Springfield UNICO names Rep. Angelo Puppolo 'Person of 2015'
By Shannon Young Springfield UNICO announced this week that it has named state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. its 2015 "Person of the Year." The Springfield Democrat, who also represents Wilbraham and part of East Longmeadow, was given the title for exemplifying UNICO's principles of unity, neighborliness, integrity charity and opportunity s...
Nothing Typical About AS Roma Club of Boston
Calling all AS Roma fans! This one is for you!On a typical dreary damp Sunday in January, I met with Michael Rizzo, one of the founders of the AS Roma Club of Boston. What I learned is that there is nothing typical about this club. A very gracious and proud AS Roma fan, Mr. Rizzo provided me with countless facts that are little-known to many.Three...
Larry Giordano of Methuen Receives Achievement Award
Larry Giordano of Methuen received the Platinum Life Achievement Award from the World Head of Family Sokeship Council during their 21st annual awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla. The WHFSC — an elite gathering of martial arts grandmasters and masters — lauded Giordano, 68, for his 50 years of service as owner of Giordano Family Methuen Karate Ass...
Carnevale with the Vaudo Clan
by James Pasto "Ravioli, meatballs and sausage, holy smoke.Carnevale, scunzalata and Grampa's donkey joke.Oh, we eat a lot and we laugh a lot and do everything that we can,A credit to old Carnevale is Grampa Vaudo's clan". The above refrain is recited every year as part the pre-Lenten celebratory meal of the multi-generational Vaudo clan....
Middletown concert association presents “Three Sicilian Tenors” Oct. 18
The nationally-acclaimed Three Sicilian Tenors will appear in Middletown Oct. 18 as the first concert of the Greater Middletown Concert Association's upcoming season. Four other performances will follow during its 2014-2015 Series, which all will be held at Middletown's 700-seat MHS Performing Arts Center, 200 LaRosa Lane. Tenors Aaron Caruso, Elio...
Mellace Siblings’ Pet Express Sets Standard for Quality
Pet Express owners Rob and John Mellace recently took part in a select group of retailers from across the country that were called by the American Kennel Club to form a Retail Advisory Committee. Along with their sister Lucia, the Mellace brothers founded Pet Express in 1995. "It was all Rob's fault," says John while smiling. The oldest of...
A Democrat to watch this year
With the New Year comes a new slate of officeholders whose careers warrant close attention and whose fates could have broader political implications. Put Gina Raimondo near the top of that list. She's the first woman to be elected governor of Rhode Island, and when she's inaugurated this week, she'll become, at 43, one of just two Democrat...
Eataly officially coming to Boston’s Prudential Center
International food powerhouse Eataly is officially coming to Boston. On June 2, the Boston Globe reported the signing of a lease between Eataly executives and Boston Properties to build a $20 million food emporium at Prudential Center, taking up the entire food court space. Boston would be the Italian mega-food store's fourth U.S. location (E...
New Ciro's in Springfield not a continuation of earlier restaurant, says Scibelli family
The Scibelli family that ran the beloved Ciro's restaurant in the South End says it has nothing to do with the new restaurant by the same name in the old neighborhood. While the family is upset by an outsider claiming part of their heritage, they may have little recourse to protect a name they haven't used commercially in more than 30 years....
Group promotes Italian heritage at open house
PORTSMOUTH — A new association dedicated to promoting Italian-American heritage is hoping for a strong turnout at an open house Sunday, aimed at introducing the group to the public. The Italian-American Heritage Association of Greater Portsmouth will meet in the Levenson Room of the city library from 2 to 4 p.m. April 7. Membership is not...
Jazz musician and educator Marco Pignataro finds his place in Boston
di Briana Palma After 20 years away from his native Bologna, jazz saxophonist and composer Marco Pignataro is finally feeling at home in Boston. But as he discusses his latest album Sofia's Heart – released in late 2011 to critical acclaim – it becomes clear that hasn't always been the case. On an album that Pignataro describes as a "personal musi...
Italian culture night at Boston Children’s Museum
The Program includes among other activities:1) Newpoli - Newpoli is a group of exceptionally talented musicians who specialize in Southern Italian Folk Music, mainly from the regions of Campania and Puglia.2) Pazzi Lazzi - A Boston based Commedia dell'Arte troupe3) Emmy Nominated Matt Roberts Charismatic Comedy Magic - Magician...