The Festival of Lights… Italian Style

Great Synagogue of Florence

by Anita Temares

Since I was a young girl, one of my favorite holidays has always been Hanukkah, the festival of lights. I always looked forward to the traditional exchanging of gifts, lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, singing festive songs and eating potato latkes. I never gave much thought to how Hanukkah was celebrated in other countries…I just assumed this was the way everyone celebrated the holiday. However, being part of the Italian American Network family for the past year has opened up my eyes to another very special culture, rich in tradition. This experience has led me to want to learn about how Italian Jews celebrate Hanukkah, or as it’s known in Italy, Hanucca.

It turns out that the customs are very similar, however the food is somewhat different. Although the American and Italian dishes differ, it’s still all about the oil. The most popular theme throughout Hanukkah dishes is the use of oil which reminds us of the oil which miraculously burned for eight days instead of one back in 165 B.C.E., when the Maccabees rededicated the holy temple in Jerusalem after defeating the Syrian army. In the United States American Jews eat latkes, which are potato pancakes fried in vegetable oil. Italian Jews are not latke people. However, deep-frying is an old Roman tradition, and Italian Jews celebrate the miracle of the oil by serving pollo fritto per Hanucca, fried chicken for Hanukkah. They also serve torzelli, a deep-fried curly endive and frittelle di zucca, which are squash fritters from the Veneto region. A Hanukkah dessert I learned about is Precipizi, an Italian pastry made from eggs, flour, castor sugar, olive oil, honey and a tablespoon of the liquor of your choice…Now we’re cookin’!

Rome, Italy / credit: jewish.it

The main feature of the Hanukkah festival is the lighting of the menorah. Italian Jews, like American Jews, celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah or Hanukkah lamp. There are also public outdoor lightings in some cities throughout Italy, such as Rome and Venice.

A popular kosher restaurant in the Rome ghetto

Learning about the Hanukkah customs of Italy’s Jews has strengthened the connection I already felt for the people and country of Italy… Happy Hanukkah everyone, or as they say in Italy, "Auguri per la Festa di Hanucca!"

National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Leadership Goes to the Bronx to Celebrate Italian Heritage and Culture

The Italian American Network was there as John F. Calvelli, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) secretary and Wildlife Conservation Society executive vice president of public affairs, led a group of NIAF board members on a tour of the Bronx’s Belmont neighborhood at the Arthur Avenue Market on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Belmont is the newest business improvement district (BID) in New York City and one of the only BID’s in the country promoting Italian heritage and culture.

To celebrate the neighborhood’s designation, Calvelli was joined by NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. and several board members. The contingency made a special visit to Mike’s Deli, the original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli, where owner David Greco demonstrated how he makes his hand-pulled delicacy - the soft, creamy textured and sweet, fresh mozzarella.

The longtime NIAF supporters, David and his father, Michele were presented with a plaque for their commitment to the Foundation.

Photo: From left to right, Salvatore M. Salibello, managing partner at Salibello & Broder; Michael A. Zampardi, an executive at Virtu Management; NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. who is a partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP; David Greco; Michele "Pops" Greco; John F. Calvelli, NIAF secretary and Wildlife Conservation Society executive vice president of public affairs; Rocco B. Commisso, chair and CEO of Mediacom Communications; Judge Dominic Massaro of New York’s State Supreme Court.

Visit Mike's Deli to order your Holiday baskets and platters.

David and Michele with another satisfied customer, the stunning Laura Savini, VP of marketing and communications for WLIW21 New York Public Television.

Avella and Italian Board of Guardians Honor Susan Lucci

New York City Council Member Tony Avella joined the Italian Board of Guardians in honoring world famous actress Susan Lucci. "Susan Lucci is one of the most famous stars of daytime television, playing the role of Erica Kane on 'All My Children' for which she won an Emmy in 1999. Having been nominated for this role for years without winning, the entire country was behind her when she finally won in 1999," stated Avella.

In addition to her acting career, Ms. Lucci is well known foe her successful Susan Lucci Collection of hair products. She has also been extremely active in organizations dedicated to helping children and recently journeyed to Africa in support of Feed the Children.



NYC Council Member Tony Avella presents a special City Council proclamation honoring Susan Lucci and receiving the Italian Board of Guardians "Lifetime Achievement Award." Also pictured is Italian Board of Guardians President Louis Esposito.

Steve Perillo & Pauline Frommer

Steve Perillo, CEO of Perillo Tours, the provider of the best quality tours to Italy, Hawaii, and Israel since 1945, shared with viewers some very interesting facts and news from around the world this week on the Steve Perillo Travel Show. The show began with Steve comparing different ways to travel from New York to LA. He offered his insight on the cheapest and the most expensive modes of transportation.

He then continued the show with some interesting news from around the world. The first story was about how a woman wearing a burkini in a local pool in northern Italy was fined by the mayor of the town. According to the mayor, the burkini was deemed unhygienic. The guest on this week’s show Steve Perillo Travel Show was Pauline Frommer, the daughter of travel guide legend Arthur Frommer. She is also the proud author of several acclaimed travel guide books herself. Pauline Frommer travel guides specially target adult budget travelers. According to Pauline Frommer, in order to travel cheap, people should stay away from traditional travel methods. She spoke about alternative accommodations like private apartments, monasteries, convents, and other religious accommodations that can help tourists travel for less. Watch the show to learn more about Pauline Frommer and The Travel Show, the radio show she co-hosts with her father.

Speaking Music

by Allison Eikerenkoetter

Italophile – n. An admirer of Italy or of its people, language or culture. – American Heritage Dictionary

My love affair with Italy developed about three years ago when I decided it was high time I learned another language. My first thought was to return to French. I’d studied it in high school and was sure a lot of it would return from the so-called recesses of my mind. I figured that I’d probably advance pretty quickly. But, to be honest, I never really liked French very much. It didn’t move me. It sounded nasal and irritating. I used to sit through French class wishing I were somewhere else. Granted, that was somewhat illustrative of my high school career, in general, but French, in particular, was painful.

My next thought was of Spanish. The Hispanic population is, after all, the fastest growing population in the United States. Spanish would be practical. Plus, I live in New York where I could put it to good use. But, again, I didn’t feel any passion when I thought of Spanish.

German was considered for half a day. But then I learned that German not only has masculine and feminine noun genders, it also has neuter. Um… nien!

Then Italian came into my head. Huh? Italian? Yea, right. But when I let the idea roll around for a while, I realized that I really liked it. Italian words are both beautiful and sensuous. When you pronounce them, you feel them. To me, it’s like speaking music. In fact, author Frank McCourt once wrote that early in his New York City teaching career, his student roll call was filled with Italian surnames. He described reading them aloud as “light opera.” I love that!

Still, I struggled. I couldn’t think of one logical reason why I should study a language that is rarely used in the United States. But at the end of the day, I followed that which brought me joy. I bought a primer and started watching the Italian news and sitcoms distributed by RAI. I didn’t understand much, but it sure sounded pretty. And let me tell you, when you face the daily grind of surviving in the big bad city, “pretty” is such an added bonus to your life.

A couple of months went by and I was invited to a party where five Italian natives walked in. When they were informed that I was eager to learn the Italian language, they were absolutely delighted and basically adopted me for the summer. The next thing I knew I was invited to dinners, picnics, bike rides and all kinds of social outings where I became familiar with “la dolce vita” first hand. Meals were savored as much as conversation and laughter. Plus, they knew where all the good pizza was to be had. I thought I knew, but I learned better when I had my first bite of what my friends considered real Neopolitan pizza. My Italians (yes, “my”!) didn’t’ play when it came to authentic Italian food! I was beside myself with happiness. It was easy to learn when laughter and food were part of the lesson plan.

Sometimes they would speak to one another and I would briefly close my eyes and revel in the sound of it. To me, listening to them was as lovely as any concert I’d attended at Carnegie Hall. Bellissima…

Sadly, the party didn’t last forever. Within months, most of them moved back to Italy when their visas or job assignments expired. Our Italian round table had come to an end, but my passion for Italy was just beginning. Plus, now I can make “Possa avere pizza bufala?” sound like the first tender strains of a love song.

Allison Eikerenkoetter is an actor and writer whose dreams include speaking, cycling and eating her way through Italy.

NIAF 34th Anniversary Gala

by Mark Kozaki

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) recently conducted its annual convention and 34th anniversary gala in Washington, DC, and the Italian American Network was there when the doors opened to the “Piazza” to enjoy great food and drink with the companionship of many friends and supporters of NIAF.






This year's NIAF gala honorees included:

Department of Homeland Security Secretary
Janet Napolitano

Culinary pioneer and restaurant entrepreneur
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Actress Carla Gugino

Renowned Italian singer songwriter
Antonello Venditti

Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Americas Beverages
Massimo F. d'Amore


Click here to more information about NIAF.

Enter Purgatorio: The Halloween Fantasyland for Adults

by Valerie Smaldone

Take the fun of Halloween that make the kids squeal, add a three floor adult nightclub with plenty of bars, sexy burlesque performers in scantily clad outfits, oddities and suspense, and stir with the concept of heaven, hell and purgatory and voila! you've got the new interactive Halloween experience for grown ups: Club Purgatorio, the nightmare fantasyland located in the heart of the theater district on West 47th Street.

Created by the producers of the naughty downtown performance club, The Box, Randy Weiner and Simon Hammerstein have developed a new playground for adults who are into the fright night holiday. “We want to invite our guests to live in a strange and sexy world for a night. We want to give people the chance to dance, drink and party the night away in an environment designed to thrill,” Mr. Weiner said.

Purgatorio features design elements from Broadway veterans including production/scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Evan Morris and is being presented by CBS Radio’s New York stations. The VIP party on Saturday night brought out the likes of Perez Hilton, the special guest star flown in from LA (complete with a dollop of blue hair at the top of his head,) American Idol contestants gone musical theater Constantine Maroulis and Diana De Garmo, and slipping in through the side door Jude Law, fresh off the stage from playing the brooding Dane in Hamlet.

Definitely a club for adults 21 and over, when you enter Purgatorio, you're immersed in a 15,000 square foot multilevel club. The experience is interactive combining the frightening, erotic and whimsical. If you've been burning to see a Hula Hoop acrobat, or a martial arts guy with some amazing moves (like the astonishing "head drop", ) this is the place for you. If you like prowling dancers in black leather underwear gyrating right next to you, head on over. If you like to be scared, there is an activity that fits the bill...and don't forget to check out therestrooms on the parlor floor.

Located at 268 West 47th Street just east of 8th Avenue in New York City. Puragtorio

Media Personality Valerie Smaldone has garnered numerous industry awards during her two decades on the air as a top rated radio host in New York City. She has hosted several syndicated radio shows as well, featuring superstar entertainers like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Elton John. Currently, she is a celebrity interviewer for numerous websites, (TonyAwards, CBS Radio, TheaterMania) and conducts live on stage interviews with fascinating people from theater, film and publishing. She writes several theater and lifestyle columns and is an actor and voice-over talent. In the past few months, Valerie has been what is known as The Voice of God for The New York Emmy Awards, Broadway on Broadway, and the Clinton Global Initiative. Valerie was recently asked to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to bring awareness to ovarian cancer issues, and is an avid patient advocate. In fact, she just came back from a trip to Bari, Italy, where she was the only non medical person asked to speak at an international oncology conference dealing with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Columbus Day 2009

by Valerie Smaldone

There have been plenty of wonderful events celebrating Columbus Day these past few weeks.

The Sunday before the big day, I was in the Bronx for a Columbus weekend concert. Since I was born and raised in the Morris Park-Williamsbridge Road section of the Bronx, it was especially poignant to be back in the playground that my father used to take me to when I was a small child. In fact, I recalled falling off the Monkey Bars on that very spot!

It was a lovely concert and the Morris Park Association did a great job with the event.

Then, this past weekend, I was off to the Italian Welfare League's annual Fall Luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in NYC. This year's luncheon (despite the challenging economy) brought out more attendees than ever.












Two outstanding members of the Italian-American community were honored: Dr. Joseph Polisi, President of the Juilliard School, and Dr. Isabelle Germano, neurologist, neurosurgeon and oncologist with Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

The Italian Welfare League has been in existence for 89 years and the main mission is to provide support for children of Italian-American families in need.

It's a fabulous organization, and this year, the League has produced it's very own cookbook, titled, Tavola Nostra. Please visit the website to learn more about the League and order a cookbook (or two!).

Sunday, it was the Howard Beach Columbus Day Parade. I was the female Grand Marshal last year, so I was invited back to speak to the crowd. Even though the weather was rainy and freezing, countless people lined the route cheering on the parade participants. This year's honorees were radio personality Joe Causi, and television personality Rosanna Scotto.

Mayor Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani were on hand for the festivities. International singing star Giada Valenti (who will be performing in Queens on Oct 30) sang a song from her latest CD.

I was happy to be in attendance at all these wonderful events celebrating the Italian heritage.


Media Personality Valerie Smaldone has garnered numerous industry awards during her two decades on the air as a top-rated radio host in New York City. She has hosted several syndicated radio shows as well, featuring superstar entertainers like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Elton John. Currently, she is a celebrity interviewer for numerous websites, (TonyAwards, CBS Radio, TheaterMania) and conducts live on stage interviews with fascinating people from theater, film and publishing. She writes several theater and lifestyle columns and is an actor and voice-over talent. In the past few months, Valerie has been what is known as The Voice of God for The New York Emmy Awards, Broadway on Broadway, and the Clinton Global Initiative. Valerie was recently asked to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to bring awareness to ovarian cancer issues, and is an avid patient advocate. In fact, she just came back from a trip to Bari, Italy, where she was the only non medical person asked to speak at an international oncology conference dealing with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Italian Americans Celebrate Columbus Day Parade In New York City

by Margaret

October in a busy month for Italian Americans as we begin to get ready for a month long celebration of our history here in America. The month is full of historical events such as Columbus Day where we honor Christopher Columbus for discovering America.

The biggest event in New York for Italian Americans is the annual Columbus Day Parade which is televised usually by NBC and hosted by celebrity Italian Americans. This year, the event will be held on October 12th starting at 11:30 am and seems to be jammed pack with events, participants and hosts. Please visit the Columbus Citizens Foundation site for complete details and sponsorship.

Columbus Day Parade
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 79th Streets
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Italian celbrity Francesca Alderisi carries an Italian flag in the annual Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

MARGARET
is a first generation Italian American living in the USA, (who speaks dialect and Italian). She grew up outside of New York City with strong Italian values. Margaret loves to travel and especially to Italy at least once a year. She's a member of the media, TV producer and writer for EMMY winning television programming. Contact Margaret at: margiefon@gmail.com or visit her blog Italian American Girl.

Valerie Smaldone Goes Back in Time!

by Jill Mazzabufi

Recently, Ancestors from Italy, Inc. had the pleasure of working with media personality Valerie Smaldone to trace her ancestry. How many of us have started this journey? It is fascinating to discover our own personal family history. Who were our ancestors? Where did they live? Are there any blood relatives still alive that we can correspond with today? In Valerie’s case, her Smaldone bloodline has been living in beautiful Castelcivita, Italy since at least the 1770s that we were able to document.

The area known for its caves that were once inhabited by prehistoric persons, is located in Southwest Italy. Valerie's ancestors held positions of builders, bricklayers, chisel workers and seamstresses.

In addition to government vital acts, the Castelcivita town priest was consulted to open old parish archived records on the Smaldones. We went as far back as Valerie’s 4th great-grandfather, Mr. Matteo Carmine Smaldone (born abt. 1781). He was a builder around the Porta Santa Maria area and married Benedetta Buerio. Further down the line, Mr. Pompilo Smaldone, Valerie’s grandfather boarded the SS Florida on March 14, 1911 (25 first class and 1600 third class passengers) for new Smaldone roots in America. Blood relatives of Valerie still in the Castelcivia region were anxious to have her contact them. Mr. Sebastiano Pasquini, Italian Genealogist traveled to Castelcivita to see this research through. Mr. Robert Sforza painted a Smaldone family tree to capture the findings. Robert takes great thought once he receives a genealogy research to carefully portray the ancestors in their occupations and express the beauty of the region.

What success have you had tracing your genealogy back to Italy? Please comment and let us all share our experiences! Click here to win a personalized coat of arms realized by us and a free registration on Italian Armorial Register.

Life in Puglia for one week

by Valerie Smaldone

Leaving Newark, arriving in Rome and continuing to Bari airport a mere week ago already seems like it was months away. I was invited to speak at a medical conference at the Medical School at the University of Bari (which itself was a marvelous experience) and was able to tack on some days in the Puglia region.

We chose to stay in the small village of Gioia del Colle where we received lodging at a charming bed and breakfast named Ciacco, located steps away from the Piazza Plebiscito in the center of Gioia. I quickly learned that Gioia is known for two very important things: Their mozzarella and the Primitivo grape which makes the delicious Primitivo wine. We were sure to sample both products liberally throughout our stay.

This is a painted wall that I found in the backstreets of Gioia! Perfect for a girl from the Bronx!

If you have a short time in Puglia, I do suggest that you get your little car and explore the area. We were able to see the amazing trulli at Alberobello, the Adriatic sea at Polignano a Mare, and the ancient structures and streets in Matera. It's all good and it's all really different.

I trulli in Alberobello

I'm sorry to say that this was my first trip to Southern Italy. Yes, I have been to Italy before, but always the North: Milano, Firenze, Tuscany, Lago di Como. All stunning and beautiful, but all very different from my experience in Puglia. I must say, I felt very much at home in the region. Our new found friends couldn't do enough to ensure our comfort. As an example, at our gate at the airport in Rome en route to Bari, we met a very nice gentleman waiting to take the shuttle bus to the tarmac to board the plane. He explained he had just flown back from Boston and was on his way home. Within no time at all, this gentleman helped us to communicate with the airport personnel about our tickets, waited for us at baggage to help with our bags, insisted we take his card to call him if there were any problems, and made sure to introduce us to his wife and father-in-law when they picked him up at the airport. This lovely gentleman turned out to be a world class neurosurgeon. That first introduction to the Pugliese generosity was not the last. We encountered it over and over. From the wonderful people who run the sweet Ciaccio Bed and Breakfast, to the shop keepers and waiters, the experience was all amazing. What stands out in my mind is the sweeping ruggedness of the Pugliese terrain, the stunning blue of the sea, and, believe it or not, the sensual sweetness of each and every tomato we enjoyed.


Blue, blue waters in Polignano a Mare

Will I return to the South and Puglia? Without a doubt!
Ce Vediamo!!

Media personality, voice over artist, actor, speaker, writer/producer, theater and nightlife guru Valerie Smaldone, is a five-time Billboard Magazine award winner and an IA Net show host. She can be heard voicing NBC Network News Promos, announcing The Boomer Esiason Show and The NY Emmy Awards. Valerie is also the Voice of God for the Tony Preview special on CBS, and a proud Italian American who has been honored by the Italian Welfare League as Woman of the Year. www.valeriesmaldone.com

Look Out, Jay Leno!

by Mark Kozaki

As Jay Leno, the long-time talk show host of late night television, premieres his new primetime TV series on Monday, September 14th, there’s another Italian American talk show host ready to fill Jay’s chair sometime soon, but until that day comes, Paul Costabile will have to improvise with a slightly lower budget and continue to pay his dues on the streets of New York City. Here’s Paul, and “Gorilla Late Night”…

Gorilla Late Night Episode 1 with Britney Spears and Cecile Monteyne! from GorillaLateNight.com on Vimeo.

Episode 2 with Ben Weinstein and Tony Yayo! from GorillaLateNight.com on Vimeo.

Gorilla Late Night Episode 3 with Alan Abel! from GorillaLateNight.com on Vimeo.

Are You Ready for Some Football?!!!

by Mark Kozaki









It's football season - American football - and time to root for our favorite gridiron teams and stars.

In the history of professional football, numerous Italian Americans have excelled at the most glamorous position - Quarterback - and some are even enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, perhaps most notably, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.












Dan Pastorini, Gino Torretta, Daryl LaMonica, Vinny Testaverde, Vince Ferragamo, and Babe Parilli are among others who enjoyed successful pro careers during the past several decades.

Today's rising Italian American QB star is Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens. The New Jersey native and University of Delaware standout is now entering his second season for the Ravens. In his rookie year, Flacco threw for 2,971 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while starting all 16 regular season games to become only the eighth rookie quarterback in NFL history to start a playoff game. He also became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to win two playoff games.

There is much more to learn about the Italian American stars of all sports at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. It's in Chicago, IL where you can of course also enjoy some of the finest Italian food and culture in all of America, so plan a visit soon...www.niashf.org