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NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017

Ital ianaL 'U nione

vol ume 19, issue 6

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Chiavari Chair Fundraiser... 4Thank You to our Supporters... 5

Breakfast with Santa... 6Italian Club Christmas Party...7Toys for Tots Information... 8

Exciting Discoveries...9-11Milestones... 12 & 13

CRUSH Happy Hour...14 & 15New Year's Eve... 16

Smoker's Night... 17Krewe Of Italia News... 18 & 19

Ladies Auxiliary News.. 20Beauty Of Fall Thank You... 20 & 21

Women of Excellence... 22-24Casino Night... 25

Cemetery Committee... 26Thank You Festa Sponsors.. 27

1731 East 7th Avenue Tampa, Florida 33605

(813) 248-3316 www.italian-club.org

Club Office HoursMonday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Cemetery HoursOpen Daily 8:00am-3:00pm

(Located at 26th St. & 24th Ave)

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of L?Unione

Italiana is to preserve and honor the culture, traditions and heritage of the Italian

Community and to maintain the historical facility as a

functioning memorial to the working class immigrants. We

will support this mission through the dues and

contributions provided by the members, their families,

friends, and government. In return we will add value to the

membership by providing social activities, fellowship,

Italian arts and culture; these activities will provide for

growth and stability in the membership, creating a safe

and comfortable environment for both members and

employees. As the oldest historical leader and the voice of the Italian community, we

will operate in an environment characterized by the highest ethical standards and provide

open and honest communication with the

members and the community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWSLETTER STAFF Editor, Barbara Denti Pool

Staff Writer(s), Gilda F. Capitano Design/ Production,

Mark Stanish, Jr.

NOVEMBERNovember 3rd Guest Chef @ CRUSH Happy Hour

November 4th Cemetery Clean Up Day (@ Cemetery)November 5th Annual Picnic with the Past (@ Cemetery)

November 10th Marine Corps Birthday & Toys For Tots Kick-Off Toy Drive @ CRUSH Happy Hour

November 17th November Birthday Celebration @ CRUSH

November 18th Casino Night Fundraiser

November 24th NO CRUSH HAPPY HOUR - Happy Thanksgiving!

DECEMBERDecember 1st NO CRUSH Happy Hour

December 3rd Breakfast with Santa

December 7th Italian Club Christmas Party

December 14th Smoker's Night sponsored by the Krewe Of Italia

December 15th December Birthday Celebration @ CRUSH

December 22nd CRUSH Happy Hour Holiday Party

December 29th CRUSH New Years Eve Party

December 31st New Year's Eve Event "Old Hollywood"

JANUARY 2018Club Closed January 8th through 11th for termite treatment

January 5th Krewe of Italia Gasparilla Indoor Bocce Tournament

January 21st Holocaust Rememberance Event

FEBRUARY 2018February 10th Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago Illuminated Night

Parade & After Party at the Italian Club

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Ciao A Tutti Italian Club Members,

It simply amazes me how quickly the year flies by nowadays. It's hard to believe that I am writing to you all to wish you a happy holiday season. It has been a great year for the Club, we have been so fortunate to grow your membership, and host incredibly well planned and executed, successful events in our building. Thank you for all your continued support of the Club and our events.

By this time, you should have all received your 2018 Membership Renewal invoices and packets. We are getting these out a bit earlier this year in hopes that they wont get lost in the holiday shuffle! The success of the Italian Club of Tampa is based on continued support of our member-ship through dues, as well as during our events. I encourage you to take a moment, and renew your membership to our Club, so that we can continue to keep our mission alive. We are working hard to ensure that we provide our members with quality events and activities throughout the year.

As you may have noticed by the flood of emails and fliers we've been receiving, the Club has been the hub of activity lately. The Krewe of Italia held a successful Indoor Bocce Tournament at the Club, with nearly sold out teams participating. Its great to see so many new faces at activi-ties such as this. I am also happy to report that our Krewe of Italia mem-bership has nearly doubled in 2017, a huge success for them and the Club. We are always looking to expand our Krewe, so I encourage you to take a moment and consider joining our Krewe. In addition to participating in the many parades in Tampa, they also host numerous events and socials.

I'd also like to specifically congratulate the Italian Club Ladies Auxil-iary following their Beauty of Fall Fashion Show and Italian American Women of Excellence Program. The event was a huge success, making use of the entire building, and hosting a wonderful awards luncheon in the ballroom. Congratulations to all those who were honored, and to the entire committee for what was a wonderful event.

Lastly I would like to remind our members that we will be hosting our Ital ian Club Christmas Party on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00pm . This event is free to our members, and its a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate the season. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Cordialmente,

Sal Guagliardo, President

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT...

Sal GuagliardoBoard President

Board Of DirectorsSal Guagliardo (President),

Grace Ippolito (Vice-President), Townsend Belt (Secretary),

Jay Anthony(Treasurer), Kathy Perez-Dutton, Don

Bodie, Rick Califano, Sharon Mangione, Michelle

Cardamone, Vince Sinardi, Jamie Granell, Tom LoCicero, Sam Manna, Doug Dallio, and Louis Minardi, Gilda Capitano

ADVISORY BOARD Joseph Capitano, Jr.

Joe Capitano, Sr. (Immediate Past President)

BENVENUTO TO OUR NEW MEMBERSTravis Horn

Joseph & Carolyn DiNicolaVincent & Mary Nuccio, Jr.

Joseph Bellucia (JVB Architect, LLC)Christine Vergallito

Alfonso & Julie LuengasJosh Pinney

Tamara LaBarbera

John & Lianna BrockRonald & Rosemarie Klimley

David & Kim delaParteRose Campisi

Josephine CampisiMusto Wine Grape Company, LLC

(Frank & Kathleen Musto)

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109chai rs sold as of 10/20/2017.

Help us get to 300!

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Grazie! Supporters Of TheCULTURAL TRUST

DAVINCI ($500 Donat ion)

Steve & Chris Antinori, Christopher & Jessica Belsha, Patrick & Cindy Cimino, Eugene &

Celeste Greco, Bennie & Joyce Lazzara, Joseph C. & Jennifer S. Mantione, Frank & Kathleen

Musto, Jo Ann Palchak, Darryl S. Shaw

BENEFACTOR ($300 Donat ion)

Dr. Sebastian "Buster" & Lisa Castellano, Sam C. & Lynn Colucci, Sal Guagliardo, Jr., Philip V.

Martino, Joseph Nuccio

PATRON ($200 Donat ion)

Jay P. Anthony, Pat Antinori, Joseph V. & Rene Belluccia, Townsend J. Belt, Marc A.Betts, Francis

"Buzz" & Susan Bruno, John Angelo Caporice, BarbaraDenti Pool, Angeles Ferlita, Richard S.

Giunta, Edward F. Giunta, Mary & Terry Greco-Smith, John & Marcy Green, A.J. Grimaldi II, Remy Issac, Paul & Margaret Lombardi, Jill M.

Manno, Rosemarie Neville, Vincent Pardo, Anthony & Teresa Parrino, Robert & Mary Ann

Pasquarello, Michael J. & Beth Piazza, Dennis & Ali Pitocco, Raymond Rocha, Joseph Tomaino,

Outdoor America Images, Inc.

THANK YOU YOUR CHAIR DONATIONS

Enzo & Maria Pardo & Family 1 chair

Joseph & Gina Wells 2 chairs

Gerard & Roz Boutin 1 chair

Vince Pardo 2 chairs

Doreen Greco 2 chairs

Nick A. Muley 1 chair

Mark Sofia 2 chairs

Manuel & Mary Alvarez, Jr. 4 chairs

Domenica Marchese 2 chairs

Mary & Terry Greco-Smith 2 chairs

Lily M. Fazio 2 chairs

Oscar & Anna Alvarez 1 chair

Dr. Jack & Nora Lamb 2 chairs

Matt & Nicole Nassif & Family 6 chairs

Lou & Kim dela Parte 2 chairs

Jay & Donna Anthony 4 chairs

Manuel & Loretta Campo 5 chairs

Philip Lazzara 1 chairs

Chris & Steve Antinori 8 chairs

Vincent & Arcangela Genovese 4 chairs

Frank & Rose Fava 1 chair

Joseph & Mary Ann Valenti 20 chairs

Don & Deborah Bodie 10 chairs

Manna Family 1 Chair

Ciaccio Family 1 Chair

Sylvia Tagliarini 1 Chair

Mary Jo Paniello 1 Chair

Ybor City Round Table 20 Chairs

Thank you to all those who have donated! In our first month of our efforts, we have raised enough funds for over 100 chairs, a great achievement for

our Club and membership. Our goal is to be able to purchase 300 of these chairs by the end of this year

and we are already a third of the way there!

Festa della Madonna della Rocca was held at the Italian Club on August 27th and upwards of 150 people attended the Feast. Maria Piazza, a revered and long-time member of L?Unione,

arranged and hosted the annual event. However, this year the Piazza family catered the annual celebration and her sons, Michael and Angelo, prepared and served the delicioso fare. Part of

the proceeds were donated to St. Joseph?s Church (see above photo of Maria presenting the

donation) for this annual, traditional event in honor of the Madonna of Alessandria della

Rocca, in Sicily, where Maria was born.

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Writ ten and Submit ted by: Gilda F. Capitano,

Cultural Chair of the Ital ian Club

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Italian Club Member, Davide Tanasi, a professor at USF, has been involved in major archaeological work, and has shared his discoveries with the Club. He has recently directed a team of scholars who discovered the oldest evidence of wine in Europe, at a site at Sciacca, 60 km west to Agrigento. This discovery was published by The Guardian, CNN, BBC, Newsweek, Archeology Magazine, Current World Archeology magazine and on the main Italian newspapers and magazines (Ansa.it, Repubblica, Focus) and Sicilian media (La Sicilia, Il Giornale di Sicilia, Il Gazzettino del Sud).. In edition to this discovery, Davide has also been part of an archaeological team that has seen large discoveries in Realmonte. Both of these stories can be found below., and continued through page 11)

Sicilians may have been making wine for a lot longer than previously thought.

Researchers have found traces of 6,000-year-old wine on ancient pottery recovered in a cave in Sicily, in a discovery could rewrite the beginning of the Italian penisula's wine-making history.

Traditionally it was thought that wine production developed in the region in the Middle Bronze Age, between 1300 and 1100 BC.

The new findings, published in Microchemical Journal, would change that date by three millennia.

An international team of scholars led by Davide Tanasi of the University of South Florida(USF) ran chemical analysis on residue on a storage jar dating from the Copper Age. The pottery was recovered in Agrigento, off Sicily's southwest coast.

The results showed traces of tartaric acid and its sodium salt, which occur in grapes and the wine-making process, meaning that the region's wine production possibly began in the early fourth millennium B.C. in Sicily and nine other overlooked wine regions around the world.

Tanasi told CNN that the wine may have been left as an offering to underground deities.

"The cave site of Monte Kronio is also a cult place used for religious practices from prehistoric to Classical times," Tanasi said. "This discovery has important archaeological and historical implications."

The researchers' next move is to work out whether the wine was red or white, according to a USF statement.

Tanasi told CNN that a different sample would have to be used and that the work would be part of a more general project on diets in prehistoric Sicily and Malta.

Experts from the USF, University of Catania, Institute of Chemical Methodologies (CNR) and Superintendence of Agrigento were involved in the discovery.

EXCITING DISCOVERIES MADE BY ONE OF OUR ITALIAN CLUB MEMBERS

6,000-year-old wine residue found in Sicilian cave The following article was published on CNN,

and provided to us by Davide Tanasi

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To discover ancient Sicily hidden underground for centuries it requires foreigners: Americans, Germans, French, Polish and Swiss. A silent army of archaeologists is working in all the provinces of the Island to uncover forgotten monuments.

Moreover, regional and national governments have stopped decades ago to budget funds for archaeological research. Meanwhile Italian universities have always less and less resources to invest, while foreign universities, willing to investigate such unique world heritage, supply funds and manpower under the initiative of Italian brain-drain archaeologists who represent their country.

This is culturally and economically beneficial for Sicily, which gets for free the results of cutting edge studies undertaken with expensive and innovative equipment by international experts.

The last archaeological achievement for the Island is that of Realmonte, where archaeologists of University of South Florida (USF) have carried out sensational discoveries at the Roman villa of Durrueli. A very

important site for its mosaics depicting sea deities and for its baths, discovered at the beginning of the 1900's during construction works for a railroad and excavated in the 70's by a Japanese team and then forgotten and currently closed to the public despite is proximity with the famous Scala dei Turchi.

Here, thanks to a three-year agreement with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage of Agrigento, directed by Gabriella Costantino, who is also scientific co-director of the research project, a month of archaeological excavation entirely financed by USF has come to an end.

Students of archeology, classics and anthropology and Ph.D. students of the USF Department of History have participated in excavation under the supervision of the co-director Dr. Davide Tanasi, assistant professor with the Department of History and the Center for Virtualization and Applied Spatial Technologies (CVAST), which is an innovative research center of USF specializing in the virtualization of the global culture heritage and its open dissemination on the web. This has been a unmissable opportunity for the Superintendence of Agrigento which granted the authorization to start out the American research project, in which was also involved Dr Michael Decker, world-renowned byzantinist, Chair of the Department of History and Director of CVAST. On the field the American scholars were also supported by the volunteers of the local association Pro Loco of Realmonte.

"The fieldwork started out one week before the beginning of the excavation - says the archaeologist Dr Tanasi - when two staff members of USF CVAST, Jeff Du Vernay and Bart McLeod, carried out under my supervision the overall terrestrial and aerial 3D scanning of the entire complex, creating a 3D model which representes a formidable research tool for every future project to study and promote the site".

The following article was published in la Repubblica, and Italian Newspapper, translated and provided to us

by Davide Tanasi

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The final outcome is the discovery of the secrets of Durrueli: a villa of more of 5,000 m2 built on the beach, with two private bathhouses and a breathtaking view as it was constructed on the top of an artificial terrace by the sea supported by a gigantic terrace wall. A wonder visible to mariners and travelers coming to Sicily, possibly owned by a wealthy aristocrat who lived in Agrigento between the 1st and the 2nd century CE. A new hypothesis could be also be that the villa was the marine part of a still unknown Roman settlement at Durrueli, in this case the owner would not be a wealth man from Agrigento but a powerful citizen of this Roman city still without a name.

"The villa was certainly built for leisure - says Dr Tanasi - with swimming pools and mosaics with marine motifs. But what it is more striking it's that the complex was largely occupied in subsequent eras until the 7th century CE with various architectural transformations which never destroyed the villa itself though.

During Late Antique times, a part of the villa was converted into a facility for the production of pottery, tiles and bricks in an industrial scale as explained by Nuccia Gulli, archaeologist of the Superintendence of Agrigento. But not just that. The destination of one room was changed with a substantial re-flooring as possibly to be used as baptistery. From villa to industrial facility and from that to basilica? Archaeologists don't add anything else and look forward to the excavations which will be carried out next summer aimed to uncover a further district of the villa. Yes next summer, as University of South Florida is in Tampa, a city twin sister with Agrigento, where there is a large and influential community of Sicilian-Americans who immigrated to the US from the province of Agrigento and who have worked to promote the cultural heritage of Sicily, which is the place where their ancestral roots are. University of South Florida has already "donated" to Sicily other archaeological projects such as the virtualization of the World Heritage site of Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina and of the archaeological park of Morgantina.

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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). 

Joseph Santo Lazzara and Veronica Ann Case will be celebrating their wedding on November 11th, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Joseph is the son of Italian Club members Celeste and Santo Lazzara and the first grandchild of past Ladies Auxiliary President Gilda F. Capitano and past Italian Club President Joseph Capitano Sr. We wish both Joseph and Veronica the very best in the future as they begin life?s journey together.

Angela Guagliardo shared this adorable photo of her three great-grandchildren John McCoy, Payton Lyle, & Kirstan Lylean stopping for a photograph before heading to school.

Rochelle Scaglione Orr would like to wish her son Tony a Happy Birthday! Tony will be celebrating his birthday on November 13th

Jacqueline Stine, daughter of Lynette-Ciccarello-Stine, granddaughter of Rose & Joe Ciccarello graduated with her Masters in Economics from Cornell University this May and is employed by Hanover Company. Jaqueline was Santa Lucia 2007 & 2008.

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Segal Funeral Home is proud to announce the appointment of Charlie Rumore as our Staff Services Director. Charlie has been serving families throughout our community for over 30 years at their time of need. After the previous firm he was associated with was acquired by another corporation, Charlie felt a conflict not only by the change in ownership but more importantly a change in philosophy. ?I always got a tremendous amount of satisfaction in helping families. Once the company?s focus went from service to sales, it just wasn?t the same,? said Rumore.

Charlie?s new position marks a return to a tradition of caring and service at a fair price. Charlie Rumore maintains his commitment to helping his friends, their families and the community with dignified funeral and cremation arrangements either before or during their time of need.

Matteo Nassif turned 5 years old on Sunday September 10th! Hurricane Irma didn't stop him from celebrating his special day with excitement and a big smile.

Matteo is the son of Nicole and Matt Nassif Grandson of Gilda and Joe Capitano, Sr. And Sandy and Gene Nassif

Barbara Pool started off her October 10th BIRTHDAY with a surprise(!!). Her granddaughter, Barbi Escurra, treated them to a private Hot Air Balloon Ride that will be long remembered. As usual, Barbi had even more in store for the celebration that lasted throughout the day. Barb said ?I?m so blessed to be this old and have Barbi as my granddaughter as well.?

Happy 21st Birthday to our beautiful daughter Mia Rachel Pardo! We are so proud of you and love you very much. Parents Enzo and Maria Pardo, Grandparents members...Joseph & Gilda Capitano & Vince Pardo Sr.

Enzo & Maria Pardo celebrated their 12th anniversary on October 23rd. They were married in Agrigento, Sicily, but had their Tampa ceremony and reception at the Italian club

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CRUSH Happy Hour has become the premier social event at the Italian Club. We welcome all members,

friends, families, and guests to this unique happy hour experience unlike any other in Ybor City. We

are open every Friday, from 5pm-9pm.

- Friday, November 3rd ? CRUSH welcomes Guest Chef, Joe Capitano Sr. to prepare homemade family recipes for all to enjoy!

- Friday, November 10th ? Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday & Toys For Tots Kick-Off Party! ? Join us as we celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with a special Toys For Tots Donation Drive.The Marine Corps Toys For Tots Program helps to ensure every child has a gift to open this holiday season.We are asking everyone who attends this special event to bring at least one gift to donate to the cause

- Friday, November 17th ?Celebrating all November birthdays!

- Friday November 24th ? NO CRUSH, Happy Thanksgiving to our CRUSH family!

- Friday, December 1st? NO CRUSH, due to a large event in the Club

- Friday, December 8th ? CRUSH welcomes Guest Chef, Jamie Granell to prepare homemade family recipes for all to enjoy

- Friday, December 15th ? Celebrating all December Birthdays!

- Friday, December 22nd ? CRUSH Holiday Party! ? We would to invite our members, friends, and families to join us as we celebrate the season.Pull out that holiday sweater and join us for a fun evening with special performances by the Stokes Sisters, Crystlyn & Clarissa!

- Friday, December 29th? CRUSH New Year?s Party ? Join us say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018 with our CRUSH family.A complimentary champagne toast will be offered to all those in attendance at the end of the evening!

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KREWE OF ITALIA NEWS...Thank you again for all who attended our Anniversary Indoor Bocce Ball Tournament Friday, October 6th sponsored by Kisinger Campo & Associates, Ybor City Wine Bar, Enlow & Vance Dental Partners, and Freedom Motorcars, Inc. It was a huge success and could not be done without our sponsors. Thank you sponsors!!!!!

Congratulations to the first place winners, Gelato Kings who walked away with four nights in our beautiful, historic Ybor City at Hampton Inn Ybor. Second place went to Antonucci and they each received a $50 gift certificate to LaCreparia.

There are still plenty activities ahead as we come to the end of 2017. Some will require volunteer opportunities and some will require you to have fun (not that volunteering isn?t fun, we know how to make work fun!) If you are able to help for the activities needing volunteers, please reply to KOI.Italianclub@gmail.com.

- Sunday, November 5th ? Picnic with the Past. Located at the Italian Club Cemetery. This is a volunteer opportunity. Please email if you are able to help

- Wednesday, November 8th ? Krewe of Italia General Board meeting at Gaspar?s Patio Bar and Grill in TEMPLE TERRACE. Meeting begins at 6:30 but come as early as you wish. Meet in the Bourbon Bar.

- W, November 29th ? Parade Prep 101. 6:30 PM in the Cantina at the Italian Club. This is a MANDATORY meeting for all new Krewe members. You will be given parade rules and information for the upcoming parade season. Bring a covered dish to share.

- Saturday, December 9th - Snow on 7th Parade. This is a family, non-alcohol event. Italian Club and Krewe members are welcome. More information to come.

- Friday, January 5th - THe Krewe of Italia will be kicking off Gasparilla Parade season with an Indoor Bocce Tournament. Please refer to flyer on page ??? and sign-up on the Krewe Eventbrite.

See you all soon,Tom LoCicero, Gianna Tagliarini Caravella,Krewe of Italia, President Krewe of Italia, Vice-President

The Krewe of Italia (KOI) is a 501c(3) non-profit that is based at the historic L?Unione Italiana (Italian Club) in Ybor City,

Tampa, FL. All fund raising efforts go directly to the Italian Club for historical preservation of the building, culture and traditions. The Krewe of Italia hosts 3 bocce tournaments,

two being indoors, along with many other events throughout the year. Current costumes are Sicilian, Roman and Venetian. iThe Krewe is now accepting applications for new membership (please note: you must be a member of

the Club to be on the Krewe).

Contact Gianna Tagl iarini Caravel la at koi.ital ianclub@gmail .comfor further informat ion.

JOIN THE KREWE OF ITALIA!

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Dear Friends,

I hope you were able to attend last month?s Ladies Auxiliary Fashion Show and Italian American Women of Excellence program. We were able to honor four outstanding recipients who embody the ideals of excellence and service to our Italian community, culture, and heritage.They were: Nicole Messina Gebbia for Business/ Professional, Violetta Mandese for Culture, the Honorable Joelle Ann Mannino Ober for Government/ Pubic Service, and Stella Bullara Williams for Education. We enjoyed our day together learning about these important Italian American women, viewing fabulous fashions, and shopping our Mercato delle Donne. I owe a great debt of gratitude to and admiration for our capable committee which undertook this endeavor that combined two important events. Tammy LaBarbera was our faithful, highly capable, and organized chairperson for the entire event.

As we all know we can only accomplish these feats by collaborating with one another and coming together. That is the Ladies Auxiliary unofficial mantra, we are going to do this together. We have a very lively and spirited group of ladies who enjoy one another?s company and working for our beloved Italian Club and most importantly its members.Please consider joining our group, we meet the first Saturday of the Month at 10:00 a.m., generally in the Cantina. We do take July off and in December usually go to a nice place for our Holiday luncheon. If you are interested in joining, the best time is in December for the following calendar year 2018. We are waiting for you!

Grazie,

Sharon Mangione, Ladies Auxiliary President

FROM THE LADIES AUXILIARY...

The Beauty of Fal l Fashion Show and Ital ian

Women of Excel lence Luncheon Commit tee

Tamara LaBarbera:Event Chair

Committees

Italian Women of Excellence ? Sharon Mangione, Chair

Program and Advertisements - AnnMarie Hanecki, Chair

Silent Auction ? Donna Sardegna and Lorraine Zambito, Co-Chairs

Vendors ? Jackie Kasperski, Chair

Fashion Show ? Stephanie Perez and Maria Pardo, Co-Chairs

This event could not take place without the dedication and passion of The Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary and their families who gave many hours of their time and talents.

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Tara NixonCeleste LazzaraGilda CapitanoFrancine SuscaMary Scaglione

Laura Ankenbruck

Djamel AttirAlex NixonNick Suarez

Councilman Mike SuarezCarol and Gerald Earnest

Catering provided by PerfectThyme Catering

Event Planning & Rentals provided by Outside the

Box Rentals

The Beauty of Fall Fashion ShowCasual Fashions provided by LuLuRoe ? Helen Bernstein McQueen, ProprietorFormal Fashions provided by La France Boutique ? Jill Wax, Owner

Special thanks to following for their support:

Jocelyn BreenerNancy Killian

Margie MayhughStephanie Moran

Sophia Nassif

Stella PardoDonna SardegnaNatalie SardegnaLorraine ZambitoSelena Zambito

Make-up Artist: Samar Gabourel

Thank You as well to our models and make- up team

Silent Auct ion DonorsVigo-AlessiPure Barre

Columbia RestaurantUlele RestaurantLa Creperia CaféKim?s Nail Salon

Brucie Klay Dance CenterLowry Park ZooWilliam Sonoma

HSNStarShip Cruises

Councilman Mike SuarezSharon Mangione

Morgan?s HorticulturalRoxanne Papia

Enzo PardoJoe Capitano Jr.Joe Capitano Sr.Mavilo Jewelers

Stephanie and Juan Perez

Marketplace VendorsDi?s Designs

Humidors by SusanRose Barbie

Monica BarbieSenegence (LipSense)Wearable Art by Peggy

Jo Ann NuccioLiving Well Essential Oils

Program SponsorsCheryl A. Ciccarello ? Morgan Stanley

Jack T Sardegna ? AXA AdvisorsJoseph H Ciaccio ? Group Benefits Plus

Pinnacle AcademyL?Unione Italiana

Councilman Mike SuarezSylvia G Reina ? Getaway Travel of Tampa

Linda Stanaland ? Intimate CateringGail M McNulty ? Mary Kay

Iavarone?s Steakhouse and Italian GrillThe Matassini Law Firm

Sunny Florida DairySebastian J Castellano, D.D.S.

Tambuzzo Sausage Co.Juan M Perez ? Windstream

The Caltagirone FamilyCool Mo?s Coffee

Adrian Fernandez, Insurance, Inc.Charles Bruno - Di Mare Fresh

Alessi- Vigo Italian FoodsGilda and Joseph Capitano Sr. and Family

Law offices of Peter N. MacalusoPerfect Thyme CateringOutside the Box RentalsGreenberg Traurig, P.A.

Curry Law GroupAmalie Oil

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ITALIAN-AMERICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2017 The Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary, Inc. recognizes and honors outstanding Italian-American women in the Tampa Bay Area with what is now a biennial event. Nominees from the public or private sector, business or industry, education, arts, entertainment or hospitality, government or law, health or human services, volunteer, entrepreneur, and other professions or community organizations vie to be honored. Each has achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields, whether it is a traditional career or an active career of volunteer service.

Stel la Bul lara Wil l iams Education

Stella Bullara Williams was born in Tampa to Paul and Frances Bullara.Stella attended Christ the King Catholic School and graduated from H. B. Plant High School.She received her Associates of Arts from St. Petersburg College and a Bachelors of Arts in

Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Williams has been an educator for over forty-four years.Stella began her teaching career at Sacred Heart Academy and was there for seven years. She then started at St. Lawrence Catholic School in 1980 and has taught second and third grade there for the last thirty-seven years.

Stella Williams has taught all subjects except Science. She is in charge of ITBS testing, a standardized test given to all children kindergarten through 8th grade. She has been nominated by students for Who?s Who of America in Education. Mrs. Williams has always treated her students as if they were her own.She loves keeping in touch with them and hearing how they are doing in life. She has had the privilege of teaching multiple generations of families at St. Lawrence Catholic School.

Mrs. Williams has a lovely family and enjoys spending time with her great nephews and niece. She is widowed by her wonderful and loving husband Barry.

Andrea Messina Gebbia Business/ Professional

Andrea Messina Gebbia is a fourth generation Sicilian-American born in Tampa to Dr. Anthony and Marilyn Messina. She graduated from Chamberlin High School, the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, and a Masters of

Fine Arts in Graphic Design,magma cum laude from the University of Florida.

She is very proud to be a military wife and married to Christopher Mark Gebbia who is a Major in the U.S. Army assigned to Central Command. She has a beautiful 4 year-old daughter who keeps her on her toes, especially having to juggle family and running a business.

Andrea started her business, Joe and Son?s Olive Oil, in 2011 following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, Giuseppe (Joe) Favata. As the business continues to grow, Andrea learns more about what she can achieve and realize she has many strengths she never knew she had. She is very proud to be an example for her daughter that with hard work and family you can achieve great things.

Andrea?s business is 100% impacted by her Italian heritage and attributes to her success. Andrea says she cannot discuss Italian heritage without talking about food. Andrea?s memories of her Nana?s cooking and Sunday meals made in simple kitchens with fruits and vegetables coming from her Nano?s garden evoke wonderful memories. Andrea describes her business as a modern twist on her family?s original business, Joe and Son?s Grocery, which started in Ybor City in 1938. Her Sicilian immigrant great-grandfather, Giuseppe (Joe) Favata joined by his son and Andrea?s grandfather, John, remained an integral part of the community for nearly 40 years. Andrea has continued where her great-grandfather and grandfather left off. She prides herself on maintain the same high quality, authenticity and principles of the original store.

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Violet ta Mandese Culture/ Civic

Violetta Mandese was born in Ybor City to lifetime Italian Club members Rosalia Rizzo and Antonio Mandese. Violetta graduated Florida State University with a Bachelors of Music and a Masters of Music with minors in Music Theory and Italian

Literature.

Ms. Mandese has been a musical educator for over 60 years preparing students for performance and then for college careers in music.In 1967, Violetta received the Outstanding Young Educators Award.In 2011, she was honored by receiving the Hillsborough County Secondary Music Council Music Education Hall of Fame Award. She has been an accompanist and chorus director for Tampa?s San Carlo Opera Company, Tampa Concert Ballet, Anzia Arsenault at the University of Tampa, Haydée Gutiérrez International Ballet at the University of South Florida, Frank Rey School of Dance, Master Ballet Classes in Tampa by Edward Villella, Richard Thomas, and Bill Martin-Viscount at the Texas Southwest Ballet Center in Fort Worth. Violetta was also a Music Director for over ten years for Rene Gonzalez?s Spanish Lyric Theater. She also was commissioned to compose the music (orchestra and chorus) for the Gasparilla Coronation ceremony of the King & Queen.

Ms. Violetta Mandese has been a member of the Friday Morning Musicale in Hyde Park for over thirty years. She currently serves as President of the Friday Morning Musicale and Federated Clubs, Inc. Restoration and maintenance of this historic building, built in 1926 has been her mission and goal. In order to accomplish this, she works diligently to secure grants. She wants to preserve the building complete with a beautiful and acoustically-tuned auditorium for future generations of musicians and the community. One of the favorite things she likes to hear when she meets former students and children is, ?Oh yes, I performed at the Friday Morning Musicale.?

Joel le Ann Mannino Ober Government/ Public Service

Judge Ober was born in Staten Island, New York to Italian American parents. Her paternal grandparents were from Palermo, Italy and her maternal grandparents were from Naples, Italy.

Her family moved to Sarasota when she was 12 years of

age.She came to Tampa in 1976 to attend the University of South Florida. There she participated in an internship at the courthouse, which sparked her passion for the law. She attended law school after working for then State Attorney E. J. Salcines at South Texas College of Law.

She served as an Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender for a combination of ten years. While a sole practitioner, she ran for County Judge and was elected in 1996. Judge Ober has served in all County Court Divisions presiding over at least 200,000 cases in the last 20 years, including 450 Jury Trials.

She has served on numerous community service boards, including the Spring of Tampa Bay, Northside Mental Health Center, and the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.

Her former professional associations are the Florida Council of Domestic Violence Judges, Hillsborough and Florida Association of Women Lawyers, National Association of Women Judges, Volunteer Lawyer for Bay Area Legal Services, and Hillsborough Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.Other former community associations are Leadership Hillsborough and University of South Florida Alumni Association Membership Committee for the Board of Directors. She has volunteered as a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters for 6 years. She continues to remain active in The Hillsborough Bar Association and serves on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Professionalism Committee.

Judge Ober was raised by humble hardworking Italian parents and grandparents that valued education. She achieved success through determination and dedication learned from their examples.

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ITALIAN-AMERICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2001 ? 20172001

RoseAnne BowersJeanette FentonFelicia FerraraPhyllis Traina

2002Beverly Benjamin

Pam IorioRosalie Perrone

Louise ThompsonNancy White

2003Mary Alvarez

Fran CostantinoGrace Ippolito

Dr. Angela Rasmussen

2005Pamela Joe Bondi

Carmen CaltagironeMary Caltagirone

Connie Milito

2006Gilda F. Capitano

Mary Frances GranellVienna Santisteban Fuente

Nora LambCindy LuiaconiLorraine Suarez

2007Diane Jamai

Patricia Lala PupelloSylvia Guagliardo ReinaMamie Ferlita Suszynski

Marie Valenti

2008Norma Tomasello Caltagirone

Linda CarloRose Castellano CiccarelloMarie Perrone Cusmano

Angela Rodante

2009Patricia Arbisi CapitanoAngela Severino CristAngela Biase Greco

Nancy Sardinas Lambert

2010Sandra Alfieri

Janet CruzLois R. Gokey

Judith Lisi

2011Angela ArdolinoMarisa Jo Belote

Linda Marlene FerraroFrances Marie Perrone

Denise Lazzara Provenzano

2013Christina Laronga

Stephanie Canella-van BelzenTracy Midulla Reller

Mary Mulhern

2015Laura Alessi DeLucia

Lisa J. MontelioneMarlene Lazzara Scarello

Marie Speziale

2017Andrea Messina Gebbia

Violetta MandeseJoelle Ann Mannino Ober

Stella Bullara Williams

SEND US YOUR RECIPES!Un Assaggio Delle Nostre Cucine: "A Taste From Our Kitchens"The Ladies Auxiliary is compiling recipes for the next edition of the Italian Club's Cookbook. We would love to include traditional family recipes that have been passed down, or shared among friends. A copy of the recipe

submission form can be found on pg.7 of this newsletter; or if you'd like to receive a copy via email, mark@italian-club.org.

Please Mail Your Recipes To:Sharon Mangione, Ladies Auxil iary President

4601 West Bay Court AvenueTampa, FL 33611

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!FROM THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE...

The Italian Club Cemetery received donations in memory of the following individuals:

Anthony MinaliMargaret Kutch

Mary Acosta & Sons

Katie LorenzoJimmie Bedami

John & Rhonda LazzariToni M. Perrone

The Cemetery Committee would like to invite all our members, friends, families, neighbors, and the community at large to join us at our historic Cemetery on Sunday, November 5th as we host our 15th Annual Picnic with the Past. This unique event will begin with a mass at 11am to honor and remember our loved ones. At the conclusion of mass, the committee will host a family picnic under a large tent. As we have in years past, the Krewe of Italia, along with our Membership Committee, will join together to cook an Italian-style meal for all to enjoy. Tickets for this event are $12.00 per person, and we do kindly request that you purchase tickets in advance so that we can make sure there is enough food for everyone.

Before the picnic, on Saturday, November 4th, the Committee request the help and support of our membership for a Cemetery clean-up day. Our beautiful historic cemetery takes quite a bit of work to maintain and preserve, and prior to the Annual Picnic, we like to take some time out to beautify the cemetery, the grave sites, and the walkways. Cemetery clean-up day will begin at 10:00am, and conclude at 2:00pm. We will serve a light lunch as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to see our historic cemetery and help us preserve the area so that our loved ones can rest in peace.

We also would like to invite our members to attend Casino Night on November 18th at the Italian Club. Fundraisers such as these are vital to the operation and maintenance of our cemetery. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased either online at the Eventbrite link provided or by calling the office.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available for this event.. Sponsorships are recognized as a tax deductible donation. If you would like to sponsor this event, or have questions regarding sponsorships, please contact Rochelle Orr at (813)986-1517 or via email at shellorr@msn.com

See You All There!

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DaVinci SponsorshipsMarathon Petroleum Corporation

Vigo ImportingGalbany CheeseItalian InsuranceCity Of Tampa

Hillsborough County FloridaYbor City Development Corp (YCDC)

The Radiant Group, LLCMASI Agricola

Sunny Florida DairyTampa Bay Convention/ Visitors Burea

Waste ManagementUSAmeribankBirra Moretti

Thomas Financial

Donatel lo SponsorshipsAl & Josephine Dato

Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor Island Flowers

Ed Morse Automotive Group Republic National Distributing

Ferrari of Central Florida Hill Ward & Henderson

TECO Energy Southern Wine & Spirits

Bay Care Health Systems Maserati of Tampa

Breatkhru BeverageYellow Cab Company of Tampa, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

Pepin Distributing CompanyAG Law, P.A.

Brandon Auto Mall Alfa Romeo

Raphael SponsorshipsAutomated Petroleum & Energy

Boza & Roel Funeral Home Cacciatore Brothers

Corral Wodiska Partnership, LTD The FGS Group

Florida Ship Supply Got-Rack.com

Lazzara Family Partnership Mark Bentley, P.A.

Franklin St. PropertiesOliva Tobacco Company

Swope, Rodante P.A. Publix Super Markets Charities

Ybor NuccioYbor Pedroso

John - Mary Enterprises, Ltd.

Raphael (Cont 'd.)Ancestry.com

Johnson Brothers Of Florida Mashed Media Group717 Parking Systems Carmine's Restaurant

La Gaceta Mavilo Wholesalers, Inc.

Professional Insurance Center, Inc. Pardo Wine Grapes William Holland, Sr.

DM Ready Services, Inc. FL Property Management Group

Steve & Stephanie MastroDivine Designs Salon & Spa

Dutton Law GroupLa Tropicana

Lamborghini SarasotaLigori Law

The Phillips FamilySunshine Gasoline

TuacaThompason Cigar Company

Law Office Of Jo Ann Palchak, P.A.

Medici SponsorshipsFrank Vacanti Realty, Inc.

Hillsborough Community College Gelato Kings

Hendry Marine Industries Tampa Bay Sporting Clays

Tre Amici @ The Bunker Paul Ferlita, CPA

John & Lori Nertney Steve & Mary Salario GrayRobinson, P.A.

Jamie Rand Busto Plumbing Services Inc.

Gabriel HomesTherxServices, Inc.

The Toni Everett CompanyEmpire Investments

Voci D' Italia/ WXTB 1520AMCaldeco Air Conditioning & Heating

Boza & Roel Funeral Home

Amici SponsorshipsDesign Interiors

Sam & Debbie Lazzara Don Pellegrino Realtor

Law Office of R. Michael Larrinaga Sunshine State Garage Inc.

MLT of Tampa, Inc.

Amici (Cont 'd.)TypTap Insurance Company

EnProVera East-West Animal Hospital

Design InteriorsKisinger Campo Assoicates, Corp.

Media SponsorshipsTampa Bay Times

TBT.comGasparilla International Film Festival

Square One

Restaurant SponsorsColumbia Restaurant

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria Catering By The Family

Franklin Manor Carriage House

Kelly Day?s Firehouse Tavern Sunday's Delicatessen

Carmine's Trattoria Pasquale

Tony?s Ybor Restaurant Maggiano?s Little Italy

Ava Tampa Bay Brewing Company

Anthony?s Coal Fired Pizza Olde Heights Bistro

Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino Al?s Finger Lickin? BBQ

Ducky?s Café Paradiso

Vizcaya Restaurante and Tapas Bar That's Amore Catering

Big Ray?s Fish Company Stone Chef Catering La Tropicana Café

District Tavern Anise Global Gastrobar

Good Food Catering Amici?s Catered Cuisine

Taco Traveler Benedetto's Ristorante Italiano

La Creperia Cafe, Ybor CityOGGI Italian

Hamburger Mary's YborThe Stone Soup Company

CRUSH Catering Krewe Of Italia

Sickles High School Carrabbas Italian Grill

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

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Ital ian Club Building & Cultural Trust Fund, Inc.1731 E. 7th AvenueTampa, FL 33605

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