Neighborhood News from Little Italy, Baltimore

marzo / March 2024

Around the neighborhood

Little Italy Lodge receives check from Baltimore City owed

for bocce court ground rent

Baltimore City District 1 Councilman Zeke Cohen (on left) and Maggie Masters, Staff Assistant, joined the February 13th general meeting of the Little Italy Lodge to personally deliver a much-delayed Baltimore City check to the Lodge, presented to Christopher Pisano, Lodge President (on right). Representing payment of over three years of ground rent owed to the Lodge for bocce court access, the check had been delayed by bureaucratic red tape. Besides Councilman Cohen and Ms. Masters, the Lodge applauds these members for diligently pursuing the matter: John Calabrese, Albert Marra, Tom Moscato, and Teresa Lenzenweger.

La Scala on Baltimore Mag's list

of Best Restaurants 2024

"Little Italy’s La Scala Ristorante Italiano is as old-school as they come. The servers are dressed like steam-train conductors, the pepper grinders are brandished like wands, and the pasta—made in-house—is worthy of all those ancient ladies making orecchiette on Pasta Grannies. Chef-owner Nino Germano has been running the place for over a quarter-century, and it manages to be both traditional and idiosyncratic: There’s a bocce ball court near the front door, and instead of a chandelier, there’s a wooden octopus hanging from the ceiling. Whatever makes Germano happy is fine with us. There are splendid iterations of gnocchi and risotto and antipasta on offer, as there should be. The calamari fritti and veal scallopini are outstanding, as has been every plate of pasta we’ve ever ordered, particularly the Bolognese, puttanesca, and ethereal gamberi fra diavolo. Finish off with a demitasse of espresso and at least one order of tiramisu." ~ Baltimore Magazine 3/14/2024 newsletter

LINA hosts monthly meeting

at Little Italy Lodge

7PM, Tuesday, March 19

905 E. Pratt Street

Doors open 6:30PM
Italian food for purchase
Cash bar
Free parking in lot

Residents & business owners are welcome from Little Italy, Avalon, Scarlett Place, Trinity Apartments, Canal Street Malt House. AGENDA includes:

Community improvements update
Status on neighborhood safety and beautification projects
Grants
Your feedback is needed for NEW PROJECTS

Another very successful Premium Irish Raffle & Dinner was hosted by St. Leo's Knights of Columbus Saint Vincent Pallotti Council #14535 March 10 at the Little Italy Lodge - the 13th annual. All 200 cash raffle tickets sold out weeks ahead to over 200 guests. "We received nothing but positive comments that our Council hosted another four-star event," said Fran Blattermann, Membership & Public Relations Director and Past Grand Knight. "As an example of this fundraiser's popularity, we have already received reservations for our March 9, 2025 event."

Between Celtic tunes by Dileab Phriseil, an ensemble of musicians featuring authentic songs from Scotland & Ireland on traditional Irish instruments, eight winners shared varying amounts of cash prizes out of $3,200 total. Other winners included those for the grand prize of a basket of cheer full of Irish whiskey, beer, etc., several theme baskets, and a handful of restaurant/other gift cards. "We thank all of our supporters for another successful fundraiser," said Blattermann. He reminds us about the Council's next fundraiser on Sunday, September 8, 2025 ... its 6th annual Original Italian-style Bull & Oyster Roast. Tickets will be available during St. Leo's Feast of Saint Anthony Italian Festival May 31, June 1 & 2, 2025.

K of C uses proceeds from this and their other fundraisers to support its sponsorship of seminarians, Coats For Kids, scholarship programs, Feed the Hungry, St. Leo’s Church, and other charitable assistance projects.

In its annual tradition, the Little Italy Lodge chased away the winter blahs by celebrating another successful Carnevale February 4th. Over 80 revelers danced to the sounds of DJ Steve Monaldi, enjoyed Chef Mark's outstanding New Orleans-style buffet, a costume contest, and joined the Mardi Gras saints' parade through the bocce court. And there was a special appearance by 'Nawlin’s VIP, Mamma Voodoo!

St. Leo's March 3rd Carryout Ravioli Dinner was the second one in 2024 and ended very successfully! The volunteer crew sold close to 500 dinners and 48 meatball/sausage subs. Thanks to all throughout the parish community who produced this event ... and those of you who showed up to eat it!

Blast from the past

Submitted by Rosalia Scalia

circa 1940s

"Three teenaged beauties from Little Italy spend a day at the beach (l-r): Jennie Cucco Scaffidi, Eleanor Cucco Stein, and Rose Strollo. Only Eleanor Stein, 89, survives and still resides in Little Italy."

Submitted by Maria C. Vitale

circa 1938

"My grandparents, Paul Ranieri and Natalizia Diaco Ranieri, with my mom, Francesca and her brothers, Salvatore and Pietro (Pete). My mom was born in 1930; she is around 8 years old here. I love this photo because we have very few of them. No baby pictures at all - only my mom around this age since my grandparents could not afford a camera."

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Little Italy events

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from our e-mailbox

"Great article [on Costeria restaurant] with Brian and Sam!"

~ Dan Sutherland Weiser

"February was really an interesting and informative newsletter. It was diverse in the news it covered. From the school classes to the new restaurants, from photos of beloved Little Italy people to community organizations, the issue was pleasurable to read. Thank you."

~ Carmella & Chuck Walsh

"Grazie mille ... thank you so very much for the photo and promotion in the February Little Italy neighborhood newsletter. It was a fantastic time for all!"

~ Un caro saluto, Elizabeth Scali Pease

"Thank you again for the la notizia. Little Italy has a very busy year ahead. I wish my husband John was still alive. We would come back to Baltimore to attend one of the festivities."

~ Rosemary Seminazzi, Florida