quando hocomprato per prima volta uncompiuter personale ad aprilescorso. Alcuni sono siti ufficiali deicomuni nella provincia diAgrigento, da dove la maggioranzadei nostri antenati sono venuti qui aTampa. Aragona (Terra/Paese degliCollura di Tampa), Alessandria dellaRocca, Santo Stefano Quisquina e,certo, Agrigento, capitale dellahouse, where by grandmother wasborn. They hired a guide and weretaken to the town. At the CityHall, the records were shown andthey found that my grandmother’smaiden name was Settecase. Inresearching, I have seen that theFire Chief of Tampa also has thatname. My family moved toMiami, Florida, before 1924. Fromwhat I have learned, mygrandfather spoke Italian, Spanish,and English. He was apparently inthe produce business in Ybor City.After moving to Miami, mygrandparents owned a grocerystore. I would very muchappreciate any help or informationyou might provide. From lookingat your website, we are of the samegeneration. I feel a sense ofA Note from Vincenzo P. Colluraprovincia, Paese di Pirandello e lafamiglia Sinatra.Anche ci sono siti degli giornali piuconosciuti e della RAI, la radiotelevisionedello stato, a varie radio etiv‘u private. Infatti, la RAI ha unadivisione dedicata allo studio dellalingua e cultura italiana chiamata“ITALICA”. In quella divisione, puoitrovare libri e CD per imparare labella lingua italiana, la cultura,letteratura e il pensiero italiano.Come noi abbiamo aol e yahoo, inItalia, hanno Tiscali e Libero. Sottol’ombrello Libero hanno anche Inwinde Blu. Sono i servizi dell’internet piuconosciuti. Li puoi trovare pagine conarticoli e notizie come si trova in AOL,Yahoo, ecc. con presentazionimultimedia.PAGE 4urgency because of the ages of myfamily.I have friends in San Antonio whogrew up in Tampa. His name isFrank Fleitas. We discovered hisgrandfather was part of the SpanishSociety in Ybor City. His picture ison a website there. Frank was apilot for Eastern Airlines. Alongtime family friend, is WalterFurr, who is a district attorney inTampa. I hope to hear from yousoon!Bueno Notte!**If you know any information that mayhelp Caryn, please contact her at thefollowing information:E-Mail - Caryntex@aol.comHome - 210-828-7341Cell - 210-601-0995Utilizando ”Search”(ricerca) puoitrovare molti di questi siti. Perquestione di spazio non possoincludere i nomi di tutti, e sono tanti, isiti.Questo ‘e tutto per ora. Speromandare altra “Lettera Aperta” nellaprossima edizione.CIAO CIAO!Newsletter SubmissionsIf you would like to submit anarticle for the Newsletter, pleasesend your submissions to thefollowing e-mail or contact theClub Office for any furtherquestions:LUnione@Italian-Club.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004START SPREADING THE NEWS…START PLANNING TODAY…COME BE A PART OF IT...NEW YEAR’S EVEThe Italian ClubThe Grand BallroomDecember 31, 20048 p.m. – 9 p.m.Passed Hors D’oeuvres9 p.m. – 1 a.m.Chef Attended Food StationsGourmet Coffee StationAssorted CrepesOpen BarFeaturing Green Flash(Salsa, Sinatra, R&B, and a Fabulous DJ)$100.00 per personParking includedTo purchase tickets or for more information call The Italian Club office (813) 248-3316The New Year’s Eve Host Committee thanks you for your support.Gilda Capitano, Maria Capitano, Jamie Granell & Felicia Kopelman.PAGE 5

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Joe Petrosino’s Battle Against Prejudice & ExtortionItalian TribuneApril 22, 2004Written by Sonny TannenbaumPrefaced by: Felicia A. KopelmanDue to the fact that October isItalian American Heritage Month, Ithought I would submit an articleabout an amazing Italian-American, who gave his lifeprotecting his own people.Growing up in New York, I canremember many of the Italian boysin my class writing a book reporton the biography of thisextraordinary police officer.Please enjoy the article and beproud you are Italian!While serving in the United States Navy,post 9/11, I was assigned to the NavalCriminal Investigative at the EuropeanField Office in Naples, Italy. There, I meta cousin of the late Giuseppe “Joe”Petrosino, a longtime childhood hero whoeventually inspired me to get into lawenforcement. For this reason, I amwriting this article so that people whohave never heard of this Italian hero canappreciate his great contributions to theItalian people and the law enforcementcommunity.Some might ask, “Who is Joe Petrosino?”If you take a stroll down Mulberry Streetin Little Italy or pay a visit to the NewYork Police Department Museum, you’llquickly learn that Joe Petrosino was theonly American police officer to be killedin the line of duty outside of the U.S.Joe was always described as a commonman who took on an uncommonlydifficult task. He stood five feet, threeinches – four inches below the requiredheight for police. Joe also had incrediblywide shoulders, a bull-like neck and anexpansive chest with steel-like muscles.Because of his physical build andlegendary tenacity, he was called“Bulldog Joe” by his peers.Born Giuseppe Petrosino in 1860 nearSalerno in Southern Italy, Joe arrived inNew York with his family at the age of13. At 18, he became a city streetsweeper and quickly rose to the positionof foreman. In 1879, Clubber Williams,once head of the sanitation department,remembered Joe and was impressed byhis physical appearance and with the drillsergeant-style with which he commandedhis crew. Despite Joe’s height, Williamswas able to get him into the policedepartment.Most criminals Joe faced towered overhim, only to learn, to their dismay, thespeed and power of his fists.Neighborhood toughs constantlyLieutenant Giuseppe “Joe” PetrosinoPAGE 6challenged him when he was on footpatrol, until word got around that he wasnot a man to be taken lightly. Aside fromhis brutal strength and tough guy image,Joe was known as a patient and greatlyintuitive detective who had made morearrests and convictions than all thedetectives in his bureau combined. Hewould ultimately be chosen to lead “TheItalian Squad,” the only known secretpolice in the history of the NYPD. He isalso credited with creating the NYPDBomb Squad.Joe’s superiors always liked him becausehe was hardworking and deferential. ButJoe also had a swarthy complexion andspoke English with a strong accent, andhe was not very popular with his mostlyIrish colleagues in the Lower East SidePrecinct to which he was first assigned.However, as crimeamong ItalianAmericans grew, Joe’svalue to the NYPD roselike hot stock. In 1890,the department madehim a detectivespecifically toinvestigate crimesinvolving hiscountrymen.Joe’s knowledge of theItalian language andculture gave him anadvantage over non-Italian detectives. Hisinvestigative tacticsincluded appearing as adetective in a dark suit,Prince Albert coat, highblack derby andelevated shoes (to makehim look taller),banging on doors andthrowing suspects upagainst a wall. At otherContinued on page 7.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from page 6.times he would wander around disguisedas an Italian peasant just off the boat, sopeople could talk to him withoutattracting attention. Theodore Rooseveltwas so impressed by Joe that in 1885 hemade him a detective sergeant with aroving commission.A year later, the Italian Squad expandedto 25 men and was renamed the ItalianLegion. Joe was appointed commanderwith the rank of Lieutenant. In 1897, Joemarried a 37-year old widow and movedto a four-room apartment. He continuedto make news in 1908 by capturingEnrico “Big Henry” Ericino, a leader of aNeapolitan secret society called theCamorra, who had fled from Naples toNew York after committing a doublemurder.Petrosino, who became the NYPD’s firstItalian American detective, waged avaliant battle against the Black Hand, aloosely-knit criminal organization thatextorted money from Italian immigrants.The bomb squad he founded, the firstunit of its kind in the United States,countered the Black Hand’s use ofexplosives in carrying out its extortionthreats. From 1905, Petrosino and theItalian Legion, arrested thousands ofmembers of the Black Hand, deported500 and reduced crime against ItalianAmericans by half.In 1909, Joe met his grim fate. TheNYPD brass sent him on a dangerousmission to Palermo, Sicily, in order togather information in connection toBlack Hand leaders. On March 12,while waiting for a trolley near a statueof Garibaldi in downtown Palermo, Joewas shot to death. According to theAmerican Consul, the shots were firedby two paid gunmen. Joe’s brother,Antonio, remembers that Joe said heknew they would get him.“It’s just a matter of time, but someonehas to stand up to those bastards orthey’ll grind our people into theground,” Joe said.He certainly must have touched thehearts of New York. Over 250,000people lined the streets for Joe’s funeral.That’s an amazing figure consideringthat he was a police officer, and animmigrant police officer from animmigrant group highly despised by thegeneral populace at the time.Joe was a friend and personal advisor toPresident Theodore Roosevelt. At thefuneral, the President performed aeulogy. He stated, “He was a just manand I was happy to have known him. Ifeel sad for the loss of my friend Joe.”Joe was the first to have an Inspector’sfuneral both in Italy and New York. Tothis day, an annual ceremony is held inhis hometown of Padula, Italy, in hishonor. At the NYPD Museum in NewYork City, Joe’s picture is displayedalong with his badge and other artifacts.Years after his death, the City of NewYork named three parks in Joe’s honor,along with an Italian organization, twostreets, a stamp, and variousproclamations by heads of state. Themovie Pay or Die, starring ErnestBorgnine, was inspired by Joe’s life.Presently, Jack Morris of Palmer Press ispreparing a background history for ascreenplay and plans are in the works toproduce a new film about the detective.In the almost 100 years since his murder,interest in the courageous heroLieutenant Joe Petrosino has not waned.Sonny Tannenbaum is the SeniorCourt Officer for the New York StateSupreme Court.ttOTo ToBuon Natale e Buon AnnofromThe Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary, Inc.PAGE 7

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004The Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary, Inc.presented the2004 Italian-AmericanWomen of Excellence AwardsonSaturday, October 2, 2004The following Ladies were receipients at the event. We could not be prouder of this year’s winners.JoAnn DiMaria DelRosalBUSINESSJoAnn was born in Tampa to Alfonso and Josephine LaRussa DiMaria onFebruary 24. She attended S. Joseph’s Catholic School Kindergarten, ArmeniaBaptist Kendergarten, Cuesta Elementary School, West Tampa Junior HighSchool, and Jefferson High School, graduating in 1967. Upon graduation fromhigh school, she began working for the School District of Hillsborough County asSecretary to three Area Directors, being promoted to Secretary to the AssistantSuperintendent for Administration, and then to her current position of Secretary to the Superintendent of the thridlargest school district in the state of Florida and tenth largest in the nation.JoAnn has been married to her husband, Danny, for 36 years and they have one son, Dan, daughter-in-law, Mykelland two grandchildren - Dino and Sofia. Both she and her husband are parishioners at St. Lawrence CatholicChurch, and have lived in Odessa for the past 15 years.Joann Torretta GuagliardoCULTURAL & CIVIC INVOLVEMENTA successful business woman and dynamic educator, Joann Torretta has overtwenty-five years of experience in personal development training, fashion coordination,and platform speaking.As a graduate of Northwestern University, School of Speech, Joann began her careeras a television personality in Tampa, Florida, hosting and producing “Fashions For You”,on the NBC and CBS television affiliates.Five years on camera and after thousands of requests, she opened Tampa’s first Self Imporovement andIMage Center. She has thus far successfully coached over 75,000 graduates ranging from children to careerprofessionals, Miss America contestants and media personalities. Joann’s active career spans 40 successful years.In her personal life, Joann divides her time between her family and leadership roles in the AmericanCancer Society, The Association of University Women, The Florida Orchestra Guild, and the Tampa Women’sClub.The mother of two children, Gayle and Paul, and four grandchildren, Joann has been married to Joseph L.Guagliardo for 45 years.PAGE 8Continued on page 9.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from page 8.Maria Leto PasettiCULTURAL & CIVIC INVOLVEMENTMaria Leto Pasetti was born and raised in West Tamp. Her mother JosephineMilitello Leto, worked as the Santaella Cigar Factory and her father, Rosario Letoimmigrated from Santo Stefano Quesquina, Sicily, owned the Palmetto Dairy on Highway301. Maria has two daughters, Francine Pasetti and Janine Pasetti Belveal.Once her children were fully grown, Maria moved to Athens, Greece in the1970’s. She obtained a job with the U.S. Government, which enabled her to travel to numerous countries and gaveher the opportunity to experience rich and vibrant cultrues. She also worked as an interpreter for a Greek lawyer,and then on a cruise ship as a hostess for the Stella Solaris that eventually brought her back to Tampa.Upon returning, Maria continued to share her experiences and her vitality through the art of dance. She istruly dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of cultural dances. During her lifetime, she has donatedcountless hours of volunteer work. At the Italian Club she has served as a photographer, historian and themuseum’s cultural curator. She has also loaned her private collection of Italian and Sicilian costumes to displayfor a greater exposure of the arts in the community.Liana Fernandez Fox, Ph.D.EDUCATIONDr. Liana Fernandez Fox is a native of Tampa and a descendant of Cuban, Spanish andSicilian cigar makers who settled in Ybor City. She is very proud to be a native of Tampaand a descendant of Sicilian and Spanish heritage. Her mother Rose Valenti Fernandez,was from Santo Stefano Quisquina.For 24 years, Liana has been a Professor of Mathematics teaching forHillsborough Community College at the Ybor City campus and at the University of SouthFlorida. She received her Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in 1998. Liana is a graduate of LeadershipFlorida and was National President of the USF Alumni Association and President of the League of Women Votersof Hillsborough County. She has served on the boards of NCCJ, Hillsborough Tomorrow, the Tampa-HillsboroughUrban League, the Ybor City Museum Society, United Way, the Tampa Bi-Racial Coalition, and the JuvenileJustice Council of Hillsborough County.Liana has been married for 35 years to Robert A. Fox, also a Tampa native, and is the proud mother of twosons, Stephen and Justen.Rose V. FerlitaGOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICERose V. Ferlita has a rich family history in Tampa. She was born and raised in YborCity and grew up working in her family’s Ferlita Bakery - now the site of the Ybor StateMuseum. She attended high school at the Academy of the Holy Names and attended LoyolaUniversity in New Orleans for undergraduate studies. She completed her graduate courses atthe University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, in Gainesville.Rose currently serves as your District 2, Citywide, Tampa City Council Representative.A grassroots effort helped her win this seat in March 1999, as well as her re-election victory in March 2003. In herlegislative role, Rose will take on any problems her constituents give her. When she shops over the weekend, youcan bet her council phone will be ringing on Monday morning. Interaction with citizens is part of the job sheloves most. She has endless energy. Helping Tampa in her role as a Councilwoman is what Rose is all about.PAGE 9

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Per I BambiniCiao Bambini,You probably know that good manners can go a long way in any country and especiallyin Italia. Most Italians are very polite and show it daily in their manner and speech.They use terms like, “piacere”, “grazie”, and “per favore” often!Grazie - Thank youPer favore - Please, as in “Please help me.”Piacere - a pleasure Posso - May I?Prego - Please, as in “Please go ahead of me in line.”Questions and Answers1. Do Italians celebrate Halloween?• No, they don’t, however, they do celebrate All Soul’s Day.2. Do Italians celebrate Thanksgiving?• No, they do not because Thanksgiving is an American holiday.3. What do they celebrate?• Of course, they celebrate Christmas and Easter, and many, many specialdays honoring numerous saints.4. Do the Italians really eat pasta everyday?• Yes, most Italians do, however, they do eat rice and potatoes also.5. Was pasta invented by the Italians?• No, can you believe it was the Chinese. I do believe, however, that theycook it the best!6. Are most Italians overweight?• No, most Italians are not overweight. Are you surprised? They walk alot, eat a lot of fresh foods, and don’t snack much.7. Do you have any questions?• Let me know and if I don’t know, I’ll try to find the answer.Happy Thanksgiving and Buon Natale,Rosalie Castellana PerronePAGE 10

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004ELECTIONS! ELECTIONS!IMPORTANT EVENTWhat: The Italian Club 4th QuarterGeneral Meeting and ElectionWhen: Thursday, November 11, 2004Time: 6:00pmWhere: The Italian Club CantinaPlease come and vote for the 2005 Italian Club ofTampa Officers and Board of Directors. We willprovide light refreshments and a cash bar. We cannotstress the importance of the meeting and we expectall members to be there. Please also remember thatyou must be a member in good standing to vote thatevening. If you have any questions about yourstatus, please call the office immediately at (813)248-3316. Information on the proposed slate will bemailed to all members in November. Thank you andwe look forward to seeing you on November 11.KREWE OF ITALIA, INC.A Huge Congratulations to the Newlyformed Krewe of Italia, Inc.On October 14, 2004, The Italian Club Board ofDirectors voted to officially create the Krewe ofItalia, Inc., which will operate as a subsidiary ofThe Italian Club of Tampa, Inc. The followingmembers were instrumental in constructing theKrewe’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:Ron Christaldi, Esq.Jamie GranellLinda LastraDon PellegrinoThe Italian Club Governance CommitteeIf you would like more information, please callThe Italian Club Office.Mille Grazie!*Thank you to Joe Capitano Sr. forhis loyalty and continued faithfulnessto the Club.Anonymous*A big thanks to my MembershipCommittee for tirelessly calling thenew members each month.Felicia Kopelman*Thanks to Philip Caltagirone forhis dedication and all the extrahandy-man help he offers the Club.The Office StaffLea Josephine Daxon*Thank you to Krista for handling somany people and details so well all ofthe time. The Italian Club is verylucky to have you as our Manager.What would we do without you!AnonymousPAGE 11

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004SAVE THE DATEL’Unione Italiana & Maria CapitanopresentBELLA DANZAa third annual evening of choreography“...A ‘CABARET OF FINE ARTS’ RIGHT HERE IN YBOR CITY.”Experience BELLA DANZA, an evening of choreography in historic Ybor. BELLA DANZA presents the fineart of dance: November 18th-21st, 2004, at the Italian Club of Tampa.Over 15 professional & local performing artists, as well as several guest choreographers from Florida, Ohio,and Seattle will participate. The concert features original and contemporary choreographic pieces designedwith dynamic movement, powerful music, & beautiful costumes. These dances originate from variousinspirations including Brazilian and Baroque music, songs by 1960’s American girl group’s, and abstractmovement for movement’s sake. BELLA DANZA presents several divers dance works to a wide range ofmusic such as Yo Yo Ma, Filipa Giordano, and the Dixie Cups. Support BELLA DANZA whether you are alover of dance or just a little curious to see what a local organization and artists have to offer a growing artscommunity. This is the perfect reason to experience Ybor.Tickets: $12.00-Cabaret style seating & general admission; cash bar, complimentary appetizers & drawings.Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (813) 248-3316 or by mailing a check made to:L’Unione ItalianaAttn: Maria Capitano1731 E. 7 th AveTampa, Fl 33605Proceeds will benefit the establishment of a local dance company under the direction of Maria Capitano-Masters in Fine Arts (Ohio State University-98’). Maria is a Tampa native and for the past fifteen years hasdanced and presented choreography as an independent artist in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Proceedsfrom the concert will also benefit the installation of production needs for the Italian Club’s Connie SpotoWalter Theater.Production Equipment Provided by:Four Performances:Thursday, November 18 th at 7:30 p.m.Friday, November 19 th at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, November 20 th at 8:00 p.m.Sunday, November 21 st at 2:00 p.m.Artistic Director & Choreographer: Maria CapitanoFor more information, call (813) 248-3316.PAGE 12

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Italians Are Always Right - Or Are They?Written by John IorioWhy is it that Italians find it difficult toadmit they are wrong or that they can’tanswer a question?I know this is a shamelessgeneralization, but it seems pervasiveand persistent enough to rise to the levelof a national characteristic. Too manyItalians seem to confirm William James’observation of true believers — that theycontinue to believe in the face of all factsto the contrary. While this can be said ofany group, the Italian seems especiallyprone to this behavior. And thispsychological legacy is passed on toItalian-Americans.I remember challenging a family friendwho was never at a loss for a wronganswer. “Ok,” I said (petulance was myforte in those days). “Who invented thetelephone?”“And who doesn’t know that?”“I’m asking you.”“He was an Italian, of course.”“Wrong! It was Alexander GrahamBell,” I said, fresh from the movie aboutAlexander Graham Bell starring DonAmeche.“Bell — ma chi Bell – his name wasBellini – he changed it to Bell!” Hiscertainty stunned and almost convincedme. Today, though he is dead while nodoubt denying it, he would be happy tohear that it was Antonio Meucci whoinvented the telephone.My brother in law, a gentle soul, whodied many years ago, refused to acceptthe fact that Italy had lost to Germany ina soccer match. “The referee wasAustrian,” he explained, “and we allknow they are allies.”“But the score was five to one.”“Beh — that proves my point.”Perhaps they have a different view ofreality, a view that makes people liveclose to Vesuvius even though it willblow up soon, or makes men stand andtalk on a street, forcing cars to swerve.While driving in Florence, I asked apedestrian for direction to VialeGramsci. He pointed to the Arno River.“The map says that way,” I shoutedabove the cacophony of church bells andcar horns.“The map is wrong,” he said withabsolute certainty. I did not take hisadvice.When I returned to the village where Iwas born and stood in Piazza FratelliKennedy, a man leading a gang of fourgreeted me and said “Shecago –gangsters — tat tat tat tat.” I assumed hewas simulating a machine gun. Was hebragging, condemning or simplydisplaying his knowledge? I couldn’ttell. I told him I lived in Florida andassured him that Chicago was notpopulated by gangsters.He simply repeated his signaturestatement and as he walked away withhis gang of four he modified hisoutburst, “Shecago, Florida – gangsters— tat tat tat tat.”One day I decided to visit Dante’s houseand had some difficulty finding it. Idecided to ask some Florentines for help.One elderly man asked me if it was hisfirst or last name. “It is important, youunderstand,” he said solemnly not onlyas if imparting some secret wisdom, butalso according me a defensive role.“I understand.” I said. “It’s his firstname.”“Aah, in Italy there are thousands ofDantes,” he said, raising his arms as ifthrowing confetti to the winds.“I’m speaking of Dante Alighieri, thepoet.”“Alighieri — Alighieri —are you sure ofthe pronunciation?” he said, seeking tomaintain his intellectual hegemony.I gave up and thanked him. After all, ifhe really knew Dante he would haveknown him by one name as we knowHomer, Shakespeare and Virgil.PAGE 13But the one I really liked was a portlyman with a raspy voice whoacknowledged the name enthusiastically.“Ah Dante Alighieri — I knew him well,he said. I knew his family, but they haveall moved out of the city— I think toAmerica.”“Seven hundred years ago?“Seven years –seven hundred years,” heshook his head like a dog sheddingwater. “I assure you he moved.”Finally, I did meet one man who not onlyguided me to the house, but lectured meon the uselessness of foreign translationsof Dante’s works.In all fairness, however, if I were to askAmericans in New Haven where HermanMelville was born, I would probably getridged faces and counter-questions suchas “Wasn’t he part of a rock group? Or“Isn’t it Pee Wee Herman’s real name?”This exuberant surety of Italians mayhelp explain why the thousands ofpiazzas vibrate with arguments any dayof the week. We should not forget thatparliament, a place where people talkand never admit they are wrong, comesfrom parlamento.LINKSThe link below is foradditional info onqualifying for dualItalian-Americancitizenship.www.myitaliancitizenship.com/indexnew.jsp

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004HAPPY HOLIDAYS2004 Holiday PartyandNew Member ReceptionThursday, December 9, 2004Italian Club Cantina6:00pm Board Meeting7:00pm ReceptionHeavy Hors D’oeuvresCash BarGames - 50/50 Raffle - Holiday CheerPlease R.S.V.P. to the Italian Club Office(813) 248-3316PAGE 14

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from front cover.customs — the mistle-toe from theDruids, holly proffered by the MedievalChurch as a substitute for Mistle-toe, theEnglish fertility rite of wassailing, crèchesfrom Europe, the poinsettia imported byJoel Roberts Poinsett from Mexico in1828, and carols from northern Europe.The tree was a northern addition goingback to the 700s, but it had earlier paganfertility significance. While Martin Lutherwas the first to place candles on a tree, thetree did not become widespread inGermany until 1800. From there it cameto America through Pennsylvania Germanimmigrants, along with the carols thatseem to worship trees. Then in 1880,Woolworth began selling tree ornamentsand the tree began to evolve. Doesanyone remember the plastic aluminumtrees so popular in the Sixties? And am Ithe only one who liked them?The tree, of course, begs for gifts. Whilethe precedent for gift-giving wasestablished by the Magi who broughtgold, incense and myrrh, it was not untilthe 19 th Century that the present deluge ofgifts began. Not long ago Englishchildren often received an orange as agift. In Italy, naughty children received apiece of coal from La Befana. In myfamily of eight children, La Befana lefteight pieces of coal. Today, after manystressful shopping sorties, our livingrooms resemble Toys R Us warehouses.Now someone has to bring these gifts.Who else but middle-man Santa Claus. Itseems that in the fourth century, St.Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, who laterbecame the patron saint of Russia andthieves, garnered fame by leaving goldcoins in the stockings of three poor girlsto enable them to buy dowries. Thus, thehanging of stockings. His Dutch namebecame Santa Claus and he passed intoChristmas mythology. But he did notbecome the ubiquitous and dominatingforce he is today until much later – notuntil 1882, when Clement Moore sweptthe country with his “The Night BeforeChristmas.” Much of our iconography ofChristmas comes from that poem – thereindeer, their names, the sleigh, thechimney, and Santa in his bishop colors ofred and white.Christmas has always been associatedwith activities that seem to go counter tothe values of Jesus. Most of us complainabout the commercialization ofChristmas. But we know that howeverzombie-like we become in the malls,listening to the endless repetition ofChristmas songs, spending money wedon’t have and wondering what we willbe getting, Christmas has become anirremovable part of our economy.In a pluralistic society there are manyways to see Christmas. So if you viewand enjoy Christmas as a secular holiday,religious festival, latter-day Saturnalia,equinox renewal, freedom from the laborforce, or simply dreaming of a white one,have a merry one.FRAN COSTANTINOBROKERCOSTANTINOAND COMPANYREAL ESTATE SERVICES2216 4TH AVE. E.TAMPA, FL 33605PHONE: 813 241-6767FAX: 813 241-6868PAGE 15

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Festa della Madonna 2004“Festa Della Madonna”is celebrated the lastSunday in August inAlessandria della Rocca,Sicilia, where itoriginated, as well as inTampa, Florida.August 29, 2004The Italian ClubPAGE 16

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Italian-American Womem of Excellence AwardsOctober 2, 2004PAGE 17

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Le Notizie delle DonneSiamo sempre attive! Yes, we are always busy. On August 29 th we celebrated LaFesta della Madonna. Twenty-five of our children walked in the procession led byKatherine Stine, our 2004 Santa Lucia. The children told the story of the Madonnaappearing in the countyside of Alessandria della Rocca and why we celebrate thisday. We continue this celebration annually at the Italian Club. Our culture is veryimportant to us. One of our goals is to pass on our culture through our children.They all enjoyed participating. Che‘ bella!! You may check out furtherinformation on the Alessandria della Rocca website.The children who participated were: Christopher Callison, Alyssa Callison, ClarkRusso, Jacqueline Stine, Mark Stine, Gillian Finkler, Frances Caravella, AustenMarie Lyvers, Sienna Barrera, Olivia Piazza, Giovanni Piazza, Francesca Piazza,Isabella Piazza, Elise Belluccia, Natalie Belluccia, Angelo Canto, Alexa Canto, XenaQuick, and Carly Quick, and Santa Lucia, Katherine Stein. Sicilian folk dancerswere: Marisa Cheever, Theresa Colado, Courtney Howard, Francesca Granell,Compliments of FRANK REY DANCE STUDIO. Special thanks to Violet Mandese,Katie Anello Repenn, Giovanna Caravella, and Maria Piazza for their help with thechilren. GRAZIE TO ALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE.On October 2 nd the “4 th Annual Italian-American Women of Excellence AwardsLuncheon” was held. Please see article: “Italian-American Women of Excellence”in this issue. Congratulations to these ladies. They make us proud. The luncheonbegan with an antipasto and wine, followed by a luncheon, entertainment andpresentation of awards. The FRANK REY SHOW DANCERS performed to“Mambo Italiano” and vocalists Francesca Granell and Ricky Cona awed everyonewith their songs. The entertainment was fabulous and most definitely enhancedthis most joyous occasion. Thanks to the following board members for supportingthis event: Linda Lastra, Violet Rodriquez, Felicia Kopelman, Joe Caltagirone, andGrace Maroccia.SANTA LUCIA is next…On December 12 th to be exact. We will be selecting the2005 Santa Lucia. See our article with all the particulars. We encourage you tohave your children participate in the program or procession.(OUR CHILDREN ISWHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT) This celebration begins with an 11:00am Mass and isfollowed by the procession and program, dinner and dance. Please join us. Call886-7595 for more information.Le DonnePAGE 18

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Santa Lucia Festival of LightsDecember 12, 2004SponsoredByThe Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary, Inc.L’Unione Italiana’sConnie Spoto Walter Theatre&The Capitano Family Grand BallroomMass: 11:00amDinner: 1:00pmProcession & Program: 12:30pmDancing: 2:00pm - 4:00pmMusic by Rafael and Co.$15 Adults $8 ChildrenCall Theresa Raymondo @ 287-1469 for tickets by December 9th.Call Joanne Bernaldo @ 908-5751 as soon as possible for informationabout being a Santa Lucia Candidate or Attendant. Grazie.1702 E. 7th AvenueTampa, Florida 33605PAGE 19

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004YES, I WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ITALIAN CLUBMEMBERHSIP TYPE (ANNUALLY):Student ($25)_______ Senior, 65 yrs + ($55)_______ Individual ($100)_______ Family ($150)_______CONTRIBUTORY (TAX-DEDUCTABLE)*Patrons ($200)_________ Benefactor ($300)_________ DaVinci ($500)_________NAME__________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH________________ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________CITY__________________________STATE__________________ZIP CODE________________EMAIL______________________________________________________________________PHONE #____________________________SPOUSE________________________ MALE:_____ FEMALE:_____ DATE OF BIRTH:__________CHILD_________________________ MALE:_____ FEMALE:_____ DATE OF BIRTH:__________CHILD_________________________ MALE:_____ FEMALE:_____ DATE OF BIRTH:__________CHILD_________________________ MALE:_____ FEMALE:_____ DATE OF BIRTH:__________I would like to assist in the following areas:Accounting ___ Building ___ Cemetery ___ Cultural ___Festa Italiana ___ Food Prep ___ Fundraising ___ Gasparilla ___Governance ___ Grants ___ Guavaween ___ Insurance ___Ladies Auxiliary ___ Maintanence ___ Membership ___ New Year’s Eve ___Newsletter ___ Photography ___ Picnic with the Past ___Smoker Night ___ Social ___ Website ___ Volunteer ___Please send this application and a check or money order payable to:The Italian Club of Tampa, Inc.Post Office Box 5054Tampa, Florida 33675*Contributory Members should make checks payable to ICBCTF (The Italian Club Building & Cultural Trust Fund)PAGE 20

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued on page 22.PAGE 21

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from page 21.PAGE 22Continued on page 23.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from page 22.PAGE 23Continued on page 24.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Continued from page 23.PAGE 24

Who WNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Would you like to be a Santa Lucia candidateor an Attendant?Read the information below and let usknow as soon as possible.Candidates must be between the ages of 13-17years old and write an essay 100-150 wordstelling why she would like to be Santa Lucia2005.The winner will receive a $100 savings bond.The Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary is planning the cultural celebration of Santa Lucia.Please encourage your children to participate, as it is through our children that our culturewill be passed on for generations to come. Attendants can be ages 3-17 years old. Boysare in invited to participate this year. We welcome all children to participate.For more information call Rosalie Perrone @ (813) 866-7595 or Joanne Bernaldo @(813) 908-5751. There are 20 openings. Don’t be left out, call a presto!Cuccia ...Che e’ cuccia? How do you pronounce it? How do you celebrate it?Answers:1. Cuccia is actually wheat and looks like cooked cereal. It is flavored with sugar, honeyor even olive oil and salt.2. Cuccia rhymes with Lucia.3. Cuccia is symbolic of a time of famine in Sicily.Come to the Santa Lucia Festival to see how we celebrate it in Tampa, Florida. Ourchildren will tell the story.This is one of the most beautiful celebrations. If you have never seen an angel, this maybe the closest you will come to seeing one on Earth. Our children are dressed as angelsand are truly bellissime.PAGE 25

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Friends OfL’Unione ItalianaWe extend a special thanks to the following supporters for their specific commitment to help the Club’s Newsletter.Please join as a Friend of L’Unione Italiana now! Call the office for information.Ruben & Yuyi AlfarasJoe & Dora CaltagironePhilip & Jennie CaltagironeGrace S. CampisiDr. & Mrs. Felix M. CannellaFelix M. Cannella, Jr.A. Nicole CapitanoFrank David & Cristiana CapitanoJoseph & Gilda CapitanoJoseph, Jr. & Michelle CapitanoNick & Angie CapitanoNina & Rosario CiccarelloViolet ConteLaura DeLuciaTom & Anna Maria DiCesareNick DiMaggioVictor & Mercedes DiMaioWilliam J. Ferlita, Sr.Jennifer A. FischDr. & Mrs. Angelo L. GrecoDan IovinoFrank F. MegnaRose P. MidullaRosalie NocillaCarol OliveMaria Leto PasettiViolet Verroca RodriguezJim & Linda TaggartStephanie M. Cannella-vanBelzenPeter & Margo ValentiFirst National BankJulio & Adolfo Have Been Serving Tampa’s FamiliesFor Over 25 YearsPre-arranged Funeral, Cremation &Cemetery Plans Available7209 North Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, Florida 33614(813) 931-1833 - Se Habla EspañolVisit our website: askafuneraldirector.comPAGE 26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Festa Sponsors 2004DA VINCI SPONSORSBP AmocoTECOBrown-FormanThe Radiant Group LLCClear ChannelThe Tampa TribuneColonial BankThomas FinancialPepin DistributingVigo ImportingDONATELLO SPONSORSCGM ServicesNational Distributing Co., Inc.Coca-Cola of Florida Star Brands ImportsFerrari of Central Florida Sunny Florida DairyGerardi Construction, Inc. The Bromley CompaniesGonzalez Funeral Home Tile World of ItalyMastro SubaruRAPHAEL SPONSORSEcono-Blast LTD., Inc. Rossiter ConstructionFowler White Boggs Banker San PellegrinoHandex Group, Inc.Seven One Seven ParkingHill, Ward, & Henderson Shell Oil Products USLa Tropicana, Inc.Sparky’s Oil Co., Inc.Lazy Days RVTECO Street CarLumia & Valenti Produce United CabMavilo WholesalersYellow Cab of TampaMorrick Construction, Inc. Al DatoNorris Samon Pump Service John Puls, Jr.Tom ShannonMEDICIAcclaimed Business Forms Lykes InsuranceAll Points Equipment MacEwen GroupArena TravelOlivia Tobacco Co.Busto PlumbingPatrick TurtleCaldeco Mechanical Services Platinum BankCorral WodiskaPublix SupermarketsEd Jacobs InsuranceRMC Property GroupEmpire Investment Properties The Fone ConnectionH.C.C.Trenam, KemkerHunt DouglasUniversity Commercial Ctr. LTDJonathan GrahamStephanie Cannella vanBelzenLeto Sanitary Service Paul FerlitaLove Joseph, Inc.Universal StructuresEnvironmental Compliance ServiceAMICIAffordable HomesGarcia Enterprises, Inc.Agliano Associates, Inc. Martino MortgagesArchitectural Designs, Inc. Regal LanesArdaman & Associates, Inc. Salem Law Group, Inc.Don Pellegrino Realtors West Coast Auto BrokersFirst National BankViolet RodriguezRESTAURANT SPONSORSAcropolis Greek Restaurant Joffrey’s Coffee CompanyBarley Hopper’sJohnny Carino’s Country ItalianBeef O’ Brady’sLa Terrazza RistoranteBellisimo RestaurantM.M.S.I. Espresso ServiceBenedetto’s Ristorante Mr. EmpanadaBernini of YborNL Streaks Inc.Big City TavernOlympia BakeryBonefish GrillPalm RestaurantCaffé ParadisoRattlefish Raw BarCarmine’s Seventh Avenue Sacino’s Formal WearCatering by the Family Sonny’s BBQCatering PartnersSpartaco Trattoria ItalianaCDB’s of TampaStoneChef CaterersCelliniThat’s AmoreColumbia RestaurantThe Laughing CatDiVino RistoranteThe Melting PotGino’s Restaurant & Bar Tony’s Ybor RestaurantGreen IguanaVillagio RistoranteHousewife BakeryWestshore PizzeriaIavarone’s SteakhousePAGE 27

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004BERKELEY,CA -- Researchers at theU.S. Department of Energy’s LawrenceBerkeley National Laboratory havediscovered the mechanism by which anextremely rare protein mutation shieldspeople from cardiovascular disease.The discovery could lead to more potentdrug therapies that both targetcholesterol deposition and preventfuture accumulation.The mutation enables the protein to curboxidation, a harmful process in whichmolecules with unpaired electrons, alsocalled free radicals, scavenge electronsfrom healthy tissue. It’s believed to playa role in such diverse diseases asAlzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and a form ofheart disease known as atherosclerosis.In the latter disease, free radicals grabelections from lipids that line arterywalls, sparking an inflammatoryresponse that paves the way forcholesterol deposition. The mutatedprotein, however, boasts an antioxidantin the form of a sulfur-based residue thatmops up unpaired electrons andprevents them from triggering arterialinflammation, according to John K.Bielicki of Berkeley Lab’s Life SciencesDivision.Bielicki’s research solves a paradox thathas puzzled the medical world since1980, when a middle-aged Italian manwas referred to Milan’s Lipid Centerwith high blood triglyceride levels, arisk factor for heart disease. Furthertesting revealed the patient alsopossessed very low levels of highdensitylipoprotein (HDL), a goodcholesterol that exports excesscholesterol from coronary arteries. Thisprocess prevents plaque buildup thatimpedes blood flow and contributes toheart attacks.A RARE PROTEIN MUTATION OFFERSNEW HOPE FOR HEART DISEASE PATIENTSScience Contact: John, Bielicki, (510) 495-2208, jkbielicki@lbl.govMedia Contact: Dan Krotz, (510) 486-4019, dakrotz@lbl.govSubmitted by Ken FerlitaPatients with low levels of HDL aresusceptible to heart disease, yet theItalian exhibited no signs of pathology.This unlikely combination intriguedscientists, who determined that thepatient and a few dozen people from hisregion possess a mutated form ofapolipoprotein A-I protein.This important protein, known as apoA-I, both manufactures HDL particles andis responsible for their structure. In themutated form, dubbed apoA-I Milanobecause of its origin, one of the protein’samino acids is replaced with an aminoacid cysteine that has a sulfhydrylgroup. Somehow, this tiny changeenables a handful of Italians to possesslow HDL levels and remain free ofcardiovascular disease. But how?In pursuit of the answer, mostresearchers have focused on the mostcommon form of the protein. About 70percent of proteins with the Milanomutation come in pairs: one proteinattaches to another to form a dimericPAGE 28complex. The key to this pairing is adisulfide bridge in which the sulfhydrylgroup from one protein links with thesulfhydryl from another. This pairingrestricts HDL size and growth and hasbeen attributed to the HDL deficiencyobserved in people who have themutation.But 30 percent of proteins with theMilano mutation don’t form dimericcomplexes. They remain unattached asmonomeric complexes. In this soloconfiguration, the sulfhydryl isn’toccupied in a disulfide bond. It’s free,which enables it to partake in otherreactions, says Bielicki. And one ofthese reactions is quenching ions withunpaired electrons. In other words, thefree sulfhydryl form of the Milanomutation is a powerful antioxidant, andBielicki had a hunch it played a role inthe mutation’s ability to fightcardiovascular disease.In a laboratory setting, he compared themutated protein with the normal apoA-Iprotein, and determined that only themonomeric form of the mutationprotects lipids from oxidation. Thisconfirmed Bielicki’s hypothesis. Inmost people, free radicals can gounchecked as they grab electrons fromlipids that line arterial walls. But for theless than 50 people lucky enough topossess the Milano mutation, themonomeric form, with its freesulfhydryl, mops up free radicals’unpaired electrons. This satisfies freeradicals’ need to scavenge electrons813-884-2382 from arterial lipids an prevents a seriesof reactions that lead to cholesterol(ONE BLOCK NORTH OF HILLSBOROUGH AVE.) deposition.A handful of villagers from this Italian town,Limone sul Garda, possess an extremelyrare protein mutation that protects themfrom atherosclerosis.“We identified a new activity associatedwith the Milano protein that suggestsContinued on page 29.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Welcome New MembersSeptember 2004Anna Graziella FracassiJohn & Yvonne ScaliseJohn DesantisDr. Michael & Rebecca Buscemi, Jr.Elizabeth DowningHope GervaisRichard Herrick & Mary WalsLouise Parrino-BarronAlex & Debi RiveraCarolyn PerezKeith & Ileen VerbleOctober 2004Frank & Natalie ArenaRick & Lori LencioniJohn, Jr. & Debra MadiedoContinued from page 28.how it protects against heart disease,”Bielicki says. “Next, we can use thisknowledge to develop better therapies.”Simply stated, Bielicki believes amutation found in a handful of Italianscould add a powerful component totoday’s peptide-based cardiovasculardisease therapies. Conventional apoA-Iprotein therapies remove cholesterolfrom arteries using HDL. Nextgeneration therapies, however, couldcouple this process with the antioxidantmechanism found in the mutation,creating a one-two punch that bothcleans out cholesterol and preventsoxidation that leads to future rounds ofdeposition. “A long-term solution,”says Bielicki.So far, he has isolated the structuraldomain from the mutation that containsthe functional cysteine residue. Thenext step is to include this cysteine in atherapy that homes in on heart disease.Fortunately, apoA-I already possessesthis crucial targeting mechanism,providing a pathway on whichresearchers can model a pharmaceutical.It works like this: when an artery wallsuffers oxidative damage andcholesterol deposition, its cells triggerthe upregulation of a receptor calledABCA1. This receptor exportscholesterol from the cell. The aapoA-Iprotein is specifically designed to sensethis upregulation and attach itself toreceptor sites.This binding process signals the proteinto manufacture the HDL that whiskscholesterol out of the arteries. Themutated protein also targets thisreceptor, which means its antioxidantpowers concentrate where oxidant andcholesterol deposition occur. Thisensures its ability to guard against theearliest stages of atherosclerosis.The trick is to develop a simplepharmaceutical peptide that targets theupregulation of the ABCA1 receptor,exports cholesterol like the conventionalPAGE 29protein, and fights arterial walloxidation like the Milano mutation. Itwould work best where it’s neededmost, says Bielicki. And to underscorethe effectiveness of such a therapy, headds that more than 20 years after thediscovery of the Milano mutation, itscarriers remain free of cardiovasculardisease.“It has stood the test of time, promisingnew therapies to combat the nation’sleading cause of death,” Bielicki says.“Apolipoprotein A-IMilano andApolipoprotein A-IParis exhibit anantioxidant activity distinct from that ofwild-type Apolipoprotein A-I,” appearsin the journal Biochemistry, 2002, 41(6), pp. 2089-2096.Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department ofEnergy national laboratory located inBerkeley, California. It conductsunclassified scientific research and ismanaged by the University ofCalifornia.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004MEMORIAL MASSAT L’UNIONE CEMETERYfor all Souls Day at 11:00 am&the 3rd AnnualPICNIC WITH THE PASTa day to visit the resting place of our loved ones......................................................Sunday, November 14th, 200411:00 am to 3:00 pmL’Unione Cemetery (corner of 26th St. & 24th Ave.)on site Italian feast served at noonpasta, meatballs, salad, bread, desserts and soft drinks$7.00 a personplease bring non-perishable food itemsat brighten the holiday season for families at a local food shelter(optional)Genealogy research, tours, site clean-up, plot location, history & more..................ticket purchase ... call 248-3316Proceeds to The Italian Club CemeteryPAGE 30

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004Italian Club Cemetery CommitteeMemorialsItalian Club Cemetery Inc.You are cordially invited to attend our annual “Picnicwith the Past” on Sunday, November 14, 2004. Mass willbe served at 11:00 am in the Italian Club Cemetery afterwhich lunch will be served. Donation is $7.00 per personand tickets are available at the Italian Club Office or youmay call me at 238-5010 ext. 205 and I will mail you thetickets.PHILIP CIARAVELLATom P. Martino & FamilyDr. & Mrs. Cosmo J. AnastasiMr. & Mrs. Kevin AlfonsoMary J. AnastasiDr. & Mrs. Ray Anel & RaeannaMs. Nefer BermudezMr. & Mrs. Paul DeGanceMr. & Mrs. Richard DurisinMr. & Mrs. Carl A. SardegnaMr. & Mrs. Paul WinseyJAY BURNSMr. & Mrs. Joe CaltagironeKATIE MANSFIELDMr. & Mrs. Joe CaltagironeSpecial event: The fourth panel on the “Don’t Forget MeWall” will be un-veiled after the blessing by the priest.More details to follow. Please mark your calendar andplan to attend this memorable event.Grace S. Campisi, PresidentOur sincere condolences go to the family and friends ofthe following Club Members who have passed away:William Ferlita Sr.Rose DemmiROSE DEMMITom P. MartinoDOMENIC GIUNTAMr. & Mrs. Joe Capitano Sr.BILL FERLITAMr. & Mrs. Joe Capitano Sr.VIRGINIA CARLEYMr. & Mrs. John MilizianoPAGE 31

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004THE YBOR CITY MUSEUM SOCIETY INVITES YOUTO OUR 21ST ANNUALVICENTE MARTINEZ-YBOR ANDTONY PIZZO AWARDS RECEPTION“21 Years - Coming of Age in Ybor City”Thursday, November 18th6:00 - 8:00 P.M.AT THE HISTORIC FLORIDA BREWING COMPANYLOCATED AT 1234 5TH AVENUE IN YBOR CITYHONORINGJoe & Gilda Capitano,Vicente Martinez-Ybor Award&Judge E.J. Salcines, Tony Pizzo Award$35 PER PERSONHORS D’OEUVRES & CASH BARVALET PARKING PROVIDEDCALL 247-1434 FOR TICKETSWE THANK OUR SPONSORS,SWOPE, RODANTE, P.A. FOR THEIR SUPPORTItalian Club Building & Cultural Trust Fund, Inc.1731 East Seventh AvenuePost Office Box 5054Tampa, Florida 33675NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGEPAIDTAMPA, FLPermit No. 2877RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDPAGE 32