The. TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 3 rd ANNUAL CAPTAIN JACK S SEAFOOD TABLE

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1 The JANUARY 2014 PUBLISHED BY THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY VOLUME, XXXV. No Romeo Plank Road - Clinton Township, MI Phone (586) ext 15 - FAX(586) iacs@iacsonline.com Here s Wishing You All a New Year Filled With Peace, Joy, Health and Happiness Your Friends, The IACS Officers & Board of Directors Giovanni Lo Iacono, President TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 3 rd ANNUAL CAPTAIN JACK S SEAFOOD TABLE By popular demand, the Italian American Cultural Society will host their 3 rd Annual Captain Jack s Seafood Table on Friday, February 7, 2014, six o clock in the evening, at the Italian American Cultural Center, Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Stroll among the varieties of succulent seafood dinner stations, which include Jack s Raw Bar; Mattie s Clam Bake; The Lobster Pot; From the Smoke House, Etc. and other specialties all prepared by IACS Executive Chef, Steuart Graham. Entertainment for the evening is performed by Pino Marelli; an open premium bar is included in the cost of ticket. Seafood dinner (prepaid) ticket price is $75/person or $70/IACS member. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (586) or order tickets online: NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO MT CLEMENS MI Proceeds from this fundraising event to benefit the Italian American Cultural Society scholarship program. The IACS is a registered 501 c 3 organization and is eligible to receive charitable contributions. page 3 for more details.

2 PAGE 2 Italian American Cultural Society JANUARY (586) Macomb (586) Warren (586) Clinton Twp Catering Fine Deli Meats Dessert Trays Gourmet Gift Baskets Luciana, Shelby Twp Zina, Macomb Donna, Macomb Maria, Macomb Enza, Shelby Twp & Sohpia, Clinton Twp Richard, Macomb 2013 PGN Agency IT Happy New Year Shop Randazzo Fresh Market And You May See Your Picture Here _Randazzos_ItalianAmericanAd.indd 1 2/1/13 9:04 AM

3 JANUARY 2014 Italian American Cultural Society PAGE 3 3 rd Annual Captain Jack s Seafood Table Calendar of Events January 8 Wednesday - IACS Senior Meeting Italian American Cultural Center 10:00 a.m. January 8 Wednesday - IACS Members Night, Italian American Cultural Center, 6:00 p.m. January 15 Wednesday - IACS Members Night, Italian American Cultural Center, 6:00 p.m. January 19 Sunday IACS General Membership Meeting; Board of Directors, three-year term, announcement, at the Italian American Cultural Center; 10:00 a.m. Mass; 10:45 Breakfast Buffet January 22 - IACS Members Night, Italian American Cultural Center, 6:00 p.m. live entertainment Pino Marelli Friday, February 7, 2014 Hosted by The Italian American Cultural Society Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Open Premium Bar PrePaid Reservations contact the IACS office at (586) or mail check to: IACS, Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI online reservations accepted at Ticket Cost $75/Person Jack s Raw Bar Chilled Peel and Eat Gulf Shrimp Fresh Shucked Oysters and Clams Mattie s Clam Bake Simmering Pot of Steamed Little Neck Clams and Mussels Boiled Redskin Potatoes Corn on the Cob The Lobster Pot Steamed 1 lb. Whole Main Lobster w/ Drawn butter *************************** $70/Person - IACS Member From the Smoke House, Etc. Smoked Whitefish Pate Pickled Herring Creamed Herring Swedish Cucumber and Dill Salad A Mix of Greens with House Dressing Other Specialties Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Ammogio Breast of Chicken Provencal Desserts Ice Cream Bar Cake Proceeds from this fundraising event to benefit the Italian American Cultural Society scholarship program. The IACS is a registered 501 c 3 organization and is eligible to receive charitable contributions. January 22 Wednesday IACS Book Club meeting at 6:30 p.m. Contact Sandy Tornberg at 586/ for more information January 29 - IACS Members Night, Italian American Cultural Center, 6:00 p.m. February 7 Friday Captain Jack s Seafood Table, at the Italian American Cultural Center; Doors open 6:00 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m., Open Premium Bar; PrePaid Reservations contact the IACS office, 586/ ; Ticket cost $75/Person - $70/ Person IACS Member; order tickets online: com February 8 Saturday Italian Heritage Night Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets, 7:30 p.m., at the Palace of Auburn Hills; Exclusive Ticket Pricing: 100-Level: $35 ($51 Value); $5 goes to scholarship for the IACS; Special Italian Heritage Night Detroit Pistons T-shirt; Exclusive postgame experience for all group participants; Concession Voucher, up to $9 in value. (See flyer in January issue) To purchase tickets online: PISTONS.COM/ITALIANHERITAGE office code: Pistons For additional information, please contact Jackie Bove: or JBOVE@PALACENET.COM. March 1 Saturday Generation-To-Generation; hosted by the IACS at the Italian American Cultural Center; more information to come March 6 Thursday Ladies Only Night at the Italian American Cultural Center; Hosted by the Italian American Cultural Society; Doors Open 6:00 p.m. - Strolling Dinner - Prepay Reservations: Contact the IACS office (586) Pay online: - Or mail check to: IACS, Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Twp., MI $30/ IACS Members - $35/Nonmembers March 8 - Saturday - Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan 15th Annual Gala. Palazzo Grande, Details to follow. April 10 Thursday DIA presents Evening with the Masters hosted by the Italian American Cultural Society; details forthcoming

4 PAGE 4 Italian American Cultural Society JANUARY 2014 IACS Se n i o r s Ch a i r p e r s o n Me s s a g e everyone who participated in our Holiday Raffle. Your support is always very important to the success of our Cultural Society Esther Beaudette Happy New Year to everyone...may the Year 2014 be your best year ever As we prepare for another successful year for our Senior group, I want to introduce to you our Senior Board of Directors: Esther Beaudette Dolores Cameron Anna Grillo Francis Guido Chris Mannino Clarice Squillace Thank you, Betty Strnad and Mary Peraino, who have left our board. We appreciate all your work you have done while serving on the Board. Thank you to All our Snow Birds, who will leave us for warmer climates will be missed. We wish you good health and good times. Please come back soon as possible and think of us when we re surviving here back home in Michigan winter weather. Seats are still available for our February 12 th trip to Firekeepers Casino. Cost is $32. We will receive $25 on arrival. Our bus will leave at 8:45 a.m. Call Esther at (586) to reserve your seat. See you January 8 th for our January Senior meeting. Stay warm; enjoy each day for each day is a gift Esther The IACS Seniors December meeting was followed by their annual Christmas luncheon. There was delicious food in abundance, tables loaded with beautiful prizes, and great music by DJ Tony from TNT, whose services were donated by the Oakmont Parkway Senior Community. Thank you to Esther Beaudette for organizing a wonderful event that was enjoyed by all The Italian American Cultural Society NOTICE OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to the By-Laws of the ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY, notice is hereby given of a General Membership Meeting and announcement of 2014 Board of Directors, on Sunday, January 19, 2014, at the Italian American Cultural and Community Center, located at Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, MI IACS Members are invited to attend. The following is the Agenda for the meeting: I. 10:00 A.M. Mass Fr. Enzo Addari II. 10:45 A.M. Buffet Breakfast III. 11:15 A.M State of Society Address Giovanni LoIacono, President IV. Interim Financial Statement Enzo Paglia, Treasurer V. Announcement of Board of Directors 2014 Giovanni LoIacono, President January 7 Spaghetti Carbonara Penne Marinara Chicken Lemon Rice Soup Lemon Chicken Green Beans January 14 Farfalle Alfredo Linguini w/meat sauce Roasted Red Pepper/ Smoked Gouda Soup Sausage w/ p&o Chicken Marsala Broccoli January 21 Penne Pesto Fettuccine Bolognese Bacon Corn Chowder Soup Etouffee Yankee Pot Roast Baby Carrots January 28 Linguini Vongole Rigatoni Palomino Stuffed Pepper Soup Pork Roast Italian Chicken w/p&o Broccoli ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET only $13.00 per Adult $11.00 per Member (with valid IACS membership card) $5.00 Children 10 and Under Children Under 5 Eat Free EVERY Tuesday Italian American Cultural Society Romeo Plank Rd Clinton Twp., MI (586) :00-8:30 p.m.

5 JANUARY 2014 Italian American Cultural Society PAGE 5 Uncorked An Autumn Wine International Oils & Vinegars Tasting Event On behalf of Giovanni LoIacono, President of the Italian American Cultural Society, thank you for your generous sponsorship to the Uncorked Wine & International Oils & Vinegars event held at the Italian American Cultural Center on October 17 th. We sincerely appreciate the kindness and support you ve shown to the IACS and to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Sincerely, Anthony Apone, Chairperson Platinum Sponsor: Fern Hill Golf Club Moceri Management Company Gold Sponsor: Dream Limousines, Inc. Elite Photographic Studio Giuseppe s International Oils & Vinegars Silver Sponsor: Thank you to all of our Sponsors who have supported the IACS in 2013 and to all of those who attended our fundraising events First State Mortgage Company, Inc. Bronze Sponsor: Bella Luce Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits Jenuwine Cigar Factory Kia Motors SC Lawnscape, LLC Vintage Wine Wireless Zone 3 rd Annual Sportsmen Dinner The Italian American Cultural Society hosted the 3 rd Annual Sportsmen Dinner on November 7, The IACS was proud to honor Father Enzo Addari, Administrator of the St. Louis Center, that evening. Father Addari is a passionate spokesman for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has worked very hard to raise the consciousness of the community in this area. Proceeds from this fundraising event benefited the St. Louis Center and the IACS Italian Education Scholarship program Our gratitude to the many Italian organizations and businesses, which made this possible. Sincerely, Ronald A. DiBartolomeo, Chairperson Il Fornaio Bakery Federation Abbruzzese Del Michigan Hinman & Di Cicco PLC Attorneys at Law Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons,Inc. Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan Americans of Italian Origin Da Francesco s Italian Cuisine & Taverna The Palazzo Grande Banquet & Event Center Décor Statuette, Inc. Honorable Judge Peter J. Maceroni James M. Maceroni, Attorney At Law IACS Senior Membership Lodge Figli Della Sicilia No. 227 Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Homes The Calabria Club of Michigan Randazzo Fresh Market IACS Council of Presidents Java Java Espresso Bar On Wheels MJC Companies Picano s Italian Grille Andiamo Salerno TSW Tool Works Villa Bella SC Lawnscape LLC Trattoria Da Luigi Lucido s Insurance Agency Ladies Night Only March 7, 2013 Joseph P. Ventimiglia, Chairperson Our sincere gratitude to Ladies sponsors: Mr. Sonny Randazzo Randazzo Fresh Market As always, we sincerely appreciate everything you do for The IACS, and, in particular, the delicious fruit trays and beautiful tulip table c e n t e r p i e c e s you donated for Ladies Night Only. They were gorgeous. You re much too generous Mr. Giovanni LoIacono IL FORNAIO BAKERY Thank you, John, for your sponsorship to Ladies Night Only and donating the most delicious cakes and cookies for this fundraising event. As John has demonstrated so many times over the years, his thoughtfulness and consideration to the Italian community goes beyond all expectations. CARSON S THE MALL AT PARTRIDGE CREEK Carson s plays a major role in our successful fundraiser, and for that, we are sincerely grateful. GIUSEPPE S INTERNATIONAL OILS & VINEGARS at the Mall at Partridge Creek Our sincere gratitude for your generosity in donating the flavored oils and vinegars as gifts to our guests It is greatly appreciated. COUTURE CHAIR COLLECTION Special Thank You to Couture Chair Collection for the elegant chair covers and table overlays they provided for Ladies Only Night. Captain Jack s Seafood Table February 8, 2013 Proceeds from this fundraising event benefited the IACS Italian Education Scholarship Program - Ronald A. DiBartolomeo, Chairperson Sincere Appreciation and Gratitude to: Il Fornaio Bakery Randazzo Fresh Market continued page 7...

6 PAGE 6 Italian American Cultural Society JANUARY 2014 Breakfast with Santa 2013

7 JANUARY 2014 Italian American Cultural Society PAGE 7 Sponsorships..Continued.. Fall Craft Show November 17, 2013 Sandra Tornberg, Chairperson Thank you, Il Fornaio Bakery John, what would we do without you Wine Tasting Fundraising Event May 20, 2013 Hosted by the IACS Senior Membership Esther Beaudette, Chairperson Thank You & Special Recognition to the following Sponsors: American House Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Homes Costco Java Java Espresso Bar On Wheels Jet s Pizza 15 Mile & Schoenherr Serra Cheese Company Brew Review Featuring Michigan Beer & Wine Tasting Event Hosted by the IACS, Thursday, June 13, 2013, Anthony Apone, Chairperson Special Thank You to: Il Fornaio Bakery W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd. Rave Associates Lakepointe Electric Company Elite Photographic Metro Café Ambassador Magazine Santa s Breakfast December 14, 2013 Sincere appreciation to Il Fornaio Bakery for donating the delicious cookies ITALIAN HERITAGE NIGHT AT THE PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 vs. DENVER NUGGETS 7:30PM EXCLUSIVE TICKET PRICING: 100-LEVEL: $35 ($51 VALUE) $5 goes to scholarship for the Italian American Cultural Society Special Italian Heritage Night Detroit Pistons T-shirt Exclusive postgame experience for all group participants Concession voucher, up to $9 in value that Santa gave out to each of the children. Feast of St. Joseph Sunday, March 10, 2013 Hosted by the IACS Angie D Aleo Morelli, Chairperson Special Gratitude to: Bagnasco Calcaterra Funeral Home Nino Salvaggio Fruit Market Vince & Joe s Fruit Market Il Fornaio Bakery Oblates of St. Joseph Miss Rosemarie s Special Teas Luncheon August 17, 2013 Esther Beaudette, Chairperson Thank you to our favorite sponsor, Il Fornaio Bakery GIGI DATOME TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: PISTONS.COM/ITALIANHERITAGE OFFER CODE: PISTONS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT JACKIE BOVE: OR JBOVE@PALACENET.COM ITALIAN HERITAGE NIGHT Name: Address: City / ST / ZIP: Phone: ( ) Yes, send me future group discounts MAIL TO: The Palace of Auburn Hills Attn: Jackie Bove 6 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, MI MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: Detroit Pistons YOU MAY ALSO FAX TO: Anthony Apone, Chairperson, Uncorked Wine Tasting fundraising event, presents a $2,000 check to Brother Larry at the Solanus Center in Detroit. L-R: Mike Schodowski, Brother Larry, Anthony Apone Youth T-Shirts: Adult T-Shirts: Youth Small Medium Large XL XXL Select Method of Payment: Check VISA MC Disc AmEx Credit Card # Exp.: Signature: # OF TIX 100-LEVEL $35 X = GRAND TOTAL = Please remember all tickets are subject to availability and handled first come first served. Refunds or exchanges will not be issued. Tickets will be mailed to the address above. This offer is not applicable to previously purchased tickets.

8 PAGE 8 Italian American Cultural Society JANUARY 2014 Christmas Spirit Party for St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan On Saturday, December 14, 2013, the Federazione Siciliana del Michigan held its fourth annual Christmas Party Luncheon for the residents of the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan. They were joined by members of The Pilgrims of Southeastern Michigan, and by members of the clubs and societies that participate in the Figli della Sicilia: Società Santa Fara, Società Santa Rosalia, Holy Family Church, Società San Giuseppe, Società, SS Crocifisso di Montelepre, Società San Vito, Società Maria S.S. di Custonaci, Club Mazara del Vallo, Club Marsala, Club Conca D Oro, and many individual donors. Residents Lee and Stanley leading the Christmas carols with Ylenia Bonni, Alfonso Chirco and Andrea Pizzo This year the Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan was also proud to participate in the event for the first time. Dear friends, members of all the various clubs, and all the Community, Volunteers served Suzanne and the other residents a delicious Italian lunch. Please accept our sincere thanks for participating in the C h r i s t m a s P a r t y Luncheon for the residents of the St. Louis Center. To have a s u c c e s s f u l party it takes Thank you to all the Happy Volunteers many hands. We were a very large group again this year and hope we will be able to continue to do this and come back next year. I want to thank all the individuals who took the time to help prepare for this special day. All your donations of money, gifts, food, preparation or just being there are very appreciated. To all the helpers, we thank you To the cooks and all the people in the kitchen, we thank you We do this all together, in the Spirit of Mike Dunbar got lots of presents from Santa St. Louis Center Administrator Fr. Enzo Addari and Peggy Cole, Development Director Christmas, for the people that need to know we care, the residents of St. Louis Center. We are also very excited that Santa Claus was able to come again this year. We all want to thank him. To the residents, we hope we have fulfilled your dreams and that you received your presents from Santa Claus. We are very excited and happy to have been here for you. To all my friends, thank you again, Alfonso Chirco Take charge of your Rental Business with a legal team backing you up Hinman & Di Cicco PLC (HDPLC) offers a one stop shop for landlord t e n a n t matters. Are you a Landlord? Do you think you are too small to benefit from the services offered by HDPLC? Many landlords have a similar misconception that they would not benefit from the services offered by a law firm when dealing with landlord tenant matters and property management issues. HDPLC offers many levels of service from basic eviction services, lease drafting and routine follow-ups to full property management services. Why would a full service package be right for you? Imagine no longer dealing with leases, security deposits, beginning of lease and end of lease walk-through and routine maintenance HDPLC can draft a complete package for your tenants including the application, lease agreement, and provide detailed information for each tenant with regard to maintenance issues and association fees if applicable. HDPLC would work directly with each tenant and handle all background checks associated with rental applications and execute all leases. HDPLC is able to provide all of these services as a bundle and more or we can offer our services a la carte depending on your individual needs. HDPLC is your one stop shop for landlord tenant matters and we are ready to serve you Give us a call today, at

9 JANUARY 2014 Italian American Cultural Society PAGE 9 Please Support those who Support the IACS ATTORNEYS J.B.Bieske and Jenifer Alfonsi Hall Road Macomb Twp., MI fax Aiello, Mark Anthony 535 Griswold St #1650 Detroit, MI Lucido & Manzella, PC Attorneys & Counselors at Law Garfield Road Clinton Twp., MI Marchese, Giorgio Schoenherr Rd Ste.7 Sterling Heights, MI THE ITALIAN AMERICAN 586/ ext 15 EDITOR Barbara L. Smith ITALIAN EDITOR Sandra Tornberg LAYOUT & DESIGN Lolita Kozloff DISTRIBUTION Lelio D Aristorile WRITING STAFF Esther Beaudette Antonio DiGiorgio Sandra Tornberg Contributing Photographer Elio Ripari Sandra Tornberg iacs@iacsonline.com Deadline for submitting material is the 15th of the month. We reserve the right to edit all copy. Bakeries Bommarito Bakery Michigan Italian Bakery, Inc Greater Mack Ave St. Clair Shores, MI fax Il Fornaio Bakery Mile Road Shelby Twp., MI BANQUET HALLS IACS Banquet Center Romeo Plank Rd Clinton Twp., MI CEMETERIES Resurrection Cemetery Clinton River Road Clinton Twp., MI DENTIST John A. Dobry, DDS Mile Rd Ste 160 Clinton Twp, MI Salvatore S Aragona DDS Garfield Rd. Suite T-4 Clinton Twp., MI FINANCIAL ADVISING Donadio Financial Services Van Dyke Avenue Shelby Twp, MI FRUIT MARKET Randazzos Fresh Markets Garfield Clinton Township MI fax Hayes Rd Macomb, MI fax Mile Rd Warren, MI fax Deepest Condolences Badamo, Vita December 18, 2013 Age 86 Beloved wife of the late Russell. Loving mother of Marguerite (Juergen) Teschke, Martha Spaniolo, Marianne (Thomas) Balogh, Russell (Mary Theresa), and the late Joseph (Valasia). Proud Nonna of 9 and 1 great grandchild. Dear sister of Mary Palazzolo and the late Peter Cipriano, John Cipriano, and Joseph Cipriano. Visitation at the Sterling Heights chapel of Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home E. Fifteen Mile Road (@ Schoenherr) Friday 2-9 pm with Scripture at 7:00 pm. Funeral Saturday Instate 9:00 am St. Anastasia Catholic Church 4571 John R Troy until time of Mass 9:30 am. Donations to Henry Ford Hospice would be appreciated. Vita was a longtime and beloved member of the IACS Seniors, and led off their monthly meetings with exercise. She was also a member of the IACS Seniors Bocce League. Vita will be dearly missed by all her friends at the IACS. FUNERAL HOMES Bagnasco & Calcaterra Paul Calcaterra St. Clair Shores & Sterling Heights or Lee Ellena Celebrating Life Romeo Plank Road Macomb Twp., MI Resurrection Hayes Road Clinton Twp., MI Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Van Dyke Ave Shelby Twp., MI HAIR SALONS Pomponi s Hair Shop 4728 Rochester Road Royal Oak, MI ICE CREAM Dairy Queen Shelby Rd Shelby Township INSURANCE AGENCIES Lucido Insurance Agency Garfield Clinton Twp., MI LANDSCAPING SC Landscape, LLC Macomb Twp., MI POLISHED CONCRETE Creative Surfaces, Inc Hall Road Clinton Twp., MI info@cre8tivesurfaces.com PHYSICIANS Skardarasy, MD Charles Si Parla Italiano Schoenherr Ste 160 Sterling Heights, MI TRAVEL AGENCIES Heritage Travel 3636 Peany Lane Canal Winchester, OH Volare Travel Inc Hayes, Ste 400 Clinton Twp., MI Magaddino, Girolamo Jerry Age 97 Nov. 20, Beloved husband of the late Mary (nee Grammatico). Loving father of Dina (Bob) Anderson. Dear grandfather of Christopher Anderson, Miranda (Roger) Ballentine and Ann Stolley. Great grandfather of Ashlan and Willow Stolley and Grace Ballentine. Proud member of Lodge Figli Della Sicilia No.227 for 50 years Visitation was at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Pkwy(16 Mile Rd.). Funeral -- Instate at San Francesco Church S. Nunneley (E. of Gratiot S. of Metro Pkwy). Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their On-Line Guest Book at WujekCalcaterra.com

10 PAGE 10 Italian American Cultural Society JANUARY 2014 Italian connection with Detroit vital to all By State Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township Michigan has a long and successful history with Italy. An Italian, Alfonzo Tonti, was second in command to Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, when he founded Fort Pontchatrain du Detroit 312 years ago. Even our state Capitol in Lansing has Italian roots in its beauty. An Italian immigrant, Tommaso Juglaris, painted the artwork in the rotunda. Today, Michigan is home to nearly half a million residents of Italian descent, representing 4.5 percent of the state s population. The tie with Italy is vital, both on a cultural and economic level. The cultural tie-in is key to Michiganders such as myself, who have strong ties to Italy. More than 250,000 second-generation Italian- Americans live in Southeast Michigan, which is also home to some 35,000 Italianborn immigrants. Until now, we have enjoyed a cultural and economic link to Italy through the consulate of Italy in Detroit. Now the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering closing or relocating the consulate in Detroit. This would not be beneficial to either Italy or Michigan if it were to occur. The Italian-Americans who raise families in Southeastern Michigan maintain proud ties to their Italian heritage. They participate in huge parades to celebrate their heritage. We proudly belong to Italian- American organizations. Our culture runs deep through our veins. On the economic side, I have personally worked to establish business ties between Italy and Michigan. Last summer I traveled to Italy to speak at a Torino Chamber of Commerce business roundtable, urging business owners to consider opening a branch of their firms in Macomb County. Since that visit, two Italian executives have visited and could become job creators in Macomb County. The Italian consulate in Detroit would be a vital part of streamlining the process. A wonderful example of an Italy-Michigan alliance is the partnership involving Fiat and Chrysler Motors. Not only has the partnership strengthened ties between Michigan and Italy, it has led to a number of Italian businesses opening branches in Michigan. If the consulate is moved to another region of the United States, Michigan may lose its integral tie with Italy. Not only would that mean a loss of prospective jobs and economic ties, it also would be a personal loss of cultural nearness for the 450,000 Michiganders who trace their heritage back to Italy. I introduced a House resolution this week urging the Italian government to maintain the Detroit consulate, which in turn would keep this vital link intact. The consulate supports Italian businesses operating in Michigan, assists U.S. businesses working with their counterparts in Italy and provides essential services to Italian citizens coming to Michigan. Continuing operation of the consulate in By Sandra Tornberg Holiday Dinner Featuring the Judelaires After the Judelaires performance at the IACS on December 20, 2013, it was impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit. Directed by Mr. Stan Harr, and accompanied by Matt Bono on bass, Bob McKay on drums, and Neil Presnell on piano, the group sang Detroit is essential to realize the full growth potential sparked by the Fiat/Chrysler partnership. I encourage anyone who agrees that this important diplomatic and economic connection should continue to flourish to contact the Italian consulate in Detroit and let their voice be heard. Contact the Consulate General of Italy, 535 Griswold, Detroit, MI arrangements of Christmas songs and classics that ranged from jazzy and toe-tapping to tender and heartrending, all with joy and passion. They even fulfilled a special request and sang the Italian favorite Tu scendi dalle stelle. Glen DeLodder is a second- generation member of the 48226, Attn: Dr. Maria Luisa Lapresa, Consul of Italy in Detroit. About Rep. Forlini: State Rep. Anthony Forlini is a second-term lawmaker representing the 24th House District. The 24th District includes Harrison Township and parts of Clinton and Macomb townships. Forlini can be reached toll-free at (888) , via at AnthonyForlini@house. group. He told me that his mother actually founded the Judelaires when the choir at St. Jude Catholic Church didn t permit female members. After several years, he told me that his mother recruited him when males were allowed to join the group she had formed. This is the fifty-ninth concert season for the Judelaires. IACS member Ann Campo has been singing with the group for fifty-eight of them. That she loves to sing is demonstrated by the sparkle in her eyes and her wonderful expressions. Her enthusiasm was visible and contagious. mi.gov or on his website at For additional updates follow House Republicans on Facebook and Twitter. "Thank you to Rep. Forlini for his efforts on behalf of the Italian community. We have been advised that as of press date the Italian Consulate in Detroit is no longer on the list of offices to be closed."

11 JANUARY 2014 Italian American Cultural Society PAGE 11 Marty Bufalini s It s a Wonderful Life The Radio Show By Sandra Tornberg Meet Steve Lucci The Avon Players in Rochester Hills presented It s a Wonderful Life The Radio Show, written and directed by Marty Bufalini. It was a great show, and the most successful in Avon Players history, enjoying a sold-out run for eight performances between opening night November 29, 2013 and the final performance on December 14, Marty s adaptation takes place in a 1940 s radio studio, giving the audience the opportunity to experience how radio broadcasts were produced, with actors performing multiple character voices, and sound effects being achieved in creative ways. Marty also performed some of the voices, including that of the infamous Mr. Potter. The cast was made up of talented local actors, including legendary radio personality Chuck Daugherty, who was an original cast member of The Lone Ranger and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon radio shows. He went on to become a pioneering disc jockey in Dancing with the Seniors at the Italian American Cultural Society The 2nd Tuesday of every Month Free with purchase of Dinner or $5 without for dancing only Music Provided by Maria Cicchini Contact for the event: Antonio DiGiorgio 586/ Dawn Lynn Gleason-Bartolomeo and Marty Bufalini Detroit and later in California, regularly filling in for Dick Clark on his American Bandstand television show. Marty Bufalini has been an actor, radio personality, and director for more than forty years. In addition to working with many local theatre groups, he has appeared in eight feature films including Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. Marty is also an on-air personality on WWJ radio. For the past several years he has graciously volunteered his time to emcee the Miss Columbus Day Pageant and will do so again this year on May 18. In addition, Marty will emcee the 15 th Annual Gala of the Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan on March 8. michiganrockandrolllegends.com/ By Sandra Tornberg If you have wondered who keeps the exterior of the IACS Banquet and Conference Center looking beautiful in the summer, and free of snow and ice in the winter, that would be Steve Lucci, owner of SC Lawnscape, LLC. Steve has been providing landscape services to the IACS for the past six years. He is a member of the IACS and the Pacentro Club of Detroit. (586) and SC Lawnscape is family owned and operated with over 20 years of experience. Steve is assisted by his brother Danny Lucci, who is the Operations Manager, and by his wife Sonia. Steve and Sonia have four children: Dario, Nina, Santino, and Lia. Steve is proud to be a first generation American. His parents Pasqualino Lucci (Pacentro, Aquila) and Anna DeRosa (Battipaglia, Salerno) came to this country from Italy. They instilled the importance of their heritage, and the belief that family and faith are the true meaning of success. Steve supports the IACS by advertising in our newspaper, and participating in our fundraising activities. For example, he contributed all the mums that decorated the tables at our Uncorked wine tasting event in October. Steve also donates the annual flowers that he plants. SC Lawnscape is a full-service landscape company providing landscape design, hardscape design, grounds maintenance, sod installation and irrigation, lighting, and snow removal for residential and commercial customers in Macomb and Oakland counties. SC can accommodate any size project. They have been licensed and insured since For more information about SC Lawnscape and to see other examples of their work, visit their website at You can contact them at: (586) or info@ sclawnscape.com. Not just for Brides 3 rd Annual Food Tasting The Italian American Cultural Society Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, MI Sample our Exquisite Italian Cuisine Including all Selections from Hors d oeuvres and Dinner Menus Meet with Vendors for exclusive deals only available through the IACS Saturday, February 22, Noon 4:00 P.M. Prepaid Tickets- $25/Person Coffee & Soft Drinks Included Cash Bar Available Food Tasting is FREE for Brides & Grooms when their wedding is booked At the Italian American Cultural Society Banquet Center Please RSVP via rachel@iacsonline.com or call 586/ , Ext. 12 or visit us online at