L 'Unione Italiana Celebrating 100 Years In Our Building - The Italian Club of Tampa
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
L ' Unione
I tal i ana
Cel ebrati ng 100 Years I n Our Bui l di ng
M ay/ June 2018
volume 20, issue 3
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome New Members...4 Thank You Volunteers... 16
Thank You Trust Supporters...4 Festa Photos... 17-18
1731 East 7th Avenue Italian Sunday Dinner... 5 Thank You Festa Sponsors... 20
Tampa, Florida 33605 EJ Salcines: 100 Year Article...6-10 W ines of Italy Photos... 22-23
(813) 248-3316 100 Year Celebration Info... 11 Krewe Of Italia Update... 25-27
General Consul Visit... 11 CRUSH Happy Hour... 28-29
www.italian-club.org
Course Of Action Gala... 12 From The LAX... 30
Club Office Hours Memorial Day Ceremony/ Mass... 13 Mother's Day Tea... 31
Monday-Friday Milestones... 14-15 Campo Italiano... 32
9:00am-5:00pm
Festa Scholarship... 16 Cemetery News... 34
Cemetery Hours
Open Daily 8:00am-3:00pm
(Located at 26th St. & 24th Ave)
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of L?Unione
Italiana is to preserve and
honor the culture, traditions
and heritage of the Italian MAY 2018
Community and to maintain the
May 4th Cuatro De Mayo Fiesta @ CRUSH Happy Hour
historical facility as a
functioning memorial to the May 4th Casino Italiano (http:// italianinvitational.com)
working class immigrants. We May 11th Guest Chef Night @ CRUSH Happy Hour
will support this mission
through the dues and May 12th LAX Presents: Mother's Day Themes N Tea
contributions provided by the May 18th May Birthday Celebration @ CRUSH Happy Hour
members, their families, May 25th No CRUSH Happy Hour This Week
friends, and government. In
return we will add value to the May 27th Memorial Day Ceremony & Mass @ IC Cemetery
membership by providing
social activities, fellowship, JUNE 2018
Italian arts and culture; these June 1st No CRUSH Happy Hour This Week
activities will provide for
growth and stability in the June 4th-8th LAX Presents: Campo Italiano
membership, creating a safe June 8th Guest Chef Night @ CRUSH Happy Hour
and comfortable environment
for both members and June 15th Special Guest Entertainer @ CRUSH Happy Hour
employees. As the oldest June 22nd Special Guest Entertainer @ CRUSH Happy Hour
historical leader and the voice
June 24th Italian Sunday Dinner @ The Italian Club
of the Italian community, we
will operate in an environment June 29th June Birthday Celebration @ CRUSH Happy Hour
characterized by the highest
ethical standards and provide LOOKING AHEAD
open and honest September 100 Year Events (details pending)***
communication with the
members and the community. October 13th 100 Year Black Tie Gala (details pending)***
December 31st Italian Club New Years Eve Gala
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Editor, Barbara Denti Pool ***Note: Event details (dates/ times/ specifics) relating to our 100 Year
Staff Writer(s), Gilda F. Capitano Celebrations are still being finalized. We will be sharing more
Design/ Production, information via email, postal mail, and in the July/ August Newsletter.
Mark Stanish, Jr.
2
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT...
Ciao A Tutti Italian Club Members,
Let me start by thanking all of our members, friends, families,
neighbors & sponsors for the hard work and support of Festa Italiana this
year. An event like this, that spans 4 full days, takes an army of dedicated
volunteers. These volunteers often work behind the scenes, or in the
weeks leading up the events, baking cookies, gathering event staff,
preparing areas, and so on. - and they often go unrecognized. I want
thank you, all of you, for your work in support of the Club - whether at Sal Guagliardo
Festa or at any other event. We have a very dedicated group of volun- Board President
teers who are always ready, willing, and able to help. W ithout the sup- Board Of Directors
port of volunteers, we wouldnt be able to host many of the events we
do. For that, I say "Grazie!" Sal Guagliardo (President),
Grace Ippolito (Vice-President),
After 20 years of Festa Italiana, our committee recognized the Townsend Belt (Secretary),
need for the future sustainability and continued growth of our event. Jay Anthony(Treasurer),
Growth requires changes, and there?ll always be areas of improvement Kathy Perez-Dutton, Don Bodie,
that accompany change. Please know that we appreciate and hear your Rick Califano, Dennis Costantino
comments and feedback about this year?s Festa, and that we will be Jr., Sharon Mangione, Michelle
Cardamone, Vince Sinardi, Jamie
working diligently to ensure that Festa Italiana 2019 will exceed expec- Granell, Gianna
tations. Thank you for your continued support! Tagliarini-Caravella, Sam Manna,
Doug Dallio, and Louis Minardi,
The Club has been quite busy over the past couple months, Gilda Capitano
hosting dozens of events and weddings, and the schedule is not going
to stop. We are working hard to show the community what we are ADVISORY BOARD
made of, how beautiful our building is, and how strong we are as a Joseph Capitano, Jr.
membership. Please remember that members receive a 25% discount Joe Capitano, Sr.
on room rentals for events held in the building, whether the event is
personal or business related. If you are part of an organization or business looking for space, we
would welcome the opportunity. If you have an event in mind, please contact Mark Stanish @
mark@italian-club.org to obtain more information.
In the coming months, we have several events planned that our members may enjoy. CRUSH
Happy Hour has an incredible line up of special guest chefs and entertainers that are very new and
unique. The Ladies Auxiliary will host their Annual Mother's Day Theme's N Tea on Saturday, May 12th,
which will undoubtedly be a beautiful, sold out event! To close out the month of May, our Cemetery
will be hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony & Mass on Sunday, May 27th @ 11:00am.
As we head into the month of June, I'd like to remind everyone that the ladies Auxiliary will be
hosting Campo Italiano June 4th through the 8th. This summer camp has a focus on Italian culture,
traditions, heritage and more. The Club is also going to be hosting "Sunday
Dinner" for our members on June 24th. This event will include a delicious
homemade dinner buffet, along with drink specials and great camaraderie.
This is a perfect event to invite the whole family!
Lastly, I'd like to remind everyone that we are working hard on
events that will commemorate our 100 Year Celebration. Our committee is
working to develop events that not only honor the building, but also bring
old traditions to life again, celebrate our rich heritage, and bring the com-
munity into the building in new and exciting ways. We have quite a bit in
store for you, and we will be communicating everything to you once we
have it finalized.
Cordialmente, Sal Guagliardo, President
3
Grazie! Supporters Of The
"Benvenuto" CULTURAL TRUST
TO OUR NEW CLUB MEMBERS DAVINCI ($500 Donat ion)
Christian & Michele Schach & Family Steve & Chris Antinori
James Azzarelli Patrick & Cindy Cimino
Joseph & Cathe Golf Eugene & Celeste Greco
John Montesanno & Cindy Bailey Bennie Lazzara
Louis P. DiStefano, Sr. & Family Joseph C. & Jennifer S. Mantione
Anthony & Deb Indorato Darryl S. Shaw
Nick & Alessandra Cacciatore
Gianfranco Nudo BENEFACTOR ($300 Donat ion)
Laurie Rodriguez & Bill Person Dr. Sebastian "Buster" Castellano, Sam C. & Lynn
Sharon Adolfi-Callahan Colucci, Deanne L. Cornette, Sal Guagliardo Jr.,
John Scotelli Jeffrey Lemen, Joseph Nuccio
Anthony & Ana Valenti, III & Family
Deanne Cornette (Cornette Consulting, LLC)
Randy Aldieri PATRON ($200 Donat ion)
Jay P. Anthony, Pat Antinori, Joseph V. Belluccia,
We once again have had a successful two months Townsend J. Belt, Marc A. Betts, Francis "Buzz" &
of increasing our Membership for our Club. Festa Susan Bruno, Rose Campisi, John Angelo
Italiana provided a great opportunity to share Caporice, Angeles Ferlita, Michael Garcia,
information about our Club and our membership Edward Giunta, Richard S. Giunta, Mary and Terry
opportunities. We signed up 10 new Greco-Smith, John & Marcy Green, A J. Grimaldi
memberships at this year's Festa. II, Oscar Dennis Hernandez Jr., Chantal R. Hevia,
Paul & Margaret Lombardi, Vincent Pardo,
We'd like to thank the volunteers who manned
Anthony J. Pedicini, Michael J. & Beth Piazza,
our Membership booth this year, many of which
Raymond Rocha, Joseph Tomaino
were Krewe members, who all collectively
worked to promote our Club and our mission.
Our Membership Chairperson, Dennis Costantino, If you are interested in becoming a member of
Jr. led the team through the weekend. Big thanks our Building & Cultural Trust Fund, please
to all of you, we couldn't have done it without you! contact the main office at 813-248-3316. These
membership packages are tax deductible.
4
5
Celebrating
100 Years
The Italian Club of Tampa
By: Honorable Judge E. J. Salcines
Prepared for Tampa: Untold Stories, City of Tampa CTTV, April 2018
Commemorating the Centennial of the Italian Club Building
Two thousand in May of 1914. It was originally located at 1724
eighteen 7th Avenue, across the street from the present
celebrates the building. That first building had opened October
centennial of the 11, 1912 with a 3-day celebration and built at a
beautiful and cost of $60,000 when the Italian Club had 900
historic Italian members. The new clubhouse would cost about
club building in $120,000.
the heart of our
The architectural design of this magnificent
Ybor City District
Italian Club building is truly palatial. The
on the southeast
architectural inspiration came from the ancient
corner of 7th
Italo Greek temples that were erected many
Avenue and 18th
centuries ago ? in the Agrigento area in southern
Street, called
Sicily ? an area called the Valley of the Temples.
L?Unione Italiana.
This magnificent 3-story building with the
In 1918, as the impressive classical Greek columns stands as an
building was important landmark and a powerful symbol of
being completed Tampa?s Mediterranean heritage. Completed in
Honorable, Judge E. J. Salcines ? there was much 1918 ? this second Italian Club building has been
jubilation in the center of social, cultural and educational
Tampa?s Italian community ? and plans for a large functions to the present day.
grand opening were being made. This new Italian
The building has a magnificent theatre with an
club building was designed by award-winning
auditorium balcony (later converted for a short
Tampa architects Leo Elliott and B. C. Bonfoey
time to a movie theatre), and spacious dance
who had also designed the 1915 city hall
floor, library, cantina, and recreation rooms, some
downtown and the new Cuban Club at Palm
that have served as classrooms. In the past, they
Avenue and 14th Street that was also being
had meeting rooms, billiard rooms, gymnasiums,
completed at the same time as the new Italian
steam rooms, bowling alley, hand ball courts and
Club. This new Italian Club included a
administrative offices.
combination of Italian, Spanish and Greek
architecture. A true architectural gem. Tampa?s mutual aid societies were the
forerunners of modern H.M.O?s - health
This was their second Italian Clubhouse because
maintenance organizations in the U.S.A. They
their first Italian Club building that had been built
created hospitals, clinics and sanatoriums for the
in 1911 had unfortunately been destroyed by fire
benefit of their members. Besides picnics,
6
luncheons and banquets, they organized group El Centro Español founded in 1891. Eight of the
excursions to raise impressive amounts of money Spaniards that had formed that first mutual aid
and bring together huge crowds of people. society three years earlier, joined the 116 Italians
But it was 1918 and our country was in World and together formed the first Italian Club.
War I and President Woodrow W ilson declared Bartolomeo Filogamo was elected as the
May 24, 1918 as ?Italian Day USA?in celebration of society?s first President. He was Sicilian and left
Italy joining the U.S. and the allies in the war in the old world in 1885 as an early pioneer in New
Europe. The Italian Club was already Orleans, Louisiana before moving to Tampa in
oversubscribed in the Red Cross and liberty bond 1889, ahead of the major immigrant stream of
drives but the Italian community in Tampa came Sicilians. He was linguistically talented and
together, with the Italian Club and its Ladies became a bookkeeper in the Pendas and Alvarez
Auxiliary, sponsoring a huge grand parade Cigar Factory and came under the guidance of
starting at the corner of their brand-new Enrique Pendas who was a pioneer in founding
clubhouse with 8000 people parading down 7th the Centro Español Club and was President at
avenue to Nebraska, down past the train station the time the Italian Club was first organized. In
to Lafayette Street and ending the parade in front 1901, Gaetano Ciccarello followed as President.
of the old minaret County Courthouse across the Then, Philip Licata led the Club for a long period
street from the new City Hall. of 18 years that saw much growth and prosperity.
It was during Licata?s presidency that the first
Then, as the first World War was coming to an 3-story Clubhouse was completed and
end in Europe ? the USS Tampa was torpedoed dedicated during the Columbus Day celebrations
near Wales, England killing all on board, in 1912. Unfortunately, it burned 3 years later in
including a young Italian boy ? age 15 ? from 1915. By April 1917, construction started on
Tampa called Jimmy Ross ? but whose real clubhouse number 2. It was dedicated in 1918, all
name was Guerrieri, and all the Italian community under Licata?s guidance. No other president has
in Tampa went into mourning. served as long as Philip Licata.
The Italians had arrived in Tampa in the late In their Cantina, they had gaming tables for
1880?s and had formed an Italian Club as early as chess, dominoes, cards, billiards, pool, bríscola,
April 4, 1894 with 127 members providing scopa, and checkers. This historic building
numerous cultural, educational and medical includes a magnificent ballroom for banquets
services and financial aid to the families of and dances, an auditorium with a theatrical
deceased members, thereby, enhancing the stage, a spacious cantina with dance floor,
quality of life of their members. The Italian Club library, recreational rooms, and had space for a
was the second mutual aid society in Tampa walk-in clinic and pharmacy. It even had a gym
history ? the first being the Spanish club Called room and bowling alley. The building stands as
an impressive monument to immigrant
achievement. Today, the building is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
The Club sponsored family picnics, group
excursions, parades, Festas, sporting
competitions, soccer and baseball teams,
theatrical performances. World class performers
and famous opera stars gave concerts bringing
large crowds and producing significant revenues.
On Saturday evenings, 2 bands played, one in the
upstairs ballroom and the other band played in
the downstairs canteen ? one played soft sedate
music for the parents and the canteen played
popular songs for the young crowd.
Italian Club Building Commitee In the early 1900?s, there were five Italian
7
(language) schools in Ybor City where many The street cars were our main method of
children learned their earliest English language transportation to get around. The trolley took
words and phrases. those attending to Ballast Point for Sunday
The Italian Club promoted a vigorous cultural outings and to DeSoto Park (Palmetto Beach) and
development and included a library with up to the Hillsborough River Dam ? today?s site of
different newspapers, magazines and a Rogers Park Golf Course. Newspapers frequently
collection of classical novels ? some of which noted these activities, such as one July 1911
were read by the lectores in the cigar factories. Sunday outing - ?600 Italians left on the Favorite
Yesterday at 9:25 am for St. Petersburg and Anna
As early as 1911, the Italian Club participated for Maria Key.?
the first time in the Gasparilla parade with their
beautiful horse drawn carriage pulled by two In 1924, the club enjoyed a mammoth picnic to
beautiful white horses, decorated with beautiful celebrate a membership drive that had
fresh flowers and showing off the club?s first successfully enrolled 1000 new members.
queen Sara Puglisi and Lena Caruso, her maid of L?Unione Italiana?s 1800 members and their
honor. families gathered at the farm of Val Antuono ?
the cigar manufacturer - and posed for a
In 1912, the Italian Club membership panoramic photograph that still hangs at the
skyrocketed to 600. To celebrate the Club. The Club maintained an active and
accomplishment, a grand picnic was held at vigorous cultural and social life.
DeSoto Park in Palmetto Beach. One of the
events of the day was a 4-mile foot-race from the In 1920, during the presidency of Philip Licata the
County Courthouse square on Franklin Street and club purchased a 3-story brick building next to
Lafayette (now Kennedy Boulevard) to DeSoto the clubhouse and it served as a medical clinic
Park. for its members. Members came to be treated as
well as getting medicine dispensed. L'Unione
They sponsored excursions to Pass-A-Grille and Italiana's first in-house doctor was Dr. Victor
Anna Maria Island on one of the Collier Line? DiMaio. The club also provided classes to learn
boats. They would leave early Sunday morning English, arithmetic, and American government to
from what is now the site of the riverside Hilton help in becoming naturalized American citizens.
(on the Hillsborough River near the Kennedy All of this helped in the adaptation of a new
bridge) and return late at night. There would be country and a new way of life while maintaining
music on board and many picnic baskets were ethnic identity and community interaction.
taken to feed everyone.
In 1929, during the presidency of Vincent
Cannella, Italian Day at the Florida State Fair drew
a huge crowd at the Italian exhibit. Cigar
manufacturer Val Antuono brought 700 boxes of
Italian products and art objects that were on
display at the state fair. W. G. Brorein, president of
the State Fair Association welcomed the Consul
General of Italy accompanied by Joseph
Barcelona, the Italian Consul in Tampa and who
had served as President of the Italian Club in
1925, together with Tampa Mayor D. B Mckay, City
Councilman Albert D?arpa, Judge Joe Spicola, Sr.,
Architect Ivo De Menicis, Philip Licata, Joe
Pullara, Peter and Francesco Friscia, Gaetano
Spicola, Sr., Ignacio Zambito, Judge I C Spoto and
Sam Minardi.
Shown in this photograph are the members of the Italian The Italian Club has had a significant role in
Club preparing to depart for their annual picnic at DeSoto community leadership and political history.
Park. Taken in 1912 from the Old Italian Club Building Generations of their membership have been
8
active in electing Mayors, City Councilmen, World War in 1945; and then again in 1949 and
County Tax Collector, State Aattorneys, Judges, 1950 as our country went into the Korean War.
Senator and Public Defender. Names like Nick Longo, like so many other loyal members ?
Nuccio, Philip Licata, Frank Cannella, Dick Greco, worked all aspects of Club life ? from cooking
Albert D?arpa, Joe and Pam Bondi, and Bob pasta ? to managing the club?s baseball team - to
Bondi, Charlie, Joe and Guy Spicola, Nelson delivering eulogies at funerals. He said during an
Spoto, Richard Lazzara, Bill Castagna, Mark Pizzo, interview ? ?next to my family ? La Unione Club is
Vince Giglio, Nick Falsone, Ron Ficarotta, Joe my family.?
Chillura, Al Chiaramonte, Angelo and Jimmy
In 1934, a separate Italian organization in the
Greco ? and so many more, are part of the
neighboring West Tampa called the Sicilian Club
community service mosaic with roots in the
merged with the Ybor City Italian Club, now
Italian Club, that have made Tampa great!
called L?unione Italiana, bringing together a
In the near 125-year existence of the Italian Club membership of more than 3,000 members under
? they have had some 40 dedicated presidents ? the leadership of Paolo Longo.
some more successful than others because of
Paolo Longo was an outstanding civic leader.
the economic and social conditions of the
The Italian Club established the Paolo Longo
moment ? but the longest serving president was
award that honors the memory of this
Fillipo Fiorito Licata ? whom everyone called
outstanding Italian American and a community
Philip Licata - a dynamic leader born in Italy and
role model, who was also a community activist
coming to Tampa at age 14 in 1891 thru New
and a champion of enhancing Italian culture,
Orleans. He served as president of the Italian
heritage and traditions. At the age of 21, he had
Club 17 consecutive years during an
joined the Italian Club and served 73 fruitful years
extraordinary growth of the Club. He inaugurated
? 3 separate terms as president of the Italian
2 separate Clubhouses ? social buildings ? the
Club. He founded the Columbus Association; was
first building burned 3 years after it opened, and
President of the Nuova Sicilia Lodge; Grand
the second clubhouse was completed in 1918 ?
Master of the Florida Order of Sons of Italy;
that we celebrate today.
Worshipful Master of the Universal Masonic
Before Licata was elected president of the Italian Lodge # 178; and received the Star of Solidarity
Club in 1907 ? he had already been elected from the Italian Government. The Paolo Longo
Tampa City Councilman at age 25 representing Award is given by the Italian Club recognizing a
Ybor City for 2 years from 1902 to 1904. At 30 local community leader who has worked
years of age, he assumed the leadership of the tirelessly to enhance the history and Italian
Italian Club during 17 crucial years of growth and culture and heritage in Tampa.
development. His daughter Concetta married a
Floor space in the building next to the Italian
young Nick Nuccio who would follow in his
Club was made available free to the Tampa
father-in-law?s footsteps getting elected to
Public Library ?at no expense?so that a branch
Tampa City Council, then on to the Hillsborough
library in Ybor City could be opened.
County Commission and then twice elected
Mayor of Tampa in non-consecutive terms. Their clubhouse has been the center of social
and cultural Italian community activities. Thru its
Joseph Barcelona was their president from 1925
halls have passed internationally famous artists,
-26, followed by Antonio Reina in 1927 and
diplomats and public figures. During World War I
Antonio DiBona in 1928. Reina was soon elected
? the club conducted liberty bond drives and
to City Council. As an Italian immigrant, he had
many of its members served in the armed forces.
arrived as a school teacher in the Italian
During World War II ? 265 members were serving
Methodist school in Ybor City and served as Vice
our nation and the club purchased $62,600 in
President of the Italian American Civic League.
war bonds to help this nation finance the war
Then came Paulo P. Longo - who gave 75 years effort.
of active service to the Italian Club. He served as
In 1994 ? under the leadership of President Don
President 3 separate times, in 1933 during the
Cammarata, the Italian Club celebrated its
national depression; then following the 2nd
9
centennial, perhaps the oldest Italian Hillsborough County School Board from 1917 to
organization of its type in our nation. 1922.
More recently, as we entered the 21st century, In 1926, they dedicated a beautiful school
Joseph Capitano, Sr., another outstanding building on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue and
community leader, served as President of the named it in his honor ? The Philip Shore
Italian Club for 8 years and the current President Grammar School ? built in the Italian section of
Sal Guagliardo has served during the last 9 years, Ybor City??two blocks behind the Italian Club.
they have been great benefactors to the Club.
Tampa?s rich Italian community boasts a long
Another interesting tale is the Philip Shore story. heritage and tradition besides the century-old
Filippo Costa ? was born in Italy in 1875 and in Italian Club ? L?Unione Italiana ? they also had
1896, arrived at Port Tampa and established a Societa Italia, La Nuova Sicilia Club, Societa De
mercantile store there. In mid-1898, during the Soccorso Mutuo and Sons of Italy leaving a
Spanish American War, he served in the Naval proud legacy in the hearts and minds of
Reserve. The following year, 1899, he took an generations of families who left Italy to seek and
important position with the Henry B. Plant achieve the American dream in Tampa, Florida.
Railroad and Steamship Company. W hen he
For more than a century, the Italian Club has
became a naturalized American citizen, he asked
made lasting contributions in preserving the
the Judge to change his name to Philip Shore ?
colorful ambience of Italy, which has enriched
he wanted to be more American.
the cultural life and development of the Tampa
In 1908, he established the Tampa Inter-Ocean community.
Steam Ship Co. and in a short time, it became an
For more than 100 years ? the Italian Clubhouse
important steam-shipping (forwarding) agency in
in Ybor City has been a social hub of the large
Florida and later he became President of the
Italian community. Through its hall, ballroom and
Philip Shore Shipping Company owning tug
cantina have passed internationally famous
boats and ocean-going steamships. During
artists, diplomats, public and political leaders.
W W I, he opened a nautical school to train young
The Italian Club in historic Ybor City is a
men for sea duty. He rendered great service as a
significant landmark of the vigorous past of
member of the sea service of the U.S. Shipping
European immigrants, their children and rich
Board. He served as Chairman of the
legacy of Americanism.
Left Photo: Artistic Rendering of The Italian Club of Tampa, by Leo Elliot. Right Photo: Original 1912 Italian Club
10I M PORTA NT: 100 YEA R
CELEBRA TI ON I NFORM A TI ON
Our Cultural Chairperson, Gilda Capitano, is working diligently to develop a
series of programs and events to honor the 100 Year Celebration of our
current building. W hile the events are still in their development stages
some idea's currently being shared include Lectures, W ine Tastings,
Presentations to Past Presidents, Membership Drives, Mass & Blessings, etc.
In the coming weeks you will begin seeing banners on our building
honoring this occasion. We are also working on finalizing the lecture series,
which will includes presenters such as the Honorable Judge E.J. Salcines,
along with Dr. Gary Mormino, and former Tampa Mayor, Dick Greco.
Please mark your calendar for Sat urday, October 13t h - as t hat is t he date
t hat has been selected for t he 100 Years Celebrat ion Black Tie Gala. Our goal with this event is to
honor not only our building, but to recognize the many members, both past and present, who have
worked to maintain our mission and our Club over the last 100 Years. Details on this event, and the
many other events associated with our 100 Year Celebration will be forthcoming. More information will
be shared via email, direct postal mailings, and our July/ August Newsletter.
RECENT HONORED
GUESTS TO OUR
ITALIAN CLUB...
Consul General of Italy in Miami Gloria
Bellelli, met with a select group of Italian
business persons recently at the Italian
Club, along with her Trade & Liaison
Officer, Roberto Tagliero. Club members
Vince J Pardo and Mario Plazza
coordinated the reception. Later the
Consul General met with Italian Club
members, local Italian-Americans and
Italian nationals in the Club's Cantina for
Crush Happy Hour. Consul General
Bellelli has been one of the most
accessible representatives of the Italian
Republic ever to be assigned to this area.
The Italian Club and the
Tampa-Agrigento Sister Cities Committee
will follow up on recommendations
involving trade and cultural affairs.
11COURSE OF ACTION GALA:
W RAP UP & RECOGNITION
Another sold out event organized by Arlene
Marie, VP for All American Music Productions, Inc. and
Colonel (Ret) EJ Otero President of Course of Action a
501(C) organization here in Tampa.
The dinner was organized to recognize volunteers
and partners who supported a four month humanitarian
operation in which more than 3 million pounds of
needed supplies, collected right here in Tampa.
One of the award recipients was Mr. Joe Capitano
Sr. who provided free storage space in one of his
warehouses to store thousands of pounds of water and
supplies. Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Mr. Ray Morganti, Mr.
Tom Pepin, and Florida House of Representative Janet
Cruz were key partners of this event.
W ith the help of so many volunteers, the Course
of Action Foundation was able to ship multiple
containers of relief supplies, which included generators,
clothes, water and food that were donated by the
Tampa Bay community to help the tens of thousands of
people who were affected by the devastation of
Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
The Honorable Mayor Manuel Gabina Mendoza
of Aguada, Puerto Rico and the Honorable Mayor
Charlie Delgado Altieri of Isabela, Puerto Rico were on
hand to personally to thank the organizations who
donated to the relief efforts. They also thanked the
entire Tampa Bay community for their continued
kindness and generosity.
1213
MILESTONES &
ANNOUNCEMENTS...
If you would like to announce a Milestone in our next newsletter,
please send an email to mark@italian-club.org notifying us of what
type of announcement it is, who it's for, etc. The more information
you can provide the better (we may edit the content to fit).
Chloe and Zach Mintz,
the grandchildren of Nick
and Norma Matassini, will
be graduating from the
8th grade at the
Academy of the Holy
Names in May. Chloe will
continue her education at
AHN and Zach will be
attending Jesuit High
Italian Club Member Karen Capizzi
School in the fall.
shared this photo after attending a
recent CRUSH Happy Hour.
Included in this photo are longtime
friends, Barbara Pool & Philip
Caltagirone.
Elba Ruilova celebrated her 105th birthday on April 3rd with Italian Club Member Nancy Killian
family and friends, including daughters Chantal Hevia and shared this photo from the Straz
Jenilda Gallo and her husband John, and her grandchildren Centers recently production of
Jennifer and John Gallo. Following a ride in a stretch limo to Verdi's MacBeth Opera. Nancy,
dinner at Maggiano?s, she was transported to the Hard Rock along with Gilda & Joe Capitano
casino where she played her favorite slot machines until 2 p.m. and many other Italian Club
and stayed overnight at the hotel. Elba?s mother immigrated members, attended the wonderful
from Santo Stefano and her father was from Galicia. She began opera performance on April 13th.
teaching piano at the age of 16 and still teaches today.
14GIlda Capitano shared this photo which depicts the
St. Joseph's Altar, which was held on March 19th at
Jesuit High School. Her grandsons, Lex & Deme,
along with the newly formed Italian Club at Jesuit
High School, created the Altar. The altar project
was the fist project and accomplishment of the
Club, of which the brothers are founding members.
Enzo & Maria Pardo are excited to share that
their son, Vincenzo, won 1st place in his
category at the 2018 Ybor's Got Talent
Competion which took place at Festa on
Saturday, April 7th. Vincenzo took to the
stage and performed Tony Bennett's "The
Best Is Yet To Come". Congratulations!
Italian Club Member, Joseph Dato, shared the
above photo. His son, J.D. Dato earned the rank of
Eagle scout this Spring with Troop 53 in Tampa. He
is a sophomore at Plant High School and will be
hiking 65 miles this summer at Philmont Scout
Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.
Cultural Chair of Italian Club, Gilda Capitano, Included in the photo is proud mom & dad, Joseph
seen here giving Italian Consulate, Gloria B & Pam, along with their son J.D.
the 100 Year Building Medallion.
15Congratulations!
TO OUR 2018 FESTA ITALIANA
SCHOLARSHIP W INNER!
The Festa Italiana Committee would like to recognize this winner of
this year's Festa Italiana Scholarship Award, presented by Italiano
Insurance, Alyssa LoSauro. We had over 20 applicants for this years
scholarship, and there were many incredible students who have not
only excelled academically, but also through extracurricular school
programs and work in the community. This scholarship process is a
"Blind Process", which means all identifying information is redacted
prior to our judges reviewing them. Below is the letter from Alyssa after receiving the award:
Dear Festa Italiana Committee,
I am very thankful that I was chosen to be the recipient of the Festa Italiana Scholarship for 2018. By
expressing how much the Italian heritage means to me, and working hard in school I am fortunate to have
made an unforgettable experience. This scholarship will be a great help in order for me to continue my
education at Florida Southwestern. Not only am I grateful that the Festa Italiana Scholarship helps me
pay for college, but it also takes a huge burden off of my parents who have sacrificed so much for me in
the last eighteen years of my life. My family looks forward to Festa Italiana every year, but this year the
festival was even more special. Thank you for allowing me to have this once in a lifetime opportunity, and
create this memory that my family and I will never forget.
God Bless, AlyssaL oSauro
Thank You!
Festa Italiana has grown tremendously over
the years, and the backbone of these events
are our volunteers. From the volunteers who
work on the planning committee, to the small,
dedicated group who spend 4 weeks baking
over 15,000 cookies.; to the hardworking crew
who help set-up the many tents and tables,
and the crew who have the arduous task of
cleaning it all up. From the students of local
schools, to the local Boy Scout troops who
hand out soda; to the Ladies Auxiliary, to the
Krewe of Italia, and the many, many more who
worked before, during, and after to help pull
this event off and make it one of the best
festivals in Ybor City today!
To all of you, on behalf of the Committee and
the Club, we say Thank You for the support
and we look forward to next year!
1617
18
Festa I tal i ana!!
19THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
DaVinci Sponsorships LOC, Inc./ Lazzara Family Partnership
Marathon Petroleum Corporation Mavilo W holesalers, Inc.
Vigo Importing Oliva Tobacco Company
717 Parking Systems Pardo W ine Grapes
Galbani / Sorrento Lactalis Steve & Stephanie Mastro
Heineken USA/ Birra Moretti Swope, Rodante P.A.
Italiano Insurance Services, Inc. Ybor Nuccio, LLC / Ybor Pedroso, LLC
John - Mary Enterprises, Ltd.
Kobrand Korporation (MASI) Medici Sponsorships
Proximo/ 3 Olives/ RNDC East-West Animal Hospital
Republic National Empire Investments
Sunny Florida Dairy Frank Vacanti Realty, Inc.
Tampa Bay Times / TBT Gelato Kings
The Radiant Group, LLC Hillsborough Community College
Thomas Financial Holtec USA Corporation
USAmeriBank John & Lori Nertney
Waste Management Inc. of Florida Paul Ferlita, CPA
Y.C.D.C. Tre Amici @ The Bunker
Yi-Hwa Outerbrdige Voci D' Italia / W XTB 1520AM Radio
Donatello Sponsorships Amici Sponsorships
Al & Josephine Dato Broadway
Bay Care Health Systems Don Pellegrino Realtor
Brandon Auto Mall Alfa Romeo HCI Group, Inc.
Breatkhru Beverage/ Brown Forman Justin Rosen
Columbia Restaurant Group Kisinger Campo & Associates, Corp.
Island Flowers Law Office of R. Michael Larrinaga P.A.
Professional Insurance Center, Inc. MLT of Tampa, Inc.
Reeves Maserati of Tampa Rivero Gordimer & Company, PA
Southern W ine & Spirits Sam & Debbie Lazzara
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Sunshine State Garage Inc.
Teco Energy
Rest aurant Sponsors
Raphael Sponsorships Amici's Catering
The FGS Group AVA
The Law Office of Jo Ann Palchak, P.A. Carraba's
The Phillips Family Crush Catering
1930 E 7th ave District Tavern
Automated Petroleum & Energy Co. Haute Dog
Cacciatore Brothers Inside The Box
Carmine's Restaurant Saltblock Catering
Corral Wodiska Partnership, LTD Bavaro's
Dutton Law Group Catering By The Family
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor OGGI
Johnson Pope Osteria
Joseph & Theresa Cannella Sickles High School
Ligori & Sanders Law Sunday?s Deli
2021
Wines of I taly
2223
24
KREW E OF ITALIA UPDATES...
Krewe of Italia did it again! We kicked off Festa Italiana
celebrating the W ines of Italy with the Krewe donating two gift
certificates to participate with us in the 2019 Gasparilla festivities.
The winning bid exceeded the value of $450.00! Friday night was
another success with a sold out 9th Annual Krewe of Italia Festa
Bocce Tournament. The winner of the tournament was Brazen Balls.
We couldn?t have done it without the generosity of our four sponsors:
Enlow and Vance Dental Partners, Kisinger Campo & Associates,
Mobile Meals, and Florida Commercial Group. Thank you!
Saturday began the two day Festa Italiana with the Krewe
strolling through the park featuring three regions of Italy: Sicily, Rome
and Venice. Our new costumes were a hit! We had Krewe members everywhere, judging and scoring
the Bocce Invitational, selling cookies from our amazing Ladies Auxiliary bakers, selling admission
tickets, greeting guests as they entered the park on our beautiful float, signing up new Club and
Krewe members, competed in the grape stomping competition, mingled in the Cantina to talk
everything Italian and then we did it all over again on Sunday.
And we?re not finished yet!! The Italian Invitational is May 4th and 5th. Join us for Casino Italiano
being held at the Italian Club on May 4th and then come out and join us at the Italian Invitational Golf
Tournament on May 5th. The golf event is being held and the Temple Terrace Golf and County Club
and your Krewe of Italia will be competing as one of the food tents. To be a part of this 41 year old
tradition, visit www.italianinvitational.com to get your tickets!
To become a member of our Krewe, go to www.kreweofitalia.com.
Ci Vediamo, Gianna Tagliarini Caravella, President Krewe of Italia
M ore I nf ormati on A v ai l abl e A t:
w w w .i tal i ani nv i tati onal .com/
25K REWE OF I TA LI A
FESTAFRIDAYBOCCETOURNAMENT
2627
Checkout whatshappeningin
M ay & June
- Friday, May 4t h - Come celebrate Cuatro De
Mayo, our own spin on the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta!
A delicious specialty menu, alongside delicious
margarita & beer specials! Music courtesy of DJ
Party Doctor & special guest performances!
- Friday, May 11t h - CRUSH welcomes not one, not
two, but three guest chefs for an incredible
culinary feast. Steve Salario, Augie Garcia, and
David Greco will team up to dazzle your taste
buds alongside special guest entertainment Ron
Charmichael.
- Friday, May 18t h - Calling all May birthdays! Join
us as we welcome all May birthdays with special
dinner & drink packages for the birthday boy or
girl!
- Friday, May 25t h & Friday, June 1st - No CRUSH
these two weeks! But make sure to check out
whats coming up in June! Incredible line up...
- Friday, June 8t h - CRUSH is excited to welcome
Italian Club Member and Krewe of Italia member
Alex Luengas! Alex is a former executive chef
who will WOW us with his culinary talents!
- Friday, June 15t h - We will be hosting one of
Tampa's hottest local talents, Gil Machin, who has
performed locally for years! CRUSH will create a
delicious menu for the party!
- Friday, June 22nd - Get ready to "kick your heals
up and shout!" as CRUSH welcomes Otis Day,
alongside his band Otis & The Old School Band!
This will be a very popular night us as we
welcome this special performer along with a
delicious meal and drink specials all night
- Friday, June 29t h - Know someone celebrating a
birthday in June? Bring your birthday boy or girl
to CRUSH Happy Hour for a special celebration in
honor of the occasion!
- Please Note: Stay tuned for a new CRUSH
summer schedule of dates (July/ August)
2829
FROM THE LADIES AUXILIARY...
Ciao Amici,
I begin my letter by saying GRAZIE to all the members of the Ladies Auxiliary who
worked so diligently leading up to FESTA Italiana to bake and bag the homemade
Italian cookies that everyone enjoys so much. I want to recognize our bakers Angela
Genco, our lead baker; Gina Wells, Domenica Marchese, Lorretta Vacanti, Deanna
Fulghum, Francine Susca, Kathy Perez-Dutton, Linda Susca Stanland, Joanne
Nuccio, Chris Vergallito, and Frank Susca. These ladies (and gentleman) expanded
their efforts this year to ensure we did not run out of cookies for the expanded t wo
day event. Every evening the team of packers would bag
thousands of cookies: Jackie Kasperski, Charlie Rumore, Francine
Susca, Lynnette Stine, Tammy LaBarbera, Stephanie Perez,
Lorraine Zambito, Donna Sardegna, Kathy Perez-Dutton, Sam
Mangione and myself.
Next, I want to recognize and thank all the members of the
Ladies Auxiliary (and our extended loved ones) who tirelessly
volunteered to organize, order, and operate the Italian Club Gift
Shop locations, the Museum/ Gift Shop in the Italian Club Building
and ?Boutique in the Park?which was the brainchild of our own
Gilda Capitano. Join me in thanking Gilda Capitano; Christine Stives,
organizer; Tim Stives, cashier; AnnMarie Hanecki; Chris Vergallito;
Jeanette LaRussa Fenton; Loretta Campo,; Nancy Killian; Aaron
Hueger; Jasmine Galvez; Celeste Lazzara; Jackie Kasperski; Charlie
Rumore; Sam Mangione, relief cashier; and myself.
Finally, another GRAZIE and BUoNO LAVORO for the Cookie
Sales in the Park team: Angela Genco, Domenica Marchese,
Francine Susca, Lynnette Stine, Lorraine Zambito, Donna Sardegna,
Chris Vergallito, Dottie Smay, Fran Cosantino, Roy Smay, Tammy
LaBarbera, Lynnette Stine, Tessie Ferlita, Kathy Perez-Dutton, and
Tessie R. Martin. As you can see many of these names are repeated
because they all value the work of the Italian Club and our mission
to keep the Italian culture, history, and traditions alive. I know that each one of the volunteers work with
that motto in their hearts. My hope is that they are all enjoying the bond of working with one another
and building that sense of camaraderie. That is an intangible but worthwhile benefit of belonging to our
Club.
After resting a full week, the Ladies Auxiliary embarked on another fundraising Hamburger Mary
Bingo night. We enjoyed a wonderful time and our lucky 50/ 50 winner Lisa Rossi generously donated
back her half of the winning pot. GRAZIE Lisa! Lisa confessed that she so enjoyed being with the Ladies
working in the Cookie Booth at FESTA.
Not to sit idly by, the Ladies Auxiliary are now readying for two other events: Our 7th Annual
Mother?s Day Themes ?n Tea on May 12th and Campo Italiano, June 4th ? 8th. There are flyers in this
newsletter which describe how you can attend and support either or both events! Enjoy yourself and
come out and join the Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary! I hope to greet you at our next event!
Grazie! - Sharon Mangione, Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary President
Please make sure to go and "LIKE" our page so you can stay
up to date on upcoming events and happenings!
I tal i an Cl ub Ladi es A ux i l i ary
3031
32
33
The Italian Club Cemetery
received donations in memory of
the following individuals:
SamPullara
Vince Pardo
artist rendering of new mausoleum Vincent & Janice Sinardi
CEMETERY COMMITTEE JosephineMartina
UPDATES & NEWS... Pauline Palmeri & Family
NEW MAUSOLEUM UPDATE: Angelo Cacciatore & Family
Mary Spoto & Family
The Italian Club Cemetery Committee has been busily working to
finalize the plans for our new mausoleum. Projects like these take Phillip Cacciatore & Family
time, and we are pleased to report that we are in the final stages, Alfonso & Rose Lee Garcia
and we are hoping to break ground by late summer of this year. In Brandford & Tanya Glaize
the coming months, we also hope to begin promoting this new Vince Pardo
mausoleum to our members & families, should you decide you'd
like to be buried/ interred in our historic cemetery. Please keep an
eye out for our emails & future newsletters for availability and Franceso"Frank" Piazza
pricing for the new mausoleum. Vince Pardo
PaulinePapiaMinahan
Cora Metzger
RosaPapia
Cora Metzger
34I tal i an Cl ub M ember,
Joh n Centi naro i s
ex ci ted and proud to
announce th at h e h as
w ri tten & produced a
new si ngl e, " Th e
Gi rl s A re Pretty I n
Ybor Ci ty" , w h i ch i s
perf ormed by our ow n
pi ano man, Jack
Henri q uez (w h o i s
currentl y th e of f i ci al
organi st f or th e
Tampa Bay Rays!)
Copi es of th i s new h i t
can purch ased f or
j ust $ 10 - pl ease cal l
Joh n Centi naro at
(813) 933-1869
35It alian Club Building & Cult ural Trust Fund, Inc. NON-PROFIT ORG.
1731 E. 7th Avenue US POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL 33605
TAMPA, FL
Permit No. 2877
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
36You can also read
