maggio (may) 2020
FESTIVAL POSTPONED
With great disappointment, St. Leo's Church has decided to postpone its June Italian Festival, a parish tradition since 1904. Stay connected to Little Italy here and across social media for updates.
Why does St. Leo's celebrate the
Feast of St. Anthony with an Italian Festival?
Sunday, February 7, 1904 ... in Baltimore, a single spark ignited a blaze in a warehouse ... the fire had spread to nearby buildings, devouring every building in their path as downtown became an inferno. It was obvious Little Italy was in danger! The Italian residents began to flee, taking whatever belongings they could carry ...
win a Little Italy gift card!
A weekly winner!
PASSAPORTO RAFFLE

YOU could win the next prize drawn on SAT. MAY 9 - a $40 gift card for Joe Benny's Focacceria! Plus, you have a chance to win weekly until prizes are depleted.




Woodie T. of Maryland (pictured) was delighted to win a $50
gift card for Vaccaro's
Italian Pastry Shop!

"Looking forward to some EXCELLENT treats.
Thanks so much"
an appeal from St. Leo's
Saint Leo the Great Church is quite meaningful to many, the historical hub of Baltimore's Italian community which our ancestors established in 1881 as an all-Italian parish. Obviously, during this crazy situation in our world, many businesses and organizations are taking in less cash and unable to meet bills. St. Leo's is no exception! Per favore, find it in your heart to assist our beloved parish by making an online donation or mail a check TODAY? With gratitude ...

"Dear Friends, I cannot describe enough how much we will appreciate ANY support you can give St. Leo's Church during such a trying time. We realize everyone is under financial strain and other stresses. As we say in Italian, Dio ti ricompensera' ... God will repay you!" ~ Fr. Bernie Carman, pastor
CHECKS PAYABLE and MAILED to:
St. Leo's Church
227 S. Exeter Street
Little Italy/Baltimore, MD 21202
(if you use our collection envelopes, please include)
just like Mamma , we love feeding you!
Family-owned businesses are making the best of things these days - including Little Italy's restaurants. Most of them are offering curbside pickup, carryout, delivery, and even market options! Please consider supporting our neighborhood's small businesses as you enjoy delicious Italian food.

WE LOVE YOU BALTIMORE!
#LittleItalyStrong #LittleItalyProud
Will Baltimore's Little Italy survive the corona virus?
Here's how some restaurants are coping ...

"There’s not much else to do but eat these days, here, or anywhere else," says Ray Alcaraz , who grew up in Little Italy and visits his parents there daily. "The bocce court is empty, and so is the church," though the Italian tricolor bunting still hangs overhead [of the streets], primed for celebration. “I sit on the corner with a couple of the neighborhood guys and watch nothing. The only activity is the food delivery people.”
blast from the past
To each of you who have submitted a vintage photo for the new book, The Italian Community in Baltimore - grazie tanto. The book would be nothing without you! Approximately 220 marvelous photos telling a partial history of Italians in Baltimore have been accepted by author Suzanna Molino (and dozens of other photos previewed). The book will be published by Arcadia Publishing (SC); Suzanna is now working on its layout. No additional photos are needed at this time.
vintage photo
around the neighborhood
Ovenbird Bakery to open in Little Italy at "Mugs Corner"
[as posted on facebook] ... "Good things were happening last week at the new Ovenbird Bakery. It feels more real now that our awning has been installed! Our storefront was installed as well! Apologies to our neighbors for the noise and disruption to our normally serene street corner. Your patience is appreciated and will be duly rewarded in mounds of bread and goodies!"
~ Ovenbird Bakery
photo Ovenbird Bakery

Angeli's Pizzeria on a mission to donate 10,000 pizzas

The owners of Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy began a quickly growing welfare program to donate 10,000 pizzas to front-line workers. "It's no easy promise," said Junıet and Mert Ozturk , but so far, we have reached 1,000!" [30 units in six hospitals and one Fire Department ). In addition to their normal operation (whatever 'normal' is these days), Angeli's wants to keep donating. "Seeing the happy faces and reading the cheerful messages makes it all worth it. What's a better 'pick-me-up' than a fresh warm box of worry-free pizza?"
Angeli’s Pizzeria seeks partners to meet its 10,000 pizza mission. Food production companies are welcome to donate products to make more pizzas. Email Angeli's here.

Italian-American awarded Young Woman of the Year

The 2020 Baltimore County Young Woman of The Year Award was presented to Italian-American Maddi McLean, granddaughter of Paul and Martina Rao, longtime Little Italy Lodge members and Saint Leo’s parishioners; and daughter of Angela (nee Rao) and Chuck McLean. Maddi is a high school senior where she excelled in advanced placement classes and starred on volleyball and basketball teams. Last summer, she served as an intern in Congressman Cummings’ office and has provided volunteer service hours to the community, including: The Night of Peace Shelter for women and children; Catonsville’s Children’s Home; and Westside Shelter for men.
The Sons of Italy Little Italy Lodge wants your happy news! Share good news and smiles with fellow Lodge members. Email here.
AIAC changes event date
The executive board of Associated Italian American Charities of Maryland (AIAC) postponed its June dinner dance until November 7, 2020. This annual event will be held 6-11:30 p.m. at Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville. View details >>>
AIAC logo
paid sponsor
your emails are welcome

EDITOR:
Director & Founder

EDITORIAL ADVISOR:
Ray Alcaraz
Co-Founder & President



Promotion Center for Little Italy, Baltimore is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization established in 2010 with a mission to promote Little Italy's
events, community organizations, church, history and Italian heritage.

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